This is a Sponsored post written by me on behalf of Walgreens for SocialSpark. All opinions are 100% mine.

I don’t know how many times I may have started a post with the words, “In this economy…” but here’s another fact that you may not be familiar with – just like bank “servicers,” pharmacies are held hostage often times with what can be called the “middleman” when it comes to your prescriptions and the availability of those prescriptions. Worst yet, the middleman approach dictates which pharmacy is part of your network, the costs and availability of certain prescriptions, and much more. Such is the case with Walgreens and Express Scripts.

The Impact on Customers

When the middleman is the sole party to set the rules, for example what does or does not “constitute a brand and generic drug” (which btw has a huge impact on your bank account), you know the world is going downhill. Such has been the case for a long time now, and most of us are unaware it’s happening.

In this particular instance, Tricare is one of Express Scripts “clients.” If you’re not familiar with Tricare, simply put it is the health and prescription programs for our U.S. military service people – men and women alike. Now I’m merely using this as an example, a major example, but a simple check of the back of your own pharmacy card should give you a clue as to who is handling your own prescription coverage (do check).

On a personal level, people just like you and me, generally find a pharmacy they are comfortable with, one that supports them, provides information when asked, and knows you inside and out (literally). Take that away, and the same person is forced to start all over again, perhaps paying higher prices or restricted on what is and what is not covered. They are forced by the middleman to choose another in-network program or suffer the consequences of coverage (or lack thereof).

What You Can Do

I know it’s difficult to say, “Speak up! Speak out!” It’s even more difficult for people to really focus on the fact that rights as we know them put us at the whim and mercy of corporations. Too often we feel, “Oh well what difference will my voice make…” This unfortunate attitude is so untrue. It is apathy that keeps us from making ourselves heard, nothing more.

However, you do have a voice, and here’s your opportunity to use it. Whether you frequent Walgreens or not, you can:

1. Contact your local media and express yourself (if only for the military and not yourself and your family)

2. Support Walgreens! Stay up to date on what’s happening – Walgreens on Twitter and Walgreens on Facebook

3. Talk with your friends, family, and co-workers so they are aware that once again lives are being disrupted (and btw, read this to get the full details I cannot possibly include in a single post – it’s not long, but it is “alarming”)

What Walgreens Is Doing

On a positive note, Walgreens does offer a very affordable Prescription Savings Club at Walgreens. With two million members that’s huge leverage to help you save money. Their program is risk free, with the promise that “if you don’t save more than the cost of your membership” they will refund you the difference.

In the meantime, Walgreens continues its efforts to ensure their customers continue to receive the care and assistance they need. Just don’t be one of the many who once again say nothing. Use the links above, read about the issue (which has long arms and who knows, speculation, but what or who comes next??), and show support for a neighborhood business just trying to help people like us.

For the better part of September I’ve been “away” from blogging due to a horrible misfortune in our family. My wonderful, loving father passed away on the 13th. The circumstances were totally unexpected and heart breaking.

After putting off a trip back east three times, my dad really wanted to get to Pennsylvania for his 60th reunion. He also really wanted to take a trip for the following week to Maine with my sister – he loved lobster! At 77, this incredible individual – totally self sufficient – in marvelous health (172 lbs., size 34′s, blood pressure ideal, walked 3-5 miles every day, ate perfectly balanced meals) – got on a plane here in Las Vegas. Less than 24 hours later I received a call (I won’t go into the details of HOW the message was delivered, but trust me forgiveness may be a long time coming) that he had had a heart attack and was gone.

Devastated at the loss of my father, the lone survivor in the “grandfather” category (already having lost my mom to ALS and both my husband’s mom and dad gone), it has been a rough September.

With the Super Bowl behind us (those who follow the game, if even for just the commercials), I’ve got to say first that the commercials were a let down this year. The only one I thought was worth the money spent was the commercial for eTrade. But that’s just my opinion.

In the meantime, after your (probable) eat fest yesterday, you might be looking in the mirror thinking, “Holy cow! I look like a ____!” (Fill in the blank yourself)

So today’s post isn’t about marketing or social media strategies, instead I’d like to reference you to a great place to begin to get a handle on your health – after all it’s a new year and this year could be that new you look you’re longing for!

I use the weight loss formula on this page.

On the 30th of October (this past year), I decided it was time to turn back the clock and look and feel more than just a little bit better. Working online can (and most likely does) mean sitting on one’s backside for hours on end (no pun intended).

What I did was a tad different. I did of course figure out what my height, age, and current weight was using the formula above. I also allotted 30% extra (slightly active, I pace a lot when I’m on the phone) which also accounts for just breathing and getting through the day.

However, my next step was to figure what I wanted to weight, calculate the formula for that, and eat as if I already weighted my targeted goal!

I gave myself until the end of February (birthday time) to hit my “target” weight. And guess what… last week, yes even before January was over, I was there (which means… I’m 19 lbs. lighter already)!

Actually though, I have an “ideal” weight in mind – which is oh another 5 (who knows maybe 10) lbs. And with all of February ahead of me, and following the formula above, I’m positive I will hit that ideal weight.

Turns out losing weight and getting healthy so you’re better able to conduct business online actually do go well together

Enjoy!