Carmen Drive Community Pharmacy

🐾 Happy Furry Friday, Saturday, and Sunday! 🐾

There’s nothing like a furry friend to brighten our day and remind us of the wonderful community we’re part of. Thank you Lynn, for sharing your delightful companion with us! Wishing everyone a weekend filled with joy, paws and playful moments. 🩷

🌟 Protect Yourself from Shingles 💪

Did you know that shingles can have serious, long-lasting effects on your health? At our pharmacy, you can get vaccinated to reduce your risk and protect yourself from these potential complications:

Complications of Shingles:
⚡️Post-Herpetic Neuralgia (PHN): This nerve pain can persist for months or even years after the shingles rash heals and can be debilitating.

👁️ Vision Loss: If shingles affects the eyes (ophthalmic shingles), it can lead to serious eye complications, including vision loss.

🦵Skin Infections: The blisters can become infected, leading to bacterial skin infections.

⚠️Neurological Problems: In some cases, shingles can cause complications like hearing loss, balance issues, or facial paralysis.

Why Get the Shingles Vaccine?
✅ Prevent Complications: The vaccine significantly reduces your risk of experiencing these serious, painful complications.

✅Stay Healthy: Shingles can impact quality of life—especially in older adults. The vaccine helps keep you active and well.

✅ Peace of Mind: One simple step to lower your risk!

Eligibility on the National Immunisation Program (NIP):
If you’re eligible, you may only need to cover the administration fee (no vaccine cost):
• People aged 65 years and over
• Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people 50 years and over
• People who are immunocompromised and/or receiving immunomodulatory/immunosupressive treatments and are 18 years and over

Book Your Appointment Today!
👉 Visit our website https://carmendrivepharmacy.com.au (for a Herpes Zoster vaccine) or call us directly to schedule your vaccine.

Stay proactive about your health—get vaccinated and protect yourself from shingles and its potential complications!

For more shingles information, visit:
https://www.health.nsw.gov.au/immunisation/Pages/shingles-program.aspx

🛠️Join the Hills Men’s Shed Open Day!🪵

Looking for unique Christmas gifts or just a wonderful community experience? The Hills Men’s Shed is opening its doors, inviting you to see their talented team in action, explore their handcrafted creations and do some Christmas shopping! 🎁

The Hills Men's Shed is a community space where men can connect, converse, and create. The Shed offers a variety of activities, including woodworking, metalworking and community projects.

It’s a fantastic chance to connect with the amazing people behind the Men’s Shed – a group dedicated to making a positive impact, building friendships and supporting our community. We’re thrilled to support and work alongside them and we’d love for you to come by and see all the incredible work they do.

Weekend plans - done ☑️ 🎄🪑

🌱 We had a little surprise visitor at the pharmacy! Meet our tiniest pragmatist friend, perched on Nabil’s navy polo collar as he looked down, smiling as his gentle giant friend.

Nabil has a way with everyone, no matter how big or small! 💙 🐞

🍹 Navigating Alcohol Intake on Your Cruise & Tips for Hangover Relief 🚢

Cruising is the perfect way to unwind, but it’s important to manage alcohol intake to ensure a safe, enjoyable journey. Here’s how to drink responsibly and recover if you’ve had one too many.

Tips for Responsible Drinking:

🪧 Know the Alcohol Policy: Each cruise line has different rules for alcohol limits, age restrictions, and bringing your own beverages.

⏰ Pace Yourself with Drink Packages: Unlimited drink packages can lead to excessive drinking, so consider your limits before buying. According to the Australian National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC), drinking more than 4 standard drinks in one day can increase health risks.

💦 Alternate with Water: Alcohol dehydrates, so be sure to drink water regularly to stay hydrated.

🍽️ Eat Well Before and While Drinking: Eating before and during alcohol consumption can help slow its absorption, reducing its effects.
🧮 Track Your Drinks: Australian health guidelines recommend no more than 10 standard drinks per week and no more than 4 on any one day to minimise health risks.

Hangover Relief Tips:

🚰Rehydrate: Alcohol can dehydrate you, so drinking water or electrolyte-rich beverages is essential. The NHMRC suggests hydration as a key part of hangover recovery.

🛌 Get Rest: Sleep helps your body process alcohol and recover.

🍌 Eat Light Foods: Bland foods like toast, crackers, or bananas can help settle your stomach.

🚫 Avoid More Alcohol: Though “hair of the dog” is a common myth, more alcohol can worsen symptoms, prolonging recovery.

Drinking responsibly and preparing for hangover relief with hydration and rest can make your cruise more enjoyable and safe. Here’s to a healthy, balanced voyage! 🌊🍹

🚢 Preparing for Your Cruise: The Importance of a Motion Sickness Kit 🚢

Embarking on a cruise is an exciting adventure, but for some, motion sickness can dampen the experience. Motion sickness occurs when there’s a disconnect between the motion sensed by your inner ear and what your eyes perceive, leading to symptoms like nausea, dizziness, and vomiting. Packing a motion sickness kit can be essential to ensure a comfortable journey.

Essential Items for Your Motion Sickness Kit:

• Over-the-Counter Medications:

💊 Antihistamines such as hyosine or dimenhydrinate can help prevent and treat symptoms. Be aware that some may cause drowsiness and check with out pharmacists if they are suitable for you

👉Acupressure Wristbands: Products like Sea-Bands apply pressure to specific points on the wrist, which may alleviate nausea without medication.

🫚 Ginger Supplements: Ginger has natural anti-nausea properties and can be consumed as candies, tablets, or tea.

🥤Hydration Supplies: Staying hydrated is crucial. Pack a reusable water bottle and consider electrolyte packets to maintain balance.

🍘Light Snacks: Plain crackers or dry biscuits can help settle the stomach if nausea arises.

By preparing a motion sickness kit and following these tips, you can enhance your comfort and fully enjoy your cruise experience. Safe travels!

What’s happening on Carmen Drive at Beef Bullion

🏆WIN A $100 BEEF BULLION GIFT CARD🏆
Guess the first 3 places in the correct order in tomorrow’s Melbourne Cup to win. T&Cs below…. And good luck!!!
✅ One entry per person
✅ All entries must be in before 2pm 5/11/24
✅ first 3 places in correct order
✅ The first correct guess will win
✅ All entries must be commented on our facebook post
✅ Share the Facebook post

🚢 Planning Your Next Cruise? Here’s How to Prevent Motion Sickness! 🚢

We know how thrilling a cruise can be but if you’re prone to motion sickness, it might add a challenge to the adventure.

Motion sickness happens when your inner ear senses movement that doesn’t match what your eyes see, leading to nausea, dizziness, and headaches.

Here’s how to keep that queasy feeling at bay so you can enjoy smooth sailing! 🌊

Prevention Tips:

🔹 Choose Your Cabin Wisely: Staying near the centre of the ship and on a lower deck where there’s less movement can make a big difference in preventing seasickness.

🔹 Focus on the Horizon: Keeping your eyes on a stable point, like the horizon, can help your brain balance out the movement.

🔹 Stay Hydrated & Eat Lightly: Drink plenty of water and start with lighter meals. Avoid greasy or spicy foods, as they can make nausea worse.

🔹 Try Motion Sickness Remedies: Options like acupressure bands or over-the-counter medications can help. Check with your pharmacist to see which option is best for you before the trip.

🔹 Step Out for Fresh Air: Getting fresh air on deck can relieve symptoms if you’re feeling a bit unsteady.

What to Avoid:

❌ Reading or Screen Time Below Deck: Looking at books or screens in enclosed areas can intensify symptoms, so stick to these activities when you’re feeling steady.

❌ Excessive Alcohol or Caffeine: Both can dehydrate you, making nausea worse, so keep them in moderation.

❌ Strong Perfumes or Scents: Heavy scents can worsen nausea, so look for fresh air or unscented spaces.

❌ Standing in Enclosed Spaces for Long Periods: Avoid long periods in enclosed spaces where you can’t see the horizon, as this can make symptoms worse.

With a little preparation and these tips, you can enjoy a more comfortable and enjoyable cruise experience. For personalised advice on remedies or other motion sickness options, feel free to reach out to us – we’re here to help make your journey the best it can be! 🌞✨

🌊 Common Ailments to Watch Out for on a Cruise 🌊

Cruising is a fantastic way to holiday, but it’s important to be aware of potential health risks and their symptoms that can arise at sea. Here are some common health concerns:

🦠 Norovirus: This highly contagious virus spreads easily on cruises. Symptoms include vomiting, diarrhoea, and stomach cramps.

🤢 Motion Sickness: Seasickness can cause dizziness, nausea, and headaches, often making it hard to enjoy the trip.

🌞 Sunburn/Heat Exhaustion: Prolonged sun exposure can lead to painful burns, dehydration, and fatigue, especially on outdoor excursions.

🍲 Food Poisoning: Gastro symptoms such as nausea, diarrhoea, and abdominal pain can arise from food that may not agree with you.

😷 Colds and Flu: Respiratory infections can spread quickly on board, causing coughs, sneezing, fatigue, and body aches.

Preparing for these health risks will help ensure that you spend more time enjoying your cruise and less time dealing with symptoms. We’ll dive into more detail over the coming days to help you stay healthy and make the most of your holiday! 🚢

✨ Fast Flashback Friday ✨

Last Sunday, we had the wonderful opportunity to donate a netball hamper prize to the Carlingford Netball Club presentation day as they celebrated their impressive 45th season! Not only were medals and trophies handed out, but it was a day full of fun and connection for players, as they came together to celebrate everything they achieved throughout the season as a club.

A big thank you to Andrew, the club president, for giving us the opportunity to sponsor this amazing event and be part of the community effort in connecting locals through the joy of sports. It’s moments like these that make us proud to support our local community.

GO CARLO! 🎉

✨Empowering the Community with Health Awareness ♥️

We are so grateful for the opportunity Yvonne and Susan had to present at the Hills Men’s Shed, where they shared valuable insights about blood pressure and the best methods for measuring it.

High blood pressure is a major risk factor for serious conditions such as heart attack, heart failure, stroke, and kidney disease, so raising awareness and providing support within our community is incredibly important to us.

The members at the Hills Men’s Shed were not only warm and welcoming but also actively engaged in the presentation. We truly appreciated the lively discussions and the chance to conduct blood pressure testing on the day. A big thank you for the amazing BBQ lunch that followed, which gave us the opportunity to connect and get to know some of the wonderful members.

It fills our hearts to be able to contribute to the community and work towards improving health outcomes. Thank you Hills Men’s Shed for your generosity, warm sense of humour and kindness🩷

🧠 4 Ways Pharmacists Can Help with ADHD

1. Personalised Medication Reviews

Your ADHD journey is unique, and so should your treatment be! 💊 Pharmacists offer personalised consultations to make sure your medication is tailored just for you. Whether it’s adjusting the dose or managing side effects, they’ll help you feel confident in your treatment plan. ✨

2. Ongoing Support and Follow-ups

ADHD management doesn’t end after your first script! Pharmacists provide ongoing support with regular check-ins to monitor how well your medication is working. They’ll help keep you on track, ensure you’re staying consistent with your treatment, and are always there to answer any questions or concerns. 🙌

3. Holistic Health Advice

Managing ADHD is about more than just medication. Pharmacists can recommend supplements, vitamins, and lifestyle changes that complement your treatment, supporting your overall health and wellbeing. 💪 It’s about feeling your best every day!

4. Collaboration with Healthcare Teams

You’re not alone on your ADHD journey. 🤝 Pharmacists work closely with doctors, psychologists, and even your educators to ensure you get the best care possible. This team approach means you’re supported at every step, from school to work to home!

World Mental Health Day: How ADHD Affects Mental Health 🌿💙

Today is World Mental Health Day—a time to raise awareness of mental wellbeing, including the challenges faced by those with ADHD (Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder). Did you know that ADHD often overlaps with other mental health conditions, making it harder to identify?

🌺 ADHD and Mental Health 🧠
Up to 80% of adults with ADHD have at least one other mental health condition, such as anxiety or depression (Australian ADHD Professionals Association). The stress of managing ADHD symptoms can worsen these conditions, affecting emotional wellbeing.

🌷 Why ADHD Gets Missed 🧐
Conditions like anxiety or depression can mask ADHD symptoms, leading to missed diagnoses. Difficulty concentrating or restlessness may be attributed solely to anxiety, overlooking ADHD as a possible cause.

Let’s break down the barriers to understanding ADHD and its impact on mental health.

If you or someone you know is struggling with ADHD or other mental health challenges, reach out speak to your doctor or support organisation such as Beyond Blue and ADHD Support Australia

You don’t have to navigate it alone.

We will be closed Labour Day Monday 7th October.

Please note our weekend trading hours.
👋 Saturday: 8:30am to 1pm
🙅‍♀️Sunday: CLOSED

Wishing you a safe and happy long weekend!

Oh! Remember to change your clocks for
day light saving this Sunday 6th October ⏰

5 Myths About ADHD – Let’s Set the Record Straight!

ADHD is often misunderstood, leading to myths that can impact the way people with ADHD are perceived and treated. Let’s get the facts out!

🧠 Myth 1 : ADHD medication is dangerous.

Fact: When managed properly by a doctor and taken as prescribed, ADHD medications are generally safe and can significantly improve symptoms.

🧠 Myth 2: ADHD is just a childhood disorder.

Fact: While ADHD is often diagnosed in childhood, it can persist into adulthood. Many adults with ADHD were never diagnosed as children and continue to face challenges without realising it.

🧠 Myth 3: ADHD is caused by bad parenting.

Fact: ADHD is a neurological condition, not the result of parenting style. It’s linked to genetic and environmental factors affecting brain function, not discipline or upbringing.

🧠 Myth 4: Everyone is a little ADHD.

Fact: Occasional forgetfulness or distraction is normal for everyone, but ADHD is a consistent and chronic disorder that disrupts daily life in significant ways. It’s not the same as being occasionally distracted, it heavily disrupts their daily life - personal, work and relationships.

🧠 Myth 5: People with ADHD can’t be successful.

Fact: Many highly successful people, from entrepreneurs, athletes, inventors to artists, have ADHD. These people were able to excel due to the support they received. With proper management and support, individuals with ADHD can excel in both personal and professional life. People with ADHD include: Bill Gates, Emma Watson, Jamie Oliver, Simone Biles, Trevor Noah, Richard Branson, Lisa Ling and more!

Let’s continue to break down these myths and create a more supportive, understanding environment for those living with ADHD.