As the nation readies for the most prestigious jubilee in history your NHS is ready in more ways than you may realise should you need medical help.

Not only that, we are sharing top tips of how you can help yourself so that you don’t need to stand in queues or wait for an appointment.

If the weather cheers up – crossed fingers and toes – then many people will probably enjoy the tasty delights of a barbeque. Now they are hot so be careful! If you do give yourself a minor burn you should run cold water over the burn for about ten minutes. Don’t use ice or any creams. Cover the burn with cling film or a clean plastic bag. If the face or eyes are burnt, sit up as much as possible, rather than lying down – this helps to reduce swelling. For larger burns you should consider going to a minor injuries unit but for more on when to get professional medical support go to www.111.nhs.uk or call 111.

A lot of people are putting up bunting and this could lead to accidents and falls. Make sure that any ladders are secured and you are not on your own when doing things on ladders. If you do trip over the bunting, staple your finger, or do anything that leaves you with cuts and grazes, most are minor and can be easily treated at home. Stopping the bleeding, cleaning the wound thoroughly and covering it with a plaster or dressing is usually all that's needed. Minor wounds should start to heal within a few days. Make sure your medicine cabinet has painkillers, antiseptic wipes and plasters.

If you’re getting your dancing shoes on for a royal party, dancing the funky chicken may not be as easy as you remember! Sprains and strains are common injuries affecting the muscles and ligaments. Most can be treated at home. For the first couple of days, follow the 4 steps known as RICE therapy to help bring down swelling and support the injury:

  • Rest – stop any exercise or activities and try not to put any weight on the injury.
  • Ice – apply an ice pack (or a bag of frozen vegetables wrapped in a tea towel) to the injury for up to 20 minutes every 2 to 3 hours.
  • Compression – wrap a bandage around the injury to support it.
  • Elevate – keep it raised on a pillow as much as possible.

To help prevent swelling, try to avoid heat (such as hot baths and heat packs), alcohol and massages for the first couple of days. When you can move the injured area without pain stopping you, try to keep moving it so the joint or muscle does not become stiff. Paracetamol from the pharmacy will help with pain relief and ibuprofen will help reduce swelling, pharmacists can give you advice. If it doesn’t get better, gets worse or you are hot and shivery go to 111.nhs.uk or call 111 for advice.

Many people will be raising a toast to our incredible monarch over the weekend and many will be drinking alcohol. Please drink responsibly, know your limits and consider having soft drinks every other round. Hangovers are best treated using pain killers and time.

If you aren’t sure if you need professional medical help go to 111.nhs.uk or call 111.

Please be kind to your NHS whether at the pharmacy, GP, 111 or emergency teams. They will do everything they can to help you and often under considerable pressure.

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