Keep healthy to enjoy the festive period
19/12/2007
Whatever you’re celebrating in the next few weeks it’s easy to forget all your good intentions and health knowledge you’ve gained throughout the year. So Gloucestershire Primary Care Trust is highlighting the key things to remember.
As December rolls into January the amount of food and alcohol consumed begins to take its toll. Along with this people’s overall well-being, particularly in terms of mental health, can take a knock. And the PCT believes it is key not to forget what you know.
Director of Public Health, Dr Shona Arora says: “It’s all too easy to neglect our own health when we enjoy the parties, get togethers and overall spirit of this time of year. But our health is important and over the next few weeks the NHS in Gloucestershire can see an increase in people needing our care and treatment because they don’t think their health is important enough.
“We want everyone to have fun and enjoy their celebrations, and not regret any of their actions. By taking a little bit of time to consider our health, everyone can enjoy a healthy and safe festive period.”
Public Health experts from Gloucestershire Primary Care Trust and the Health Protection Agency have provided ten top tips for enjoying a healthy festive period.
- Follow food preparation guidelines to avoid food poisoning
- Give someone you haven’t spoken to in a while a call or an email - there’s nothing like a good gossip and catch up to cheer the soul.
- Stock up your medicine cabinet so you are prepared – whether it is existing prescription medicines or over the counter treatments for things like indigestion or cold symptoms.
- Take time to relax and enjoy time away from the usual routine.
- Know your alcohol limits – alternate alcoholic drinks with soft drinks or even hold an alcohol-free party and stand out from the crowd!
- Use a taxi and book in advance – drinking and driving costs lives, don’t risk it.
- Treat yourself by all means but don’t forget to keep your diet balanced – have extra veg or enjoy the plentiful nuts and tangerines that are around – and use the party season as an opportunity to exercise – boogieing to Christmas songs is a great way of keeping fit.
- Keep warm and well. If you live by yourself and fell unwell let a friend or neighbour know so they can check on you.
- Don’t be tempted to renege on your good intentions this year so avoid cigarettes.
- Remember your sexual health as well as your physical and mental health. Keep a condom with you so you don’t have an excuse.
If people need advice when their GP surgery is closed, they should consider calling NHS Direct on 0845 4647 or if it’s an urgent medical matter that can’t wait until the GP surgery re-opens they should call the Gloucestershire Out of Hours service outside working hours on 08454 220220.
For health information contact GUiDE and PALS, Gloucestershire’s health and social care information service, or visit www.glospct.nhs.uk
Click here for link to Pharmacy Christmas & New Year Opening Times
