Can you go sober for October?
Every October Macmillan Cancer Support ask people to get involved in Sober October by going alcohol free to raise money for people with cancer but also to raise awareness of the huge benefits cutting back on booze can have!
Cutting back on the booze can be a really effective way to improve your health, boost your energy, lose weight and save money.
The NHS Better Health Campaign have a free ‘Drink Free Days’ app, allowing you to track your alcohol intake, view tips on cutting down and receive reminders when you need them most. The app is available on the app store or Google Play.
If you want to take park in Sober October visit https://www.gosober.org.uk/?no_redirect=true
Get you know what’s normal for you this Breast Cancer Awareness Month!
October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, an annual campaign to raise awareness about the importance of checking your breasts regularly and making sure you get a check-up if something doesn’t feel quite right.
Life is busy and there are a lot of important things we have to do but making sure you check your breasts should be a priority. By checking your breasts regularly, you will notice any unusual changes quickly and have the confidence to know what’s normal for you each month.
1 in 7 women in the UK will be affected by breast cancer in their lifetime with it being the most commonly diagnosed cancer in women under 40. Although mainly prominent in women, around 370 men are also diagnosed in the UK each year.
What to look out for
You should see your GP if you have:
- A change in the size, shape or feel of one or both breasts
- A new lump or area of thickened tissue in a breast or armpit
- A discharge of fluid from either of your nipples
- A lump or swelling in either of your armpits
- A change in the look or feel of your skin, such as puckering or dimpling, a rash or redness
- A rash (like eczema), crusting, scaly or itchy skin or redness on or around your nipple
Your symptoms are unlikely to be cancer, but it is important to get them checked by a doctor.
You can find out more information about breast cancer and how to check your breasts at the following websites:
This Organ Donation Week we’re encouraging families to get together and talk about organ donation
Although the law around organ donation has changed to an opt-out system for adults in England, Wales and Scotland, your family will still be consulted if organ donation is a possibility.
Your family can overturn your decision if they aren’t sure what you want, but 9 in 10 families support organ donation going ahead when they know that’s what their loved ones had wanted.
We’re encouraging everyone in the family – no matter what age – to start talking about organ donation. Even if you’re not sure if you want to donate, having that conversation might help you make up your mind.
Find out more about Organ Donation at Organdonation.nhs.uk
This week is Sexual Health Week
This week is Sexual Health Week. If you have any worries, concerns, or questions there is advice and support including what symptoms to look out for and when you should see your GP, available at https://www.nhs.uk/live-well/sexual-health/.
Worried about breast cancer after the sad news about Sarah Harding?
If you are feeling worried or anxious about breast cancer after the sad news about Sarah Harding, there is support and advice available for you.
Breast Cancer Now have nurses available to answer your questions via their free Helpline 0808 800 6000 or you can find out more about signs and symptoms on their website https://breastcancernow.org/…/signs-symptoms-breast-cancer
You can also find advice at: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/breast-cancer/symptoms/
If you notice any symptoms of breast cancer, such as an unusual lump in your breast or any change in the appearance, feel or shape of your breasts book an appointment to see your GP asap.
The GP will examine you. If they think your symptoms need further assessment, they’ll refer you to a specialist breast cancer clinic.
Migraine Awareness Week
This week is Migraine Awareness Week and aims to raise awareness of the condition and highlight the impact it has to people living with it.
A migraine is usually a moderate or severe headache felt as a throbbing pain on one side of the head. Many people have symptoms such as nausea, vomiting and increased sensitivity to light or sound.
Migraine is a common health condition affecting around one in every five women and around one in every 15 men. They usually begin in early adulthood.
Simple painkillers such as Paracetamol or Ibuprofen can be effective for migraine. However, be careful not to take too many painkillers as this could make it harder to treat headaches over time.
You should make an appointment to see your GP if you have frequent migraines (on more than five days a month), even if they can be controlled with medication, as you may benefit from preventative treatment.
More information on migraines can be found at https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/migraine/
World Alzheimer’s Month
This year’s World Alzheimer’s Month is focussing on dementia, highlighting the importance of talking about dementia and raising awareness of how it impacts the daily lives of people affected by the condition.
We know that receiving a dementia diagnosis can leave a person feeling very alone. We have also spoken to primary carers who feel isolated since their loved one received a diagnosis. But you are not alone – there is support available to anyone who is affected by or worried about dementia. You can find information, guidance and support at:
Practice Closed for August Bank Holiday
Please note that our Practice will be closed for the August Bank Holiday on Monday 30 August 2021. We will re-open as normal on Tuesday 31 August 2021. If during this time you require medical advice or treatment you can: Visit your pharmacy Your local pharmacy can provide confidential, expert advice and treatment for a range of common illnesses and complaints. Opening times for local Pharmacies can be downloaded or you can visit NHS Choices. Access NHS 111 If you need urgent medical advice but your condition is not life threatening, you can access NHS 111 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, either online or via phone. To access the service online simply visit 111.nhs.uk, enter your age, sex, postcode and main symptom, and then you will be guided through a series of questions about your health problems. To access the service via phone, simply dial 111 from any mobile or landline free of charge and you will be put through to an operator who will run through a few questions regarding your health problem in order to get you the right care. A&E or 999 For a genuine medical emergency including; loss of consciousness, acute confused state and fits that are not stopping, persistent and or/severe chest pain, breathing difficulties, severe bleeding that cannot be stopped call 999 or go to your nearest A&E.
Practice Closures for May Bank Holidays
Please be aware that GP Practices will be closed for the May Bank Holiday on Monday 3rd May and the Spring Bank Holiday on Monday 31st May. If you need medical advice during this period you can: Visit your pharmacy – Your local pharmacy can provide confidential, expert advice and treatment for a range of common illnesses and complaints. Visit nhs.uk to find a pharmacy open near you. Use NHS 111 – If you need urgent medical advice but your condition is not life threatening. NHS 111 is available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year and you can access either online or by calling 111 from your landline or mobile (all calls are free). Dial 999 – for a genuine medical emergency including; loss of consciousness, acute confused state and fits that are not stopping, persistent and/or severe chest pain, breathing difficulties, severe bleeding that cannot be stopped dial 999.
Practice Closures for Easter Bank Holiday
Please be aware that GP Practices close for the Easter Bank Holidays which are on Friday 2nd April (Good Friday) and Monday 5th April (Bank Holiday Monday).
If you need medical advice during this period you can:
Visit your pharmacy – Your local pharmacy can provide confidential, expert advice and treatment for a range of common illnesses and complaints. Visit nhs.uk to find a pharmacy open near you.
Use NHS 111 – If you need urgent medical advice but your condition is not life threatening. NHS 111 is available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year and you can access either online or by calling 111 from your landline or mobile (all calls are free).
Dial 999 – for a genuine medical emergency including; loss of consciousness, acute confused state and fits that are not stopping, persistent and/or severe chest pain, breathing difficulties, severe bleeding that cannot be stopped dial 999.