Health

As the days shorten and temperatures drop, many people find their mental health taking a hit. The winter months can bring about feelings of isolation, low energy, and a general sense of melancholy. At Devonport 7 Day Pharmacy, we understand the challenges that winter can present for mental well-being and offer some practical tips to help you maintain a healthy mind during the colder season.

1. Maximise Natural Light

Lack of natural light can lead to Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD). To combat this, spend time outdoors during daylight hours. Consider using a light therapy lamp, which mimics natural sunlight and can help alleviate symptoms of SAD.

2. Consider Taking Supplements

Certain supplements, like Vitamin D, Omega-3 fatty acids, and B vitamins, can support your mental well-being during winter. Vitamin D is particularly important as it helps compensate for the reduced sunlight exposure in winter, supporting mood regulation and overall mental health. Visit the Devonport 7 Day Pharmacy for a variety of Vitamin D products to help you stay healthy during the winter months.

3. Stay Active

Exercise releases endorphins, which are natural mood lifters. Engage in outdoor activities like walking or running. If the weather is too harsh, indoor options such as yoga, pilates, or home workout videos can be equally beneficial.

4. Maintain Social Connections

Social connection is crucial. Make an effort to maintain contact with friends and family through phone calls, video chats, or safe meetups. Sharing your feelings can reduce loneliness.

5. Eat a Balanced Diet

A balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains can improve your mood and energy levels. Omega-3 fatty acids, found in fish, flaxseeds, and walnuts, are especially beneficial for brain health.

6. Seek Professional Help

Do not hesitate to seek professional help if you’re struggling. Mental health professionals can provide guidance tailored to your needs. Devonport 7 Day Pharmacy is here to support you with resources and advice.

Winter can be challenging for mental health, but proactive steps can minimise its impact. Embrace natural light, stay active, nurture social connections, maintain a balanced diet, consider supplements, and seek professional help when needed. Remember, the team at Devonport 7 Day Pharmacy is always here to offer support and guidance.

Exciting News!

Also, we are thrilled to announce the launch of DoorDash on the 31st of May. We are the first pharmacy in New Zealand to offer DoorDash delivery service, making it even easier for you to get your essential health products delivered right to your door.

Contact Devonport 7-Day Pharmacy

09 445 4000

www.devonport7daypharmacy.co.nz 

www.facebook.com/247pharmacy.co.nz

www.youtube.com/@AsktheAlchemist

Contact Phillip Quay

Phillip@nzbusinessconnect.co.nz

027 458 7724

www.nzbusinessconnect.co.nz

From the expert team at Devonport 7 Day Pharmacy comes a detailed exploration into the workings of seasonal vaccines, such as those for influenza, crucial for safeguarding our health against prevalent diseases during peak seasons. These vaccines are meticulously developed to combat viruses that undergo mutations, with influenza being a prime example, requiring an annual update to match the evolving strains.

Understanding Seasonal Vaccines:

Tailored Protection: Globally, health organisations diligently monitor virus strains throughout the year to identify those likely to dominate the upcoming season. Based on these predictions, seasonal vaccines are formulated to counteract these specific strains, offering targeted defence.

Priming the Immune System: Seasonal vaccines introduce a harmless component of the virus—be it killed or weakened virus particles or just a piece of the virus—into the body. This stimulates the immune system to react as though it were a real infection by creating antibodies. These antibodies memorise the virus, enabling the body to mount a swift response to future encounters.

Enhanced Response on Exposure: Post-vaccination, if the body encounters the virus it has been vaccinated against, the immune system is primed to recognise and combat it efficiently. This can prevent the onset of the disease or significantly diminish its severity.

Necessity of Annual Vaccination: Given the rapid evolution of the flu virus, last year’s vaccine may not offer protection against this year’s circulating strains. An annual jab ensures that the immune system is equipped to face off against the latest viral threats.

Community Immunity: A high uptake of vaccinations within a community significantly reduces the incidence of the disease, offering protection to those who are vulnerable or unable to receive the vaccine due to medical reasons.

In addition to advocating for the importance of seasonal vaccinations, Devonport 7 Day Pharmacy also extends its services to the workplace, providing vaccinations to ensure the health and well-being of employees. This proactive approach not only protects individuals but also contributes to a healthier community, mitigating the spread of diseases during their peak seasons.

Devonport 7 Day Pharmacy emphasises the critical role that seasonal vaccines play in individual and public health, advocating for annual vaccinations to ensure comprehensive protection against evolving viral threats.

Come in for your flu vaccine, no booking is required. The funded flu vaccine is available from April 2^nd 2024.

Free Flu Vaccine Eligibility:

The 2024 flu vaccine, Influvac Tetra, is provided at no cost for:

• Individuals aged 65 years and over.
• Those with long-term medical conditions such as diabetes, asthma, or heart conditions (available for ages 6 months and older).
• Pregnant women.
• Children aged 4 years and under who have been hospitalized for respiratory illness or have a history of significant respiratory illness.
• Individuals with mental health conditions, including schizophrenia, major depressive disorder, bipolar disorder, or schizo-affective disorder.
• People currently accessing secondary or tertiary mental health and addiction services.

For those not qualifying for a free flu vaccine, it’s available for a $30 fee.

During workplace visits, eligible staff may also receive the COVID-19 booster XBB.1.5 strain vaccine on site. It’s advisable to wait at least six months since your last COVID-19 infection or vaccination for the booster.

For detailed information on the flu vaccine and eligibility, please visit [Healthify – Influenza Flu Topics](https://healthify.nz/health-a-z/i/influenza-flu-topics/).

Contact Devonport 7-Day Pharmacy

09 445 4000

www.devonport7daypharmacy.co.nz 

www.facebook.com/247pharmacy.co.nz

www.youtube.com/@AsktheAlchemist

Contact Phillip Quay

Phillip@nzbusinessconnect.co.nz

027 458 7724

www.nzbusinessconnect.co.nz