Hervey Bay Local Health News

Bowel cancer is one of the most insideous of all the cancers that can strike both men and women. The early signs are almost indetectable to the untrained eye and are seldom even noticed by the person affected by the cancer.

While bowel cancer can strike at any age group people over 50 are in a far higher risk group than younger people so don’t think that it can’t happen to you … because it can.

Up until now collecting specimens for a screening test for bowel cancer has been a messy and unpleasant task but now there’s a new method of collection available that removes most of the mess and unpleasantness. Enterix have now produced the Insure Test Kit, a convenient and easy test that requires no faecal handling and no dietary restrictions in the hours leading up to the test.

Anyone can use the kit and once you have used it all you have to do is post it back to the laboratory for analysis. A report is then posted to you and your nominated doctor and it’s that simple.

The kit costs $16.95 … not a great deal when it could mean the difference between life and death.

We’ve got the Insure Screen Test kit in stock right now at Beachside Pharmacy so call in and pick up your kit today!

We’re excited to announce that the Beachside Pharmacy has been appointed by Diabetes Australia as an NDSS sub-agent in Hervey Bay.

Beachside Pharmacy can now provide a reliable supply of diabetes-related products to people registered under the National Diabetes Services Scheme. We can also take new registrations from people who have been diagnosed with diabetes.

If you’re a diabetic and registered with the NDSS or you’re a diabetic and want to be registered with the NDSS then we have a staff member who is specially trained in NDSS policies and procedures and can help you with your enquiries and needs.

This service is currently only available at our Scarness pharmacy

Maggie’s Secret skin cream has been developed, trialed and tested over a period of seven years, resulting in an effective skin cream with outstanding qualities including …

*  RELIEF           - Fast relief from the pain and irritation of skin damage
*  PROTECTION - Anti-bacterial ingredient to reduce the risk of infection.
*  HEALING        - Safe, natural healing.
*  SKIN CARE    - To keep skin naturally healthy.

Maggie’s Secret Skin Cream was originally developed by Margaret to provide personal relief from severe skin problems suffered over many years.

Tests were carried out over a period of time using various formulas comprising mainly natural ingredients. Finally Margaret achieved the results sought. She had developed a skin cream  which  provided  fast  relief  from  the discomfort of her severely cracked skin with the bonus of having an effective healing capability.

In just a few days the lifelong crippling damage to the skin of Margaret’s feet began to heal and a short time later the skin was completely healed. Similarly, the cream proved to be effective for the removal of dry spots on her face, hands, arms and legs.

Maggie’s Secret Skin Cream worked for her.

Encouraged by these results, Margaret extended trials to cover a range of skin ailments. Samples of the cream were distributed and tested with reports confirming that Maggie’s Secret Skin Cream was indeed effective for the treatment of a wide range of skin problems.

The Ingredients
A unique formula of natural products including anti-bacterial Manuka Honey Active 12+, blended with essential oils and aqueous cream. Preservative phenoxyethanol.

Active UMF Manuka Honey
Active UMF Manuka Honey was first discovered by Dr Peter Molan M.B.E of New Zealand’s Waikato University Honey Research Unit, while doing routine research on the anti-bacterial properties of honeys in general. Dr. Molan has since received an M.B.E. for his outstanding work on honey.

The anti-bacterial component is measured against Phenol in disinfectant. Only Manuka honey with a rating of 10+ or more can carry this UMF trademark. A UMF rating of 10+ or higher is recommended to effectively clear an infection. Manuka Honey UMF 12+ is the level used in Maggie’s Secret Skin Cream.

Active UMF Manuka honey has shown to be effective against a wide range of bacteria and fungi including Staphylococcus aureus the most common cause of I wound infections, and the MRSA ’super bug’.

Active   Manuka   honey has the UMF factor (Unique Manuka Factor) that is not found in any other honey. Manuka honey has unique health properties, which make il special, compared to other honeys and is used in many ways tc support the healing process that the body needs to stay healthy.

Maggie’s Secret Skin Cream is a product of Maggie’s Secret Pry Ltd. ABN 26 107 328 932. For further information please visit our website at www.maggiessecret.com.au.

Yes it’s that time of year again … the time when the flu bug starts to cut a swathe through the community and if you want to avoid the flu this year then it’s time for your flu shot.

Of course there are a lot of myths about the flu shots that may be preventing you from having one. You’ll hear things like:

• You can catch the flu from the vaccination … you can’t!
• A good diet, vitamins and plenty of exercise will prevent you from catching the flu … they won’t!
• The flu vaccine is full of preservatives … it isn’t - it’s preservative free!

A dose of the flu can make you ill for a week or more and you’re contagious before you begin to feel any of the symptoms. Flu vaccination is both safe and effective and the vaccine will enhance your own natural immune system.

It’s recommended that everyone have a flu shot at this time of year … even very small children. So come in and talk to us today and find out just how easy it is to avoid catching the flu this year.

Australian men visit doctors less often than women and tend to wait longer before having health problems treated. As a result, their quality of life is often lower than that of women of the same age. The good news is, with regular health check-ups, most of the common health problems that affect men can be prevented or improved through simple lifestyle changes. Men should ask a pharmacist about ways to improve and maintain health.

Men’s health issues
A number of health issues are more common in men. In some cases it is because men are simply at more risk, but often it is due to how men deal with health issues.

Heart disease - is the most common cause of death in Australia and men are twice as likely to die from it than women. Major risk factors are high blood pressure and high cholesterol.

High blood pressure - is slightly more common in men than women and the risk increases with age. Even a slightly raised blood pressure is a risk factor for heart attacks and stroke.

High cholesterol - men are slightly more likely than women to have high cholesterol. This becomes more common in men after the age of 35.

Prostate problems - there are three main prostate problems:
*    Enlarged prostate (benign prostatic hyperplasia or BPH) - as men get older the prostate gland may get bigger and can upset normal flow of urine.
*    Prostate cancer - this is the most common cancer in Australian men.
*    Inflamed prostate (prostatitis) - the prostate becomes sore and swollen.
Testicular cancer - is more common in younger men, but can occur at any age. It often causes a hard, usually painless lump on a testicle.

Bowel cancer - is the second most common cause of cancer in Australia. Bowel cancer is slightly more common in men than women.

Erectile dysfunction (ED) - is when a man is unable to get or maintain an erection. ED is a common condition, but can be upsetting and embarrassing. Most men are reluctant to discuss it with their doctor. ED is not a normal part of ageing and may be caused by a medical problem, such as diabetes or high blood pressure. Excessive drinking and smoking and some medications can also cause this problem.

Male pattern hair loss - this is a common problem which may cause great distress.

Lifestyle factors
Being overweight - Men are more likely to be overweight than women. Being overweight increases the risk of high blood pressure, high blood cholesterol, heart attack, stroke, diabetes and osteoarthritis.

Eating - men generally eat more fat. A diet high in fat may also play a part in causing prostate cancer.

Physical activity - many men do not exercise regularly. Regular exercise helps keep weight at a healthy level, lowers blood cholesterol and improves the way the body uses glucose. Increasing physical activity may also help reduce the risk of bowel cancer.

Cigarette smoking - smoking is estimated to cause 40% of deaths in men under 65 years. Around a quarter of Australian men still smoke despite the strong link between smoking and many diseases.

Alcohol - men are more likely than women to drink harmful amounts of alcohol. Excessive drinking increases the risk of high blood pressure and high cholesterol, heart disease, stroke and depression. Alcohol can also cause erectile dysfunction.

Self care

Screening
Prostate disease
*    Digital rectal examination (DRE) - a doctor may be able to feel if the prostate is not normal by inserting a gloved finger into the rectum (back passage).
*    Prostate specific antigen (PSA) - a special blood test can help detect a prostate problem. This test has many limitations, so the doctor will advise if this test is suitable. Prostate Cancer screening is only recommended for men who are experiencing symptoms.
Bowel cancer
*    Sigmoidoscopy and colonoscopy - these are the best way to screen people at high risk of bowel cancer
*    Faecal occult blood tests (FOBTs) are a simple way to pick up people who may need further testing with their doctor. From the age of 50 for people without symptoms and without a family history of bowel cancer, FOBTs are recommended.
Testicular cancer
*    Monthly self examination for a hard lump in either testicle is recommended for all men to help detect this problem at an early stage.
High blood pressure
*    Blood pressure monitoring - men over 40 years old should have their blood pressure measured every year, and more often if they have high blood pressure.
Male pattern hair loss
*    There are several ways this condition can be improved - ask a doctor or pharmacist.
High cholesterol
*    Cholesterol testing - a simple blood test can pick up people with high cholesterol levels.
Lifestyle changes
*    Smoking - get ready to quit.
*    Alcohol - limit alcohol to 1-2 drinks a day.
*    Learn to relax and manage stress.
*    Men should talk about their problems with someone they trust - a friend, relative or health professional. 
*    Exercise boosts energy, increases ‘good cholesterol’ levels and makes it easier to burn off stored fat.
*    Be active at least 30 minutes each day.
*    Eat regular, healthy meals and do not skip meals. Resist food high in fat or sugar. Eat more fruit, vegetables and low fat/ high fibre foods.
*    Try not to add salt to food, control weight.

Contact
A doctor (listed under ‘Medical Practitioners’ in the yellow pages of the phone book).

For more information phone Impotence Australia on (02) 9280 0084.

A Self Care pharmacy - to locate telephone 1300 369 772 and ask for the Pharmacy Self Care Field Officer.

In case of poisoning, phone the Poisons Information Centre on 131 126 from anywhere in Australia.

Pharmacists are medicines experts. Ask a pharmacist for advice when choosing a medicine

Dr Red’s Blueberry Punch was in the news again last week. It’s recently been undergoing some tests at the University of Sydney and preliminary results released last week show that it has some positive effects in the treatment of prostate cancer.

It seems that it’s the anti-oxidants in Blueberry Punch that provide the positive effects that have shown up in those university tests.

Blueberry Punch is made from ingredients that include turmeric, citrus and olive and the formula for Blueberry Punch combines those extracts with blueberry, red grape, white grape, elderberry, raspberry and other ingredients that are concentrated into a syrup

Now that may sound like a rather strange taste combination but the end result is a very pleasant tasting drink when diluted at a ratio of 1:6 with water, soda water or other mixer drink of your choice.

Blueberry Punch is available from both Beachside and Kawungan Pharmacies and our staff can provide you with more information about the full range of Dr Red products that can help you maintain your health.

Dandruff is a common scalp condition caused by too much shedding of dead skin cells from the scalp. Dandruff is an embarrassing condition that affects many people. Having dandruff may cause a lack of confidence and low self-esteem.

The good news is there are treatments and steps that can be taken to help prevent and control problem dandruff. Understanding what dandruff is and the factors that cause it are the first steps in self care treatment and prevention - talk to your pharmacist about which treatments are best for you.

What is dandruff
A normal scalp skin sheds old cells in a cycle once every month. These old cells usually go unnoticed as there are very few of them at any one time. In dandruff the shedding of the dead skin cells from the scalp occurs at an excessive rate. The skin cells cycle every week, or even every three to four days.

Dandruff can happen at any age, but is more common from 12 years of age, peaking at 20 years of age. A form of dandruff known as cradle cap can occur in newborn babies and infants. Dandruff tends to be seasonal. It is most severe during winter and mildest during the summer.

Dandruff can cause either an overly dry scalp with small, round white to grey scales (flakes) on top of the head, which itch. Sometimes the flakes may appear yellow in colour and are waxy or greasy. Scales can occur anywhere on the scalp, in the hair, on the eyebrows, in the beard, and can spread to the neck and shoulders.

Dandruff is not dangerous, does not cause balding and is not contagious. Dandruff is a natural process and it can not be eliminated or cured. However dandruff can be effectively managed and controlled with the right treatment and self care.

Causes   
Dandruff and the fungus theory
The exact cause of dandruff is unknown. However, today most skin specialists agree that dandruff is linked with the overgrowth of a tiny fungus present on the scalp called  Pityrosporutn ovale, P. ovale for short.

This fungus lives on our bodies and scalp all the time, usually without causing any problems. Unfortunately, for some people, it can increase in number, leading to dandruff.

Another possible cause may be overactive oil glands on the scalp which cause an increase of the natural skin shedding process. Clogged oil glands on the scalp are also another possible cause. These clogged pores can lead to over-drying and flaking of the skin.
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A drug overdose can occur when more of a drug (or a combination of drugs) is taken than the body can safely handle. While this can happen with some prescription and over-the-counter medicines, the illegal drugs pose the biggest risk as you have no way of knowing their quality or strength. Read the information on this card to learn more about the drugs most commonly involved with overdose, and how overdose can be avoided and managed.

The two main types of drugs involved in over - dose are depressant drugs and stimulant drugs.

Depressant drugs - reduce activity in the nervous system examples include:
*    Heroin
*    Morphine
*    Methadone
*    Sleeping pills
*    Benzodiazepines e.g. Valium, Serepax 
*    Alcohol.

An overdose of a depressant drug slows the nervous system down to a dangerous level. This can stop a person’s breathing.

Stimulant drugs - speed up the nervous system, examples include:
*    Amphetamines
*    Designer drugs (e.g. ecstasy)
*    Caffeine
*    Nicotine.

An overdose of a stimulant drug speeds up the body, sometimes to a dangerous level. This can cause high blood pressure, a rapid heart rate and increased body temperature.

Important
If a drug overdose has been taken or you suspect someone has taken an overdose:
*     Try to stay calm.
*     Dial 000 and tell them you need the ambulance service.
*     Tell the ambulance service where the person is.
*     Tell the ambulance operator the person’s condition -are they breathing? Do they have a pulse? This will determine priority.
*     Tell the operator a drug overdose has occurred.
*     Tell the operator if you know what drugs have been taken and if possible how many.
*     Stay with the person until an ambulance arrives. You may have valuable information for the ambulance officers which could save time. This could be the difference between life and death.

If you are worried someone might have overdosed, but you don’t think they need an ambulance, watch them very closely and check on them every few minutes. Call an ambulance if you have any concerns.

Who is at risk of overdose?
An overdose can happen just as easily to an experienced drug user or an inexperienced user. In most cases of fatal overdose with drugs such as heroin, other drugs are found in the blood stream at the same time. While too much heroin can cause death, a mixture of drugs (a drug ‘cocktail’) is often more dangerous and its effects are unpredictable.

How a drug affects one person may be different to how it affects someone else. It can depend upon:
*    The tolerance of the user i.e. how sensitive their body is to the drug, and how often they’ve been using.
*    The quantity of the drug taken.
*    The mix of drugs i.e. what other drugs they have taken which would still be in their system.
*    The way the drugs are taken e.g. injected, swallowed or inhaled.

Treating heroin/opiate overdose
If a person has overdosed with heroin or other opiates, the drug Narcan can reverse the effects of the drug immediately. Once the Narcan wears off, it is possible to slip back to the original overdose condition, especially if heroin is used again soon after.

Narcan is the brand name for naloxone.
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Vomiting and diarrhoea usually occur as a result of a bacterial or viral infection of the gut. Vomiting may last for 4-6 hours and loose, watery bowel motions (diarrhoea) can go on for three or more days. Stomach
pains or cramps may also occur.

The body can lose a lot of fluid through vomiting and diarrhoea, causing dehydration. Dehydration can cause serious, even life-threatening illness, especially in the very young or very old. Ask a pharmacist about suitable treatments for the family.

Causes
Viral infections of the gut - Viruses are common causes of gastroenteritis (’gastro’). The infection starts with sudden onset and often vomiting occurs before any diarrhoea. Often the first symptoms are those of a cold and perhaps a cough. In most cases the infection is short-lived, lasting 2-3 days, although diarrhoea may last a little longer.

Bacterial infections of the gut - these infections are the cause of food poisoning. Symptoms usually occur 12-48 hours after eating infected food. There is a sudden onset of frequent diarrhoea, stomach pains (often described as a ‘colicky7 pain) and vomiting.

Other infections - In some patients, especially infants and small children, diarrhoea and/ or vomiting can be a sign of serious illness, such as blood poisoning. If a child appears very unwell, or is not taking fluids orally, or there is any cause for concern, see a doctor immediately.

Chronic diarrhoea - Recurring or persistent diarrhoea may be as a result of an irritable bowel or inflammation of the bowel. See a doctor if there are frequent bouts of diarrhoea or if diarrhoea persists longer than 2-3 days. In rare cases in adults, a chronic change in bowel habit can be a sign of cancer of the gut. If this sort of change occurs, see a doctor straight away.
 
Medicines - Some medicines may cause diarrhoea and vomiting. Stopping some medicines may also cause diarrhoea. Those who suspect any medicines may be causing vomiting or diarrhoea should talk to a pharmacist.
Other causes - Excess alcohol and anxiety are other possible causes of diarrhoea.

IMPORTANT  
See a doctor if you have diarrhoea when:  
*    Bowel motions contain blood.  
*    You are losing weight.  
*    It is severe with dehydration.  
*    It persists longer than 2-3 days - - earlier for the elderly and the very young (under two years of age).  
*    You have severe abdominal pain or a high fever (greater than 38°C).  
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Generic brand medicines are copies of the original brand medicines. They contain the same active ingredient and are as safe and effective. You can save money by using a lower-cost brand. Talk to a pharmacist or doctor to see whether there is more than one brand of a medicine available and, if so, which might best suit you.

When companies develop a new medicine, the active ingredient is named (often referred to as the ‘generic drug’ name), and it is also given an original brand name. As an example, amoxycillin is an active ingredient (generic drug) name; Amoxil is one brand name.

The first company to make the new medicine has exclusive rights to market its product (a patent or copyright) for a number of years. Other companies cannot market a copy of the original brand medicine until the patent expires.

Generic brand medicines - contain the same active ingredients, are of the same dosage form (e.g. tablets or liquid) and are the same strength as the original brand medicine. This means that different brands work in the same way in the body, with potentially the same risks and benefits.

The Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) - is responsible for assessing and registering all medicines in Australia. This is important for public health and safety.

Before a prescription medicine can be put on the market in Australia or listed on the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS), an expert team of doctors, scientists and pharmacists make sure that it is:
*    Of good quality
*    Safe
*    Effective, including cost effective
*    Correctly labelled and packaged.

Companies which produce generic medicines must adhere to the same quality standardsand have the same tight manufacturing controls as companies making original brand medicines. In fact, original and generic brand medicines are sometimes made by the same company.

Different brands - of a medicine may contain different inactive ingredients. They may be a different colour, shape, or size, or may taste different. The type of container or packaging may be different, for example, a bottle or blister foil pack. Differences in formulation or outer packaging do not affect how the medicine works.

Medicines also contain other inactive ingredients such as preservatives, flavourings, colourings or fillers, and there is a rare possibility that an allergic reaction could occur to one of these inactive ingredients.

Important
*    Consumer Medicine Information leaflets provide helpful information on the ingredients in a medicine. It is important to read the leaflet carefully when starting a new medicine or using a different brand.
*    If you know you are allergic to a particular inactive ingredient, for example lactose or gluten, check with the pharmacist before using a new medicine.
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