Affinity Pharmacy

20/01/2022

We are seeking a Full-time pharmacy assistant to join our pharmacy in East Perth, starting 7th February 2022. Suitable candidates will be required to work between 35- 38 hrs hours per week. Your key role in the pharmacy will be preparation of dose administration aid and assisting in customer service. Previous experience is preferred but not essential to attain this position.
The main duties and responsibilities of this role includes (but not limited to):
- Preparation of medication packs accurately
- Working in a pharmacy with exposure to dispensary functions
- Assist with shop front customer service
Skills & Experience:
- Excellent attention to detail
- Time management skills
- Highly motivated
- Medication packing experience
- Flexible to meet the operational requirements of the pharmacy
- Ability to fully engage with customers and team members
- Completed a Certificate in Support of supply of pharmacy Medicines and
Pharmacist Only Medicines or an equivalent
If you are suited for this position, please submit your cover letter and CV to staff@affinitychemists.com

12/07/2021

04/02/2021

Australia's COVID-19 Vaccine Information

Vaccination Information:
The vaccine requires two doses to ensure maximum effectiveness, with the second dose provided 3 weeks after the first. Vaccines will be administered at more than 1000 points across Australia, with no charge to the patient.

Vaccination Testing & Approval Information:
To ensure the vaccine being provided is effective and safe, multiple levels of testing and approval have to be undergone. Testing and approval occur in the following stages:
- Testing phase 1: clinical trials on a few dozen healthy adult volunteers to ensure safety and active immune response.
- Testing phase 2: clinical trials on hundreds of volunteers varying in demographic (age, health, medical conditions) to ensure safety and immune response, whilst monitoring side effects.
- Testing phase 3: clinical trials on thousands of volunteers to ensure safety and immune response, monitoring side effects, and studying the effectiveness against placebo groups.
- Approval phase: Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) assessment and approval.

Vaccine National Roll-out Strategy:
Australia will begin population vaccination with the COVID-19 vaccine beginning in February, and continuing over the following months. Vaccinations will be provided on a priority basis to ensure high-risk individuals are protected as early as possible.

Vaccinations will be provided in in 3 broad phases, encompassing a total of 5 sub-phases:

Phase 1a: up to 1.4m vaccines will be provided to:
- Quarantine and border workers (70,000)
- Frontline health care workers (100,000)
- Aged care and disability care staff (318,000)
- Aged care and disability care residents (190,000)

Phase 1b: up to 14.8m vaccines will be provided to:
- Adults aged 80 years and over (1,045,000)
- Adults aged 70 years and over (1,858,000)
- Other health care workers
- Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people aged 55 years and over (87,000)
- Adults with a medical condition or disability
(2,000,000)
- Critical and high risk workers (196,000)

Phase 2a: up to 15.8m vaccines will be provided to:
- Adults aged 60 years and over (2,650,000)
- Adults aged 50 years and over (3,080,000)
- Aboriginal and Torres Straight Islander people aged 18 years and over (387,000)
- Other critical and high risk workers (435,000)

Phase 2b: up to 16m vaccines will be provided to:
- Balance of adult population (6,643,000)

Phase 3: up to 13.6m vaccines will provided to:
- Balance of population aged 18 years and under (if recommended) (5,670,00)

If you would like more information, speak to one of our friendly staff members.

Source: Department of Health, Australian Government. 2020. "Coronavirus (COVID-19)". Department of Health, Australian Government. Source: https://www.health.gov.au/

Information for the general public and the health and aged care workforce about the Australian Government's health policies, programs and regulations

29/01/2021

Tinnitus Awareness Week

About:
Tinnitus Awareness Week runs from the 1st to the 7th of February, aiming to bring the tinnitus and its research to attention.

Symptoms:
Tinnitus is a symptom commonly associated with hearing loss. The term 'tinnitus' comes from the Latin 'tinnire' - 'to ring'. The individual experiencing the symptom will perceive an underlying noise, usually a ringing sound, in the absence of such an external noise source. It affects everyone to an almost negligible degree - a faint ringing can be subtly perceived when in sufficient silence, this being healthy and normal. More substantial effects affect 10 - 15% of the population, with 1 - 2% of people experiencing it to a significantly impairing degree.

Causes:
Tinnitus is commonly a symptom of hearing loss, induced by: hearing damage, noise-induced hearing loss, or hearing loss due to ageing.

Prevention:
In preventing hearing loss, the symptom of tinnitus can also be prevented. Reduction of severity and longevity of exposure to loud noises is the primary means to do this in the case of noise-induced hearing loss. Specifically:
- Keeping electronic and music device volumes at reasonable levels, especially when using headphones.
- Wearing ear muffs or plugs when exposed to loud noises consistently (e.g. construction workers, orchestral musicians).
- Awareness and moderation of loud noise exposure (e.g. live music, nightclubs).

Management:
There are no medical interventions or treatment for tinnitus, with limited development and research into the use of hearing aids or external devices. Primarily, psychological therapy, such as cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) and acceptance commitment therapy (ACT), have been useful for aiding sufferers in managing the common psychological effects associated with tinnitus.

Despite the limited therapy for tinnitus itself, many individuals are able to manage the symptoms and function effectively. A famous individual with the condition was the musical composer Beethoven, whom despite eventually having complete hearing loss and severe tinnitus, successfully went on to compose some of the most famous classical music of the period.

For more information, talk to one of our friendly staff members.

Source:
- Better Health. 2020. "Tinnitus". Victoria State Government. Source: https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/conditionsandtreatments/tinnitus
- Health Direct. 2020. "Hearing Loss". Australia Government: Department of Health. Source: https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/hearing-loss

Tinnitus cannot be cured, but it can be managed with some lifestyle changes.

15/01/2021

World Leprosy Day (31/01/21):
Leprosy or Hansen's Disease (HD) is a chronic condition resulting from infection by the Mycobacterium leprae or Mycobacterium lepromatosis bacteria. Despite widely being considered an infection of the past, it is still endemic in certain developing countries where access to medical care is limited.

Cause & Transmission:
Leprosy is a condition that is caused by bacterial infection of the skin or nerves. Transmission is not fully understood, however the upper respiratory tract is believed to be the most likely transmission route of the bacteria. Casual contact is unlikely to lead to infection, and up to 95% of those infected with the bacteria do not develop infection nor the resulting condition.

Symptoms:
In the case of skin invasion, the bacteria result in lesions and discolouration. In the case of the peripheral nervous system's (PNS) infection, inflammation of the infected nerves result in diminished nerve function - lost physical sensation. When left untreated in the long term, this becomes permanent. As a byproduct of this lack of physical feeling, frequent injury can result in scarring and permanent deformation.

Treatment:
There are varying antibiotics available to treat leprosy-inducing bacteria, with a 3-drug treatment of rifampicin, dapsone, and clofazimine. Treatment lasts for 6 to 12 months depending on the nature of the bacterial infection. The World Health Organisation (WHO) provides countries where the condition is endemic and in-need with free medication ('leprostatic agents').

World Leprosy Day occurs on the last Sunday of January (31/01/21) to bring awareness to the condition, and to diminish the stigma that has long-been associated with it.

Source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). 2017. "Hansen's Disease (Leprosy)". Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Source: https://www.cdc.gov/leprosy/index.html

Hansen's disease (also known as leprosy) is a long-lasting infection caused by bacteria.

23/10/2020

World Polio Day

World Polio Day (24/10/20) aims to raise awareness for 'poliomyelitis' - commonly termed 'polio'. Polio is an infectious disease caused by the poliovirus, a viral pathogen transmitted through infected f***l matter, or in areas with improved sanitation, via infected saliva.

Symptoms:
In 70% of infected individuals, there are no symptoms, with a further 25% experiencing minor symptoms such as a fever and sore throat. The remaining 5% experience more severe symptoms such as a headache, neck stiffness, and arm and leg pain. Additional symptoms include an upper-respiratory tract infection, gastrointestinal disturbances, and influenza-like symptoms. These symptoms usually resolve within 1-2 weeks. However, in 0.5% of cases, the virus enters the central nervous system, causing paralysis.

Vaccine:
Throughout the 1950s, live and inactive vaccines were developed and trialed, resulting in vaccines with an effectiveness of up to 99%.

World status:
As at 2020, only 175 cases of wild polio were reported, with 365 vaccine-derived cases. This marks a 99.9% worldwide decrease in the diagnosed cases of the virus.

If you have any queries, speak to one of our friendly staff members for more information.

Source: Global Polio Eradication Initiative (GPEI). 2020. Source: http://polioeradication.org/

Visit the "Africa Kicks Out Wild Polio" website for content on the WHO African Region’s efforts to eradicate wild polio.

16/10/2020

🥖🍊🥕 National Nutrition Week 🍗🥝🌽

National Nutrition Week runs from the 15th to the 21st of October, and aims to highlight the importance of nutrition and a healthy lifestyle in regards to our health.

Across Australia, only 7% of adults and 5% of children meet their daily fruit and vegetable dietary recommendation of:
- 5 vegetable servings 🥕🥦🍅🥑🌽
- 2 fruit servings 🍎🍉

Despite fruit and vegetables being so important, there are 4 stages of the 'Food Pyramid' that make up a balanced diet:
- Level 1: fruit and vegetables 🍎🥕
- Level 2: grains 🍞
- Level 3: dairy and protein 🥛🍗
- Level 4: health fats 🍖

Consuming the most from level 1 foods, and the least from level 4 foods, will ensure a healthy and balanced diet is maintained.
In addition to healthy eating, maintaining a range of low- to high-intensity exercise throughout the week will also help to maintain a healthy body.

If you have any questions about nutrition or exercise, talk to one of our friendly staff members.

Sources:
- Nutrition Australia. 2020. "Celebrate National Nutrition Week in NSW". Nutrition Australia. Source: https://nutritionaustralia.org/division/nsw/national-nutrition-week/
- Nutrition Australia. 2020. "Healthy Eating Pyramid". Nutrition Australia. Source: https://nutritionaustralia.org/fact-sheets/healthy-eating-pyramid/

Try for 5 by enjoying sustainable foods this National Nutrition Week with Nutrition Australia NSW.

03/10/2020

Mental Health Week

Mental Health Week runs from the 5th until the 11th of October, and aims to bring the topic of mental health to attention. Mental health issues are not uncommon in Australia, affecting approximately 25% of all Australians between the ages of 16 and 85, at some point in their lifetime.

So what really is mental health? Mental health is a term that encompasses a broad range of disorders that affect the mind, the most common types being:
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Substance use

Anxiety:
An anxiety disorder is best characterised by a sense of fear, dread, or apprehension, in the absence of a threat. Symptoms such as a rapid heartbeat, sweating, nausea, and trembling, are all healthy responses to a present threat, but in sufferers of anxiety, these symptoms run out of control. Sufferers can start to avoid triggering situations or stimuli, and this can prevent them from living a full life. Risk factors for anxiety include trauma, abuse, prolonged stress, genetics, inadequate social support etc.

Depression:
A mood disorder such as depression has a particularly broad range of symptoms. Specifically, suffers can feel sad, hopeless, angry, guilty, and irritable, with insufficient levels of energy and motivation, excessive or inadequate sleepiness, appetite changes, and social withdrawal. Risk factors include abuse, genetics, conflict or major events, death etc.

Substance use:
A substance use disorder is characterised by a misuse of, and dependency on, substances such as alcohol or drugs. Symptoms primarily include cravings for the substance, and withdrawal when it is not used. Risk factors include commencing substance use at a younger age, and to greater levels, and consuming highly addictive substances.

If you have any queries or concerns, speak to a health professional. Our pharmacy staff are also happy to answer any questions you may have.

Sources:
- Department of Health. 2020. "Mental Health". Australian Government. Source: https://www.health.gov.au/health-topics/mental-health
- Department of Health. 2020. "Anxiety disorders". Australian Government. Source: https://headtohealth.gov.au/mental-health-difficulties/mental-health-conditions/anxiety-disorders
- Department of Health. 2020. "Drugs, alcohol, and other substance-related or addictive disorders". Australian Government. Source: https://headtohealth.gov.au/mental-health-difficulties/mental-health-conditions/drugs-alcohol-and-other-substance-related-or-addictive-disorders
- Grensing-Pophal, Lin. 2018. "An Overview Mental Health in the Workplace". HR Daily Advisor. Source: https://hrdailyadvisor.blr.com/2018/09/24/an-overview-mental-health-in-the-workplace/

26/09/2020

❤️ World Heart Day ❤️

World Heart Day (29/09/20) is about raising awareness for cardiovascular disease. According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), cardiovascular disease accounts for approximately 30% of worldwide mortality.

So what is cardiovascular disease? Cardiovascular disease is a broad category of heart- and blood vessel-related issues, such as stroke, heart failure, and coronary heart disease.

Despite this, there are many actions which can be taken to reduce risk factors, including:
- Reducing high blood pressure
- Minimising cholesterol levels
- Maintaining healthy blood glucose levels
- Smoking cessation
- Eating plenty of fruit and vegetables
- Maintaining a health weight

If you have any questions, talk to one of our friendly staff members for more information.

Sources:
- Time and Date. 2020. "World Heart Day". Time and Date. Source: https://www.timeanddate.com/holidays/world/world-heart-day #:~:text=World%20Heart%20Day%20The%20World%20Heart%20Foundation%20organizes,measures%20to%20reduce%20the%20risk%20of%20cardiovascular%20diseases.
- Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW). 2020. Cardiovascular Disease. Australian Government. Source: https://www.aihw.gov.au/reports/heart-stroke-vascular-diseases/cardiovascular-health-compendium/contents/what-is-cardiovascular-disease

The Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW) has developed core monitoring information on the incidence, prevalence, hospitalisation and deaths from cardiovascular disease (CVD) in...

29/08/2020

September: Dementia Awareness Month

Dementia is a broad category of brain diseases that result in gradual and long-term mental capacity degeneration. In particular, thinking, memory, emotional processing, language, and motivation, are impeded progressively.

The most common disease under the dementia umbrella is Alzheimer's disease, which represents 50-70% of dementia cases, followed by vascular dementia, frontotemporal dementia, and dementia with Lewy bodies.

There is currently no known cure for dementia, and the impact of medicines is focused on delaying and slowing symptom-onset. However, cognitive and behavioural intervention, as well as support, work to improve the functioning and quality of life of those afflicted.

The likelihood of the development of dementia can be reduced through healthy lifestyle habits, such as: maintaining a healthy blood pressure and weight, physical activity, and non-smoking. Additionally, mental health plays an important role in prevention - treating mood disorders and maintaining social connection is also important. These strategies are effective even in individuals with a high risk of dementia development.

Sources:
- Dementia Australia. 2020. "Dementia". Dementia Australia. Source: https://www.dementia.org.au/information

- Britton, B. 2013. "Care Verses Cure - Let's Not Fight About It". Huffpost. Source: https://www.huffingtonpost.co.uk/beth-britton/dementia-cure_b_4511265.html?guccounter=1&guce_referrer=aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuYmluZy5jb20v&guce_referrer_sig=AQAAAJEHFWSl4w9OSrxSPqHOYOzzi3tDIBMQqkbOsgYy1uUBpG6sC0iMLRRAUG_kQgudmFOP0qoPbLiMGJcvSOCDxIGKV0Pnzz721HhI5L9_gfIQOM_kImlQzT2d9prXVdBs65exoFsBdhALAFAcIvsdQxB1bSJMpuTLRgbI6oIkh3zb

14/08/2020

🟥 Red Nose Day 🟥

Red Nose Day (14th August 2020) is an annual fundraising initiative to discover the cause behind and prevent SIDS (Sudden Infant Death Syndrome). Starting in 1988, the not-for-profit organization of the same name has encouraged Australians to "be silly for a serious cause", by donating and wearing a red nose. To donate, visit the Red Nose Day website (linked below).

SIDS: About & Prevention

In Australia, 3,000 infants do not live to reach their first birthday. Sudden Infant Death Syndrome causes 80% of those deaths.

The cause of SIDS is largely unknown, however the following actions have each been found to reduce the risk:
- Ensure proper infant sleeping position
- Avoid unnecessary items or bedclothes in the cot
- Locating the infant's cot in the same room as the parents
- Maximize the infant's 'tummy time' during the day
- Avoid smoking during pregnancy or around the infant
- Breastfeed (if possible)
- Vaccinate

If you have any questions, speak to one of our friendly staff members.

Sources:
- Mum Central. 2020. "Safe Sleeping: Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) – the Facts & How to Reduce the Risks". Mum Central. Source: https://mumcentral.com.au/sids-facts-2019/
- Red Nose Day. 2020. "About Red Nose Day". Red Nose Day. Source: https://rednoseday.org.au/about/ #:~:text=The%20first%20Red%20Nose%20Day%2C%20held%20in%201988%2C,reasons%20why%20babies%20die%20suddenly%20in%20their%20sleep

Where does my money go?

10/07/2020

Smoking: Health Risks & Quitting

Smoking involves the burning of a substance, followed by inhalation and absorption into the bloodstream. In the case of to***co, cigarette smoking is a predominant form of delivery.

Ci******es contain a variety of ingredients, with ni****ne being a primary one related to effect and addiction. The average cigarette results in approximately 2mg of ni****ne being absorbed into the bloodstream. Over time, this results in physical and psychological dependence - addiction.

There are numerous negative health effects associated with smoking (first and second hand), specifically:
- Cancer
- Stroke
- Heart disease
- Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
- Decreased immune system

In order to quit smoking, there are numerous aids available, such as medication and patches to aid in fighting withdrawal symptoms. Speaking to your doctor about how best to quit is one of the best ways to ensure success.

For more information, speak to one of our friendly pharmacists.

Source: https://www.cdc.gov/to***co/basic_information/health_effects/index.htm #:~:text=Smoking%20causes%20cancer%2C%20heart%20disease,immune%20system%2C%20including%20rheumatoid%20arthritis.

Get information on and the impact of diseases caused by to***co use, such as cancer, heart disease, respiratory diseases and learn about the impact of to***co use on pregnant women.

06/06/2020

Insulin & Diabetes

Insulin is a hormone secreted by the pancreas, responsible for the absorption of glucose in the blood into the cells of the body. It forms an essential component of the human metabolic process, and when it's function is impeded, serious health issues can result. When this occurs, the resulting condition is called 'diabetes'.

There are two main types of diabetes:

Type 1 Diabetes: this type of diabetes is a result of insulin deficiency, caused by the pancreas' limited ability to produce the hormone. Type 1 is largely due to genetic inheritance, and makes up approximately 10% of diabetic cases.

Type 2 Diabetes: this type of diabetes is a result of insulin resistance, whereby the insulin receptors in the body have a diminished response to the hormone. Unlike type 1, this is largely due to dietary and lifestyle factors such as the relatively excessive consumption of carbohydrates, sedentariness, and obesity.

In order to manage the condition, dietary, lifestyle, and medical remedies are available. These actions all aim to stabilise the blood glucose levels that would normally be performed by effective insulin levels.

Dietary: monitoring and stabilising the consumption of carbohydrates.

Lifestyle: ensuring exercise performed is relative to carbohydrate intake.

Medical: the use of anti-diabetic medications and injections.

If you have any questions about diabetes and its management, speak to one of our friendly staff members.

Source: Diabetes Australia . 2020. "About Diabetes". Diabetes Australia. Source: https://www.diabetesaustralia.com.au/about-diabetes

16/05/2020

Covid-19 Phase 2

The Western Australian Government has outlined that WA will reduce Covid-19 restrictions and enter into phase 2 on Mon 18th of May. The following will be permitted:

Social gatherings: 20 people
Restaurants and bars: 20 people
Sport and recreation activities: 20 people
Places of worship and libraries: 20 people
Funerals: 30 people
Return to work
Increased regional travel

Phase 3, with further restrictions lifted, will commence approximately 4 weeks after phase 2 (c. 18/06/20).

More information can be accessed here: https://www.wa.gov.au/organisation/department-of-the-premier-and-cabinet/covid-19-coronavirus-wa-roadmap

11/05/2020

We are seeking a Part-time pharmacy assistant to join our pharmacy in East Perth, starting July 2020. Suitable candidates will be required to work between 15-20 hours per week. Your key role in the pharmacy will be preparation of dose administration aid and assisting in customer service. Previous experience is preferred but not essential to attain this position.

The main duties and responsibilities of this role includes (but not limited to):

- Preparation of medication packs accurately
- Working in a pharmacy with exposure to dispensary functions
- Assist with shop front customer service

Skills & Experience:

- Excellent attention to detail
- Time management skills
- Highly motivated
- Medication packing experience
- Flexible to meet the operational requirements of the pharmacy
- Ability to fully engage with customers and team members
- Completed a Certificate in Support of supply of pharmacy Medicines and
Pharmacist Only Medicines or an equivalent

If you are suited for this position, please submit your cover letter and CV to staff@affinitychemists.com

09/05/2020

COVID-19 & INFLUENZA: PROTECT YOURSELF

Affinity Pharmacy now has the following items in stock (max 2 per customer):
- Hand sanitisers (500mL and 60mL)
- Dettol wipes (15 pack)
- Face masks (10 pack and 2 pack)
- Gloves (100 pack)
- Eucalyptus spray (200g)

Ask one of our friendly staff members about how to protect you and your family against Covid-19 and influenza.

01/05/2020

🧬💉 Flu Vaccine 💉 🧬

The flu vaccine is currently available in a range of clinics and pharmacies across Perth, and having it is an ideal way to protect yourself this flu season (June - September). The flu vaccine is recommended for those over 6 months of age, and is free under the National Immunisation Program, for the following groups:
- Pregnant women
- Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders
- 65 years or over
- Those with medical risk factors
- Children between 6 months and 5 years whom have not been vaccinated before

Despite not protecting against Covid-19, the flu vaccine will ensure individual and herd immunity against the flu, optimising our immune systems during the Covid-19 pandemic.

Talk to one of our friendly staff members (Facebook or in-store) if you have any questions.

Source: Department of Health. 2020. "Flu vaccination more important than ever during the month of April". Australian Government. Source: https://www.health.gov.au/ministers/the-hon-greg-hunt-mp/media/flu-vaccination-more-important-than-ever-during-the-month-of-april

With the 2020 flu season not far away, all Australians — and especially those in vulnerable groups or age brackets — should arrange vaccination against seasonal influenza during the month of April.

24/04/2020

ANZAC: A History & 2020 Update

ANZAC Day is the day when Australia and New Zealand remembers "those whom served and died in all wars, conflicts, and peacekeeping operations". The day, 25th of April each year, was selected to particularly commemorate those that fought and served in the Gallipoli Campaign during WWI.

Due to the Covid-19 pandemic and social distancing initiatives in place, Australian public services and gatherings will not be occurring this ANZAC Day. However, live broadcasts of the National Commemorative Service will be available on ABC radio, ABC TV, Facebook, and Youtube (5:30am AEST).

Source: Department of Veteran's Affairs. 2020. "Telling the history of Australians serving in our defence forces through our veterans’ experiences.". Australian Government. Accessed: https://anzacportal.dva.gov.au/wars-and-missions.