Measles
Measles cases are on the rise in the UK. Vaccination is vital to protect both your own children and those around you who are vulnerable.
Vaccines are the most effective way to prevent many infectious diseases, and while anti-vaccine stories are often spread on social media, these may not be based on scientific evidence and could put your child at risk of a serious illness.
Facts:
- Vaccines do not cause autism – studies have found no evidence of a link between the MMR vaccine and autism
- They do not overload or weaken the immune system
- Vaccines undergo rigorous safety testing before being introduced – they’re also constantly monitored for side effects
If people are not vaccinated, serious illnesses can spread. Measles can lead to life-threatening complications like meningitis, and may even be fatal. All children aged one year to 18 months of age should be offered the vaccine as part of their routine vaccinations. If your child was not vaccinated at 18 months, they can also have it at their 3 years and 4 months appointment. Please check your childs RED BOOK and if outstanding please call reception to book a child vaccination appointment with a nurse.
NHS App
Not sure where to start with using the NHS App? The NHS App can be so useful for you as a patient, for ordering your prescriptions, for checking your messages and even appointments. If you’re new to using a smartphone, or finding it difficult to navigate, this leaflet is helpful: https://www.ageuk.org.uk/bp-assets/.../2022-pics/how-to-use-the-nhs-app-leaflet.pdf
Antibiotics
Taking antibiotics when you don’t need them puts both you and others at risk.
Resistance to antibiotics is a growing concern, and it’s important that we control usage to keep them working for when they’re really needed.
It’s estimated that at least 5,000 deaths are caused every year in England because antibiotics no longer work for some infections and this figure is set to rise with experts predicting that in just over 30 years, antibiotic resistance will kill more people than cancer and diabetes combined.
In some cases, you may not need an antibiotic so ensure you trust your Doctor, Nurse or Pharmacist’s advice as to when they’re required. Take antibiotics as directed and never save them for later use or share them with others.
https://www.bbc.com/future/article/20170607-how-we-can-stop-antibiotic-resistance
Extreme temperatures
This summer we’ve experienced temperatures far exceeding previous years, and it doesn’t look set to end anytime soon.
Hot weather can cause health issues in the young and vulnerable, and can increase the risk of heart attack, stroke, lung problems and other diseases. People with underlying medical conditions can also be vulnerable to the effects of hot weather.
It’s important for everyone to take a few steps to keep cool when the heat rises:
- Drink plenty of clear fluids throughout the day; don’t wait until you’re thirsty
- Limit alcohol intake
- Avoid caffeine; opt for water or juices
- If you’re going to do a physical activity, plan to do this during times of the day when it’s cooler
- Stay out of the sun during the hottest part of the day
- If you do go outside, cover up with suitable clothing such as an appropriate hat and sunglasses, seek shade and apply sunscreen
- Keep your home cool by closing windows and curtains in rooms that face the sun
Keep an eye on those around you for any signs of heat exhaustion and heatstroke; they may need rapid treatment so it’s important to know the signs: https://www.gov.uk/government/publi...e-heat-staying-safe-in-hot-weather#exhaustion
Summer detox
Why not use your time away this summer to have a social media break? Evidence suggests that switching off for a period can have a huge positive impact on your mental health.
A social media break:
- Reduces stress and anxiety
- Helps you to be more present
- Enables you to build more relationships
- Improves your communication skills
- Allows you to live in the moment
Let us know you get on!
https://www.bath.ac.uk/announcements/social-media-break-improves-mental-health-new-study/
Coping with stress
It’s the school summer holidays and parents often find themselves managing work, noise and much more! Juggling parenting with other responsibilities can make you feel overwhelmed. It’s really important to consider your own wellbeing, to prevent you feeling a little burnt out. Parental self-care is super important, yet often it’s more likely to be neglected during the summer break.
Consider taking up a new physical activity, meet some friends in a park for a chat and a playdate, or find local fun days to attend. The six weeks will fly by!
https://www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize/articles/zx64r2p
https://www.bacp.co.uk/news/news-fr...-can-take-the-stress-out-of-the-summer-break/
Water safety
When temperatures rise, water accidents are more likely to occur, with nearly half of drownings happening between May and August. If you’re thinking about swimming, always follow the Water Safety Code.
- Check the area is safe and ensure you’re competent to swim
- Enter the water slowly and carefully
- Stay within reach
- Always be supervised
- If you get into trouble, float and call for help
- Call 999
Always remember, never use inflatables in open water – they can quickly get caught in the wind and be blown out to sea.
Have fun but be safe this summer!
https://www.rlss.org.uk/listing/category/summer-water-safety
https://hmcoastguard.uk/on-the-beach
World Breastfeeding Awareness Week, 1st-7th August
“Invest in Breastfeeding, Invest in the Future” this World Breastfeeding Awareness Week.
Some of the benefits of breastfeeding are:
- Your breast milk meets all of your baby’s nutritional needs
- Breast milk protects your baby from infections and diseases
- Breastfeeding provides health benefits for you
- Breast milk is available for your baby whenever your baby needs it
Showing support and encouraging breastfeeding creates healthy babies and empowered mothers.
If you would like a quiet area to breastfeed your baby whist at the surgery please speak to a member of reception.
https://www.nhs.uk/baby/breastfeeding-and-bottle-feeding/breastfeeding/benefits/
Hair Loss Awareness Month, 1st-31st August
Did you know that August is Hair Loss Awareness Month? You may not know this, but it’s normal to lose around 50-110 hairs per day.
Normally losing extra hair is nothing to worry about, but excessive loss can be a sign of an underlying condition, such as stress, iron deficiency or weight loss. It can also be a side effect of cancer treatment. There are often a range of treatment options available, and you may be able to access support if the loss is impacting on your wellbeing and confidence.
If you’re worried, it’s important to speak to your Doctor.
https://www.nhs.uk/symptoms/hair-loss/
Psoriasis Action Month, 1st-31st August
Psoriasis affects people of all genders, races and ages, and can appear on various parts of the body at any time. No one really knows what causes it and that’s why it’s so important to understand how to manage it effectively when symptoms arise.
Coping with psoriasis can be challenging, but there are lots of tips and ideas to help treat the condition from medication to holistic, complementary and alternative therapies, dietary adjustments and lifestyle changes.
Playday, 6th August
Play is crucial for developing children’s communication and language skills, as well as supporting their learning and wellbeing. Playday celebrates the importance of play in development and the need for more accessible, inclusive spaces.
Evidence now supports the view that playing, throughout childhood, is not only an innate behaviour but also contributes to children’s quality of life, their wellbeing and their physical, social, emotional and cognitive development. So, let’s make sure we’re giving our children the opportunities!
https://birthto5matters.org.uk/play/
National Allotments Week, 11th-17th August
This year’s theme for National Allotment Week is “Allotments and Wellbeing” – a perfect reminder of how tending to a plot of land can do wonders for your mind, body and plate.
Physical health – Digging, planting and weeding help to keep you active
Mental health – Fresh air, peace, tranquillity and growth all help to create a sense of peace
Nutritional health – Seasonal vegetables and fruit packed with nutrients from your own plot
Whether you’re a seasoned grower or just getting started, your allotment is more than soil and seeds; it’s a sanctuary for your wellbeing!
https://www.gardenersworld.com/how-to/grow-plants/how-to-start-an-allotment/