Treating Baby Fever

Most of the fevers in children are not serious. They are caused by common infections such as colds, coughs and viral infections. Fever in children below 3 months is quite rare. Immediately seek medical help if your baby is between 3 and 6 months and has high-grade fever. It is important that you give your child plenty of liquids, instead of giving them ibuprofen or Paracetamol directly. You should check whether your child is exhibiting any signs of dehydration.

Fever is usually caused by an infection with microbes called viruses or bacteria. Viral infection is caused by common colds, cough, flu, etc. Bacterial infection is more likely to be caused by serious illnesses such as pneumonia, urinary infection or kidney infection, etc. Chickenpox is another common cause of fever in babies.  

A child with fever often look unwell, flushed and irritable Most of the episodes of fever often come down quickly. When temperature falls down, your baby plays happily. You should considered seeking medical help if your baby is under 3 months, or between 3 and 6 months, and have associated symptoms such as vomiting, dizziness or breathlessness. If fever persists, get immediate medical assistance.

Most of the fevers can be treated by using a medicine known as Paracetamol. It is available in liquid form or effervescent tab that dissolves easily in the mouth. Make sure you give prescribed amount of dose as mentioned on the medicine packet. Note that Paracetamol will not cure the condition; it is just to reduce the fever. If Paracetamol fails to treat fever, call your doctor right away.

Do not give cold-sponge bath to your child during fever; otherwise, fever may aggravate after temporary relief. Give loads of fluids to drink; this prevents dehydration caused by fluid loss. Fever can cause more perspiration, which can lead to fluid loss and dehydration. Signs of dehydration are dry mouth, sunken eyes, dizziness and dry skin.

At PharmacyOutlet, you can acquire medicines that are useful in treating babyfever and pain.

Health Benefits Of Aromatherapy

Aromatherapy is a relaxation technique to ease various physical and psychological issues. If you want to improve your overall health and looking for a new way of relaxation, read on to know about aromatherapy.

Aromatherapy is an art of healing with the help of essential oils extracted from flowers, herbs, barks, roots and seeds. This therapy is known to harmonise, balance and promote your body, mind and soul. Several clinical studies have found that aromatherapy helps treat and prevent certain illnesses; however, there are no strong evidences to prove its efficacy.

Health Benefits of Aromatherapy

• Relieves Stress – The essential oils used in this therapy are soothing and they reduce stress by prompting relaxation
• Curbs Depression – Vibrant and citrus aromas of oils reduce the effect of depression and uplift the mood
• Improves Blood Pressure – Clinical trials have revealed that aromatherapy controls blood pressure in hypertensive subjects
• Manages Pain – Aromatherapy can relieve chronic pain; a great natural scent called Clary Sage is commonly used to relieve period pain

Techniques of Aromatherapy

Typically, there are three techniques of aromatherapy, which include:

• Gentle Massage – A few drops of essential oils are diluted in carrier oils such as almond, olive, soya or grape-seed. That’s because of the higher concentration of essential oils, which can irritate the skin on direct application. Gentle massage all over the body provides great relaxation.
• Soaking – Add a few drops of essential oils to a bubble bath and soak your body. The vapour generated from the warm water can be inhaled. The oils penetrate your skin and provide your body a much-needed relaxation.
• Inhalation – Another best method of relieving stress is the inhalation of aromatic oils. Apply a few drops with carrier oil on you handkerchief and breathe deeply by holding it under your nose.

So, if you feel low and want to supercharge your mood, simply get a massage, take a bath or inhale some essential oils.

At PharmacyOutlet, you can acquire aromatherapy essential oils that are useful in providing relief from stress, depression, blood pressure and pain.

Period Pain

Sometimes, period pain is so bad that it can interfere with your daily work. It stops you from attending your school or work. In some women, period pain is miserable. It is normal to experience menstrual pain, but there are effective ways to get relief instantly.

Period pain is common in adolescents and females in their 20s. While few women have mild discomfort during menstruation, others suffer from severe pain in back and abdomen, affecting their daily activities.

What causes period pain?

Usually, period pain is a result of muscle contraction or tightening in the uterus during menstruation. Women experience cramps in lower abdomen (pelvic region where uterus is located), pain in the lumbar region or even in legs. Some women may experience associated symptoms such as nausea, vomiting or diarrhoea. Women with severe pains often secrete more prostaglandins, a natural chemical produced when the uterus is contracted.

Home care

Period pain is treatable with simple home care tips, such as –

• Warm application on the abdomen or back to relieve muscle contractions
• Warm bath to release stress
• Mild exercise to release feel-good hormones – endorphins
• Meditation

In addition to these tips, you can take over-the-counter painkillers such as Ibuprofen or Naproxen. Complementary therapy like Acupuncture is quite useful in managing severe period pain. It is found that magnesium and Agnus Castus are extremely helpful in managing pain caused by menstruation. Talk to a naturopath before using any natural remedies.

If the abovementioned tips fail to provide your relief, it is better to see a GP. It will help your doctor identify and correct the underlying cause of period pain, such as endometriosis, pelvic inflammatory disease, uterine fibroids or adenomyosis.

At PharmacyOutlet, there are various medical products, which are clinically proven and effective in treating menstrual pain.

Dental Pain Treatment

Dental pain or toothache is often caused by tooth decay, but there are other causes that can give rise to tooth pain. It is important that you undergo a complete oral or dental examination to identify the exact cause. Gum disease, infection, abnormal bite, tooth eruption and injury can cause dental pain.

Generally, if you experience tooth pain, you may have gum disease or cavity. Pain caused by tooth decay is aggravated while eating something sweet, very hot or very cold. That’s because the substance irritates the tissues and nerves present in the pulp of the teeth.

Treating dental pain

It is imperative to consult a dentist if you experience toothache. If left untreated, a dental pain can aggravate and cause dental complications. Treatment usually depends on the diagnosis of underlying dental problem. If you are not able to get an emergency appointment, self-care treatment can help alleviate inflammation and pain, which includes –

• Gentle flossing to remove any trapped food particles
• Taking an OTC (over-the-counter) medicine to relieve pain, such as Acetaminophen or Ibuprofen
• Applying an OTC antiseptic solution (containing Benzocaine) directly to the painful part
• You can also apply oil of cloves with a small piece of cotton swab
• In case of dental injury, apply cold compress outside the cheek

Your doctor will advise treatment after full dental examination. If required, he/she may take a few X-rays. In case of an infection, your dentist will prescribe antibiotics and painkillers to speed up healing. A root canal procedure or removal of tooth is done in advanced cases.

Prevention of dental pain

• Brush with a fluoride-based toothpaste at least twice daily, preferably after meals
• Floss at least one time in a day to prevent gingivitis or gum disease
• Keep a regular follow up with your dentist for a complete examination or professional cleansing

At PharmacyOutlet, you can get OTC painkillers and dental products to prevent and treat dental pain.

Difference Between Headache and Migraine

Headaches are a pain that we get them commonly. It is a kind of pain, which we can work through. Migraine is totally different than simple headache. It is estimated that one in 12 men and one in four women are susceptible to migraine. In the UK, nearly eight million people are known to experience migraine at some point. Interestingly, the incidence is more than asthma, diabetes and epilepsy. Worldwide, migraine is considered one of the most debilitating conditions in adults.

Headache can be felt in any part of the head, such as forehead, vertex, temples, etc. Migraine pain is often felt on the either side of the head; however, not always. Usually, migraine headache is caused due certain triggering factors such as flashing lights, abrupt noise, etc. Most of the times, there is an aura associated with migraine headache. Many people, who are sensitive to light, smell or noise, experience throbbing headache, which can be a migraine. In addition, one may experience other symptoms such as nausea and vomiting.  

The exact cause of migraine is unknown. However, it is believed that the dilation of blood vessels in the brain could give rise to pain. Other causes could be depression, anxiety, genetic predisposition, underlying medical conditions and hormonal imbalance. Many people experience migraine due to irregular meals, sleep deprivation, smoky rooms and hormonal changes. It is important for them to note down the triggering factor so that they can avoid it in order to prevent an attack.

Usually, painkillers like Paracetamol or Ibuprofen provide temporary relief; they do not cure migraine. However, they are useful in treating common headaches. Triptans are quite beneficial in reducing migraine headache if any painkiller fails to ameliorate the headache. Still, if your headache persists, you need to see your GP right away.

If you are diagnosed with constant headaches and migraine, be aware of the triggering factors and stay away from them. That’s probably the best way to prevent a migraine attack. If constant headache is your problem, do not just neglect it; visit your healthcare advisor immediately.

Basics Of Skin Care Regimen

Skin is one of the largest organs of the body. It helps protect the vital organs of the body from external influences, thereby being exposed to various issues. Proper skin care regimen is essential when it comes to protect your skin from dryness, scaling, itching and other issues. You can enjoy an enhanced complexion by taking utmost care of your skin on a daily basis.

It is the time you need to develop good habits to protect and preserve your youthful glowing skin. You might be applying sunscreen regularly when you step outdoors. You feel a moisturiser is necessary when you start noticing skin dryness. You might have used antibacterial preparations to hide your acne. So, you start doing things when you notice any kind of changes in your skin. It is imperative to take care of your skin even if you are not having any skin issue.

Skin Care Basics

Cleansing

Cleansing your face twice daily with a mild soap or face wash helps you get rid of dirt and dead cells. Moreover, it keeps you fresh and rejuvenated. Remember that you need to cleanse your face gently. Do not use harsh soaps or chemicals. Make sure you do not overdo the cleansing process; otherwise, your skin may lose the natural oils, causing dryness. For oily skins, one with benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid could be a good option.

Exfoliating

Exfoliation is a process wherein you remove dead cells and dirt from tiny pores of the skin. Use a mild and quality scrub to exfoliate your skin. Do not overdo exfoliation, as it can lead to dryness and irritation.

Moisturising

One of the most important steps of skin care regimen is moisturising. Most of the dermatologists recommend a moisturiser that is rich in zinc oxide and titanium dioxide. Apply the moisturising cream gently over your face and neck. In addition, you should apply a sunscreen with SPF of at least 30, especially if you go outdoors. Look for a broad-spectrum sunscreen that can protect your skin from harmful UV rays.

Through PharmacyOutlet, you can acquire safe, top-quality, effective and most-recommended skin care products.

Types Of Physical Activities

On this national fitness day, let us talk about staying fit to lead a healthy and happy life. To improve your overall health, you need to perform physical activities that include aerobics and strengthening exercises. The amount of physical activity you need usually depends on your age, body mass index and overall health. Typically, there are four types of physical activities or exercises, which we will discuss shortly.

To stay healthy and fit, adults between the age groups of 20 and 65 years should do at least 150 minutes of mild to moderate aerobic exercises every week and strengthen exercises for two or more days a week. It is imperative to perform exercises under the supervision of a physical trainer.

Here are four basic categories of exercise –

Endurance

Endurance (aerobic) activities help increase your heart and respiratory. They enhance your blood circulation, providing oxygen and nutrients to vital organs of the body and improving overall fitness. Increasing your endurance helps in carrying out your daily activities with great ease and comfort. Aerobic activities include brisk walking, jogging, dancing, cycling and swimming.

Strength

Strength exercises can make your muscles strong. Strength exercises are also known as strength training or resistance training. They help you feel strong and your ability in doing daily activities is greatly enhanced. Lifting weights, using your own body weight or using a resistance band are few common strength-training exercises.

Flexibility

Stretching is an important flexibility exercise, which can help you stay limber. Staying flexible gives you more freedom in moving your joints. Shoulder or upper arm stretch, calf stretch and yoga are few effective exercises that can increase flexibility in joints and body.

Balance

Balance exercises like heel-to-toe walk, tai chi and standing on one foot help prevent falls. These exercises also improve your body balance.

In association with these exercises, you should eat healthy foods. Additionally, you may require food supplements that increase your immunity.

The Importance Of Smoking Cessation

If you are a heavy smoker and use tobacco in any other form, you must be aware that why you should quit.

Smoking is one of the leading causes of many life-threatening diseases that cause death. It is estimated that people who do not quit smoking are prone to premature death. Quitting smoking is very important for your overall health and wellbeing.

In the UK alone, there are nearly 10 million smokers. It kills innumerable people. It is the largest cause of premature death. Smoking is a potential risk factor for following health issues –

•         Premature death
•        Lung cancer
•          Coronary Heart Disease
•         Angina
•          Peripheral Arterial Disease
•          Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)
•          Pneumonia and other respiratory infections
•         Asthma
•         Cerebrovascular disease – Stroke
•          Gastric and duodenal ulcers
•         Infertility
•         Impotency 
•         Osteoporosis
•         Diabetic retinopathy

Passive smoking is also dangerous to your health, especially in pregnant women and children. Quitting smoking at any age can provide you instant and long-term health benefits.

The moment you stop smoking, your blood circulation improves, your blood pressure is back to normal, your senses of taste and smell enhance and you breathe freely without any effort. Giving up smoking can help you stay healthy and live longer. You risk of developing heart disease, lung diseases and cancer reduces dramatically if you stay smoke-free.

Smoking cessation is not easy, but with sheer dedication, you can kick the habit. Initially, you may experience certain withdrawal symptoms such as irritability, anxiety and weight gain. Trying hard will definitely help you quit smoking. There are various ways to stop smoking. Counselling, medications and nicotine replacement therapy can help you stay away from this harmful habit. Your GP can assist you in choosing the best way to cease smoking.

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Quit Smoking! Stay Healthy! Live Long!

Essential Vitamins And Minerals

Vitamins and minerals are essential micronutrients that your body needs in small amounts for optimal functioning. It is important that you get all the essential nutrients through food. However, there are many people, who fail to meet their daily requirements through food alone. In such cases, they need vitamins and minerals in the form of supplements.

The whole and sole aim of vitamin and mineral supplements is to meet the daily requirement of nutrients. They also help the body to function optimally. More importantly, they improve your immune system, thereby making you strong enough to combat various infections and diseases. It is essential to talk to a GP before you select any supplements. You need to follow certain guidelines before using any dietary supplement.

Vitamins

Vitamins are classified under two groups – water-soluble vitamins and fat-soluble vitamins. Water-soluble vitamins include vitamin B-complex and C, while fat-soluble vitamins are vitamin A, D, E and K. Each and every vitamin has different function. In simple words, they help improve immunity and allow the vital organs of the body to function properly. They are packed in a variety of foodstuffs such as vegetables, fruits, eggs, milk and many more.

Minerals

You need certain minerals to control body fluids in and out of the cells, turn the food into energy and build strong teeth and bones. Minerals are naturally found in cereals, meat, fish, milk, nuts, vegetables and fruits. Iron and calcium are the two important minerals you need to keep your body optimal. You also need certain trace elements such as iodine, fluoride and selenium.

In today’s hectic life, it is really not possible to meet the daily requirements of essential vitamins and minerals through food alone. Many people need supplements in order to help their body achieve vital nutrients. You can acquire a variety of vitamin and mineral supplements through PharmacyOutlet. Just be sure you consult a GP prior to using one. 

Why Do You Feel Tired?

Tired? Exhausted? Probably, you might be suffering from a chronic illness. Serious medical issues can make you feel tired. Generalised weakness is one of the most common complaints experience by many people. Let us discuss about 10 medical conditions that can cause fatigue.

Anaemia

One of the most common health issues for feeling constantly weak is anaemia, especially iron deficiency anaemia (IDA). According to surveys, IDA affects one in every 20 men and post-climacteric women. However, it is more common in young females who have profuse menstruation. In this condition, you often feel drained out, your muscles lose strength and you feel like doing nothing.

Chronic Fatigue Syndrome

This syndrome is caused by a group of diseases related to brain, muscles and other organs of the body. It is a severe debilitating syndrome usually associated with symptoms such as muscle or joint pain, headache and sore throat.

Diabetes

Generalised weakness is one of the symptoms of diabetes mellitus. Too much of sugar in your blood can make you feel tired. Diabetes causes cellular damage, because of which you lose strength in your muscles. Controlling your blood sugar level is essential to get rid of weakness.

Coeliac Disease

Your body reacts adversely when you eat a substance called gluten that is present in bread, cakes and cereals, causing coeliac disease. According to studies, in the UK, one in 10 people suffer from coeliac disease and 90% of them are not aware of their condition. Apart from fatigue, this disease causes weight loss, anaemia and diarrhoea.

Thyroid Abnormality

When a hormone called thyroxine is less in your body, you suffer from an underactive thyroid. This can make you feel exhausted even at rest and you may experience muscle pain and put on weight. It is quite common in women.

Anxiety

Acute anxiety is normal, but constant anxiety can make your life miserable. Generalised Anxiety Disorder (GAD) is a type of anxiety that affects one in 20 people in the UK. Repeated attacks of anxiousness can make you feel irritated and worried, causing fatigue.

Depression

Depression and constant sadness can make you feel weak. It can affect your sleep; you may sleep constantly or do not sleep at all. Depression makes you wake up early, which keeps you tired throughout the day.

Sleeping Disorders

Excessive sleep or lack of sleep can make your body feel tired. Hence, doctors advise people to get good amount of sleep i.e. eight hours daily to stay rejuvenated. Another common cause of weakness is sleep apnoea.

Glandular Fever

A common viral infection like glandular fever can cause fatigue. Teenagers and younger adults are more prone to glandular fever. Along with weakness, they experience sore throat and swollen gland. However, the fatigue may persist even after the fever subsides.

Restless Legs

Restless leg syndrome is when you have uncomfortable sensations in your lower extremities. Because of this problem, you find difficulty in sleeping. Sleep deprivation is a complication of this syndrome, which makes you feel tired during the daytime.

So if you feel tired for longer duration, consult your GP right away. Maybe, you need medicines to treat the underlying medical cause(s).