SELF HELP ADVICE

Monday 13th May 2024 is the start of Mental Health Awareness Week

and we have uploaded a guide to help with your mental health all year around.

 

Somerset Activity and Sports Partnership (SASP)

is dedicated to increasing the health and happiness of residents in Somerset through physical activity and sport.

SASP have developed a programme called Unbreakable Men, which is all about taking positive action around your Physical and Mental health.  It brings together a community of likeminded men, who want to get some progress with their mental fitness and feel at their best!

The Unbreakable Men app is now available from SASP, providing all the tools needed to improve men's physical and mental health in Somerset.

 

getUBetter App

Need help with your muscle or joint problems?

The getUBetter App is now available to all of our patients

It is a free, easy-to-use, tool helping you to self-manage and aid recovery from your muscle or joint condition. helping you self-manage at home, work, and on the move.  It can be accessed on a Smartphone or via the web. 

It covers a range of musculoskeletal (MSK) injuries and conditions including:

• Lower back pain
• Back and leg pain
• Neck Pain
• Shoulder Pain
• Ankle Pain
• Knee Pain
• Soft Tissue Lower Limb

getuBetter is for:

• anyone aged 18 years and over
• anyone who has been advised, or chooses, to self-manage
• anyone waiting for treatment

How do you download and use getUBetter?

To get started visit getUBetter

Select a condition, enter your email address and click send.

You will get:

• a personalised recovery plan
• step-by-step guidance
• exercises based on your condition
• advice to seek help, if needed
• referral to your local healthcare providers, treatments and services, if needed

Following the instruction on the app, get your recovery, and get better!

 

Treating Minor Alments at home

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 GP's to see patients with more serious health problems

Read about some of the most effective home treatments on the NHS website for:

1. Back pain
2. Dermatitis
3. Heartburn and indigestion
4. Nasal congestion (blocked nose)
5. Constipation
6. Migraines
7. Coughs
8. Acne
9. Sprains and strains
10. Headaches

Visit the NHS website

 

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-diarrhoea 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.