Health & Wellbeing Archives - Page 23 of 26

Movember

November 8, 2019 By Maggi Barnard

Movember, formerly known as November, is when brave and selfless men grow a moustache, and women step up to support them.

The aim is to raise awareness and funds for men’s health – specifically prostate and testicular cancer, mental health and suicide prevention.

Across the world men die an average of six years younger than women for reasons that are largely preventable. This means you can take action to improve your overall health and wellbeing.

The Movember movement lists five easy steps to follow!

Step one: Spend time with people who make you feel good. Your health isn’t all about the physical. Staying connected to those around you is good for you. Catch up regularly, check in and make time for your mates.

Step two: Talk, more! You don’t need to be an expert or have every solution, but being there for someone, listening and giving your time can be life-saving. You can also call Mensline on 1300 78 99 78 for free help, support and counselling.

Step three: Know your age numbers! At 50, (or 45 with a family history), talk to your doctor about prostate cancer.

Step four: Know thy nuts! Simple. Get to know what’s normal for your testicles. Give them a check regularly and go to the doctor if something doesn’t feel right.

Step five: Move, more! Add more activity to your day. Do more of what makes you feel good to become more active.

Join or donate to the Movember movement at au.movember.com, and help improve the lives of men around the world.

Parkes Pharmacy is a proud supporter of the Movember movement. Come and show off your mo to our wonderful staff.

New Mental Health App For Teens

November 8, 2019 By Maggi Barnard

A new mobile app has been launched to make mental health help more accessible and relevant for young people regardless of their location.

The ‘niggle by Kids Helpline’ mobile app has hundreds of built in resources and guided strategies that promote self-help. It offers valuable information to teens and young people to check and monitor their mental health and well-being.

The app is youth-driven and has been designed with young people for young people. “We think young people are going to love the confidentiality and convenience of this new mental health app,” said a spokesperson.

The evidence-based app was designed to suit teenagers and young people 13 to 25 years of age.

The niggle app is completely novel in how it blends traditional and mobile mental health interventions to benefit the wellbeing of young Australians.

Don’t Play Renovation Roulette

November 1, 2019 By Maggi Barnard

November is Asbestos Awareness Month to educate the public about the dangers of asbestos. Australia has one of the highest rates of asbestos-related diseases in the world.

Asbestos-related diseases continue to increase as a direct result of exposure to asbestos fibres during home renovations and maintenance.

Many people wrongly believe that only fibro homes contain asbestos, but asbestos products can most likely be found in any Australian home built or renovated before 1987, whether it’s brick, weatherboard, fibro or clad homes.

It can be found under floor coverings, be- hind wall and floor tiles, in cement floors, internal and external walls, ceilings, eaves, garages, around hot water pipes, fences, extensions to homes, outdoor toilets, dog kennels, chook yards and backyard sheds.

If you suspect you have asbestos in your home: Dont cut it! Don’t drill it! Don’t drop it! Don’t sand it! Don’t saw it! Don’t scrape it! Don’t scrub it! Don’t dismantle it! Don’t tip it! Don’t waterblast it! Don’t demolish it! And whatever you do… Don’t dump it!

Check out the NSW Ministry of Health fact sheets about asbestos and health risks at www.health.nsw.gov.au

Complications From Crooked Teeth

October 11, 2019 By Maggi Barnard

Most people choose to correct crooked teeth for cosmetic purposes or to improve self-confidence.

Did you know that living with misaligned teeth could also negatively impact your health?

Here’s how:
1. They’re hard to clean. It can be difficult for toothbrush bristles and floss to get be- tween and around crooked teeth, which can lead to a higher risk of oral diseases.

2. They’re injury prone. Crooked teeth that protrude are more likely to crack or chip should an accident happen.

3. Crooked teeth can influence gum dis- ease. How? Gum disease can develop when bacteria in your mouth turns into plaque. When gums don’t fit around teeth properly, there’s more room for bacterial growth.

Have you been thinking about correcting your smile? We’d be happy to speak with you about some of the best treatments available at our practice for an improved look.

For all your dental needs please call us at Riaz Dental on 6862 1261 or visit www. riazdental.com.au

Sunshiny Days

October 11, 2019 By Maggi Barnard

The warmer months have arrived! While everyone is enjoying some reprieve from the cooler months and basking in some bright sunshiny rays, it’s extremely important to stay SUN SAFE.

Over the past decades outdoor activities and recreational sun exposure has become increasing popular, however this is strongly related to a rise in skin cancers. Overexposure to sunlight is widely accepted as the underlying cause for harmful effects on the skin, eye and immune systems.

Did you know? Experts believe that four out of five cases of skin cancer could be prevented!! Enjoy the sun, but enjoy it safely with a few simple precautions! SunSmart is a multi-focal program recognised for providing leadership and innovation in sun protection. Their message is simple, Slip! Slop! Slap! Seek! Slide!

Slip On Clothing: Wear clothing that covers as much skin as possible.

Slop On Sunscreen: Sunscreen should be the last line of defence after clothing, a hat, shade and sunglasses. During sun protection times, apply SPF30 (or higher!), water-resistant sunscreen to any skin not covered by clothing.

Slap On A Hat: The skin on your face, ears and neck is much thinner and more sensitive to UV damage. Choose a hat that provides good shade to your face, head, neck and ears.

Seek Shade: Shade is a practical, user-friendly form of sun protection. Well designed and positioned shade can significantly reduce UV exposure as well as create cool, comfortable spaces for physical activity and recreation

Slide On Sunglasses: Your eyes are very sensitive to UV damage. Choose a close fitting, wrap-around style of sunglasses.

To learn more about sun safety, come and chat to our friendly staff and Pharmacist at Parkes Pharmacy in the Metroplaza!

Wellness Wise

September 12, 2019 By Maggi Barnard

Bright Eyes, Dull Teeth?

Whether we’re getting our morning jolt of coffee or enjoying a spot of tea, these popular pick-me-ups can tarnish our pearly whites.

Coffee and tea are notorious for staining.

Coffee, in particular, is very acidic leading it to wear away enamel. This can result in your teeth having a dingy appearance.

Although giving up your coffee or tea habit is the best way to avoid the darkening of your teeth, it’s usually not an option as many people rely on this popular daily practice to get through the day.

Instead, consider rinsing your teeth or drinking water after consuming either beverage and limit drinking coffee or tea throughout your day. Using whitening toothpaste and brushing regularly can also go a long way when it comes to limiting stains and keeping your smile brighter.

For all your dental needs and whitening options to help enhance your smile, please call us at Riaz Dental on 68621261 or visit www.riazdental.com.au

Find It Hard To Breathe In Spring?

With spring in the air, 2.7 million people with asthma are being advised to keep a check on their hay fever symptoms as pollen season kicks in.

Asthma hospitalisation rates peak in September and people with asthma are urged to get on the offense to manage their symptoms.

Symptoms include: itchy, runny or blocked nose; itchy or watery eyes; sneezing; always feeling like you have a head cold; blocked nose; throat clearing or coughing to clear the throat; snoring; mouth breathing; shortness of breath; and wheezing

The most important approach to managing and preventing asthma and hay fever symptoms during spring is preventer and maintenance medicine.

Some medicines take up to three weeks before they are effective at reducing sensitivity to triggers like pollen, so start treating symptoms now.

Visit www.asthma.org.au for more information.

Mental Health: A State Of Well-Being

September 12, 2019 By Maggi Barnard

“Health is a state of complete physical, mental and social wellbeing and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity” – World Health Organisation

One in five Australians aged 16-85 experience a mental illness in any year. The most common illnesses are depression, anxiety and substance use disorder. While its very common, misunderstanding and stigma surrounding these conditions is widespread, leading to many people not seeking help.

Suicide is the second leading cause of death in 15-29 year-olds with 800,000 deaths due to suicide every year around the world. With every suicide it is estimated that more than 20 others are attempting suicide.

Early identification and effective management are key to ensuring that people receive the care they need.

Parkes Pharmacy is a safe place to talk about mental health concerns. You’re always welcome to come and chat to a pharmacist.

Our pharmacists are trained in mental health first aid and are here for you whether to chat, or sit down in a private space to discuss any concerns about your well-being and/or medications.

We can help you find services available for help or support.

If you don’t feel comfortable talking to someone you know just yet, there are many resources and support services available, or if you are worried about someone.

• Rural Adversity Mental Health Program (RAMHP) 02 6363 8444 ramhp.com.au
• Mental Health Line by RAMHP 1800 011 511
• Lifeline 24-hour crisis support 13 11 14 / Lifeline.org.au
• Beyond Blue 1300 22 46 36 / beyondblue. org.au

If you or someone else is in immediate danger, call 000 or go to your nearest hospital emergency department.

Light Up Your Smile

August 29, 2019 By Maggi Barnard

You deserve to be the best version of yourself. That is why at Baker Dental we offer a range of safe and pioneering dentistry services to help you feel more confident and youthful.

Our services include in-chair teeth whitening and take home custom whitening kits.

In-chair teeth whitening is a non-invasive dental treatment that lifts stains from the pores of teeth and lightens the colour of natural tooth enamel, leading to the appearance of whiter, brighter teeth.

In-chair teeth whitening is the quickest dental solution for whitening teeth and removing or reducing stains and discolouration.

It typically involves the application of the whitening product directly onto the teeth and the use of UV light to activate and accelerate the whitening agent.

With in-chair teeth whitening, results are typically achieved within a 60-minute dental appointment. At your in-chair whitening appointment you will be given custom trays and take home whitening gel to continue whitening maintenance at home.

The second option is the take home whitening kit, which are a more affordable option for whitening. At your dental appointment an impression of your teeth will be taken and a custom tray will be made for you. You will also receive a whitening gel syringe kit with these custom trays. You’ll wear the trays for a certain period of time, usually for 45 mins
depending on your circumstances.

The take home kit enables you to control the process at home. It is ideal for patients who would like to whiten their teeth on their own time. Results are usually achieved within two weeks.

Contact Baker Dental to see which option of teeth whitening is best suited to you.

Wellness Wise

August 8, 2019 By Maggi Barnard

Don’t Chew That!

Do you find yourself gnawing on a pencil when you’re deep in thought? Do you like chomping on ice cubes to keep your mouth cool? While these everyday nervous habits aren’t likely to cause major health problems, they can result in chipped or cracked teeth and inconvenient dental repairs.

If you feel compelled to pop a pencil in your mouth or create crushed ice instead of letting your refrigerator do the work, consider softer-on-the-teeth alternatives. Such as chewing sugar-free gum. Doing so increases saliva production, tames the acids in your mouth and strengthens enamel.

Apples, carrots, cucumbers and celery are other sensible choices when it comes to satisfying your need to chew. These crunchy edibles are not only good for your
body but great for your teeth.

Of course, scheduling regular dental check-ups is another great way to ensure your teeth are in tip-top condition.

For all your dental needs please call us at Riaz Dental on 68621261 or visit www.riazdental.com.au.

Reduce Your Breast Cancer Risk

Far too many women in Western NSW may be unaware of their risk of breast cancer, despite the fact that 9 in 10 women diagnosed don’t have a family history.

“The risk is real for every woman aged 50 to 74. One in eight women in NSW will develop breast cancer in their lifetime and less than 10 per cent of them will have a family history,” said WNSWLHD Breastscreen Manager, Meg O’Brien.

“That’s why all women in this age group should screen for breast cancer, regardless of whether they have a family history.”

“By detecting breast cancer early, breast screening not only saves lives but also reduces the likelihood of a woman needing invasive treatment.”

“The more having a mammogram with BreastScreen NSW becomes part of your normal two-yearly health routine, the easier it is to keep going.”

To book a mammogram with Breast- Screen NSW, phone 13 20 50, or book PH: 6862 1261 | 19 Church St, Parkes online by visiting breastscreen.nsw.gov.au.

Your Pain Is Not Black And White

August 8, 2019 By Maggi Barnard

One in five Australians live with chronic pain.

Many Australians are new to the notion of chronic pain, as many believe that pain should go away when tissues heal after an illness or injury. This is not always the case.

Chronic pain is a complex condition characterised by pain that persists beyond the normal healing time of three months.

It is not always possible to pinpoint the cause of the pain and can be very frustrating for all involved. Chronic pain can be intense and unrelenting, and can lead to various degrees of disability if it is not managed well.

Pain management needs a multi-pronged approach. Medication is one element and the other two major elements are physical and cognitive therapy. Getting the best from pain management will involve optimising a range of strategies into practice on a daily basis, which can take time and effort to learn successfully.

A medication review with a pharmacist can assist you with pain management and can improve your quality of life. Medication reviews allow you to get a better understanding of your medications while the pharmacists can also make suggestions to see if anything can be made better, safer or simpler!

There is also a range of resources and support available for those living with chronic pain.

Come visit our friendly, passionate pharmacists at Parkes Pharmacy to learn more about optimising your chronic pain management.

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