Self Care
Did you know that 10 of the most minor ailments seen by GPs can also be treated by you at home?
By treating yourself at home you could save a trip to the surgery and free up time for the GPs to see patients with more serious health problems.
Read about some of the most effective home treatments on the NHS website for:
- Back pain
- Dermatitis
- Heartburn and indigestion
- Nasal congestion (blocked nose)
- Constipation
- Migraines
- Coughs
- Acne
- Sprains and strains
- Headaches
The Menopause
The menopause and hormone replacement therapy are topics patients frequently ask about.
We have produces a resource for patients which covers these areas in more detail. Menopause resource for patients
Smears over 50
Unfortunately the number of women attending for their cervical screening(smear test) is falling.
Smear tests are a vital way we can save lives by identifying early those at risk of developing changes in the cells of their cervix(neck of the womb)
which can ultimately lead to cervical cancer.
One group of women where we see a significant decline in numbers coming for smear tested is the over 50’s.
Please take time to look at the following document if this applies to you.Smears over 50
Contraception
Need some help with contraception? Contraception and Sexual Health
If you would like information on having the Mirena Coil
Sayana Press is a contraceptive injection for women that can be given by a health professional or self administered.
This page tells you about:
- What Sayana Press is
- Self-injecting
About sayana press
Sayana Press is an injection, administered every 13 weeks, used to prevent pregnancy. It works by preventing an egg from being released by your ovaries (ovulation) and if used correctly is 99% effective. It can be administered by a health professional or by yourself- it is given by a small injection under the surface of the skin of your tummy or thigh.
More information is available here: Sayana-press-a-guide-to-self-injection
Self-injecting
If you’re interested in self administration, please speak to reception and they’ll put you in touch with one of our nurses.
We want you to feel supported in your choice and will never pressure you to do self-inject if you don’t feel confident. If we, together, feel that it’s the right choice for you, we’ll offer you an appointment to take you through the pros and cons, teach you the correct technique, observe your self-injection technique and give you the equipment you’ll need. You’ll go through a checklist with your nurse to make sure that all points are covered.
We’ll want to have contact with you at least yearly to ensure that this method of contraception remains right for you.
If you’re ready to consider this, please read our Patient information leaflet
Antibiotics
Each year 25% of the population visit their GP for a respiratory tract infection (eg sinus, throat or chest infection). These are usually caused by viruses.
For patients who are otherwise healthy, antibiotics are not necessary for viral infections.
These infections will normally clear up by looking after yourself at home with rest, plenty of fluids and paracetamol.
Ear infections typically last 4 days
89% of cases clear up on their own
A sore throat typically lasts 7 days
40% of cases clear up after 3 days and 90% after 7 days without antibiotics
Sinusitis typically lasts 17 days
80% clear up in 14 days without antibiotics
Cough/bronchitis typically lasts 21 days
Antibiotics reduce symptoms by only 1 day
Antibiotics only work for infections caused by bacteria.
Taking unnecessary antibiotics for viral infections should be avoided because they may not be effective next time you have a bacterial infection.
Patients with long-term conditions such as asthma, diabetes and COPD are eligible for flu and pneumococcal vaccinations. Ask at reception for more information.
Medicine cabinet
You can treat many minor ailments such as colds, coughs and indigestion by keeping a well-stocked medicine cabinet at home.
We suggest you keep the following:
- Paracetamol and aspirin (children under 16 and people with asthma should not take aspirin)
- Mild laxatives
- Anti-diarrhoeal medicines
- Rehydration mixture
- Indigestion remedy (for example, antacids)
- Travel sickness tablets
- Sunscreen – SPF15 or higher
- Sunburn treatment (for example, calamine)
- Tweezers and sharp scissors
- A thermometer
- A selection of plasters, non-absorbent cotton wool, elastic bandages and dressings
Remember:
- Keep the medicine chest in a secure, locked place out of reach of small children
- Always read the instructions and use the suggested dose
- Watch expiry dates – don’t keep or use medicines past their sell-by date
- Take all unwanted and out-of-date medicines back to the pharmacy
Other NHS services
As well as our practice, there are many other local NHS services you can contact for health advice, information or treatment.
You can ask your local pharmacist about lots of health issues, including when to visit your GP. And there’s no need for an appointment.
