Let us help take care of you…
This article is sponsored by Phizz, Movicol®, Day Nurse, OMRON, Sambucol & Rennie
From a pesky cold and constipation to heartburn and hydration, no matter your health needs, we’ve got you covered at Boots.
Here, we’ve put together our top tips for six common health concerns, from lifestyle and wellness advice to remedies you can pick up in store.
1. Hydration
Staying hydrated is key for keeping our bodies functioning properly. The NHS recommends we all drink at least six to eight cups of water a day. We’ve put together some of our tips for keeping your fluid levels topped up:
- Carry a water bottle with you – so you can keep sipping throughout the day and on the go
- Drink before you’re thirsty – to avoid a drop in hydration
- Eat foods with high water content – foods like melon, oranges, cucumber, pepper and tomatoes all contain lots of water
- Give yourself extra support – while they shouldn’t be your first port of call, electrolyte supplements can help top up your essential minerals and top up your fluids
Need a hand topping up your fluids?
Try: Phizz Orange 3-in-1 Hydration, Electrolytes and Vitamins Effervescent Tablets daily*
• 20 Tablets
• With vitamins B, C & zinc
Phizz contains a science-led formula that is three times more hydrating than water alone,** providing your body with seven key electrolytes^ and a comprehensive blend of multivitamins. Phizz is also vegan,^^ low calorie and only uses natural colours and flavours. Not to mention they taste great!
2. Maintaining a healthy blood pressure
High blood pressure can lead to some serious health problems, but lifestyle changes can help to maintain a healthy blood pressure. We’ve taken a closer look at some of these:
• Eat a healthy, balanced diet – filled with lots of fruits, veggies, wholegrains and lean proteins
• Exercise regularly – aim to do at least 150 minutes of exercise a week
• Avoid salty foods – and avoid adding extra salt to meals
• Limit alcohol and caffeine intake – try switching to herbal teas and decaf coffee instead
A blood pressure check can help detect whether there are any issues with your blood pressure. Here at Boots in England, we offer a free health MOT†, which includes the NHS Blood Pressure Check Service.
At-home blood pressure monitors are also available, so you can take charge of your health and keep track of your blood pressure on a regular basis.
If you are concerned about your blood pressure it's really important to go and see a GP as soon as possible.
Want insights into your blood pressure levels?
Try: OMRON M4 Upper Arm Blood Pressure Monitor
• Clinically validated for accuracy
• 5-year warranty
Experience easy, at-home blood pressure monitoring with OMRON. Designed for accuracy and comfort, the IntelliWrap Cuff ensures a precise reading, while the IntelliSense Technology adjusts inflation for minimal discomfort. Tailored to support your specific health needs, easily gain insights into your heart health and track it over time by syncing your monitor to the free OMRON connect app.
3. Immune support
Adopting a healthy, balanced lifestyle is important for maintaining your immune system. Here, we take a look at some of the ways you can help keep yourself fit and well:
• Eat lots of fruits and vegetables – to get the right level of vitamins and minerals your body needs to stay happy and healthy
• Get plenty of sleep – practicing good sleep hygiene can help with this, think minimising screen time, reading or journaling before bed, and getting your sleep environment just right
• Exercise regularly – the NHS recommends 75 minutes of intense activity a week or 150 minutes of moderate activity per week, plus two strengthening sessions per week. Speak to your GP before starting any new forms of exercise if you haven't exercised in a while or have an existing medical condition
• Minimise stress – what we do to unwind will look different for each of us, but things like yoga, meditation, going on a walk and spending time with loved ones can be a good place to start
• Try supplements for extra immune support – there are lots of different supplements available containing different vitamins and minerals that can help to support your immune system and help fill gaps in your diet
After additional immune support?
Try: NEW Sambucol Extra Defence Menthol Gummies*
• 30 5-way action gummies
• With black elderberry plus vitamins A, C, D & zinc
Packed with natural black elderberry plus vitamins A, C, D and zinc, which all contribute to the normal function of your immune system, these gummies from Sambucol work to support your body’s natural defences. Plus, the vaporising menthol action can help to instantly soothe and clear.
4. Constipation
Most of us have probably experienced constipation at some point. It can usually be eased with a few simple diet and lifestyle changes, so let’s take a look at what can be done if you’re a little backed up:
• Drink plenty of water – fluids help keep stools soft and easier to pass
• Gradually increase your fibre – it’s advised we eat around 30g per day, as part of a healthy, balanced diet. Try adding pulses (beans, lentils, chickpeas) to your meals, switch white carbs for wholegrain versions and include plenty of fruits and veggies in your diet
• Increase your daily activity – adding a walk or run to your day can help with your bowel movements
If you’re still constipated after making these changes, pop down to your local Boots and our pharmacists can advise on any treatment that might help. But, if you’ve been constipated for a while, make sure to book in to see your GP.
Looking for extra support to ease constipation?
Consider: Movicol® Ease Citrus Flavour
• 20 sachets
• Contains macrogol 3350, sodium chloride, sodium bicarbonate, potassium chloride
As we’ve mentioned, drinking plenty of fluids helps to ease constipation, and Movicol® Ease harnesses the power of water to hydrate, soften and restore regular bowel movement.
Super easy to use, simply dissolve a sachet into 125ml of water, stir and drink. Just make sure to always read the enclosed label before use.
Always read the label.
5. Cold & flu
It’s very common to catch coughs and colds, especially during the colder months, and lots of us have had the unpleasant experience of flu too. While we can’t always avoid coming down with something, there are ways we can ease and manage our symptoms, such as:
• Get plenty of rest – make sure you’re getting enough sleep, the NHS recommends between seven and nine hours a night
• Drink lots of fluid – as we’ve mentioned, we need at least six to eight glasses a day
• Eat healthy food – even if you’ve lost your appetite, try to eat lots of fruits, veggies, protein and fibre
• Breathe in steam to ease a blocked nose – try having a hot shower or sitting over a bowl of boiling water with a towel over your head
• Ease your symptoms with cold and flu relief – medicines like ibuprofen and paracetamol can help ease aches and pains, while decongestant nasal sprays, drops and tablets can help to unblock your nose and sinuses. Just make sure you always read the label before using any of these
Been hit by a pesky cold or flu?
Consider: Day Nurse Film-Coated Tablets 500mg/30mg
• 18 non-drowsy tablets
• Contains paracetamol & pseudoephedrine hydrochloride
If you’re experiencing symptoms that often come with a cold or flu (think headaches, blocked nose, sore throat, and aches and pains), these Day Nurse tablets are on hand to help. Designed for fast-acting relief, they can start to relieve your stuffy nose from as little as 15 minutes.
Make sure to read the enclosed leaflet carefully before taking them and don’t take anything else containing paracetamol while taking this medicine.
Always read the label.
6. Heartburn
Oh, heartburn. It really does do what it says on the tin, and that burning sensation can get quite uncomfortable. Lots of us experience heartburn from time to time, but there’s no obvious reason why. However, there are some simple lifestyle changes you can make that may help to stop or reduce it:
• Eat smaller more frequent meals – try to eat slowly and chew lots too
• Don’t eat before bed – it’s recommended we stop eating at least three hours before going to sleep
• Don’t have food or drink that triggers your symptoms – things like coffee, tomatoes, alcohol, chocolate or spicy and fatty foods may lead to heartburn
• Try heartburn relief – while not a long-term solution, heartburn relief is available in tablet and oral form, and these can be a fast-acting way to help ease your symptoms
Looking for fast heartburn relief?
Consider: Rennie Peppermint
• 72 chewable tablets
• Suitable for vegans^^
Help to relieve symptoms of heartburn and indigestion with Rennie Peppermint Tablets. Each chewable tablet works to neutralise excess stomach acid in up to 60 seconds, for fast-acting, effective relief. Just make sure to read the enclosed leaflet carefully before use.
Always read the label.
Whatever your health needs, we’re here to help at Boots. Pop into your local store to chat to one of our dedicated pharmacists or check out our Health Hub for advice and support on a range of minor health concerns and ailments.
