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Let me tell you about my pharmacist

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Let me tell you about my pharmacist

She knows MY Name and knows what I want but especially what I need.
He works 10-hour shifts and often pulls a double shift. Legally he can’t leave the pharmacy
unattended so that means no lunches and has a quick cup of tea if he is lucky.
We all want to speak to the pharmacist so she takes most of the calls.
He keeps a record of all your medication and from all your different doctors so he is 1st to pick
up errors, contraindications or even early warning signs.
She is passionate about my well-being; more than I and it is clear this is her calling!

He takes the time to tell me how to use my medication so that it can work, no postman or
courier can do that.
She knows my mom and my kids and my kids feel safe with her especially when they need
medication for that sore tummy – those meds that don’t taste nice but “her advice will make me
better dad”.
He saves me money by ensuring I get cost-effective generic medicines that work equally well as
the original product or suggest supplements that help me in the long run.
She often picks up that people are in dire need of a doctor or specialist and gets them an urgent
appointment, often she picks up that serious issue that other professionals haven’t and she
saves a life as a result.
He is on standby and often opens up after closing or on a Sunday because I called him and he
WANTS to help!
It’s never too much trouble for her to personally check my BP in the clinic or cholesterol or even
my sugar levels personally, in fact, she often insists on it knowing I’m a high-risk patient.
He makes sure my meds come out of the correct benefit so that my medical aid lasts, he even
reminds me that my chronic medicine is running low!
She trains her staff so well that we are treated well from the time we enter the pharmacy; to the
time we leave.
He has seen every rash, every bite, every infection, every wound before and his swift action and
recommendation are comforting and life-saving.
I know she works evenings and still has to go home and be a mom, cook food and yet she does
it with love.

He works most weekends, missing his kids grow up and sacrifices watching the big game, just
in case I need his help.

That’s why I know his name. Guess what? … He or she is not just my pharmacist, he’s YOURS
TOO!

These incredible people are fighting this pandemic and as the Frontline implies – they are taking
the first hits; they are delivering medicines to people in isolation or those infected but without
fear or favour they are servicing people who may not know their status – the pharmacist does
not look at a patient as a positive or negative but as someone who is in desperate need of care.
Currently, most community pharmacies are short-staffed, battling to get essential supplies and
the overall system is strained. It sadly must also be pointed out that Frontline pharmacists are
not just fighting this pandemic but are in full support of patients who are suffering, not with
COVID but with other direct impacts caused by COVID. They are the first to be called because of
stress-related issues, let’s face it, people are worried about loved ones or may have lost their
jobs, income or their businesses may be taking the strain. Pharmacists know all too well that the
vulnerable need to be protected and as a result are making sure that the people with co-
mobilities receive that extra care, that extra care that they are not paid for, that pearl of wisdom
that keeps the patient safe, well or at the very least – comfortable. But the pharmacist is the first
port of call for a cough, a headache, sore back, bladder or bowel issues etc etc etc basically
they are called upon first and always put you first! We are made to feel special; we are not just a
number or a statistic!

This is just to honour these wonderful people on the Frontline right now fighting for us, keeping
us safe, ensuring we have the meds and health advice and care we need! These people and
their staff are extremely exposed right now working in our interest.

I just want to thank and acknowledge the commitment each and every one of our community
pharmacists is showing right now. Showing up, stepping up, not giving up and making sure they
lift us up. Words cannot express our sincere gratitude at this point to all these men and women
on the Frontline, even those who are not well, are on the phone helping the temps and locums
to deliver unparalleled care for us all. We salute you all. Stay safe!

Al van Buuren
CEO
Alpha Corporate Retail

Health Tips Holiday

Christmas Parties without Pandemics

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Suggestions on how to maintain an exciting intimate friends and family Pandemic-Christmas gathering

If you do celebrate Christmas-day then you might agree with us that it will definitely be a whole lot different this year. Due to the Covid-19 pandemic that has left a bitter taste in our mouths we have no choice but to adjust and make most of the situation we are currently faced with.

We continuously find ourselves tightening our financial belts by ensuring that every penny goes a long way for us. The good news is, even if our Christmas family traditions might not be the same as the previous years, we just need to make the necessary changes that are in accordance with Covid-19 regulations, one of them being limiting the number of people at gatherings. Despite all that is happening around us here are a few suggestions on how to maintain an exciting yet intimate friends and family Pandemic-Christmas gathering while making it memorable.

Limit invitations: We all know no amount of people can be stopped from joining their friends and family on such a pleasant day. This time around the host will have to carry the big and necessary responsibility of ensuring that there is adequate space to accommodate all members invited to the Christmas gathering. There should be enough space to accommodate people while still being able to maintain social distancing. If the Christmas feast will be served in a table setting then there should be enough seating space maintaining sufficient space between the seats around the table.

Modern Solutions: If any family members need to be excluded for their safety or the volume constraints, a great idea is to split the party up and have video calls set up so everyone can eat together from separate locations.

Retro family recipes: If not every family member will be able to attend the Christmas gathering as per family tradition then you might want to consider preparing your retro family recipes. Retro family recipes always have a way of keeping the spirit alive to a point of bringing back wonderful family memories to share with everyone around you. Trust us when we say- you will be surprised what funny and good memories your guests would love share over these wonderful heart-warming meals.

Christmas carol karaoke: Once everybody is full and people have feasted with seconds and thirds a Christmas carol karaoke challenge can certainly serve as a collective entertainment tool. You can take it as far as purchasing a microphone and dressing up to make it more invigorating. Children can have their own karaoke challenge which can be turned into a mini competition where the winner gets a prize for being the best singer. Remember: this is meant to be innocent fun that will bring everyone together so everyone has to participate.

Get people involved: No need to drown yourself with all the preparations for the big day- it will only leave you feeling exhausted and drained. The host is also allowed to enjoy the Christmas gathering like everyone else. By getting people involved you build the spirit of unity which always leaves everyone satisfied and geared to have more fun.

Stick to your budget: Overspending for a gathering of any nature is almost one the easiest things to do. In all honesty Christmas is just valid for 24 hours. Therefore, it is advisable to be cautious of your spending especially because the next month will be January where all responsibilities and expenses will be on the rise.

Share with us in the comment box below on how you are planning to spend your Pandemic-Christmas day.

Health Tips

New Years Health Resolutions

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New Year Health Resolutions that are beneficial for your health and easy to keep

 

While setting-up New Year Health resolutions can mean getting back to your health A-game goals, by means of starting an exercise routine, weight-loss programme, hydrating yourself by increasing your water consumption and more. In someone else’s world it may mean something totally different.

Setting realistic goals is imperative and will assist you with reaching both your short and long-term goals. That is why you should take time to decide what would you like to achieve in terms of your health resolutions. Setting unrealistic expectations has been proven to be the root cause why most people are unable to achieve and see their goals through to the end. Make a decision and encourage yourself not to give-up or give-in should things not go as planned. At the end of it all you are own cheerleader and will only have yourself to appreciate once you see the results you have been working hard to achieve within your own unique time frame.

Here are some New Year Health Resolutions you can use as guidelines to set your own. Plus, they are beneficial for your health and easy to keep.

1. Focus on physical activity that you enjoy: If you enjoy something then it shouldn’t be hard or dreadful for you to do that specific thing. The same principle applies when doing physical activity that you enjoy. It is also imperative to choose physical activities that will fit in with your time schedule.

 

2. Lead a balanced lifestyle: Eating your greens and other healthy food products unfortunately does not mean that you are completely leading a balanced lifestyle. Leading a balanced lifestyle has other elements to it that can assist an individual to try and lead a balanced lifestyle. These elements comprise of taking good care of yourself-inclusive of giving your body sufficient rest. Being organised is another element that greatly reduces stress and anxiety. Having a clear objective from the onset helps you to plan accordingly and in advance.

 

3. Cutting down on sugar: If you have a sweet tooth, then it might be time for you to keep it in check by reducing sugary foods and drinks. A high consumption of sugary food and drinks can increase your risk of obesity, insulin resistance and other health related diseases. Try to substitute sugary foods and drinks with naturally sweet foods such as fruit and other foods you enjoy.

 

4. Be mindful of what you eat: From time to time, we immerse ourselves with food that we know is not the best for our bodies and general health. It is important to be mindful of what we take into our bodies. Migrating to healthier foods that can still be taken in moderation such as fruit, vegetables, nuts, poultry and carbohydrates are more beneficial to our bodies and keep it in optimum health.

 

5. Make a visit to your Medical Practitioner: Vitality health check-ups play a pivotal role in saving lives. A vitality health check-up helps detect early health concerns that you might not even be aware of. Various healthcare facilities offer different vitality health check-up programmes. Most vitality health check-ups consist of running tests for high-blood pressure, type-2 diabetes, high cholesterol, obesity and more.

Health Tips

Survive the Holidays With These Tips

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Helpful tips for everyone to successfully make it through the festive season hassle-free!

It is probably safe to say the silly season, commonly known as the festive season has officially arrived. Our public spaces and malls are already screaming ‘it’s the festive season’ with their bright jingly Christmas trees and decorations, that will keep your eyes glued to them, in admiration of this wonderful and joyous harmony.

Even though the year 2020 has been a different and tragic year for most of us, almost nothing can keep the festive season bug at bay and in control.

By now we know that during every festive season people become healthcare experts, giving advice to everyone around them.

Now it is time to allow us Alpha healthcare professionals to share with you these festive season tips that are sure to safely carry you through to next year.

Arrive Alive: Over the past years It has been inevitable that the rate of car accidents that have occurred during the festive season are on the rise. It is all of our personal responsibility to ensure that we arrive alive everywhere we go. Make sure that your vehicle has passed its roadworthy test, all passengers should buckle-up inclusive of double-checking that all baby carseats are safely installed. Please remember to Rest! If you have been travelling for more than 3 hours it is important to keep yourself refreshed and alert for your destination and that can be achieved by getting sufficient rest. Repeat after us: ‘Rather arrive late than to not arrive at all. Keep that in mind whenever you refuse to rest when you travel to long-distance destinations.’

Healthy eating: The silly season doesn’t mean that you should still maintain a silly-eating habit or better yet pick-up unhealthy eating habits. Although most of us are probably going to binge on our special occasion foods and be best friends with our fridges over holidays. However, it is important to eat in moderation and be mindful of what we supply our bodies with and to ensure that children have balanced nutritional foods to keep their metabolisms balanced and fuller for longer periods of time.

Practice safety Covid-19 precautions: We are officially embracing the summer-season in the Southern himosphere and wearing a cloth mask is becoming a painful and dragging exercise. Budget and invest in 3ply face masks, and washable face masks that are breathable and have breathing valves that will prevent you from sweating and feeling hot under the mask.

Quick tip: Avoid putting your mask under your chin. Practice the healthy habit of completely removing your mask and putting it on whenever you are ready to wear it, along with maintaining social distancing, carrying hand-sanitisers and anti-bacterial wet wipes on-standby available at Alpha Pharm Pharmacies in your community.

Alcohol intake: Avoid letting the festive season rush put you at risk of developing alcohol-related diseases such as cancer. Limit your alcohol intake especially if you know you will be behind the wheel. The best advice is to match your drink to a glass of water, for every alcoholic drink consumed you drink a glass of water. Plus, this will save your life the following morning.

Vacation: Travelling during the Covid-19 is sure going to be a whole different ball-game this year. Planning your trip will not be the same as the last minute you have been getting up-to throughout the years! If you are guilty as charged, no need to worry just ensure that prioritising getting a Covid-19 certified property should be at the top of your list and follow all the safety Covid-19 precautions and you will be good to go.

Spending time with loved ones: If there was one lesson taught over the past few months is that the Covid-19 pandemic has taught us is to be appreciative of what we have in life and most importantly to rejoice in the gift of life. Unleash the spirit of giving and spreading joy to everyone around you by showering them with your love while still giving elbow bumps and maintaining social distancing effortlessly.

Medicine Pharamcist

The Misunderstood lives of Pharmacists

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The misunderstood lives of pharmacists

Anachronistic concepts such as the apothecary and its alchemist that used to occupy the chemical dispensing field, are no longer relevant to today’s society, but what does a day in a pharmacists life really look like?

Pharmacists as we know dispense drugs and medications that are prescribed to patients by doctors and specialists. Sorting and counting the pills, capsules and tablets actually forms a very minor part of the pharmacists’ day, as most modern medicines are pre-packed per their recommended scheduling use and quantities. Many misconceptions circulate society regarding a pharmacists true duties and responsibilities, so lets explore the truth of the matter.

What do Pharmacists do on a daily basis?

Pharmacists require a very specific and comprehensive knowledge base of medicine the the chemicals that they are formulated from in order to explain to customers how the medicine works, how to take the medicine and possible side effects caused by the medicine.

In addition to this service, pharmacists will also make use of digital filing systems to keep patient records on so that they may advise patients regarding allergies or the unintentional combination of medicines causing possibly volatile results. It has become even more important in a globalised market that pharmacists attentively aid patients in selecting appropriate and ideal over the counter medicines from a now vast selection available.

Pharmacist or business owner?

In the case of many Alpha Pharm community pharmacies, the pharmacist is also the owner of the pharmacy itself. As such their daily routine includes a myriad of tasks related to successful business management, to mention only a few:

 

  • Taking stock counts, ordering and buying new stock (consider about all the different things that you can buy at an Alpha Pharm pharmacy)

 

  • Setting competitive prices and doing financial bookkeeping.

 

  • Hiring competent staff and ensuring that the pharmacy as a business is managed to a high degree of efficacy.

Any other responsibilities?

Having understood what pharmacist’s days look like in a nut shell, it is also important to consider that a vocation in dispensing scheduled medicine holds a lot of responsibilities attached to it. These scheduled medicines are strictly controlled by laws to protect members of the public, in accordance with these laws the pharmacists need to take the time every year to keep in accordance with the constantly changing policies. Additionally pharmacists need to keep track not only of the medicines that they dispense but also of expired medicines and leftover pills that customers return for safe and ethical destruction.

Renaissance men and women

After looking into the work lives of pharmacists, it becomes increasingly clear that caring, professional and attentive community pharmacists not only still have a role in globalised society, but their role has become absolutely vital to the patients journey of good health and prosperity.

© Alpha Pharm | 2022

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