COVID-19 has taken over everyone’s minds these days, but that doesn’t mean other diseases and viruses don’t exist. The flu, while diminished in the face of all the precautions people take for COVID-19, is still alive and well. Here’s how to keep your family safe this flu season.
It’s important to get your vaccinations in. Just because COVID-19 vaccinations have stolen the show doesn’t mean you should ignore the flu shot. Anyone over the age of six months can receive it and it’s particularly important if you have a pre-existing medical condition.
If everyone covered their mouth or coughed and sneezed into their elbow, the spread of many diseases would be drastically reduced. This is simply good manners and while coughing into your elbow won’t prevent you from catching the flu, it will prevent you from spreading anything to other people. Set a good example and others will follow suit.
Everyone is aware by now that handwashing is an essential part of preventing illness. If you want to stay healthy, avoid touching your face and wash your hands frequently with soap and water. Be sure to wash very thoroughly. You should aim for 20 seconds of scrubbing and then rinse well before drying.
Hand sanitizer should be a staple in your pocket, as well. If you can’t wash your hands with soap and water, use the hand sanitizer as often as possible.
For the purposes of the virus, you can assume that any surface that is touched by hands is dirty. This includes everything from door handles and stair rails to light switches and tables. Since you will need to touch these at some point, you should use a tissue or your sleeve to do so and then discard or wash it as soon as possible.
Eating well and taking your vitamins can help keep your immune system in good condition. When you provide your body with the food it needs to stay healthy and to keep your immune system functional, it can fight off disease easier.
Your diet isn’t the only way to stay healthy, though. You also need to keep stress to a minimum, get enough sleep, and stay hydrated. All these factors help you prevent the flu.
If you suspect you may be ill, you should talk to a doctor. Fortunately, you don’t even need to leave your home to see a doctor. The NHS site allows you to speak to a medical expert online, without leaving the comfort of your own home. Book your appointment today.
Did you know that prolonged periods of stress can lower your immune system, making you more susceptible to colds and other viruses? As any university student will know, studying can be extremely stressful. These days, going to lectures can raise your blood pressure just from all the factors that go into a single class, and that’s not even taking into account your homework.
Here are a few ways to help yourself stay calm and healthy while you continue to study.
As a uni-student, you probably live on caffeine, but stimulants like caffeine, nicotine, and others can cause you to feel even more stressed. They stimulate the body to react as if it is in a dangerous situation, raising your heart rate and making you feel jittery. This can end up causing you to feel even more anxious.
Eating properly is part of staying healthy. If you are getting proper nutrition, your immune system will withstand more stress and your body will stay much healthier. Make sure to eat regular meals that are well-rounded, with plenty of protein and fibre.
The majority of people are chronically dehydrated simply because they don’t drink enough water. Since your brain requires a lot of water, it makes sense that you’ll be more stressed out if you haven’t been drinking enough liquids. Take the time to get your water in and you’ll feel more energetic, as well as less stressed. Drinking a glass of ice water can actually help lower your stress levels, as well.
In your spare time, try to find something that relaxes you. This could be anything from playing video games or reading to cooking or doing yoga. Everyone has their thing that calms them down and reduces their stress levels. Find yours and make sure you turn to it when you feel like things are getting out of control.
Having a set schedule can feel more manageable since you know exactly what is coming up. Make a note of tests and set reminders for yourself for your phone or computer. It’s easier to manage your anxiety if you know what to expect and prepare for in the near future. Many people use calendars and schedules to reduce their stress levels and to stay on top of projects and assignments.
If you feel ill or are worried that your health is failing, make an appointment to see a doctor as soon as possible. This is easiest to do online and doesn’t require you to go anywhere. You can attend the appointment from the comfort of your own home, without exposing yourself to more germs in a waiting room.
Need to make a virtual GP appointment? Go ahead and sign onto the NHS GP site to book your appointment.
While telemedicine existed before the pandemic, the past two years have made it commonplace to see your doctor on a computer screen. A GP online consultation is a good way to see your doctor and get answers about your health without the risks of going to a clinic.
There are quite a lot of benefits to having an online appointment with your doctor. In many cases, you can do the checks yourself, using a thermometer and checking your own pulse rate. If you do need more advanced medical care, the doctor will direct you to either visit the hospital or to come into the medical clinic. However, you can receive prescriptions and exam orders from an online consultation, so in many cases, it’s not necessary to see the doctor in person.
Some of these benefits are more obvious than others, but overall, the ability to talk to your doctor online has created a better opportunity for many people to get medical care.
Other benefits include:
See a Doctor Sooner
With no waiting room, it’s easier for the GP to keep appointments short and to the point. When you go into the office, you expect a certain amount of time spent with the doctor. After all, you’ve invested time and energy to travel there and more time while you waited in the waiting room. With the ability to simply call your doctor over a video call, it becomes possible to have short appointments that are just as thorough.
There is also no delay while you wait for your doctor or nurse to prepare the exam room. Instead, the doctor is free to move on to the next appointment, which means you will often get to see local doctors much faster than if you were to go to their office.
Stay in the Comfort of Your Own Home
Many people prefer to stay home, particularly at the moment. It’s safer and you don’t have to get dressed up to leave the house. For anyone who dislikes going out, a doctor’s appointment at home is the perfect alternative to going to the clinic.
Talk to Your Doctor While Travelling
Another huge benefit of talking to local doctors online is that you can be travelling and still enjoy clinical services via video chat. If you suddenly fall ill while visiting your family, the doctor can be seen online from anywhere. This also means you can continue to monitor existing health conditions while you travel, as long as you don’t need any physical clinical services.
Talk to Your Doctor While Travelling
Trying to get a physical GP appointment can take a long time. There may not be any openings when you are available, or you’ll find that there are no appointments for the next few weeks. Online GP consultations tend to be much more efficient. In most cases, you can book an appointment for the same day and still find a doctor who is able to see you. The ease and convenience make this method of medical consultation very popular.
Have a GP Consultation from Work
There’s no need to take a day off work just to see a doctor. If you have a health issue that is non-contagious or if you are simply seeing the doctor to monitor an ongoing health problem, you can do this anywhere. Rather than take an entire day away from work, you can schedule a break to see the doctor from your office. It’s a far more efficient method of seeking medical health.
Get Refill Prescriptions Without Going to a Clinic
If you take medication that you need to see a doctor for on an ongoing basis, it can be frustrating to go into an appointment just for a prescription. However, with online medicine, you can speak with the doctor and get your prescription without leaving your home. You can even have your appointment while you sit in your vehicle outside the pharmacy.
Avoid Crowded Waiting Rooms
Anyone can tell you that a doctor’s waiting room is a petri dish of germs and viruses. If the past two years have taught you anything, it’s that you should avoid enclosed spaces with people who are ill. The waiting room is a good place to pick up more health problems, so if you can possibly avoid it, you should.
When you have a GP consultation in your living room, there’s no issue with germs or being in contact with other people. It’s all safe and comfortable.
Anyone who is from the UK can use the NHS GP online consultation service. However, it’s not appropriate for emergencies or any medical situation where you will definitely need face-to-face aid. For example, if you have broken your arm, you will need to see a doctor in person to cast it. If you are bleeding or injured, it’s important that you go straight to the hospital. The online options are not for emergencies and it’s better to get straight to the hospital where they can begin to help you immediately.
Common reasons to use an online GP appointment include:
You feel ill. If you’re experiencing stomach pain, sore throat, diarrhoea, constipation, or vomiting, etc. you may want to speak with a doctor about how to treat it. The doctor will also assess you for dehydration and will let you know when it is necessary to have exams done or when to go to the hospital.
You need a refill on a prescription. Most prescriptions require the doctor to see you before giving you another script. Online is a completely acceptable way to fulfil this requirement.
You have a rash or other skin condition. You can talk to a dermatologist when you’re registered with the NHS and this can help you determine what the issue is. The dermatologist may prescribe medication to help or can give you tips on the best way to heal your skin.
You need a sick note. You may need to have a note from a doctor in order to stay home while you are ill, skipping work or school. This is easily done online.
There are many other reasons you may wish to have an online video consultation with a doctor, but rest assured it’s all acceptable. The doctors are there to help you and will give you the best possible attention. It may not be exactly the same as going to the office, but you skip the traffic and get a faster response, so it’s a win-win situation.
Before your appointment, you should make a list of your symptoms and keep track of any medications you’re taking. This will be necessary in order to relay the information to the doctor. Once you have registered online, you can make your appointment. Your doctor will talk to you via a video chat and assess your condition, based on your own information. For example, you may need to take your temperature or check your pulse, while the doctor supervises.
With the basics out of the way, the doctor will talk to you about your symptoms and the severity of your condition. They can assess you through the video and how you speak, to determine if you should be referred to a specialist or to a hospital. You may be asked to send photos of any rashes or marks on your body, as well, to aid in diagnosis.
The doctor will determine what the issue is and let you know the appropriate treatment. If this includes medication, the doctor will write a prescription for you and you can then either order it from your local drugstore or go and pick it up. The entire process is easy and stress-free, but you’ll have some answers after the call is over. If the health issue persists, you can simply schedule another appointment. Be sure to track what you have done so the doctor can discuss alternatives if you know what doesn’t work.
Overall, telehealth is a remarkable advancement in healthcare options. It allows more people to reach doctors than ever before and even helps those who would never leave their homes to see a doctor. The ease of making an appointment allows you to consult with a doctor at the last minute, so you don’t need to deal with the symptoms longer than necessary just because you can’t get an appointment.
If you haven’t signed up for NHS services yet, you should certainly do so. It could change the way you manage your own health, as well as that of your family. Download the app and make your first appointment today.
It’s not always possible to get to the doctor. There are countless reasons you may not be able to make that appointment and visit a GP, but it’s still important to look after your health. What is the alternative to setting up a GP consultation?
The simplest option is to go with a GP video consultation. Telemedicine has become quite common over the past couple of years and unless you have an emergency, it’s likely your doctor can let you know how to treat your condition.
Whether you’re going in to see a doctor in person or plan to have an online GP visit, you can make your appointment online. This saves time and lets you see exactly what schedule times are available. If you don’t like speaking on the phone, which many people don’t, then you’ll appreciate the ability to use the NHS app to make your appointment.
Video consultations are the easiest way to see your doctor without actually going to see them. In a GP video consultation, you’ll speak with your doctor about your concerns over a video conference call. You may need to show some closer images of rashes, marks, etc. or take your own temperature to give information to the doctor. However, by the end of the call, the doctor will let you know if you can treat the issue at home or if you need to go to the hospital or come into the medical clinic.
If you need to take some sort of medicine, this is also covered by the video call. Your doctor can give you a prescription so that you are able to fill it at your earliest convenience.
Download the NHS app to make it much simpler to refill your prescription. No one really likes to visit the doctor’s physical clinic just to get a refill and this method is so much simpler. You can usually just set the whole thing up and fill out a form, but if you do need to actually speak to a doctor, that’s quite simple with this method. All you need to do is schedule a GP video consultation and explain your needs to the doctor. However, when it’s something like birth control pills that you need more of, it’s even simpler to refill the prescription.
All too often, there is paperwork involved with being sick. If you need a doctor’s note or a form filled out for work or school, it’s easiest to manage it all online. There are plenty of reasons you may need paperwork from your doctor, so if you can manage it without going into the clinic, this can speed the entire process up.
In some cases, you can even do all the paperwork yourself, if a doctor isn’t strictly necessary. For example, you may be able to print out a sick note for yourself or print up a mask exemption card if you qualify.
Is your child ill? There’s nothing worse than a sick child unless it’s trying to get that sick child into a car or onto public transport to go see a doctor. Fortunately, you have the option of a GP video consultation where a doctor can see your child for a range of possible ailments and get you a prescription if necessary.
It’s far easier to have your child seen at home, where they are comfortable than to take them to a clinic while they feel unwell.
Telemedicine is something of a miracle for parents of small children and the GP may be able to do everything over the video with a little help from you to get temperatures and photos of rashes or skin issues that may be associated with the health problem.
Once a child is signed up under the NHS, they can be seen for well-child check-ups, so be sure to check with the practice about this.
In order to register for NHS online services, you don’t need much time or any paperwork. You can sign up online and fill in a basic form that will permit NHS England to transfer your medical records to the practice you’ll be using. The local doctors in that practice will have access to your medical history.
There are a number of free services available from the NHS, including mental health support, dermatologist access, and sexual health support. While online doctor’s visits are useful, they’re not the only benefits that the NHS offers. You can also find a range of services available to help you stay healthy.
For example, if you need a COVID 19 test, you can find relevant information on the site. You can also self-refer to various specialities, including:
Registering on the NHS GP site immediately gives you access to far more services than you can imagine. This is a wonderful way to get the help you need, medically and otherwise.
Online medicine may seem a little odd at first, but it’s a wonderful way to include the entire population in the medical industry. There are many shut-ins who never go out to the doctor for one reason or another. Some are physically unable to leave their home, while others are mentally unable. Whatever the reason, anyone can now talk to a doctor online and get answers.
Some of the more common issues that you may wish to see a doctor for online include:
As you can see, nearly any issue that you would usually go to the doctor for can be seen by a GP online. There’s very little difference and over the past couple of years, doctors have perfected their long-distance delivery skills. They can provide excellent care from a distance and if they are unable to help you, you’ll simply be referred to a physical clinic or the hospital.
Are you ready to receive all the benefits of the NHS online services? Go ahead and sign up here to gain access to everything today.
Going off to University is a very exciting time in a young person’s life. You’ll be going to live in a brand new city, make new friends and enjoy all of the benefits that the University lifestyle has to offer. But it’s important not to forget about your health while at University. It’s so easy in the busy time before moving to let vital healthcare tasks slip through the gaps, but you need to ensure you’re ready.
So read on to find out how to take care of yourself at University.
One of the first things you should do when starting university is register with a GP service. The odds are as a student you’ll be in a brand new city and be spending more time there than at your family’s home address, so you should be registering with a nearby GP instead of keeping your home one. This way you can access health services quickly and easily while away from home and receive emergency care if you require it. You should also try to register with a dentist as well in case of any teeth related issues.
Most Universities have a health centre attached which you can register at, this is especially useful if you’re a first-year living on campus, making it very convenient to access. A university health centre is great to use as they usually have links with other specialists such as counsellors, physiotherapists and psychiatrists that you can easily access without having to be referred to a different clinic. If you’re living off-campus, it might be best to research a GP service closer to your address and register there instead. Your local GP is always best if it is the one closest to you.
Registering with a GP is especially important if you have ongoing health conditions that require medication, such as diabetes or asthma. Having your GP close means you can get easy access to the medicine that you require to help with your condition. If you go home for holidays and the summer, it is easy to contact a nearby practice to ask for emergency treatment or register as a temporary resident for a few weeks while you’re home.
If you’re a student moving to the North West London area, register with NHS GP to get access to online student health services with NHS Online. We understand it is essential to get the right health advice while living independently for the first time, so offer a range of services to help with the changes in lifestyle, mental and physical health. This includes:
University life is usually regarded as a big lifestyle change, so you may find yourself wondering how exactly to take care of yourself. Talking to an expert through NHS GP will help you to stay healthy. This can be advice on healthy eating, how much sleep you need and other general health advice that may seem minor but can have a big effect on your health.
One great recommendation is the NHS Weight Loss App. This app will help you make small, simple changes to your diet to help you lose weight. You can plan meals, set goals, calculate your BMI and learn tips to get more active. A common misconception is that eating healthy at university is unachievable because of the cost, but eating healthier is often cheaper than ordering takeaways or buying ready meals. By maintaining a healthy diet and drinking plenty of water, you will find yourself with more energy, reduced anxiety and the ability to go about your day more easily.
If you have been drinking, smoking or doing drugs regularly at university and think you may have a problem, NHS GP can help with support for these issues by offering appointments with doctors, support groups or other services.
Moving away from home and starting a degree can be very overwhelming mentally for a young person, so NHS GP offers mental health services such as counselling and other support. This is ideal for those who feel down about moving away from home, are having trouble adjusting, are having academic burnout or think they are suffering from more serious mental health issues. You can also access incognito, 24/7 support if you just want to talk anonymously to someone.
If you don’t want to talk to a professional, even just talking with a friend and keeping in touch with family can help you to feel better. It’s vital to have a good state of mental health at university as without it you will find it harder to focus on work or have a fun experience. Exercising regularly and eating healthier is a great way to improve one’s mental health.
If you are worried about your sexual health and think you may need a check, or just need advice about sexual health or contraception, you can get this advice for free through NHS GP. You can come into a practice or talk online to an expert who will be able to answer any questions and address any concerns. This can include dealing with issues such as erectile dysfunction, premature ejaculation, vaginismus, reduced sex drive or any other questions you may have about sexual health.
If you think you may have an STI, read this page for potential symptoms that may need checking. If you need access to contraception, all general practises or family planning clinics provide free condoms and contraception to anyone, regardless of whether they are a patient registered there. It’s always best to have contraception, even if you don’t plan to be sexually active.
If you have frequent appointments with a GP, our online platform is great for handling your appointments, making sure you know when exactly you need to come into a practice or be ready for an online consultation. You can also handle your prescriptions efficiently, knowing when you’re going to run out and easily ordering more.
You can use NHS GP to find out more about what vaccinations you may need before you begin university, read on for more information about this.
Before you head off to university, it is best to get vaccinations against certain diseases. This is due to being surrounded by new people from all over the country, who may be carrying different strains of diseases and antibodies. This means there is more chance of you getting ill or passing on diseases to others. Here are a few vaccines you should make sure you get:
For international students, you will need to be up to date with all immunisations as recommended by the Department of Health so check with your GP to see what you need.
Register now with NHS GP to gain access to a range of services, both online and in person. We know that students live a busy schedule, so you can access online student health options without having to pop into a clinic to see us. This can include live online consultations with practitioners and access to a wealth of advice.
To find out more about the services we can offer, whether it’s online clinical services, prescriptions or appointments, visit our website now to find out more and find the contact details for all four of our North West London branches.
Noticed a recent change in your skin, or need help managing an existing skin condition? You may need to see a skin specialist. Most of the time changes in your skin are nothing to worry about, simply natural changes that are manageable with no or light intervention on your behalf. But other times problems with your skin can be quite serious, leading to more problems both on the surface and inside your body. Looking after your skin is just as important as the rest of your body, so it should be treated with respect and care.
Read on to find out more about what a skin specialist can do for you, and whether you should go see one.
Skin specialists, also known as dermatologists, are doctors who diagnose, treat and manage children and adults with skin conditions and diseases. They also deal with issues with nails and hair, but for this article, we’ll be focusing more on how they use their skills and qualifications to treat skin complaints. Skin issues are very common, with around 24% of the UK population visiting their GP with a skin disease each year. Most dermatologists are also skin surgeons, able to offer treatment with issues such as skin cancer.
There are over 2000 dermatological diagnoses that are to do with the skin, so here is a selection of common issues that you may be facing.
Skin cancer is one of the most common cancers in the world and refers to a group of cancers that develop in the upper layers of the skin. It can come in two forms, non-melanoma skin cancer and melanoma. Non-melanoma skin cancer is much more common than melanoma, which is usually a more serious issue. Here’s a bit more information about both types:
Non-melanoma cancer often develops on areas of skin that are regularly exposed to the sun, such as the face, hands, shoulders, chest and ears. It usually develops in the outermost layer of skin, the epidermis. The first sign of this type of cancer is usually a lump or discoloured patch of skin. It usually is made up of cancerous lumps and patches, which manifest as being red and firm or flat and scaly respectively.
Causes of non-melanoma skin cancer include overexposure to UV light, a previous history of cancer, pale skin, a large number of moles or freckles and taking immunosuppressive medicine. You can help prevent chances of developing it by using sunscreen, avoiding sunbeds and limiting the amount of time you spend in the sun. Skin cancer usually does not spread to other parts of your body, but can cause considerable skin damage.
You should see a skin specialist if you have any skin abnormality that has not healed within 4 weeks of you first observing it. They will examine your skin and may do a biopsy. Surgery is the main treatment for non-melanoma skin cancer but it can also be treated with cryotherapy, radiotherapy and anti-cancer creams.
Melanoma is the other type of skin cancer, which is more likely to spread to other organs in your body. You should be on the lookout for the appearance of a new mole or a shift in an existing one such as a change in size, shape or colour. There are a few types of melanoma, but they are commonly irregular in shape and have more than one colour. They can quickly grow downwards, which will then let them spread to other areas of your body.
Melanoma is caused by exposure to UV light, family history, pale skin, red or blonde hair and lots of freckles or moles. It can be prevented by avoiding getting sunburnt, wearing sunscreen, avoiding sunbeds and regularly checking your skin. You should see a skin specialist if you notice any change to your moles, so they can take a biopsy. Melanoma is mostly treated through surgery if caught early, and medicines such as BRAF inhibitors to reduce symptoms if not.
Eczema is a skin condition that causes it to become itchy, dry and cracked. It can affect any part of your body but is most common on the hands, knees, elbows, face and scalp. You should seek a skin specialist’s help when you have visibly irritated red skin, a history of skin problems in the same areas, dry skin or a history of asthma or hay fever.
Common causes are suffering from asthma, hay fever, food allergies or other allergens such as soaps, stress and the weather. It can be treated by self-care techniques, moisturising treatments or topical corticosteroids that reduce swelling and itching.
Psoriasis is a skin disease that causes red and itchy patches on the knees, elbows and scalp. It’s a long-term chronic disease with no cure that flares up every once in a while before going into remission again. Symptoms include red patches of skin covered in scales, dry skin that may bleed or itch, thickened nails and swollen joints.
You should see a doctor if you suspect you have any of the above symptoms and they cause you discomfort, pain, become widespread or lead to joint problems. Psoriasis is triggered by environmental factors such as stress, weather, injuries, infections, smoking, drinking or taking certain medications. It can also occur if you have a family history of the condition.
If you have a wound that doesn’t seem to be healing after weeks or months, you should go see a skin specialist. A non-healing wound can allow diseases to enter your body more easily and could also be a sign of tissue death or cancer.
Sores or ulcers in your mouth that come back repeatedly could be a sign of an issue with your digestive tract. If your mouth ulcers keep coming back, grow bigger or start bleeding it is time to visit a skin specialist or a dentist for treatment.
If you have red or itchy eyes, this could be a sign you have conjunctivitis. This is an inflammation of the membrane that lines your eyelid and covers the white part of the eyeball. Symptoms include redness, itchiness, gritty feeling or discharge from your eye that forms a crust. While many probably assume pink eye is an eye-related issue, it is actually a dermatological issue as it affects the delicate tissues around the eyes.
It is commonly caused by an allergic reaction or a viral or bacterial infection. You should see a doctor if you have eye pain, blurred vision or light sensitivity.
You may need a skin specialist if your acne is quite severe. A dermatologist can help you treat the condition by helping you devise a skin care plan and offer treatments such as medication, lasers, chemical peels or the removal of large cysts. There are six main types of spots caused by acne: blackheads, whiteheads, papules, pustules, nodules and cysts. Visiting a skin specialist can help you to diagnose exactly what types of spots you have.
To help deal with or prevent acne you should wash the affected area with a bar of mild soap and lukewarm water, do not try to squeeze spots as this can lead to permanent scarring and try to eat better. You should also not wash the affected area too much as this can irritate the skin and avoid wearing too many oily products on your face.
As mentioned in the skin cancer section, you should be on the lookout for suspicious moles that have either appeared suddenly or changed shape. They can be an early sign of melanoma, skin cancer or other problems. Skin specialists can help diagnose moles or offer cosmetic treatment to remove non-cancerous moles.
Overall any skin issue that doesn’t fade over time should be looked at, as it will probably be an issue that could lead to more serious consequences. Even if nothing is wrong, seeking treatment as a preventative measure is always a good idea.
If you need help or treatment in the North West London area, get in touch today with NHS GP. Our dermatology specialist Dr Shazie Saddiqi offers daily consultations and sessions at our four clinics in Alperton, Queen’s Park, Wembley and Willesden.
Concerned about coming into a clinic due to COVID-19, or simply don’t have the time to make it in? Don’t worry about it, as we offer online help and treatment without you needing to come into the clinic, assessing your skin condition and matching you with a professional dermatologist to assist you. We also have a great system where you can upload a photo of your symptoms, and Dr Siddiqi will get back to you as soon as possible to talk through what she suspects your problem is.
If you want to find out more about what NHS GP can offer you, check out our website now for information about all the services we offer, and find the phone numbers and contact details of all 4 GP surgeries
Whether it is acne, eczema, rashes or dry skin most of us have dealt with some kind of skin issue at one point or another. It’s highly common and nothing to be embarrassed about. Lots of skin, hair and nail conditions will disappear over time, but others require treatment from a dermatologist, a doctor who specialises in skincare.
With this in mind, we are going to explore a few of the common signs you may need to pay a visit to a dermatologist. Read on to discover more.
Red and sore eyes can be an indicator of pink eye or possibly conjunctivitis. This is a skin condition that your dermatologist can potentially evaluate and treat. The recovery for both of these issues is often fairly quick thankfully, and people may not realize these things are a dermatological issue because they affect the skin around your eyes.
If you experience mouth ulcers or canker sores that come back fairly often then this could be a sign of specific digestive issues. Your dermatologist will be able to evaluate this and prescribe corticosteroids if they are required.
Very dry skin can be an indication of the changing weather but there is also the risk that it could be more serious such as a skin condition like eczema or possibly psoriasis. Whatever the cause may be dry, itchy, red, irritable or scaly skin can be really sore and quite painful. Consulting a trained and qualified dermatologist will be able to help determine the appropriate steps for skin treatment.
Hair loss is something that many people experience for lots of reasons. Believe it or not people actually lose between 50 to 100 strands a day, and that’s very normal. In some cases, hair loss can be for specific reasons such as, post-pregnancy or even related to stress or hormone imbalances or changes in your body.
Register with NHS GP today to speak with a skin specialist. Registration only takes a few minutes and doing so allows you to speak with qualified doctors, nurses, skin specialists and more. You can also find online support whenever you require it. Register today to get health care services at your fingertips.
Mental health is at the forefront of lots of Universities agendas at the moment and understandably too, it is something that really must be prioritised. Mental health issues are highly common amongst students as well as the wider population too, so it really is nothing to feel embarrassed about.
You may not realise it but there really is plenty of support available and some of the most common issues students experience include:
The various student support services available with NHS GP are at your disposal. All you need to do is register today for student health advice. This allows you to book or cancel appointments online but also enables you to keep your details up to date, order repeat prescriptions without having to visit a surgery in person.
If you are struggling and need some support, it’s really important that you speak to someone.
Often doing so brings an immediate sense of relief and there are often so many people who are willing to talk.
You may choose to speak to:
As well as this, many opt to speak to someone outside of their immediate circle. For example, there are plenty of student unions that also provide student-led services. Although these student mentors may not be qualified counsellors, you might want to talk about problems such as anxiety and low mood with someone who feels like more of a peer.
As well as this, Student Minds is the UK’s leading student mental health charity and Individual universities also usually have student night line services.
Becoming a student is a big transition for many young people. There are many changes relating to mental and physical health. For many, this is the first time that you’re living independently so accessing the right health advice is essential during your time as a student. If you’ve been feeling stressed about your studies or experiencing personal issues, our online resources and professional medical team are on hand to offer support across our four clinics in Wembley, Alperton, Willesden and Queen’s Park. Contact us for more.
If you are pregnant and considering abortion, you are not alone. Around 1 in 3 UK women have an abortion by the time they are 45. An abortion is classed as a type of procedure that allows you to terminate a pregnancy and the pregnancy is ended either by taking medicines or having a surgical procedure.
Making the choice to end a pregnancy is a big decision for anyone, so making sure you have all of the information and resources available to you in order to make an informed decision, is crucial.
With this in mind, we outline some key information relating to getting an abortion in the UK.
At the start of the process, you will be able to openly and confidentially discuss your feelings regarding your current pregnancy and possible abortion. Often this chat will take place either over the phone or in-person. You’ll likely be able to choose but it’s likely that this will take place over the phone.
You will be given all of the relevant and necessary information you need to make an informed decision and this will allow you fully explore all the options available. All of the information you discuss will be totally confidential.
After the abortion you may opt to see support service for additional guidance, support or emotional after care. Be mindful that some of these support services are geared towards promoting the view of a wider organisation, so make sure that you are using a verified organisation. Contact an organisation through your GP for advice on getting the necessary support in your area.
Lots of our patients will have abortions paid for via the National Health Service (NHS). In some cases, information about your location and GP may be required to see if funding is available. If you are a European national currently in the UK but don’t have access to NHS funding and are more than 10 weeks pregnant, please reach out to the Abortion Support Network for further guidance. You will be able to discuss NHS-funded treatments and see if you are eligible to receive this.
Your well-being should always be a number one priority. At NHS GP, we offer a range of clinical services for everyone including NHS including abortion services, weight loss management, drug and alcohol support and plenty more. Get your body and mind in the right place today and contact us for more information.
As the nights get longer and the weather gets colder, the chances of catching a cold or the flu increase. By getting a flu vaccine, you can be protected from the risk of getting seriously ill.
Read on to find out why you should consider getting a flu vaccine this winter.
A flu vaccine causes antibodies to develop in the body that will help to protect from any influenza viruses that enter your body. Scientists work hard to identify which strains of the flu are likely to be more prevalent this season, designing the flu vaccine to combat these strains. No vaccines contain live viruses so will not give you the flu itself, just act as prevention.
The flu vaccine gives the best protection against flu and if you do catch it, the symptoms are likely to be milder and not last as long. It will also stop you from spreading the flu to other people who may be more at risk.
Because of the number of people staying indoors during the course of the COVID-19 pandemic, people are less likely to have built up any natural immunity to protect against the flu this year. If you get the flu and COVID-19 at the same time, you are much more likely to become seriously ill.
By getting vaccinated, you’re protecting yourself from both of these serious illnesses. If you’re eligible for your second dose of the COVID-19 jab or the booster, it is completely safe to have this and the flu jab at the same time.
The flu vaccine is given free on the NHS for a few key groups. These are people who:
If you don’t fall into any of these categories, you can still get the flu vaccine, but it will not be available for free. You can have your flu vaccine at your GP surgery, a pharmacy, or at a hospital, depending on their availability. You should book soon to get your appointment as quickly as possible.
Most adults can and should get the flu vaccine, but you should avoid it if you are currently ill with a high temperature or have had a serious allergic reaction in the past. This may be due to an egg allergy. If so you can ask your GP for a low-egg or egg-free vaccine.
If you’re still unsure and live in the North London area, you can register with NHS GP online and book a video consultation, where a trained practitioner can explain to you the benefits of the flu vaccine. Alternatively, contact us at 0208 902 4792 if you have any questions.
