We are encouraging people to learn the signs and symptoms of dementia to help catch the condition early.
Dr Sukhdip Johal, GP in Staffordshire, said: “Dementia is a condition which causes people’s brain function to decline, typically as they get older.
“People with dementia may notice memory loss and a change in mood, amongst other symptoms.
“If you experience any problems associated with dementia you should visit your doctor as soon as possible so they can test for dementia with a memory test. These symptoms do not necessarily mean you have developed dementia, but it is always best to get checked out.
“If dementia is suspected, you will be referred to the memory team here in Staffordshire, who will do further assessments and refer you to the appropriate specialist.
“The sooner dementia is diagnosed, and the sooner treatments begin, the easier it is for us to slow its progression.”
People with dementia may notice they are having problems with:
As people are living for longer than ever before, dementia has become a very prominent health issue in our community. In Staffordshire there were 11,600 people aged 65 and over living with dementia in 2018. That number is expected to rise to 15,200 by 2028; an increase of 32 per cent.
For more information on dementia visit the NHS website.
NHS 111 is now available online, providing people with fast and convenient access to urgent health advice digitally.
NHS 111 online offers people an alternative to the 111 phone service, as well as helping to manage increasing demand on the telephone service – but please note it does not replace the phone service.
How does it work
To access the service simply visit 111.nhs.uk, enter your age, sex, postcode and main symptom, and then you will be guided through a series of questions about your health problems.
At the end of the questions you will be given advice about the best course of action to take next, which could be:
Taking antibiotics when you don’t need them can make you become resistant to the, which means that antibiotics may not work when you really need them.
If you or a family member feel unwell, have a cold or flu and you haven’t been prescribed antibiotics, there are some effective self-care ways to help you feel better:
How long should my symptoms last for?
Here are a few guidelines to help you judge how long some common illnesses and symptoms should last for: Common illnesses Most people are better by Earache (middle ear infection) 8 days Sore throat 7–8 days Sinusitis (adults only) 14–21 days Cold 14 days Cough or bronchitis 21 days.
Common Illnesses | Most people are better by |
Earache (Middle ear infection) | 8 days |
Sore throat | 7 – 8 days |
Sinusitis (adults only) | 14 – 21 days |
Cold | 14 days |
Cough or bronchitis | 21 days |
If you’re not starting to feel better by these guide times, contact your GP or call NHS 111.
Winter conditions can be seriously bad for our health, especially for people aged 65 or older, and people with long-term conditions such as COPD, bronchitis, emphysema, asthma, diabetes or heart or kidney disease. Being cold can raise the risk of increased blood pressure, heart attacks and strokes.
It’s important to keep warm in winter
Keeping warm over the winter months can help to prevent colds, flu and more serious health problems.
You may be able to claim financial and practical help with heating your home. Grants available include Winter Fuel Payment and Cold Weather Payment.
Feeling unwell? Don’t wait – get advice from your nearest pharmacist
At the first sign of a winter illness, even if it’s just a cough or cold, get advice from your pharmacist, before it gets more serious. Act quickly. The sooner you get advice from a pharmacist the better. Pharmacists are fully qualified to advise you on the best course of action. This can be the best and quickest way to help you recover and get back to normal. If you can’t get to a pharmacist yourself, ask someone to go for you or call your local pharmacy.
Have you had the flu jab?
The flu virus strikes in winter and it can be far more serious than you think. Flu can lead to serious complications such as bronchitis and pneumonia, and it can be deadly. That’s why the flu jab is free if you’re aged 65 or over, or if you have a long-term health condition. If you have young children or grandchildren they may also be eligible for a free flu vaccination. And if you are the main carer of an older or disabled person you may also be eligible for the free flu jab. Just speak to your GP receptionist or pharmacist.
Taking antibiotics when you don’t need them can make you become resistant to the, which means that antibiotics may not work when you really need them.
If you or a family member feel unwell, have a cold or flu and you haven’t been prescribed antibiotics, there are some effective self-care ways to help you feel better:
How long should my symptoms last for?
Here are a few guidelines to help you judge how long some common illnesses and symptoms should last for: Common illnesses Most people are better by Earache (middle ear infection) 8 days Sore throat 7–8 days Sinusitis (adults only) 14–21 days Cold 14 days Cough or bronchitis 21 days.
Common Illnesses | Most people are better by |
Earache (Middle ear infection) | 8 days |
Sore throat | 7 – 8 days |
Sinusitis (adults only) | 14 – 21 days |
Cold | 14 days |
Cough or bronchitis | 21 days |
If you’re not starting to feel better by these guide times, contact your GP or call NHS 111.
For more information, and what signs you need to look out for which may be symptoms of a more serious conditions, download Public Health Englands Antibiotics Leaflet
Do you know your risks of high blood pressure numbers?
High blood pressure usually has no symptoms. The only way to know you have it is to have a blood pressure check.
The facts
You can get your blood pressure checked at a number of places.
If you are worried about your blood pressure, book your appointment at your practice.
You can find out more information about ‘Know Your Number’ week at their website.