St. Marys Road, Ferndown, BH22 9HB
Telephone: 01202 897000
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Self Care
Looking after your health
Self-care is about keeping fit and healthy, as well as knowing how to safely manage minor illnesses at home. By treating minor issues yourself, you can often feel better sooner and help save GP appointments for those with more serious conditions.
Managing Common Illnesses at Home
Most minor infections, such as coughs, colds, and sore throats, are caused by viruses. This means antibiotics will not work. These conditions usually clear up on their own with rest and over-the-counter medicines:
| Condition | Typical Duration | How to Manage | When to contact the GP |
| Coughs | 3 weeks | Rest, fluids, honey and lemon. | Lasts over 3 weeks, coughing blood, or trouble breathing. |
| Colds | 1 to 2 weeks | Rest, fluids, and decongestants. | Symptoms worsen suddenly or temp stays above 39°C. |
| Sore Throat | 1 week | Gargle salt water, stay hydrated. | Symptoms last over a week or keep recurring. |
| Ear Infection | 3 to 7 days | Painkillers and a warm flannel. | Earache lasts more than 3 days or you have frequent infections. |
| Sinusitis | 2 to 3 weeks | Rest, fluids, and nasal salt water sprays. | No improvement after a week or symptoms worsen. |
| Conjunctivitis | 7 to 10 days | Bathe eyes with cooled, boiled water. | Sticky discharge persists (ask a Pharmacist for drops). |
Your Home Medicine Cabinet
Be prepared for minor illnesses by keeping these essentials at home. Most are available cheaply at your local pharmacy or supermarket.
- Pain relief: Paracetamol and ibuprofen for pain and fevers.
- Digestive support: Heartburn and indigestion treatments and oral rehydration salts.
- First aid: Plasters, bandages, antiseptic wipes, and a thermometer.
- Cough and cold: Sore throat remedies and decongestants.
Tip: Your local pharmacist is a highly trained healthcare professional. You can visit them for expert advice on minor ailments without an appointment.
Staying Well All Year Round
Self-care is also about the daily habits that keep you healthy. Here are some tips to keep you well throughout the year.
Vitamin D
Vitamin D keeps your bones, teeth, and muscles strong. Between October and March, the NHS recommends everyone takes a daily Vitamin D supplement, as we do not get enough from sunlight in the UK.
Healthy Habits
Small changes can lead to a longer, healthier life. If you need support with weight loss, quitting smoking, or exercise, LiveWell Dorset offers free coaching for our patients.
Mental Wellbeing and Nature
Staying connected with friends and getting outdoors are two of the best ways to support your mental health. Even a short walk in nature can reduce blood pressure and lower stress.
Vaccinations
Vaccines are one of the safest and most effective ways to protect yourself, your family, and your community from serious diseases.
Why Vaccinate?
- To prevent serious illnesses like flu, measles, and pneumonia
- To protect those who are more vulnerable, like babies and the elderly
- To reduce the spread of infections in the community
- To keep yourself and your loved ones safe and healthy
Who Should Get Vaccinated?
Vaccines help at every stage of life. They are one of the safest and most effective ways to protect yourself, your family, and your community from serious diseases.
