Spring is in the air! Let’s hope Jack Frost is taking note and there’s a bag of warmer, sunnier days coming our way more consistently. I can’t complain though – I was lucky enough to have a few weeks on the other side of the planet mid-winter – although the days it hit over 40 were a bit too hot! As fantastic as it is to experience the European way of life, there’s a swelling in the chest when you fly in over lush countryside and clear horizons…cemented on landing by the variety of friendly Kiwi accents you know so well and the relative lack of people around! It was a good mid-year de-stress for us all before the madness of the year-end kicks in. A holiday is a bit like a reset button on life and all its daily stresses I reckon. Stress can do odd things to you. In this edition there’s a bit of advice on building your resistance to stress, as well as how to cope with other day-to-day complaints, such as niggly injuries or cracked lips – no shortage of help on a variety of fronts! Whatever your day brings, keep the top four inches in shape – have a wee smile along the way, and think Spring thoughts of new life and new hope.
In this issue 4 Wound protection with Manuka Honey 6 Keeping lips safe every day 8 Osteoporosis - men get it too 10 Help build your resistance to stress 12 Bloated, uncomfortable, and think you've tried everything? 14 MedicAlert® - your ally in an emergency 4
Family Health Diary July/August 2013
16 Once-a-day treatment for psoriasis 18 The convenient answer to conjunctivitis 20 Back pain? How to manage it correctly... 22 All you need to know about the HPV vaccine for cervical cancer
Editor: Aileen Nakhle Design: Raydar For editorial enquiries write to: editor@familyhealthdiary.co.nz For Family Health Diary advertising enquiries: Please phone sales manager Harinda Singh, DDI: 09 306 2344, Email: harinda@brandworld.co.nz
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Family Health Diary September/October 2013
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Don’t let stress stick Stress can make you sick, and the latest research proves it. From getting colds more often to increasing your chances of suffering a life-threatening disease, stress can stick in nasty ways. Visit www.familyhealthdiary.co.nz for this month's special report on stress, and turn to page 10 for a natural way to build your resistance to stress.
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Family Health Diary is published by BrandWorld Limited, Auckland. Phone 09 306 2340 Every effort has been made to ensure the contents of this magazine reflect current accepted medical opinion and that it is as up-to-date as possible, but it does not claim to be the last word on any medical matter featured. No medical or health information, however detailed, can ever be considered a substitute for consultation with, or the advice of, a qualified doctor. Though this publication contains information that may be of the greatest importance to your health and well-being, it is not intended to replace your doctor or Seemay back for details discourage you from seeking his or her advice. If anything in Family Health Diary leads you to suppose you bepage suffering from any of the serious conditions described, you are urged to see your doctor without delay. ©2013 Copyright. No part of this publication may be reproduced without the express permission of the publisher. Family Health Diary® is a registered trademark of BrandWorld Limited.
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Sweet support for wounds Manuka honey Not all honeys are the same, which is why Manuka honey is often asked for by name. But did you know Manuka honey’s virtues extend to wounds and burns? Used in many hospitals and clinics around the world, it’s now available for you and your family to use. What’s so special about Manuka Honey?
Manuka Health Wound Dressings and Wound Gel
It is different to other honeys because it contains significant amounts of the potent antibacterial compound, methylglyoxal. It’s this compound that scientists say is responsible for the honey’s antibacterial activity and its role in the field of wound management.
Manuka Health’s Wound Dressing with Manuka Honey is a soft gel sheet on a fabric backing with effective and reliable antibacterial properties due to its exceptionally high levels of methylglyoxal.
Harnessing the power of methylglyoxal is New Zealand company Manuka Health. It rates its honey by the methylglyoxal content (MGO® Manuka Honey) and uses only the highest-quality MGO® Manuka Honey in its range of wound dressings and gel.
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Family Health Diary September/October 2013
Another option for the care of minor cuts and grazes is Manuka Honey Wound Gel. It’s ideal for minor burns, adding a protective layer/barrier to the healing process. The two products work wonderfully in combination.
Keep them in the first-aid kit Look out for Manuka Health’s range of honey dressings and gel in pharmacies, and keep them in your first-aid kits ready for when life’s little accidents occur.
How hon ey wo rks on woun ds Pet er Mola n, pro fessor in biologica l scie nce s at the lea din g Un iversity of Wa ikato an d phy sica l hon ey res earche r, say s the ey att ribute s of M an uka hon for pro vid e a great environ me nt un d woun ds. By kee pin g the wohel ps moist, the M an uka hon eyhel ps in sca rrin g red uction an d prevent sca bs formi ng. hon ey In addition, the acidity ofcte ria, ba d un wo te ina hel ps elim the ts por sup e cos glu the while body’s im mu ne respon se ands.d com bat s odour from woun Spe c Offe ial r
NEW Breast Pads with Manuka Honey Breastfeeding is obviously the best option for the health of your baby, but the early stages can be a real pain for new mothers – literally. Manuka Health Breast Pads with Medical Grade MGO® Manuka Honey are the only breast pads containing Manuka honey, an ingredient which is soothing and gentle on the skin and helps to restore smooth healthy nipples. The pads are composed of a soft gel sheet, each pad contains 25% Medical Grade MGO® Manuka Honey (which has been safety-assessed). The soft pliable gel conforms to all breast shapes, cooling and comforting nipples on contact. The pads are absorbent with a soft cotton fabric backing that helps control movement and bra friction.
Gift with Purchase. Spend $30 on Manuka Health Wound Care products or Breast Pads and receive a FREE Manuka Honey Soap.
Phone 0800 706 555 for your nearest Manuka Health wound care stockist
Register on Manuka Health’s facebook page for special offers. http://www.facebook.com/manukahealth Read carefully the label and instructions for the use of these products. Healthcare professional advice may be required in certain cases. TAPS NA6638
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Dry, cracked lips? Not any more.
Dry, cracked lips are painful and irritating, but hiding away from the wind and sun is not realistic. Spending just a few seconds of your time on your lips, every day, will help prevent them from getting into a sorry state in the first place. Daily help from Blistex You might be one of the many to call on Blistex when your lips get sore or chapped. But what if there was a way to prevent the problem in the first place? Blistex Lip Conditioner is designed for everyday use to keep lips hydrated and protected from wind and ultraviolet rays. With a moisture-rich formula that cools and softens lips to keep them from cracking, regular daily use of Blistex Lip Conditioner helps your lips stay in top condition. 6
Family Health Diary September/October 2013
Protection whatever the season Lips are especially vulnerable to the sun and wind because unlike other skin they do not have oil and sweat glands to keep them moist. In winter, lips are exposed to blasts of cold and dry air and suffer as a result of overheated homes and offices. Dry air sucks moisture from skin. Further damage is done when lips are exposed to the sun without adequate protection. Blistex Lip Conditioner’s precise blend of moisturisers and protein keeps lips soft and hydrated, while its built-in sunscreen of SPF 15 shields lips from sun damage.
Did you know…
Eve n mo re su n pro tectio n fro m Bli ste x If you're wo rried about sun exposu re, you of an eve n ion opt the e hav hig her level of SP F protection wit h Bli stex Ult ra Lip Ba lm, or F ive-Wa y Lip Protection d bot h ma de wit h SP F30 an ure ’s ad ded ba rrie rs ag ain st nat ha rsh est con dit ion s.
Sun and wind are the main contributors to dry or sensitive lips, but other triggers include: • Mouth-breathing instead of breathing through the nose • Licking your lips frequently • Dehydration from not drinking enough water • Toothpaste with an ingredient called phenol, which some people are sensitive to • Vitamin B deficiency • Diabetes or anaemia.
Take a preventative approach with Blistex There’s a wide range of Blistex products to match all your lip care needs, but you don’t have to wait for pain and dryness to set in. Take a preventative approach with help from the experts in lip care.
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Osteoporosis… a men’s issue too It is well-known that osteoporosis is common in women. But did you know that it also affects nearly one-third of men over the age of 60? And, as is often the case with health issues, the consequences for men are worse. The burden of osteoporosis in men is increasing as our population ages. And due to a number of reasons, including delays in diagnosis, the prognosis for men who suffer an osteoporotic fracture is often worse than for women. The good news is, there is a once-yearly treatment that treats osteoporosis in both men and women, reducing fracture risks in both. 8
Family Health Diary September/October 2013
INTRODUCING ACLASTA Aclasta is a treatment that helps prevent your bones from fracture for a full year. Aclasta not only improves bone mineral density, but is proven to reduce the risk of fractures in both men and women. In fact, a recent study shows it reduces the risk of vertebral (spine) fracture in men by 67%.
Bon es – alwa ys chan ging You r bone s are made of living tissu e and are alwa ys chan ging. New bone is constantly bein g made, repla cing old bone to keep your body stron g. Whe n you have osteoporosis, your bone s brea k down faste r than they are rebu ilt. Over time, the bone s wea ken enou gh that simple stresses can cause a fract ure or brea kage. The goal of osteoporosis treat ment is to preve nt furth er wea keni ng of the bone s and redu ce the risk of fract ures. HOW IT WORKS Aclasta is a 15-30 minute intravenous infusion administered by your doctor. The active ingredient in Aclasta (zoledronic acid) goes directly to your bones to make them stronger. It helps prevent fractures in your hip, spine and other bones, for a full year.
FULLY FUNDED Aclasta is fully funded for most people with osteoporosis, which means that you will not have to pay for the medicine. However, a doctor’s fee and administration fee (for the infusion) will apply. For people on oral medications, there is usually no problem making the switch to Aclasta. So whether you’re male or female, if you want to protect your bones for an entire year, ask your doctor if Aclasta is right for you.
ACLASTA BENEFITS • Convenient – just one dose a year • Effective – goes straight to work on your bones • No regular tablet regimes • Proven for men and women to reduce the risk of fracture.
Learn more about osteoporosis at: familyhealthdiary.co.nz Ask your doctor if Aclasta is right for you Aclasta® is a prescription medicine for the treatment and prevention of osteoporosis and the treatment of Paget’s disease of the bone. Aclasta is an infusion and contains 5mg of zoledronic acid. It is important to have an Aclasta infusion each year to ensure you get maximum treatment benefits. Check with your doctor to see if Aclasta is right for you. Aclasta is fully funded for patients who meet specified criteria. Funding does not include the cost of infusion and normal doctors and prescription charges will apply. Do not use if you are pregnant, breast feeding, have kidney impairment, have low calcium levels in your blood, or if you are allergic to zoledronic acid or any of the ingredients in Aclasta or any other bisphosphonate medicine. Not recommended for children and adolescents. Caution while under dental treatment or if dental treatment is planned. Calcium, hydration status and kidney function may be assessed by your doctor before and after you are given Aclasta. Adverse effects are usually mild and transient. Common side effects are flu-like symptoms consisting of fever, fatigue, chills, and bone, joint, and/or muscle pain; anaemia; headache; dizziness, transient low blood calcium; gastrointestinal symptoms, renal impairment, breathing difficulty and lethargy. Very rarely osteonecrosis of the jaw has been reported. If symptoms persist or you have side effects see your doctor. Aclasta is the registered trademark of Novartis AG. Novartis New Zealand Limited, Auckland. For further information check the Consumer Medicine Information [CMI] at www.medsafe.govt.nz. ACL0513218 TAPS CH3677 familyhealthdiary.co.nz
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Help build your resistance to stress
Stress can keep you awake at night or leave you anxious and overwhelmed. You can’t always control the causes, but there is a way to support your natural resistance to it. If you think stress is an everyday part of life you just have to accept, you’re not alone. The real question is whether your body can cope with the stress it’s under, or if you need extra support. Signs that your body is not coping include a suppressed immune system, over-eating, weight gain, poor sleep patterns, mood changes and a lack of energy. Sound familiar? Then it may be time to recharge your body’s stress response. What you might not know is that there’s a natural way to get things under control.
INTRODUCING STRESS & VITALITY SUPPORT Stress & Vitality Support from Good Health is a new formula that assists the body’s natural resistance to stress. Unlike B-vitamins often found in other stress supplements, which predominantly support energy levels, Good Health Stress & Vitality Support is formulated with ‘adaptogens’ – 10
Family Health Diary September/October 2013
natural substances that help the body actually ‘adapt’ to stress. Adaptogens specifically support the adrenal glands, which are the body’s mechanism for responding to stress and emotional changes.
A HIGH POTENCY COMBINATION Good Health Stress & Vitality Support combines three key adaptogens to help the body cope with stress and fight fatigue. • Rhodiola is especially good for tiredness and fading alertness, by providing nutrition for the brain to support brain function. It also promotes endurance in athletes. • Siberian ginseng supports brain and physical performance and helps minimise the effects of stress; helps with fatigue and supports immune function. • Ashwagandha/Withania is revered in Ayurvedic practice for its ability to help balance, energise, rejuvenate and revitalise.
GOOD ALL-ROUND Developed in New Zealand, Good Health Stress & Vitality Support uses quality natural ingredients in scientifically researched doses. The result is a product that aids physical and mental performance,
Available at selected pharmacies & health food stores
manages stress and nervous tension, and supports energy and vitality. You’ll find Good Health Stress & Vitality Support at pharmacies and health food stores. Try it and you may be surprised at how much better you feel.
Stress an d the ad ren al gla s Ou r bodies are de sig ned to nd e wit h stre ss in sho rt bu rsts. Thcop e ad ren al gla nds are our ‘f igh or flig ht’ me cha nis m. Wh en pretssu or threat ened, our ad ren al gla ndred release the hormones ad ren alin s e an d cortisol so that the se used to our advantag e. can be However, in tod ay’s wo rld, h eve r-in creasi ng de ma nds onwitour tim e, stre ss can be alm ost con sta Th at mean s our ad ren al gla nd nt. are con sta ntly releasi ng hormoness to kee p us on the go. This lea d to ove rwo rked an d fatcan ad ren al gla nds, which in turigun ed can neg atively affect we ight, blo od pre ssu re, the im mu ne system an ene rgy leve ls, to na me a few.. d
Phone 0800 44 66 34 for your nearest stockist For more information, go to www.goodhealth.co.nz Find us on
Facebook www.facebook.com/GoodHealthNZ
Always read the label and use only as directed. If symptoms persist see your health professional. TAPS NA6575
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Feeling heavy, bloated…. and think you've tried everything? If you get bloating, wind or digestive discomfort, you’ve probably tried everything for it. Or have you? It can be hard to get to the bottom of digestive complaints, and finding a bit of relief can be hit and miss. Digestive health complaints can be caused by poor diet, lack of exercise, side effects from medicines or pregnancy, just to name a few. If you’ve tried a few ways to ease bloating, wind or irregularity, you may be interested in trying Phloe. Phloe is a natural, gentle daily supplement that has been clinically shown to keep you regular and avoid digestive discomfort.
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Family Health Diary September/October 2013
HOW PHLOE WORKS Derived from kiwifruit, Phloe has a unique triple action formula. It combines fibre, prebiotics and enzymes to naturally support and optimise bowel health. This combination helps avoid episodes of bloating, flatulence and the ‘feeling of fullness’. The fibre in Phloe works by bulking the stool with moisture, which assists movement through the bowel. The great thing about the enzymes in Phloe is that they work naturally and gently to support movement in the bowel.
The prebiotics in Phloe have been shown to support the good bacteria in our digestive systems and help with the natural balance of bacteria in the gut. Having the right balance is one of the keys to maintaining good bowel health and overall wellbeing.
Join th e phloe health y you cl ub Sign up an d re ce ive m ag azin e, providin gHea lthy Y ou us eful info rm ation anyou with m an agin g your bowe d tip s on lon g- te rm. Y ou will l health prod uct info rm ation also re ce ive vouche rs fo r your nean d discou nt Phloe. Visit w w w. ph xt pu rcha se of fu rth er info rm ation. lo e. co. n z fo r
DOCTORS RECOMMEND PHLOE A survey has shown that 65% of doctors see between 6-15 patients a week for gastrointestinal concerns. Digestive health complaints are very common, with constipation the most stated reason for visiting the doctor. 91% of doctors in the survey said they would recommend Phloe to their patients.1
Available at pharmacies and supermarkets For more information visit www.phloe.co.nz 1. BGA GP Mailer, 1 July 2010. Always read the label and use only as directed. Supplementary to, and not a replacement for, a balanced diet. Data on file. Vital Foods Ltd, Auckland. TAPS CH3717
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MedicAlert ... your ally in an emergency ®
Millions of people around the world use MedicAlert®. Why? Because if you can’t speak, MedicAlert can speak for you. MedicAlert® is recognised globally as a reliable and respected vital medical information service. It is recommended by the World Health and World Allergy Organisations, but most importantly it’s trusted by doctors. That’s because all the medical information held by MedicAlert® is first validated by your doctor so it’s like taking your doctor with you, wherever you go!
It’s easy to enrol To join you can phone MedicAlert®, or enrol online, or you can get your doctor to complete an electronic referral. Your doctor needs to be involved to provide relevant medical information. If your doctor completes this process electronically, every time your medical condition or medication is updated by your doctor, that information automatically transfers to your MedicAlert® file. 14
Family Health Diary September/October 2013
Information kept secure MedicAlert® holds only the information supplied by your doctor relating to your medical condition, medication regime and medical risks or warnings. Your personal notes remain private between you and your doctor, and are not shared with MedicAlert®. “MedicAlert® retains only high risk information which may be required immediately in an emergency,” MedicAlert® New Zealand chief executive, Murray Lord, points out.
How does MedicAlert® work? Your most vital medical and health risk information is engraved ON your MedicAlert® bracelet so it is available immediately in an emergency. Murray Lord explains this can improve diagnosis, timely delivery of treatment and reduce exposure to known allergies and medical warnings.
In addition, MedicAlert®emblems are fully supported with an electronic health record of vital patient information, accessible by emergency services and doctors, all day, every day and from anywhere in the world. So, if you’re travelling overseas, emergency services immediately know who you are, how to contact your closest relatives, what medication you’re taking, what you’re allergic to, and most importantly, there’s no language barrier.
The benefits of MedicAlert® • It can help protect your health, welfare, safety and rights • The Emergency Hotline Service operates 24/7 • Trusted by doctors around the world • Ongoing services help protect you when you are most vulnerable • It’s recognised and always with you • Your vital health information is accessible by emergency services 24/7 in NZ and while overseas. Likewise if a person has dementia or a mental health condition, a MedicAlert® bracelet immediately alerts health professionals, the police, or other agencies, as to what the condition is, what medicines are essential for continued treatment, and support people to contact. Murray Lord says this can have a significant effect on the way police or other agencies treat a person who comes to their notice.
Reasons to use medicalerT® People of all ages use MedicAlert. Look at the many reasons why… • You have a hidden medical condition such as diabetes • You have allergy risks to medicines or food • You have a medical device such as a pacemaker • You have implants, either medical or cosmetic • You wear contact lenses • You have dementia • You take medication essential to control a medical or psychiatric condition • You have a psychiatric or behavioural illness • You have an enduring power of attorney or advance directive document in place • You are travelling overseas.
o. n z En rol onli ne at: ww w. me dicale rt.c tron elec ic Ask you r Doctor to sub mit an For m referral or fill in an En rolment r Call 08 00 74 0 111 and have you dy rea d car t i credit or deb Fee s: First time enrolment fee: $55 Plu s an nua l service fee: $40 (In clu ding freight and GST)
FHD Special Offer
Enrol with MedicAlert® today and receive a 10% discount. Quote FHD13 for enrolment fee discount*
* Limited time offer, terms and conditions apply. Go to www.familyhealthdiary.co.nz for details. familyhealthdiary.co.nz
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Once-a-day treatment for psoriasis If you have to live with psoriasis, when it comes to treating it, you might think you've heard it all before. Now your doctor may have good news for you.
Anyone dealing with psoriasis knows how difficult it is to live with, and how equally frustrating it can be to treat. Creams and lotions must be applied repeatedly – many of which are heavy and take time to dry. Even in between flare-ups, maintenance treatment is usually needed to keep the red, inflamed skin from coming back. But in most cases it does come back – angry, itchy and difficult to cover up. So the endless cycle of treatment continues. If you’re familiar with this routine, don’t give up hope. There is now a fully funded treatment that may be different to anything you have tried before.
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Family Health Diary September/October 2013
Ask your doctor about Daivobet® Daivobet® is a once-a-day treatment that works fast. It’s an easier way to treat psoriasis, without the need for multiple applications and multiple treatments. If you haven’t spoken to your doctor recently, this could be the time to do so. This fully funded treatment might be the answer you’ve been hoping for.
Daivobet® benefits • Convenient • Only one application a day • Combination treatment • Works fast – most see improvements within seven days • Rapidly absorbed gel provides alternative to ointment when you need fast drying treatment • Fully funded.
How it works
what type of psoriasis?
Daivobet® is a combination treatment containing two products often used separately: this combination of products treats the overactive skin cells that cause psoriasis, and relieves redness, swelling, itching and irritation of the skin.
Daivobet® is available as an ointment and gel to treat plaque psoriasis. Plaques are raised, rough, reddened areas covered with fine, dry silvery scales. About 80% of people with psoriasis have this type.
When a flare-up happens, you only need to apply it once a day. And most people see improvement within seven days.
Daivobet® gel also treats scalp psoriasis. The almost clear gel is alcohol-free, odourless and rapidly absorbed.
While the re is still no cure for pso ria sis, Da ivo bet® mig ht hel you dea l wit h it a lot better. p
Ask your doctor whether Daivobet® Ointment or Gel is right for you. DAIVOBET® is a fully funded prescription medicine. Normal doctor’s fees and pharmacy charges will apply. For the topical treatment of plaque type psoriasis and scalp psoriasis. Tell your doctor if you are taking Calcium or Vitamin D supplements or any medicines. If you have other types of psoriasis, liver or kidney problems, any skin infections, TB, or skin rashes, acne, rosacea, ulcers or broken skin, are pregnant or breastfeeding, or have calcium metabolism disorder. Do not use on face, mucous membranes, or skin folds. Protect treated skin areas from sunlight and UV rays. Side effects may include: skin irritation; rash; worsening of psoriasis; change
in skin colour; headache; sore throat; back pain; sensitivity to light or change in control of diabetes. Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you experience any of these or if you have any other unpleasant side effects. Always use DAIVOBET® strictly as directed by your doctor. Contains 50 mcg/g calcipotriol and 500 mcg/g betamethasone (as dipropionate). Additional consumer medicine information can be obtained from bioCSL (NZ) Ltd, PO Box 62 590 Greenlane, Auckland 1546. Freephone 0800 502 757 or www.bioCSL.co.nz. Daivobet® is a registered trademark of Leo Pharmaceutical Products Ltd. TAPS pp3988
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Open your eyes to convenience Conjunctivitis is easily spread and shouldn’t be ignored, yet most treatment regimes can be difficult to follow through. Over-the-counter conjunctivitis treatments need applying up to five times a day. Applying eye drops can be fiddly at any age so the fewer times a day you need to do it, the better. Fortunately one uniquely formulated product, available on prescription from your doctor, only needs to be used twice a day. It’s called Fucithalmic® and now it’s fully funded. Designed for both adults and children, its ease of use will be welcome relief for both parents and little ones.
Convenient for all the family Its convenience means Fucithalmic® fits better around family commitments, such as work, school, preschool and daycare. For busy parents, being able to apply eye drops in just the morning and evening means it’s easier to follow through with treatment.
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Family Health Diary September/October 2013
Ea sy to cat ch M ost ba cte ria that cau se conju nct ivit is are spread throug direct ha nd-to -ey e contact h fro m conta mi nated ha nd e dis eas e ca n be cau ght juss.t Th by tou chi ng som eth ing that wa s ha nd led by a n inf ect ed per son. For thi s rea son, peo ple wh o are dia gn ose d wit h conju nct ivit particula rly children, sho uldis, sta y hom e u ntil tre atm ent ha s sta rte d, to avo id inf ect ing oth ers.
Conjunctivitis – a common problem You may know conjunctivitis as ‘pink eye’ or ‘red eye’. Common symptoms include redness, itching, swelling of the eyelids and a discharge that may cause the lids and lashes to be matted together in the mornings. There can be a scratchy feeling, pain with bright light, or tearing. Conjunctivitis affects approximately 12% of New Zealand’s population and peaks from winter through to springtime. The three most common ways you can get it is through an allergic reaction, from bacteria, or a virus.
Use twice a d ay, n o t f i v e
t i m e s
features AND Benefits • Easier than multiple-application products • Opaque drop turns into clear gel, for clear vision after use • Effective and well-tolerated
Ask your doctor if Fucithalmic® is right for you.
• Used by New Zealanders for over 13 years • Now fully funded (ie. you will not pay for the medicine only doctor’s and pharmacy fees apply).
Now fully funded conjunctivitis treatment.
Fucithalmic® is a Prescription Medicine for the treatment of bacterial infections of the eye like conjunctivitis. Medicines have risks and benefits. Do not use if you wear contact lenses. Do not drive or operate machinery if vision is blurred after application. Possible side effects: mild stinging and burning in the eye, tearing & blurring of the eyes. Use only as directed. If symptoms persist see your doctor. Fusidic Acid 1%. For further details refer to CMI on www.medsafe.govt.nz, bioCSL (NZ) Ltd, Auckland. Fucithalmic® is a registered trademark of Leo Pharmaceutical Products Ltd A/S. TAPS NA6382 familyhealthdiary.co.nz
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Bad back? Treat the inflammation Putting your back out is like pulling a handbrake on all the things you want (and need) to do. Getting past the pain is largely a matter of treating the injury correctly.
What to do?
Reduce inflammation
Curling up on the couch might be all you want to do, but stopping all exercise or completely restricting movement may not be the best route to recovery. Inactivity can cause stiffness, limit mobility and may actually prolong the pain.
Inflammation is the body’s way of protecting an injury, but left untreated it may cause more pain, slowing recovery.
Part of managing back pain is to keep moving. Physical manipulation, such as physiotherapy, might be helpful. But addressing inflammation – a major cause of pain – is also key to recovery.
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Family Health Diary September/October 2013
When you pull a muscle or tendon, the body releases chemicals at the injury site, which cause swelling and further sensitivity of pain receptors. Treating the pain and inflammation early may reduce restriction and discomfort, to help get you moving again sooner.
Talk to your pharmacist When acute back pain strikes, speak to your doctor or head down to your pharmacy for expert advice. They’ll help you with treatment options and may talk to you about Voltaren Rapid 25.
Voltaren Rapid works two ways Voltaren Rapid 25 contains a powerful anti-inflammatory, which is clinically proven to help reduce pain in as little as 15 minutes.*
You won’t find Voltaren Rapid 25 on the shelf – it’s a specialised treatment only your pharmacist can recommend.
Sig ns of inf la mm ation Th ese ma y includ e: • Localis ed swe llin g • R edn ess • Heat/bu rnin g sen sation • Pain • Re stricted mo vem ent. Voltaren Rapid 25 benefits • Fast-acting* • Clinically proven to reduce acute pain • Pharmacist Only medicine for strong pain.
®
Voltaren Rapid 25 is a Pharmacist Only medicine Voltaren Supplier of Pain Relief to the
*When taken as an initial dose of 2 x 25 mg tablets. For temporary relief of acute painful inflammatory conditions. Always read the label. Use only as directed. If symptoms persist, see your healthcare professional. Incorrect use could be harmful. Do not use if you have stomach ulcers. Your pharmacist's advice is required. Novartis Consumer Health Australasia Pty Ltd Auckland, NZ. TAPS NA6641 familyhealthdiary.co.nz
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Your best shot against cervical cancer Cervical cancer is caused by a common virus called Human Papillomavirus (HPV). The good news is, there is a vaccine that can help prevent HPV and girls have until their 20th birthday to receive the vaccine – for free.
THE EARLIER THE BETTER A free National HPV Immunisation Programme started in schools about five years ago. Over 160,000 girls and young women in NZ have been vaccinated against HPV with the vaccine Gardasil. Results from the programme already show a real decline in HPV-related disease.
FREE UP UNTIL 20 If for any reason your daughter missed out on her free immunisation through school, she can still get Gardasil at no cost. All she has to do is visit the family doctor before she turns 20. 22
Family Health Diary September/October 2013
Evidence shows that younger girls produce a better antibody response, and like all vaccines, it is better to be vaccinated before protection may be needed. That’s why the National HPV Immunisation Programme is aimed at girls around 12 years of age. However, even if your daughter is sexually active, vaccination can still be beneficial. There are multiple HPV types covered in the vaccine and she is unlikely to have been exposed to all of them. It is for this very reason that most women up to the age of 45 can also benefit from Gardasil.
Th e Lowd own On Hpv HPV sta nds for Hu ma n Papillo ma viru s. Th ere are mo re tha 40 types that can infe ct the gen n area, but just fou r (6, 11, 16 an d ita l cau se the majority of HPV- rela 18) ted can cers an d gen ita l wa rts. Most sex ua lly active people bec infe cted wit h HPV at som e sta om e eve n if the y are un aware of it asge, the re are not always sym pto ms Th e viru s can live in ski n areas . that are n’t covered by con doms, so can be easily passed on betwe en par This mean s it is also possible to tne rs. cat ch HPV wit hout int ercourse. For mo st wo me n, the HP V infect ion clears up, but for som it doe s not. For som e wo me n thee, HP V infect ion persist s in the cel of the cervix. This can, if not ls det ect ed an d treated, lea d to seriou s pro ble ms like hig h-g rad very e ab norma litie s an d can cer.
GARDASIL – THE FACTS • A vaccine that helps protect against cervical cancer abnormalities and HPV-related infection and disease • Works by stimulating your body to produce its own protection (antibodies) • Given in three doses (spread over six months), and expected to offer life-long protection • Works best before any sexual contact has taken place, but still offers protection in those who are sexually active.
Speak to your family doctor to see if Gardasil is right for you or your daughter. Or visit bestshot.co.nz for more on HPV, the vaccine and how effective it is in preventing cervical cancer.
Girls born on or after 1 January 1992 have until their 20th birthday to start their vaccine course to be eligible for FREE vaccination on their remaining shots. A patient charge applies for all others outside this age range. Immunisation does not replace the need for regular cervical smear testing. GARDASIL (Inactive HPV Types 6, 11, 16 & 18) is a prescription medicine. GARDASIL has risks and benefits. Do not have GARDASIL if you or your child is allergic to any of the ingredients, if you or your child has a bleeding disorder and cannot receive injections; has any illness with a fever higher than 37.8°C; is pregnant; is planning to get pregnant; or has a weakened immune system; Side effects may include: Injection site: pain; itching; tenderness or soreness; redness; swelling; Other side effects: headache; diarrhoea; fever; dizziness; nausea; vomiting; fainting sometimes accompanied by shaking or stiffening; swollen glands in the neck, armpit and groin; joint pain; aching muscles; unusual tiredness; weakness or confusion; chills; generally feeling unwell; allergic reactions; bleeding or bruising more easily than normal; skin infection (with hot, tender and red skin); cough; hives. Contact your doctor if any of these symptoms occur. For further information, consult your doctor or health care provider or read the Consumer Medicine Information at www.medsafe.govt.nz. bioCSL (NZ) Ltd, PO Box 62 590 Greenlane, Auckland 1546 Freephone 0800 502 757 or www.bioCSL.co.nz GARDASIL® is a registered trademark of Merck & Co. Inc, Whitehouse Station, NJ, 08889 USA. Based on the GARDASIL Consumer Medicine Information prepared in December 2011. TAPS CH3680. GARD-200-06\13
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Family Health Diary September/October 2013
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