Page 10 - Retail Pharmacy Assistants - October 2020

8 INDUSTRY UPDATES PATY AWARD STATE FINALISTS ANNOUNCED TURMERIC FOUND TO HELP EASE OSTEO PAIN Despite its large disease burden, no approved disease-modifying drugs currently are available to treat osteoarthritis. Common treatments, which include nonsteroidal, anti- inflammatory medications, have only mild to moderate effects and are associated with adverse events. Safer and more effective options are needed to treat this debilitating condition. In response to this, a new Australian-led study has shown that turmeric extract may help to combat pain in people with osteoarthritis. The small trial of 70 patients compared the extract with placebo and found it modestly but statistically significantly reduced knee pain over 12 weeks. After this time, the study found that patients taking the turmeric supplements reported less pain than those in the placebo group, with no adverse events. The randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial, published in Annals of Internal Medicine, also found that those in the turmeric group also took fewer pain killers than those in the placebo group. However, the researchers note that due to the modest effect of the turmeric extracts on knee pain, small sample size of the study, short duration of follow-up and the single research centre, multicentre trials with larger sample sizes and long duration of follow-up are needed to assess the clinical significance of their findings. While more research is needed, turmeric may be a safe, viable option to ease the pain of those with osteoarthritis. To read the research, visit: acpjournals.org/doi/10.7326/M20- 0990 The State Finalists for this year’s Pharmacy Assistant of the Year (PATY) Award have been selected, with five successful nominees from each state and territory progressing to the next round. These finalists will now take part in a ‘virtual’ state selection interview. One winner from each state/territory will then be selected to compete for the national title, with the final judging day taking place on 30 October. The National Winner, who will be announced via social media and pharmacy media on Monday 2 November, will be awarded a $5,000 cash prize and a Guild Training package of their choice. In addition to the main award, PATY also features the Glucojel Super Star Award which recognises outstanding customer service amongst the PATY State Finalists. Each State Finalist is automatically entered into the Super Star Award and is eligible to win return flights, accommodation and registration to attend APP2021. Congratulations to all of this year’s nominees and finalists. To view the list of State Finalists click here. SUPPORTING WOMEN’S MENTAL HEALTH THROUGHOUT LIPTEMBER Throughout the month of September women’s mental health fundraiser, Liptember, in association with major charity partner, Chemist Warehouse, aimed to raise funds and awareness for women’s mental health. The 2020 Liptember campaign, now in its 11th year, set out to harness the true potential of the collective, encouraging and inspiring people to listen, share and learn about women’s mental health. In a time where the importance of keeping in touch and supporting one another has been magnified, the campaign encouraged people to start the conversation surrounding, “what’s on your mind” by wearing brightly coloured Liptember lipsticks. Donations throughout the campaign were made to six beneficiaries, including: • The Centre for Women’s Mental Health. • Lifeline. • Jean Hailes for Women’s Health. • The Pretty Foundation. • Batyr. • Collingwood Magpie Nest. “Now more than ever, it is so important to be supporting women’s mental health and we a thrilled to \\\[have partnered\\\] with six diverse organisations and programs, which \\\[have allowed\\\] Liptember to make a greater impact on the mental health of women across Australia,” said Liptember Founder, Luke Morris. Chemist Warehouse Director, Mario Tascone added: “Chemist Warehouse has been proud to support the vital work of Liptember since 2013. If 2020 has taught us one thing, it’s the importance of keeping in touch with people in our lives both near and far and, supporting one another. Looking after our mental health is just as important as looking after our physical wellbeing.” For more about the 2020 Liptember campaign, visit: liptember.com.au/ RETAIL PHARMACY ASSISTANTS • OCT 2020