Pharmacist Sam Ledger walks you through the key components of a well-stocked first aid kit.  You never know when trouble will strike.  Be prepared!

Once you've watched the video, download the free First Aid Kit Checklist.

Ah-choooo! All about hayfever and allergies.

Allergic rhinitis – more commonly known as hay fever – is an allergy that affects the nose. While the majority of people associate hay fever with spring, when airborne pollens from grasses are prevalent, the condition can affect sufferers at any time of the year.

When this occurs it is known as perennial allergic rhinitis, which is usually caused by the presence of allergens around the home including dust mites, moulds or animal hair or fur or occupational allergens.

If you suffer from hay fever, then you are definitely not alone. In fact in Australia, one in five, or 20 per cent, of Australians suffer from allergic rhinitis.

Also, if family members suffer from allergies, asthma or eczema you may be more prone to hay fever.

Signs and symptoms of hay fever can include:

• Sneezing

• A runny or stuffy nose

• Itchy ears, nose and throat

• Red, itchy or watery eyes

• Headaches

Some of the symptoms of hay fever can also be present in other conditions such as polyps, infections, hormonal imbalances and the use of medicines. So it is a good idea to chat to your pharmacist to help determine if it is hay fever you need to treat.

The type and severity of symptoms can vary from person to person, so again it is best to talk to your pharmacist about the best treatment option for you. This may be a nasal spray, eye drop or antihistamine tablets.

Some of these medications should not be taken with other medications. Others can cause drowsiness which may be dangerous if you’re driving or operating machinery.

Other things you can do include:

• Identifying triggers and avoiding them – the most important thing to do

• Try to stay indoors when pollen counts are high and avoid grassy areas; wearing wrap-around sunglasses can help keep pollen out of your eyes; have a shower after pollen exposure.

• Keep windows closed and re-circulate air in the car

• Reduce exposure to dust and pet hair by removing or shampooing carpets, removing soft toys from bedrooms, washing bed linen in hot water and limiting contact with pets

• Start treatment early and take it regularly, especially if you know you will be exposed to triggers

The pharmacists at CHC Pharmacy are available at any time to provide assistance with medicine  management. Always feel free to talk to us about your prescriptions and other medications, vitamins or herbal remedies you may be taking. And don’t forget, we can deliver to your home or office on the Coffs Coast for free.

All about nasal decongestant sprays with our pharmacist Andrew.

The more medicines you take, the more likely you are to experience side effects and interactions or make mistakes. This is true whether your medicines are prescription, over-the-counter or complementary.

Every year more than 140,000 Australians end up in the hospital because of a problem related to their medication. Here is our advice to make sure this isn’t you!

Know what you are taking

Take some time to understand each new medication you take. Talk to your pharmacist when filling a prescription for the first time. Read the labels and instructions.

There is always information available for pharmaceutical products. This information details what the medicine is for, how to take it and potential side effects.  Speak to your pharmacist to ensure the information you have is tailored and relevant to your circumstances.

Use a medication organiser or Webster-pak

Medicine organisers have separate compartments for days of the week and/or times of the day. This enables you to prepare all your medications ahead of time, making it easier to remember to take them and to quickly see if you have already taken them (so you don’t accidentally double dose).

The organisers come in a host of different configurations. Talk to your pharmacist about the right organiser for you.

You can also go one step further and get the pharmacist to organise your medicines for you. A “Webster-pak” is a sealed weekly calendar pack. The pharmacist seals all of your regular medications into blister compartments that are clearly marked with the correct day and time to be taken. 

If you are busy and on the go, there is a new pre-packaged medication option with sealed sachets. Each medicine dose is packed into tear-off “packettes” which you can pop into your purse, wallet or pocket.

Keep a medicines list

It’s a really good idea to create a list of all your medications, including prescription, over-the-counter and natural or herbal remedies. Identify what each medicine is for, how much you are taking, when and how often.

Your list ensures that everyone involved in your health care knows which medicines you are using. As well as being a handy reminder for yourself, it also helps your doctor and pharmacist to check and review your medication and provides vital information in the event of an emergency.

Your pharmacist can prepare a medicines list for you. Just remember to add any non-pharmaceutical medications to the list.

Create an eHealth record

If you are comfortable using newer technologies, it’s a great idea to create an eHealth record. This provides a secure online summary of your health information, and could also house your medicines list. You control what goes into it and who is allowed to access it.

An eHealth record allows all your doctors, hospitals, and other healthcare providers to view and share your health information, which will improve the overall quality of your health care and medicine management.

Use an App

Many pharmacies now have an app to help you monitor your scripts and medications, remind you to take your medicines and check when you need to see a doctor for a new you script.

MedAdvisor is a great app to download – you can even order your medicines from your preferred pharmacy with just a tap.

Ask your pharmacist for a medicine review

When you are taking multiple medications it makes sense to have a pharmacist review your medicines to ensure you need them all and there are no risks of interactions.

There are a number of government fund medication review programs that you should know about, and take advantage of.

With a Home Medicine Review a pharmacist will come to your home, review all your medications, ensure they are being taken and stored correctly, check that all your medicines (including vitamins) are appropriate together and outline any concerns or problems you should take up with your doctor.

For residents of Aged Care facilities there is a similar program called Residential Medication Management Review (RMMR).

There are also a couple of in-pharmacy medication review programs. Medscheck is for people taking five or more prescription medications. It is similar to the Home Medicine Review, but conducted in the pharmacy rather than in your home.

Diabetes Medscheck is specifically for patient’s with type 2 diabetes and focuses on managing diabetes medications and monitoring devices.

If you or someone you love needs help managing their medications, see your doctor of pharmacist and ask about these medication reviews.

Dispose of unused medicines safely

Under the Return Unwanted Medicines projects, local pharmacies will collect all out-of-date, unwanted and leftover medicines and arrange for them to be disposed of safely in high-temperature incinerators.

This avoids damage to the environment caused by flushing unwanted medicines down a sink or toilet, and ensures old medicines don’t cause harm to people or pets.

Check your medicines regularly

Go through your medicines twice a year, maybe at the same time you change your smoke alarm batteries. Set aside any medications that are past their expiry date or that you no longer need. Take all unwanted or expired medications to your pharmacy for disposal.

The pharmacists at CHC Pharmacy are available at any time to provide assistance with medicine  management. Always feel free to talk to us about your prescriptions and other medications, vitamins or herbal remedies you may be taking. And don’t forget, we can deliver to your home or office on the Coffs Coast for free.

This article was created as part of the Your Health Experts program. We are working with other local health experts to bring you the tips, advice and information you need to lead a healthy life. To make sure you get all this great information subscribe to our monthly mini-mag and follow us on Facebook.

Bowel Cancer represented over 12% of new cancer cases diagnosed in 2017 and tragically was the cause of over 8% of cancer deaths. Yet many people know very little about the disease.  Click the link to test your knowledge and learn about the best ways to catch this disease early.

This quiz was created as part of the Your Health Experts program. We are working with other local health experts to bring you the tips, advice and information you need to lead a healthy life. To make sure you get all this great information subscribe to our monthly mini-mag and follow us on Facebook.

Our very own Sam Ledger shows us how to use an inhaler properly.  For sufferers of asthma and other respiratory ailments this is really important stuff.  If you are using the inhaler incorrectly - you may be getting the wrong amount of medicine.

This article was created as part of the Your Health Experts program. We are working with other local health experts to bring you the tips, advice and information you need to lead a healthy life. To make sure you get all this great information subscribe to our monthly mini-mag and follow us on Facebook.

The Coffs Coast is hardly Winterfell, but that doesn’t seem to stop us from coming down with colds and flu. We spoke to CHC Pharmacy’s Josie about how we can bolster our immune defences. 

It doesn’t get all that cold here, so why do we still get sick every winter?

The latest thinking is that it’s not the cold that makes people susceptible to infection. We are more likely to get sick in winter because we spend more time indoors, where we are in closer contact with other people who pass on germs.

What’s the best way to avoid getting sick?

There are really only two ways to avoid getting sick.  One is to avoid contact with germs: try not to kiss too many people, wash your hands and keep your hands away from your eyes, nose and mouth.   The other is to have a strong immune system that fights off those germs you do come into contact with.

OK, so how do I make sure my immune system is strong?

Your immune system is a remarkable thing.  It’s this whole network of cells, tissues and organs that all work together to protect the body from the germs that cause colds and flu.  To function well it needs balance and harmony.

You’re going to think this is boring…but the best way to a healthy immune system is a balanced, healthy lifestyle: don’t smoke, eat plenty of fruit and vegetables, exercise regularly, get enough sleep, control your weight and your blood pressure… I know everyone has heard it all before, but this really is the best way to protect yourself.

What about the flu shot? 

Getting a vaccine is a very good idea, particularly for people who spend a lot of time with people, are vulnerable to infection or simply can’t afford to be sick.

A vaccine gives you a tiny dose of the known flu viruses, to allow your immune system to develop antibodies against those bugs.  Within about two weeks of your jab, your body has developed strong defences.

But it’s important to understand that a vaccine only targets specific, known viruses.  It’s not going to prevent you coming down with a cold, or possibly contracting a new, unknown flu virus that the developers didn’t see coming. So a vaccine is not a substitute for keeping your immune system strong.  I’m afraid that healthy lifestyle is still important.

What about vitamin C and garlic?  Do they really work?

There are definitely foods and vitamin supplements that have immune boosting properties. It turns out that the same sulphuric compounds that give garlic it’s taste and smell are powerful enough to wipe out bacteria and infection.  Garlic has been used to fight infection in many cultures over centuries – it was even used to prevent gangrene in both world wars.

There is a growing body of evidence that a deficiency in vitamin C has a negative impact on your immune system. We tend to see lower levels of vitamin C in older adults and people who are under a great deal of stress. So, particularly for people vulnerable to vitamin C deficiency, it’s important to eat plenty of citrus and kiwi fruit or consider a supplement.

What’s “the latest” in immune boosters?

I would say the two things that have scientists the most excited are zinc and probiotics.

Zinc is known to play an important role in the immune system and there have been a lot of studies lately to understand how we can use zinc to fight off infection.  We are still learning, but there have been some studies that have found that zinc lozenges may reduce the duration of a cold by as much as 50%. So that’s exciting.

The other big news is the role the gut plays in the immune system.  Your intestines are home to a whole bunch of different bacteria, known collectively as your microbiome.  An unhealthy micobiome will weaken your immune system, and there’s even new evidence that it might make vaccines less effective.

Probably the best way to make sure your microbiome is healthy is to take a good probiotic. A recent study in New Zealand found that athlete who took a probiotic had 40% fewer colds and gastro infection that those using a placebo.  That’s a pretty impressive result.

How can a pharmacist help me with all of this?

Well first of all you can come to our clinic in CHC Pharmacy Coffs Harbour for a flu vaccine. (Details about how to book in etc – phone 6652 2448 or book online at chcmedical.com.au)  You can also talk to our pharmacist about the range of supplements and health foods we have available to help with immunity.

To book for a flu vaccine, either call us on 6652 2448 or book online at chcmedical.com.au.  CHC Pharmacy will bulk bill for seniors, pregnant women, and people with chronic health conditions or low immunity.  Otherwise a flu vaccination costs $14.95.

Not sure if you should get a vaccine? Our friends at Toormina Medical Centre have developed a great little quiz to help you decide if you need a jab this year.

This article was created as part of the Your Health Experts program. We are working with other local health experts to bring you the tips, advice and information you need to lead a healthy life. To make sure you get all this great information subscribe to our monthly mini-magand follow us on Facebook.

It is estimated that 1 in 70 Australians suffer from Coeliac Disease – and a remarkable 80% remain misdiagnosed or undiagnosed. Could you be one of them? We take a look at the symptoms, risk factors and tests required to help you answer that question.

Coeliac Disease is Serious

Most people now know that Coeliac Disease is an intolerance to a protein in gluten, which can be found in wheat, rye, barley and oats.  But many are unaware of what a serious condition it is.  

When a coeliac consumes gluten it triggers an abnormal immune reaction, causing inflammation and damage to the small bowel lining.  The tiny, fingerlike protrusions in the small intestine, called villi, which are responsible for the absorption of nutrition become lost.  This damage leads to malnutrition regardless of how well you eat. A scary thought!

Why Does Coeliac Disease Go Undiagnosed?

Unfortunately Coeliac Disease can produce a wide range of symptoms, many of which are consistent with other diseases and disorders, so it’s not always easy to know when you and your doctor should suspect Coeliac Disease.

The most common signs are diarrhea, fatigue and weight loss.  Other frequent symptoms include bloating, abdominal pain, nausea, constipation and vomiting.

These digestive symptoms are what you might expect.  Yet for more than 50% of coeliac sufferers their symptoms have nothing apparently to do with the gut. Instead indications may include iron deficiency or anemia, osteoporosis, damaged dental enamel, mouth ulcers, headaches, hair loss, tingling hands and feet, problems with balance, joint pain, depression or skin rash. 

In fact, The University of Chicago Celiac Disease Centre has identified more than 300 symptoms of Coeliac Disease: everything from psychological to physical to neurological.  It’s not hard to see why Coeliac Disease can so often go undiagnosed.

It is even possible for a coeliac sufferer to be completely asymptomatic.  Sadly there is no correlation between symptoms and bowel damage. So just because you feel okay doesn’t mean you aren’t damaging your intestine.

The other confusing factor is that Coeliac Disease can be triggered at almost any age.  You may have been happily consuming gluten for years before the disease kicks in. 

Although Coeliac Disease is genetic, having the gene doesn’t mean you have the disease.  An environmental trigger is usually required before the disease actually occurs. Researchers have identified viral infection, post surgery, pregnancy, childbirth or severe emotional stress as possible triggers.

Am I at Risk?

If you have any of the symptoms and/or triggers of Coeliac Disease then you should talk to your doctor. This is particularly true if you are in a high-risk group.

If there is a family history of Coeliac Disease then you have a 10-20% risk of getting the disease yourself. Even if you don’t have symptoms you may want to talk to your doctor about being tested.

People with Coeliac Disease are at greater risk of developing other autoimmune diseases and vice versa. So if you suffer from type 1 diabetes, autoimmune thyroid disease, Addison’s Disease or other autoimmune conditions then you are at higher risk of Coeliac Disease as well.

How Do I Find Out for Sure?

If Coeliac Disease is suspected it is very important that you do NOT stop eating gluten until AFTER you have been properly tested.  If there is no gluten in your system at the time of the tests, you may get a false negative result.

Testing usually starts with a simple blood test.  This measures antibody levels, which are typically elevated in people with untreated Coeliac Disease. Usually a negative blood test result will rule out Coeliac Disease. However, it is possible to get a negative result and still have the disease, and this test tends to be less reliable in children under four.

Gene testing is also available. Only 1 in 30 people with the gene will actually have Coeliac Disease, so a positive result will only tell you that you are genetically predisposed.  However a negative result will effectively rule out the condition. (One advantage of gene testing is that it can be used when people have already commenced a gluten free diet.)

The only definitive test for Coeliac Disease is an endoscopy or biopsy.  In this 10-minute procedure a gastroenterologist obtains a tiny sample of intestinal tissue.  The tissue is examined under a microscope to determine if there is evidence of villous atrophy, the damage caused by Coeliac Disease. 

What if I Do Have Coeliac Disease

Treatment for Coeliac Disease is the complete removal of all gluten containing foods from the diet.

The good news is that removing gluten not only controls the symptoms, it heals any intestinal damage and prevents further damage.  The small intestine can be completely healed within 3-6 months on a strict diet.

The bad news is that you must commit to a gluten free diet for life and it does take some getting used to. Luckily labeling laws are making it easier to identify safe foods and it is increasingly easy to find gluten free foods in the supermarket and order gluten free meals in restaurants or airlines.

The Bottom Line

Left untreated, Coeliac Disease can adversely affect almost every system in your body. But early diagnosis and treatment can reduce your risk of most problems ever occurring.  If you are at risk or have any of the possible symptoms of Coeliac Disease, it’s worth talking to your doctor. 

If you feel unsure then consider chatting with your community pharmacist.  He or she can offer advice and will refer you to a doctor if appropriate or necessary.

If you do have Coeliac Disease then your pharmacist can provide advice on lifestyle management to help you enjoy a better quality of life.

This was produced as part of the Your Health Experts program.  We are working with other local health experts to bring you the tips, advice and information you need to lead a healthy life. To make sure you get all this great information subscribe to our monthly mini-mag and Like us on Facebook.

[1] Source: Coeliac Australia

Head lice. Nits. Creepy crawlies. It’s enough to make your head itch even if you are not infested with the parasitic wingless insects that feed on human blood and live close to the scalp.

Head lice are a fact of life around Australian schools and childcare centres, with many parents frustrated by the trouble of getting rid of them. And as the lice are evolving into super bugs that are increasingly resistant to the treatments which in the past have successfully eradicated them, they can be difficult to treat.

It is comforting to know that head lice are generally harmless but any creepy-crawly in our children’s hair demands attention regardless of the fact that getting rid of them is sometimes easier said than done.

Head lice cannot fly or even jump but move from host to host by crawling or climbing directly from head to head. They can be transferred from shared combs, however research shows that head lice are rarely transferred through clothing, hats, furniture or bedding.

They commonly affect children, however adults can also get them.

Having found head lice, the next step is to try to get rid of them.

Your pharmacist is a great first port of call to talk to about treating head lice. Treating head lice involves the removal of head lice and nits from the hair by either using the conditioner and comb method, or chemical treatments. Your pharmacist will generally stock both special combs as well as shampoos, cream and other products some of which contain a special insecticide.

The conditioner and comb method involves the use of conditioner and a special metal fine-toothed nit comb. The conditioner briefly stuns the lice making it easier for the nit comb to trap and remove the nits.

If you decide to use a chemical, it is important that you follow the instructions closely that come with it. Two to three chemical treatments with a week in between each should remove living lice. No single chemical treatment will work for everyone. A nit comb can be used to look for any signs of living lice.

However, because insecticide resistance is common, you should test if lice are dead after using a product. If they are, treat again in seven days using the same product. If the lice are not dead, the treatment has not worked and the lice may be resistant to the product and all products containing the same active compound. Wash off the product and treat as soon as possible using a product containing a different active compound. If the insecticide has worked, the lice will be dead within 20 minutes.

It is possible a head lice product could cause a reaction and should be used with care by women who are pregnant or breastfeeding, children less than 12 months old and people with allergies, asthma or open wounds on the scalp. With the various treatments available, it can be confusing and we can talk to you about how best to treat head lice and which products may work best for you or your children.

Here is a quick quiz for you.

Where is best place to store medicines in the home? 

1. The bathroom cabinet
2. The kitchen windowsill
3. In the fridge
4. None of the above

You might be interested to know that the best answer is D.

Many medicines we take have a label advising that they must be stored below a certain temperature. This is because some medicines lose their effectiveness when stored above this minimum temperature and some may change form and become difficult to use.

Unfortunately the fridge is not always the best place, and it is best to talk to our pharmacist first about storing your medicine in the fridge.  Most eye drops are not best stored in the fridge because cold drops can often sting the eye more than room temperature eye drops. Medicines should also not be stored in the bathroom where heat and humidity can affected them.

In general, it is important to try to store medicines away from heat, moisture and sunlight. Most medicines should be stored below 25°C and they should never be left in warm places such as in front of a window where the temperature can reach high levels.

So, where is the best place to store medicines? NPS MedicineWise suggests storing medicines in a part of the house that is cool and dry, for example in an airtight container in the linen cupboard. They should be checked regularly to see that they remain dry, especially during prolonged periods of wet and rainy weather.

An exception to not storing medicines in the fridge is some liquid medicines and injection vials but only if the label says so. The fridge means the main compartment, not the freezer and if your medicines accidentally freeze, they are almost certainly unstable and therefore should not be used.

If you will be travelling in hot weather, never store your medicines in the glove box or on the dashboard where temperatures can get very hot.

Always check the label and the Consumer Medicine Information (CMI) leaflet for storage instructions, and talk to us if you have any questions. If you think your medicine may have been exposed to higher-than-recommended temperatures, please feel free to give us a call to discuss.

The lowdown on treating warts with our pharmacist Andrew.

Spring is upon us! Don’t let hay fever beat you!

• Sneezing?
• A runny or stuffy nose ?
• Itchy ears, nose and throat ?
• Red, itchy or watery eyes ?
• Hayfever season is here!

Hay fever, also called allergic rhinitis, can occur at any time of the year as an allergic reaction to dust mites, mould and animal fur or hair, and is often worse in spring due to high levels of grass pollens.

Your nose acts as a filter. The tiny hairs and mucus that line the nasal passages trap dust, pollens and other microscopic particles. A person with hay fever is allergic to some of the particles that get trapped in the nose, such as pollen.  The immune system treats this harmless substance as if it is dangerous, and releases histamine in an allergic reaction.  The nasal passages become inflamed and more mucus is produced. In some cases, the symptoms of hay fever can be so severe that a person can’t sleep or concentrate, and may feel tired or unwell.

Don’t let hay fever stop you this spring!

• Come in to CHC Pharmacy and speak to us for the best prevention and management, tailored to your lifestyle
• Check the pollen count forecast on television or in the newspaper. Try to stay indoors if it’s a high count.
• Stay indoors as much as possible in spring, on windy days or after thunderstorms.
• If you do have to go outside, take an anti-histamine tablet half an hour before exposure to stop and allergy in its tracks
• Splash your eyes often with cold water to flush out any pollen.
• Reduce your exposure to dust and dust mites, animals and animal hair or fur (dander).

At CHC Pharmacy we know how hay fever, and we know what works!  Because you deserve to enjoy this spring!

You Deserve CHC Pharmacy – “Where you always speak to a pharmacist”

There’s nothing worse than going to bed ready for a nice, recharging, reinvigorating sleep only lay awake for hours wondering why your brain wont shut off!

Not do you feel tired the following day, but after a few restless nights you can find your work and home life both suffering as you attempt to function on suboptimal sleep.

There are various ways in which you can get a better sleep and some changes that can benefit you greatly are very easy to undertake! So if you are having some trouble with poor sleep or insomnia, check out the helpful list below. With any luck you will sleeping like a log in no time!

Tip 1: Avoid lights and screens in the bedroom

Turn off all artificial light sources!

Your circadian rhythm is your natural biological clock. It is what makes you tired at night and alert during the day. When it is dark your body produces more melatonin, which is a hormone that promotes sleep. If you go to bed but then watch television, surf the internet or play on your phone the bright light and stimuli confuse your biological clock. Your body will not produce as much melatonin and you will find it much harder to get to sleep!

Tip 2: Exercise regularly

Exercise and sleep hygiene go hand in hand

Regular exercise will contribute to better sleep, but that doesn’t mean you have to run a marathon every day! Take the stairs instead of the elevator,  go for a walk after work, have a swim in the morning – all of these little additions to the daily routine can contribute to a more restful sleep. Just make sure you don’t exercise right before bed, as exercise increases heart rate so you might find it even harder to switch off!

Tip 3: Sleep to a schedule

Sleep is something we must plan to do!

By going to bed at the same time each night and waking at the same time each morning your biological clock will be set in a routine. Setting an alarm to go to sleep instead of just setting one to wake you can help this routine to become consistent

Tip 4: Expose yourself to sunlight

Sunlight can dramatically improve sleep quality

This is especially important if you work indoors as your body’s biological clock can confuse itself. In the same way artificial light can keep you awake at night, non-exposure to natural light can make you tired throughout the day. Try to spend some time outside during daylight, even if it is just your lunch break, and if you work indoors keep the blinds or curtains open!

Tip 5: Medications may help

There are many medications you can get from your pharmacist and your doctor that can help if you are having trouble with sleep. They range in strength and most are very safe when managed correctly. While using medications long-term can sometimes cause you to rely on them to give you a good night’s sleep, using them over a short (e.g. 3-4 day) period can help your body to reset it’s biological clock. Speak to your local pharmacist or doctor if you think they may help you.

These are just a few of the strategies you can use to get a better sleep and prevent daytime drowsiness. Your pharmacist or doctor will be able to help you implement these, along with other techniques, so that you can get your sleep back on track.

Fore more information visit this handy resource:

http://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/bhcv2/bhcarticles.nsf/pages/Sleep

Have you found other techniques that work for you? Please let us know in the comments!

This articles contains simple instructions on what to do if you think you have a tick on you, written by the dashing and informative CHC Pharmacist, Max Timmins.

Living in such a beautiful country as Australia means countless journeys can be had and amazing sites seen! Unfortunately you might find a little traveller on you after one such adventure, so here is a simple list of what to do if you happen to find a tick on you!

Ticks – where to look and what to do:

1. Where to look:
Tick bites are usually painless, so I recommend that after spending time outdoors in areas with thick or high vegetation that you check yourself, and your family, for ticks. Ticks like moist areas with good blood supply, so pay special attention to areas like armpits, back of the head, behind the ears and back of the knees. Make sure you also regularly check your pets.

2. Remove the tick:
There are two easy ways to remove a tick.
• If you can find a thin piece of thread such as dental floss, make a loose knot in it. Then slip the knot over the tick as close as possible to the skin. Once you tighten the knot the tick should be forced away and fall from the skin.
• Alternatively, use a small pair of tweezers or forceps to pull the tick out. Again, you need to make sure you place the tweezers as close as possible to the skin. Pull gently and do not squeeze too tight so that you can ensure none of the head is left behind.

How to remove a tick with string

3. Check for any remaining parts
If you can see any remaining mouthparts or head still attached to the skin you need to make sure they are also removed. If any parts of the tick are left a local skin reaction can still occur. The reaction can sometimes last weeks and can cause itchiness, rash, swelling and sometimes pain. See your doctor or pharmacist if any of these occur.

4. Monitor for other symptoms
Ticks can rarely cause more serious reactions. These include:
• Paralysis – paralysis ticks are found on the eastern seaboard of Australia, and while tick paralysis more commonly occurs in animals it can affect humans as well. The paralysis usually starts with leg weakness, which slowly spreads to other parts of the body such as the trunk and arms. Headache, fever and facial paralysis may also occur. Removal of the tick usually reverses the paralysis, however if you experience any of these symptoms you should go straight to the doctor
• Lyme disease – Lyme disease is a bacterial infection that ticks can pass to humans if they are infected with the bacteria. Early symptoms of Lyme disease are primarily ‘flu-like’ symptoms, such as headache, fever, chills, muscle soreness and fatigue. In addition, about half of people with Lyme disease develop a circular, expanding ‘bulls-eye’ rash around the bite site. If you experience any of these symptoms contact your doctor as soon as possible.

Of course, the best way to deal with ticks is prevention! Before going to known tick areas use insect repellant containing 20% DEET or higher, wear long pants tucked in to your socks and wear light coloured clothing so that if you do find a tick on you it is before it reaches your skin!

What is Diabetes?

For our bodies to work properly we need to convert glucose (sugar) from food into energy. A hormone called insulin is essential for the conversion of glucose into energy.  In people with diabetes, insulin is no longer produced or not produced in sufficient amounts by the body.

So when people with diabetes eat glucose, which is in foods such as breads, cereals, fruit and starchy vegetables, legumes, milk, yoghurt and sweets, it can’t be converted into energy.  Instead of being turned into energy the glucose stays in the blood. This is why blood glucose levels are higher in people with diabetes.

Diabetes is a chronic condition.  This means that it lasts for a long time, often for someone’s whole life.

Are you at risk?

In Australia, nearly two thirds of men and half of all women are overweight or obese. This is a key factor in the alarming rise of type 2 diabetes. Yet up to 60 per cent of diabetes cases could be prevented, or at least delayed, by people maintaining a healthy weight. The main keys to long-term weight loss and reducing your waist measurement are healthy eating and regular physical activity. Type 2 diabetes often runs in families, and when detected early can often be easily managed!

CHC Solution

Come down and visit and receive a state-of-the-art diabetes monitor (RRP $49.95) FREE when you talk to a CHC Pharmacist – simply mention the flyer on our website! (Offer limited to the first 100 customers).  A CHC Pharmacist will be more than happy to discuss your type  diabetes risk factors and how to best manage your complete health.

Did you know that heart disease is the second biggest health killer in Australia?  Speak to a CHC Pharmacist to assess your risk factors and stop the risk to you and your family

An epidemic has been reported in Africa, and in an age of global travel, what does this mean for Australians living in Coffs Harbour?

What is Ebola?

Ebola is a virus.  A virus is an incredibly tiny infectious disease that infects and grows inside host organisms, often causing illness.  Influenza, which is endemic to the world, is also a virus. Ebola originates from Sub-Saharan Africa, and is named after an initial outbreak near the Ebola River in Congo in 1976.

What are the symptoms?

Once contracted, Ebola lies symptomless in the body for a period of 1-7 days.  After this ”latent” period severe fevers are experienced. Severe fevers are not “I’m running a bit of a temperature today and have a case of the snuffles”, they consist of full body sweats and chills, caused from the body’s inability to regulate temperature, which the immune system is placed in overdrive attempting to combat the virus.  Full body aches and pains accompanied by severe lethargy and drowsiness may also be experienced here as well.  Imagine the worst case of the flu, and then times that by 10.  At this stage most people are bedridden.

If the severe fevers are not enough, after 7-21 days Ebola often causes a breakdown of internal bodily tissue. This can lead to progressive organ failure (namely kidneys and liver).  Your organs are rather important, so this is when things can get very serious.  In an attempt to shed the virus from the body, you begin to start virulently discharging from every orifice, this means severe vomiting, diarrhoea, sweating, all whilst on top of the worst fever you have ever had.  Not particularly pleasant for anyone involved.  It is only at the point where the body is experiencing severe virulent discharge that virus has the opportunity to be transmitted.

How is it transmitted?  Is it contagious?

The Ebola virus can be transmitted from one person to another transmitted by touch, inhalation, or ingestion, either directly from person to person or through contaminated clothing.  This can only occur once a person reaches days 7-21 where their body is experiencing severe virulent discharge.  Up until this point, despite the severe fevers, the virus is not able to spread from person to person.  The important message here: if you see someone with a raging fever experiencing vomiting, diarrhoea and associated discharge, do not make physical contact unless you have appropriate medical protection (such as gloves, face mask, etc)! Aid workers are particularly at risk here.

 How do we treat it?

Unfortunately there exists no treatment or vaccination for Ebola.  Antibiotics target bacteria, although they are totally ineffective against Ebola, which is a virus.  The best we can do is support the body in the fight against the virus with fluids and nutrition and limit the spread to other people.

 Are we at risk in Coffs Harbour from an Ebola outbreak?

Short answer: Not really.  Fortunately Australia has very strict quarantine guidelines enforced for any travelers entering the country with a confirmed Ebola outbreak.  Any person entering the county from these areas are tested for a fever and then placed in solitary isolation for 21 days. (Remember that Ebola can only be transmitted only when an infected person has had severe fevers 7-21 days after contracting the disease and showing signs of virulent discharge; vomiting, diarrhoea, etc).  Anyone with suspected symptoms of Ebola are flagged well before the virus becomes contagious, meaning that the spread of the virus can be easily controlled.

 If the spread of the Ebola virus can be easily controlled, why is there such an epidemic Africa?

There are a number of potential reasons here.  Primarily because that is where the disease originates from. Another reason is the lack of ability to identify and isolate cases of Ebola, meaning that infected persons are placed in medical care in situations where they can infect others.  Another may be the lack of health literacy and medical supplies of the population in the infected areas when it comes to handling patients who are experiencing virulent discharge (which requires surgical gloves, face masks, etc).  The third reason is that in many African cultures it is sometimes customary to physically touch the body of a deceased person as part of the funeral ceremony.  A recently deceased person may still harbor massive amounts of infectious Ebola virus on their skin or on their clothing. 

 Take home messages:

1. If you have visited Sub-Saharan Africa or West Africa within the last 21 days and are experiencing a fever, you MUST seek immediate medical attention.  This means go and visit your GP.  If you don’t have a regular GP book an appointment online here at www.chcmedical.com.au
2. If you are in contact with someone who is showing signs of severe fever, vomiting and diarrhea, refer them to a doctor and ensure that no physical contact is made.
3. If you are considering travelling anywhere overseas, please check out www.smarttraveller.gov for up to date information about the spread of this disease abroad.

I hope that you have found this article helpful and informative, please note that this is not a tool for diagnosis and nor an exhaustive source of information on this rapidly changing disease.  For more information please visit the World Health Organisation (WHO) (http://www.who.int/mediacentre/factsheets/fs103/en/)

Samuel Ledger - BPharm MPS AACPA (Clincial Pharmacist)

CHC Pharmacy – “Where you always speak to a pharmacist”

Pimples are very common, especially in teenage years, but what is the best way to treat or get rid of pimples?

Remember that time you bought the latest pimple treatment, only to find that your skin got worse instead of better?

Or those weeks spent cleaning your face 5 to 6 times a day, only to find out later that you were actually washing too much?!

Here is some easy-to-follow advice that will set you on the path to smoother, clearer skin.

1. Pick the right cleanser

With so many different cleansers out there, it is very important to ensure that you get the right one. Some cleansers are very helpful in getting rid of pimples, while others can actually make your skin worse!

When oil is trapped in a blocked skin pore bacteria will start to break it down, causing the redness and irritation we know as pimples. The best cleansers will help to unblock your pores and kill the bacteria within, while ensuring your skin stays hydrated. Some soaps and cleansers will dry out your skin, causing your body to over-compensate by producing more oil. This can lead to more pimples appearing, which is why it is important to choose the right cleanser. Two examples of antibacterial cleansers that will hydrate the skin as well as get rid of pimples are pHisohex^® and Benzac AC^®.

2. Regularly moisturise

A common misconception is that drying your skin out will help to get rid of pimples more quickly. As mentioned above, this can actually cause more pimples to break out. While overwashing can sometimes lead to skin dryness, moisturising regularly can ensure that your body does not overproduce oil and cause more skin pores to block.

The most important property to look for when choosing a moisturiser to help to get rid of your pimples is that it is non-comodogenic. What this means is that the cream will not block your pores, while still ensuring that your skin is hydrated. Most moisturisers that are non-comodogenic will say so on their labels. QV and Cetaphil are two brands that have a good range of non-comodogenic skin products.

3. Avoid sun damage

Sunburn is one of the worst things you can do to skin that is prone to pimples. It will cause skin dryness, as well is increasing susceptibility to infection.

Zinc creams are best avoided if you have pimples, as they can cause your pores to block and more pimples to crop up. There are many sun creams, however, that are water-based and non-comodogenic. These creams will protect your skin from the sun, will keep it hydrated and will not block your pores or contribute to acne. Ask your pharmacist which sun cream is best for you.

4. Medications may help

If you are already following these tips and are not having success in getting rid of your pimples, then there are a range of prescription creams and tablets that can help. Speak to you local doctor or pharmacist to find out which medication might help you.

Skin does not change overnight. However, by regularly following this advice you can look forward to getting rid of your pimples and having smooth, clear skin for good!

For more advice on how to manage acne, speak to your local doctor or pharmacist.

Max Timmins

CHC Pharmacist

It’s not just about you, its about the community – you could be a carrier!

With flu season almost upon us, many people will be asking themselves “do I need the flu vaccination?” or “who in my family needs Fluvax^®?”

Here are some facts and tips to help you and your family to get through flu season unscathed!

Influenza is not the same as the "common cold"

A cold is much more mild than ‘the flu’. A cold may keep you down for a few days with symptoms such as sore throat, cough, runny nose, headache and fever.

By comparison, influenza can cause people to be bedridden for days to weeks with symptoms including fever and chills, headache, severe muscle aches, fatigue that can last weeks and sometimes vomiting and diarrhoea as well. Influenza can often develop in to pneumonia, a severe chest infection that is one of the leading causes of death in the elderly population.

Unfortunately the flu vaccine does not protect you from the common cold, as the common cold is usually caused by a different type of virus. The flu vaccine is specific to influenza.

For a lot of Australians the flu vaccine is free!

The Australian Government’s National Immunisation Program aims to give flu vaccine access to all at-risk Australians. For these people the flu vaccine is essential. The groups that are covered are:

• Anyone aged 65 years and over
• Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people from 15 years of age
• Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children aged from six months to less than five years
• Pregnant women
• Anyone aged 6 months and over with one or more of the following medical conditions:
  • heart disease
  • severe asthma
  • chronic lung condition
  • chronic illness requiring medical follow-up or hospitalisation in the past year
  • diseases of the nervous system
  • impaired immunity
  • diabetes

This does not by any means indicate that these are the only groups that should be vaccinated. It is very important for individuals who come in to contact with these at-risk Australians to vaccinate as well to prevent transmission.

Only a small of people experience flu-like side effects from the flu vaccine, and they are usually very mild 

The vaccine can cause symptoms such as headache, muscle aches and mild fever in 5-20% of patients, however in all child and adult studies there were no vaccine related deaths or serious adverse events reported.

Contrary to popular belief, the flu vaccine does not contain any live influenza strains

The influenza vaccine is an inactivated influenza vaccine that contains antigens for the influenza strains that are most prevalent in the world today. There is no possible way to catch influenza from the flu vaccine itself.

When your immune system’s cells recognise an antigen they ‘tag’ it for destruction, allowing your body to fight off infection. This means that if the body is later exposed to an infection that it recognises the element of surprise is lost, and the body’s immune system can activate it’s defences quickly and effectively, negating the infection.

By getting the flu vaccine, you are helping your community!

As mentioned, the people who really suffer when they contract influenza are the people who benefit the most from the wider community vaccinating as well. A healthy, middle-aged adult might miss a week of work if they contract ‘the flu’. They may experience some nasty symptoms as well. But they are likely to recover completely in a number of weeks.

But if that person has passed on the virus to someone at risk then real problems can occur. Did they visit their elderly mother for lunch a few days ago? Did they just get back from meeting their beautiful newborn niece or nephew before the symptoms hit? What about their friend that cannot receive the vaccine due to illness or allergy?

By vaccinating you are protecting yourself, as well as the people close to you. The vaccine is safe, inexpensive and effective, and I would recommend that everyone that is able to gets themselves vaccinated every year.

If you would like more information on the flu vaccine, or have any questions or comments, please contact us on (02) 6652 2336, on our live pharmacist chat, or drop in to CHC Pharmacy and say hello!

Cold and flu season is just around the corner, but that doesn’t mean your family has to get sick this winter. Outsmart germs by following a few simple tips.

Tip 1: Make sure everyone washes their hands.

Tip 2: Boost your child’s immunity naturally.

Your child’s overall health can help their immune system fight germs naturally. Offer your kids a variety of healthy foods, including plenty of fruits and vegetables such as carrots, green beans, oranges and strawberries which contain immunity-boosting phytonutrients like vitamin C. Make sure your children drink plenty of water. Should a cold start to take hold, then a bowl of warm chicken soup is a good source of fluids and may help relieve a sore throat and thin nasal secretions. Studies show that sleep deprivation can make our little ones (and adults too) more susceptible to illness, so ensure they are getting plenty of sleep. As the daylight hours shorten, try to get your child to bed a little earlier.

Tip 3: Get a jab.

An annual influenza (flu) vaccination is recommended for anyone aged over 6 months who wishes to reduce their chances of becoming ill with the flu. Influenza is a severe viral infection, and prevention is our biggest weapon. The flu vaccination decreases the risk of catching the flu, decreases the severity of the flu and also decreases the risk of transmission to other family members, particularly the young, ill and elderly in your community. Public health experts advise that the best time to be vaccinated against the flu is before the winter season arrives. The flu vaccination is updated each year to guard against the three or four most harmful strains present that year and so it is important for everyone to get vaccinated against the flu every year. Visit http://www.immunise.health.gov.au/ for more information.

Samuel Ledger, Pharmacist, CHC Pharmacy, Coffs Harbour

...and why you need them!

1. Vitamin D

One of the major functions of vitamin D, and the function most people are familiar with, is to stimulate calcium absorption. This is very important in bone development and remodeling. Vitamin D’s other primary function is to enhance your immune response by promoting activity of macrophages (white blood cells that fight infection)

Deficiency of vitamin D is becoming more common in Australia and can significantly increase the risk of fractures, autoimmune disease, some cancers and high blood pressure just to name a few!

Most vitamin D is produced by your body via sun exposure. Unfortunately sun exposure carries its own set of risks. Taking vitamin D capsules is a great way to ensure your bones stay healthy and your immunity is strong without risking overexposure to harmful UV rays.

2. Zinc

Zinc plays an important role in all human living cells as it is a cellular ‘building block’ and is required for the building of all new tissues. It especially important in immune function and the production of cells that fight infection. Zinc also helps with nerve function and the processes involved in reproduction.

Deficiency of zinc can cause impaired wound healing, slowed growth and development, chronic diarrhoea, hair loss, low birth weight and many more health problems

There are no bodily stores of zinc so daily intake is necessary to ensure optimal levels are reached. Foods that are high in zinc include beef, pork, seafood, legumes, nuts, spinach and mushrooms. Supplementation is not always necessary, but is certainly very safe if your dietary zinc intake is low.

3. Vitamin B₁₂

Viamin B₁₂ affects cell growth and replication, is involved in the production of red blood cells (which deliver oxygen to your tissues) and contributes to the development of the protective sheath around nerves.

A person suffering from vitamin B₁₂ deficiency may suffer from psychological disturbances such as depression and dementia, vascular disease and neurological problems such as damage to nerves, loss of the myelin sheath and tingling, prickling or burning skin.

B₁₂ supplementation is especially important in the elderly, as they do not absorb the nutrient as well, and vegetarians, as plants do not contain vitamin B­₁₂. If you fall in to one of these categories or are experiencing the symptoms mentioned above then vitamin B₁₂ may be right for you!

4. Iron

As mentioned above, the primary function of red blood cells is to deliver oxygen to your tissues. Iron is the mineral that facilitates this oxygen transport and so is very important.

Deficiency affects a lot of bodily systems, as all tissues require oxygen for normal function. Symptoms of iron deficiency include fatigue, increased susceptibility of infection, brittle hair, pale-coloured nail beds, muscle weakness and memory loss.

Most dietary iron sources are from animals and so vegetarians should be careful to ensure their iron intake is optimal. Some vegetarian sources of iron include green, leafy vegetables (like spinach) and tofu. Supplementation is a great way to ensure that your iron levels do not dip

5. Folic acid

Folic acid is essential in synthesising and repairing DNA, as well as red blood cell production. Your body also depends on folic acid to utilise the B₁₂ you absorb.

Deficiency can lead to weight loss, headache, nausea, nerve damage and diarrhoea

Good dietary sources of folic acid are mushrooms, legumes, green leafy vegetables, citrus fruits and organ meats. These sources are generally enough for people with a health diet, however in pregnancy and preconception it is important for women to supplement their diet with folic acid to decrease the risk of serious birth defects of the spinal cord such as spina bifida

These are just 5 of a myriad of vitamins and minerals that help you to be at your best every day. If you think any of these, or any others, may help you then speak to your healthcare professional today! With good diet, exercise, and a helping hand every now and again it is easy to live a long, happy and healthy life!

Max Timmins

Pharmacist

CHC Pharmacy - "where you always speak to a pharmacist"

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