Farewell to our CEO

Announcement – CEO Resignation  Message to Members and Stakeholders From Nicole Cox, Board Chair Bendigo United Friendly Society Chair Nicole Cox said that Chief Executive Michael Fleming has announced his resignation. Nicole said that “After 17 very productive and dedicated years Michael made the decision to resign and to pursue new opportunities and the board wants…

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COVID-19 vaccination

      Bendigo UFS Pharmacies are part of the current national COVID-19 Vaccination Rollout and are proud to be part of the program that supports reducing the COVID-19 outbreaks and illness across our community. Booking your COVID-19 vaccination appointment Book your 2023 COVID-19 Booster dose Book your PAEDATRIC (children’s) dose Book your SECOND dose Book your…

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CPAP Recall

Providing support for the Philips CPAP and Bi-Level PAP Devices Recall Activating on the recall is a priority for you and we strongly encourage you to take action if you haven’t already.   The quickest way is to register your CPAP machine with Philips for the recall is by following this link philips.com.au/healthcare/e/sleep/communications/src-update If your…

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e-prescriptions

Plane tickets are sent to your phone, banking is electronic, tonight’s dinner can be ordered and delivered without having to make a phone call. Some might say best thing since sliced bread. Now it’s time for prescriptions to join. E-prescribing is converting the traditional paper prescription into an electronic script that is sent to your…

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MedAdvisor

A partnership to make things easier for you Testimonials MedAdvisor is our way of making your prescription, health and wellbeing needs easier all from the comfort of your home. UFS Pharmacies are excited to partner with MedAdvisor as it supports our customers to order prescription medication, organise home delivery and even ensures medication is taken…

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Home Delivery

Your prescription and other health and wellbeing items can be home delivered For your added convenience our home delivery service is available across Bendigo including Strathfieldsaye, Mandurang, Huntly and Marong. You simply make your order and we’ll deliver to you within 48 hours for only $5* UFS Members within 10km of your preferred Bendigo UFS…

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Keep track of your prescriptions and medications at ease

Bendigo UFS Pharmacies have joined the MedAdvisor network of pharmacies to be able to help you keep track of your prescriptions and medications at ease. MedAdvisor is our way of making your prescription, health and wellbeing needs easier. Now is no better time to download the MedAdvisor app onto your smart phone (desktop also available)…

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Taking care of medicines during bushfires

NPS MedicineWise has released advice to help people take care of their medicines during the bushfire crisis. Pharmacist and Medicines Line manager at NPS MedicineWise Nerida Packham said there could be a lot to remember during an emergency, especially if people needed to evacuate from an area or found themselves in an unexpected location. But…

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Asthma and Travel

Make sure your day-to-day management of asthma is under control before you travel. Visit your doctor for an asthma review to fine tune your asthma management and update your asthma action plan.  Your doctor can also provide you with a letter describing your asthma and your current medication. Check that your travel insurance policy specifically…

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UFS and Webster-pak®

Medications need sorting? UFS make it easy for you.   Webster-pak® is the simple and safe way of keeping track of your own or a loved one’s medications. The daily breakdown on the pack tells you what time of day to take it ensuring no mistakes are made with dosage. 4 great reasons to choose UFS…

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Eat well, Feel well

[bs_row class=”row”][bs_col class=”col-sm-6″]   Thai Beef Salad Low fat, sat fat and sugar / Med salt Ingredients 500 g rump steak, trimmed of all visible fat 200 g rocket or mixed lettuce leaves, washed and drained 2 Lebanese cucumbers, thinly sliced 1 punnet cherry tomatoes 2 tablespoons mint leaves, finely sliced Thai-style dressing 2 cloves…

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What you need to know about Measles

Measles is a highly contagious viral illness that is spread via respiratory droplets. Measles begins with cold-like symptoms (fever, cough, runny nose, red eyes), followed by a red blotchy rash a few days later. Who: Measles containing vaccine is recommended for: Children 12 and 18 months of age (as part of the national immunisation program…

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Hand Hygiene – Keep the Bugs Away Today!

Did you know that washing your hands properly is the SINGLE most effective action to help reduce infection? [bs_row class=”row”][bs_col class=”col-sm-6″]   What is hand hygiene? Generally, just washing your hands with a cleanser. Is there a RIGHT way to wash your hands? Yes! For visibly clean hands, use an alcohol based rub like Aqium…

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Hearty and warm for Autumn and Winter

[bs_row class=”row”][bs_col class=”col-sm-6″]   Shepherd’s Pie Low fat, saturated fat, salt and sugar Ingredients 2 teaspoons canola or olive oil 200g lean minced veal or beef ½ cup thinly sliced carrots 125g can salt-reduced diced tomatoes 1 ½ cup diced celery 1 chopped onion 1 ½ tablespoons chopped fresh thyme 1/2 beef stock cube dissolved…

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Don’t risk your eye health

The skin, eyes and area around the eyes are very sensitive to UV radiation. Most of us know that UV radiation harms the skin, causing photoageing, wrinkles and, in severe cases, skin cancer. Although it’s invisible, long-term UV exposure can cause various eye diseases such as cataracts, macula degeneration and accelerated aging of the tissue…

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The flu – Defend your workplace

The flu (influenza) is caused by a viral infection that is easily spread from person to person. The flu is a serious condition and complications arising from the flu can be debilitating. UFS Pharmacies have made it easier for you to protect your employees by offering pharmacist administered influenza vaccinations across our four locations. Thus…

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You never forget the flu

How do I get my flu shot? Visit a friendly UFS pharmacist to receive your flu vaccine and protect yourself against the flu this winter! Our highly trained pharmacists can vaccinate anyone over the age of 16 years in store, no prescription required! For adolescents and children under the age of 16, the flu vaccine…

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Keep it fresh this Summer

[bs_row class=”row”][bs_col class=”col-sm-6″]     Warm potato and salmon Low sat fat, salt and sugar / Med fat Ingredients 600g salmon fillets 500g halved baby (new) potatoes cooking spray olive oil 100g (either whole canned baby corn or fresh corn) baby corn 100g washed and halved lengthwise baby spinach leaves 100g semi-dried tomatoes Dressing 4…

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Protect your skin this summer

At least two in three Australians are diagnosed with skin cancer before the age of 70. Skin cancer is one of the most expensive of cancers for the Australian Healthcare system, but also one of the most preventable.    UFS Pharmacist, Bronwyn, answers some common questions in relation to sunscreen. What does SPF mean? SPF…

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Do you need help in the bedroom?

What is Sleep Apnoea? Sleep apnoea is a common sleep disorder which is defined as an increased number of pauses in breathing whilst sleeping – all individuals have pauses in breathing whilst sleeping, however sleep apnoea is an increased amount of these events. These pauses cause us to wake up subconsciously, leading to restless sleep,…

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Don’t let hay fever control you this season

Hay fever is the common name for allergic rhinitis. It is an allergic reaction in the nose, throat and eyes.  Most people associate hay fever with spring, when airborne pollens from grasses are highest. However, hay fever can occur at any time of the year.  [bs_row class=”row”][bs_col class=”col-sm-6″] Common allergic triggers include: pollens from trees,…

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Patch Adhesive Strips – Kind to you and the earth.

PATCH is crafted with 100% organic bamboo fibre with the added natural goodness of activated charcoal, aloe vera and coconut oil. We take pride in using natural, organic, biodegradable and sustainable resources, that are historically proven to soothe symptoms whilst promoting wound recovery for even the most sensitive skin types. The Patch Range [bs_row class=”row”][bs_col…

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A stronger immune system.

Your immune system is one for the most important systems in your body, it defends against viruses and bacteria. As we are in winter, you can help boost your immunity against those dreaded colds and flus! A common sense approach to healthy living – a diet high in fruits and vegies, whole grains, regular exercise, 8-10 glasses of water a…

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Avoid the flu this season

What is the flu? Influenza, commonly known as the flu, is caused by a highly contagious virus that is spread by contact with fluids from coughs and sneezes. The flu usually differs from a cold as symptoms develop suddenly, and can lead to complications such as chest infections and pneumonia. Unlike a cold, symptoms such as fever, sore throat and muscle aches…

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Codeine – why the change?

As many individuals will be aware, from the 1st of February 2018, products containing codeine now require a prescription. [bs_row class=”row”][bs_col class=”col-sm-6″] There are a number of reasons why the government has made this change. Evidence indicates there is no additional benefit in using small doses of codeine (lower than 30mg) over products without any codeine (Pain Australia, n.d.). Codeine use can result in tolerance,…

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Healthy food, healthy you.

Healthy winter warmer recipes for your family. Entrée Vegetable Filo Triangles Low fat and sugar Ingredients 20 sheets filo pastry 1.5 cups canned kidney beans, rinsed and drained half cup reduced fat milk 1 tablespoon chopped parsley 1 potato, grated 40g reduced fat cheese, grated quarter carrot, grated 1 tablespoon tomato chutney half onion, chopped Method…

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Have you had your eyes tested recently?

There’s a bear hiding amongst the cats. Can you spot it? Glaucoma is a largely unobservable group of eye diseases in which damage to the optic nerves causes a loss of vision. What causes glaucoma? Damage to the optic nerve is responsible for the vision loss that comes with glaucoma, the most common cause of…

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Understanding Allergic Rhinitis (Hayfever) and Asthma

If you’re confused about the difference between allergies and asthma, you’re not alone. The two are often related, have similar symptoms and can be triggered by the same things.   So how do you know whether you have allergies, asthma, or both? Well, first and foremost, see your doctor. Your GP can run tests to…

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Immunisation: not just for the kids

It can be hard to keep up with your immunisation, especially in your adult years. Mum won’t drag you to your appointment, you’ll have to make a voluntary trip this time – and aren’t immunisations expensive? Turns out they’re not. You wouldn’t want to break your arm if you could help it, so why risk…

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Glaucoma: you won’t see it coming

Glaucoma is a largely unobservable group of eye diseases in which damage to the optic nerves causes a loss of vision. What causes glaucoma? Damage to the optic nerve is responsible for the vision loss that comes with glaucoma, the most common cause of this damage is high pressure in the eyes. However, there are…

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The Flu and you

Unlike the common cold, the flu virus can cause severe illness. Being able to identify symptoms and knowing where to find treatment can reduce the severity of the infection. Symptoms can be very similar to the common cold, such as fatigue, headaches, coughing, sneezing and runny noses. However, the flu can include more serious symptoms…

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Menopause: What’s happening to me?

Menopause isn’t an illness, it’s a natural transition which signifies the end of a woman’s reproductive years and will eventually happen to all women. Menopause is marked by 12 months without menstruation but the symptoms can occur in the time leading up to, and after, these 12 months. In Australia, “most women reach menopause between…

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Optometrist’s View: Simple Tips for Healthy Eyes

Your eyes are an important part of your health. There are many things you can do to keep them healthy and make sure you are seeing your best. Follow these simple steps for maintaining healthy eyes well into your golden years.Comprehensive dilated eye exam Comprehensive dilated eye exam Visiting your eye care professional for a…

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It’s time to shake up this Summer

Sweet Summer Smoothies During the hot summer months, it is refreshing to be able to drink a cold, power-packed smoothie for a snack or lunch. Here are a few recipes to get you through the summer heat: Strawberry – Strawberries are not only delicious, but they also add a lot of vitamins to your diet….

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Educating kids on Asthma

If you have a child with asthma, or even a curious child with a friend or classmate with asthma, you might want to check out asthmakids.com.au – it’s a website that speaks to kids about asthma, without all the heavier grown up or medical jargon. It’s bright and engaging, targeting pre-school and primary school children…

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Essential health items for happy travels

There are many things you can do to ensure you are a healthy traveller, and your local UFS Pharmacy can assist with your preparations. Visit your GP Ensure you have no underlying health issues, especially if you are travelling overseas or to a remote location. Ensure you have sufficient scripts to enable you to take…

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New Year, New You

For many of us, January marks a month of new beginnings – all backed by good intentions. Here are some fool-proof ways to ensure that your resolutions not only stick, but transform you into the best you that you can be.Ditch the ‘diet’ Ditch the ‘diet’ If eating better is on your list of New…

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Steps towards better health

Did you know that every day more than 70 Victorians are diagnosed with diabetes? “The aim of diabetes treatment is to keep your blood sugars within a specified range,” UFS pharmacist Tegan Ward said. “As large fluctuations in your blood sugar can lead to significant complications with your diabetes.” Once diagnosed, self blood glucose monitoring…

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Blood sugar levels and your health

Did you know that diabetes is the fastest-growing chronic condition in Australia? Diabetes is a condition where the body cannot maintain healthy levels of glucose in the blood. Glucose is a form of sugar that is the main energy source for the body but unhealthy levels can lead to both short and long term complications…

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Five foods for healthy eyesight

You already know that regular check-ups with your optometrist can help keep your eyes in good health. But did you know that there are also foods full of nutrients that help keep your eyes healthy too? Here are five of the top foods for your eye health:   Kale Kale contains lutein and zeaxathin, which…

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Preventing Diabetes

Currently type 1 diabetes cannot be prevented. However, researchers are looking into the autoimmune process and environmental factors that lead to developing type 1 diabetes so that we may be able to prevent it in the future. On the other hand many cases of Type 2 diabetes can be prevented or have the onset delayed…

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All you need to know about: The Sleep Apnoea Take Home Test

The take-home sleep apnoea test from UFS Pharmacies is a quick (just one night), inexpensive, non-intrusive test that monitors you while you sleep in your own bed at home. It’s a great alternative to having to spend the night in a sleep clinic or hospital. You simply bring the device back to the pharmacy the…

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In Season: Immune boosting Autumn Eats

You are what you eat Did you grow up hearing “you are what you eat” or “you only get out what you put in”? OK, that second one might have been aimed at motivation more than nutrition, but it does make you think about what you’re filling your body with, doesn’t it? In the lead…

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Bringing something new to the bedroom

Sleep Apnoea: a disorder in which breathing is repeatedly interrupted during sleep.   Treatment for sleep apnoea can rely on some simple changes to lifestyle, such as losing weight. There are also some medical conditions which can affect your quality of sleep too – talk to your UFS Pharmacist. Assuming you’ve got your lifestyle factors,…

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In Season: Top Picks from Summer’s Table

The very merry cherry Nothing says summer like cherries! Full of flavour, they add a colourful flourish to every table. The best news is cherries are loaded with antioxidants, anti-inflammatory and anti-aging properties. The dark red fruit contains Anthocyanin Glycosides, properties that can help relieve gout, arthritis and also help with post-workout muscle recovery. With…

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Hydration – Create your own cool change

H2O – the way to go Drinking eight standard glasses of plain, filtered water every day helps maintain critical moisture balance of the body and skin, and assists in detoxing. If you drink caffeinated beverages, you need to triple the amount of water you drink! Stay as cool as a cucumber While water is always…

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Happy, Healthy Holiday Season

Christmas collides with summer and the extra long school holiday. Everything seems stamped urgent. There’s so little time to get geared up to cram everything into the car and hit the road. Even if you’re chilling out at home, a little preparation goes a long way to take the stress out of this frantic time…

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This Could be the year you Quit forever

There are so many well documented reasons for quitting including all the health benefits. Who wouldn’t want to reduce the risk of heart attack, stroke, various cancers, lung diseases and amputation of limbs? And then there’s the importance of providing a non-smoking environment at home. That, together with your great role modelling gives your children the best chance…

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Fever in Children

On average, a child has up to 10 infections per year. Body temperature isn’t a reliable indicator of illness for babies and young children – a child may have a mild temperature according to the thermometer (slightly over 37°C), but seem happy and healthy. Trust your own instincts, but seek medical help if your child:…

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Fever

Fever is a rise in body temperature above the normal temperature, usually caused by infection. Normal body temperature is around 37°C (give or take a degree, depending on individual differences). There may also be minor fluctuations over the course of the day and night. Contrary to popular belief, the severity of fever isn’t necessarily related…

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Spring is in the air (and so is pollen!)

In technical terms, Hayfever (Allergic Rhinitis) is an allergic response to pollen that affects the mucosal membranes of the nose, eyes and air passages. Thankfully, there are lots of ways to prevent and ease the sneeze or wheeze before it takes on more problematic symptoms. Thinking beyond spring Pollination times vary greatly with the plant species and location. For example,…

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Folate for Women

Folate (also known as folic acid) is a B-group vitamin essential for the healthy development of the fetus in early pregnancy, in particular their neural tube. Women of child-bearing age should take extra folate daily to prevent neural tube defects such as spina bifida. Even women who aren’t planning to have a baby should increase…

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Medication Allergies

Many medications can cause adverse side effects, and certain medicines can trigger allergic reactions. In an allergic reaction, the immune system mistakenly responds to a drug by creating an immune response against it. The immune system recognizes the drug as a foreign substance and the body produces certain chemicals, such as large amounts of histamine, in an…

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Eye drops

There’s an eye drop or ointment to relieve the symptoms of most eye problems — whether you have dry eyes, pink eye (conjunctivitis), red eyes or itchiness. Determining which kind of eye drop or ointment is best depends on what kind of eye condition you have: Dryness Redness Infection (pink eye) Allergies Itching Soreness Swelling…

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Signs and symptoms

Constipation can cause: Stomach cramps (the pain tends to come and go). Your child to feel less hungry than usual. Irritable behaviour. Anal fissures (small splits of the skin at the anus/bottom) which cause pain and bleeding at the anus when doing a poo. Straining (pushing hard) to pass a large, hard poo can cause…

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Signs and symptoms of constipation

Constipation can cause: Stomach cramps (the pain tends to come and go). Your child to feel less hungry than usual. Irritable behaviour. Anal fissures (small splits of the skin at the anus/bottom) which cause pain and bleeding at the anus when doing a poo. Straining (pushing hard) to pass a large, hard poo can cause…

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Using your inhaler

Although it might seem simple, it can be hard to get the steps just right without an expert showing you how. And if it’s been a while since you were last shown, it’s easy for little mistakes to slip into your routine. Using your inhaler properly is important. With the right technique you can be…

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Cholesterol

Cholesterol is a type of fat that is part of all animal cells. It is essential for many of the body’s metabolic processes, including the production of hormones, bile and vitamin D. However, there’s no need to eat foods high in cholesterol. The body is very good at making its own cholesterol – you don’t…

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Blood Pressure Part I

The human body requires blood to be constantly replaced with fresh blood, which necessitates a fast, powerful circulatory system. This ensures that oxygen from the lungs can be carried to cells quickly and efficiently. Without oxygen, these cells cannot operate. The body needs to keep the pressure in its blood vessels at a very constant…

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Blood Pressure

Blood Pressure Explained Blood Pressure is the pressure of the blood in the arteries as the heart pumps it around the body and is one of the principal vital signs. There is no ‘normal’ or ‘ideal’ blood-pressure reading. The following figures should only be used as a guide: low blood pressure – below 90/60 normal…

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Blood Pressure Part II

Pharmacists use a variety of medications to lower blood pressure in addition to ‘lifestyle factor modification’. Increased salt intake causes the kidneys to try to push more salt out of the body by releasing hormones that increase the blood pressure to try to get more blood through the kidneys. Exercise (especially ‘cardio’) reduces blood pressure…

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Warming Herbal Teas

We don’t often think of tea as medicinal, but herbal teas can be a powerful ally on your road to health. The following teas are particularly useful for increasing circulation, warmth and overall vitality. Cinnamon tea Benefits: Calming to the stomach Helps alleviate wind and wind pains Increases circulation and warmth Regulates blood sugar This…

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Winter Wellness

Winter is well and truly upon us, and with it comes an onslaught of cold and flu viruses and bacteria. The best way to help protect yourself against these is through diet. The following foods help boost immunity: Citrus fruits – we all know citrus is high in Vitamin C, but it has a plethora…

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Weight Management

A few chocolate eggs here, a champagne or two there, and a couple more eggs… before we know it our clothes are tighter and we have forgotten about those New Year’s resolutions. We live in a time where we all want instant satisfaction and results. However, when it comes to weight loss the healthiest results are not…

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Original Medicines

You may wonder why you’re always offered the choice of having the pharmacy preferred brand when filling a prescription. Hopefully this blog will explain the concept and dispel some rumours. When a company invents or develops a new medication it is given two names; The name of the actual active ingredient contained in the medication…

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Cold Sores

No one likes having a cold sore; those annoying, tingly, painful little sores that often occur on the lips, or skin around our nose, mouth and chin. They are caused by the herpes simplex virus and approximately 90% of the population are infected. Whilst generally harmless, they can be irritating and unsightly. Cold sores are…

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Heat Stroke

Heat stroke occurs when the body is exposed to an increase in temperature (over 40°C) combined with dehydration. It is caused by the body not being able to effectively control its temperature, usually from losing the ability to sweat. Heat stroke is an extremely serious condition which is often fatal, and can cause serious permanent…

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Why can’t I sleep?

We all need a good night’s sleep to function optimally, yet many of us never get it. There could be immeasurable reason for this, but a few of the common ones have to do with poor sleep hygiene, consuming stimulants late in the day and dietary factors. These are factors that you can address with some…

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Swimmer Ear

Sweltering Australian summers are best spent cooling off in pools, rivers, lakes and oceans. However, sometimes this refreshing water-play can be marred by a sore, painful ear. Swimmer’s ear is a common infection or inflammation of the ear canal that may be caused by bacteria or fungi when exposed to water, as is often the…

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Tips for reducing your sugar intake and cravings

So we’ve established that added sugar is not good in any way, you may be wondering what you can do to cut down on this unnecessary nasty. Here are a few simple tips to help you on the road to freedom from sugar cravings: Always choose whole grains over white processed grains – think quinoa,…

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Sleep

You look terrible! What’s wrong with you? Check out those bags under your eyes! These greetings aren’t warmly received when you’re already exhausted from poor sleep. Sleep is vital to enable the body to recover from today and prepare for tomorrow. An average adult needs between 7 to 9 hours of sleep each night.  …

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Sugar: friend or foe?

Added and refined sugar is everywhere in our diets today, so it’s important we have an understanding of the part Sugar plays in our health! First it’s important to understand what sugar actually its. Basically, when sugar is broken down it’s a simple carbohydrate. So that means the following foods are recognised as a sugar…

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Spider Bites

Summer is here and our eight-legged friends have come out to play! Australia is home to some of the most venomous spiders in the world; not exactly the greatest tourism plug! When left alone these arachnids are harmless, however, on the odd occasion we accidentally disrupt their peace or conversely they disrupt ours! Some venomous…

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Simple relaxation tips

Finding yourself tense and unable to relax? Our modern lives are busy and can leave us depleted and unable to relax. Here are a few simple tips to get you on the right track: Step outside and absorb mother nature’s healing energy. Take your shoes off and feel the earth under your feet if you…

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Acne and Pimples

Acne: it can feel like an unfortunate, unfair, unattractive right-of-passage in our teenage years! Whilst not everyone will experience full-blown acne, most of us will have the odd pimple or blackhead from time-to-time; sometimes even in our 30s! Pimples and acne occur due to the changes in oil (sebum) glands and hair follicles in the…

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Allergic Conjunctivitis

Sometimes conjunctivitis can be a result of an allergic reaction. Cleaning products and cosmetics can trigger allergic conjunctivitis, as well as pollen in the air – typically in individuals that have had a history of allergies. Also those who are allergic to certain animals may also be susceptible. Fortunately, allergic conjunctivitis is not contagious, and…

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Self control over the festive season

Enjoy the Festive Season The Festive Season has arrived! It’s a time filled with many social gatherings, copious amounts of food, drink and lots of laughter. However sticking to your health goals at this time of year is not as hard as you may think. The key is preparation and knowing your limits. It’s a…

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Viral conjunctivitis

Previously we explained Bacterial Conjunctivitis and its characteristics, but conjunctivitis can also occur as a result of a viral infection.  Common symptoms of viral conjunctivitis include red eyes, a watery clear discharge and a feeling of something scratching your eye (what we call a “foreign body sensation”). If you have recently had tonsillitis, pharyngitis, laryngitis,…

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Threadworm

Itchy backside, particularly at night? Irritable, poor sleep and lack of appetite? These are all signs of threadworm, the most common worm infection in Australia. Thread worms, otherwise known as pinworms, are spread via the oral-faecal route. The stages involved in the thread worm cycle are: Ingesting threadworm eggs Eggs hatching in stomach The worms…

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Bacterial Conjunctivitis

Just the word conjunctivitis can make you feel a little uncomfortable, and your eyes a little bit itchy. But the truth is, it’s a common eye condition, which can be managed with some hygiene advice and products to treat any discomfort, depending on the type of conjunctivitis the patient is experiencing. In case you haven’t experienced…

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Nutrient Absorption

So you’ve been told that you need calcium, magnesium and iron, plus a B vitamin and an herbal formula for stress. This is all well and good, but you might be left wondering how to take them, if you can take them all at once, and if they will interact with other medications and foods….

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Head lice

Just the thought and talk of head lice seems to make our heads itchy! Head lice, also known as nits, is a common condition frequently seen in school-aged children, although everyone can get them. Whilst the condition itself is harmless, it is highly contagious and irritating if not treated appropriately, and let’s face it, no one…

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Welcome to the wonderful world of parsley

Parsley is a nutrient dense, highly versatile herb. It tends to feature as a garnish in western cooking, however it offers much more than that. Parsley’s nutrient profile is impressive: it contains vitamins A, B, C, calcium, copper, Iron, magnesium, potassium and a high amount of Chlorophyll! It is best eaten raw as potassium and…

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Athlete’s Foot

Warm weather, swimming pools, hot sweaty runners and work boots; environments where foot fungi to thrive! The offender in question is Tinea pedis, more commonly known as Athlete’s foot, which is a common fungal infection of the feet. Guys, you’re more likely to get it than girls, and adults more so than children! Symptoms vary from none…

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Stress management for daily living

Stress is a factor of life, and can be both positive and negative. If left to long without awareness, it can cause imbalances in our bodies. We need to be aware of how stress is affecting us, and learn what our stress factors are. Once we know what is causing our stress, we can then…

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Hayfever (in children)

Identifying hay fever symptoms in children may be tricky, particularly if they have not experienced them before. Hay fever is actually the common name for ‘allergic rhinitis’ – which means an allergy primarily affecting the nose, although eyes, sinuses, ears and throat are often affected too! Whilst spring is a common time to get hay…

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Quinoa vegie toss recipe

Ingredients 1 cup of quinoa 2 cups water 1 red capsicum 1 stick of celery 4 button mushrooms a handful of parsley 2 large handfuls of spinach 1 brown onion 2 tablespoons of crumbed feta Dressing: 2 tablespoons of olive oil 1 tablespoon of dijon mustard 1 tablespoon of honey 1 tablespoon of balsamic vinegar…

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Hayfever

Spring delights are here; sunshine, flowers and longer, warmer days. Unfortunately this wonderful time of year is shadowed by those nasty hay fever symptoms; itchy, watery and puffy eyes, runny nose, sneezing and feeling miserable. There are many ways in which hay fever can be managed, so that spring is enjoyable as opposed to unbearable!…

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Eating for calmness

The world we live in today can be extremely busy, and it’s easy to feel a little overwhelmed and stressed. Using food as a way to help reduce the stress in your life is a simple and wonderful tool. The following foods have wonderful stress busting properties: Oats Oats are powerhouses of calm. They support…

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Hepatitis A

Hepatitis is a condition where the liver is inflamed. Hepatitis also lends its name to a family of viruses, which cause different forms of hepatitis. The most common forms are Hepatitis A, B and C. Hepatitis B and C can cause chronic (long term) illness, whereas Hepatitis A usually causes acute (severe short term) illness….

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Skincare – What you need to know!

Skincare is something that I am very passionate about, particularly spreading the word about organic and chemical free skin products. Our skin is the biggest organ in our bodies, and what we put onto it gets absorbed into our cells. Modern skincare has a plethora of toxic chemical ingredients, some known to be carcinogenic and…

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Malaria

Malaria is a serious illness that is transmitted by mosquitoes which is endemic in some parts of the world. There are five different strains of parasite which cause Malaria, the most deadly of which is Plasmodium Falciparum. Malaria is most often found in tropical areas where high rainfall and humidity creates stagnant pools of water…

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Herbal tea & Digestive health

Herbs are a simple way to introduce powerful natural medicine into your life. Mother Nature really knows how to get it right. When suffering from digestive complaints such as bloating, flatulence and wind pain, herbal teas can be just what you need to relieve symptoms and bring about balance. Chamomile Chamomile is a ‘bitter’ herb,…

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Travel medicine

In 2010, about 6.8 million short trips were taken from Australia to overseas according to the Australian Bureau of Statistics. When planning a holiday, many people forget about their health. I will be discussing travel medicine in the next few blogs, so please have a read while planning your exciting holidays. When travelling, it is…

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Glaucoma

Glaucoma is when the optic nerve at the back of the eye is slowly and permanently destroyed, starting with the side (peripheral) vision.  This damage is irreversible, but early detection means we can usually control or stop the progression of vision loss.  Glaucoma can occur at any age, although it is more common in old…

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More food swaps

The concept of food swapping is a great one to adopt into your daily life. It allows you to add foods into your diet that you mightn’t normally have, rather than taking things away. The following food swap table adds in healthy wholefoods to your diet: SWAP THIS FOR THIS White sugar, lollies, chocolate, fake…

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Swap it!

A healthy diet isn’t always as attainable as we’d like. When you factor in our busy and time poor lifestyles it’s easy to see why people turn to readymade convenience foods. The idea of swapping it allows us to still have the convenience factor and not feel like we are missing out, yet we swap…

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Blood Glucose

Blood also carries nutrients to the organs of the body to make sure they have enough fuel to function and materials to grow. Cells require a source of energy, in most cases this is a form of sugar called glucose. Cells can also use fatty acids (from fats in our diet) or amino acids (from…

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How to cook Quinoa and Buckwheat

As a naturopath I often recommend to my patients to replace white rice with Quinoa and buckwheat. These wholefoods are not as commonly used as rice, and so I can’t ask you to use them without equipping you with knowledge of how to cook them! So here is your cooking 101! Quinoa 1 cup of…

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Immune boosting nutrients

Winter is here, and cold and flu season has well and truly arrived! Here are my top three picks to keep you healthy this season: Daily Vitamin C – the humble vitamin C offers a powerhouse of immune support & protects us from inflammation. It also allows us to cope better with stress by breaking…

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How to stick to healthy habits

When making changes, add things into your diet and lifestyle rather than viewing it as taking things away. Don’t be too strict on yourself with this process, it is a process and it will take time. Food swapping is a great way of adding things into your diet, for example: Swap sugar for Stevia and…

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Iron and Blood

Pharmacists are experts on medicines and drug therapy. The pharmacists at UFS have all completed a university course and intern year, and come with a variety of past experience such as hospital pharmacy, mental health, oncology, medication review and international volunteering. Each pharmacist at UFS has a keen interest in drug therapy and helping patients…

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Homemade muesli

It’s time for a recipe, and when it comes to muesli and breakfast dishes, homemade is always the best! Most cereals that come from the supermarket and out of box, have more nutrients in the box than the cereal, and certainly the box would be healthier for you. These mass produced cereals are so high…

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Healthy snack options

What is a snack? Essentially a snack is a small meal, which is eaten to keep our blood sugars stable and our energy levels up. Therefore our snacks need to be smaller versions of a well balanced meal, ie: contain healthy fats, protein and carbohydrates. Here are some examples of healthy snacks. You can really…

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Antihistamines

With a change of seasons, patients frequently notice a change in their allergy symptoms. The mainstay of treatment is still antihistamines, but there are a number of different kinds. The staff at UFS are always available to help you to select the best therapy for your own symptoms. The two most common kinds of antihistamine…

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Healthy eating guidelines

Healthy eating involves thinking about what you’re putting into your body and how this will affect your overall health. Fresh fruit, vegetables and whole grains are the main features of a healthy diet. Things to include in your diet Eat 2 pieces of fresh fruit daily. Fruit contains many vitamins our bodies require for optimal…

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Insulin

Insulin is a hormone in the body that regulates the concentration of glucose (a sugar) in the blood. Insulin is needed as a medication in patients who suffer from diabetes. Insulin must be delivered by injections, as eating it (like a tablet) would destroy it before it has a chance to reach the blood supply….

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Dry eye

The tear film which covers the eye surface is made up of three layers: an oily layer, a watery layer, a layer of mucous.   Dry eye is a common eye condition which occurs when either tear production or quality of tears is deficient.  This results in unprotected areas on the eye surface, leading to eye…

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Medication supply problem

Prescription drugs (like any retail product) can occasionally suffer from supply problems from a variety of sources. The pharmacy supply chain has many steps in it which can fail, and can cause delays in sourcing medications. Most medications are manufactured overseas, and even domestically produced medications usually require ingredients from international sources. This creates a…

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Coffee

Coffee has somewhat of a bad rep in health and media circles. Indeed it’s not a beverage we would recommend to people experiencing anxiety, hypertension or insomnia. However it does have medicinal uses and positive properties. Some background on coffee: Coffee is a native plant of Abyssinia, from which it was brought to Arabia in…

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Chia and spirulina

Why eat Chia seeds? Chia seeds boast the following properties: Gluten free High in protein, boasting one of the only plant sources of complete protein  Loaded with Omega 3 fats Super high in dietary fibre – great for digestion High in iron & calcium Excellent for healthy skin, hair and nails Chia also has a…

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Autumn Sniffles

Coming into Autumn, staff at UFS pharmacies traditionally notice a change in the conditions that patients seek treatment for. For the next month, I will be concentrating on nasal congestion and colds, zinc testing, influenza and skin care. Colds are traditionally associated with winter, but can occur at any time through the year, and we…

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Body movement

People often wonder how much they need to move their bodies, and if they really need to exercise or not. Let me tell you this, exercise is not just a fad, and the human body is designed to be moved in some way every single day. Exercising with intention is very different from having a…

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Sunburn

With the lovely sunny climate, hot weather and long days it is very easy for us to become sunburned when enjoying the outdoors. Sunburn is more common in summer for a few reasons: The sun is ‘higher’ in the sky compared to other seasons which increases the intensity of the radiation, the long days and…

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Something delicious: Avocado coconut chocolate mousse

Ingredients: 2 ripe avocados 1/4 cup of whole cocoa powder 230ml can of chilled coconut cream 1 tablespoon of chia seeds 2 tablespoons of rice syrup 1 tablespoon of maple syrup sprinkle of cinnamon 1 tsp vanilla extract pinch of sea salt Then you dump it into your blender or food processor and whizz it…

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Asthma

Asthma is a problem that is not always associated with summer and hot weather, but the bushfires that we inevitably suffer from each summer will often contaminate our air with smoke and debris from both bushfires and backburning operations. The pharmacists at UFS all notice an increase in patients who attend the pharmacy for asthma…

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The importance of green leafies

Green leafy vegetables such as Kale, chard, rocket and spinach are essential aspects of the human diet if we want to feel healthy and vibrant. They are also often the most ignored vegetables. They are nature’s multivitamin in plant form, containing extremely high amounts of vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, phytonutrients, fibre and good doses of protein….

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Dehydration

In light of the recent heatwave that has hit South East Australia, we have noticed an increase in heat related injuries and conditions across all our pharmacies. The main conditions that we will discuss will be dehydration, heat stroke, sunburn and asthma. Dehydration occurs when the body loses water, and can have a variety of…

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School lunch box ideas!

Kids lunch boxes are the perfect opportunity to give your little ones a great head start in life. Fruits, veggies, whole grains, proteins and healthy fats can all be included in some easy and delicious recipes. Giving your children a healthy lunch box allows them to function to their best capabilities throughout the school day….

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