EDITOR'S LETTER -
AUTUMN 2010 EDITION
I used to run once, and even enjoyed it... sometimes. The usual new year's resolution to get fit has prompted me to pound the pavement again, and when I heard that National Pharmacies is sponsoring Victorian-based Run for the Kids this year, I decided there was no better goal than to run for the Good Friday Appeal in March.
To usher in the new decade we've given the magazine a makeover, so enjoy the fresh look, while still benefitting from our expert advice.
If you're in the mood for a makeover yourself, many of our stories will inspire you, from getting fit to quitting smoking, or even putting the spark back into your love life.
And finally, don't miss a chance to swim with a legend of the pool, Michael Klim. Be sure to enter our competitioin oto be in the running for this unique experience.
Enjoy the issue!
Celia Purdey
Editor
MYTHBUSTERS
- Breastfed babies don't need to be given water in very hot weather?
FACT: If the mother has an adequate flow of milk, breastfed babies wiill not require water even in very hot weather. The baby is likely to demand an increase in the frequency of feeds to obtain adequate fluid. It is recommended that other precautions be taken in hot weather such as keeping the baby in a cool room with air-conditioning or fans where possible and to limit the amount of clothing and bed clothes. The mother can improve her milk flow by consuming adequate quantities of fluid herself during hot weather.
- Dr. Brian Sando**
- You can get cancer from burnt sausages
MYTH: Trace amounts of carcinogenic substances called polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) can be produced when food is burnt but there is no clear evidence that you can get cancer from eating burnt ssausages as levels are so low. The suspicion that overcooked meat may increase the risk of some cancers has not been convincingly demonstrated. The best reason to limit sausages is because they are typically high in fat, salt and nitrates, which can all contribute to poor health.
** Dr Brian Sando has an interest in preventive medicine. He has been medical director of four Australian Olympic Games teams and is a member of the Royal Australian College of General Practioners.
HEALTH.WATCH
Diabetes education goes online
If you suffer from type 2 diabetes, help and education is now available online. The National Prescribing Service (NPS) and Diabetes Tasmania have launched 11 short videos which address issues including the types of medicines used to manage type 2 diabetes and what you should discuss with your healthcare team, promoting education and prevention. 'Education relates not only to understanding diabetes and how to prevent it, but also how to manage the condition', NPS CEO, Dr Lynn Weekes, said. While these videos are not a substitute for talking to your doctor or pharmacist, they do identify the main issues people with type 2 diabetes face. View the videos at www.nps.org.au/type2diabetes
Did you know?
Googling is good for grandparents. Researchers at the University of California have found that internet use can boost the brain activity of the elderly, potencially slowing or even reversing the mental decline that can end in dementia.
Low Carb Diet = Low Mood
Often seen as the enemy by those trying to lose weight, carbohydrates have finally been granted a reprieve. A study has found that although low-carbohydrate diets do produce good weight loss, those forgoing their bread, pasta and rice became unhappy.
Scientis from the CSIRO, South Australia University and Flinders University compared a low-carb diet that was high in fat and protein with a low-fat diet rich in carbs. It found that whild they produced similar weight loss results, those eating more carbohydrates were much happier.
HEALTHY PEOPLE HEALTHY WORLD
BrasOFF Wraps Up
During September 2009, National Pharmacies held its annual BrasOFF for Breast Cancer Research campaign, raising a record-breaking for $65,000, eclipsing the 2008 total by $25,000 and making it the most successful year to date!
This result is truly astonishing and clearly shows the commitment that National Pharmacies members, staff, customers and the public have to this very important campaign. All funds raised have been allocated to two essential cancer research programs at the Flinders Medical Centre.
Special thanks must go to stores involved in the campaign, our corporate supporters and our media partners, MIx102.3 and Channel 7, for their invaluable commitment.
Most importantly, National Pharmacies would like to thank you all for your support. We look forward to an even bigger and better BrasOFF in 2010!
Cry baby - Find out about treatment options for colic:
If your baby is experiencing ongoing crying and discomfort for no apparent reason, colic is likely to be the culprit. An extremely common condition in young babies, lasting up to three months, colic is traumatic for the child and concerned parents alike. To determine whether your child could be affected, read the colic article featured in the Autumn 2010 issue of Vital Health magazine.
Although it is thought to have a range of dietary and environmental causes, the truth is, every baby is an individual and different babies will respond to different treatments for colic. So, let’s take a look at some of the treatment options available to help you settle your baby.
• Swaddles and Swings
Babies like to feel secure, so swaddle your baby snugly in a lightweight blanket, which will help them to feel safe and can help stop the startle reflex, where your baby jerks its body. Most babies also respond to a rocking motion so rock your child in a cradle, a baby swing, in your lap in a rocking chair or take them for a short drive in the car. A walk in the pram is also a great idea, as your baby may settle with the motion and it will give you a chance to clear your head in the fresh air.
• Sucking
If your baby has just fed and is distressed, offer your little finger or a dummy so that they can comfort-suck. Some babies will suckle almost continuously when they have colic but the extra milk can actually overload their stomach and aggravate the condition when all they really want is comfort.
• Massage
We all know how soothing a massage can be and babies are no different! Use slow, gentle strokes to massage your baby from head to toe and respond appropriately to your baby's cues around stress versus comfort. Also massage your baby’s abdomen very gently in circular motions, which can help relieve any wind.
• Warm Bath
The warmth of the water can help to ease your baby’s belly tension and help them relax. Add some lavender or chamomile to the water, as they’re known for their relaxing properties and are often found in baby bath lotion. You can also incorporate soothing massage into a baby’s bath time, by gently rubbing their stomach and body while in the bath.
• Medication
Medical treatment is usually not prescribed for babies with colic, as it’s a condition that generally disappears on its own, however, there are some treatment options you could try. Gripe water, a general term for liquids that claim to ease gas, digestion and other colic symptoms, may assist babies with colic, however, there is no concrete evidence that it works.
You could also try giving your baby some tea (but not too hot!) made from chamomile, vervain, licorice, fennel and lemon balm. It’s always best to check with a healthcare professional before giving your baby any colic treatment.
Some doctors prescribe a medication called simethicone, which treats trapped gas or probiotics, which may help to reduce gas, however, neither have been found to definitively ease colic. Many believe that the condition is best left to run its course.
“Some suggest that colic could be associated with pain from gastro-oesophageal reflux, so it’s not uncommon for people to suggest giving a baby antacids or more potent medicines but, if it’s reflux, it doesn’t have that distinct pattern of being at the one time every day, which is typical of colic,” says Dr Chris Pearson, Head of General Medicine at the Women's and Children's Hospital in Adelaide.
• Coping strategies
Remember that caring for a distressed baby is often more upsetting for a parent than the child and Dr Pearson emphasises the importance of a mother looking after herself. “Babies are extremely sensitive to how their mothers feel, so if a mother is feeling frazzled and upset, the baby is more likely to be unsettled. Mothers need to look after themselves as well as their babies.”
Some coping strategies include taking turns with your partner or a friend to try to settle the baby (while you take a coffee break or have a shower), and try to prepare the evening meal in the afternoon, before most babies who suffer from colic become extremely distressed.
Remember that your baby’s colic will not last forever, with most growing out of it by around the three-month mark. If you are finding it difficult to cope, the Maternal and Child Health Line is available 24 hours a day on 132 229, where you can call to seek advice and a friendly ear.
Make a note
March 5-8 - WOMADelaide Sounds of the Planet 2010. www.womadelaide.com.au
March 14 - Run for the Kids, Victoria. www.runforthekids.com.au
April 2 - Good Friday Appeal Telethon www.goodfridayappeal.com.au
April 2-5 - Easter
April 25 - ANZAC Day
MEMBERS EXTRA - WIN
An Apple iPod nano 16GB!
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