High Blood Pressure (Hypertension) is the most common long-term condition in our country.

Many individuals in our community may have undiagnosed hypertension, making it crucial for us to identify and address these cases. Often, people are unaware that their blood pressure is elevated, and untreated hypertension can lead to serious health issues.

Hypertension raises the risk of several other health conditions, but managing and lowering blood pressure levels can significantly reduce this risk.

Hypertension increases the risk of:

• Heart attack
• Stroke
• Kidney damage
• Vision loss
• Memory problems (dementia)

You can prevent Hypertension and help potentially treat it without medication by doing various things:

• Not having too much salt in your diet is important and there is growing evidence that reducing carbohydrates can help too.
• Not smoking – nicotine increases blood pressure – for support click here.
• Reducing caffeine – caffeine increases blood pressure.
• Increasing Exercise – this reduces blood pressure.
• Limiting alcohol intake.
• Being a healthy weight – for help with weight loss.
• Reducing stress – check out our mental health pages.

We do not diagnose hypertension based on a single blood pressure reading. To accurately diagnose the condition, we need to assess your average blood pressure, which involves taking multiple readings at home.

If you record a reading above 140/90, further investigation is necessary. Many people locally have experienced elevated readings that require additional assessment. A single normal reading following a high reading is insufficient for reassurance. We typically need an average of five days’ worth of home readings to make a diagnosis or confirm that your blood pressure is normal. Based on these readings, additional tests may be required to determine if medication is needed.

If the target blood pressure is 140/90, it means that the reading is considered elevated if either the systolic value exceeds 140 or the diastolic value exceeds 90. For example, a reading of 142/62 is above the target due to the systolic value, and a reading of 130/92 is above the target due to the diastolic value.

As a Primary Care Network (PCN), we strongly encourage participation in cancer screening programs to help detect cancer early. Early detection is crucial as it can improve treatment options and increase the chances of long-term success.

The first and most common signs of cancer can vary depending on the type of cancer but generally include:

1. Unexplained weight loss
2. Fatigue
3. Persistent pain
4. Skin changes (e.g., new moles or changes in existing moles)
5. Persistent cough or hoarseness
6. Changes in bowel or bladder habits
7. Unusual bleeding or discharge
8. Lumps or swelling (especially in the breast or testicles)
9. Difficulty swallowing
10. Persistent indigestion or discomfort after eating

If you notice any of these signs, it’s important to speak to your surgery for further evaluation.

You should not have to wait more than two weeks to see a specialist if your GP suspects you have cancer and urgently refers you.

We urge anyone concerned about symptoms to seek medical attention promptly for early referral.

Unfortunately, one in two people will develop some form of cancer during their lifetime. Cancer – NHS (www.nhs.uk)

Diabetes – NHS

We offer expert care and support for managing diabetes and metabolic health. Our team provides personalised treatment plans, lifestyle advice, and ongoing monitoring to help you maintain optimal health.

Exercise and Fitness are key to a Healthier Lifestyle and often aid in the prevention of many causes of illness.

Find out about local classes in your area here
Joy (thejoyapp.com)

Dementia is a collective term for a range of neurological conditions that affect memory, thinking, behaviour, and the ability to perform everyday activities. It is a progressive condition, meaning it gradually worsens over time.

Common symptoms include memory loss, confusion, difficulty with communication, and changes in mood and behaviour. While dementia primarily affects older adults, it is not a normal part of ageing. With appropriate care and support, individuals with dementia can lead meaningful and fulfilling lives.

WHAT IS DEMENTIA?
TYPES AND SYMPTOMS
HOW TO GET A DIAGNOSIS

Since April 2023, we have been offering appointments at various surgeries on Saturdays for patients within our network. These appointments include consultations with doctors, nurses, and healthcare assistants.

These appointments are bookable via your usual surgery.

Maximise Your Health & Wellbeing

Life is busy, stressful, and constantly changing. Physical health, mental health, hormonal shifts, family dynamics, work pressures, moving, bereavement, and retirement can all impact your sense of wellbeing, often unexpectedly. While some changes are positive, many can be incredibly challenging.

Various aspects of your life play a crucial role in optimising your health and wellbeing.

The good news is that regardless of your genetics, starting point, or current situation, addressing these factors, even in small ways, can enhance your physical, mental, and general wellbeing. In some cases, these holistic changes can completely reverse a diagnosis or resolve symptoms, either alongside or sometimes without medications.

Our team of Mental Health Practitioners are dedicated to delivering comprehensive and accessible support. We serve as a direct point of contact for patients seeking mental health assistance, reducing barriers to access and ensuring timely support.

A Mental Health Practitioner can:

• Provide holistic assessments to identify needs
• Offer support through brief interventions
• Identify the need for onward referrals
• Help identify and signpost community groups and events

As part of our commitment to holistic healthcare, we offer social prescribing and wellbeing services.

Our Social Prescribers work closely with patients to connect them with community resources and support services that address their social, emotional, and practical needs. We help individuals lead healthier, more fulfilling lives by promoting overall wellbeing.

Our GPs specialise in providing personalised care and support for people experiencing menopause.

They can offer expert advice on managing symptoms, discuss treatment options, and provide holistic strategies to improve overall wellbeing. Our goal is to help navigate menopause with confidence and ease, ensuring you receive the care and attention needed during this important phase of life.

Musculoskeletal (MSK) conditions are a significant area of focus in our PCN due to their prevalence and impact on our patients’ quality of life. MSK conditions encompass a wide range of disorders affecting the bones, joints, muscles, and connective tissues. Effective management is essential for improving our patient outcomes.

Importance of MSK Management:

1. Prevalence:

MSK conditions are among the most common reasons for patient visits with conditions such as arthritis, back pain, and soft tissue injuries affecting a large portion of the UK population.

2. Early Intervention:

Your GP is often the first point of contact with MSK issues.

Early diagnosis and management can prevent the progression of MSK conditions, reduce pain, and improve function.

3. Comprehensive Care:

We can offer holistic management of MSK conditions, integrating physical, psychological, and social aspects of care.

4. Chronic Disease Management:
Many MSK conditions are chronic and require ongoing management, sometimes managing long-term treatment plans, monitoring disease progression, and adjusting therapies.

Common MSK Conditions:

1. Osteoarthritis:
A degenerative joint disease causing pain, swelling, and reduced motion in the joints.

Management includes lifestyle changes, physical therapy, medications, and sometimes injections or surgery.

2. Rheumatoid Arthritis:
An autoimmune disorder that primarily affects joints, leading to inflammation and deformity.

Treatment involves medications, including disease modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs), and regular monitoring.

3. Back Pain:
Can be acute or chronic and is often caused by muscle strain, herniated discs, or degenerative disc disease.
Management includes pain relief, physical therapy, and education on proper body mechanics.

4. Soft Tissue Injuries:
Includes sprains, strains, and tendonitis, often resulting from overuse or trauma.
Treatment focuses on rest, ice, compression, elevation (RICE), and gradual return to activity.

Effective management of MSK conditions is crucial for improving our patient outcomes and quality of life. By providing early intervention, comprehensive care, and utilising a multidisciplinary approach, we hope we can significantly impact the long-term health and well-being of patients with MSK conditions.

Vaccinations are a cornerstone of public health and primary health care due to their critical role in preventing infectious diseases, reducing mortality and morbidity, and promoting overall community health.

Disease Prevention:

• Vaccinations protect against a wide range of infectious diseases, such as measles, mumps, rubella, influenza, hepatitis, and COVID-19.
• By immunising individuals, vaccines help prevent the spread of contagious diseases within our community.

COVID-19 vaccines have been pivotal in controlling the spread of the virus, reducing hospitalisations, and preventing deaths.

People aged 75 years and older, residents in care homes for older people, and those aged 6 months and over with severe immunosuppression, will be offered a dose of the COVID-19 vaccine when available. Usually (Spring/Autumn)

If you are eligible, your surgery will contact you, or you can call 119 or use the NHS App. 

The government website has information about the vaccines: GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)