We're helping you look after yourself with these top tips
This article is sponsored by Sterimar, Dulcolax, BetterYou, Healthspan & Gold Collagen
Whether you’ve been hit by the sniffles or you’re looking to support your immune system, it’s super important to take good care of yourself throughout the year.
To give you a helping hand, we’ve put together our top tips for dealing with some of the most common health concerns, from at-home remedies to solutions to consider.
1. Stuffy nose
While it’s typically not a serious ailment, a stuffy or blocked nose can be very irritating and a little uncomfortable too. Here are some things that might help you breathe a little easier:
- Try steam inhalation – either by taking a hot shower or sitting with your head over a bowl of hot water with a towel to trap in the steam
- Make sure to stay hydrated – maintaining your fluid levels can help thin the mucus in your nasal passages, relieving a bit of the pressure
- Pop on a warm compress – soak a towel in warm water and place it over your nose and forehead to help relieve inflammation in the nostrils
- Use a saline spray – try using a saltwater solution to help drain fluids from the nasal mucosa
Looking for extra congestion relief?
Try: Sterimar Congestion Relief
• Size: 100ml
Made with 100% natural sea water, Sterimar Congestion Relief unblocks the nose for up to six hours* and is effective both day and night.** Sterimar is free from steroids, drugs and preservatives and can be used alongside medicated products, based on the advice of a doctor.
2. Constipation
If you’re dealing with a bit of constipation, don’t worry! It’s very common and can usually be treated by making some simple changes to your diet and lifestyle, including:
- Eat a healthy, balanced diet – think lots of fruits, veggies, protein, some dairy and try to gradually increase your intake of fibre
- Drink plenty of fluids – the NHS recommends we drink at least six to eight glasses a day
- Increase your daily activity – get things moving with a daily walk or run
If diet and lifestyle changes aren’t helping, pop in to speak to your local pharmacist. They can provide further advice and support and can also suggest treatments for you to consider. If you’re constipated on a regular basis or it’s not getting better with treatment, make sure to go and see your GP.
Need a hand easing constipation?
Try: Dulcolax Adult Gastro-Resistant Tablets
• 20 tablets
• Contains 5mg bisacodyl
• Suitable for 18 years & over
While this isn’t an ongoing solution, Dulcolax Adult Gastro-Resistant Tablets can provide short-term relief from occasional constipation. Each gastro-resistant tablet contains 5 mg bisacodyl and they have a special coating to help ensure the medicine only works where needed. Just make sure to always read the enclosed leaflet before use.
3. Immunity support
Keeping your immune system running smoothly is key for maintaining a happy and healthy body. Here are some of our top tips which may help to support your immune system:
- Eat a healthy, balanced diet rich in fruits and vegetables – this should give your body most of the vitamins and minerals it needs to work properly
- Exercise regularly – whether you’re heading outside for a gentle walk, taking up running or trying a new gym class, staying active is a vital part of living a healthy lifestyle
- Get enough sleep – the NHS recommends we get between seven and nine hours a night
- Minimise everyday stress – while easier said than done, self-care activities such as meditation, yoga, connecting with people and giving yourself some ‘me’ time may help
- Stay hydrated –as we’ve mentioned, we should all be drinking at least six to eight glasses a day
- Give yourself a helping hand with supplements – if you feel like you need additional support to get the right level of vitamins and minerals, you could try taking supplements, though these shouldn’t replace a healthy, balanced diet
After extra immune support?
Try: BetterYou Vitamin D+K2 Daily Oral Spray^
• Contains vitamin D3 & K2
• 100% recyclable packaging
• Vegetarian-friendly
This tasty daily oral spray provides an optimal dose of vitamins D3 and K2 which work together to ensure calcium is properly delivered to your bones to help keep them healthy, while vitamin D also supports your immune system. The spray is quickly absorbed^^ through the inner cheek and into the bloodstream directly where it’s needed.
Try: Healthspan Opti-Turmeric^
• 30 capsules
• Contains vitamin C
Opti-Turmeric is an advanced water-soluble formulation, which is 185 times better absorbed than 'standard' powdered turmeric.† Each capsule contains 500mg of liquid curcumin (which is seven times faster acting than powdered turmeric†), plus added vitamin C to support your immune health and collagen formation.
4. Bone & joint health
It’s really important to look after your bones and joints from a young age. Here are a few ways you can support your bone and joint health throughout your life:
- Maintain a healthy weight – excess weight can put additional stress on your weight-bearing joints, while being underweight is linked to a higher risk of bone fractures
- Stay active – weight-bearing exercise and resistance exercise is particularly important for improving bone density. The NHS recommends strength training twice a week, plus at least 150 minutes of moderate intensity activity (like walking and cycling) a week or 75 minutes of vigorous intensity activity (like running and swimming) a week
- Eat a healthy, balanced diet – as we’ve mentioned, this means you should be able to get most of the essential vitamins and minerals your body needs
- Give your body a helping hand with additional supplements – vitamin D, vitamin C and calcium can all help to support your bone health
Looking for a product that supports bones, joints & more?
Try: Gold Collagen Artron Extreme^
• 10-day supply
Unlock your best self with Gold Collagen Artron Extreme! With 10g of hydrolysed collagen, added vitamin C to support collagen formation and vitamin D to support your bones, plus MSM, chondroitin, glucosamine, vitamin B6 and more, these liquid supplements can help keep you active and vibrant all day long.
So, no matter your health concern, let us help take care of you this year! Pop into your local Boots store if you need any advice, support or treatments – our friendly pharmacists are always on hand to help.
