Focus Chemists

Focus Chemists Providing a full community pharmacy service to all the residents of Rochester.

Please telephone us if you need any help with your health needs or alternatively, try visiting our new website at www.focuschemist.co.uk

Coeliac 4Treating coeliac diseaseThere is no cure for coeliac disease but following a gluten free diet should help contr...
10/02/2026

Coeliac 4

Treating coeliac disease

There is no cure for coeliac disease but following a gluten free diet should help control symptoms and prevent the long-term complications of the condition. Even if you have mild symptoms, changing your diet is still recommended, because continuing to eat gluten can lead to serious complications.
This may also be the case if tests show that you have some degree of coeliac disease even if you do not have noticeable symptoms. It is important to ensure your gluten free diet is healthy and balanced.
You can get help and support from Coeliac UK which is a British charity for people with coeliac disease. Its website has useful resources including gluten free diets, local groups, volunteering and ongoing campaigns.

For more information about this or any other minor health problem you may have, contact one of our trained team

Coeliac 3Who’s affected by Coeliac disease?Coeliac disease affects at least 1 in 100 people in the UK, but some experts ...
03/02/2026

Coeliac 3

Who’s affected by Coeliac disease?

Coeliac disease affects at least 1 in 100 people in the UK, but some experts think this may be an underestimate because milder cases may go undiagnosed or misdiagnosed as other digestive conditions such as irritable bowel syndrome.
Reported cases are much higher in women than in men. It can develop at any age. People with certain conditions, including type 1 diabetes, autoimmune thyroid disease, Down’s syndrome and Turner syndrome have an increased risk of getting coeliac disease.
First degree relatives of people (parents, siblings and children) with coeliac disease are also at an increased risk of developing the condition.
Routine testing for coeliac disease is not done in England. Testing is usually only recommended for people who have symptoms or have an increased risk of developing the disease. First degree relatives of people with coeliac disease should be tested.

Coeliac 2What causes coeliac disease?Coeliac disease is an autoimmune condition. This is where the immune system (the bo...
27/01/2026

Coeliac 2

What causes coeliac disease?

Coeliac disease is an autoimmune condition. This is where the immune system (the body’s defence against infection) mistakenly attacks healthy tissue. In coeliac disease the immune system mistakes substances found inside gluten as a threat to the body and attacks them.
This damages the surface of the small bowel disrupting the body’s ability to take nutrients from food. It is not entirely clear what causes the immune system to act in this way, but a combination of genetics and the environment appear to play a part.

Complications of coeliac disease

These only affect people who continue to eat gluten, or those who have not yet been diagnosed, which can be a common problem in milder cases. Potential long complications can include:
• Weakening of bones
• Iron deficiency anaemia
• Vitamin B 12 or folate deficiency

Less common and more serious complications include some types of cancer, such as bowel and problems affecting pregnancy, such as your baby having low birth weight.

Coeliac 1What is coeliac disease? Coeliac disease is a condition where your immune system attacks your own tissues when ...
20/01/2026

Coeliac 1

What is coeliac disease?

Coeliac disease is a condition where your immune system attacks your own tissues when you eat gluten. This damages your gut (small intestine) so your body cannot properly take in nutrients.
Coeliac disease is caused by an adverse reaction to gluten, which is a dietary protein found in 3 types of cereals: wheat, barley and rye. So, gluten is found in any food that contains these cereals Including:
• Pasta
• Cakes
• Breakfast cereals
• Most types of bread
• Certain types of sauces
• Some ready meals
• Most beers as they contain barley
• Eating any of these foods can trigger a range of gut symptoms such as:
• Diarrhoea which may be particularly unpleasant
• Stomach aches
• Bloating and farting
• Indigestion
• Constipation

There can also be more general symptoms like:
• Tiredness because you are not getting enough nutrients from your food
• Unintentional weight loss
• An itchy rash
• Problems getting pregnant
• Nerve damage
• Disorders that affect co-ordination, balance and speech.

Children with coeliac disease may not grow at the expected rate and may have delayed puberty.

Walking 6Quiz & Answers Q1. Why is it important to stay active as you get older?A1. It can help you maintain your st...
13/01/2026

Walking 6

Quiz & Answers

Q1. Why is it important to stay active as you get older?
A1. It can help you maintain your strength and flexibility and improve your energy levels
Q2. How can I improve my strength and balance?
A2. Climbing the stairs frequently, rising slowly and repeatedly to a standing position from a chair, walking, playing badminton, dancing or practising yoga, doing strength and balance exercise classes.
Q3. What if I have a condition that causes joint pain?
A3. The exercises that improve muscle strength and balance are especially helpful for joint pain.
Q4. How do I stay motivated?
A4. Do something that you enjoy like walking the dog, dancing or joining a walking club.
Q5. How can taking care of what you wear help you feel steadier?
A5. Keep your toenails short, always wear shoes, sandals or slippers that fit well, avoid high heels, make sure your clothing doesn't trail on the ground.
Q6. What is the best way to walk to avoid falls?
A6. Keep your head up, swing your arms, slightly tighten your stomach muscles, roll your foot from heel to toe.
Q7. What should I do if I have a fall?
A7. Try to get up if you are not injured.
Q8. What is the best way to do this?
A8. Try rolling onto your hands and knees, then hold onto something stable such as a bed or armchair.
Q9. What do I do if I am injured?
A9. If you have a personal alarm or mobile phone call for help or bang on the door, windows or walls to try to attract attention.
Q10. What do I do while I am waiting for help to arrive?
A10. Try to keep warm by covering yourself with something in reach like a coat or blanket, if you can, try to keep moving to help you keep warm and maintain blood flow.

Walking 5Quiz Q1. Why is it important to stay active as you get older?Q2. How can I improve my strength and balance?...
06/01/2026

Walking 5

Quiz

Q1. Why is it important to stay active as you get older?
Q2. How can I improve my strength and balance?
Q3. What if I have a condition that causes joint pain?
Q4. How do I stay motivated?
Q5. How can taking care of what you wear help you feel steadier?
Q6. What is the best way to walk to avoid falls?
Q7. What should I do if I have a fall?
Q8. What is the best way to do this?
Q9. What do I do if I am injured?
Q10. What do I do while I am waiting for help to arrive?

Address

126 Borstal Street, Borstal
Rochester
ME13JS

Opening Hours

Monday 9am - 6pm
Tuesday 9am - 6pm
Wednesday 9am - 6pm
Thursday 9am - 6pm
Friday 9am - 6pm
Saturday 9am - 1pm

Telephone

+441634405691

Website

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