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Cure Your Sunburn

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The festive season is a filled with joy and family but it is also an active one. This activity leads to a lot of outdoor plans which more often than not, lead to exposure to the sun.

While we trust that you packed some sunscreen as you embarked on your festivities, we understand that there is the chance that you forgot. With that in mind, and as a precautionary measure for the future, we put together this article to help you deal with sunburn.

The severity of sunburn usually depends on two things: skin type and the level of exposure to the sun-generally, the risk of sunburn increases the closer you are to the Equator. It is important to treat sunburn as soon as it happens by getting out of the sun and/or reducing exposure to the sun by applying a cold, damp towel to the affected area.

Avoid picking at the affected areas or attempting to burst the blisters, however, moisturize- aloe vera gel is perfect for this particular case. Severe exposure also means that you might be dehydrated so drink your water, drink, drink.

Severe sunburn might be painful, treat this with ibuprofen. This is available over the counter at Goodlife.

In the ensuing days, reclaim your skin from sunburn by using after sun care products. Vitamin C cream and Aloe Vera gel, several times a day. Below is a breakdown of after sun care products and their different roles:

  1. CALYPSO AFTERSUN & INSECT REP                                                                                                                        Calypso After Sun with insect repellent is a lotion that will not only cools and leaves your skin feeling refreshed, it also soothes.  Calypso contains aloe vera which moisturizes reducing dryness. Regular usage can help prolong your tan.
  2. CALYPSO ALOE AFTER SUN                                                                                                                                      Calypso Aftersun Aloe Vera Gel cools, soothes and rejuvenates your skin after sun exposure. It restores moisture to your skin
  3. CALYPSO AFTERSUN LOTION 500ML
    Calypso After sun Lotion is the ideal product to use after a long day soaking up the sun. It contains anti-ageing properties and is formulated to cool, refresh and moisturize your skin
  4. CALYPSO AFTER SUN SPRAY 250ML
    It leaves your skin feeling instantly relieved, cooled and soothed. Gives relief against hair depilation and shaving. Spray liberally to all areas overexposed to the sun.
  5. CALYPSO SUNBURN RELIEF/IRICALMIN SPRAY
    Sun Burn Relief Calypso Sun Burn Relief is a unique plant derived multifunctional spray, formulated to help restore your skin and Treat over exposer to sun. Instant cooling, soothes skin irritation including insect bite and stings.
  6. CALYPSO COOLING AFTER SUN GEL
    This specially formulated after sun gel contains Menthol for a dramatic cooling effect.
  7. ALOE PURA ALOE VERA AFTER SUN LOTION SPF25 200ML
    Aloe Pura Organic Aloe Vera Gel Sun Protection Lotion is produced from 100% Pure Aloe VeraInner Gel, capturing the maximum nutritional activity of the Aloe vera plant.
  8. MALIBU SOOTHING AFTERSUN LOTION 200ML
    Malibu is a comprehensive range of sun protection, perfect for the whole family. From lotions to dry tanning oils, available in a variety of Sun Protection Factors (SPF). Malibu Sun SPF 30 High Protection Kids Lotion UVA/UVB. Reapplied frequently, this SPF 30 lotion provides protection from UVA and UVB rays. Product Features: High protection UVA/UVB sunscreen, titanium dioxide physical sunscreen, non-whitening, vitamin enriched (Vitamin E, Pro Vitamin B5), very water resistant, dermatologically tested.
  9. CAREWAY COOLING AFTERSUN LOTION
    Moisturizing after sun with aloe, cocoa butter and coconut oil soothes and smoothens sun-kissed, dry skin, helping you to keep your tan for longer.
  10. NIVEA AFTER SUN MOISTURISING LOTION 200ML
    NIVEA SUN After Sun Moisturizing Lotion has a cooling formula that absorbs quickly and intensively moisturizes the skin for 24 hours. It contains Aloe Vera and precious Avocado Oil, maintains the skins elasticity and leaves a soft and silky skin feeling.
  11. MALIBU AFTERSUN + TAN EXTENDER 200ML
  12. MALIBU AFTERSUN GEL ALOE VERA 200ML

Any other tips you got, products you love? Do share with us!

2019 PHARMILY GOALS

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You have come really far with us guys! From one year, into another, into another… And suddenly, we’re in 2019. Who’d have thought? With the passing of so much time, you are no longer just customers, you have become pharmily. And if there’s one thing that family does, family tells the truth.

The truth here is that it’s January and we are leaving the ‘New Year, New Me’ story in the past. You are not going to wake up one day and discover a new version of yourself just because the earth has orbited around the sun once. Truth is, you do not need to because you are unique and no one wants to replace a unique being. What you can do though, is improve on the unique being that is you. Should you choose to do just that, we are excited to go on that journey with you. We are committed to helping you live the Goodlife.

While definitions of living the Goodlife may vary from person to person, we are excited to see you unlock new levels in your skin’s glow, help mum’s have an even better bonding experience with their little ones through conveniences such as rash cream, get you on your health goals with our annual health check  and did we mention beard game? Whatever little way you’re improving this year, we guarantee our side to side support because Goodlife might be a Pharmacy, but in addition to pharmacy services, we also offer beauty services– with in house specialists offering free consultation  and health offerings . The last bit though, gets even better for we have partnered with Lancet Group of Labs to offer you lab services, at select Goodlife stores. Click here to view the different tests offered as you plan out your year.

In the spirit of sharing, our 2019 resolution is simple: to help you look and feel good for the rest of the year and then some. Step into a Goodlife near you today and let’s keep walking the good walk together.

Diabetes Awareness and Management with Dr. Salwa

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In commemoration of World Diabetes Day, Goodlife hosted a Twitter chat on the 14th of November 2018. During this Twitter Chat, Dr. Salwa answered diabetes related questions from the audience.
Here is a recap of the questions and expert answers, as provided by Dr. Salwa:

1. How does diabetes change my life – work or social?
Diabetes calls for you to be more careful with your diet and factor in exercises. You will need to see doctor at least once every three months and regularly check on your blood sugar levels.

2. How can you stop hypoglycemia from developing into full blown diabetes?
You can stop impaired glucose tolerance from moving to full blown diabetes by living a healthier life; this will include a change in diet and an amount of physical activity in your everyday life.

3. Is it possible to manage diabetes without using medication?
Diabetes requires medication, whether its insulin or medication. This is in addition to watching your diet and exercising. Both are vital.

4. In cases where diabetes is hereditary, is it possible to avoid getting it?
The risk factors for Type 2 diabetes are genetics, lack of physical activities, among others. Genetics cannot be prevented, but lifestyle shifts like taking the stairs, jogging for half an hour can improve your well being. An overhaul of what we eat and the portions will ultimately help in diabetes prevention. Vegetables 50%, 25% carbs and 25% proteins is a recommended way to measure your portions.

5. Is there a home test for diabetes or do you have to go to the hospital?
You can take a blood glucose test at home, using strips.If your blood glucose level is high, visit your doctor. These strips are available for purchase at Goodlife Pharmacy. If your blood sugar is above 6 first thing in the morning, or above 11 at any time during the day, that qualifies as high and you should see a doctor.

6. Can Diabetes make you go bald? I have a friend I’m worried about that maybe should go for a check up.
Well controlled sugars do not affect your hair but uncontrolled high sugars (hyperglycemia) can lead to thinning of hair. This is common and necessitates a visit to the dermatologist.

7. What is the youngest age one can get diabetes?
You can get Type 1 Diabetes at any age. The youngest recorded Type 2 diabetes patient was in their preteens, this all depends on your risk factors. But a younger population is getting type 2 diabetes due to an unhealthy lifestyle.

8. Does it have stages? What stage is it severe?
Diabetes does not have stages, it only gets severe if not well controlled. Severity is dependent on your complications. Use of insulin is not a marker for severity, complications are.

9. Can you get rid of diabetes with diet?
Maintaining a healthy lifestyle, working out and eating healthy, you can reduce your risk of getting Diabetes. however, once you have diabetes, a good diets doesn’t cure it, it helps manage and avoid complications.

Skincare 101 with Dr. Don Othoro

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In 2018, skincare was a huge trend, with everyone trying to achieve that ever elusive glowing, smooth skin. With this and our audience’s interests in mind, we brought on board Dr. Don Othoro, a cosmetic doctor to talk with us about skincare and answer the audience’s questions. Here’s a recap of the questions;

1. I have had acne since 10 years of age. I am now 29, what do I do?
That’s a pretty long time and it’s very rare for acne to start before adolescence unless you were an early developer. Does if fluctuate or has it always been the same. Were you diagnosed by a doctor? Finally what treatments have you had?

2. Hormonal acne, Early morning smooth face, midday pimples, evening more pimples.

This can happen with some people as the skin produces more oil as the day goes on. It is made worse if you are not using the right skin care products for your skin. 1) a good glycolic based cleanser
2) Chemical exfoliation cream and
3) Hydrating cream

Chemical exfoliation is preferred because chemical exfoliation uses fruit acids (glycolic acid, lactic acid etc) removes dead cells BUT it does not damage the underlying healthy cells.

Physical exfoliation causes damage to the underlying cells by being too aggressive hence there is more damaged skin coming to the surface.

3. Does drinking water really help you get better skin?
Yes it does in several ways;
1) Drinking water allows your skin to stay well hydrated therefore in decreases the amount of oil that the skin produces and thus decreases pimples.
2) If you have dry skin it creates an environment that allows your skin to stay supple. A lot of people notice that their lips and mouth are a lot less dry
3) Finally, drinking water increases ones energy levels which is also a great side effect!

4. Is it a good idea to exfoliate daily (for normal to dry skin)?
There is no hard answer to this but the general rule is 2-3 times a week. Over exfoliation can cause skin damage especially if you have not seen a specialist and have sensitive (damaged) skin

5. I’ve been drunk all December. I also intend to get even more drunk going forward. How does that affect my skin? And if it does, is there anything I can do to avoid it? (except stop drinking, for obvious reasons)
Yes alcohol causes premature aging of the skin, dehydration, puffiness of the face, hormonal disruption and redness of the face. So it does make the skin worse in a nutshell. Would you like to get help about your alcohol consumption? We have counselors and doctors available to speak to you on the phone at @DialADaktari who would be very willing to chat with you on the phone.

6. Ok, I need a chemical exfoliator.
Dr. Don recommends Jan Marini Bioglycolic Cleanser or Bioclear Lotion for this

7. An effective way to treat sunburn?
Use Vitamin C Cream aloe Vera and factor 50 several times a day.

If the sunburn has just happened, follow the following steps:
1. Cold damp towel
2. Stay out of the sun
3. Moisturise
4. Do not burst blisters
5. Ibuprofen

8. What’s the best way to get rid dark marks on your skin? Those caused by popping pimples.
The best way is to use sunscreen all the time. If this does not work you may need a prescription for Retinol or Hydroquinone