Q. Who do I get medical advice from?

A. The range of health services available appears confusing – but put simply:

• For general questions, ask friends or family, or go online to www.nhs.uk or call 111

• Medication, ask your pharmacist

• Eye problem, ask your optician

• Medical problem, speak to your General Practice and they will signpost you in the right direction, or make you an appointment. This might be a telephone call, and often will not be with a GP. Always phone as early as possible if you need help from the practice.

• Talk to someone. Fantastic services like MIND or First Step offer talking therapies, and you can self-refer. Online there is also great help available.

• Educate yourself. The internet and the local library have some great self-help guides.

• Some surgeries can help with accidents but you might need to go to Westmorland General Hospital for specialist help in the Primary Care Access Service (known as PCAS). They can arrange urgent investigations and X-Rays.

• When General practice which is shut, call 111 and you should receive appropriate medical help.

• Finally there is Accident & Emergency - for the most serious conditions or accidents needing expert immediate treatment. You may go by Ambulance, or go there by yourself. Please remember this is only for the most serious conditions.

Every part of the system will treat you as quickly as they can, but will be busy, so please try and use services wisely – and you’ll get the best out of it!

Q. I have a chronic illness – how can I prepare for winter?

A. As the weather turns and winter comes upon us, people with long term conditions such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), bronchitis, emphysema, asthma, diabetes or heart or kidney disease need extra support.

Being cold can raise the risk of increased blood pressure, heart attacks and strokes, and make us more vulnerable to respiratory winter illnesses.

But there are lots of things you can do to manage your conditions and stay well this winter.

As well as ensuring you get vaccinated against flu to protect yourself, it’s a good idea to have an up-to-date personalised care plan. This helps you manage your condition better, and helps loved ones know what to do if you do need medical attention.

If you’re unsure if you have a Personalised Care Plan, contact your GP for more information.

If you feel unwell don’t wait – get advice from your nearest pharmacist – act quickly – they have a wealth of knowledge. Almost everyone will have a cough or cold at some point this winter. When you do - don’t spread your germs and cough or sneeze into a tissue, and put it in the bin and wash your hands. Your GP won’t be able to prescribe anything to help.

And if its cold outside, it’s the perfect excuse to wrap up warm. Light exercise and hot drinks will help you stay warm. If you have breathing problems even a small change in temperature can affect you.