There are also a number of webinars you can access to help with your condition, you can access these through patient webinars. Free Resources for Your Patients – NHS Somerset
Menopause
Getting help and support around the menopause
If you, or someone you know, is experiencing the menopause and wants help with managing your/their symptoms and to understand how you/they may be affected, please watch this helpful webinar developed by Dr Kathryn Patrick a local Somerset GP recorded in March 2023. The webinar is also available in sign language for those who are hard of hearing – this was recorded in October 2022.
There is a list of useful resources on the NHS Somerset Menopause Service web page that talks about the menopause service running in Somerset.
If you would like to speak to your primary care team here at your practice about HRT, it will speed things up if you let us know you have watched the webinar and also include your Body Mass Index (BMI) which can be calculated at BMI calculator | Check your BMI – NHS | Please fill in your details (www.nhs.uk), and Blood Pressure (BP) if possible. Please also complete this symptom checker and bring it to your appointment Menopause Symptom Assessment or use the Balance app and print out a summary.
Mindline extended hours for mental health support
To help with people’s anxiety and worries. Mindline is the front door for corona virus anxiety and worry but also for emerging and on-going mental health problems and is now a 24/7 service. They can be reached on 01823 276 892.
My COPD
A digital solution to help deal with your COPD . More information is available at my COPD.
Minor ailments
Did you know that 10 of the most minor ailments seen by GPs can also be treated by you at home?
- back pain
- dermatitis
- heartburn and indigestion
- nasal congestion (blocked nose)
- constipation
- migraines
- coughs
- acne
- sprains and strains
- headaches
Visit the NHS website for more information.
Antibiotics
- ear infections typically last 4 days. 89% of cases clear up on their own
- a sore throat typically lasts 7 days. 40% of cases clear up after 3 days and 90 per cent after 7 days without antibiotics
- sinusitis typically lasts 17 days. 80% clear up in 14 days without antibiotics
- cough or bronchitis typically lasts 21 days. Antibiotics reduce symptoms by only 1 day
Antibiotics only work for infections caused by bacteria.
Taking unnecessary antibiotics for viral infections should be avoided because they may not be effective next time you have a bacterial infection.
Patients with long-term conditions such as asthma, diabetes and COPD are eligible for flu and pneumococcal vaccinations. Ask at reception for more information.
Medicine cabinet
You can treat many minor ailments such as colds, coughs and indigestion by keeping a well-stocked medicine cabinet at home.
We suggest you keep the following:
- Pulse Oxymeter Adult Pulse oximetry Monitoring Covid-19 Diary – YouTube
- Blood Pressure Monitor
- paracetamol and aspirin (children under 16 and people with asthma should not take aspirin)
- mild laxatives
- anti-diarrhoeal medicines
- rehydration mixture
- indigestion remedy (for example, antacids)
- travel sickness tablets
- sunscreen – SPF15 or higher
- sunburn treatment (for example, calamine)
- tweezers and sharp scissors
- a thermometer
- a selection of plasters, non-absorbent cotton wool, elastic bandages and dressings
Remember:
- keep the medicine chest in a secure, locked place out of reach of small children
- always read the instructions and use the suggested dose
- watch expiry dates – don’t keep or use medicines past their sell-by date
- take all unwanted and out-of-date medicines back to the pharmacy
Other NHS services
As well as our practice, there are many other local NHS services you can contact for health advice, information or treatment.
You can ask your local pharmacist about lots of health issues, including when to visit your GP. And there’s no need for an appointment.
Please use the links below to access further support and information relevant to you:
Moving more – living with chronic pain
Regular activity is proven to protect your health in many ways. It can reduce your risk of major illnesses, and it is especially important for people with chronic pain. Click on this link for specially selected options for people who live with Chronic Pain: https://www.sasp.co.uk/living-with-chronic-pain
Moving more – Older adults
Moving more helps to improve both physical and mental health as well as reverse some effects of chronic disease to keep older people mobile and independent. The risks of developing many conditions such as diabetes, falls, memory problems and depression reduces with regular movement. Click this link for specially selected options for older adults: https://www.sasp.co.uk/older-adults
Moving more – weight management
When carrying more weight, moving more can help you lose fat mass and this can dramatically improve your health and wellbeing now and for the future. Click the link for specially selected options for people looking to manage their weight: https://www.sasp.co.uk/weight-management
Moving more – Diabetes and Pre-diabetes
Moving more is especially important for people who have type 2 diabetes or are at risk of diabetes as it lowers your blood pressure and blood glucose, as well as a host of other benefits. Click here for specially selected options here: https://www.sasp.co.uk/diabetes-pre-diabetes
Moving more – Connecting with others
Moving more and regular physical activity helps to improve both physical and mental health – especially if you can get out and meet people whilst you do it. Group activity is also a great opportunity to meet people and have fun. Click here for are specially selected options that help you get out and meet others whilst you move more: https://www.sasp.co.uk/connecting-with-others
Moving more – Men’s Health
Physical activity can benefit every aspect of health: regular exercise reduces the risk of chronic diseases as well as helping stress and low mood. Group activity is also a great opportunity to meet people and have fun. Click on the link to find out more about specially selected options that could help you – https://www.sasp.co.uk/mens-mental-health
Moving more – Women’s Wellness
Moving more is proven to protect your health in many ways – physical, mental and emotional. Click here for specially selected options for lifestyle support that may be right for you! https://www.sasp.co.uk/womens-wellness1
Moving more – Active families
Physical activity is a great way to spend time together, as well as maintaining your physical and mental wellbeing. This link has some ideas for children and families to try at home. https://www.sasp.co.uk/home-family-activities
