To mark Self Care Week (November 13 to 19) we are highlighting the role a High Street health expert can play in keeping people well \u2013 the community pharmacist.<\/p>\n
Many people visit the GP or A&E for conditions that could be treated at home or with advice from a pharmacist. Using the wrong health service increases the strain on the NHS, so it is important to think about what is the best service for your health needs.<\/p>\n
Cllr Erica Williams, Cabinet Member responsible for Public Health, said: \u201cPharmacists are highly trained health professionals who can give advice and recommend treatments for conditions such as coughs, colds, sprains and strains. And in South Gloucestershire, we have launched a number of healthy living pharmacies which provide so much more than just a place to pick up a prescription.<\/p>\n
\u201cSelf Care Week is an annual campaign to promote and encourage more self care among communities and families, so next time you pay a visit to your local High Street why not talk to your community pharmacist who can help you to stop smoking, manage your weight or even provide a flu jab.\u201d<\/p>\n
Healthy Living Pharmacies also promote the council\u2019s SportsPound scheme where people can sign up to receive free vouchers to use on a range of activities to keep fit and well.<\/p>\n
Like Jane from Yate who is already benefitting from our SportsPound scheme. Jane said: \u201cI retired in July from an active job and started to put on weight and found that instead of doing 10,000 steps a day I was doing less than 5,000. Apart from going for a walk at weekends I have never tried any activity until I used my first SportsPound voucher to try Zumba Gold in Winterbourne. I loved it and was instantly hooked. Now I go every week on a Monday morning, which is a fun and lively start to my week and I would recommend SportsPound to anyone who wants to get active.\u201d<\/p>\n
The first Healthy Living Pharmacy to open in South Gloucestershire was in 2016 at Yate Shopping Centre Tesco store. It was awarded Healthy Living accreditation following a rigorous process and now there are many more scattered across the district.<\/p>\n
To find out where your nearest Healthy Living Pharmacy is visit www.southglos.gov.uk\/healthylivingpharmacy<\/a><\/p>\n