A Weighty Issue

Maintaining a healthy weight is tough enough.  Losing weight is -even harder, especially on your own. Why not pop in and see us at Community Care Chemist for your own tailored healthy, weight loss program which includes weekly visits to keep you on track with ongoing support and advice.  We use the Ultralite program which is the result of many years of medical research and trials. It is designed to provide balanced amounts of protein, carbohydrates, vitamins, minerals and trace elements in the right combination as you lose weight. You can choose a 5 week or 10 week program depending on where your weight currently stands. Here are a few handy hints for helping you along you way with your journey to a healthy weight range.

1. Preparation and organization are keys to success. Plan your meals in advance, try and do at least a week of meal planning, then you won’t be tempted to get the quick and easy option on your lunch break or pick up some takeaway on the way home from work.
2. Don’t skip meals. This will slow your metabolism and you will burn fat at a slower rate, you may also over eat on your next meal.
3. Move that body. Doing any physical activity is better than doing none. If you currently do no physical activity, start by doing some, and gradually build up to the recommended amount. The Australian guidelines for physical activity suggest 5 hours of moderate activity or 2.5 hours of vigorous activities a week. Walk your dog, join a gym or a sports club and try to make it something you will enjoy, that way you are more likely to stick at it. 
4. If you slip up, don’t beat yourself up. Get back on track.
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Weight loss is a lifestyle change, it is not something that is going to happen in a week but something you need to work on for the rest of your life. Your body will be thanking you in more ways than one once you make the decision to look after your weight and steer your health in the right direction.

Visit  communitycarechemist.com.au/category/weight-management to know more about maintaining a healthy weight.

Effective and Optimal Natural Medicine in Geelong

With challenging working lives and rapidly paced lifestyles, and people’s health is challenged as a result. There are different remedies to various ailments and people’s belief in natural medicine is increasing day by day. It has seen its inception in traditional cultures and since then it has spread its roots throughout the world. Natural medicines are comprised of various natural therapies that are effective on both mind and body. Natural medicines are very helpful in alleviating pains and improving overall health. Even if someone is suffering with certain emotional conditions like stress or anxiety, natural medicines can prove to be of help for him. This is because natural medicine has various advantages over other medicines. They are highly cost effective and easy to find. They are milder to the body and can at times be more effective. Despite this they are cheap and clean also. One can feel safe with Geelong natural medicines as they don’t have any side effects. They are highly effective in the treatment of conditions, particularly when parnterned with western medicine. 

Geelong is a well-known hub for natural medicines. Here one can find highly qualified and experienced practitioners who apply a holistic approach while treating their clients. They have expertise in treating people of all ages and backgorunds. They are skilled in various disciplines like remedial massage, homeopathy, acupuncture, myotherapy and naturopathy. Natural medicines can provide various health care solutions including bone health, IBS, cramping, allergies, arthritis, pain, eczema, and gastrointestinal complaints including reflux, weight loss, constipation and diarrhoea – even cold and flu and many more. They greatly assist people in attaining optimal wellness. They strengthen and enhance the normal body functions so as to improve immunity and promote a general sense of well-being.

The use and preference of natural medicines is increasing day by day due to the various benefits they provide. Natural medicine in Geelong combined with natural therapies can do wonders. Through proper assessment, the condition can be diagnosed properly and based on that adequate natural treatment can be provided to the patient. As there are no harmful effects of natural medicines and therapies, natural medicine provide a positive alternative for those who react poorly to chemicals and are frustrated with a lack of progress with western medicines. All the natural medicines used in Geelong are clinically trialled and are approved as per the guidelines.

Natural medicine in Geelong comprise of the therapeutic use of natural approaches and materials. These include Homeopathy, Naturopathic Manipulation, Herbal Medicine, Hygiene, Clinical Nutrition, or ancient medical systems. They emphasise mainly on the use of herbs and food for medicine. These methods are very famous throughout the world and are believed to be highly effective for attaining overall health and wellness. The approach in natural medicine is holistic i.e. individual's biochemistry, biomechanics, and emotional predispositions are first taken into consideration and based on that, the treatment is done. This type of treatment is first choice in various places due to its long history of success.

TOP FIVE REASONS WHY YOU SHOULD VISIT A NATUROPATH

Naturopathy, which is a holistic approach to wellness, has long been known as nature’s gift to whole health and harmony.

Most of us strive for optimum health and wellbeing.  This usually means accessing the abundance of health services and products available at our fingertips. There is no doubt that traditional prescription medicines will always hold a fundamental place in our health regime.  However, more Australians are striving for a more balanced proactive approach to their health. And this is where naturopathy plays a vital role.

So why should you see a naturopath? There are five great reasons!

1.       Naturopathy focuses on disease prevention

Naturopathy focuses on the underlying cause of a condition and applies treatments that work in alliance with the natural healing mechanisms of the body rather than against them. A naturopath not only treats the health challenge but also provides clear strategies to patients on how to empower and improve their life by minimising illnesses from the outset.

2.       Naturopathy may assist with prevalent health conditions facing most people today

Naturopathy services may assist with prevalent health conditions including cardiovascular health, hormonal imbalance, fertility, menopause, digestion, immune system improvement, stress, sleep disorders, allergies and skin conditions, migraines, degenerative illness such as arthritis and also preventative health strategies.

3.   Naturopathy uses non-invasive and natural treatments

A naturopath uses non-invasive and natural therapies to tap into the body’s self-healing abilities.  Physical symptoms are examined, as well as the influence of lifestyle factors and emotions on the person’s whole health. Nutrition from wholefoods and superfoods can be used to strengthen and nourish the body. There are a range of practioner-only products that are safe to use and are evidence-based.

Naturopathy can work in harmony with traditional western medicine

If you can find a naturopathic practitioner who works alongside pharmacists and GPs to safely integrate evidence based natural medicine with western medicine – then you’ve hit the jackpot! This whole health approach can put your mind at ease knowing that experts have created treatment plans tailored specifically to your health needs.

4.       Naturopathy consultations are affordable

Naturopathy consultations can range from $75 to $100 for an hourly consultation (please note prices may vary). That’s the cost of a facial or massage! And when you think of the benefits to your health and wellbeing, you won’t hesitate.

Go to the experts

Combining both prescription medicine and natural medicine may be a daunting and complex option, but with the right advice from experts – namely pharmacists, GPs and naturopaths; a successful whole health strategy is possible.

The key is to do your research.  Find a pharmacy where pharmacists work closely with naturopaths to be able to safely and effectively integrate prescription medicine and natural medicine for optimum patient outcomes.

Be ready to ask lots of questions as pharmacists are there to help you uncover all your medication choices – both traditional and natural.

Community Care Chemist believes in whole health

Community Care Chemists in Greater Geelong and Apollo Bay values the multidisciplinary approach to healthcare by having an in-house qualified naturopath in the Belmont and North Geelong CCC pharmacies.

Working closely together with pharmacists and GPs, the CCC naturopath is focused on the safe integration of evidence-based, non-invasive natural medicine with pharmaceutical medicine.  The result is creating a treatment plan which is specifically tailored to a patient’s health needs.

 

Patients will have the confidence and reassurance that all health options are presented and covered.

http://www.communitycarechemist.com.au/category/naturopathy-services

Naturopathy…nature’s gift to whole health

Most of us strive for optimal health and to have greater control of our wellbeing.  This usually means accessing the wide range of health services and products available at our fingertips.

There is no doubt that traditional prescription medicines will always hold a fundamental place in our health regime.  But more and more Australians are searching for a more balanced approach to their health and that is where naturopathy steps in. 

For some, naturopathy is viewed as the latest health fad.  In reality, naturopathy has a vast and extensive history.

In 400 B.C, Greek physician, Hippocrates first formulated the concept of "the healing power of nature" and remains one of the central ideologies of naturopathic medicine today.  Hippocrates was certainly on to something!

Supporting the whole health approach should be king.  Through natural therapy and treatments which are safe and non-invasive, naturopathy taps into the body’s self-healing abilities.  The ingenuity of naturopathy is that it can be an effective health option to improve overall wellbeing or it can work in unison with prescription medicine.

If you decide to go to a naturopath, they can give you advice and treatments for a suite of conditions including allergies, recurrent immune conditions, digestive disorders, depression and emotional disorders, chronic fatigue, fibromyalgia syndrome,  menstrual and menopausal conditions.

You may think that combining both prescription and natural medicine may be a daunting and complex option, but with the right advice from experts – namely pharmacists and naturopaths; a successful WHOLE health strategy is possible.

The key is to do your research.  Find a pharmacy where pharmacists work closely with a naturopath to be able to safely and effectively integrate prescription and natural medicine for optimum patient outcomes.

Be ready to ask lots of questions as pharmacists are there to help you uncover all your medication choices – both traditional and natural.  

Community Care Chemists in Greater Geelong and Apollo Bay values the multidisciplinary approach to healthcare by having an in-house naturopath in the Belmont and North Geelong CCC pharmacies.  With pharmacists and a naturopath working together, patients will have the confidence and reassurance that all health options are presented and covered.

Let naturopathy be part of your whole health approach.

Community Care Chemist Belmont
157 High Street, Belmont
03 5241 1755
belmont@communitycarechemist.com.au

Community Care Chemist North Geelong
75 Separation Street, North Geelong
03 5278 4300
nthgeelong@communitycarechemist.com.au

Nothing to snooze about – sleep apnoea

With 10 percent of Australians suffering from insomnia and one in three adults struggling to catch enough zzz’s, sleep apnoea is no joking matter.

With sleep apnoea, a person may stop breathing for more than 10 seconds and with Obstructive Sleep Apnoea, the upper airway repeatedly collapses during sleep, causing you to have a fragmented sleep with inadequate breathing.  No wonder, so many Australians are not waking up refreshed or feeling rejuvenated. 

Whether it’s putting up with your partner’s snoring (that’s 19 per cent of Australians out there) or the 35 per cent of Australians waking up frequently during the night, sleep apnoea showcases some frightening statistics, especially when 80 per cent of sleep apnoea sufferers have not even been diagnosed.

Sleep apnoea is not a normal part of life.  Untreated Obstructive Sleep Apnoea will decrease a person’s life span by 10 years and may lead to serious health disorders such as hypertension, depression, heart disease and stroke.  Who knew, sleep, or lack of it, could be so dangerous.

The good news is effective treatments are out there.

There are the lengthy and often expensive systems to diagnose sleep apnoea which usually involves an overnight sleep study in a lab or hospital, and the waiting periods required for specialists.

Now, Community Care Chemist in Geelong West is offering an affordable sleep apnoea testing service which can be done in the privacy and comfort of your own home. 

CCC Geelong West has joined forces with Australian Pharmacy Sleep Services to offer Geelong residents a more convenient way to test for sleep apnoea.  By simply taking the overnight sleep study in your own home, results can then be sent to a sleep scientist and doctor for the diagnosis.  The pharmacist at Community Care Chemist will present the results within 10 days.  

If you do suffer from sleep apnoea, the CCC pharmacist can recommend a number of options including a mouth guard or a CPAP machine trial and tailor a treatment to the patient’s exact needs.

From 1^st May, CCC West Geelong is offering 50 per cent off the price of the sleep tests (usually $120). So there is little excuse not to attack sleep apnoea head on.

So for those 80 per cent of Australians who have sleep aponea and don’t even know it or the 19 per cent who experience sleepiness that interferes with daily activities, take the first step forward in getting the help you need.  You are only one Community Care Chemist step away in having a quality night’s sleep for good.

Community Care Chemist Geelong West
2/240 Pakington Street, Geelong West
03 5246 5850
geelongwest@communitycarechemist.com.au

Don’t let diabetes debilitate you

With diabetes regarded as a global epidemic, it is little wonder the medical world is investing massive resources in the prevention and treatment of the disease.

More than 2 million Australians are affected with diabetes, with Diabetes Type 2 being the most common form.  Widely known as the ‘lifestyle disease’, Type 2 Diabetes is connected to people who carry excess weight around the abdomen, if it runs in the family, high blood pressure and high cholesterol. 

People with Type 2 Diabetes often have no symptoms, so they may have the disease for some time and simply not know. But it is imperative not to second guess or ignore the possibility.  Help is out there.

Type 2 Diabetes needs to be diagnosed and treated early to prevent further health complications.  It is that simple.

So what are the first steps in finding out if you have diabetes?  It is a pretty straightforward process and at Community Care Chemist North Geelong, it cannot get any easier.

Community Care Chemist has an array of products and services in testing and managing diabetes and this is backed by a dedicated team of experts including pharmacists, a diabetes educator and a naturopath.

CCC can conduct simple blood glucose tests at the pharmacy where the results are passed to the GP with your permission for treatment if the blood glucose level is found to be higher than normal.

So what does CCC stock for those with diabetes?  The question is, what they don’t have!  CCC has a top range of the National Diabetes Services Scheme (NDSS) products and all major insulin types.

Patients are taught how to use blood-sugar meters and how to use the readings and information from them. Diabetes blood glucose monitors need to be kept in top notch condition and CCC can check and clean them as well.

At CCC, the experienced staff can talk through strategies needed to prevent diabetes including diet, avoid/quit smoking and being active.  Natural remedies to keep blood-sugar levels in check is another CCC offering.

Don’t be daunted by diabetes.  Take control of diabetes and your life.

www.communitycarechemist.com.au

Community Care Chemist North Geelong
75 Separation Street, North Geelong
03 5278 4300 
nthgeelong@communitycarechemist.com.au

Turmeric – The Wonder Herb by Gerald Quigley

Gerald Quigley is a Community Pharmacist and Master Herbalist with skills in the integration of complementary medicines with prescribed medicines

Gerald’s regular media includes 3AW Melbourne, 4CA Cairns, 2CC Canberra, 2UE Sydney, 4BC Brisbane, 3GG Gippsland, Curtin FM Perth, 6PR Perth and 2HA Coffs Harbour. He is often sought for comment on Channel 9’s A Current Affair.

Of all the herbs we currently have at our disposal, none has caused the level of excitement in health and wellness circles as consistently as turmeric.

I read a report recently that, on the basis of its proven method of action, turmeric has the potential to be of use in over 600 health conditions.

Up until the last few years, we regarded turmeric as that yellow powder with a curry flavour, that we added to soups and casseroles. Our only concern was to be careful that we didn’t spill it onto a white bench-top!

However, texts on Indian medicine, called Ayurveda, have always rated turmeric as a food from the “Divine Mother”. One of my texts states “turmeric gives the energy of the Divine Mother and grants prosperity. It is effective for internal cleansing and purifying the channels of the subtle body. It helps stretch the ligaments and is therefore food for the practice of yoga.”

Additionally, the text goes on to say that turmeric “promotes proper metabolism in the body, correcting both excesses and deficiencies. It aids in the digestion of protein.”

It seems therefore that in Western civilization, our understanding of the enormous benefits of using turmeric in cooking is just the beginning.

Turmeric is poorly absorbed, and that means that the ability of our “untrained” digestive processes to maximise the nutritional benefits is a little compromised.

From a supplement perspective therefore, the race is on to produce turmeric, or it’s relatively well known “active” called curcumin, in a bio-available form.

Speak to your pharmacist about the options available. But don’t shy away from the universal benefits brought to us by this truly noble and nutritious herb.

The benefits seem to be explained by its subtle, but nevertheless, powerful anti-inflammatory action. Inflammation is the root cause for the development of chronic disease as we know it. Here’s an opportunity to reduce your risk, and maximise your wellness.

This Blog has been Taken from: Community Care Chemist