Here you will find information about how to make the most of your health and how to deal with common ailments.  Whilst the advice given here is based on professional opinion and mostly nationally recommended it is not a substitute to medical advice at the practice.  If you are in doubt please call us.

Health Promotion

Blood pressure (for all): A five-yearly blood pressure check is recommended for all adults. Elderly people and those suffering with high blood pressure and other blood-pressure linked conditions may need an annual check and sometimes more frequently than that. Please feel free to make an appointment with a health care assistant or nurse for a check if due.  Do this even if you have been checking your pressure elsewhere or using home equipment.

Breast cancer (for women aged 50-65): This service is run centrally by the government, independent of GP practices and women aged 50-65 are normally invited 3 yearly for a mammogram.  Younger women are not routinely screened. Further information can be found here: www.cancerscreening.nhs.uk/breastscreen/index If you have developed a breast lump and wish to be examined please make an appointment to see one of the doctors

Cervical smears (for women): The cervical cytology programme is amongst the best health screening services available and is recommended by the department of health.  It allows the detection and treatment of abnormal cells well before they have a chance of becoming cancerous. It is recommended for all women aged 25 to 64 except those who have never had sex or have had their cervix removed (as part of a hysterectomy).  It is performed 3 yearly up to the age of 50 and then 5 yearly. If you have had a previous abnormal smear you may be required to have smears taken more frequently.  If your smear is due please make an appointment to have this done in the middle of your menstrual cycle (at least one week after your period).  For more information go to the NHS cytology website: www.cancerscreening.nhs.uk/cervical/index.html

Childhood immunisations (for young children):  All vaccines in the childhood immunisation programme have been thoroughly researched and the department of health has endorsed their safety.  The schedule is updated periodically and if you are unsure it is best to check with a nurse. The illnesses which the vaccines protect against can be life-threatening and we believe that we all have a responsibility towards the wider community in ensuring that these diseases stay under control. Please do not decide to avoid any of the immunisations without first discussing this with a nurse at the practice. For further information click here:
www.immunisation.org.uk

Coronary heart disease (for adults): More than one third of deaths in the UK are due to cardiovascular disease of which the commonest is coronary heart disease. At the Forest Surgery all patients with CHD are invited for review at least annually and usually six-monthly, even if their condition is well controlled.  This is to ensure that everything possible is being done to prevent further problems.  As for those without heart disease there are some risk factors that can be modified to minimise the risk of developing CHD.  These include smoking, high cholesterol, diabetes and high blood pressure.  For further information please visit the British Heart Foundation website: www.bhf.org.uk/keeping_your_heart_healthy/default.aspx

Healthy eating (for all): Variety is the key. This is because a wide range of nutrients are required for optimal health. Different foods contain different vitamins and minerals. Food is also our energy source and a balance of protein, fats and carbohydrates forms a healthy diet. Finally sufficient fibre and water should be taken. Whist growing children may burn a lot of their energy intake, with adults high levels of fats and carbs causes build-up in arteries leading to heart disease and other diseases. 

www.nutrition.org.uk provides reliable advice on healthy eating
www.lifebytes.gov.uk/eating/eat_menu.html has friendly advice for young teenagers

Physical exercise (for all): Use it or lose it and there are right and wrong ways of using it for starters there should be some form of regular warm up/stamina and general fitness activity such as jogging, swimming or cycling of more importance than intensity is regularity, and it is best to be realistic bearing in mind your other commitments. Health is wealth. If you have an illness limiting your ability to take physical exercise then you may need specialist advice from a physiotherapist. Here is a link which gives access to lots of useful sites:
www.patient.co.uk/showdoc/287

Prostate cancer (older men): The benefits of routinely testing for prostate cancer are debatable. Please seek medical advice if you have concerns, or check the NHS screening website for more information: www.cancerscreening.nhs.uk/prostate/index

Skin cancers (for all): Protect your self in the sun and beware of any abnormal moles. There is no such thing as a safe tan (except a fake tan).  If you have fair skin (type 1-3) then sun bathing will multiply your risk of future skin cancer. Childhood exposure is also associated with future risk.  For more information click here.  http://info.cancerresearchuk.org/healthyliving/sunsmart/skincancer/ or http://www.skincancer.org/skincancer-facts.php
If you have a mole that is changing then please have it checked by a doctor. Worrying features include A (asymmetry), B (border smudging), C (colour darkening), D (diameter increasing) and E (elevation from flat to raised).

Smoking (for smokers): Cigarette smoking is responsible for many life-threatening conditions and several cancers. It is never too late to quit. If you want to give up smoking please make an appointment at the pharmacy next door to the practice (Triplesave) where further advice and nicotine replacement therapy is available. For more information go to this website: www.smoking-cessation.org or www.walthamforest-pct.nhs.uk/Services/stopsmoking.htm

Stress and anxiety (for those stressed): A moderate degree of ‘stress’ is not a bad thing and everyone occasionally feels over-pressured, anxious or low.  However persistence of this feeling, especially if it impacts on quality of life should not be ignored.  Regular disturbed sleep, feelings of doom and anxiety are harmful to well-being and the stress should be dealt with head-on. The underlying factors, the stress itself and the consequences will all need to be addressed carefully. Please feel free to make an appointment with one of the doctors who will be willing to listen and discuss the options available. Here are some links:

www.stress.org.uk/4560/index
www.hse.gov.uk/stress (work-related stress)
www.bbc.co.uk/health/conditions/mental_health/emotion_index.shtml
www.relate.org.uk (relationships)
http://languages.refugeecouncil.org.uk/english/services.htm (Refugee council)

Testicular cancer (for men):  Swellings inside the scrotum are common.  If however you develop a swelling that seems to be arising from one of the testicles then it should be checked as soon as possible by one of the doctors.

The Management Of Common Ailments

BACKACHE, STRAINS AND SPRAINS

Many acute strains, sprains and backache will respond to a few days rest, with Paracetamol taken for pain.  If the symptoms persist, contact the doctor.

BURNS AND SCALDS

Taking the heat away from the skin as soon as possible is the most important factor. Apply large quantities of cold water immediately, for up to 15 minutes if necessary. If the skin is broken, or if the area of the burn is larger than four or five inches in diameter, further advice should be sought.  If the eye is burnt, apply cold water liberally from a cup and seek medical advice immediately.

COLDS AND FLU

These usually start with a runny nose, cough, temperature and aches. They are caused by viruses and Antibiotics are of no use in treating them.  Treatment consists of taking recommended doses of Paracetamol for the temperature and aches and drinking plenty of fluids. Seek advice if symptoms persist after one week, but please attend surgery earlier for a child if you are concerned.

DIARRHOEA AND VOMITING

In adults and older children, diarrhoea and vomiting will usually get better on their own. Treatment consists of replacing the fluid that you have lost and resting the digestive system by having nothing solid to eat for 24 hours.  Sachets of powder such as Dioralyte and Electrolade, which can be made into a drink, are available from the chemist. If the diarrhoea contains blood or there is a severe pain or high fever, you should discuss it with your doctor.
Diarrhoea and vomiting in small babies and young children should be treated with caution and the doctor will be happy to advise you about this.

EAR INFECTIONS

Recent research has shown that most ear infections will resolve without antibiotics.  Children with earache should be given Paracetamol. If the pain is severe, please see the doctor in normal surgery hours.

HEAD LICE

These creatures prefer clean hair and are not a sign of poor personal hygiene. Treatment can be obtained from the chemist without prescription, or for children from the Health Visitor.

INSECT BITES AND STINGS

Most of these need no treatment.  Anti-histamine tablets can be obtained from the chemist without a prescription and will relieve most symptoms.

NOSEBLEEDS

Sit in a chair (leaning forwards with your mouth open) and pinch your nose just below the bone for about 10 minutes, by which time the bleeding usually stops. If the bleeding continues, place a plug of cotton wool in your nostril and ask for advice from NHS Direct or your doctor.

SORE THROATS

The vast majority of sore throats in children and adults are caused by viruses and do not respond to antibiotics. Even when bacteria are isolated from the throat, there is no evidence that antibiotics speed recovery. Treatment should be with Paracetamol in children and Paracetamol or Aspirin in adults.

SPRAINS

First apply a cold compress containing ice for 15 to 30 minutes to reduce the swelling. Apply a firm crepe bandage for support.

SUNBURN

With sunburn, remember, prevention is better than cure. Use high factor sun creams especially on children.

Family medicine chest

Here is a list of useful medicines etc.

Antiseptic Cream
For treating septic spots, sores in the nose and grazes.

Calamine Lotion
For dabbing (not rubbing) on insect bites and stings and sunburn.

Dioralyte/Electolade Sachets
For fluid replacement in diarrhoea/vomiting.

Dressing Strips
For minor cuts.

Menthol and Eucalyptus Inhalation
Add to hot water to make steam inhalations for treating catarrh or a chesty cough.

Paracetamol Mixture
For relief of pain or fever in young children

Dry Cough Linctus
For dry or painful coughs without congestion.

Paracetamol/Soluble Paracetamol
For adults and children over 6 years. Good for headaches, colds, sore throats and painful bruises.

Thermometer
For fevers

Tweezers
For removing splinters

Vapour Rub
Again, for steam inhalations. Also for children with stuffy noses or chesty coughs. Rub on the chest, throat and back.

3” Wide Crepe Bandage
To keep dressings in place. To support sprained or bruised joints.