Link to Good Health The only thing old fashioned about us, is our service
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Growing Old Not for
BOOST
Brain Power
Sissies
Giving Birth The Options
Summer:
Fit for Success
Fact File
Tuberculosis
Body Analysis: Head and Neck November 2010
Your Link Pharmacy Directory
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Contents Link Message
HEALTH AND WELLNESS Health and Wellness Know-How p. 5
It seems impossible that we are into the last quarter of the year, the World Cup is a fantastic but distant memory, the stores are already carrying Christmas paraphenalia and the summer holidays are in sight!
GOOD ADVICE Going for Goal p. 6
We decided that following on from the World Cup, it would be a great time to look at Goals, both personal and professional. The success of the World Cup, proved to us, as a nation, that anything is possible if you set a goal. Take a look at the article Going for Goal for some advice on how to set and realise your own goals.
MIND AND BODY Boost your Brain Power p. 8 NUTRITION AND EXERCISE Fit for Success p. 11 FACT FILE Tuberculosis p. 14
Of course summer, and the fast approaching holidays, brings with it the desire to get back into shape – both mentally and physically. Look out for the articles Boost your Brain Power and Fit for Success which give great advice on keeping all of you performing at your best.
MUM AND BABY Giving Birth: The Options p. 16
Summer also brings with it BUGS - aaah! Our First Aid: Bug Bites article gives you some useful information on how to identify and deal with various bug bites.
BODY ANALYSIS Head and Neck p. 18
And on either end of the age spectrum we take a humouress look at what getting older means Growing Older: The good, the bad and the ugly, and planning for the arrival of a new baby. For mothers-tobe we have a great guide, Giving Birth: The Options.
QUICK GUIDE Is it a cold, sinusitis, hayfever or the flu? p. 21
Last, but not least, take a look at our TB Fact File. Tuberculosis is a worldwide problem and the incidence of the disease is on the increase. As they say, knowledge is power, so beef up on the facts to keep yourself and your family safe.
OLDER GENERATION Growing Old: The good, the bad and the ugly p. 22
Yours, as always, in sickness and in health. Enjoy the magazine and as always we look forward to feedback or comments. So please feel free to drop us a line at thelastword@mweb.co.za.
TAKE NOTE Editor’s Tips for a Healthier Life p. 23 FIRST AID Bug Bites p. 26
LINK PHARMACY DIRECTORY p. 28
The Link to Good Health Team Publisher: United Pharmaceutical Distributors in association with The Last Word Editor: Laura Evans, thelastword@mweb.co.za Layout and Design: Laura Evans Production: Beyond the Blue Aza Arrikum (021) 460 1682 Advertising consultant: Dalit Shekel, dshekel@upd.co.za Sue Stuckie, sstuckie@upd.co.za Link Editorial Committee: Pat van Eeden, pveeden@upd.co.za Dalit Shekel, dshekel@upd.co.za
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necessarily reflect the views of UPD or Link. The information contained in Link to Good Health is for general information and educational purposes only, and should not replace professional medical advice. Persons requiring any medical advice or treatment should consult their Link pharmacist or the relevant healthcare professional.
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To find out about your nearest Link pharmacy please consult the Link Pharmacy Directory at the back of the magazine, or call our tollfree helpline on 0860 178 247.
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Stop running from the ‘runs’ If you seem to spend your life running to the loo, with the ‘runs’, smecta is a new treatment offered. Containing a type of clay, smecta assists in absorbing and removing toxins in the digestive tract. It also helps to restore the health of the mucosa in the gut lining.
health &wellness know-how “ To avoid sickness eat less;
Ask your Link pharmacist for more information about this great new product.
“
to prolong life worry less. Chu Hui Weng
Your meds: what you should know Whether you’ve been prescribed an antibiotic for the flu, or you are buying a supplement, it is important to be informed about what you are putting into your body. Ask your Link pharmacist or your doctor if you aren’t sure about any aspect of medication you are taking. Here are some questions to ask: ÖÖ What is the tradename of the medication? ÖÖ What is it supposed to do? How long will it be until I see results? ÖÖ What is the dose? How long should I take it? ÖÖ Are there any foods, drinks, other medications or activities I should avoid while taking this medicine? ÖÖ What are the possible side effects? What should I do if they occur? ÖÖ What should I do if I miss a dose? ÖÖ What should I do if I accidentally take more than the recommended dose? ÖÖ Will this new medication interfere with my other medication(s) and how? (It is important to give your doctor and your Link pharmacist a full list of ALL the medication you are already taking, including herbal, complementary, homeopathic etc)
Understand the Lingo Your health should be your concern. Read package inserts of any new medication. To help, here are some common terms you might encounter, explained. Adverse effect: an unwanted and possibly harmful symptom caused by a medication. Side effect: an unintended result of a medication. Side effects can be beneficial, such as weight loss caused by a medication for diabetes. However, when doctors talk about side effects they usually mean adverse effects. Drug interaction: the way a medication works can be altered by other drugs (prescription and nonprescription, or over-the-counter), supplements, foods and beverages (including alcohol). These interactions may make the medication not work as well, work too well or may cause side effects. Information sourced from: www.mayoclinic.com/health/medication-errors
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Aim for the goal posts Just like the players know what their coaches and fans expect of them right from the opening game, your goals give your life direction and keep you motivated. Knowing where you want to be and working on a detailed plan to get there, is the key to achieving the things you really want. You may not strive to be a world class footballer but you may want to own your own home or business. A goal is a programme you adopt to make this a reality. Some goals can be attained over the short term, while others take longer to reach fruition. “Steven Covey says begin with the end in mind,” recalls Jannie Putter, mental coach for the Blue Bulls and author of ‘Secrets of a Champion’ (LAPA, 2004). “Would you like your body to follow and remain where you are or would you like your body to go where you dream, you plan and desire to end up in life? The effect of setting goals and developing a clear picture of what you want has been tested and proven throughout history!” Kirsten Long of Coach4life says that if a goal is too easy to achieve, you won’t feel satisfaction when you reach it, but if it’s unrealistic it may be overwhelming and de-motivate you. Goals are very personal. What may be an unrealistic goal for one person, may be attainable for the next. “When you think about your goal, you should feel challenged and excited about achieving it,” says Kirsten. Jannie Putter points out that it’s ultimately success that is your biggest source of genuine motivation, whatever you determine your goal to be.
Going for Goal The Soccer World Cup may be over, but there are some good lessons to be learnt from the top players and coaches about setting and reaching goals. The world’s best soccer strikers set their sights on the goal posts. Collectively the coaches and their teams worked hard to achieve the goal of winning. Players followed strict training programmes, eating a healthy diet and honing their skills with the ball. What about your own goals? Do you have a target for your life, something you’re prepared to work hard to achieve? 6
Get fit for the challenge You can’t expect to win a marathon if you haven’t trained. Athletes exercise for months before an important race and do whatever it takes to get fit for the run. “It’s great to set yourself a huge goal, but to achieve it, you should break it down into more manageable chunks,” says Kirsten. “Focus on those chunks on a daily basis and don’t worry about how you’ll get to the end.” Some goals seem so unreachable that it’s difficult to find ways to break them down. “I wanted to see Paris,” says Phoebe Ryan*. “That’s my goal, but I’m just not able to save enough on my salary. I need help to get there but I don’t want to borrow from the bank. Is my goal unattainable?”
Kirsten responds: “Never give up! If you give up, your dream is over.” She urges Phoebe to set a date for her trip and really start working towards achieving her goal. Phoebe needs to make a few lifestyle changes in order to reach her goal. “She could do something once a week instead of twice, give up smoking or going out for a drink with friends, get off the taxi one stop earlier every day or take an extra job on the weekends,” says Kristen. If Phoebe visualises herself packing for the holiday and sees herself in Paris, the goal will seem more real and she’ll be motivated to continue as her funds grow. For Phoebe, breaking down her goal means finding new ways to save money.
Your goal plan Now it’s over to you to write down your detailed goal plan.Include: 99 the names of people you need to network with, 99 dates to have completed a section of the goal by, and 99 any small steps that you can tackle on your way to achieving your big goal.
goals. Take a few minutes each week or a few times each month to check where you are on your journey.
Reassess often Circumstances may change. A goal you thought was important to you may not be priority with a sudden turn of events. This could mean that you have to adjust your goal and realign your focus. Jannie Putter sees this as a time for positive growth. “If we do not apply and adapt our goals in accordance with the wisdom and understanding we gain through experience, we may miss out on a great opportunity for more success, higher achievements and even bigger dreams!” he adds. * not her real name. By Gina Hartoog, Information sourced from: Kirsten Long, www.coach4life.co.za; Jeanine Sloan, www.lifecoach.za.net
If you put as much energy into setting and achieving your own goals, as the nation did into hosting the phenomenally successful World Cup, anything is possible.
Don’t be tempted to work on too many goals at a time. The more focused you are, the more likely you are to achieve your dream.
Measure your progress Jeanine Sloan, a life and business coach from Gauteng, says that measuring your goal is essential to determine exactly what you have achieved. “Without ticking off that goal it would be difficult to move on to the next part of the goal or to a new goal,” she says. Some goals are easy to measure, like the soccer star who works hard to make the team. His goal is measured when he achieves success and is capped to play for this country. Your goal may be just as easy to measure. If you’ve set yourself the goal of losing weight for your best friend’s wedding and three weeks later, the scale is showing a drop in weight, you’ve successfully been able to measure your progress. This small victory on your journey motivates you to carry on towards your goal weight. Other goals are not easy to measure and if you can’t evaluate or see your progress, you may not think you’re making any at all. “First, you have to determine what the external difference will be once the goal is achieved,” says Jeanine. “If your goal is to have a better attitude about things, you’ll have to define what a better attitude is to you, and what will be apparent when you get there.” Kristen Long adds that often these types of goals need good self observation. “You have to be honest about your progress! There really is no point in lying to yourself,” she cautions.
Keep on training When a sportsman has achieved his desired fitness level, he can’t take a break from training. He has to keep working out to maintain his fitness level on the field. You should always come back and re-evaluate your
Bigger Goals While personal goals help us to reach our full potential, being part of a bigger goal is equally valuable and rewarding. Lead SA is a Primedia Broadcasting initiative, supported by Independent Newspapers, that aims to encourage you as a South African to stand up and lead South Africa, for the sake of your family, your community, and your country. The initiative aims to make the most of the positive energy that the World Cup generated, to get every South African involved in making a difference in our country. According the Lead SA’s mission statement: Our country faces many challenges and overcoming them requires action. Accordingly, if we need to mobilize support for an initiative, we will. It is important to keep in mind that the success of Lead SA rests on all of us. Lead SA is about you. It is about your ability to make a difference. Why not join Lead SA on Facebook or follow them on Twitter to find out about initiatives you can participate in?
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BOOST YOUR Brain POWER
Simple lifestyle changes can have a huge impact on how you function mentally. Here are some smart, simple ways to boost your brain power…
Intelligent Eating Essentials “There are a number of foods and supplements that feed the brain and help develop mental muscle,” explains Dr Tom Shea, director of the University of Massachusetts in America.
A recent French study proved that people who regularly consumed omega-3 rich oils, such as canola, flaxseed, and walnut oil, are 60% less likely to develop dementia than those who didn’t.
Including plenty of fresh foods into your diet will optimise your brain function and provide sustained energy, needed for hours of intellectual activity. Avoid foods that are processed, high in carbohydrates and saturated with sugar, salt, chemical colourants, flavourants and preservatives. They will adversely affect how your brain functions by inhibiting the release of chemicals needed to stay alert. Selecting healthier options will better feed both your body and mind. Lean meat, fish, chicken, eggs, fresh fruits, vegetables, nuts and seeds all boost your memory by stimulating the release of neurotransmitters.
Proteins: Quality proteins activate neurotransmitters
and stimulate your memory. Essential fatty acids (or EFAs), on the other hand, play a key role in the formation of synapses in the brain that allow information to travel between cells and be processed, stored and retrieved.
Essential Fatty Acids: A recent French study proved 8
that people who regularly consumed omega-3 rich oils, such as canola, flaxseed, and walnut oil, are 60% less likely to develop dementia than those who didn’t. Eggs, seeds, nuts, avocado and fatty fish and cold-pressed oils are also excellent sources of EFAs. Studies have also found that regular consumption of fruits and vegetables lowered dementia risk by 30%.
Flavonoids: In fact, researchers at Tufts University in America found that regular consumption of blueberries slows and even reverses age-related brain decline and improves short-term memory loss. This is because the fruit is a major source of flavonoids which enhance existing neuronal connections, improve cellular communication and stimulate neuronal regeneration. Lycopene: There is also evidence to suggest that
lycopene, a powerful antioxidant found in tomatoes, could help protect against the free radical damage to cells which occurs in the development of dementia, particularly Alzheimer’s.
Vitamin E: Eating cruciferous and green leafy
vegetables including: cauliflower, spinach, kale, broccoli, cabbage and brussel sprouts appear to also benefit body and mind. This may be because they contain vitamin E, an antioxidant that protects cells against damage.
Start Smart Eating breakfast improves concentration, reaction time, learning ability, mood and memory. Make sure you start your day right with a balanced breakfast, containing a mix of proteins and carbohydrates, to keep you feeling mentally agile from morning til night. Fibre-rich wholegrain cereals with low-fat milk, yogurt, low-fat egg dishes, wholegrain toast and fruit are all excellent options for that first meal of the day. Dr Caroline Leaf, who heads the Johannesburg-based Switch on Your Brain Organisation, says to avoid highlyprocessed breakfast cereal, pap or white bread, because of the high-carbohydrate content. “These foods suppress neurotransmitter functioning (the brain chemicals involved in receiving, processing, storing and accessing information) and cause spikes in blood sugar levels”, she explains. “Memory recall and optimum cognition require stable blood sugar levels.”
Sip and Supplement! The brain is made up of 30% water, so it is important to keep hydrated to maintain your mental agility and concentration levels. Keep a large bottle of fresh water with you and sip from it throughout the day to avoid dehydration. Surprisingly, researchers have also found that a moderate intake of red wine is associated with a lower risk of dementia. This is due to the polyphenols in red wine that are proven to have antioxidant and neuroprotective properties. Just enjoy your favourite tipple sparingly because the damage to brain cells caused by overindulging will have the opposite effect! Adding smart supplements to your diet can also give you the mental edge you need in today’s demanding world. Supplements with a blend of high grade marine fish oil (salmon or krill) and Evening Primrose oil, Ginseng, Starflower oils, Iron, Ginkgo Biloba and those containing the antioxidant L-Carnosine, all appear to boost brain power in adults and children and also help protect the brain from plaque formation that may lead to senility and Alzheimer’s. Consult your local Link pharmacist for advice on the most suitable supplement for you.
Activate Mind and Body Regular physical exercise stimulates the formation of new brain cells (neurons) and strengthens connections between those cells. Researchers have also found the areas of the brain that are stimulated through exercise are associated with memory and learning. Several studies also confirm that regular physical activity reduces the risk of cognitive decline and dementia in old age. Aim to get active for at least half an hour four times a week to increase your mental muscle while keeping your body fit too. Increased activity does not only relate to your physical performance. Continuing to learn and challenge yourself mentally will not only enhance your memory, but also ensure the growth and survival of new brain cells. Studies have shown that even small changes in daily patterns cause brain stimulation. Strive to learn new things and participate in exciting and challenging activities to avoid cognitive decline and dementia in the
future. Also, try to balance work with fun activities that stimulate and infuse you with positive energy. Humour stimulates the parts of our brain that use the ‘feel good’ chemical messenger dopamine and researchers have found that it can also improve memory. Several studies, including a recent one from Harvard School of Public Health, have also shown that folks who report more social activity have a reduced risk for dementia. So, be sure to get out and about with friends that enrich you mentally and spiritually too.
Rest and Restore Yourself Sleep plays a crucial role in brain development and growth. Without sufficient sleep, your brain neurons may not have time to repair damage and could malfunction during the day. Rest is also necessary for the brain to process and consolidate knowledge and for memories to form. Neuroscientists say that during sleep the hippocampus (where memory is stored) becomes highly active and moves knowledge from short-term memory to long-term memory. Sleep appears to thus help ‘set’ memories and make them easier to recall. Ensure that you get a minimum of seven to eight hours of sleep a night to keep in top mental condition.
Aim to get active for at least half an hour four times a week to increase your mental muscle while keeping your body fit too.
Calming your mind with meditation can also boost attention, memory, and learning. In fact, a study from the University of Wisconsin discovered that Buddhist monks, who have meditated every day for years, received a pattern of brain waves at the highest levels in areas such as attention, memory, and learning. The Internet, books and specialized courses can teach you the meditative techniques to achieve this restorative state of mind. It may be frightening to realize that your brain changes with every experience you have. However, it’s encouraging to know that you have the power to improve your own mental functioning. All it takes is knowledge about what your brain needs to perform optimally and the focus to make these changes a part of your everyday life. By Julia Lamberti, Information sourced from: www. eMedExpert.com, www.HealthMad.com, www.suite101. com, www.goodfoodchannel.co.uk, www.CBSNews. com, BrainMetrix.com, EmpoweringParents.com, www. womanjunction.com, FamilyLobby.com, The Daily News Website
8 Brain Boosting Tips
Try these simple exercises to help activate underused nerve pathways and connections in your brain: 1. Drive to work using a different route 2. Get dressed with your eyes closed 3. Brush your teeth with the other hand 4. Unlock the door with your eyes closed 5. Use your opposite hand to dial numbers on your phone or to operate the TV remote 6. Listen to music and smell flowers at the same time 7. Shop at new grocery store 9
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FIT
for Success It’s easy to neglect your body when juggling the demands of today’s competitive working world. Here are some practical steps to look and feel healthier
FOOD FOR THOUGHT The key to optimum performance is to fuel your body with the right foods. Experts recommend eating three evenly spaced, balanced meals and two or three healthy snacks per day for an active metabolism and alert body and mind. Main meals should contain a portion of lean protein and a serving of low glycemic (GI) carbohydrates like whole grains, lentils and beans, low-carbohydrate vegetables and lowfat dairy.
prominently in your diet as they are low in kilojoules and packed with fibre, vitamins and age-fighting antioxidants. Avoid excess salt, sugar, additives and preservatives and replace saturated and trans fats in red meat and full fat diary with healthy monounsaturated fats found in foods like olive oil, avocados and nuts. It’s also wise to complement a balanced diet with a potent multivitamin. Adding quality garlic, Echinacea, ginger or ginseng supplements will also help prevent illness and boost your body’s energy levels throughout the year. Skipping vital meals like breakfast and buying fast foods, fatty snacks and pre-packaged meals can wreak havoc on your body. Although they are quick options when you are hungry and busy, convenience foods tend to be low on nutrients and packed with too much salt, saturated fats and sugars. Start a busy day with a breakfast containing a balanced mix of
Proteins and low GI carbohydrates stabilize your blood glucose and insulin levels, keeping hunger at bay and you energized all day. Fresh fruit and vegetables should also feature
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Proteins and low GI carbohydrates stabilize your blood glucose and insulin levels, keeping hunger at bay and you energized all day.
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proteins and carbohydrates to keep you feeling fuller for longer and prevent mid-morning cravings. Fibre-rich wholegrain cereals (like oats or bran) are a great option when combined with low fat milk or yogurt. Another nutritious way to kick start your day is a low-fat egg dish served with wholegrain toast, such as a poached egg or omelette. Haven’t got time to sit down for your morning meal? Enjoy a piece of fruit, yogurt smoothie or a low -sugar cereal bar on the run. The scale may have become your enemy over winter, but the good news is that with the arrival of summer it is so much easier to eat lighter meals which are kinder to the waistline. Select seasonal fare that benefits your body and tastes delicious too. Healthy yellow, orange and red fruit and vegetables like oranges, carrots, naartjies, red and yellow peppers, guavas, berries and sweet potato are low in kilojoules and rich in antioxidants, immune boosting vitamins and minerals. Try to also include healthy dark green vegetables like spinach, kale and broccoli into your diet. Beans and lentils are also a great way to get low-fat protein and lots of fibre into your diet; add them to salads, curries and stews. Cut down on soft drinks, juices and alcohol and stick mostly to water and herbal tea. Just avoid adding energy dense sweeteners like sugar or honey to your favourite warm drink. Keeping a large bottle of cool water with you will also keep you hydrated and mentally agile throughout a busy day.
REST EASY A good night’s rest helps your body to regenerate cells and repair itself while reducing stress, improving your memory and strengthening your heart. Peaceful slumber
can also keep you slim by regulating the hormones that affect and control your appetite. Establish a regular sleep cycle and avoid caffeine, alcohol and intense exercise too close to bedtime to ensure that you get at least seven to eight hours of rejuvenating shut-eye.
STUB OUT SMOKING Did you know that smoking damages nearly every organ of the body and that every cigarette you smoke reduces your expected lifespan by 11 minutes? Kicking this habit will extend your lifespan, lower your risk of cancer and other diseases, stabilize your heart rate and improve circulation and lung function. It’s simple: quit today and enjoy a better quality of life for longer or puff your way to an early grave.
CHANGE IS A CHOICE
Keeping a large bottle of cool water with you will also keep you hydrated and mentally agile throughout a busy day.
Anyone can feel stressed and sluggish, in the end-of-year rush. The truth, however, is that neglecting your health while struggling with daily stresses will not only affect your quality of life but also your performance at work. Remember that a balanced lifestyle requires openness to change and a commitment to adopting one healthy habit at a time. Recognizing mistakes and gradually improving how you treat yourself, will allow you to strike the balance needed to live a focussed and fitter life and enjoy the benefits the whole year through. By Julia Lamberti, Information sourced from: www. en.wikipedia.org, www.ehow.com, www.health24.com, Indiana Business Magazine, www.wellnessco.co.za, www. allbusiness.com, The Executive’s Guide to a Healthy Lifestyle by Jan Gamm, www.time.com, The Medical College of Wisconsin, www.about.com, Fitnesstips101.com
PRIORITIZE EXERCISE People who exercise regularly live longer, look better, have stronger immune systems, healthier organs and muscles, lower cholesterol levels, less depression and more stamina to tackle their daily responsibilities. Exercise also produces ‘feel-good’ chemicals called endorphins which improve your mood and help you to handle stress. An ideal fitness program should combine strength training with cardiovascular exercise and a minimum of three one-hour exercise sessions per week. Whether you choose to power walk with the dog in the morning or enjoy an evening session at the gym, making exercise a non-negotiable part of your schedule will keep you looking and feeling on top off your game.
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FACT FILE
TB Tuberculosis (TB) is an airborne infectious disease that is preventable and curable. The World Health Organization (WHO) is working to dramatically reduce the burden of TB, and halve TB deaths and prevalence by 2015, through its’ Stop TB Strategy and supporting the Global Plan to Stop TB.
MultidrugResistant TB
How common is TB, and who gets it? Over eight million new cases of TB occur each year worldwide. Anyone can get TB, but certain people are at higher risk, including:
Multidrug resistant-TB (MDR-TB) is far more difficult and expensive to treat. Patients may be required to undergo many months of difficult treatment which carries a heavy burden for themselves and their families.
99 people who live with individuals who have an active TB infection, poor or homeless people, people from countries that have a high prevalence of TB, nursing home residents and prison inmates, alcoholics and intravenous drug users, people with diabetes, certain cancers, and HIV infection (the AIDS virus), and 99 health-care workers.
99 99 99 99 99
www.who.int/tb/womenandtb.pdf
There is no strong evidence for a genetically determined (inherited) susceptibility for TB.
How is tuberculosis TB spread? Tuberculosis (TB) is an infection, primarily in the lungs (a pneumonia), caused by bacteria called Mycobacterium tuberculosis. It is spread usually from person to person by breathing infected air during close contact. The risk factors for acquiring TB include close-contact situations, alcohol and IV drug abuse, and certain diseases (for example, diabetes, cancer, and HIV) and occupations (for example, healthcare workers).
What are the symptoms of TB? In healthy people, infection with Mycobacterium tuberculosis often causes no symptoms, since the person’s immune system acts to ‘fend off’ the bacteria. The body’s immune system, can stop the bacteria from continuing to reproduce, making the lung infection inactive (dormant). On the other hand, if the body’s immune system cannot contain the TB bacteria, the bacteria will reproduce (become active or reactivate) in the lungs and spread elsewhere in the body. TB infection usually occurs initially in the upper part (lobe) of the lungs. It may take many months from the time the infection initially gets into the lungs until symptoms develop.
TUBERCULOSIS IN ORGANS 14
The usual symptoms that occur with an active TB infection are: ÖÖ coughing, sometimes with sputum (mucous) and blood, ÖÖ chest pains, ÖÖ a generalized tiredness or weakness, ÖÖ weight loss, ÖÖ fever, and ÖÖ night sweats.
reveal evidence of active tuberculosis pneumonia. Other times, the x-rays may show scarring (fibrosis) or hardening (calcification) in the lungs, suggesting that the TB is contained and inactive.
Although TB is commonly known as an infection or disease of the lungs, once inside the human body these bacteria start multiplying in number. The infection can spread beyond the lungs to any organ of the body via the blood. TB of the lungs is contagious, whereas TB of other organs, is non-infectious.
Skin test: Several types of skin tests are
How does a doctor diagnose tuberculosis? The diagnosis usually involves a tuberculin skin test or a blood test, a chest x-ray, and examination and culture of a sputum (mucous) sample.
Sputum (mucous) smear: Examination
of the sputum on a slide (smear) under the microscope can show the presence of the bacteria. used to screen for TB infection. These socalled tuberculin skin tests include the Tine test and the Mantoux test, also known as the PPD (purified protein derivative) test. If the infection with tuberculosis has occurred recently, however, the skin test can be falsely negative. The skin test can also be falsely negative if a person’s immune system is weakened or deficient due to another illness such as HIV/AIDS or cancer, or while taking medications that can suppress the immune response, such as cortisone or anticancer drugs.
X-rays: Sometimes, the chest x-rays can
SITE INFECTION
SYMPTOMS OR COMPLICATIONS
Abdominal cavity
Fatigue, swelling, slight tenderness, and appendicitislike pain
Bladder
Painful urination and blood in urine
Bones (mainly children)
Swelling and minimal pain
Brain
Fever, headache, nausea, drowsiness, and, if untreated, coma and brain damage
Pericardium (the Fever, enlarged neck veins, and membrane around the shortness of breath heart) Joints
Arthritis-like symptoms
Kidneys
Kidney damage and infection around the kidneys
Lymph nodes
Painless, red swollen lymph nodes, which may drain pus
Reproductive organs in men
Lump in the scrotum
Reproductive organs in women
Sterility
Spine
Pain, leading to collapsed vertebrae and leg paralysis
How is TB treated? Inactive tuberculosis may be treated with an antibiotic, isoniazid (INH), to prevent the TB infection from becoming active (turning into TB disease). Active TB is treated, usually successfully, with INH in combination with one or more of several drugs, including rifampin, ethambutol, pyrazinamide, and streptomycin (two or more antibiotics are always given to reduce the chances of bacterial resistance). Treatment is usually over a period of months and patients need to take all the medication as prescribed, for as long as prescribed regardless of wehther they are feeling better.
How can TB be prevented? Early diagnosis and treatment, plus isolation of people with the active disease until they have responded to treatment, help prevent TB from spreading. && High-risk persons with TB infection must complete their preventive therapy medicines. && Persons with TB disease must take all of their anti-TB medicine
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exactly as prescribed.
&& Whenever a TB patient coughs, sneezes or speaks he/she should cover their mouth and nose with a tissue. The tissue should be disposed of carefully in a dustbin and the patient should wash his/her hands with soap afterwards. && The patient should maintain a physical distance from family members and friends. && Within a period of few weeks of start of treatment the bacteria disappear from sputum and risk of transmission of TB is markedly reduced. By Laura Evans. Information sourced from: www. medicinenet.com/tuberculosis, www.dhpe.org, www. merck.com, www.healthinitiative.org, www.who.int
7 FAST FACTS ABOUT TB Fact 1: Tuberculosis (TB) is an infectious
bacterial disease caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis, which commonly affects the lungs.
Fact 2: TB is contagious and spreads through the air. If not treated, each person with active TB can infect on average 10 to 15 people a year.
Fact 3: More than two billion people; one third of the world’s total population, are infected with TB bacilli, the microbes that cause TB. One in every 10 of those people will become sick with active TB in his or her lifetime.
Fact 4: TB is a ‘disease of poverty’, affecting
mostly young adults in their most productive years. The vast majority of TB deaths are in the developing world, with more than half occurring in Asia. People living with HIV are at a much greater risk of contracting TB.
Fact 5: The symptoms of active TB of the
lung are coughing, sometimes with sputum or blood, chest pains, weakness, weight loss, fever and night sweats.
Fact 6: TB is preventable and curable. Fact 7: Multidrug-resistant TB (MDR-TB)
is a form of TB that does not respond to the standard treatments using first-line drugs. Multidrug-resistant TB is a serious publichealth problem with key causes: poor patient compliance to treatment, lack of detection of resistant strains, and unavailable therapy.
Giving Birth The Options
Around the time the nausea lets up and you start to feel more energetic in your pregnancy, you’ll probably begin to wonder about your baby’s birth day. It’s going to be a momentous occasion in your life, the final leg of your journey to motherhood. Birth is a very personal event and no two births are quite the same. It’s important to know that you do have a choice about how your baby enters the world, unless there are unforeseen medical complications. Freedom of choice is every woman’s right.
Writing your birth plan Your birth plan should include all major points surrounding your baby’s birth plus the alternatives you would be happy with if your first preference is unable to be met. Ask your doctor or midwife to sign your birth plan and keep it in your labour bag. If you are planning a normal birth, include a last paragraph in case of an emergency c-section. Questions to ask yourself: • Who is your birth companion going to be? • What pain relief options would you consider or prefer to avoid? • Do you wish to be active and mobile or stay in bed? • Monitoring baby’s heart rate – are you happy with continuous monitoring or would you prefer intermittent checking with a handheld device? • Do you want to be upright when you deliver, squatting or lying on the bed? A tear or episiotomy? • Third stage – do you want to birth the placenta naturally or are you happy to receive an injection to speed it up?
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Birthing Options Vaginal birth
water.” You can remain in the water until transition (as the birth starts) or you can give birth in the water. Water births aren’t advocated if you’ve had a complicated pregnancy or you deliver at less than 37 weeks.
During a vaginal birth, your baby is born through the vagina, with or without a tear or episiotomy. You will go to the hospital when labour begins. Your birth partner, usually the father, will be allowed to stay with you during labour and birth. Heather Pieterse, midwife and antenatal educator, says that very few hospitals allow mothers to bring in a private midwife or doula. If you want this, you’ll have to find a unit that does offer this service.
Home births Giving birth at home is a popular modern option. For second and subsequent children and if the mother has had an uncomplicated pregnancy, home births are safe. First babies can also be born at home, but should complications arise with any birth, during labour, you will have to be transferred to a hospital.
In a hospital setting you will be assisted by the hospital midwives until you are ready to deliver. Your obstetrician will be called in to attend to the birth. Some active birth units do provide a birth experience with the least medical intervention possible. Recovery after normal birth is generally swift. Vaginal births may also be ‘assisted’ with forceps or vacuum extraction.
Home births are attended by a private midwife and/or doula. During the pregnancy, the mom-to-be and her private midwife develop a close relationship as they get to know one another. “The midwife is responsible for assisting the patient to have a special and safe birth experience,” explains Heather Pieterse. “It is her responsibility to ensure that mom and baby are safely assisted through labour and birth. This includes monitoring of the baby and mom, seeing to her emotional and physical needs, assisting her to cope with labour and also ensuring adequate equipment for potential complications. The midwife will have the support of a back up team in the event of having to transfer the patient to a hospital.”
If your pregnancy is considered post-term or there are complications with your placenta, with baby or you have high blood pressure in the later weeks of your pregnancy, your doctor may suggest an induction. Your uterus will be stimulated by drugs delivered through an IV or placed inside your vagina. Your membranes may also be stripped. These drugs will encourage the start of the birthing process (contractions and dilation of your cervix). Your baby’s heart rate will be continuously monitored and contractions may be more intense.
Doulas have no medical training but are there to assist couples in their physical, emotion and psychological needs. The doula shouldn’t take over the role of birth companion, but rather assist the partner and mother in labour. You can make use of a midwife and a doula at a homebirth and Heather says that it is ideal to have two registered midwives at the birth. Before selecting your midwife, make sure that she has a practise number with the Board of Healthcare Funders (BHF) and is registered with the SA Nursing Council.
Various forms of pain management can be used in normal birth and you can ask for an epidural, which eliminates all sensation of pain. The epidural can be left to ‘wear off’ so that you can push your baby out. A small percentage of women report a severe headache and backache after the procedure. If you have had a previous Caesarean section, you may be a candidate for vaginal birth after C-section (VBAC). Your obstetrician can advise you.
By Gina Hartoog. Information sourced from: Expectant Mothers Guide, www.babytalk.co.za, Midwife Heather Pieterse, Tel: (012) 304-1818, www. birth2baby.co.za
Caesarean (C-section) A Caesarean or C-section is a medical procedure where your baby is born through an incision made in your lower abdomen. It is considered the safest form of birth for a baby in the bridge position (buttocks down). You can also choose and plan for an elective C-section during your pregnancy.
Birth: Your Bag
If you’re planning on a normal birth, your labour bag should be separate from your hospital bag and baby’s bag. Here are some things you may want to include: Your birth plan Comfortable nightie or t-shirt (pack two), slippers, socks and a gown Hair ties and a brush Lip balm (to prevent chapped lips) A few facecloths CDs and portable CD player A small hand-held massager Hot packs or a rolling pin – to place or roll over your lower back. Birth ball (a gym ball works too) – keep it deflated and pack a small bicycle tyre pump. Fruit juices or high energy drinks (include a bendy straw) Camera (and extra batteries) Mint gum to freshen your mouth. Your toiletry bag – deodorant, wet wipes, massage cream or oil, toothpaste and your toothbrush etc. Remind your birth partner to take some snacks, CDs and their cell phone
In cases of placenta praevia, cord prolapse, high blood pressure, foetal distress or multifunction of the placenta, is it a necessary procedure. You doctor will then plan for an elective C-section. Emergency C-sections are performed if there are complications during labour. General anaesthetic is rarely used for modern C-sections. In most cases your will receive a spinal block and will be awake when baby is born. Recovery time after the birth is slightly longer than normal birth and you will need painkillers initially. Your baby may also need to spend time in an incubator during his or her first few hours. A paediatrician will be in attendance in theatre to check baby directly after the birth.
Water birth You can have a water birth at home or in a hospital that offers the service. If you want to give birth at home, you will need to hire a birthing bath and you will be assisted by a midwife and possibly a doula. In a hospital with a water birth unit, you will be assisted by the hospital midwifes and an obstetrician, if this is hospital policy. “Water is a fantastic way to relieve pain and help you relax in labour,” says midwife Heather Pieterse. “Research indicates that there is less need for synthetic pain relief and speeding up of labour when using
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Body Analysis HEAD and NECK
In a series of Body Analysis articles, Gina Hartoog will be working her way from the feet through to the head, looking at common ailments in each area and the treatment options available. From the tip of your toes to the top of your head, the human body is an amazingly precise organism, with millions of cells, different systems and processes working together to sustain life. The human brain forms the centre of our central nervous system and guides and monitors body functions. Like a sophisticated command centre, it continuously analyses and regulates the various functions and organs that keep us alive. By constantly receiving information from the sensory system (touch, sight, smell, taste, hearing) and responding with appropriate actions, the brain ensures our survival.
Stiff neck Slept wrong and can’t move your neck? In most cases a stiff neck is caused by spasms of the muscles in the neck and is usually a secondary ‘protective mechanism’ to another underlying neck condition. You may wake up with neck pain, or your neck could seem ‘stuck’ after a sudden movement. Symptoms include: pain when you try to turn your neck and possible spasms which seem to radiate down into the shoulder blades. No treatment should be attempted until the cause of the stiff neck is known. See your doctor, physiotherapist or chiropractor for a diagnosis and to rule out meningitis, a slipped or herniated disc or other Did you know that your tongue is neck conditions. actually attached to a bone in your If all other conditions are ruled out, the stiff neck? It may sound wacky but it’s true! neck is likely to be a result of poor posture, The point of attachment for the tongue everyday ‘wear and tear’ or a bad pillow. is a horseshoe-shaped bone called the Treatment for this is a gentle massage by a hyoid bone and it’s situated in your physiotherapist as well as applying hot packs neck. It is the only bone in the body to relax the muscles. that is not joined to another bone
Tongue tied
but is supported by muscles and ligaments.
Your doctor may also prescribe anti-inflammatory medication or a muscle relaxant to help with the pain. To prevent neck pain, ensure good posture at all times, especially when working at a desk and watching TV. In bed, use a good-quality neck support pillow.
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5 Steps to get rid of Lice
safe,” says Dr Morris. Keep a bottle of antihistamine eye-drops (for itchy, scratchy eyes) and a saline nasal spray in your medicine cabinet, to flush pollen out of the nose. If these treatments do not help and the condition worsens, you should see you GP, who may prescribe a short course of oral steroids. Ask your Link pharmacist for further advice about any of the disorders described and treatment options.
It’s every mum’s worst nightmare when kids come home with lice. There really is nothing to feel bad about! Anyone can get lice. If you child has ‘nits’ or lice eggs, then an adult louse, which has come from another person’s head, has laid those eggs. Nits are easy to identify. They are whitish-cream dots seen lying against the hair shaft. You won’t be able to flick them off as you would a piece of dandruff or fluff. Nits are ‘glued’ to the hair shaft by the adult. Adults are tough to find because they are camouflage and move quickly over the scalp. Here’s a handy treatment programme: 1. Ask your Link Pharmacist for a reputable lice shampoo and apply the treatment as indicated. 2. Once your child’s hair is washed, comb out section by section (use a nit comb) to remove nits from the hair. This is essential as most shampoos can’t penetrate the nit casing and if left on the hair, the egg will hatch. 3. On the day you identify the lice, wash your child’s brush and all hair ties, scrunchies and ribbons in hot water and detergent. Tumble dry if possible. Also remove all bedding from your child’s bed and wash on a hot cycle. 4. Continue to comb out your child’s (wet) hair, once or twice per day for about five days. During this time you can also use a lice maintenance spray, like Nature’s Miracle Treet-It Tea Tree Oil for extra protection. 5. Apply the initial lice product again after seven days, or as indicated on the package insert (only use as indicated as these products are toxic). Continue to be vigilant over the next week or two.
Fever blisters Fever blisters, also known as cold sores, occur outside the mouth. They often flare up on the lips and start with a tingling, pulling sensation which eventually becomes very painful. Opening the month, eating and drinking can worsen the pain. Fever blisters are caused by the herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) and shouldn’t be confused with genital herpes (which is generally caused by type 2). Once you have been infected with HSV-1, you have the virus for life. It remains inactive in your body and erupts periodically, causing a new fever blister. Factors like colds and other illnesses, trauma, sun exposure or a weak immune system can re-activate the virus. Fever blisters are also very contagious, so avoid close contact with anyone while you have one, and don’t share facecloths and towels etc. Ask your Link Pharmacist for an over-the-counter topical cream. In most cases these will soothe the pain and discomfort quickly. See your doctor if topical creams do not help.
Conjunctivitis When the membrane that covers your eye, the conjunctiva, becomes inflamed, you have conjunctivitis or ‘pink eye’. Conjunctivitis may be caused by a bacterial or viral infection or by allergies or irritations from chemicals, trauma to the eye or some diseases. This means that not all bouts of conjunctivitis are contagious. Infectious conjunctivitis, caused either by a bacteria or virus, is very contagious. Symptoms include pain, swelling and redness of the eye. There may be a discharge which forms as crust over the eye during the night. Some patients also complain of itching and a feeling of sand particles or scratching in the eye.
If your children have been sent home with lice, the school will only allow them back in class with a clearance certificate. Your Link Pharmacy clinic sister can inspect your child’s hair and issue one. This can be done as soon as you have applied the first treatment and removed all traces of nits with a comb. If you have school-going children, your best defence against lice is to regularly check your child’s hair. It’s much easier to get rid of lice if it is caught early.
Allergic or chemical conjunctivitis isn’t contagious and is caused by allergic reactions to pollen and grass or irritations to the eye from chemicals like household cleaners or smoke. Symptoms of pink eye caused by allergies include intense itching, swelling, redness of the eye in conjunction with other symptoms like sneezing and a runny nose. If you suspect conjunctivitis, see your doctor, who will make a diagnosis and treat you for the type of ‘pink eye’ you have. If you have infectious pink eye, you may be booked off work or school for a few days. Never use eye medication prescribed for another person, or share your eye drops with someone if you have an infection.
Hay fever
By Gina Hartoog. Information sourced from: Dr Adrian Morris (Cape Town Allergy Clinic, www.allergyclinic.co.za; www.healthline.com; www.about.com; www.lice.co.za; www.healthscout.com; www.medicinenet.com.
Seasonal allergic rhino-conjunctivitis is the technical term for a condition (hayfever) that affects about 20 percent of the general population. Dr Adrian Morris of the Cape Town Allergy Clinic says that allergies to tree, grass and flower pollens can cause hayfever and these should not be confused with allergies to cat or dog dander and saliva. The condition usually flares up in summer when there is sharp rise in the pollen count. Hayfever shouldn’t be trivialised. If left untreated, it can be a de-habilitating condition and may lead to asthma.
TOP TIP If you feel a cold coming on ... try zinc. The research on this mineral has been conflicting. Still, “30 mg taken at the very start of a cold will shorten it by about half a day,” says David L. Katz, M.D., M.P.H., director of the Yale University Prevention Research Center. But don’t overdo it. While even a slight deficiency in zinc, which is needed to produce white blood cells, can increase your risk of infection, more than 50 mg daily can suppress your immune system and block absorption of other essential minerals.
“Symptoms include itching of the nose, eyes, palate and throat with bouts of sneezing,” explains Dr Morris. “The nose runs and eyes may also feel scratchy and water.” Dr Morris advocates over-the-counter antihistamines as a first line treatment. “If you do suffer with hayfever, it is best to start taking antihistamines daily from about August, before symptoms start. Ask your pharmacist about the newer, non-drowsy medications.” If symptoms worsen and you aren’t able to control them, he suggests trying a steroid nasal spray for a few days. “When these are used correctly as directed by the manufacturer, they are completely
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Quick Guide Is it a cold, sinustitis, hayfever or the flu? Ailment
Symptoms
Causes
Onset
Common Cold
ÖÖ ÖÖ ÖÖ ÖÖ ÖÖ ÖÖ ÖÖ
More than 200 different viruses, including: 99 Rhinovirus (nose virus) 99 RSV (respiratory syncytial 99 virus) 99 Corona viruses
Lasts about Usually comes on one week gradually • Most common from April until August • Adults will get 2-4 colds/year • Children will get up to 12 colds/ year • Colds are a powerful asthma trigger
Viruses, spread by:
Usually comes on suddenly
Lasts about a week
Exposure to irritants/ triggers: 99 Dust mites 99 Animal dander (hair) 99 Animal saliva 99 Pollen 99 Mould spores
Weeks, months or all year.
Symptoms last as long as you are exposed to the allergen.
Exposure to irritants/ triggers: 99 Tobacco smoke 99 Cold air 99 Alcohol 99 Perfume
Symptoms occur directly following exposure to irritants
Caused by bacterial infection in most cases
• Usually occurs as a late complication of a common cold
(Head Cold)
Flu (Influenza)
ÖÖ Sudden fever, chills ÖÖ Aching muscles and ÖÖ ÖÖ ÖÖ ÖÖ ÖÖ
Allergic Rhinitis (Hayfever)
No fever No aches and pains Still have an appetite Sore throat Runny, stuffy nose Sneezing Most prominent symptoms are in the nose
joints Headache Severe malaise Dry cough and lack of appetite Blocked and/or runny nose Your ‘whole body’ feels sick
ÖÖ No fever ÖÖ Congestion ÖÖ Runny or stuffy nose (clear, white thin mucus) ÖÖ Sneezing ÖÖ Itchy nose, throat and eyes ÖÖ Cough is rare
Non-allergic ÖÖ Sneezing ÖÖ Runny nose Rhinitis (Vasomotor Rhinitis) Sinusitis
ÖÖ No fever
ÖÖ Thick yellowish/ ÖÖ ÖÖ ÖÖ ÖÖ ÖÖ
green nasal discharge Facial tenderness Headache Congestion Fatigue Fever
99 Sneezed or coughed
Duration of Prevention/Treatment Symptoms
droplets into the air from an infected person 99 Cold and dry weather, as people spend more time close together indoors.
Frequent hand washing
99 Bed rest and plenty of fluids 99 Acetaminophen or aspirin for headache/ fever. Do not give children under 12 aspirin. 99 See a physician if cold lasts more than 10 days
99 Highly recommended to get a flu jab to prevent the flu, especially if there is a history of asthma, recurrent ear infections, and sinusitis. 99 Best time for flu shot is April to May 99 Most people recover without treatment
Avoid triggers; for example:
99 Remove carpeting to reduce dust mites and mould
99 Air conditioning may help reduce mould
99 Use mattress and pillow covers to reduce dust mites
99 Antihistamines 99 Intranasal steroids 99 Immunotherapy may help Tends to get better when not
Avoid triggers:
99 second-hand tobacco smoke
exposed to trigger(s)
• Those with asthma/allergies may also be predisposed to the development of sinusitis.
Can last 99 Sinus drainage medications weeks, months (e.g. decongestants) or even years during times of increased susceptibility, such as flu and cold season 99 Inhaled nasal corticosteroids 99 Decongestants 99 Antibiotics to control a bacterial infection, if present 99 Pain relievers to reduce any pain or fever 99 Steam inhalations and/or nasal saline washes
Information sourced from www.asthma.ca/adults/about/pdf/Sinusitis_Rhinitis_Comparison_Chart.pdf
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”
One feels uncomfortable when faced with a surgeon who was not even born when you began your own career and who is now going to stick a knife into your own personal set of innards and wiggle it around. James Clark, columnist
”
Growing Old
The good, the bad and the ugly Just when you think you’ve handled pretty much everything life can throw at you, nature pitches a curve ball and robs you of the faculties you need to enjoy your hard-won retirement. Maddening enough as that is, everyone (even those your junior) seems to be quick to offer advice on this ailment or that pain. Stoeptalk columnist and renowned journalist James Clark isn’t about to snap up just any advice though.
Warning: As with old age, this article requires a sense of humour!
!
James Clark, “One reads a lot of advice these days on growing old. I cannot think why anybody would need advice on how to grow old. Growing old, I have always believed, is easy. You just have to keep breathing!” Let’s take a look at what you can expect from ‘old age’ and how to beat Mother Nature at her own devious game.
Deteriorating five senses SIGHT AND HEARING: Your eyesight and hearing diminish. TASTE: You lose half your taste buds. SMELL: And if your taste buds don’t work too well, you probably don’t ‘smell’ too well either. TOUCH: You hate the cold but aren’t as sensitive to heat.
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Hang ’em high Have regular checkups with your doctor to pick up any vision and hearing problems early on. Modern technology allows seniors to live full lives. Getting a hearing aid, having a cataract removed or getting prescription glasses can improve your quality of life. Be aware of your sense of taste. Don’t add large amounts of salt to your food (no good for high blood pressure) or sugar to your tea to make it more palatable, rather use the opportunity to sample new flavours and tastes. Keep your skin well moisturised and avoid heating pads and hot water bottles that may scald the skin.
Not-so marvellous memory You’re not quite as sharp as you once were – but hey, who’s keeping score?
Paint your wagon Memory loss is not an ‘inevitable’ part of getting older and you can do a lot to keep the grey matter firing. 99 Take up a new hobby, like art or pottery, join an
exercise class or start a crossword duel with your neighbour. 99 Keep interacting with people and never isolate yourself. Watch your diet and take a good multivitamin. 99 Exercise is great, even short walks are fine and will get the blood flowing to your brain.
Physical woes
ÖÖ Your bones aren’t as strong – you’ve been warned about breaks or fractures.
ÖÖ Your tendons, muscle and joints have lost some flexibility, elasticity and strength.
ÖÖ Your heart slows a little and neglects to pump blood to your extremities – leaving you with cold hands and feet. ÖÖ Your sleep is shallower – you may wake easily or don’t seem to get any sleep at all.
In the line of fire A balanced diet is essential but you must get added calcium. Seniors need least 1200mg to 1800mg of calcium a day. If you don’t like milk, try low-fat yoghurt, cheese or calcium-fortified drinks. Physical exercise can be helpful in strengthening the muscles and improving elasticity and flexibility in the ligaments. If you are overweight, you are putting extra stress on your joints. Consider starting a lifestyle programme that will help you to lose weight. Ask your doctor or Link Pharmacist for advice on exercise and weight-loss options. Report insomnia to your doctor.
ns When it’s serious g i S Don’t chalk everything up to ‘old age’ and avoid the doctor.
Always see your doctor for regular check-ups. Michelle Pearce of Ambition24 offers the following advice: ÖÖ Get yourself a small blood pressure monitor and keep it at home. If you aren’t feeling well, take your blood pressure reading. Normal is 120/80. If the second reading is higher than 85, see your doctor. ÖÖ Keep a digital thermometer in your medicine cabinet. If you feel hot or unwell, take your temperature. See your doctor if you have a fever of 37.8 degrees and upwards. ÖÖ Any type of pain should be checked out, even headaches, as they could be a sign of hypertension. ÖÖ Diarrhoea is a warning sign that warrants a check. Keep up your fluid intake and see your doctor quickly. ÖÖ Report any chests pains immediately. ÖÖ Gradual weight loss is normal but losing a lot of weight quickly warrants a check. ÖÖ See your doctor if: ÖÖ You have trouble sleeping or experience night sweats. ÖÖ Your memory loss is worsening, you forget places and names of people or can’t recall parts of your day. ÖÖ You are depressed, lonely or are struggling with basic hygiene practices.
Embarrassing stuff
99 Your digestive system is sluggish and you’re not as regular as you once were. 99 Many seniors, especially women, find that when they laugh, sneeze or cough urine leaks from the bladder. 99 Your teeth and gums just don’t cut it anymore, literally! 99 Your mouth may feel dry.
Go ahead, make my day! Include enough fibre in your diet to keep your digestive system moving. Hi-fibre cereals, bran muffins, stewed fruit and apricots are ways to include fibre in your diet. Don’t reach for the laxatives until you’ve discussed it with your doctor. Pelvic floor exercises can help to strengthen the muscles that control urination. Avoid food and drinks that can irritate your bladder like citrus fruit juices, fizzy drinks, chocolate, drinks with caffeine and spicy foods. Ask your doctor to check your oestrogen levels (women) and consider hormone replacement therapy if it’s low. Don’t be afraid of the dentist – you need to see yours at least twice each year! He or she will be able to advise you on treatments for dry mouth and on suitable dentures. By Gina Hartoog. Special thanks to James Clark (Stoeptalk, The Star); Michelle Pearce of Ambition 24hours (nursing and care support at home), www.a24.co.za, www.mayoclinic.com, www.sneior-site.com, www.evolutionhealth.com.
23
Editor’s Tips for a Healthier Life
The Cure
Hungover? A night out on the town has left you with a dry mouth, a throbbing head and a queasy gut? The good news is that a hot toddy (without the booze) is equally good for a cold or a hangover.
Mix one cup of boiling water with honey (not sugar) and lemon to taste. The water and honey will replenish lost sugars and fluids and the honey prevents the rapid change in blood sugar levels, caused by alcohol, that result in headaches.
Salty Soother You’ve woken up with a sore scratchy throat, with a river of mucus running down the back of your throat? Try gargling with salt water. Dilute half a teaspoon of salt in a cup of warm water. The salt with soothe your throat and helps you to put up a stronger fight against any lurking bacteria.
D more than C Feeling run down and you’re worried about catching the next ‘bug’ train that travels through? Try boosting your immune system with some Vitamin D3 (the same form as the body produces). Vitamin D is as important if not more so than Vitamin C in boosting your body’s defences. Speak to your pharmacist about vit D.
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ADVERTORIAL
Ask your Link pharmacist for advice on the range of Corega products available in your nearest Link pharmacy
DENTURES Solutions from Corega In South Africa it is estimated that approximately 4.3 Million patients wear dentures1.Dealing with tooth loss is an everyday situation faced by dental professionals, but it can present huge challenges for the patient concerned. Whilst the dental professional is concerned with trying to provide a prosthodontic solution that satisfies the patient’s needs, patients often find the practical reality of losing teeth and wearing a denture challenging. Dentures are a major psychological adjustment for patients. Patients often set unrealistic expectations2.
99 Dentures will fit perfectly 99 Eating and speaking will be the same as with natural teeth. 99 Many are not prepared for the transformation
Breakthrough findings on denture fixatives
Aligning dental professional and patient expectations is key in helping to ensure denture success3. Comprehensive patient education before and during treatment may help reduce future clinical time4.
Research indicates that denture wearers who use denture fixatives experience greater confidence than those who don’t10.
Corega Denture Care products are designed with the patient and dental professional in mind. This comprehensive denture care range, offers cleansers and fixative products to enhance denture experience for patients.
Denture wearers are often nervous and self conscious in social situations, worried about speech clarity, dentures slipping or trapping food under their dentures11 .
Superior clean for dentures
Corega Denture Fixative Cream offers important improvements in patient’s quality of life: 99 Increased confidence10 99 Improved denture comfort12 99 Fewer food particles trapped under dentures13 99 Better chewing efficiency12 99 Significantly less denture dislodgement while eating14 99 Reduces odour often associated with wearing dentures15
Corega Denture Cleanser Over 80% of denture wearers reported that they are concerned about denture odour5. ÖÖ Corega Denture Cleanser offers thorough cleansing everyday ÖÖ Cleans dentures better than regular toothpaste6 ÖÖ Will not scratch dentures6 ÖÖ Fights 99.9% of odour causing germs7 ÖÖ Removes plaque8 ÖÖ Helps prevent stain build up when used daily ÖÖ Recommended for partials as well as full dentures ÖÖ Safe for overnight soaking9
Corega Denture Care range allows the denture wearer the ability to eat, speak and smile with confidence. References supplied by manufacturer and available on request from Laura Evans, editor Link to Good Health, E-mail: thelastword@mweb.co.za 25
FIRST AID Bug Bites
It may be an attack in broad daylight or a well-executed assault under cover of darkness, either way, bug bites and stings can leave you irritated and itchy. It’s mostly insects that bite or sting humans. Spiders will also sink their jaws into human flesh, but incidences are generally fewer than insect attacks. The main difference between the two groups is the amount of legs they possess and whether or not they can fly. Spiders have eight legs and can’t fly, while insects have six legs and wings which enable flight.
How your body reacts Most insects bite humans to feed on their blood, but others, including spiders, bite or sting out of ‘self defence’.
Non-venomous insects Insects who feed on blood (parasitic), such as ticks, fleas, bed bugs and mosquitoes, are usually nonvenomous. Their bites may cause irritation in sensitive people but no ill effects. When a parasitic insect bites you, its saliva prevents your blood from clotting. Your immune system reacts to the foreign saliva and this may cause mild swelling and itching in the area of the bite. Although the bites of non-venomous insects rarely
Travelling bedbugs Did you know that bedbugs may hitch a ride from the hotel or guest house in your suitcase? Before long you’ll have an infestation in your home. Bedbugs hide in any tiny cracks or crevices in places like electrical switch plates, mattress seams and bedroom furniture, coming out under cover of darkness to feed on their victims. At the hotel, store your empty suitcase in a large plastic bag and always vacuum it out when you return home. Source: Rentokil
cause more than an irritation at the bite site, the insects themselves may be carriers of life-threatening diseases like Malaria, Yellow Fever, Typhus, West Nile Virus, Encephalitis and Lyme Disease. Any symptoms other than mild swelling and irritation at the bite site, must therefore be reported to your doctor.
Venomous insects Stings from venomous insects can be painful, with redness, swelling and itching around the bite site. Some victims break out in hives (itchy red/white bumps). Venomous stings can also cause a severe reaction, known as anaphylactic shock, in sensitive people. Anaphylactic shock: a widespread and very serious allergic reaction. Symptoms include dizziness, loss of consciousness, labored breathing, swelling of the tongue and breathing tubes, blueness of the skin, low blood pressure, heart failure, and death (www. medterms.com). Wasps, hornets and bees are some insects whose stings may cause this type of reaction. To become allergic to an insect sting you must first be sensitised to the allergen that causes the reaction. You won’t react the very first time you are stung, but if you are stung a second time, you may present with a dangerous reaction (usually within 30 minutes) and require immediate, emergency treatment. People with a known allergy to insect stings must carry an injection of adrenaline with them at all times.
Identifying bites and stings Individual reactions to different bites can make it
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difficult to identify the culprit from its bite. Exact identification isn’t always necessary with most insect bites responding well to general treatments (antihistamince cream and antiseptic). Bites from insects may range in size from the tiny pinprick bite of a flea or bigger wheel-like bite of a bedbug, to a large mosquito bite with a raised white bump and circle of red inflammation. Ticks bites appear as a black mark on the skin, called an eschar, usually about 2mm to 5mm long. Not all tick bites result in tick bite fever. Spiders with neurotoxic venom (attacks the nervous system) or cytotoxic venom (tissue destroying) may cause harm to humans. The most venomous spiders in South Africa are Button and Widow Spiders with neurotoxic venom which can cause systemic (of the body’s systems) reactions resulting in breathing difficulties, chest pain, nausea, vomiting, a rash and an increase in blood pressure. Even bites from these spiders are not fatal but medical intervention is necessary. Identification of the spider can assist the doctor in finding the right treatment. The only way to diagnose a spider bite accurately is to actually catch it biting you. Capture the critter and take it with you to the doctor. Be aware that skin ailments, like dermatitis, can be mistaken for spider bites.
General treatment As a start, check the bite area. If there is a sting protruding from the skin it must be removed (see block). Once the sting is removed or the bite site identified, wash the area with soap and water or anti-bacterial wipes. Apply a cold pack to reduce pain. Once the pain subsides, smear on a thin layer of antiseptic ointment. Take a general analgesic for pain. If you are concerned about the bite, ask your Link Pharmacist for his or her option. If the area swells quickly, is very red and inflamed or the victim develops other symptoms like breathing difficulties, nausea, hives, facial swelling, wheezing, dizziness or fainting, proceed to your nearest hospital immediately. Call for an ambulance if a suspected bite causes swelling to the mouth and throat. If the bite area is very painful or looks pussy and infected, see you doctor.
Topical creams Four different types of topical creams can be used for bites and stings. The correct one to select depends on
How to remove a bee sting 1. Gather what you need – tweezers, cold compress (ice in a cloth will do), surgical spirits or anti-bacterial wipes, antihistamine cream. These should be handy in a packed first aid kit. 2. If you can see the sting sticking up in the victim’s flesh, use the tweezers to lift the sting up – as close to the skin as possible. Don’t ‘squeeze’ using the tweezers, as this breaks the poison sac allowing more venom into the skin. If you don’t have tweezers, use something flat to scrape it off (eg, a bank card) 3.
Apply the cold pack or ice wrapped in a cloth to help with swelling and relieve pain.
4.
Clean the area well with the surgical spirits or wipes.
5.
Apply a thin layer of antihistamine cream. You can also give a child a teaspoon of Panado to calm him or her down and help with the pain. Adults can take any OTC pain medication. 6.
Advise the victim to see a doctor if the site swells, becomes more painful over the next 24 hours or becomes infected. Source: The South African First Aid Manual
the bite and presenting symptoms. Antiseptic ointment or anti-bacterial cream can be used to clean the wound site and help to prevent infection. It also aids in healing. Antihistamine creams specifically manufactured for insect bites can be applied later to relieve mild itching and an allergic reaction around the site. For intensely itchy or multiple bites, a mild hydrocortisone cream can be applied in the short term to help relieve the itch and inflammation. For muscle pain around the bite site, try an anti-inflammatory gel which helps to receive pain and will also help to reduce swelling, but don’t use it on broken skin.
Antihistamine medication Over-the-counter medication for allergies like hayfever can be taken when there is an allergic reaction to an insect bite. Ask your Link Pharmacist for advice on the various creams and antihistamines available. By Gina Hartoog. Information sourced from: Rentokil, www. rentokill.co.za or 0800 FAMILY; The Spider Club of Southern Africa, www.spiderclub.co.za, www.traveldoctor.co.uk, www. biteremedy.com.
Insect
Symptoms/signs
Basic Treatment if not allergic
Mosquitoes
Very itchy, inflamed, may bleed when scratched
Clean well, apply antihistamine cream
Fleas
Tiny, itchy bites, clustered around ankles and lower leg, Antihistamine or hydrocortisone cream, oral may bleed antihistamines (if needed), treat infestation
Ticks
Tick found or black bite spot called an eschar, usually about 2mm to 5mm long. Symptoms of tick bite fever
Remove tick carefully, clean area well, apply antiseptic ointment, see doctor
Bedbugs
Itchy red bumps, hives, multiple bites or large rash, blood spots on bed sheets
Wash area well and apply antiseptic cream, hydrocortisone for itch, treat infestation
Bees
Itchy, red/white welt, may swell
Remove sting, clean well, apply antihistamine cream for itch, analgesic for pain, oral antihistamines (if needed).
Wasps
Small pin prick, intensively painful, white welt, swelling Clean, apply antihistamine cream 27
Link Pharmacy Directory Gauteng Alberton Nevada Pharmacy Tel: (011) 861 6100
Alberton, Brackenhurst Brackencity Phy Tel: (011) 867 3905
Bedfordview Pestle & Mortar Pharmacy Tel: (011) 616 4905
Benoni, Actonville Nazeema’s Pharmacy Tel: (011) 422 4592
Benoni, Rynfield Terrace Pharmacy Tel: (011) 968 1060
Boksburg Medleigh Pharmacy Tel: (011) 823 1274/2874
Boksburg, Sunward Park Sunward Park Pharmacy Tel: (011) 913 3004
Bosmont Bosmont Pharmacy Tel: (011) 474 2838
Bramley Kew Cash Chemist Tel: (011) 786 0111/0420
Bryanston Riverside Pharmacy Tel: (011) 706 6161
Craighall Park Colony Pharmacy Tel: (011) 327 0300
Edenvale Park Pharmacy Tel: (011) 453 8880
Edenvale, Dowerglen Dunvegan Pharmacy Tel: (011) 453 7661
Fairland World Wear Pharmacy Tel: (011) 431 3050/2
Florida Medix Pharmacy Tel: (011) 672 0590
Florida, Discovery Ansfere Pharmacy Tel: (011) 672 4045
A convenient directory to your nearest Link pharmacy Kilburn Centre Pharmacy Tel: (011) 766 1164
Fordsburg Mintkem Pharmacy Tel: (011) 836 9060
Fourways Leaping Frog Pharmacy Tel: (011) 467 8039
Germiston, Elsburg Voortrekker St. Pharmacy Tel: (011) 827 5533
Germiston, Homestead Lily Pharmacy Tel: (011) 828 7887
Germiston, Primrose Eastern Sub Med Supplies Tel: (011) 828 8003 Oaklaan/Oak ave Pharmacy Tel: (011) 828 4420
Johannesburg, Mayfair Station Phy Tel: (011) 837 2070
Kempton Park Airport Pharmacy Tel: (011) 390 3527 Kemcity Pharmacy Tel: (011) 975 3681 Medi Centre & Med Depot Tel: (011) 975 4070
Kempton Park, Birchleigh Medipark Pharmacy Tel: (011) 972 8114
Krugersdorp North Sacks Pharmacy Tel: (011) 665 1222
Krugersdorp, Monument Park Monument Park Pharmacy Tel: (011) 954 1920
Krugersdorp, Noordheuwel Medikruin Pharmacy Tel: (011) 954 4392
Kyalami Pharmacentre Kyalami Tel: (011) 466 0922
Laudium Civic Pharmacy Tel: (012) 374 3850 Medicares Laudium Phy Tel: (012) 374 3649
Pretoria, Erasmuskloof
Lenasia Eldomed Phy Tel: (011) 945 3441
Castle Walk Pharmacy Tel: (012) 347 9370
Protea Pharmacy Tel: (011) 854 6562 Sanurama Pharmacy Tel: (011) 854 2368 Station Pharmacy Tel: (011) 852 1367 Tahiti Pharmacy Tel: (011) 852 1368
Pretoria, Faerie Glen
Lenasia South Nikitas Pharmacy Tel: (011) 855 5064 Duxmed Pharmacy Tel: (011) 855 4454
Linden Keiths Pharmacy Linden Tel: (011) 888 3736
Malvern East Stanhope Pharmacy Tel: (011) 616 3617
Midrand Tebogo Pharmacy Tel: 072 046 1688
Mulbarton Taurus Mulbarton Pharmacy Tel: (011) 432 3484/5
Nigel Kingstan Specktrum Phy Tel: (011) 814 8101
Nigel, Ferryvale Ferryvale Pharmacy Tel: (011) 814 3231
Northcliff El Corro Pharmacy Tel: (011) 678 2319
Norwood Norwood Pharmacy Tel: (011) 728 1375
Ormonde Ormonde Pharmacy Tel: (011) 496 3382
Pretoria Green Health Phy Tel: (012) 323 5094
Pretoria, Akasia Orchards Pharmacy Tel: (012) 549 1304
Faerie Glen Medical Centre Tel: (012) 348 1276
Pretoria, Groenkloof The Medicine Shop Tel: (012) 346 4317
Pretoria, Hatfield Woolfson’s Pharmacy Tel: (012) 342 4547
Pretoria, Irene Doringkloof Pharmacy Tel: (012) 667 1981
Eldopark Pharmacy Tel: (012) 654 6947
Randburg Cosmo City Clinic Tel: 082 855 4407
Randfontein, Greenhills Medi Care Greenhills Phy Tel: (011) 412 3462
Randpark Ridge Rock Cottage Pharmacy Tel: (011) 794 7021
Roodepoort, Amarosa Ruimsig Pharmacy Tel: (011) 958 0558
Pretoria, Karen Park Karen Park Pharmacy Tel: (012) 549 0863
Sandton
Pretoria, Lyttleton
Sebokeng
Medisenter Pharmacy Tel: (012) 664 6127
Pretoria, Moreletta Park Medisquare Pharmacy Tel: (012) 998 0601/2
Pretoria, Newlands Pharma Valu Newlands Tel: (012) 369 7540
Pretoria, Noord Minnaars Pharmacy Tel: (012) 546 4314
Pretoria, Queenswood Ext 9 Pharma Valu Queenswood Tel: (012) 333 6080
Pretoria, Soshanguve Soshanguve Pharmacy Tel: (012) 790 0567
Pretoria, Sunnyside Pharma Valu Esselen St Tel: (012) 440 3311
Pretoria, Villeria Pharma Centre Waverley Tel: (012) 332 1525
Pretoria, Waterkloofridge Castle Ridge Pharmacy Tel: (012) 347 8497
Pretoria, Eersterus
Pretoria, Waverley
Civimed Pharmacy Tel: (012) 806 8211
Totiusdal Pharmacy Tel: (012) 332 1911
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Pretoria, Wierda Park
Grayston Phy & Med Depot Tel: (011) 883 3238 Thabong Good Health Phy Tel: (016) 592 3087
Soshanguve Batho Plaza Phy Tel: (012) 790 0567
Soweto Old Potch Phy Tel: (011) 984 2100
Soweto, Protea Glen Ext 2 Mangalani Glen Tel: (011) 987 7039
Soweto, Tshiawelo Mangalani Pharmacy Tel: (011) 980 3588
Vorna Valley Vorna Valley Pharmacy Tel: (011) 315 2302
Yeoville Bellevue Pharmacy Tel: (011) 648 9188/9
Limpopo Elim Hubyeni Pharmacy Tel: (015) 556 4079
Giyani Gazamed Pharmacy Tel: (015) 812 3948 Giyani Pharmacy Tel: (015) 812 3415
Link Pharmacy Directory (Cont.) Hoedspruit Hoedspruit Pharmacy Tel: (015) 793 2318
Louis Trichardt Makhado Pharmacy Tel: (015) 5160727
Makhado Weldon’s Pharmacy Tel: (015) 516 4413
Mogwase Mogwase Pharmacy Tel: (014) 555 5499
Mokopane (Potgietersrus) Waterberg Pharmacy Tel: (015) 491 4194
Nylstroom Bakkers Pharmacy Tel: (014) 717 2760
Phalaborwa Leon Thom Pharmacy Tel: (015) 781 0691/2 Phalaborwa Pharmacy Tel: (015) 781 1416
Polokwane (Pietersburg) Japie Visser Pharmacy Tel: (015) 295 9171 Libra Pharmacy Tel: (015) 297 1046 Maroela Pharmacy Tel: (015) 297 5831
Thohoyandou Thulamela Pharmacy Tel: (015) 962 6377
Tzaneen Tzaneng Pharmacy Tel: (015) 307 4177
Mpumalanga Acornhoek Acornhoek Plaza Phy Tel:(013) 795 5241
Barberton M.G. Eksteen Pharmacy Tel:(013) 712 2181
Bosboskrand Bosbokrand Pharmacy Tel: (013) 799 0143
Delmas Delmas Pharmacy Tel: (013) 665 2091/2
Hazyview The Park Phy Tel: (013) 737 7223
Kwamhlanga Moloto Road Pharmacy Tel: (013) 947 8406
Lydenburg Horison Pharmacy Tel: (013) 235 2902 Joubert Pharmacy Tel: (013) 235 2153
Nelspruit Mopani Pharmacy Tel: (013) 755 5500
Nelspruit Russels the Chemist Tel: (013) 752 2101
Secunda Transvalia Pharmacy Tel: (017) 634 7778
Standerton Maximed 1 Pharmacy Tel: (017) 712 5291
Thulamahashe Thulamahashe Pharmacy Tel: (013) 773 0351
North West Brits Le Roux Brits Pharmacy Tel: (012) 252 4555
Carltonville Deejays Pharmacy Tel: (018) 788 3253 Adlam’s Pharmacy Tel: (018) 788 3357
Itsoseng Itsoseng Phy Tel: (018) 338 1244
Klerksdorp Moosa’s Pharmacy Tel: (018) 462 3002/1347
Lichtenburg Ditsobotla Phy Tel: (018) 632 0979
Mmabato Lehrutse Phy Tel: (018) 363 4583
Mmabatho, Mafeking Molemo Pharmacy Tel: (018) 384 4222
Potchefstroom Medina Pharmacy Tel: (018) 293 3665 Potch Pharmacy Tel: (018) 294 8746
Rustenburg Giga’s Pharmacy Tel: (014) 592 5768
Sun City Pharmacy Tel: (014) 552 1145 / 082 494 7199
Kroonstad
Sun Village Pharmacy Tel: (016) 422 5676
Viljoenskroon
Rustenburg, Cashan Tuscany Pharmacy Tel: (014) 533 0482
Schoemansville Schoemansville Pharmacy Tel: (012) 253 0302 Stilfontein De Ka Pharmacy Tel: (018) 484 1821
Vryburg Vryburg Pharmacy Tel: (053) 927 0281
Syd Goldstein Pharmacy Tel: (056) 212 4171 CKroon Phy Tel: (056) 343 2316
Welkom Matjhabeng Pharmacy Tel: (057) 352 2171 Bedelia Phy Tel: (057) 352 4849
Northern Cape Galeshewe Zest Phy Tel: (053) 874 2444
Kimberley Medpark Pharmacy Tel: (053) 831 1737
Vaal
Upington
Meyerton Vanderwalt Pharmacy Tel: (016) 362 0612
Sasolburg Leibrandt Pharmacy Tel: (016) 976 1936
Vanderbijlpark Frik Pretorius Pharmacy Tel: (016) 981 3057
Vereeniging Bambi Pharmacy Tel: (016) 421 2474 Mega Pharmacy Tel: (016) 422 5676
Vereeniging, Drie Rivier Midvaal Pharmacy Tel: (016) 423 2686
Free State Bloemfontein Brandwag Pharmacy Tel: (051) 444 2200 Monument Showgate Tel: (051) 447 3309
Bloemfontein, Groenvlei Hillandale Phy Tel: (051) 412 3300
De Wetsdorp De Wetsdorp Phy Tel: (051) 541 0130
Upington Pharmacy Tel: (054) 332 3071
Western Cape Athlone Medi-Kem Pharmacy (021) 696 7557
Beaufort West Nuweveld Pharmacy Tel: (023) 414 2151/2
Belhar Bel-Air Pharmacy Tel: (021) 952 6132 Belkem Pharmacy Tel: (021) 952 7446
Belville City Kem Pharmacy Tel: (021) 946 3076 Belville, Blomtuin Blomtuin Pharmacy Tel: (021) 919 2210
Brackenfell Vredekloof Pharmacy Tel: (021) 981 2848
Campsbay Lite-Kem Pharmacy Tel: (021) 438 2088
Cape Town Cape Town Airport Phy Tel: (021) 934 5217
Cape Town, Sea Point
Frankfort Anita Meiring Phy Tel: (058) 813 3091
Petries Phy Tel: (021) 434 1858
Citrusdal
Harrismith Dales Pharmacy Tel: (058) 622 1188
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Citrusdal Phy Tel: (022) 921 2150
Durbanville Durbanville Pharmacy Tel: (021) 976 1206
Durbanville, Sonstraal Hgts Sonate Pharmacy Tel: (021) 975 0439
Franschoek Franschhoek Pharmacy Tel: (021) 876 2261
Grabouw Grabouw Pharmacy Tel: (021) 859 3383
Grassy Park Grassy Park Pharmacy Tel: (021) 705 2629 Ridgeville Centre Pharmacy Tel: (021) 705 7843
Greytown Vigne Pharmacy Tel: (028) 254 9565
Heldervue Heldervue Phy Tel: (021) 855 1260
Kleinmond Albertyn Phy Tel: (028) 271 4666
Landsdowne Plax Pharmacy Tel: (021) 761 4121/2
Langebaan Langebaan Pharmacy Tel: (022) 772 2470
Mitchells Plain Lentegeur Pharmacy Tel: (021) 3711775 Westgate Pharmacy Tel: (021) 371 6110
Paarl Roodeberg Pharmacy Tel: (021) 871 1034
De Doorns Hex Kem Pharmacy Tel: (023) 356 2348
Greytown Vigne Pharmacy Tel: (028) 254 9565
Parow Parow Family Pharmacy Tel: (021) 939 9000 Valley Pharmacy Tel: (021) 933 0533
Port Nolloth Port Nolloth Pharmacy Tel: (027) 851 8240/1
Link Pharmacy Directory (Cont.) Riversdal Riversdale Pharmacy Tel: (028) 713 1089
Saldanna Baai Saldanna Pharmacy Tel: (022) 714 2201
Somerset West
East London, Berea Berea Pharmacy Tel: (043) 721 1300
Port Elizabeth, Kwadesi Dwesi Pharmacy Tel: (041) 485 2277
East London, Crossways
Port Elizabeth, Motherwell
Crossways Pharmacy Tel: (043) 737 4515
Motherwell Pharmacy Tel: (041) 462 0928
Helderzicht Phy Tel: (021) 851 6246
East London, Mdantsane
Waterstone Phy Tel: (021) 852 0186
Amayeza – Abantu Phy Tel: (043) 761 4731
Tropper’s Pharmacy Tel: (041) 365 2050
East London, Vincent
Port Elizabeth, Summerstrand
Springbok Namakwaland Pharmacy Tel: (027) 712 2091/3
Stellenbosch Stellenbosch Square Phy Tel: (021) 880 0313 Die Boord Pharmacy Tel: (021) 887 9400/4999
Stilbaai Fynbos Pharmacy Tel: (028) 754 1860 Stilbaai Pharmacy Tel: (028) 754 1436
Tokai Reddam Pharmacy Tel: (021) 701 4001
Vredenburg Distrik Pharmacy Tel: (022) 713 5261
Worcester Narotam Pharmacy Tel: (023) 342 6762
Wynberg Broadroad Pharmacy Tel: (021) 797 3823 Kem-Park Pharmacy Tel: (021) 761 4970
Eastern Cape Butterworth Butterworth Pharmacy Tel: (047) 491 0976
Cofimvaba Cofimvaba Pharmacy Tel: (047) 874 0889
East London John Forbes Phy Tel: (043) 722 2062
East London, Beacon bay Baykem Pharmacy Tel: (043) 748 2560
Vincent Family Pharmacy Tel: (043) 726 8005
Engcobo Engcobo Pharmacy Tel: (047) 548 1174
George Mediese Sentrum Phy Tel: (044) 873 5752 Ress & Van Zyl Pharmacy Tel: (044) 873 2392
Graaf Reinette Midlands Drug Store Tel: (049) 892 2505
Idutywa Idutywa Pharmacy Tel: (047) 489 1354
Jeffreys Bay Fonteine Park Pharmacy Tel: (042) 293 2700
Kenton Kenton Pharmacy Tel: (046) 648 1229
Kirkwood Vallei Pharmacy Tel: (042) 230 0497
Knysna Knysna-Kem Phy Tel: (044) 382 5896 Village Phy Tel: (044) 382 2246
Mosselbay Fanies Phy Tel: (044) 691 1505 View Pharmacy Tel: (044) 691 3718
Oudtshoorn Watson & Brink Pharmacy Tel: (044) 279 2184
Port Elizabeth, Fernglen Cots Glen Pharmacy Tel: (041) 364 1553
Port Elizabeth, Newton Park
Beach Pharmacy Tel: (041) 583 2780
Port Alfred Leach Pharmacy Tel: (046) 624 1648
Sedgefield Sedgefield Pharmacy Tel: (044) 343 1628
St. Francisbay St Francis Pharmacy Tel: (042) 294 0268
Stutterheim Colletts Pharmacy Tel: (043) 683 1212
Uitenhage Medicare Uitenhage Pharmacy Tel: (041) 991 1234
Wilderness Wildernis Pharmacy Tel: (044) 877 0217
KwaZulu Natal Austerville Austerville Pharmacy Tel: (031) 461 2023
Durban North Kensington Pharmacy Tel: (031) 564 7170
Empangeni Medico Pharmacy Tel: (035) 772 6794 Medi Park Pharmacy Tel: (035) 792 3470
Greyville Game City Pharmacy Tel: (031) 309 4620
Kloof National Road Pharmacy Tel: (031) 764 0311
Kwa-Dukuza Pharmacy Express Tel: (032) 551 2703
Ladysmith Ladysmith Pharmacy Tel: (036) 637 7891
Newcastle Scott Street Pharmacy Tel: (034) 312 6367
Newcastle, Huttenhoogte Huttenpark Pharmacy Tel: (034) 312 2163
Newlands Newlands City Pharmacy Tel: (031) 577 7375
Phoenix Bester Phy Tel: (031) 507 2812
Pietermaritzburg Healthcare Pharmacy Tel: (033) 342 2949
Pietermaritzburg, Raisethorpe Omega Pharmacy Tel: (033) 387 7701
Elliott Str Pharmacy Tel: (047) 532 3378 Madeira Pharmacy Tel: (047) 531 8070
Transkei, Mount Frere Mount Frere Pharmacy Tel: (039) 764 3699
Transkei, Qumbu Qumbu Pharmacy Tel: (039) 737 3699
Umbilo King Edward Pharmacy Tel: (031) 205 9266
Umhlali Umhlali Pharmacy Tel: (032) 947 1347
Verulam Verulam Pharmacy Tel: (032) 533 1413
Westville Peter Clarke’s Peoples Pharmacy Tel: (031) 266 5395
Winkelspruit Pierau Pharmacy Tel: (031) 916 3112
Pinetown Pinelands Pharmacy Tel: (031) 702 4850
Pinetown, Sarnia Paradise Junction Pharmacy Tel: (031) 708 4713
Port Shepstone Oribi Pharmacy Tel: (039) 682 0847
Queensburgh, Malvern Queensburgh Pharmacy Tel: (031) 464 6446
Richardsbay Umhlatuze Pharmacy Tel: (035) 789 0112
Scottburgh Scott Street Pharmacy Tel: (039) 976 0909
Springfield Medfield Pharmacy Tel: (031) 208 1326
St. Lucia St. Lucia Pharmacy Tel: (035) 590 1612
Tongaat Linmed Pharmacy Tel: (032) 945 0609
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Transkei, Mthatha
For more infomration about your nearest Link Pharmacy you can call the Tollfree Helpline on 0860 178 247 Please Note: These listings were correct at time of going to print.
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