Temperature

If your child has a temperature but no symptoms, cool them down by keeping the room cool, Taking off their clothes, sponging them with lukewarm water, keeping a cool flow of air on them with a fan, if available, and give them Paracetamol (Proprietary products include Calpol, Dispol and Panadol). We should see them if the temperature has not settled within 48 hours.

Coughs, Colds & Flu

These conditions are due to viral infections and are not helped by antibiotics, they usually settle after a few days. Treat by giving plenty of fluids to drink and simple remedies such as Paracetamol, inhalation of water vapour, etc. Simple coughs can be eased by remedies such as honey and lemon in hot water, or your favourite cough mixture. If you develop a cough bringing up coloured phlegm, then we may wish to check your chest.

Sore Throat

These are usually settled after 3-5 days. Treat with Paracetamol, soothing drinks, or your favourite lozenges. If it is not settled, then make an appointment to be seen.

Diarrhoea & Sickness

This normally settles by fasting, taking plenty of water or fruit juice, a few sips at a time and often. Avoid all food, milk, tea and coffee. Once the diahorea and vomiting has settled and your appetite has returned you can restart eating gently. This condition is often due to viral infections and hygiene is very important to stop the spread of infection. You should consult us if it is very severe (when you may be starting to dehydrate) or if it continues for more than 24-48 hours.

Head lice

These insects, contrary to popular belief, prefer clean hair and are not a sign of poor hygiene. Medicated hair lotion can be obtained from the chemists to treat this problem without a prescription.

Chickenpox

This starts as a rash appearing as small patches a few millimeters across, which rapidly develop into small blisters. Over the next few days further crops of these blisters will appear, while the earlier ones develop crusts which fall off. Treatment is the application of calamine lotion to the spots to soothe the itching. Should spots develop in the mouth, cool drinks will soothe. Children may return to school after no new spots have appeared for four days (antibiotics have no effect on this viral illness).

Nose Bleeds

Although a nose bleed is very alarming, most will stop if you tip your head forward and squeeze the fleshy bit below the bone for 10 minutes. Spit out any blood which you might swallow as this will make you feel sick. If the nose bleed does not stop after this, your nose may need packing and you should contact the doctor who may send you to casualty for this to be done.

CANCER

Certain cancers may be avoided and general health improved if you adopt a healthier lifestyle.

1. Do not smoke. Smokers, stop as quickly as possible and do not smoke in the presence of others. If you do not smoke, do not try it.

2. If you drink alcohol, whether beer, wine or spirits, moderate your consumption.

3. Increase your daily intake of vegetables and fresh fruit. Eat cereals with a high fibre content frequently.

4. Avoid becoming overweight, increase physical activity and limit intake of fatty foods.

5. Avoid excessive exposure to the sun and avoid sunburn especially in children.

6. Apply strictly, regulations aimed at preventing any exposure to known cancer-causing substances. Follow all health and safety instructions on substances which may cause cancer.

7. See your doctor if you notice a lump, a sore which does not heal (including in the mouth), a mole which changes in shape, colour or size, or any abnormal bleeding.

8. See your doctor if you have persistent problems, such as a persistent cough, persistent hoarseness, a change in bowel or urinary habits or an unexplained weight loss.

9. Have a cervical smear regularly. Participate in organised screening programmes for cervical cancer.

10. Check your breasts regularly. Participate in organised mammographic screening programmes if you are over 50.

SUSPECTED HEART ATTACK

1. Be ready to take ACTION if you suspect a heart attack

A heart attack is usually felt as a sudden, crushing chest pain. However, it may begin more slowly, and the pain sometimes spreads up to the neck or a long the arms. Some people also suffer nausea or vomiting, shortness of breath, or a feeling of fullness (as after a heavy meal). Their skin is often pale, and they may break out in a cold sweat. The sufferer feels weak and may experience a strong sense of foreboding. If these symptoms persist for longer than two minutes, take ACTION.

2. Call an AMBULANCE

Dial 999 without delay and ask for an ambulance. Do not try to get to hospital by your own means - an ambulance is faster, and the staff have specialist equipment and training.

3. Take an ASPIRIN

If you are able to, take one aspirin. Taking aspirin may be more important than you think, because it helps prevent the formation of blood clots - which are the cause of most heart attacks.

Please note: If you have been advised not to take aspirin for any reason, for example, an allergy to aspirin or a stomach ulcer problem, you should ignore this action point.

4. Don’t panic, but don’t delay

It is natural to be worried if you think you or someone close to you are having a heart attack. But stress can cause additional harm, so try to remain calm and remember that the faster you call for help, the faster it will arrive. Don’t be afraid of raising a false alarm - it is better to be safe than sorry.

5. If a heart attack happens to you or someone you know

After you have called for an ambulance, you can also telephone the GP to tell them what has happened, although this is not essential. Where possible, the GP may attend, or offer some support in ensuring rapid transfer to hospital.

6. If you are a bystander to a suspected heart attack

If you witness an apparent heart attack in a stranger, you should telephone for an ambulance immediately. If you see anyone who is unconscious or collapsed (whether or not you suspect a heart attack), do not try to contact their GP, their relatives, or the police. Just dial 999 for an ambulance.