Lighthouse Group Practice

           BANK HOLIDAY MONDAY 27TH & TUESDAY 28TH DECEMBER.

PLEASE USE ST MARY'S WALK IN CENTRE OR CALL 111 FOR ASSISTANCE.

All our health services are under enormous pressure and we are working extremely hard. We are open and here if needed. Please work with us to help us ensure you get the right help or care, in the right place and at the right time by the appropriate health professional for your needs.

You do not need to shout at us, swear at us, call us names or make derogatory remarks about our services and Staff. We are here to help and help we will.

Please treat those who are trying to help you with respect and kindness

Self-care is about keeping fit and healthy, understanding when you can look after yourself, when a pharmacist can help, and when to get advice from your GP practice or another healthcare professional. If you have a long-term condition, self-care is about understanding that condition and how to live with it.  Top tips for self-care:-

• Have a well-stocked medicine cabinet

  Have things in the house that can be used to treat most minor ailments. This should include:

• Paracetamol and aspirin, and equivalent syrups (such as Calpol) for children

• Cold and cough medicines, and lozenges for sore throats

• Mild laxatives to relieve constipation

• Rehydration mixtures for diarrhoea or vomiting

• Indigestion remedy

• Thermometer to check for fever

• Range of plasters, bandages and dressings

• Antiseptic wipes to clean cuts before they're dressed

• Travel sickness tablets

Choose the right NHS service

To make sure you get the most appropriate service for your needs, it's important to know what local NHS services are on offer and when you should use each service. Use our guide 'Which health service should you use' to help

Most minor ailments can be treated with medicine at home. We're sharing our top tips for self-care this winter, so you know what you can do at home and when you might need to contact us or other healthcare professionals for support. Read more at  https://www.portsmouthccg.nhs.uk/your-health/#self-care

Supporting people to self-care and self-manage their health and wellbeing is about putting people in control. It helps to build confidence for those living with long-term health conditions, encourages people to stay well and healthy, and provides support for those dealing with short-term illnesses and ailments.

• Keep warm 

• Eat a balanced diet - Discover top tips for healthy eating on the NHS website.

• Be active - Energise Me in Hampshire aims to create happier, healthier and stronger communities through sport and activity. Find activities on their website as well as tips for getting active at work and home.

• Enjoy a healthier lifestyle - It's never too late to switch to a healthier lifestyle 

  Smoking facts, advice and support

  Alcohol facts, advice and support

             NHS Live Well 

• Get outside daily - If you can't get outside, consider taking vitamin D supplements, especially during the winter months.

• Get your vaccinations - it's important to boost your immunity 

• Look out for each other

Self-care is about keeping fit and healthy, understanding when you can look after yourself, when a pharmacist can help, and when to get advice from your GP practice or another healthcare professional. If you have a long-term condition, self-care is about understanding that condition and how to live with it.

For Self Care Week, we're sharing our top tips for self-care, so you know what you can do at home and when you might need to seek further support.

1. Back Pain

2. Eczema

3. Heartburn and indigestion

4. Fever in children

5. Constipation

6. Headache and migraine

7. Cough

8. Acne

9. Sprains and strains

10. Sore throat

11. Middle ear infection (otitis media)

12. Common cold in adults

13. Sinusitis

14. Urine symptoms in men

15. Venous disease – Looking after your legs

16. COVID19 Series – Boosting your mood

17. COVID19 Series – Getting help from your pharmacist

18. Urinary Incontinence (Leakage) In Adults *New to 2021*

Further information about incontinence is available at the HARTMANN Advice Centre.   

19. COVID19 Series – Long COVID/ Post COVID Syndrome *New to 2021*

20. The POWER of Self Care  – Wellbeing *New to 2021*

Living with a long-term health condition brings challenges and it's important to have the confidence, support and information to manage your own health. Self-care can help you make the most of living with your condition, rather than avoiding or missing out on things because of it. Self-care puts you in control.

Research shows that people with long-term conditions who take control of their health feel more able to cope with their health problem, have better pain management, fewer flare ups and more energy.

NHS Choices has created some practical tips on living with a long-term condition that you can see in their self-care toolkit. We’ve also listed some top tips below:

• Accept you have a long-term health condition               

• Take your medication as prescribed – if you have any problems with your medication ask your pharmacist

• Build a support team around you so you have people to talk to if needed

• Pace your daily activities - there's no pressure to rush anything

• Set goals and action plans so you have something to work towards

• Learn to prioritise and plan your days

• Keep a diary and track your progress

• Be patient with yourself and have a plan for setbacks

• Exercise

• Learn relaxation skills

• Keep going - you're doing brilliantly

  https://www.patients-association.org.uk/long-term-conditions    https://patient.info/treatment-medication/living-with-a-long-term-condition  

  https://www.nice.org.uk/guidance/conditions-and-diseases/multiple-long-term-conditions