Austral Pharmacist Advice in Austral | Medical and health

Austral Pharmacist Advice

Locality: Austral

Phone: +61 2 9606 9091

Address: Corner Edmondson and Tenth Ave 2179 Austral, NSW, Australia

Website: http://www.pharmacistadvice.com.au

Likes: 47

Add/Update information

Reviews

Tags

• Medical and health
• Pharmacy/chemists

25.01.2022 Eyes feeling a little tired lately? There could be a number of reasons for it! Excess focus on screens from televisions and cellphones, dry winter wind and allergen buildups in the home can all cause ocular discomfort. If you are having problems with dry or tired eyes, have a chat to our Pharmacist today about options to help your eyes feel fresh again!

25.01.2022 Now that you're spending more time at home, you may need to be prepared to assist loved ones in a first aid situation around the home. It may have been a while since you last opened your first aid kit, so we want to help you prepare by ensuring you have the basics to create your own at home first aid kit. You can customise your first aid kit depending on the particular activities you do. Here's a checklist to help you shop for your first aid kit:

25.01.2022 No matter what time of the year, if you are feeling under the weather and need a leave certificate for work, we can help! Come in and grab some relief for your symptoms and our Pharmacist can sign you a leave certificate at the same time. Ask our team for more information next time you are in!

25.01.2022 The more the sun comes out, the more our striped yellow friends want to be out too! Most people will experience a bee sting at some point in their life, so knowing how to remove one properly is important. While your initial reflex might be to pinch it out, this can lead to more venom ending up in your system. Instead, remove the stinger by sliding your fingernail, or something with a firm edge like a bank card across it to slide it out of the skin. Wash the area, and apply... ice to reduce swelling. If the person who has been stung is allergic to bee stings, immobilise the person, apply pressure to the site, and seek immediate medical help. We have a lot of bugs and critters that can bite and sting us here in Australia, so knowing how to appropriately deal with each one is important for everyone! You never know when someone will need your help. For more information on other bites and stings, you can visit: https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au//bites-and-stings-firs

23.01.2022 This week is Sleep Awareness Week! Getting good sleep is crucial to making sure your mental and physical health stays at it's peak. When we aren't getting appropriate, quality sleep, our bodies don't have time to rest and repair, and our brain doesn't have the time to process information it has learned efficiently. If you are having problems with your sleep, have a chat to your Pharmacist today, so we can help you get back to sleeping like a baby again. For more information about Sleep Awareness Week, visit https://www.sleephealthfoundation.org.au/ #SAW2020 #SleepAwarenessWeek

23.01.2022 Do you or your partner suffer from loud, persistent snoring? You may have sleep apnoea. Snoring is just one of the many signs and symptoms of sleep apnoea. Nearly 3 million Australians have sleep apnoea, yet 80% are undiagnosed. Complete the online screening tool found at the website below to find out if you are eligible for a $50 off voucher... https://www.pharmacysleepservices.com.au/sleep-apnoea-quiz/ Need help completing this quiz? Come in store and let our friendly staff help you. #Sleepapnoea #Sleephealth #Sleep #CPAP #Snore #Snoring #Pharmacy #Professionalservices #50off #Wakeuprecharged #PSS

22.01.2022 When it comes to the dates on your foods, do you know the difference between Best Before and Use By? If you have a product that is "best before" a certain date, it is still okay to eat for a while after this date, but it may have lost a bit of quality by this point. If your product has "use by" on it though, these foods are a little bit more serious. if sold and consumed after this date, they could pose a health and safety risk to the person consuming them, so it is best to f...ollow the label and dispose of these if they pass this date. Some products may have a "use by" date that is well into the future when you buy it, but keep an eye on "once opened" warnings too. Some of these products stay well preserved in their packaging, but once they are opened may only last a few days or weeks. Remember, foodborne illness can be serious, so if you are not sure about a food, trust your gut and dispose of it safely! See more

21.01.2022 Even if you usually do not suffer from asthma or allergies, thunderstorm asthma is something you should know about. Thunderstorm asthma is triggered by a combination of grass pollen in the air and certain thunderstorm conditions. It can occur when pollen grains are drawn up into the clouds as a thunderstorm forms. The pollen grains absorb water, swell and burst open. Particles containing pollen allergens are released and are so small that they can be breathed into the lungs. The weather conditions can push these tiny particles down to ground level then along the ground in the winds that come ahead of the rain. Those who do suffer from asthma and hay fever are more at risk from serious complications due to thunderstorm asthma, so if this is you, come in and see our Pharmacist to make sure you have a plan ready.

20.01.2022 Do you or your partner suffer from morning headaches? You may be at risk of sleep apnoea. Obstructed airways cause reduced oxygen flow to the brain during the night, increasing the prevalence of morning headaches. Complete the online screening tool and find out if you are at risk, you may also be eligible for a $50 off voucher... https://www.pharmacysleepservices.com.au/sleep-apnoea-quiz/ Need help completing this quiz? Come in store and let our friendly staff help you. #Sleepapnoea #Sleephealth #Sleep #CPAP #Snore #Snoring #Pharmacy #Professionalservices #50off #Wakeuprecharged #PSS

19.01.2022 A little really does go a long way

19.01.2022 Do you know 50% of people with high blood pressure and 85% of people on high blood pressure medication have obstructive sleep apnoea? High Blood Pressure is just one of the many signs and symptoms of sleep apnoea. Complete the online screening tool and find out if you are at risk, you may also be eligible for a $50 off voucher... https://www.pharmacysleepservices.com.au/sleep-apnoea-quiz/ Need help completing this quiz? Come in store and let our friendly staff help you. #Sleepapnoea #Sleephealth #Sleep #CPAP #Snore #Snoring #Pharmacy #Professionalservices #50off #Wakeuprecharged #PSS

19.01.2022 When was the last time you had a chat to your Pharmacist about your medicines? MedsChecks are one of many important tasks our Pharmacists do, taking time to sit down with you and discuss how you are going with your medicines, whether anything could be better, and discuss any other potential questions you may have about managing your medications. If you have never had a MedsCheck, or are due for another one, give the Pharmacy a call today and we can help organise one for you.

19.01.2022 It's finally here, the last day of Winter! Are you ready for Spring? What are you looking to most about the coming season? A change of weather? Or maybe just the fact it's one step closer to the end of the year

18.01.2022 Happy Mother's Day to all the mothers near and far this year

17.01.2022 Feet looking a little rough? Make sure you are looking after them! Toenails grow slowly, and dry cracked heels can take a while to heal properly. If your feet aren't quite in the state you'd like them to be for Summer, pop in and see the team. Whether it's a spot that shouldn't be there or some dry skin you just can't seem to moisturise, we can help you find solutions to get those feet Summer ready!

17.01.2022 We see them pop up all the time here on Facebook, those recipe videos that seem to good to be true... well most of them are! We are all about keeping our community healthy, but also about keeping you safe. Here is a great video from Aussie food scientist and dietician Ann Reardon showing the danger that following some of these recipes can bring... https://youtu.be/CEQaYdvs478

16.01.2022 Don't forget your sunscreen! You might be thinking, it's not hot enough for that yet is it? Remember that sunburn is not about heat, but UV rays. Here in Australia, the UV is a lot stronger than in other places around the world, and you can even get burnt on cloudy days. If you are going outside, even in your own yard, check the UV rating on the weather websites and protect your skin appropriately. If you are not sure where your sunscreen is, or which kind of sunscreen will be best for you and your family, come in and have a chat with our team today!

16.01.2022 When was the last time you thought about beets? Beetroot is BRILLIANT! Red beetroots have been ranked as one of the 10 most potent antioxidant vegetables and are also one of the richest sources of glutamine, an amino acid, essential to the health and maintenance of the intestinal tract. Beetroot is rich in fibre, and the greens (which you can eat, cook them up just like spinach) are rich sources of calcuim, iron, and vitamins A and C. Though you can find them throughout the year, they are at their sweetest and most tender between June and October, so right now is perfect! Try working some beets into the menu for next week

16.01.2022 If you are taking multiple medicines, trying to remember to take them all, at the right times, under the right conditions can sometimes be confusing. We are here to help! We can pack all of your medicines into one, easy to look after pack; your personalised medication pack. If you aren't already using a personalised medication pack, ask your Pharmacist next time you come in and we can run you through the details.

15.01.2022 There is no question that drinking caffienated drinks well into the afternoon and evening can disrupt your sleep, but what SHOULD you drink before bed? While a popular solution for some to get to sleep is a whiskey nightcap, this is not advisable at all. While alcohol can make you fall asleep fast, it contributes to poor sleep throughout the night, disrupting REM sleep, interrupting your circadian rhythm, and causing havoc when your brain and body need to be resting. The Sl...eep Council in the UK have provided some great suggestions for alternatives to the nightcap. Warm milk is effective in stress reduction, and even the psycological link we have between a glass of milk and bedtime may even be responsible for our more restful sleep after drinking one. Herbal teas like chamomile and peppermint also have properties that can relax the body and soothe you off to sleep. For more information, you can visit their website here: https://sleepcouncil.org.uk/best-drinks-before-bedtime/ See more

14.01.2022 Nothing is worse than a blocked nose when you have a cold! Luckily, there are many things you can try which can help you get a bit of relief. You can have a chat to our Pharmacist to see if a nasal rinse or decongestant will be right for you, but until you can get into the Pharmacy here are some tips: - Stay hydrated! - Try taking a steamy shower, the steam may help loosen the mucous in your nasal passages - While menthol and eucalyptus don't actually "unblock" your nose, th...ey trigger receptors in your nasal passage that make it feel like cool air is passing through, which may help give you some relief. What are your best tricks to help you with a blocked nose before you can make it to the Pharmacy?

14.01.2022 Having your flu shot one year will not protect you forever. Flu strains change every year, so new vaccines are developed in turn. Getting your flu shot routinely is your best protection from influenza and your communities best shot at stopping the spread. Ask our team about getting your flu shot today.

13.01.2022 A child having a fever is common, but always a worry for any parent. You should always have a thermometer in your first aid kit, but which kind is best for you and your family? There are a number of different thermometer options now, from infrared thermometers to under the arm or tongue thermometers. Some are more suitable than others for children in certain age groups, and it is important to know how to properly use them for accurate temperature readings. If you aren't sure if your current thermometer is suitable, or you need a new one, come in and chat to our team who can help you choose the right solution for your family.

12.01.2022 The labels on your medicines contain a lot of information. It's name, the dose, and something you might not look at as often - the expiry date. If the medicine is not something you use often, or stopped using, you may find it is out of date. Routinely going through your first aid kit and medine cabinet and checking the expiry dates on your medicines is an important step to reducing possible accidents from someone taking or using something they shouldn't. If you find something that is past it's date, set it aside somewhere safe and bring it into the Pharmacy as soon as you can for proper disposal.

12.01.2022 To all the Dads out there, near and far, we want to wish you all a Happy Father's Day!

12.01.2022 Did you know that cases of foodborne illness like salmonella have gone down drastically this year? All the diligent hand washing people have been doing has paid off in more ways than one! This week is Food Safety Week, and it is a great time to remind ourselves that when 2020 is finally over, hand hygiene is not something we should leave behind. We will be sharing some more food safety tips this week, so stay tuned!

11.01.2022 Planning on doing a bit of gardening this spring? Grass and pollen allergies can affect those who suffer from them when it comes to tending the garden, but there are lots of ways to reduce your exposure and keep healthy this Spring! It is wise to avoid mowing the grass if you can, and stay inside when it is being mown. If you are the only one who can mow it, remember to wear a mask and take a non-drowsy antihistamine before you start that mower. Gardening in the mid-aftern...oon is also a wiser idea than gardening in the morning, as pollen counts can be higher as the morning dew evaporates. Choosing the right plants for your garden can help too. Plant flowers and trees that are insect-pollinated, rather than wind-pollinated to reduce the amount of pollen blowing around in your yard. If you need help with allergy symptom relief and prevention, have a chat to our Pharmacists today. See more

11.01.2022 Did you know your gut is like a second brain? There are millions of microbes in your gut that talk to your actual brain, so what you eat can directly affect how you feel, your energy levels, and your overall health and wellbeing. Eating a wide variety of healthy, fresh foods is a great way to nourish your gut microbiome. A healthy gut has a diverse community of microbes, each of which prefer different foods, so supporting them all can help them flourish!

09.01.2022 This week is Men's Health Week! The boys and men in our communities have sometimes very different health needs than the women and girls, and this is a great time to shine a spotlight on those. For more information on Men's Health Week, you can visit https://www.menshealthweek.org.au/health-i/why-men-s-health

09.01.2022 If you took our advice from earlier in the week and had a look through your medicine box to find a medicine that is past it's best before date, don't throw it in the bin! Expired medicines that end up in the bin can end up in all sorts of places we don't want them; in the soil, in our waterways, or in the bellies of wildlife who don't know what it is! Here at the Pharmacy we have the facilities to dispose of expired medicines properly, to make sure they do not end up in any of these places. If you find something at home that needs to be taken care of, bring it in to us!

09.01.2022 Do you or your partner need to lose weight? You may also be at risk of sleep apnoea. 77% of people who suffer from obesity also have sleep apnoea. Obesity is a risk factor for sleep apnoea, and vice versa. Complete the online screening tool and find out if you are at risk, you may also be eligible for a $50 off voucher... https://www.pharmacysleepservices.com.au/sleep-apnoea-quiz/ Need help completing this quiz? Come in store and let our friendly staff help you. #Sleepapnoea #Sleephealth #Sleep #CPAP #Snore #Snoring #Pharmacy #Professionalservices #50off #Wakeuprecharged #PSS

08.01.2022 This week is Women's Health Week While it may look a little different this year, it is still a time for us to turn our focus to the health of all the ladies and girls in our community. There are some fantastic online events being held, everything from women's health talks to yoga classes! You can find out more at https://www.womenshealthweek.com.au/the-week/

08.01.2022 This week is National Diabetes Week, and we are taking some time to answer questions people often have when it comes to the subject of diabetes. The first, what is insulin? Insulin is a hormone made by cells in the pancreas. When you eat, insulin is released into your blood stream where it helps to move glucose (sugars) from the food we have eaten into our cells to be used as energy. In people with type 1 diabetes, their bodies produce little or no insulin as the cells have b...een destroyed by an autoimmune reaction in the body. This is why daily insulin injections are required for people living with type 1 diabetes. In people living with type 2 diabetes, the body produces insulin, but it does not work as well as it should. Their bodies become resistant to the insulin, so the body tries to make more but it is hard to get the balance right. If you would like to learn more about insulin, you can visit https://www.diabetesaustralia.com.au/insulin See more

08.01.2022 As the weather gets cooler, a lot of us might be pulling heaters out of storage. No matter what kind of heater you have, it is important to check that it is still safe to use every Winter. Remember, don’t leave portable heaters in places where people or pets could knock them over. For gas heaters: - Gas heaters produce heat when they burn gas fuel. This also produces air pollutants and water vapour. If your gas heater doesn’t have a flue, service it regularly and make sure th...e room is well ventilated. A flued gas heater vents air pollutants and water vapour outside the home through a chimney or flue, while an unflued gas heater releases them directly into the home. - Never use an unflued gas heater in a bedroom, bathroom or other small rooms with no permanent ventilation because harmful toxic gases can build up inside. - Always check your gas heater is working correctly. It should be serviced every 2 years by a licensed gas fitter. Signs that something is wrong include difficulty lighting it, yellow flames, unusual smells or noisy or inoperable fans. For electric heaters: Electric heaters should be checked for obvious damage such as rusted reflectors (especially on older heaters). The power cord should also be checked for any damage. An electrician or service technician should be called to do any repairs. For references or more information on heater safety, visit https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/winter-health-hazards-at-ho

08.01.2022 Today is World Diabetes Day Did you know that 1 in 2 adults living with diabetes are undiagnosed? The majority being those living with type 2 diabetes. Symptoms often develop slowly, and you could have them for years and not really notice. It is worth familiarising yourself with the symptoms, and speaking to your Doctor as soon as you notice them. You can read more about type 2 diabetes here: https://www.diabetesaustralia.com.au/about/type-2-diabetes/

07.01.2022 Do you sleep well? Continual waking and trips to the bathroom at night are signs of sleep apnoea. Interrupting sleep patterns causes tiredness and lethargy during the day. Nearly 3 million Australians have sleep apnoea, yet 80% are undiagnosed. Complete the online screening tool and find out if you are at risk, you may also be eligible for a $50 off voucher... https://www.pharmacysleepservices.com.au/sleep-apnoea-quiz/ Need help completing this quiz? Come in store and let our friendly staff help you. #Sleepapnoea #Sleephealth #Sleep #CPAP #Snore #Snoring #Pharmacy #Professionalservices #50off #Wakeuprecharged #PSS

05.01.2022 Our next question for National Diabetes Week, is what is GI? You may remember it from high school, but GI stands for glycemic index. This is a ranking of carbohydrates according to how they affect your blood glucose levels. Generally, the lower the GI, the slower the rise in blood glucose levels after you have eaten a carbohydrate (this can differ from person to person though). The terms low, medium, and high GI are all given to different foods that fit along a scale of diff...erent ranges. These ranges, along with some example foods, include: Llow GI (less than 55) examples include soy products, beans, fruit, milk, pasta, grainy bread, porridge (oats) and lentils Medium GI (55 to 70) examples include orange juice, honey, basmati rice and wholemeal bread High GI (greater than 70) examples include potatoes, white bread and short-grain rice. GI can be a complex subject, so you can visit the below links to learn more: https://www.diabetesaustralia.com.au/glycemic-index https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au//carbohydrates-and-the

04.01.2022 Our bowels are not something we often talk about, but when 300 Australians every week are diagnosed with bowel cancer, maybe it should be! While age and family history can increase your risk for bowel cancer, your risk is also increased by smoking, eating excessive amounts of red meat (especially charred meat), eating processed meats, drinking alcohol, and being overweight or obese. These are all things you can change! If you need a hand to stop smoking, improve your diet, or want to just live a more healthy lifestyle, have a chat to one of our Pharmacists today.

02.01.2022 Though Men's Health Week is only around for 7 days a year, we are around for 365 of them. If you need help with your mental or physical health, but don't know where to start, our Pharmacists are here for you. We are part of a wide network of health professionals, and looking after you is what we do best, so don't be a stranger and come in for a chat if you need one!

01.01.2022 A conversation can truly change a life. Just picking up the phone, asking someone you care about "R U OK?" and having a chat with them can sometimes be the highlight in their day and it is always worth making time for, every day of the year. For more information about 'R U OK? Day' and ways to talk to people if you aren't sure what to do, visit https://www.ruok.org.au/

01.01.2022 It's citrus season! Buying fruits and veggies in season can be a benefit to both your wallet, and overall health! Eating fruits and veggies in their natural seasons encourages you to eat a wide range of different fruits and vegetables throughout the year, giving you a variety in your diet! What fruits can you just not wait for to come into season?

01.01.2022 The cold weather can be tough on all of us, but if you have asthma it can be even more difficult. The cold, dry air can irritate your airways and cause the muscles to spasm, and cold or respiratory tract infection can exacerbate asthma symptoms. It is a good idea to make sure you or your child are taking asthma medicines properly. Come in and chat to our team about arranging an asthma technique check today!

01.01.2022 During Summer the hot weather often reminds us to drink water, but in the Winter that reminder isn't there! How much water have you had today, and how do you remind yourself to stay hydrated?