Testing your blood pressure is the only way to determine whether it is high or low. In order to effectively manage high blood pressure, it is necessary to comprehend your results. Continue reading to find out how to get a free blood pressure check in Northampton.

What are the types of blood pressure?

The British Heart Foundation has categorised blood pressure into five ranges:

Normal

Normal blood pressure levels are considered to be less than 120/80 mm Hg.

Elevated

Regular blood pressure readings between 120 and 129 systolic and below 80 mm Hg diastolic are considered elevated.

Stage 1 Hypertension

When blood pressure fluctuates regularly between 130 – 139 systolic and 80 – 89 diastolic mm Hg, it is regarded as stage 1 hypertension.

Stage 2 Hypertension

Consistent blood pressure readings of 140/90 mm Hg or higher indicate that you may have stage 2 hypertension.

Hypertension Crisis

Hypertension of this severity requires medical treatment. If your blood pressure suddenly increases above 180/120 mm Hg, wait 5 minutes before taking another reading. Consult your physician immediately if your readings remain excessively elevated. You may be experiencing a hypertension emergency. You can also call NHS 111 for medical assistance.

How to get a free blood pressure check in Northampton

If your pharmacist feels that you have hypertension, they may suggest 24-hour ambulatory blood pressure monitoring (ABPM). With ABPM, your blood pressure is tracked for 24 hours with a cuff that is connected to a portable device that you wear around your waist.

During this time, you are free to pursue your typical activities. You can purchase a device to regularly measure your blood pressure regularly for peace of mind as well.

Does the pharmacy offer a free blood pressure check in Northampton?

Scheduling a blood pressure test is simple. Simply contact us to make an appointment. The checks should be free in the majority of cases, so it is worthwhile to visit your pharmacy. However, you must contact them beforehand in order to schedule an appointment.

How can you lower your blood pressure?

Here are some of the effective ways you can lower your blood pressure.

Lifestyle changes

Certain alterations to your lifestyle can help reduce your blood pressure. Some of these will help you reach your goals in a few weeks, while others will take a bit longer.

Make an attempt to:

• Limit your daily salt intake to less than 6 grams (0.2 ounces), or about a teaspoon.
• Consume a low-fat, well-balanced diet that is abundant in fresh fruits and vegetables.
• Manage your weight – use the NHS BMI calculator to figure out your ideal weight and how to lose weight if you’re overweight.
• Remain physically active by exercising frequently.
• Learn how to drink less alcohol by keeping a drinking diary and tracking your intake.
• Limit your caffeine consumption (found in coffee, cola, and tea).
• Stop smoking with professional assistance.

Regardless of whether you are on blood pressure medication or not, you can begin taking these steps as soon as possible.

High-blood-pressure medications

Various drugs can be used to control high blood pressure.

Many individuals require a combination of drugs for optimal effectiveness.

• If you are under 55 years old, you will likely be prescribed an angiotensin-2 receptor blocker or an ACE inhibitor.
• You will almost always be prescribed a calcium channel blocker if you are 55 and above, or if you are of African or Caribbean origin.

There is a possibility that you will need to take blood pressure medication for the rest of your life. Your pharmacist may be able to reduce or terminate your treatment if your blood pressure remains under control for a number of years.

Visit us today to get your blood pressure tested.

If you are looking to head off on your holidays, you will now need to consider Covid testing as part of your travel preparations. However, there is no need to worry – our Fit to Fly Antigen and Day 2 PCR testing bundle in Northampton is here to help.

Why do I need a Fit to Fly Antigen & Day 2 PCR test in Northampton?

Fit to Fly Antigen tests are used as proof of a negative result to enter certain countries. You should ensure that you are up-to-date with the regulations for your destination before you travel.

Day 2 PCR tests are required by the Government guidelines for those returning to England. If you are fully vaccinated and returning from a green list country, you must take a test on your return. The test must be done before the end of day 2 and you must isolate until you receive a negative result.

Our Fit to Fly Antigen & Day 2 PCR tests in Northampton

PRICE: £169 for both

Fit to Fly Rapid Antigen test

You can jet off in 5 simple steps:

1. Check if your destination accepts antigen tests in advance.
2. Call us to book your appointment.
3. Complete this form with all of your information before your test (double-check that your details are correct before submitting).
4. Self-administer your swab at the pharmacy, using a spit sample or a swab from your tonsils (or where they would normally be), and one nostril.
5. Your results, and subsequent Fit to Fly certificate, will be emailed to you within 15 minutes.

You can find out more about rapid antigen testing here: learn more

Day 2 PCR test

Get your results in 5 simple steps:

• Pay for a kit online here, or call us to book.
• Register your kit (instructions will be provided) to get your test booking reference.
• Collect your kit from us.
• Complete your swab before the end of day 2 after arrival.
• Get same-day results if you drop your sample directly at the lab, or 24-48 hour results if sent through a Royal Mail Priority postbox.

We can also complete the form for you, however we will need your information (a charge will apply).

You can find out more about day 2 testing here: Find out more

Call us to book your stress-free testing bundle today! Book Now

It’s a common misconception that pharmacies are solely for ordering and picking up prescriptions. In reality, they are valuable one-stop healthcare hubs, often serving as a convenient alternative to booking a GP appointment.

Visiting your local pharmacy is the perfect way to meet the whole family’s everyday healthcare needs quickly and easily, whilst granting yourself the peace of mind that you’re getting all the expert help and advice you need.

How can a Pharmacy Help me?

Each pharmacy has its own range of useful specialist services. For For example, at Earls Barton pharmacy in Northampton, we’re committed to aiding our customers with everything from smoking cessation and weight loss to earwax removal and erectile dysfunction.

Here are 5 Ways Your Local Pharmacy can Help you:

• Travel Clinic. Particularly in light of the COVID-19 pandemic, attending a travel clinic prior to your next overseas trip is a brilliant idea. Your local pharmacy can help you get all the vaccinations you need (if any), whilst offering general travel health advice tailored to your personal medical needs and chosen destination.
• COVID-19 Testing. Free lateral flow tests for COVID-19 can be accessed at most pharmacies, as can a range of PCR tests that may be required for travel. Attend a travel clinic to find out how we can help you get the right PCR tests at the right times to ensure your trip runs smoothly.
• Emergency Contraceptives. As the ‘morning-after pill is best taken as soon as possible after unprotected sex, this convenient pharmacy service is particularly useful. Two emergency hormonal contraceptives are currently available in the UK – one can be taken up to 72 hours after unprotected sex, and the other for up to 120 hours. A pharmacist can advise you on which is most suitable and provide you with the pill in one swift, hassle-free consultation.
• Flu Vaccination. If you’re eligible for the flu vaccine, it’s quick and easy to book an appointment at your local Northampton pharmacy. If you don’t know whether you’re eligible for the vaccine or aren’t sure if it’s right for you, you can call in and speak to a pharmacist for tailored advice.
• General Health Advice. Your local Northampton pharmacy can help with a wide range of health issues. Our friendly pharmacists are always happy to offer expert advice, recommending products for certain conditions or signposting you towards other helpful services you might benefit from.

Now you’re well clued up on the diverse range of services your pharmacy can offer, why not drop into our store in Northampton to see how we can help you?

Your local pharmacy truly is a one-stop healthcare hub – the perfect place to meet all your health needs in one convenient trip! Alternatively, you can explore our services page to find a comprehensive list of everything we can help with here at Earls Barton pharmacy.

In the UK it is estimated that around 3.9% of the population require management of ear wax each year.

Many people have to wait months for treatment, or simply resign themselves to living with their condition, unaware that they could receive treatment at their local pharmacy with the help of the TympaHealth system.

The current waiting time to access wax removal services in the NHS is 16-124 weeks. Therefore, Earls Barton pharmacy’s ability to offer ear diagnostics, wax removal & other services is a major benefit for the local community & other existing healthcare services.

Making these services more accessible not only improves treatment pathways, but it also removes the hassle of attending GP and hospital appointments & lessens the strain on NHS resources. The importance of good hearing health: Good ear & hearing health is important to people of all ages and helps us get the most out of life.

Ear Wax Removal Service

Note
You will be required to pay in full at the pharmacy immediately prior to the procedure taking place.

Our hearing can be affected by many factors, including age, the build-up of wax & the misuse of cotton buds & in-ear headphones. If our ability to hear deteriorates it requires more energy to listen & participate in daily life so we become tired and, in some cases, socially withdrawn. Hearing loss is known to be the single largest modifiable risk factor for the prevention of dementia. Signs to look out for: There are a range of signs to watch out for which could indicate you have an ear or hearing problem. Loss of hearing, earache, discomfort, discharge, ears feeling full, ringing, itching, loss of balance, dizziness & coughing can all be signs that a change has occurred in your ears & you should get them checked. Simple diagnosis & treatment: Today, thanks to modern technology, there are medical treatments and procedures that can quickly diagnose ear & hearing conditions. Infections & skin conditions as well as excessive & compacted wax can be identified & treated quickly & painlessly at a local pharmacy.

Once wax has been removed a hearing screening can be performed. This will identify any hearing issues & whether you require further treatment. However, in many cases, the initial problem could’ve simply been down to the presence of wax itself. The importance of good ear & hearing health Recent advancements in medical technology now means that ear & hearing screening, as well as other basic procedures, can now be performed in local clinics, pharmacies, care homes or even within the home. During an examination, high definition images & video of the inner ear can be recorded & shared with specialist doctors anywhere in the world. Quick screen process

It only takes around 15 minutes to examine a patient & identify any issues within the ear. Then, if necessary, a fast & painless procedure can be undertaken to clear the ear of any debris or built up wax which can immediately improve hearing capabilities. Trained staff & advanced equipment are required to perform a hearing screening, record images, remove wax & diagnose an ear condition. Our staff are expertly trained to use the latest TympaHealth system to deliver the best service & care possible.