How to Avoid Vitamin D Deficiency

According to a 2010 study at the University of Newcastle, 50% of the adult British population are deficient in Vitamin D and 16% of us suffer from a severe deficiency in the winter months. The research identified that the problem was far more prevalent in the North of the UK especially amongst people of Asian and African descent due to the darker pigmentation of the skin reducing absorption of sunlight.

The other contributing factors include staying indoors all the working day, consistent use of sunscreen rather than allowing 20-30mins of allowed exposure and children playing computer games indoors instead of playing outside.

The over use of sunscreen is becoming a real problem with more fair skinned individuals, who need to protect themselves from the sun as they are more at risk from burning. The suggested solution for more fair skinned people is the use of supplements, such as Vitabiotics Ultra D3. It has also been suggested that fair skinned people have difficulty synthesising Vitamin D from sunlight .

Vitamin D promotes calcium absorption in the gut and is also key in bone growth and remodelling. A deficiency in Vitamin D can lead to bones becoming thin, brittle or misshapen. These lead to conditions such as rickets in children and osteomalacia in adults. Vitamin D is also required for both cell growth and immune function. Although a main source is sunlight on the skin, there are also a number of foods that are rich in Vitamin D such as liver, egg yolk and oily fish e.g. salmon, tuna and mackerel. As mentioned previously, there are also a number of supplements available from your pharmacy, both over the counter and via prescription. Many of these supplements also contain calcium to combat the lack of calcium absorption that is a result of Vitamin D deficiency.

The easiest way to find out if you’re suffering with insufficient Vitamin D levels is to visit your GP and ask for a Vitamin D test. If you are suffering with or want to avoid Vitamin D deficiency this winter consider the above changes to diet and lifestyle or the use of a vitamin supplement such as Adcal D3.

People of all ages can suffer for excessive ear wax but it is more common among older age groups. Up to two million people a year seek expert advice on treatment and figures show that 67% of sufferers are aged 45 or over, of whom half are 65 or over.

Research by Dendron, the maker of Otex Ear Drops, has shown that first time sufferers tend to contact their GP, sometimes with associated ear infections, but that on subsequent occasions sufferers usually self treat wil over the counter products.

Otex Ear Drops are clinically proven to reduce the need for syringing, contains urea hydrogen which slowly reacts with moisture in the ear wax, softening it and causing it to break up into small flakes. The process sometimes makes a gentle fizzing noise – so users can actually hear Otex working. The flakes then disperse from the ear on their own in the natural way.

Ottex comes in an easy squeeze plastic bottle with an integral dispensing nozzle which makes applying it simple and reduces mess. You can also try Otex Express Ear Drops.

Olbas has a range of decongestant products to help soothe and relieve stuffy, blocked and sniffly noses caused by colds, flu and hay fever. The soothing natural oils in Olbas Oil can also help soothe and relax muscles.

A spokesperson for Olbas said “Olbas Oil is the number one decongestant oil in the UK and it is a trusted, natural familt brand with over 30 years’ heritage. The Olbas portfolio is incredibly versatile – it provides something for everyone, whether that be a product for use ‘on the go’ (inhaler), something for use at home (Oil), something specifically designed for children (Olbas for Children) or something to help keeping breathing easy through the night. This certainly contributes to its on going popularity.

At Pharmacy First we sell a number of Olbas products that can help with you colds and flu this winter.

Earlier this year, Meda Pharmaceuticals launched a head lice treatment, Linicin Lotion 15 min (dimethicone), for the elimination of head lice and nits. It is clinically proven as safe for use on children from the age of six months, and during pregnancy and breastfeeding. It is also non-toxic and has no known allergens. Linicin works mechanically via its fast-acting ingredient, dimethicone, which blocks the lice’s uptake of oxygen, causing the louse to suffocate and die. It has also been proven in an in-vitro study that it impedes the development of nits – those that were exposed to Linicin did not hatch. Each bottle has an easy-applicator tip and contains 100ml of solution, enough for two applications, and comes with a louse comb for removing dead lice after treatment and checking other family members.

• Eliminates head lice and nits
• Comes in a bottle with an easy applicator tip and a fine-tooth steel comb
• Works in 15 minutes
• Suitable for adults, children over 6 months and pregnant or breastfeeding mums
• Is proven to be more than 99% effective in eliminating head lice and nits
• Contains no insecticides so there’s no risk of resistance
• Kills even insecticide-resistant lice strains
• Contains no cyclomethicone
• Has a neutral scent and is colourless
• Has very high consumer compliance: In a survey all the people tested said they would recommend the treatment to others

The human gastro-intestinal tract usually refers to the stomach and intestine, but it is actually in reference to all of the structures from the mouth to the anus. It is also simply known as the digestive system. Many people suffer from common symptoms to do with the digestive system, such as ingestion, heartburn, diar­rhoea, and constipation.

It has been stated that gastro-intestinal problems affect men and women of all ages but tend to be more common in women. Mi­nor problems are easily treatable and simple adjustments in lifestyle are often recommended. Heartburn and indigestion are two terms used to describe discomfort and pain in the upper gastro-intestinal (GI) Tract which are commonly associated with food. Many people do not properly understand the differences between heartburn and indigestion.

Heartburn normally occurs when the lower oesophageal muscle is not functioning properly so the stomach acid escapes and moves up the oesophagus. When the acid comes in contact with the delicate lining of the oesophagus, it causes irritation, discomfort and pain. This sensation is known as heartburn.

There are many causes of heartburn, such as being overweight. In this case more pressure is put on to the stomach, which forces contents up the oesophagus. Other causes such as the foods we eat and drink, especially fatty foods, alcohol and chocolate, seem to be linked to causing heartburn. It is a good fact to know also that heartburn is a common symptom in pregnant woman especially in the first tri­mester where hormone levels affect the lower oesophageal sphincter.

Indigestion, also known as dyspepsia, is pain or discomfort in the upper abdomen (tummy). Indigestion occurs when there is too much acid in the stomach, when this stomach acid comes into contact with the sensitive, protec­tive lining (mucosa) of the digestive system. The stomach acid breaks down the mucosa, leading to irritation and inflammation (redness and swelling). This causes the symptoms of indigestion.

In most cases, indigestion is related to eating, although it can be caused by other factors, such as an infection or taking certain medications. The symptoms between heartburn and indigestion normally overlap, however, heartburn is normally regarded with pain in the centre of the chest, while indigestion is generally regarded as pain and discomfort in the stomach area and is normally accompanied by symptoms of bloatedness, nausea and vomiting.

Treatments that can be purchased to treat these symptoms include antacids such as Asilone, Rennie, which by neutralising the stomach, should be taken after meals and before bed time. Of the Alginates, the most popular is Gaviscon, which forms a lining which stops stomach contents irritating the oesophagus. Some Alginate products also contain antacids, such as Gaviscon double action.

H2-receptor antagonist products include Zantac 75 which is very effec­tive if alginates and antacids do not seem to help control the symptoms. The H2-receptor antagonists stop your stomach from creating acid and work very well. They provide a 12-hour action. Proton pump inhibitors such as omeprazole are another group of medicines which help to stop acid from being released into the stomach. These work in a slightly different way to H2 receptor antagonists but have the same overall effect.

People can prevent symptoms by eat­ing small portions, not eating late at night or before going to bed and avoiding foods that cause discomfort, in particular rich, spicy or fatty foods. If you are overweight, losing weight should help to reduce symptoms.

Constipation is another common ailment. Many people feel uncomfortable talking about constipation and sometimes feel uncomfortable if their normal pattern of opening their bowels has been disrupted. Constipation occurs when the contents of the large intestine move slowly and more water than normal is absorbed from the faecal matter.

It can also cause your stools to be unusu­ally hard, lumpy, large or small. The severity of constipation can vary greatly. Many people only experience constipation for a short period of time with no lasting effects on their health.

Constipation occurs when people do not have enough fibre in their diet or do not drink enough. Liquids add fluid to stools which makes them softer and pass easier but some drugs cause constipation as a side effect, an example of which are pain-killers that contain codeine.

Treatments of constipation

Bulk-forming laxatives in­clude Methylcellulose, sterculia and ispaghula husk, such as Fybogel Hi-Fibre. These products contain natural fibres and help to retain fluid in the stools, encouraging the intestine to work faster. Bulk-forming laxatives work within a 24-36 hour time frame and are safe to take long-term.

Osmotic laxatives, for ex­ample Lactulose, are prime medicines which help keep fluid in the bowl and faeces and make them easier to pass. This is the gentle option and often recommended in children and pregnant women. Faecal softners, such as Dulcoease and Glycerin suppositories, work by lubricating the faeces and making them easier to pass. Stimulant laxatives include Dulcolax tablets, Ex-Lax, which contains senna, and Califig.

These work by stimulating the nerve-endings in the walls of the large intestine (colon) and rectum. This causes the muscles in the intestinal wall to contract more often and with increased force. When these muscles contract (a process known as peristalsis), this moves the contents of the intestine through the colon to the rectum so that the bowel can be emptied. This relieves constipation.

Some of the best tips you can give patients is too eat plenty of fruit and vegetables and to drink plenty of fluid throughout the day.

Diarrhoea, like constipation, is a topic that many people are reluctant to discuss, but it is a common problem faced by many and often occurs at the most inconvenient time, such as on holiday or at work.

Diarrhoea is passing loose or watery faeces more than three times a day. It affects almost everyone from time to time and is usually noth­ing to worry about.

A common cause in both children and adults is gastroenteritis, an infection of the bowel. Gastroenteritis maybe caused by a virus, such as a norovirus or rotavirus bacteria, which is often found in contaminated food.

Diarrhoea occurs when the lining of the large intestine becomes inflamed and prevents sufficient fluid from being removed from the food in the intestine. This makes the stools much looser or liquid like when they excreted from the body.

A problem that diarrhoea can cause, es­pecially in the young and the elderly, is the potential risk of dehydration – young children and the elderly are most at risk from this. The signs and symptoms of diarrhoea are normally easy to spot and are obvious; these include frequent, loose or watery stools, abdominal cramping, sometimes associated with bloating. Other symptoms can also be noticed such as fever, nausea and or vomiting.

Fluid replacement treatments

Children and the elderly are more likely to become dehydrated. People suffering from dehydration are advised to take frequent sips of water even if they are vomiting. They should also rest until symptoms improve. Rehydration therapy, such as Dioralyte which is available in different flavoured sachets for reconstitution in water, helps to replace lost fluids and salts and reduces the chances of dehydration.

Anti-diarrhoeal (drugs) such as loperamide (Imodium) and morphine salts (Diocalm) work very well as they help to slow down the passage of food through the intestine, allowing for more fluids to be absorbed. These products work very well and can be used in combination with rehydration salts. Bismuth subsalicylate (Pepto-Bismol) is useful for bacterial diarrhoea because they are designed to attack the bacteria and provide a protective coating over the stomach.

NeilMed Sinus Rinse

NeiMed Sinus Rinse is a natural soothing saline nasal wash. A large volume low positive pressure nasal wash is the most effective way to irrigate the nose based on current medical studies. Nasal Irrigation is an excellent way to clean mucus from the nose making medication more effective. They also clean allergens, irritants, bacteria and viruses from the nose reducing the frequency of infection. Furthermore, they help decrease swelling in the nose and increase air flow. Sinus Rinse is excellent for all ages.
Sinus Rinse helps alleviate:
• Nasal Allergies & Dryness
• Sinusitis, Rhinitis
• Allergic Asthma
• Post Nasal Drip
• Sinus Pressure & Nasal Stuffiness
• Nasal Symptoms from Flu & Cold
• Nasal Irritation from Occupational Dust, Fumes, Animal Dander, Grass, Pollen, Smoke, & House Dust
• Nasal Congestion

NeiMed NasaMist

NasaMist Saline Spray is a sterile natural soothing saline spray. Applying a gentle fine mist in the nose is an excellent way to keep the nasal passages moist. NasaMist Saline Spray comes in both an isotonic and hypertonic concentration. Nasal sprays should not be mistaken for large volume irrigation systems like Sinus Rinse Nasal Wash.

NasaMist Saline Spray helps alleviate …
• Nasal Dryness
• Nasal Congestion
• Nasal Irritation from Occupational Dust, Fumes, Animal Dander, Grass,    Pollen, Smoke, & House Dust

Neilmed NasoGel

NasoGel Moisturizer is a drug-free saline based water soluble nasal gel formulated with sodium hyaluronate to provide long lasting nasal moisture.

NasoGel Moisturizer helps to alleviate dryness caused by:
• Dry Air
• CPAP machines
• Oxygen therapy
• Sinusitis
• Allergies
• Common Cold

NeilMed SinuSurf

SinuSurf Surfactant is an easy to use water soluble product that facilitates deeper cleansing and helps remove excess mucus & dried crusts out of nasal passages when mixed with a buffered saline solution.

Excess mucus is seen in the following conditions: Common cold, Nasal Allergies, Bacterial Infections, Fungal Infections, Cystic Fibrosis, Immune Disorders, Post Radiation Therapy, Post sinus surgeries and several others.

SinuSurf Helps with the following:

• Nasal Mucus Relief
• Additive for Extra Strength Nasal Cleansing
• Thins and Loosens Mucus

 

CLICK HERE TO VIEW THE WHOLE NEILMED RANGE

This morning saw Martin Lewis, of Money Saving Expert, appear on ITVs Lorraine Show to talk about hayfever remedies and tablets. He spoke about 2 main types of hayfever tablets and explained how you could buy the generic versions of the tablets instead of paying over the odds for the branded alternatives.

The first tablet mentioned was Loratadine Tablets. Loratadine is a newer type of antihistamine that is highly effective and non-drowsy. Loratadine is also the active ingredient in Clarityn and the generic tablets give the same effect to the hayfever sufferer. At Pharmacy First we sell a wide range of Loratadine products. The most popular being our months supply of Loratadine, which only costs 50p.

The other active ingredient that was Cetirizine, which is the active ingredient in Zirtek. This is also a newer type of antihistamine where the generic tablets are far cheaper than the branded alternatives and offer identical results. At Pharmacy First we sell a number of products that use Cetirizine as their active ingredient. The most popular Cetirizine product is the months supply of Cetirizine that sells for 99p.

Martin Lewis talking about these products on national television shows like Lorraine is great because it gets the message out to people that they do not need to spend a fortune to get effective relief from hayfever. There are plenty of cheap hayfever remedies available. At Pharmacy First we are constantly trying to supply our hayfever remedies at the lowest possible prices to offer our customers the best deals online.

What is the Exorex Psoriasis Management System?

The Exorex range, including compatible moisturisers and cleansers is:-

EXOREX LOTION Coal Tar Solution 5% v/w Cutaneous Emulsion

EXOREX MOISTURISING CREAM

EXOREX SCALP MOISTURISER

EXOREX HAIR & BODY SHAMPOO

All products in the Exorex Management System have been designed to work together to help you control your psoriasis. This means that you can use one or more products in the range in conjunction with EXOREX LOTION. The compatible products, which may be used with EXOREX LOTION, are also fragrance free and colourant free.

EXOREX LOTION is the most important product in the Exorex Management System providing relief from psoriasis. It is a patented formulation containing prepared coal tar (5% v/w) in a base containing a complex of esterified essential fatty acids.

Psoriasis – Some Basic Rules

With regular treatment it may be possible to control psoriasis and you may remain symptom free for long periods of time. In addition to following the Exorex Management System the following points should be noted:

• Never Irritate Lesions

Avoid irritants such as perfumed and/or coloured soaps, shampoos, shower gels, body creams, baby oils and moisturisers.

• Never Allow Lesions to Become Excessively Dry

Moisturise as often as needed between EXOREX LOTION applications, using compatible moisturisers such as EXOREX MOISTURISING CREAM for the body and EXOREX SCALP MOISTURISER for the scalp.

• Be Careful With Alcohol Consumption

Some people feel their psoriasis can be triggered or made worse by drinking alcohol. Therefore we recommend that you avoid drinking alcohol, especially during the first 3 months of your treatment programme.

• Avoid Contact Irritants

Certain detergents, deodorants, hair dyes, perfumes and after-shaves can act as triggers. Therefore it is worth keeping a watchful eye on your particular trigger substance and avoid wherever possible.

• Be Aware of your Diet

Again, some people feel that certain foods can aggravate psoriasis. The ‘problem’ foods vary greatly from one sufferer to another, therefore you may need to discover what, if any, foods have an effect on your own condition by eating things in isolation and noting whether there are any changes to your condition.

How To Use The Products in the Exorex Range

BODY

Before each treatment, cleanse the affected areas gently using non-irritant compatible cleansers. Pat dry – avoid harsh rubbing.

In the morning, apply EXOREX LOTION to the affected areas of your body. Don’t worry about Lotion getting on good skin – no harm will be done. Apply sufficient Lotion so that it dries in approx. 2 minutes. If it dries well before, you have not applied enough. If it dries well after 2 minutes, you have applied too much, and are simply wasting Lotion.

Once the Lotion has dried, we suggest that you apply a moisturiser such as EXOREX MOISTURISING CREAM to the affected areas (on top of the Lotion) and massage in gently until it disappears and dries.

Repeat the regime at midday (if at all possible) and again in the evening.

Note: You should not apply EXOREX LOTION to the body more than 3 times daily. However, there is no restriction in daily use of EXOREX MOISTURISING CREAM. Therefore, you may wish to apply it in between Lotion applications to help reduce itching and irritation, maintain moisture and help remove scaling.

SCALP

Shampoo hair in the morning (or evening if you prefer) with a compatible non-irritant shampoo such as EXOREX HAIR & BODY SHAMPOO.

Apply EXOREX LOTION to the affected areas of the scalp and massage in lightly for a minute (again, do not worry about getting EXOREX LOTION on “good skin” – no harm will be done). Apply EXOREX SCALP MOISTURISER to the affected areas of the scalp and massage in lightly for about a minute. (If you are also using EXOREX LOTION on your body you may find it easier to apply the SCALP MOISTURISER to your scalp after applying Lotion to the affected areas of your body).

DO NOT RINSE OFF. Repeat at midday (if at all possible) without shampooing hair. Repeat midday regime at night. At this time you can replace SCALP MOISTURISER with EXOREX MOISTURISING CREAM if you feel this would be more beneficial.

With the EXOREX LOTION and SCALP MOISTURISER, only you will know that you are using anything. Simply put a brush/comb through your hair once dry.

Results – Does Exorex Work?

When you begin using EXOREX as suggested, the initial “treatment phase” can take 60 to 90 days. Many sufferers may begin to see a marked improvement in their psoriasis during this period. However, it can sometimes take longer for improvement to occur. Remember no two sufferers are the same.

Nuromol is a new painkiller tablet that is available from your pharmacy. It combines both Ibuprofen and Paracetamol. Nuromol is formulated using a technology called Synchro-tech, which releases both Ibuprofen and Paracetamol simultaneously so that the active ingredients deliver a combination effect. This combines the following effect from the seperate drugs:

Paracetamol	Ibuprofen
Inhibits the production of certain prostaglandins in the brain Works centrally in the brain Painkiller Antipyretic (reduces fever) Provides Pain Relief for four to six hours	Blocks the production of protoglandins in the brain and throughout the body Works at the site of pain Painkiller Antipyretic (reduces fever) NSAID Provides pain relief for six to eight hours

Nuromol is able to reach 100% dissolution in nine minutes significantly faster that the 20 minutes that standard paracetamol takes or the 30 minutes that standard ibuprofen takes. This means that pain relief is achieved on average in under 45 minutes.

People are most likely to treat pain when it will prevent them from carrying out normal tasks.

Nuromol is an effective painkiller that is especially suitable for pain which requires stronger pain relief than other paracetamol or ibuprofen alone. The Synchro-tech technology ensures that the active ingredients deliver a combination effect, whcih has been shown to be significantly more effective than some codein-containing combinations available of the counter.

Does Nuromol Work?

In a word, yes. All the information that is available suggests that Nuromol is more effective than using paracetamol or ibuprofen independaently of each other.

Nuromol comes in 3 pack sizes; 6 Tablets, 12 Tablets and 24 Tablets.

What causes eczema?

The exact cause of eczema is not fully known or understood, however we do know that oils in the skin becoming defective is the main issue. Normally skin offers a layer of protection, keeping water in and unwanted things like bacteria out of the body, but when a child has eczema the skin gets broken and dries out leaving it more open to infection.

Why has my child got eczema?

As previously stated it is not known why some people are more prone to eczema than others, but the most common form is Atopic (or Allergic) eczema which tends to affect 20% of children. Eczema seems to run in a family, meaning that if you suffered with it is a child then your children are more likely to also have the same issue. This form of eczema normally starts when a child is very young.

Children who have Atopic Eczema are also more likely to suffer from other conditions associated with allergies like Hayfever and Asthma.

Will my child’s eczema get better or go away?

Eczema is not a constant. It gets better and worse unexpectedly. There is no cure for eczema but there are several treatments available to help control it and make the good periods last longer between flare-ups and also make the bad periods not as bad. 75% of children grow out of eczema before they hit their teens.

What causes my child’s eczema to flare-up?

Eczema has many triggers that can lead to flare-ups. Below are a few of the main ones:

• House dust mites
• Pets
• Heat
• Soaps and bubble baths
• Certain foods

Avoiding things that you know can cause the eczema to get worse is advisable but is is not always possible as a lot of the triggers are involved in everyday life.

Treatment

There are lots of different emollient products available. Emollient ointments are the best way to moisturise the skin for the longest perios of time. There are also emollient creams, emollient lotions and emmolient gels available. The Oilatum Junior range is aimed at treating childhood eczema.

Your GP or nurse will be able to help you come up with a plan involving a range of emollinet products to help you avoid using products that may cause flare-ups. This is known as ‘complete emollient therapy’.

Most cases of eczema can be controlled uing a good emollient therapy routine and the occassional topical steroid (ask your doctor about these), but if your child has a bad or proloned flare-up then there are other treatments that your GP will be able to prescribe.

For more help with eczema you should speak to you GP or healthcare professional.