Castletown Chemist

Jul 01

Unmasking the cause of cough

It’s been reported that visitors arriving in Indonesia with flu-like symptoms will be requested, perhaps even required, by the Government there to wear face masks for three days – a measure aimed to reduce the risk of human to human transmission of swine flu.

Swine flu also remains a problem in Australia, and precautions to help prevent the spread of infection are highly important. Nevertheless, the use of masks is just one aspect or risk reduction. Personal attention to hygiene is vital. Regular handwashing and the use of disposable tissues to capture coughed or sneezed viruses are essential.

However, the flu – whether it’s the swine or seasonal variety – is not the only infectious disease we should be concerned about – nor the only cause of cough.

For instance, already 14,000 cases of whooping cough have been notified in Australia this year. Whooping cough numbers have fluctuated over the last 15 years; but even in the epidemics which have occurred every three or four years, the total number of cases has been around 10,000.

This year NSW has been particularly badly hit, reaching the 8,000 mark by mid-year, compared with a total last year of 7,000.

Whooping cough (which is known medically as pertussis) is a serious, contagious bacterial infection. Early symptoms are similar to those of a cold. Then the typical cough or “whoop” develops which gives the condition its common name. This sound is due to a deep breath at the end of a bout of coughing. Vomiting after coughing is also common.

In young babies symptoms can be severe and even life threatening. According to the Victorian Government’s Better Health website, one in every 200 babies who contract whooping cough will die.

Early diagnosis and access to antibiotics is necessary for effective treatment and to minimise the spread among family and close contacts. Strict adherence to Australia’s immunisation schedule will prevent whooping cough. The vaccine is given, along with vaccination against other common infectious diseases, at two, four and six months of age; and then again at four years of age.

To be fully protected adolescents should receive a booster dose of pertussis vaccine (together with diphtheria and tetanus) between the ages of 15 and 17 years – or about year 10 in high school.

But, vaccination against whooping cough does not confer lifetime immunity, and large numbers of cases continue to occur in older people. Unvaccinated adult carriers of the whooping cough organism can put the lives of children at risk, so a booster dose of pertussis vaccine is recommended for healthcare workers or those caring for young children.

With sometimes sensationalised or misguided stories about immunisation side effects, parents and carers can become understandably concerned and confused. In fact, immunisation strengthens the body’s immune system. It’s a simple, safe and effective way of protecting children (and adults) against disease. Your GP can give you more information.

You can also get more advice and information about whooping cough from pharmacies around Australia, providing the Pharmaceutical Society’s Self Care health information. Phone 1300 369 772 or check out the website at www.psa.org.au to find the nearest location. Ask for the Childhood Immunisation Fact Card. you can also get details about immunisation generally from the Commonwealth Government’s website

Tagged with: immunisation • infection

Jun 24

Preparation prevents sports injury problems

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We’re pretty spoilt for sport in Australia. Whether you participate or spectate, there’s almost an endless number of choices.

During the winter, football dominates the media. The primary local codes of AFL and rugby league take most newspaper column inches. But with the third game with the oval ball presenting a more international image by hosting rugby union tests against Italy and France; and now that Australia has qualified for the Football (soccer) World Cup next year in South Africa, the media sport space may be shared more evenly.

Meanwhile, people who like their sport on late night TV can have their needs satisfied by Wimbledon and “the Ashes” test matches. Whether it’s a team sport or an event for individuals, winning, even being able to compete, depends on keeping fit.

Not surprisingly, where there’s serious risk of contact in sport, there’s serious risk of injury; so the teams which finish at or near the top are likely to be the teams which treat their injuries most effectively – or better still, prevent them occurring in the first place.

It’s the so-called soft tissue injuries which occur most often; and while it’s the high profile players who hit the headlines when they’re suddenly out of action, in fact it’s the amateur sportsmen and women amongst us who suffer the most. We just don’t prepare well enough – for most of us injury prevention is not a sufficiently high enough priority.

Sports injuries don’t have to happen. Most injuries suffered by amateur athletes are preventable. Some injuries, such as tennis elbow, are caused by faulty movement, but most sports injuries occur because the muscles are not conditioned.

Roger Federer won five consecutive Wimbledon titles, chiefly because of his amazing talent. But his fantastic fitness and freedom from even niggling little injuries undoubtedly helped him stay number one for so long. Sadly Rafael Nadal’s nagging knee problems have prevented him from defending his Wimbledon title this year.

To help us better understand the prevention strategies and to choose the most appropriate treatment, if an injury does occur, pharmacists around Australia have fact cards available on sports medicine topics such as Exercises for Flexibility and Sprains and Strains. They are part of the Pharmacy Self Care health information program developed by the Pharmaceutical Society of Australia.

A strain occurs when muscle fibres are torn or stretched and twisted beyond the normal limits. Sometimes just a small number of fibres are damaged; pain occurs but no loss of strength. But sometimes a complete tear of the muscle occurs, requiring more intensive therapy. Muscles often affected are the hamstring (back of the thigh), quadriceps (front of the thigh), the calf muscle and the groin.

Joints are held together and stabilised by ligaments. A torn ligament is called a sprain. Common sites for sprains are the ankle, wrist and thumb. The most severe of torn ligament injuries may require surgical re-attachment.

First-aid for a strain or sprain involves using the RICE protocol. That is, Rest from activity for 28-48 hours; application of an Ice pack (wrapped in wet toweling to prevent direct contact with the skin); the application of a Compression bandage or elastic stocking; and wherever possible, Elevation of the injured area.

More details about the RICE protocol are given on the Sprains and Strains Fact Card. During the period of RICE treatment it is also important to avoid certain things, namely: heat, which increases bleeding, alcohol, which increases swelling; massage, which can increase both bleeding and swelling; and exercise, which may worsen the injury.

Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medicines such as diclofenac, ibuprofen and naproxen products – all now available without prescription – can help reduce the pain and swelling. But these medicines are not suitable for everyone. Check with your doctor or pharmacist before using them. (Paracetamol taken in the correct dose may sometimes be the best pain relieving option.)

Similarly, anti-inflammatory creams and gels may be helpful. However, heat rubs and liniments should be avoided during the first 48 hours or while the injured area is still painful, swollen or warm.

Remember, you don’t have to be in the Tour de France to fall off your bike. Similarly, if you’re a weekend golfer or netball player, you’re still at risk. However, prevention strategies will reduce the risk appreciably. Warm up before and cool down after exercise. Use the correct footwear and the recommended protective equipment, maintain adequate nutrition and hydration, and check out more simple self-help tips on the Pharmacy Self Care fact cards.

To locate the nearest pharmacy providing the Self Care health information, phone the Pharmaceutical Society on 1300 369 772, or go to the website www.psa.org.au

Tagged with: injury • sport

Jun 18

What’s wrong with men’s health?

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The most recent statistics available indicate that children born in Australia in 2007 could expect to live 81 years. For longevity we rate number four in the world, just behind Japan, Iceland and Switzerland, and well ahead of Swaziland which comes last on the list at 179 with a life expectancy of under 40 years.

It’s a slightly better report card for Australia than we had 10 years ago when it was suggested a child born in 1997 might average 78 years on earth.

However, there seems to be some gender inequity in all this living business. Australian men haven’t quite broken the 80 year barrier, while girls born today are likely to be around for another 84 years.

It probably comes as no surprise to learn that men generally indulge in more risky behaviour than do women; and this behaviour pattern has been the case for many centuries.

Perhaps this is one reason why men don’t last quite as long as women. Compared with women, men are much more likely to die in accidents – traffic or work related accidents – and be the victims of homicide or suicide. But the fact that some men occasionally behave quite badly is not the only reason that in Australia women live longer than men. This five year gap is quite common in other parts of the world as well; but the reason differs from country to country.

According to the International Classification of Diseases Code, diseases are categorised into three groups. Firstly, there are infectious or communicable diseases such as HIV/AIDS, TB, malaria, hepatitis, pneumonia and even swine flu. Secondly, there are non-communicable diseases like asthma, diabetes and heart disease. And lastly, there are injuries and accidents.

Around 30 or 40 years ago we expected that by the turn of the century, we’d pretty much have infections under control; but with new infectious diseases appearing, the problems associated with these diseases are becoming more prevalent and injury rates are increasing.

So, when young Australian men survive their aggressive adolescence, they are still more likely to indulge in dangerous lifestyle pursuits – smoking, eating and drinking to excess and exercising too little. Currently, we can also blame the world economy – at least to some extent. Self esteem, or lack of it, has an effect on men’s health; a critical issue in these times of employment and financial uncertainty. When men feel they have no control over their lives they are sometimes burdened with feelings of guilt and shame.

One out of every six Australian men suffers from depression at any give time. And male depression is associated with an increased risk of major health disorders.

International Men’s Health Week (IMHW) is celebrated in June each year, with the aim to increase community awareness of men’s health issues. Too often, it seems, the topic of men’s health is confined to discussion of conditions such as erectile dysfunction, prostate problems or male pattern baldness, while overlooking diseases such as heart disease, diabetes and bowel cancer. There are some alarming statistics on the IMHW website (www.menshealthweekaustralia.org). More than 40% of Australian men over 40 suffer a serious health problem. Men under 75 years of age are almost three times more likely to die from heart disease, stroke or blood vessel disease than women in the same age group; and alcohol misuse results in about 3,000 deaths and 65,000 hospitalisations every year.

It’s fair to say that women appear to have biological advantage over men; women seem to have a stronger immune system; and the hormone oestrogen protects against heart disease and stroke – at least until after the menopause.

However, men are less inclined to visit the doctor, whether that be when they are ill, or just to have a regular check-up. They’re very much aware of the need for motor vehicle or other machinery maintenance, but ignore the need to protect their bodies from abuse, misuse or age-related deterioration.

As a first step in closing the five year gap, all men, and women who care about them, could check out the series of men’s health fact cards. They’re available from all pharmacies around Australia providing the Self Care health information. Call the Pharmaceutical Society (PSA) on 1 300 369 772 or log on to the PSA website at www.psa.org.au for the nearest location.

Tagged with: men's health

Jun 10

Common sense care for coughs and colds

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In Geneva each year, the World Health Organisation (WHO) hosts a meeting of health ministers, health bureaucrats and delegates from non-governmental agencies.

The aim of this so-called World Health Assembly is to discuss and develop strategies to more effectively prevent and better manage disease and ill health.

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This year, not surprisingly, the Mexican or swine flu was high on the agenda.

Despite its steady spread in recent weeks, most of us in Australia will be able to avoid the swine flu; and with reasonable precautions we should also be able to avoid the regular seasonal flu. Nevertheless, influenza is potentially a serious problem for people in high risk groups. Every year in Australia nearly 3000 people die from influenza complications – worldwide the death toll is much greater still. The emergence of the swine flu has served as a reminder of just how easily a flu pandemic can arise, and just how vigilant our public health system, and we as individuals need to be to minimise the risk.

At the World Health Assembly the WHO Health and Medical Services were issuing a leaflet titled “cough etiquette for people with flu like symptoms”. The advice it offers is to: (1) cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when coughing or sneezing (2) dispose of used tissues immediately in a bin, and (3) clean your hands after coughing or sneezing, either by washing your hands with soap and water, or by hand rubbing with an alcohol based product. (Tissues and an alcohol based antibacterial gel were being supplied to all delegates to the Assembly.)

The WHO “cough etiquette” advice is useful for all of us; because although we might miss the flu, we will almost certainly get a cold this winter. And while it’s generally known that the cold and flu viruses are spread by inhaling the droplets coughed or sneezed out by an infected person, those viruses are also spread by hand contact – or often by using shared contaminated objects (utensils, towels, toys, telephones and so on).

Of course, the symptoms of colds and flu are similar; a really bad cold can be mistaken for the flu; even though the consequences can be quite different.

Colds usually begin gradually, usually with an irritated throat which has a kind of “scratchy” feel about it. Sneezing and a runny nose follows. A mild fever sometimes develops and you may get a slight cough as well. The secretions from the nose, at first watery, become thicker and possibly a yellow/green colour.

As a general rule, flu symptoms come on more suddenly with a high temperature; often a headache and body aches and pains. You generally feel weak and fatigued. Initially the cough is dry, but becomes severe and productive.

A cough may be classified as “productive” where you have plenty of mucus or phlegm irritating the airways and just itching to be coughed up, or “dry” – when it is simply nagging and annoying to both the person with the cough and all those close enough to be within earshot.

Coughs may also be described as “acute” or “chronic”. Acute coughs are generally caused by a viral or bacterial infection – perhaps a cold, the flu or pneumonia. They may also be caused by a foreign body or environmental pollutants such as smoke or fumes. Chronic coughs, those lasting many weeks or months, are usually caused by cigarette smoking (both active and passive smoking). The most likely causes of chronic cough in non-smokers are post-nasal drip, asthma and gastro-oesophageal reflux disease. Some prescription medicines, especially those used to treat high blood pressure, may also cause a chronic cough. So a cough mixture may not be the solution to a chronic cough problem.

However long the duration of your cough, whether you’ve got a hacking cough or just a tickle and especially if you’re taking other medicines, check with your pharmacist before you self select a treatment. And ask for one of the fact cards titled Coughs or Colds and Flu. They’re available from pharmacies around Australia providing the Pharmaceutical Society’s (PSA) Self Care health information. Phone 1300 369 772 for the nearest location or log on to the PSA website at www.psa.org.au

Jun 03

An apple a day…

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Keeping the doctor away is not always the best thing to do; nevertheless, the health benefits of fresh fruit and vegetables are now well known.

Apples are a good source of fibre and vitamins – especially vitamin C, but some other vitamins and minerals as well. In the fibre department, apples contain both soluble fibre – such as pectin which helps prevent the build-up of cholesterol in the lining of the blood vessels – and insoluble fibre, which provides bulk in the intestinal tract. This bulk enables a quick passage of food through the digestive system – just what the doctor ordered.

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Probably the best known Australian apple is the “Granny Smith”. In 1838, Thomas and Maria (Granny) Smith migrated from Sussex, England to Ryde in NSW. It was some 30 years later that the famous green skinned apple was developed – apparently from the remains of some French crab-apples grown in Tasmania.

However, it’s the red apple which has greater significance this month. The red apple is the symbol of the Bowel Cancer and Digestive Research Institute; and Red Apple Day on June 10 aims to increase awareness of bowel cancer and other gastro-intestinal problems.

Other than skin cancer, bowel cancer is the commonest of all cancers affecting both men and women. There are 10,000 new cases of bowel cancer diagnosed every year; and there are twice as many deaths from bowel cancer in Australia as from motor vehicle accidents. One Australian dies from bowel cancer – also known as colorectal cancer (CRC) – every two hours.

Perhaps because these statistics are so frightening, there’s a reluctance for us to seek medical attention or even acknowledge the possibility of CRC. Nevertheless, bowel cancer is both treatable and curable.

In the early stages, bowel cancer often has no symptoms; but blood in the bowel motions, persistent changes in bowel habits (diarrhoea or constipation) frequent “wind” pains and loss of weight for no known reason, should all be investigated by your doctor. If a close relative has had bowel cancer, your own risk increases significantly, and a regular check-up is necessary.

If you turn 50, 55 or 65 before the end of 2010, you’re eligible to receive a free bowel cancer screening test as part of the Australian Government’s National Bowel Cancer Screening program. The test should arrive in the mail around the time of your birthday. Otherwise you can purchase a Rotary Bowelscan from participating pharmacies or log on to the website (www.bowelcanceraustralia.org). These simple to use tests identify so-called faecal occult blood – blood in the stool which may be an early sign of bowel cancer.

Bowel cancers usually begin as small growths called polyps. Most polyps cause no problems. However, over time, some polyps may become cancerous and their growth is then uncontrolled. It’s important therefore, to remove polyps as soon as they are detected. This procedure is carried out by means of a colonoscope – a long flexible tube which allows the operator (a specialist gastroenterologist) to visually assess the health of the rectum and the colon, and cut out any suspicious bowel tissue for further examination.

Apart from the existence of polyps, bowel cancer appears to be more common in people whose diet is high in fat, and low in fibre, fruit and vegetables. Smoking and alcohol consumption may also add to the risk. So just crunching an apple a day won’t mean we have no need for a regular check-up; but along with other fruit and vegetables the apple may reduce our bowel cancer risk. We also need to limit our alcohol intake to no more than two drinks a day and we should definitely not smoke. It seems regular physical activity also reduces the risk.

Pharmacies providing the Pharmaceutical Society’s Self Care material can give you more information about bowel cancer. For the location of your nearest Self Care Pharmacy check out the PSA website at www.psa.org.au or phone 1300 369 772 and ask the pharmacy for the fact cards titled Fibre and Bowel Health and Fat and Cholesterol. They contain some great hints on how to keep your bowel and also the rest of your body healthy and functioning well.

Tagged with: cancer • gastro • tests

May 28

Controlling the wheeze and sneeze disease

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The first Tuesday of May each year has been designated as World Asthma Day; simply to increase awareness of the prevention and treatment strategies of this all-too-common chronic condition.

This year, just about every health related issue has been overshadowed by the threat of swine flu. Certainly the risk of contracting flu this winter, in fact any winter, is very real. And this is despite the attempts of our public health authorities to prevent the entry to Australia of the offending virus – the so-called H1N1 virus first identified in Mexico and then subsequently in other countries of the Americas.

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In Australia, as elsewhere, seasonal flu generally affects older people to a greater degree. With the swine flu, younger people seem to be more likely to be affected, because they have had less time to develop a residual immunity. It is probable that, at best, several hundred Australians will be affected; and some thousands more will get the anticipated seasonal flu.

Nevertheless it should be remembered that more than 2 million Australians have asthma. For better or worse, they live with asthma every day.

Asthma is a potentially very serious condition likely to cause at least discomfort, quite possibly severe disability and perhaps even death. In Australia, the number of deaths recorded each year resulting from asthma has declined from nearly 1,000 some 20 years ago to around 300 today. However, asthma has a significant adverse impact on quality of life.

Most people who live with asthma think they are in control of their condition, but the reality is very different.

Managed appropriately, asthma should not be a major concern; but for most people with asthma, proper management is considered too onerous – or just not considered at all.

A variety of factors can trigger the inflammation which causes the symptoms of asthma – wheezing, shortness of breath, chest tightness and coughing, particularly at night or in the early morning. These trigger factors include allergies, viral infections and inhaled pollutants such as tobacco smoke, dust and dust mites. Cold air exposure and exercise can trigger asthma, as can reflux disease and certain medicines in people with super-sensitive airways.

Most people with asthma also have allergic rhinitis – that is: hay fever. And many people who have hay fever are also likely to develop asthma. That’s why it’s now commonly called the wheeze and sneeze disease. Effective control requires treatment of both the lungs and the nose.

The theme for World Asthma Day 2009 is “you can control your asthma”.

Identification and avoidance of trigger factors goes a long way towards asthma control. But most people with asthma will need medicines as well.

The Pharmaceutical Society in Australia (PSA) has recently revised its Asthma and Asthma Medicines fact cards. The cards provide the latest information on how asthma can be well controlled so that people with asthma can live a normal and active life, free of symptoms.

These cards are available from all pharmacies in Australia that provide the PSA Self Care health information. Phone 1300 369 772 for the nearest location or go to www.psa.org.au and use the Pharmacy Self Care pharmacy locator.

With good asthma management strategies we should all breathe a little more easily and be better placed to avoid the flu, as well.

Tagged with: asthma • respiratory

May 21

Understanding epilepsy

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More than a century after his death the famous artist Vincent van Gogh is back in the news – not for his art but because of a new theory as to how he lost his ear.

There had been general agreement that van Gogh’s head wound was self-inflicted, subsequent to an argument with fellow artist Paul Gauguin. Now two German art historians claim there is evidence to support the theory that Gauguin himself dislodged van Gogh’s ear. Apparently Gauguin was as mighty with the sword and he was with the pen and ink.

Apart from the ear injury van Gogh had an interest in medical history. It has been suggested his liking for yellow was as a result of a side effect of a medication he was taking for his heart. He also suffered from epilepsy confirming that this condition no way adversely affects intelligence. In fact, other high achievers were also victims of variable brain waves. Scientists Edison and Einstein, writers Socrates and Dickens and musicians Handel and Tchaikovsky are all known to have had epilepsy.

Epilepsy is a comparatively common condition – about 2% of Australians are affected by epilepsy at some time in their lives. So it is well known, but not well understood. National Epilepsy Awareness Week, which is celebrated during May each year, sets out to address these misunderstandings.

The myths began many centuries ago. The Babylonians first described epilepsy as the “falling down disease” – a fairly reasonable description; but they also believed it affected people who were possessed by demons and ghosts.

During the Middle Ages, it was thought that epilepsy was a contagious disease. The ancient Greek physicians led by Hippocrates were less superstitious although they did believe epilepsy was passed on through families from one generation to the next. Of course, epilepsy is not contagious, nor is it really a disease. We now know that there are genetic causes, but there are many other causes too; and in about half the cases the actual cause is not known.

Actually, there are several types of epilepsy. In the so-called “tonic-clonic” epilepsy, which used to be known as grand mal, the person falls, goes stiff, and shakes all over. They may be unconscious for several minutes. This is probably the typical image of epilepsy. “Absence” seizures (petit mal) are like a blank spell. The person stops what they are doing and just stares for between 5 and 30 seconds. This type of seizure occurs mainly in primary school age children. The child may have problems paying attention in class resulting in learning difficulties.

“Complex partial” seizures are probably the most misunderstood because this form of epilepsy can be mistaken for drunkenness or drug abuse due to similar behaviour patterns. The person having one of these seizures may wander aimlessly, mumble and be glassy-eyed. In the 17th century, German chemist Johann Hartmann recommended as a treatment for epilepsy “a powder to be compounded only in May, June or July from the livers of live green frogs”.

Much more recently there have been significant advances in the treatment of epilepsy with some new medicines becoming available. These medicines, usually taken in conjunction with older preparations, can mean better control with fewer side effects, and not a frog in sight.

And there is new general information about epilepsy as well. The Epilepsy Fact Card is available from pharmacies around Australia providing the Self Care health information. For the location of your nearest Self Care Pharmacy phone 1300 369 772 or log on to the Pharmaceutical Society of Australia website at www.psa.org.au.

Tagged with: epilepsy • neuro

May 13

An easier way to clear the air

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Whilst in Australia each year we are commemorating ANZAC Day, the World Health Organisation (WHO) is raising awareness of a disease that affects about 40% of the world’s population and kills more than one million people annually.

April 25 is World Malaria Day.

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Malaria was once much more widespread, but it was successfully eliminated from many countries with temperate climates during the mid 20th century. With long term warmer weather apparently creeping southwards from the equator and insects becoming frequent flyers by hitching a ride on international airlines, countries like Australia might again become high risk areas.

Malaria is a life threatening parasitic disease transmitted by mosquitoes; specifically the female of the Anopheles family of mosquitoes. Currently it affects mainly people living in the poorer countries. Ninety percent of deaths due to malaria occur in Africa south of the Sahara, mostly among young children. Malaria kills an African child every 30 seconds.

Before the real cause of malaria was discovered in the 1880s, the disease was thought to emanate from the dank smell and dampness of field marshes – hence the name: mal aria or “bad air”.

So, bad air has nothing to do with malaria, but bad air that we personally produce results in many more deaths. It’s the cigarette smoke filled air we inhale that causes so much damage. In fact tobacco smoking is the single greatest cause of preventable disease in the world. Even passive smoking – inhaling someone else’s second hand smoke has been proven to be a problem.

There would hardly be a man, woman or even child in Australia who doesn’t know about the dangers of smoking. So why would anyone still be a smoker?

There are probably many reasons why people begin to smoke – peer pressure is a particularly relevant factor in young women – and the reality is, once you start smoking it’s mighty hard to stop. Nearly two thirds of smokers would like to stop smoking, but fewer than 1 in 20 people who try to quit will actually remain non-smokers after three months.

The problem, therefore, is not just beginning the quit process, but staying the distance as a non-smoker. If you are one of those thousands of Australians who want to stop smoking; if you’re very willing, pretty much ready and just wanting to be enabled to quit for good, then there are some new strategies which might make your job a whole lot easier.

Recent research, published in the British Medical Journal, has shown the benefits of a gradual reduction in smoking before quitting for good. This “cut down then quit” method may suit some smokers who find it hard to stay a non-smoker. The combination of patches an gum together may be what some smokers need to prevent the cravings; and a new mini lozenge is now available with a quicker release of nicotine.

As well, it is now recognised that nicotine replacement therapy can be a useful tool for just about everybody to assist with smoking cessation; that is everybody regardless of age, sex or medical history. We know that using nicotine replacement therapy to quit is always safer than continuing to smoke.

There are many myths and misconceptions about the effects of nicotine and nicotine replacement therapy (NRT). Make sure you get the facts and the right advice on what products will suit you best. Ask for the fact cards on Smoking and Staying a Non-smoker from one of the pharmacies around Australia providing the Pharmaceutical Society’s Self Care health information. Phone 1300 369 772 or check out the website at www.psa.org.au for the nearest location. May 31 each year is designated by WHO as World No Tobacco Day. Maybe it’s a good time to consider quitting for good and clearing your personal air space.

Tagged with: infection • malaria • smoking

May 07

Facing up to fungal infections

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At some time in our lives, almost every one of us will be confronted with a fungal infection. Fortunately, they only rarely occur on the face; but they do appear in most other parts of the body – from head to toe, especially the toe.

Tinea on the toes and elsewhere on the foot – commonly called “athlete’s foot” – is probably the best known of all the fungal infections. It’s caused by a group of fungi called “dermatophytes”. Areas of the body other than the feet can be affected. Fungal nail infections which are notoriously difficult to treat are generally caused by this kind of fungus.

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Tagged with: infection • skin

Apr 30

Rosemary is for remembrance

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Once again this year thousands of people gathered in cities and country towns throughout Australia to commemorate Anzac Day. In fact Anzac Day ceremonies were conducted in many other parts of the world, as well.

Anzac Day acknowledges the courage and commitment of our armed forces at Gallipoli 94 years ago; however, 25 April has also become a day to remember that same bravery and dedication to duty displayed by Australian Defence Forces wherever they have been deployed – and of course includes those currently troublesome areas of the Solomon Islands, East Timor, Iraq and Afghanistan.

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Tagged with: herbs • history

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