Travel Checklist

If you are going overseas soon, here's a check list for you to consider before you depart...(some of these may not be readily available at your destination, while others may be good for the journey)...

PASSPORT! – Check it's valid!!
Regular medication - You would be surprised at how many people actually leave their medication at home! Some medicines should not be stopped without consulting your Doctor – check before you go. If you are taking a reasonable quantity, ask your Doctor for a letter of explanation so you can get through customs smoothly.
Anti Malarial Medication – Depending on your destination you may require protection from the malaria infection
Travel Vaccinations – Again, don’t leave this to the last minute. Some countries require proof of vaccinations before entry. Make sure you are protected.
Motion Sickness – We have formulated our own medicine called “Bureta Bombs” to help prevent and relieve motion sickness. This is a pharmacist only medicine You will need to discuss with one of our pharmacists if it is suitable for you.
Vitamins – Another good way to boost your energy levels, but can also help prevent infections. Vitamin B in high doses can help prevent insect bites!
Sunscreen – (Jelaous!) The quality of sunscreens can vary. New Zealand has rigid quality standards, so your might as well be prepared and buy one before you leave (by the way – check the expiry date!)
No Jet Lag – this homeopathic remedy is safe to use with other medicines. This helps the body cope with the stress involved in travelling. Avoiding alcohol and drinking plenty of water helps reduce jet lag too.
First Aid Kit –Some small dressings, antiseptic cream and a crepe bandage may be all you need, needles and syringes, surgical scissors or a scalpel may help too.
Pain relief - think about a small box of paracetamol or ibuprofen, always useful for a headache, sore throat or a bump! Liquid preparations for the kids especially useful.
Antihistamine tablets/Cream – an allergic reaction could be triggered by food, medicine or direct contact with something – the first step to reduce the reaction is antihistamine.
Antiseptic cream –. Antiseptics don’t necessarily heal an infection, but may help prevent the infection getting worse.
Anti Diarrhoea medication – one of the most common yet inconvenient travellers’ ailments is ‘Delhi Belly’. Don’t be fooled into thinking you have to be in a third world country to get struck down.
Travel soap/toothpaste/shampoo etc – keep these items in your hand luggage in case your main luggage goes walkabout! (a spare change of clothing is a good idea too). Watch the pack sizes!
Non-prescription sleeping tablets
Scholl Flight Socks
Those funny beach booties for walking on sand and coral
If you're my age - spare film. If you're on of those pesky youngsters, spare device chargers or battery rechargers.
Insect Repellant - talk to one of our staff about whick would best suit you - some can actually affect cloth or plastic materials like tents!
For NZ government safe travel information - click here
For travel Travel health advice from the Ministry of Health - click here
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention - Travellers' Health information - click here
For complete travel health information, updated daily, for physicians and travellers - click here
World Health Organization - International Travel and Health here
Don’t forget to send us a postcard (we also have quite a liking for duty free Toblerone!!!)

Safe travels!

Swallowing difficulties (dysphagia)

Causes of swallowing difficulties

Swallowing difficulties can happen at any age. There are a wide range of causes for them, including:

some medicines, such as antipsychotics
heartburn and acid reflux
cancer, such as mouth or throat cancers
nervous system or brain disorders
muscle disorders
blockages or structural issues with your mouth, throat or oesophagus.

Symptoms of swallowing difficulties

Symptoms of swallowing difficulties may include:

coughing or choking when eating or drinking
bringing food back up, may be through your nose
the feeling that food is stuck in your throat
having issues chewing your food
problems with dribbling.

Swallowing difficulties can cause weight loss, dehydration and chest infections.

Diagnosing swallowing difficulties

Let your healthcare provider know if you have swallowing difficulties. They will ask you about your symptoms and check if any other health conditions you have may be the cause.

Your healthcare provider may refer you to a specialist for tests. These may include a:

gastroscopy—a camera is passed down through your mouth to look at your throat and stomach
swallowing study—your throat and stomach are x-rayed as you swallow small amounts of food.

Treating swallowing difficulties

How your swallowing difficulties are treated depends on the cause and how severe it is. Treatments may include:

medicines to treat acid reflux
swallowing therapy with a speech and language therapist
making changes to what you eat and drink, such as softer foods and using thickener in drinks
using special spoons, plates and cups
surgery to widen your oesophagus.
using special medication lubricants eg Gloup to help make it easier to swallow tablets etc. For more information click here.

Self care for swallowing difficulties

As well as seeing your healthcare provider, the following tips may help you to get food or liquids into your stomach.

Sit upright in a chair—at a table is best.
Have regular small meals instead of the main large meals.
Eat or drink small mouthfuls at a time.
If your voice is gurgly when you eat or drink, give a small cough to make sure your airway is clear.
Wet food will be easier to swallow as dry food can catch in your throat.
If your food has 2 consistencies, such as fruit in juice and cereal in milk, try to mix it into 1 consistency, or eat the solid and liquid portions separately.
Concentrate on eating and avoid talking.
Hot, ice-cold or fizzy liquids are easier to swallow than room temperature liquids.
If you are told to have thickened liquids, avoid ice-cream and jelly as they thin before swallowing.
Drink from the top half of you cup to avoid tipping your head back.

Have a look at our range of Gloup medication lubricants here which can help with difficulties swallowing tablets...

Bureta Pharmacy Shop

We're 'the little pharmacy with the big heart' - our slogan explains our attitude - small in size but big in attitude, we like to go the extra mile for our customers!