Lets Talk – Pholcodine Recall

Following a safety investigation by the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA), 55 products containing Pholcodine are being cancelled from the Australian Register and recalled from pharmacy shelves.

The reason for the recall is that the investigation discovered a link between pholcodine containing medicines leading to an increased risk of anaphylactic reactions (a sudden, and severe life-threatening allergic reaction) when used with certain medicines that are used as muscle relaxants during general anaesthesia.

Pholcodine is used in a wide range of over-the-counter pharmacy medicines to treat a dry cough – particularly in syrups and lozenges. It is also used in combination medicines to treat symptoms of cold and flu.

Consumers are being encouraged to check their medicine cupboards. If you have any cold and flu preparations containing pholcodine, do not use it and, if you wish to dispose of any unused product, you can return it to the pharmacy for safe disposal. If you have taken the medicine, make sure you let your health care professionals know before any scheduled surgeries.

With cold and flu season fast approaching, it is important to know that we have alternatives to pholcodine. Self-care measures can be used to help relieve symptoms such as:

Ensuring adequate hydration
Resting to help aid recovery
Adding moisture into the air
Staying home from work or school to avoid spreading the virus

Coughs often clear up by themselves in 3 to 4 weeks and in the meantime the use of lozenges or other cough medicines can help relieve symptoms. Other measures, such as pain relief or cold and flu tablets may be appropriate. As always, it is best to speak to one of our friendly pharmacists for advice regarding over-the-counter medicines. Annual influenza vaccination is an important measure in preventing the spread of influenza and complications that can arise. Queensland Health recommends the annual influenza vaccine for everyone 6 months and over.

Lets Talk – Hearing Loss

What is hearing loss?

Hearing loss makes it difficult or impossible to hear speech and other sounds. There are different types of hearing loss, and they can range from mild, moderate, severe, or profound. Some types of hearing loss are temporary, and some are permanent.

Around 1 in 6 Australians experience hearing loss.

What causes hearing loss?

Hearing loss can be caused by a problem in any part of your hearing pathway. This can be from your outer and middle ear through to your inner ear and the nerve to your brain.

Some people are born with low hearing. Other people develop hearing loss later because of a health condition. The most common causes are ageing and being exposed to loud noise.

People who work in loud environments are at higher risk. This includes construction workers, musicians, farmers, miners and military personnel. Listening to loud music with headphones or at clubs or gyms also puts you at risk.

Most people find their hearing gets worse as they get older. Hearing loss can also be genetic.

What are the symptoms of hearing loss?

The first signs of hearing loss can be hard to notice because they usually come on gradually. They might include:

having trouble hearing in noisy places
having trouble hearing people on the phone or if they’re not facing you
often asking people to repeat themselves
hearing sounds as muffled, as though people are mumbling
needing to have the TV up louder than other people
often missing your phone or the doorbell ringing
hearing buzzing or ringing in your ears
avoiding situations because you have trouble hearing

Your child might have hearing loss if:

they don’t startle at a loud noise or turn their head towards a sound
they start speaking later than other children their age
their speech is unclear, compared with other children their age
they want the TV volume up high
they don’t understand and follow instructions as well as other children their age
they need people to repeat themselves
they’re struggling at school

Christmas Giving 2022

The votes have been tallied and the results are in!

We would like to thank all our members who helped us decide how to allocate the funds to these wonderful organisations – Warwick BUSHkids, Warwick Safehaven & Dolly’s Dream.

Warwick Friendly Society is pleased to announce this year’s Christmas Giving Programme, which encourages members to choose how the Society’s yearly Christmas Donation is distributed.

The Warwick Friendly Society was founded in 1908 to support members of the Warwick district.

It is fitting therefore that the charities our staff have nominated for the Society Christmas Giving Programme have a focus on the community as a whole in these trying times.

Warwick BUSHkids, Warwick Safe Haven, and Dolly’s Dream are the three organisations & charities that Warwick Friendly Society will highlight during the shopping period up to Christmas.

BUSHkids is a not-for-profit community organisation that has been supporting Queensland families for over 80 years.

BUSHkids specialises in providing free preventative and early intervention allied health care for children and families.

Our multi-disciplinary team in Warwick comprise of:

Occupational Therapist
Psychologist
Speech Pathologist
Family Health Support Worker

BUSHkids specifically aims to help disadvantaged children who are at risk of poor health, educational or social outcomes, reach their full potential.

We provide expert advice and education for families, and individual and group therapy for children to overcome issues such as communication difficulties, behavioural problems, and anxiety.

In addition to individual therapy sessions, a child coming to the Warwick centre may also be offered to participate in groups targeting some of their skills in a fun and social environment.

Groups offered are:-

Child-focused

Social skills groups
Gross and fine motor skills groups
Sensory processing and self-regulation
Literacy and handwriting groups

Parent-focused

Positive parenting programs
Parent information groups
Emotional-Regulation parent education group
Toileting parent education sessions and workshops

BUSHkids is very excited to announce in early 2023 construction will commence on a nature play area at the Warwick centre.

The area will provide children and families visiting the centre for support with an outdoor setting for therapy, and where they can engage in unstructured play activities involving nature.

The area will include vegetable and herb gardens, mud pits, a dry creek bed, meandering deco pathways, and a yarning circle.

Warwick Safe Haven Inc consists of a volunteer incorporated committee – with a wider
community membership – who at present meet once per month in Warwick. Our service is
to support domestic violence recovery and prevention throughout the whole of the
Southern Downs. We are totally community funded.
To this point in time, our strategies have included:
❖ DV emergency support cards, updated annually and distributed widely through
networks including professional, medical, community businesses/ organizations,
personal service and others.
❖ Formally supporting two service providers in our region financially for practical
needs as specified for Domestic Violence clients and their families on the Southern
Downs.
-DOMESTIC VIOLENCE ACTION CENTRE: For practical safety needs at home and at
times for travel vouchers, assistance with removal costs etc.
-LIGHTHOUSE COMMUNITY CENTRE: For emergency short term motel accomodation
costs, other occasional expenses for urgent requirements by DV clients
❖ Hosting workshops for service providers and community on various aspects of
domestic and family violence education/awareness
❖ Hosting community events ( eg annual Candle Lighting Ceremony, breakfasts) to
raise awareness and encourage personal empowerment.
❖ Keeping an active presence in local interagency networks
❖ Supporting local professional agencies by hosting targeted network meetings
❖ Keeping a profile in local media publications and social media ( Facebook)
❖ N.B. while Warwick Safe Haven Inc was originally convened to establish and manage
locally a short term leased ‘safe house’ for women and children escaping domestic
violence, this service ceased a few years ago

Dolly’s Dream is committed to changing the culture of bullying by addressing the impact of bullying, anxiety, depression and youth suicide through education and direct support to young people and families.

Through our work at Dolly’s Dream we currently:

support schools with our eSmart framework, workshops and kindness activities
speak directly to parents through our newsletters, advice columns and Parent Hub portal
provide online products to families, helping with those really important conversations
assist young people via our workshops, digital products and through our advocacy efforts
commit to supporting the wider community, particularly those in rural and regional areas, by providing a free counselling service.

More information can be found here: https://dollysdream.org.au/what-we-do/

How it will work

With each transaction in-store (no minimum spends and can be from any department), members will receive a token (must be a current member)
Choose which charity you would like to support from the on-counter display
Pop your token in the appropriate box

Donation

$3000 will be distributed between the three charities according to the proportion of tokens in the boxes. These funds will be distributed during January 2023.

Conditions

*For every transaction made in-store, each member will receive one promotional token (limit of 1 token per transaction). Place the token in the entry box on the counter, selecting the individual charity that you wish to support. Warwick Friendly Society will make a charitable donation to each of the three charities at the end of the promotion, based on the proportion of tokens contributed to each charity. The total donation will be AUD$3,000. Christmas Giving Programme Promotion runs from 28/11/22–19/12/22.

Lets Talk: Heartburn & Indigestion

Did you just make the mistake of entering that Burrito eating competition? Well, have no fear, we are about to discuss those agonising symptoms you were feeling during that dreadful night.

Heartburn is a feeling of burning pain or discomfort in the chest, usually after eating. This occurs when stomach acid flows back up into the oesophagus and irritates the lining of the oesophagus.

Indigestion, which can commonly cause heartburn, is an uncomfortable feeling in your stomach and is usually related to eating and drinking. Another cause of heartburn is GORD (Gastro-oesophageal reflux disease), which is repeated reflux of stomach acid, causing inflammation and damage to the lining of the oesophagus. GORD is a serious condition that requires you to seek medical attention.

Helpful tips:

Eat less fatty and spicy food (yes you heard me, no more dares)
Eat smaller meals, slowly
Drink less alcohol and caffeine
Always swallow medicines with a glass of water

Treatment

There are medicines available to both prevent and relieve symptoms of indigestion and heartburn. Our Friendlies pharmacists are perfectly positioned to advise on the best medicine for you, and whether you should see a doctor.

Antacids (eg. Mylanta) help neutralise stomach acid and are used for quick relief of occasional symptoms.

Alginates (eg. Gaviscon) form a coating on top of your stomach contents, which can reduce reflux.

H2 antagonists (eg. Ranitidine) and Proton Pump Inhibitors (eg. Esomeprazole) reduce the amount of acid produced by your stomach, and so help prevent indigestion and heartburn.

Please talk to your doctor or pharmacist if:

You are over 50 years and it’s the first time you have experienced symptoms
Heartburn or pain wakes you up at night
You experience heartburn or indigestion on more than 1 day a week
It is hard or painful to swallow
You have lost weight and not sure why
You vomit and it looks like coffee grounds, or has blood in it

So, happy eating, but do take it easy on that Chilli.

Lets Talk: Vomiting & Diarrhoea

Vomiting and diarrhoea are often caused by a gastrointestinal infection (often called gastroenteritis). Examples are:

Viral infection (e.g. norovirus, rotavirus).
Bacterial infection (e.g. salmonella, campylobacter). This can be caused by infected food or water and is referred to as ‘food poisoning’ which usually starts within 24 hours of eating infected food.
Parasite gut infection (e.g. giardia).

Other causes are pregnancy, alcohol, anxiety, medication and certain food intolerances (e.g. lactose).

It is important to note that dehydration can develop quite rapidly, especially in the very young and elderly, and can even be fatal. The avoidance of dairy products is also recommended whilst your diarrhoea is bad. This is because diarrhoea can cause temporary bowel damage, which may interfere with the digestion of lactose.

So, what is your local Friendlies pharmacist likely to recommend for the treatment of vomiting and diarrhoea?

Rehydration

This is the most important aspect of treatment. Oral rehydration products are available in ready-mixed solutions, ice blocks and tablets/powder for mixing with water.
It’s important to sip/suck small amounts often, and after a bout of vomiting or a runny bowel motion.
Even though not routinely recommended, you may use juice, cordial or soft drinks (e.g. lemonade) to replace fluid if vomiting and diarrhoea are very mild. If that is the case, then make sure they are well-diluted with water and do not use diet, sports or energy drinks.

Non-prescription medication

Upon consultation with your pharmacist, an adult may be given medication to help control diarrhoea (e.g. Loperamide).
Certain probiotics (e.g. Lactobacillus) may help relieve diarrhoea caused by a viral infection.

Extra Pointers:

If your affected baby is breastfed, continue breastfeeding whilst offering oral rehydration solution (or boiled and cooled water) between feeds. If they are bottle fed, give oral rehydrating solution instead of formula at first, then restart formula/milk when vomiting has eased (whilst offering small amounts of oral rehydrating solution often).
Avoid drinks containing a lot of sugar as they can make diarrhoea worse.
Stay at home when ill.

Seek medical attention if:

It’s a baby less than 6 months old.
You are pregnant.
There is blood in your vomit.
You have a fever over 38 degrees Celsius.
You are losing weight.

Lets Talk: Blood Pressure

Do you “Know Your Numbers”? Well, there’s a good chance you don’t. What I’m talking about is high blood pressure (Hypertension). It is estimated that around half of adults with hypertension are not aware of their condition. It is recommended that everyone have their blood pressure checked regularly, preferably yearly. Hypertension affects around 1 in 7 adult Australians, and becomes more common with age because our arteries get more rigid (less elastic).

What defines high blood pressure? It’s when your blood is pumping with more force than normal through your arteries. This speeds up the clogging of your arteries with fatty plaque which contributes to many illnesses, such as heart attack and stroke.

Prevention is certainly preferable to a cure, so here are a few ways you can reduce the risk of hypertension:

Reduce salt intake
Exercise regularly
Eat a well-balanced diet
Limit alcohol intake
Maintain a healthy weight

It is recommended that you should start getting your blood pressure checked by a health professional before purchasing a device for home use.

We at the Friendlies pharmacies have experienced staff who can assist you with any queries you may have regarding Hypertension, medication, and blood pressure machines.

We also offer a free blood pressure check in store, be sure to ask when in store next.

So, know your numbers, it could save your life.

Diabetes Awareness Week 2022

National Diabetes Week runs from 10 – 16 July, 2022

In year three of the ‘Heads Up on Diabetes’ campaign we’ll be focusing on challenging diabetes related stigma.

Research conducted by the Australian Centre for Behavioural Research in Diabetes (ACBRD), found that four out of five people living with diabetes have experienced stigma at some point. People living with type 1 and type 2 diabetes both reported feeling this way.

It can lead to people not sharing their diagnosis with others, getting the help and support they need, being interested to learn more about their diabetes or doing what they need to do each day to manage their diabetes and stay well.

This National Diabetes Week, let’s have a conversation about the real impact diabetes stigma can have on a person’s mental and emotional wellbeing.

There are many reasons someone might feel stigma. It can be because they feel misunderstood, judged, blamed or even made to feel guilty about their diabetes. Mentally this can be a lot to deal with, and can impact how someone manages their diabetes. This can have a flow on effect to their physical and emotional health.

The National Diabetes Week campaign

To help raise awareness of diabetes related stigma we will be working to change the conversation and challenge common beliefs people may hold about diabetes.

Almost 700,000 people living with diabetes experience a mental or emotional health challenge every year, according to the latest data from Diabetes Australia.

Diabetes Australia Group CEO Justine Cain says diabetes mental health challenges are the most prevalent, yet least recognised diabetes complication.

“Concerningly, the latest figures show that about 400,000 people living with diabetes report difficulties accessing mental health care. That’s a lot of people who aren’t getting the help and support they need,” she said.

The new data has prompted Diabetes Australia to launch its new Let’s Rethink Diabetes campaign as part of National Diabetes Week (10 – 16 July).

Ms Cain said there is an urgent need for change to both community attitudes and the way Australia’s health system delivers diabetes mental health support.

“Diabetes mental health challenges are widespread, but they are rarely discussed as part of routine diabetes care. They really are a silent diabetes complication,’ Ms Cain said.

“We want people to know that diabetes mental health challenges are real and encourage people with diabetes and their healthcare professionals to explore options for mental health care.”

Ms Cain called on all Australians to rethink how they think about diabetes.

“More than 1.1 million Australians report being blamed or shamed for living with diabetes and more than 360,000 say this impacts their ability to live well with the condition,” she said.

“Nobody chooses diabetes and nobody should be blamed or shamed for living with it.”

Ms Cain said there was no silver bullet but there were some key areas of action that could significantly improve outcomes for people with diabetes.

Better awareness of diabetes mental health issues like diabetes distress and burnout
Putting mental health support at the centre of diabetes healthcare
Calling out diabetes-related stigma wherever it happens.

Leading GP Dr Gary Deed, who specifically is involved in providing healthcare to people living with diabetes, said he was seeing more people with diabetes experiencing mental and emotional health challenges.

“Living with diabetes can be complex and unrelenting. That daily management, on top of the worry about long-term diabetes-related complications, can become a real burden,” Dr Deed said.

“It’s important that health professionals understand the reality of living with diabetes and I’d encourage people working in the field to undertake relevant training to support all people with diabetes.”

Sebastian Harris, 19, whose younger brother was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes three years before him, says the constant management of his condition can be overwhelming.

“I sometimes feel that no matter what I do, my diabetes can be extremely hard to control.

“Some weeks my blood glucose levels can be unreasonably low or unreasonably high and it doesn’t make any sense, no matter what you do.

“It makes me question whether I am managing it well. I know in the long run it will be fine but, in that moment, it’s hard not to feel defeated.

“You want to switch off and forget about it, but you can’t do that with diabetes. There’s no holiday from it.

“The consequences if you do try to ignore it can be life-threatening. We need to make sure people are aware of the issues, both physical and mental,” he said.

Men’s Health Week 2022

Good health is important for a good life. But there are barriers that get in the way of keeping our body and mind in good nick and sometimes we need help to break them down. It’s important to understand what’s stopping you so you can take proactive steps to overcome it. This Men’s Health Week, we’re looking at five factors that prevent men from seeking information and support when it comes to health and sharing practical tools and resources for bettering your wellbeing.

Understanding the five barriers:

You might be experiencing denial. Denial is a common barrier to us taking care of our health. We might deny there’s an issue because we think whatever is going on is no big deal, our symptoms are just a part of getting older, or it’s simply a case of mind over matter. When we miss the opportunity to act early, minor issues can become much bigger. It’s important to pay attention to what your body is telling you and seek out information and support as soon as you notice something’s not quite right.

This is known as delayed information seeking. It’s when we don’t act in a timely manner to investigate health concerns. We can often wait and see if it will go away on its own and put off seeking health information until an issue is interfering with daily life.

When we delay getting information from a health professional, minor issues can become major. It’s important to take action as soon as you notice something isn’t quite right so you can get back to your best health.

This is called the social construct of masculinity and it can be a barrier to us looking after our health. Often boys and men have been taught to embody traditionally masculine traits of strength, independence and self-reliance and these can influence our behaviour. They’re positive traits in many parts of life but can become a problem when it comes to taking action on health. There’s nothing weak or soft about seeking out health information and support. Health issues happen to everyone and speaking up about them is the strongest thing you can do.

Feeling nervous or embarrassed about starting a conversation can be a barrier to getting the support you need. Whether it’s with your partner or a health professional, it can be tough to speak up about health concerns but it’s important to take the first step to get the help you need. Remember, your doctor is there to help and there’s nothing they haven’t heard or seen before.

Figuring out what health information you can trust can be a barrier to taking action on our health. With so much information out there and different sources sharing conflicting advice, it can be tough to know what to take on board.

When seeking health advice the best thing you can do is put your trust in the experts – reputable, science-backed online providers, your GP or other health professionals.

Lets Talk: Asthma

Asthma affects 2.7 million Australians.

On 3 May 2022, the Global Initiative for Asthma will hold World Asthma Day to raise awareness of asthma worldwide.

In support of this day, Asthma Australia is uncovering some asthma misconceptions:

Asthma is a childhood disease; individuals will grow out of it as they age.
Asthma is infectious.
Asthma sufferers should not exercise.

The Truth is:

Asthma can occur at any age (in children, adolescents, adults and elderly)
Asthma is not infectious. However, viral respiratory infections (such as common cold and the flu) can cause asthma attacks. In children, asthma is frequently associated with allergy, but asthma which starts adulthood is less often allergic.
When asthma is well controlled, asthma sufferers are able to exercise and even perform top sport.

Ways to manage your asthma include:

Avoiding known triggers
Always carrying your reliever medication (e.g., Ventolin)
Using your preventer medication (e.g., Symbicort) regularly, even when feeling well.
Stopping smoking (talk to your pharmacist or doctor about this)
Using a spacer (with suitable inhalers), a device used to get more of the medication to your lungs, whilst reducing the incidence of side effects.

A sign that your asthma is not well controlled is using your reliever medication more than twice a week. Just as important, make sure to see your doctor to develop an Asthma Action Plan, which will help you when your asthma symptoms start to worsen.

Here at the Friendlies Guardian pharmacies, we have professional staff who will be more than happy to sit down with you and improve your understanding of your medication and how to use your asthma devices appropriately and effectively.

Happy Breathing.

Lets Talk: Influenza

Help protect your friends and family with a flu shot.

This year it is more important than ever to get your flu vaccine.

Influenza is the cause of thousands of hospitalisations each year in Australia.

Your flu vaccination may not only keep you well but reduce the chance of you or your family being exposed to the flu. Your flu shot will also help you do your bit to reduce pressure on the health system.

Influenza develops suddenly and can lead to complications such as chest infections and Pneumonia, especially in the most vulnerable members of the community, the elderly and young children.

The most common symptoms of the flu virus are:

Tiredness
High fever
Chills
Headaches
Muscle aches
Runny nose

These symptoms generally resolve within 2 weeks, but make sure to seek your General Practitioners opinion if you have any underlying medical conditions, as the flu can lead to worsening symptoms.

If you are experiencing flu like symptoms/fever and you have travelled overseas in the last 14 days or have been in close contact with someone who has, please call your doctor or 13HEALTH.

Annual vaccination is the most important measure to prevent influenza and its complications and is recommended for all people ≥6 months of age. The vaccine contains no live virus, is safe throughout all stages of pregnancy and can even protect your unborn infant.

The National Immunisation Program funds flu vaccinations for all children 6 months to < 5 years and all adults 65 years and older.

The period of peak influenza circulation is typically June to September in most parts of Australia. Whilst protection with the vaccine is generally expected to last for the whole season, optimal protection occurs within the first 3 to 4 months after vaccination.