No, they're really not the same at all. A pharmacy has a trained pharmacist who went to school for years to learn about medicines. They're the only ones allowed to give you prescription drugs. A drugstore is just a store that sells health stuff like bandages and vitamins.

Think of it this way - every pharmacy is a drugstore, but not every drugstore is a pharmacy. It's like how every square is a rectangle, but not every rectangle is a square. Kids understood it better when explained it that way.

Here's what you need to remember:

• Pharmacies always have a pharmacist working there
• Drugstores without pharmacies can only sell stuff you don't need a prescription for
• Pharmacies can give you strong medicines that drugstores can't
• Pharmacists can answer questions about your medicines

When someone has strep throat and needs antibiotics, a pharmacy is essential. But for minor cuts or scrapes, a drugstore usually has the Band-Aids and basic supplies needed. Learn More Here

If you only take one vitamin, make it Vitamin D. Take between 1,000 and 2,000 IU every day. Why? Because your body can't get enough from food, and most of us don't get enough sun - especially here in Idaho winters.

But that's not all you might need. Here are our top picks:

• Vitamin B12 (take 2.4 mcg) - Super important if you're over 50 

• Fish oil (250-500 mg) - Keeps your heart and brain healthy 

• Magnesium (310-420 mg) - Helps you sleep better and stops muscle cramps 

• A basic multivitamin - Think of it like backup insurance for your diet

Everyone's different though. Your age, what you eat, and what medicines you take all matter. That's why you should talk to your doctor or pharmacist before starting anything new. More About Vitamins Here

Don’t just pick the closest one—your pharmacy affects your health, your costs, and your care. Look for five things: (1) knowledgeable pharmacists who review your full medication list, (2) clear pricing and insurance support, (3) reliable refill systems, (4) personalized service, and (5) strong community reputation. The right pharmacy helps prevent medication errors and gives you real answers when something goes wrong. Learn More Here.

Day limits help prevent overuse, misuse, and insurance fraud. Most insurance plans set refill windows based on how long your medication should last. If you try to refill too early, the system flags it—even if you’re traveling or lost a few pills. But exceptions exist. Your pharmacist can request an override for vacations, dose changes, or lost medication. Understanding the rules helps you avoid delays and get what you need safely. Learn More Here.