Statin medications have been available in Australia for more than 30 years.  They are prescribed to either lower lipid markers, reduce the risk/further development of cardiovascular disease (CVD), or both.

With growing rates of CVD, use of statins continues to rise.

⚠️ Can you recognise side effects? 

✋ Assess and ameliorate a nutrient depletion?

AND - perhaps most pressing...

Is there evidence to support complementary medicine interventions to help your patients? 

✨ Can you offer solutions - that may improve their cardiovascular health? that may  lower their lipid markers?

🤓 And can you do all this with confidence that your suggested interventions are safe?

⁉️ So many questions! 

👊 Lets dive in and learn more 👊

High blood pressure is so common - it is estimated to affect over 1/4 of adult Australians... over 4 million people.

And then less than half these are medicated.  And half of those whom are medicated, still have uncontrolled hypertension.

So, where does that leave you as a health care professional in the community?

Regardless of whether you're handing out the scripts in pharmacy or noting down the list of meds in a clinical setting - you know that you want to help.

You may have heard about some nutrients or herbs that might help lower blood pressure - but are they safe?

What are the interactions and what's the evidence for benefit?

Medication prescriptions to help Australians manage their mood is on the rise.

Within the last couple of years we have seen the introduction of not just one, but now TWO SSRI drugs to the top 10 most prescribed medications in Australia.

That means millions of Australians may potentially benefit from your help.

❓ Can you recognise side effects? 

✋ Assess and ameliorate a nutrient depletion?

AND - perhaps most pressing...

Is there evidence to support complementary medicine interventions to help your patients? 

✨ Can you offer solutions - that may improve their health? 

🤓 And can you do all this with confidence that your suggested interventions are safe?

From managing expectations to side effects - front line health professionals like yourself are needed to help people every day. 

So let's learn about what is safe, what is effective and just how much you can support your patients to a better mood and healthier body. 

hint - there's a lot you can do!

Type 2 diabetes is a disease that impacts many Australian families with over a million people living with the condition.

Studies into the cause, the risk factors and of course the treatment continue to uncover new evidence and information.

One medication, since its release, has continued to grow in its prescription rate - and that is metformin.  Almost 3.5 million scripts were dispensed last year alone.

But metformin is not alone!

It is first line therapy but other drugs are frequently prescribed as patients may need additional support.

Is this where complementary medicines may come in?

Let's learn how you can you help your patients manage their blood sugar alongside their metformin?

Antibiotics have been a 'wonder drug' who's invention has contributed to changing the landscape for the treatment of infectious disease in the last 70 or so years.

But as we often find, with the miraculous benefits, come the risks.

If not side effects, secondary infections or long term alterations to the microbiome - then it's the scourge of rising rates of antibiotic resistance.

You will learn through this module how to help your patients - from preventing secondary illness through to supporting the body through long term use.

PPI use continues to rise, and the PBS numbers only take prescriptions into account - meaning that with the OTC purchases, there are even more members of our community using these meds.

Did you know?!?

These are some of the more known (notorious?!?) drugs to contribute to nutrient depletions and exacerbating digestive complaints?

So - what can you do to help?!?

As is often the case - PLENTY!

From supporting side effects to helping to reduce GORD and other illnesses and symptoms without the need for more medication - there is a wonderful opportunity to help your patients.

Let's learn!

2/3 of Australian women who may become pregnant are using or taking contraception - that means plenty of people in our community may benefit from your knowledge in how to minimise side effects, without risking efficacy!

Included in this module are some great resources for you to use with your patient, as well as an up to date referral list of practitioners who can help your patient if they are looking for natural methods of contraception.

Chronic pain affects more than 20% of Australians over 45 years old.

The industry that surrounds this large cohort of people is diverse - from manipulative therapies, to OT, mental health support and of course medication (both pharmaceutical and nutritional/herbal)

When it comes to the medications on offer, many have been around for decades to centuries but more still come to market.

Each have their benefits and drawbacks but it would be fair to say that few are the complete pain resolution that the patient is hoping for.

This is where complementary medicines can provide significant support - are you ready to help your patients get back into life?  Safely and effectively?