Bedbugs

Itchy, scratchy BEDBUGS!

Bedbugs are small, wingless insects found all over the world. They are a nocturnal parasite, which means they rest during the day and are active at night. However, bedbugs are opportunistic and will bite in the day, especially if starved for some time. They feed on the blood of humans and prefer to hide in bedding and on mattresses where they have ready access to a source of food.

Cold and Flu

Sneeze, sneeze….sniffle, sniffle do I have a cold or the flu?!

Common colds and the ‘flu’ (influenza) are viral infections affecting the nose, sinuses, throat and airways. Antibiotics do not work against these viral infections, but colds and the flu usually get better on their own. Medicines may relieve some of the uncomfortable symptoms of colds and flu.

Cold Sores

Help I think I have a cold sore!! Does that mean I have herpes??

Cold sores ARE caused by the herpes simplex virus. However, there are 2 (two) types of herpes virus; HSV-1, which typically causes infection in or around the mouth and nose, and HSV-2, which usually causes genital herpes. However, it is important to note that it is possible for both type 1 and type 2 to cause sores in the genital area.

Dental Health

You know the old saying, “don’t judge a book by its cover;” well unfortunately we are all guilty of doing just that. Think of how you felt the last time you met someone that had poor dental hygiene and bad breath – was your first thought that they didn’t take good care of their health? If you don’t brush and floss teeth daily, food particles can remain in your mouth, which promotes bacterial growth between teeth, around the gums, and on the tongue.

Diarrhoea

Diarrhoea is when bowel movements become watery, foul-smelling and the need to go to the toilet becomes frequent and urgent. It is important to note that diarrhoea has many different causes and can sometimes be a sign of a more serious condition, such as inflammatory bowel disorders. There are 3 different types of diarrhoea. Osmotic diarrhoea occurs when too much water is drawn into the bowels.

Ear Conditions

Our ears are one of the most important parts of our body, not only allowing us to hear, but they also play a role in maintaining our balance, which is vital in our ability to function in daily life. Ear problems may be in the ear canal (external), such as infections, blockages, or perforations of the eardrum ; or internal, such as inner ear infections of the middle or inner ear areas. Sometimes the symptoms are similar, so it is sensible to seek medical care or advice if there is pain or a loss of hearing.

Eye Conditions

There are many different types of eye conditions that can affect people. Some can be easily fixed with over-the-counter medicines and do not cause any permanent damage; however others are more serious and may require urgent medical attention. This information leaflet will discuss the most common types of eye conditions that present in our LiveLife pharmacies and what treatments we have available for you.

Fat and Cholesterol

Our bodies need cholesterol and fats (triglycerides), but having too much cholesterol or fat in our blood can increase our chances of developing high blood pressure, heart disease and stroke. High cholesterol and triglyceride levels can be lowered with healthy eating, lifestyle changes and medicines.

Hay Fever

Hay fever is the common name for allergic rhinitis; rhino meaning ‘of the nose’ and its meaning ‘inflammatory.’ Thus, allergic rhinitis is defined as an inflammation of the nose caused by allergies. Hay fever may be perennial, which means symptoms are present throughout the year, or seasonal, with symptoms present during the months of spring and summer only.

Head Injuries and Concussion

Chances are you have bumped your head before. Usually the injury is only minor because our skull is so hard and protects our brain. But some head injuries can be more severe, such as skull fracture, concussion or traumatic brain injury. Some of the most common causes of head injury include accidents at home, work, outdoors or while playing sports, falls, physical assault and traffic accidents. This information leaflet will discuss head injuries to give you a better understanding of how they happen, what they look like and how they should be managed.

Head Lice

Head Lice
A comprehensive tool for you to learn all about those dreaded head lice. If you require any further information, please don’t hesitate to call on your local LiveLife pharmacy for fantastic advice on controlling and preventing this condition.

Let’s learn something about head lice…

Heartburn & Indigestion

Ever had that rising pain and burning sensation in your chest? Feel like you’re having a heart attack? It’s more likely that you are suffering from heartburn or indigestion.
Heartburn affects more than your physical health; it can affect your quality of life. Up to 1 in 5 Australians experience heartburn at least once a week—a staggering statistic and certainly good reason for you to understand the condition and be able to manage it should you or a close family member/friend experience it.

Heat rash

Heat rash is the “generic” name for a number of skin problems that arise or worsen because of heat exposure. Common names for heat rash include prickly heat, miliaria rubra, sweat retention syndrome, and “sun” allergy.

This disorder occurs all year round in the tropics, and elsewhere in the summer months when the weather is hot and humid.

Insomnia

Why is sleep important?

Sleep plays a vital role in good health and well-being throughout your life. Getting enough quality sleep at the right times can help protect your mental health, physical health, quality of life, and safety.

Psoriasis

Psoriasis is a skin disease causing red, scaly patches of skin but can also affect the nails and joints. This condition is not infectious but can be severe. Its exact cause is yet to be determined but we do know that the immune system and genetics play major roles in its development. A common belief is that the immune system is somehow mistakenly triggered which, among other immune reactions, speeds up the growth cycle of skin cells.

Quit Smoking

It’s time to quit and we are here to help you..
People smoke because the nicotine in tobacco is very addictive. However as we all know, continual exposure to all of the other chemicals in the tobacco smoke can cause other health conditions such as heart disease, lung cancer, emphysema and bronchitis. If you’re a heavy smoker or been smoking for a long time, Nicotine Replacement Therapy (NRT) is a good option to consider.

Snoring

Snoring……so many of us do it…..whether we like to admit it or not. But why does it happen? And is there anything you can do about it?

Snoring happens when the muscles of your airway relax too much during sleep and vibrate (creating noise) when air you breathe passes in and out. Occasional snoring is experienced by most people at some point in their life, but loud or chronic snoring can disrupt sleep quality, disturb others and may be the tell-tale sign of something more serious requiring treatment…..

Wound Care

Healing and dealing with wounds in the pharmacy…

Providing advice on wound care is a day-to-day occurrence in our LiveLife pharmacies….here are some helpful wound care hints that we would love to share with you this month!