Author: Martin Driver

Margaret Jones, Sefton Council’s Director of Public Health has called on people living and working in the Borough to remember that alongside vaccination, mask-wearing is hugely effective in preventing the spread of COVID-19.

Her comments come in the light of a global study, reported in the British Medical Journal, which has shown mask-wearing reduces incidence of COVID by 53%.

Global study

She said: “This is the first global study of its kind and it confirms how important wearing a mask can be in preventing us from spreading and catching the coronavirus. Particularly as even those of us who have been vaccinated can still carry and pass on the virus without feeling any ill effects ourselves.

Analysis of research from around the world into non-pharmaceutical interventions, carried out by the University of Edinburgh and Monash University in Australia, showed that social distancing and handwashing are also effective ways of preventing the spread of COVID-19 cases, but that mask wearing is the most effective.

Minimal effort

Mrs Jones said: “I think all of us will have noticed the drop off in mask-wearing on public transport, in shops and other places locally and on a national basis, but this study is a reminder that we should be keeping it up if we want to minimise the spread of the virus as we head into winter.

“It’s a minimal effort that can do so much to prevent ourselves, our friends and loved ones and others from COVID-19 and other seasonal viruses such as flu.”

Booster

She also reminded people who have not yet had their first or second vaccination that it’s not too late to do so as soon as possible and for those people who are eligible to book their booster jabs.

She added: “I would urge anyone eligible to get their first, second or booster jab or within a month of being able to get their booster to book an appointment today by visiting www.nhs.uk/coronavirus-vaccination  or calling 119 today.”

Sefton’s health and community leaders are using Self Care Week (15-21 November) to offer advice and highlight the support available to help residents take better care of their health and wellbeing.

Margaret Jones, Director of Public Health at Sefton Council, said:

“Self Care Week is about encouraging people to take steps to prevent illness, adopt healthier choices, manage minor ailments and look after their health and wellbeing. Self Care Week is a perfect time to think about the changes we can make to help us take better care of ourselves and our families. Self-care doesn’t mean you should do it alone – lots of support is available!”

Susanne Lynch MBE, head of medicines management at NHS South Sefton Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG) and NHS Southport and Formby CCG, said:

“Knowing what to do and where to go for help is an important part of practising self care. Remember, it isn’t just your GP practice that can help, your local pharmacists are also health experts who can help with all sorts of conditions and treatments. Anyone can access expert advice and buy a range of medicines for minor illnesses over the counter from a local pharmacy, without needing a prescription from their GP.

“In addition, Care at the Chemist is a scheme for patients registered with a GP in Sefton, which enables pharmacists to provide any medicines they recommend for a range of minor conditions, which will be free of charge to patients who do not pay prescription charges.”

Active Sefton is a Sefton Council run initiative that provides services designed to improve physical health and mental wellbeing.

Natalie Ashworth, locality team manager from Active Sefton, said:

“We can provide free NHS health checks which are aimed at picking up early signs of conditions that can then be prevented such as heart disease, stroke, diabetes and kidney disease and helping people live longer, healthier lives.

“We also run services aimed at providing people with the opportunity to live more active and healthy lifestyles and support for older people who may be at risk of a fall, to reduce their risk and maintain their independence. Speak to your GP practice about these services or call 0151 934 2352 for more information”

Support with being active and meeting people is also provided through Living Well Sefton, which is a free service led by Sefton CVS, helping people with issues affecting their health and wellbeing.

Gemma Boardman, programme manager at Living Well Sefton, said:

“Living Well Sefton supports Sefton residents to make small changes to their lives that can have a big impact on their wellbeing. From walking groups to lunch clubs, our mentors can provide in-depth support by working out how physically active you want to be and assess your wellbeing by tailoring a plan just for you.”

If you’re feeling anxious, depressed or simply need someone to talk to, there is plenty of help available. If you’re registered with a GP in Sefton, Talking Matters is a free, confidential service to help deal with common mental health difficulties. Call them on 0300 303 2708 or go to www.mhm.org.uk/talking-matters-sefton.

For practical tips and expert advice to improve your mental health, you can also visit www.kindtoyourmind.org. There’s also a free, confidential, 24/7 text message support service run by Mersey Care, for anyone who is feeling overwhelmed or is struggling to cope. Text HEAL to 85258.”

The NHS website also has a host of information on symptoms, conditions and treatments. If you do need medical advice and aren’t sure where to go, use NHS 111 online at www.111.nhs.uk  or call 111 for assistance in getting the medical help you need.

A huge range of information on local services and support for improving physical and mental health, as well as easy to follow online self care guides for common conditions is available online from:

• NHS South Sefton Clinical Commissioning Group
• NHS Southport and Formby Clinical Commissioning Group