Health Focus
Food & mood: a vital link
How does diet impact mental health, and what role can pharmacists play? Sheshtyn Paola investigates “You are what you eat,” the adage goes. As a society we’ve become increasingly aware …
Optimising ovulation
Lifestyle factors can play an important role in maintaining healthy ovulation and boosting natural fertility Women who are actively trying to start a family, planning for the future or even …
Respiratory Tract Infections
Pharmacy is often the first stop for patients with suspected respiratory tract infections; presenting an opportunity to provide antibiotic stewardship and self-care advice Respiratory tract infections (RTIs) are highly prevalent …
Brushing up on oral health
Tooth decay, oral cancer and gum disease are among the many oral health problems that can be prevented by pharmacists In 2018, the Australian Dental Association (ADA) and Australian Health …
Reacting to allergy symptoms
Australia has been touted as the ‘world’s allergy capital’ due to its high rates of allergies and anaphylaxis, and healthcare professionals say the number of cases continues to rise Allergies …
Probiotics: does the hype exceed the evidence?
Despite the growing interest in probiotics, what does the evidence tell us and what advice should pharmacists be giving their customers? It seems that rising awareness of the link between …
Managing children’s pain
Recognising the true extent of a child’s pain is vital, as is selecting the appropriate treatment, and advising on adjunct non-pharmacological treatment strategies In a pharmacy setting, children experiencing mild, …
A new frontier
How pharmacists can play a leading role on the mental health frontline As well as being a Monash University master’s student, Kevin Ou also works in a community pharmacy in …
MHT: Timing is critical
Experts agree menopausal hormone therapy (MHT) is safe and effective for women with no absolute contraindications—but timing is critical Leading menopause experts have welcomed a UK study that suggests the …
Winter skin: keeping it healthy & hydrated
What advice can you offer on maintaining healthy skin or counselling on chronic skin conditions, such as eczema and psoriasis? While you can’t change the weather, you can encourage people …
Endo ignorance
Despite a ministerial apology, and subsequent National Action Plan, women with endometriosis continue to experience delayed diagnosis, ongoing pain and indifference Endometriosis is a debilitating, chronic condition that affects 200 …
Prescribing a good night’s sleep
Numerous studies have shown pharmacists are well placed to support sleep health. However, what is the true depth and feasibility of their role in this area? We are now more …