Putting the ill at ease this winter

LAST week, local doctor’s leader Kailash Chand gave Chronicle readers some useful advice on keeping healthy over winter.

Now, health chiefs at NHS Oldham have put together a definitive guide on where to turn to when ill and urged Oldhamers to “choose well this winter.” Oldham’s Director of Public Health Alan Higgins explains...


WITH temperatures dropping and some bugs more prevalent, NHS Oldham aims to make sure that all people living in the area have a healthy winter.

Oldham’s Director of Public Health, Alan Higgins said: “Over winter we are focusing on making sure people have the right advice on how to stay safe and healthy and use health services appropriately.

“NHS and primary care staff have worked hard to offer flu jabs to as many people who need them as possible.

“The NHS and partner agencies are also putting in a lot of hard work to planning and managing services during this busy winter period.

“The best way we can make sure people get the care they need, is by people choosing the right service for their condition — a simple guide to these is listed below.

“With flu and norovirus being more prevalent during winter it is important that people heed these messages. It‘s still not too late to get a flu jab, if you are over 65 or in an at risk group, for example, having a long-term condition such as asthma, diabetes and heart or lung disease.”

Self care

Oldham Community Health Services (part of NHS Oldham) has been running a successful self-care scheme across the borough for three years.

The courses are for anyone of any age. Around 950 people have taken part in a self-care course in a range of venues, from workplaces to schools and children’s centres.

Regular courses run throughout Oldham. They can be tailored to the needs of the particular group of people, but tend to last six weeks and cover topics such as health beliefs, managing stress and anxiety, confidence building, healthy eating and exercise and managing minor ailments.

For more information about the self care courses, contact Jason or Abby on 0161-621 7134/7166.



Medicine cabinet

BE prepared and make sure your medicine cabinet is stocked up with:

:: Paracetamol or aspirin

:: Anti-diarrhoeal medicine

:: Rehydration mixture

:: Indigestion mixture

:: Plasters

:: Thermometer



TO prevent something you have caught spreading to others:

:: Catch coughs and sneezes in a tissue

:: Dispose of tissues quickly and safely

:: Regularly wash your hands with soap and warm water



FOR the very young, the over 65s and people with long-term health issues, the cold weather can contribute to serious health problems.

The good news is that by following a few top tips, we can give ourselves the best possible chance of staying well this winter.

If you do catch a cold or flu, to recover properly make sure you:

:: Stay at home and get plenty of rest

:: Have lots of non-alcoholic drinks

:: Eat if you feel able to

:: Let a friend or neighbour know you are ill



Norovirus

Norovirus, often referred to as “winter vomiting,” is highly infectious and can spread rapidly in close-knit communities such as hotels, schools, hospitals and residential care homes.

So, people with the infection should stay at home until they have been clear of all symptoms for a minimum of 48 hours, to avoid the risk of spreading it to others.

They should also avoid going to GP surgeries or visiting friends or relatives in hospitals or residential care homes while infectious.

It is generally a short-lived illness from which most people recover without any treatment other than rest and taking plenty of drinks to replace lost fluids.

Stay warm

:: Keep room temperature warm and comfortable

:: Wear lots of thin layers — and a hat, scarf and gloves if you go outside

:: Have regular hot drinks and hot meals that include fruit and vegetables

:: Take regular, gentle exercise to generate body heat

:: For those over 60, low-income families and people with disabilities, further information is available at www.direct.gov.uk/ keepwarmkeepwell

Always consider which health service is most appropriate for your condition.



NHS Direct

For internet information on all aspects of health and healthcare, go to www.nhs.uk or call 0845 46 47.

It allows you to check your symptoms, check hundreds of conditions and treatments and find telephone numbers and addresses for most NHS organisations, including hospitals and GPs.



Pharmacy

Visit your pharmacy when you are suffering from a common winter health problem that does not require being seen by a nurse or doctor. Your pharmacist can provide advice on common winter illnesses and the best medicines to treat them.



Local GP

IF you have an illness or injury that just will not go away, make an appointment with your local GP. GPs provide a range of services by appointment, including medical advice, examinations and prescriptions. When absolutely essential, GPs can also provide home visits out-of-hours.



Oldham Urgent Care Centre

Oldham’s Urgent Care Centre treats minor illnesses and injuries that do not need a visit to A&E. It is open 24 hours a day, all year.

It is in the Oldham Integrated Care Centre on New Radcliffe Street, in Oldham town centre, opposite the bus station. You do not need an appointment and will be seen by an experienced health practitioner.



Accident and Emergency

Accident and Emergency departments should only be used in a critical or life-threatening situation. A&E departments provide immediate emergency care for people who show the symptoms of serious illness or badly injured. If you dial 999 and explain you have a medical emergency, a response vehicle will be sent to you.