ASK THE PHARMACIST
QWhat should I look for in a walking stick for my elderly mother?
AWALKING sticks have a single point of contact with the ground, so are only suitable for moderate balance problems.
For more severe mobility issues or weak legs, a walking frame, which has multiple points of contact, offers more stability. Ideally, anyone needing a walking stick should have an assessment with a physiotherapist or occupational therapist to recommend the best type of product.
QIs It worth taking probiotics after an upset stomach?
AAN UPSET stomach is often caused by ‘bad’ bacteria in the gut. A review of 63 studies by the authoritative Cochrane Collaboration found that taking probiotics (which provide ‘good’ bacteria) can reduce symptoms of an upset stomach by a day — essentially by helping to restore the natural balance of bacteria in the gut.
However, many different probiotics and amounts were used in the review.
Furthermore, the NHS doesn’t recommend their use for an upset stomach because of a lack of high-quality evidence that they work.
But if you feel they work for you, they may be worth taking.