In this live Express FM episode of What’s the Pharm?, Dr Raj Laly answers a series of quick-fire health questions from listeners and discusses current healthcare topics. From corridor care pressures and AccessU updates to understanding blood test results, medication changes, and how weather and environments may impact health, this episode covers a wide range of practical patient concerns. There’s even time to chat about recent events in the local community.

Timestamp:

00:40 – Corridor care explained and pressures on healthcare
01:36 – AccessU update and service overview
02:40 – Caller question: High white blood cell count. What it means and why retesting may be needed
04:15 – Blood pressure medication and high potassium levels
06:50 – Can hot weather help rheumatoid arthritis? Weather and its effect on health conditions
08:40 – Does air conditioning or central heating spread colds and infections?
09:27 – Local chat: Recent Portsmouth FC games

Dr Raj Laly is back live on Express FM, covering a wide range of healthcare updates and listener questions. From reflecting on AccessU’s anniversary and recent NHS budget changes to discussing prostate screening, menopause, and sleep health, this episode offers practical insights into proactive healthcare and everyday health concerns.

Timestamps:

• 00:20 – AccessU anniversary, services, and reflections

• 01:20 – Delivering his baby at home

• 02:15 – Budget update: prescriptions and healthcare funding

• 03:20 – NHS opening local health centres

• 03:52 – Prostate screening: awareness and considerations

• 05:20 – National screening debate and PSA limitations

• 06:20 – How AccessU offers proactive screening and follow-ups

• 07:50 – Caller question: menopause, perimenopause, and hot flushes

• 12:26 – Snoring: causes and risk factors

• 15:02 – Treatment options and solutions

• 15:30 – Obstructive sleep apnoea: symptoms and warning signs

• 16:26 – Practical aids for snoring and trusted resources

Dr Raj Laly returns to Express FM a year later to chat with Dave Joyce about the latest in healthcare and pharmacy. They kick things off with the Pharmacy First scheme, discussing the seven conditions treatable directly at Lalys Pharmacy. As we move into the Autumn, Dr Laly also explain why now is the perfect time to get your flu and COVID vaccination, whether through the NHS or privately.

The conversation continues with reflections on AccessU’s first year, including new services like workplace medicals and private testing. Dr Laly and Dave also discuss prostate cancer awareness, the ongoing demand for GLP-1 treatments such as Mounjaro, and concerns about unlicensed sources and long-term use.

Tune in for practical insights, health updates, and expert advice on navigating healthcare in 2025.

Timestamps:

• 00:05 – Pharmacy First: Conditions treated in pharmacies

• 02:18 – Seasonal vaccinations: Flu and COVID

• 04:00 – AccessU turns one: Reflections and new services

• 05:04 – Workplace medicals and growing demand

• 05:50 – PSA testing and AccessU’s role in private health

• 08:10 – Prostate cancer: Symptoms to look out for

• 08:23 – Mounjaro and GLP-1s: One year on

• 10:15 – The risks of unlicensed GLP-1s and rising safety concerns

• 12:24 – Coming off Mounjaro/GLP-1s: Long-term effects and dependency