It’s Self Care Week 2019 (18 – 24 November) and North Cumbria Health and Care wants to remind you of the health expert on the High Street – the community pharmacist.
Pharmacists are highly trained health professionals who give advice and recommend treatments for self treatable conditions such as coughs, colds, sprains and strains.
Professor John Howarth, GP and deputy chief executive of North Cumbria Integrated Care NHS Foundation Trust said:
“People go to the doctor with common ailments because they are unsure how long symptoms last and need reassurance that it isn’t anything more serious. Instead of waiting for an appointment at your surgery, consider going to your local pharmacist first.
“Pharmacists will help you choose the right treatment for your ailment and can explain the normal duration of symptoms. They can also offer you help to stop smoking, manage your weight, and can often provide flu jabs and blood pressure checks. Many pharmacies also have private consulting rooms.
“If you have a cold or flu virus it is worth remembering that antibiotics won’t help. In fact, taking them can reduce their effectiveness when they’re needed for ailments they can help with.”
If you have a long term condition and are worried how common ailments may be affecting you, or if you want advice on managing your medicines, visit your pharmacist first.
Save yourself the time and bother of booking a GP appointment or visiting A&E. Think the pharmacist. Think self care for life.
Self Care Week is 18 – 24 November, take a look at our useful winter health advice page: https://www.ncic.nhs.uk/locations/choosing-right-place-go-it-emergency