Men
Men’s Health
Five health symptoms men should not ignore
“British men are paying the price for neglecting their health: more than 100,000 men a year die prematurely.
On average, men go to their GP half as often as women. It’s important to be aware of changes to your health, and to see your GP immediately if you notice something that’s not right.” Find out more
Sexual Problems
It’s estimated that one man in 10 has a problem related to having sex, such as premature ejaculation or erectile dysfunction. Dr John Tomlinson of The Sexual Advice Association explains some of the causes, and where to seek help.
Prostate Cancer
Each year about 36,000 men in the UK are diagnosed with prostate cancer, making it the most common cancer in men. It mainly affects men aged over 50.
- The prostate gland symptoms
- difficulty in starting to pass urine
- a weak, sometimes intermittent flow of urine
- dribbling of urine before and after urinating
- a frequent or urgent need to pass urine
- rarely, blood in your urine or semen and pain when passing urine
These symptoms aren’t always caused by prostate cancer but if you have them see your GP.
Find out more about the symptoms, causes and diagnosis of prostate cancer by using the resources below.
Testicular Cancer
Testicular cancer, though the most common cancer in young men, it is still quite rare. With 2000 new cases being diagnosed each year, this makes it the biggest cause of cancer related death in 15 – 35-year-old males. It accounts for around 70 deaths a year within the UK alone.
What to Look Out For
The most common symptom of testicular cancer is swelling or a pea-sized lump in one of the testes (balls). There is no current screening test therefore it is important that you look out for the following signs and symptoms.
- A dull ache, or sharp pain, in your testicles, or scrotum, which may come and go
- A feeling of heaviness in your scrotum
- A dull ache in your lower abdomen
- A sudden collection of fluid in your scrotum
- Fatigue and generally feeling unwell.
NHS – Information on Testicular Cancer
NHS Choices Conditions and Treatments
See the NHS Choices Conditions and Treatments browser for an in-depth description of many common health issues.
Sexual Health
Sex Information
Both men and women need to look after their sexual health and take time to understand the issues that surround contraception and sexually transmitted infections (STIs).
For instance there are some STIs, like chlamydia, that you could be carrying without having any symptoms. This infection can affect fertility, so it’s important to make use of the sexual health services available for free on the NHS.
Useful Links
A comprehensive guide to the questions you may have about sex from the NHS
Sexually Transmitted Infections
Issues, symptoms and treatments
Expert answers from a qualified Doctor
FPA – The Sexual Health Charity
Sexual health advice and information on contraception, sexually transmitted infections, pregnancy choices, abortion and planning a pregnancy.
Contraception
There are so many different types of contraception available that you should be able to find the right method. You may have to try several different things before you choose the one you like most.
Useful Links
A Family Planning specialist writes about the different types of contraception, the benefits and pitfalls and how effective they are
Information on Contraception from NHS Choices including why, when and how it should be used and with links to other useful resources.
This factsheet is for women who are taking hormonal contraceptives, or who would like information about them.
Chlamydia
Chlamydia is the most commonly diagnosed sexually transmitted infection among under-25s. Often there are no symptoms, but testing and treatment are simple.
Causes and risk factors Chlamydia is usually passed from one person to another during vaginal, oral or anal sex, or by sharing sex toys. It can live inside cells of the cervix, urethra, rectum and sometimes in the throat and eyes.
Useful Links
NHS Choices – focus on Chlamydia
Information, videos and advice from the NHS website
This factsheet is for people who have chlamydia, or who would like information about it.
These links all come from trusted resources but if you are unsure about these or any other medical matters please contact your doctor or pharmacist for advice.
Women
Womens Health
Cervical Screening
Cervical screening is a method of preventing cervical cancer by detecting abnormal cells in the cervix (lower part of the womb). Cervical screening is not a test for cancer, but it is a test to check the health of the cervix.
Most women’s test results show that everything is normal. But for one in 20 women, the test will show some changes in the cells of the cervix. Most of these changes will not lead to cervical cancer and the cells will go back to normal on their own. In some cases, the abnormal cells need to be treated to prevent them becoming a problem later.
NHS Choices – Cervical Screening
The why, when & how guide to cervical screening
This factsheet is for women who would like information about having a cervical smear test for screening. This means having the test when you don’t have any symptoms.
Breast Cancer
Breast cancer is the most common cancer in the UK. About 46,000 women get breast cancer in the UK each year. Most of them (8 out of 10) are over 50, but younger women, and in rare cases men, can also get breast cancer.
The NHS Breast Screening Programme invites over 2 million women for screening every year, and detects over 14,000 cancers. Dr Emma Pennery of Breast Cancer Care says: “Breast X-rays, called mammograms, can detect tumours at a very early stage, before you’d feel a lump. The earlier it’s treated, the higher the survival rate.”
Find out more about breast cancer screening
The causes and symptoms of breast cancer in women and explains how it is diagnosed and treated
Symptoms, diagnosis, treatment, prevention & screening information
HPV Vaccination
Since September 2008 there has been a national programme to vaccinate girls aged 12-13 against human papilloma virus (HPV). There is also a three-year catch up campaign that will offer the HPV vaccine (also known as the cervical cancer jab) to 13-18 year old girls.
The programme is delivered largely through secondary schools, and consists of three injections that are given over a six-month period. In the UK, more than 1.4 million doses have been given since the vaccination programme started.
What is Human papilloma virus (HPV)?
Human papilloma virus (HPV) is the name of a family of viruses that affect the skin and the moist membranes that line your body, such as those in your cervix, anus, mouth and throat. These membranes are called the mucosa.
There are more than 100 different types of HPV viruses, with about 40 types affecting the genital area. These are classed as high risk and low risk.
How you get HPV?
Types of HPV that affect the skin can be passed on by skin contact with an affected person. The types of HPV that affect the mouth and throat can be passed on through kissing. Genital HPV is usually spread through intimate, skin to skin, contact during sex. You can have the genital HPV virus for years and not have any sign of it.
How HPV can cause cervical cancer?
Most HPV infections are harmless or cause genital warts, however some types can cause cervical cancer. Most HPV infections clear up by themselves, but in some people the infection can last a long time. HPV infects the cells of the surface of the cervix where it can stay for many years without you knowing.
The HPV virus can damage these cells leading to changes in their appearance. Over time, these changes can develop into cervical cancer. The purpose of cervical screening (testing) is to detect these changes, which, if picked up early enough, can be treated to prevent cancer happening. If they are left untreated, cancer can develop and may lead to serious illness and death.
Why, how and when is the vaccination given and what are the side effects
This factsheet is for people who would like information about the human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine.
NHS Choices Conditions and Treatments
See the NHS Choices Conditions and Treatments browser for an in-depth description of many common health issues.
These links all come from trusted resources but if you are unsure about these or any other medical matters please contact your doctor or pharmacist for advice.
Planning Your Pregnancy
Seniors
Seniors Health
Seasonal Flu Vaccination
Influenza – flu is a highly infectious and potentially serious illness caused by influenza viruses. Each year the make-up of the seasonal flu vaccine is designed to protect against the influenza viruses that the World Health Organization decide are most likely to be circulating in the coming winter.
Regular immunisation (vaccination) is given free of charge to the following at-risk people, to protect them from seasonal flu:
- people aged 65 or over,
- people with a serious medical condition
- if you are pregnant
- people living in a residential or nursing home
- the main carers for an elderly or disabled person whose welfare may be at risk if the carer becomes ill
- healthcare or social care professionals directly involved in patient care
For more information on flu immunisation, including background information on the vaccine and how you can get the jab.
Eating Well & Exercise – helping you maintain a healthy body
We’re bombarded with scare stories about weight, from size zero to the obesity ‘epidemic’. But a healthy body is determined by different factors for each of us.
Information on a healthy diet and ways to make it work for you
Even a little bit of exercise will make you feel better about yourself, boost your confidence and cut your risk of developing a serious illness.
These links all come from trusted resources but if you are unsure about these or any other medical matters please contact your doctor or pharmacist for advice.
Carer
Carers Direct
Are you a carer?
If you provide unpaid help or support to a relative, partner, friend or neighbour who could not manage without you, then you are a carer.
Recognising you are a carer can be the first step to getting the help and support you may need in your caring role.
Firstly, we recommend to patients that are carers of any age to inform your GP as soon as possible. Support is available throughout the life course for carers from 5 years upwards.
Your GP practice will do their best to be flexible with appointment times to accommodate your caring situation. They can also provide health checks to make sure you are fit and healthy and not neglecting your own health because of your caring duties, which is sadly all too common.
Whilst caring for a loved one can be rewarding, we also understand the many challenges that being a carer can bring. However, there is advice and support available so we recommend you register with your local Carers’ Centre, Carers Trust Hillingdon who is a national Network Partner of Carers Trust, an organisation that brings together carers services from across the UK.
Carers Trust Hillingdon can offer:
- High Street Advice Centre opposite Tesco in Uxbridge
- Expert Welfare Benefit advice and help to claim carer-related benefit entitlements. This service is also offered in Urdu, Punjabi and Hindi
- Training for carers in some of the skills needed to care, but also for personal interests too. We know time for you is critical for your continued health and wellbeing
- Book clubs, hobby groups, painting and craft groups and IT support sessions
- Social opportunities, Carer Cafes across the borough and peer support groups
- 1:1 emotional support, counselling and psychotherapeutic support groups
- A programme of health and wellbeing activities including yoga, chair exercise, alternative therapies, mindfulness, regular Health MOT and Pamper days
- Specialist mental health and dementia support
- Help for young carers of all ages, including Clubs, school holiday activities, trips, weekends away, arts and sports activities and supported transition from school for 16-25 year old young adult carers
- Assistance in accessing care and support or referral to other services
Please note that all services offered by Carers Trust Hillingdon are free of charge
All you need to do to register is either pick up the phone and call the team on 01895 811206 Or for more information please visit https://carerstrusthillingdon.org where you can complete an online registration form if you prefer.
NHS Support
There is also wealth of information and support on the NHS Website for carers, see below for links into the NHS site that we hope you will find useful.
| Carer Support – A guide to care and support Information for carers and people who have care & support needs. – Support and benefits for carers Caring for someone can be a full-time job – find out about accessing breaks and respite care. – Taking a break Caring for someone can be a full-time job – find out about accessing breaks and respite care. – Work and Disability Guidance, support and help with employment issues. – Being a Young carer Advice for carers 18 or under and their entitlement to support | Finance and Law – Benefits for carers Directing carers to the benefits that can help them in their caring role – Benefits for the under-65s Advice and information on helping the person you look after get the benefits that they are entitled to. – Benefits for the over-65s Advice and information on financial support for older people with a disability or illness. – Carer’s Assessment How your benefits maybe affected after the death of the person you look after and what happens to their benefits – Other benefits Advice for carers and the people they are looking after on claiming a whole host of other benefits unrelated to their disability or caring. |
There is a wealth of information on NHS Choices about carers and caring. Below are some links into the site that we hope you will find useful.
Caring responsibilities can make it difficult to maintain friendships or develop new ones. Telling your friends you’re a carer is important so they understand and can support you.
Caring for someone can be a full-time job, but it’s essential that you take time out for yourself too. Read our guide to accessing breaks and respite.
Do you know your tenancy rights as a carer? Are you aware of all your care at home options? Do you need tips on moving someone around the home?
Contact Carers Direct
Telephone: 0808 802 0202
Website: Carersdirect
Email: [email protected]
Office Hours: 8am to 9pm Monday to Friday, 11am to 4pm at weekends. Calls are free from UK landlines.
Help claiming benefits, looking after your bank balance and understanding the legal issues of caring.
Directing carers to the benefits that can help them in their caring role
Benefits for the person you care for
Advice and information on helping the person you look after get the benefits that they are entitled to
How your benefits maybe affected after the death of the person you look after and what happens to their benefits
Managing someone’s legal affairs
Advice for when carers find they have to take over the legal affairs of the person they are looking after
Other benefits
Advice for carers and the people they are looking after on claiming a whole host of other benefits unrelated to their disability or caring
Personal and household finance
Advice on keeping a tight rein on household and personal finance for carers
Social fund
Information on claiming tax credits and whether you might be eligible
Child Health 0-5
Children’s Immunisation Schedule
Here’s a checklist of the vaccines that are routinely offered to everyone in the UK for free on the NHS, and the age at which you should ideally have them.
Routine childhood immunisations
| When to immunise | Diseases protected against | Vaccine given | Site** |
| Two months old | Diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis, polio and Haemophilus influenza type b (Hib) | DTaP/IPV/Hib (Pediacel) | Thigh |
| Pneumococcal disease | PCV (Prevenar 13) | Thigh | |
| Rotavirus | Rotavirus (Rotarix) | By mouth | |
| Meningococcal group B (Men B) | Men B | Left thigh | |
| Three months old | Diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis, polio and Hib | DTaP/IPV/Hib (Pediacel) | Thigh |
| Meningococcal group C disease (Men C) | Men C (NeisVac-C or Menjugate) | Thigh | |
| Rotavirus | Rotavirus (Rotarix) | By mouth | |
| Four months old | Diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis, polio and Hib | DTaP/IPV/Hib (Pediacel) | Thigh |
| Pneumococcal disease | PCV (Prevenar 13) | Thigh | |
| Meningococcal group B (Men B) | Men B | Left thigh | |
| One year old | Hib/Men C | Hib/Men C (Menitorix) | Upper arm/thigh |
| Pneumococcal disease | PCV (Prevenar 13) | Upper arm/thigh | |
| Measles, mumps and rubella (German measles) | MMR (Priorix or MMR VaxPRO) | Upper arm/thigh | |
| Men B | Men B booster | Left thigh | |
| Two to six years old (including children in school years 1 and 2) | Influenza (each year from September) | Live attenuated influenza vaccine LAIV4 | Both nostrils |
| Three years four months old or soon after | Diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis and polio | dTaP/IPV (Repevax) or DTaP/IPV (Infanrix-IPV) | Upper arm |
| Measles, mumps and rubella | MMR (Priorix or MMR VaxPRO)(check first dose has been given) | Upper arm |
Non-urgent advice: Please note
Where two or more injections are required at once, these should ideally be given in different limbs. Where this is not possible, injections in the same limb should be given 2.5cm apart.
Immunisations for at-risk children
| Target Group | Age & Schedule | Disease | Vaccines required |
| Babies born to hepatitis B infected mothers | At birth, four weeks, eight weeks and Boost at one year1 | Hepatitis B | Hepatitis B vaccine (Engerix B / HBvaxPRO) |
| Infants in areas of the country with TB incidence >= 40/100,000 | At birth | Tuberculosis | BCG |
| Infants with a parent or grandparent born in a high incidence country | At birth | Tuberculosis | BCG |
Children’s Health
There is a good guide on the NHS website which describes various conditions affecting children. There is advice on how to diagnose them, how to treat them and if further advice should be consulted.
When Should I Worry?
Having an ill child can be a very scary experience for parents. If you understand more about the illness it can help you to feel more in control. This booklet is for parents (and older children) and deals with common infections in children who are normally healthy.
NHS Choices Conditions and Treatments
See the NHS Choices Conditions and Treatments browser for an in-depth description of many common health issues.
These links all come from trusted resources but if you are unsure about these or any other medical matters please contact your doctor or pharmacist for advice.