Crystal Pharmacy

03/05/2017

11/03/2015

10/03/2015

Stress and how to deal with it
In the period 2011/12 the HSE (Health and Safety Executive) reported that 428,000 people felt work related stress was making them ill. That is 40% of all work related illnesses and is probably an under estimate as many people either don’t recognise it or don’t report it.

What is stress?
Stress is defined as the adverse reaction people have to excessive pressures and demands placed on them and the main reasons for people feeling stressed at work are work pressure, lack of support from managers and work related violence and bullying.
If you are not sure whether you are suffering from stress the usual symptoms are pounding heart, dry mouth, odd aches and pains and loss of appetite for food and s*x. If you have these symptoms you need to pinpoint the cause.
One of the main ways to relieve stress at work is to learn to say “no” when you know you haven’t got time to do whatever is being asked of you. Outline your reasons in a specific measurable way but always offer a solution.

03/03/2015

Common Cold Quiz Answers

1. What causes the common cold? Viruses.
2. How many different types are there? 200.
3. How do colds spread? Direct contact e.g. sneezing or indirect contact e.g. sharing towels, cups etc.
4. How can I prevent a cold spreading? Wash your hands, use tissues, clean surfaces regularly, don’t share cups, cutlery and use paper towels.
5. What are the usual symptoms? Blocked or runny nose, sneezing, coughing, generally feeling unwell.
6. How can I treat a cold? Get plenty of rest, drink lots and eat healthily.
7. What over the counter remedies are there? Use painkillers, decongestants, zinc supplements, steam inhalation.
8. What medicines should I avoid? Antihistamines, cough syrups (there is no evidence they work) and antibiotics as the cause is viral not bacterial.
9. When should I visit my GP? If your cold lasts longer than 3 weeks, your temperature is over 39C, your phlegm is blood stained, you have chest pain or breathing difficulties, you have severe swelling of your lymph nodes.
10. How can I help my child if they get a cold? Encourage them to rest and drink lots, give paracetamol or ibuprofen, keep the atmosphere warm and moist.