THE Pharmacy Guild of Australia is using Men's Health Week 09-15 Jun to encourage men to "pop in for a chat" with their community pharmacist.
Brad Butt, community pharmacist and founder of Men's Health Downunder, specialises in men's health, specifically urological health, and understands the role community pharmacy can play in supporting men to recover and build their confidence.
"Men are less likely to visit a GP and often delay their treatment," Butt said.
"We need to make it as easy as possible for men to access care, and community pharmacy can play a key role in that," he said, pointing out that on average, people visit a community pharmacy every three weeks.
"That means we are in a privileged position where we are able to have private conversations with patients to check in on their progress and identify where additional support may be helpful," Butt explained.
"All men should know that there is support out there for sensitive or 'embarrassing' issues - they are not alone.
"It all starts with a conversation."
Providing education and resources to other community pharmacies - particularly those in rural and remote areas - has been a key focus on Brad Butt's work.
He also co-authored the International Pharmaceutical Federation's new handbook to help pharmacists worldwide support patients managing erectile dysfunction (PD 30 May).
"Men should be able to access treatment and care wherever they live," he said.
Guild National President Professor Trent Twomey highlighted the role of community pharmacists as skilled health practitioners operating in the most accessible frontline healthcare destination.
"Community pharmacy is changing - across the country, pharmacists are going back to the classroom to learn new skills and put it into practice for the benefit of patients across Australia.
"The ability to have discreet conversations at community pharmacy about medication, devices, continence support, erectile function and testosterone management can help men access the care, support and treatment they deserve," Professor Twomey concluded. KB
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