February 2023 - Halo Health

Post author By Pharmacy Mentor
Post date February 23, 2023

One of the most fundamental ways to monitor your overall physical health is through routine blood testing. Regular testing can help you monitor how your body changes over time, as well as provide you with the information you need to make wise health decisions. Discover the benefits of booking a blood test with our Solihull pharmacy by reading on. From identifying potential health issues to monitoring ongoing conditions, a blood test can provide valuable insights into your health. Find out more about our blood testing services and how they can benefit you.

What does a blood test show?

Your doctor can use some blood tests to find out how well your body’s organs are functioning. Blood tests can reveal issues with your thyroid, liver, or kidneys, as well as other organs.

Blood tests can also be used to look for disorders and diseases that may be present, such as:

– Diabetes
– Cancer
– HIV
– Anaemia
– Coronary heart disease

A blood test can determine whether a person is at risk of getting heart disease even if they do not currently have the condition.

What are the types of blood tests?

Below are some common blood tests:

Complete blood count

During a routine complete blood count (CBC), 10 different components of each of the three main blood cells—white blood cells, red blood cells, as well as platelets—are measured. This test examines the red blood cell count, haemoglobin, and haematocrit, among other important factors.

Blood cholesterol test

Cholesterol is a fatty chemical that is mostly produced by the liver from the fatty foods you consume. It’s essential for the body’s normal operation.

A high cholesterol level can increase the chance of developing catastrophic conditions like strokes and heart attacks.

Blood culture

A blood culture test is done to determine whether you have a systemic infection. NICE (UK National Institute for Health and Care Excellence) recommends that all patients suspected of having sepsis should have a sample taken for blood culture testing.

Blood gas test

This test is done to analyse the blood’s chemical composition and oxygen as well as carbon dioxide levels. Only in settings such as A&E and intensive care units would this be carried out. The test is also used if you have lung issues or breathing difficulties.

Blood glucose (Hb A1c)

This test is used to check the level of your blood glucose. It helps you receive a precise diabetes diagnosis and directs your doctor toward the most effective course of action for you.

Blood typing

Blood typing is done before a blood transfusion or when determining a person’s blood type for donation. It also guarantees that you obtain the proper blood type before surgery or following an injury. Blood typing is a quick and simple process.

Incompatible blood can cause blood clumping, also known as agglutination, which can possibly lead to death.

What’s the importance of regular blood testing?

Regular blood testing is an important component of maintaining good health. It can help identify potential health problems before they become more serious. Blood tests can provide information about the state of your overall health. These include your cholesterol levels, blood sugar levels, kidney function, liver function, and more.

How do you prepare for a blood test?

Preparing for a blood test can help ensure accurate results and a more comfortable experience. Your healthcare provider may provide specific instructions for preparing for your blood test, such as fasting for a certain period of time or avoiding certain medications. Try to follow these instructions carefully to help ensure accurate results.

You should also drink plenty of water to help make it easier to draw blood. It can also help prevent light-headedness or fainting during the procedure.

Choose clothing that allows easy access to your arm, such as a short-sleeved shirt. This can help make the process more comfortable and efficient.

Blood tests are a common and routine medical procedure, but if you feel anxious or nervous, let your healthcare provider know. They may be able to offer additional support or suggest relaxation techniques to help you feel more comfortable.

During the blood test:

– A healthcare professional will clean the area where the needle will be inserted, usually the inside of your elbow.
– They will then insert a needle into a vein and draw a small amount of blood.
– Once the blood has been collected, the needle will be removed, and a bandage or pressure will be applied to the area to stop any bleeding.
– The blood sample will be sent to a laboratory for testing, and your healthcare provider will inform you of the results when they become available.

The entire process usually takes only a few minutes, and most people experience only mild discomfort. After the test, it’s important to continue drinking plenty of water to help replace any fluids lost during the procedure.

Where can I do a blood test in Solihull?

Get in touch with Halo Pharmacy to get a blood test in Solihull and ensure that you are updated about your health.

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This blog post was written on behalf of Halo Pharmacy by Pharmacy Mentor.

Tags blood test, Blood Testing, blood typing, Cancer, complete blood count, Diabetes, hiv, phlebotomy, phlebotomy test

Hair Losss

Post author By Pharmacy Mentor
Post date February 23, 2023

Alopecia, another name for hair loss, is a common disorder that can affect both men and women. Losing your hair is not typically a cause for concern, but it can be upsetting. Therefore, some forms of hair loss may need treatment. Continue reading to discover our expert advice on hair loss, including common causes and effective solutions. Our Solihull-based pharmacy offers Finasteride to help combat hair loss and promote hair growth, so you can enjoy a fuller, healthier head of hair.

What are the main causes of hair loss?

Genetics

The most frequent cause of hair loss is hereditary alopecia, also known as androgenetic alopecia. It is a hereditary disorder that often manifests in a person’s 20s or 30s and affects both men and women.

Hormones

Changes in hormone levels, such as those that occur during pregnancy, delivery, menopause, or hormonal imbalances such as thyroid issues, can result in hair loss.

Medication

A number of medicines, including antidepressants, blood thinners, chemotherapy drugs, and acne medications, can result in hair loss.

Autoimmune diseases

Diseases like alopecia areata where the immune system destroys hair follicles are a cause of hair loss.

Nutritional deficiencies

Hair loss can be brought on by a deficiency in vitamins and minerals like iron, zinc, and biotin.

Physical trauma

Damage to the scalp from burns, wounds, or operations can result in hair loss.

Hairstyles

Certain hairdos, such as tight weaves, braids, or ponytails, might cause hair loss.

What is the best hair loss treatment?

For many people, losing their hair can be a stressful and upsetting process. Although there is no proven strategy to stop hair loss or promote hair growth, the following tips might be useful.

Eat a healthy, balanced diet

A balanced diet rich in vitamins, minerals, and protein is necessary for the growth of strong, healthy hair. Fish, almonds, and leafy greens are all excellent choices.

Avoid tight hairstyles

These can stress your hair, which can result in breakage and hair loss. Examples of tight hairstyles include braids and ponytails. Try to avoid wearing these styles or do so less frequently.

Use gentle hair loss treatment products

Harsh shampoos and conditioners can damage your hair by robbing it of its natural oils. Make use of moderate hair care items designed for your hair type.

Be gentle when styling

To avoid breaking your hair, be gentle when brushing or styling it. Straighteners and curling irons are examples of heated styling appliances that should be avoided since they can damage your hair.

Control stress

As stress can cause hair loss, it’s critical to discover ways to handle it. Try yoga or meditation as a way to unwind.

Contact a medical expert for hair loss treatment

Balding could indicate a serious underlying medical condition. Speak with a healthcare expert to rule out any medical condition.

Consider topical treatments

Topical treatments like minoxidil and finasteride may aid promote hair growth in some individuals. However, these treatments should only be used under the guidance of a healthcare professional.

Consider hair transplantation

Hair transplantation is a surgical procedure that involves transplanting hair follicles from one area of the scalp to another. This procedure can be an effective option for some people with hair loss.

What are the impact of stress and hormonal changes on hair health?

Hair health can be significantly impacted by stress and hormonal changes. The following are some ways in which these elements may impact the condition of your hair.

Stress

Your body releases stress hormones like cortisol and adrenaline when you’re under stress, and these substances can damage your hair. For instance, stress can result in hair breakage, thinning, and loss. This is due to the fact that stress can alter the regular cycle of hair development and cause more hair to enter the resting phase, which results in shedding.

Hormonal changes

The condition of your hair might also be impacted by hormonal changes. For instance, a drop in oestrogen levels after menopause causes hair thinning and hair loss in many women. Similar to this, a hormonal imbalance in disorders like polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) can result in excessive hair growth on the face and body while simultaneously causing hair loss on the scalp.

The benefits of natural and medicinal solutions for hair loss

While there are various hair loss treatments available, there are several advantages to using natural and medical treatments, including:

Less chance of adverse effects

Natural and medical remedies are frequently less likely to have negative effects, making them a viable choice for people who are worried about the risks connected with prescription medications.

Improved hair health

Your hair can be strengthened, shinier, and more damage-resistant with the use of natural remedies like essential oils and herbal cures.

Lower cost

Natural and medicinal treatments for hair loss are frequently more affordable than prescription options.

Convenient and easy to use

Several at-home hair loss treatments are available and simple to incorporate into your regular routine.

Where can I get hair loss treatment in Solihull?

Get in touch with Halo Pharmacy for more information about hair loss treatment in Solihull.

View Our Treatment for Hair loss