Pharmacists give tips on how to stay healthy over Christmas

Thursday, 08 December 2011 11:09

With Christmas just a couple of weeks away, pharmacists have prepared some top tips to stay healthy this Christmas.

Pharmacist Kathy Maher says “Christmas may be a time of good cheer but it can have its own inevitable hazards.  Minor ailments, as well as cold and flu, are common over the festive season, so it’s wise for people to be prepared in advance. We recommend that people consult their local pharmacist to get advice on what essentials to have in the medicines cabinet in the run up to Christmas.”

Pharmacists also want to ensure patients are not left without their medicines during the Christmas period, as last year’s bad weather left patients unable to visit their pharmacist.

“It is important that if you are on medication, that you have enough to last over Christmas. Some pharmacies may be closed for a few days over Christmas also. Speak to your pharmacist about what arrangements can be made, and if you should run short, contact your pharmacist,” Kathy added.

• Keep Healthy – Christmas can be stressful on a number of fronts so make sure you exercise and get enough sleep to help boost your immune system. Multivitamins and supplements can be helpful, especially if you are feeling weak and tired. Washing your hands frequently with anti-bacterial soap reduces the chances of picking up germs.
• Mind your Stomach – Overindulgence in rich food over Christmas can result in heartburn and indigestion, which can be very uncomfortable, so eat small amounts regularly.  Ask your pharmacist for advice on the most appropriate remedies. 
• Never Mix Medicines and Alcohol – Over-the-counter cough and cold remedies, painkillers, antihistamines and travel sickness pills may cause drowsiness and affect concentration and co-ordination.  When mixed with alcohol these effects - even when taken hours apart - are enhanced. If you are taking any medication, always check with your pharmacist to see if it is safe to drive. 
• Be Prepared – The festive season is a good time to check medicine supplies. Some pharmacies will close for a couple of days over Christmas so stock up on medicines for common ailments in advance. It is useful to have medicines for stomach complaints and diarrhoea, and liquid paracetamol for children.  Some form of pain relief is always useful to have. Rehydration sachets to replace lost fluids and salts are also important to have for diarrhoea.
• Treat Cold and Flu Appropriately - The common cold and sore throats are generally caused by viruses and will ultimately clear up on their own; antibiotics are not effective against them.  Your local pharmacist can advise on appropriate medications to relieve your symptoms. Many different cold and flu preparations and painkillers contain paracetamol so never take more than one paracetamol-based preparation at a time.
• Give Up Smoking – If you are one of the many people planning to give up smoking after Christmas, why not consult with your pharmacist to get support and advice on how to kick the habit.  There are over-the-counter nicotine replacement therapy products that can be helpful, especially in the initial phase of giving up.

Your pharmacist is a medicines and healthcare expert. Ask your pharmacist first.