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Cholesterol is a fatty substance your body needs, but too much of the “bad” LDL type can build up in your arteries and raise the risk of heart disease and stroke. It usually causes no symptoms, so testing matters.

Diet, exercise and, when prescribed, medicines such as statins all help. Regular blood tests track your progress.

Some cholesterol-lowering statins are most effective taken in the evening, while others can be taken at any time of day. Follow the directions for your particular medicine and take it at the same time each day.

Do not stop without speaking to your doctor, even if your cholesterol improves.

Paracetamol relieves pain and lowers fever and is gentle on the stomach, making it a good first choice for headaches and general aches. Ibuprofen is an anti-inflammatory, so it also helps with swelling — useful for sprains, period pain or dental pain — but it can irritate the stomach and is not suitable for everyone.

Do not take two products that both contain the same ingredient. If you have stomach ulcers, kidney problems, asthma or take blood thinners, speak to a pharmacist before using ibuprofen.

Metformin is usually taken with or right after a meal to reduce the chance of stomach upset. Take it at the same times each day as prescribed, and do not double up if you miss a dose — just take the next one as normal.

Mild tummy symptoms often settle within a couple of weeks. If they persist, or you feel unusually unwell, talk to your doctor or our pharmacist.

Anti-inflammatory painkillers such as ibuprofen can raise blood pressure and may interfere with some blood-pressure medicines, so they are not always suitable if you have hypertension. Paracetamol is usually a safer choice for everyday pain relief.

Please check with a pharmacist or doctor before using ibuprofen regularly if you have high blood pressure, heart or kidney problems.

Most medicines should be kept in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and out of the reach of children. Bathrooms and kitchens are often too warm or humid.

Some products — such as certain insulins and a few liquids — must be refrigerated; always check the label. Do not use any medicine past its expiry date.

Take antibiotics exactly as prescribed and complete the full course, even if you feel better, unless your prescriber advises you to stop. Stopping early can let the infection return and contributes to antibiotic resistance.

If you experience a rash, swelling or difficulty breathing, stop and seek medical help immediately.

As a general rule, take a missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed one — do not take two doses together to catch up.

Some medicines have specific advice, so check the leaflet or ask a pharmacist if you are unsure.

Newer antihistamines such as cetirizine and loratadine are designed to be non-drowsy for most people, so they suit daytime use. A small number of people still feel slightly sleepy on cetirizine.

Older types can cause more drowsiness. If you are driving or operating machinery, choose a non-drowsy option and see how you respond.

Shake the inhaler, breathe out gently, then press the canister as you start to breathe in slowly and deeply. Hold your breath for about ten seconds, then breathe out. A spacer can make this easier and more effective.

If you are using your reliever inhaler more often than usual, your asthma may not be well controlled — please speak to your doctor.

Good daily control combines regular blood-glucose monitoring, taking your medication as prescribed, balanced meals and regular activity. Keeping a simple log helps you and your doctor spot patterns.

We supply glucometers, test strips and medicines, and can set up refill reminders so you never run out. Seek advice promptly for very high or very low readings.

Alongside any prescribed medication, lifestyle steps make a real difference: reducing salt, staying active, maintaining a healthy weight, limiting alcohol and not smoking. Checking your blood pressure at home helps track progress.

Do not stop your medication on your own, even if readings improve — speak to your prescriber first.