MEDICAL staff in Taunton are supporting the national ‘Earlier the Better’ campaign which urges older people to seek help for health problems sooner rather than later, and not store them up until they get worse.
Doctors and nurses at Musgrove Park Hospital stress that getting help early is especially important in winter.
Senior clinicians have been concerned about the rising number of older people admitted to hospital with respiratory or other chronic conditions which are usually worsened by immobility, the cold and viral illnesses.
Advice includes using your local pharmacy for advice on managing long-term conditions or minor ailments.
The pharmacy can also provide you with a free flu jab if you are over 65 or in any other high risk groups, and will tell you if you need to see a doctor.
Elderly people are urged to talk to friends or carers if they feel unwell as they can assist in getting help early.
The NHS Choices website is also flagged up as a source of information and advice for anyone feeling under the weather.
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