Pharmacy

“You never know when you might have a day when the pain is so bad that you can do little other than rest and give into it”. This is not an uncommon situation with osteoarthritis (OA). Joint pain and reduced movement from OA can often impose limits on what people can do. In this interview we discuss options for pain relief.

High rates of psychological distress and poor health are reported by patients with COPD, and as pharmacists being aware of the current research, guidelines and treatments, we can impact the quality of life of these patients. Pharmacists can play an important role in the education of patients prescribed inhalers, listen to learn more…

Nutrition focus: Nutrition management remains among the most important interventions for slowing progression, managing symptoms and complications of chronic kidney disease (CKD). However, patient compliance with CKD diets is affected by their complexity, and the nutritional needs can also vary significantly depending on the stage of CKD. In this interview we discuss some options to help patients manage their dietary needs in this therapeutic area.

Nutrition focus: Type 2 diabetes is occurring more in younger people. We have an epidemic of obesity that we have to confront, partly due to food availability, energy dense foods, changes in diet, the westernisation of diets in addition to increasing sedentariness. In this interview we discuss the foundation stone of diabetes care.

COPD: An effective inhaled treatment for COPD requires a delivery system that patients can use comfortably and correctly over a long period of time. It is important that we as pharmacists understand the differences between devices and how best to instruct patients to get the best efficacy from their treatment. So listen to this interview to learn more.

Allergic Rhinitis: We have a large burden of allergic rhinitis in Australia, which can significantly affect quality of life.  Allergic disease can affect the lungs, ears, nose and throat, it can affect people’s workplace productivity, absenteeism and asthma control. Patients can sometimes trivialise this disease and there is a high rate of self-treatment, so how can we help our patients to get the right treatment?

Vitamin D, part 3 of a 3 part series – Pregnancy & Infancy. In Australia, between one-quarter and one-half of pregnant women have a mild vitamin D deficiency, which we defined as less than 50 nanomoles per litre. Now babies born to women with vitamin D deficiency are at a greater risk of themselves having a vitamin D deficiency. How can we identify women at risk, and what can we do to help our patients….

This audio file contains all 5 interviews on this edition.

• Track 1, Nutrition Feature: Chronic Kidney Disease – How can we slow the progression?
• Track 2, Nutrition Feature: Type 2 Diabetes & Gestational Diabetes – How can we help?
• Track 3, Respiratory & Allergy Focus: The treatment of COPD – Does device choice matter?
• Track 4, Respiratory & Allergy Focus: The real burden of allergic rhinitis
• Track 5, Vitamin D Miniseries: Part 3 of a 3 Part Series, Pregnancy & Infancy, Vitamin D: The essential foundation to optimal bone health in early life

To view reference lists or product information please go to the individual tracks.

Vitamin D, part 1 of a 3 part series –Childhood & Adolescence. Vitamin D deficiency does occur during childhood and adolescence and particularly in children that may have dark skin pigmentation or those that cover up for cultural reasons. Pharmacists need to be aware of the potential symptoms of vitamin D deficiency, and what to do if they suspect it, as the first two decades of life really are a critical window to optimise the bone bank, and reduce fracture risk later on in life.

Vitamin D, part 2 of a 3 part series – Adulthood & Older Age. Vitamin D is an important factor, not only for bone health, but also for muscle health. In older age the aim is to try to minimise bone loss, improve muscle function and ultimately help older people to remain independent for longer. Listen to this interview on how to diagnose, treat and manage vitamin D deficiency in your older patients.