Rest – stay in bed, but no longer than one or two days
Apply Heat or Gentle Massage to the painful area
Use simple but effective painkillers from your pharmacist (paracetamol or ibuprofen)
Gently mobilise, walking and stretching to release tension, cramp or spasms.
Consult your doctor if symptoms are not improving after two or three days.

Burns-Apply large quantities of cold water to the affected area as soon as possible and maintain this until the pain subsides.Apply antiseptic cream  to the area and if the skin is unbroken but blistered, apply a loose, dry dressing. If the area is quite large, or if the skin is broken, consult your doctor as soon as possible.

Chicken Pox-The rash first appears as small red patches about 3mm diameter; then small blisters appear in the centre of these patches, within a few hours. Over the next three or four days, further patches will appear, while the earlier ones will turn ‘crusty’. The most infectious period is from two or three days before the rash appears and up to five days after this date.

Common Cold-There is still no prescribed cure for the common cold. If you have a headache or temperature, take aspirin or paracetamol; rest (stay in bed-sleep), drink plenty of fluids.

Cuts or Grazes-Wash the wound thoroughly with plenty of clean water. If the wound is bleeding – apply gentle but firm pressure (with a clean cloth or dressing) over the wound for about five minutes. Apply antiseptic and cover with a clean dry dressing.

Diarrhoea-Sudden bouts of unusually watery diarrhoea should be treated by encouraging rehydration fluids. If the symptoms persist for more than 48 hours, or are accompanied by vomiting or weakness, consult your doctor. In adults, diarrhoea is usually caused by a viral infection and is therefore unable to be treated directly. The symptoms can be eased by drinking plenty of fluids and using non-prescription remedies from the pharmacy.

Influenza – an unpleasant viral illness characterised by high temperature, aches and pains. The best treatment is plenty of rest and fluids; with paracetamol to relieve aches and temperature. If you are elderly or have a chronic health problem, then we strongly recommend prevention, with the annual influenza vaccination.

Gastroenteritis-Gastroenteritis is frequently caused by a viral infection in the stomach. Symptoms are often diarrhoea, nausea and stomach ache. Some relief remedies are available from your Pharmacist. Dehydration is a possible serious complication. To minimise the chances of dehydration: Drink plenty of fluids. Encourage frequent small sips rather than a large glassful at once.

Sprains & Strains-Pain in muscles and joints is common and seldom needs to be treated by a doctor. Look for stiffness or discomfort, especially with movement; is there a history of overexertion or acute injury? Simple sprains or strains may be treated at home.

• Ice wrapped in a cloth – can be used to reduce the swelling. But do not apply for longer than 15 minutes at a time.
• Compress the injury, gently wrap with a crepe bandage for support.
• Elevate the injured part.

   

Woman Health Advice -Many women,do not look forward to visiting a gynaecologist on a regular basis which is very advisable in maintaining normal health care. If you are sexually active, or over the age of 18, you should have an annual gynaecological exam which  is vital for women to keep a healthy lifestyle and important for the prevention of deadly diseases like breast and cervical cancer. The yearly gynaecological exam isn't something that most women look forward to. It can be uncomfortable, both physically and emotionally. Always remember that your good health is worth a few minutes of being uncomfortable.

ALCOHOL -Large quantities, especially on a regular basis, can have serious harmful effects. The recommended safe limit is 21 units a week for men and 14 units for women. A unit being approximately – half a pint of beer, a glass of wine, or a single measure of spirit.

DIET – Healthy diets help fight off disease and make you look and feel good. Unhealthy diet can lead to serious health problems including: heart disease, high blood pressure, and high cholesterol.

EXERCISE – Regular exercise has both physical and mental benefits.

OVERWEIGHT – Overweight may lead to straining your heart, muscles & joints.

RELAXATION – Stress, Tension or Anxiety can affect your physical or mental health.

STOP SMOKING – Every cigarette you smoke can shorten your life by an average of five and a half minutes.