Important information regarding the Covid-19 Booster Vaccines
It was announced on Sunday, 12 December 2021, that the NHS will offer a booster vaccination booking to every adult by the end of December in response the Omicron variant.
Please note that you should not contact your GP Practice to book your booster jab, you should use the National Booking Service or call 119. Some vaccination sites may offer a walk-in service but the best way to ensure you get a jab is to make an appointments through the nationals booking service.
General practice is working hard to support the covid-19 vaccination programme, but we are still here for you but the way you access care may be different:
- Face-to-face appointments are available to all patients where there is a clinical need. You will be asked to first discuss your conditions over the phone or online with a member of the healthcare team to assess what would be most appropriate for you and which practice member would best provide it.
- Most common conditions can be assessed and diagnosed by your doctor by telephone or video consultation. They are experienced and skilled in doing this. Using technology like this will help to protect you, your family and loved ones – and GP practice staff from the potential risk of the virus.
- General practice services are extremely busy and are working hard to treat as many patients as possible.
Alcohol Awareness Week
Alcohol Awareness Week is about raising awareness of the dangers alcohol can have on your health and wellbeing and it’s about campaigning for change.
Cutting back on alcohol consumption 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 for FREE on the app store or Google Play.
However, if you are struggling with your drinking and it is becoming an issue for you or your family, help is available, and many people seek it every day – https://alcoholchange.org.uk/help-and-support/get-help-now
Stress can have a detrimental effect on your mental health
We know feeling stressed and being under pressure is a normal part of life but becoming overwhelmed by stress can lead to mental health problems or make existing problems worse.
This stress awareness day the aim is to highlight the ways stress can affect people and what you can do to manage your stress before it becomes a problem.
Stress is the feeling of being under too much mental or emotional pressure. When you are stressed, your body releases stress hormones such as adrenaline and cortisol.
Stress is your body’s reaction to help you deal with pressure or threats. This is sometimes called a “fight or flight” response. Your stress hormone levels usually return to normal once the pressure or threat has passed.
A small amount of stress can be useful. It can motivate you to take action and get tasks completed. It can also make you feel alive and excited. But too much stress can cause negative effects such as a change in your mood, your body and relationship issues.
To find out more information about stress and what you can do to manage it, visit https://www.nhs.uk/ or https://www.rethink.org/
Have you thought to ask your local Pharmacist?
It’s ‘Ask Your Pharmacist Week’ and this year’s campaign aims to make you aware that your local pharmacy can help with a variety of medical problems.
Pharmacies are part of the NHS family and the range of clinical services provided by community pharmacies has expanded significantly in recent years – with several more services being added during 2021.
So, for NHS services, convenient access to medicines, support for healthy living and prompt clinical advice, Ask Your Pharmacist!
In addition to your Pharmacy, self-care is also important especially during those long winter months. Watch this informative video to find out which recommended products should be in your medicine cabinet to help you self-care this Winter!
Recognising the symptoms of Lung Cancer could save your life
November is Lung Cancer Awareness Month, and as it’s the most common cause of death from cancer in both men and women claiming almost 35,000 lives a year, the campaign is encouraging people to visit their GP sooner if they have symptoms.
Early detection of lung cancer makes it more treatable, so encouraging people to recognise symptoms such as a persistent cough, breathlessness and sudden weight loss and to see their GP could save lives.
To find out more about Lung Cancer Awareness Month, visit https://roycastle.org/.
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.