Latest news with #ClaireNevinson
Daily Mail
6 days ago
- Health
- Daily Mail
Pharmacist issues vaccine warning to Brits heading on holiday this year
Tourists heading abroad this summer have been urged to consider what vaccinations are recommended for their destination. Holidaymakers jetting off to tropical climates could be exposed to diseases their immune systems aren't used to. Though there aren't mandatory vaccines for some countries, Brits are advised to check any requirements before travelling. Boots pharmacist Claire Nevinson explained the urgency of travellers protecting their health when going abroad. 'It's important to take steps to protect our health when we travel abroad so we can focus on enjoying our holiday,' she said. 'Travel vaccinations may be recommended depending on where you are travelling, the activities you will be doing, and your age and general health.' The healthcare company revealed the most common diseases customers were seeking advice on included Japanese encephalitis, rabies and hepatitis A. More than a third of travellers are planning to jet off to long-haul locations this year, according to Boots, including with Thailand, India and China. Claire added: 'If you're travelling abroad this summer, you may be exposed to diseases we don't usually have in the UK. 'Travel vaccinations may be recommended for your trip as a measure to help prevent you picking these illnesses up. 'The childhood vaccination programme in the UK provides protection from several diseases, but it may also be necessary to consider boosters or other vaccinations if you're planning to visit certain parts of the world.' The pharmacist advised that holidaymakers should consider taking medications with them on their travels too. Claire recommended several items including antihistamines and pain relief, regardless of the destination. 'Whether you're jetting off or keeping it local this summer, it's always wise to pack a few healthcare products depending on the destination you're travelling to,' she said. 'A small first aid kit may be a good start. You could consider including pain relief medicine, antihistamine medicine to help relieve symptoms of hayfever and other allergies, plasters, antiseptic cream, insect repellent and of course broad-spectrum sunscreen with a minimum of SPF30. 'It's also important to make sure you have an adequate supply of any prescription medicines that you take. 'Additionally, I'd always check whether you might need medication to help prevent malaria. 'It is important that antimalarials are started before you travel to a place where you might be at risk.'
Daily Mirror
06-07-2025
- Health
- Daily Mirror
‘Tweaks to slim down and stay at healthy size – without taking weight-loss jab'
When it comes to weight loss, slowly and surely is the way to go – making lifestyle changes rather than going on extreme diets, and breaking exercise down into manageable ideas will get results The internet is awash with tips, tricks and hacks to fix minor medical problems. But how much of it is accurate and can be trusted? In an age of misinformation and social media 'experts', it is always better to ask someone who is in the know about your health woes. Each week, Superintendent Pharmacist Claire Nevinson will answer our readers' questions on everything from insomnia and skin complaints to trapped wind and toilet troubles. This week, her colleague Ruth Taylor, Nutritionist at Boots Online Doctor, helps with weight loss support … Q. I'm overweight but not big enough to qualify for weight-loss injections – what alternatives for weight loss are on offer in pharmacies? A. 'With over two-thirds of adults in the UK classed as overweight or obese, it's important that people feel supported — whether they choose to explore access to weight loss treatment or not. There are a range of lifestyle changes that can make a big difference to your weight and overall health, and support is available to help people take that first step.' Steady progress is key 'At Boots Online Doctor, we encourage sustainable changes that support long-term health. Gradual weight loss — around 1 to 2 pounds (0.45 to 0.9kg) a week — is ideal. It helps preserve muscle mass and makes it more likely that people will maintain their progress.' Plan ahead to stay on track 'Planning your meals in advance can reduce the temptation to make less healthy choices. Foods that help keep your blood sugar stable and keep you feeling fuller for longer can help cut cravings, avoid energy dips, and support steady progress.' 'How to get your abnormal moles checked quickly if the GP wait is too long' You can find free Boots Online Doctor eating guides for weight loss, along with nutrition and healthy eating tips on the Boots Health Hub. The Boots Online Doctor Coach app* also offers coaching, where you can get 1-to-1, personalised support to help you build healthier habits and make lasting changes. Movement matters 'Physical activity is another key part of healthy weight management. Resistance-based exercise helps preserve muscle — which supports your metabolism and makes weight loss more effective. That doesn't have to mean lifting weights at the gym — even simple bodyweight exercises at home or walking with a weighted backpack can make a difference.' 'The NHS recommends 150 minutes of moderate activity a week, or 75 minutes of vigorous activity for adults aged 19 to 64. This can be broken down into manageable chunks, like three 10-minute sessions a day. Speak to your GP before starting any new routine if you haven't exercised in a while or have an existing medical condition.' Support you can trust 'Our service offers a range of tools to help support your goals — from a 10-week programme, live webinars and expert podcasts**, to one-to-one coaching and our new Weight Loss Tracker app***. For those who are eligible, we also offer access to weight loss treatment****, supported by expert clinical care.' * Get 1-to-1 coaching and nutritional advice for an additional fee. Terms and conditions apply. Subject to clinical review. Full T&Cs available at ** Available free to all Boots Online Doctor customers. *** Weight Loss Tracker: Boots' new app can help you track your weight and much more-download from Apple and Google Play app stores **** Access to treatment is subject to an online consultation with a clinician to assess suitability. Subject to availability. Charges apply.
Daily Mirror
01-06-2025
- Health
- Daily Mirror
Five ways to help ‘fight or flight' stress hormone and bring down blood pressure
Triggering the body's natural stress hormone is perfectly normal when it's needed – but if it stays high it can lead to weight gain, or too low, it might cause fatigue and low mood The internet is awash with tips, tricks and hacks to fix minor medical problems. But how much of it is accurate and can be trusted? In an age of misinformation and social media 'experts', it is always better to ask someone who is in the know about your health woes. Each week, Superintendent Pharmacist Claire Nevinson will answer our readers' questions on everything from insomnia and indigestion to trapped wind and toilet troubles. This week, Claire tackles the stress hormone, cortisol… Q. Everyone is talking about high cortisol on social media – is it actually a problem that a lot of people have, or has it been blown out or proportion? What are the actual symptoms and what should we be doing about it? Cortisol is the body's natural steroid, also known as the body's stress hormone. It plays a key role in managing many bodily functions including regulating blood sugar levels, helping the body cope with and respond to stress, controlling blood pressure, regulating metabolism and immune function and reducing inflammation. What leads to high cortisol levels? During times of stress, the adrenal glands of the body will release both adrenaline and cortisol. This can lead to increased energy levels, which is the body's way of preparing for what it perceives as a potentially harmful or dangerous situation. Spikes in these hormones should naturally return to normal levels when the situation that triggered them is over, but during extended periods of everyday stress this doesn't always happen and cortisol levels may remain high. This can increase the risk of many health conditions including weight gain, anxiety, heart problems and high blood sugar. In rare cases, higher than normal cortisol levels may also be a result of Cushing's syndrome. This is an uncommon condition with the main symptoms being weight gain, typically on the chest, stomach, shoulders and back of the neck, as well as a red, puffy and rounded face. If you are concerned about any symptoms, you may be experiencing, you should speak to your GP. What leads to low cortisol levels? While the issue of high cortisol levels has seen a lot of attention, particularly on social media, the body can also experience low cortisol levels. This occurs when the adrenal glands don't produce enough cortisol. This is known as Addison's disease – a rare condition, which usually occurs because of a problem with the immune system. It can cause lack of energy, fatigue, muscle weakness, low mood, loss of appetite, dizziness, losing weight without trying and increased thirst. How can we manage cortisol levels? Reduce everyday stress If the changes in cortisol levels are caused by prolonged everyday stress, it's important to try and identify the triggers if you can. This is a good first step towards finding coping mechanisms and ways to avoid stress. Eat a balanced diet A healthy and balanced diet can help support your physical health and emotional wellness. Try to eat a nutrient-rich diet full of fruits and vegetables, whole grains and healthy fats as well as drinking plenty of water. Try to limit your caffeine intake and the number of foods you consume that are high in added sugar and saturated fats. Undertake regular exercise The NHS recommends 150 minutes of moderate intensity activity or 75 minutes of vigorous intensity activity a week, which can help reduce feelings of stress and therefore can help manage cortisol levels. Make sure to speak to your GP before starting any new forms of exercise if you have an existing medical condition or have not exercised in a while. Get plenty of sleep Aim for seven to nine hours of uninterrupted sleep a night to reduce everyday stress and manage cortisol levels. It can help to establish a sleep routine and going to bed and getting up at consistent times. You should also try to reduce screen time or eliminate it altogether before bedtime and replacing for anything that helps your body and mind to relax instead. This could include a warm bath, face mask or reading a book. If you're experiencing symptoms that make you think your cortisol levels may be imbalanced, make an appointment to speak to your GP.
Telegraph
17-03-2025
- Health
- Telegraph
Six hay fever hacks to see you through the season
It's that time again. You may still be sporting a scarf but, sadly, it's also time to start thinking about hay fever. Tree pollen has started to circulate even earlier this season and will be followed by grass and weed pollen in the coming months. Scientists have warned that it's going to be a 'high severity' season, thanks to the recent warm and dry weather. For the around one in four Britons who face runny noses and water eyes in response to the allergen, it means it's time to reach for some tissues and a daily antihistamines. However, there's lots more that can be done to ease these debilitating symptoms. 'There are many ways you can help to relieve and manage hay fever symptoms including home remedies and simple lifestyle hacks,' says Claire Nevinson, a superintendent pharmacist at Boots. These are her top tips to stop hay fever in its tracks. Rinse your nose with salt water Cost: Free Difficult ranking: 2/5 Hay fever occurs when the immune system mistakes pollen – a harmless powder released by grass, trees and weeds – as a threat and releases histamines and other chemicals to ward them off. This leads to symptoms that range from being mild but irritating to severe. 'Rinsing of nasal passages with salt water can help flush out pollen and other allergens trapped in your nose,' Nevinson explains. 'This can help to relieve congestion such as a runny nose and sneezing.' You can either purchase a saline nasal spray at your local pharmacy or create a saline wash at home by adding one teaspoon of salt and one teaspoon of bicarbonate of soda to a pint of clean water and stir. 'The water should be from your cold tap, boiled and then cooled to room temperature,' Nevinson notes. Then, stand over the sink and pour some of it into the cupped palm of your hand. 'Sniff the solution from your palm into one nostril and repeat for at least three times in each nostril. Blow your nose gently after using the wash to help rinse the nasal passage. Be sure to discard any leftover liquid and prepare a fresh solution each time you douche.' 2. Rub Vaseline on your nose Cost: £1.80 Difficult ranking: 1/5 Hay fever symptoms start when pollen enters the nose and lands on the damp lining of the nasal passage, binding to a type of immune cells (mast cells), leading to explosive sneezing. To stop pollen from getting into your airways in the first place and triggering a cascade of symptoms, apply some petroleum jelly around the nostrils, Nevinson recommends. As it is sticky, it can effectively catch allergens before they can trigger a reaction. 'Vaseline around your nose is a great way to trap the pollen,' Nevinson says. As an added bonus, it can also help to relieve dry and uncomfortable skin from repetitive nose blowing, she notes. 3. Dry laundry indoors Cost: Free Difficult ranking: 1/5 Avoiding pollen is the obvious way to ease hay fever symptoms but is hard to do in practice. One way to effectively reduce your exposure is to stop hanging your clothes outside to dry. While warm weather is ideal for drying washing outside, it also tends to correlate with a high pollen count. 'If you are drying laundry outdoors, there's a chance that pollen could enter the house on clothing,' Nevinson says. 'Try to dry your laundry indoors instead to help relieve symptoms.' 4. Keep your windows shut Cost: Free Difficult ranking: 1/5 'Exposure to pollen is what causes hay fever symptoms, so one of the best things to do is to limit your exposure,' Nevinson notes. 'When indoors, you can do this by keeping windows and doors shut as much as possible,' she says. This is especially effective in the early morning, when pollen is released, and during the early evening, when pollen counts are typically at their highest.
