Writing in a recent edition of New Scientist magazine, Robert Rowland Smith, who is described as both a philosopher and management consultant, suggests that at least part of the reason for this state of anxiety is because we are forced out or our normal routine.

We are “crammed in a Christmas tunnel”, he suggests, “a narrow passage between one year and the next”, and we are apprehensive that we may not make it through to the other side.

However, maybe these days, in an era of greater environmental awareness we are simply worried about increasing our so-called carbon footprint. Consider all the wrapping paper that simply goes to waste!

Whatever the reason, we do know that heartburn and indigestion are very much more common at this time of year. Of course, it’s most likely these symptoms are caused by just eating and drinking to excess.

A few years ago the respected US-based business magazine, Forbes, published an article titled “Ten Top Hangover Cures”. Some were more mythical than medical; they included concoctions such as extract of prickly pear, said to be able to help overcome nausea, loss of appetite and dry mouth; and tripe soup made from the lining of cow’s stomach with the addition of chilli, garlic and other seasonings.

More likely to be effective are the fluid and electrolyte replacement products. Because alcohol–containing drinks (wine, beer and so on), despite being liquid themselves, actually take water away from the parts of our body which need it most. Drinks containing caffeine such as coffee, tea or cola can do the same.

So, to help prevent morning-after headaches, alternate your alcoholic drinks with plenty of water. It can be helpful also to drink some Hydralyte or Gastrolyte or an isotonic sports drink before bed. It may not seem like the ideal beverage at the time, but it could prevent that really awful feeling the next day.

If that pain you feel needs a pain reliever, the products with paracetamol are probably the best bet; they’re less likely than aspirin to cause stomach upset. Try a couple of Panadol Clear and pray the noise of the fizz is not too loud for you!

After a rich meal our stomachs have to work harder and pump out extra acid to help digest the food and alcohol. The pain or discomfort that follows this exercise in overindulgence can also occur with stress (not just the Christmas kind), cigarette smoking, pregnancy and some medicines.

If heartburn is the main problem, you might get relief with a liquid antacid like Gaviscon; and a range of potent antacids in tablet form is also now available without prescription.

For more advice and information tailor-made to your need to cope with the after effects of the festive season, or morning after problems at anytime, ask at your pharmacy for one of the Self Care fact cards titled Headache and Heartburn and Indigestion.

They’re available from pharmacies around Australia which provide the Pharmaceutical Society’s Self Care health information. You can call 1300 369 772 for the nearest location, or log on to the Pharmaceutical Society’s website at www.psa.org.au and click on Self Care Pharmacy finder.

From all the Pharmacy Self Care Team we wish you a safe Christmas and very Happy 2010.

©2009 Pharmaceutical Society of Australia

But for almost everyone, this time of year has traditionally become one of celebration.

Throughout so many societies it is commonplace to exchange gifts or simply “season’s greetings”, and to express sentiments of peace and goodwill.

However, it seems sometimes, there is much more emphasis on the gifts than the goodwill; with more expensive and sophisticated gadgets being among the most fancied gift suggestions.

Mobile phones can now provide just about every service imaginable; even facilitating phone calls! And miniature music machines can contain thousands of songs or instrumentals downloaded from computers. This year, global positioning navigational systems are the latest “must have” car accessory.

But, maybe this year might be different. Despite the Commonwealth Government’s attempt to play Santa Claus early and its encouragement for us all to spend up big, with concern about the current status of the economy, there might be greater consideration given to the cost of Christmas gifts.

Wishes of good health usually accompany greetings at this time of year; so, perhaps some healthy gift ideas could be worth a thought as well.

The original gifts of Christmas were reported to be gold, frankincense and myrrh. These items are not likely to be on too many shopping lists today, but they are certainly health related items.

As well as its value as a precious metal, gold has also been used in healing. In the 17th century, gold cordials (gold mixed with alcohol) were prescribed for such ailments as melancholy, fainting, swooning and fevers. Although, there is no evidence that these treatments were in any way successful.

Frankincense, as the name implies, has for much of its 4,000 year history been used for its aromatic qualities. Today it is still in wide use as a component of perfumes and toiletries. Records of its medicinal use date back to the 3rd century, when it was recommended for gout, catarrh, colic and gastrointestinal haemorrhage.

In a pharmaceutical sense myrrh seems to have the best credentials. As recently as 50 years ago tincture of myrrh was an ingredient of pain relieving mixtures prescribed by Australian doctors. In Hebrew tradition, myrrh was often mixed with wine and given to a condemned man as an anaesthetic. These days myrrh is valued in some cultures for its antiseptic, antifungal and anti-inflammatory properties.

Today you may not be able to access these middle eastern perfumes and pain relievers quite so easily, but there are still some healthy options.

How about a first aid kit? There are ready prepared varieties for work, home or keeping in the car; or your pharmacist can help you tailor-make one for your own personal needs.

If you’re still electronically minded, a home-use blood pressure measuring device (called a sphygmomanometer by the medicos) is a useful gift for someone whose blood pressure might need monitoring. And for people with diabetes the now miniature size blood glucose measuring machines are a must – they’re not much bigger than the “i-pod” type music machine, and with the added bonus of no risk of industrial deafness with constant use.

Of course, if jewellery is what you’d like to give, or receive, you could consider something from Medic Alert. Just about anyone will benefit from the gift of a Medic Alert bracelet or necklet; but it will be especially helpful for those people with food, drug, chemical or insect allergies; people with an implant such as a pacemaker; people with conditions such as Alzheimer’s or Crohn’s or Parkinson’s disease; or people with special needs or on special medication. Medic Alert is much more than a piece of jewellery; it’s the ultimate in patient protection in emergency situations or unforeseen adverse events.

Ask at your local Self Care Pharmacy for more information. Phone the Pharmaceutical Society on 1300 369 772 or check out the website http://www.psa.org.au/pharmacies for the nearest location.

©2008 Pharmaceutical Society of Australia