Healthy Living Pharmacy
Find out everything you need to know to live a healthy, balanced life in one place.
From weight management to mental health and general wellness we have covered a wide range of topics to give you the information you need to make more informed health decisions and achieve the support you desire.
Weight Management
Information from the NHS website:
Weight gain occurs when you regularly eat more calories than you use through normal bodily functions and physical activity. But the lifestyle habits causing your weight gain aren't always obvious.
Do you recognise some of the causes of your weight gain in any of the following?
Tips to help you lose weight:
https://www.nhs.uk/live-well/healthy-weight/12-tips-to-help-you-lose-weight/
Weight Management Support:
https://www.nhs.uk/live-well/healthy-weight/
What can I do if my child is overweight?
https://www.nhs.uk/live-well/healthy-weight/overweight-children-advice-for-parents/
Exercise
Information from the NHS website:
Health benefits
Given the overwhelming evidence, it seems obvious that we should all be physically active. It's essential if you want to live a healthy and fulfilling life into old age.
It's medically proven that people who do regular physical activity have:
- up to a 35% lower risk of coronary heart disease and stroke
- up to a 50% lower risk of type 2 diabetes
- up to a 50% lower risk of colon cancer
- up to a 20% lower risk of breast cancer
- a 30% lower risk of early death
- up to an 83% lower risk of osteoarthritis
- up to a 68% lower risk of hip fracture
- a 30% lower risk of falls (among older adults)
- up to a 30% lower risk of depression
- up to a 30% lower risk of dementia
More information on the benefits of exercise:
https://www.nhs.uk/live-well/exercise/exercise-health-benefits/
Support:
https://www.nhs.uk/live-well/exercise/
Get started:
Stress Management
Information from the NHS website:
Most people feel stressed sometimes and some people find stress helpful or even motivating. But if stress is affecting your life, there are things you can try that may help.
- try talking about your feelings to a friend, family member or health professional. You could also contact Samaritans, call: 116 123or email: jo@samaritans.org if you need someone to talk to
- find out more about 10 stress busters– including getting started with exercise and setting aside time for yourself
- use easy time-management techniquesto help you take control
- use calming breathing exercises
- plan ahead for stressful days or events – planning long journeys or making a list of things to remember can really help
- consider peer support, where people use their experiences to help each other. Find out more about peer supporton the Mind website
- listen to free mental wellbeing audio guides search and download relaxation and mindfulness appsor online community apps from the NHS apps library
Dealing with pressure
Mental Health
Support someone you know, someone you know maybe experiencing mental health problems
List of services available:
https://www.nhs.uk/mental-health/
Mental Health Help & Support Services
If you're experiencing mental health problems or need urgent support, there are lots of places you can go to for help.
Sleep & Tiredness
Information from the NHS website:
Why am I tired all the time?
Feeling exhausted is so common that it has its own acronym, TATT, which stands for "tired all the time".
We all feel tired from time to time. The reasons are usually obvious and include:
- too many late nights
- long hours spent at work
- a baby keeping you up at night
But tiredness or exhaustion that goes on for a long time is not normal. It can affect your ability to get on and enjoy your life.
Unexplained tiredness is one of the most common reasons for people to see their GP.
Eat Well
Information from the NHS website:
Eating a healthy, balanced diet is an important part of maintaining good health, and can help you feel your best.
This means eating a wide variety of foods in the right proportions, and consuming the right amount of food and drink to achieve and maintain a healthy body weight.
Alcohol support
Information from the NHS website:
Realising you have a problem with alcohol is the first big step to getting help.
You may need help if:
- you often feel the need to have a drink
- you get into trouble because of your drinking
- other people warn you about how much you're drinking
- you think your drinking is causing you problems
Support services
Quit Smoking
Information from the NHS website:
Stopping smoking is one of the best things you will ever do for your health.
When you stop, you give your lungs the chance to repair and you will be able to breathe easier. There are lots of other benefits too – and they start almost immediately.
Local stop smoking services are free, friendly and can massively boost your chances of quitting for good.
These services staffed by expert advisers provide a range of proven methods to help you quit.
They'll give you accurate information and advice, as well as professional support, during the first few months you stop smoking.
They also make it easy and affordable for you to get stop smoking treatments, such as:
- Varenicline (Champix)
- Bupropion (Zyban)
- nicotine replacement therapy, such as patches and gum
Want to talk to someone?
Call the free National Smokefree Helpline on 0300 123 1044 (England only). Talk to a trained adviser for advice and support.
Monday to Friday: 9am to 8pm
Saturday and Sunday: 11am to 4pm
Find your online community
You do not have to do it alone – join others going through the same thing in a friendly and supportive environment
Healthy Body
Top 10 healthy heart tips
A healthy lifestyle will make your heart healthier. Here are 10 things you can do to look after your heart.
- Give up smoking
- Get active
- Manage your weight
- Eat more fibre
- Cut down on saturated fat
- Get your 5 a day
- Cut down on salt
- Eat fish
- Drink less alcohol
- Read the food label
Sexual Health
Visit or call your local pharmacy for free, confidential advice and discuss our range of health and wellbeing services – we are always here to help you!