HAPPY WORLD PHARMACISTS DAY

This World Pharmacists Day, we would like to celebrate the extensive expertise and warm service of our pharmacists. They make it possible to serve you and keep you healthy, some for over 10 years and counting!

Though we would have loved to talk to every one of our pharmacists and pharmacy technicians, we had a chat with 5 of them, that captures their love for what they do.

Here is what they had to say:

 

Dr. Robert Kimbui, Chief Pharmacist at Goodlife Pharmacy

What is one aspect of your job that you love? That I get to impact people’s health everyday J

How long have you worked as a pharmacist? 14 years

What are some of the qualities of a great pharmacist? Attention to detail, ethics, integrity and passion for change!

What do you love about working at Goodlife Pharmacy? There’s a different challenge everyday, lead by our overarching objective to change pharmacy practice within Africa with for the better.

 

Felix Njoroge, Village Market

What do you love most about being a pharmacy technician? I love serving people J

How long have you worked as a pharmacy technician? 10 years.

What are some of the qualities of a great pharmacist? Empathy is a powerful value.

Why would you recommend Goodlife Pharmacy? Goodlife doesn’t sell counterfeit drugs; which is a problem in some pharmacies. All medicines are genuine products with PSK qualification.

What do you love about working at Goodlife Pharmacy? Everyone at Goodlife is qualified and we are governed by structures that work.

 

George Gachagua, Greenspan Mall

What is one aspect of your job that you love? I enjoy seeing happy clients; and return clients as well. Tells me that they are a satisfied client, if they keep coming back J

How long have you worked as a pharmacy technician? 11 years.

What are some of the qualities of a great pharmacist? Great service and accurate advice!

What do you love about working at Goodlife Pharmacy? Above average customer service and the prescription refills which solves a lot of repeat patient problems.

 

Alpha Wanjiru, Westgate Mall

Why did you choose to be a pharmacy technician? Being a pharmacist is very fulfilling, especially on a productive day J

How long have you worked as a pharmacy technician? Almost 7 years.

What do you love about working at Goodlife Pharmacy? People open up, we provide solutions that create trust, lasting relationships and confidence in our services. I cannot put into words how fulfilling this is!

Why would you recommend Goodlife Pharmacy? Genuine products and great customer service (we are really taught how to handle clients). Honestly? If I had my own business I would run it the same way!

 

Mary Githaiga, Karen Crossroads

Why did you choose to be a pharmacy technician? It’s my calling, from as far back as I can remember! My parents are in the medical field, so it’s partly inheritance J

How long have you worked as a pharmacy technician? 12 years.

What advice would you give to aspiring pharmacists/pharmacy technicians? Listen keenly; ask as many questions as necessary to ensure accurate prescription. Be thorough!

What do you love about working at Goodlife Pharmacy? Fantastic customer care and the fact that we have so many returning customers. They are really valuable…even to sustenance of the store!

 

We celebrate all pharmacists and pharmacy technicians, at Goodlife and the world over, for the noble work that you do! Providing accessible healthcare services is one of those services that make life a little easier. Keep going!

WE ARE ALL ABOUT YOU

Ever enter a place and leave feeling better knowing that all your needs have been taken care of? Welcome to Goodlife Pharmacy: We know the importance of taking the best care of yourself and your loved ones. We know the importance of creating lasting memories which are a result of satisfaction and joy experienced. Be it in the pharmacy or in your day to day life, we do the best to create such experiences for you. It’s all in our exciting store design, caring professionals and solutions to your problems.

More than just a pharmacy, Goodlife is a one stop shop for genuine and accessible drugs; beauty and skin care solutions; warm, professional service; doctors on call; lab services thanks to Lancet and so much more.

We know that because healthcare is vital, it should be accessible to all hence our growing countrywide presence. From Nairobi to Thika, Mombasa to Eldoret, we are right at your doorstep.

It’s amazing just how much you can get from a pharmacy that cares about your needs. Walk into a Goodlife Pharmacy near you today, and experience it for yourself. See you there!

WE ARE ALL ABOUT YOUR BEAUTY (ON A BUDGET!)

Ever heard the phrase look good, feel good? Well, at Goodlife, we believe in the reverse of this statement: Feel good, look good. From the moment you walk in to our pharmacy, Suzie welcomes you with the warmest smile that ensures your spirits are lifted even before you reach out for mascara because ladies and gentlemen, beauty starts within. We are simply here to bring your true inner beauty out.

We provide a range of cosmetics, skin and body care products; from Vichy to Sleek, Marini to Naturalium, La Roche to LA Girl…we have you all covered. Besides quality products, our free consultation with skin care specialists helps you determine the products best suited for your skin type. This July, as temperatures continue to drop, the dry environment and lack of moisture may lead to cracked hands and chapped lips. Don’t you worry, have a solution for that!

And in case you needed a little more convincing, here are a few reasons why you should let us help you take a little more care of your skin’s health: your skin protects your body from the bacteria that you are exposed to daily, protects you from the sun’s rays – specifically ultraviolet light – that can damage cells and also helps your body keep its temperature at a constant level. With the array of skin care products available at Goodlife ranging from moisturizers, toners, masks and scrubs, you are assured radiant and healthy skin throughout all the seasons of life!  

We Are All About Your Health

At Goodlife, your health comes first. That is why we offer convenient, affordable and well equipped services to take care of you and your loved ones’ health.

We have pharmacists and health specialists ready to assist from the minute you walk in. Be it prescription refills or weight management and nutrition advice, our professionals are more than willing to assist. In addition, we also have doctors and health consultants available for you thanks to Connect Med, an online medical practice that allows patients to seek treatment from remote doctors over Skype.

We do all that we can to ensure that your health needs are well taken care of.

To further support this, through our recent collaboration with Lancet, we have been able to carry out essential tests including blood pressure and blood sugar in our pharmacies across the country.

We have got your health covered with a range of genuine and pocket-friendly medical products; from multivitamins that keep your energy up, to flu relief for your little one to exactly what the doctor ordered. As a bonus, we have monthly offers that will give you a chance to purchase these products at amazing discounts.

Walk into a Goodlife Pharmacy today; we guarantee health solutions for all, under one roof.

Five Tests That Every Adult Should Take

No matter how young or how old you are, it is important to do all you can to ensure that you are healthy. Part of taking care of your health includes taking regular tests which are useful in detecting potential health problems while they are still treatable.

Today, how about considering these 5 tests that you should take today and why they are important:

  1. BMI and Blood Pressure: The body mass index is a way of calculating your percent body fat by taking into account your height versus your weight; it is directly related to your blood pressure. Your blood pressure on the other hand is a good indication of the health of your cardiovascular system. Heart health should be amongst your top priorities; don’t you agree?
  2. HB (Haemoglobin Blood Level): Hemoglobin is a protein in your red blood cells that carries oxygen to your body’s organs and tissues. There are several causes of lower or higher than normal HB levels including vitamin deficiencies and dehydration.
  3. Random Blood Sugar: Random glucose testing is particularly essential for people with diabetes. It helps in assessing how well the disease is being controlled.
  4. Stool Analysis (Microscopy): Stool contains bacteria and other substances present in the digestive system. Through stool analysis, it is probable to discover what is happening in your digestive system.
  5. Urine Analysis (Routine and Microscopy): A urine test, otherwise known as urinalysis is part of a routine check of your overall health and is also one way to find certain illnesses in their earlier stages including kidney and liver disease.

Any questions? Ready to take these tests? Walk into a Goodlife Pharmacy near you and get it done thanks to Lancet, our partner in health!

World Hepatitis Day: The Signs and Symptoms

July 28th will mark World Hepatitis day and Goodlife Pharmacy is all about ensuring we give those infected an opportunity to speak out as well as spread awareness to those that are unfamiliar of the signs and symptoms.

 

What is Hepatitis?

Hepatitis refers to inflammation of the liver which has several causes such as drugs, alcohol use or certain medical conditions. However, the most common cause is a viral infection. There are five distinct hepatitis viruses A,B,C,D and E which are transmitted differently and result in different health outcomes.

Hepatitis A is always an acute short term disease while Hepatitis B, C and D are mostly ongoing and Chronic. Hepatitis E infection is normally acute and is particularly dangerous to pregnant women.

What are the signs and symptoms? In infectious form of hepatitis such Hepatitis B, C and D symptoms may not be present in the beginning and only occur when the liver damage affects liver function.

Signs and symptoms of acute hepatitis occur quickly and they include:

  • Fatigue
  • Mild fever
  • Muscle or joint aches
  • Nausea and vomiting
  • Stomach pain
  • Loss of appetite
  • Yellow skin and eyes (Which can be signs of jaundice)

When hepatitis B, C become chronic the liver gets damaged however the symptoms may not be visible for years. If not detected early and treated, health complications can be as serious as liver cancer and cirrhosis which could be fatal.

Most importantly, do consult your doctor if symptoms arise.

Seven Billion Individuals: A World of One

What’s in a number? Truthfully, until someone slaps a figure in context, you can’t really define it. So, let’s put this in context.

The current world population is set at 7 billion people, increasing at an average of 83 million people every year. Staggering numbers, right?

World Population Day seeks to raise awareness of the global population issues. The constituents that make this figure pop are the different communities, cultures and families around the globe; at the core of this is YOU. 

What is the power of one? How does the individual fit into something of this scale? We are a product of our surroundings. Culture, society and the human spirit are all the result of millions of years of exchanges. From the music you are bopping your head to right up to the screen you are reading this on, is the culmination of a system that builds on individual brilliance for social good.

Bet you never thought that your individuality has a huge impact on the number at the top.  Think about all the inventions and discoveries made by brilliant minds, that bring about healing for the ones we love battling with various illnesses. The connectivity that the discoveries bring about when we relate to one another based on our different but similar narratives. From the doctor who assists your girlfriend, wife or sister bring forth life to this world to the priest who sends off your loved one to the spirit world and the farmer who tills and toils to produce food that gives your mama mboga pride to vend fresh produce that your housie prepares for your children.

You are an integral part of today’s celebration. Blow your trumpet, pamper yourself with rejuvenating grooming treatments from Goodlife Pharmacy because you are you, and we are about you.

Your good life impacts the world in a great way!

Five Things New Mums Worry About

FIVE THINGS NEW MUMS WORRY ABOUT

Grappling with the fear of being a new mummy? You’re not the only one. These tiny, beautiful, little humans though wonderful, come with no instruction. From outlandish thoughts to legit concerns, we are here with a few solutions to put you at ease.

Not being able to breastfeed

Take a deep breath mama. Breastfeeding is tough. Even if you master it off the bat, it sometimes takes a week for the milk to come in and even a month to establish supply. Give yourself time and trust you and your baby’s cues.

Accidentally hurting the baby

Whether it be dropping your new born or giving them too much medicine, the possibilities for harming your children may seem endless. Visiting a pharmacy like Goodlife which offers professional service goes a long way in calming the nerves and ensuring the health of your baby. However, always remember to call your pediatrician to whenever your uncertain—they have heard it all.

Crying

Your baby constantly crying may alarm you, but do remember that crying in newborns and infants is normal and some just cry more than others—this is therefore not a yardstick for measuring your parenting skills. If your infant is inconsolable, do not hesitate to contact your pediatrician.

Sneezing

Your little one sneezing is simply how he clears his nasal and respiratory passages of congestion and airborne particles. This should only worry you if your baby is running a fever, has a runny nose, seems congested or has difficulty breathing. Pop into your nearest Goodlife pharmacy to seek expert assistance if unsure of how to read the symptoms.

Snap Back

Contrary to the picture painted by Hollywood, getting your pre-pregnancy shape overnight is unhealthy and unrealistic. Eat healthy, try and sleep enough (we know this can be hard), take time out for yourself and get a little walking done when approved by your doctor. Enjoy the magic your body just created and the celebrate your body as it is for its strength.

All in all, don’t let these concerns drive you crazy. Mistakes will be made, tears will be shed and you will be okay. Your baby will be okay. Keep going, we are so proud of you! 

BRITAM INSURANCE MEMBERS WELCOME AT GOODLIFE

Goodlife Pharmacy and Britam Health Insurance have come to an agreement that will see those covered under Britam Insurance getting prescription drugs at all Goodlife locations.  The service has been available since February 2018. The process remains standard with the biometric smart card required to access the services.

With the convenient location of Goodlife stores country wide, this move will enable patients coming from seeing their doctors with pharmacy prescriptions to enjoy Goodlife services at all our locations.

GOODLIFE PHARMACY: TAKING A STAND AGAINST FLU

Goodlife Pharmacy currently has 35 store outlets throughout Kenya. We are providing this year’s Influenza vaccine in select stores during this year’s high flu season which is in June. The vaccine will be administered by a professional nurse. Being the season for flu, we felt the need to offer the vaccine as flu can be very disruptive for children, the elderly and those with chronic conditions. A flu vaccine from Goodlife could prevent your loved one getting infection leading to serious complications. Here is more information about the virus for your information.

What is flu (influenza)?

Influenza popularly known as flu is a contagious respiratory illness caused by influenza viruses that infects the nose, throat and sometimes the lungs. It can cause mild to severe illness and at times can lead to death. People who have the flu often experience fever, chills, cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, muscle or body aches, headaches, and fatigue. Some people may have vomiting and diarrhea, though this is more common in children than adults.

The flu and the common cold are both respiratory diseases but are caused by different viruses. Due to the similarity of the symptoms it can be difficult to distinguish between the two diseases based on symptoms alone. Generally, the flu is worse than the common cold

Young children, the elderly and people with certain health conditions, are at a higher risk of developing serious flu complications. The best way to prevent the flu is by getting vaccinated each year with a flu shot.

What is the flu shot?

The flu shot is a vaccine that helps protect against infection by influenza viruses. Most vaccinations with the flu shot provide moderate to high protection again flu infections. It is either provided as the inactivated influenza vaccines (IIV) or the recombinant Influenza vaccine (RIV)

In Kenya, the flu vaccine that is administered is the trivalent flu vaccine which offers protection from three flu viruses namely Influenza A (H1N1), Influenza A (H3N2) and Influenza B.

Who should get a flu shot?

The WHO recommends annual vaccination of all people above six months of age, especially individuals at high risk who include children under 5 years, health workers, immunocompromised individuals, pregnant mothers and people over 50 years of age.

 In general, it is recommended that anyone who wants to reduce his or her chances of getting the flu should be vaccinated.

What are the common side effects of the flu shot?

The flu shot is a medical product and as such it could cause side effects, though these are normally mild and self resolve within a few days.  The common side effects of the flu vaccine include:

  • Soreness, redness, or swelling where the shot was given
  • Fever (low grade), Aches, and Nausea

If these problems occur, they begin soon after the shot and usually last 1 to 2 days. Almost all people who receive influenza vaccine have no serious problems from it.

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