Health Promotion

We feel it is important that our patients should share with us the responsibility for their own health and that of their family, both in preventing disease and in treating existing disease. The well known proverb "Prevention Is Better Than Cure" is very appropriate for many conditions we see. Some of the more serious diseases can be prevented by a healthy lifestyle without the need for drugs.

Here are some ways you can help yourself to live not only a longer but also a fitter and more enjoyable life.

Diet
A healthy diet not only helps control weight but also reduces cholesterol and helps prevent heart disease. Please ask the practice nurse for advice.

Exercise
Regular exercise also helps prevent heart disease as well as reducing weight. It also has psychological benefits and helps you to cope with stress.
If you are overweight or unfit please ask for advice before vigorous exercise.

It is always wise to slowly increase the amount of exercise you take.

Smoking
This is the single largest preventable cause of ill health in this country. It is a major cause of cancer, heart attack, angina, arterial disease, peptic ulcers and chest disease.

Adults smoking can also affect the health of children and other people in close contact (passive smoking). We do appreciate how difficult it is for those patients who would like to stop but feel unable to do so, but help is available.

Please ask if you would like advice and help on giving up. The well person clinic on Monday mornings specifically caters for those wishing to give up smoking.

Alcohol
Excessive alcohol intake increases the risk of heart and liver disease, not to mention the financial and family problems which may occur.
The maximum alcohol intake we advise is as follows:

• three units per day for men
• two units per day for women

(one unit = 1/2 pint of beer, or 1 glass of wine or sherry or one measure of spirits). Alcohol should be avoided completely during pregnancy.

Blood Pressure
Prolonged high blood pressure can increase the risk of heart attacks and strokes. Lowering blood pressure can reduce these risks.

Treatment does not always require medication. We feel that adults over 20 years should have their blood pressure checked at regular intervals.