Health Advice

With the recent surge in the cases of Measles it is more important than ever to get yourself up to date with information around it, below you will see some of the symptoms to keep an eye out for if you or someone you know thinks they might have Measles. 

• High fever 
• Rash (sometimes starting around the ears) 
• Sore red eyes 
• Cough
• Aching and feeling unwell

Measles are circulating around and it is a very serious infection that can cause a lot of problems, especially to those who are vunerable ie people with weakened immune system, babies under one and pregnant women. 

Its never too late to get your MMR vaccine. If you are wanting to get your MMR then call the surgery to book your two doses of MMR vaccine. 

 For more information on MMR following the link below 

MMR (measles, mumps and rubella) vaccine - NHS (www.nhs.uk)

A GP, nurse or a pharmacist can give you advice and help with your menopause symptoms should you have any concerns or worries. This can be done by either contacting the surgery, speaking to a pharmacist or filling in an E-consult and a health care professional will be in contact with you. 

Here are some things you can do as per advice from the NHS website to help reduce symptoms and also manage them: 

• get plenty of rest, including keeping to regular sleep routines

• eat a healthy diet

• have calcium-rich food like milk, yoghurt and kale to keep bones healthy

• exercise regularly, try including weight-bearing activities where your feet and legs support your weight like walking, running or dancing

• do relaxing things like yoga, tai chi or meditation

• talk to other people going through the same thing, like family, friends or colleagues

• talk to a doctor before taking herbal supplements or complementary medicines

One of the common side affects are having hot flushes or sweating, some things you can do in order to minimise these are: 

• wear light clothing
  
  
• keep your bedroom cool at night
  
  
• take a cool shower, use a fan or have a cold drink
  
  
• try to reduce your stress levels 
  
  
• avoid or reduce potential triggers, such as spicy food, caffeine, hot drinks, smoking and alcohol
  
  
• exercise regularly
  
  
• lose weight if you're overweight

The following links provide useful information on how to manage and also be aware of the symptoms and changes that your body can make during the stages of menopause. 

https://www.menopausematters.co.uk/

Rock My Menopause - Menopause Information

Get urgent help if you are experiencing a mental health crisis

Mental health crisis means different things to different people. 

• You may be distressed and want to harm yourself, or someone else
• You may be hearing unpleasant voices, feel that people are watching you or that you are in immediate danger

It could help to tell someone you trust, such as a family member or a friend who can then help you decide what to do. They can also contact services on your behalf.

If you are supported by one of NSFT’s services:

Check your care plan, and:

During office hours contact your care coordinator or the duty number for the team that is supporting you. If you don't have their details, visit NSFT’s service finder.

Or call the urgent mental health helpline on 111 and select option 2.

If you need urgent help and you are not supported by NSFT’s services:

Call 111 and select option 2 to speak to the 24-hour urgent mental health helpline

Please avoid visiting hospital A&E (Accident and Emergency) departments unless you have a life-threatening emergency. The number above can connect you to crisis services.

If you are with someone who has attempted suicide, call 999 and stay with them until the ambulance arrives. 

If anyone is at serious risk of harm, call 999 and ask for the police.

Prostate Cancer affects 1 in 8 men.

Please ensure you are awasre of the syptoms and seek advice is you have any concerns.

Prostate Cancer UK have an excellent website full of information and guidance, just click on the link below.....

https://prostatecanceruk.org/

The Respiratory Syncytial Virus vaccination is being offered to patients reaching the age of 75 and pregnant ladies at 28 weeks gestation, from Sunday, September 1st, 2024.

RSV is an infectious disease of the airways and lungs, often causing cold-like symptoms - cough, sore throat, sneezing, runny or blocked nose. Each year thousands of adults need hospitalisation for RSV, some of whom sadly die.

Those of a weakened immune system or conditions affecting the heart or lungs, can experience more severe side effects of RSV, so adding these additional cohorts of patients will hopefully curb the spread of the disease.

The vaccine is a one-time dose, which is expected to give good protection for several years. Patients will need to book appointments with our nursing team, at a separate appointment to any other winter vaccinations.

For pregnant ladies, the vaccine is designed to protect their unborn child(ren). RSV can cause the lung infection bronchiolitis, which can make it harder for babies to breathe and feed. 

Please click below for further details regarding pregnant ladies and the RSV vaccine:

RSV vaccine in pregnancy

Also being included in this campaign are those aged between 75 and 79, on September 1st 2024. For further information, please click on the link below:

RSV vaccination for older adults

In order to book your appointment to receive an RSV vaccine, please call our Reception Team on 01206 298272.

111 online is a fast and convenient alternative to the 111 phone service and provides an option for people who want to access 111 digitally. 

Your needs will be assessed and you will be given advice about whether you need:

• Treat yourself at home
• Go to a Primary Care Centre

If you need face to face medical attention you may be asked to attend a Primary Care Centre.

Click here to access NHS 111 online or call 111 to speak to a staff member.