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:
Important Information: Blood Tests
A supplier to the NHS has advised us of a global shortage of some equipment used for taking blood tests.
Anyone who needs a test for urgent health problems, will still get one but where your clinician recommends that it’s safe to do so, then you may be asked to come back for a test at a later date, or your appointment may be rescheduled.
Given the nature of the shortage, we cannot give an exact date for when the test will be rescheduled, but please be assured that if your condition or symptoms require it, then you will get a test, and we will be re-booking your test when supplies become more easily available.
If your condition or symptoms change or get worse, please contact the NHS as you would normally.
World Breastfeeding Week 1st-7th August 2021
World Breastfeeding Week (1st – 7th August) aims to highlight the benefits that breastfeeding can have.
Breastfeeding is a skill that takes time to get the hang of. Lots of mums wonder if their baby’s feeding well and getting enough – especially in the first few days. But once you’ve mastered it, you’ll probably find it’s the easiest and most satisfying way to feed your baby.
You can visit the NHS Start 4 Life website which hosts lots of information about breastfeeding from how to breastfeed, expressing and what happens when you go back to work.
You can also call The National Breastfeeding Helpline which is open every day from 9.30am – 9.30pm for confidential breastfeeding information and support – 0300 1000212.
Don’t let hay fever ruin your summer!
From now until September is when the pollen count is at its highest, especially when its warm, humid and windy.
Some of the symptoms of hay fever can include:
- Sneezing and coughing
- A runny or blocked nose
- Itchy, red or watery eyes
- Itchy throat, mouth, nose and ears
- Loss of smell
- Pain around your temples and forehead
- Headache
- Earache
- Feeling tired
If you are having any of the above symptoms or are feeling the effects of hay fever, visit your local pharmacist as they can provide advice and treatments to suit your symptoms. You could also try:
- not drying your washing outside when pollen levels are high
- showering and changing your clothes after you’ve been outside to wash any pollen away
- wearing wraparound sunglasses when you go outside to stop the pollen from irritating your eyes
- putting Vaseline around your nose to trap pollen
- keeping windows and doors shut as much as possible
- vacuuming regularly and dust with a damp cloth
- staying indoors when the pollen count is high
You can keep an eye on the pollen forecast on the Met Office Website.