Ask the Pharmacist
In the first of 2023’s Ask the Pharmacist features, Mounthawk Allcare Pharmacy’s Pat Harmon explains how to stick to those new year resolutions and to maintain some healthy living habits.
“First of all, on behalf of all of the team in Mounthawk Pharmacy, I would like to wish all of our customers and readers a very happy( and belated) new year. The new year is often a time of quiet reflection on the year that’s been-achievements that should be recognised and also a time to mull over those things that we think we could improve on. It is for this reason that so many people buy into the “New Year New Me” mantra. While the naysayers will often say this is all just setting yourself up for failure, here in Mounthawk we prefer to look at the positives and think any attempt at self improvement is to be applauded. To this end, I will focus on those products available in the pharmacy that can help with certain health goals in 2023.
Our weight is often a sensitive topic and I think it would be fair to say that most people see room for improvement in this area. A great show to watch on TV at the moment for inspiration is Operation Transformation and the associated website contains lots of healthy meal ideas as well as other useful information. Those dark evenings can make the idea of exercising outdoors seem forboding but the reality is that 30 minutes of exercise is less than 2% of the day. And that 30 minutes doesn’t mean you need to go overboard. Any exercise that raises the heart rate is beneficial so even a brisk walk down the road is better than no exercise at all. The old saying that you can’t out train a bad diet still holds true so it is important to watch the food you are consuming as this is the main determinant of meaningful weight loss.
Chromium is a little known supplement that we sell in the pharmacy that is proven to regulate blood insulin levels. This has a knock on effect on blood glucose levels and so can be used as an adjunct to a healthy diet as a way of reducing appetite. B Vitamins and Co-enzyme Q10 will also go someway towards improving energy production within cells so if you are looking for more energy before embarking on those 5 km runs these are something to keep in mind. Popular supplements like Berocca, Pharmaton and Revive Active will help to set you on the path to representing Ireland in Paris 2024. There is an admitedly enormous range of products available in these ranges so ask us if you have any questions. So get those trainers on and out you go!
Smoking cessation is always a hot topic at the start of the year and this year is no different. With the cost of cigarettes as an added deterrent, more people than ever are giving up tobacco for good. I have covered the full range of nicotine replacement products on sale in the pharmacy before so I won’t go into detail about them again but as always pop into store where our team will be delighted to help you on your journey. We have fantastic offers on all Nicorette and Niquitin products at the moment so now is as good a time as any to kick the habit for good. One customer told me she has a savings account set up and every time she would have bought a pack of cigarettes she puts the money into the account instead. By the middle of January she already had over €200 squirreled away for a holiday later in the year. If that is not a positive incentive I don’t know what is!
Of course we all need to put as much focus into our mental health as much as our physical wellbeing this year. Don’t put too much pressure on yourself to stick to unrealistic resolutions as you will end up disappointed and deflated. If you fail at something it does not matter. Try again and look to do better. Aim to do one thing everyday that excites you. Take up a new hobby to keep your mind stimulated. There are great classes available online and in local colleges that will teach you a range of new skills. These are also a great way to make new friends with like minded people. So whether it is learning a new language or learning to dance there is a course out there for everyone. Try to get out of long engrained bad habits and make 2023 the year of real change in your life. Be thankful for all the good things you have going for you and learn to be kinder to yourself. It goes without saying that we should all aim to be kinder to others. Simple acts of kindness cost nothing but can make the world of difference.
Finally, we will be having a competition in store this month to WIN a Hamper Worth over €200! It will contain a selection of some of our best selling items from such fantastic ranges as Nuxe and Sanctuary. We will announce the winner at the end of the month. Keep an eye on our social media for details on how to enter and the very best of luck. Until next time!
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E: mounthawk@allcarepharmacy.ie
Ph: (066) 712 8989
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