Drop the phone....step away from the counter!

Alexander Graham Bell would be furious if he could stand behind any pharmacy counter for 5 minutes and see how his invention has spawned an unbelievable level of thoughtlessness by many of today's customers and their omnipresent cell phones.  I know there were impeccable rules of etiquette in the 19th century, way before cell phones became common place. I would very much like to see that sense of decency fast forwarded to the 21st century...Please!!! And the insults only get worse.  Seriously, who does this! Or, maybe the bigger question that begs to be asked is, "Why must they do it?"
When a pharmacist is attempting to counsel a patient on a drug that could at least, quickly improve quality of life, or at best save one, to me that is a big deal...not to overplay a druggist self importance or the medicine dispensed.  On the contrary, if warnings on  a drug's adverse side effects are not heeded, because an individual walks up to the counter on their cell phone discussing important topics that can't wait...for example, "Do you want me to pick up the Bacon Ranch Dressing or just the Regular?"...we have a problem.  In short, you might trade your daily helping of greens for a very bad day of drug side effects.
Or...here is one even better.  As the patient walks up to the counter to pick up their prescription, the cell phone goes off, they frantically pick it up and...the PHARMACIST "gets put on hold!"  "Oh, Mr Pharmacist, I need to get this...be with you in a minute! Really? I think you see where I am going with this. 
So...at the risk of sounding a little edgy on this one (it was a very difficult week at the pharmacy for me), I am pleading with all pharmacy patrons.  Please...give your favorite pharmacist a break!!  Listen carefully to what he or she has to say about your latest drug therapy.  Don't put that all critical bit of information "on hold!"  Be a great health advocate for yourself.  It is so easy in this case and not to sound to melodramatic...it might just save a life or the quality therein.

I'm begging your...drop the phone...step away from the counter! And please remember...."take as directed."

Blake