Marlene Lim is a passionate pharmacist and health educator with professional interests in mental health, and children and women’s health and wellbeing. Registered both in Malaysia and Australia, she is a pharmacy proprietor in Malaysia and also a Mental Health First Aid Instructor. 

With over ten years experience in pharmacy health services delivery in both metro and rural area and over fifteen years experience in providing motivational and personal grooming consultancy and event production, Marlene has been exposed to individuals with mental health issues from different sectors. Marlene is especially interested in raising awareness around mental health and wellbeing among parents, the elderly, teenagers and small business owners and empowering participants to be MHFA first responders for their family members, friends, colleagues and community. 

During the Covid crisis, she volunteers her time through founding the Facebook group Covid Care Community Malaysia Group and moderating the Australian’s inspired Adopt A Healthcare Worker Malaysia Group which helps to improve mental health of the community and spread positivity. Marlene is a mother of two and loves spending time cooking, traveling, watching movies and recently added gardening into her list of hobbies.

Episode 9 Mental Health | Perinatal considerations

Marlene discusses mental health from conception until 1 year after birth; the perinatal period. She offers ways to manage perinatal mental health and how to talk to a new mum about how she is coping.

5 Indispensable tips

1. If you suspect anyone may have a suicidal thoughts or are showing suicidal
behaviour, ask directly and intervene. Don’t assume or guess. Take it seriously.
2. Early intervention leads to faster recovery. Nip it in the bud by asking, listening,
supporting and encouraging a person positively
3. Listen and allow silences. This could potentially create a change because the person feels they are being listened to
4. Don’t judge - that’s the least you can do to help and support anyone.
5. Take care of yourself. You can’t take care of another person if you’re not
well. Remember self-care!

Links

Perinatal Anxiety and Depression Australia (PANDA) - https://www.panda.org.au/

Centre of Perinatal Excellence (COPE) - https://www.cope.org.au/

Gidget Foundation - https://gidgetfoundation.org.au/

Parent Infant Research Institute (PIRI) - https://www.piri.org.au/

Black Dog Institute - https://www.blackdoginstitute.org.au/

Contact Marlene here:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/heymisspotato

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marlenelim/

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Anna discusses the National Immunisation Program (NIP) vaccinations for children from birth to 4 years of age. Each vaccination is discussed, including side effects that can be expected and ways to manage your child to reduce their discomfort.

5 Indispensable tips

1. Keep an updated record of when your children's vaccinations are due. Consider installing the Save the Date to Vaccinate app on your smartphone.
2. The Australian Immunisation Handbook app provides further information about the NIP and the vaccines that are required at each age
3. Take along items to distract your child during the vaccinations: a noisy toy, healthy food or drink and ensure you can move your child around straight after.
4. Check out reliable websites for videos explaining vaccination including the SKAI and the NCIRS
5. Use a cuddle or straddle hold during vaccinations to reassure your child and build trust between your child and health professionals

Links

• Save the Date to Vaccinate app
• Australian Immunisation Handbook app
• Sharing Knowledge about Immunisation (SKAI) http://www.talkingaboutimmunisation.org.au/
• National Centre for Immunisation Research and Surveillance http://www.ncirs.org.au/

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Janna Linke is a 35-year old mother of two who, whilst registered as a Pharmacist, and having worked in both Hospital and Community pharmacy roles, isn't currently employed in the Pharmacy sector. This is due to ongoing chronic health conditions.
Janna was diagnosed with hypermobile Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (hEDS) at the age of 33 years, a rare connective tissue disorder.

Janna established the health advocacy brand, Zebra Blends at beginning of 2020, as it became evident to her, in her search for answers to her own health issues, that rare diseases and similarly chronic illnesses are very commonly under researched, under funded, and in turn under diagnosed. Janna hopes to change this via providing patient advocacy services to people experiencing rare disease and chronic illness.

It's hoped via the increases in exposure and awareness of these conditions, the path to diagnosis and treatment will become much  smoother and quicker

Indispensable Episode 8 Invisible Disease | Making Connections

In this episode, Janna discusses HyperMobile Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome or hEDS, chronic pain and chronic fatigue syndrome and some of the medications used to help with the symptoms. The path to diagnosis for these 'invisible diseases' can be long and frustrating. Janna offers some ways to advocate for yourself and also opportunities to connect with others that may be managing these conditions. "If you can't connect the issues, think connective tissue".

5 Indispensable tips

1. Engage a general practitioner who is willing and able to learn about your condition if it is not one they are already familiar with. Having a good working relationship with your general practitioner is integral to ensuring appropriate and timely referral to specialists is achieved, thus obtaining accurate diagnosis which in turn leads to more timely and effective treatments being explored and utilised.
2. Have a good working relationship with your local pharmacist. They are able and very willing to assist in advocacy but also in ensuring your medication usage is optimised at all times.
3. If you have a rare chronic illness, join support groups. These can be tremendous for building a support network of people who know exactly what it is like to be living with the condition you are. But also, most importantly a lot of the time there will be people who are more ‘experienced’ with the condition, disease or syndrome and able to guide you in your journey.
4. There are no silly questions - never be afraid to ask for further explanation, information or evidence from your healthcare providers.
5. Collaboration is the KEY. Collaboration with healthcare practitioners, both medical and allied health, carers, support workers and fellow patients.Your multidisciplinary team of practitioners if you have a chronic or rare condition will be big. Make sure everyone is informed and remains in the loop, about any key changes to medications or treatment. This will make transitions of any kind easier for all involved.

 

You can connect with Janna here:

Instagram: @zebrablends

FB: Zebra Blends

Web: www.zebrablends.com.au

Email: [email protected]

 

Additional Links:

Rare Voices Australia (RVA)

https://www.rarevoices.org.au/

The Ehlers-Danlos Society

https://www.ehlers-danlos.com/

Emerge Australia

https://www.emerge.org.au/

Unrest - Documentary Film available to watch on Netflix

https://www.unrest.film/

Pain Australia

https://www.painaustralia.org.au/

Low Dose Naltrexone (LDN)

https://www.customcompounding.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2017/11/Low-Dose-Naltrexone-Medicine-Information.pdf

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3962576/

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Allie Xu was born and raised in a fourth-generation medical family in Shanghai, China, and moved to Australia when she was 15 years old. She's a registered pharmacist and holistic health and life coach specializing in emotional intelligence and the mind-body connection.

Allie is currently completing her master's of Chinese Medicine acupuncture. She is also the founder of the Global Pharmacy Entrepreneur Community and the host of Pharmacy Entrepreneur TV and podcast. Allie is passionate about showing pharmacists and the general public the connection between emotion, mind and body. Allie uses Eastern and Western Medicine philosophies and coaching methods to assist her clients to identify their emotional blocks and barriers to increase emotional intelligence.

Episode 7 Emotional Intelligence | Know yourself for your health 

In this episode, Allie discusses the impact of emotional intelligence (EI) on your health and well-being. Allie discusses concepts from Eastern and Western Medicine to reduce our stress levels and improve our performance.

5 Indispensable tips

1. Breath deeply and intentionally
2. Daily Emotional release exercise
3. Start and keep an emotion diary 
4. Self-love and self-care time is important
5. Find a coach 

 

You can connect with Allie here:

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/allie-xu-b0486b89/

FB - https://www.facebook.com/allie.xu

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/allie_xu/ 

Pharmacy Entrepreneur TV - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCUD4q4OiEJv67rWEqBs02Pw

Pharmacy Entrepreneur Podcast 

https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/pharmacy-entrepreneur-podcast/id1509751407

https://open.spotify.com/show/5NuCQkEpJyRmAEQtFfK2BP 

 

Evidence for meditation increasing emotional intelligence:

1. https://positivepsychology.com/mindfulness-emotional-intelligence/
2. https://s3.amazonaws.com/academia.edu.documents/56282906/International_Journal_of_Indian_Psy.pdf?response-content-disposition=inline%3B%20filename%3DEffect_of_Prayer_Along_With_Meditation_V.pdf&X-Amz-Algorithm=AWS4-HMAC-SHA256&X-Amz-Credential=ASIATUSBJ6BALKXEYAMW%2F20200530%2Fus-east-1%2Fs3%2Faws4_request&X-Amz-Date=20200530T000000Z&X-Amz-Expires=3600&X-Amz-SignedHeaders=host&X-Amz-Security-Token=IQoJb3JpZ2luX2VjEKD%2F%2F%2F%2F%2F%2F%2F%2F%2F%2FwEaCXVzLWVhc3QtMSJHMEUCIHbRTXYRK9gjsQGwizIrQIZkLpzNPJGMZ5B3jAH9MqfMAiEAkah4r6EBg0Oh%2BtU5vo377VpoeOHCVuqVMBVOBny2BEoqvQMI%2BP%2F%2F%2F%2F%2F%2F%2F%2F%2F%2FARAAGgwyNTAzMTg4MTEyMDAiDB9szasiQ18jXRDCPyqRA8FjoRpKJ7CwXRHv899%2BBbIo1Bux5MIUNtD3RokqF1F7Ew1es6OPU8Fu1PwcGEFMwtlpJCMg%2Bo9SaaKAN4DE5DKFSjCjZxQiWqebskaWmad%2BkGGP4CwgQaGIQ6Cmlc2d3L%2Bc%2FTO%2FW5vgpoKhnETj69og5cZFpm%2FcFOH4qYLFciOdcmjEMQohHVBj60DhFs%2BNwkH9pmYSchwr8D%2FzXlEypHpsG6Uc7U3B4%2FLbETnsDT3xNOkBupmcQHqWsuqmYwDpxQQzjOzqUBwaCzWaAp3IJb7MpR1pX4TJK0kDdGXtisUC5XX8cjC2X%2FxdXPYXdsuPdu%2Fefi26G%2BhlpCP3jwkiKFO3RGmnZmLjPemndATYKdKQZwYmyZNfZxvZyTO451iGMF%2B77G8Xm3hYJoRalM9bvYnnCUHYFE7%2Br2dBva%2FpjZyo0Q54j5y3eosDUbXrS4yYaGkCW%2FJ37ql9RrribnukJiMSFIWb0jrLHaFg%2Fgx9T2ynt3BcsuhC8xBa%2FPkOQqgwQJlpRWuSV17n0K3WvPgZ0BOoMIquxvYFOusBlJlK5I9mOC3v8XApbGO94Uof6QCP2ewl3crolZm%2BJfOtcqavExjt%2FkKVVaw50T9iKrndj%2B4%2BaR%2BEiawxErxXjo97w472bNQfgE3lUuwEEDTSOvfBvGlsHX%2BqiwzE6kAjuXuCGnFIRJsEhADGLgHkHcHLJkCGvPRwXtQDmqKTbdPuv2MbI5gFc%2B85efIHEAQiUHcKsfqBSslb9H1H2CGo0ZNomJjBGZboT1hvtl3j%2BeAzn4huB6yhloSY0nCk91oPKePkVojqeO50Lcwtb%2FwEtRZPFAHZ7484cKBpyb97UsgVrJ4OJGswLUvDmA%3D%3D&X-Amz-Signature=4821158798f7d5e0cd78156efcb9c3e628dde65a0d40ee6ea0cd41910e8a286f

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Anna is the Indispensable pharmacist. Anna graduated from Charles Sturt University (Orange Campus) in 2008 with a Bachelor of Pharmacy (Hons). She has over a decade of experience as a clinical pharmacist in the hospital, aged care and community settings with a particular interest in rural practice.

Anna has been working as a pharmacy practice academic at the University of New England (UNE) since 2012 and is accredited to undertake Home Medication Reviews (HMRs) through the Australian Association of Consultant Pharmacists (AACP). She is able to deliver Mental Health First Aid and immunisations to her patients.

Anna has recently completed a Master of Clinical Pharmacy through the University of Queensland (UQ) with the aim of improving her practice to enhance the experience and knowledge of her patients. Anna has commenced a PhD at UQ on the topic of medication rationalisation and deprescribing (stopping unnecessary medicines).

Episode 1 Contraception options | The Pros and Cons

Anna discusses the common contraceptives in Australia and some emerging options for both men and women. LARCs (Long Acting Reversible Contraceptives), oral and vaginal ring contraceptives are featured along with emergency contraception and options for transgender men and breastfeeding women.

5 Indispensable tips

1. There are many options available for contraception but all have pros and cons. You and your prescriber need to agree on one that will minimise risks and provide adequate contraceptive cover
2. There are new options becoming available all the time for women (and possibly men) so even if you have been using one type of contraceptive for a long time, it is worthwhile considering other options if your circumstances change and as you age
3. Side effects from most contraceptives mimic early pregnancy. These generally subside after a few months.
4. No contraceptive option is 100%. A pregnancy test or blood test may be required to know for sure.
5. Emergency contraception (incorrectly termed the ‘Morning After Pill’) is generally safe and effective and can be used up to 5 days after sex. There are few reasons not to use it if you are concerned about falling pregnant. Ask your pharmacist!

You can connect with Anna here:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/IndispensiblePh/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/IndispensablePh

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/anna-barwick-817b2a52/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/indispensibleph/

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Melanie Frodsham completed her Bachelor of Pharmacy at Monash University’s Victorian College of Pharmacy in 2009. She is a community pharmacist based in Western Melbourne with an interest in breastfeeding. After having her first baby she completed a Cert IV Breastfeeding Education through the Australian Breastfeeding Association (ABA) as she realised, first hand, how important it was for breastfeeding mums to receive accurate breastfeeding information and good quality support.

As well as her community pharmacy work Melanie volunteers as a breastfeeding counsellor, providing phone and face-to-face breastfeeding support. She helps to facilitate breastfeeding education classes for expectant parents, runs local support groups for breastfeeding mums and supports mothers through breastpump hire. 

Episode 5 Breastfeeding | What medications are safe?

Unfortunately, there are still many reports of mothers being given incorrect information and advice around using medications while breastfeeding.  Many mothers face challenges in breastfeeding their babies and receiving incorrect information or poor advice surrounding medication use can needlessly undermine a breastfeeding relationship.

Breastfeeding mothers frequently need to use medicines. Medication use may be for something directly related to breastfeeding or early motherhood. For example, for managing pain following the birth of their baby, treating infective mastitis or for post-natal depression and/or anxiety. Medication use may also be for other common conditions that come up in life; a common cold, hayfever, heartburn or headaches.

The truth is that most medications are safe to use while breastfeeding. Some may be preferred over others and there are a few that are good to avoid. There is almost always a safe option. Breastfeeding mums shouldn’t feel like they need to ‘suffer in silence’ and leave a medical condition untreated. Nor should they feel like they are required to stop breastfeeding in order to get the medical treatment they need (this is only the case for a small number of women with serious medical conditions).

Women deserve to receive accurate information around medicines use and good quality support to enable them to meet their breastfeeding goals wherever possible.

5 Indispensable tips

1. Most medicines are safe to take while breastfeeding. It is good to seek advice to find out which might be the best option for you.

2. Information on medicine boxes or on the leaflets that come inside boxes may not be the most up-to-date – use a reliable information source such as LactMed or speak to an expert on medicines in breastfeeding by calling one of the medicines information lines (see web links supplied)

3. If you are given strange advice about medicines and breastfeeding – eg ‘pump and dump’ for 72 hours – seek a second opinion!

4. Medicines can sometimes be helpful for increasing breastmilk supply, HOWEVER, other techniques, for example, more frequent feeding and getting good support to make sure baby is attaching well to the breast, are often MORE effective.

5. Spending money on expensive vitamin or herbal supplements is not necessary for breastfeeding  

Further resources and links

Breastfeeding Helpline (for general breastfeeding enquiries and support): 1800 686 268

Medicines in breastfeeding fact sheet for over the counter medicines. Produced by the Royal Women’s Hospital Melbourne:

https://thewomens.r.worldssl.net/images/uploads/fact-sheets/Medicines-in-breastfeeding-151018.pdf

LactMed:

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK501922/

Medicines information centres phone numbers for expert advice about medicines use during breastfeeding (list compiled by the Australian Breastfeeding Association):

https://www.breastfeeding.asn.au/bf-info/safe-when-breastfeeding/breastfeeding-and-prescription-medications

Some further information and resources for other topics briefly touched on during this episode:

Information and support for parents experiencing post-natal depression and/or anxiety:

https://www.panda.org.au/

Increasing milk supply:

https://www.breastfeeding.asn.au/bf-info/common-concerns%E2%80%93mum/supply

Domperidone for increasing breast milk. Produced by the Royal Women’s Hospital Melbourne:

https://thewomens.r.worldssl.net/images/uploads/fact-sheets/Domperidone-for-increasing-breast-milk-supply-260219.pdf

Weaning:

https://www.breastfeeding.asn.au/bf-info/weaning-and-introducing-solids/weaning

Lactation suppression:

https://shop.breastfeeding.asn.au/products/lactation-suppression/

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Vivien Hsu is an accredited pharmacist and Credentialed Diabetes Educator who completed a Bachelor of Pharmacy degree in Western Australia. Since then she has studied psychology, Chinese Medicine, diabetes education, weight management, and nutrition coaching. For over 20 years she has worked in universities, hospitals and community pharmacies. She currently collaborates with over 300 doctors, including general practitioners, endocrinologists, obstetricians and other medical specialists in Brisbane and the Gold Coast. In 2019 Viv was the recipient of the PSA’s most prestigious pharmacy award in Queensland, the Bowl of Hygeia for her work as a credentialled diabetes educator pharmacist on the Gold Coast. Vivien specialises in diabetes and weight management with holistic approaches and her mission is to help people feel well physically and psychologically.

Episode 3 Gestational Diabetes | Even Olympians get it!

Viv discusses the causes and risk factors for Gestational Diabetes Mellitus (GDM), ways to manage it and services available to provide support to women who experience it.

5 Indispensable tips

1. Understand the health issues you have and how best to manage them

2. Be kind to yourself with self-care and compassion (stop beating yourself up)

3. Your body is the best doctor (listen to your body and tell your treating team so they can help you)

4. Enjoy your food (Food is to be enjoyed, not feared. Choose healthier food and find the balance)

5. Move your body (increase your physical activity and exercise)

Contact Viv by:

Facebook: VIP Diabetes

Twitter:@vipdiabetes

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/vipdiabetes/

Instagram: vipdiabetes

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Debbie Rigby is an Advanced Practice Pharmacist with postgraduate qualifications in clinical pharmacy, geriatrics and respiratory medicine. Debbie is a Director of NPS MedicineWise, past National Vice-President of the Pharmaceutical Society of Australia and a member of Lung Foundation Australia COPD Advisory Committee. She currently works with a general practice, conducts Home Medicine Reviews and provides medicines education to pharmacists, nurses, GPs and other health professionals through her company Pharmeducation.

Episode 2 Medication Review | Are they worth it?

Debbie discusses what is involved in a medication review, what the benefits are and how to organise one for you or a family member. Debbie provides some personal insight into her experience of conducting thousands of medication reviews in people's homes. Debbie says the NPS MedicineWise www.nps.org.au is a useful website and the Medicines Line 1300 MEDICINE & AME Line is available to all Australians to call 1300 134 237. https://www.nps.org.au/adverse-medicine-events-line

5 Indispensable tips

1. Home Medicine Reviews help you to get the best out of your medicines, in the privacy of your home
2. Opportunity to ask that question you have always wanted to know about your medicines
3. Provide you with an up-to-date medicines list
4. Worried about mixing up or forgetting to take your medicines? Pharmacists can help make it less complex
5. Pharmacists can now follow-up on the initial consultation to see how any changes to medicines are affecting you

Find Debbie on:

Twitter: @Drugby56

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pharmeducationAUS/

LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/debbierigby

Website: www.pharmeducation.com.au

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Brad Butt is a passionate community pharmacist with a strong clinical background who takes pride in supporting the health of his patients and the wider community. Brad's special interest areas include Men’s urological health and the management of blood cancers. Brad is the managing partner of Cooleman Court Pharmacy in the ACT and the Founder of Mens Health Downunder; the pharmacist led initiative which assists men with their urological health all Australia wide.

Episode 4 - Men's Health | The P word

Brad discusses common conditions men experience including Erectile Dysfunction (ED),  Prostate Cancer and Peyronie's Disease. At 9:46, Brad meant to say the incidence of Erectile Dysfunction is approximately 1,000,000 men at any one time in Australia, rather than 1,000. Brad provides us with an overview of each condition, what symptoms to look out for and treatment options that are available. Brad also recommends going to Mens Health Downunder www.menshealthdownunder.com.au, https://www.prostate.org.au/ and https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/erectile-dysfunction for more information and support.

5 Indispensable tips: 

1. Never be afraid to ask the obvious question - its never obvious and rarely straight forward
2. You get what you give - always be as open and honest as possible with your healthcare team. Remember by sharing your experience/symptoms its helps us build our repertoire so we can in tern better help others 
3. Find a pharmacist or pharmacy team that make you feel welcomed, valued and safe - this way, even if ever you're not sure about something you can feel confident that your trusted pharmacy/pharmacist will always be there to help you and this is vital 
4. A medicine becomes a poison very quickly when used inappropriately - please don't share your medicines with others or change your dose without seeking the advice of a doctor (even if it does seem like a good idea)
5. Erectile health, more broadly urological health, is often a large part of a mans identity; if something doesn't seem right get it checked out in a timely fashion. Rest assured, if something is wrong the outcomes are far better managed if early

Find Mens Health Downunder and Brad Butt online:

1. Facebook @menshealthdownunder 
2. Instagram @mens_health_downunder 
3. Twitter @DownUnderMens 
4. LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/mens-health-downunder/
5. YouTube - Mens Health Downunder
6. Website - www.menshealthdownunder.com.au

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