How to self manage common minor illnesses

Here is some advice on how to manage common minor illnesses:

• Earache
• Sinusitis
• Coughs
• Colds
• Flu
• Hay Fever
• Vaginal Thrush
• Constipation
• Diarrhoea/Vomiting
• Minor Burns/Scalds

Things you can do for yourself?

Here are some examples of things you and your family can do to self care:

• Self certify off sick for the first 7 days of illness
• Get emergency contraception from a pharmacist
• Learn some basic first aid – St John Ambulance
• Learn about common minor illness conditions
• Live a Healthier Lifestyle
• See the pharmacist for minor illnesses (If you are entitled to free NHS medicines you can still get minor illness medicines free from your pharmacist under the Minor Ailment Scheme)
• Have an up-to-date medicine cabinet/box for over the counter treatments at home, but out of reach of children. (See below for a recommended list)
• If you have a long term condition actively learn more about it and even join a group
• Make sure you take medicines prescribed to you
• Directly refer yourself or a family member to other health services

Home Medicine Cabinets

Make sure you keep your home medicines safe by:

• Keep medicines in a cool dark place away from windows and radiators. Do not keep medicines in the bathroom, even in a cabinet, as they can become hot, humid or damp.
• Always read the patient information leaflet or labels to ensure they are kept appropriately such as in fridge.
• Keep medicines out of reach of children even if medicine is in a child-resistant package. Ideally in a lockable cabinet and kept above 5 feet from the floor.
• Keep medicines in their original container therefore you know what the medicine is, how to take it, any special instructions such as take after food and the expiry date.
• Do not keep medicines that you have finished using. Take them to your pharmacy and they will dispose of them safely even if they have not reached their expiry date.

Useful Self-Care Links

• BACCG Self-Help for Teenagers and Young Adults
• Bracknell Forest Council Prevention and Self-Care
• Dementia Forum
• One You
• Patient.info
• Self care forum
• Skills for self care
• Self care journal
• Self care library
• Life signs
• NHS 24 Self help guide

Community First

Community First is a free opportunity for residents of East Berkshire to gain therapeutic benefits of gardening, meet new people and learn new skills.

The range of activities on offer varies greatly from pruning, planting and propagating, to working in the orchard or vineyard, to woodwork and craft. Wet day activities are also available.

This opportunity is most beneficial to those at risk of isolation, early retirees and persons with dementia.

Community First is based at Jealott’s Hill Community Landshare, Wellers Lane, Warfield, Bracknell, RG42 6BQ.

To find out more email jealottshillandshare@gmail.com

Visit www.jealottshillandshare.org.uk

Call 07970 356292

Like us on Facebook www.facebook.com/jealottshillcommunitylandshare