eastMED Pharmacy

02/11/2026

Dispensing prescriptions is an important part of what we do, but there’s a lot more happening behind the counter.

There are questions about whether medicines can be taken together, advice on using an inhaler, help understanding a label, conversations about side effects and support for people managing long-term health conditions.

Sometimes it’s a detailed discussion. Sometimes it’s simply helping someone feel more confident about what they need to do next.

We’ve been part of the St Heliers community since 1992, and we still believe there’s real value in knowing the people who walk through our doors.

If you have a question about your medicines, you’re welcome to ask.

01/11/2026

We all know someone who brushes off a health concern with a quick “she’ll be right.” But when it comes to your health, some things are worth checking out.

This Movember, we’re encouraging men to make their health a priority. Whether it’s a niggling concern, a change in how you're feeling or simply a check-up that's been put off for too long, taking action now can make a real difference.
💙 Don't put off that appointment. If something doesn't feel right, get it checked.
💙 Know your numbers. Ask about blood pressure and other health checks appropriate for you.
💙 Look after your mental wellbeing. Changes in sleep, mood or energy are worth talking about.
💙 Ask before making changes. Your pharmacist can help with questions about medicines and supplements.

Looking after yourself isn't a sign of weakness.
It's one of the smartest things you can do for yourself and the people who care about you 😊

29/10/2026

🎃 Little hands are curious - keep medicines out of reach!

With Halloween just around the corner, it's a timely reminder to make sure all medicines are safely stored away from children.
💊 Keep medicines in a secure cupboard, well out of sight and reach of little hands.
🍬 Remember, some tablets, vitamins and gummies can look a lot like lollies to young children.
👜 Don't forget medicines kept in handbags, bedside drawers or weekly pill organisers.
🏠 Always put medicines away immediately after use, and remind children that medicine is never something to play with.

A few simple precautions can help keep curious little ones safe.

If you suspect a child has accidentally swallowed medicine, call the NZ National Poisons Centre on 0800 764 766 for advice, even if they seem well. In an emergency, call 111.

Have a happy and safe Halloween! 🎃

28/10/2026

WORLD STROKE DAY: KNOW THE SIGNS. ACT FAST. ❤️

A stroke is a medical emergency, and recognising the warning signs quickly can save lives.

Remember FAST:
F - Face: Is one side of the face drooping?
A - Arms: Is there weakness or difficulty raising one arm?
S - Speech: Is speech slurred or difficult to understand?
T - Time: Call 111 immediately.

Other sudden symptoms can include loss of vision, difficulty walking, dizziness or a severe headache. Don’t wait to see whether symptoms pass.

If you suspect a stroke, call 111 straight away, even if the person seems to improve. Do not drive them yourself or give them food, drink or medication while waiting for help.

Knowing what to look for matters. Please share this reminder with someone who might need it.

22/10/2026

Whether this long weekend means a beach walk, lunch with the family, a spot of gardening or finally sitting down with a cup of tea while it’s still hot, we hope you get a chance to enjoy it 😊

A small reminder if you’re heading away: pack your regular medicines, keep them in their original packaging where practical, and check any storage instructions before you leave.

If you use refrigerated medication, make sure you have a suitable plan to keep it within its required temperature range. Don’t leave medicines in a hot car.

And if you’re running low on a prescription, remember that public holidays can affect access to services, so it’s worth checking your supply ahead of time.

Have a safe and restful Labour Weekend!

14/10/2026

You don't always need a dramatic reason to check in with yourself.

Sometimes it's simply:
“I haven't felt quite like myself lately.”
Or:
“I've been running on empty.”
Or:
“I'm coping, but I'm not really enjoying much at the moment.”

Those things are worth noticing.

Mental wellbeing can be affected by sleep, stress, physical health, relationships, work, medication and plenty of other things.

And you don't have to have everything figured out before asking for help.

Start with someone you trust.

Talk to your GP if you're concerned.

And if you're taking medication and notice changes in how you're feeling, talk to your pharmacist or doctor before making changes yourself.

You don't have to quietly put up with something just because you've been prescribed it - sometimes the first step is simply starting the conversation.

12/10/2026

When was the last time you asked someone how they were doing – and really listened to the answer?

Life gets busy. Between work, family and everything else on our plates, it's easy to lose touch with the people around us. This Mental Health Awareness Week, we're encouraging our St Heliers community to make a little more room for connection.

It doesn't have to be a grand gesture.
☕ Invite someone for a coffee.
🚶 Take a walk with a friend.
📱 Send a message to someone you haven't spoken to in a while.
💬 Ask how someone is doing, and make time to listen.

Small moments of connection can help people feel seen, valued and included.

And remember, connection works both ways. It's okay to reach out when you need someone, too.

Who could you make time for this week?

Mental Health Foundation of New Zealand

11/10/2026

Sometimes, the smallest connections make the biggest difference.

A friendly hello. A familiar face. A quick chat with someone who remembers your name.

This Mental Health Awareness Week, the theme is "Belonging Matters" – a reminder that feeling connected, included and supported is an important part of our wellbeing.

We're fortunate to be part of a community where those everyday connections matter. We believe looking after our community means more than caring for physical health - it's also about taking the time to listen, showing kindness and making people feel welcome.

Because sometimes, a little connection can go a long way.

Question - what's one thing you love about our St Heliers community?

FluroFest 2026 is taking over Jordan Field for an afternoon packed with colour, live music, food, sport, circus fun, bubbles, community activations and plenty of surprises.

06/10/2026

Not every health question needs to begin with knowing exactly what you need.

Sometimes the best place to start is simply:
“I’m not sure what to use.”

That gives our pharmacists the opportunity to ask a few useful questions, understand what else you may be taking and help you work out the most appropriate next step. If something needs further medical attention, we can also let you know.

You don’t need to arrive with the answer.

Start by asking your local pharmacy team.

30/09/2026

Welcome to October!

This means brighter days, the return of long weekends (bring on labour Weekend), and more trips away with friends and family. It also means checking the travel kits (first aid, medicines, etc) as part of planning.

A useful travel kit should match the traveller and the destination - not simply contain everything from the bathroom cupboard.

Before you buy, consider:
🤔 where you are going
🤔 how long you will be away
🤔 who is travelling
🤔 activities you have planned
🤔 existing conditions or medicines
🤔 how easily you could access care at your destination

Tell our pharmacy team about the trip and who the kit is for - we can help you think through suitable everyday essentials and identify questions that may need to go to your doctor or a travel-health provider.

Any questions, just ask 😊