COPD: managing malnutrition
Weight loss and muscle atrophy in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease are linked with increased morbidity and mortality. Yet malnutrition remains under-diagnosed and undertreated, The World Health Organisation defines …
Keeping an eye on cardio comorbidities
Typically, people with cardiovascular disease have one or more comorbid conditions, which challenges treatment and can greatly impact the burden of disease Recent data suggests that more than four million …
Easing the burden
Pharmacists are the medication experts, but can they also become advocates to help improve poor oral health? Despite advancements in oral health knowledge and treatments, many Australians continue to suffer …
Prescription opioids: a needed discussion
While the tightening of opioid rules might bring pain and panic, for patients and healthcare professionals alike, there’s hope for a positive outcome Over the past decade there has been …
The aged care dilemma
Medicines are intended to prevent and treat disease and illness. Yet, in many cases, particularly those involving older Australians, medicines may be doing more harm than good As masters of …
Contraception during COVID-19
Has there been a rise in the number of requests for emergency contraception during the pandemic? In the wake of the coronavirus pandemic it was suggested that pharmacists would see …
Talking about fertility
While pharmacists can assist with contraception management, they can also play a role in discussing the factors that can impact fertility According to the Department of Health, infertility is an …
Safeguard sleep in a pandemic
Experts warn that COVID-19 is likely to have a detrimental effect on our sleep — in turn posing a major risk to our long-term health and wellbeing By recognising that …
Coughs & colds during a pandemic
Dealing with a cough, sore throat and sneezing can be tiresome at the best of times, so what about during the COVID-19 pandemic? Coughs and colds are common, but they can …
The guts of the problem
Due to the high prevalence of reflux symptoms in the general community and an array of over-the-counter options, many people turn to their local pharmacist first for treatment advice Despite …
Allergic rhinitis: more than a sniffle & a sneeze
With the availability of over-the-counter treatments for allergy symptoms, many people choose to self-treat. Yet, often this results in sub-optimal management Several studies have shown that allergic rhinitis (hay fever) can …
Taking the right path
As new laws regarding the prescribing, dispensing and cultivation of medicinal cannabis come into play, pharmacists have an essential role in ensuring patients receive the right advice Since legislative changes …