AKWESASNE -- On Thursday, Saint Regis Mohawk Health Services will host a "brown-bag check-up" from 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at the tribe’s Diabetes Center for Excellence.

It will be an opportunity for clients to update their medical records and pharmacy profiles, as well as to meet their newest physician and nurse.

“Often patient’s will be prescribed medications by different physicians, particularly if they visit a number of specialists,” said Health Services Director Michael Cook. “As a safety measure, it is important to have a single doctor aware of all of the medications and products that an individual is taking. The Nov. 3 event is intended to have our patient’s medical records up-to-date to help ensure an individual’s health.”

A brown-bag check-up is where one gathers all of their current medications and over-the-counter products into a "brown-bag" and show them to a doctor or pharmacist so he/she can look for any potential problems. They will review all of the medications and products to see if they are the same as those listed on one’s medical record or pharmacy profile.

The doctor or pharmacist will double check these medications for the correct dosage strength, frequency, or identify if people are using outdated or discontinued medications. Health professionals will also screen the medications and products for potential duplication of therapy or side effects. To help, they are asking individuals to also include non-prescription, or over-the counter products in their brown bag; including herbal or mail order prescriptions.

People will also have a chance to meet Health Service’s newest physician and nurse practitioner. Dr. Brian Cole and Nurse Practitioner Wendy Frank will be available to introduce themselves to clients.

Saint Regis Mohawk Health Services encourages people to bring all their medications each time they attend and SRMHS appointment.