M i n d & B o d y A n A l g e s i c s It doesn’t hurt to ask
If you find the wide array of pain-relief options on the market
bewildering, your pharmacist should have all the answers.
Words: Julie Penfold Illustration: Toby MorisonWhen you need pain relief Options: “Analgesics such as
over-the-counter (OTC) remedy options for headaches,” says
Period pain Symptoms: lower abdominal Options: “NSAIDs such as
Hertfordshire. “You also need to take into account contra-indications |-
“Paracetamol is very effective in treating mild to moderate pain
medication you’re already on.”
caused by headaches” Headaches Symptoms: tension headaches are the most common type. How they work: paracetamol
both sides of the head – or one
Take with caution: pregnant
Arshid adds: “If pain persists, women or people with asthma,
How they work: ibuprofen Take with caution: never Joint pain Symptoms: stiffness, reduced 28 benhealth Summer 2013 SEASONAl AcHES ANd PAINS • Sunburn: if you find your skin going pinker than planned, taking paracetamol or one of the NSAIds can help to minimise any mild discomfort. If there are associated signs of heatstroke or burns, especially in babies and children, seek medical help. • Insect bites: applying a topical antihistamine cream can relieve their redness and itchiness. For additional pain relief, paracetamol is the best option. “NSAIDs can help to ease musculoskeletal pain and reduce inflammation in affected joints by speeding up the healing process” Stomach upsets Symptoms: bloating, trapped Options: “Simeticone is an
to relieve the symptoms associated with trapped gas,”
• Paracetamol and ibuprofen can be given to babies as young as three months old, but aspirin is unsuitable for children aged under 16. • With any over-the- counter medication – particularly paracetamol – it is important to follow the instructions and not to How they work: simeticone is exceed the stated dose. • If your pain persists or you have any concerns about your health, consult ASK THE EXPERT How they work: NSAIDs can Options: “NSAIDs – for Take with caution: antacids
spray or oral painkiller – are the up the healing process.
Take with caution: for Take part at facebook.com/ benendenhealth
www.benenden.co.uk 29
Social Science & Medicine 69 (2009) 14–20The promotion of olanzapine in primary care: An examination of internal industrydocumentsDepartment of Psychology, Metropolitan State University, 1450 Energy Park Drive, St. Paul, MN 55108, United StatesMedia reports have discussed how olanzapine was marketed off-label for dementia and subsyndromalbipolar disorder. Much of this marketing occur
PRECONCEPTION HEALTH SCREENING & TUNE-UP FORM Are you planning to become pregnant in the next six months? YES NO PLEASE CHECK THE BOX AND FILL IN (OR CIRCLE) OTHER INFORMATION THAT APPLIES TO YOU. DIET & EXERCISE MEDICAL/FAMILY HISTORY Do you currently have or have ever had. Do you follow a special diet (vegetarian, diabetic, other)? Do you eat raw or under cooked food (mea
M i n d & B o d y A n A l g e s i c s
SEASONAl AcHES ANd PAINS