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Please Treat Pharmacy Teams with Respect From the 5th October to 25th October 2026, community pharmacies across England are supporting a national NHS campaign encouraging patients and the public to treat pharmacy teams with respect. The campaign highlights a simple but important message: pharmacy staff are here to help, and respectful behaviour helps create a …

We Are Here to Help You Read More »

Hay fever is a common allergy caused by pollen. It can lead to sneezing, a runny or blocked nose, itchy or watery eyes, coughing, an itchy throat, headaches and tiredness. There is currently no cure for hay fever, but there are practical steps and medicines that may help ease symptoms. This guide explains what hay …

Hay Fever: Symptoms, Pollen Count and Treatment Advice Read More »

Spending time outdoors can have many benefits, but protecting your skin from ultraviolet (UV) radiation is important throughout the year, especially during the summer months. Too much exposure to UV rays can cause sunburn and increase the risk of long-term skin damage. Why Sun Protection Matters The sun produces ultraviolet radiation that can damage skin …

Sunscreen, Sun Safety and Sunburn: What You Need to Know Read More »

  As temperatures rise across the UK, hot weather can affect anyone, but some people are at greater risk of becoming unwell. Babies and young children, older adults, people with long-term health conditions and those taking certain medicines may find it harder to stay cool and hydrated during a heatwave.   Understanding how to stay …

Heatwaves, Hot Weather and Staying Safe This Summer Read More »

For information only. Guidance may change as this is a developing situation.  Hantavirus is a rare infection linked mainly to rodents, such as rats and mice. It can spread to people through contact with infected rodent urine, droppings or saliva. This may happen by breathing in contaminated dust, touching contaminated areas, or through cuts, the eyes, or very rarely …

Hantavirus: What You Need to Know Read More »

Screens are part of everyday life now. From TVs to tablets and phones, most families use them in some way—and that’s completely understandable. Parenting is busy, and sometimes screens help you get through the day.  New UK guidance has been released to help parents of children under five find a healthy balance. It’s not about removing screens completely or …

Screen Time for Under 5s: A Gentle Guide for Parents Read More »

Meningitis B: what you need to know Meningitis B is a serious bacterial infection that can cause swelling of the lining around the brain and spinal cord (meningitis) and blood poisoning (septicaemia). It can affect people of any age, but babies, young children and teenagers are most at risk. Cases are rare, but they can …

Meningitis & Septicaemia Read More »

Many long-term health conditions can be influenced by everyday lifestyle choices. Across England, preventable health conditions are affecting millions of people, placing pressure on the NHS and impacting quality of life. More than a quarter of the population now live with a long-term health condition, and health inequalities remain significant.  The NHS Healthy Choices Quiz is designed to help people take …

NHS Healthy Choices Quiz: Take a Step Towards Better Health Read More »

  National No Smoking Day is an opportunity to take the first step towards stopping smoking. Quitting can improve your health at any age and reduce your risk of serious conditions such as heart disease, stroke, lung disease and many cancers. Even after a short time without smoking, your body begins to recover.  At Hot Chemist, we want to …

National No Smoking Day: Support to Help You Quit Read More »

Why high blood pressure matters High blood pressure (hypertension) is often called a “silent killer” because it rarely causes noticeable symptoms until serious damage has been done. It is the single biggest risk factor for stroke and is involved in about half of all strokes(1). Uncontrolled blood pressure can damage your blood vessels, increasing your …

Know Your Numbers: Manage Your Blood Pressure from Home Read More »