Diagnostic and Health Checks
Diagnostic screening can give you a snapshot of your health and can be performed at our pharmacy quickly, without an appointment. Understanding the health risks specific to us is crucial, and helps determine which health checks you need. Knowing what health checks to have done and when can be confusing. Grey Lynn Amcal pharmacy can help guide you, so you know what tests are right for you. Early detection and prevention is the key to better long term health. Our Pharmacists are trained to determine your risk factors, perform the health tests, and explain the results for you. With your approval, we can send your results on to your GP so your records will be always up to date.
There are a wide range of health assessments and screening available, such as:
Anyone can develop high Blood Pressure, which will increase the risk of heart attack or stroke. It can develop with no symptoms, so usually catches people by surprise. Get your BP checked regularly as part of your over-all health checks in pharmacy and we will discuss your results and what those numbers mean.
Bowel Health Screening
Bowel Cancer is the 2nd biggest cancer killer within New Zealand. The good news is that it can be treated and beaten if detected early. Our Pharmacist can discuss the benefits of Bowelscreen Aotearoa™, a clinically proven, accurate, non- invasive test that you can complete in the privacy of your own home. After following the simple process the test results are made available to you and your doctor.
Minor Ailment Treatment
Our pharmacists can recognize common health complaints such as thrush, allergies, pain or diarrhoea. They can give advice or, where appropriate, medicines that will help to clear up a range of conditions. We are close by to help, and usually open late hours so you can get that help at a time that is convenient to you. If your problem is more serious and needs the attention of a GP, our pharmacist will advise you on the appropriate course of action.
Monitoring your condition at home
Many people choose to monitor their condition at home (diabetes, cholesterol or blood pressure for example). We can show you how to use the machine properly and ensure you know what the results mean. Our pharmacy is able to clean and check your Performa /Advantage Caresens & AccuChek meters to make sure it is running as it should be, and will replace the batteries for free if needed.
Treatment for Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs)
Each week many women seek relief for Urinary Tract Infections (often referred to as cystitis or bladder infection) and pharmacy is often the first point of call for advice and possible treatment options. Up until now women have had to be referred on to their General Practitioners for treatment particularly when an antibiotic is required. Urinary Tract Infections cause women considerable discomfort and pharmacists are now able to offer effective treatment where appropriate. Our pharmacists have all undertaken the approved training programme; will work through a thorough checklist to ensure the criteria is met before supplying the medicine. The treatment is only available to women between the ages of 16 and 65 who are not pregnant and who have not taken a course of antibiotics within the previous six months. The treatment dose will be a three day course of trimethoprim 300mg tablets. Check with our pharmacist to see if they are providing this convenient accessible service
Zinc is found in every tissue in our body, so even a small deficiency can cause health problems such as decreased immunity and wound healing. A simple taste test will give you an indication of your zinc levels.
Emergency Contraceptive Pill (ECP)
Contraceptive failure or having unprotected sex can be an extremely stressful situation for a woman to find herself in. The risk of pregnancy can be reduced by taking the emergency contraceptive pill (ECP), and is most effective the sooner it is taken. Sometimes getting to the Doctor is not always possible or practical. An accredited ECP pharmacist is available at our pharmacy and is able to take you through a detailed consultation and is able to provide the ECP if appropriate.
Flu Vaccination
if you are between 13-59 years of age then enquire about our non-subsidised flu vaccination services. We also provide off-site flu vaccination services and subsidised flu vaccination if you are pregnant or over 65 years old. We have qualified pharmacist vaccinators at our pharmacy. It’s all about making it as accessible and convenient as possible.
We offer stop smoking services and can provide nicotine replacement therapy alongside advice and support for those wishing to quit. Smoking cessation services involve a consultation with the pharmacist who can create a programme to improve a smoker’s chances of giving up. Our pharmacists work hard to emphasise the benefits of healthy living and to provide the best possible advice on keeping healthy.
Healthy eating and healthy action, as part of your daily routine, are the keys to maintaining a healthy weight and reducing obesity. By comparison, fad dieting and stop-start exercise programmes give the worst results in the long term and it is the long-term on which you need to focus for best health results. Having realistic weight-loss goals and losing weight gradually are the best ways to keep it off in the long term. Our pharmacist has some great weight loss programmes and tools to help you achieve your goals using a step wise approach that is tailored to suit your needs.
Body Mass Index (BMI)
What is a healthy body weight, and at what weight are you considered overweight? You can answer these questions by measuring around your waist, and calculating your BMI. Your BMI figure is your weight (in kilograms) divided by your height (in metres) squared. For example, if you weigh 62 kg and are 1.6m tall, your BMI is 24.2 which is in the normal range of 18.5 to 24.9. A BMI greater than 25 is considered overweight; above 30 puts you at considerable risk of ill health. Our pharmacist can assist you with the measurement, interpret the outcomes and work together with you to put healthy eating plan and workout programme together.
