Zest for Life Newsletter - October Edition

Words of Wisdom with Mario Calanna


It does not take much to find disaster, accidents, confusion, bad behaviour and self inflected change and stress – in our day to day lives.

The news and stories are full of confrontation, arguments, disharmony, deceit, disrespect and other negative energies. It is true we need to know what is going on around the world and in our own country. It is, however, not a state of mind we should wish to be in hour after hour.

We use the terms ‘society’ and ‘the Government’ – almost as though they were buildings or        physical objects. But each one of us is responsible in building the society we have and each one of us (who vote) is responsible for the people we elect to Parliament. It matters little whether we voted for A and B won – it is the mindset we use to make our decision that counts. If we wish for good politicians, then we must vote for good people – people who will represent you as a member of the community and your electorate. And not for the power they obtain as a result of that election. We have much turmoil in our country and we each need to accept responsibility.

I think the following quote provides a good discussion point for our personal, family, business and public life:

“Nearly all men can stand adversity, but if you want to test a man's (person’s) character, give him or her power."                                          Abraham Lincoln

Thank you for being a Zest for Life Member—Mario

Community Board Announcements

Here's something to, CHEER about......

 

Calanna Pharmacy & Skytrans Cairns Taipans have joined teams!

We are supporting our Community Owned Team  and providing them with Total Health Solutions for the 2011/2012 NBL season.  Go Taipans!

Become a supporter, and buy a season membership!

Enquiries please call: 4041 3000

www.taipans.com

Main Topics for October

Anxiety

Over two million people in Australia have and experience an anxiety disorder - alarming numbers.

 A person may be experiencing an anxiety disorder if he or she:

• feels very worried or anxious most of the time

• finds it difficult to calm down

• feels overwhelmed or frightened by sudden feelings of intense panic/anxiety

• experiences recurring thoughts which cause anxiety, but may seem silly to others

• avoids situations or things which cause anxiety, e.g. social events or crowded places

• experiences ongoing difficulties (e.g. nightmares/ flashbacks) after a traumatic event.

You can help people with anxiety by being supportive. Assisting them with gathering information, suggesting they seek advice from a health professional, encouraging involvement in social activities and discouraging them from using drugs and alcohol to try to feel better.

Do not pressure them to “snap out of it” or get on with life, anxiety is an illness which can be treated through health professionals along with support from family and friends.

There are different types of anxiety and the five most common types are:

Generalised Anxiety Disorder (GAD) – a person feels  anxious on most days, over a period of six months or more.

Phobia – a person is very fearful about a particular object or situation and may go to great lengths to avoid the  object/situation. Examples include fear of attending a social event, having an injection or travelling on a plane.

Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) – a person has ongoing unwanted/intrusive thoughts and fears which cause anxiety and are relieved by carrying out certain behaviours or rituals. For example, a fear of germs and contamination can lead to constant washing of hands and clothes.

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) - may occur any time from one month after a person experiences a traumatic event (e.g. war, assault, accident). Symptoms can include difficulty relaxing, upsetting dreams or flashbacks of the event, and avoidance of anything related to the event.

Panic disorder – a person has panic attacks, which are intense, overwhelming and often uncontrollable feelings of anxiety combined with a range of physical symptoms, such as chest pains and difficulty breathing.

Depression

Depression is more than just a low mood - it's a serious illness that over one million Australians live with.

Depression is one of the most common of all mental health disorders. One in five people experience depression at some stage of their lives. 

Depression is an illness that affects people’s feelings toward themselves and can affect their interest in work, hobbies and other  activities they usually enjoy. Depression can cause a lack of energy, create problems with sleeping patterns and bring about anxiety and stress.

A person may be depressed if they have been feeling down, most of the time, for more than two weeks and has lost interest in usually enjoyable activities.  Like anxiety, there are different types of depression;

· Major depression - a depressed mood that lasts for at least two weeks. This may also be referred to as clinical depression or unipolar depression.

· Psychotic depression - a depressed mood which includes symptoms of psychosis. Psychosis involves seeing or hearing things that are not there (hallucinations), feeling everyone is against you (paranoia) and having delusions.

· Dysthymia - a less severe depressed mood that lasts for years.

· Mixed depression and anxiety - a combination of symptoms of depression and anxiety. 

· Bipolar disorder - (formerly known as manic depressive illness) - involves periods of feeling low (depressed) and high (manic).

Effective treatments for depression and anxiety are available. However, different types of depression or anxiety require different types of treatment. This may include physical exercise for preventing and treating mild depression, through to psychological and drug treatment for more severe levels. There is a range of treatments that are proven to work, but everyone is different.  With the right treatment, most people recover - the most important thing is to find a treatment that works for you.

If you are concerned about someone you know, that may be experiencing depression or anxiety, please consult your Pharmacist or Doctor or alternatively contact Beyondblue for guidance.

Top Shelf Products for October

MARIO'S RANGE STRESS SOLUTION

If your feeling; Stressed, Run Down or experiencing Anxiety then 

Mario’s Stress Solution is for you! 

A blend of Homeopathic ingredients of Impatiens, 

Cherry Plum, Star of Bethlahem & Clematis, takes the 

stress away with just 5-10 drops under the tongue.

$9.95  - 20ml

MARIO'S RANGE CALMING ESSENTIAL OILS

The blend of the Mario’s Calming Oils;

ü Lavender

ü Ylang Ylang

ü Petitgrain

ü Mandarin

create a sense of calm when used with a diffuser or an oil burner.  Feel the calmness surround you.

A helping hand for family & friends|Beyond Blue

Our mission is to provide a national focus and community leadership to increase the capacity of the broader Australian community to prevent depression and respond effectively.

We aim to build a society that understands and responds to the personal and social impact of depression, works actively to prevent it, and improves the quality of life for everyone affected.

Principles for Action:

• · Respect for human rights and dignity
• · Strong community involvement, understanding and support
• · A population health approach
• · Recognition of diversity and special needs
• · A co-ordinated and collaborative approach
• · An evidence-based approach
• · Sustainable action

www.beyondblue.org.au

We hope you have enjoyed reading the newsletter!  Please feel free to use the comment section to voice your questions in relation to the information provided.  Feel Alive, Feel Healthy, Feel Good with Calanna Pharamcy!

What is a Food Allergy?

On Tuesday August 23rd, those Australians watching the 'Today Show' would have heard a segment on Weight Loss, and some of the factors why some people find it hard to shred their love handles.  Pamela Smith bought something quite interesting up, "Food Allergies" can contribute to gaining weight without us realizing we have an allergy.


Pamela said that most often than not, we love those foods that we have an allergy too.....Sounds a little odd doesn't, but think about it for a second.....If you are unable to lose weight, and you have found out it is not due to a Thyroid issue, and can't figure out why this is happening, perhaps you can take a Food Allergy test instead.


Here is where Calanna Pharmacy is a step ahead of everyone else - Our Practitioners are already  helping our clients discover if they may indeed have a food allergy or not with the IgG Food Detective Test.  Here is some information about the test;

Woree & North Cairns Natural Medicine Clinic’s have a new, exciting and innovative food allergy test that is based on long term food intolerances. The test assesses IgG (immunoglobulin G) antibodies for foods that are involved in various conditions such as food intolerance, irritable bowel syndrome and eczema.

The assessment takes 40 minutes to complete and all that is required from you is approximately 10 drops of blood. The blood is then placed into a solution to dilute the blood; it is then put through a detector solution and finally added to a developer solution. On completion, the test will reveal if there are any potential food intolerances. The strength of the test colour will determine foods that need to be avoided, reduced and observed.

The test is valued at $180.00, which also includes a free one hour consultation. During the consultation we will assess the following:  
·        Dietary & lifestyle factors

·        Energy levels

·        Thyroid function

·        Stress response/Adrenal health

·        Sleep patterns

·        Digestive health

·        Cardiovascular

·        Immune System

·        Respiratory  

·        Musculoskeletal heath

·        Reproductive

The foods that are tested are as follows; 

Oats, Wheat, Rice, Corn, Rye, Durum Wheat, Gluten, Almond, Brazil Nuts, Cashew, Tea, Walnut, Cow's Milk, Whole Egg, Chicken, Lamb, Tomato, Mushroom, Beef, Pork, White Fish (Haddock, Cod, Plaice), Fresh Water Fish (Salmon & Trout), Shellfish (Shrimp, Prawn, Crab, Lobster & Mussels), Tuna, Broccoli, Cabbage, Carrot, Leek, Potato, Celery, Ginger, Yeast, Cucumber, Peppers, Legumes (Pea, Lentil & Haricot), Grapefuit, Rock Melon, Water Melon, Peanut, Soya Bean, Cocoa Bean, Apple, Blackcurrent, Olive, Orange & Lemon, Strawberry & Garlic.

So if you would like to see if you have an allergy, please make an appointment today at our Woree or North Cairns Clinics through the website or phoning directly.

www.calannapharmacy.com.au

Vanessa Laird at Woree ph: 4054 2440

 Vanessa Young at North Cairns ph: 4031 4222  

 

Why is it that some people are more susceptible to catching a cold?

Why is it that some people are more susceptible to catching a cold and others breeze through the flu season without even a sniffle? The answer to this is the strength of our immune systems capability.

The immune system is the body’s defence force that protects the body against unwanted pathogens such as viruses and bacteria. Cold and flu symptoms such as mucous and fever are the result of the body trying to reduce the survival time of a virus or bacteria. (4)

For the immune system to function optimally it must have the right ingredients to optimise its fighting power. Nutritional co-factors such as vitamins and minerals have been proven to support immune system function. Herbal medicines are equally as effective to help fend off cold and flu symptoms as well as boost immune competence.

Symptoms associated with colds & Flu:

§         Fever (hot and cold chills)

§         Sore throat

§         Cough (dry and chesty)

§         Runny or stuffy nose

§         Headaches

§         Muscle aches and pains (more specific to flu symptoms)

§         Fatigue (extreme fatigue is more indicative of flu)

Immune Booster Recommendations:

§         Flaxseed or Fish oil: Polyunsaturated fatty acids found in flaxseed and fish oil help to reduce inflammation and increase immune function.  (5)

§         Vitamin C increases anti-viral and anti-bacterial activity in your body; it also stimulates white blood cell response to destroy unwanted micro-organisms.

§         Zinc is very important in restoring immune function. It is a vital component of white blood cell activity; it destroys pathogens and protects the body from toxicity.

§         Vitamin A can help to provide a protective surface barrier of the respiratory and gastrointestinal tracts, therefore preventing microorganisms from entering the body. It has also demonstrated increased antibody response and stimulates white blood cell activity.

§         The herb Echinacea was and is traditionally used by the native people of Northern America. It is used to enhance the body’s natural resistance to viral and bacterial infection. Echinacea currently has the most evidence based data than any other herb in Western herbal medicine. It has a particular affinity to prevent and alleviate upper respiratory infections such as tonsillitis, mucous production and sinus infections. (4, 5)

§         Olive leaf helps to fight against viral and bacterial infections, and has shown to be highly beneficial when fending off the common cold and flu.

§         The homeopathic remedy Allium cepa 6C can be used to treat symptoms such as persistent sneezing, runny nose and a tickling cough. (2)

§         Homeopathic Natrum muriaticum 6C is useful when treating a runny nose with clear to white mucous, sinus congestion and sneezing. (2)

§         Homeopathic Kali sulphuricum 6C can be used to treat colds that have yellow nasal discharge. (4)

§         Aromatherapy: Essential oils such as Eucalyptus, Peppermint and Menthol can be used as an inhalant to relief nasal congestion. Add a few drops of each to hot water and inhale. (4)

§         Herbal teas are great to sooth a sore throat and warm the body. Try ginger, lemon and honey. (1)

§         Cooking with horseradish or eating small amounts of wasabi (Japanese condiment) will help to alleviate sinus congestion. If you find spicy food unbearable supplementing with a tablet may be a better option. (4)

§         Cook with Reishi or Shiitake mushrooms. 

§         Soups are an excellent nutritive healing food. The hot liquid helps to ease congestion and warm the soul. Add plenty of garlic to activate natural antibiotic properties.  (1)

§         Wash your hands frequently and avoid rubbing your eyes. This will help to prevent recontamination

Speak to a qualified Naturopath, Herbalist or Nutritionist to have an individual treatment plan made up for you. Herbal mixtures can be made up to suit your symptoms, immune system capability and other associated factors.

References:

1.        Davis, C. and Speer, S. (2006). Foods & News that Fight Colds and Flu. Canadian Journal of Health & Nutrition; Alive Publishing, Canada.

2.        Duelli, N. (2005). It’s Sniffle Season. Treat Colds and Sinus Congestion with Homeopathy. Canadian Journal of Health & Nutrition; Alive Publishing, Canada.

3.        La Valle, J. and Hawkins, E. (1998). Colds and Flu: A Natural Approach. Drug Store News, Vol. 20 (20).

4.        Sahelian, R. and Toews, V. (1999). Give Colds the Shoulder. Better Nutrition, Vol. 61 (10).

5.        Starbuck, J. (1998). Team Up with Natural Immune Boosters. Better Nutrition, Vol. 60 (11).

š vanessaw@calannapharmacy.com.au| Vanessa Laird|Naturopath|Calanna Pharmacy Woree

http://www.calannapharmacy.com.au/

Words of Wisdom - Many years ago Theodore Roosevelt stated....

"It is not the critic who counts: not the man who points out how the strong man stumbles or where the doer of deeds could have done better. The credit belongs to the man who is actually in the arena, whose face is marred by dust and sweat and blood, who strives valiantly, who errs and comes up short again and again, because there is no effort without error or shortcoming, but who knows the great enthusiasms, the great devotions, who spends himself for a worthy cause; who, at the best, knows, in the end, the triumph of high achievement, and who, at the worst, if he fails, at least he fails while daring greatly, so that his place shall never be with those cold and timid souls who knew neither victory nor defeat."

Very sobering words, I thought. Especially as we hear criticism and desperation, day in and day out. We appear to expect others to fix our challenges.

It is time to search for our own answers to the statement made of JFK:

“Ask not what my country (myself, my friends, my boss, my city) can do for me; but I can do for my country (myself, my friends, my boss, my city)”.

The time has come for each of us to be “the person in the arena” to be a noble leader or to follow a noble leader and help build a more secure and harmonious community.

š mario@calannapharmacy.com.au | Mario Calanna|CEO Calanna Pharmacy Group

www.calannapharmacy.com.au

Common Cold or The Flu - what does my baby have?

Colds and flues are common in babies and small children, especially for those babies who were not breastfed as their immune system is not as developed as those babies who were breastfed. However one of the hardest things as parents is watching their baby suffer with a cold or flu.

So how do we know if our baby is suffering from just the common cold or they have the “flu”?  The difference is that if your child has associated fevers of 38˚ or higher, is fatigued or has chills, followed by a runny nose and a dry cough they are more likely to be experiencing the flu.

If the congestion or cough happens before the fever it is more likely to be a cold.  Colds can also bring poor appetite, sore throat and swollen glands.  The flu can also cause diarrhoea and vomiting.

So what can we do to help our babies feel better? When a baby has a cold they still need to breath via their nose. When they have a cold their nose becomes blocked and therefore makes it difficult to breathe. Babies cannot clear (or blow) their noses by themselves yet so it may be necessary for you to help clear their nose. This can be done with saline drops/spray and a nasal decongestor.  This will allow for easier breathing, sleeping and feeding. Rest and regular fluids also play a vital role in recovery.

The flu can be similar in treatment. Sleep/rest and regular fluids are important as it may be necessary to visit your GP. Antibiotics may be required as well as analgesics to aid in the relief of pain and fever.

A probiotic can be taken from 3 months of age as well as a multivitamin from birth but it is important to realize that babies need to be allowed to develop an immune system on their own without supplements. So whilst it is very difficult to watch your baby suffering with a cold or flu it is important that we allow the body to build up antibodies to be able to fight any future infections or viruses that they may come in contact with.

Other products that may assist with relieving the symptoms of colds or flues are steam vaporizers, chest rubs and hand sanitizers.  Clean hands are important for not passing on the germs.  Of course you should talk to your pharmacist or health care nurse before purchasing some of these products.

If you have questions please don’t hesitate to ask advice at your local, friendly Calanna Pharmacy.

Written by Helen Bailey|Registered Nurse|Calanna Pharmacy Kirwan

š helenb@calannapharmacy.com.au | www.calannapharmacy.com.au