delivers your prescription medicines direct
Pharmac is about to ease its restrictions on the amount of medicine that can be dispensed at once. Since the beginning of the year, some people have been restricted to a month's medicine supply at a time. This was due to Pharmac concerns around global medicines supply during Covid-19. From…
A huge “THANK YOU!” to all our wonderful ZOOM Pharmacy customers who continued to show remarkable resilience, patience, and often marvellous good humour, during lockdown. It was an extraordinary and challenging time for all of us, but we got there in the end. Thank you for your support, it was…
The prospect of visiting and seeing the doctor can inspire negative thoughts in some. Many of us are guilty of conjuring up numerous reasons to delay a visit! Aim to prevent making this mistake by inspiring a change in how you deal with your health. Or maybe a loved one…
Urinary incontinence can be an immense source of stress and embarrassment for its sufferers. It can be nerve-wracking to not know when incontinence may strike; for some, the process of simply walking a few steps can be troubling. Developing greater understanding about urinary incontinence will help those who have it…
It is time that we toss out the old idea of all fats being bad, but rather know what fats are good for us and what other delicious fats we should eat in moderation. Good fat versus bad fat Fats can be divided into two groups. Saturated and artificial trans…
Many of us are only now fully emerging from our homes after level four then three. It is likely that over the last few months we have not been getting as much of that autumn sunshine as we are used to. Why Vitamin D matters You may be feeling lethargic,…
If you have diabetes, your diet and the food you eat shouldn't feel like a life sentence. Diabetes type two is the most common type of diabetics in New Zealand. Though it has traditionally been late onset - with child obesity rates increasing, this trend is changing. To read more…
Alzheimer’s is New Zealand's most common form of dementia. There is no cure, and no proven ways to prevent its onset. Treatment for Alzheimer's focuses on “support and managing symptoms to maximize a person's ability to function and maintain independence for as long as possible.” Supporting your loved one and…
Menopause describes the point where a women’s menstrual cycles cease. Both the number of eggs produced by the ovaries, and female hormones oestrogen and progesterone reduce. Diagnoses comes after 12 months without a menstrual period. It occurs usually between the ages of 45 and 55, but can occur before 40…
This article from the BCG Henderson Institute provides a fresh perspective on COVID-19. It is worth a read to further understand the historical implication of COVID-19 beyond the medical sphere. Its writers’ assess how containment policies have changed the ways in which we function and consume, and how companies are…
The Ministry of Health has indicated diabetes, of which 240,000 kiwis have been diagnosed, as the fastest growing health issue in this country. Knowing about this chronic disease is critical. Because of the large numbers, its reach is widespread. We all will likely be connected in some way with an…
When social distancing isn’t an option, wearing a face mask can limit the spread of infection. However, face masks are limited and should be kept for health professionals and the front line. CNN’s Dr Sanjay Gupta demonstrates in the following video how to make, wear and clean a face mask…
As we now venture into the second half of the national lockdown, things are looking up. More testing is being conducted, and fewer are found infected. New Zealand, as cited in the Washington Post, has been speculated to be one of - if not the only, western country that could…
The current outbreak of coronavirus (COVID-19) which started in China is now spreading through the rest of the world. The picture is changing daily. Many of those who have died had existing medical conditions, such as diabetes and heart disease. However, it's important to remember that significantly more people have survived the infection, versus…
Bones are the framework of our bodies, allowing us to stand, move and hold objects. Our bones grow until our early twenties, and have a smooth outer surface with a weight reducing internal structure. Bones often have a hollow interior, and are filled with bone marrow. Bone health starts early Good bone health starts in childhood with a diet containing plenty…
As we get older, it’s increasingly common to have to take different medicines, at different times throughout the day. But, taking more than a couple of prescription medicines can be challenging to manage. A medicine delivery service would make life so much easier! Does organising all your meds and repeats…
Over a quarter of adults have high blood pressure, also known as hypertension, and this figure is rising. High blood pressure can lead to heart disease - the leading cause of death in New Zealand. High blood pressure also increases the risk of kidney disease, blindness and triples the risk of stroke. What causes high blood pressure?…
With summer at its best, what better way to spend a Sunday evening than going for a leisurely stroll to relax before the week starts. However, when corns and calluses begin to develop on your feet, walking can end up being a painful experience! In simple terms, a corn or…
Gout is a disease that is littered with old wives’ tales and false information including; what causes it, how best to treat, and with what medication. What causes gout? Gout is a form of arthritis, caused by the formation of urate crystals in the joint, commonly the big toe joint. It…
Sunlight in the correct amount is essential, as it is our main source of vitamin D. Not only does sunlight play a role in improving mood, it protects us from bacteria, and improves quality of sleep. Just 5 minutes of summer sun exposure to the hands and face is all that is required to maintain…
Urinary tract infections (UTI) or cystitis is very common and is usually caused by gut bacteria entering your lower urinary tract and bladder. It can occur in people of all ages, however women are 14 times more likely to be affected then men. This is because of the close proximity…
Want your meds sorted before Christmas? ZOOM may contact you earlier than usual about your upcoming repeat prescriptions, to check if you want us to deliver your meds to you before Christmas. Read more to find out about our Christmas opening hours and delivery deadlines. Get in early! Want your…
OK, they may not be a health food, but it's Christmas! Serve on Christmas Day with strawberries, creme patissiere (custard cream) and whipped cream as a dessert, or simply have with a cup of tea. Perfect! Recipe by Alice Taylor @aliceoliviaeats Ingredients 2 cups flour¾ cup icing sugar2 Tbsp cornflourpinch…
Hay fever is the common name for seasonal allergic rhinitis. The name ‘hay fever’ originally came about from late summer reactions to grass pollens seen during hay making. Children more affected than adults Hay fever is widely used to describe the combination of sneezing, runny noses, itchy eyes and itchy mouth suffered by as many as 40% of the New Zealand population. Children…
New Zealand is facing an epidemic of obesity, with 1 in 3 NZ adults (>15 years and over) obese. Doctors are often asked, can prescription medicine like Duromine (phentermine) help with weight loss? Many health issues are strongly associated with being overweight; heart disease, Type 2 diabetes, stroke, arthritis, several common cancers, sleep apnoea…
Did you know that when travelling overseas, you have a 50% chance of suffering from a travel-related illness. Here are some tips that you can take to lower your chances of becoming unwell on your next trip and how to pack your travel medicine! Check in with your GP first It’s…
Anaphylaxis is a medical emergency where a substance triggers a massive allergic response. This causes a combination of rash, swelling, breathing problems and large drops in blood pressure. The number of people with anaphylaxis is increasing with up to 2% of the population at risk. Common triggers Foods, particularly peanuts,…
Taking your prescription medicine regularly and as prescribed by your doctor at the right dose, the right time and the right frequency is known as medication adherence. So why bother getting prescriptions and taking your prescription medicine, if you feel perfectly healthy? The answer is clear. If you get your…
Does organising all your medicines and repeats get on top of you? Taking four or more prescription medicines can be really challenging to manage! Do you find blister packs hard to open? It's common to have to take different medicines or doses, at different times throughout the day. Perhaps you…
Erectile dysfunction (ED) is a condition that many men face at some stage in their life. Are you confused by all the brands and different erectile dysfunction medicines available? There are three erectile dysfunction medicines available in New Zealand. Each one is available in different strengths and you should discuss…
Do you sometimes cringe at the thought of having to go into a pharmacy and ask for something out loud? Not many of us want to discuss private healthcare issues within earshot of others. Maybe you’re not ready to share that you’re taking a new prescription medicine after a recent…