Welcome to Lifestyle Pharmacy. We are an independent Pharmacy in the heart of the beautiful city of Bath, providing an unparalleled range of professional services. Our focus is on providing the highest possible level of patient care, whilst ensuring excellence in customer service.
Background
Lifestyle Pharmacy has been in its current home on Westgate street since November 2012 when relocation into a newly-refurbished site allowed us to create an open, patient-centred pharmacy that is fit for the purpose of modern-day clinical needs. We were able to incorporate two consultation rooms from which we can provide an enhanced range of clinical services and provide our patients and customers the opportunity to have a confidential discussion with a member of our team.
The Team
Our very experienced team, led by Nick Daines MPharm (a University of Bath graduate), is on hand 7 days a week to deliver excellent advice and support for all your healthcare needs. Nick is supported by a knowledgable, compassionate and committed team of Dispensing Assistants and Medicines Counter Assistants who are dedicated to customer service. They are continually refreshing their knowledge, undertaking further training and learning new skills to ensure we provide the best level of patient care and customer service possible. We also regularly provide training opportunities for undergraduate students from the School of Pharmacy at the University of Bath and we're currently operating a very successful pre-registration program, helping Pharmacy graduates navigate their way to professional registration.
Ethos
We are driven by the desire to provide the best possible service we can and to ensure that customers receive accurate and up-to-date information, advice and/or medicine for their needs. It's important to us that patients feels well-informed and involved in any decisions about their care. If we don't have an item you need, we'll try every available avenue to do so, and we'll keep you informed every step of the way.
Blood tests are currently suspended
Chicken Pox is an acute illness caused by the virus, Varicella Zoster. It is mainly a common childhood illness, but can be acquired in adults, where the illness may be more severe. The virus is easily transmitted from person to person by coughing or sneezing and is highly infectious, especially before the rash comes out when there may be no symptoms or mild symptoms only.
The illness
The classic symptom is a rash, which is very itchy and can be widespread affecting the face, chest, arms and legs. There is often fever and cold symptoms also. The symptoms tend to improve after 1 week. The illness can vary from mild symptoms with a few spots to itchy rash covering the whole body, which can be very distressing, affecting sleep, school and work and causing scarring to the skin. Adults who catch chicken pox tend to have more complicated illness. Chicken Pox in Pregnancy is a serious disease for the mother and especially the baby. Therefore, it is important to know before trying for pregnancy whether you have immunity to this illness and if not, vaccination may be appropriate to protect you.
Treatment
There is no specific treatment for chicken pox as most children will recover spontaneously. It is important if you are working closely with children or in health care to check whether you have had chicken Pox, as there is vaccination is available to protect you.
The Vaccine
The Varicella vaccine can be given from 12 months of age and prevents against the infection. It may be appropriate to vaccinate if you have been exposed to chicken pox within the last five days and are not sure if you have had the illness during childhood.
Vaccination requires 2 doses, 4-8 weeks apart. Each dose is administered by our specially-trained and experienced Pharmacist from our central Bath location. Contact us today on 01225 465576 or click here to book an appointment.
Contraception services are free and confidential, including for people under the age of 16.
If you're under 16 and want contraception, this is a confidential service and we will not inform your parents (or carer) as long as we believe you fully understand the information you're given, and your decisions.
*Only available to under 25's. Conditions apply. Please contact us for further information.
We provide the Discharge Medicines Service. The service has been established to help you understand your medicines and any changes when you leave hospital and to reduce incidences of avoidable harm caused by medicines.
No appointments needed, easily accessible location and just a quick consultation, we ensure a hassle free service to all our patients. Simply walk in and ask to speak to our friendly and professional pharmacist about the morning after pill.
Our pharmacist will need to see the person that the emergency contraception is intended for, and will need to ask a few questions regarding the patients’ medical history. This is done in the privacy of our consultation room and everything discussed is in complete confidence. The sooner you come to our pharmacy to take the morning after pill, the greater the chances of avoiding pregnancy.
If the Pharmacist feels like Levonelle One Step is not suitable for you, they will not give you the morning after pill, but advise you to see your health care professional.
We are one of the few pharmacies that are able to provide the morning after pill free of charge to patients who are aged 24 and under, and who meet the NHS criteria. Alternatively, the pill can be purchased privately from our pharmacy.
About Emergency Contraception (Levonelle One Step) -
When it comes to sex, even if you’ve taken precautions, sometimes things don’t quite go to plan. Accidents happen with contraception and things go wrong all the time. You may even just be worried that your contraceptive pill hasn’t worked. If you’ve had unprotected sex or you’re worried about contraception failure, here is some of the information you need to know about Levonelle One Step -
- Levonelle One Step is an emergency contraceptive that can be used within 72 hours (3 days) of unprotected sex or if your contraceptive method has failed.
- There is one white tablet in the pack and it is most effective when taken within the first 12 hours
- The tablet contains a hormone called Levonorgestrel.
- Levonelle One Step is thought to work by stopping your ovaries from releasing an egg or by preventing sperm from fertilising any egg that may have already been released
- If you are over 16 you can get Levonelle One Step over the counter at our Pharmacy
- If you are under 16 you cannot buy Levonelle One Step at the Pharmacy, you need to visit your GP or a Walk-In centre
- Levonelle One Step works to prevent a pregnancy becoming established, it does not work if you are already pregnant
- You should only use Levonelle One Step in emergencies, not as a regular form of contraception
Please note, there are other emergency contraceptive options available through your doctor or at a Walk-In centre.
If you do have any questions or require any further information please do not hesitate to contact us.
Human Papilloma Virus (HPV)
Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) is the most common viral sexually transmitted infection in the UK.
HPV is transmitted by intimate contact, including sexual intercourse and unfortunately condoms do not prevent HPV infection. Most people who have HPV are unaware they have it.
There are over 100 strains of HPV and around 40 of them affect the genital region. Some strains cause genital warts and others increase the risk of cancer including cervical, vaginal and penile cancers.
Cervical cancer is the most common cancer in women under 35 years of age and account forr 2% of cancers in all women. HPV leads to changes in the cells of the cervix causing cancerous changes to occur.
HPV infection is found in over 99% of cervical cancer and over 70% are due to HPV types 16 and 18.
HPV can also lead to warts in the genital and anal region, which can be uncomfortable and embarrassing. HPV types 6 and 11 are responsible for over 90% of genital and anal warts.
Vaccination against HPV is a highly effective way to reduce these risks
HPV Vaccine
For more information and to make an appointment please go to: https://lifestylepharmacyservices.as.me/non-travel-initial
Our Pharmacist and trained counter assistants are available for advice and information on all medicines and minor ailments, in private if required. We can help you get the best treatment for common ailments and give you expert advice on best use of over-the-counter medicines. We can also give advice on how to live a healthy life, such as eating a healthy diet and maintaining healthy alcohol consumption.
Measles / Mumps / Rubella Vaccination
The MMR Vaccine
The vaccine is effective at preventing all three illnesses and can be given from 12 months of age. It is particularly important to check if you are vaccinated against MMR before travelling as infection is prevalent in Asia, Africa and South America.
Because the illness is easily transmitted through air, MMR immunity is also necessary for certain jobs.
The vaccine costs £50 per dose and is a two-dose course. Contact 01225 465576 to book or for more info. Alternatively, you can book online using our live booking system: BOOK NOW
Measles
Measles a highly infectious viral illness, which spreads rapidly from person to person. It is one of the leading causes of death among young children, the majority occurring in developing countries where immunisation is patchy (WHO 2013).
The Illness
The initial symptoms are similar to the common cold with runny nose, cough, red and watery eyes and fever. This is followed by a rash, which spreads throughout the body.
Complications of measles tend to occur in children under 5 years or adults over 20 years and include encephalitis (infection of the brain) and pneumonia (infection of the lungs).
Treatment
There is no specific treatment for measles.
Mumps
Mumps is a viral infection mainly of childhood and affects the salivary glands.
The Illness
Symptoms appear 2 to 3 weeks after infection and include headache, fever, muscle ache and swelling of the salivary glands.
It tends to be mild in children, but in adults, can lead to complications such as meningitis, deafness and orchitis (infection of the testicles).
Treatment
There is no specific treatment available for mumps.
Rubella
Rubella is an acute viral illness that is spread easily from person to person by coughing or sneezing. It is mainly an infection of children and is generally mild in this group. However, rubella in pregnancy is a severe and potentially fatal illness for the unborn baby.
The Illness
Symptoms include rash and fever and usually occur 2 to 3 weeks after exposure.
In adults, it can also cause painful joints and arthritis,
Treatment
Every year many hundreds of travellers from the UK catch malaria and in tens of cases it is fatal. Symptoms can start rapidly. The correct anti-malarial medication is essential. We offer a Private Malaria Prevention Service. After a confidential assessment by a trained Pharmacist, the correct anti-malarial medication is supplied and appropriate advice given to the patient.
You can have a free NHS flu Jab at our pharmacy:
• If you are 65 years of age or over
• If you are pregnant
• If you are a carer
If you have certain medical conditions including:
• Asthma
• Chronic Respiratory Disease
• Heart Disease
• Diabetes
• Kidney Disease
• Liver Disease
• Neurological Disease
PLEASE NOTE: Service resumes in September 2024
New Medicines Service
If you’ve been prescribed a new item for a heart problem, diabetes or a respiratory condition, such as asthma or COPD, we can can help you get off to a good start. Let a member of our pharmacy team know and we’ll arrange a quick and convenient follow-up to see how you’re getting on.
We recommend you consider getting a flu jab If you don't qualify for an NHS vaccination but are:
- susceptible to colds and chest infections
- are self employed and unable to afford time off work
- would like to protect yourself from flu during peak season
This service is due to recommence in September 2024
Lifestyle Pharmacy now offers a private Shingles Vaccination Service to patients aged 50 or over, using Herpes Zoster vaccine.
If you've already had Chicken Pox, the virus responsible can lay dormant in the spinal fluid and can be re-activated when your immune system comes under challenge, such as a period of ill health or stress. The vaccine stimulates the immune system to reduce your risk of first-time shingles by 90%.
The complications of Shingles can include severe nerve pain that potentially lasts for several weeks. Vaccination is an effective way to reduce the risk of both Shingles, and the post-herpetic complications such as nerve pain.
The Service is provided on-site in our private consultation room in the centre of Bath. We use an inactivated vaccine, which requires two doses, separated by a minimum period of 2 months. Each dose is £230.
Call 01225 432230 for more information or to book an appointment click here
The tobacco epidemic is one of the biggest public health threats we have ever faced, killing more than 8 million people a year around the world. According to the NHS, in the UK alone, smoking kills over 80,000 people every year and a further 500,000 people are admitted into hospital as a direct result of smoking.
Smoking has been linked to countless conditions from depression, infertility and asthma, to the more serious conditions such as lung cancer, emphysema and heart disease. It’s really not surprising that this is the case when you consider how many harmful substances there are in a cigarette. They have thousands of different chemicals, some of which are carcinogenic (cancer causing), and examples of others being acetone (used as nail polish remover), lead and cadmium (a highly toxic metal.)
The truth of the matter is, we all know how bad smoking is for our health, and a majority of smokers will say that they want to quit but giving up can be hard. Especially without the right help and support. That’s where our friendly and professional staff come in!
There is now more support than ever before, not just in the form of information, but also products designed to reduce cravings and to fight off any of the horrible withdrawal symptoms. One of the developments has been the introduction of Nicotine replacement therapy (NRT.) There are a variety of NRT products available:
- Patches
- Gum
- Inhalators
- Mouth Sprays
- Nasal Sprays
- Tablets
- Lozenges
Smoking is addictive because of the nicotine in cigarettes. That is why it is hard to quit. By starting one or even a combination of the above therapies, they will give a smoker a dose of nicotine in their blood. This reduces the nicotine withdrawal symptoms and cravings, whilst they break away from the psychological habit of smoking.
Our staff can advise you on the best way to kick your smoking habit. By coming in to our store our trained pharmacist will provide you with a free consultation, asking you questions such as how many cigarettes you smoke in a day and what triggers the need for a cigarette etc. By determining your ‘level of nicotine addiction’ the pharmacist will then be able to offer their advice on what they think would work best for you.
The pharmacist may even offer advice in other forms, for example, letting you know about any local support groups, advising you to take up a hobby or even suggesting a routine to start you off.
The benefit of having this support is that we are there 7 days a week whenever you need help, or even just a friendly professional to speak with. It is a proven fact that if you receive support while trying to stop smoking your chance for success is greatly increased.
In conjunction with CityDoc, we are now able to provide a comprehensive travel clinic customised to your individual needs. The service includes:
- Full travel health consultation service.
- Extensive range of all travel vaccines: Cholera, Diphtheria/Tetanus/Polio, Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B, Japanese Encephalitis, Meningitis ACWY, Rabies, Tick Borne Encephalitis, Typhoid and Yellow Fever. All items are kept in-stock and administered on-site.
- Antimalarial requirements assessed with medication dispensed on-site.
- A great range of travel first aid kits and travel essentials such as sunscreen, insect repellent, diarrhoea relief and mosquito nets.
- Competetive pricing.
To make an appointment, contact Lifestyle Pharmacy on 01225 465576 or visit here
A pre-travel risk assessment provides a good opportunity to discuss travel-associated risk management with your pharmacist.
You'll need to contact us to arrange this, ideally 6 to 8 weeks before you leave. If your trip is sooner, contact us anyway as we may still be able to help and could provide vital health information.
During the assessment, we will:
- confirm if you're up-to-date with your routine immunisations
- assess your particular health risks
- recommend any vaccines and/or anti-malarial tablets you may need
Altitude Sickness - the mildest form being acute mountain sickness (AMS), is the negative health effect of high altitude, caused by rapid exposure to low amounts of oxygen at high elevation. Symptoms may include headaches, vomiting, tiredness, trouble sleeping, and dizziness.
Cholera – Common in Africa, Central America and Asia, cholera is an infection spread by bacteria in contaminated food and water.
Diphtheria, Poliomyelitis and Tetanus - This diphtheria, polio and tetanus vaccine may also be recommended if you're travelling to an area of the world where there is a high risk of contracting these diseases, or poor access to medical care, and you haven't had a booster in the last ten years.
Hepatitis A – Contaminated faecal matter spreads hepatitis A, a disease often caught via infected food and water and common across in Africa, Asia, the Middle East and South America.
Hepatitis B – Unprotected sex is usually responsible for hepatitis A infection, along with sharing needles, visiting dirty tattoo parlours, unhygienic barbers shops and nail salons. It’s common in both undeveloped and developed countries.
Japanese Encephalitis – Spread by mosquitoes, there’s no cure for this disease found across South East Asia, Japan, and tropical regions of Australia. There are also occasional epidemics in China and India.
Malaria – A highly dangerous disease spread by infected mosquitoes, malaria is common in the equatorial tropics and subtropics.
Meningitis; ACWY Vaccination for Hajj or Umrah – A bacterial infection, this disease tends to be commonest in sub-Saharan Africa. But it’s also sometimes found where it’s crowded and where there’s imperfect hygiene, for example universities and army camps.
Rabies – Infected animal and human bites and scratches spread this awful disease, which is particularly common in Thailand, Brazil and India.
Tick-borne Encephalitis – A tick-borne virus found in eastern, northern and central Europe as well as eastern Russia, east Asia, China and Japan.
Typhoid – Bacteria are responsible for this infection and it’s found throughout the world, a risk wherever sanitation and hygiene are poor.
You can have a free NHS flu Jab at our pharmacy:
• If you are 65 years of age or over
• If you are pregnant
• If you are a carer
If you have certain medical conditions including:
• Asthma
• Chronic Respiratory Disease
• Heart Disease
• Diabetes
• Kidney Disease
• Liver Disease
• Neurological Disease
Service resumes 3rd October 2024. If you are NHS eligible, please book here.
Blood tests are currently suspended
Chicken Pox is an acute illness caused by the virus, Varicella Zoster. It is mainly a common childhood illness, but can be acquired in adults, where the illness may be more severe. The virus is easily transmitted from person to person by coughing or sneezing and is highly infectious, especially before the rash comes out when there may be no symptoms or mild symptoms only.
The illness
The classic symptom is a rash, which is very itchy and can be widespread affecting the face, chest, arms and legs. There is often fever and cold symptoms also. The symptoms tend to improve after 1 week. The illness can vary from mild symptoms with a few spots to itchy rash covering the whole body, which can be very distressing, affecting sleep, school and work and causing scarring to the skin. Adults who catch chicken pox tend to have more complicated illness. Chicken Pox in Pregnancy is a serious disease for the mother and especially the baby. Therefore, it is important to know before trying for pregnancy whether you have immunity to this illness and if not, vaccination may be appropriate to protect you.
Treatment
There is no specific treatment for chicken pox as most children will recover spontaneously. It is important if you are working closely with children or in health care to check whether you have had chicken Pox, as there is vaccination is available to protect you.
The Vaccine
The Varicella vaccine can be given from 12 months of age and prevents against the infection. It may be appropriate to vaccinate if you have been exposed to chicken pox within the last five days and are not sure if you have had the illness during childhood.
Vaccination requires 2 doses, 4-8 weeks apart. Each dose is administered by our specially-trained and experienced Pharmacist from our central Bath location. Contact us today on 01225 465576 or click here to book an appointment.
Contraception services are free and confidential, including for people under the age of 16.
If you're under 16 and want contraception, this is a confidential service and we will not inform your parents (or carer) as long as we believe you fully understand the information you're given, and your decisions.
*Only available to under 25's. Conditions apply. Please contact us for further information.
We provide the Discharge Medicines Service. The service has been established to help you understand your medicines and any changes when you leave hospital and to reduce incidences of avoidable harm caused by medicines.
No appointments needed, easily accessible location and just a quick consultation, we ensure a hassle free service to all our patients. Simply walk in and ask to speak to our friendly and professional pharmacist about the morning after pill.
Our pharmacist will need to see the person that the emergency contraception is intended for, and will need to ask a few questions regarding the patients’ medical history. This is done in the privacy of our consultation room and everything discussed is in complete confidence. The sooner you come to our pharmacy to take the morning after pill, the greater the chances of avoiding pregnancy.
If the Pharmacist feels like Levonelle One Step is not suitable for you, they will not give you the morning after pill, but advise you to see your health care professional.
We are one of the few pharmacies that are able to provide the morning after pill free of charge to patients who are aged 24 and under, and who meet the NHS criteria. Alternatively, the pill can be purchased privately from our pharmacy.
About Emergency Contraception (Levonelle One Step) -
When it comes to sex, even if you’ve taken precautions, sometimes things don’t quite go to plan. Accidents happen with contraception and things go wrong all the time. You may even just be worried that your contraceptive pill hasn’t worked. If you’ve had unprotected sex or you’re worried about contraception failure, here is some of the information you need to know about Levonelle One Step -
- Levonelle One Step is an emergency contraceptive that can be used within 72 hours (3 days) of unprotected sex or if your contraceptive method has failed.
- There is one white tablet in the pack and it is most effective when taken within the first 12 hours
- The tablet contains a hormone called Levonorgestrel.
- Levonelle One Step is thought to work by stopping your ovaries from releasing an egg or by preventing sperm from fertilising any egg that may have already been released
- If you are over 16 you can get Levonelle One Step over the counter at our Pharmacy
- If you are under 16 you cannot buy Levonelle One Step at the Pharmacy, you need to visit your GP or a Walk-In centre
- Levonelle One Step works to prevent a pregnancy becoming established, it does not work if you are already pregnant
- You should only use Levonelle One Step in emergencies, not as a regular form of contraception
Please note, there are other emergency contraceptive options available through your doctor or at a Walk-In centre.
If you do have any questions or require any further information please do not hesitate to contact us.
Human Papilloma Virus (HPV)
Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) is the most common viral sexually transmitted infection in the UK.
HPV is transmitted by intimate contact, including sexual intercourse and unfortunately condoms do not prevent HPV infection. Most people who have HPV are unaware they have it.
There are over 100 strains of HPV and around 40 of them affect the genital region. Some strains cause genital warts and others increase the risk of cancer including cervical, vaginal and penile cancers.
Cervical cancer is the most common cancer in women under 35 years of age and account forr 2% of cancers in all women. HPV leads to changes in the cells of the cervix causing cancerous changes to occur.
HPV infection is found in over 99% of cervical cancer and over 70% are due to HPV types 16 and 18.
HPV can also lead to warts in the genital and anal region, which can be uncomfortable and embarrassing. HPV types 6 and 11 are responsible for over 90% of genital and anal warts.
Vaccination against HPV is a highly effective way to reduce these risks
HPV Vaccine
For more information and to make an appointment please go to: https://lifestylepharmacyservices.as.me/non-travel-initial
Our Pharmacist and trained counter assistants are available for advice and information on all medicines and minor ailments, in private if required. We can help you get the best treatment for common ailments and give you expert advice on best use of over-the-counter medicines. We can also give advice on how to live a healthy life, such as eating a healthy diet and maintaining healthy alcohol consumption.
Measles / Mumps / Rubella Vaccination
The MMR Vaccine
The vaccine is effective at preventing all three illnesses and can be given from 12 months of age. It is particularly important to check if you are vaccinated against MMR before travelling as infection is prevalent in Asia, Africa and South America.
Because the illness is easily transmitted through air, MMR immunity is also necessary for certain jobs.
The vaccine costs £50 per dose and is a two-dose course. Contact 01225 465576 to book or for more info. Alternatively, you can book online using our live booking system: BOOK NOW
Measles
Measles a highly infectious viral illness, which spreads rapidly from person to person. It is one of the leading causes of death among young children, the majority occurring in developing countries where immunisation is patchy (WHO 2013).
The Illness
The initial symptoms are similar to the common cold with runny nose, cough, red and watery eyes and fever. This is followed by a rash, which spreads throughout the body.
Complications of measles tend to occur in children under 5 years or adults over 20 years and include encephalitis (infection of the brain) and pneumonia (infection of the lungs).
Treatment
There is no specific treatment for measles.
Mumps
Mumps is a viral infection mainly of childhood and affects the salivary glands.
The Illness
Symptoms appear 2 to 3 weeks after infection and include headache, fever, muscle ache and swelling of the salivary glands.
It tends to be mild in children, but in adults, can lead to complications such as meningitis, deafness and orchitis (infection of the testicles).
Treatment
There is no specific treatment available for mumps.
Rubella
Rubella is an acute viral illness that is spread easily from person to person by coughing or sneezing. It is mainly an infection of children and is generally mild in this group. However, rubella in pregnancy is a severe and potentially fatal illness for the unborn baby.
The Illness
Symptoms include rash and fever and usually occur 2 to 3 weeks after exposure.
In adults, it can also cause painful joints and arthritis,
Treatment
Every year many hundreds of travellers from the UK catch malaria and in tens of cases it is fatal. Symptoms can start rapidly. The correct anti-malarial medication is essential. We offer a Private Malaria Prevention Service. After a confidential assessment by a trained Pharmacist, the correct anti-malarial medication is supplied and appropriate advice given to the patient.
You can have a free NHS flu Jab at our pharmacy:
• If you are 65 years of age or over
• If you are pregnant
• If you are a carer
If you have certain medical conditions including:
• Asthma
• Chronic Respiratory Disease
• Heart Disease
• Diabetes
• Kidney Disease
• Liver Disease
• Neurological Disease
PLEASE NOTE: Service resumes in September 2024
New Medicines Service
If you’ve been prescribed a new item for a heart problem, diabetes or a respiratory condition, such as asthma or COPD, we can can help you get off to a good start. Let a member of our pharmacy team know and we’ll arrange a quick and convenient follow-up to see how you’re getting on.
We recommend you consider getting a flu jab If you don't qualify for an NHS vaccination but are:
- susceptible to colds and chest infections
- are self employed and unable to afford time off work
- would like to protect yourself from flu during peak season
This service is due to recommence in September 2024
Lifestyle Pharmacy now offers a private Shingles Vaccination Service to patients aged 50 or over, using Herpes Zoster vaccine.
If you've already had Chicken Pox, the virus responsible can lay dormant in the spinal fluid and can be re-activated when your immune system comes under challenge, such as a period of ill health or stress. The vaccine stimulates the immune system to reduce your risk of first-time shingles by 90%.
The complications of Shingles can include severe nerve pain that potentially lasts for several weeks. Vaccination is an effective way to reduce the risk of both Shingles, and the post-herpetic complications such as nerve pain.
The Service is provided on-site in our private consultation room in the centre of Bath. We use an inactivated vaccine, which requires two doses, separated by a minimum period of 2 months. Each dose is £230.
Call 01225 432230 for more information or to book an appointment click here
The tobacco epidemic is one of the biggest public health threats we have ever faced, killing more than 8 million people a year around the world. According to the NHS, in the UK alone, smoking kills over 80,000 people every year and a further 500,000 people are admitted into hospital as a direct result of smoking.
Smoking has been linked to countless conditions from depression, infertility and asthma, to the more serious conditions such as lung cancer, emphysema and heart disease. It’s really not surprising that this is the case when you consider how many harmful substances there are in a cigarette. They have thousands of different chemicals, some of which are carcinogenic (cancer causing), and examples of others being acetone (used as nail polish remover), lead and cadmium (a highly toxic metal.)
The truth of the matter is, we all know how bad smoking is for our health, and a majority of smokers will say that they want to quit but giving up can be hard. Especially without the right help and support. That’s where our friendly and professional staff come in!
There is now more support than ever before, not just in the form of information, but also products designed to reduce cravings and to fight off any of the horrible withdrawal symptoms. One of the developments has been the introduction of Nicotine replacement therapy (NRT.) There are a variety of NRT products available:
- Patches
- Gum
- Inhalators
- Mouth Sprays
- Nasal Sprays
- Tablets
- Lozenges
Smoking is addictive because of the nicotine in cigarettes. That is why it is hard to quit. By starting one or even a combination of the above therapies, they will give a smoker a dose of nicotine in their blood. This reduces the nicotine withdrawal symptoms and cravings, whilst they break away from the psychological habit of smoking.
Our staff can advise you on the best way to kick your smoking habit. By coming in to our store our trained pharmacist will provide you with a free consultation, asking you questions such as how many cigarettes you smoke in a day and what triggers the need for a cigarette etc. By determining your ‘level of nicotine addiction’ the pharmacist will then be able to offer their advice on what they think would work best for you.
The pharmacist may even offer advice in other forms, for example, letting you know about any local support groups, advising you to take up a hobby or even suggesting a routine to start you off.
The benefit of having this support is that we are there 7 days a week whenever you need help, or even just a friendly professional to speak with. It is a proven fact that if you receive support while trying to stop smoking your chance for success is greatly increased.
In conjunction with CityDoc, we are now able to provide a comprehensive travel clinic customised to your individual needs. The service includes:
- Full travel health consultation service.
- Extensive range of all travel vaccines: Cholera, Diphtheria/Tetanus/Polio, Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B, Japanese Encephalitis, Meningitis ACWY, Rabies, Tick Borne Encephalitis, Typhoid and Yellow Fever. All items are kept in-stock and administered on-site.
- Antimalarial requirements assessed with medication dispensed on-site.
- A great range of travel first aid kits and travel essentials such as sunscreen, insect repellent, diarrhoea relief and mosquito nets.
- Competetive pricing.
To make an appointment, contact Lifestyle Pharmacy on 01225 465576 or visit here
A pre-travel risk assessment provides a good opportunity to discuss travel-associated risk management with your pharmacist.
You'll need to contact us to arrange this, ideally 6 to 8 weeks before you leave. If your trip is sooner, contact us anyway as we may still be able to help and could provide vital health information.
During the assessment, we will:
- confirm if you're up-to-date with your routine immunisations
- assess your particular health risks
- recommend any vaccines and/or anti-malarial tablets you may need
Altitude Sickness - the mildest form being acute mountain sickness (AMS), is the negative health effect of high altitude, caused by rapid exposure to low amounts of oxygen at high elevation. Symptoms may include headaches, vomiting, tiredness, trouble sleeping, and dizziness.
Cholera – Common in Africa, Central America and Asia, cholera is an infection spread by bacteria in contaminated food and water.
Diphtheria, Poliomyelitis and Tetanus - This diphtheria, polio and tetanus vaccine may also be recommended if you're travelling to an area of the world where there is a high risk of contracting these diseases, or poor access to medical care, and you haven't had a booster in the last ten years.
Hepatitis A – Contaminated faecal matter spreads hepatitis A, a disease often caught via infected food and water and common across in Africa, Asia, the Middle East and South America.
Hepatitis B – Unprotected sex is usually responsible for hepatitis A infection, along with sharing needles, visiting dirty tattoo parlours, unhygienic barbers shops and nail salons. It’s common in both undeveloped and developed countries.
Japanese Encephalitis – Spread by mosquitoes, there’s no cure for this disease found across South East Asia, Japan, and tropical regions of Australia. There are also occasional epidemics in China and India.
Malaria – A highly dangerous disease spread by infected mosquitoes, malaria is common in the equatorial tropics and subtropics.
Meningitis; ACWY Vaccination for Hajj or Umrah – A bacterial infection, this disease tends to be commonest in sub-Saharan Africa. But it’s also sometimes found where it’s crowded and where there’s imperfect hygiene, for example universities and army camps.
Rabies – Infected animal and human bites and scratches spread this awful disease, which is particularly common in Thailand, Brazil and India.
Tick-borne Encephalitis – A tick-borne virus found in eastern, northern and central Europe as well as eastern Russia, east Asia, China and Japan.
Typhoid – Bacteria are responsible for this infection and it’s found throughout the world, a risk wherever sanitation and hygiene are poor.
You can have a free NHS flu Jab at our pharmacy:
• If you are 65 years of age or over
• If you are pregnant
• If you are a carer
If you have certain medical conditions including:
• Asthma
• Chronic Respiratory Disease
• Heart Disease
• Diabetes
• Kidney Disease
• Liver Disease
• Neurological Disease
Service resumes 3rd October 2024. If you are NHS eligible, please book here.
Bath
Somerset
BA1 1EQ