PHARMACY NEWS

WORLD PHARMACISTS DAY 2020

25th September 2020

My 2020 Diary

👩‍🔬A smile, a thank you, the relaxed face of a patient finally adhering to their medicine regime, a customer's trust in receiving a painless flu jab, the look of a grateful elderly receiving their medicine delivery and the euphoric joy of purchasing an essential item made scarce from panic buys are a few of the rewards I am honored to have received during these uncertain times.

👩‍🔬Inhaling toxic scents of isopropyl alcohol, glasses fogging up, fax reawakened, email bombardments and an astronomical spike in telephone enquiries has become the daily norm. Preventing medicine shortages, promoting relaxed pharmacy regulations whilst transforming digitally continues to be a great part of my pharmacy practice.

👩‍🔬All in all, it's been a year where my pharmacy team has worked tirelessly and well above & beyond dispensing medicine and providing counselling on everyday health issues. Embracing change has redefined my passion for being a pharmacist.

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Trang Luu

#WPD2020 #onthefrontline #medicineexpert #worldpharmacistday2020 #medicinesafety

WHOOPING COUGH (PERTUSSIS)

1st June 2020

A highly contagious respiratory infection caused by the bacterium, Bordetella Pertussis. 

It spreads via respiratory droplets when an infectious person coughs or sneezes. It begins with flu like symptoms (runny nose, cough etc) and develops into a distinctive 'whooping ' cough when a person breathes in. The cough can last up to three months, even after antibiotics therapy has ceased and the person is no longer infectious.

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Whooping Cough can affect anyone but is particularly dangerous in babies. It can often lead to fatal complications like pneumonia or death.

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Immunisation is the best protection against Whooping Cough, especially for those who will come into contact with a child less than six months of age . A booster dose is generally recommended as immunity can wane.

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The Australian Government’s National Immunisation Program provides a free whooping cough vaccine to eligible people, including:

• Infants and children (5-dose schedule)

• Adolescents aged 11 to 13 years

• Pregnant women

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The Whooping Cough vaccination is available in our pharmacy only for 15 years+ and pregnant women from 20 weeks gestation. Script not required. A fee will apply if you are not eligible under the NIP. 

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TIPS TO STAYING HEALTHY THIS WINTER

1st May 2020

When it comes to staying healthy during the cold winter months, prevention is the best medicine. Here are a few tips:

Rest. As the days get shorter and the evenings become dark earlier, take your cue from the sun and go to bed early. Lack of sleep may weaken your immune system, making you consequently more vulnerable to catching the cold.

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Regular exercise helps strengthens your immune system. If it's too cold to go outside, try indoor workouts that are available on youtube or other inspirational websites.

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Eat Warm Food. Nourish your immune system with warming spices such as ginger, cumin, turmeric, nutmeg, clove, oregano & cinnamon. Avoid raw snacks. Ensure you allow adequate time for the food to be digested. 

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Keep your gut healthy. Did you know 80% of your immune system is in your gut microbiome? Prebiotics are the dietary fibres that feed the friendly bacteria in your gut. Probiotics are the good bacteria that keep your gut lining healthy. You can obtain them via your diet or via supplements available in store.

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Vitamin D: In winter, achieving the optimal range of Vitamin D will help your gut microbes become healthier and in turn, you will become resistant to infection and inflammatory conditions. Vitamin D supplements are available in an oral or liquid form.

Washing your hands is the best way to prevent bacteria from entering your body via your nasal or mouth area. Using soap is sufficient if there is access to water.  Alternatively, a hand sanitizer containing at least 60% alcohol is recommended too.

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Keeping your sinuses moist will help prevent dry sinuses and nasal bleeds form occuring. Saline washes/rinses or humidifiers may assist keeping the air moist.

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