Pharmacists are trusted health professionals whose job is to help people get the best out of their medicines. Your local pharmacist will be able to tell you all you need to know about your prescription medicines because he - or just as likely she, as half of all pharmacists are women - has spent years at University studying the composition and actions of drugs. So they know exactly what's in your medicine, and will be happy to answer any questions. They understand that it's only too easy to come away from the doctor's surgery uncertain about when and even how to take your medicines ... Should you take the tablets before or after meals? ... Are you using your inhaler properly? You can be sure that your pharmacist will see that you get your medicine at the right strength and in the right dose and will check that you know how to take or use it properly.

If you're feeling off-colour, but don't feel ill enough to go to the doctor, ask your pharmacist for advice. Pharmacists have been trained to offer helpful, easy-to-understand advice on the treatment of everyday minor ailments for yourself and all the family - anything from headaches and coughs and colds, to cold sores, thrush or dermatitis. Your pharmacist will know when medical help is needed, and will not hesitate to refer you to your doctor if your symptoms demand it.

Often, however, an over-the-counter remedy will be all you need. It's worth remembering that pharmacies offer far more medicines than any other outlets. That's because many of today's effective non-prescription medicines can only be supplied under the supervision of a pharmacist, which means they are only available at a pharmacy. When you ask for a medicine, your pharmacist will need to ask you a few simple questions before recommending appropriate treatment. Do remember that they are not trying to pry. Their only concern is that you get the best possible advice for your problem and that the medicines you receive are suitable for you to take.

And remember, too, that you can talk to your pharmacist in confidence - even about the most personal symptoms. Like doctors, pharmacists have a professional code that means all personal information you give them will be treated in the strictest confidence. Most pharmacies now have a private consultation area, out of earshot of other customers, where you can speak to the pharmacist more privately. Tell the pharmacist if you want to have a private chat.

For special services
Most people rightly regard their local pharmacist as 'the high street medicines expert'. But did you know that they also offer a wide range of other professional pharmacy services to help ensure our good health and wellbeing?

These include:

• Confidential Patient Medication Records - these contain full details of all your prescription medicines - which help your pharmacist check for possible problems, such as side-effects and adverse reactions.
   
• Screening - many pharmacies offer pregnancy testing and blood pressure, cholesterol and weight checks.
   
• Free Information Leaflets - to help you understand more about issues such as preventing heart disease, giving up smoking, breast screening and contraception.
   
• Prescription Collection And Delivery Service
  Your pharmacist can collect repeat prescriptions from your doctor's surgery - and can offer a delivery service for those who aren't able to leave the house.
   
• Help For Disabilities - many pharmacists stock equipment to make life easier for those who find mobility difficult. Stoma and incontinence products are also available.
   
• Baby Needs - always talk to the pharmacist if you want a medicine for a baby or a child. You can get a wide range of baby supplies from your pharmacy as well as advice on how to use them.
   
• Holiday Health - your pharmacist can advise you on whether you need to see your doctor for any holiday vaccinations. Malaria protection advice as well as a range of insect repellents, sunscreens and remedies for holiday tummy upsets are also available.
   
• Pet Health - you can go to the pharmacy for medicines and treatments to keep the family pet in peak condition and free from worms and fleas.
  So, make a friend of your local pharmacist - for the sake of your own and your family's good health.

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