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Struggling with your mental health?

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Struggling with your mental health?

Mental health is an essential aspect of overall well-being that encompasses emotional, psychological, and social functioning. It affects how we think, feel, and act, influencing how we handle stress, relate to others, and make decisions. Mental health is not merely the absence of mental illness; it’s about maintaining a state of balance where individuals can realize their potential, cope with normal stresses, work productively, and contribute to their communities.

The Importance of Mental Health

Good mental health is crucial for leading a fulfilling life. It allows individuals to manage life’s challenges, build healthy relationships, and maintain physical health. Poor mental health can lead to various problems, such as chronic stress, anxiety, depression, and even physical health issues like heart disease or weakened immune function.

Common Mental Health Disorders

Mental health disorders are conditions that affect mood, thinking, and behaviour. Some of the most common include:

  • Depression: Characterized by persistent sadness, loss of interest in activities, and a range of emotional and physical problems that can impair daily functioning.
  • Anxiety Disorders: Involves excessive fear or worry that can interfere with daily activities. Examples include generalized anxiety disorder, panic disorder, and social anxiety disorder.
  • Bipolar Disorder: A condition marked by extreme mood swings, including emotional highs (mania) and lows (depression).
  • Schizophrenia: A severe mental disorder characterized by distorted thinking, perceptions, emotions, language, sense of self, and behaviour.

Factors Influencing Mental Health

Mental health is influenced by a range of factors, including:

  • Biological Factors: Genetics, brain chemistry, and physical health.
  • Life Experiences: Trauma, abuse, and significant life changes.
  • Family History: A family history of mental health problems can increase the risk.

Stigma and Mental Health

One of the major challenges in addressing mental health is the stigma associated with it. Many people with mental health conditions face discrimination, which can discourage them from seeking help. Overcoming stigma involves education, open conversations, and treating mental health with the same importance as physical health.

Promoting Mental Health

Promoting good mental health involves self-care practices, supportive relationships, and professional help when needed. Strategies include:

  • Regular Exercise: Physical activity is known to boost mood and reduce anxiety.
  • Healthy Diet: Proper nutrition supports brain function and overall mental health.
  • Adequate Sleep: Sleep is crucial for emotional regulation and cognitive functioning.
  • Mindfulness and Relaxation Techniques: Practices like meditation can reduce stress and improve mental clarity.
  • Social Connections: Strong relationships provide emotional support and a sense of belonging.
  • Seeking Professional Help: Therapists, counsellors, and psychiatrists can offer guidance, support, and treatment for mental health issues.

Conclusion

Mental health is a vital part of life, influencing everything from our emotions to our behaviours and interactions with others. It’s important to prioritize mental health through self-care, seeking help when needed, and supporting others in their mental health journeys. By fostering a society that values mental well-being, we can improve the quality of life for everyone.

Medicine Pharmacy

COVID-19 Booster Vaccine Myths and facts

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The Booster Vaccine, is it worth it post-lockdown? 

Over 19,4 million South Africans are fully vaccinated against the SARS COVID-19 virus, which means that many of us are eligible for our booster shots. Many questions have been raised about the additional protection of a booster vaccine post-lockdown, like whether it is still advised or necessary to go through with the additional precautions. 

Clinical evidence still proves in favour of vaccine boosters as the immune response fades naturally over time, and as the virus adapts and changes our immune systems may no longer recognise the threat. So, despite numerous concerns about the mutated variants of the virus, many healthcare experts still endorse the booster vaccine as our most pertinent form of protection currently.

 

The Booster Myths and Facts:

You shouldn’t mix and match vaccines – MYTH 

You can get a mixture of J&J and Pfizer vaccines, so long as you are fully vaccinated by one and receive the other either 60 or 90 days later as a booster. 

The Booster does not help against newer variants such as omicron – MYTH 

There is ample evidence that booster vaccines increases antibody levels to the spike protein of SARS-CoV-2. Higher antibodies are also found to offer more protection against variants including omicron. 

The COVID-19 vaccines are untested – MYTH 

All vaccines used in South Africa go through extensive testing, by means of numerous clinical trials that include thousands of individuals who were followed for a minimum of two months. Safety monitoring is required for all approved vaccines to ensure the long-term safety of vaccines too.

The vaccine will make you sick – MYTH

None of the authorised COVID-19 vaccines contain the live virus that causes COVID-19; therefore, the vaccine cannot make you sick with the virus. The vaccine teaches your body to react and fight the virus, and sometimes this process can cause symptoms such as fever, these symptoms are normal and are a sign that the body is building protection against the virus that caused COVID-19. 

 

Booking your booster vaccine is a great choice! 

Use our pharmacy locator to find your nearest Alpha Clin Clinic and enquire about the booster vaccine today: https://www.alphapharmacies.co.za/ 

Pharmacy

Alpha Pharm – For better or for worse

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As the adage goes – it takes a village to raise a child and so too, importantly, it takes a community to secure their future.

The recent looting and  unrest left many of our pharmacies vulnerable and our immediate action was to initiate the “Back For Good” campaign. There was no hesitation from the entire Alpha Pharm Family from our execs, group staff members,  senior management team, business partners , unaffected pharmacies  and suppliers who all made sure that this miracle happened.

The  “Back For Good” initiative was actioned to cement our pharmacies in their communities and continue the good work which they have done over a span of a lifetime. Critically the primary  aim of this initiative was to rebuild and restock these pharmacies, save jobs and above all, ensure continued healthcare for the communities we serve. The combined effort  has restored faith in our fellowman, who kept the South African spirit and flame bright and alive. No looting can ever break our resolve or determination in our quest to provide healthcare in our beloved communities that we serve! So as long as we continue to stand as one, a united South Africa is possible!

On behalf of the Alpha Pharm family, I’d like to personally thank each and every supplier who came on board and helped restock the affected pharmacies with FREE stock, services and equipment. This act of kindness can probably never be repaid in fair proportion but as we well know the wheel turns and certainly no one will ever get dizzy from doing too many good turns. This collaborative effort helped kick the biggest rescue job in pharmacy history into action.

Thank you to the franchised, corporate and shareholder pharmacies for your tenacity, your ability to weather the storm and to show your communities how much you care for them by being BACK FOR GOOD.

Lastly, to Verona Fataar – a leader of leaders, Rogan Taylor, Teresa Rautenbach , Werner Styger and each and every member of staff who played a role to make this possible – thank you, thank you, thank you, we are all proud to be part of The Alpha Pharm Family.

by – Al van Buuren, CEO of Alpha Pharm Corporate Retail

Health Tips Pharmacy

Men shouldn’t avoid these symptoms

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Health symptoms men should never ignore!

Most men feel discouraged from talking about changes to their health in case they’re perceived as making a fuss, but the health consequences can be serious.

 

Here are some health symptoms men should never ignore:

 

Erectile Dysfunction: 

Most men feel uncomfortable or don’t want to talk about erectile dysfunction.

When symptoms persist for more than a few weeks, book an AlphaDoc Nurse-led Virtual Doctor Consultation www.alphacarebookings.co.za

 

Frequent Constipation:

Constipation is a common condition amongst most people. However, for some people, constipation can be a long-term or chronic condition which may lead to pain or discomfort.

Continued or long term constipation can lead to other conditions such as:

  • Rectal bleeding
  • Hemorrhoids
  • Diverticulitis – where pouches in the lining of the colon develop and become inflamed.

Constipation that lasts for more than a few days and the feeling that you need to have a bowel movement that’s not relieved by having one are also potential warning signs of colon cancer.

Up your daily intake of fibre, make sure you drink plenty of fluids, and try to get more exercise. If these changes don’t help and the problem continues, book an AlphaDoc Nurse-led Virtual Doctor Consultation www.alphacarebookings.co.za

 

 

 

Testicle lumps

For many men, a painless lump in the testicle is the most common sign of testicular cancer.

  • Other symptoms may include:
  • The feeling of extra weight in the scrotum.
  • A swelling of the testicle (with or without pain).
  • Pain or a dull ache in the testicle, scrotum, or groin.

You should make an appointment with your doctor if you notice any lumps, swelling, or pain in your testicles. You will also be able to find these changes early if you regularly self-examine your testicles.

 

Preventive measures

Keeping a keen eye out for early signs of health and wellbeing symptoms is important, but there are also steps you can take to protect yourself both now and in the future. These include:

  • Eat a healthy diet that includes all of the major food groups and watch your portion sizes.
  • Try to get 30 minutes or more exercise a day.
  • Conduct regular self examination of your testicles.
  • Look after your bones by taking regular vitamins and supplementation such as Alpha Calmag and Alpha MSN, which are available at an Alpha Pharm Pharmacy in your community>>> https://www.alphapharmacies.co.za/locationfinder/
  • Get regular health screenings and wellness checks at an Alpha Clin clinic.
  • Take time out for yourself. Around 30 minutes a day is ideal for you. Make it a time when you do something just for yourself. Like; reading, working in the garden, chatting online with friends, meditation or whatever relieves your stress!

 

Pharmacy

Welcome to Alpha Pharm : Eagles Landing

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Alpha Pharm Eagles Landing Pharmacy Grand Opening

Tucked directly in the heart of Randpark Ridge sits the newly opened, independently-owned, Alpha Pharm Eagles Landing Pharmacy ready to personalise the West Rand's community pharmacy experience. Since filling its first prescription, Eagles Landing Pharmacy has been making good on its promise to provide quality prescriptions, build community relationships and support local philanthropies and causes.The pharmacy is owned by pharmacist-in-charge Laurence Dumisani Mtetwa, who has chosen to partner with The Alpha Pharm Group, a fast-growing independent pharmacy network which allows independently-owned, community pharmacies to compete with the big chains.

"That's what's missing in pharmacies today," Mtetwa said. "Giving our patients that one-on-one attention. We want to know our patients and we want to be able to take care of our patients."Drawing from his own experiences of working in pharmacies, Mtetwa noticed a disconnect between the product and the patient."The atmosphere in major chains can be cold, especially when patients are presented with new medications or receiving vaccines," Mtetwa said. "Patients are not one-size-fits-all and neither should their care be. We are your community pharmacy we care not just for you as a patient but about you, we are going to be the best at taking the time to get to know you and help you understand your medications and how to get the most savings possible under your plan, I want to bring back the old pharmacy environment," he said. "Today's chain pharmacies, they don't even know the customers by name," he added.Saturday, 29 May 2021 saw the official grand opening of Alpha Pharm Eagles Landing Pharmacy. While all COVID protocols were followed, there was certainly excitement and care in the atmosphere. Patients across all generations, young and old came to support their new neighbour, Eagles Landing Pharmacy. The community got the personal care and attention they required as well as Free Blood pressure tests, freebies and much more...

The pharmacy is situated at 62 Scott Avenue and, Christiaan de Wet Rd, Randpark Ridge, Johannesburg and is open Monday to Saturday from 9am -8pm and Sundays, 9am -5pm. The pharmacy offers a full patient centered service offering from prescriptions, refills, clinic services, OTC medication, medicine advice and much more. Our community is extremely important to us, and we try to be active within it as much as possible. We hope that when the time comes when you need a prescription filled that you will put your trust in your neighbours at Alpha Pharm Eagles Landing Pharmacy.By supporting your local pharmacy, you can help make our community an even better place to live! Alpha Pharm united across generations for a healthier South Africa! For more information, call 0833617691 and follow us on Facebook

© Alpha Pharm | 2022

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