Conquering those Bad Habits

Jan 6, 2025

By Stephanie Simons,
Head Pharmacist,
Lindo’s Pharmacy in Devonshire

At this time of year, it often feels like we are being bombarded by ‘New Year – New You!’ messages. Dry January, Veganuary…where will it all end? Sadly, for most of us, it will end in…February. If not before.

Sometimes our resolutions are so ambitious they are doomed to fail. But it’s also true that (as Sheryl Crow almost sang) a change could do you good. Especially if you are realistic about what you want to achieve. Start small(ish) and give the ‘New You’ a better chance of survival…

NAIL THAT BAD HABIT

Are you still biting your nails? Don’t hang your head – nail biting is not just for kids. It’s something many of us do when we are stressed or depressed. But there are a couple of good reasons to stop – and not just the obvious one (that it’d be nice to have hands you could show off, rather than hide).

First, repeated nibbling can lead to nails growing back in a wonky fashion. Second, prolonged biting can actually damage another bit of your body – your teeth.

We stock a helpful – disgustingly bitter – nail varnish called Stop ‘N Grow, which once tasted, will put you off making that same mistake again.

If you’ve been worrying your nails for a while, they may be in bad shape. Slicking on a coat of nail strengthening polish (from Mavala, again, or Sally Hansen) will improve their appearance, and stop new growth from splitting. We stock a range of products by Nailtek that are very good. Keeping your hands (and cuticles) moisturised with hand creams by Cerave, Eucerin or Neutrogena will also help here.

Finally, keep your nails nice and short – to remove temptation (we have nail clippers and files).

Then, get ready to put those hands in the air!

SICK OF BEING SICK?

Are you tired of waking up in the morning feeling below par? Why not vow to make 2025 a healthier year all round. No need to go the full Veganuary. But getting more fruit and vegetables into your diet (check out the amazing fresh produce on display right outside our pharmacy) is a great idea when you feel like you are fraying at the seams.

And how about starting a new routine: kicking off the day with an age and lifestyle appropriate multi-vitamin. We stock a large selection from Centrum, One A Day, Nature’s Way and Vitabiotics, so whatever stage you’re at – expectant moms, senior citizens, wannabe athletes, teens – there is something for you.

Many now include a probiotic; among them the deliciously chewable Olly vitamins, which are so tasty you’ll actually look forward to taking them. Seriously!

GENTLY DOES IT

Setting an ambitious goal – like running in the May 24 Half Marathon – as you resolve to get fit in 2025 is admirable. But sometimes less is more. Particularly for those of us with joint issues, or more mileage on the clock.

So why not opt for a less terrifying target. The UK’s National Health Service recommends that we all do 150-300 minutes of ‘physical activity that raises the heart rate’ a week. That boils down to around 22-43 minutes a day. Which still sounds pretty daunting.

But physical activity that raises the heart rate could mean a walk – along the railway trail, or through Cooper’s Island Nature Reserve. Or some energetic gardening. (Both have the added stress-busting benefit of getting you out into the great outdoors.)  Even better: a recent survey carried out by researchers at Cambridge University showed that doing just half that amount of exercise – as little as 11 minutes a day – can significantly reduce your chances of developing heart disease and cancer.

If you suffer from arthritis, or just aches and pains, then you may want to consider taking some gentle pain relief before, or after, your exercise. Talk to one of our pharmacists about what’s right for you. Acetaminophen – in the form of Tylenol, paracetamol or Panadol – is a good safe bet for an over-the-counter option, because there are few side effects.

You may also find that using a support bandage or brace – for your knee or ankle – helps stabilise the joint and allows you to move more freely, and with less discomfort. We stock a range from Ace and Futuro. Talk to your GP or one of our pharmacists if you’d like to know more.

THE SMOKING GUN…

So, this IS a big one… But smoking is so bad for you – a new survey by University College London estimates that men lose 17 minutes of life for every cigarette they puff…and women 22 minutes – it’s probably worth tackling.

If you really want to kick the habit, ask your doctor – or one of our pharmacists – about ways to wean yourself off the killer weed. We stock a number of Nicotine Replacement Therapies (NRTs), including patches, gum, inhalers and sprays (nasal or mouth) Nicorette and Nicotinell brands, which will give you a reduced level of nicotine without the dangerous side-effects of smoking.

Which NRT is right for you will depend on your age, body type and lifestyle. But we should be able to offer an option to suit you. So, you can stub out that cigarette habit once and for all.

Stephanie Simons is the head pharmacist at Lindo’s Pharmacy in Devonshire. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Pharmacy at Massachusetts College of Pharmacy and has been practicing for over 20 years. She is a registered pharmacist with the Bermuda Pharmacy Council and is a member of the Bermuda Pharmaceutical Association.