Drug use information
Talk to Frank offers unbiased, honest advice about drugs and their effects. The website also offers advice on situations in your daily life involving drugs that you might not be sure how to deal with.www.talktofrank.com
Vitamin D supplements
As we learn more about the need to protect our skin from the sun, it becomes more difficult to ensure we get enough vitamin D. Our bodies produce vitamin D when they are exposed to sunlight. Protecting our skin from sun damage and reducing the risk of skin cancer must be prioritised over getting enough sunlight exposure to produce vitamin D. Therefore, it may be necessary to look for a suitable vitamin D supplement. www.nhs.uk/conditions/vitamins-and-minerals/vitamin-d
Most at risk of vitamin D deficiency are babies and children aged 4 and under, those who are pregnant and anyone who does not spend much time outdoors. Appropriate vitamin D supplementation is recommended for these groups. www.nhs.uk/conditions/vitamins-and-minerals/vitamin-d
Suncream application
Do you know how much suncream you need to apply to make sure you have the level of protection stated on the bottle? Most people aren’t applying enough sunscreen to have fully effective protection. www.nhs.uk/live-well/seasonal-health/sunscreen-and-sun-safety
Erectile dysfunction
Erectile dysfunction (impotence) is quite common, and affects many men from time to time for a variety of reasons. If it happens more frequently, there may be an underlying, treatable cause. www.nhs.uk/conditions/erection-problems-erectile-dysfunction
CHD
Coronary heart disease (CHD) is usually caused by a build-up of fatty deposits on the walls of arteries, and can lead to restriction of blood supply to the heart muscle. www.nhs.uk/conditions/coronary-heart-disease/causes
Angina (chest pain) and breathlessness are two of the most commonly noticed symptoms of coronary heart disease(CHD), though some patients who are diagnosed with CHD will not have had any symptoms at all. www.nhs.uk/conditions/coronary-heart-disease/symptoms
Arthritis
Arthritis can be very challenging for sufferers, especially as the pandemic has meant that some of those suffering are waiting longer to be seen. Versus Arthritis offers sufferers support and advice about living with arthritis. www.versusarthritis.org/about-arthritis
Mole checking
If you have moles on your skin, you should regularly check them. You can use the ABCDE method to look at your moles and, if you have any concerns, ask to speak to one of our team who will be able to take a look for you. www.skincancer.org/skin-can...lanoma-warning-signs-and-images/#uglyduckling
IBS awareness
April is Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) awareness month. Living with IBS can be challenging, with symptoms which can cause embarrassment and anxiety. IBS is usually a lifelong condition, with symptoms varying over time. www.nhs.uk/conditions/irritable-bowel-syndrome-ibs
If you’re experiencing symptoms you think might be related to Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS), such as bloating, pain, constipation or diarrhoea, please see your GP. It’s always best to double check, in case the symptoms are related to something else. www.nhs.uk/conditions/irritable-bowel-syndrome-ibs/symptoms
Autism awareness
Autism is widely misunderstood. We talk about the autistic spectrum, and this means that people tend to think of autism in linear terms. In reality, autism varies widely between individuals. The Art of Autism has a brilliant comic-strip cartoon that neatly illustrates the differences between neurodivergent individuals. the-art-of-autism.com/understanding-the-spectrum-a-comic-strip-explanation
Autism is lifelong. Children can be diagnosed with autism from a very young age, while some adults may find a diagnosis of autism ends a long period of questions for them. There are big differences in the way that autism affects people and their lives. You can find out more about autism here: www.nhs.uk/conditions/autism
Learning disabilities
Most people with a learning disability who are aged 14 or over can have an annual health check. This is because people with learning disabilities often have poorer mental and physical health, but this does not need to be the case. A health check can help you to stay feeling well, and also help if you are feeling poorly www.mencap.org.uk/sites/default/files/2017-06/AHC Easy Read Guide Final.pdf (EXTERNAL PDF LINK)
Hearing problems and loss
Do you find it difficult to hear when there is a lot of background noise? Do you find it difficult to keep up with the conversation? Do other people comment about how loud your TV or radio is? If so, you may be suffering from hearing loss. It’s not unusual for other people to notice you are struggling to hear before you do. www.nhs.uk/conditions/hearing-loss
One in five adults, a total of twelve million people in the UK, have hearing loss or deafness. If you meet someone who suffers from hearing loss or deafness, you can ask them how to make communication easier for them. It might include sitting face to face so they can read your lips more easily, or sitting on their “good” side. rnid.org.uk/information-and-support/deaf-awareness
Keeping active when you don’t feel like it
Sometimes, when it’s cold and grey, or when you’re not on top form, you might prefer to skip the exercise. Keeping active in our daily lives is the best way to stay fit and healthy long-term. www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/2018/sep/12/how-to-stay-fit-for-ever-25-tips-keep-exercising-expert-advice
It’s important that keeping active works for you in your daily life. Starting an exercise plan is brilliant, but it’s important to make sure it’s sustainable. The NHS offers advice on how to get fitter in ways to suit your needs and lifestyle. www.nhs.uk/live-well/exercise/get-active-your-way
Atherosclerosis
Atherosclerosis is caused by fatty build up in your arteries. It’s more common as you get older, and with certain lifestyle factors such as being overweight, smoking, drinking alcohol or having some other medical conditions. Atherosclerosis increases the risk of heart attack and stroke, so it’s worth checking if you can make small changes to reduce your risk. www.nhs.uk/conditions/atherosclerosis
Depression
If you are depressed, it’s vital that you seek support. If you’re already receiving appropriate treatment from your GP or psychiatrist, you may find that joining a support group of people who understand can also help. www.nhs.uk/mental-health/conditions/clinical-depression/support-groups
Diagnosing depression is something only a professional can do, but if you have felt down or you’re struggling to enjoy life, it’s possible that you are depressed. This NHS tool can help you to establish whether you might be suffering from depression. www.nhs.uk/mental-health/conditions/clinical-depression/overview
We tend to think of depression as a problem that some adults have. Children and young people can suffer from depression too, and recognising the signs early could have a positive impact on their lives. Changes in their temperament, sleeping patterns and eating habits may be signs that this is something your child is struggling with. www.nhs.uk/mental-health/ch.../advice-for-parents/children-depressed-signs
Postnatal depression
Postnatal depression can affect women after the birth of a child. More than one in ten women suffer from postnatal depression at some point in the twelve months after the baby is born. Postnatal depression can affect fathers and partners too. The reality of a new baby in the family can be overwhelming. If you think you might be suffering from symptoms of postnatal depression, such as sadness or low-mood, lack of enjoyment, or difficulty bonding with your baby, please seek help as soon as possible. www.nhs.uk/mental-health/conditions/post-natal-depression/overview
Brain aneurysm awareness
Brain aneurysms can cause a number of symptoms including:
- Visual disturbance
- Pain above or around the eye
- Numbness or weakness in the face
- Difficulty speaking
- Headaches
- Balance problems
- Difficulty concentrating
- Problems with short-term memory
www.headway.org.uk/about-brain-injury/individuals/types-of-brain-injury/brain-aneurysm
Mental health and keeping in touch
People who are suffering from depression can find it challenging to keep in contact. If you know someone is struggling, try to keep in touch, even if it’s just a text or email to let them know you’re thinking about them. Try to accept that they may find it difficult to reply. www.mind.org.uk/information-support/types-of-mental-health-problems/depression/for-friends-and-family
OCD awareness
Obsessive compulsive disorder is a mental health condition where the person experiences obsessive thoughts and behaviours. Compulsive behaviours may provide a sufferer with temporary relief from the uncomfortable feelings caused by obsessive thoughts. www.nhs.uk/mental-health/conditions/obsessive-compulsive-disorder-ocd/overview
Psoriasis awareness
Psoriasis is a skin condition that affects around 2% of the population. The impact on each individual can vary greatly. Some suffer only mild symptoms, while for others, the effects can have a significant impact on their lives. Psoriasis is caused by skin cells being made and replaced too quickly. www.nhs.uk/conditions/psoriasis
Shingles
Shingles is caused by the chickenpox virus, and while you can’t give shingles to someone else, you can give them chickenpox if they haven’t had it before. www.nhs.uk/conditions/shingles
Shingles appears as a painful rash and can vary between individuals depending on their skin tone, but if the rash appears on both sides of the body, it’s unlikely to be shingles. www.nhs.uk/conditions/shingles
If you’re aged 70 to 79 you’re eligible for a shingles vaccination through the NHS. Shingles is a painful condition and anyone who has had chickenpox can go on to develop shingles. If you’re eligible and haven’t yet been vaccinated, please get in touch. www.nhs.uk/conditions/vaccinations/shingles-vaccination