Page 41 - Real-Rochdale-07

Avoid the
queues and
beat the winter
health blues
The biggest health choice you will face
this winter is where and when to receive
your treatment.
With no sign of significant extra resources, our
hospitals will be creaking again as they try and
maintain their splendid service.
Despite some wonderful local initiatives,
such as triaging patients over the phone,
GP surgeries will be full to the seams and
appointments difficult to get.
Avoiding becoming ill is the most effective way
of staying healthy in the cold. There are more
flu jabs on offer this year than ever before.
These are dispensed free to those already
facing life-limiting conditions such as COPD
and to those who care for them.
If you are over 65 or already living with a
chest condition you can also receive a
complimentary pneumonia jab.
Should the sniffles and the aches and pains
begin, you can do yourself a huge favour by
firstly visiting the NHS Choices website or
calling the 111 NHS helpline. The pharmacist
might also assist in deciding what illness you
are facing. Do you really want a four-hour wait
in A&E to be told you have a cold and bill the
NHS for the cost of some paracetamol?
Another way of preventing being poorly is to
eat well, keep exercising and drink in
moderation. Yes, we all long for feast time
when we can rest up, hide away from the
41
ABOUT THE WRITER
Dr Chauhan is a respected GP, health and social care
campaigner, and champion of social justice and charity.
As a local GP, he has become a powerful advocate for
his patients and introduced innovative methods to
improve their care. His work mentoring and employing
young people has won national recognition.
winter weather and eat, drink and be merry.
But a short regular walk will do wonders for
your health and the preponderance of fresh
fruit and vegetables should be taken
advantage of – for vitamin C is a great defence
against colds.
Staying hydrated and not indulging in too
many winter libations will increase your odds
of staying healthy.
A well-stocked medicine cupboard and some
thought about medication over the Christmas
bank holidays is advisable. Out of hours
appointments and walk-in centres are another
alternative to the emergency department.
Winter is a particularly precarious season
for the vulnerable and helping them stay well
must be a priority. A quick check on an elderly
neighbour or a kind word for a homeless
person (my Homeless-Friendly initiative
provides health care for rough sleepers at
surgeries) would do wonders.
Stay warm, be hygienic when you cough or
sneeze, and ensure you get proper sleep,
are other tips to ensure that you stay well
this winter.
REAL ROCHDALE - WINTER 2019