Keeping warm and cosy, these youngsters are well-wrapped up to face the winter chills. Heather, Hollie and Zack were snuggled up at Callandar House in Falkirk to promote the launch of NHS Forth Valley’s winter health campaign.

The ‘Be Health-Wise this Winter’ is designed to encourage everyone to take a few simple steps to ensure they can take care of themselves and their families well during the winter months and also highlights where people can access local health treatment and advice over the festive period.

NHS Forth Valley Medical Director, Andrew Murray said the campaign is an important reminder of the wide range of services and support available at this time of year. He said: “We know that the festive season can be a particularly busy time for the NHS so it’s important to plan ahead, stock up on remedies for coughs and colds and know where to get help if someone does become unwell. It’s also worth stressing that those who are eligible should get the annual flu vaccination.”

“Details of local health information and advice, including pharmacy opening times over the festive period, can be found on our Winter Zone www.nhsforthvalley.com/winter .  You can also contact NHS inform free on 0800 22 44 88 for health information and advice.”

Pharmacists across Forth Valley are now able to provide free treatment for a range of common conditions without a prescription. These include urine infections, conjunctivitis, skin conditions (such as eczema, dermatitis and reactions to insect bites) skin infections (such as cellulitis and impetigo) and vaginal thrush.

The Minor Injuries Unit at Stirling Community Hospital will be open every day throughout the winter period from 9am – 9pm. It offers treatment to patients from across Forth Valley over the age of one for a wide range of minor injuries including suspected broken bones, sprains and strains, cuts and scratches, minor burns and infected wounds.

Local opticians across Forth Valley can also provide advice and support for a wide range of eye conditions such as blurred vision and eye infections. They can treat and manage many conditions themselves or refer you directly to hospital if the problem is more serious.
GP surgeries will be closed for a few days over Christmas and New Year.  Anyone who is concerned about symptoms and doesn’t feel they can wait until their GP surgery or pharmacy re-opens should call NHS 24 free on 111.