Health Promotion

We encourage all our patients to share the responsibility for their health, both in preventing disease and in treating existing diseases. Prevention really is better than cure. Many of the most serious diseases can be prevented by a healthy lifestyle and without need for drugs. Please feel free to discuss general health and your lifestyle and ask for advice. Below are some of the ways that can help you to live not only a longer, but also a fitter and more enjoyable life.

Smoking

This is the single largest preventable cause of ill health in this country.

It is a major cause of cancer, heart attacks, angina and chest disease. If you would like advice and help giving up please ask.

Diet

A healthy diet not only helps control weight but also reduces cholesterol and helps prevent heart attacks. Ask the nurse for advice.

Exercise

Regular exercise helps prevent heart disease as well as reduce weight and makes you feel better. If you are overweight or out of shape please ask for advice before starting vigorous exercise.

Blood Pressure

High blood pressure can, in the long term, increase the risk of heart attacks and strokes. Reducing blood pressure can reduce these risks. Treatment does not always require tablets. All adults are advised to have their blood pressure checked at least every five years - if you have not had yours checked recently please ask the nurse or doctor. 

Seasonal Flu Vaccinations

Flu is an infectious and common viral illness spread by coughs and sneezes.

It's not the same as the common cold. Flu is caused by a different group of viruses. Symptoms tend to be more severe and last longer.

You can catch flu, short for influenza, all year round, but it is especially common in winter, which is why it is also known as "seasonal flu".

Flu causes a sudden high temperature, headache and general aches and pains, tiredness and a sore throat. You can also lose your appetite, feel nauseous and have a cough.

Flu symptoms can make you feel so exhausted and unwell that you have to stay in bed and rest until you feel better.

Vaccinations are usually given during October each year and if you are aged 65 and over NHS England will write to you asking you to make an appointment with your GP. Nearer the time you will notice posters in the surgery to remind you.

The surgery will write to those of our patients who are under 65 and need the vaccination for other health reasons such as people with a serious medical condition.