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Link and women’s life stages

We commemorate National Women’s Day on the 9th August each year but every day is Women’s Day at Link as we assist them in their journey through the different life stages.

1. What are the different life stages for women?

The Harbin Clinic categorises four life stages based on the reproductive cycle.

• Puberty
• Fertility and family planning
• Pregnancy
• Menopause

After menopause, women enter the post-climacteric or senior stage where they encounter new health concerns such as having more than one medical condition to contend with.

This article outlines some of the ways that Link assists our women customers in each of the different stages.

2. How does Link help?

2.1 Puberty
Changes are physical, sexual, social and emotional and Link pharmacists are there to help children and their parents in this sensitive life stage.

Guidance can range from concerns about menstruation to treating oily skin or acne, to recommending deodorants for increased perspiration.

2.2 Fertility and family planning
Pharmacists assist in preventing sexually transmitted infections, including HIV, and are able to provide advice on contraception and fertility. Services can extend to emergency post-coital contraception.

Any counselling is confidential and takes place in a private setting, avoiding any embarrassment and allowing customers to feel comfortable and talk openly with the pharmacist.

2.3 Prenatal
Prenatal check-ups from your doctor are essential for a healthy pregnancy but your Link pharmacist also has a valuable support role to play. As an expectant mom, here are some of the conversations to have with your Link pharmacist:

  • Checking whether any medication currently being taken can prove harmful to the baby.
  • Discussing a healthy diet and suggesting vitamins and supplements.
  • Talking about any lifestyle changes needed. One good example is helping moms who smoke to quit the habit.
  • As your body changes during pregnancy, talk to your pharmacist about creams to nourish your skin.

Feel free to speak to your pharmacist about any concerns that you have. If need be, they will suggest a visit to your doctor. As your family grows, be assured that you will receive all the support and care from your Link family.

2.4 Menopause
Women can experience at least 34 symptoms of menopause. Many symptoms will go away over time but you can receive treatment to alleviate the symptoms, ranging from hormonal replacement therapy, creams for vaginal dryness and supplements to keep your bones strong among others.

With so many symptoms, menopause can be overwhelming and the pharmacist offers a patient-centric advisory role, helping you to understand the risks and benefits associated with the relief of symptoms.

2.5 Senior
Medication management and adherence is difficult for many customers but can prove quite challenging for some senior customers.

The pharmacist provides a valuable role by:

  • Monitoring prescriptions for possible drug interactions.
  • Helping the customer to understand their medication.
  • Explaining how to take the medication correctly.

Link’s pharmacists are easily accessible and they often have long-standing relationships with senior customers, allowing the pharmacist to understand an individual’s unique needs and circumstances.

An endearing aspect of the Link brand is that we have traded in communities for over three decades and many of our pharmacy owners have travelled alongside our customers throughout their different life stages.

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While all reasonable effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of information contained in this article, information may change or become dated, as new developments occur. The Link group shall not be held liable or accountable for the accuracy, completeness or correctness of any information for any purpose. No content in this article, irrespective of the date or reference source, should be viewed as a substitute for direct medical advice from your doctor, pharmacist or any other suitably qualified clinician.