The Sports Pharmacist

With spring well and truly here, and summer fast approaching, I thought it might be a good idea to remind people about using sunscreen while you are outdoors enjoying exercising in the sun. Of course, you should be using sunscreen all year round whenever you are outdoors; but with the warmer weather and the sun… Continue reading A bit about sunscreens →

Participating in exercise and sport has many health benefits, ranging from improved heart health and good weight management to helping with mental health issues. But unfortunately, being active occasionally results in injuries. Treatment for injuries such as sprains and strains is varied, including the application of cold and hot packs, compression and massage, or medications.… Continue reading Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatories for athletes →

In part 1 of my post regarding exercise and mental health, I discussed the negative aspects which can result from the stresses of exercise. Fortunately, its not all bad news. There are many positive benefits which exercise can have for mental health, which I will discuss in this article. ENDORPHINS Observations in research studies show… Continue reading Exercise and mental health – part 2 →

Most people would be familiar with the physical benefits that come with exercise...and the physical improvements also come with some great benefits to mental health. But unfortunately, exercise can also result in some negative effects to mental health too. In this 2 part post, I will discuss both the good and the bad, beginning with… Continue reading Exercise and mental health – part 1 →

For many athletes, caffeine is a "go to" before competition. It has long been regarded as an easy, convenient way to get a bit of a performance gain. Cyclists often indulge in a pre-race coffee; and many sports supplements now contain a small amount of caffeine to provide an extra bit of "kick". But does… Continue reading Caffeine – does it really enhance performance? →

The colder weather has arrived here in Australia, and with that comes the winter sniffles. Yep, cold and flu bugs are in the air, and ready to strike! While many people are happy to use winter illnesses as a good excuse to stay in bed for a few days, some people aren't happy to take… Continue reading Should you exercise while sick? →

Walk into any health food store, supermarket, sports shop, gym or pharmacy.....the chances are that you will find a fairly large section dedicated to sports supplements. A huge range of products exist, such as protein, energy, recovery and electrolyte powders; energy and protein bars; and of course energy gels. The market for these items is… Continue reading Nutritional Sports Supplements – Are They Worth It? →

MB is a 39 year old male, who works full time and cycles competitively in his spare time. Like many of us, MB began riding a bike at roughly the age of 5; and rode mountain bikes throughout his youth. He slowly increased the volume and intensity of his training over a period of time.… Continue reading Heart arrhythmias – a case study →

Its something that many people don't like to talk about. Many people see it as a bit of a taboo subject. But the reality is that half the population experience it.......a monthly menstrual cycle. Many women wonder if their period has any effect on their sporting performance. Unfortunately, there is very little solid evidence that… Continue reading Exercise and “that time of the month” →

Asthma is a long term health condition, suffered by around 10% of Australians. During a flare-up (or an asthma attack) the airways in the lungs can swell, tighten, and become quite narrow; and often produce more mucus. When asthmatics suffer an attack, these things can make breathing quite difficult! Asthma affects people of all ages,… Continue reading Asthma and exercise →