Page 64 - Tropic Magazine Issue 27

TROPIC • HEALTH

Streamlined Five ailments to

prescriptions avoid this summer

DIGITAL INNOVATION 1 Dehydration
of ordering your scripts quicker and As the temperature increases,
Tropic spoke to Georgina easier – especially if your medication so does the risk of dehydration.
Twomey – local pharmacist isn’t commonly in stock.” Early symptoms include
headaches and dizziness.
and Managing Director of Alive Georgina is anticipating the process will Dehydration can be avoided by
become normal practice once electronic
Pharmacy Group – about an prescribing irons out across the region. drinking clear fluids, avoiding
efficient new way to manage The new legislation – currently being alcohol and protecting yourself
from the heat.
your medications. introduced in stages across Australia
according to COVID-19 priority – allows
Words: Annabel Bowles health practitioners to issue digital 2 Bites and stings
copies of prescriptions, rather than Insect bites and stings are
Internet banking is now the norm, paper copies. almost inescapable in summer.
along with streaming television shows, Interim CEO of Northern Queensland To avoid them wear loose
ordering UberEats, and even learning a Primary Health Network (NQPHN) Terry long-sleeved clothing, apply
language online. Mehan expects the process to be enabled insect-repellent, and move
It makes sense to transfer prescriptions in Cairns in the coming months. inside during dusk and dawn.
to the smartphone-realm too, and our “Electronic prescriptions are an Treat with topical creams like
local pharmacy is forging ahead to do alternative to paper prescriptions, pawpaw ointment.
exactly that. allowing
Alive Pharmacy consumers to 3 Sunburn
Warehouse has conveniently access In the short-term sunburn is
recently launched a their medicines painful and unsightly, and in the
new app to streamline Paper scripts will never go while lessening the long term it increases your risk
your script services risk in the spread of skin cancer. Shade your skin
and better manage away, that will always be of infection in and apply SPF 50+ whenever
your medications, an option, but this online general practice you’re beneath our steamy
ahead of the service is a no-brainer waiting rooms northern sun. The UV rays don’t
implementation of and community take a break on overcast days
electronic prescribing Georgina Twomey pharmacies,” Mr either.
in the Far North. Mehan said.
The app allows “With telehealth 4 Hay fever
customers to not only and medicine delivery options The Far North’s sugarcane fields
keep a record of their scripts, repeats commonly available in pharmacies, will cloud the air with pollen
and remaining supply, but receive alerts this new method of medicine this summer. If you suffer
and reminders, order new medications, management will provide a safe and from the sniffles and scratchy
manage those of their family and efficient alternative for providers and eyes, treatments include nasal
dependants, and directly message consumers alike.” sprays and antihistamines. Visit
their pharmacist. “Looking at the modelling down south your local pharmacist to find
Georgina told Tropic the app, which is free where there was exponential growth the best remedy for your needs.
to download on both the App Store and – particularly in Victoria through its
Google Play, is ahead of the game among COVID-19 lockdown – we expect the 5 UDI (Unidentified Drinking Injury)
other pharmaceutical groups. practice to roll out really quickly in Tropic’s heard UDIs are a
“We’re the only locally-owned pharmacy Cairns,” Georgina said. common issue presented
group with this kind of technology,” she “Our app is fully functional and ready to to physiotherapists over the
said. “Paper scripts will never go away, respond to this new process.” festive season. Often passed
that will always be an option, but this Alive Pharmacy Warehouse also offers off as a sporting, hiking or
online service is a no-brainer. free delivery on all prescriptions, as well waterfall-slipping injury,
“You wouldn’t want to lose your script, as free delivery on all other purchases sufferers rarely admit the origin
just like you wouldn’t want to lose your over $50. of their ailment and the true
bank card. Our new app ensures you number of UDI cases remains
won’t, as well as makes the whole process MORE: alivepharmacy.com.au a mystery.

64 • Tropic • Issue 27