Who Should Get It: Universal vaccination is recommended, but it is especially critical for vulnerable groups, young children, pregnant women, older adults, and those with underlying chronic health conditions.
Children's Dosing: Children under 9 years old who are receiving the flu vaccine for the first time require two doses, spaced at least four weeks apart.
Timing: The flu vaccine takes about two weeks to provide full protection. It is ideally administered before the peak of the flu season to allow the body to build immunity.
Side Effects: Common side effects include mild soreness, redness, or swelling at the injection site, as well as minor body aches or low-grade fever. It is important to know that you cannot get the flu from an inactivated flu sho
Heartburn occurs when acids and other fluids that digest food leak up from the stomach into the oesophagus.
Normally, the lower oesophageal sphincter (LOS) acts as a one-way valve that stops stomach contents from moving upwards. However, when it doesn’t work properly then that’s when you feel the full force of heartburn.
So what causes heartburn? Well, some foods and drinks can stimulate acid production and/or relax the LOS. These include spicy foods, fatty foods, alcohol, tomatoes, citrus fruits, caffeinated beverages, chocolate and carbonated beverages.
And we all know that smoking is bad for us, but did you know that cigarettes contain toxic chemicals that can relax the LOS? Even something as simple as wearing your belt too tightly, or carrying extra weight around your abdomen, places increased pressure on your stomach which can result in heartburn.
What can you do to help relieve heartburn? If you only get mild heartburn infrequently, taking antacids helps relieve the pain and discomfort. If you think you are taking too many antacids too often then talk to your community pharmacist. They can help you with other medication that will help reduce the amount of acid in your stomach or assist the stomach to empty better.
Making changes to your lifestyle can also help.
• Avoid lying down or bending after eating.
• Steer clear of triggers like spicy or fatty foods, alcohol and chewing gum.
• Try not to overeat.
• Eat slowly.
• Avoid tight clothing, like tight belts.
• Don’t exercise on a full stomach.
• Go to bed with an empty stomach and raise the head of the bed by 10-15cm.
• Get enough rest and avoid physical and emotional stress.
With most people heartburn is simply just acid reflux. But do consult your community pharmacist or doctor if you have the following symptoms:
• Difficulty or pain when swallowing.
• Unexplained weight loss.
• Black bowel motions.
• Vomiting blood or dark granules.
• Symptoms associated with shortness of breath, sweating, chest, back or arm pain.
Our vision at Star Pharmacy is to offer “Better Health Solutions” with our advanced technology, extensive health services, experienced pharmacists, naturopath and trained staff we will assist you with all your primary health care needs.
