new life pharmacy

Vitamin D...(0)

posted on  31st January 2012

The Chief Medical Officer for England, Dame Sally Davies was in the news recently saying that some health professionals were not aware of the fact that young children and some adults are not getting enough vitamin D
Vitamin D supplements are recommended for all people at risk of deficiency including all pregnant and breast feeding women, children under 5 years old, people aged over 65 and people at risk of not getting enough exposure to sunlight. That's pretty much everyone in Scotland.
Low levels of vitamin D can cause softening of the bones - a disease called rickets which is now reappearing in children with severe vitamin D deficiency.
Links to heart disease and some cancers are also being investigated.

If you are in the area, New Life Pharmacy is having a health evening with an emphasis on vitamin D Wednesday 8th Feb 7pm-8pm. Book a ticket by phoning 0141 637 6000 or calling in.

Can I take cold remedies while breastfeeding?...(0)

posted on  17th January 2012

Cold remedies often contain decongestants e.g. phenylephrine hydrochloride in Lemsip.Decongestants have been known to reduce breast milk but if you continue to breastfeed your milk supply will return in a few days. Your baby’s immune system is stimulated by breast milk so it is important to carry on with breastfeeding and if you feel you need something you could try a nasal decongestant such as xylometazoline instead. Some cold remedies contain antihistamines and these should be avoided because they can make your baby drowsy. You can safely take paracetamol but avoid aspirin because of the risk of Reye’s syndrome. Soothing cough bottles and lozenges can also be safely taken.

If your baby has a cold and it is affecting feeding then I usually recommend saline nasal drops that can be used before feeds. Steamy rooms also help to unblock noses.

Liquid forms of paracetamol and ibuprofen can be given if your baby has a temperature. Call into the pharmacy for more advice.

Cold and flu Q&A...(0)

posted on  3rd January 2012

Q1 I get really confused with the difference between a heavy cold and a flu virus. Can you help please?

A cold usually starts gradually when you get a sore throat and stuffy or runny nose. Flu hits you more suddenly and tends to be so severe that it’s difficult to get out of bed. Flu symptoms affect most of the body and include fever, chills, headaches and aching muscles and you can often get a cough and sore throat at the same time. The best treatment for a bad cold or flu is to stay at home, rest, keep warm, and drink plenty of fluids.

There is no ‘cure’ as such for colds or flu, but you can gain relief from the symptoms with remedies available from us. A painkiller such as paracetamol may help if you are feeling aching or feverish. However, do remember that many cold remedies contain paracetamol, so it may not be necessary to take any more. Also, some cold remedies should not be taken by particular people – for instance if you suffer from high blood pressure, heart problems or diabetes. It’s very important to always check with our pharmacist before taking any additional medicines, especially if you are on other medication. We will be happy to advise on the appropriate remedy and answer any questions you may have. And don’t hesitate to contact us if symptoms persist. 0141 637 6000

Q2 I am a 65 years ‘young’ woman and always worry with the onset of winter that I will catch yet another cold or flu. Is there any ‘alternative’ remedy I can take to help protect myself this year?

Yes there is. There are various herbal remedies and nutritional supplements available from us. Echinacea for instance helps modulate the immune system and may therefore be of benefit if taken when symptoms first appear. Vitamin and mineral supplements may also help the body fight off infection – ask us for advice on which to take.

Of course you can always ask about the annual free preventative flu jab which you are entitled to as you are considered ‘at risk’ and therefore more susceptible to the complications of flu. (‘At risk’ groups include 65+ years, those with suppressed immune systems or if you suffer from diabetes, heart, lung or kidney problems).

We also have our own flu vaccination service. Telephone us on 0141 637 6000 for more details.

Winter Health...(0)

posted on  13th December 2011

What do I do if I run out of my medicines over the Christmas period?

Check your supply of regular prescribed medicines NOW! If you are likely to run short over Christmas and New Year make sure you get your prescription in time and collect it from the pharmacy before it closes for the holiday period.  GPs and pharmacies can be very busy in the run up to Christmas, so don’t leave it until the last minute. If you are away from home and have forgotten your regular medicines, you can get an emergency supply from us. The best advice though is to plan ahead!

WE ARE OPEN CHRISTMAS DAY AND NEW YEAR’S DAY 12PM TO 3PM AND

Tuesday the 27^th Dec and Tues 3^rd Jan  11am to 2pm

What’s the best way to treat a cold?

According to a recent survey by the National Pharmacy Association, one in ten people think the best way to treat a cold is by taking antibiotics. THIS IS INCORRECT as antibiotics can only cure bacterial infections, not viral infections such as common colds and coughs. The best way to treat most coughs and colds is to drink plenty of fluids and to rest. There are many over the counter remedies to ease symptoms – call in and ask us for advice. If your symptoms last for more than three weeks, or you become breathless, have chest pains, fever, or already have a chest complaint, see your doctor.

Share gifts not medicines this Christmas and New Year

Where medicine is concerned sharing isn’t caring. You may think you’re helping your friend or relative by giving them medicines that your GP has prescribed for you but this can be dangerous as the medicine may not be suitable for other people.  The same goes for non-prescription medicines like painkillers. For example, if you have high blood pressure, bleeding disorders, asthma, stomach ulcers or liver and kidney disease, aspirin may not be suitable for you. Similarly, Ibuprofen is not suitable if you have blood clotting problems, stomach ulcers, kidney or heart problems.

What minor ailments can pharmacists help with?

If people with minor ailments like coughs and colds and ear and eye infections visited their pharmacy rather than their GP, this could save 57 million GP consultations a year. And it could save your time too. You don’t need an appointment to see your pharmacist and we run a minor ailment service, which means that we can supply medicines for certain self-limiting conditions on the NHS. If you have something more serious, we are trained to know when to refer you on.

About Newlife Pharmacy...(0)

posted on  19th May 2011

Welcome To Newlife Pharmacy, helping to keep you healthy.

Our site will help you make the right decision when a health issue is affecting you, your family or friends and gives you everything you need in just one place; whether you are looking for medical advice or to improve your lifestyle. We provide information on conditions you can treat yourself by visiting our pharmacy and information on more serious problems which clearly outlines when you should visit your doctor. Please add our site to your favourites for whenever you have a health query. You can also find our opening times, emergency contacts, details on our services, a map of where we are and you can contact us with general health queries or to order a repeat prescription. To the left of the screen you will see a login for our Health Tracker. You can get a simple measurement of your risk for major diseases and you can track your key health measurements such as cholesterol or waist measurement over time and see how you are improving.