NHS 24 have launched their annual spring health campaign ‘Healthy Know How.’ The campaign encourages people in Scotland to make appropriate use of NHS services and to be prepared for common illnesses and ailments over the spring holidays.
The ‘Healthy Know How’ campaign uses TV, radio and digital advertising and promotes health advice and tips featuring the character Billy, along with his son Willy, pet cat Pumpkin and neighbour Molly.
Orla aged seven and Finn aged five were on hand to launch the campaign. The children had a fun time utilising Conifox’s play equipment, but also highlighting the need to be prepared for childhood bumps and scrapes over the upcoming school Easter holidays. Orla’s little sister, Anya aged two, also assisted in the campaign by enjoying some Easter eggs.
Healthy Know How tips include:
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- Check your repeat prescription, order only what you need, in plenty of time
- Keep some medicines to treat common illnesses at home
- If you become unwell, NHS inform has useful symptom checkers to help you decide what to do next
- Be aware that your GP practice and local pharmacy may have amended opening hours over the Easter weekend
NHS 24’s Head of Pharmacy and Associate Clinical Director, Dr John McAnaw, said: “As we transition into spring and the weather improves, it can be easy to forget that seasonal illnesses such as colds, flus, and sickness bugs are still around.
“By being prepared with some Healthy Know How, you can help ensure that common ailments such as these don’t become a bigger problem over the Easter holidays.
“One way to plan ahead is to check you have some over-the-counter remedies available such as pain relief, antihistamines, and anti-diarrhoeals to deal with any illnesses that might pop up out the blue. As the kids are off school, it’s also a good idea to have a basic first aid kit with plasters, antiseptic and bandages in the house in case of any injuries or mishaps.
“If you are on prescribed medication, check how much medication you already have and ensure you have enough to last over the bank holiday weekend. If you require additional supplies, be aware that GP practices and pharmacies need time to process requests, so you should allow time for that.
“Although many GP practices and pharmacies will have amended opening hours over the Easter weekend, remember that NHS inform has lots of helpful advice that can help you deal with any symptoms of minor illness, or point you in the right direction to get the right care in the right place if you need it.
“By following these simple steps we can all do our bit to ensure that ourselves and our families are happy and healthy over the Easter holidays”
Find out more about NHS 24’s spring health campaign by visiting www.nhsinform.scot/spring.