DEVIZES-based Wiltshire Health Authority is helping take the pressure off GP surgeries during the cold and flu season by publishing a leaflet containing useful seasonal health information.

The leaflet, entitled Keeping Well, will be available from GP surgeries, libraries and pharmacies and is packed with advice on ways to obtain the right treatment to help weather the winter.

As well as guidance about over-the-counter remedies available from the local chemist, it gives tips on the best ingredients for the home medicine chest.

It also explains how to get advice on healthcare through your home computer and lists useful website addresses.

The leaflet also has a list of important phone numbers, from local authorities to the police and social services.

As well as highlighting special winter campaigns like the flu vaccination programme, the leaflet reminds people about the range of information and advice that is available through NHS Direct, the 24-hour nurse-led telephone help line.

NHS Direct, contactable on 0845 4647 for the price of a local call, gives details about out-of-hours services for local pharmacies and GP surgeries as well as healthcare advice and a range of information on local health service, support organisations and self-help groups.

Philip Milner, the health authority's director of public health, said: "We want to do all we can to keep well through winter, and there are a wide range of health services on offer.

"We just want to make sure that everyone is aware of the variety of ways they can get advice and chooses the option that is right for them."