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Last week, my friend asked if I could create a little pouch to put in her son’s diaper bag where she could store his medicines along with a sheet containing instructions on the necessary dosage and his doctor information for any emergency situation. She wanted to make sure it was clearly marked with a red cross to indicate “First Aid”.

What a great idea! When diaper bags became unnecessary in my house, I found myself tossing band-aids, medicines, etc. into my purse, only to be lost in the bottom of its abyss when the need arouse. This pouch had so much potential!

This pouch is 5″ x 6.5″, to accommodate my friend’s needs, but can easily be made in any size and fabric combination.

If you or your child has allergies, a little First Aid Pouch can store an Epipen or allergy medications. You can pack bandages and triple antibiotic in this little pouch and toss it into your child’s sports bag.

The possibilities are endless. To order, or for more information, email me at the link provided above.

Click here to see where this and my other posts are linked!

This post brought to you by Walgreens. All opinions are 100% mine.

My husband and I are both self-employed, and one of the main causes of stress in our home is the cost of our family’s prescription medication. A dispute that includes one of the biggest pharmacy chains in the country has many of us searching for a new place to fill our prescriptions. When I was approached by Walgreens to discuss their current situation with Express Scripts, I agreed, as the topic hits close to home.

So what is going on, anyway?

I am sure that many of you have seen the signs pop up at your local pharmacy, “We accept Express Scripts” or “Welcome Express Scripts Customers”.

Express Scripts acts as a middleman between the drug companies, pharmacies and their customers. They negotiate prescription pricing for their customers and determine the reimbursement rate for the pharmacy. The Walgreens company offered to hold rates for a new contract, not seeking an increase in rates. However, according to Walgreens, Express Scripts proposed to cut the reimbursement rate to Walgreens below industry standard to provide each prescription, as well as to define contract terms such as what does and does not constitute a brand and generic drug.

In short, the contract Walgreens had with Express Scripts expired as of December 31, 2011. Walgreens’ customers, including those with Tricare, the military’s healthcare and prescription program, must now find a new pharmacy to provide its medication.

Many of Express Scripts’ 6 million patients have been customers of Walgreens for years and have formed a relationship with their local pharmacist. They will now have to utilize services from other pharmacies, many of which do not provide 24 hour or drive-through convenience. This adds another hurdle for patients already dealing with medical issues and high drug costs.

Walgreens has taken some steps to minimize disruption to its customers. This includes offering a special discount on the Prescription Savings Club at Walgreens. Through January, customers can join for only $5 for an individual and $10 for a family. Regular membership fees are $20 for an individual and $35 for a family.

Click on the following link for more information on Walgreens and Express Scripts.

For the most up to date information on this situation, follow Walgreens on Twitter and like Walgreens on Facebook.

Customers impacted by this dispute can go to the local media to voice their dissatisfaction. Have you had to switch pharmacies? If so, tell us in the comments.