Self Care Week 2017: Long term conditions and mental health
In the winter, the weather conditions can change quickly. Reacting to these changes can be more difficult if you are older or you are trying to manag a long term condition. By planning ahead, you will help to protect yourself.
Repeat prescriptions
It would be a good idea to ask your GP to prescribe some extra medication so that you can keep some as spare in case you are unable to go out. Many pharmacies now offer a prescription service. You can arrange for them to collect your prescription from your GP practice and prepare your prescription. Some will even deliver it to your home. There may be a small charge for this but if you find it difficult to get
to your GP practice, then it may be worth considering.
You can also arrange to leave your repeat prescription with a community pharmacy during the winter months. When they deliver your prescription they will ask you what you will need next time and request it from your GP practice for you.
Remember to take your regular medication with you if you plan to go on holiday or visit family and friends.
Weather warnings
The Met Office provides the weather forecasts for broadcasts on radio and TV By listening to these bulletins regularly you will keep up-to-date . with the weather and it will be easier to prepare. Severe weather w rnings are also issued on the Met Office website www.metoffice.gov .uk, through their Twitter feed or you can ring the Weather Desk on 0870 900 0100.
Food supplies
Keep in a good supply of tinned and frozen foods so that you don’t have to go out too much if it is cold or icy. Yo could ask a neighbour if they would pick some things up for you while they are out. Most people would be happy to help if asked.
- Children's Health Monday 13th November
Learn how to take care of common childhood illnesses such as:
coughs and colds
fever
upset tummies
rashes
bumps, bruises and falls. - Older People Tuesday 14th November
- Carers & Caring for others Wednesday 15th November
Everyone will be asked to play a part in becoming a winter buddy to keep an eye on older and vulnerable friends and neighbours.
- Long Term Conditions Thursday 16th November
Everyone will also be encouraged to sign up to the Summary Care Record. If a patient needs medical help outside of their GP Practice’s normal working hours, the information in the record will help health professionals to make the most informed decisions about their care.
- Coughs, cold and antibiotics Friday 17th November
18th November is European Antibiotic Awareness Day and so we’re giving advice on why we need to limit our use of antibiotics for minor health conditions, so that they will continue to be effective against serious illnesses. Antibiotics will not cure common winter bugs, so we’re asking everyone to trust your your GP and not pressure them to prescribe antibiotics.
- Summary Care Records
Another way to protect yourself this winter is to enhance your Summary Care Record (SCR). You will already have a core SCR that includes what medicines you are taking, any allergies you suffer or any bad reaction to medicines. You can choose to add other information to your SCR so that if you have to be treated by other health professionals, they will be able to access information more quickly enabling them to make better and safer decisions about your treatment. Ask at your GP practice while you’re getting your flu jab, and they can give you more details. And if you’re talking to people about the flu jab, remind them to update their SCR at the same time.