Andrew Place pharmacy Bundoora

www.healthandwellnesspharmacy.com.au

March 22, 2020
by Vu Phan
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Working together to keep us all Safe.

COVID-19 Update.

At ANDREW PLACE PHARMACY, we are committed to ensuring the health and safety of our employees and customers. We are continuing to monitor closely the recommendations of government bodies and have implemented the following precautionary measures in our store:

  • EFTPOS “tap and go” payments preferred instead of cash for in-store transactions to avoid contact with notes.
  • Keeping a safe distance of 1.5-2 meters distance between staff and other customers – avoiding physical contact (e.g. handshakes).
  • Our employees are following precautionary and safety guidelines to ensure their health and safety (including keep distance with customers as well as increased cleaning of the store).
  • Our employees have been advised not to come into work and to self isolate if they are feeling unwell or have flu-like symptoms.
  • If you prefer to wait in your car while we are getting your prescriptions ready, we have implemented a SMS notification system to notify you when your medications are ready for collection.
  • We are providing home delivery for those customers that are unable to visit our store.

From the current Health Department recommendations, we ask that our customers to understand and adhere to the following:

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We do not want to put ANYONE at risk!

November 17, 2017
by Vu Phan
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2017 Banuyle BESTBIZ Awards

On behalf of the staffs at Andrew Place Pharmacy, I would like to express my gratitude and a huge “THANK YOU” to all of my customers for your continuing support and votes. I am pleased to announce that you have made us the  “WINNER” of the Banuyle BESTBIZ Awards 2017. I was honoured to receive the award from the Mayor Cr Tom Melican.

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November 3, 2015
by Vu Phan
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Thank you for all your votes.

We are pleased to receive the certificate for being the finalist in the Banyule council Bestbiz Awards. On behalf of our team at the pharmacy, I would like to extend our gratitude to your support and votes. It is an honour for us to be the only pharmacy to be named as the finalist in our category of Health and Wellbeing.

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September 19, 2013
by Vu Phan
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Springtime – Hay fever, what can I do about it?

Hay-Fever

What is Hay fever?

Hay fever is when you have intermittent allergic rhinitis (or inflammation of the nose). Hay fever is caused by an allergic reaction after exposure to airborne allergens, including pollen and fungal spores.

Did you know that hay fever could affect as many as one in 5 children or young adults and males are more likely than females to suffer?

Most people associate hay fever with springtime, it can appear at any time of the year, depending upon what particular factors trigger it off.

What is the cause of hay fever?

Hay fever is triggered by exposure and sensitisation to airborne allergens (pollens in the air), which induce an allergic reaction. Most people with hay fever are sensitised through repeated exposure to many different pollen species. Once an individual is sensitised, even non-specific triggers or small amounts of allergen can cause a rapid allergic response and severe symptoms.

Pollens of wind-pollinated plants are the predominant triggers.  Pollens that are produced by Northern Hemisphere grasses, tree and flowering weed species tend to be the most troublesome pollens.

Did you know that irritants such as cigarette smoke and paint fumes can exacerbate rather than cause allergic rhinitis?

What are the symptoms of hay fever?

The usual hay fever symptoms are:

  • Nasal itching, sneezing, runny nose
  • Sinus related congestion, post nasal drip, headache
  • Itchy eyes, red or teary eyes- symptoms of allergic conjunctivitis

Less common symptoms include block or painful ears, which may produce hearing difficulty and loss of balance. Some people may have irritating cough due to post-nasal drip.

The symptoms of hay fever are intermittent, lasting for less than four days a week, and tend to worsen with increased exposure to allergens. Symptoms are often more severe in the morning and evening when pollens count are highest, as well as when the whether are hot and humid.

How do I manage or treat hay fever?

Management or treatment of hay fever may involve:

  • Allergen avoidance
  • Over the counter medicines
  • Immunotherapy – desensitisation

Allergen avoidance

Avoiding allergens is only possible if the associated allergen has been identified through allergy testing or repeated exposure. Allergens, such as pollens, are difficult to avoid but you can attempt to reduce exposure by remaining inside and keep all window closed when pollens count are known to be high. When driving in a car, close all windows and use re-circulated air. Shower and wash your hair after outdoor activities. Use a clothes dryer to dry washed bedding as this may reduce exposure to pollen deposits.

Over the counter medicines

The main treatment for hay fever is antihistamines that are available as tablets, syrup, nasal-spray and as eye drops. Antihistamines are effective in suppressing allergic reactions.

For more moderate to severe intermittent allergic rhinitis, and if nasal congestion is a predominant symptoms, intranasal corticosteroids (INCS) are also available. INCS are recommended as a second line therapy for mild hay fever if symptoms are not resolved with antihistamine. They are also safe to use during pregnancy and breast-feeding.

Oral decongestants (e.g. pseudoephedrine, phenylephrine) and nasal decongestants (e.g. oxymetazoline, phenylephrine, tramazoline) may also be used to reduce block nose related to allergic rhinitis.

Our friendly pharmacist can recommend the appropriate treatment of hay fever with over the counter medicines for you.

Immunotherapy-desensitisation

Through simple test such as skin test or blood test, allergens that are responsible for an individual’s allergic reaction can often be identified. It is possible to make mixture of the identified allergens and give tiny amounts in regularly increasing quantities, producing a type of immunity. Consult with your Doctor about immunotherapy.

May 29, 2013
by Vu Phan
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NDSS Sub-Agent

We are pleased to announce that our pharmacy is now a NDSS (National Diabetes Scheme Service) sub-agent. People with diabetes can register with the NDSS through our pharmacy and once registered they can access a range of Government approved products including:

  • subsidised testing strips for checking blood glucose;
  • free insulin syringes and pen-needles (if you require insulin);
  • subsidised insulin pump consumables for eligible Registrants; and
  • urine testing strips.

July 29, 2012
by Vu Phan
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One of the biggest threat to human health this winter!

ANTIBIOTIC RESISTANCE

Antibiotic resistance has been identified as one of the biggest threats to global health by the World Health Organization. It is a major problem for everyone around the world and in Australia. The misuse and inappropriate demand for antibiotics to treat viral infections like coughs and colds are major contributors to this growing threat.

During this winter months, we at Andrew Place pharmacy would like to encourage you, our customers to come into the pharmacy and ask for advice and guidance on becoming a resistance fighter. Come in and chat with our friendly pharmacist and pick up a brochure for practical advice to help you relieve the symptoms of colds, coughs and flu without antibiotics. We will also provide you with a customised management plan so that you can self-manage your colds and flu symptoms.

 

 Simple steps to relieve the colds and flu symptoms

  • Rest may help your immune system to fight the virus
  • Drink something soothing
  • Avoid exposure to cigarette smoke

How to relieve blocked sinuses, clear mucus or dry a runny nose

  • Use salt water (saline) sprays or drops can help clear mucus
  • Inhale steam from a running shower or using a steam vaporiser in the house
  • Decongestant tablets, mixtures, sprays or drops help some adults relieve blocked sinuses (ask our pharmacist if these medicines is appropriate for your condition)
  • Use an ointment to soothe dry or chapped skin around your nose

How to relieve a sore throat or cough

  • Gargle warm salty water
  • Suck on ice or a throat lozenge
  • Common pain relief medicines like paracetamol, ibuprofen or aspirin can ease the pain of a sore throat. Aspirin is not suitable for children and some adults.

See our earlier post on common cold for when you should see your doctor.