Our ‘Pompey Quiz’ has dropped!
You may have seen the trailer on our social media channels, but earlier this year, we had great fun filming at Portsmouth Football Club and we are delighted to share the results (see below for details). We are also continuing our ‘Pharmacy First’ series, which focuses on the conditions and ailments that a Pharmacist can now diagnose and prescribe, to save you having to get and attend a GP appointment. We also take a look at how hay fever sufferers can cope with the arrival of spring.
LALYS PHARMACY & PORTSMOUTH FOOTBALL CLUB QUIZ
Have you seen our quiz with Portsmouth Football Club yet?
Pompey players Hayden Matthews and Adrian Segecic teamed up with Lynsey and Hannah from our Kingston Road store to answer questions about health, fitness and Pharmacy First.
Watch the full 10-minute quiz on our homepage to see how they got on!
PHARMACY FIRST: SINUSITIS
With symptoms similar to those of colds and flu, Sinusitis is, as its name suggests, when an infection causes swelling of the lining of sinuses. These are small empty spaces located within the bones of the face, behind the cheekbones and forehead and connected to the inside of the nose.
It is a common condition that usually clears up on its own within 4 weeks, but there are a number of remedies and medicines available to help alleviate any pain and discomfort.
The main indicators of Sinusitis are:
- pain, swelling and tenderness around your cheeks, eyes or forehead
- a blocked or runny nose that reduces your sense of smell
- green or yellow mucus from your nose
- a high temperature
Other symptoms include headaches, toothache, bad breath, coughs or the feeling of pressure in your ears. You may also snore at night and sound nasal when you speak.
You can usually treat mild Sinusitis yourself by getting lots of rest, drinking plenty of fluids, taking painkillers (do not give aspirin to children under 16) or cleaning your nose with a homemade salt water solution as follows:
- Boil around 570ml (1 pint) of water, then leave it to cool.
- Mix 1 teaspoon of salt and 1 teaspoon of bicarbonate of soda into the water.
- Wash your hands.
- Stand over a sink, cup your palm and pour a small amount of the solution into it.
- Sniff the water into one nostril at a time. Breathe through your mouth and allow the water to pour back into the sink. Try not to let the water go down the back of your throat.
- Repeat the first 5 steps up to 3 times a day (making a new solution each time) until your nose feels more comfortable.
If you have a high temperature or do not feel well enough to do your normal activities, stay at home and avoid contact with other people until you feel better.
If you, or a child over 12 years is showing signs of Sinusitis and you want advice on the best treatments or products to use, you can visit any of our stores and speak to a Pharmacist. We can recommend and prescribe the same treatments as a GP or direct you to other medical help if necessary.
PREPARE FOR POLLEN
Whilst we enjoy warmer weather, more sunlight and time outdoors, the downside to spring for many people is the rise in pollen levels, which can cause an allergic reaction known as hay fever.
With symptoms including sneezing, coughing, irritated eyes, an itchy throat and headaches, it’s no wonder hay fever sufferers start to get apprehensive at this time of year when nature starts to get busy with flowers and plants blooming. While there is no cure for hay fever, there are some things you can do.
DO
Wear sunglasses and hats to help shield your face
Shower and change clothes after being outside
Vacuum and dust regularly inside your home
Keep windows and doors closed on days when pollen levels are high
DON’T
Cut, walk or sit on grass
Have flowers in the house
Smoke or be around smokers
Dry clothes outside as they’ll collect pollen
Allow pets to bring pollen indoors (wherever possible)
From nasal sprays and face wipes, to eye drops and masks, there’s a wide variety of products available to help hay fever sufferers. Visit any of our stores to speak to a healthcare professional who can advise on what might be best for you.