Healthy Christmas Advent Calendar
Countdown to Christmas with our
Healthy Little Helpers
Start the countdown to your healthy, guilt-free Christmas with our interactive advent calendar! Open a door to discover a fun fact or idea to keep you on a healthy track during the Christmas period. Check back every day for your daily dose of advice from the Online Doctor.
1
Don’t give yourself
a Christmas stuffing!
Did you know, on average, we consume around 6000 calories each on Christmas Day? Over the next 24 days, we’ll be sharing a few Christmas health hacks to help keep you safe, happy and to make the most of the festive season. Pop back tomorrow and don’t
forget to get your friends and family involved on social media!
2
Love it or hate it,
turkey is a Christmas staple.
But did you know it’s one of the healthiest meats on the supermarket shelves? Low in fat, high in protein and a fantastic source of essential vitamins and minerals, including iron, zinc and vitamin B. Gobble gobble!
Concerned about keeping trim this festive season? Visit our Weight Loss Clinic for advice from our clinicians.
3
No Christmas dinner is complete without the roasties.
But what about all those calories? The truth is it’s all down to what they’re cooked in! Switch out the goose fat for a healthier alternative like low-calorie cooking spray or a drizzle of oil and add some fresh herbs for flavours like rosemary, garlic
and parsley.
4
Planning a tropical Christmas getaway?
Did you know that in 2014, 1,586 travellers were diagnosed with malaria after returning to the UK from abroad? Make sure you’re well protected from this mosquito-borne disease.
For support and advice visit our Malaria Clinic.
5
You’ve just pulled a cracker!
Today we’re offering free next day delivery with all online consultations. Use FREENEXTDAY (valid until 07/12/17). Visit us online to redeem
6
What falls between October and May in the UK?
No, it’s not snow – it’s the flu season! This common viral illness can be especially dangerous for the elderly and people with pre-existing conditions, so to avoid those nasty symptoms and spreading it to others, visit our
Flu Clinic for advice and treatment.
7
Did you know we buy 7 million Christmas trees in the UK every year?
And, if you laid them end to end, they would stretch from London to the North Pole, and back again? While we all love decorating the tree with baubles and fairy lights, it can be surprisingly risky for people with asthma. On both real and artificial trees,
certain types of mould can grow that trigger asthma symptoms.
For advice on managing your asthma, visit our Asthma Clinic.
8
It just wouldn’t be Christmas without the parties.
But they’re not without their fair share of risk. In 2015, over 400,000 STI diagnoses were made in England. To stay safe this party season, always use condoms. If you do have unprotected sex, make sure you get tested.
For more information, visit our
Sexual Health Clinic.
9
What does Santa have in store for you this Christmas?
Need something to balance out the chocolates and alcohol under the tree this year? Not to mention that dinner? Why not ask Santa, for an alternative gift? Whether it’s a high-tech pedometer to count your steps, or a music voucher to create an energetic
playlist – a present that helps you to achieve your goals is a winner. End the year as you mean to start the next, with a healthy and active lifestyle.
Looking for weight loss advice? Read our article https://onlinedoctor.lloydspharmacy.com/uk/weight-loss
10
Travelling abroad this Christmas?
Make sure you’ve checked off your list of travel vaccines – along with the flip-flops, sun lotion and beach reads.
You can check out the common travel vaccines and get a free consultation from our doctors at our Travel Clinic.
11
Delaying your period over Christmas
Whether it’s a Christmas getaway, wedding or fancy party, there are times when we’d rather avoid coming on our period. A period delay treatment can help you enjoy Christmas to the full by putting Mother Nature on hold for a while.
Visit our
Period Delay Clinic today to begin a confidential consultation.
12
Christmas wouldn’t be complete without a chocolate or two!
But did you know that darker chocolate is a whole lot healthier? Why not swap out white or milk chocolate for something darker? The higher the cocoa content, the more antioxidants and minerals you’ll get in each bite, not to mention fewer calories. Yummy!
You’ll find more helpful weight loss tips like this at our online Weight Loss Clinic.
13
Got pets around this Christmas?
While there’s nothing cuter than dressing our furry friends up as Santa’s Little Helper, it’s worth remembering that pets can be a trigger for people living with asthma. If you’re planning a festive get-together, it might be safer for your asthmatic guests
to keep your pets in a separate room – and clean up those stray hairs!
You can get more advice by visiting our Asthma Clinic.
14
Travelling home for Christmas?
Did you know jet lag is worse when you fly from west to east? Every Christmas, millions of people around the world travel home to be with their families. To ease your jet lag symptoms, avoid napping, eat at normal meal times, and go steady on the alcohol
and caffeine!
If you’re really struggling to get over your jet lag, visit our online Jet Lag Clinic.
15
Look after your loved ones this Christmas
Did you know more than 80% of second-hand cigarette smoke is invisible? Don’t put your loved ones at risk this Christmas by exposing them to the chemicals contained in cigarette smoke. We know quitting isn’t easy, but the festive season can be a great
time to start. New year, new you!
Get effective support and advice from our Stop Smoking Clinic.
16
Time to get your thinking cap on for today’s myth buster challenge!
Which of these cranberry claims do you think is a load of poppycock?
A) Cranberries are an excellent source of antioxidants, fibre and vitamin C
B) Cranberry sauce packs a high sugar content
C) Cranberry juice can cure bladder infections
And the myth is … C) Contrary to popular belief, cranberry juice is not a cure for bladder infections.
Visit our Cystitis Clinic for a quick and safe consultation
17
Don’t miss your prescriptions this Christmas.
As Christmas draws nearer, it can be easy to lose track of the important things amongst the parties, shopping trips and general festivities. So try to plan ahead to renew your prescriptions for on-going medication or routine contraception now.
Visit our Contraceptive Pill Clinic today and tick another task off the list.
18
Santa has popped a present in your stocking a week early!
Today we’re offering a special festive discount. Save 10% on your LloydsPharmacy Online Doctor consultations* with the voucher code: ADVENT10 (valid until 20/12/17).
Visit us online to redeem
19
We all look forward to popping open the bubbly on Christmas Day!
But don’t forget to drink in moderation. To stay healthy, men and women shouldn’t drink more than 14 units of alcohol a week, which equates to about 6 pints of beer… or 9 glasses of champagne.
Find out more about the drinking safely by consulting this guide from the NHS.
20
There are just 5 more sleeps until Christmas!
It’s time for another myth buster! Which of these hair loss claims has been pulled out of thin air?
A) The most common type of hair loss is genetic
B) Wearing hats can cause hair loss
C) Hair loss can be a symptom of stress
And the myth is…B!
If you’re concerned about hair loss, don’t ditch the beanie – visit our Hair Loss clinic to get advice and treatment.
21
Keep the spark this Christmas
With the fire roaring and Christmas get-togethers aplenty, it’s no surprise that love is in the air. But fear not, we’re here to help if things become tricky in the bedroom – especially when you’ve had one too many glasses of champagne.
If you’re concerned about sexual dysfunction or problems in your relationship, don’t panic! Our Sexpert is on hand to answer all your questions. Visit our Sexpert advice section.
22
Don’t let migraines ruin your Christmas
In 2015, the average UK household spent an impressive £600 on Christmas presents! While we all love to see a loved one unwrap that perfect gift, Christmas shopping can be seriously stressful – and for people who suffer from migraines, it’s often a trigger
for their symptoms.
If you’re concerned about migraines this festive season, visit our Migraine Clinic and start an online consultation
23
It’s the most wonderful time of the year, but not for everybody.
Despite the decorations, gift-giving and copious amounts of food, Christmas can be a sad and stressful time for many people. If you’re feeling overwhelmed this year, don’t forget that you can reach out and ask for help.
Click this link for a list of mental health helplines and remember – you’re not alone.
24
The greatest gift doesn’t have to cost money
At Christmas, it’s easy to be materialistic – but did you know that a key factor for happiness is how much you give to others? Next Christmas give your happiness a shot in the arm by volunteering at a homeless shelter, donating Christmas gifts to a children’s
charity, or even popping in to see an elderly neighbour who’s alone on the day. Nothing says Christmas like sharing the love!
Merry Christmas
Online Doctor