Ballysillan Pharmacy

Ballysillan Pharmacy We are an independent pharmacy putting the needs of the community at the heart of everything we do.

Good hand hygiene is your best defence against illnesses like upset stomachs or respiratory illnesses……✅ Prioritise soap...
03/08/2026

Good hand hygiene is your best defence against illnesses like upset stomachs or respiratory illnesses……

✅ Prioritise soap and water: always use running water and soap when available. If you must use hand sanitizer, carry a high-quality alcohol-based gel, but be aware that it will not protect against gastroenteritis bugs like norovirus.
✅ Time your washes: wash your hands every time after using the toilet, before preparing or eating food, and after touching any animals.
✅ Avoid touching your face: minimise the chances of transferring germs by avoiding direct contact with your mouth, nose, or any open cuts.
✅ Cough etiquette: always carry tissues, cover your nose and mouth when sneezing or coughing, bin the tissue immediately, and wash or sanitise your hands.

Never give human medicine to dogs, unless your vet specifically tells you to🚨Many common human medications can seriously...
01/08/2026

Never give human medicine to dogs, unless your vet specifically tells you to🚨

Many common human medications can seriously harm or even kill dogs!

Common human medications to keep away from dogs:
❌ Acetaminophen / paracetamol — Tylenol and many cold/flu medicines
❌ Ibuprofen — Advil, Motrin
❌ Naproxen — Aleve
❌ Aspirin — unless specifically directed by your vet
❌ Cold, flu, cough, and sinus medicines — many contain multiple dangerous ingredients
❌ Decongestants — pseudoephedrine or phenylephrine
❌ Antidepressants — Prozac, Lexapro, Zoloft, Effexor, Cymbalta, etc.
❌ ADD/ADHD medications — Adderall, Ritalin, Concerta, Vyvanse, etc.
❌ Sleep aids and anti-anxiety medications — Ambien, Xanax, Klonopin, Lunesta, etc.
❌ Heart and blood pressure medications
❌ Diabetes medications and insulin
❌ Human pain creams or medicated gels — including products like diclofenac/Voltaren gel
❌ Topical prescription creams — especially cancer creams, steroid creams, or hormone creams
❌ Vitamins, supplements, and joint rubs — these can also be dangerous

Even a “small” human dose can be too much for a small dog.

If your dog swallows human medication:
📞 Call your vet or an emergency vet immediately
📞 ASPCA Animal Poison Control: 888-426-4435
📞 Pet Poison Helpline: 855-764-7661

Save this post. Share it. It could save a dog’s life. 🐾

Always keep insulin in your carry-on; it can freeze and lose effectiveness in the cargo hold. Diabetes supplies should b...
25/07/2026

Always keep insulin in your carry-on; it can freeze and lose effectiveness in the cargo hold. Diabetes supplies should be stored in hand luggage only.

Having your supplies in your carry-on ensures they stay safe, temperature-controlled, and ready for use when you need it.

Practical tips:
✅Ensure you have a travel letter for going through airport security. Give your local team at least 2 week's notice when requesting this.
✅Contact your airline prior to travel and request additional hand baggage allowance. (Most companies will do this for free if you advise you are travelling with medical equipment)
✅Go to the special assistance desk on arrival as they can assist you through security in a timely manner and prevent standing in long queues.
✅Bring double the supplies than you anticipate you will need.
✅Carry fast acting glucose and snacks.

When it comes to depression and anxiety - it’s not just what you eat, it’s also about what you don’t eat. Generally, you...
23/07/2026

When it comes to depression and anxiety - it’s not just what you eat, it’s also about what you don’t eat. Generally, you should stay away from foods that are processed, sugary, or fried.

🛑 Junk foods are high in calories and low in nutrients. Studies suggest eating a lot of junk foods, especially those that contain artificial sweeteners, may increase the risk of depression. Other research has shown refined foods, such as white bread and soda, may also increase mood changes, fatigue, and other symptoms of depression.

🛑 While it’s sometimes known for relieving stress, alcohol can worsen symptoms of depression. By definition, alcohol is a depressant, which means it slows down brain activity and can change your mood. Heavy drinking can also make antidepressant medications less effective.

While no single food can cure depression or anxiety, a healthy diet may help reduce symptoms. ❇️ Research shows that nutrient-rich foods high in vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, proteins, and fatty acids can be beneficial - fruit, vegetables, fish 🐟

For more information visit :
https://www.nhs.uk/live-well/eat-well/how-to-eat-a-balanced-diet/eating-a-balanced-diet/

Enjoying the outdoors this summer? 🌾🪳Remember to stay be aware of ticks and other insects when walking through grassy or...
21/07/2026

Enjoying the outdoors this summer? 🌾🪳
Remember to stay be aware of ticks and other insects when walking through grassy or wooded areas. Ticks are tiny spider-like creatures that live in woods, areas with long grass, and sometimes in urban parks and gardens.

Ticks do not jump or fly. They attach to the skin of animals or humans that brush past them 🪳
Once a tick bites into the skin, it feeds on blood for a few days before dropping off 🪳

To reduce the chance of being bitten by a tick:
• cover your skin while walking outdoors and tuck your trousers into your socks
• use insect repellent on your clothes and skin – products containing DEET are best
•stay on clear paths whenever possible
• wear light-coloured clothing so ticks are easier to see and brush off

🛑 Lyme disease is a bacterial infection that can be spread to humans by infected ticks. It's usually easier to treat if it's diagnosed early 🛑

For more information visit -
https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/lyme-disease

Did you know that we are in the middle of National Ice-cream month!🍦Make sure to indulge in your favorite flavour this w...
17/07/2026

Did you know that we are in the middle of National Ice-cream month!🍦

Make sure to indulge in your favorite flavour this weekend! 🍨

💠 Bladder cancer is cancer that's found anywhere in your bladder. 💠 There are different types of bladder cancer dependin...
11/07/2026

💠 Bladder cancer is cancer that's found anywhere in your bladder.

💠 There are different types of bladder cancer depending on where in your bladder the cancer started.

💠 How serious bladder cancer is depends on how big the cancer is, if the cancer has spread, and your general health.

💠 One of the main causes of bladder cancer is smoking.

Symptoms -
The main symptom of bladder cancer is blood in your p*e.

Other symptoms include:
• pain, burning, stinging or itching when you p*e
• getting lots of urinary tract infections
• needing to p*e more often
• needing to p*e very suddenly
• losing your appetite and losing weight without trying to
• pain in your back and lower tummy
• aching, pain or tenderness in your bones
• feeling very tired for no reason and feeling •generally unwell

If you are concerned, make an appt with your GP.

For more information visit :
www.cancerresearchuk.org/about-cancer/bladder-cancer/getting-diagnosed/gp

🚨 Sepsis is a life-threatening condition caused by the immune system overreacting to an infection or injury. Knowing the...
08/07/2026

🚨 Sepsis is a life-threatening condition caused by the immune system overreacting to an infection or injury. Knowing the symptoms can save lives!

A child may have sepsis if they are:
· Breathing very fast
· Have a ‘fit’ or convulsion
· Look mottled, bluish, or very pale
· Have a rash that does not fade when you press it
· Are very lethargic or difficult to wake
· Feel abnormally cold to touch

In adults, look out for:
· Slurred sp*ech or confusion
· Extreme shivering or muscle pain
· Passing no urine (in a day)
· Severe breathlessness
· It feels like you’re going to die
· Skin mottled or discoloured

⚠️ Suspect sepsis? Act fast. Seek medical help immediately. Call 999 ⚠️

If you’re worried about an infection but don’t suspect sepsis, call 111.

Find out more at:
www.nhs.uk/conditions/sepsis

Do you know the ABCDE checklist? 🤔It could help you spot the warning signs of melanoma. Use this quick list to check you...
05/07/2026

Do you know the ABCDE checklist? 🤔

It could help you spot the warning signs of melanoma. Use this quick list to check your moles.

A new mole or a change in an existing mole may be signs of melanoma. If you spot any changes that you think could be cancer, contact your GP.

For more information visit :
www.nhs.uk/conditions/moles

Address

697 Old Park Road
Belfast
BT146QY

Opening Hours

Monday 9am - 6pm
Tuesday 9am - 6pm
Wednesday 9am - 6pm
Thursday 9am - 6pm
Friday 9am - 6pm
Saturday 9am - 1pm

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