March 2022

Diet is entwined in several of the modifiable risk factors for dementia. In this article, dietitian Leigh O’Brien discusses the role of diet in preventing and managing cognitive decline

Biological medicines have markedly changed the prognoses for many chronic and disabling inflammatory and immunological conditions and cancers. Their use in New Zealand is increasing and, as patents expire on reference or originator “biologics”, the opportunity arises for competitor manufacturers to list biosimilars – highly similar versions of approved biological medicines

Christchurch pharmacist Sarah Mooney discusses the causes of asthma and the effects it can have on children, before delving into treatments and how you can help improve adherence to these

Healthcare Handbook technical editor Carmen Fookes discusses the bugs that can bite you in New Zealand, how to tell the difference between itchy red bites, and how to treat them

Jordan Macdonald, a community pharmacist in Dunedin and executive member of Ngā Kaitiaki o te Puna Rongoā (MPA), reflects on the demands of COVID-19, with help from other members of the organisation

Pharmacist and medical herbalist Phil Rasmussen examines the evidence for a raft of herbs to relieve stress, anxiety and insomnia

There is a belief that scabies is caused by poor hygiene, but this is incorrect. Anyone can get it, and it is caused by a mite called Sarcoptes scabiei

Tiredness and fatigue tend to be more common in women than men due to physiological differences between the sexes. Pharmacy owner HeeSeung Lee speaks to Jonathan Chilton-Towle about what pharmacy staff can do to help

February is the month of shattered dreams and ambi­tions