Choose Well and be prepared this winter
Choose Well
Local people are being reminded to stock up their cupboards with over the counter medicines ready for the winter and holiday period.
Patients who require repeat prescriptions are also asked to think ahead and get hold of the required amount before General Practices close for Christmas.
Traditionally winter months see an increase in coughs, colds and flu like symptoms, which can all be alleviated with over the counter remedies, available from local pharmacies. The message from NHS Bury, comes as part of the ongoing campaign known as Care about the cost to make sure that emergency health services are available for the poorliest of patients.
Patients are urged to consider the full range of NHS services available to them. Advice about self care and details of local health services are available by visiting the NHS Choices website at www.nhs.uk
By choosing and using the right services, patients can expect to be seen or treated more quickly, whilst keeping emergency services free for those patients who need them most. Choosing the right service also helps to make sure that the limited NHS resources available to Bury are being spent wisely.
By choosing the right NHS service patients will get the best treatment in the shortest possible time:
- Self care – treat very minor illnesses, ailments and injuries at home
- NHS Choices – online advice and information www.nhs.uk
- NHS Direct – 24/7 advice and information call 0845 46 47
- Pharmacy – expert advice and treatment for a range of common health problems (click here for details of the festive pharmacy opening times - Full details of all pharmacy opening times are available via the NHS Choices website at www.nhs.uk )
- GP – make your GP practice your first port of call for advice, guidance and treatment
- Bury Urgent Treatment Centre – if you need treating today, this doctor-led service is open every day from 8am to 10pm, no appointment needed. The service offers an alternative choice for anyone who can’t get a same day appointment at their own GP practice, when they are suffering from an ailment, illness or injury that needs assessing quickly, but isn’t serious enough to require a visit to A&E. First floor Moorgate Primary Care Centre, 22 Derby Way, Bury, BL9 0NJ
- Prestwich Walk-in Centre – a nurse-led service open every day from 8am until 8pm, no appointment needed. The Walk-in Centre offers treatment for a range of minor ailments and illnesses, including medication if appropriate. Fairfax Road, Prestwich, M25 1BT
- A&E/999 – A&E departments and the 999 ambulance service should only be used in a critical or life-threatening situation.
Keep warm, keep well
Cold homes have a significant impact on people’s health. One of the best ways of keeping yourself well during winter is to stay warm.
Cold weather can lead to serious health problems such as heart attacks, strokes, pneumonia and depression.
The chances of these problems are higher if you're vulnerable to cold-related illnesses because of one or more of the following:
- You're over 60
- You're on a low income (so can't afford heating)
- You have a long-term health condition such as heart, lung or kidney disease
you are disabled
Every winter in the UK, 25,000-30,000 deaths are linked to the cold weather. Currently, approximately four million households in the UK are in fuel poverty. This is when a household spends more than 10% of its income to keep warm.
The government's advice on staying warm over the winter aims to reduce cold-related illness and deaths. Key tips include:
- Keep your home warm. Your main living room should be between around 18-21C (64-70F) and the rest of the house at a minimum of 16C (61F). You can also use a hot-water bottle or electric blanket (but not both at the same time) to keep warm while you're in bed.
- Wrap up warm, inside and out. Several thin layers of clothes are better than one thick layer. Don't forget to wear hats, gloves and scarves. If possible, stay inside during a cold period if you have heart or respiratory problems.
- Keep active. Move around at least once an hour and don't sit down for long periods of time. Even light exercise will help keep you warm.
- Look out for elderly friends and neighbours. Check they're safe and well through the winter. Make sure they're warm enough, especially at night, and have stocks of food and medicines so they don't need to go out during very cold weather. If you are worried about a relative or an elderly neighbour, contact your local council or ring the Age UK helpline on 0800 00 99 66.
Read more tips on how to cope in very cold weather.
From the above link you can acess some tips to keep you and your family warm and well in extremely cold weather, including:
- Keep curtains drawn and doors closed to block out draughts.
- Have regular hot drinks and at least one hot meal a day if possible. Eating regularly helps keep energy levels up during winter.
- Wrap up warm if you need to go outside on cold days.