Prizes for pharmacies targeting men

Encouraging men to use pharmacies for advice and help on weight issues is the focus of a new pharmacy competition 'Men's Health: a weighty issue'.

The competition is being launched by DPP: Developing Patient Partnerships and the Men's Health Forum as part of National Men's Health Week 2005 - June 13 to 19.

Recent DPP research (2004) found that only 3% of men used their pharmacy for general health advice despite the fact that the range of services on offer, from simple advice on healthy living, to blood pressure monitoring and smoking cessation, are vital to men's health.

The competition aims to shift men's perception of pharmacy to one of a readily accessible and expert service. Pharmacy staff across the UK are invited to enter the competition to come up with the most creative window display for encouraging men to come into the store and to get help, information and advice about their health and weight. The winner will receive a cash prize of £800 to be announced in September 2005.

DPP Trustee and PSNC Chief Executive, Sue Sharpe said: 'Pharmacies are ideally placed to give men on-the-spot advice about health issues such as weight. This competition is a winner for all pharmacies as they better meet the needs of a key market and raise awareness of the expanding role of pharmacy in public health issues, enhanced through the new pharmacy contract.'

Dr Ian Banks, President, Men's Health Forum said: 'Men are more than hairy, smelly, dangly bits yet razors, aftershave, and deodorants are the main products targeted at men in the pharmacy. Men could make much greater use of the superbly trained pharmacist as a readily available source of expert advice.'

• Entrants are asked to send a photograph of their window display with a brief description and staff and store details to Marianne McGlynn at Developing Patient Partnerships, Tavistock House, Tavistock Square, London WC1H 9JP or email a digital picture to mmglynn@dpp.org.uk. The closing date for entries is 29 July.

• To support entrants, DPP are offering a complimentary supply of leaflets and posters aimed at men, highlighting the services available from pharmacies. You can order a supply by emailing dpp@bma.org.uk or calling 020 7383 6780.