SA Pharmacist's Assistant - Volume 12, Issue 1, Autumn 2012

Pharmacist's Assistant of the Year 2011

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What an exciting evening we had in November last year! It was great to be in the company of doctors, nurses, occupational health workers, environmental health workers, and pharmacists and pharmacist's assistants. Everyone was excited about their particular contribution to health care in this country, and we were so proud that pharmacy was so ably represented.

On 27 May 2011, the first Pharmacist's Assistant Conference, organised by the Western Cape Pharmacy Service, was held at the Newlands Sun Hotel. It was attended by 40 post-basic pharmacist's assistants from the Western Cape region, which includes the West Coast, Cape Winelands, City of Cape Town, Overberg, Eden, and the Central Karoo. It was also a platform from which to network, share information, discuss frustrations, and learn.

Healthcare Excellence Awards

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What an exciting occasion! On 21 November 2011, three pharmacist's assistants were honoured in the annual Healthcare Excellence Awards. These awards serve to recognise outstanding performance in many areas of South African healthcare.

Winter is almost upon us, and with it, comes the usual influx of customers with colds and flu. Influenza or the "flu" should be taken seriously. Flu symptoms range from mild and nonspecific upper respiratory tract infections, to severe disease, with complications such as pneumonia, respiratory failure, secondary bacterial infections, and worsening of chronic conditions such as asthma and congestive heart failure. Deaths from influenza are reported every year. Our best defense against flu is an annual influenza vaccine.

All infant formulas must support the normal growth and development of infants, and this needs to be scientifically demonstrated. Formulas have to contain sufficient amounts of basic nutrients, and so are nutritionally interchangeable, with no evidence indicating that one brand is superior to another

Dry, irritated, or runny, red eyes are common complaints of customers who present in the pharmacy. A number of eye preparations are available, and selecting a product that is best suited to the problem can be challenging. This article gives a brief overview of common complaints, and of the available products.

As the seasons change from summer to autumn to winter, the number of patients requesting medications for colds and flu is likely to increase. Preschool children may experience a cold five to seven times a year, with the incidence decreasing to two to three times a year for adults. Often, cold and flu symptoms are not severe, but because they may affect day-to-day functioning, the patient may wish to take something in order to "feel better". There are many available combination cold and flu preparations. The pharmacist's assistant should ensure that the patient uses one that suits his or her particular needs.

There are several types of allergic skin conditions. They are often itchy and red, and may appear scaly, bumpy or swollen, and can be very distressing. Mild-to-moderate allergic skin conditions can be managed in the pharmacy. The pharmacist's assistant may also be able to assist with the identification of possible allergens, and to provide advice regarding preventative measures.

Being a new mother can be both exhilarating and challenging. Breastfeeding, and taking care of a young infant, is a new experience, and can be accompanied by various difficulties.

Relievers are sometimes called bronchodilators, as they open the airway by dilating the bronchi. They are used for the emergency relief of symptoms, but do not help the underlying inflammation of the airway. Relievers should only be used when asthma symptoms appear.

Probiotics are live nonpathogenic microorganisms (yeasts and bacteria) that live in the intestines and vagina. They fend off attacks by harmful microorganisms, preventing illness. The term "probiotics" also refers to the same yeasts and bacteria that are available as dietary supplements, or are added to certain foods. Most commercial products are derived from food sources, especially cultured milk products.

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a chronic, relapsing, and often life-long disorder of no identifiable cause that affects the digestive system. It is known by a variety of names, including spastic colon, spastic colitis, mucous colitis, nervous diarrhoea and nervous bowel. It is the most commonly diagnosed gastrointestinal condition worldwide, affecting an estimated 10-20% of the general population, and is second only to the common cold as a cause of absence from work.

Calcium is an essential mineral found in great abundance in the body. Ninety-nine per cent of all the calcium in the body is found in the bones and teeth. The remaining 1% is found in the blood. Calcium plays an important role in nerve conduction, muscle contraction, and blood clotting. If calcium levels in the blood fall below normal, calcium will be resorbed from bone in order to maintain blood calcium levels. Therefore, it is important to consume enough calcium to maintain adequate calcium levels.