Dr Owl takes flight across Scotland!
People in Edinburgh and the Lothians are being encouraged to get Healthwise with the official return of wise Dr Owl! Continue reading Be healthwise this winter
Tag: NHS24
Remember, remember: make safety paramount at firework time
NHS 24 is reminding people to take care and understand how to treat minor burns ahead of this year’s Bonfire Night celebrations on 5 November.
Continue reading Remember, remember: make safety paramount at firework time
Health advice for students from NHS24
STUDENTS starting university and college this year are being advised to prepare ahead by Scotland’s national telehealth and telecare organisation, NHS24.
NHS 24 Medical Director Professor George Crooks is reminding students that there is a wealth of health advice and information available to them at the dedicated Freshers’ Health section at www.nhsinform.co.uk
He said: “Many students find themselves living away from home for the first time when they start university or college and I would urge them to plan ahead for their health.
“Freshers’ week is the ideal time for new students to register with a GP when getting to know their new area. A number of universities have a dedicated GP practice for their students and for those that do not, you can use NHS inform to search for local services.
“For those students who use regular repeat prescriptions, make sure you take enough with you to last until you register with a GP and it is also a good idea to have a first aid kit and supply of pain relief with you.
“Setting up home on your own for the first time is a daunting, yet exciting experience. By preparing ahead and thinking about your health, students can make sure they make the most of it.”
The Freshers’ Zone at NHS inform provides a wealth of advice and information on health issues relevant to young people as they embark on or continue their higher education years, including safety advice, what to pack and where to go for health care.
From August 1 this year, young people under the age of 25 who are starting university for the first time, and have not previously received it in school, will be offered the MenACWY vaccine to protect against meningitis W.
For more information on the immunisation programme, and the signs and symptoms of meningitis, visit http://www.immunisationscotland.org.uk/vaccines-and-diseases/menw.aspx
Back to skool advice from NHS24
AS children return to school after the summer holidays, NHS 24 is reminding parents of the wealth of health advice and information available to help their families stay fit and healthy throughout the year.
NHS 24 Medical Director Professor George Crooks said: “With children returning to school in the next week or two, what better time than for parents to think about their children’s health and preparing for the year ahead.
“NHS inform includes a section on common health questions associated with children’s health, with information on a wide variety of matters from diet and exercise to pain relief and blood types.
“There is also a section dedicated to answering those common questions you may have about vaccinations and you can also find out what to have in your first aid kit at home.
“It is a busy time of year for parents as they get ready for the new school year but I would advise them to take some time now to think about their children’s health. By taking simple steps, you can help prevent minor illnesses affecting your family.”
For further health advice and information go to www.nhsinform.co.uk
The popular health resource provides a wealth of advice and information on health issues relevant to young people as they embark on or continue their higher education years.
The Health A-Z is packed with information about common illness, treatments and health services, covering topics from acne to yellow fever. Users can also find out about local health services and information on how to register with a GP.
For more info visit
Holiday health advice from NHS24
WITH the start of the school summer break, people in Scotland are being urged to prepare ahead to ensure they have a safe and healthy holiday, whether at home or abroad.
Scotland’s national telehealth and telecare service, NHS 24, is advising people to visit www.nhsinform.co.uk to get helpful tips and advice on summer holiday health issues, from sunburn and stings to travel sickness and heat exhaustion.
The online health resource includes a section dedicated to a ‘Safe Summer in Scotland’ providing information on how to stay safe in the heat and sun, as well as travel tips and advice about the safe preparation of food.
NHS 24 Medical Director Professor George Crooks said: “It is always a good idea to be prepared whether on holiday at home or abroad and the wide range of information available at www.nhsinform.co.uk can help you do just that. Whether it is finding out what vaccinations to have before travelling, what to do when an upset tummy strikes or how to deal with insect bites, the information is readily available.
“If you take regular medication, make sure you have enough to last for your whole trip. Remember to order and pick up your repeat prescription in plenty of time before your departure to prevent any last minute delays or unnecessary panic.
“It is essential to always wear sunscreen when out in the sun, even in the UK. I would urge everyone to use a high factor sunscreen to protect themselves against the sun’s harmful rays. And if you are planning any picnics or barbecues in the coming weeks, it is important to keep food refrigerated until you leave home and use a cool box or bag to transport fresh food, particularly if you are taking meats or dairy products.
“For people planning to holiday in Europe, they should make sure they have a European Health Insurance Card. Information on where to apply is available at NHS inform.
“By taking these simple steps, you can help minimise or even prevent minor health problems from ruining your holiday.”
For more information, visit:
http://www.nhsinform.co.uk/health-in-focus/campaigns/safe-summer-in-scotland/
Follow us at @NHS24 and @NHSinform and on Facebook at www.facebook.com/nhs24
New service offers care information for all in Scotand
PEOPLE throughout Scotland who are looking for quality-assured information about care are being reminded to use the improved Care Information Scotland service.
Minister for Sport, Health Improvement and Mental Health Jamie Hepburn urged people to turn to the online and telephone resource for all their care information needs at Scottish Care’s National Care at Home and Housing Support Conference in Glasgow today.
He said: “Back in 2010, when Care Information Scotland was first launched, it was the first site of its kind in Scotland, offering a single point of contact for care information for older people.
“The service has now expanded to provide accessible, quality information to not just older people but to all carers, those being cared for and care support services across Scotland.
“This re-designed service provides a central point to help guide people through the maze of resources and to ensure they have access to comprehensive, accurate and up to date information, either for themselves, a relative or a friend. I would encourage everyone to visit this website to find out more.”
NHS 24 – which manages the service – has worked in partnership with the Scottish Government and a wide range of organisations including Age Scotland, the Carers Trust and Shared Care to ensure the re-designed website and telephone service meets the needs of carers and those being cared for.
NHS 24 Head of Health Information Services, Lynne Huckerby, said: “This fresh new service now offers features such as web chat, direct links to social care across local councils and the ability to share content and information.
“The service is designed to complement service provision in local areas and provides advice and signposting information a range of topics, allowing people to make informed decisions. This service will be a useful resource for those finding themselves in a caring role for the first time.”
Carers Trust Scotland has been one of many organisations involved in the expansion of the service.Florence Burke, Carers Trust Director for Scotland, said: “We were pleased to be involved in the development of Care Information Scotland, using our experience of supporting carers and carers’ services across the country.
“The website has a wealth of information for people who are starting out in a caring role, as well as being a good reference tool for people who have been caring for some time.
“For carers, having access to relevant information at a time that suits them can be valuable in helping them to navigate the demands of caring.”
The Care Information Scotland helpline is available on 0800 011 3200 between 8am and 10pm seven days a week.
The online service is available at www.careinfoscotland.scot and includes video content, webchat and BrowseAloud, a speech and reading support tool which can also translate material into different languages.
Hay fever advice from NHS 24
SCOTLAND’S national telehealth and telecare organisation NHS24 is offering some helpful tips and advice for managing the symptoms of hay fever and other allergies.
The onset of spring also heralds the start of Hay fever season for many people. To coincide with Allergy UK’s Awareness Week (20 – 26 April), NHS 24 is offering a few simple tips to help minimise the effects of the condition.
During the spring and summer months, NHS 24 receives an increase in calls from people experiencing the symptoms of hayfever – itchy eyes, runny nose, sinus pain and sneezing. Last year, the service received a total of 816 Hay fever-related calls between April and August.
Visits to the Hay fever section of the online health information website NHS inform increased by 50% between May and June 2014. In addition, the Hay fever self help guide at www.nhs24.com was visited more than 3,700 times in June last year.
NHS 24 Medical Director Professor George Crooks said: “Hay fever is an allergic reaction to pollen from trees and grass, and can cause irritations of the eyes, nose and throat. The most effective way to control hay fever is to avoid exposure to pollen but this is very difficult to do, particularly during the summer months when you want to spend more time outdoors.
“Avoiding cutting grass, walking in grassy areas, and camping may reduce your exposure to grass pollens. When you are outside, wear sunglasses to stop pollen getting in your eyes and change your clothes and take a shower when you come back inside.
“If you get hay fever symptoms even when taking care, there are a number of over-the-counter medicines available from your local pharmacy. I would also remind people that NHS inform provides a wide range of information on Hay fever and allergies in general.”
For more information on the symptoms and treatments for allergies, visit www.nhsinform.co.uk
The NHS 24 Self Help Guide at www.nhs24.com includes information for managing the symptoms of Hay fever at home.
Dr Owl's wise winter advice
Dr Owl will soon be making an appearance in Edinburgh offering his “wise” winter health tips as part of a major public health campaign.
With Christmas only a few weeks away, NHS Scotland’s Be Health-Wise this Winter campaign is visiting the capital next Thursday (4 December) to offer advice on some simple steps locals can take to help themselves and their families enjoy a healthy festive period.
Dr Owl is advising people to check they have cold and flu remedies in their medicine cabinet, make sure they have enough repeat prescription to last over the festive period, and to make sure they know when their GP surgeries are open over Christmas and New Year.
Staff from Scotland’s national telehealth service, NHS 24, will be on hand at the event to offer advice on how to stay well this winter and answer questions about winter health issues.
This year’s Be Health-Wise this Winter campaign is being supported by The Co-operative Pharmacy and winter health packs – containing an information leaflet, lip balm, hand sanitisers and plasters – will be available to visitors to the roadshow.
NHS 24’s Medical Director Professor George Crooks said: “The Be Health-Wise This Winter roadshow in Edinburgh offers the ideal opportunity for locals to take some time out from their Christmas shopping to get some important information about their health this winter.
“By preparing ahead, people can ensure they make the most of the festive period, by not allowing winter coughs and colds to spoil their holiday. Listen to the wise words of Dr Owl and make sure you have cough and cold remedies at home to deal with any winter ailments that may strike this winter.
“Your local pharmacist is also a good source of information and advice on what to have in your medicine cabinet. If you need to visit your GP, try to schedule an appointment before the festive period and make sure you submit your repeat prescription request in plenty of time and pick it up in plenty of time.”
Nisith Nathwani, Regional Development Manager for The Co-operative Pharmacy and General Council Member for Community Pharmacy Scotland, said: “We are very pleased to support NHS Scotland’s Be Ready for Winter campaign and our Co-operative Pharmacy branches up and down the country will be on hand to offer health advice and winter remedies to our local communities throughout the winter.
“Our pharmacists are trained to offer health and medication advice and should be the first port of call throughout the winter months.”
This year, GP surgeries throughout most of the country will be closed for four days at Christmas (25-28 December), before re-opening on Monday 29 December and again for four days at New Year (1-4 January), before re-opening again on Monday 5 January.
The national Be Health-Wise this Winter campaign is supported by NHSScotland in partnership with NHS 24, the Scottish Ambulance Service and all 14 Scottish Health Boards.
General advice and information on how to stay healthy this winter can be found at www.nhsinform.co.uk or contact NHS inform on 0800 22 44 88.
The Be Health-Wise This Winter roadshow will be at the Wester Hailes Healthy Living Centre on Thursday 4 December between 10am and 4pm.
Check you have cold and flu remedies
Many children and adults pick up common winter ailments such as a cold or flu-like illness. These can often be effectively treated at home with readily available medicine. Parents are reminded to restock their medicine cabinet with remedies suitable for children.
Use your local pharmacy
Your local pharmacy is an accessible resource for you and your family. Your pharmacist can offer advice or help if you have run out of any prescribed medication. You can also collect medicine for minor ailments or illnesses.
Make sure you have repeat prescriptions. Only order what you need and pick it up in plenty of time.
If you, or someone you care for, require medicines regularly, check that you have enough and if you need more remember to order and collect repeat prescriptions in good time to ensure you or your family have enough medicine to last over the Christmas holiday period. Only order what you need.
Know when your GP surgery will be open
Your local doctor’s surgery will be open on Wednesday December 24th and will then reopen on Monday 29th December. This means there are four days when it is closed – Christmas Day, Boxing Day, Saturday 27th and Sunday 28th.
Doctors Surgeries will follow normal opening hours on Wednesday 31st December and will then reopen on Monday 5th January.
Health advice for freshers
Health advice for students from NHS 24
STUDENTS starting university and college this year are being advised to prepare ahead byNHS 24, Scotland’s national telehealth and telecare organisation.
NHS 24 Medical Director Professor George Crooks reminds students that there is a wealth of health advice and information available to them at the dedicated Freshers’ Health section at www.nhsinform.co.uk
He said: “Many students find themselves living away from home for the first time when they start university or college and I would urge them to use NHS inform for information on healthcare.
“During Freshers’ week, I would advise students to take the time to register with a GP in their new area. A number of universities have a dedicated GP practice for their students and for those that do not, you can search by postcode at NHS inform.
“For those students who use regular repeat prescriptions, make sure you take enough with you to last until you register with a GP and it is also a good idea to have a first aid kit and supply of pain relief with you.
“Setting up home on your own for the first time is a daunting, yet exciting experience. By preparing ahead and thinking about your health, students can make sure they make the most of it.”
For further health advice and information go to http://www.nhsinform.co.uk/Health-in-Focus/Campaigns/freshers-health
The popular health resource provides a wealth of advice and information on health issues relevant to young people as they embark on or continue their higher education years, including safety advice, what to pack and where to go for health care.
The Health A-Z is packed with information about common illness, treatments and health services, covering topics from acne to yellow fever. The Common Health Questions section includes areas dedicated to sexual health, women’s and men’s health and food safety. Users can also find out about local health services and information on how to register with a GP.
Click on link (below) for an Audioboo clip of NHS 24 Medical Director Professor George Crooks discussing the subject:
https://audioboo.fm/boos/2125592-advice-from-nhs-24-for-students-starting-university
Childrens’ health advice from NHS24
As children return to school this week, NHS24 – Scotland’s national telehealth and telecare organisation – is reminding parents of the wealth of health advice and information available to help their families stay fit and healthy throughout the year …
NHS 24 Medical Director Professor George Crooks said: “With children returning to school this week, what better time than for parents to think about their children’s health and preparing for the year ahead.
“NHS inform includes a section on common health questions associated with children’s health, with information on a wide variety of matters from diet and exercise to pain relief and blood types.
“There is also a section dedicated to answering those common questions you may have about vaccinations and you can also find out what to have in your first aid kit at home.
“It is a busy time of year for parents as they get ready for the new school year but I would advise them to take some time now to think about their children’s health. By taking simple steps, you can help prevent minor illnesses affecting your family.”
For further health advice and information go to www.nhsinform.co.uk
The popular health resource provides a wealth of advice and information on health issues relevant to young people as they embark on or continue their higher education years.
The Health A-Z is packed with information about common illness, treatments and health services, covering topics from acne to yellow fever. Users can also find out about local health services and information on how to register with a GP.
