5 REASONS

You don’t have to make a check-up appointment with your doctor to make sure your basic lifestyle-related risk factors are in check. Your pharmacist can take your blood pressure, test your cholesterol, and blood sugar levels, and give advice for managing medicines and weight. pharmacists are trained to provide a range of services –some of which are free of charge and require no appointment –but they’re being underutilised. “We’re looking at how the skills of pharmacists can be best utilised to improve health outcomes and better the health care system.

Every day, uncomplicated ailments such as colds and flu, hay fever, aches and pains, tummy bugs and rashes can be assessed by a pharmacist, who can provide advice then and there – free of charge.

Most pharmacists can issue “absence from work” certificates if required. There will be a fee involved for this service and the amount is set by the pharmacy.

Some pharmacists can also issue carer’s leave certificates if a family member is ill and your help is required; check with your local pharmacist to see what consultations and services they’re able to offer.

Local pharmacies are well placed in the community to serve as a great first-stop destination for baby care advice and support. “A lot of pharmacies operate baby health clinics within their pharmacy and may have registered nurses that provide their service,” Sinclair says. Pharmacists are trained to give baby care advice to parents of newborn babies, and can provide on-the-spot assessment as well as advise on products to treat a range of conditions, including nappy rash, eczema, feeding issues, constipation, pain and fever, rashes, teething issues and baby weighing, he says.

You can now get your annual flu shot by popping down to your local pharmacy. Many offer clinics that provide the vaccination – which is administered by a registered nurse – for a fee.