When Should You Turn to a Pharmacist Instead of a GP?

by

29 October 2019

Health & Fitness

GP

If you are suffering from a health condition and require intervention from your GP, it can be quite difficult to get a quick appointment even when you go to the nearest walk-in center. That’s why you may want to consider going to see a pharmacist instead to get an answer to your problem. Of course, you cannot go to your pharmacist in every situation, but here are the best times when you can and will still get the best medical service from them.

When Should You Turn to a Pharmacist Instead of a GP:

1. When your symptoms are not really severe:

If you are suffering from the flu or have some sort of infection, and already know what you’re suffering from, this may be a time to actually go to a pharmacist to see if they can recommend the best products. Although a pharmacist cannot diagnose your condition, they can help if you need advice on medications, and which ones would help the best ease your symptoms. They can also recommend products if you have allergies or are looking to avoid a certain medical ingredient.

2. When you need a specific health test:

health test

Another thing that you can get from your pharmacist, as well as your GP,  are specific tests. It’s important to remember that pharmacists do undertake a 6-8-year program to get qualified, so you are in safe hands if you need a specific medical service. So, if you have diabetes and need a blood or blood sugar level test, blood pressure monitoring or even advice on home monitoring tests, speaking to a pharmacist is a great place to start.

3. Your GP’s waiting time is too long:

Sometimes we just can’t wait to get an appointment. You can go to as many walk-in centres as you like, but the waiting times are too long and sometimes you can just get turned away. However, if you understand your symptoms or just want to know what you can get to cure them, you don’t just need to wait for months on end to hear back from a doctor. Instead, you can speak to a pharmacist who can give you advice on medications to ease any painful symptoms. Try speaking to a pharmacist as soon as you can, but also make an appointment with your GP. That way you can get the best of both worlds and get treatment as you wait to see your doctor.

4. You need a prescription update:

prescription

Seeing a doctor time and time again to get another prescription request for creams, pills or injections can be time-consuming. Sometimes your every-day commitments give you precious little time to spend at the doctors, especially if you cannot get an appointment in the evening. That’s why you can either speak to a pharmacist about a repeat prescription, or you can use an online pharmacy, by Lawsat Pharm, to quickly request your treatment. This way you can make sure you do not miss taking your prescription.

5. You do not have a GP in the area:

If you have not signed up for a GP in your area, as you may not be local, this may be the perfect time to see a pharmacist. You may have just moved there or are on holiday in the area. Either way, visit a local pharmacist to make sure you can get some treatment before you return home.

Read Also:

I enjoy writing and I write quality guest posts on topics of my interest and passion. I have been doing this since my college days. My special interests are in health, fitness, food and following the latest trends in these areas. I am an editor at Content Rally.

View all posts

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Related

Folic Acid Deficiency Symptoms

Folic Acid Deficiency Symptoms: Supplement the Deficiency Before It’s Too Late

The human body needs to continuously take supplements in order to function optimally as not all vitamins and minerals are taken in recommended daily amounts. One such very important vitamin is folate or vitamin B9 or folic acid. In order to prevent further complications brought about by the lack of certain vitamins, it is wise to be proactive and identify folic acid deficiency symptoms at early onset. Folic acid vs. folate Both folic acid and folate are forms of the water-soluble vitamin B. Folate, otherwise known as vitamin B9, naturally occurs in foods, while folic acid is the synthetic folate compound that is used in vitamin supplements because of its increased stability. Folate has been named after "folium," Latin for "leaves," because they were first isolated from spinach. Also, folate is the generic term used for both the naturally occurring folate that is found in foods and the synthetic form, folic acid. The vitamin B complex nutrients are needed by the body in small amounts in order to function and stay healthy. In fact, according to recent medical journals, folate is involved in a number of intracellular reactions as a cofactor. Deficiency potential Research has found that the potential for folate deficiency is high or very common. In fact, it can be a serious problem if left untreated. In a 2006 USDA analysis of obtained data, most people in the US obtained adequate amounts of vitamin B9. But there is still a risk for some groups obtaining insufficient amounts. Because folic acid is water-soluble, excess amounts of the vitamin in the body is excreted via human urine. This means that the human body needs a constant supply of this vitamin because the body cannot store it. And the recommended daily dose of folate is 0.4mg/d, which has been established for 20 years. Read More:  Zinc Deficiency Uses of vitamin B9 in the body Vitamin B9 is vital for synthesis and repair of DNA and RNA, the body's genetic material. These vitamins also aid in the rapid cell division and growth and are important in the production of red blood cells in the bone marrow. But folate is particularly important for pregnant women to avoid major birth defects in the baby's brain or spines, such as neural tube defects, including Spina Bifida and anencephaly. Combined with vitamin B12, it controls the blood levels of the amino acid homocysteine, which is associated with certain chronic conditions such as heart disease. Folate is also used to prevent eye disease age-related macular degeneration (AMD), to reduce signs of aging, to treat sleep problems, depression, AIDS, and inherited disease called Fragile-X syndrome. It is also used for age-related hearing loss, Alzheimer's disease, and memory loss. Folic acid deficiency symptoms It is widely known that prevention is better than cure. So in order to avoid any further complication due to the lack of vitamin B9 in the body, here are the most common folic acid deficiency symptoms to watch out for, however subtle they may be: Poor immune function, which includes frequently getting sick Chronic fatigue/low energy; also include chronic fatigue syndrome Poor digestion, including bloating, IBS, and constipation Early appearance of gray hair Pale skin Mouth sores and tender, swollen tongue Developmental problems during pregnancy and infancy, consisting of stunted growth Mood change often, such as irritability Anemia (severe cases) Causes of folic acid deficiency Diet. One of the most common causes is poor diet. Folate naturally occurs in a wide array of foods, and among its richest sources include dark green leafy vegetables (such as spinach, asparagus, and broccoli), beef liver and kidney, yeast, and beans. Among other sources are eggs, beet, milk and other dairy products, and whole wheat bread. Eating overcooked fruits and vegetables. Folate is easily destroyed by heat. Diseases such as severe kidney problems requiring dialysis, certain types of cancers, celiac disease, and Crohn's disease affect the absorption of the vitamin in the GI tract Too much alcohol consumption increases folate excretion via the urine During pregnancy, a lot of folic acids are used up by the growing baby Side effects of medication, which includes phenytoin (Dilantin), trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole, methotrexate, and sulfasalazine Diagnosis There are exams and tests taken to confirm folate deficiency in an individual. One of these is a blood test, to check the number of red blood cells and whether the body has enough vitamin B9. This is most common among pregnant women during their prenatal check-ups. But the most common procedure is the doctor checking the patient's history and current health condition. Read More: The 5 Best Herbal Remedies To Treat Acne 8 Home Remedies To Banish Acne Scars And Discoloration For Good (Info-Graphic ) How To Fix Being Skinny Fat 4 Reasons Why Food Handling Training Is Important Top 4 Natural Combination For You To Eliminate Blackheads (Infographics) How To Remove Acne Scars Naturally Top 5 Foods For Healthier And Thicker Hair Types Of Stethoscopes Must-Follow Tricks To Burn More Calories

READ MOREDetails
Enhancing Nursing Education

Enhancing Nursing Education: A Detailed Guide To Performing Head-To-Toe Assessments With Goreact

A cornerstone of nursing education, the head to toe assessment, often presents a steep learning curve for nursing students. It's not just about memorizing a checklist. To perform a thorough evaluation, they must integrate observation, patient communication, hands-on examination, and clinical reasoning. Enter GoReact, the innovative video-based platform that enhances the learning experience by allowing real-time feedback, collaboration, and reflection. With GoReact, mastering the head-to-toe assessment is no longer an uphill battle but an engaging journey. 1. Making The Most Of Simulation Simulation scenarios are invaluable in nursing education. They offer the safe space students need to develop clinical skills. By recording simulation sessions with GoReact, educators can provide feedback in real-time. They can pause the recording at critical moments to discuss what was done correctly, what needs improvement, and why. But the benefits don't stop there. GoReact's video recording feature allows students to revisit these simulations as often as needed, fostering self-reflection and reinforcing learning. 2. Engaging Through Peer Review The value of peer review in education is well-documented, and GoReact takes this practice to another level. Students can view and comment on each other's head-to-toe assessment videos, encouraging collaboration and constructive criticism. This not only solidifies their understanding of the process but also fosters a supportive learning community. 3. Refining Communication Skills An effective head-to-toe assessment goes beyond just examining the patient—it involves effective communication. With GoReact, educators can focus feedback on students' communication skills, from their initial approach to the patient to the clarity of their explanations during the assessment. GoReact's time-stamped feedback means this advice is specific and targeted, giving students clear directions on how to improve. 4. Perfecting Techniques With GoReact's capability for slow-motion playback and moment-specific comments, mastering the subtleties of examination techniques becomes easier. Whether it's the correct use of a stethoscope or the proper palpation technique, educators can provide detailed, specific guidance that students can refer back to, promoting repetition and, ultimately, mastery. 5. Encouraging Clinical Reasoning GoReact videos can become more complex as students progress, integrating findings that require analysis and decision-making. Educators can pose questions directly in the video comments, asking students to interpret results or predict possible diagnoses. This encourages the development of clinical reasoning, an essential skill in nursing practice. 6. Fostering Professionalism Finally, GoReact videos provide a platform for teaching and evaluating professionalism. Educators can provide feedback on students' demeanor, respect for patient privacy, and use of appropriate terminology. These aspects of professionalism are often considered the "soft skills" of nursing, but they are essential for a successful nurse-patient relationship. Try GoReact Today In conclusion, GoReact is more than just a video-based learning platform; it's a game-changer in nursing education. Its multi-dimensional features empower students to engage actively in their learning process, enhance their practical skills, and develop the professional qualities that will set them apart in their nursing careers. More importantly, by enabling a seamless blend of real-time feedback, self-reflection, and peer collaboration, GoReact is redefining how we approach nursing education. With GoReact, the daunting task of mastering the head-to-toe assessment is transformed into an enriching journey of skill development and continuous learning. So let's embrace this innovation and revolutionize our teaching strategies, helping our students not just learn but excel in their nursing practice. Read Also: Health Tips For Hard Working Men 3 Top Tips to Keep Your Eyes Healthy Health Tips For Hard Working Men

READ MOREDetails
slider-img

Bed Time Yoga to Sleep Well

Sleep is one of the most precious activities and also the most awaited part of the day, especially if your life moves like the hands of the clock. Yoga lovers will often find themselves practicing a few poses by just moving their legs while they are reading a book before switching off the bed side lamp. The ingrained mindset that yoga relaxes the body is so filled in us, that our body automatically starts working to overcome blockages in the body. Bedtime yoga can make life simpler and leave you fresh and more charged up for the next day.     Read More: Follow These 5 Yoga Poses to Reduce Stubborn Belly Fat When you combine two relaxing activities together, yoga and sleeping, the results are only going to be a relaxed mood and an effortlessly smooth day. Bid farewell to backache, sleeplessness and negative thoughts with these poses: Bend Knee Spinal Twists  A great way to ease out any discomfort in the spine, legs and back, this stretching exercise, where you hug and bend your right knee to the left side and vice-a-versa, is a great way to kick start your bedtime yoga routine. All you have to do is stay on each side for 5 to 7 breaths and repeat 2-3 times depending on what your body is telling you and feel the benefit enfold soon enough. Happy baby pose  A hip opener, the pose creates space for back and works on the sacroiliac joints as well, a common cause of discomfort in most of the people in sedentary jobs. Bend both your knees and flex the foot to face the ceiling. Bring it closer to the chest and hold each big toe with the relative hand and stay in the pose for 5 to 7 breaths. Child’s pose A semi inverted pose, it relieves the practitioner of any form of back pain apart from bringing blood flow to the face and removing stress and anxiety. The pose works invariably in any routine, at any time to remove unwanted stress. Knee Hugs  An extremely relaxing pose, it is also known as wind releasing pose as it removes any extra gas in the body, which might become a hindrance in a good night’s sleep. Also, it presses the entire back making it easier for the practitioner to remove any form of discomfort from the back region. Hamstring stretch  A simple pose, it works on the entire lower body and also removes tension and fatigue from the back. Simply extend one leg to the ceiling and bring it closer to the chest. Grab the back leg with both hands or if advanced practitioner, you can hold the big toe with relative hand, keep the other legs straight or bend as your body allows. Stay here for a few breaths and change to another side. Corpse pose  This pose can be practiced at the end of the routine when the practitioner is deciding to call it a day. A relaxing pose, you can even meditate during this pose and gently dose of to sleeping. It is a great way to recharge your body and make it a routine to practice Savasana before sleeping, great benefits enfold when you practice this pose. The practice of these poses leads to long-term respite from many issues faced by the modern man. Manmohan is a yoga enthusiast, free spirit, traveler and freelance writer from Rishikesh. He run yoga teacher training school in India, Nepal, Thailand and various other countries, where yoga, meditation, Ayurveda, and spirituality is taught under the expert guidance of traditional and authentic yoga instructors. Read More:  The Importance Of Sport To Recommendations For Winter Crucial Tips To Getting A Flat Stomach 5 Common Weightlifting Mistakes Women Should Avoid Go Trampolining To Have Fun And Maintain Your Fitness

READ MOREDetails