Meanwhile, in Albany

Fantastic evening in Albany on Tuesday!

“After so many years of feeling like the deck was stacked against us, the work done at the state capitol this year really shows great promise.” That’s what one member said after hearing about what GPhA accomplished this year. Attendance was incredible and actually had to flow into an adjacent room. Here’s a pic from the event:

These folks are getting the latest information on what occurred during this year’s legislative assembly and eating a great meal, too.

In the Dublin area? Join GPhA CEO Bob Coleman tonight (Thursday) at Deano’s Italian Grill for your region meeting and update. Register at GPhA.org/regions — the dinner, update, CPE, and schmoozing time are only $10 thanks to our sponsors.

Not in Dublin? Then meet up with Greg Reybold in Athens. Check out GPhA.org/regions for other dates and times of Region Briefings, then sign up!

A special thanks to representatives Clay Pirkle, Noel Williams, and John LaHood for attending in Albany, and to AbbVie (Katharine Flory and Dr. Toledo), GeriMed, McKesson, and Smith drugs for their sponsorship of the event, too! And, of course, always great to see former Representative Buddy Harden and his wife Linda!

Atlanta going smoke-free?

The city could be joining most other major metropolises by banning smoking in public places (not just restaurants).

Stop and smell the roses

Want to quit smoking? Half those who try, relapse. You know what might help? Pleasant odors, at least according to a small study.

In a series of experiments, the researchers found that the smokers’ cigarette cravings declined after they smelled pleasant aromas, such as chocolate, apple, peppermint, lemon or vanilla.

Fishy solution

Do you wake up thinking, “How can I reduce my risk of developing age-related macular degeneration?” Of course you do. One possible answer: Eat more fish.

The long read: Tower of Babel edition

Drug makers will soon have to include prices in their advertising, but as we pointed out before, that’s not so simple. What is the “price”? List price? Typical patient out-of-pocket? (And what’s a typical patient?) Medicare co-pay (which varies)?

As Stat News reports, companies that have started including figures have found some interesting twists to how to present costs. Check out “Most people pay less than $5 per month for the drug. But some pay $11,002.”