Hervey Bay Local Health News

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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Some medicines can affect your ability to drive, cycle or use machinery. You need to be alert and able to respond quickly to changes in your environment when doing these tasks. Not everyone is affected to the same extent and different people are affected by medicines in different ways.

The danger is you may not notice the effect a medicine has until it is too late. When starting a new medicine, always ask your pharmacist if it is safe to drive, cycle or use machinery and what the warning signs are to look for.

If it is not safe, DO NOT DRIVE.

Reactions to medicines
Some medicines can make you:
*    Drowsy or tired
*    Dizzy, light-headed or faint
*    Not think clearly
*    Shaky, unsteady
*    Angry, aggressive
*    Feel sick
*    Have blurred or double vision.

This can make it unsafe to drive, cycle or use machinery.

Risks
If you drive when affected by medicines you may cause an accident. You risk:
*    Killing, injuring or disabling other people or yourself
*    Damaging property
*    Losing your licence
*    Losing your insurance cover.

The effect of a medicine on your driving may be greater:
*    If you drink alcohol at the same time
*    If you take two (or more) medicines that have similar effects on driving
*    When you start using a new medicine
*    If you take more than the prescribed dose of your medicine
*    As you get older
*    If you are tired.

Important
*    If your medicine affects your driving, stop your driving, not your medicine, and talk to your doctor or pharmacist.
*    Ask your pharmacist or doctor if the medicine you are taking (prescription or non-prescription) may affect your driving. Some medicines may affect your driving only until your body gets used to them. Other medicines may affect your driving all the time you are taking them.
*    Read the labels on ALL medicines you take. Check with your pharmacist when your medicines have the following labels:

This medicine may cause drowsiness and may increase the effects of alcohol.

If affected, do not drive a motor vehicle or use machinery.
OR
This medicine may affect mental alertness and/or coordination.

If affected, do not drive a motor vehicle or operate machinery.

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Chickenpox is a common childhood illness. It is caused by a virus and results in a rash of blisters which are very itchy. Complications, although rare, do occur, and can be serious. Chickenpox is more common in children but can occur in adults.

Cause
Chickenpox is caused by a herpes virus, the Varicella zoster virus.
It is highly contagious, spread by droplets breathed out into the air or from the fluid of chickenpox blisters.

Signs and symptoms
*    Begin between one and three weeks after infection
*    First symptoms: mild headache, moderate fever, general unwell feeling
*    Most younger children (<10 years) do not get these early symptoms, and symptoms are worse in adults
*    Rash develops a day or so later: small flat red spots, developing quickly into itchy blisters which break down to form crusts
*    Rash first appears on back and chest then spreads to face, neck, arms and legs
*    New spots can continue to appear for up to five days
*    The various stages of spots, blistering and crusts may be present on different parts of the body as the rash progresses
*    Blisters vary from a few on the trunk, to covering the whole body. They can occur anywhere, including the scalp, eyelids and on mucous membranes in the mouth, throat, anus and vagina in severe cases
*    Crusts disappear within a few weeks
*    Blisters can be complicated by secondary bacterial infection and can leave scars
*    Other complications include pneumonia, encephalitis, serious bacterial infections of deep tissue or the bloodstream and a bleeding tendency Infections in the first half of pregnancy can cause damage to the foetus and infections late in pregnancy can cause severe chickenpox in the newborn infant.

Important
Most people recover from chickenpox without any problems. However, you should see your doctor if:
*    The blisters get very red and sore with pus
*    There is high fever, severe headaches or vomiting, particularly a week or so after the chickenpox began
*   Joint pain occurs
*   You have a condition or are taking medication that affects your immune system e.g. chemotherapy, radiotherapy, HIV infection.    

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Diabetes occurs when there is too much glucose in the blood. Insulin is a hormone made in the pancreas that allows glucose to move from the blood into the cells, where it is used to produce energy. In diabetes, either the pancreas stops producing insulin (type 1 diabetes) or the pancreas does not produce enough insulin and the body does not respond properly to insulin (type 2 diabetes).

Type 1 diabetes
(Previously called insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus or juvenile diabetes.)
*    The body’s immune system destroys the insulin-producing cells in the pancreas.
*    It usually starts suddenly and the exact cause is unknown.
*    People with type 1 diabetes need insulin injections to survive.

Type 2 diabetes
(Previously called non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus or mature-onset diabetes.)
*    The most common form of diabetes.
*    People with type 2 diabetes are more likely to have high blood pressure and cholesterol and be overweight.
*    Develops gradually.
*    Can often be controlled with diet and exercise but sometimes tablets and then later, insulin may be required.

Signs and symptoms
These may include:
*    Passing more urine
*    Increased thirst and/or hunger
*    Tiredness - loss of energy
*    Weight loss (type 1)
*    Itching and skin infections (e.g., thrush)
*    Blurred vision
*    Slow-healing wounds
*    Tingling and numbness in the feet.

People with type 2 diabetes may only notice symptoms after their blood glucose levels have been high for many years.

If you are at risk of type 2 diabetes, don’t rely on the presence of symptoms to know if diabetes has developed. Be tested annually in order to detect diabetes early. You may have diabetes without feeling any symptoms.

Risk factors for diabetes
More than 500,000 Australians have type 2 diabetes and do not know it. Ask yourself these questions and if you answer ‘yes’to one or more of them then you are at risk of diabetes and you should see your doctor and ask to be tested.

Am I over 45 and have high blood pressure?
Am I over 45 and overweight?
Am I over 45 and have a family member with diabetes?
Am I over 55?
Do I have heart disease or have had a heart attack?
Did I have high blood sugar levels while I was pregnant?
Have I had a borderline high blood sugar test?
Do I have polycystic ovary syndrome and am overweight?
Am I over 35 and am an Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander, a Pacific Islander, of Chinese cultural origin or from the Indian sub-continent?
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Having a dry mouth is a common problem, with a number of different causes. It is often a side effect of medicines or a result of medical treatment. A continual dry mouth can result in altered taste and an increase in tooth decay. There are simple treatments that give relief from dry-mouth problems.

The medical name for dry mouth is xerostomia and it is usually due to a reduction in saliva production.

Saliva
Saliva is the clear fluid secreted by the salivary glands of the mouth.

Saliva assists speech, taste and swallowing and prepares food for digestion. It washes away food and plaque from teeth, helps prevent tooth decay and protects against mouth and gum infections. Most healthy adults secrete about 1.5 litres of saliva per day. Saliva production commonly decreases with age, but it is also affected by illness and medicines.

Signs and Symptoms
Dry mouth has varying degrees of discomfort. Some people feel a dry or burning sensation in their mouth. Severe dry mouth may inhibit the ability to speak or swallow. Changes in saliva also can lead to deterioration of oral and dental health.

Other symptoms may include:
*  Cracked lips
*  Dry, tough tongue
*  Bleeding gums
*  Cavities
*  Thick, stringy saliva
*  Continual need for drinks
*  Sores and split skin at mouth corners
*  Bad breath
*  Difficulty speaking and swallowing
*  Burning or tingling tongue
*  Changes in taste
*  Increase in plaque and tooth decay
*  Mouth and gum infections - e.g. oral thrush
*  Dry and damaged mucosal lining inside the mouth.

Common causes of dry mouth include:
 *  Medicines - the most common cause of dry mouth. There are more than 400 commonly used drugs that can cause dry mouth - these include antidepressants, methadone, antihistamines, anti-inflammatories, analgesics, decongestants, diuretics, muscle relaxants, and medicines for Parkinson’s disease and urinary incontinence
*  Cancer chemotherapy
*  Radiotherapy - especially radiation to head and neck
*  Nerve damage to head and neck
*  Autoimmune disorders such as Sjogren’s syndrome, lupus and diabetes
*  Alzheimer’s disease
*  Stroke
*  Anxiety and depression
*  Dehydration - e.g. from fever, vomiting and diarrhoea, burns.

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Tinea is a fungal infection that grows best on warm, moist skin. The usual sites are warm, sweaty areas of the body, such as between the toes, beneath the breasts and in the groin. Tinea is sometimes called ‘ringworm’, which is misleading as it has nothing to do with worms. Tinea can be treated with the
help of a pharmacist.

Tinea is contagious, and is spread from person to person through skin-to-skin contact, or indirectly through towels, clothes and floors. It is also spread through animals such as cats, dogs, horses or cattle, or from soil, although this is rare.

Signs and symptoms

Warning
Some rashes look like tinea but are not. See a doctor if:
*       The rash is red, inflamed or starts to ooze, weep or smell
*        Nails become infected - look yellow, thick and crumbly
*        The rash does not get better with treatment
*        You also have diabetes or circulation problems
*        You are unsure if your rash is tinea
*        Hair is being lost from a tinea on the scalp.

A doctor may scrape some skin to check under a microscope. Do not put anything on the skin before the scraping is taken as this can make it hard for a doctor to find out what is causing the rash.

Tinea of the feet (athlete’s foot, tinea pedis)
*    Skin on feet appears soft and whitish, often with cracks and redness
*    Seen especially between the toes
*    Often itchy, and may burn and sting
*    May have an unpleasant smell
*    May have small fluid-filled blisters.

Tinea of the groin - jock itch
*    Itchy, red rash on the inner thighs, usually with scaly edges, clearing in the centre; sometimes occurs in the pubic area and between the buttocks
*    Small fluid filled blisters in rash area.

Tinea can also affect the other areas including the scalp, body and nails, particularly the toenails.
*   Slightly raised, itchy red patch on body, often round with a scaly edge and clearing centre
*    Small fluid-filled blisters in the patch
*    On the scalp, may appear as scaly patches with broken hairs.

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