Nurse on Duty – FREE for Members

View Street Pharmacy Services Our Supercare Nursing Service has ended but we’re still here for you. From 1 October 2024, visit View Street Pharmacy, Bendigo, open 7am-11pm, 7 days a week, for pharmacist-led care, including vaccinations, UTI treatments, and much more. Our full range of services is still available, including: Vaccinations Blood pressure checks Leave…

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Psoriasis Treatment

Psoriasis Treatment The Psoriasis Treatment Program is available at Bendigo UFS Pharmacies. Bendigo UFS is an active participant in the Victorian Government’s Community Prescribing Pilot (click here for further information on the pilot). To be eligible to receive a resupply of your usual topical corticosteroid, you must meet the following criteria: Be aged 18 years…

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Shingles Treatment

The Shingles Treatment Program is available at Bendigo UFS Pharmacies.

Bendigo UFS is an active participant in the Victorian Government’s Community Prescribing Pilot (click here for further information on the pilot).


RSV

Respiratory Syncytial Virus What is Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) RSV is a virus that is a common cause of upper and lower respiratory tract infection. Repeated infections are common throughout life because natural infection does not confer long-lasting immunity. RSV disease is most common in very young children, elderly people and First Nations people. In…

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Shingles

Vaccine for Herpes Zoster, commonly known as Shingles, is again available. Shingles is a reactivation of the chickenpox virus (varicella-zoster virus) in a person who has previously had chickenpox. It presents as rash and blisters, usually on one side of the body or face, and can be extremely painful. About Shingles vaccine   What is…

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Flu Vaccine for Over 65s

Vaccines suitable for people over 65 years are not yet available – we expect to receive supplies in mid-April and appointments will be available after this time. Please watch our social media or check back here to make your booking.


Influenza (flu) Vaccination

Be part of our Influenza Vaccination early access today Register your interest today for the early bird notification of influenza vaccination appointment availability! Influenza commonly known as the flu is a virus that spreads amongst our community quickly predominantly during the winter months and for some people you can become really unwell. Creating greater community access…

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Community Prescribing Pilot

Community Prescribing Pilot now available at Bendigo UFS Community Prescribing Pilot Urinary Tract Infection Learn more here Shingles Treatment – Learn more here Psoriasis Treatment – Learn more here Oral Contraceptive Pill Learn more here Victoria is piloting a new approach to making healthcare more accessible.  A 12-month pilot is allowing Victorians to receive some…

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Oral Contraceptive Pill

Oral Contraceptive Pill (OCP) Oral Contraceptive Pill Program available at Bendigo UFS Pharmacies. Bendigo UFS are an active participant in the Victorian Government’s Community Prescribing Pilot (click here for further information on the pilot). Patients eligible for this program are 16 to 50 years old females who are:  Currently initiated on the Oral Contraceptive Pill by their…

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Urinary Tract Infection (UTI)

Urinary Tract Infection (UTI) Support The UTI Program is available at Bendigo UFS Pharmacies. Bendigo UFS are an active participant in the Victorian Government’s Community Prescribing Pilot.  Patients eligible for this program are 18 to 65 year old females who present symptoms of an uncomplicated Urinary Tract Infection (UTI), with no other medical history.  Wanting to urinate more…

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Community Giving

Supporting the health and wellbeing of our community. Bendigo UFS has a long history of providing community support in many ways. We have renewed and expanded our sponsorship of the Bendigo Foodshare Program by contributing $60,000 over two years to the ‘Grow a Row, Pick a Branch’ program.  Under the program, initially developed with the…

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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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Internship

Pharmacist Intern Program Applications are now closed for 2025 Your intern year with a reputable community pharmacy. 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 Bendigo, including…

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Whistleblower Policy

Our Whistleblower Policy Contents Purpose Bendigo UFS Pharmacies, comprising Bendigo United Friendly Societies Pharmacies Ltd and Central Victorian United Friendly Society Limited is committed to the highest standards of conduct and ethical behaviour in all of its business activities, and to promoting and supporting a culture of honest and ethical behaviour, corporate compliance and good…

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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 Before your vaccination appointment, you should make sure your details are up to date with Medicare. If…

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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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Whooping Cough

What is 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…

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Meningococcal

What is Meningococcal Disease? 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…

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MMR

Measles, Mumps, Rubella What are Measles, Mumps and 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…

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Stock order

2021 influenza vaccine stock from UFS Pharmacies Supporting local health professionals We’re getting in early and preparing for next year’s flu season. As you’ll be aware the community have become more informed about the benefit of a flu vaccine not only to themselves but it also protects those who are more vulnerable. Due to the…

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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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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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Welcome Bridge Street

UFS Pharmacies purchase the Bendigo Day and Night Pharmacy. UFS Pharmacies are pleased to announce the purchase of the Bendigo Day and Night Pharmacy from Life Pharmacy in New South Wales which occurred on the 15th April 2019. UFS Pharmacies Bridge St is now a part of our local group of pharmacies who have serviced…

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Bendigo UFS Hargreaves Street Health Hub

Hargreaves Street Health Hub Convenient, central and accessible Our Bendigo UFS Health Hub is an accessible and convenient community access point in Bendigo CBD to a growing range of health services, including walk-in services (when available). Services include: Pharmacist Prescribing Services Urinary Tract Infections Psoriasis (mild flare ups for over-18s) Shingles Oral Contraceptive Pill Nursing…

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Healthy food, healthy you.

Healthy winter warmer recipes for your family. Entrée Vegetable Filo Triangles Low fat and sugar Ingredients 20 sheets filo pastry 1.5 cups canned kidney beans, rinsed and drained half cup reduced fat milk 1 tablespoon chopped parsley 1 potato, grated 40g reduced fat cheese, grated quarter carrot, grated 1 tablespoon tomato chutney half onion, chopped Method…

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Have you had your eyes tested recently?

There’s a bear hiding amongst the cats. Can you spot it? 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…

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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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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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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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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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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:

Download Invitation (1.7MB)

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 to print out and share.

Download Flyer (394KB)

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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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!


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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‘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.

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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Privacy Policy

Bendigo United Friendly Society (BUFS) Pharmacies is strongly committed to protecting your privacy when you interact with us. This includes any interactions on our website, in store and includes the privacy of health records as contained in Health Legislation in every state. BUFS is also committed to protecting your information in accordance with the Privacy…

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Website Terms & Conditions of use

Bendigo United Friendly Society Pharmacies Ltd (BUFS) is a leading pharmacy and healthcare provider based in Bendigo, Victoria. We are a retail store both on-line as well as having physical stores located in victoria. Our website and stores also provide an information site for pharmaceutical and other health products. Our website is provided as a…

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Blood Pressure

Blood Pressure Explained Blood Pressure is the pressure of the blood in the arteries as the heart pumps it around the body and is one of the principal vital signs. Blood Pressure checks are available at Bendigo UFS pharmacies. There is no ‘normal’ or ‘ideal’ blood-pressure reading. The following figures should only be used as…

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Blood Pressure Part I

The human body requires blood to be constantly replaced with fresh blood, which necessitates a fast, powerful circulatory system. This ensures that oxygen from the lungs can be carried to cells quickly and efficiently. Without oxygen, these cells cannot operate. The body needs to keep the pressure in its blood vessels at a very constant…

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Blood Pressure Part II

Pharmacists use a variety of medications to lower blood pressure in addition to ‘lifestyle factor modification’. Increased salt intake causes the kidneys to try to push more salt out of the body by releasing hormones that increase the blood pressure to try to get more blood through the kidneys. Exercise (especially ‘cardio’) reduces blood pressure…

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