Date published: 01.09.08 - not release date

Have a healthy Christmas

Christmas is a time for celebrating and more often than not, eating and drinking to excess. Don’t let a health complaint dampen your festive spirits this year and get prepared with these healthy Christmas essentials.

1) Party safely:

Chlamydia is a sexually transmitted infection that affects 1 in 10 women under the age of 24 in the UK. If detected early it can be treated, but if left unnoticed it can lead to problems such as infertility. The SELFCheck Female Chlamydia test provides an accurate result (over 98%) within 10 minutes. The test costs £14.99 and is available from selected Tescos, Rowlands, United Co-op, National Co-op and Day Lewis pharmacies as well as independent pharmacies nationwide.

Drink "spiking" is one of the fastest growing sexual assault crimes in the UK, and women are significantly more likely to become victims than men. The SELFCheck Drink Spike Detector Test indicates the presence of gamma hydroxybutyrate (GHB) or Ketamine in a drink and will give a reliable result within 3 minutes. Each kit contains four tests, is available from Rowlands, United Co-op, National Co-op and Day Lewis pharmacies, as well as independent pharmacies nationwide and costs £4.99.

2) Avoid the hangover:

To help stop over the effects of indulgence and try Good ‘n Natural Kudzu. The Kudzu plant name in Chinese translates into ‘Drunkenness Dispeller’. It is believed to help reduce alcohol cravings and the nasty after effects of a big night out. Good ‘n Natural Kudzu is priced £9.99 for 60 tablets and available from Holland & Barrett stores nationwide.

To help your liver recover from a boozy night out, try Good ‘N Natural Milk Thistle. A powerful antioxidant, milk thistle supports the liver by promoting the regeneration of healthy new cells, replacing old damaged ones. Good ‘n Natural Milk Thistle is priced £10.99 for 100 capsules and available from Holland & Barrett stores nationwide.

3) Christmas lunch without the side-effects:

Bloating and trapped wind can put a dampener on your festive spirit, causing a great deal of discomfort and embarrassment. Easy to swallow and discreet WindSetlers gel capsules contain activated dimeticone to break down the bubbles and provide relief for the sufferer. WindSetlers Gel Caps are available from all good pharmacies in packs of 8 or 24, costing £1.25 and £3.49 respectively

Indigestion is suffered by over four million people in the UK and is caused when excess stomach acid irritates the lining of the stomach, resulting in pain. But don’t let it ruin your party spirit – just reach for Setlers Antacid tablets, which neutralise excess acid and provide express relief from the pain and discomfort of indigestion. Priced from 99p, the Setlers range is available leading pharmacies, always read the label.

4) New Year New You

Loose the extra pounds gained over Christmas with a little help from Liposinol™. Made from a unique dried cactus extract, Liposinol™ has been proven to remove up to 150 calories from a standard meal. Liposinol comes in packs of 48 and retails at £19.95, available from Holland & Barrett, Superdrug and independent health food stores.

For further info please contact Natalie Flynn, Kate Allan or Emma Glazier, Pegasus Public Relations, 01903 821550, nflynn@pegasuspr.co.uk