FLU CLINICS
The Practice will be running Flu Vaccination Clinics this month on the following dates:
- Thursday, 2nd November 2006, 8.00 am to 12.00 pm and 2.00 pm to 6.00 pm
- Tuesday, 14th November 2006, 2.00 pm to 6.00 pm
No appointment is necessary, just turn up to one of the above Clinics within the specified times and book in at Reception.
Those eligible for a flu vaccination are patients aged 65 and over, or if you suffer from any of the medical conditions listed below as you will fall into one of the risk groups.
- Chronic Respiratory Disease (asthmatics taking regular preventative medication)
- Chronic Heart Disease
- Chronic Kidney Disease
- Chronic Liver Disease
- Diabetes
- Weak immune system
In addition to those aged 65 and over and those in the at risk groups, the Department of Health also recommends that Healthcare Workers are vaccinated to help protect themselves and their patients. People living or working in nursing or residential homes should be vaccinated. Also, if you are a home-based carer of someone who needs vaccinating, you too should discuss flu vaccination with your Practice Nurse.
It is going to be a very busy couple of days at the Surgery and we would ask that all patients who can park their car elsewhere to do so, as we are limiting the car parking facility for those patients who are disabled only.
WINTER WATCH FOR SENIOR CITIZENS: 10 TIPS FOR HAVING A SAFE SEASON
Winter is a special time for caution if you or someone in your family is an older adult. It is the season for flu, for slips on icy streets and for other dangers that are especially great for senior citizens.
Tips for a healthy and safe winter
- Get vaccinated annually against the flu.
- Ask your Doctor/Nurse about the vaccine against pneumococcus which protects against pneumonia and other diseases.
- Check the lighting in your house, make sure there are no great contrasts from one room to another. Use night lights and don’t have loose extension cords lying around, tape them to the floor.
- Check your rugs, make sure they are not wrinkled or torn, use padding or special tape underneath them to prevent from sliding.
- In the bathroom have mats inside and outside the bath to prevent slipping on a wet surface. If needed, install grab bars inside the bath and always check the temperature of water before getting in the bath.
- Continue your exercise regimen, indoors if possible. However, avoid strenuous exercise like shovelling.
- Maintain your diet and a good level of hydration. Drink at least 4 or 5 glasses of water every day. This should not change just because it’s winter.
- Make sure your smoke alarms are working and you should also have a carbon monoxide alarm in your home.
- Have appropriate footwear, comfortable shoes with anti-slip soles will help you navigate icy streets.
- Have a programmable phone with emergency numbers entered. Another good idea for those living on their own is a personal emergency system, a device worn around the neck or on a bracelet which can summon help if needed, this device needs to be worn all the time.For more details see:
Alarms - for older people and people with disabilities (Helpline) (Colchester Residents)
(http://www.colchester.gov.uk/A_-_Z_det.asp?art_id=67&sec_id=32&art_link_sec_id=&tem_id=94&tvw_id=)
Alarms - for older people and people with disabilities (Careline) (Tendring Residents)
(http://www.tendringdc.gov.uk/TendringDC/Health/Careline/)
BRITISH AIRWAYS TRAVEL CLINICS
British Airways closed its Travel Clinic business in August 2006. All Travel Clinic business has now been transferred to MASTA (Medical Advisory Services for Travellers Abroad) and have become British Airways Preferred Partner for Travel Health Services. MASTA is a travel health provider with a network of Travel Clinics across the UK. Their central London Travel Clinic is located close to Oxford Circus at 52 Margaret Street. The Clinic is open 6 days a week and offer both appointments and a walk-in Service.
Appointments can be made by phoning 0845 600 2236.
Further information about MASTA and their network of Clinics can be found on their website.
Website address:www.masta-travel-health.com/MASTA Travel Health
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