SEPTEMBER 2013 - Practitioner's Corner with Vanessa Laird

Hay Fever 

Are you irritated with hay fever? For many who suffer from this condition it can be a highly aggravating.  Hay fever is an allergic reaction caused by pollen, dust, animal hair, fungi or mould. This allergic response is from our immune system wrongly identifying a substance that is not normally harmful, and begins to attack it. Allergies may last for weeks and can make us feel extremely tired.

This imbalance within our immune system can lead to upper respiratory symptoms such as itchy eyes, sneezing, runny nose and nasal congestion. This can lead to sleep dysfunction and therefore affect our daily performance and quality of life.

 Nutritional supplements can be highly affective to reduce and prevent symptoms associated with hay fever.

 Nutritional & Herbal Supplementation:

·         Vitamin C is an important antioxidant that is found in the lining of airways. It has shown to help lower histamine levels, which is released from white blood cells and increases detoxification of histamine. Vitamin C may also decrease bronchial constriction due to allergens.

·         Flavonoids such as Quercetain has shown to inhibit histamine release and reduce the production of leukotrienes (allergy agents)

·         Supplementing with Omega-3 fish oil will help to decrease airway responsiveness to allergens and improve respiratory function.

·         Herbs are highly useful when reducing symptoms of hay fever and can help to prevent the onset of an attack. Garlic is a wonderful herb to use due to its antioxidant, anti-microbial and immune enhancing effects. It helps to prevent and alleviate upper respiratory complaints such as mucous congestion. It is best taken in conjunction with Horseradish which can be used as a decongestant and exerts an antibiotic effect.

·         Another highly beneficial herb is Elder Flower. This helps to tonify mucous membranes of the respiratory tract, increasing resilience to allergens.

·         Albizia is a great herb to use to help reduce the severity of allergies. Studies have found Albizia to have anti-allergic and anti-microbial activity.

 Dietary and lifestyle suggestions:

·         Remove the offending antigen from your environment.

·         Cook with plenty of garlic, horseradish, fenugreek and ginger.

·         Eat plenty of fresh vegetables, fruits, raw nuts and seeds. (High fibre diet)

·         Eliminate mucous forming foods from the diet such as dairy products, eggs, sugar, white flour, fatty foods and alcohol.

·         Increase omega-3 fatty acids in the diet including fish (salmon, halibut, and mackerel), walnuts, almonds, flaxseeds and pumpkin seeds.

·         To destroy dust mites wash clothing and bed linen in hot water over 58°C.

·         Use air filtered vacuum cleaners, to reduce exposure to allergens in the house.

References

 

1.         Bach, P. (2002). Prescription for Nutritional Healing. Avery Publishing Group, New York, USA.

2.         Chevallier, A. (2000). Encyclopedia of Herbal Medicine. 2^nd Edition, Dorling Kindersley Limited, Sydney, Australia.

3.         Murray, N. & Pizzorno, J. (1998). Encyclopedia of Natural Medicine. 2^nd Edition, Three Rivers Press, New York, USA.

4.         Osiecki, H. (2006). The Physician’s Handbook of Clinical Nutrition. 7^th Edition, AG Publishing, Queensland, Australia.

Written by: Vanessa Laird
Naturopath Calanna Pharmacy Woree
e: vanessaw@calannapharmacy.com.au

SEPTEMBER 2013 - Words of Wisdom by Mario Calanna



Hello Club Members

Welcome to Spring and to September.
 

Our family achieved a milestone last week when our Grand-daughter – Madeline – turned ONE. It is just amazing how time moves - right in front of your eyes.

 

 

Over the past 12 months I have seen many young children (courtesy of FB friends) change and grow. All these little children are innocent and are a Blank Canvasses. How will there story, their picture, their purpose – be shaped? And by whom?

 

 

Each will rely very closely on the language, the people, the TV programs, the books, the activities – they will be associated with as they grow to school age and beyond. All of what we think do and say.

 

 

All the associations we have. Play a large part in the adult each of these children will become and the life they will lead. Hopefully they will all become achieving and giving members of our community. And adopt a mindset of Accountability, Responsibility and Optimism rather than one of Blame, Excuses and Denial.

 

 

Their fate is – in most part –  entrusted in parents, family and close friends. Well before the school system takes it hold.

 

 

Father’s day came in this same week for our family. Besides a nice family day on Sunday (which followed Madeline’s party on the Saturday) – it was Matthew’s 31^st Birthday and I received a card from Madeline.

 

 

The card reads: “ Nonno, my favourite place in the whole wide world is right inside your HUG – thank you for everything you do for me and the time you spend with me”.

 

 

For those who know me – not too much tugs more at my heart-strings that a good and genuine HUG. It engenders laughter, good feelings and provides the lift – you so badly need at times. I believe it is a symbol of unity, of sharing, of empathy and a willingness to understand.

 

 

So for this month and beyond – be aware of the one’s close you. Be aware on how you influence and can influence them. Lead them to the best associations and activities. Always keep their “Tomorrows” in mind.
 

For things are achieved or destroyed moment by moment, day by day – through the compound effect. The changes are noticed (not in the moments) but by looking back over the past “Tomorrows”.

 

 

Let us build the best Tomorrows for ourselves and the very young.

God Bless…………………Mario

 



Mario Calanna - CEO
Calanna Pharmacy Group

e: Mario Calanna

AUGUST 2013 - Words of Wisdom from Mario

Hello Club Members,

The second half of 2013 is rapidly disappearing. More are more people say they are “busy” and do not seem to have time to “smell the roses”.  The situation is summed up really well in a phrase I heard during the week:

“Running around like embattled foxes with their tails on fire”

So many things conspire to steal our time. And in the course of daily life, lead to poor health (physical and mental), poor family relationships, deferred exercise time and poor productive outcomes - in all areas of our lives. Added to this is the search for the required “dopamine hit” through a “quick fix” and “the desire for peace and happiness”.

So many decisions and opinions are “made on the run” with little thought, understanding or  reasoning. The results – in the main – are uninformed, provide little help in planning our day and generally lead to more  negative challenges and more decisions made on the run. The result – we continue to “light our tails” and “run around like embattled foxes”.

As humans - we are endowed (Divinely may I say) with the gift of reasoning. We are able to speak, to listen, to see, to hear, to read, to discuss and to make choices about our own day.

We can plan our days. We can reflect on our days.  We can adjust our activities. We can choose who we associate with. We can choose what we watch and what we do.

When a “drama” occurs to disrupt our day – we can choose—how we will act, how we will handle the challenge and who can help us if we require.

I am grateful to the many people on a weekly basis  – who provide me with support, advice and ideas to reduce the number of times I light my own tail. They reduce the times I run around like an “embattled fox” and help me to focus, accept and make logical decisions.

Remarkably – these choices of behaviour have their basis in – humility, forgiveness, patience and carefulness.

www.characterworks.com.au links to Character Values and How to Fox Proof the Chook House

 Choose to stop “running around like an embattled fox”…………………..Mario

Written by: Mario Calanna
CEO Calanna Pharmacy Group

AUGUST 2013 - What is Asthma, and how can we can breath easier?

ASTHMA is caused usually by an allergic reaction in the lungs which leads to inflammation of the lining of the airways. This inflammation causes swelling & constriction of the airway muscles, leading poor oxygen flow, wheezing and gasping of breath. Approximately 1 in 5 children and 1 in 10 adults in Australia suffer from Asthma or asthma related symptoms.

 What Symptoms are associated with Asthma?

The most common symptoms of asthma are a wheeze, shortness of breath, tightness in the chest, a persistent cough at night or after exercise.  Sometimes asthma can be triggered by exercise, illness and a number of allergens.

 

 

What can trigger Asthma?

Some of the most common triggers for asthma include:-

4 Cold and Flu or chest infection

4 Pollens, grasses and mould

4 Exercise

4 Cigarette smoke, smoking or smoke in general

4 Some chemicals particularly those with strong smells

4 Emotions such as stress

4 Animal hair and dander

4 Dust mites

4 Some drugs including Aspirin, anti-inflammatories and some blood pressure medicines

These symptoms are not exhaustive and are not always related to asthma so it is important to seek advice from your doctor or pharmacist.

 

Tips for Avoiding triggers

· Dust Mites – exposure to dust and dust mites can be difficult to exclude completely as they are part of everyday life. Reduce exposure to dust mites by washing bedclothes in hot water, removing sheepskin and woollen underlays and airing pillow and quilts in direct sunlight each week.

· Mould – again similar to dust mites – keep surfaces clean and free from moisture build up, seal leaks in bathrooms,      kitchens and rooves and regularly place indoor pot plans outside for sunlight.

· Medicines – only a small percentage of people have an allergy to anti-inflammatory type medicines and blood pressure  medicines that may trigger an asthma attack and usually this can only be identified after having taken one of these       particular medicines (and resulting and asthma symptoms). Talk to your doctor or pharmacists for more information.

 What steps should people take if they have Asthma?

It is really important to visit a doctor if you experience any of the above symptoms & if diagnosed with Asthma your Doctor will provide an ASTHMA ACTION PLAN – it will incorporate ideas for reducing symptoms by avoiding known triggers. The Doctor will most likely prescribe medication to be used on a daily or regular basis to PREVENT an asthmatic attack.

It is most important that regular visits to the GP are maintained. There are also some nutrients that can assist in reducing the allergies & the inflammation leading to asthma.

 

What supplements may help reduce Asthma symptoms?

The addition of Magnesium, Zinc, Fish Oils (Omega 3 fatty acids) and fortified Vitamin C – can help prevent or reduce the extent of inflammation produced in the airways. These should be taken on a daily basis to allow the body to fight the trigger factors and reduce airway sensitivity.

Helpful tips for proper Asthma Inhaler Technique

 

Good inhaler technique will lead to better asthma management and control. Some important steps for people using asthma metered dose inhalers like those shown in the above pictures…

 

 

1. Remove cap

2. Hold inhaler upright and shake well

3. Breathe out gently

4. Put mouthpiece between teeth without biting and close lips to form good seal

5. Start to breathe in slowly through mouth and press down firmly on canister

6. Continue to breathe in slowly and deeply

7. Hold breath for about 10 seconds or as long as comfortable

8. While holding breath, remove inhaler from mouth

9. Breathe out gently away from mouthpiece

10. If an extra dose is needed, wait 1 minute and then repeat steps 2 to 9

11. Replace cap

 

Calanna Pharmacy Head Office: Calanna Pharmacy

 

 

AUGUST 2013 - Practitioner's Corner: Discussing Osteoporosis

Written by:

 

Kym Hughes - Naturopath

Calanna Pharmacy Kirwan

 

 

Osteoporosis

 

Our skeleton is much like a coat hanger with which to hang our skin and muscles and to house our internal organs.  For this very reason a "Good Strong Frame" is important.

 

The word OSTEOPOROSIS comes from the Greek word: ostoun meaning 'bone' and poros meaning 'Pore' so osteoporosis literally means porous bones. There are numerous things that can weaken our bone support for example:

• Poor Diet - Lack of calcium and cofactors
• Faulty Parathyroid Gland
• Chemotherapy (May cause or contribute to the development of Menopause)
• Post Menopause (Females in late 40's to early 50's)
• A family history of osteoporosis and fractures (indicating weakened or stressed bones)
• Smoking
• Sedentary lifestyle (little or irregular physical activity)

 

We can however, remedy bone loss with simple measures that may include one or more of the following:

• Calcium Supplements: By using compatible calcium such as Hydroxyapatite, a major component and essential ingredient of normal bone and teeth, which has an excellent absorption rate.  (Many modern implants such as hip replacements and dental implants are coated with Hydroxyapatite).
• Cod Liver Oil Supplements: Cod Liver Oil contains vitamins A & D which not only aids absorption but also contains Omega 3's which help to alleviate creaky bones and joints
• A Healthy Diet: Fresh fruit and vegetables, lean protein, good whole grains and fresh water is a simple approach but one that has proven to be very beneficial.
• Regular Moderate Exercise: Regular exercise have been proved to:

1. Control weight
2. Combat health conditions and disease
3. Improve mood and
4. Boost energy

 

For more information, or to book a consultation with Kym, please call our Kirwan Pharmacy on (07) 4773 4224 or pop in on your way home, 36 Thuringowa Drive.