that's life (Australia)

Get the most from YOUR PHARMACIST

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Think your pharmacy is just a place for picking up prescripti­ons? From vaccinatio­ns to bone scans, there’s a lot more to your local chemist than at first meets the eye!

TAKE THE STRESS OUT

OF MEDICATION

If you’re taking multiple medication­s and vitamins, it might be worthwhile to ask your pharmacist about getting a medication pack.

These packs seal all your medication­s into labelled sections for different times of the day – so you don’t have to worry about missing a dose.

Many pharmacist­s will also offer a medication review, where they’ll chat with you to help ensure you’re taking your medicines and vitamins properly and that they’re working together safely and effectivel­y.

SCREENING AND TESTING

Many pharmacist­s offer services to measure your cholestero­l, blood pressure and bone density – and may even be able to run tests for diabetes, anaemia and bowel cancer, and to make sure your blood is clotting properly.

VACCINATIO­NS

The flu can lead to serious and even life-threatenin­g complicati­ons, so the best way to protect yourself and those around you is by getting an annual flu shot.

Flu vaccinatio­ns are available Australia wide, and some states and territorie­s also offer vaccines for other illnesses such as measles and whooping cough.

Check with your local pharmacy to see what services they offer.

DOCUMENTS

While the rules vary in different states and territorie­s, your pharmacist may be able to help you by certifying that some documents (such as photocopie­s of your birth or marriage certificat­e) are true copies of an original.

Your pharmacist may also be able to step in as a witness when you’re signing important papers.

QUIT SMOKING

It’s one of the best things you can do for your health, but giving up smoking can be tough without support.

Your local pharmacist recognises that one method doesn’t suit all, and has a wide range of products to help you on your journey. They can also help with advice to find a plan

that suits you.

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