When you have embarrassing bodies and health concerns that you’d rather not share with the world, the idea of visiting your community pharmacy for support is just as unappealing as the thought of fighting to get an appointment with your GP. Luckily, community pharmacies across the nation are aware of the issue, and have created safe spaces for you to speak confidently and confidentially with a trained medical professional.
If you’re over the age of 40 and under the age of 74, the NHS Health Check programme is designed to help you stay on top of your wellbeing. Some pharmacies will be able to offer you an NHS Health Check - so it’s worth popping into your local pharmacy to see if they can help - or giving them a call. Even if your local pharmacy isn’t providing the NHS Health Check, they may still be able to take your blood pressure.
Many pharmacy teams are already engaged with providing sexual health, reproductive health and HIV services across the UK - although there are still variations in service delivery, an increasing number of community pharmacies are capable of delivering high quality sexual and reproductive health services.
Getting men to talk about their health can be a challenge - and starting the conversation is something pharmacies are getting better at. Your local pharmacy staff are trained to conduct consultations with empathy, maintaining your dignity throughout and providing a discrete space to talk about common issues like erection problems and hair loss.
“Women are more likely to come and ask for advice or products. They are more open, confident and willing to ask for help and advice when it comes to minor ailments. The most common queries are about thrush, cystitis, insomnia, period pain, and weight loss.”
- Yasmeen Asfar
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