Back to School, Back to Routine: Your Family Health Checklist for Autumn
The start of a new school year brings a fresh routine for the whole family. There are uniforms to organise, school bags to pack, prescriptions to remember and suddenly much busier mornings to navigate. It’s also the perfect opportunity to check in on your family’s health and make sure you’re prepared for the autumn months ahead.
At DMB Chemist and Tower Pharmacy, we’re here to make that transition a little easier. From head lice treatments and repeat prescriptions to vitamins, cold and flu essentials, private blood testing and seasonal vaccinations, our pharmacy teams can help you get organised before the new term gets into full swing. DMB Chemist and Tower Pharmacy offer a broad range of pharmacy, testing and preventative health services to the local Tower Hamlets community.
Here’s your back-to-school health checklist for a healthier start to the new season.
Check for Head Lice Before School Starts
Head lice (often referred to as nits) are particularly common among school-aged children and can spread easily through close head-to-head contact. Before the new term begins, it’s worth checking your child’s hair and continuing regular checks once they’re back at school. If you do find head lice, there’s no need to panic.
They’re extremely common and have nothing to do with how clean someone’s hair is. Our pharmacy team can help you choose an appropriate head lice treatment and advise you on how to use it effectively. Pop into DMB Chemist or Tower Pharmacy for head lice treatment and friendly advice.
Get Repeat Prescriptions Organised
Back-to-school routines can become hectic very quickly. If you or someone in your family takes regular medication, check how much you have left before September gets busy. Ordering repeat prescriptions in good time can help prevent the last-minute worry of discovering you’re about to run out of an important medication.
As your local pharmacy in Tower Hamlets, our team can also answer questions about your medicines and provide advice if you’re unsure about anything you’ve been prescribed. Get ahead of the new term and organise your repeat prescriptions today.
Restock Your Family Health Essentials
Going back to school also means children are mixing closely with classmates again- and coughs, colds, sore throats and runny noses can soon make their way around the household. Now is a good time to check your medicine cupboard and stock up on the everyday essentials your family relies on.
DMB Chemist and Tower Pharmacy offer a range of treatments and professional advice for cough, cold and flu symptoms, including options to help manage congestion, coughs, aches and fever. You may also want to check whether you have the vitamins and supplements your household regularly uses, particularly as routines and diets change with the return to school and work. Visit us in-store and let our team help you prepare your family health essentials for autumn.
Feeling Run Down? Check In on Your Health
The new school year isn’t only an adjustment for children. Earlier mornings, school runs, work, childcare and packed schedules can leave parents feeling exhausted too. If you’re experiencing persistent tiredness or low energy, it can be tempting to simply blame a busy routine. But if something doesn’t feel right, it may be worth taking a closer look.
Our private blood testing service in Tower Hamlets offers tests covering areas including Vitamin D, Vitamin B12 and folate levels, thyroid function, cholesterol and other health markers. Results for DMB’s blood-testing service are typically delivered by email within 24 hours. Rather than guessing what your body needs, blood testing can help provide useful information and support a more preventative approach to your health.
Is It Time to Repeat Your Blood Test?
If you’ve previously had a blood test and were advised to monitor certain health markers, the return to routine can also be a useful reminder to arrange your next check. This might include monitoring your cholesterol, vitamin levels, thyroid function or another marker your healthcare professional has recommended following up.
DMB’s current private blood-testing range includes cholesterol, vitamin, thyroid and other profiles. Regular monitoring where clinically appropriate can help you understand changes in your health over time and take action when needed.
Book a private blood test and get a clearer picture of your health.
Prepare for Cold & Flu Season
Back to school also means autumn isn’t far away. Colds and flu are different illnesses, although some symptoms can overlap. Flu tends to cause more significant symptoms such as fever, aches, fatigue and coughing, while common colds are generally milder. Our pharmacists can advise on suitable treatments for common symptoms and when you may need further medical support.
Keeping appropriate cold and flu essentials at home means you’re prepared if someone in the family becomes unwell rather than having to search for supplies at the last minute. Pop in and speak to our team about preparing for cold and flu season.
Get Ready for the Flu & COVID Vaccination Campaign
As we move towards autumn and winter, it’s also time to start thinking about seasonal vaccinations. Flu and COVID vaccinations can provide important protection against serious illness, particularly for people who are at greater risk of complications. DMB Chemist and Tower Pharmacy provide both flu and COVID vaccination services, with NHS flu vaccination available to eligible groups during the relevant seasonal campaign.
Eligibility and campaign arrangements can change, so check the latest information with our pharmacy team as the autumn vaccination programme begins. Ask our team about this year’s flu and COVID vaccination campaign and book when appointments become available.
Make Health Part of Your Back-to-School Routine
A new school year is a natural opportunity for the whole household to reset. Check the children for nits, order your repeat prescriptions, restock your medicine cupboard and make sure you have the everyday health essentials you need. And while you’re looking after everyone else, remember to check in on your own health too.
From private blood tests and free blood pressure checks to vaccinations, healthy living services and everyday pharmacy advice, DMB Chemist and Tower Pharmacy offer a growing range of services designed to help the Tower Hamlets community manage their health and stay well.
Start the new term feeling prepared.
Visit DMB Chemist or Tower Pharmacy, or contact our team to book the healthcare service you need.