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Practice Newsletter Spring 2017

Had a cough for three weeks or more? Tell your doctor

Hertfordshire GPs are urging people to find out more about the symptoms of lung cancer so that more people survive this devastating disease. In east and north Hertfordshire only 34% of people diagnosed with lung cancer live for at least one year.*

Lung cancer is one of the most common and serious types of cancer. Knowing the symptoms and getting an early diagnosis means it is more likely to be treatable. There are usually no signs or symptoms in the first stages of lung cancer, but many people with the condition eventually develop symptoms including:

a persistent cough for more than three weeks or more

coughing up blood

persistent breathlessness

unexplained tiredness and weight loss

an ache or pain when breathing or coughing.

If you have any of these symptoms you should see your GP.

Local NHS organisation East and North Hertfordshire Clinical Commissioning Group is working with GP surgeries and local pharmacies to promote the NHS ‘Be Clear on Cancer’ campaign by displaying posters and information leaflets which highlight the warning symptoms of lung cancer.

Dr Mark Andrews, a local Hertfordshire GP (Limes Surgery) who is leading the campaign to tackle lung cancer said: “If you or someone you know has had a cough for more than three weeks, tell your GP. It's probably nothing serious, but you're not wasting anyone's time by getting it checked out.

“We can all reduce our risk of developing cancer by improving our lifestyles. Making even small changes can make a difference. Stopping smoking, eating healthily and getting more exercise all reduce the risk whatever our age. If you need help to stop smoking, contact the Hertfordshire Stop Smoking Service on 0800 389 3 998 for free support and advice.”

* Local statistics are available on the Cancer Research UK website.

Further information about the symptoms, causes and treatment for lung cancer can be found at NHS Choices:

What's the difference between anxiety and stress?

By Sara Lindberg

Stress and anxiety; two words that are often used interchangeably by people who think they mean the same thing, yet these conditions have very different definitions.

For those who live with anxiety, it can get frustrating to be constantly told to just relax and not worry. So many times, people mistake what we are experiencing as stress and try to reassure us that it will pass. But here's the thing; we aren't just stressed and as much as we would love for it to pass, it doesn't.

Everyone experiences stress and anxiety at one time or another. The difference between the two is that stress is a response to a threat in a situation and anxiety is a reaction to the stress.

Confusing the two can cause a lot of undue harm and frustration for the millions of people who deal with an anxiety disorder.

About anxiety

A person who lives with anxiety often experiences fear that overcomes all emotions and once that fear is pervasive, worry and apprehension set in. Many people will describe anxiety as a feeling of apprehension or fear, which is almost always followed by feelings of impending doom. What is so frustrating that often this source of uneasiness is not known or recognised.

People with anxiety have a tendency worry a lot, but they are not sure what they are worrying about. They are scared but cannot define what that fear is or where it comes from.

About stress

Stress, on the other hand, is caused by an existing stress-causing factor or stressor. It comes and goes and can result from just about any situation or thought that makes you feel frustrated, angry, nervous, or even anxious.

David Spiegel, Stanford University's associate chair of psychiatry and behavioural sciences, explains, "The key difference [between the two] is the sense of helplessness. When it comes to stress, you can deal with things and master them. By rolling up your sleeves and tackling that stress, you can feel less helpless."

Dispel the myth

The best way to dispel the myth that anxiety and stress are the same thing is to start with awareness and compassion. It's important to understand that a lot of anxiety originates from fear, while the majority of stress stems from external sources. Simply put: anxiety comes from an internal source and stress from an external factor. That is the very reason that people who live with anxiety can't just get over it and move on. It lives within us.

source patient.co.uk

Why is ginger so amazing for health?

By Rose Constantine Smith

Ginger is a well-known but often underused spice generally pigeon-holed for ginger cake, biscuits and occasionally tea. However, there are countless other ways to use this wonderful, warming spice and, on top of its delicious flavour, it has many incredible benefits to the body too.

One of the main functional elements in ginger is a substance called gingerol which, alongside other components, has been shown to have an anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects in the body.

These properties mean that ginger is thought to be beneficial for allergic reactions, gastrointestinal health and osteoarthritis, as well as potentially reducing cancer risk and spread because its antioxidant properties mean that ginger reduces abnormal cell growth, while encouraging destruction of abnormal cells.

Another well-known beneficial trait of ginger is its ability to reduce feelings of nausea. It has been shown in several studies to be effective at reducing all sorts of nausea caused by a range of factors including motion sickness, post-operative sickness and also pregnancy-related sickness.

4 easy delicious ginger uses

So we know that ginger is good for us, but how can we get more into our daily diets?

Ginger is a very versatile spice, being a wonderful accompaniment to both sweet and savoury dishes. Here are four of my favourite ways to use it:

• Grate fresh ginger into porridge while it is warming in the pan. It creates a lovely heat to this winter warmer and when combined with seasonal fruit it makes a delicious way to start any cold day.

• Infuse in boiling water with a squeeze of lemon and honey. This is my go-to drink when I am feeling full of cold as the heat from the ginger seems to clear your nose. Opt for freshly grated ginger over the tea bags as the flavour is much stronger.

• Add to juices and smoothies. Popping a dice sized chunk into the blender gives it an extra flavour hit and lifts the flavours of all of the other ingredients.

Add ginger to chilli con carne or one-pan chicken dishes, soup, stir-fries and curries. You can build the flavour to be as strong or subtle as you like. I think it really works well as a delicious background taste, which adds a wonderful base flavours to these dishes. source patient.co.uk

Why exercise is so important for older people

By Sara Lindberg

We all know by now the amazing mental and physical health benefits of exercise. Physical activity is essential for people of all ages, and some have even said the older you get the more important daily activity is for your health and wellbeing.

As an older adult, regular physical activity is one of the most important things you can do for your health. It can prevent many of the health problems that seem to come with age. It also helps your muscles grow stronger so you can keep doing your daily activities without becoming dependent on others.

Older adults need aerobic and strength exercises each week for maximum physical health. According to NHS guidelines, older adults aged 65 or older, who are generally fit and have no health conditions that limit their mobility, should try to be active daily and should do at least 150 minutes of moderate aerobic activity like walking every week and strength exercises on two or more days a week that work all the major muscle groups.

These guidelines also recommend that if older adults choose to participate in a more vigorous exercise routine, they can decrease the number of minutes spent on aerobic activity if the intensity is increased. For example, exercise for 75 minutes - instead of 150 minutes weekly - if the aerobic activity is vigorous, such as running or a game of tennis.

As we age, our balance and posture seem to be areas that we need to focus our efforts on increasing. Older adults at risk of falls, such as people with weak legs, poor balance, and some medical conditions should also incorporate exercises that improve balance and co-ordination at least two days a week.

It's important to note that physical activity does not need to be done all at once. Most people find it beneficial if they break their time up over the course of the day. Doing exercise in chunks forces us to get up and move more often during the day and reduces the amount of time we spend sitting.

So what types of physical activity seem to be the most popular with older adults? Swimming, walking, exercise cycling (stationary), ballroom dancing, water aerobics, tai chi, gentle yoga, aerobic and strength classes geared towards seniors, and group sports such as tennis and pickleball (a cross between badminton, tennis and ping-pong).

If you are not sure how to get started, consulting with a physical therapist, exercise physiologist, or personal trainer are all great places to begin. They can help assess your current level of fitness and design a custom exercise plan to fit your individual needs.

source patient.co.uk

Hay fever – not to be sniffed at By Dr Sarah Jarvis

The days are getting longer and the sun is out – at least occasionally. But while most of us look forward to the first hint of summer, for 1 in 5 people that anticipation is tainted by the prospect of hay fever. But don’t despair – a little forward planning could make last season’s sneezes a distant memory.

Hay fever – what is it?

Hay fever is an allergy to pollen, most commonly grass pollen. Whenever the pollen you’re allergic to is in plentiful supply, your symptoms could emerge. If you’re allergic to grass pollen, you’ll be most affected from May to July; if tree pollen is the culprit, you’ll suffer from March to May and if weeds are to blame you may be affected throughout spring and summer.

What are the symptoms?

Hay fever affects the sensitive membranes it hits – mostly the delicate lining of the nose, inside the eyelids or the throat. Sometimes it can inflame your sinuses or irritate your lungs, causing asthma symptoms. Symptoms tend to come on every year at about the same time.

Common symptoms include:

Itchy, blocked or runny nose, Sneezing, Itchy, sore, watery eyes, Itchy throat

Less common symptoms include:

Pain over your sinuses, Headache ,Wheezing and shortness of breath.

Who gets it?

Anyone can get hay fever, but you’re much more likely to suffer if allergies – including asthma and eczema as well as hay fever – run in your family. It often starts in childhood or your teenage years, but fortunately may disappear after many years as mysteriously as it arrived.

What treatments are available?

Most treatments for hay fever are now available from your pharmacist without prescription, as well as your GP. They’re all very safe and include:

Steroid or sodium cromoglycate nose spray (both need to be taken regularly and take several days to work – try starting them a few weeks before your symptoms usually begin)

Eye drops designed for hay fever (they need to be taken regularly too) Antihistamine tablets

For severe symptoms, try a combination. Antihistamines can cause drowsiness, but some much less than others – ask your chemist or GP. Tablets may be best if your eyes, nose and throat are all affected, but they won’t solve a blocked nose – you’ll need a spray for that.

Other options, including a short course of steroid tablets and tablets under the tongue to ‘desensitize’ you to grass pollen, are reserved for really severe cases.

What if I don’t want medicines?

Lots of simple measures will help, especially if you combine them. When pollen counts are high:

Wear wrap-around sunglasses

Shut car windows and invest in a car pollen filter

HayMax nasal balm (from supermarkets and chemists) can reduce pollen getting into your nose – it may help your eye symptoms too!

Shower and wash your hair when you come inside

Try a Qu-Chi acupressure band on your elbow (also from supermarkets and chemists)

Source patient.co.uk

Get yourself fit FREE for 12 weeks with Active Herts

Introduction

Thinking about making a few lifestyle changes and looking to become more active? If the answer is yes then welcome to Active Herts. Active Herts is a three year project taking place across the Borough of Broxbourne to help individuals find suitable forms of exercise so they can improve their health and wellbeing. We know that getting active can be difficult so our local, friendly and professional Get Active Specialist can help you get started. The specialist will help you find a fun and friendly activity to suit you and your fitness level. There is plenty to offer as the Active Herts project has set up a number of low impact exercise sessions across the Borough of Broxbourne which participants can receive 12 weeks FREE. After the initial 12 weeks of activity if participants wish to continue then there’s a small fee of £2.50 for each session.

How Can I Get Started

One of the unique advantages about Active Herts is that you don’t have to be referred by your GP or other health care professional. The project has a self-referral option where you can get in contact with the Get Active Specialist straight away. Before making that self- referral please make sure you can answer ‘yes’ to the following questions to be eligible for the programme.

Do you currently do less than 30 minutes of physical activity that raises your breathing each week?

Are you over the age of 16?

Are you a resident living in the Borough of Broxbourne?

To get started or for more information you can either pop into your surgery to pick up one of our flyers, visit our website .uk or contact Andrew, your local Get Active Specialist, to book your free Get Active appointment.

On-going support to help you make those lifestyle changes

Once referred into the programme you will receive 12 months of continued support from the Get Active Specialist whether it’s a phone call, text message, email or even a follow up review. Each referral will receive four key contact points to meet up with the specialist to discuss the exercise sessions and the progress towards making those lifestyle changes. Contacts will be made at Initial consultation, 3 months review, 6 month review and 12 month review. Each appointment with the Get Active Specialist lasts for 45 minutes to 1 hour.

Supporting you every step of the way

If you have any questions or need additional help, feel free to call or email your Get Active Specialist at any point Andrew Rix.

Mobile: 07506 503316

Email: andrew.rix@.uk

Web: .uk

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Opening Hours: 08.00 - 18.30 Monday to Friday

Also Wednesday 07.15 - 08.00 & Thursday 18.30 - 19.15 particularly for commuters & carers looking after elderly relatives during the day. Phone: 01992 464533

Out of Hours: Dial 111 for non urgent advice and help and 999 for life threatening situations.

Website: thelimessurgery.co.uk

In this Newsletter:

Take a look at the practice web-site, Help with stopping smoking or weight reduction, Forever Active Herts, Non-emergency patient transport, Preparing to go on holiday, Bowel Cancer Screening, Repeat prescriptions, Travel vaccinations, Tell your doctor if you have had a cough for more than three weeks, The difference between anxiety and stress, Ginger is good for your health, Why exercise is so important for older people, Hay fever-not to be sniffed at, Get yourself fit FREE for 12 weeks.

Remember to use the Practice Website

• You can make, change and cancel appointments

• Order repeat medication

• Access help and advice on out of hours care, and find a number of other useful sources information at thelimessurgery.co.uk

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Want to stop smoking we can help:

Our qualified Healthcare Assistants run smoking cessation clinics. These clinics are highly successful and can reduce your risks of further health problems.

Weight reduction? we can help with that too:

Our Healthcare Assistants also run weight reduction clinics too. They offer healthy eating plans to help you lose a few pounds and a weight management programme to help keep the pounds off. For further information please ask at reception.

Forever Active East Herts

Forever Active East Herts offers gentle classes for 50's plus, table tennis, swimming, tai chi, walking football, archery, yoga and many more activities across the area.

• The first class is free and further sessions are from £2.00 pay as you go.

• Find out more at .uk

• Or email enquiries to forever.active50@.uk

• This is a fantastic opportunity to improve your fitness and social life.

Non-Emergency Patient Transport Service

From the 4th March 2017 the organisation Private Ambulance Service (PAS) will be providing non-emergency patient services in this area. The new phone number to book non-emergency transport is 0208 045 4254. Please make sure that you have your NHS number to hand when you phone to book a journey.

Are you preparing to go on holiday

Remember to give at least two working days notice for repeat prescriptions. If you are going for an extended period up to two months medication can be given by arrangement with your GP

If you are travelling in the next few months, please check and see if you require any travel vaccines with the Practice Nurse. Some parts of the world require you to have Yellow Fever, Typhoid, Japanese Encephalitis, Hepatitis A & B. most of the vaccines are free on the NHS but there are some that are not, like hepatitis B, Japanese Encephalitis, Yellow Fever and Cholera. It is a good idea to find out about the vaccines you require well in advance of the travel date so that enough time in-between vaccines can be given. Remember it is better to be safe than sorry should you catch a disease whilst on holiday.

Bowel Cancer Screening

The sooner bowel cancer is diagnosed, the easier it is to treat.

Benefits of screening:

Taking part in bowel cancer screening lowers your risk of dying from bowel cancer.

Screening can pick up cancers at an early stage, when there is a good chance of successful treatment. If bowel cancer is diagnosed at the earliest stage, more than nine in ten people will be successfully treated. Screening can find non-cancerous growths (polyps) in the bowel that may develop into cancer in the future. Removing these polyps can reduce your risk of getting bowel cancer. Limes Surgery has 1651 patients in the 60-74 age range to date only 67% of these patients have taken up the offer of being screened in the current programme. Please make sure that you take the opportunity to use the test when it is sent to you - it could save your life.

For more information .uk/about-bowel-cancer/screening/

Travel Vaccinations

Please make sure that you have been vaccinated with the required vaccines before you travel, especially if you are travelling to the outbacks of countries.

You will need to complete a travel risk questionnaire prior to receiving all your vaccines, you can collect one of these from reception. Once it has been completed and returned to the Nurse at the surgery she will assess and make recommendations on the vaccines you require. Once this has been done our receptionist will contact you to make an appointment with the nurse to receive the vaccines.

Some travel vaccines are not covered under the NHS and there will be a charge these - always check first how much the vaccines might cost you

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