In a recent national survey by The Patients' Association, almost half of those interviewed were not aware that they can get help and advice from their local high street pharmacy on a range of health issues including weight management, stopping smoking, cholesterol tests, diabetes screening, and blood pressure checks. New data from GP surgeries shows that the number of people diagnosed with diabetes last year in the UK has increased by over 145,000.
The health survey supports a new campaign called All About Health, launched by AAH Pharmaceuticals, which aims to inform people about the health services and support available online and from their local pharmacy. So far, 600 pharmacies are taking part in the campaign across the UK.
Walk-in Health Care Services at Your Local Pharmacy
"Community pharmacists are the country’s front-line troops in healthcare and we want to help them do more to promote the vital services they offer and to make the public more aware of them," says AAH pharmacist Ajit Malhi. "The survey shows an alarming lack of knowledge of how easy it is for people to take control of looking after themselves. Equally alarming is that more than half the people surveyed said they didn’t want to bother their GP because they feared their problem would be viewed as trivial, and more than half delayed taking action because of the difficulty in making appointments."
Malhi stressed the advantage of using high street pharmacies because of their accessibility - many have drop-in services, although appointments are available. Pharmacies are also opening up at train stations across the UK, to help commuters manage their health care needs.
The All About Health website has a list of member pharmacies, which provide clinical services and prescribe treatment, and you can do a search by postcode to find out where your nearest one is. Here is an outline of services on offer at many high street pharmacies across the UK:
- Allergy Testing – A 20-minute test, which covers 10 of the most common air/home allergies, including cat and dog fur, the house dust mite, mould, cockroach debris, and different types of pollen. Some pharmacies also do food intolerance testing and advice.
- Blood Pressure Screening and Home Testing Kits – Around 1/3 of adults have high blood pressure but only around one in five people are diagnosed and treated. Your reading is taken with a digital thermometer and you will be advised accordingly. It is recommended that you have your blood pressure checked every five years, or more regularly if the reading is high. You can also get advice on home-testing blood pressure kits.
- Cholesterol Screening – High cholesterol levels can narrow the arteries putting you at risk of coronary heart disease. Your levels are measured by a finger prick blood sample, which shows your lipid profile (total, high and low cholesterol).
- Diabetes Screening –Your blood glucose levels are tested, and you will be advised on how to manage your glucose levels if they are high via diet and lifestyle changes.
- Winter Flu Vaccination – Flu is most common between October and April and is caused by a virus and can lead to nausea, aches and pains, fever, coughs and sinus pain. Flu vaccinations can help reduce your risk of catching flu and passing it on. You will need to complete a questionnaire prior to vaccination to rule out any pre-existing conditions. Annual vaccination is recommended to combat different flu strains.
- Weight Management Programmes – Your pharmacist can offer dietary and lifestyle advice to help you achieve and maintain a healthy weight and Body Mass Index (BMI). You can also get advice on specific weight loss programmes.
- Medication Review – Your pharmacist can help you to get the best from your current medications by conducting a Medicines Use Review (MUR). This will help you to understand the importance of medication, potential side effects and solutions; how to improve effectiveness, and he/she can also answer any questions about your medication. The review takes about 20 minutes and an annual check is recommended.
- Sexual Health Testing – Your pharmacist can check for chlamydia, one of the most common bacterial sexually transmitted infections (STIs). Some pharmacies provide free chlamydia testing and others have funded programmes, so check online to see which is available in your area. You can also purchase test kits from pharmacies and the results can be sent to you or your pharmacy. If the result is positive, advice and treatment will be given.
- Stop Smoking Programme – Your pharmacist can put together a personalized quit smoking programme, to help you stop smoking, and advise on nicotine replacement products.
- Pregnancy Testing and Ovulation Prediction Kits – Pharmacies have ovulation and pregnancy testing kits, and also offer a confidential pregnancy testing service. Emergency contraception may also be available.
Your local pharmacy is a one-stop shop for many of your healthcare needs. Other services provided include dispensing NHS and private prescriptions, and ordering special medicines if required, disposal of unwanted medication, keeping a record of your prescriptions, and providing out-of-hours medication and home delivery services. Pharmacies can also advise on recommended vaccinations for travel. Most have separate consultation areas so that you can discuss your healthcare needs in private.
Online Health Services and STI Testing
Allabouthealth.org.uk offers free health advice, an online health check, and individual action plans to help you get on track with your health. You can check your symptoms online and locate your nearest participating pharmacy. You can also upload your own video diary or success story, to help others.
DrThom.com - online STI testing and advice.
Responsesource.com - All About Health/The Patients' Association information, accessed 22/10/09.
Nicci Talbot - Nicci Talbot is a journalist and author specialising in sex, health & wellbeing. She edits Rude Magazine, an online resource for better ...
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