Byhowbeck
Don’t forget to book your Cervical screening test!
Cervical screening (smear test) is a free health test available on the NHS that helps prevent cervical cancer. It check for a virus called high-risk HPV and, if you have HPV, cervical cell changes. It is not a test for cancer.
All women and people born with a cervix between the ages of 25 and 64 should go for regular cervical screening. You’ll get a letter in the post inviting you to make an appointment.
If you are worried about how cervical screening is done, check out this short video:
If you missed your last cervical screening, you do not need to wait to book an appointment, call and book today!
Byhowbeck
Diabetes – do you know the signs to look out for?
Diabetes is a lifelong condition that causes a person’s blood sugar level to become too high. There are 2 main types of diabetes:
Type 1 diabetes – where the body’s immune system attacks and destroys the cells that produce insulin
Type 2 diabetes – where they body does not produce enough insulin, or the body’s cells do not react to insulin.
This Diabetes Awareness Week, be aware of the symptoms to look out for:
- Feeling very thirsty
- Peeing more frequently than usual, particularly at night
- Feeling very tired
- Weight loss and loss of muscle bulk
- Itching around the penis or vagina, or frequent episodes of thrush
- Cuts or wounds that heal slowly
- Blurred vision
Visit your GP as soon as possible if you experience that main symptoms of diabetes.
For more information https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/diabetes/ and https://www.diabetes.org.uk/07
Byhowbeck
Diabetes – Check your risk
There are two type of diabetes – Type 1 and Type 2.
Type 1 diabetes isn’t linked with age or being overweight. The causes are unknown and it is unpreventable. Only 10% of people with diabetes have Type 1.
Type 2 diabetes is much more common. It is linked to lifestyle factors and develops over time. Unlike Type 1 diabetes, it is largely preventable.
Byhowbeck
Face coverings and Covid-19 rules are still in place at your practice
Polite notice to all patients and visitors to Balance Street Practice. Whilst government guidance has changed due to the vulnerability of some patients attending the practice we please ask that you continue to wear face coverings when attending the practice. Please DO NOT attend the surgery if you have any Covid-19 symptoms or have tested positive for Covid-19.
Thank you for your cooperation.
Byhowbeck
Do you want to live in a compassionate community?
We saw an amazing response from our community throughout the pandemic.
Please see this article about the compassionate community project that Dr Atherton is launching with support from the NHS, Patient Participation Groups, Staffordshire County Council, Burton Albion Community Trust, Staffordshire Community Foundation, Support Staffordshire, Uttoxeter Heath Community Centre, Uttoxeter Cares and St Giles Hospice. There is something we can all do to help and this starts with a message of hope.
Byhowbeck
Proof of Medical Exemption – Covid-19 Vaccination
Some individuals are unable to be vaccinated and also, in some cases, tested for medical reasons. You can apply for proof that you have a medical reason why you should not be vaccinated or why you should not be vaccinated and tested.
If you get this proof of medical exemption you’ll be able to use the NHS COVID Pass wherever you need to prove your COVID-19 status within England.
Until 24 December 2021, you can self-certify that you’re medically exempt if you work or volunteer in a care home.
Some businesses in England choose to use the NHS COVID Pass as a condition of entry. Until 24 December, businesses can decide whether to allow in people who self-declare that they’re medically exempt.
From 25 December, if you’re unable to get vaccinated, you’ll have to use the NHS COVID Pass in the same way that people who are fully vaccinated use it.
For full information on the requirements for proof regarding being exempt from Covid-19 vaccination please visit https://www.gov.uk/guidance/covid-19-medical-exemptions-proving-you-are-unable-to-get-vaccinated
Byhowbeck
Clarification on Covid Face Covering Exemption Cards/Certificates
With the new legal requirements regarding face coverings coming into effect in England, we thought it might be useful to explain when and who requires a covid exemption card/certificate.
If you have an age, health or disability reason for not wearing a face covering:
- You do not routinely need to show any written evidence of this
- You do not need to show an exemption card
This means that you do not need to seek advice or request a letter from a medical professional about your reason for not wearing a face covering.
However, if you feel more comfortable showing something that says you do not have to wear a face covering, this could be in the form of an exemption card, badge or sign. Carrying an exemption card or badge is a personal choice and not required by law.
If you wish to use an exemption card or badge, you can download and print out or show these templates: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/face-coverings-when-to-wear-one-and-how-to-make-your-own
Exemptions from face coverings
In settings where face coverings are required in England, there are some circumstances where people may not be able to wear them, so please be mindful and respectful of such circumstances.
Some people are less able to wear face coverings, and the reasons for this may not be visible to others.
This includes (but is not limited to):
- children under the age of 11 (The UK Health and Security Agency does not recommend face coverings for children under the age of 3 for health and safety reasons)
- people who cannot put on, wear or remove a face covering because of a physical or mental illness or impairment, or disability
- people for whom putting on, wearing or removing a face covering will cause severe distress
- people speaking to or providing assistance to someone who relies on lip reading, clear sound or facial expressions to communicate
- to avoid the risk of harm or injury to yourself or others
- police officers and other emergency workers, given that this may interfere with their ability to serve the public
There are also scenarios when you are permitted to remove a face covering:
- if asked to do so in a bank, building society, or post office for identification
- if asked to do so by shop staff or relevant employees for identification, for assessing health recommendations (for example by a pharmacist) or for age identification purposes, including when buying age restricted products such as alcohol
- in order to take medication
Byhowbeck
Have you thought to ask your local Pharmacist?
Pharmacies are part of the NHS family and the range of clinical services provided by community pharmacies has expanded significantly in recent years – with several more services being added during 2021.
So, for NHS services, convenient access to medicines, support for healthy living and prompt clinical advice, Ask Your Pharmacist!
In addition to your Pharmacy, self-care is also important especially during those long winter months. Watch this informative video to find out which recommended products should be in your medicine cabinet to help you self-care this Winter!