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Safeguard your skin every day

Australia has one of the highest rates of skin cancer in the world, making daily sun protection essential. Whether it's a hot summer day or a cloudy winter afternoon, protecting your skin from harmful UV rays is the best way to reduce your risk of skin damage and skin cancer. Your community pharmacist can do more for you by providing tailored sun care advice and helping you choose the right products for your needs.

Essential sun protection tips

Staying sun-safe in Australia requires a multi-layered approach:

  • Use broad-spectrum sunscreen: Apply a broad-spectrum SPF 30+ or higher sunscreen every day, 20 minutes before exposure to the sun. Reapply every two hours, especially after swimming or sweating. Your pharmacist can recommend sunscreens that suit sensitive skin and active lifestyles.
  • Wear protective clothing and accessories: Cover up with long sleeves, wide-brim hats, and sunglasses with UV protection that meet Australian standards. Lightweight, close weave fabrics offer the best protection.
  • Seek shade: When the sun’s UV rays are strongest, typically between 10 am and 3 pm, seek shade to reduce exposure. Even on cloudy days, up to 80% of UV rays can reach your skin.
  • Check the UV index: UV levels vary throughout the year, and checking the UV index daily can help you gauge the level of protection you need. When the UV index is 3 or above, the sun’s rays are strong enough to damage your skin.

The importance of regular skin checks

Early detection is crucial in effectively treating skin cancer. Make it a habit to check your skin every month for new moles, spots or changes to existing ones. Look out for irregular borders, multiple colours or growth in size, as these can be signs of skin cancer.

Your community pharmacist can assist with basic skin checks to identify changes or abnormalities. They can provide guidance on whether further medical advice is needed. For a comprehensive assessment, schedule a professional skin check with your GP or skin specialist.

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OUR SERVICES What We Offer

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Everyday health

Your local community pharmacy is your go-to destination for everyday health needs. From coughs and colds to travel health and mobility care, your community pharmacists can do more for you with expert advice and effective treatments to help you stay healthy and active. Explore our range of services to keep your family well every day.

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Vaccination

Your community pharmacist can do more for you with a wide range of vaccines available, from flu and COVID-19 to essential travel immunizations. Visit your local pharmacy to stay healthy, protected, and up-to-date with your vaccinations.

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Skin

Your community pharmacist is here to help you care for your skin, from managing common conditions like school sores, eczema, and acne to offering guidance on wound care, shingles, and sun protection. Visit your local community pharmacy for expert advice and effective solutions to keep your skin healthy every day.

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Women's health

Community pharmacists are enhancing women’s health by providing comprehensive support at every stage – from conception and contraception to bone health and beyond.

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Harm reduction & dependency

Your community pharmacist is here to help with harm reduction and dependency, offering support and resources including needle and syringe services, opioid dependency treatment, quit smoking services, and naloxone.

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My medicines

Get expert support with your medications through comprehensive reviews and management services provided by your community pharmacist. From home medicine reviews and MedsCheck consultations to dose administration aids and staged supply, we’re here to help you every step of the way.

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Chronic conditions

Get the support you need from your community pharmacist to manage chronic conditions. With expert advice, personalised medication management and tailored health services, community pharmacies empower you to take control of ongoing health challenges and improve your quality of life.

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Testing & screening

Take control of your health with convenient testing and screening services at your community pharmacy. From regular monitoring to early detection, these essential services help identify potential health risks and support proactive care. Your pharmacist is here to guide you in staying informed and making health-conscious decisions for a healthier future.

NewsLatest updates

Stay informed with the latest news, health tips, and updates from community pharmacies.

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