Skip to main content
Language Translation
Language Translation requires Additional Cookies enabled

Choose Self Care for Life: Choose the Pharmacist for expert health advice

Self care week 2018 infographicIt’s Self Care Week 2018 (12 – 18 November) and NHS leaders in Coventry and Warwickshire wants to remind you of the health expert on the High Street – the community pharmacist.

Pharmacists are highly trained health professionals who give advice and recommend treatments for self-treatable conditions such as coughs, colds, sprains and strains. You don’t need to book an appointment and can save you time and help take the pressure off the NHS.

Dr Richard Lambert, Warwickshire GP said: “People go to the doctor with common ailments because they are unsure how long symptoms last and need reassurance that it isn’t anything more serious.  Instead of waiting for an appointment at your surgery, consider going to your local pharmacist first.

“Pharmacists will help you choose the right treatment for your ailment and can explain the normal duration of symptoms. They can also offer you help to stop smoking, manage your weight, and can often provide flu jabs and blood pressure checks. Many pharmacies also have private consulting rooms.

“If you have a cold or flu virus it is worth remembering that antibiotics won’t help. In fact, taking them can reduce their effectiveness when they’re needed for ailments they can help with.’’

If you have a long term condition and are worried how common ailments may be affecting you, or if you want advice on managing your medicines, visit your pharmacist first.

Save yourself the time and bother of booking a GP appointment or visiting A&E. Think about using information on NHS Choices, calling NHS 111 or visiting your pharmacy for health advice. Choose to feel confident about managing your health and take a trip to your local pharmacist. Choose self-care for life.

A&E is for serious, life-threatening conditions such as severe bleeding, heart attacks, badly broken bones whilst urgent care and walk-in centres can help you with non-serious injuries such as cuts, sprains, broken bones, scalds and minor eye injuries.

For more information on self-care visit: https://www.southwarwickshireccg.nhs.uk/Your-Health/Stay-Well/Self-Care

 

 


< back