Look after yourself, those around you and the NHS this winter
Health services are under considerable pressure as we head towards winter and the NHS is asking everyone to do their bit to ensure we can all stay as healthy as possible over the coming months.
Whether it’s looking after yourself and your family or looking out for friends or neighbours, by doing what you can to support health and wellbeing you will also be helping to keep the NHS healthy.
Greater public awareness about local health services and when it’s appropriate to use them can also make accessing the services quicker and easier for everyone.
NHS Frimley has developed a range of messages and images that will be used over the winter to support residents. The campaign has been created using feedback from local people, with real-life situations used to help explain what to do in different scenarios, to support people to make the right choices about their care and to ensure they get the right care in the right place and at the right time to suit their needs and aid their recovery.
Dr Lalitha Iyer, Chief Medical Officer for NHS Frimley, said: “Winter can be a tough time for us as individuals, for families and communities and also for health services.
“However, there are things we can all do that will increase our protection ahead of and during the winter. These easy steps will make us and those around us more prepared and stronger, both physically and mentally. , This will also protect our health services so that they’re available for us when we really need them.
“I would urge everyone across our communities to follow these simple measures. If everyone does this, it really will make a difference.”
Keeping your home medicine cabinet well-stocked and up-to-date ahead of needing it will enable you to treat minor illness and ailments at home, and washing your hands regularly and maintaining distance from others, especially when unwell, will help prevent the spread of viruses, protecting people, their families and others around them.
Familiarising yourself with local NHS services and when to use them can give you the confidence to make the right choice if you need help. For example, how much do you really know about services like pharmacy first? Community pharmacies are the NHS in our local area providing advice, guidance and, if required, treatment in a timely fashion and before things get worse.
Downloading the NHS App to use for repeat prescriptions, managing appointments, checking test results and getting advice for symptoms is a quick and convenient way to get the information you need.
Getting vaccinated and attending health checks when invited, as well as learning about how to manage and live with any health condition you may have, will put you in a stronger position when heading into the colder months.
The winter months can be challenging for people’s mental health. Being kind to yourself and others and keeping in touch with those around you is great for your mental wellbeing, as is staying active and getting outside when you can.
If you know someone who might need a little support, by looking out for them you can help to ensure they seek help early if they start to feel unwell, and this can prevent a situation from worsening.
For more information and to learn about local NHS services available for you visit fhac-archive.frimley.icb.nhs.uk and also follow their social media channels to stay up to date with trusted health and care information.