​The month of May is Asthma and Lung awareness month.  At The Friendlies Chemist our pharmacists are available to ensure that those who suffer from asthma and lung problems are cared for.
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If you are using an inhaler, are you also using a spacer? 

Keep reading to bust some of the most common myths about the flu vaccination!

​Do you feel tired during the day? Are you often irritable or forgetful? Do you snore? Wake up unrefreshed? Perhaps wake up with a dry mouth or throat and/or a headache? Do you or your partner notice that you stop breathing during the night or wake up gasping? 
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​If this sounds like you, you may have sleep apnoea. But what is sleep apnoea?

​The Epworth Sleepiness Questionnaire is one of the tools used to diagnose sleep apnoea. A score of 10 or more puts you at a higher risk of sleep apnoea.  Find the questionnaire below

Dehydration can be a dangerous situation if left untreated.  It can lead to headaches, fatigue, vomiting and hospitalisation. So in this north Queensland summer heat it is important to stay well hydrated.  ​

Hay fever (allergic rhinitis) is commonly caused by inhaling environmental allergens such as pollens from trees, plants and grasses, mould spores, dust mites and animal dander. It is an allergic reaction affecting the nose, throat and eyes.

Threadworms are the most common type of worms to affect humans in Australia, particularly in children. The worms are passed between people if the eggs are swallowed or inhaled, which is why they are most prevalent in children, due to close contact with other children. The eggs then hatch, and the females move to the anus where they lay eggs, causing irritation and itching around the anus; especially at night as this is when they are most active. Other symptoms include irritability, restless sleep, bedwetting and abdominal pain, also nausea and vomiting in severe infestations.

​Asthma is a chronic lung disease which cannot be cured, but it can be controlled. It affects more than 2 million Australians, and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people are almost twice as likely to be affected. Asthma is an inflammation of the airways which causes breathing difficulties. Asthma can be managed with medication, relievers and preventers (puffers), exercise and other therapies. Avoiding your asthma triggers and correct use of your asthma medications will help you manage your  asthma.

Blister Packs or Dose Administration Aids (DAAs) are a simple and easy way to manage your medications.  All our DAAs are packed on site at Friendlies Chemist Castletown by our trained dispensary staff. 

​Did you know only 50% of Australian adults brush their teeth twice a day? And nearly 40% never floss or clean in between their teeth?