🚫 Cancer Prevention Action Week 🚫

Cancer Prevention Action Week is an annual event that aims to raise awareness of cancer and cancer prevention, and encourage you to take action.

The World Cancer Research Fund, founded in 1982 tell us:

“Around 1100 people get diagnosed with cancer every day, but experts now believe that up to 40% of cancer cases are preventable. If people didn’t smoke, avoided the sun, avoided alcohol, ate a healthy diet, maintained a healthy body weight and stayed physically active, 1 in 4 cancers might simply never develop.

We want that to happen. We want to live in a world where no one develops a preventable cancer.

One of the problems with cancer is that people often don’t think about it until, sadly, they hear the words “you’ve got cancer”. While it’s true that cancer is much more common in older people – because our cells deteriorate as we age – prevention can start young.”

What can increase your chances of getting cancer? And how can you prevent it?

• Obesity and weight
  Keep your weight within the healthy range (BMI 18.5-24.9 in adults)

• Being inactive
  Be physically active as part of everyday life - walk more and sit less

• Poor diet
  Eat a wide range of wholegrains, fruits , vegetables and pulses such as beans, limit consumption of fast foods and processed foods full of fat and sugar (you can still eat your favourite foods - but make sure to do this in moderation!)

• Red and processed meat
  Try not to eat more than 3 portions of red meat a week and little to no processed meat (such as chicken nuggets, hot dogs and hamburgers), try to have at least 1 meat free day per week.

• Sugary drinks
  Try to avoid sugar-sweetened drinks and stick to water, tea or coffee without any sugar or fruit juice in small portions. Fizzy drinks are one of the highest contributing factors to obesity.

• Alcohol
  Don’t drink alcohol - but if you do, follow national guidelines (in the UK it is advised to drink no more than 14 units of alcohol a week, spread over at least 3 days)

• Smoking
  This is the biggest cause of cancer around the world. Not smoking or giving up smoking is the best way to reduce your own cancer risk and the risk of those around you.

• Sun & UV rays
  Don’t stay out in the sun too long, apply high-factor sunscreen frequently and avoid using sunbeds or tanning booths.

This year, the World Cancer Research Fund is focusing on how people can cut back on processed meat, which is linked to bowel cancer. Visit their website to quiz yourself on how much you know about processed meat: Quiz: How much do you know about processed meat? - World Cancer Research Fund (wcrf-uk.org)

Charity Race Night in aid of Muscular Dystrophy UK

roll up! roll up! get your tickets for charity race night!

As some of you may know, last weekend our lovely Tanya completed a 24 hour bikeathon in aid of Muscular Dystrophy. We felt it was only right to host an event that Tanya could enjoy this time!

Tanya’s story:

”I am running the London Marathon on 23-April to raise money for Muscular Dystrophy. I have picked this charity as my amazing friend Julie Davies’ son, Rhys has Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy, they are the most positive family I have ever met they are truly an inspiration! I want to be able to raise as much money as I can so the charity can help fund treatment and hopefully find a cure to help all those children/adults who are living with the disease”

Tickets are just £5 and can be purchased from The Shoulder of Mutton, Grandborough and St. Wulfstan Surgery. All proceeds go to Muscular Dystrophy UK.

Your smear test results.... explained!

So, you’ve had your cervical screening (smear test) and now you have received your results; but what do they mean?

Dr. Hannah lawrence-smith explains:

“HPV (Human papillomavirus) is a common virus and most people will get it at some point. You can get it through any kind of sexual contact.
HPV can stay in the body for many years. It can stay at very low or undetectable levels and not cause any problems. This means a HPV infection may have come from a partner a long time ago.
There are many different types of HPV, but only some high-risk types can lead to cancer.
There is no treatment for HPV. Most HPV infections do not cause any problems and are cleared by your body within 2 years.

Cervical screening samples are tested for types of HPV that can cause cervical cancer. Testing for HPV first, rather than looking at the cells down a microscope, is proven to be a more sensitive test. It will help to find out more women with cervical cell abnormalities that may need treatment.

results:

1. HPV not found - you will be offered a screening test again in 3 to 5 years (depending on your age)
   If you have a negative result for the most common types of HPV that cause cervical cancer, your risk of cervical cancer is very low and there is no need to check for abnormal cells even if you have had these in the past.
   
   If you have a positive result for HPV we will check the sample for abnormal cells. Abnormal cells are not cancer, but they could develop into cancer if left untreated.

2. HPV found (HPV positive) but no abnormal cells
   You’ll be invited for a repeat smear in 1 year and again in another year if you still have HPV. If you still have HPV after 3 smears, you may need to have a different test to look at your cervix (colposcopy).

3. HPV found (HPV positive) and abnormal cells
   You will be invited for a colposcopy

During a colposcopy a smooth, tube-shaped tool (a speculum) is gently placed into your vagina to open it. A microscope is then used to look at your cervix in greater detail. The microscope stays outside your body.

A small sample of cells may be taken from your cervix for testing. This is called a biopsy.”

If you are overdue your smear test, please book one at the surgery!

By Dr Hannah Lawrence-Smith

Practice some self-love this Valentine's Day!

Valentine’s Day; the day to shower your nearest and dearest with some extra love. This Valentine’s we want you to show some love to the most important person in your life… YOU!

It doesn’t matter if you are coupled up or single, it’s important to pamper yourself from time to time, and show yourself the same kind of love and kindness that you give out so willingly.

Practising self-love isn’t always easy, our lives are so busy that “me-time” often isn’t a priority. It’s not uncommon for us to even feel guilty about taking time out to look after ourselves! But no matter how indulgent the term self-love sounds - prioritising it from time to time is vital for our mental and physical health.

Showing yourself a little self-love can boost your self-esteem and significantly reduce your stress levels, but it also has physical benefits; like increasing the level of your ‘happy hormones’ (scientifically dopamine, oxytocin and serotonin), improving your cardiovascular health and strengthening your immune system.

Let’s get started! Here are 6 simple ways to show yourself some love:

1. Do something you love!
   Taking part in activities you enjoy boosts your mood and increases your energy levels - so whether it’s scheduling time to read a new book, do some painting, go for a walk or have a spa-day - you do you.

2. Pay attention to your thoughts
   It is so easy to be unkind to yourself, your biggest critic is often yourself. This Valentine’s Day, try to rationalise your inner critic by speaking to yourself as you would a loved one. Self-love is about respecting your needs and desires.

3. Move your body
   What physical activity gets you going? A brisk walk with the dog? A spin class? Whatever it is, exercise encourages the body to release endorphins, and getting some fresh air gives you your daily dose of Vitamin D - which supports your body’s natural mood-regulating system.

4. Laugh!
   It sounds so simple, doesn’t it?! Laughter releases endorphins and helps take your mind off stress. Hang out with the friends and family that make you smile and laugh until your belly hurts! Watch a funny video or watch your favourite comedy show on the tv - write down the things that make you laugh. If you’re feeling glum, you can come back to them to remind yourself. That brings us to point 5:

5. Write it down
   Offload your thoughts at the end of a long day by taking time to write down how you feel, almost like you are taking all the stresses and worries from your brain and transferring them to the paper, clearing your head. You can also write down the things you are grateful for, so that you focus your brain on the positives!

6. Prioritise sleep
   Getting a good night’s sleep is so easily overlooked. But sleep is restorative and healing, allows you to think clearly and make the best decisions day to day - just one night of poor sleep can decrease your ability to make effective decisions and increase your stress levels.

So, Happy Valentine’s Day! Show those around you how much you love them. but most importantly, don’t forget to love yourself.

Southam Warm Hub & Citizens Advice at The Grange Hall

A warm welcome from The Grange Hall as they open their doors every Friday morning from 09:00am until 1:00pm!

As part of the Warm Hub Scheme, Southam Town Council are very pleased to be able to offer The Grange Hall as a place to come and be warm, enjoy a free cup of tea/coffee, catch up with friends and seek help and advice.

Southam Citizens Advice is back and available to access every Friday morning. They can offer advice on:

• Getting help with the cost of living

• Grants and benefits to help you pay your energy bills

• Getting help with bills

• Checking if you can pay less council tax

• How to read to smart electricity meter

• Checking what benefits you can get

• Claiming compensation if your flight is delayed or cancelled

If you would like to talk to someone for advice and support, this service is now available in Southam, you can simply drop in, or you can make an appointment!

Telephone: Southam Town Council - 01926 814004
Email: deputyclerk@southamcouncil-warks.gov.uk

For more information, click https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk

Pause For Menopause

Pause for Menopause: the Facebook group made for women, by women.

Menopause can be a daunting and worrying time for us as women, as our bodies change and we are faced with a strange collection of symptoms that don’t make sense.

Group admin Kellie Cooper writes:

“This group is an extension of the talks kindly run by Dr Viswa and the team from St Wulfstans Surgery at the Community Hub, Galanos House in Southam.“Every woman will go through menopause, but everyone’s experience is different. This group is designed to be a safe place for women to share their experiences and voice their concerns.

Menopause is when a woman’s monthly period stops. It happens naturally as women age, they slowly run out of eggs. Also when they have their ovaries removed through chemotherapy or other reasons. The average age women go through the menopause is 52, but a woman could start to experience menopausal symptoms as early as 30.

This group is a loving support group for women to discuss their symptoms, stories and woes about going through the menopause and for us all to kindly share experiences and support each other.”

Pause for Menopause encourages women to open up about their menopause journeys, creating a safe space to reach out, support each other, vent frustrations and most importantly realise that they are not alone.

For advice, support, or even just a place to vent - join Pause for Menopause: (3) Pause for Menopause | Facebook

24 Hour Bikeathon for Muscular Dystrophy

On Saturday 4th February 2023, starting at 08:00, our very own Tanya Unit will be taking part in a 24 hour bikeathon here at St Wulfstan Surgery to raise money for the amazing charity Muscular Dystrophy UK, in preparation for her running the London Marathon later this year! Please come along and support Tanya while she does this amazing thing, you might even be able to cycle with her for a bit if you wanted!

Muscular Dystrophy UK is the charity for the 110,000 children and adults living with muscle-wasting conditions in the UK. There's currently no cure, and in many cases, it limits lives. MDUK do vital work in funding pioneering research into treatments and cures as well as providing vital information, advice, resources and support for individuals and families living with this condition. All donations, big or small, are greatly appreciated. Thank you!

Tanya

Time To Talk day 2023

What is Time to Talk Day?

Well, it is the UK’s biggest mental health conversation! It happens on 2nd February every year, and it’s a day for friends, families, communities, and workplaces to come together to talk and listen to each other, and hopefully to change lives.

Time to Talk Day is run by Mind and Rethink Mental Illness, is in partnership with the Co-op, and is supported by Time To Change Wales, See Me and Change Your Mind / Inspire.

We know it can be hard to talk about mental health, but a conversation has the power to change a life; and the more conversations we have, the better!

Did you know, as many as 1 in 4 people will experience a mental health problem each year? This is why we want everybody to be comfortable talking about their mental health. Talking to each other about our mental health reduces stigma and helps to create a supportive community in which we can talk openly about our mental health, and allows us to seek help when we feel that we need it.

It can be as simple as asking, “How are you?” - make space in your day for a conversation about mental health this Time to Talk Day!

Our Artwork Hits The Press!

We are so proud of the wonderful artwork created for us by the incredible local artist Scot Harris. He has created a collection which encapsulates the spirit of our surgery: Care, Quality and Compassion. He perfectly captures our vision that healthcare, when done well, is about having a great relationship between our staff and patients.

And we are really pleased that this has been picked up by the local press.

According to the Stratford Observer:

“St Wulfstan Surgery has proudly displayed a series of sketches from local artist Scot Harris in its waiting area, which GPs working at the surgery believe “encapsulate their spirit”.

Based on the theme of robots, the drawings tell the story of a parent and their child going on a journey – through visiting the surgery, to seeing a GP, to going on to receive NHS care.”

— Stratford Observer

Next time you’re in the surgery, feel free to take a peek!

Thanks Scot!

January is "Love Your Liver" awareness month

Love your liver month is a campaign led by the British Liver Trust Organisation, and focuses on the best way for us to keep our livers in tip-top condition!

The liver is the largest solid organ in our bodies, and it’s importance is often underrated! It is just as important as our heart and lungs, and even multi-tasks - doing over 500 vital jobs to keep us alive.

Liver disease is on the rise in the UK, with 1 in 3 of us at risk of getting it - and it is actually pretty simple to prevent with lifestyle changes.

The liver can repair itself when damaged, to a point. Unfortunately, symptoms of liver disease may not appear until it is too late for treatment - making it even more important to keep your liver happy and healthy!

2 of the most preventable causes of liver disease include:

1. Alcohol - the liver processes all of the alcohol we drink. The more we drink, the harder our liver has to work to process it fast enough, which leads to damaged cells. This is why it is advised that alcohol intake is limited to 14 units per week, and to have 3 days off drinking per week, to give our ultra-important liver time to recover.

2. Obesity - if it wasn’t busy enough, our livers also process most of the nutrients and fats from the foods we eat. Simply enough, the more we eat, the more our liver has to process! If we are overweight, the risk of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease is increased - this can cause permanent damage. To help our livers out and stay healthy; we should eat a healthy diet, drink plenty of water, and exercise for at least 30 minutes every day.

The British Liver Trust is helping us show our livers some love by doing something healthy. Visit Love Your Liver awareness month - British Liver Trust to “take a pledge" to love our livers and make a change that will benefit our liver health!

Pledge options include:

• Complete a fitness challenge

• Give up alcohol for a month

• Eat your 5-a-day every day

• Cut down on sugar

• Ditch processed food and takeaways

What will you pledge to do? #loveyourliver

It's cervical cancer prevention week!

Do you know how cervical cancer can be prevented? During Cervical Cancer Prevention Week we want as many people as possible to know how they can reduce their risk of the disease and to educate others.

How can you reduce your risk of cervical cancer?

• Attending cervical screening when invited

• Taking up the HPV vaccination if aged 11-18

• Knowing the symptoms of cervical cancer and seeking medical advice if experiencing any

• Knowing where to find support and further information

9 women are diagnosed with cervical cancer every day

75% of cervical cancers can be prevented by cervical screening (smear tests)

What are the earliest signs of cervical cancer?

You may not see any symptoms at all, during the early stages of cervical cancer.

Six key symptoms of cervical cancer to look out for:

1. Vaginal discharge that is unusual in terms of smell, colour or amount

2. Abnormal bleeding between periods

3. Bleeding after intercourse

4. Pelvic pain

5. Pain during intercourse
   

   While these symptoms don’t necessarily point to cervical cancer, they are reason enough to see your GP.

Cervical screening saves lives, book your smear test today by calling our friendly reception team!

What is a First Contact Practitioner? Roger Explains All...

Roger is a qualified and very experienced Physiotherapist who is working with us as a First Contact Practitioner (FCP). In this role he will be seeing people with new joint and muscular pains and problems. Whether it be muscular strains or hip/knee/ankle/neck/back/shoulder or elbow pains, it is possible to book in with Roger in the first instance. As well as having a wealth of experience, he is able to refer to appropriate services such as physiotherapy or the local specialist Musculoskeletal service. He is also able to refer for investigations such as scans.

Roger will be working with us on Tuesdays, and appointments can be booked via Reception or online via the NHS App or Patient Access.

To help us better understand, Roger has kindly put together a video for us below:

We're Talking About Menopause - Friday 20th January 18:00

Our Team at St Wulfstan are proud to be supporting the next Menopause event at Galanos House Community Hub & Cafe on Friday 20th January 2023 18:00 - 20:00.

According to the Galanos House Community Hub:

“We’re proud to be hosting our 3rd Menopause evening since opening. Come and join us! To book your FREE place call us today on 01926 812185 Ext 5365.
Guys this one is for you too! Karl Mullen (Hypnotherapist) will be here to share his personal experiences and offer advice.
Hosting the evening will be Dr Kirti Viswa, Nurse Tricia Morton and Clinical pharmacist Mina Hunjan. To discuss symptoms, investigations, treatment options, including genitourinary syndrome, bone health, HRT vs non HRT and memory/mood issues. ”

— Galanos House Community Hub

Flu Is On The Rise - Get Your Flu Jab - Extra Clinic Available...

We have witnessed a recent rise in cases of flu which has led to increased interest in getting the flu vaccine.

As such we are still able to offer our patients the flu jab and it is available to anyone aged 50-64.

If you would like the flu jab it only takes 2 minites and we are holding an extra flu clinic on Monday 9th January between 6:30pm - 8pm. If you would like to book, please use the NHS App, Patient Access or call Reception.

Good Luck Tanya - Raising Money for Muscular Dystrophy

We wanted to wish Tanya the best of luck. She is fundraising for Muscular Dystrophy UK by undertaking a 24 hour bike ride at the surgery on 4th February 2023 and she’s also going to take on the London Marathon!

Any donations would be warmly welcomed, and can be made by clicking this link.

Here are a few words from Tanya:

“I am doing the London marathon in April 23rd 2023 to raise money for Muscular Dystrophy, I will also be doing a 24-hour bikeathon with the help of my friends and family at St Wulfstan Surgery.
I have picked this charity as one of our amazing receptionists Julie Davies son, Rhys has Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy, I want to be able to raise as much money as I can so the charity can help fund treatment and hopefully find a cure to help all those children/adults who are living with the disease.
Please visit my just-giving page and help me raise the money! THANK YOU”

— Tanya