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Painful joints
Many people with arthritis say their joints become
more painful in winter, though it's not clear why
this is the case. Only joint symptoms such as pain
and stiffness are affected by the weather. There's
no evidence that changes in the weather cause joint
damage. Top tip: Daily exercise can boost a
person's mental and physical state. Swimming is ideal as it's easy on the joints.
Cold sores
Most of us recognise that cold sores are a sign that we're run down or under
stress. While there's no cure for cold sores, you can reduce the chances of
getting one by looking after yourself through winter.
Top tip: Every day, do things that make you feel less stressed, such as having
a hot bath, going for a walk in the park, or watching one of your favourite films
Readesmoor Medical Centre
Self-Care
Don’t wait for a doctor’s appointment…
Go straight to your local pharmacy
Norovirus
Also known as the winter vomiting bug, norovirus is an extremely infectious
stomach bug. The illness is unpleasant, but it's usually over within a couple of
days. Top tip: When people are ill with vomiting and diarrhoea, it's important
to drink plenty of fluids to prevent dehydration. Young children and the elderly
are especially at risk. By drinking oral rehydration fluids (available from
pharmacies), you can reduce the risk of dehydration
MAKE SURE YOUR MEDICINE CABINET IS STOCKED UP with
appropriate over the counter treatments like painkillers, antiseptic cream,
plasters and cold remedies. Your pharmacist can advise
you further on home remedies and self-help treatment
for many minor conditions without the need to consult
a doctor.
Useful websites For further information on conditions, treatments, local
services and healthy living, please visit:
NHS Choices www.nhs.uk
Patient www.patient.co.uk
NHS Direct www.nhsdirect.nhs.uk
This leaflet describes how you can manage non-urgent conditions yourself (self
care). Sometimes it is more suitable for patients to buy medications for
themselves over the counter. In some circumstances your doctor can still
prescribe these medicines on the NHS if they believe a clinical need exists.
January 2017
WHY ARE WE SUPPORTING SELF-CARE?
There are three main reasons why we are encouraging people to
self care.
- In 2016 NHS East Cheshire CCG spent millions on these medicines and
supplies. This money could have been better spent on treating more
serious conditions such as cancer and heart disease.
- Many of these products are cheap to buy and are readily available,
along with advice, from pharmacies.
- Some self care medicines are available in shops
and supermarkets
You do not need to make an appointment to speak to
your pharmacist and many pharmacies are open at the
weekend. You can expect a confidential and discrete
consultation with the pharmacist in a private area of
the pharmacy.
WHAT
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ARE SELF CARE CONDITIONS AND SUPPLIES?
Athlete’s foot
Coughs, colds, blocked noses,
fevers and sore throats
Constipation, diarrhoea and haemorrhoids (piles)
Dry skin
Earwax (a few drops of olive oil, is just as good as anything on prescription)
Eye infections
Hayfever and allergies
Headlice (wet combing is recommended)
Herbal and complementary remedies
Indigestion remedies (for occasional use)
Mild acne and eczema; Minor aches and pains Minor cuts and bruises
Minor sprains, sports injuries and scars
Mouth ulcers and cold sores; Nappy rash
Special dietary foods; Skin rashes
Teething
Thrush
Warts and verrucas
COMMON SELF CARE CONDITIONS
If it’s a Cold – You can help prevent colds by washing your hands regularly. This
destroys bugs that you may have picked up from touching surfaces used by other
people, such as light switches and door handles. Top tip: If you get a cold, use
disposable tissues instead of cloth handkerchiefs to avoid constantly reinfecting
your own hands
If its Flu - The best way to prevent getting flu is to have the flu jab (or
flu nasal spray for children aged 2 to 18). The flu vaccine gives good
protection against flu and lasts for one year. Top tip: Find out if you're at risk of
getting flu by asking your GP. If you're in a high-risk group, see your GP to get the
vaccination
Sore throat
Sore throats are common in winter and are almost always caused by viral
infections. Top tip: One quick and easy remedy for a sore throat is to gargle with
warm salty water. It won't heal the infection, but it has anti-inflammatory
properties and can have a soothing effect. Dissolve one teaspoon of salt in a glass
of part-cooled boiled water.
Asthma
Cold air is a major trigger of asthma symptoms such as wheezing and shortness of
breath. People with asthma should be especially careful in winter.
Top tip: Stay indoors on very cold, windy days. If you do go out,
wear a scarf over your nose and mouth. Be extra vigilant about
taking your regular medications, and keep rescue inhalers close by
and in a warm place.
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