Pharmacy Unscripted - Advising on teen health

Question 1

What does puberty bring?

Answer 1

Surges in hormones and physical body changes

Question 2

Which patients should be referred to their GP for further support- which teenagers?

Answer 2

Depression, self-harm or drug-taking.

Question 3

The physical changes that teenagers go through can be helped with what?

Answer 3

A healthy balanced diet.

Question 4

What may be used for children to check body mass index?

Answer 4

Growth Charts

Question 5

What healthy eating advice can be given?

Answer 5

Eat a healthy breakfast and don’t skip it – breakfast can provide important vitamins and minerals
Follow the Eatwell Guide, which recommends meals based on starchy foods, such as bread or pasta (wholegrain where possible), and including protein (e.g. beans, fish, meat) as well as some dairy or dairy alternatives
Eat plenty of fruit and vegetables – at least five a day to get nutrients and fibre
Minimise snacks that are high in sugar, salt or fat which can be high in calories without additional nutrients. Healthier options include fruit, vegetable sticks and oatcakes
Drink plenty of sugar-free fluids – about six to eight glasses per day. Water, plain tea, coffee (without added sugar) and lower fat milk all count towards this.

Question 6

What is fish a good source of?

Answer 6

Omega-3

Question 7

What has diets rich in oily fish been suggested to be protective against?

Answer 7

It has been suggested that diets rich in oily fish may be protective in maintaining good memory and prevention/treatment of depression.

Question 8

For those that don’t like fish, what other foods can be a source of omega-3?

Answer 8

Walnuts, flaxseeds and vegetable oils (soya or rapeseed).

Question 9

For painful periods (in teens) what medicines can be used OTC?

Answer 9

Ibuprofen, Paracetamol or naproxen.

Question 10

What does endometriosis cause?

Answer 10

Can cause painful, heavy or irregular periods as well as other symptoms.

Question 11

For teens who have started their periods, they are recommended a higher daily intake of iron. how much is recommended daily?

Answer 11

14.8mg daily

Question 12

Customers affected by heavy periods may be more at risk of what?

Answer 12

Anaemia, It may be appropriate to refer younger teens affected by heavy periods to their GP.

Question 13

What can changes hormone levels have an impact on?

Answer 13

Impact on the appearance of skin and hair.

Question 14

Who does acne commonly affect?

Answer 14

Teens, Around 95% of people aged 11 to 30 years are affected by acne.

Question 15

Who and what age is the HPV vaccines offered to?

Answer 15

Girls and boys aged 12-13 years are offered the human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine as part of the NHS vaccination programme.

Question 16

What does the HPV vaccine protect against?

Answer 16

The vaccine helps protect against cervical cancer, some cancers of the genital/anal area, and some head and neck cancers. It also helps protect against genital warts. Both doses of the vaccine are needed in order for it to offer proper protection.

Question 17

What about anyone who didn’t get the HPV vaccine in school?

Answer 17

Anyone who didn’t have it in school can get it free on the NHS (up until the age of 25 years.

Question 18

Can GSL stimulant laxatives be sold to anyone under 18?

Answer 18

No

Question 19

What general advice can be given to teens?

Answer 19

Wash the skin with lukewarm water or a mild cleanser and water up to twice a day
Avoid squeezing spots/blackheads
Use non-comedogenic (non pore-blocking) make-up and remove all make-up fully before going to bed
Wash hair regularly and try to keep hair off the face
Shower after exercise as sweat can irritate the skin
Use a water-based non-comedogenic moisturiser for dry skin.