People prone to respiratory conditions like asthma or hayfever are being urged to take extra care ahead of predicted thunderstorm activity across Western NSW Local Health District (WNSWLHD).

Each year from around mid-October to mid-November, asthma and hayfever suf­ferers may be at greater risk of severe symptoms due to high pollen counts, and weather conditions like those are predicted across the region in coming weeks.

Western NSW Local Health District Pub­lic Health Physician, Dr Victor Carey, is urging people with asthma or breathing problems, and those impacted by hayfever in spring, to take extra precautions when thunderstorms are expected.

“People should be alert, not alarmed. It is incredibly important for people to be aware they could be at risk. Airborne pollens are at their highest levels at this time of year,” Dr Carey said.

“Thunderstorms can cause pollen grains to explode and release fine particles which can be inhaled more deeply into the lungs.

Even people who don’t have asthma should take extra precautions during thunderstorm season.

“Anyone with diagnosed asthma should be proactively managing their symptoms.

Carry your asthma medication with you at all times during high-risk periods and make sure your family, school and workplace has a copy of your asthma management plan.

Breathing difficulties can be life threaten­ing. In the event of a breathing emergency dial Triple Zero (000) immediately.

More information can be found on the NSW Health website: https://www.health.nsw.gov.au/environment/factsheets/Pages/thunderstorm-asthma.aspx

Pharmacist Sarah Hazell. Photo Credit to Monique Lovick Photography.

Forbes Pharmacist, Sarah Hazell, is cel­ebrating 26 years at Flannery’s Pharmacy.

The Forbes local, graduated from Forbes High School in 1997 and went on to study pharmacy at Charles Sturt University in Wagga Wagga, before returning to work at the local business.

“A lot of young people are amazed to learn I’ve only ever had one job. I started here at the age of 18 and that was my first job, at Flannery’s Pharmacy, and I’m still here today,” Life Pharmacy and Flannery’s Pharmacist Managing Partner, Sarah Ha­zell, said.

“I’ve just absolutely loved my role as a pharmacist in a small, rural community. I think it’s been so rewarding professionally, and it’s a great environment to get to know your patient and see the patient again, and again, and again and get that regular follow up. You build wonderful relationships and it’s really lovely.”

There are about 37 thousand pharma­cists across nearly six thousand community pharmacies in Australia. As scope of prac­tice initiatives are announced and rolled out in every state and territory, now more than ever pharmacists are stepping up to meet healthcare needs in their local communi­ties.

This year marks 26 years with Life Phar­macy Group for Sarah, 22 years as a regis­tered pharmacist and 17 years as a partner.

She credits her passion for pharmacy, the Forbes community, and her mentors as a driving force behind her success.

“It was never my plan to stay in Forbes, I always wanted to live by the beach, but I’ve always been presented with wonderful opportunity after wonderful opportunity. I met my husband at university, we moved to Forbes, and we’ve just made this our home.

We’ve both got businesses in town and just love the community, and I think it’s a great place to raise a family,” Sarah said.

This Breast Cancer Awareness Month, women aged 50-74 from Western NSW Local Health District are being urged to book in for a free mammogram, with more than 40 (41.4) percent of women in the region overdue for their two-yearly breast cancer screening.

This Breast Cancer Awareness Month, BreastScreen NSW is also encouraging women to Be A Friend, Tell A Friend about the importance of having regular mammograms. Be A Friend, Tell A Friend encourages word of mouth and social media promotion among women to their friends, family and colleagues about the need to have regular mammograms.

Breast cancer is the most common cancer in women with age and being female the biggest risk factors – not family history. Wom­en aged 50 – 74 years are recommended to have a breast screen every two years.

BreastScreen NSW recommends Aboriginal women start screening at 40 years, with evidence showing that they are diag­nosed with breast cancer at a younger age, have more advanced cancer at diagnosis and poorer survival rates compared to the overall female population.

Any woman who has noticed a change in their breasts, like a lump, should see their doctor without delay. Make breast screen­ing a priority. It only takes 20 minutes and no doctor’s referral is needed.

For more information and to make an appointment at a local BreastScreen NSW clinic or mobile van, you can call 13 20 50 or book online at www.breastscreen.nsw.gov.au.