Help Yourself – Help Us.
Self Help – Parents of Young Children
The North East and North Cumbria Child Health and Wellbeing Network has recently launched the Healthier Together Website. This website is about improving the health of babies, children and young people, and covers concerns about an unwell child, allergies and intolerances, oral health, child development, and how to keep your child healthy and safe.
Self Help – Common Ailments
Did you know that 10 of the most minor ailments seen by GPs can also be treated by you at home?
- Back pain
- Dermatitis
- Heartburn and indigestion
- Nasal congestion (blocked nose)
- Constipation
- Migraines
- Coughs
- Acne
- Sprains and strains
- Headaches
Self Help – Minor Ailments
Remember that you can treat many minor ailments such as colds, coughs and indigestion by keeping a well-stocked medicine cabinet at home.
We suggest that you keep the following:
- Paracetamol and aspirin (children under 16 and people with asthma should not take aspirin)
- Mild laxatives
- Anti-diarrhoeal 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- Take all unwanted and out-of-date medicines back to the pharmacy
Self Help – Visit The Correct Service
Patient Leaflets
Below we have a variety of less detailed self-help guides on a number of healthcare topics.
Antibiotics – Do You Need Them?
Childhood Coughs, Colds, Ear Infections and Sore Throats – When Should I Worry
Cholesterol – Lowering Your Intake
How To Collect A Stool/Poo Sample
Pregnancy – Common Discomforts
Respiratory Tract Infection (with pictures)
Upper Respiratory Tract Infections – Colds & Flu-like Illnesses
Urinary Tract Infections & Cystitis
Urinary Tract Infections for Males and Females Over 65
Urinary Tract Infections for Females Under 65
We also have a selection of health related web links which you may find useful:
Disclaimer:
Please note that whilst some of these sites are NHS endorsed, they are created and maintained by third parties. Coulby Medical Practice has no control over their content. Although some have been vetted and considered helpful, we cannot be held responsible for any information held within them.
Useful Telephone Numbers – Patient Support Groups
Fit As A Fiddle – Helping Older People Get Physically Active
Reading Well – helps you to understand and manage your health and wellbeing using helpful reading. The books are chosen by health experts and people living with the conditions covered. People can be recommended a title by a health professional, or they can visit their local library and take a book out for free. There are currently five Reading Well booklists for adults, young people and children.
The Silverline Helpline – also available on 0800 470 8090. This is a free confidential helpline, open 24 hours a day, seven days a week for people aged 55 and over in the UK. It offers information, friendship and advice, can link callers to local groups and services and protects and supports older people who are suffering abuse and neglect.
Prodigy NHS Information leaflets – access detailed information on almost every ailment! Search by name, or by clicking on the A-Z icon for a list.
Patient UK – an a-z of common problems
Infectious Diseases and Immunisations – “The Green Book” is produced by the Department of Health. It has advice on infectious diseases and immunisation policies.
Chilhood Immunisation schedule – Check details of the programme and make sure your child is up-to-date, and other useful information
Stop Smoking Advice – information and advice on stopping smoking.
British Heart Foundation – lots of useful advice and tips covering a variety of heart conditions, medication and cholesterol advice
MS Therapy Centre – Middlesbrough Multiple Sclerosis Therapy Centre
