S G Barai Pharmacy

23/09/2025

Book your appointment now for your flu vaccine. Our clinics start on Wednesday 1st October 2025.

A flu vaccine is needed every year because:

• people's immune protection from vaccination declines over time, so an annual flu vaccine is needed for optimal protection

• flu viruses are constantly changing so the composition of flu vaccines is reviewed annually and vaccines are updated to protect against the viruses that scientific research indicates will be most common during the upcoming flu season

• some individuals will make a suboptimal response to the flu vaccine. This may be because they are immunosuppressed, have co-morbidities or are of older age when the immune system does not respond so well to vaccination.

So don't delay, book your appointment here: https://www.nhs.uk/nhs-services/vaccination-and-booking-services/book-flu-vaccination/

22/09/2025

Since it first emerged in 2019, immunity to the virus that causes COVID-19 infection has been increasing due to a combination of naturally acquired immunity following recovery from having had a COVID-19 infection and immunity from having been vaccinated.

COVID-19 is now a relatively mild disease for most people and rates of hospitalisation from COVID-19 have reduced significantly since the virus first emerged.

However, whilst most infected people have no or mild symptoms and will recover from the disease without needing treatment, some people who get COVID-19 still become seriously ill.

Age has always been strongly associated with the risk of hospitalisation, with the oldest in the population being the most vulnerable.

Individuals who are immunosuppressed due to disease or treatment are also at higher risk of serious illness and/or hospitalisation following COVID-19 infection.

This is why it is important for those over 75 years old and those that are immunosuppressed to have their covid booster vaccine this Autumn/Winter.

Our clinics start from Wednesday 1st October and you can book using this link: https://www.nhs.uk/nhs-services/vaccination-and-booking-services/book-covid-19-vaccination/

05/06/2025

04/06/2025

We have recently supported an amazing charity that makes sure accessible defibrillators are there to restart the hearts of people who may have suffered a CARDIAC ARREST (heart stops beating) in the community.

💔Cardiac arrests may happen because of many reasons, but the most common one is ischaemic heart disease. This is where there is damage to the heart because of narrowing of the blood vessels around the heart.

🚭One of the main causes of this is SMOKING.

You can help prevent this happening to you by QUITTING THE HABIT.

This poster shows all the LOCAL SUTTON PHARMACIES that can help you quit. There is also a new App which you will have access to for free if you sign up!

💪Do something today to PROTECT YOUR FUTURE HEALTH and make sure you are as healthy as you can be for as long as possible!

Sutton Pharmacy Surrey

04/06/2025

Menopause is the natural process where a woman's menstrual periods stop permanently, marking the end of her reproductive years. It typically occurs between the ages of 45 and 55, but can happen earlier.

The time leading up to menopause, with changes in menstrual cycles and hormone levels, is called perimenopause.

Symptoms:
Hot flushes, night sweats, sleep disturbances, mood swings, joint and muscle pain, vaginal dryness, and changes in s*x drive are common symptoms.

Treatment Options:
Hormone replacement therapy (HRT), lifestyle changes, and other medications can help manage symptoms.

Why not book an appointment with our pharmacist to discuss your symptoms, understand the pros and cons of HRT and make an informed choice about how you manage your symptoms.

Book here: www.sgbaraipharmacy.co.uk

03/06/2025

HbA1c reflects your average blood glucose levels over the preceding 8-12 weeks.

It's a valuable tool for diagnosing and monitoring diabetes.

When glucose binds to haemoglobin, it forms glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c). The amount of HbA1c is directly related to the amount of glucose in the blood.

A higher HbA1c level indicates higher average blood glucose levels and suggests that blood sugar control may not be optimal.

Diabetes UK generally recommends that HbA1c levels be kept below 48 mmol/mol (6.5%) for good diabetes control.

Book here: www.sgbaraipharmacy.co.uk

Generally, an HbA1c level below 42 mmol/mol indicates normal blood sugar levels.

Levels between 42 and 47 mmol/mol suggest prediabetes, and levels of 48 mmol/mol or higher indicate diabetes.

02/06/2025

What is Cholesterol?

Cholesterol is a type of lipid, a fatty substance.

It's needed for cell membrane structure, hormone production, and bile acid creation.

Cholesterol is produced in the liver and also comes from the foods you eat.

Cholesterol combines with proteins to form lipoproteins, which carry it throughout your body.

High cholesterol can lead to plaque build-up in blood vessels, narrowing them and making it harder for blood to flow.

This build-up can increase the risk of heart attack, stroke, and other cardiovascular problems.

High cholesterol often doesn't cause noticeable symptoms, making it important to get your cholesterol levels checked regularly.

01/06/2025

Our weight is a sensitive subject and one that is always on our mind.

If you want to make sustainable lifestyle changes along side trying weight loss medication, then please do consider using us to help you.

Our pharmacist, Reena, has been studying hard to offer you both access to medication and support to help you lose weight.

If you'd just like to know more, why not book an exploratory introduction meeting with Reena using our website www.sgbaraipharmacy.co.uk - this appointment:

- is face to face
- is conducted in the private consultation room in our pharmacy
- includes taking your measurements of weight, height, BMI, waist circumference, blood pressure and heart rate
- includes the various options available to you when it comes to medication to aid weight loss
- gives you the chance to ask as many questions as you have
- includes an overview of the change in diet and exercise you need to incorporate in order to make sustainable changes

31/05/2025

We hope you've found our series of posts on supplements helpful.

Let us know if there are other topics you want us to feature on our posts.

30/05/2025

These are the probiotics we sell the most of in our pharmacy.

Probiotics are generally considered beneficial for people taking antibiotics.

Antibiotics can disrupt the balance of gut bacteria, leading to side effects like diarrhea. Probiotics can help replenish and rebalance the gut microbiome, potentially reducing the risk of antibiotic-associated diarrhea and other side effects.

29/05/2025

Yeast infections happen when there’s an overgrowth of fungus called Candida. There are many different strains of Candida, but Candida albicans is the most common cause of vaginal yeast infections.

Your body is home to trillions of microorganisms, including fungi, bacteria, and viruses. These tiny organisms are harmless and live in colonies. Together, they’re known as the human microbiota. Candida is part of your normal microbiota, but sometimes it grows a little too much. This disrupts your usual microbiota, causing a yeast infection.

Probiotics are a collection of live microorganisms that have health benefits for your body.

Some of the most common probiotics are a type of bacteria called Lactobacillus.

The vaginal microbiota naturally contains Lactobacillus. It helps to prevent Candida and other bacteria from growing out of control.

Probiotics, especially those containing lactobacillus strains, can help maintain a healthy vaginal microbiome, which can protect against yeast infections like thrush.

28/05/2025

Probiotics are generally considered safe and potentially beneficial for gut health, especially when the gut microbiome is disrupted.

They can help restore balance by adding beneficial bacteria to the gut, potentially easing symptoms of conditions like Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS).

However, it's important to note that the specific benefits of probiotics can vary depending on the strain and individual factors.

Here's a more detailed look at the potential benefits and considerations:

Potential Benefits:

Improved digestion: Probiotics can help break down food and absorb nutrients more efficiently.

Enhanced immunity: A healthy gut microbiome supports a strong immune system.

Reduced symptoms of IBS: Some studies suggest probiotics can help alleviate IBS symptoms.

Reduced duration of diarrhea: Probiotics may shorten the duration of antibiotic-associated diarrhea.

Potential for other benefits: Research is ongoing, but probiotics may also play a role in lowering blood pressure, improving cholesterol levels, and reducing inflammation.