Amore Engelbrecht on trading animals for people, watching the rugby and counting tablets
A Body Alignment practitioner and pharmacist writes about being pushed further then she’d thought possible, balancing the demands of a career and motherhood, reading a great crime novel and “doing it sooner.”
Amoré, in the middle, having fun with friends
1 When you look back at your childhood, are there any pointers to what you went on to do careerwise?
I always cared for animals and wanted to help them when they were sick or injured. I guess I traded animals for people.
2 How did you decide what to study?
I always knew I wanted to be in the medical field, but I did not know how. In my teen years I discovered some crime novels and knew I wanted to be a forensic pathologist, but being an average grade student, I knew that was not going to happen. So, I did what my mom suggested becoming a pharmacist. I do not regret becoming a pharmacist, it is great and helping patients with their problems ultimately got me into Body Alignment.
Image: Unsplash
3 I’ve often wondered how pharmacy students manage to remember the many categories and types of medicine …
It is not easy; it takes a lot of hard work and study time. People think being a pharmacist is all about counting tablets, but it is so much more. We evaluate each script the doctor writes and then use our vast knowledge on how medication works in the body and possible interactions they may have with other medications to ensure that each patient is safe and knows the risks if there are any. We need to learn and absorb all the information we can to be able to do this.
Unfortunately for us we need to learn constantly as new medications become available regularly.
4 Did getting Body Alignment training take you out of your comfort zone in any way?
Yes, it did. I am actually an introvert and now having my own practice I must be the face of my business and advertise, which has pushed me further then I had thought possible. Like doing my first podcast.
Also listen to Amoré’s podcast on what Body Alignment is and how it can help you.
5 How do you balance the demands of a career and motherhood?
This is tough, but I can now manage my day and appointments around my daughter’s school and extra mural activities. I can be more present at netball games and holidays instead of asking somebody’s permission to be on leave from work.
6 How you like to reload your batteries?
There are a couple of ways I like to rewind and recharge. I book a spa day or have my nails done. Or when I really need a moment, I run a hot bath and read a great crime novel.
7 You live in one of South Africa’s most celebrated regions. What are the challenges and joys related to living in Cape Town?
Living in this great province, the biggest problem is balancing work and play. We still work 8 hours a day and even some weekends. So, when we have a day off, I often feel tempted just to stay home and relax, but that is why I love going to see a show at the Artscape, watching the rugby at DHL stadium or running with friends.
8 What do you wish more people realised in terms of living a healthy life?
To do it sooner. Don’t wait for something to go wrong to then try and change and be healthy.
About Amoré
Amoré Engelbrecht is a Body Alignment practitioner and pharmacist with a Body Alignment practice in Bloubergstrand in Cape Town.
Whatsapp for bookings: 083 278 7691
Body Alignment SA website: https://www.bodyalignment.co.za/ - find Amoré‘s profile here.
Facebook page: Body Alignment South Africa
Thumbnail image: Pexels
Photographs of Amoré Engelbrecht: provided