Pharmacists are trained to help people treat themselves for many common conditions, such as colds, flu, stomach bugs and aches and pains, which can be especially prevalent when the temperature drops.
This week is Ask Your Pharmacist Week (4 to 11 November, 2013), a national initiative to raise awareness of the services on offer in pharmacies to help people stay well during the winter months.
Ros Jervis, Wolverhampton's Director of Public Health, said: "Pharmacists can offer a wide range of help and support, meaning people won't necessarily need to see their doctor about their ailments."
Most minor conditions can be treated at home, and pharmacists can provide people with advice and support to help you get back on their feet without needing to book a GP appointment.
Benefits of using a local pharmacy include medicines management reviews to ensure patients are taking the right medication at the right time, the use of private consulting rooms, and healthy living advice clinics if people want to stop smoking or lose weight.
Some pharmacies can also offer additional services such as flu vaccinations, and testing for common conditions like high or low blood pressure, diabetes and chlamydia.
Many pharmacies offer seven day opening, and late hours, meaning that they're the perfect place for busy people to get help and advice that could avoid a trip to the GP.
People can find out more about Ask Your Pharmacist Week by visiting Type=links;Linkid=3008;Title=Ask Your Pharmacist;Target=_blank;.
- released: Wednesday 6 November, 2013