News release
031
17 December 2007 – immediate release
sfjsl
Dear Santa, for Christmas I’d like…
a healthy time for all local people
Being ill is never fun, especially when everyone else is having a good time. It makes sense to be well
prepared just in case – there’s nothing worse than feeling poorly, or seeing a family member suffer
when they should be enjoying themselves.
Leicestershire County and Rutland Primary Care Trust, the local NHS organisation responsible for
improving the health and wellbeing of people living in the area, has provided a checklist to help
preparations for the festive season.
1.
Order your repeat PRESCRIPTIONS in plenty of time before Christmas
2.
Keep a basic medicines chest and first aid box for SELF CARE, use your
local PHARMACIST for and call NHS DIRECT 0845 46 47* available 24 hours a day for health
advice
3.
Know WHAT TO DO AND WHERE TO GO for your local NHS such as Walk-in centres and
GP Out of Hours services. Remember Ambulance and A&E services are for EMERGENCIES
only.
4.
Think SAFETY AT HOME when putting decorations up, not leaving candles unattended,
avoiding trip hazards. Food safety is particularly important with the need to defrost meats
properly and store food safely.
5.
Supermarkets are packed to the rafters with chocolates, puddings and cakes so when
stocking-up with groceries remember to EAT HEALTHILY and buy fresh fruit and vegetables
as well as all the Christmas treats.
6.
With great TV and films over the Christmas period, we often become addicted to our armchairs
so don’t forget to KEEP ACTIVE by planning a walk or playing football with the kids each day!
7.
New toothbrushes make great value stocking fillers and help remind that good ORAL HEALTH
is really important.
8.
Think SAFER SEX if you’re planning on more than kissing under the mistletoe!
9.
MODERATION when drinking helps to get the Christmas spirit just right
10.
INDIGESTION from overindulging on food spoils many Christmas days’
11.
KEEP WARM, KEEP WELL over winter and be a good neighbour by
checking on the welfare of older people living near you.
12.
Start 2008 with a resolution to QUIT SMOKING call the local NHS support
Service on 0845 045 2828
Notes to editors
REPEAT PRESCRIPTIONS….
Running out of regular medicines was one of the most common calls made to local NHS
services last Christmas so plan now as GP practices will be closed for several days over
the Christmas and New Year holidays.
KEEP A BASIC MEDICINES CHEST AND FIRST AID BOX…
Some key things to keep in your kit include paracetamol (syrups for children),
rehydration mixture (for vomiting and diarrhoea), indigestion remedies, tweezers,
scissors, plasters and bandages. A fuller list is given below. Your pharmacist will also be
able to advise you on these matters.
Your essential medicine chest should include:
• Paracetamol and aspirin tablets (aspirin is not for under 16’s or people
with asthma)
• Paracetamol (such as Calpol) or ibuprofen syrups for children
• Mild laxatives to relieve constipation
• Rehydration mixtures if feeling dehydrated after a bout of sickness or
diarrhoea
• Indigestion remedies
• Travel sickness tablets for family trips
• Tweezers and sharp scissors to remove splinters and cut bandages
• A thermometer to check for fever
A range of bandages, plasters, non-absorbent cotton wool, elastic bandages and
dressings for minor cuts, sprains and bruises
KNOW WHERE TO GO FOR HELP…..
Many pharmacies often offer bank holiday services – look up numbers in your local
telephone directory, or call NHS Direct (0845 46 47) for your nearest one. Pharmacists
are qualified experts in the use of medicines and are happy to give advice on common
symptoms, medicines and healthy living
Note the website address and telephone number for NHS Direct. Available 24-hours a
day, seven days a week, this service provides advice on what to do if you’re feeling ill
and you’re not sure what to do, as well as giving you details of local services from late
night pharmacists to emergency dentists. Visit www.nhsdirect.nhs.uk or call 0845 46 47.
NHS Direct is also available as an interactive TV channel via digital satellite TV
There is a NHS Walk-in-Centre on Pinfoldgate, Loughborough, and a number of Minor
Injury Units locally (see list below).
These are staffed by qualified nurses. They can treat cuts and grazes, minor fractures
and worsening existing conditions like asthma, diabetes and breathing problems. They
can also provide treatment for conjunctivitis, ear infection, throat infection, high
temperature, bumps and foreign bodies.
Minor injury services
 Feilding Palmer Hospital, Lutterworth. Open from 8am until 9pm each day.

Melton Mowbray Hospital. Open evenings 6.30pm to 8.30am and weekends and
bank holidays. In Melton, minor injury services are provided at Latham House
Medical Practice on Sage Cross Street 8.30am-5.30pm weekdays)

Rutland Memorial Hospital, Oakham. Open 24 hours a day.

Market Harborough District Hospital. Open 8am to 11pm (11pm-8am at St Luke’s
Hospital)
Care out of hours
Need medical help when your GP surgery is closed? For URGENT medical need that
cannot wait until your GP surgery opens, contact the GP Out of Hours service on 0845
045 0411. The service is open between 6.30pm and 8.00am Monday to Friday, and all
day Saturdays, Sundays and Bank Holidays.
Remember that Ambulance and A&E services are for EMERGENCIES. Call 999 only in
emergencies such as loss of consciousness, severe chest pain, serious accident or loss
of blood. A&E departments are for serious injuries, loss of blood and severe illness.
HOME SAFETY…
There are often more hazards in homes at Christmas with decorations and lights as well
as potential trip hazards with presents and wrapping debris. Fire safety needs extra
vigilance with candles and it’s a good time of year to remember the importance of
changing home smoke alarm batteries in order that they’re effective.
Food safety needs careful attention. Simple steps will help avoid upset stomachs or
worse; keep dairy foods chilled, try not to overload your fridge as this affects the
temperature that food is stored at, check use-by dates, defrost and cook food thoroughly
by following instructions and always wash hands thoroughly before preparing food.
HEALTHY EATING…
Even the saying starts “EAT, drink and be merry!” It’s important to plan ahead by
making sure you have some tasty but healthy nibbles rather than just more chocolate or
stollen. Why not try raw vegetables with tasty dips like houmos or salsa. Avoid pastries
and fatty foods such as pork pie or sausage rolls and choose solid pieces of chicken or
turkey or try fish for a change. Desserts and sweets are everywhere and portion control
is a difficult discipline so remember it can be friendly or romantic to share a pud!
SAFE COOKING…
Make sure food is in date and is stored properly. Make sure hands and surfaces are
clean when cooking and cook food according to instructions. This will help to avoid cross
contamination and reduce the risk of bugs like salmonella.
KEEP ACTIVE…
With good TV and dark evenings there’s always the temptation to stay firmly rooted to
the sofa nights. Hibernating is for squirrels though so think about going out for a walk to
enjoy a crisp frosty morning and the fresh country air – all for free!
Many young people will receive games consoles for Christmas and be intent on
practising their joystick skills for hours on end to beat their best score. It's now
recommended that children get at least 60 minutes of physical activity a day.
There are lots of different ways for children to exercise. Simply walking or cycling is a
good way to start. Team sports can also be great fun and families can get active
together through activities like swimming or dance.
If you’re ill, exercise isn’t always a good idea but it’s equally important not to become
immobile too. Help the Aged recommend “gentle pottering in your own home” until you
are fully recovered and they emphasise that “The important thing is to do what you can any exercise is better than none at all. Aim to be more active, more often”.
ORAL HEALTH…
You should replace your toothbrush at least every three months to get the best results
from brushing. Toothbrushes just simply wear out and worn or broken bristles are a
breeding ground for germs, fungus and bacteria. Children’s brushes need special
attention and monitoring as they deteriorate even faster because children often brush
with uneven strokes and can sometimes damage bristles with chewing and biting.
SAFER SEX….
People are also urged to look after their sexual health during the party season when
traditionally they are more likely to take risks, especially where alcohol is involved. If you
plan to do more than kiss under the mistletoe, carry a condom and practice safe sex.
Sexual health advice and contraception clinics will be available over the holiday period
so remember to act promptly and call NHS Direct on 0845 46 47 for details of local
services.
MODERATE DRINKING…
The Government has set a daily benchmark as a guide for how much you can drink
without putting your health at risk. This is measured in units. For women this is 2 to 3
units and for men it is 3 to 4 units per day. There are 2 units in a standard strength pint
of beer, a 25ml measure of a spirit is 1 unit and a 125ml glass of wine at 12%abv is 1.5
units. If you exceed the daily benchmark, it is advised to refrain from drinking alcohol
again for 48 hours to allow your body to recover.
In spite of people’s best intentions they often end up drinking more than they
should. Follow these tips for a merry Christmas:




Pace yourself with water or a soft drink between each alcoholic drink
Eat before you start drinking or enjoy snacks or a meal with your drink
If you’re going out in the car, decide beforehand who will be your
designated non-drinking driver
Plan a safe way home before you go out using public transport or a
licensed taxi company
ENJOY FOOD…..
Most of us overeat from time to time and we may feel bloated or excessively full as a
result. Most people have suffered from indigestion after a large meal at some time and
up to one in four adults suffer from heartburn each year. Over-the-counter medicines
such as antacids will help. If the symptoms persist you should consult your doctor.
KEEP WARM, KEEP WELL…
People are more likely to catch cold or flu in winter. The cold weather can also cause
other serious health problems – like heart attacks, stroke and pneumonia. This means
it’s essential to keep warm in winter. Important tips include:





Taking-up the offer of a free Flu jab through your GP practice
Eat at least one hot meal a day with hot drinks throughout the day and one before
bedtime
Wear several layers both indoors and outside to stay warm
If eligible, make sure you receive the Winter Fuel Payment of £200 for people aged
60-79 and £300 if you’re 80 and over. Call the help line on 0845 9 15 15 15.
The Government’s Warm Front Scheme gives grants worth up to £2,700 to make
homes warmer and more energy-efficient. You may qualify if you own your own
home or rent it from a private landlord and you receive disability benefit or an income
related benefit – like Disability Living Allowance. To apply call 0800 072 0151.
If you have an older person as a neighbour or a relative, please look out for them in the
winter months. If curtains aren’t opened during the day, or there are no lights on in the
evening, there may be something wrong. Try knocking on the door to see if there’s an
answer. If not, contact a relative or friend who you think may have a key. If you think
there are serious grounds for concern, contact the emergency services.
MAKE THAT RESOLUTION TO QUIT SMOKING IN 2008
The local NHS Stop Smoking Service has support clinics in your area to help those of
you who would like to quit smoking in the New Year.
With the TOTAL ban on smoking in enclosed public places in force since last July there
has never been a better time to quit.
The service is free and confidential and will provide you with the very best chance of
quitting smoking and staying a non-smoker. The service can also help you get your
Nicotine Replacement therapy (NRT), such as Nicotine patches, on prescription to cut
the cost of stopping smoking. Clients have said that the combination of coming to a clinic
and using NRT has made their quitting MUCH easier and more successful.
Issued by Lindsey Bond, Communications Manager, Leicestershire County and Rutland
Primary Care Trust, T: 0116 2957519, E: Lindsey.bond@lcrpct.nhs.uk