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News
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The Philips Cool Skin
19-Oct-2005
 | The Philishave Cool Skin range offers the perfect combination of wet and electric shaving. Along with Philips cutting edge technology the shaver incorporates a cartridge of Nivea's Moisturising Lotion or Fresh Gel. The skin is actively moisturised whilst shaving to minimise the redness and soreness associated with shaving.
The Cool Skin is a truly revolutionary system and we have several models to choose from in the run up to Christmas. Click Here to View Our Full Range of Philishave Shavers. |
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Sperm Damage caused by PCBs
13-Oct-2005
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Fish Oils & Omega-3s
12-Oct-2005
 | The fat stored in fish contains a type of polyunsaturated acids called omega-3s. Fish obtain these fats from the plankton they eat. The most potent of these omega-3s are eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexanoic acid (DHA) and can be found in abundance in cold-water fish such as mackerel, trout, salmon and tuna.
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Research suggests that the Omega-3s in fish oils can reduce the risk of heart disease. They do this by lessening the chance of the platelets in blood from clumping together and causing clots. Omega-3s can also reduce blood fats, reducing blood pressure, and recent research suggests they may strengthen the hearts electrical system, preventing heart-rhythm abnormalities.
Omega-3s also work as an anti-inflammatory, useful for joint problems, lupus and psoriasis. Sufferers of rheumatoid arthritis, Crohn’s disease and menstrual cramps have all experienced relief of their symptoms during various research projects.
Some scientists now believe that Omega-3s can have a positive effect on mental disorders such as depression, schizophrenia and the development of dyslexia in children.
Buying Fish Oils
- If you find that you cannot tolerate a particular brand of fish oil, try a different one, side effects vary from brand to brand.
- Store your fish oils in the fridge (including capsules) to prevent them going rancid.
- Pregnant women should avoid cod-liver oil preparations as they contain vitamin-A.
View our Full Range of Fish Oils. |
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Blood Pressure Monitoring
13-Sep-2005
| High Blood Pressure (hypertension) affects 1 in 5 people in the UK, and greatly increases the risk of suffering from heart disease, strokes and other serious conditions. The cause of high blood pressure is not always known, yet doctors do know that changes in life-style can help lower levels. |  |
What is Blood Pressure?
Blood pressure is literally the pressure that your blood creates when pumped around your body by the heart. It is expressed in a reading of two numbers, such as 140/85 and often said as ‘140 over 85’. The first number is the systolic pressure, this is the reading for when the heart beats, or pumps, the blood. The second is the diastolic pressure, the pressure of the blood when the heart is at rest between beats. The numbers are measured in millimetres of displaced mercury, i.e. 140 mmHg over 85 mmHg.
Doctors recommend that people over 40 should regularly monitor their blood pressure. However, if you have a condition such as diabetes or have been diagnosed with high blood pressure it is important to monitor regularly whatever your age. Monitoring at home is a great way to achieve constant and accurate levels as some people experience stress when going to their GP or a hospital.
So What is a Healthy Blood Pressure?
Blood Pressure levels can depend on your age, build and health. The World Health Organisation (WHO) has established a standard for these levels without regard to age. It states that a ‘normal’ level should be below 130/85 and that a high yet safe level is below 140/90. There may be cause for concern if either of these numbers is higher.
When is the Best Time to Monitor?
It is important to remember that your blood pressure changes during the day and seasonally. Take your blood pressure at the same times each day, rest for 15 minutes beforehand and avoid taking a reading after exercise or a hot bath.
Which Blood Pressure Monitor?
There are many monitors on the market and Express Chemist stock a wide range. What’s important is that you find a monitor that you are comfortable using. Fortunately most modern monitors have been automated to make their operation simple for anyone. Although you can still purchase manually inflating models we recommend automated monitors, they are easier and more accurate for the user (in fact automated monitors are used now by GPs and nurses) and give clear readings. There are two main places to monitor blood pressure from, the wrist and the upper arm. Wrist monitors offer convenience as they can be carried easily and used anywhere without having to remove clothing that may interfere with readings. However, Upper arm monitors offer more accurate readings due to the positioning of the cuff near the arm. If you are planning to take regular readings, and can do so at home, the upper arm monitor is more suitable.
When deciding about a monitor you must firstly measure the circumference of your arm at the widest point (the bicep). This size will dictate the size of cuff you will require. Most Upper Arm monitors come with a medium cuff size of 22-32cms. If you require a larger or smaller cuff you will need to purchase it separately. For a list of cuffs view our accessories page. However the A&D UA-787L comes with a large cuff (32-45cms.) as standard.
For our recommendations of Blood Pressure Monitors visit our Top Blood Pressure Monitors page.
Or visit our main Monitor page.
How Can I Improve My Blood Pressure?
Lowering Blood Pressure can be achieved in many ways:
- Diet - Eat less fatty and salty foods and ensure you are eating plenty of fruit and vegetables. If you are over-weight talk to a healthcare specialist about how you can safely lower your weight.
- Exercise - Regular exercise is important in keeping the heart healthy and lowering your blood pressure.
- Drinking and Smoking - Although a small measure of alcohol can help prevent heart disease too much can be very harmful. Try to keep within the recommended measures, 4 units per day for men and 3 for women. Although smoking does not directly cause high blood pressure it can greatly aggravate conditions associate with high blood pressure. The best answer is to give up altogether. If you need help giving up try our Smoking Cessation section and visit: givingupsmoking.co.uk
If you have a medical condition such as diabetes or heart trouble or have experienced a stroke work closely with your GP on ways you can safely reduce your Blood Pressure.
For more information visit: The Blood Pressure Association. |
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Vielle
09-Sep-2005
 | Vielle are a new company offering a range of items targeted at female sexual wellbeing. The Vielle Stimulator has been proven to help women reach climax, it fits neatly on the finger and doesn't require batteries! Use in conjunction with Vielle Lubricant to improve sexual enjoyment with a partner or without.
Many women, particularly after childbirth, experience bladder weakness and a loss of stimulation during sex. This is often due to weakened pelvic floor muscles. Vielle offer a solution: the Vielle Pelvic Toning System actively improves these weakened muscles to put you back in control. |
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New Sensation
09-Sep-2005
Durex have added a new sensation to their range of condoms. The Durex Tingle is coated with a unique lubricant that gives a stimulating tingling sensation to both partners.
Also new in the Durex range is Durex Sensilube, a gentle vaginal lubrication for women experiencing dryness. Lubrication is a great way to improve the sensation and ease of lovemaking. Take a look at Durex Play and KY's exciting new KY Warming Liquid. |  |
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Time to Quit
09-Sep-2005
 | To what degree a public smoking ban will take place in England is uncertain at the moment, yet more restaurants and bars are choosing to ban smoking from their establishments without a government order. Most smokers are becoming aware that they will need to stop smoking at some point in their life and short term health benefits are not the only factor involved. Cigarettes are becoming increasingly frowned upon socially and, as we live longer, the quality of life of older smokers diminishes and puts strain on the health system. Besides all this it is still worth remembering that smoking is linked to a third of all cancer deaths and 17% of deaths from heart disease [both a.s.h.].
It is always a good time to quit yet it is never easy. Smoking is a powerful addiction, mentally and physically, and withdrawal symptoms can prevent people staying off for long. Some people are able to give up without help yet for most a little help can make all the difference.
The Hard Stuff
Nicotine is a highly addictive drug that travels almost directly to the brain. Lowering your body’s dependence on nicotine can be done gradually with the use of nicotine patches and/or gums. These are particularly useful for heavy smokers as a sudden drop in nicotine levels can cause anxiety, depression and irritability. Brands such as Nicotinell, Nicorette and Niquitin offer a graduating system of nicotine levels through adhesive patches placed on the skin or gums which can be chewed.
The Nicorette inhalator works as a replacement for the habitual activity of smoking. Many smokers find the absence of the action of smoking disconcerting. The Nicorette inhalator is used like a cigarette and releases a small quantity of nicotine to satisfy the craving. It is smoke free so can be used at any time in any situation.
Quitting and Health
When giving up smoking your body and mind will go through some uncomfortable side effects that can be lessened by the use of supplements and vitamins. Start by increasing your intake of B Vitamins and Vitamin C as both of these are depleted in smokers. Vitamin B promotes healthy nerves, reducing your levels of anxiety and irritability. Vitamin C works as an antioxidant to mop up the unstable oxygen molecules (free radicals) caused by smoking that damage cells; the action of Vitamin C can be supported by Vitamin E. Oat extract has been used in India for opium addiction for centuries. Studies have shown that it can also reduce the craving for cigarettes. Other aids include chewing liquorice root and dandelion route when cravings become strong.
The important thing is to keep off for as long as possible. A study has shown that people who give up for longer than 3 months are less likely to re-start than within that time. For more help and advice visit givingupsmoking.co.uk.
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UK Diabetes Cases Pass 2 Million
02-Sep-2005
Cases of Diabetes have now reached 2 million in the UK. The rise has been linked to increased adult obesity. Although this figure may seem depressing Doctors hope people will take a look at there health and ways in which they can improve it. If you are concerned about diabetes try the Personal Wellbeing Diabetes Screening Test. If you have diabetes take a look at our range of Diabetes Monitoring Products.
We can all do more to improve our health. Regular exercise is still the best way to improve resistance against severe health problems. Take a look at our Fitness page.
If you want impartial advice on Diabetes visit www.diabetes.org.uk. |  |
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Perfected Skin
26-Aug-2005
 | Surgery, accidents, pregnancy, old age, the sun, acne, there are many causes of the various marks and blemishes our skin accrues. Whether blemishes are caused by internal sources (excess melanin, acne, stretch marks) or external sources (accidents, burns), there are now a range of products on the market to help obtain even skin.
Most people have scar tissue; it’s a symptom of life’s many ups and downs. Dermatix is a revolutionary new cream that actively reduces scar tissue and the discomfort associated with it.
Fade Out Skin Care offer a wide range of skin products targeted to suit your needs. The range includes a Facial Redness Remedy to reduce roseacea (redness) in the face, a Nourishing Leg Treatment Cream for the removal of marks on the legs and thighs and their Original Fade Out Cream which can be used on brown skin marks. View the whole Fade Out range.
Take a look at our Scar Reduction category for these and other related products. |
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Blood Pressure Testing Week
23-Aug-2005
| Between 12th-18th September 2005, the BPA will be running their ‘Know Your Numbers’ Blood Pressure Testing Week. This yearly awareness campaign is intended to promote people’s understanding of the issues surrounding Blood Pressure and encourage everyone to take a test. If you’re over 40, doctors recommend that you make regular checks of your blood pressure. Blood pressure monitors are now available for home use, and the models available are those that you would find at some GP’s. If you haven’t got your Blood Pressure Monitor yet Click Here. | |
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