ST. LOUIS-- More than a dozen student pharmacists from St. Louis College of Pharmacy, wearing their white coats, will be out tomorrow in the Central West End passing out tips on taking medications as prescribed.

"Since pharmacists are the most accessible health care providers in the community, it is important that you stop by your local pharmacy to get to know your pharmacist," says fourth-year student Alyse Battles. "Pharmacists use the month of October to showcase their contributions to health care and their commitment to serving patients."

Medication adherence is a huge problem in health care. For example:

-         As many as 75 percent of patients fail to take their medicine as prescribed.

-         A recent study publis hed in Pediatrics found that 20 percent of prescriptions written for children are never filled.

ST. LOUIS — For the seventh year in a row, Barnes-Jewish Hospital will provide free seasonal flu shots to for people age 6 months and older. It is highly recommended that people receive the seasonal flu vaccine each year to protect against the flu.

Over 35,000 people were vaccinated in 2011 through these efforts and that amount is expected again this year, thanks to a donation from the Foundation for Barnes-Jewish Hospital. All vaccines are free of latex and preservatives. Flu shots will not be given to individuals who have had a previous allergic reaction to the flu vaccine, those with egg allergies or anyone who has ever had Guillian-Barre Syndrome. Please note not all sites provide pediatric vaccines.

Free seasonal flu shots are available at the following locations while supplies last. No pre-registration is required.

Sunday, September 30

9 a.m. - 3 p.m.

St. Louis-- St. Louis is home to several world-class cancer facilities, including Siteman Cancer Center, St. Louis Children’s Hospital and Washington University School of Medicine. The research conducted here will benefit cancer patients locally and around the country, and will receive a significant financial boost this October from the third annual Pedal the Cause cycling challenge. Several thousand cyclists and several hundred volunteers are needed to make this event a success.

Founded by Bill Koman, last year’s Pedal the Cause event raised $1,325,000 to help fund cancer research. 100% of fundraising proceeds is already at work towards winning the battle on cancer by researchers right here in our community. This was made possible by the efforts of more than 1,300 cyclists, 500 volunteers and 10,000 donors. More than 1,400 cyclists have already registered and begun fundraising for the 2012 event.