Winter health campaign launched by NHS Scotland
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People in the north-east are being encouraged to include health as part of their festive preparations so that seasonal illnesses can be managed well at home.
It is hoped that by following the tips and advice in the "Healthy Know How" campaign the public will enjoy the festivities without having to seek health advice unless it is urgent or an emergency.
Humza Yousaf, the Cabinet Secretary for Health and Social Care, launched the winter campaign.
Meeting staff at NHS 24, Mr Yousaf said healthy know how can help people stay well this winter.
He said: “Nobody wants to be unwell, especially over the festive holidays, and these few simple steps can help everyone manage common illnesses and avoid the need to interrupt the festivities with a trip to the pharmacy or GP.
“This is going to be the most challenging winter for our health service, and a lot of the ailments for which people access out-of-hours care can be easily managed at home.
"NHS 24’s 111 service is always busy over the holiday period, but roughly a third of calls to 111 result in safe, self-care advice at home.
"If this campaign can encourage people to care for common seasonal conditions at home, that will leave our frontline services free to help those with more serious conditions.
“By taking a few simple steps we can all do our bit to help support our health services this winter.”
Healthy know how tips to keep well this winter include:
- Know how to stay on top of prescriptions. Order only what is needed and in plenty of time before the festive holidays.
- Know how to be prepared for common illnesses and ensure that medicines are to hand, at home.
- Know how to check symptoms if you do become unwell. NHS inform’s symptom checkers can give you all the health advice you need online and help you to get the right care, in the right place.
Visit www.nhsinform.scot/winter for details on the Healthy Know How campaign and the full range of winter health advice.
