ICPA - Independent Community Pharmacy Association

06/11/2026

November is Diabetes Awareness Month - Know the Warning Signs!

Diabetes does not always announce itself clearly. Excessive thirst, frequent urination, unexplained tiredness, blurred vision or unexpected weight loss can be warning signs. If these symptoms sound familiar, don’t ignore them. Speak to your pharmacist about the next steps and whether a blood glucose test or medical assessment is needed.

06/11/2026

SADC MALARIA DAY | 6 NOVEMBER

Travelling to a malaria-risk area? Plan ahead!

Malaria is preventable and treatable, but prompt action matters. If you develop a fever or flu-like symptoms after visiting a malaria-risk area, seek medical assessment urgently—even if you used malaria prevention measures. Planning a trip? Ask your pharmacist about mosquito-bite prevention and whether preventive medication is appropriate for your destination.

01/11/2026

🚭 A setback doesn't end the journey! 💚

Quitting smoking isn't always a straight road, and that's okay!

If you've had a slip-up during your 28-day quit challenge, don't give up. Every smoke-free day is progress, and every new attempt is another opportunity to succeed.

Remember these three steps:

⏸️ PAUSE – Take a moment. Be kind to yourself.
💡 LEARN – Identify what triggered the setback.
🔄 START AGAIN – Reset your goals and keep moving forward.

💚 Your community pharmacist can help you manage cravings, explore smoking cessation support options and get your quit plan back on track.

A setback is not a failure. Your progress still counts!
🗣️ Speak to your pharmacist. You've got this!

31/10/2026

💚 𝐌𝐄𝐍𝐓𝐀𝐋 𝐇𝐄𝐀𝐋𝐓𝐇 𝐌𝐀𝐓𝐓𝐄𝐑𝐒. 𝐘𝐎𝐔𝐑𝐒 𝐓𝐎𝐎.

Sometimes, the hardest words to say are "I'm not okay."

But you don't have to face everything alone.

Mental health is just as important as physical health, yet too many people struggle in silence, afraid of being judged, misunderstood or dismissed.

💚 𝐓𝐚𝐥𝐤 𝐎𝐩𝐞𝐧𝐥𝐲. Your feelings deserve to be heard.

💚 𝐑𝐞𝐚𝐜𝐡 𝐨𝐮𝐭. Asking for support is a sign of strength, not weakness.

💚 𝐋𝐨𝐨𝐤 𝐚𝐟𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝐲𝐨𝐮𝐫𝐬𝐞𝐥𝐟. Small steps towards your wellbeing can make a meaningful difference.

Whether you're feeling overwhelmed, anxious, stressed or simply need guidance on where to turn, your community pharmacist can be a starting point for a supportive conversation.

🗣️ 𝐍𝐨𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐢𝐬 𝐭𝐨𝐨 𝐬𝐦𝐚𝐥𝐥 𝐭𝐨 𝐭𝐚𝐥𝐤 𝐚𝐛𝐨𝐮𝐭. 𝐒𝐩𝐞𝐚𝐤 𝐭𝐨 𝐲𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐩𝐡𝐚𝐫𝐦𝐚𝐜𝐢𝐬𝐭.

29/10/2026

🧠🚨 29 October | World Stroke Day 2026
Every M1nute Counts! ⏱️

A stroke can happen to anyone, at any age. Recognising the warning signs and acting quickly could save a life!

💚 Remember F.A.S.T.

🔴 F – FACE: Is one side of the face drooping?

🔴 A – ARMS: Is one arm weak or numb?

🔴 S – SPEECH: Is speech slurred or difficult to understand?

🔴 T – TIME: Call emergency medical services immediately!

⏱️ When it comes to stroke, every minute matters. Don't wait for symptoms to disappear. Act FAST!

Your community pharmacist can help you understand stroke risk factors, manage your blood pressure and support your long-term cardiovascular health.

💚 Know the signs. Share the message. Save a life.

20/10/2026

💚 20 October | World Osteoporosis Day
🦴 Stronger Bones. Brighter Futures!

Did you know that osteoporosis can develop silently, weakening bones and increasing the risk of fractures, often without noticeable symptoms until a bone breaks?

The good news? There are steps you can take to protect your bone health!

💚 BUILD strong bones with calcium, vitamin D, protein and regular exercise.

💚 PROTECT your bones through an active lifestyle, understanding your risk factors and preventing falls.

💚 STRENGTHEN your bones through early diagnosis, appropriate treatment and good nutrition.

💚 SUPPORT bone health at every stage of life, for yourself and your loved ones.

Your community pharmacist can help you understand your risk factors, offer guidance on nutrition and supplements, and advise you on appropriate screening and treatment support.

🗣️ This World Osteoporosis Day, start a conversation with your pharmacist. Stronger bones begin with awareness!

20/10/2026

🎀 October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month 💗
This month, we stand together in love, hope and solidarity.

💕 To the survivors — your strength inspires us.
💕 To those currently undergoing treatment — we're standing with you.
💕 To the newly diagnosed — you are not alone.
💕 To those we've lost — we honour your memory.
💕 To the caregivers, families and supporters — your love makes a difference.
💕 To everyone spreading awareness — thank you for keeping the conversation going.

Early detection saves lives. Knowing your body, recognising changes and seeking medical advice when something doesn't feel right can make a difference.

Your community pharmacist is here to listen, offer guidance and help you access the right healthcare support.

💗 Together, let's spread awareness, encourage screening and support one another.

10/10/2026

October is StobTober - Take the 28-day challenge!

Sometimes the urge to smoke isn’t only about ni****ne — it can also be connected to routines, places and situations you associate with smoking. Before your quit date, start noticing when you usually reach for a cigarette. Knowing your triggers can help you plan what you’ll do instead. Your pharmacist can help you identify potential challenges, discuss practical coping strategies and guide you towards appropriate smoking-cessation support. 28 days. One day at a time.

Your Community Pharmacist is here to support you through every step of your QUIT journey

10/10/2026

💚 World Mental Health Day 2026 | Every Voice Matters

Mental health affects individuals, families and communities in different ways. Yet, too often, people feel that their concerns aren't important enough to talk about.

This World Mental Health Day, the World Health Organization is highlighting the importance of listening to people with lived experience of mental health conditions and ensuring their voices help shape the care and support they receive.

At ICPA, we believe community healthcare begins with meaningful conversations.

Your independent community pharmacist is often one of the most accessible healthcare professionals in your neighbourhood. Whether you're feeling overwhelmed, have questions about your medication or simply aren't sure where to turn for support, your pharmacist can listen, offer guidance and help connect you with appropriate care.

💚 Nothing is too small to talk about. Your pharmacist is here to listen.

Let's build communities where people feel heard, respected and supported.

08/10/2026

HEALTH & WELLNESS: World Pharmacist Day: What Pharmacists can tell us about our health and habits

Pharmacists Kgabo Komape, Simone Eksteen and Shushu Mhangwane join Tshegohaco Moagi to look at how South Africans use pharmacies, the realities of self-medication, the sensitive questions people bring to the pharmacy counter and the changing role of pharmacists in our healthcare system.

Pharmacists Kgabo Komape, Simone Eksteen and Shushu Mhangwane join Tshegohaco Moagi to look at how South Africans use pharmacies, the realities of self-medication, the sensitive questions people bring to the pharmacy counter and the changing role of pharmacists in our healthcare system.