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Chief Medical Officer's festive message
22/12/2008
Scotland's Chief Medical Officer today gave his top tips for staying healthy and happy over the festive period.
Dr Harry Burns said taking simple steps to look after ourselves, and people around us, would help everyone get the most enjoyment out of the upcoming Christmas and New Year season.
Dr Burns said: "I want to wish everyone in Scotland a very healthy and happy Christmas and New Year.
"Millions of people across the country will be looking forward to spending time with friends and relatives over the coming weeks and it's a chance for all of us to relax and celebrate.
"But it's important that we also look after our health and the health of our friends and families.
"For example, while many of us will be enjoying a drink or two, it's very important not to overdo it with alcohol consumption.
"Not only could you end up nursing a hangover, you could also find yourself in a dangerous situation through impaired judgment - and that could mean a trip to A&E. It's important not to risk your own safety and the safety of others by drinking to excess."
The CMO said that with two four-day closures of GP surgeries approaching, people should take precautions to ensure they are prepared:
"If you are on regular medication, make sure you have enough to last over the holidays.
"Also, make sure you've got common over-the-counter medicines in case you come down with a cough, cold or flu. By staying in and keeping warm you can make the effects of illness pass more quickly.
"But if you do get seriously ill, get in touch with Scotland's round-the-clock health helpline, NHS 24 ( 08454 24 24 24). The trained staff at the end of the phone can offer professional advice and diagnosis and will be able to tell you if you need to go to hospital."
The CMO said it was also important to look after vulnerable people over the festive period:
"For some people, the Christmas and New Year period can be particularly hard, especially if they are lonely, bereaved or feeling anxious or depressed. If you are worried about someone, talk to them - it could make all the difference.
"We can all keep an eye out for people such as elderly neighbours who may be all alone over the festive period and who might really appreciate some company.
"With frosty mornings and the possibility of icy roads and pavements, older people in particular can suffer falls - and associated fractures and broken bones. So why not offer to get a neighbour's shopping for them so they don't have to venture out?"
In his recent Annual Report, the Chief Medical Officer highlighted five 'Habits for Health' to promote better health and wellbeing throughout the Scottish population:
- Avoid smoking tobacco
- Eat something close to the ideal diet (eat five portions of non-starchy fruit and veg a day; cut down on red and processed meat; avoid sugary drinks; reduce salt intake)
- Be physically active on most days
- Keep within the recommended limits for drinking alcohol
- Never inject drugs
Breathing Space, funded by the Scottish Government, is a free and confidential phoneline service for any individual, who is experiencing low mood or depression.
The phoneline, 0800 83 85 87, is open 24 hours at weekends (6pm Friday - 6am Monday) and from 6pm to 2am on weekdays (Monday - Thursday).