EDITOR ’ S NOTE
EVENTS
MAY 2017
International Multiple Sclerosis Month
Hepatitis Awareness Month
It ’ s the life in your years , not the years in your life
I
’ ve been blessed with an amazing family with a delightfully wicked sense of humour , which is why I ’ m able to have such fun in May teasing my Dad about being a ‘ senior citizen ’. You see May is Go Turquoise for the Elderly Month and as such Frontshop Pharmacy Magazine always features a handful of articles specifically aimed at the more mature members of our population . Let ’ s face it , no one particularly wants to get older , or think about how our health and bodies may begin to fail us . But as medicines continue to develop and we learn more about living healthily there really is less to be afraid of . It ’ s never too late to change your lifestyle and embrace healthy living . It can be hugely beneficial to educate yourself on the body , how it ages , which ailments you may become more susceptible to and how to postpone or even completely prevent them . With this in mind enjoy our special Go Turquoise for the Elderly section :
· Products specially developed for the ageing members of our population ( page 28 )
· Study : omega-3 levels affect whether B vitamins can slow brain ’ s decline ( page 31 )
· Liquid collagen : the complete anti-ageing solution ( page 33 )
· CPD : the right vitamins for osteoporosis ( page 39 )
Lower back pain is one of the most prevalent complaints of people both young and old . As a sufferer myself , it ’ s encouraging to know that lower back pain is not something you have to live with . We ’ re busting the myths of the causes and treatments on page 27 .
WORDS TO LIVE BY
Spending quality time with my favourite “ elderly ” person , Bruno ( AKA Dad ), and my beautiful sister Belinda .
Complaining of heartburn and indigestion , patients often make the mistake of assuming they are the same thing . In actual fact indigestion is a condition , while heartburn is a symptom . We break down the difference between the two gastrointestinal issues on page 21 .
Accounting for an estimated 265 000 deaths annually it ’ s no wonder a week in May is dedicated to burns awareness . This month ’ s cut-out-and-keep feature focuses on how to treat burns and what not to do ( page 18 ).
Highlighting World No Tobacco Day ( 31 May ) we feature three products designed to assist in smoking cessation on page 14 . A common frustration for smokers , coughs can also be caused by many other things . Page 17 focusses on whether a cough is viral or bacterial .
We all know that brushing our teeth and flossing regularly is vital to healthy teeth and gums , but what about the tiny tots in our midst ? Is caring for milk teeth as important as caring for permanent teeth and at what age should we start enforcing the importance of oral health ? Practicing dentist , Dr Laurika Krynauw , shares valuable advice on page 11 .
Lastly , the release of the WHO ’ s Integrating neglected tropical diseases in global health and development report last month shows that we ’ re winning the war on neglected tropical diseases like rabies , bilharzia , dengue , and leprosy ( page 6 ).
Editor Nicky Belseck
“ Do not regret growing older . It ’ s a privilege denied to many ”
– Author unknown
Lyme Disease Awareness Month
2
World Asthma Day
World Hand Hygiene Day
World Move for Health Day
World Chronic Fatigue and Immune Dysfunction Syndrome Day
5
6 12
Burns Awareness Week
10
10
World Lupus Day
International Nurses Day
12
12
12
Go Turquoise for the Elderly Month
17
World Hypertension Day
World Aids Vaccine Day
18
27 May Jun 2
National Child Protection Week
28 International Day of Action for Women ’ s Health
FEEDBACK
Send your letters and any news or events to nicky . belseck @ newmediapub . co . za
World No Tobacco Day
31
4 | MAY 2017 Pharmacy Magazine