News / NHS issues advice for looking after yourself over the holidays
People are advised to learn GP surgery opening times
NHS Shetland is encouraging people to care for themselves and their families over the festive season holidays.
Familiarising themselves with surgery and pharmacy opening times during the holiday period will be one of the most important things people can do to prepare, according to interim medical director Brian Chittick.
These times will be published widely prior to the holidays and on the NHS website at: https://www.shb.scot.nhs.uk/index.asp.
Chittick said: “Remember opening times for community services such as GP surgeries and pharmacies will change over the holidays”.
“The festive break can be a busy time for all services in NHS Shetland so it’s important that we all do what we can to look after ourselves and our families.”
The NHS also gives the following advice:
- Don’t run out of repeat prescriptions – order what you need (and only what you need) in good time
- Have cold and flu remedies in the house
- Know when the pharmacy is open – a pharmacy can help with a range of minor ailments including coughs and colds, sore throats, indigestion and some urinary tract infections
NHS Shetland also says that people should think about how to look after themselves, especially in light of seasonal overindulgence, which can have a damaging effect on both physical and mental health.
It is also important to get enough sleep and get enough sleep and exercise and go into the fresh air if you can.
For many people it is a difficult time of year, and the advice is to have people round you when it matters most. When low mood or depression becomes an issue organisations such as Breathing Space or the Samaritans can help.
The NHS also says that if you are unsure who to turn to, look at its self help guide – https://www.shb.scot.nhs.uk/hospital/kwttt.asp. You can also find valuable health information on the NHS Inform website at: https://www.nhsinform.scot/.
If your health centre and pharmacy are closed, and you are too ill to wait, call NHS 24 on 111.
For emergency care (for example suspected heart attack or stroke, breathing difficulties, severe bleeding or a mental health crisis call 999 or attend A&E).
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