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Five Tests That Every Adult Should Take

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No matter how young or how old you are, it is important to do all you can to ensure that you are healthy. Part of taking care of your health includes taking regular tests which are useful in detecting potential health problems while they are still treatable.

Today, how about considering these 5 tests that you should take today and why they are important:

  1. BMI and Blood Pressure: The body mass index is a way of calculating your percent body fat by taking into account your height versus your weight; it is directly related to your blood pressure. Your blood pressure on the other hand is a good indication of the health of your cardiovascular system. Heart health should be amongst your top priorities; don’t you agree?
  2. HB (Haemoglobin Blood Level): Hemoglobin is a protein in your red blood cells that carries oxygen to your body’s organs and tissues. There are several causes of lower or higher than normal HB levels including vitamin deficiencies and dehydration.
  3. Random Blood Sugar: Random glucose testing is particularly essential for people with diabetes. It helps in assessing how well the disease is being controlled.
  4. Stool Analysis (Microscopy): Stool contains bacteria and other substances present in the digestive system. Through stool analysis, it is probable to discover what is happening in your digestive system.
  5. Urine Analysis (Routine and Microscopy): A urine test, otherwise known as urinalysis is part of a routine check of your overall health and is also one way to find certain illnesses in their earlier stages including kidney and liver disease.

Any questions? Ready to take these tests? Walk into a Goodlife Pharmacy near you and get it done thanks to Lancet, our partner in health!

World Hepatitis Day: The Signs and Symptoms

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July 28th will mark World Hepatitis day and Goodlife Pharmacy is all about ensuring we give those infected an opportunity to speak out as well as spread awareness to those that are unfamiliar of the signs and symptoms.

 

What is Hepatitis?

Hepatitis refers to inflammation of the liver which has several causes such as drugs, alcohol use or certain medical conditions. However, the most common cause is a viral infection. There are five distinct hepatitis viruses A,B,C,D and E which are transmitted differently and result in different health outcomes.

Hepatitis A is always an acute short term disease while Hepatitis B, C and D are mostly ongoing and Chronic. Hepatitis E infection is normally acute and is particularly dangerous to pregnant women.

What are the signs and symptoms? In infectious form of hepatitis such Hepatitis B, C and D symptoms may not be present in the beginning and only occur when the liver damage affects liver function.

Signs and symptoms of acute hepatitis occur quickly and they include:

  • Fatigue
  • Mild fever
  • Muscle or joint aches
  • Nausea and vomiting
  • Stomach pain
  • Loss of appetite
  • Yellow skin and eyes (Which can be signs of jaundice)

When hepatitis B, C become chronic the liver gets damaged however the symptoms may not be visible for years. If not detected early and treated, health complications can be as serious as liver cancer and cirrhosis which could be fatal.

Most importantly, do consult your doctor if symptoms arise.

Seven Billion Individuals: A World of One

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What’s in a number? Truthfully, until someone slaps a figure in context, you can’t really define it. So, let’s put this in context.

The current world population is set at 7 billion people, increasing at an average of 83 million people every year. Staggering numbers, right?

World Population Day seeks to raise awareness of the global population issues. The constituents that make this figure pop are the different communities, cultures and families around the globe; at the core of this is YOU. 

What is the power of one? How does the individual fit into something of this scale? We are a product of our surroundings. Culture, society and the human spirit are all the result of millions of years of exchanges. From the music you are bopping your head to right up to the screen you are reading this on, is the culmination of a system that builds on individual brilliance for social good.

Bet you never thought that your individuality has a huge impact on the number at the top.  Think about all the inventions and discoveries made by brilliant minds, that bring about healing for the ones we love battling with various illnesses. The connectivity that the discoveries bring about when we relate to one another based on our different but similar narratives. From the doctor who assists your girlfriend, wife or sister bring forth life to this world to the priest who sends off your loved one to the spirit world and the farmer who tills and toils to produce food that gives your mama mboga pride to vend fresh produce that your housie prepares for your children.

You are an integral part of today’s celebration. Blow your trumpet, pamper yourself with rejuvenating grooming treatments from Goodlife Pharmacy because you are you, and we are about you.

Your good life impacts the world in a great way!

Five Things New Mums Worry About

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FIVE THINGS NEW MUMS WORRY ABOUT

Grappling with the fear of being a new mummy? You’re not the only one. These tiny, beautiful, little humans though wonderful, come with no instruction. From outlandish thoughts to legit concerns, we are here with a few solutions to put you at ease.

Not being able to breastfeed

Take a deep breath mama. Breastfeeding is tough. Even if you master it off the bat, it sometimes takes a week for the milk to come in and even a month to establish supply. Give yourself time and trust you and your baby’s cues.

Accidentally hurting the baby

Whether it be dropping your new born or giving them too much medicine, the possibilities for harming your children may seem endless. Visiting a pharmacy like Goodlife which offers professional service goes a long way in calming the nerves and ensuring the health of your baby. However, always remember to call your pediatrician to whenever your uncertain—they have heard it all.

Crying

Your baby constantly crying may alarm you, but do remember that crying in newborns and infants is normal and some just cry more than others—this is therefore not a yardstick for measuring your parenting skills. If your infant is inconsolable, do not hesitate to contact your pediatrician.

Sneezing

Your little one sneezing is simply how he clears his nasal and respiratory passages of congestion and airborne particles. This should only worry you if your baby is running a fever, has a runny nose, seems congested or has difficulty breathing. Pop into your nearest Goodlife pharmacy to seek expert assistance if unsure of how to read the symptoms.

Snap Back

Contrary to the picture painted by Hollywood, getting your pre-pregnancy shape overnight is unhealthy and unrealistic. Eat healthy, try and sleep enough (we know this can be hard), take time out for yourself and get a little walking done when approved by your doctor. Enjoy the magic your body just created and the celebrate your body as it is for its strength.

All in all, don’t let these concerns drive you crazy. Mistakes will be made, tears will be shed and you will be okay. Your baby will be okay. Keep going, we are so proud of you!