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Treating Common Health Problems - Which Step?Step 1: Can I treat the problem myself?Keep a well stocked, locked medicine box at home and at work and you may be able to deal with many problems yourself:
Step 2: Ask your pharmacistPharmacists are medicine experts and are usually the quickest and easiest way to get on-the-spot advice and treatment about many common health problems, like tummy troubles, allergies, aches and pains and viruses (like coughs and colds) or for health checks like blood pressure testing. You do not need an appointment to get advice and you can speak to them in confidence. If you want to speak to your pharmacist privately, away from other customers, many will have a quiet area – ask the assistant or pharmacist. The pharmacist will also tell you if you need to see another health professional. Step 3: Do I need more advice and treatment?If you are still worried and need advice, you have several options. Call NHS Direct (0845 46 47) or log on to the website www.nhsdirect.nhs.uk or call your GP surgery for telephone advice or to make an appointment. If the surgery is closed, contact the out-of-hours service on 03000 24 24 24 where you will be able to speak to a doctor or nurse. Out-of-hours times are 6.30pm to 8.00am weekdays and all weekends and Bank Holidays. If you have acute chest pain lasting more than ten minutes or have suffered a stroke, ring 999 for an ambulance to take you to the A & E department of the nearest hosptial where urgent clot-busting treatment can be started. If you are at work, you may have an occupational health department that you can contact. The occupational health service can be an excellent source of information and advice. The type of services companies offer will vary but they are all there to help you to be healthy at work and may be able to deal with your health problems on the spot. |
