There's barely time to pause for breath between all the healthy-living-related events in September and October. That's right folks; we've packed more into the diary than an overflowing plant-based lunchbox.
For starters, we're currently half-way through Fairtrade fortnight, so my own Practice will be sharing some break-time snacks this week, to showcase the delicious and widely available range of Fairtrade food and drinks. You can sample some of these for yourself at our free coffee morning on Thursday 19th Sept, in conjunction with 'Know Your Numbers'; a national campaign to highlight the huge value of getting your blood pressure (and other numbers) checked to ensure your body is in tip-top condition, so that we can support you to make changes if necessary. Remember we're trying to prevent ill-health in the first place, to avoid medication wherever safe and appropriate, and to help people feel fit, active, and happy. If you're in the area, pop in from 8am-12 noon to chat to me and VIP friends: Dr Lauren Roberts (my excellent across-the-corridor GP colleague on Mondays and Fridays), Tom Dolman (a Population Health expert from the local health board), Tracey Chambers from Copmanthorpe Pharmacy, and Glynn Newberry who is a Health Trainer. Between us we hope to provide inspiration, motivation, conversation, answers to your most complicated questions, and of course a free cuppa! No booking required, and all welcome (even if you aren't a patient).
Our waiting room is already a great source of information for patients coming in for appointments, and also for those who don't use the internet. We'll have a new display to help people understand the importance of checking their numbers; especially blood pressure, kidneys, cholesterol, blood sugar, and weight, along with explanations of what these are and how they can impact health and wellbeing. These are often things we check at your annual review, however if you aren't already being treated for a long-term condition or on any medication, you may not know your numbers. Worryingly, the proportion of people in York affected by diabetes and high blood pressure has been rising over the last decade, and it's believed that 30% of people with high blood pressure are unaware of it because they haven't had it measured. So let's get you checked! If you know what you're dealing with, you have the opportunity to make positive changes that may reverse or delay ill-health. And it's very easy; you can get checked at your local pharmacy, or at a local Health Kiosk (these are in Acomb, Tang Hall and Foss Islands); no appointment needed!
For more information, come along to Old School Medical Practice, Copmanthorpe, on Thursday 19th Sept 8am-12 noon.