Are you a busy woman living life to the fullest? Follow this advice to help you stay healthy on the go
Whether it's juggling a busy job with the school run, trying to squeeze in a trip to the gym, doing DIY at weekends or just finding time to meet friends for a coffee, it seems women's lives today are fuller than ever.
And while most dads are taking on more childcare and housework, the huge strides taken by women at work mean many are living life at an even faster pace.
It can also mean that, with packed schedules, women's wellbeing can be a long way down their to-do list.
Thankfully, with guidance available from your local community pharmacist, at Boots, it is quick and convenient for women to get help and advice on the high street.
You don't need to make an appointment, you can simply pop into your local Boots pharmacy store, where you'll find a pharmacist and their team happy to answer your questions.
Most have a private consultation room, so you can discuss symptoms away from other customers.
Pharmacists can also provide advice for a wide range of women's health issues, such as contraception, wellbeing in pregnancy and the menopause.
By popping to your local Boots, you can get advice about these health issues, as well as discuss other concerns, at a time to suit you, helping you to live a healthy life.
Below we've highlighted some of the key health areas women need to pay attention to...
Heart Health
According to NHS figures, women are twice as likely to die from heart disease compared to breast cancer.
Coronary Heart Disease (CHD) is one of the UK's leading killers. Yet many women don't know that some seemingly less serious problems, such as breathlessness, can be an early warning sign of a potential heart problem. You can speak to a member of the pharmacy team who can help advise on lifestyle changes including tips on eating healthy and stopping smoking.
Cancer
The Human Papilloma Vitrus (HPV) causes most cases of cervical cancer.
The HPV vaccination is routinely offered to secondary school age girls, as part of the NHS Childhood Vaccination Programme. The Boots HPV Vaccination Service is suitable for women and men aged 12-44*.
The HPV Vaccination Service provides women with protection against 90 percent of cervical cancers and HPV related anal cancers in men and women.
For all cancers, acting on symptoms early can help improve the chances of survival. Having someone to turn to when you need help can make a real difference.
That's why many of our pharmacies now have Boots Macmillan Information Pharmacists, who are specially trained to support you if you're affected by cancer.
Boots Macmillan Beauty Advisors are trained to offer make-up tips to manage the visible side effects of treatment. To find out more on the HPV Vaccination Service at Boots, visit boots.com/hpv *Subject to pharmacist and stock availability. Other eligibility criteria apply. Charges apply. Available in selected stores.
Eye Tests
An eye test is about more than simply checking whether you can read the newspaper or the number on the front of the bus.
Having your vision checked by a Boots optician can also help you identify a range of health problems.
For instance, eyes can give an early indication of high blood pressure and high cholesterol.
Other conditions affecting your general health, such as diabetes, can also be spotted as part of a routine eye test.
Adults should have an eye test at least every two years.
To book an eye test visit boots.com/eyetest
Period Delay
Whether you're going on holiday or have a big event coming up, having your period at the wrong time can be a real inconvenience.
Boots offers a Period Delay Online Clinic* to help delay your time of the month. It is available to women aged 16 to 54, who are not taking the contraceptive pill or any other hormonal contraception.**
The online clinic will be able to carry out an assessment to help decide if this service is appropriate for you and your needs. Visit boots.com/perioddelay for details.
* Subject to stock availability and clinician approval. Charges apply.
** Other eligibility criteria apply.
Wellbeing, Pregnancy and Menopause
Boots pharmacists are able to help women live a healthy lifestyle by providing advice and information, as well as discussing suitable products.
They can advise on suitable supplements and vitamins for all stages of life where appropriate, whether you are trying to conceive or are pregnant, are going through the menopause or are worried about maintaining flexibility and bone health as you get older.
For those who want to stop smoking, a range of products and services are available, including local NHS Stop Smoking Services in selected stores.
Diabetes
Over 3 million people in the UK are estimated to have diabetes and around 90 percent of diabetes cases are type 2.
Risk factors for type 2 diabetes include weight, age, ethnicity and family history. The condition occurs when the body doesn’t produce enough insulin and this can lead to serious health problems.
Boots, in association with Diabetes UK, offers a free online tool to help assess your risk. In a few minutes you can learn if you’re at risk and take active, positive steps to help minimise the risk.
To find out more, visit boots.com/diabetesrisk for details.
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