4 minute read
Keeping healthy
Taking care of yourself
There are some simple steps you can take to look after yourself at home. This could range from managing a long-term condition, taking medication when needed or managing a cold to eating well and being active.
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There are lots of minor conditions you can treat at home using just your medicine cupboard and plenty of rest. These include coughs, colds, headaches, sore throat, minor cuts and grazes, bumps and bruises, indigestion and mild diarrhoea.
It’s a good idea to have a medicine cabinet where you can keep some basic medication. In doing so it might save you going out if you’re not feeling well, or if the weather is bad. The following medicines might be useful:
• painkillers
• anti-diarrhoeal tablets/oral rehydration salts
• plasters and bandages
• bite and sting relief spray or cream
• antiseptic cream
Most pharmacies have a private consultation area where patients can discuss issues with pharmacy staff without being overheard by other members of the public.
• indigestion treatment
• a thermometer
• cough medicine
• antihistamine medicine
• suncream
Always follow the directions on medicine packets and information leaflets, never exceed the stated dose and make sure the medicine is not out of date.
Your local pharmacy
Some of the things your pharmacy can help with includes aches, pains, stopping smoking, medicines advice, hay fever, coughs, colds, diarrhoea, allergies, skin conditions and flu jabs.
You can talk to your pharmacist in confidence and you don’t need to make an appointment. It is possible to walk into any community pharmacy and ask to speak with the pharmacist.
They may be able to spend some time with you or offer you an appointment for a consultation. All the discussions with your pharmacist can take place in person or by phone.
Most pharmacies have a private consultation area where patients can discuss issues with pharmacy staff without being overheard by other members of the public.
Your local GP
GPs, or General Practitioners, deal with a whole range of health problems. They also offer advice and run clinics, give vaccinations and some carry out simple surgical operations.
You would normally see a GP or other healthcare professionals at their surgery.
If you have an illness or injury that won’t go away make an appointment with your GP or telephone for advice. They provide a range of services by appointment and, when absolutely essential, can make home visits.
Some things GPs can help with are flu jabs, persistent ear pain, persistent back ache, persistent vomiting or diarrhoea, allergic reactions, long-term conditions, counselling and emotional problems.
Preventing falls
There are several measures you can take to help prevent a fall.
Simple, everyday measures around the home include:
• mopping up spills to avoid wet floors
• getting help lifting or moving items that are heavy or difficult to lift
• removing clutter, trailing wires and frayed carpet
• using non-slip mats and rugs
• using high-wattage light bulbs in lamps and torches so that you can see clearly
• organising your home so that climbing, stretching and bending are kept to a minimum and to avoid bumping into things
This can include help with personal care, preparing meals and improving mobility.
• getting help to do things that you are unable to do safely on your own
• not walking on slippery floors in socks or tights
• not wearing loose-fitting, trailing clothes that might trip you up
• wearing well-fitting shoes that are in good condition and support the ankle
• taking care of your feet by trimming toenails regularly, using moisturiser and seeing a GP or chiropodist about any foot problems
What should you do if you have a fall?
If you have a fall, it is important to keep calm. If you are not hurt and you feel strong enough to get up, get up slowly. Roll onto your hands and knees and look for a stable piece of furniture, such as a chair or bed. Hold on to the furniture with both hands to support yourself and when you feel ready, slowly get up.
Sit down and rest for a while. If you are hurt or unable to get up, try to get someone’s attention by calling out for help, banging on the wall or floor or using your aid call button (if you have one). If possible, crawl to a telephone and dial 999 for an ambulance.
Try to reach something warm to put over you, particularly your legs and feet, such as a blanket or a dressing gown. Stay as comfortable as possible and try to change your position at least once every half an hour or so.
Travel carefully in icy weather
Icy pavements and roads can be very slippery. Take extra care if you go out and wear boots or shoes with good grip on the soles. Put grit or cat litter on your paths and driveway to lessen the risk of slipping. You should wait until the roads have been gritted if you’re travelling by car. Bear in mind that black ice on pavements or roads might not be clearly visible, and that compacted snow may turn to ice and become slippery.
Reablement
Reablement is short-term support designed to help people over the age of 18 increase their independence at home which they may have lost as a consequence of poor health, disability, an accident or a stay in hospital.
This can include help with personal care, preparing meals and improving mobility.
An Occupational Therapist may visit soon after reablement starts to discuss how best he/she can support you. Together, you will agree goals to work towards with your support workers. At first, you may need a number of visits per day, but as you progress this may reduce. Your progress will be reviewed regularly.
A reablement programme is a short-term service that can last anywhere from 6 hours to 6 weeks, depending upon your need.
For further information, email: adultsocialcare@ peterborough.gcsx.gov.uk or call 01733 747474.
