Well, summer arrived with a dramatic start, didn’t it? (And a bit earlier than usual!) Our stores were selling a lot of sun creams, lotions and sprays during the record-breaking heatwave, so well done everyone for looking after their skin, especially during half term activities. So now things have returned to normal, this newsletter is looking at travel this summer and continuing our focus on Pharmacy First services. We hope you find it of interest and use.
WELL DONE POMPEY!
Massive congratulations to all the players, coaches and staff of Portsmouth Football Club for maintaining Pompey’s Championship status, and we are delighted to confirm our continuing sponsorship next season.
After such a positive response to our first ‘Lalys Pharmacy x Portsmouth Football Club Quiz’, we filmed a second round which will be released this month. Can Hayden and Lindsey repeat their win? Or will Hannah claim victory with her new team mate? Keep an eye on our homepage and socials!
SUMMER HOLIDAY COUNTDOWN
It’s officially summer, Half Term is done (and, boy was it scorcher!) so now our minds are inevitably turning towards the big summer holiday!
If you are planning a new adventure, exploring a new part of the world or simply visiting loved ones abroad Lalys Pharmacy’s Travel Clinic has all the knowledge, services and products you need to keep yourself safe. Whether it’s protection from malaria in tropical climates, or diseases British people might not be familiar with in other parts of the world, our specialist staff offer guidance and personalised recommendations so you can travel confidently.
Our fully trained professionals are able to give tailored advice on a wide range of travel requirements, including:
- Vaccinations
- Malaria Prevention
- Skincare
- Digestion Remedies
- Travel Sickness
- Advanced Prescriptions
PHARMACY FIRST:
URINARY TRACT INFECTIONS
Symptoms may include:
- pain or a burning sensation when peeing
- needing to pee suddenly, urgently and/or more often than usual, perhaps during the night
- pee that looks cloudy or contains blood
- pain in the lower tummy or back, just under the ribs
- change in temperature, either hot or cold and shivery
- feelings of tiredness or weakness
- pee that looks dark and has strong odour (though this may be due to dehydration)
- In older, frail people there can also be changes in behaviour, acting agitated or confused, increased incontinence, or unusual shivering and shaking.
Causes
UTIs are usually caused by bacteria from poo entering the urinary tract through the tube that carries pee out of the body (urethra). As women have a shorter urethra than men, the bacteria are more likely to reach the bladder or kidneys and cause an infection. Risk of UTIs can also be increased by:
- pregnancy
- wiping your bottom from back to front after going to the toilet
- conditions that block the urinary tract, (e.g. kidney stones)
- conditions that make it difficult to fully empty the bladder, (e.g. enlarged prostate in men and constipation in children)
- urinary catheters
- a weakened immune system
- menopause
- using spermicide with contraception
- not drinking enough fluids
Treatment
If one of our pharmacists thinks you may have a urinary tract infection (UTI), they may do a urine test, although this is not always needed. They will then offer self-care advice, and either recommend painkillers, or give prescription for a short course of antibiotics (though we may ask you to wait for 48 hours to see if the symptoms go away on their own).