Dr Fox news

News, information and articles on the health, pharmaceutical, medical and wellness industries.

Avoiding blame with erectile dysfunction

blaming partnerIt’s always “someone’s fault” when couples argue – perhaps that’s why arguments begin in the first place. One blames the other for something, the other disagrees and things escalate from there. Add a sex-related issue to the mix and it quickly becomes an emotional situation.

When a relationship is affected by erectile dysfunction it’s easy to wonder whose fault it is; who is to blame for an organ that simply won’t perform, or a sex life that isn’t satisfying?

Erectile dysfunction is thought to be the cause of break ups in around a significant proportion of relationships. Here we explore the concept of blame and how to overcome it. Read in full

Simple ways to prevent jet lag

prevent jet lagFrequent travelers are all too familiar with the feeling of jet lag; the extreme fatigue, insomnia at night, digestion problems and trouble concentrating on simple tasks. Whether you are a first time flyer, or about to embark on your first long haul flight, jet lag and its effects on your body can come as a bit of a shock.

With the introduction of cheaper flights and the newly increased popularity of travelling to areas of Eastern Asia, such as Thailand, more and more Brits are embarking on long distance holidays.

Whilst there is no way to fully prevent the effects of jet lag, there are many simple approaches to long distance travelling which can help relieve the symptoms and make your journey more pleasant. Read in full

Top tips for reducing healthcare costs

healthcare costsHave you ever wondered just how free healthcare got so expensive? Looking back at the end of a month or year, many people are shocked to find how health-related expenses have added up, despite the NHS. Never fear, here we’ll list some entitlements that you might pursue and other convenient secrets to keeping your health expenses low:

  1. Use the NHS minor ailments service available from some pharmacies. In some parts of the country and all of N. Ireland and Scotland pharmacies can provide some treatments for minor ailments at the cost of an NHS prescription, or free if a person is eligible for free prescriptions. Depending on where you live pharmacies can treat:
    • skin conditions, such as mild acne and mild eczema
    • coughs and colds, including nasal congestion and sore throat
    • minor cuts and bruises
    • constipation and haemorrhoids (piles)
    • hay fever and allergies
    • aches and pains, such as headaches, earache and back pain
    • indigestion, diarrhoea and threadworms
    • period pain and thrush
    • warts and verrucas, mouth ulcers and cold sores
    • athlete’s foot
    • nappy rash and teething
  2. Get a Season Ticket: If you’re prescribed more than a single medication per month (or 4 medicines in 3 months) in England, NHS prescription prepayment certificates or season tickets should prove worthwhile. Unlimited season tickets cover prescriptions for a 3-months period (for 30.25) or get 1-year certificates for £108.10 (February 2022). Call 0300 330 1341, or apply on the NHS Prescriptions website or request an application form at participant pharmacies. You can reclaim part of the cost of your season ticket if you become eligible for free prescriptions within the period. Read in full

Side effects of Norethisterone: is period delay safe?

period delay calenbar dateWhat should you do if your period is due during your holiday at the beach? You want to be frolicking in the waves without having to worry if your tampon string is showing! You may be looking forward to a romantic weekend with your long distance love or have a sports event coming up and there’s just no way you can do it with menstrual cramps; there are a number of reasons why women want to delay their periods.

Norethisterone is a way to delay your period for up to 17 days, but as with any medication that alters your body’s natural functions it should be used with care. Read on to learn more about possible side effects and whether period delay with norethisterone is right for you.

What is norethisterone?

Norethisterone is closely related to the naturally occurring female hormone progesterone. It belongs to the group of medicines called progestogens. Norethisterone tablets can be used to treat painful or every heavy periods, certain female cancers, symptoms of PMS, endometriosis and other conditions. They can also be used to delay periods on special occasions. Read in full

Online symptom checker or online consultation?

online symptoms checkWith the introduction of online symptom checkers, many people are using the web to diagnose anything from a cold to cancer, but nothing replaces a trip to your doctor. However, an online consultation can provide useful information and help self-diagnosis for minor issues or whilst waiting for an appointment.

If you have a small health issue you feel does not require professional attention, you may be able to get the advice you need, and even a prescription, without leaving the house.

Limitations of online symptom checkers

The amount of medical information available online is astonishing, but for every useful piece of information you will find a large number of inaccuracies. You may find quick answers to medical questions you have, but can you really rely on this information to treat your condition? Read in full

Living with Irritable Bowel Syndrome

irritable bowel syndromeIrritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS for short) is a widespread condition in the United Kingdom. In fact, statistics show that up to 20% of the population will develop a form of IBS at some point in their lives.

Because it can be a chronic illness IBS can feel like a life sentence, even stopping people from carrying out their daily activities and living normal lives. The symptoms can be debilitating at times, however with proper care the condition can usually be managed effectively. Read in full

Posted on in IBS

Acne myths

acne-myths-eating-chocolateAcne is a troubling skin condition affecting up to 25% or people at some time in their lives. It can cause physical discomfort and mental anguish.

Whilst there is a lot of information available about acne, much of it is based on misconceptions; from old wives’ tales to simple misinformation. Some notions are simply wrong, others can be harmful. We all want clear skin, so let’s set the record straight and bust some of the most common myths about acne! Read in full

Posted on in Acne

Preventing and treating migraines

woman in office with migraineMany of us know the feeling when a headache starts to set in. You feel pressure inside your skull, your muscles are tense and light becomes annoying. The pain can become so unbearable that concentration on simple tasks seems impossible.

Most headaches are of the stress type, but migraine is different and is caused by changes in blood flow in and around the brain. Migraine can be incapacitating, forcing you to stay home from work or school and cancel all appointments. Even if you are able to identify your triggers they can still occur. Learn more about how to stave them off and what to do if you feel one coming on. Read in full

Posted on in Migraine

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