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Shingles is a viral infection caused by the same virus that causes chickenpox (varicella-zoster virus). Shingles can only develop in a person who has already had chickenpox (varicella). After an episode of chickenpox, the virus does not completely clear, and some particles lie dormant in nerve roots near the spinal cord. They cause no harm,

Breast cancer is one of the most common cancers Australian women can develop. One in eight women are diagnosed by the age of 85. During October the PSA are highlighting the ongoing battle to find cures for breast and gynaecological cancers and to support women suffering from these. This week’s informative Health Column outlines the

According to the World Heart Day organisation, any disease of the heart, vascular disease of the brain, or disease of the blood vessel is considered CVD. The most common cardiovascular diseases include coronary heart disease (e.g. heart attack) and cerebrovascular disease (e.g. stroke). Coronary heart disease (also called ischaemic heart disease) is caused by the

In Australia, most babies (96%) are initially breastfed and it’s a key contributor to infant health. At this time, let’s consider taking medicines when breastfeeding. Medicines can be defined as either prescription (only available with a prescription from a healthcare professional such as a doctor), over-the-counter (available without a prescription, often from a pharmacy) and

While this may be a quaint adage, it highlights that we generally only think of other people as being ‘old’. Officially there are ages when we are deemed to be a ‘senior’ or an older Australian. For example, Seniors Cards are provided to people aged 60 and not working more than a set numbers of

As the number of Australians travelling overseas increases, so do the number of travellers who become ill – sometimes fatally. There are many things you can do to ensure you are a healthy traveller, and your local pharmacy can assist with these preparations. First of all, visit your general practitioner for a thorough check-up to

Our eyes, the ‘window to the soul’, are one of the body’s most important assets. Maintaining good eye health should be a priority for all. During July, The Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Ophthalmologists (RANZCO) Eye Foundation runs its JulEYE campaign. JulEYE aims to raise community awareness of eye health issues, as well

Sharon Claydon, Federal Member for Newcastle, has highlighted the value of getting your flu vaccination through your local community pharmacist by getting her shot this year at Piggotts Pharmacy in Glebe Rd, Hamilton South. Pharmacist Anthony Piggott said having Ms Claydon as a flu vaccination customer sent an important message to the community. “This demonstrates

The cold snap before Easter may have had you thinking about winter, and coughs and colds that often accompany the change in seasons. Coughs and colds are very common. Each year, adults can develop between two and four colds and children between five and ten. With our increasingly busy lives, we are often seeking a