SELF
HELP
Alcohol
Alcohol can be beneficial to
health in moderate amounts, but dangerous if taken in excess. The recommended limits are 14 units per week
for women, and 21 units per week for men.
A unit is one measure of spirits, a glass of wine, a half pint of beer
or a small sherry. Try to spread your
units throughout the week, not drinking all your units in one go. Have some days with no alcohol.
___________________________________________________________
Back
Pain
Back
pain is an extremely common but distressing complaint. It is advisable to
consult your Doctor or Nurse Practitioner, if the pain lasts for more than a
few days. Often the problem will have been caused by not using the back
correctly, for example when lifting heavy objects. Try to keep moving gently to
prevent stiffening up. Avoid anything that makes the pain worse, for example
lifting, or standing or sitting in one position for long periods. An
anti-inflammatory medication such as Ibuprofen may help relieve the pain, but
only use this if you do not have a history of stomach problems. It must also be
used with caution in those who suffer from asthma. Paracetamol may also be
helpful.
___________________________________________________________
Chickenpox
There
is no need to see a doctor, unless you are very unwell. You can take
Paracetamol to help settle the fever, and have plenty to drink. Calamine lotion
or an antihistamine may help to relieve the itching. It also helps to wear
loose clothing. Once all the spots are dry, you are no longer contagious. Avoid
contact with pregnant women, and those with a suppressed immune system.
Children should be kept away from nursery or school for 5-7 days.
___________________________________________________________
Cold
and Flu like symptoms
Colds
and flu are caused by viruses, which are not helped by taking antibiotics. You
should take Paracetamol, to help settle any fever and relieve aches and pains.
Breathing steam can help to clear blocked passages and soothe coughs. If the symptoms are not settling as you would
normally expect, or if you develop new symptoms after improving then see your
Doctor or Nurse Practitioner.
___________________________________________________________
Diarrhoea
and Sickness
It
may help to avoid food and milky drinks for 24 hours. Take frequent sips of
water. You can buy rehydration sachets from the chemist if necessary.
Paracetamol will help to keep the temperature down, and relieve stomach cramps.
If you are not improving within 48 hours or you are concerned, then contact the
surgery.
___________________________________________________________
Fever
It
is important to control fever in young children. Reduce or remove clothing.
Give small amounts of water often. Give Paracetamol syrup. If a temperature
remains high, consult your doctor or nurse practitioner.
____________________________________________________________
Insect
bites and stings
Antihistamine
tablets are available from the chemist without prescription. They will usually
relieve most symptoms more effectively than creams.
___________________________________________________________
Minor
Cuts and Grazes
Wash
the wound thoroughly with water. If necessary, apply a clean handkerchief or
dressing firmly to the wound to stop bleeding. Cover with a clean dry dressing.
___________________________________________________________
Mumps
Painful
swelling of the gland in front of one or both ears occurs. You should see your
Doctor or Nurse Practitioner, as swabs will need to be taken to confirm the
diagnosis. This is necessary, as we are required to notify the Public Health
Department. The
___________________________________________________________
Nose
Bleeds
Sit
in a chair leaning forward with your mouth open. Pinch the soft part of your
nose just below the bone for 10 minutes, by which time the bleeding should have
stopped. If symptoms persist, please consult the A+E department.
___________________________________________________________
Smoking
Most
people now appreciate how dangerous smoking is to our health. Giving up
requires motivation. If you feel unable to do this by yourself, your Doctor or
Nurse can help. We recommend contacting the NHS smoking cessation service on
01525 636927
___________________________________________________________
Sunburn
Treat
with cold water as with other burns. Wearing loose clothing and applying
soothing creams can help. If severe, especially with blistering consult your
Nurse or Nurse Practitioner.
ญญญญญญญญญญญญ____________________________________________________________
Verrucas
A
virus causes verrucas and they will eventually go away of their own accord.
This can take a long time, so some people prefer to try and treat them. You
will need to be very persistent if you take this course of action. You can buy
gels and creams from the chemist. If you prefer a more natural approach, people
have had success with taping a small piece of banana skin [white side to the
skin] overnight. You would need to do this for about 3 months.
____________________________________________________________
NHS Direct may be able to offer you advice and save you a trip to the surgery. The number is 0845 4647.