Tips for a Healthy Festive Period

As the festive season approaches, it is important to remember to take care of your health and well-being. The NHS in Leeds is here to support you with a range of services available over the Christmas and New Year period. Here are some essential tips and information to help you stay well and enjoy the holidays.

NHS Services in Leeds

• GP Practices: GP appointments are available throughout the festive period, though you may be offered an appointment at a different surgery nearby instead of your own practice. To book an appointment, contact your GP surgery or use NHS 111 online or by telephone for out-of-hours services.
• Pharmacies: Local pharmacies will be open, although some may have adjusted hours. Pharmacists can provide professional advice for minor illnesses and help you manage your medications. Go to www.healthandcareleeds.org/health/bank-holiday for details of community pharmacies open across Leeds over the Christmas 2024 & New Year’s Day 2025 Bank Holidays.
• Urgent Treatment Centres: For non-life-threatening conditions, consider visiting an urgent treatment centre instead of A&E to avoid long waits. NHS 111 can guide you to the appropriate service.
• Mental Health Support: By dialling NHS 111 and selecting option 2, you will be connected to a team of fully trained and qualified mental health professionals. They can help you access key services and organisations that can offer mental health support. In a mental health emergency, call 999.
• The Together We Can website (togetherwe-can.com): Tips for keeping well this winter, information on choosing the right health service for your needs, and other useful information on how to stay healthy.

Self-Care Essentials for Your Medicine Cabinet

To manage minor illnesses and injuries at home, make sure your medicine cabinet is well-stocked with the following items:

• Paracetamol and Ibuprofen: for pain relief and to reduce fever.
• Cold and Flu Remedies: to alleviate symptoms of colds and flu.
• Antiseptic Cream: for minor cuts and grazes.
• Plasters and Bandages: for minor injuries.
• Thermometer: to monitor fevers.
• Rehydration Salts: to prevent dehydration from illnesses like stomach bugs.
• Cough Syrup: to soothe a sore throat and reduce coughing.
• Alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
• Antihistamine tablets/medicine.
• Plasters in a variety of sizes and shapes, sterile gauze dressings, and bandages.
• Tweezers: for removing splinters and foreign objects embedded in the skin.
• Alcohol-free cleansing wipes: for cleaning minor wounds.

Dr. Sarah Forbes, a GP at Oakwood Lane Medical Practice in Seacroft, Leeds, said:

“In the last few shopping days before Christmas, please consider adding some self-care essentials to your last-minute shopping list to help tend to minor illnesses or injuries at home.

“For anything more serious, the NHS is still here for you. Use NHS 111 online, using the NHS app, or by telephone if you need medical help immediately. They can refer you to the service you need, be it pharmacy, GP, or an Urgent Treatment Centre. Accident and emergency centres are for serious injuries and life-threatening emergencies. These are things like heavy bleeding, choking, and seizures.

“And, if you can, please look out for those close to you who may be particularly vulnerable at this time of year. Stopping for a chat or offering to get some bits and bobs from the shop for a relative or neighbour who may be feeling lonely or needs some help could make all the difference to someone.”

By following these tips and making use of the available NHS services, you can ensure a healthier and happier festive season. Remember, taking care of yourself is the best gift you can give to yourself and your loved ones.

This post is based on a press release issued by the NHS in Leeds