Careful now!

DIY stands for Don’t Injure Yourself this Easter!

AS MANY people in Scotland prepare to make the most of the Easter holidays and the onset of spring by reaching for the tools or lawnmower, a major health campaign is urging DIY and gardening enthusiasts to be prepared.

As part of the NHS Scotland Be Ready for Easter campaign, DIY and gardening enthusiasts are being urged to take care and be prepared to deal with any minor accidents before tackling those all-important home and garden improvements.

By taking a few simple steps and knowing when their GP surgery is open, re-stocking their medicine cabinet and first aid box if needed, and using local pharmacies to seek advice and to treat any minor cuts, bumps, bruises and scrapes, any enthusiastic painters, builders and gardeners can help ensure they stay healthy this spring.

Sheena Wright, Executive Director of Nursing and Care at NHS 24, said: “Every Easter we see an increase in calls resulting from DIY accidents and we would encourage Scots to be prepared before they open the toolbox or garden shed.

“We are encouraging DIY enthusiasts to keep treatments for minor injuries, such as plasters and antiseptic, in the first aid box, visit their pharmacist for health advice and know when they can get an appointment at their GP surgery.”

“With many GP surgeries closed for four days over the Easter weekend, these are a few simple steps people can take to stay healthy.”

Although many GP surgeries will be closed at Easter, many GPs will be working throughout this period supporting out of hours services across Scotland.

The key steps that Be Ready for Easter recommends this spring are:

Restock your medicine cabinet if needed

Minor injuries such as small-scale burns, scratches, knocks and cuts can often be effectively treated at home with readily available treatment such as pain relief, plasters, iodine, antiseptic cream and wipes, gauze and tape. Parents are also reminded to restock their medicine cabinet with child-friendly remedies.

Use your local pharmacy

Your pharmacist can offer advice or help if you need over-the-counter remedies or have run out of any prescribed medication.

Know when your GP surgery will be open

Your local doctor’s surgery may be closed for four days during the Easter weekend from Friday April 18 to Monday April 21.

General advice and information on how to stay healthy this Easter can be found at www.nhsinform.co.uk or contact NHS inform on 0800 22 44 88.