Each month we have a health promotion display in the waiting room. The current display concerns Hypertension (high blood pressure), with information on the causes, risks and treatment of a condition that affects around 1 in 4 of our adult patients.
Do you know how much you weigh?
We all know that maintaining a healthy weight is important and we want to routinely collect accurate weights for our patients. To help with that we have installed self-service machine in the waiting room alongside the Blood Pressure machine. Take off your shoes, step onto the machine and it will automatically measure your height, weight and Body Mass Index (BMI) which are printed off for you.
If you have a low BMI or you are concerned about abnormal weight loss, talk to your GP.
If you are overweight and want help in losing weight then we can help…Ask at reception about making an appointment with our Health Trainer (see below). Alternatively our Practice Nurses can offer advice and support.
Healthy Walks
Come and sample a free, friendly short walk and let it be the start of becoming more active!
We have partnered with Walking for Health, part of Active Northumberland, who offer free health walks every Monday morning at 10am from the Wentworth Leisure Centre.
As an introduction to their regular walks, they are offering our patients a chance to take a walk from the Primary Care Centre on two dates: Tuesday 24th July at 9.30
Wednesday 22nd August at 9.30am
There's no booking needed. Just turn up and enjoy the 45 minute circular walk.
Beware the Sun
Most of us welcome warm sunny days but as with many things in life too much is not always a good idea.
Heatwaves can be particularly difficult for vulnerable groups. These tips may help you to cope with the heat. We are already seeing patients with heat-related illness.
Sunburn increases your risk of skin cancer
Hayfever can be miserable - there's loads of information online and your local pharmacy can offer advice on products to alleviate symptom
Travel Health
If you are planning to travel abroad you may require disease prevention advice and possibly vaccination. Our Practice Nurses offer this service and you will need to complete a form for them to review prior to your appointment. This can be downloaded from our website and is also available at reception.
There are still global shortages of some travel vaccines. You can find out which vaccinations are necessary or recommended for the areas you'll be visiting on the NHS Fit for Travel website.
Please leave plenty of time to be vaccinated prior to travel as a course of vaccines may take over a month to complete.
Health Trainers
We have a dedicated Health Trainer clinic each Friday. NHS Health Trainers will support you around the issues you feel are important, such as:
• Weight management
• Making healthy food choices
• Drinking less alcohol
• Increasing physical activity
The Health Trainer will see you at the surgery and appointments are booked through our reception team. You do not need to see a GP or Nurse for referral. Simply ask at reception or phone the surgery to book an appointment on our usual number 01434 603627
