Ask Your Pharmacist Week

News from our partners North, Midlands & East Comms (overseeing health issues) 

Are you aware of the wide range of health information and advice you can get from your local pharmacy? 

This week is Ask Your Pharmacist Week (4-11 November 2013), a national initiative to raise awareness of the services on offer in pharmacies to help people stay well during the winter months. 

Pharmacists are trained to help people treat themselves for many common conditions, such as colds, flu, stomach bugs and aches and pains, which can be especially prevalent when the temperature drops.

Most minor conditions can be treated at home, and your local pharmacist can provide you with advice and support to help you get back on your feet without needing to book a GP appointment.

Benefits of using your local pharmacy can include medicines management reviews, to ensure you’re taking the right medication at the right time; the use of private consulting rooms; and healthy living advice clinics, if you want to stop smoking or lose weight.

Some pharmacies can also offer additional services such as flu vaccinations, and testing for common conditions like high/low blood pressure, Diabetes and Chlamydia.

Many pharmacies offer seven-day opening, and late hours, meaning that they’re the perfect place for busy people to get help and advice that could avoid a trip to the GP.

You can find out more about ‘Ask Your Pharmacist Week’, by clicking here.

The NHS Choices website lists all pharmacies.  Find out your nearest by visiting www.nhs.uk, and entering your current postcode or town.