Sometimes it can be hard to know who to listen to when it comes to becoming and staying healthier, with so many sources of information on the internet and in print.
This NHS site is a good place to start, with information about smoking, drinking, eating, moving, sleep, stress and more. There are also ideas for apps to download to help your health.
Taking Control of Your Health
As your NHS faces higher demand it’s time to take greater control over your own health and think about using other NHS services instead of calling 999 or going to A & E.
The NHS is there for us when we need it, but we all have a responsibility to take care of our health. That’s why as a practice we’re committed to helping you take control of your health and make the right decisions about the best service for your needs. We see you as an equal partner in decision-making about your health and in managing your health, so that you can have the best quality of life while protecting your NHS and using this precious resource wisely.
Find out more about choosing the right NHS service here.
Access the Newham Health and Social Care Directory here to find out local services available to you.
Find out more about taking control of your health here
Weight Management Support
If you have any concerns about your health or need advice, contact reception, call NHS 111 or visit www.nhs.uk
Community Pharmacist Consultation Service
Based on the severity of your symptoms, we refer you to the NHS Community Pharmacist Consultation Service (CPCS), for a same-day consultation with a community pharmacist.
The pharmacist will contact you by phone to carry out the consultation, arrange for you to attend the pharmacy if appropriate, or offer a video consultation. Following the consultation, the pharmacist will provide self-care advice and may offer to purchase over-the-counter products where appropriate.
If symptoms suggest something more serious, the pharmacist will help you arrange an urgent GP appointment or the urgent care centre if needed. The pharmacist will record that outcome and send it back to us securely online.
The community pharmacist can help with the following conditions:
- Acne, spots and pimples
- Arm pain or swelling
- Blisters
- Cough
- Earache
- Eye – sticky/watery/painful/visual loss/disturbance/red/irritable
- Failed contraception
- Headache
- Itch
- Lower back pain
- Nasal congestion
- Scabies
- Sleep difficulties
- Tiredness (fatigue)
- Allergic reaction
- Athlete’s foot
- Cold and flu
- Diarrhoea
- Hair loss
- Hearing problems or Blocked ear
- Knee, lower leg pain/swelling
- Pain and/or frequently passing urine
- Shoulder pain
- Sore throat and hoarse voice
- Toe pain/swelling
- Wrist, hand or finger pain/swelling
- Ankle, foot pain/swelling
- Bites or stings – insect/spider
- Constipation
- Ear discharge or ear wax
- Eyelid problems
- Head lice
- Hip, thigh or buttock pain/swelling
- Limb – cold or colour change
- Mouth ulcers
- Rectal pain/swelling/moles
- Skin rash
- Tattoos, birthmarks or moles
- Vomiting
Teaching a child how to swallow tablets
Swallowing pills are better:
- For children and young people: pills are less sickly, contain less sugar and children who swallow pills tend to have less problems taking their medicines
- For carers: pills have a longer shelf-life, do not need to be kept in a fridge, are easier to carry around and more readily available in local pharmacies
- For pharmacists: pills are more commonly stocked in local pharmacies compared to suspensions and cheaper
Swallowing pills is an important life skill for children to learn, for the reasons above, and because most medicines are in pill form.
Follow the link below for tutorials on how to teach your child to swallow tablets: www.what0-18.nhs.uk/parentscarers/worried-your-child-unwell/teaching-your-child-swallow-tablets
Strep A infections in children (Scarlet Fever)
Please watch this short video for more information about Strep A.
A sore throat (pharyngitis) usually goes after a few days. Simple treatments that you can buy can ease symptoms until the sore throat fades. Usually, you only need to see a doctor if symptoms are severe, unusual, or if they do not ease within a week.
Read more about sore throats.