Managing Common Seasonal Health Issues in Ireland

Managing Common Seasonal Health Issues in Ireland

Here in Ireland, the changing seasons bring us different health challenges throughout the year. Commonly, we can predict that colds and flu will be much more prevalent in the winter, while spring may be dominated by allergies, for example. In this article, we’ll take a look at common seasonal health challenges in Ireland and how we can best manage these to keep ourselves feeling good all year round.

Here at Gray’s Pharmacy, our goal is to help you take care of your family’s health throughout the year, and we can offer you professional advice and a range of excellent products for all ages. There are many common health complaints that are easy to manage with over-the-counter products and a little expertise, and we’ll be there every step of the way to help.

Managing your health in the winter

Winter can be a difficult time for many, with illnesses such as colds and flu much more common than at other times of the year. Traditionally, the winter would have been a time for slowing down and resting but our hectic lives don’t often allow us to do this. If you can, try to build some rest time into your schedule at this time of the year, including going to bed earlier wherever possible. This will help you to support your immune system and stop you from becoming too run down so that you are able to fight off bugs when they appear.

In our Irish climate, taking supplements in Vitamin C and Vitamin D can really help to support your health through the winter, and eating well is a great way to look after yourself and your family. The hearty soups and stews that we associate with the winter months are ideal, making the most of fresh vegetables and warm, comforting flavours. It’s also important to get out in nature, enjoying the world around you and making the most of the balance this can bring.

Sometimes, however, a cold or flu bug will hit you despite your best efforts, and we have a good range of cold and flu remedies to help in this situation. Lemsip offers several options to help you manage the pain and sleeplessness caused by colds and flu, and Night Nurse is a good option to help you get the rest you need. Combining pain relief and a decongestant can be very helpful, and many of our medicines include both. It’s always important to talk to a pharmacist or doctor before taking a new medication, especially if you are giving medication to a child.

Spring health concerns

Spring is a very popular time of the year, inspiring poems and paintings of the natural world as the first flowers come out and blossoms appear. It is undoubtedly beautiful, but it comes with a rise in pollen levels and this can be a nightmare for some people! In the spring, many people suffer from seasonal allergies, including hay fever and allergic rhinitis, and this can make life really challenging.

Allergic rhinitis is caused when your nose becomes irritated by pollen, dust or mould and can lead to symptoms like sneezing, itchiness and a blocked or runny nose. This is very common in the springtime, and it can be helpful to find products you can rely on to relieve these symptoms. A nasal spray or wash can be very helpful, gently rinsing the nose, and there are also several over-the-counter medications available to try.

Our allergy tablets and liquids are designed to help ease the symptoms of hay fever and allergies, and we can help you find the best options for your lifestyle. Some medicines can cause drowsiness, so it’s vital to be aware of the side effects of any options you try. Alternatively, we stock allergy sprays and drops, including eye drops that can relieve the pain of dry, itchy eyes. Allergies affect people in different ways so it’s worth taking the time to find a solution that works for you, and we will be happy to help you do this.

Looking after your family in the summer

In the summertime, we tend to see fewer cold and flu bugs around and people tend to recover more quickly from them if they do occur. This is partly due to the warmer weather and the healing benefits of the sun. However, the sun can also be a seasonal hazard, and it’s very important to protect your family from the dangers of sunburn and heat stroke.

Here in Ireland, we are not used to a great deal of sun exposure, which means that we run the risk of burning quickly on a sunny day or when on holiday. It’s very important, especially for those prone to burning, to avoid being out in the sun during the hottest part of the day, to cover up where possible and to keep drinking water to replenish the fluids lost through sweating.

A certain amount of sun exposure is good for our skin and ensures that we get a daily dose of Vitamin D, which is essential for strong bones. However, healthy exposure for most people is just a few minutes, and after this, we need to protect the skin with sun creams or lotions. Our range of sun protection products includes sun creams, after-sun spray and burn gel, so you can be fully prepared. Prevention is always better than cure, so make sure you choose a sun cream or lotion with a high SPF and reapply regularly, especially when you are in and out of the water.

Autumn health care

In the autumn, many people find that allergies rear their ugly heads again and this is often due to the moulds that occur in the natural world at this time. As the fungi abound in the woods, mould spores can irritate those who are sensitive to them and this can cause allergic rhinitis and asthma to worsen at this time.

The autumn is a great time to focus on your health, building up your resilience and immunity before the winter sets in, and you may find some support in the natural world around you. Getting out in nature can be a great restorative and you can enjoy some strengthening walks before the weather gets really cold. You can also look for natural remedies that will help to protect your health and try making hedgerow syrups and tonics with your family.

Autumn can also have an effect on the skin, with dry skin and skin irritation common at this time. Many of our skincare products are excellent for putting the moisture back into your skin, including luxurious cleansers and oils which can be used on a daily basis. If you suffer from irritated or itchy skin, we have gently medicated creams and balms to help restore your natural balance and treat painful areas.

Caring for your lips is also important, as they can often become chapped and cracked during the autumn and winter. A lip protection cream or balm can be the perfect option to prevent problems and you can ensure that you always have one in your bag to keep your lips looking and feeling great throughout the year. Ensure you choose one with SPF too, and it’ll also help to prevent your lips from getting sunburned on hotter days, which can be a very painful complaint!

Caring for your family’s health all year round

Looking after your family’s health all year round is a big responsibility and it can be helpful to think of taking a seasonal approach to make things easier. Preventing illnesses or conditions such as sunburn is much easier than treating them, and it’s good to know that there are many options out there to help you do this. Building up your immune system and ensuring that you are as strong as possible before the winter, for instance, can help you avoid cold and flu bugs and fight them off effectively if they break through your defences.

We have medicines for children and adults to help you get through the inevitable periods of illness during the year, and we will always be happy to advise you on the options. Finding the support you need to help you take care of your family will take the pressure off you and ensure that everyone is well looked after throughout the year.

At Gray’s totalhealth Pharmacy, we offer a range of services including prescription drugs, health products, vitamins, cosmetics and skincare. We’re always happy to share our expertise on diet and lifestyle changes and we also provide diabetes advice. Pop in and talk to us today in our Irish independently-owned community Pharmacy in Castletroy, Limerick.

Contact Us for your year-round healthcare products or services.