Healthland Pharmacy

“Mo’nn arrête mange du riz, mo mange dipain astère…”

Reducing sugar intake does not mean eliminating all carbohydrates or avoiding naturally occurring sugars in whole fruits and milk. The priority should be to reduce added and free sugars

A simple and very practical message for patients suffering from diabetes mellitus, overweight/obesity and for the public in general:

• Stop or markedly reduce sugary drinks such as soft drinks- cola, juices- certainly all that are being sold on the island, energy drinks, sweetened iced tea and cordial (sirop in French)
• Drink water as the main beverage.
• Avoid adding sugar to tea and coffee - reduce gradually if stopping suddenly is difficult.
• Choose whole fruit instead of fruit juice - even 100% fruit juice contains substantial free sugar.
• Reduce cakes, biscuits, pastries, sweets, chocolates and desserts.
• Limit sweetened breakfast cereals; choose oats or unsweetened/high-fibre cereals instead.
• Choose plain yoghurt rather than flavoured/sweetened yoghurt - add fresh fruit for sweetness.
• Check food labels while shopping - compare products and choose those with less sugar.
• Look for hidden sugars in sauces, ketchup, chutneys, salad dressings, cereals and processed foods.
• Be aware of different names for sugar - glucose, fructose, sucrose, dextrose, maltose, syrup, honey, molasses, etc.
• Reduce sugar gradually when cooking/baking - many recipes work perfectly well with considerably less sugar.
• Do not assume honey, brown sugar, jaggery or maple syrup are healthier alternatives - they are still free sugars.
• Choose unsweetened milk rather than flavoured milk or milkshakes.
• Avoid routinely giving children sweet drinks and sweets as rewards.
• Keep sugary foods as occasional treats rather than everyday foods.
• Eat more minimally processed foods - vegetables, whole grains, pulses, nuts, eggs, fish and lean meats naturally contain little or no added sugar.
• Don't replace sugar with excessive refined starch - reducing sugar works best as part of an overall healthy diet.
• Make changes gradually and sustainably - the palate adapts, and foods that initially taste less sweet become normal over time.

A simple message for patients:
“Don’t drink your sugar, don’t add sugar unnecessarily, and choose foods that are naturally less sweet.”

La HAS rappelle que la rétinopathie, touchant un patient diabétique sur cinq, peut être évitée par des conseils adaptés.

🔥 STOP! BEFORE YOU MIX VITAMIN C WITH ANY OTHER ACTIVE, READ THIS!

Vitamin C can pair well with several skincare actives—but the right combination depends on your skin concern, tolerance, and routine.

1️⃣ Dullness & Uneven Tone
Vitamin C + Niacinamide → Brightening + barrier support.

2️⃣ Pigmentation
Vitamin C + Alpha Arbutin → Helps target uneven pigmentation.

3️⃣ Hydration & Barrier
Vitamin C + Hyaluronic Acid + Ceramides → Supports hydration and the skin barrier.

4️⃣ Antioxidant Support
Vitamin C + Vitamin E + Ferulic Acid → A well-studied antioxidant combination.

5️⃣ Redness & Pigmentation
Vitamin C + Azelaic Acid → May be useful, but introduce carefully if your skin is sensitive.

⚠️ Remember: You don’t need to use all of these together. Start slowly and choose what fits your skin.

📌 Save this post before planning your next skincare routine.
🔄 Share it with someone who loves skincare.

QUESTION FROM AUDIENCE:
Consultation in what please?

Hello. Thank you for your question.

I provide consultations for adult patients with conditions relating to Diabetes, Endocrinology and General Internal Medicine.

This includes, among others:

Diabetes (Type 1, Type 2, gestational diabetes and diabetes-related complications)
Thyroid disorders (hypothyroidism, hyperthyroidism, thyroid nodules and thyroid cancer follow-up)
Diabetes foot disease and foot ulcers
Obesity and weight-related conditions
High cholesterol and lipid disorders
Hypertension and cardiovascular risk assessment
Osteoporosis and calcium/parathyroid disorders
Pituitary and adrenal gland disorders
Growth and disorders
Polyendocrine Metabolic Ovarian Syndrome (PMOS- previously PCOS), menstrual irregularities and assessment of infertility (trouble getting pregnant)
Poor Libido, erectile dysfunction, low testosterone and other hormonal disorders
Metabolic and endocrine disorders affecting adults
General Internal Medicine - all aspect, including the assessment and management of complex adult medical conditions

If you are unsure whether your condition falls within these areas, please feel free to send me a message and I will be happy to advise whether a consultation would be appropriate.

❌ STOP! You might be using your serum in the wrong order.

Using the right serum at the right time can improve hydration, skin barrier support, pigmentation, acne care, and overall skin health. This guide provides general, evidence-based skincare timing to help you build a smarter routine.

Step-by-step:
✅ Save this guide for your next skincare routine.
✅ Share it with someone who loves skincare.
✅ Comment: Which serum do you use every day?
✅ Follow for more evidence-based skincare tips.

Note: Results vary by skin type. Patch test new products, wear SPF daily, and consult a qualified healthcare professional if you have persistent skin concerns.

Back pain -- whether a dull ache or shooting -- is just one sign that something's going on with your back. You may also have radiating pain, numbness, tingling, weakness in your legs or arms. Uncontrolled p*eing or pooping, or inability to p*e, and muscle weakness could mean a serious problem like spinal cord compression. Call your doctor right away! https://wb.md/4fKEuNc

The most well-known sign of breast cancer is a lump, but there are other, less-common symptoms you should know to stay on top of your health. What to know: https://wb.md/4tJAuQA

Magnesium glycinate is back in stock 👍

🟣 Doxycycline Side Effects & Management

➟ Doxycycline is an antibiotic used to treat certain bacterial infections, acne, some sexually transmitted infections, and other conditions.

➟ It should be taken only when prescribed, because wrong use can cause side effects and antibiotic resistance.

➟ Common side effects are usually related to the stomach, skin sensitivity, and throat or food-pipe irritation.

🟣 Common side effects

➟ Nausea
Feeling sick can happen, especially when starting treatment.

➟ Vomiting
Some people may throw up after taking the medicine.

➟ Diarrhea
Loose stools can occur with antibiotics.

➟ Stomach upset
Belly discomfort, acidity-like symptoms, or indigestion may happen.

➟ Sun sensitivity
Skin may burn more easily in sunlight.

➟ Skin rash
A mild rash can occur, but severe or spreading rash needs medical help.

➟ Food-pipe irritation
Doxycycline can irritate the throat or food pipe if taken without enough water or if you lie down soon after taking it.

🟣 How to reduce side effects

➟ Take with a full glass of water
This helps prevent throat and food-pipe irritation.

➟ Stay upright after taking it
Do not lie down for at least 30 minutes after taking doxycycline.

➟ Protect from sun
Use sunscreen, protective clothing, and avoid strong sunlight when possible.

➟ Separate from dairy and minerals
Avoid taking it close to milk, calcium, iron, magnesium, zinc, or antacids because they can reduce absorption.

➟ Finish the full course
Complete the medicine unless your doctor tells you to stop.

🟣 Seek medical help if

➟ You develop severe rash, face swelling, wheezing, or trouble breathing.

➟ You have severe diarrhea, bloody stools, or dehydration.

➟ You get severe throat pain, chest pain while swallowing, or painful swallowing.

➟ You notice vision changes, severe headache, or persistent vomiting.

🟣 Important safety note

➟ Doxycycline is usually avoided during pregnancy and in young children unless a doctor specifically advises it.

➟ Tell your doctor if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, taking other medicines, or have liver disease.

Medical disclaimer:
This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Take doxycycline only as prescribed and consult a qualified healthcare professional before changing the dose, stopping it, or combining it with other medicines.