August Newsletter

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. Book your child’s vaccine today.

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, find more information here.

If you’d like some one-to-one help, pop in to see our NHS App Ambassador [fill in their details/availability] and they will be happy to help.

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.

Find out more here.

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
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.

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. Find out more here.

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!

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!

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!

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.

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.

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!

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!