Dr Punam Krishan wants people to make a simple but crucial check
Strictly’s Dr Punam returns to Morning Live
Doctor Punam Krishan, a regular guest on BBC Morning Live, has issued a warning ahead of Christmas and New Year. She emphasises the importance of being prepared, particularly in relation to one aspect that many may overlook – which could lead to significant problems during the festive period.
The GP is urging people to make sure their prescriptions are up to date and that they have essential items in their medicine cabinet. With the flu and stomach bug circulating, and having been ill herself earlier in the week, she stresses the need for a care plan and making provisions “just in case if you do go down, what to do.”
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She said: “GP surgeries will be closed on the public holidays so that’s December 25 and 26 and January 1 and 2. Pharmacies are also working on reduce hours but it is important to know that you will not be left. If you do need medical attention there’s lots of different things are available. The first thing to do is actually just check what is open around you, what pharmacies are available and to make sure that you’re checking your prescriptions are up-to-date, that you’ve got enough of your medical supplies and if you are concerned about which is your local pharmacy an easy way to do that is go onto the NHS website”.
Stressing that it’s key to be prepared, “especially if you have young children or elderly relatives or if you have chronic health problems”, you need to “ensure that you have got your regular medication to hand and that you’re not running low.” The doctor continued: “Now is the time to check your drug cupboard. Is in date? What’s out of date? In which case you can hand them back to the pharmacy, do not flush them down the loo, don’t bin them.
“But the other thing to say is repeat medication. It’s such a simple thing to do. Check what repeat medication you need, if you are due to run low over the next couple of weeks then put that request in now.
“We don’t close until the 25th but you wouldn’t believe 18,000 calls last year to Northwest Ambulance Service was down to repeat medication. Isn’t it crazy? Because that’s 18,000 calls that we could get for people that actually need medical help.
“So do that in advance. If of course you do have any minor ailments, check with your local pharmacy. Pharmacist are amazing at treating minor ailments.” Dr Punam then says that you can also call 111 and “you might be giving advice over the phone or you may be called down so walk-in centre.” However “if you have a medical emergency, that’s when you should be calling 999.”
Dr Punam’s medicine cabinet essentials
The Strictly star and much-loved GP says you should have the following in your cupboard:
- painkillers
- antihistamines
- anti-diarrhoea tablet
- oral rehydration salts
- indigestion treatment
In her final warning she says these are key as during the festive season, the tummy bug spreads fast and if you love leftovers, there may be a risk that it’s not cooked properly. You may also eat a lot and suffer with bloating the next day. As well as medication, the health guru says you should also “check that your first aid box is up to speed” like bandages for any small cuts like when you cook.