SPEEDY WAYS TO EASE ACHES & PAINS

Stop annoying niggles holding you back this festive season

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Worried about Christmas being ruined by pain? We're renowned as a nation for having the ability to 'grin and bear it', but with 43%* of us admitting pain can cause us stress and anxiety, you shouldn't have to suffer in silence. But when you're racing around making the final festive preparations or your GP surgery is fully booked, it can be tricky to know what to do. Here, our experts share simple ways that can help you feel better...

POUNDING HEADACHE

Over a third of UK adults have a headache at least once a week**, making them one of the most common health complaints in the UK. 'They can result from stress, eyesight problems, having a cold or the flu or not drinking enough fluids,' says pharmacist Anshu Kaura. FIX IT: 'Treat headaches with painkillers, such as paracetamol,' says Anshu. Don't want to pop pills? Try 4head Stick (£4.90, Boots). Applied to your head, the tingling sensation dilates blood vessels in the skin, blocking pain signals. Plus, check you're drinking enough water, says GP Dr Alison Anderson from Nuffield Health Highgate Hospital. Aim for eight glasses of water a day, especially if you're drinking more alcohol than normal.

THROBBING FEET