Get ready for Easter – Be prepared and stay healthy

We are all looking forward to the long Easter weekend, many of us are already preparing for family get togethers, socialising with friends and arranging parties at home.

nhsWhatever your plans you may need to be prepared for more unexpected events and ones which may prove less entertaining. Being prepared is essential, so to make sure local people enjoy their Easter Bank holiday to the full, the three NHS Leeds Clinical Commissioning Groups (NHS Leeds North CCG, NHS Leeds South and East CCG, and NHS Leeds West CGG) are reminding us to stock up and make sure there are enough medicines and supplies in our cabinets before the holiday period.

Make sure you stock up with basic medication for common ailments such as colds and minor pains which can easily be treated at home, your pharmacist will be able to help you if you do not know what to buy. Here are a few things you should try to have at home all the time:

  • Pain relief such as paracetamol and aspirin (aspirin should not be given to children under 16 or to people with asthma)
  • Paediatric paracetamol oral suspension or ibuprofen syrups for children
  • Mild laxatives to relieve constipation
  • Cold relief products
  • Rehydration mixtures for diarrhoea or vomiting to use if feeling dehydrated after a bout of sickness or diarrhoea
  • Indigestion remedy
  • Travel sickness tablets for family trips
  • Tweezers and sharp scissors to remove splinters and to cut bandages
  • A thermometer to check for fever
  • A range of bandages, plasters, non-absorbent cotton wool, elastic bandages and dressings for minor cuts, sprains and bruises.

Dr Jason Broch, Clinical Chair at NHS Leeds North CCG said:

“We want local people to have a healthy Easter break but if people do become ill they can visit www.leeds.nhs.uk/isitforme to help them get the right treatment, even if that’s self-care, so that emergency services are left for those people who really need them. If people use an alternative to A&E when they aren’t seriously ill, it could mean waiting less time to receive care and leave emergency services to help those with life-threatening and emergency conditions, such as heart attacks, strokes and serious injuries”.

NHS 111 logoIf you use repeat prescriptions, remember to visit your local pharmacy to make sure you have what you need to last over the bank holiday. If you run out of prescription medicines and you do not have a prescription with you, you might be able to get an emergency supply from a pharmacy. It’s a good idea to take along your medicine’s packaging with you, if you have kept it

If you have any health concerns your local pharmacist can also answer your questions and offer advice. They can also help you with minor illnesses before they become more serious, which could prevent you waiting to see your GP or needing a stay in hospital.

Robbie Turner from Community Pharmacy, West Yorkshire said “During the bank holiday period the best way to enjoy time off is by being well prepared. Having enough repeat medication and a well-stocked medicine cabinet can make all the difference if you become poorly unexpectedly. Small steps to get ready for the break means illness does not need to spoil your plans”

If you or someone you know is poorly and might require a doctor’s attention, it is wise to be aware in advance of the bank holiday of opening times for both your local pharmacy and your GP.