Community Giving

A program built to support the health and wellbeing of our community. Our program is changing.   Bendigo UFS has a long term history in providing community support in many ways.     The Building a Healthier Community Program has provided an avenue of support and a commitment to our valued community through grants, sponsorships, partnerships…

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QuizTermsandConditions

Quiz Terms and Conditions These Terms and Conditions relate to the Social Media Quiz hosted by Bendigo UFS from 17 October 2023 until 31 December 2023.  Who can enter? Entrants must live in the Greater Bendigo, Victoria region. Employees, Directors and their immediate families are not eligible to enter. Entry into the competition means that…

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Bendigo UFS backing Bendigo Foodshare’s crucial work

MEDIA RELEASE MEDIA RELEASE Bendigo UFS backing Bendigo Foodhshare’s crucial work 28 August 2023 A renewed and expanded sponsorship by Bendigo UFS will ensure a crucial community program can continue for two more years.  Bendigo UFS will contribute $60,000 over two years to Bendigo Foodshare’s ‘Grow a Row, Pick a Branch’ program.  Under the program,…

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Pharmacist Intern Program – applicants closing soon

MEDIA RELEASE MEDIA RELEASE Internship boost for local pharmacy students 14 August 2023 Up to four lucky pharmacy students will receive support to complete their studies and a guaranteed job as part of the Bendigo UFS 2024 Intern Program.  The successful applicant will receive ongoing professional development and training at Bendigo UFS, as well as…

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Bendigo UFS celebrates 150 years

MEDIA RELEASE MEDIA RELEASE Community pharmacy celebrates 150 years 8 August 2023 CEO Lois O’Callaghan announced this week Bendigo UFS Pharmacies was celebrating its 150th anniversary in 2023 with events and promotions over the next few months.  Bendigo UFS was founded in 1872 on the principles of early lodges, foundations and friendly societies by men…

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Internship

Intern Program 2024 Applications are now closed   Complete your intern year with a reputable community pharmacy in 2024 Bendigo UFS offers an annual Intern Program for pharmacists to join our longstanding pharmacy group based in Bendigo, in Central Victoria. Pharmacists benefit from working as part of a large and diverse team, with five pharmacies across…

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Supporting community through changes to prescriptions

MEDIA RELEASE MEDIA RELEASE Supporting community through changes to prescriptions 22 June 2023 Bendigo UFS has committed to supporting its members and the broader community as changes are made to how some medications are dispensed.  The Federal government announced in its May budget that it intends to allow patients to be prescribed 60 days’ worth…

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Media Releases

Welcome to our Media Release hub Bendigo UFS backing Bendigo Foodhshare’s crucial work 28 August 2023 A renewed and expanded sponsorship by Bendigo UFS will ensure a crucial community program at Bendigo Foodshare can continue for two years. Read more Internship boost for local pharmacy students 14 August 2023 Up to four lucky pharmacy students…

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new CEO

MEDIA RELEASE MEDIA RELEASE  New CEO appointed to UFS Pharmacies Thursday 13 October 2022 UFS Pharmacies, is excited to announce the appointment of Lois O’Callaghan as CEO of the group. Lois comes to UFS Pharmacies with an extensive variety of experience in various health care and local government settings, most recently as CEO of Mallee…

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Workplace Violence Policy

At Bendigo UFS Pharmacies we have zero tolerance toward violence in the workplace.  We ask that you treat our team members with respect at all times when using our services. We have zero tolerance for abusive and violent behaviour toward our team members or other customers. If this occurs, you may be asked to leave…

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Vaccinations

Supporting our community with vaccinations Bendigo UFS Pharmacies is a community not for profit pharmacy that supports the wider community and its immunisation needs all year round. All Bendigo UFS Pharmacies are providing vaccinations. Each store has been set up with all of the required vaccinator and patient safety, and hygiene measures accounted for –…

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COVID-19 vaccination

      Bendigo UFS Pharmacies are part of the current national COVID-19 Vaccination Rollout and are proud to be part of the program that supports reducing the COVID-19 outbreaks and illness across our community. Booking your COVID-19 vaccination appointment Book your 2023 COVID-19 Booster dose Book your PAEDATRIC (children’s) dose Book your SECOND dose Book your…

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CPAP Recall

Providing support for the Philips CPAP and Bi-Level PAP Devices Recall Activating on the recall is a priority for you and we strongly encourage you to take action if you haven’t already.   The quickest way is to register your CPAP machine with Philips for the recall is by following this link philips.com.au/healthcare/e/sleep/communications/src-update If your…

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Influenza (flu) Vaccination

Influenza vaccination 2023 Influenza, commonly known as the flu is caused by a highly contagious virus that is spread by contact with fluids from coughs and sneezes. Every year, influenza causes widespread illness in the community and we miss out on the things we love to do when unwell! Vaccination against the flu has the…

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Whooping Cough

Whooping cough (pertussis) is a serious, contagious, respiratory infection caused by the bacterium Bordetella pertussis. The disease begins like a cold and then the characteristic cough develops. This cough may last up to three months, even after antibiotic treatment is completed and the person is no longer infectious. Whooping cough is particularly dangerous for babies less…

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Meningococcal

Meningococcal disease is any infection caused by meningococcal bacteria (Neisseria meningitidis). It is uncommon but very serious.  About 10 per cent of the population carry meningococcal bacteria in their throat without becoming unwell. These people are known as ‘carriers’, and they can pass the disease on to someone else. Meningococcal bacteria are passed from person to…

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MMR

Measles, Mumps, Rubella Measles is a contagious viral illness that causes a skin rash and fever. Serious and sometimes fatal complications include pneumonia and encephalitis (brain inflammation). Measles is also known as rubeola, not to be confused with rubella (German measles). Mumps is a viral illness that causes fever and swollen salivary glands. Serious and…

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Influenza Vaccine

Influenza vaccine 2021 early bird registration! We’re doing it again! Want to be the first in the know for when flu vaccinations become available? Register your interest today for the early bird notification of flu vaccination appointment availability!   The dreaded influenza (flu) can spread amongst our community rather quickly with some of us becoming…

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e-prescriptions

Plane tickets are sent to your phone, banking is electronic, tonight’s dinner can be ordered and delivered without having to make a phone call. Some might say best thing since sliced bread. Now it’s time for prescriptions to join. E-prescribing is converting the traditional paper prescription into an electronic script that is sent to your…

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MedAdvisor

A partnership to make things easier for you Testimonials MedAdvisor is our way of making your prescription, health and wellbeing needs easier all from the comfort of your home. UFS Pharmacies are excited to partner with MedAdvisor as it supports our customers to order prescription medication, organise home delivery and even ensures medication is taken…

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COVID-19 Update

Important message to our members and customers How we are supporting you The health and wellbeing of our customers, employees and the broader Bendigo community is the reason UFS Pharmacies exist. As a result of the COVID-19 virus pandemic we have had to operate in a different way to ensure we continue to protect our…

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Home Delivery

Your prescription, health and wellbeing items can now be home delivered For added convenience our home delivery service has been extended. The home delivery service supports the ongoing need to protect our staff, customers and the community especially during COVID-19. It also comes with the added comfort of knowing your items are being delivered hygienically…

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Keep track of your prescriptions and medications at ease

Bendigo UFS Pharmacies have joined the MedAdvisor network of pharmacies to be able to help you keep track of your prescriptions and medications at ease. MedAdvisor is our way of making your prescription, health and wellbeing needs easier. Now is no better time to download the MedAdvisor app onto your smart phone (desktop also available)…

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UFS and Webster-pak®

MEDICATIONS NEED SORTING? UFS PHARMACIES MAKE IT EASY FOR YOU. Our Webster-pak® is the simple and safe way of keeping track of your own or a loved one’s medications. The daily breakdown on the pack tells you what time of day to take it ensuring no mistakes are made with dosage.  Let us take the worry out…

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Understanding Allergic Rhinitis (Hayfever) and Asthma

If you’re confused about the difference between allergies and asthma, you’re not alone. The two are often related, have similar symptoms and can be triggered by the same things.   So how do you know whether you have allergies, asthma, or both? Well, first and foremost, see your doctor. Your GP can run tests to…

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UFS in the community

UFS Pharmacies has a proud history of involvement in the Bendigo community for over 144 years as a not-for-profit membership organisation. UFS Pharmacies in Bendigo originated from a community need and involved people pooling their resources through membership to provide a local service. That model has stood the test of time and has evolved further…

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A new home for our Maiden Gully pharmacy

The new Maiden Gully UFS Pharmacies store at Shop 2, 741 Calder Highway, Maiden Gully was officially opened on Saturday June 3rd this year, and our staff couldn’t be happier in their new ‘home’… Saturday June 3rd’s grand opening was a celebration for UFS Pharmacies’ members, staff and the local Maiden Gully community to come…

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Supercare in our community

“Supercare Pharmacy is an important health initiative for the Bendigo region and Bendigo UFS is proud to be part of it. The initiative allows our organisation to provide community access to high quality advice and service 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.” – Lois O’Callaghan, CEO, Bendigo UFS What is a Supercare Pharmacy?…

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The Youngblood Difference

Mineral cosmetics with a flawless finish for all ages and skin types.   Of course, all mineral cosmetics are not created equal. Pauline Youngblood Soli, a pioneer in the industry, developed her first products in a medical setting, specifically for patients recovering from harsh medical procedures, such as laser or chemical peels, surgeries, and even…

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Community Magazine

UFS produces its own member’s magazine which is mailed directly to members three times a year. Community Magazine is a great way for us to keep in touch with members, communicating great specials and telling you all about new products and services, not to mention a wealth of interesting articles that are sure to make great reading. [bs_row…

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Comfort food that’s kind to you

Welcome to the winter months! These 13 frosty weeks are notorious for their ability to reduce households to a pile of tissues and runny noses, “shrink clothes” and affect bathroom scale readings. During the colder months, it’s easy to lose motivation and let your fitness slip. A warm, cosy bed is much more appealing than…

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UFS in the community: Healthy food for those in need

Food poverty is a reality for about 1 in 9 people in Central Victoria. These are the people that we at Bendigo Foodshare seek to help each week. Mostly staffed by volunteers, each week we will source and distribute food donations to 14,000 people in need of a meal. Partnered with over 100 schools, charities…

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Immunisation: not just for the kids

It can be hard to keep up with your immunisation, especially in your adult years. Mum won’t drag you to your appointment, you’ll have to make a voluntary trip this time – and aren’t immunisations expensive? Turns out they’re not. You wouldn’t want to break your arm if you could help it, so why risk…

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Glaucoma: you won’t see it coming

Glaucoma is a largely unobservable group of eye diseases in which damage to the optic nerves causes a loss of vision. What causes glaucoma? Damage to the optic nerve is responsible for the vision loss that comes with glaucoma, the most common cause of this damage is high pressure in the eyes. However, there are…

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UFS in the community: A gift of love

Jemima’s Gift Inc is an official registered, not for profit, pro-life animal rescue group based in Bendigo. Our organisation named after Jemima, a beautiful mother cat who came to us from a country pound after living in a gutter raising litter after litter of kittens. She also helped mother several orphan kittens. If her carer…

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Maiden Gully Store Grand Opening

You’re invited!

Our Maiden Gully store has moved to a brand new location, and we’re celebrating! Come and join in on the festivities!

  • FREE Jumping Castle
  • FREE Sausage Sizzle
  • FREE Face Painting
  • Maiden Gully Primary School Choir
  • Maiden Gully Fire Brigade
  • Door prizes & extra UFS Member discounts

WHEN
Saturday 3rd June, 10am – 1pm

WHERE
Shop 2, 741 Calder Highway, Maiden Gully


The Flu and you

Unlike the common cold, the flu virus can cause severe illness. Being able to identify symptoms and knowing where to find treatment can reduce the severity of the infection. Symptoms can be very similar to the common cold, such as fatigue, headaches, coughing, sneezing and runny noses. However, the flu can include more serious symptoms…

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Menopause: What’s happening to me?

Menopause isn’t an illness, it’s a natural transition which signifies the end of a woman’s reproductive years and will eventually happen to all women. Menopause is marked by 12 months without menstruation but the symptoms can occur in the time leading up to, and after, these 12 months. In Australia, “most women reach menopause between…

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Optometrist’s View: Simple Tips for Healthy Eyes

Your eyes are an important part of your health. There are many things you can do to keep them healthy and make sure you are seeing your best. Follow these simple steps for maintaining healthy eyes well into your golden years.Comprehensive dilated eye exam Comprehensive dilated eye exam Visiting your eye care professional for a…

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It’s time to shake up this Summer

Sweet Summer Smoothies During the hot summer months, it is refreshing to be able to drink a cold, power-packed smoothie for a snack or lunch. Here are a few recipes to get you through the summer heat: Strawberry – Strawberries are not only delicious, but they also add a lot of vitamins to your diet….

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Educating kids on Asthma

If you have a child with asthma, or even a curious child with a friend or classmate with asthma, you might want to check out asthmakids.com.au – it’s a website that speaks to kids about asthma, without all the heavier grown up or medical jargon. It’s bright and engaging, targeting pre-school and primary school children…

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Helping communities shine

With school starting this week it is an ideal time to replenish your sunscreen and at the same time help a worthwhile community group with help from Bendigo’s four UFS Pharmacies. One dollar from the sale of Pharmacy Choice SPF 50+ sunscreen one litre pump pack or 200ml spray bottle will go directly to the…

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Essential health items for happy travels

There are many things you can do to ensure you are a healthy traveller, and your local UFS Pharmacy can assist with your preparations. Visit your GP Ensure you have no underlying health issues, especially if you are travelling overseas or to a remote location. Ensure you have sufficient scripts to enable you to take…

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Gift ideas for Santa Claus

It’s that time of year when Santa Claus comes sliding down the chimney bringing presents for all. Santa’s had a long year making toys and preparing for the big day. Doesn’t he deserve a few presents of his own? Here are some gifts for Santa Claus that he’ll surely appreciate this Christmas: [bs_row class=”row”][bs_col class=”col-sm-4″]…

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Fast-track Guide: Getting Holiday Ready

Looking your best this holiday season doesn’t just start on the day – maintaining a good skincare regime is key to mastering your healthy summer skin for the holidays and beyond. Take a look at these fresh tips – from bronzing up to stepping out in style with that healthy glow. Book your pre-travel preparations…

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UFS in the Community: Valkyrie Care Group

Providing support for those touched by cancer On behalf of Valkyrie Care Group Inc. I, as Co-ordinator, wish to thank the UFS Pharmacies’ members for the opportunity to be part of the Building a Healthier Community Program. We were thrilled to receive your donation, as every time we make any amount of money in partnership…

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New Year, New You

For many of us, January marks a month of new beginnings – all backed by good intentions. Here are some fool-proof ways to ensure that your resolutions not only stick, but transform you into the best you that you can be.Ditch the ‘diet’ Ditch the ‘diet’ If eating better is on your list of New…

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Member Rewards Nights 2016

You’re invited! Join us for some light refreshments and a night of shopping at our VIP Member Rewards Nights! Two great nights at two great locations – plus ones welcome! For dates, times and RSVP information, download the invitation below:


Steps towards better health

Did you know that every day more than 70 Victorians are diagnosed with diabetes? “The aim of diabetes treatment is to keep your blood sugars within a specified range,” UFS pharmacist Tegan Ward said. “As large fluctuations in your blood sugar can lead to significant complications with your diabetes.” Once diagnosed, self blood glucose monitoring…

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UFS in the Community: Bendigo Autism Asperger Group

BAAG is a local support group run by volunteers for those interested in and affected by Autism Spectrum Disorders. Membership to BAAG is free. We have been functioning for around 20 years in Bendigo (originally as the Bendigo Autism Family Support Group). BAAG meet regularly for informal morning tea and evening coffee events and for…

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Blood sugar levels and your health

Did you know that diabetes is the fastest-growing chronic condition in Australia? Diabetes is a condition where the body cannot maintain healthy levels of glucose in the blood. Glucose is a form of sugar that is the main energy source for the body but unhealthy levels can lead to both short and long term complications…

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Five foods for healthy eyesight

You already know that regular check-ups with your optometrist can help keep your eyes in good health. But did you know that there are also foods full of nutrients that help keep your eyes healthy too? Here are five of the top foods for your eye health:   Kale Kale contains lutein and zeaxathin, which…

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Preventing Diabetes

Currently type 1 diabetes cannot be prevented. However, researchers are looking into the autoimmune process and environmental factors that lead to developing type 1 diabetes so that we may be able to prevent it in the future. On the other hand many cases of Type 2 diabetes can be prevented or have the onset delayed…

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All you need to know about: The Sleep Apnoea Take Home Test

The take-home sleep apnoea test from UFS Pharmacies is a quick (just one night), inexpensive, non-intrusive test that monitors you while you sleep in your own bed at home. It’s a great alternative to having to spend the night in a sleep clinic or hospital. You simply bring the device back to the pharmacy the…

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Help your organisation shine!

$1* from the purchase of of Pharmacy Choice SPF 50+ sunscreen lotion (1L) and spray (200mL) will be donated to local schools, clubs and organisations, and we want your group to reap the rewards! To help promote this campaign with your members and friends, you can download a flyer to place in your newsletter or…

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Fast-track guide: Silky Smooth Skin

The cool change is here, with your favourite jeans, leather boots and warm woollens, it’s that time to cover up again, and now is the perfect time to start thinking about rejuvenating your skin. Be it acne reduction, pigmentation therapy, vascular therapy, permanent hair reduction or just a healthier glow, there’s an IPL & Advanced…

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Facebook Mother’s Day competition winner!

Congratulations to the winner of our Facebook Mother’s Day competition winner, Michelle Cummins.

Michelle has a $200 Eden voucher to spend at our salon in Hargreaves St.

 


Building a Healthier Community – Cheque Presentation 2016

Thank you to all of our members! We at UFS would like to thank our members for their continued generosity – thanks to you, we’ve donated over $60,000 (plus $10,000 in minor donations and community sponsorships) to local schools, clubs and organisations through our Building a Healthier Community program. To take a look at the…

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Optometrist’s View: Finding your Perfect Fit

Did you know that lens fitting errors can significantly reduce the optical performance of your lenses?   Best vision can only be achieved if your lenses are fitted to match the position of your eyes, the inclination of your head and the position of your glasses on your nose. Introducing the state-of-the-art i.Terminal mobile from…

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In Season: Immune boosting Autumn Eats

You are what you eat Did you grow up hearing “you are what you eat” or “you only get out what you put in”? OK, that second one might have been aimed at motivation more than nutrition, but it does make you think about what you’re filling your body with, doesn’t it? In the lead…

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Member Benefits: Healthy savings with GMHBA

Leading not-for-profit health fund GMHBA offers quality health insurance at discounted rates for Bendigo UFS Members. Members can access up to a 6% discount off GMHBA’s already great value rates and enjoy the convenience of direct debit deductions.   To take advantage of this great offer please contact GMHBA on 1300 446 422 or Request…

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Bringing something new to the bedroom

Sleep Apnoea: a disorder in which breathing is repeatedly interrupted during sleep.   Treatment for sleep apnoea can rely on some simple changes to lifestyle, such as losing weight. There are also some medical conditions which can affect your quality of sleep too – talk to your UFS Pharmacist. Assuming you’ve got your lifestyle factors,…

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UFS in the Community: Bendigo Animal Welfare & Community Services

Caring with compassion Bendigo Animal Welfare & Community Services and UFS Pharmacies   Bendigo Animal Welfare & Community Services (BAWCS) recently opened their Shelter doors to invite supporters who had participated in their Buy A Brick program to view their bricks. Funds raised from brick purchases helped to build the new shelter and visitors were…

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Congratulations to our competition winners!

Our congratulations to all four of the winners from our Weekly $1000 competition, we hope the extra cash made the holidays even more special for you!

Our winners were:
Week 1 – Wendy Thacker of Maiden Gully
Week 2 – Catherine Farley of Strathfieldsaye
Week 3 – Elenore Phillips of Maiden Gully
Week 4 – Jill Clapham of Strathfieldsaye

Our congratulations also go to to Ms Shayne Scilini of Strathfieldsaye, the winner of our recent ‘Like to Win’ competition.

Keep an eye out for more member competitions and giveaways this year!


In Season: Top Picks from Summer’s Table

The very merry cherry Nothing says summer like cherries! Full of flavour, they add a colourful flourish to every table. The best news is cherries are loaded with antioxidants, anti-inflammatory and anti-aging properties. The dark red fruit contains Anthocyanin Glycosides, properties that can help relieve gout, arthritis and also help with post-workout muscle recovery. With…

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Hydration – Create your own cool change

H2O – the way to go Drinking eight standard glasses of plain, filtered water every day helps maintain critical moisture balance of the body and skin, and assists in detoxing. If you drink caffeinated beverages, you need to triple the amount of water you drink! Stay as cool as a cucumber While water is always…

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Happy, Healthy Holiday Season

Christmas collides with summer and the extra long school holiday. Everything seems stamped urgent. There’s so little time to get geared up to cram everything into the car and hit the road. Even if you’re chilling out at home, a little preparation goes a long way to take the stress out of this frantic time…

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UFS in the Community – Partnering to save lives

The Bendigo Unit of the State Emergency Service is a volunteer based emergency service. Its 50 volunteers provide an emergency response to events including storm, flood, earthquake and road crash rescue. The unit is very active within the greater Bendigo community – the 2014-2015 financial year saw us called to 375 requests for assistance, 54…

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‘Like’ to win – It’s your chance to win a $150 sunglasses voucher!

Because it’s almost the ‘silly season’, and we’re all a little fatigued, we’re going to make this super easy for all!
Simply ‘like’ our Summer Sunnies Competition post on our Facebook page and you could be our lucky winner!
It’s that easy! And, don’t forget to ‘like’ our FB page while you’re there, to make sure you’re the first to hear about promotions, sales, events and comps!

*Conditions apply. See in store for full competition details.

Optometrist’s View: Focus on early detection

At UFS Optical our focus is on detecting eye health problems early. Depending on your symptoms, we often recommend examining and recording the state of your eyes in greater detail with a 3D retinal camera. This helps us to see the bigger picture. Things we can see sooner Two of the most critical future eye…

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Fast Track Guide: Cool Summer Looks

Summer brings with it great ‘shades’, designer shorts, shorter hemlines, plunging neck lines, skimpy bikinis and bathers, making it more essential then ever to keep your body and skin in tip-top condition well before you hit the beach or pool. The great news is that throughout this most revealing of seasons you can chill out…

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Don’t see your optical benefits disappear this year

If you have private health, now’s the time to check with your health fund if you have any optical entitlements remaining for this year. Most major funds have a cut-off point at the end of December and not the typical end of year. This reflects a ‘use it or lose it’ policy when it comes…

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Upcoming Events

Coming Soon


This Could be the year you Quit forever

There are so many well documented reasons for quitting including all the health benefits. Who wouldn’t want to reduce the risk of heart attack, stroke, various cancers, lung diseases and amputation of limbs? And then there’s the importance of providing a non-smoking environment at home. That, together with your great role modelling gives your children the best chance…

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Fever in Children

On average, a child has up to 10 infections per year. Body temperature isn’t a reliable indicator of illness for babies and young children – a child may have a mild temperature according to the thermometer (slightly over 37°C), but seem happy and healthy. Trust your own instincts, but seek medical help if your child:

  • Is aged six months or less
  • Has a rash
  • Has a fever of 40°C or more
  • Is still feverish after a day or so, despite four-hourly doses of baby paracetamol
  • Vomits or has persistent diarrhoea
  • Refuses food or drink
  • Cries inconsolably
  • Seems listless, floppy or just looks ill
  • Convulses or twitches
  • Has trouble breathing
  • Is in pain

If you feel at all worried or concerned at any stage, consult with your doctor.


Fever

Fever is a rise in body temperature above the normal temperature, usually caused by infection. Normal body temperature is around 37°C (give or take a degree, depending on individual differences). There may also be minor fluctuations over the course of the day and night. Contrary to popular belief, the severity of fever isn’t necessarily related…

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Careers

September 11, 2015

Bendigo UFS is a not for profit community enterprise spanning a longterm history established in 1872. This means we exist to provide benefits to our members and the community through the provision of health and wellbeing products and services in the greater Bendigo region. Any surplus’s generated are reinvested in our business to create more…

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Spring is in the air (and so is pollen!)

In technical terms, Hayfever (Allergic Rhinitis) is an allergic response to pollen that affects the mucosal membranes of the nose, eyes and air passages. Thankfully, there are lots of ways to prevent and ease the sneeze or wheeze before it takes on more problematic symptoms. Thinking beyond spring Pollination times vary greatly with the plant species and location. For example,…

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Folate for Women

Folate (also known as folic acid) is a B-group vitamin essential for the healthy development of the fetus in early pregnancy, in particular their neural tube. Women of child-bearing age should take extra folate daily to prevent neural tube defects such as spina bifida. Even women who aren’t planning to have a baby should increase their folate intake because about half of all pregnancies in Australia are unplanned.

Folate taken before conception and during the first few weeks of pregnancy can prevent seven out of ten cases of neural tube defects. Over 600 pregnancies in Australia every year are affected by neural tube defects.


Medication Allergies

Many medications can cause adverse side effects, and certain medicines can trigger allergic reactions. In an allergic reaction, the immune system mistakenly responds to a drug by creating an immune response against it. The immune system recognizes the drug as a foreign substance and the body produces certain chemicals, such as large amounts of histamine, in an attempt to expel the drug from the body.


Eye drops

There’s an eye drop or ointment to relieve the symptoms of most eye problems — whether you have dry eyes, pink eye (conjunctivitis), red eyes or itchiness.

Determining which kind of eye drop or ointment is best depends on what kind of eye condition you have:

  • Dryness
  • Redness
  • Infection (pink eye)
  • Allergies
  • Itching
  • Soreness
  • Swelling
  • Mattering (eye discharge)

Of course, if you develop any of these eye symptoms or conditions, it’s always best to consult your eye doctor to determine the cause and severity of the problem and the best treatment.


Signs and symptoms

Constipation can cause: Stomach cramps (the pain tends to come and go). Your child to feel less hungry than usual. Irritable behaviour. Anal fissures (small splits of the skin at the anus/bottom) which cause pain and bleeding at the anus when doing a poo. Straining (pushing hard) to pass a large, hard poo can cause…

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Signs and symptoms of constipation

Constipation can cause: Stomach cramps (the pain tends to come and go). Your child to feel less hungry than usual. Irritable behaviour. Anal fissures (small splits of the skin at the anus/bottom) which cause pain and bleeding at the anus when doing a poo. Straining (pushing hard) to pass a large, hard poo can cause…

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About Medicare

Medicare provides access to medical and hospital services for all Australian residents and certain categories of visitors to Australia. We administer Medicare, including the payment of Medicare benefits on behalf of the Department of Health, which is responsible for developing Medicare policy. Medicare covers: free or subsidised treatment by health professionals such as doctors, specialists,…

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Medicare Cards

About Medicare Medicare provides access to medical and hospital services for all Australian residents and certain categories of visitors to Australia. We administer Medicare, including the payment of Medicare benefits on behalf of the Department of Health, which is responsible for developing Medicare policy. Medicare covers: free or subsidised treatment by health professionals such as…

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Eligibility for Medicare Card

Everyone who lives in Australia, excluding Norfolk Island, is eligible for a Medicare card as long as you: hold Australian citizenship hold documented New Zealand citizenship – read more about Medicare enrolment for New Zealand citizens have been issued with a permanent visa have: applied for a permanent visa, excluding an application for a parent…

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What are the current patient fees and charges?

Patient co-payments

The co-payment is the amount you pay towards the cost of your PBS medicine. Many PBS medicines cost a lot more than you actually pay as a co-payment.

From 1 January 2015, you pay up to $37.70 for most PBS medicines or $6.10 if you have a concession card. The Australian Government pays the remaining cost.

The amount of co-payment is adjusted on 1 January each year in line with the Consumer Price Index (CPI).


About the PBS

The Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) began as a limited scheme in 1948, with free medicines for pensioners and a list of 139 ‘life-saving and disease preventing’ medicines free of charge for others in the community. Today the PBS provides timely, reliable and affordable access to necessary medicines for Australians. The PBS is part of the…

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Medication Expenses

About the PBS The Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) began as a limited scheme in 1948, with free medicines for pensioners and a list of 139 ‘life-saving and disease preventing’ medicines free of charge for others in the community. Today the PBS provides timely, reliable and affordable access to necessary medicines for Australians. The PBS is…

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The NDSS

The National Diabetes Services Scheme (NDSS) is an initiative of the Australian Government that commenced in 1987 and is administered by Diabetes Australia.

Aim of the NDSS

The NDSS aims to enhance the capacity of people with diabetes to understand and self-manage their life with diabetes. We also support people with diabetes by providing timely, reliable and affordable access to the NDSS support services and products.

Registration with the NDSS is free and open to all Australians who are diagnosed with diabetes.

To see if you are eligible to register with the NDSS, or for more information, go to the Registration section of the NDSS website.


Diabetes & The National Diabetes Services Scheme (NDSS)

The National Diabetes Services Scheme (NDSS) is an initiative of the Australian Government that commenced in 1987 and is administered by Diabetes Australia. Aim of the NDSS The NDSS aims to enhance the capacity of people with diabetes to understand and self-manage their life with diabetes. We also support people with diabetes by providing timely,…

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Overview

The Home Medicines Review (HMR) programme aims to enhance the quality use of medicines and reduce adverse medicines events. This is undertaken through a comprehensive medication review conducted by an accredited pharmacist in the patient’s home. HMR is only available following a referral from the patient’s GP. The patient may choose to be referred to…

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Home Medication Review

Make sure your medicine is good for you. When you’re on a range of medications, sometimes simply taking your medicines is not enough. You need to be sure your medications are the correct dosage, have not expired and are compatible with any other medications you may be taking. What is a Home Medicines Review? A Home Medicines Review…

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Return Unwanted Medicines

Your medicine cabinet can be a health hazard Most of the medicines in our medicine cabinet we need, but what about the yellow pills in a jar that’s lost its label, and the eye drops we have had for a long time. And what was that Quivinrox B-Sulphamate for?

Returning Medicines

By returning out-of-date and unwanted medicines to your local pharmacy, we can make our home a safer place.

This is all you need to do… it’s really easy

  1. Go to your home medicine area.
  2. Check expiry dates on all your medicines and separate all expired medicines into a container for return.
  3. Check that you actually need all the medicines – separate those medicines no longer needed into the container for return.
  4. Take the container to your local pharmacy for disposal.

Unwanted Medicines

Your medicine cabinet can be a health hazard Most of the medicines in our medicine cabinet we need, but what about the yellow pills in a jar that’s lost its label, and the eye drops we have had for a long time. And what was that Quivinrox B-Sulphamate for?

Returning Medicines

By returning out-of-date and unwanted medicines to your local pharmacy, we can make our home a safer place.

This is all you need to do… it’s really easy

  1. Go to your home medicine area.
  2. Check expiry dates on all your medicines and separate all expired medicines into a container for return.
  3. Check that you actually need all the medicines – separate those medicines no longer needed into the container for return.
  4. Take the container to your local pharmacy for disposal.

Using your inhaler

Although it might seem simple, it can be hard to get the steps just right without an expert showing you how. And if it’s been a while since you were last shown, it’s easy for little mistakes to slip into your routine. Using your inhaler properly is important. With the right technique you can be…

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Cholesterol

Cholesterol is a type of fat that is part of all animal cells. It is essential for many of the body’s metabolic processes, including the production of hormones, bile and vitamin D. However, there’s no need to eat foods high in cholesterol. The body is very good at making its own cholesterol – you don’t need to help it along.


Bowel Scans

Bowel Cancer Screening Test Bowel cancer screening involves a test for bowel cancer in people who do not have any obvious symptoms of the disease. Bowel cancer can develop without any early warning signs. The cancer can grow on the inside wall of the bowel for several years before spreading to other parts of the…

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