Who is this service for?

This service is for people who may be at risk of developing Type 2 diabetes, a condition characterised by what is known as insulin resistance. This is where the body does not effectively respond to the insulin produced, as a result blood sugar levels become too high. It can be managed by taking tablets such as Metformin and maintaining a healthy lifestyle.

What does this service offer?

The service will take place in a private consultation room by a trained member of staff. You will be asked a series of questions in order to help determine whether you are at risk of developing Type 2 diabetes, including:

• Your age
• Your height, weight and waist measurement
• Your daily activity
• Your diet, in particular how many fruit and vegetables you eat
• If you use high blood pressure medication
• If you have ever had a high blood glucose reading
• If any family member has diabetes

If you are at risk of developing Type 2 Diabetes, we can advise you on how to slow or even reduce your risk of developing the condition. If you are at high risk, we will measure your blood pressure and your blood glucose level, by taking a very small finger-prick sample of blood.

Depending on the results of this test, we may ask you to come back for further assessment. This will include:

• A fasting blood glucose test, which involves taking a sample of blood when you have an empty stomach (usually first thing in the morning before you have breakfast)
• Weight, height and waist measurement
• Additional blood pressure measurements

We will also offer you lifestyle advice and recommend ways of reducing your chance of developing Type 2 Diabetes. If appropriate, we may refer you to your doctor.

Blood Pressure Checks and Advice at AssetPharmacy

AssetPharmacy offers FREE blood pressure checks, usually without the need for an appointment. During the check-up, we’ll check your blood pressure and explain what the numbers mean. If you have high blood pressure, we can give you advice on how simple changes to your diet and lifestyle can help lower your blood pressure. And, if necessary, we’ll refer you to your Doctor.

So, if you’re at all concerned, it’s a great way to get peace of mind or, if you are affected, you can start to take steps to improve your health.

Find out for if you’re at risk today… And take control

• Being older – at least half of people over 65 have high blood pressure
• Having a family history of high blood pressure or heart disease
• Being overweight
• Not doing much exercise
• Being of Asian or African-Caribbean descent
• Drinking more than two to three units of alcohol a day (up to 14 units a week) if you’re a woman, or three to four units a day (up to 21 units a week) if you’re a man
• A diet including a lot of salt – ready-made foods are often high in salt. Adults should eat no more than 6g (1 teaspoon) of salt a day.
• Not eating five portions of fruit and vegetables a day

Monitor Your Cholesterol And Take Control

The AssetPharmacy Cholesterol and Heart Check Service measures your blood pressure and cholesterol level, and estimates your risk of developing cardiovascular disease over the next ten years. It’s a great way to get peace of mind and know you’re doing the right thing, as well as getting all the advice you need on how to lower your risk. Available at selected stores. Charges apply

1.                  Control your cholesterol and help yourself to avoid heart and circulation problems

Two thirds of the population in the Nigeria have high cholesterol, which is a fatty substance found in the blood. It’s usually made in the body and plays an essential role in how every cell in the body works. But too much cholesterol in the blood can start to affect how well your heart and circulation works, as it can cause the blood vessels to become blocked increasing your risk of a heart attack or stroke. This is why it’s so important to keep control of your cholesterol levels.

The main types of cholesterol and other terms we tend to use are:

• LDL (low-density lipoprotein) – often known as ‘bad’ cholesterol. Too much can fur up your arteries, making them narrower – a major risk factor of heart disease.
• HDL (high-density lipoprotein) – often known as ‘good’ cholesterol. It’s a protective type of cholesterol which helps to keep your arteries clean by taking excess levels of cholesterol back to your liver where it’s re-processed and passed out of your body.
• Triglycerides – fats carried in our blood which come from the food we eat. High levels are associated with an increased risk of heart attack and strokes.
• Total cholesterol – an overall measure of both the LDL and HDL types of cholesterol found in your blood.
• TC:HDL –the ratio of total cholesterol to high-density lipoprotein. A high value means there’s too much of the other types of cholesterol compared to the ‘good’ cholesterol.

The most common cause of high cholesterol is a diet high in saturated fat. But a family history of high cholesterol might make you more susceptible too.

MEDICINE CHECK UP

The Medicines Check Ups is a free AssetPharmacy service that involves a consultation with the pharmacist to discuss the patient’s medication. This includes all prescribed medicines, along with any medicines or supplements the patient may buy over the counter. It gives an opportunity to ask a pharmacist any questions about how and why medicines should be taken, and to discuss any side effects or other problems the patient may be experiencing with their medicines.

This service is currently available in our pharmacy stores and is aimed at patients taking more than one regular, prescribed medicine.

ASTHMA Check

AssetPharmacy are here to support and advise on how to best manage your asthma.

Everything you need to know about asthma

How can asthma affect you?

Asthma is a long term condition where your airways get inflamed and narrow, the reason for which is not always clear. It affects 5.4m people in the UK* and the severity of symptoms can vary from person to person. Asthma generally causes shortness of breath, wheezing, a tightness in the chest and coughing, especially at night. Symptoms can vary in the course of the day or during different seasons.

How can you take control of your asthma?

It’s possible to control your symptoms with a preventer inhaler so that you have fewer or no symptoms at any time of day. This can allow you to exercise without problems. It’s not a bad idea to learn and remember the three Ts: Treatment, Technique, Trigger’s.

We’re here to support you

Follow the treatment directions given to you by your Doctor – and don’t forget you can pop into any AssetPharmacy and talk to us about how we can support you, discuss managing your asthma and we can answer any questions or concerns you have and offer our expert advice. The main treatments for asthma are inhalers which can be split into two types; a preventer inhaler which you will need to use every day, even if your asthma is under control and a reliever inhaler (usually blue) to use when needed if you are suddenly short of breath.

Are you using your inhaler correctly?

There’s a range of different types of inhalers that you might be prescribed, but mostly they fall into two categories. Each one has a particular technique that needs to be used to receive the right dose of asthma medicine.

We can help you

If you want to improve your inhaler technique, you can use a spacer to make taking the medication easier. Spacers are effective for any age, but essential for helping children to take the medicine. Please pop into AssetPharmacy and ask a member of our team for more information. If you find it difficult to hold your inhaler or press the canister down, consider a Haleraid that attaches a easy-squeeze handle to the inhaler.

I.                   Stop Smoking Services

You are four times more likely to stop smoking with help.*

(1)               If you are in need of one-to-one support, visit your local AssetPharmacy for our Stop Smoking Service. We can offer advice to help you every step of the way

How can our Stop Smoking Service help?

You will be able to discuss your smoking goals with a trained member of staff, who will be able to offer advice on how best to achieve them. We have private consultation rooms available if you wish to chat in confidence.

Our helpful staff will offer support and advice on:

• Boosting your willpower
• Avoiding triggers
• Controlling your cravings
• Managing withdrawal symptoms

Nicotine Replacement Therapy

Self-control alone may not be enough to help you stop smoking straight away, which is completely fine. Though it is not entirely risk-free, Nicotine Replacement Therapy (NRT) is an effective way to help you get started, by managing your cravings and supporting your addiction.

During the private consultation, our staff member will be able to recommend any suitable Nicotine Replacement Therapy (NRT) products. There are also products available online:

MALARIA TEST & MALARIA TREATMENT

All Asset pharmacies offer the Malaria Screening, Prevention and Treatment Service. Our Pharmacist can advise on high-risk areas for malaria and bite prevention, and supply a range of antimalarial options tailored to each individual’s need and medical details