SPECIALIST health checks are being offered to Muslim communities during Ramadhan across East Lancashire.

The Co-operative Pharmacy is providing help and advice on how to take prescribed medicines during the holy month of Ramadhan and also incorporating stop smoking advice if needed.

Although Muslims who are ill can be exempt from fasting, many continue to observe the fast which can mean that medicines may not be taken at the correct intervals, not taken at all, or that their effectiveness is altered due to drugs’ interactions with food.

Cathy Cox, The Co-operative Pharmacy’s Primary care services manager, said: “We are urging Muslim patients who take regular prescribed medication, as well as those who wish to stop smoking, to speak to their pharmacist for advice.”