• GP – If you are in pain or are worried about a condition then make an appointment with your GP before the Christmas holidays. Check your GP opening times over Christmas in case you need to contact them in an emergency. To contact your GP out of hours you will need to ring your usual surgery number and follow the instructions of the messaging service.

• Pharmacy - Order any repeat prescriptions in advance to make sure you have enough over the Christmas period. Some pharmacies will be open for limited periods over the bank holidays or may be closed completely. You can get some emergency prescriptions which will cover you for five days. You will only get one if it is a genuine emergency, it is not a controlled drug (e.g. morphine, pethidine, methadone), you go to the pharmacy in person and it is impossible to see GP. Please note – there may be a charge for this. You can search for a local pharmacy on our website.

• Dental – if you are suffering from dental pain then contact your dentist for an appointment before the Christmas period. If you do not have a dentist and you need an emergency dentist you can contact your local dental helpline. Click here for the helpline numbers. Click here for FAQ’s about dentists which you may find helpful.

If you use home oxygen therapy, check that you have enough oxygen supply for the Christmas period. If you are going away make sure you make arrangements for any oxygen that you need. For further indormation on oxygen supplies in Wales contact Air Products Homecare Helpline on 0800 373580.

3. Going on Holidays

If you are spending the festive season away from home make sure that you pack enough medication. It is also important to find out what health services (including GP out of hours) is available in the area you are visiting.

Do you have a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC)? If you are travelling abroad and you do not have one you can apply for one by ringing 0845 606 2030, go online at www.ehic.org.uk or pick up an application form from a Post Office.

4. Medicine Cabinet

It’s worth checking that you have enough basic medicines for common health problems, stocked in your home. Basic medicines can help with common ailments such as coughs, colds, headaches, indigestion, upset stomach and diarrhoea. Click here to find out what medicines should be in your medicine cabinet and what they can be used for.

You can buy a number of medicines over the counter at your local pharmacy. Please note: check the recommended dosage before taking any medicines and do not exceed this dosage.

If you suspect you have a cold or flu, you can check your symptoms with our online cold and flu checker. You can also find out how to self care for common illnesses by reading our caring for yourself page.

5. Choose well

If you are unwell at any time then it is important that you access the relevant health service to suit your needs. The Choose Well campaign provides you with information on when to contact each health service. Click here to find out which service you should contact or visit.

6. Staying Safe at Christmas

Christmas is a time to celebrate with friends and family and there are a few things to remember in order to have a safe Christmas:-

• Be responsible with your alcohol intake – you can check how many units are in your drinks by using the alcohol units calculator. Never Drink and Drive.

• When you are out keep your drink with you at all times, avoid walking home on your own and keep your personal belongings close to you at all times.

• Whilst cooking your Christmas dinner make sure to prepare and cook your food correctly. Click here for information on food safety.

• Look out for vulnerable neighbours and friends during the winter period.

If you need any information or are unsure what to do if you are feeling unwell then you can contact NHS Direct Wales on 0845 46 47. NHS Direct Wales is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.