Geoff & Sue Szwarcbard Pharmacy

Endometriosis affects about 1 in 9 women.* If you're seeking advice on managing symptoms, visit our pharmacy or consult your GP for diagnosis and treatment. Remember, you're not alone— our Pharmacist is here to support your health journey. For more information on symptoms, treatments, and support, click the link below.

*Source: https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/endometriosis

🌼 It's Women's Health Week! 🌼

Our pharmacy is here for every stage of your health journey. From menstrual cramps to menopausal symptoms, and everything in between, we're your ally. You're not alone—get trusted advice and support from our Pharmacist today.

🧑 Happy Father's Day to all those in our community! 🧑

Today is an opportunity to express our gratitude and recognise the role our father figures play in our lives. Tag your father, uncle, mentor, or any cherished father figure below!

Did you know that up to 70% of asthma attacks are caused by viral infections? *

Colds and flu can be a common trigger of asthma attacks, and while we are nearing the end of winter, these illnesses can still linger.

For assistance with cold and flu symptoms and how to manage your asthma, come in-store and speak with our Pharmacist today.

*https://files.nationalasthma.org.au/resources/Asthma-Winter-Checklist-Factsheet-NAC-Final.pdf

Mindfulness can help reduce stress, enhance mental and physical health, and boost overall happiness.*

🧘 Here’s a simple mindfulness meditation exercise to get you started: 🧘
1. Sit on a straight-backed chair or cross-legged on the floor.
2. Focus on your breathing.
3. Once you’ve concentrated on your breath, broaden your awareness to include sounds, sensations, and thoughts.
4. Observe each thought or sensation without judgement, accepting them as they are.

Visit us in-store and speak with our Pharmacist for personalised advice and support. We're here to help you find the best solutions for your health and wellness.

* https://www.helpguide.org/harvard/benefits-of-mindfulness.htm

Need an absence from work certificate? Our Pharmacist can issue an absence from work certificate for personal or carers leave. *

Come in and chat with our Pharmacist today.

* Conditionals apply.

This week is Dental Health Week so we have some tips to help you maintain healthy teeth and gums: *
🦷 Brush teeth twice a day with fluoride toothpaste
🦷 Clean between your teeth daily using floss or interdental brushes.
🦷 Eat a healthy, balanced diet and limit added sugar intake
🦷 Visit the dentist regularly for check-ups and preventive care

Visit us in-store today to see our range of oral health products and for more advice.

* https://www.teeth.org.au/dental-health-week

This Month is Tradies National Health Month! From physical to mental health support, our pharmacy is here to support the health of the tradies in our community.

For more information and tailored healthcare advice, come in and chat with our team today!

🚨 Winter Wellness Alert! 🚨

Stay healthy and vibrant this winter with our essential wellness tips:
1. Stay Active 🚶‍♀️ - Try to incorporate regular exercise to keep your muscles moving.
2. Enjoy a Balanced Diet 🍎🥦 - To stay fuelled and give your body the nutrients it needs.
3. Prioritise Sleep 🛌💤 - To be well rested and restore your energy levels.
4. Stay Connected 🧑‍🤝‍🧑📱- Keep in touch with loved ones by catching up or through a simple text or phone call.
5. Maximise Available Daylight 🌞- Open your blinds in the morning and try to make the most of the sun by spending time outside during the day.

Do you have any other essential winter wellness tips that help you during the cold month? Let us know in the comments! 👇

We know it can be hard to find the motivation to exercise during winter... So we have some advice on how to keep moving your body!

🎯 Set Realistic Goals: Start with small, achievable targets. Celebrate your progress and keep pushing forward!
🏠 Warm-Up Indoors: Begin your exercise routine inside to get your body warmed up before heading out into the cold.
🏠 Layer Up: Dress in layers to stay comfortable. Wear moisture-wicking fabrics to keep sweat away from your skin.
👯 Find a Workout Buddy: Exercising with a friend can make workouts more enjoyable and keep you accountable.
🧘 Try Something New: Winter is a great time to try indoor activities like yoga, Pilates, or swimming. Keep your routine exciting!

For more tips on how to keep active this winter, come in and chat with our friendly team today.

Get the most out of your routine with a medication review!

A medication review is a great opportunity to talk to our Pharmacist about your medicines, how they are working for you, how you are storing them or even how a personalised medication pack could be beneficial for you!

If you have any questions about your medicines, call or visit our pharmacy to organise a medication review today.

Are you one of the 1.9 million Australians living with diabetes? *

Here at your local pharmacy, our team can provide services and tailored support to assist you with your diabetes management.

You can come in and ask our Pharmacist anytime about how we can support your diabetes wellness. 💙

* https://www.diabetesaustralia.com.au/about-diabetes/diabetes-in-australia/

During the winter months, cold and flu viruses are more prevalent and can cause coughs, often accompanied by congestion and a sore throat. Dry indoor air can also contribute to a cough's persistence. So, how can you prevent a winter cough before it starts?*

💙 Practise good hygiene: Always wash your hands properly, avoid touching your face, and use disinfectants when needed to remove germs from frequently touched surfaces.
💙 Stay hydrated: Drinking plenty of water and using a humidifier can help maintain moisture in your throat, providing relief from irritation caused by dry air.
💙 Maintain a healthy lifestyle: Eating well, getting sufficient sleep, and exercising regularly are essential to keep your immune system strong during winter.

* https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/cough

Go Dry this July and feel the difference! ❌🍻

Dry July is not only a great fundraiser to support people affected by cancer, it’s a great challenge that also has many health benefits, including:
👉 Assisting with a positive mindset
👉 Increasing your energy levels
👉 Promoting better sleep
👉 Assisting with weight loss
👉 Healthier skin
👉 Giving you a sense of achievement

To find out more about how you can support this cause, visit - https://www.dryjuly.com/. And if you or someone you love need assistance, come in-store and we can offer professional advice and can lead you in the right direction for further support. 💙

Cold, winter weather calls for warm, hearty meals so we found the perfect vegetable soup recipe for you! Packed with immunity-supporting vitamin C and four of your 5-a-day, it's just what you need to maintain a healthy diet this winter. 🥕🥬

Save this recipe for next time you're stuck for ideas:

Ingredients
85g dried red lentils
2 carrots, quartered lengthways then diced
3 sticks celery, sliced
2 small leeks, sliced
2 tbsp tomato purée
1 tbsp fresh thyme leaves
3 large garlic cloves, chopped
1 tbsp vegetable bouillon powder
1 heaped tsp ground coriander

Method
STEP 1 - Tip all the ingredients into a large pan. Pour over 1½ litres boiling water, then stir well.

STEP 2 - Cover and leave to simmer for 30 mins until the vegetables and lentils are tender.

STEP 3 - Ladle into bowls and eat straightaway, or if you like a really thick texture, blitz a third of the soup with a hand blender or in a food processor.

Credit: https://www.bbcgoodfood.com/recipes/winter-vegetable-lentil-soup

🧘 Today on International Day of Yoga, we wanted to share some of its health benefits that may help you! 🧘

Research has shown that practicing yoga regularly can improve cardiovascular fitness and muscular strength and regulate blood pressure. It is also a great way to reduce stress, and assist with healthy sleeping habits and positive mental health.*

Yoga can be done alone or with others, so try adding it to your daily routine and let us know if you feel the difference. 🥰

* https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/yoga-health-benefits

More than 1 in 3 Australians say they feel more down during winter than they do in the warmer months. * So, if the cooler weather and shorter days are affecting you, you're not alone!

To get your mind working, we have hidden some activities in this crossword that you can do to assist with your mental wellbeing.

Could you find them all? Let us know in the comments and share some other activities that you find helpful! Also remember that our pharmacy team are also always here for a confidential chat anytime you need. 💗

* https://mccrindle.com.au/article/winter-blues-having-real-impact-in-australia/

This week is Men's Health Week and here at our pharmacy, we want to highlight the importance of the health and wellbeing of the men and boys in our community.

Men's Health Week focuses on not just physical health, but also men's mental health and emotional wellbeing. Our team are always here to support, from our pharmacy services including health checks, blood pressure monitoring and medication management, to product recommendations and tailored advice to suit all needs. 🤗

If you're struggling with a pesky sore throat, we have some quick, easy home remedies for you!*
💙 Honey - Mixed with tea or on its own
💙 Saltwater gargle - Mix half a teaspoon of salt to a full glass of warm water and gargle
💙 Chamomile tea - It has anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and astringent properties
💙 Garlic - Adding fresh garlic to your diet or taking supplements can help with fighting off viral infections

Which remedy do you swear by? Let us know in the comments!

For more advice and product recommendations, come in-store and chat with our team.

* https://www.healthline.com/health/cold-flu/sore-throat-natural-remedies -remedies

Did you know that Australia has one of the highest rates of bowel cancer in the world? 1 in 15 Australians will develop the disease in their lifetime.*

Your risk of developing bowel cancer greatly increases from age 50. That's why it’s important to know the symptoms and have them checked if they persist for more than 2 weeks. Some common symptoms include:
👉 Abdominal pain or swelling
👉 Frequent gas, pain, or cramps
👉 Blood when you go to the toilet
👉 Unexplained tiredness, weakness or weight loss

Almost 99% of bowel cancer cases can be treated successfully when detected early. You can visit our pharmacy anytime for support and for assistance with seeking further medical support. 💙

* https://www.bowelcanceraustralia.org/what-is-bowel-cancer

🚭 To***co kills more than 8 million people each year, including an estimated 1.3 million non-smokers who are exposed to second-hand smoke. * 🚭

At our pharmacy, we understand how difficult it can be to quit, so we here to support you and the people you love. You can come in anytime to speak with our Pharmacist - They can recommend products tailored to your needs and point you in the right direction for further specialised support if you need.

We care about your health at all costs, so don't be afraid to come in for a free and confidential chat! 💙

* https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/tobacco

If you are unwell and need an absence from work certificate or are caring for an unwell family member and need a carer’s leave certificate, our Pharmacist can assist you. If you need further medical treatment, assessment, or diagnosis, we will refer you to your doctor.

Want to know more? Ask our friendly Pharmacist the next time you are in-store.

The flu and the common cold are both contagious illnesses, but they are caused by different viruses. Flu is caused by influenza viruses only, whereas the common cold can be caused by a number of different viruses such as rhinoviruses and parainfluenza.

Because the flu and the common cold have similar symptoms, it can be difficult to tell what you're experiencing and how to treat it correctly. In general, the flu is worse than the common cold, and symptoms are typically more intense and begin more abruptly. Colds are usually milder than the flu. *

Still not sure which one you have? Come in and chat with our Pharmacist and they can provide you with the right advice and products to help your needs.

* https://www.cdc.gov/flu/symptoms/coldflu.htm

Wishing a very happy Mother's Day to all motherly figures in our community today. Your endless love and dedication never go unnoticed. 💐

If you are celebrating someone today, let us know who it is in the comments and why you appreciate them! 💖

Asthma impacts nearly 2.8 million Australians*, so today on World Asthma Day, so we wanted to make sure that you are properly informed about Asthma first aid!

If you or someone you know is affected by asthma, visit us in-store today to see how our Pharmacist can help.

To find out more about this common condition and what causes flare-ups, visit *https://asthma.org.au/get-involved/events/world-asthma-day/2024-world-asthma-day-asthma-education-empowers/.

❤️ Having a healthy heart is central to our overall health as it is responsible for pumping nutrient-rich blood throughout our body. It is vitally responsible for just about everything that gives your body life, ranging from the transportation of oxygen to the success of your immune system. * ❤️

That is why it is so important to look after the health of our heart and ensure it is not at risk of disease or other complications! This Heart Week, estimate your heart age to see how it compares to your actual age. Your risk of a heart attack or stroke may be higher if your heart age is greater than your actual age. You can calculate your heart age here - https://www.heartfoundation.org.au/heart-age-calculator.

For assistance with your heart health and to have it checked, visit our pharmacy to have your blood pressure monitored. Your health is important to us so come in and see us today!

*https://www.phelpsmemorial.com/love-your-heart-know-importance-your-hearts-health #:~:text=Your%20heart%20health%20is%20central,while%20removing%20toxins%20and%20waste.

This week is World Immunisation Week, so we want to make sure you know the benefits of getting vaccinated, and how they help people of all ages live longer, healthier lives.

Vaccines reduce risks of getting a disease by working with your body’s natural defences to build protection. When you get a vaccine, your immune system responds. Immunisation currently prevents 3.5-5 million deaths every year from diseases like diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis, influenza, and measles. *

For more information on immunisation and for tailored advice to suit your needs, visit us instore this week and chat with our Pharmacist. 💙

*https://www.who.int/health-topics/vaccines-and-immunization =tab_1.

🔥 QUIZ TIME 🔥 Can you guess which food has more antioxidants: cherries, pomegranates, or pistachios?

Did you guess right? Let us know in the comments! 👇

Foods that are high in antioxidants can be a powerful weapon against disease, and premature aging of your body and your brain. You can read more about the power and importance of antioxidants, particularly pistachios, here - https://americanpistachios.org/nutrition-and-health/antioxidant-powerhouse.

Flu season is rolling in so we wanted to give you some of our top tips to put up a good fight! 🤛

If you do manage to lose the battle and become sick, we have a range of products such as decongestants, pain medication, throat losengers, to get you back on your feet in no time. Come in and chat with our team today!

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a common condition that affects the lives of 5-10% of people worldwide.
While this is a large group of people, there are still many others who remain undiagnosed and are unaware that the symptoms they are experiencing could be IBS. * 😓

If you suffer from any of the following ongoing symptoms such as abdominal pain, bloating, constipation, or diarrhoea, you may have IBS. While lifestyle habits do not cause IBS, there are several things you can do to help reduce your symptoms such as stress management, regular exercise, and eating a balanced diet. You can read more about IBS symptoms and treatment here - https://aboutibs.org/treatment/.

Our pharmacy team can offer you further tailored advice on how to manage your symptoms, and recommend products to assist with your gut health. For more information and support, come in and chat with our team! 💙

* https://aboutibs.org/living-with-ibs/ibs-awareness-month/