[ Yeovil Health Centre Newsletter

Welcome to Yeovil Health Centre

Keep up to date with the latest news about the Health Centre and the Staff.

Included is some helpful information to keep you & your family healthy during the summer season.

Please help yourself to a copy of the newsletter,Many thanks

Yeovil Health Centre is part of Symphony Healthcare Services Ltd.

Visit: www.symphonyintegratedhealthcare.com or follow @SymphonyProj

Yeovil Health Centre NewsAppointment Clerk & Prescription Clerk

We would like to thank all of our registered patients for your acceptance and patience of our new booking system. We feel the Appointment & Prescription Clerk systems are working very effectively and appreciate any feedback you may have.

Patient Participation Group

We would like to invite our registered patients to join our Patient Participation Group. It gives you as a patient the opportunity to have your say in our Health Centre. If you are interested, or would like some more information, please ask a member of the reception team. There is also a Virtual Patient Participation Group for patients who are unable to attend meetings, and stay updated via emails.

New Staff:

Joining the Health Centre will be:

Jackie Provins – ReceptionistSamantha Turner – ReceptionistBridget Shortland – Receptionist

Services we are offering to Registered and Non Registered

Patients

Stop Smoking

We are now offering a free stop smoking service to registered and non-registered patients. If you are interested in quitting smoking, please ask a member of reception for more information.

Travel Clinic

If you are going travelling this summer and in need of vaccinations, we offer a private clinic to all patients. Please ask a member of reception for more information.

Hay Fever

1.

Introduction

Hay fever is a common allergic condition that affects up to one in five people at some point in their life.

Symptoms of hay fever include:

sneezing a runny nose itchy eyes

The symptoms of hay fever are caused when a person has an allergic reaction to pollen. Pollen is a fine powder released by plants as part of their reproductive cycle.

Many people find that their symptoms improve as they get older. Around half of people report some improvement in symptoms after several years. In around 10%-20% of people symptoms go away completely.

Treatment

There is currently no cure for hay fever but most people are able to relieve symptoms with treatment, at least to a certain extent.

In an ideal world, the most effective way to control hay fever would be to avoid exposure to pollen. However, it's very difficult to avoid pollen, particularly during the summer months when you want to spend more time outdoors.

Treatment options for hay fever include antihistamines, which can help prevent an allergic reaction from happening and corticosteroids (steroids), which help reduce levels of inflammation and swelling.

Many cases of hay fever can be controlled using over-the-counter medication available from your pharmacist. But if your symptoms are more troublesome it’s worth speaking to your GP as you may require prescription medication.

It is sometimes possible to prevent the symptoms of hay fever by taking some basic precautions, such as:

wearing wraparound sunglasses to stop pollen getting in your eyes when you are outdoors

change your clothes and take a shower after being outdoors to remove the pollen on your body

Try to stay indoors when the pollen count is high (over 50).

Summer Safety for Younger Children

While it's important to be prepared for any dangers that children might face during the summer, it's also important to let them run around and have fun.

New environmentsIf you go to stay with friends or relatives, their home or garden might not be as child-friendly as your home.

Children like to explore new surroundings, so make sure they don't go far on their own. Ask your hosts to place medicines and cleaning products out of sight and out of reach. Make sure you also check features such as ponds, barbecues and garden tools.

Ponds

Younger children between two and six years old are particularly vulnerable to drowning in features such as ponds or small water containers.

Open water

Older children, especially teenagers, are most at risk from features near to homes such as rivers, lakes, flooded quarries and coastal water near to the shore. Having an early conversation with teens about the risks of colder, open water is important. Even the strongest swimmer can be affected by cold water shock, which affects your ability to control breathing. This can lead to gasping, panic and – in the worst cases – drowning. Cold water shock can start in water of 15C – the average temperature of the sea around Britain is 12C. Choosing to swim at a lifeguarded beach or lido is the safest option. Get in slowly, choose shallow spots, and if you're at the beach, check for dangerous currents and tides. Always follow local safety advice if you are going into open water.

Holiday pools, villas and hotelsHolidays can be the highlight of the summer. When booking a holiday, check the following:

Does the pool have a lifeguard or pool attendant? It is often the case that a pool attendant is only responsible for keeping the poolside clean, rather than ensuring safety in the water.

Does the pool have a barrier? In many countries, such as France, this is now the law. Having a fence is particularly important at villas if you have younger children.

Safety check list

Remember these safety tips if you and your family are visiting an area where there is water:

Go for a walk around the pool, beach, lake or river, looking for any hazards (such as rocks) and where the emergency equipment is.

Ask if there is a lifeguard on duty – remember, a pool attendant isn't the same as a lifeguard and might not have the same qualifications

Read the water safety information signs at the beach, and ask a lifeguard or tourist information officer where the safest area is to swim.

Ask if there are any dangerous currents or tides. Consider taking a short (one or two-hour) course in first aid and the key things

to know in an emergency

Heat Disorder Symptoms First Aid

Sunburn Skin redness and pain, possible swelling, blisters, fever, headaches.

Take a shower, using soap, to remove oils that may block pores preventing the body from cooling naturally. If blisters occur, apply dry,

Protect yourself from Heat Disorders

sterile dressings and get medical attention.

Heat Cramps Painful spasms usually in leg and abdominal muscles. Heavy sweating.

Firm pressure on cramping muscles or gentle massage to relieve spasm. Give sips of water. If nausea occurs, discontinue.

Heat Exhaustion Heavy sweating, weakness, skin cold, pale and clammy. Weak pulse. Normal temperature possible. Fainting, vomiting.

Get victim to lie down in a cool place. Loosen clothing. Apply cool, wet cloths. Fan or move victim to air-conditioned place. Give sips of water. If nausea occurs, discontinue. If vomiting occurs, seek immediate medical attention.

Heat Stroke(Sun Stroke)

High body temperature (106+). Hot, dry skin. Rapid, strong pulse. Possible unconsciousness. Victim will likely not sweat.

Heat stroke is a severe medical emergency. Call 9-1-1 or emergency medical services or get the victim to a hospital immediately. Delay can be fatal. Move victim to a cooler environment. Try a cool bath or sponging to reduce body temperature. Use extreme caution. Remove clothing. Use fans and/or air conditioners. DO NOT GIVE FLUIDS.

The Symptoms of Heat Disorders...

You can help yourself and others avoid experiencing the HEAT DISORDERS (above) by following these safety rules.

Thinking About Yourself Avoid the Heat. Stay out of the heat and indoors as much as possible. Spend time in

an air conditioned space. Only two hours a day in an air-conditioned space can significantly reduce the risk of heat-related illness. Shopping malls offer relief if your home is not air-conditioned. If air conditioning is not available, stay on the lowest floor out of the sunshine. Remember, electric fans do not cool, they just blow hot air around.

Dress for the heat. Wear loose-fitting clothes that cover as much skin as possible. Lightweight, light-coloured clothing that reflects heat and sunlight and helps maintain normal body temperature. Protect your face and head by wearing a wide-brimmed hat. Avoid too much sunshine. Sunburn slows the skin's ability to cool itself. Use a sunscreen lotion with a high SPF (sun protection factor) rating.

Drink FOR the Heat. Drink plenty of water and natural juices, even if you don't feel thirsty. Even under moderately strenuous outdoor activity, the rate your body can absorb fluids is less than the rate it loses water due to perspiration. However, if you have epilepsy or heart, kidney, or liver disease; are on fluid-restrictive diets; or have a problem with fluid retention should consult a doctor before increasing liquid intake.

Do not drink IN the Heat. Avoid alcoholic beverages and beverages with caffeine, such as coffee, tea, and cola. Alcohol and caffeine constrict blood vessels near the skin reducing the amount of heat the body can release. Although beer and alcohol beverages appear to satisfy thirst, they actually cause further body dehydration.

Eat for the Heat. Eat small meals more often. Avoid foods that are high in protein because they increase metabolic heat. Avoid using salt tablets, unless directed to do so by a physician.

Living in the Heat. Slow down. Reduce, eliminate, or reschedule strenuous activities such as running, biking and lawn care work when it heats up. The best times for such activities are during early morning and late evening hours. Take cool baths or showers and use cool, wet towels.

Learn the symptoms of heat disorders and know how to give first aid.

Thinking About Others Do not leave children in a closed vehicle, even for a few minutes. This is a "No-

Brainer". Temperatures inside a closed vehicle can reach 140°F-190°F degrees within 30 minutes on a hot, sunny day. However, despite this common sense rule, deaths from heat occur almost every Summer when someone leaves their child in a closed vehicle.

When outdoors, protect small children from the sun, their skin is sensitive. Help your pets keep their cool. It will "feel" as hot for them as it will for you. As with

children, do not leave your pets in a closed vehicle. Be sure your animals have access to shade and a water bowl full of cold, clean water. Dogs don't tolerate heat well because they don't sweat. Their bodies get hot and stay hot. During summer heat, avoid outdoor games or jogging with your pet. If you would not walk across hot, sun-baked asphalt barefoot, don't make your dog walk on it either. (Dogs can also get blisters on their paws from hot pavement.)

Learn the symptoms of heat disorders and know how to give first aid.

Thinking About Your Environment Protect windows. Hang shades, draperies, awnings, or louvers on windows that

receive morning or afternoon sun. Outdoor awnings or louvers can reduce the heat entering the house by as much as 80%.

Conserve electricity. During periods of extreme heat, people tend to use a lot more power for air conditioning which can lead to a power shortage or outage. Vacuum air conditioner filters weekly during periods of high use.

Keep lights turned down or turned off. Avoid using the oven. Learn the symptoms of heat disorders and know how to give first aid.

BBQ Food Safety

Food poisoning cases double over the summer, so remember these simple steps to help keep food safe.

Food poisoning is usually mild, and most people get better within a week. But sometimes it can be more severe, even deadly, so it's important to take the risks seriously. Children, older people and those with weakened immune systems are particularly vulnerable to food poisoning.

If you are only cooking on the barbecue, the two main risk factors are:

undercooked meat spreading germs from raw meat onto food that's ready to eat

This is because raw or undercooked meat can contain germs that cause food poisoning, such as salmonella, E.coli and campylobacter. However, these germs can be killed by cooking meat until it is piping hot throughout. Germs from raw meat can easily move onto your hands and then onto anything else you touch, such as food that is cooked and ready to eat

Cooking meat on a barbecueWhen you're cooking any kind of meat on a barbecue, such as poultry (chicken or turkey), pork, steak, burgers or sausages, make sure:

the coals are glowing red with a powdery grey surface before you start cooking, as this means that they're hot enough

frozen meat is properly thawed before you cook it you turn the meat regularly and move it around the barbecue to cook it evenly

Remember that meat is safe to eat only when:

it is piping hot in the centre there is no pink meat visible any juices are clear

Raw meatGerms from raw meat can move easily onto your hands and then onto anything else you touch, including food that is cooked and ready to eat. This is called cross-contamination. Cross-contamination can happen if raw meat touches anything (including plates, cutlery, tongs and chopping boards) that then comes into contact with other food.

Some easy steps to help prevent cross-contamination are:

always wash your hands after touching raw meat use separate utensils (plates, tongs, containers) for cooked and raw meat never put cooked food on a plate or surface that has had raw meat on it keep raw meat in a sealed container away from foods that are ready to eat,

such as salads and buns

never wash raw chicken or other poultry before cooking as this increases the risk of spreading campylobacter bacteria.

don't put raw meat next to cooked or partly cooked meat on the barbecue don't put sauce or marinade on cooked food if it has already been used with raw

meat

Keeping food coolIt's also important to keep some foods cool to prevent food poisoning germs multiplying.

Make sure you keep the following foods cool:

salads dips milk, cream, yoghurt desserts and cream cakes sandwiches ham and other cooked meats cooked rice, including rice salads

Don't leave food out of the fridge for more than a couple of hours, and don't leave food in the sun.

Fire and carbon monoxide riskMake sure your barbecue is steady on a level surface, away from plants and trees. The Fire Service advises covering the bottom of your barbecue with coal to a depth of no more than 5cm (2in). With charcoal barbecues, only use recognised fire lighters or starter fuel and only on cold coals – use the minimum necessary and never use petrol.

If you're camping, you are advised never to light, use or leave smouldering barbecues inside tents, awnings or other enclosed spaces because of the risks of fire and carbon monoxide poisoning (CO).

TOP 10 Safety Tips When Travelling Abroad

1) Keep an eye on your belongingsYes, you’ve seen posted throughout the UK and barely pay any attention to the signs, but although an old adage amongst the travelling community, it is very true. If you’re inclined to take a backpack out with you, make sure you twist the lock so that it’s harder to undo; try and keep your wallet or other important travel documents in your front pockets and don’t trust anyone who gets a little too close. A cheeky smile or tale might just turn out to be a fancy way of getting you distracted.

2) Wallets and pursesWe’ve mentioned this in the previous paragraph but it is of utmost importance not to keep your money/travel docs/valuables in your back pocket, no matter how deep it is. Thieves have a habit of spotting travellers and will see the bulge coming through (we are still talking about your back pocket, by the way). Keep it safe and sweet up front.

3) Put it away!Although you might feel more comfortable carrying your camera or camcorder on your arm or across your neck, don’t. An expensive camera shines like a ruby piece to the trained mag-pie thief. It might be less hassle to take out of your bag if you’ve got it strapped around your body, but the extra effort of pulling it out will be worth it, should you find someone trying to rip it off you.

4) Choose your travel buddy carefullyAlthough you may not be much of an adrenaline junkie, your travel buddy might just be; as well as doing some pretty cool things, it might also mean you will be putting your belongings (or life) at risk, unnecessarily. Way up the pros and cons and think carefully before you decide on that white-water rafting trip especially if you haven’t got...

5) InsuranceIf you haven’t got any already, get some. Whether you’re looking to protect your valuable, get yourself off the hook in case something goes wrong at work or make sure you’ve got medical expenses covered, should you need it, insurance is a must for anyone going abroad, regardless of how long for. 

6) Watch this spaceSome people (not giving any names, here) decide to live life on the wild side. They go to underground parties and downbeat neighbourhoods, meet incredible people and make friends for life. We are no party-poopers, nor are we averse to doing a bit of exploring to get off the beaten track. However, if locals/year abroad graduates/friends/guidebooks have warned you not to go to a particular neighbourhood or watch your belongings more closely in some areas, there is bound to be a good reason. Think first, before losing something special.

7) Scan your important documentsWhat happens if you lose that all important piece of paper certifying your study abroad program, your flight ticket or worse, your passport? It’s a good idea to get some copies of your travel documents, however many there are and also emailing them to yourself, just in case you happen to misplace them on your merry way.

8) Get a health check-upIf you’re going away, check out the FCO’s website for travel warnings, news and info, and possibly most important of all, a list of the vaccinations and medicine you may need to go to your dream destination. It’s important you get most, if not all, your vaccinations done before hand. Although most countries will offer similar medicine, it may not be as potent as the stuff you can get back home.

9) Keep your cash and cards separateIt’s a good idea to invest in a money belt when you go away - though it may remind you of your Dad/1990s plane magazines/a bit of an old fart. In all seriousness, you could get away with having various stashes of money conveniently located for you, badly located for a thief, scattered around your person or belongings.

10) Typing in your personal details onlineIf you’re planning on sharing your personal details, think well before you hand over your account details or passport number. Check the website before you buy and look for the ´Secure Visa’ sign. Don’t use your card in an internet café, even if you trust the owner. Viruses, scam devices and trojans can easily pick up your details and use them to ill effect.

Summer means sun, shorts, sandals, bathing suits, and bronzed skin. But with beach hair and shorter hemlines comes the dangers that not only instigate the probability of skin cancer, but the aging process as well. Sun exposure is, essentially, subjecting you to sun damage – but in the same note, avoiding the outdoors altogether is both impractical and nearly impossible. Thus, taking preventative measures in preparing and caring for it are crucial in keeping your skin in tip-top condition for the ultimate skin-baring season.

Understanding the Dangers of Overexposure Sun exposure isn’t necessarily bad – it is a key source of Vitamin D. As with all good things, however, keep exposure in moderation. The ideal maximum is 15 minutes before 10 a.m. or after 2 p.m. Anything over is considered overexposure, and any exposure during midday – when the sun is at its harshest – should be limited (if not altogether avoided). Sun rays at this time of day are 10% UVB and 90% UVA: a combination that can cause melanoma, the deadliest form of skin cancer. UVA vs. UVB Rays: What’s the difference?

Rays used to be nondescript, and UV protection was generalized. More recent and in depth research has shown that there are two kinds of UV rays: - UVA and UVB – rendering standard sunscreens inadequate. Do look for sun blocks that offer protection from both types.

UVA Rays On average, most people have already been exposed to large amounts of UVA rays throughout their lifetimes. Though less intense than UVB rays, UVA rays are 30–50 times more prevalent and are present during all hours of daylight – even on the

cloudiest of days – making it necessary to incorporate SPF protection into your everyday routine.

Summer Skincare Tips

UVB rays cause sun burns and reddening. While UVA rays penetrate beyond the superficial layers, UVB rays damage the skin’s surface layers. Its intensity differs by time of day, locale, forecast, and season, but still holds potential in causing sun damage. These are the rays responsible for change in darkness of skin pigmentation, age spots, and the more common tumours that may ultimately evolve into cancer.

Sun Damage and Aging Signs associated with aging - wrinkles, freckles, skin thinning, sunspots (also known as age spots), and uneven pigmentation – are the aftermath of sun damage. Ninety-percent of wrinkles are caused by the sun, and while intentional overexposure (tanning, sunbathing) is incredibly harmful, two-thirds of all sun damage is, surprisingly, incidental (walking the dog, driving). Thus said, sunscreen is not limited to the poolside or beach – it should be applied on a daily basis. Opt for moisturizers and body lotions with SPF, and if possible, always choose a higher SPF for your face. Don’t forget your hands especially when driving. Hands are an instant giveaway to your true age, so invest in a hand cream that offers SPF protection.Summer Skin Tips

Apply sunscreen religiously. It’s a sure-fire way of protecting your skin. Always apply sunscreen 20 minutes prior to allow time for the product to absorb into the skin; re-apply every few hours or as needed. Look for sunscreens that offer protection for both UVA and UVB rays – keep in mind that a high SPF number is no longer enough.

Use a cleanser with salicylic or glycolic acid. Dry, combination, and/or sensitive skin should completely avoid this and instead opt for one of Mario Badescu’s cream soaps. Combination/oily to oily skin types are more suitable for cleansers containing one of the two acids. Both loosen dead skin cells and encourage cell turnover, in effect helping shed damage while keeping the complexion clean to prevent future breakouts. Do note, however, that salicylic acid increases sensitivity to the sun. Save these cleansers for use at night time, and moisturize during the day with extra SPF protection

Moisturize with SPF. Applying moisturizer with SPF is essential regardless of the season. With the onset of warmer weather, however, consider switching your current moisturizer for another with higher SPF and lighter formulation to prevent sun spots, freckles, and early signs of aging.

… And just moisturize, period. Summer sun – in combination with the heat, humidity, and air conditioning – will wreak havoc on your skin. Moisturize with SPF before sun, and use a richer lotion after sun, after bath, and before bed to keep skin hydrated, soft, and smooth.

Don’t skimp on eye creams and lip protection. Sun exposure will gradually thin skin and cause wrinkles. Protect the delicate areas of your face with appropriate creams and balms. Continue to use an eye cream, but if your usual cream feels too heavy for summer, replace your current product with a lighter formulation or use only at night. Apply and liberally re-apply a lip balm with SPF, like Mario Badescu’s Lip Wax with SPF 15.

Protect your hands and feet too. Your neck, chest, and hands are an instant giveaway to your true age. After moisturizing your face with the Oil-Free Moisturizer SPF 30, bring it down to your neck as well. Be sure to apply sunscreen to your chest area as it is one of the areas of your body more susceptible to sunburn. Invest in a hand cream that offers SPF protection, and apply it at least 20 minutes before driving – keep in mind that two-thirds of all sun damage is purely incidental.

Boost your block with antioxidants. Skincare products containing antioxidants like Vitamin C, Vitamin E, and green tea can help reverse sun damage. Try serums such as our Vitamin C Serum, suitable for all skin types to help boost your block.

Keep hydrated. Drink water throughout the day. If you’re on the go, try bringing a bottle and a container of fresh fruit on the go to prevent dehydration and heat stroke.

Exfoliate. Depending on your skin type, exfoliate either 1-2 times a week if you’re dry and 2-3 times a week if you’re oily to help shed dead skin build up and slough off previous sun damage. Doing so helps rejuvenate skin, leaving it soft and brighter.

Make the healthy switch. As tempting as it is to lie in a tanning bed or sunbathe to get the ever-covetable summer skin, make the switch to self-tanners to achieve that colour without yielding yourself to the dangers of overexposure. Try a sun-less tan- like our Self Tanning Lotion SPF 15 to build colour gradually and, most importantly, healthily. (Beauty Tip: Our faces will always be a shade or two lighter than our body; to build colour on your face as well, alternate between a tinted moisturizer and a facial self-tanner to achieve an even wash of sun-kissed colour).

About Symphony Healthcare ServicesYeovil Health Centre was one of the first practices in south Somerset to join Symphony Healthcare Services (SHS) - a

new type of Healthcare organisation, created through a partnership with Yeovil Hospital, GP Practices, the CCG (Somerset Clinical Commissioning Group) and the local authority in Somerset. SHS is part of the Symphony

programme, an NHS Vanguard site, designed to develop and lead the way in new models of care. This close working

partnership will work to deliver a more individualised and flexible healthcare service to meet the challenge of increasing patient numbers and more complex medical needs.

Yeovil Health Centre is part of Symphony Healthcare Services Ltd.

Visit: www.symphonyintegratedhealthcare.com or follow @SymphonyProj