This seasonal health advice comes from Lower Hutt GP Dr Chris Masters who says you don’t always need to visit a doctor to get a repeat prescription.“Just ring your medical centre’s receptionist and ask for a repeat. You will be told when it is ready to collect to take to the pharmacy and if your GP needs to see you they will let you know,” says Chris.
Chris says still ring your own GP first for medical help any time over the holiday period. If your GP is closed you will be directed to another practice covering for your GP, or an afterhours medical centre. For those heading away from home on holiday to another city or town, you can still go to a GP as a casual visitor, but you may to pay higher casual and holiday rates.
Hutt Hospital’s emergency department is also asking people to take special care over the break.
Summer weather means people are usually out and about, doing a lot more and often having more accidents, with an increase in the number of people coming to the emergency department in the weeks around Christmas and New Year.
Adults tend to come to grief trying DIY around the house, so take care with things like power tools and ladders. Make sure children wear safety gear and are supervised properly on equipment like trampolines and bikes to keep accidents to a minimum.
Too much food, alcohol and sunshine can also lead to problems. If you have pre-existing medical conditions, for example heart, stomach or bowel problems, be especially wary of over-indulgence as this can make it a lot worse.
Stay safe and enjoy the break.
