SUMMER time means holiday time. And amid the hustle and bustle of festive fun, it's easy to lose or run out of one of the most essential items for a carefree break - your medication.
"A lot of us travel to see relatives for Christmas and the new year; but what happens if you run out of your medications or lose them?" said pharmacist Gerard Stevens, who is also founder of medication systems expert Webstercare.
"If you're on medications, especially life-saving ones - as many of us are - it can be a hassle and worry, especially if you are a long way from home.
"It can be critical you don't miss a dose."
Mr Stevens said being able to explain exactly what you take and what dose can be an issue.
"Who remembers all this information?" he said.
Webstercare's new PocketProfile Card contains a person's entire medication profile, including pictures of the medications being taken. It folds down to the size of a credit card so it's easy to keep in your purse or wallet.
It also contains the person's home pharmacy and phone number, enabling any pharmacist to simply ring the home pharmacy to confirm the medications that were prescribed before issuing emergency replacement medications to last the remainder of the holiday.
"Around one in five people aged 70 or older are on four or more medications, which they truly need," Mr Stevens said.
"In an age where things are increasingly digital, users of the PocketProfile Card don't need the latest gadgets, apps and electronic devices; it won't run out of charge and it won't shut down."
The card contains dosage details, administration instructions, indications and allergies, plus colour photos of each pill.
"It is particularly helpful in emergency situations; medical staff can immediately see a patient's medications and any other medical concerns," Mr Stevens said.
"It also contains 'in case of emergency' contact details."
For details, ask your pharmacist or contact Webstercare customer service, 1300-626-739.