Many people would agree that Christmas is the ‘most wonderful time of the year’. However, despite the chocolate, gifts and carol singing, for some it can be very stressful. Juggling social, financial and health pressures can produce feelings of loneliness, anxiety, stress and low mood during the festive period.

In this blog post we aim to discuss these issues, offer some practical tips and signpost to avenues of support if you need it.

Our additional top tips to keep yourself healthy over Christmas would be:
1) To make sure you have your flu vaccine if you need it
2) To collect any prescriptions or medication in advance to ensure you do not run out over the festive period.

Stress over an extended period of time can contribute to an increased risk of heart disease, headaches, high blood pressure, stroke, certain cancers and poor immunity, leading to a higher chance of developing coughs, colds and viruses. Increased stress can also negatively affect mental health, creating or worsening anxiety, depression and 'catastrophic' thinking.

Individuals may experience stress around Christmas for a number of reasons. This stress could stem from financial worries relating to being able to afford certain Christmas presents, travelling to family members who live far away, attending social events and buying food for Christmas dinner. Other pressures might be social in nature, depending on existing family relationships, as spending a concentrated time with family members or other relatives can act as a catalyst for conflict and arguments.
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What should I do if I feel stressed?

iLoneliness is more common than you might think around Christmas time, particularly in elderly individuals of whom over 300,000 spent Christmas alone in 2013 according to the Royal Voluntary Service (RVS). Due to pressures of having a 'happy Christmas with family and friends', those who are isolated are much more vulnerable to developing new or worsening existing anxiety, depression and mental health conditions.
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There are numerous reasons as to why an individual would be on their own during the festive periods. Their family may have moved away or abroad, or there may be family conflict where family members no longer speak to one another. They may be house-bound or disabled, unable to get out and about to socialise. They may live alone after the death of a partner or spouse, therefore Christmas becomes more of a sad and nostalgic event. Elderly individuals may not wish to leave home during winter if they fear falling on ice, or if they would like to avoid the combination of bad weather, crowds and increased noise.
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What can be done to prevent loneliness and isolation at Christmas?

With all those tins of Quality Street hidden in the pantry and Baileys on tap, it can be easy to over-indulge at Christmas time. To put this in more perspective, an average Christmas days’ worth of food can add up to around 6000 calories! Whilst it is important to enjoy yourself, relax and make the most of the day, it is also important to look after yourself and your body in order to remain healthy. An extended period of over-indulgence can contribute to a higher risk of obesity and weight-gain, and over a longer period, raised your risk of developing conditions such as diabetes, heart disease and certain cancers.

How can I combat over-indulgence?

Please note that we will have no appointments on the week commencing 25th November. In addition, our opening hours will be changing slightly over the next few weeks - please read the notices below for further information.

We apologise for any inconvenience!
The Tudor Medical team.

Healthy sleeping habits are important and provide both physical and mental benefits, such as reducing stress, improving memory, lowering blood pressure, optimising your immune system and reducing your risk of certain health conditions, such as heart disease. These benefits are clear but unfortunately at least one third of the population will have trouble achieving a good nights sleep, experiencing tiredness and exhaustion throughout the day. As a guide, adults need at least 7-9 hours of sleep, children require 9-13 hours, and toddlers and babies needing 12 – 17 hours of sleep per day.
 
Experiencing constant tiredness, despite getting enough sleep, might mean that you need to discuss your symptoms with a GP. This can help to rule out other conditions that cause chronic tiredness, such as low iron (anaemia) or issues with your thyroid gland (hypothyroidism).

Sleep Council
https://sleepcouncil.org.uk/

NHS Live Well
https://www.nhs.uk/live-well/sleep-and-tiredness/

Sleep Foundation
https://www.sleepfoundation.org/

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January is Cervical Cancer awareness month!
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Because of this, we thought it was the right time to discuss what cervical cancer was, how HPV can affect your risk and also why regular cervical screening is so important.
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​How common is cervical cancer?
Cervical cancer diagnosis affects over 3,000 women each year, and during the course of just one day, approximately two women will very sadly lose their lives to the condition. It is the most common form of cancer in women aged less than 35 years old, and the rates of survival are dramatically increased if the condition is caught and treated as early as possible (Jo’s Cervical Cancer Trust (JCCT), 2016).

How does cervical cancer develop?
Like other types of cancer, cervical cancer occurs when there are structural changes to the DNA of cells within the human body, in particular those cells that line the cervix. Due to these changes, otherwise known as ‘mutations’, cells continue to grow and reproduce instead of stopping thus forming tumours (NHS, 2015). If the cancer is untreated or undetected, the mutated cells are able to travel into the bloodstream (a process known as metastasis), allowing them to to spread to surrounding organs and tissues and cause secondary tumours. If this continues, healthy organs can no longer function, which is a life-threatening and potentially fatal situation (American Cancer Society, 2016).

What about HPV?

Human papilloma virus (HPV) infections cause 99.7% of cervical cancers and trigger changes to occur to the cervical cells (JCCT, 2016). HPV can be spread during sexual intercourse and approximately 4 in 5 women will develop the infection at some point in their lives (NHS, 2015). 

​HPV vaccination can actually prevent 70% of cases of cervical cancer (JCCT, 2016).

At Tudor Medical Matters, we can also provide a course of HPV vaccinations for those who have not yet been vaccinated. Specific​ testing can also be performed for HPV to identify women who are at risk of developing cervical cancer. 

We can offer cervical screening at Tudor Medical Matters, should you be due a test, under 25 years old and concerned about cervical cancer, and/or if you simply wish for peace of mind between routine tests.
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​​At Tudor Medical Matters, maintaining your privacy, dignity and comfort is our priority. Chaperones are always available, you will covered by a modesty blanket when you are waiting for the procedure to be performed and it is very quick, usually taking about a minute (or less!) to collect the sample. It should not be painful - it may be slightly uncomfortable for a very short period of time due to insertion of a speculum to visualise the cervix. Despite this slight discomfort, being screened is more than worth it for peace of mind!

Please contact us if you would like to book in for cervical screening, or if you require vaccination against or testing for HPV - call us on 01706 551394 or email us on info@tudormedicalmatters.com.

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​We would like to say a huge thank you to all our lovely patients for their support this year - we are so pleased to be of help to you and are wishing you all a pleasant and relaxing Christmas and New Year.

Love from Dr Gary and the Tudor Medical Team


**Just a reminder that we are now closed until the 28th and 29th December and will re-open properly on the 2nd January 2019! If you need to see a doctor during this time, don't forget that you can always call the 24 hour NHS 111 helpline for advice**

   

​What is hypertension?
Hypertension is a long-term condition where an individual’s blood pressure is continuously raised. Blood pressure is recorded via manual sphygmomanometer (featured above) or machine using two numbers – a diastolic and a systolic reading. The systolic reading (the higher, top number) reflects the force the heart uses to pump blood around the body, whilst the diastolic reading (the lower, bottom number) shows the blood vessel’s resistance to this blood flow. An ideal reading would be between 90/60mmHg to 120/80mmHg. Hypertension would be considered when the reading exceeds 140/90mmHg. 

Hypertension often causes no symptoms, but some may experience severe headaches (particularly behind the eyes), visual disturbances (spots, flashing lights or floating black spots in front of the eyes), chest pain, dizziness, nosebleeds or confusion.
 
What causes it?
Numerous factors contribute to the development of high blood pressure, including:

• Smoking or drinking too much alcohol or coffee
• Obesity or being overweight
• Eating too much salt and not enough vegetables
•  Being over the age of 65 years, or of African/Caribbean descent
• Stress
• Genetics, and a family history of high blood pressure
• A lack of physical activity
• Don’t get much sleep or have disturbed sleep

 
Does hypertension have any health risks?
If hypertension is left untreated there’s a much higher risk of life-threatening health problems as the force of blood flow puts additional strain on your blood vessels, heart and other organs such as the brain, kidneys and eyes. There is a considerably higher risk of serious health problems including heart disease/heart attacks, strokes, heart failure, peripheral arterial disease, aortic aneurysms, kidney disease and vascular dementia.
 
How can I prevent hypertension?
Making changes to reduce your blood pressure even a tiny bit can help to lower your risk of serious health conditions. You should make sure to have regular blood pressure checks if you are at risk of developing hypertension or already diagnosed with it. These blood pressure checks can be performed at an NHS or private GP surgery, some pharmacies or at home using an electronic blood pressure machine.

Being aware of your family history (and history of high blood pressure, strokes or cardiac problems) can help to reduce your risk as you should get regular blood pressure checks, particularly if you are over the age of 65 years. Another way to lower your risk would be to increase the amount of regular exercise you take and to reduce/quit drinking alcohol or caffeine, or smoking. If you have a stressful lifestyle or job then making changes to try and reduce the stress you experience can help by speaking to your employer or trying activities such as yoga, mindfulness or meditation. Try to eat a healthy, balanced diet incorporating plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables with a reduction in salt intake, and if possible try to get more than 6 hours of sleep each night.

​If you are diagnosed with hypertension, your GP may prescribe you medication to keep your blood pressure within safe limits and try to reduce your risk of stroke, heart attacks and other health problems. You should have regular blood pressure checks to make sure your medication continues to be effective and does not make you ‘hypotensive’ instead  – have exceedingly low blood pressure (under 60/90mmHg). 

What is malaria?
Malaria is a condition caused by a Plasmodium parasite, carried by infected female Anopheles mosquitos and can be transmitted to an individual through just one bite. Other mosquitos can then become infected from biting an already infected person.

Where is malaria most common?
Malaria is most common across Africa, Asia, Central and South America, the Middle East, Haiti and Dominican Republic.

Is malaria deadly?
Malaria caused over 584,000 deaths in 2013, but deadliness depends on which parasite is contracted by the individual. There are five different types of Plasmodium parasites - Plasmodium falciparum (P.falciparum) is the most dangerous and responsible for the majority of worldwide malaria deaths, whilst other strains (P. vivax and P. ovale) are less life-threatening but can remain dormant in the liver for years, causing symptom relapses.

What symptoms should I look out for?
Symptoms of malaria will usually present between 7 and 18 days after becoming infected (but the incubation period can last up to a year!) and include headaches, fevers that occur in 48-hour cycles (alternating between chills and sweating), diarrhoea, vomiting and muscle pains.

What can I do to prevent malaria when travelling?
If you will be travelling to a country where malaria is prevalent, you should always consider taking anti-malarial medication with you, and should always complete the course you are prescribed by your doctor to ensure effectiveness. 

Other precautions to take include the use of mosquito nets, covering limbs and using a DEET-containing insect repellent to prevent bites. Seek immediate medical advice if you experience symptoms of malaria, either whilst you are travelling in a country with high rates of malaria, OR when you return home, particularly if you have bites. 
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The highly anticipated UK 'Summer' is fast approaching, and as the grey clouds clear and the rain holds off for approximately 3 hours, it's completely natural to seek out sunny outdoor spaces to spend your days off. 

Is sunlight good for us?
Exposure to sunlight can benefit our mental health as well as our physical health, by providing Vitamin D to keep our bones strong - preventing osteoporosis as we age, aiding sleep quality and reducing the impact of depression and seasonal affective disorder.

What's the bad news?
Sorry to be the bearer of bad news but, without protection, the benefits of sunlight really do stop there. The sun also provides harmful UVA and UVB rays which can contribute to the formation of skin cancers, premature ageing and eye irritation if proper sun protection is not used and sun-safety tips are not followed. When the skin becomes burnt, the colour produced results from damage to the DNA of skin cells and during tanning the skin attempts to protect itself from the sun's UV radiation by utilising the dark brown pigment, Melanin, to dissipate the UV rays.

What should I do to protect my skin from skin cancer and other harm?

• Avoid using tanning or sun-beds, which can emit UV radiation 12x stronger than that from the sun. Avoid lying out in the sun with the intention of tanning as it can harm the delicate DNA of your skin.
• Cover up in the sun; use hats, t-shirts, towels and umbrellas to shield your skin from the sun particularly during 11am-3pm when the sun is at it's most powerful (if you can, avoid being exposed to sun at all during these times!). Avoid the sun especially if you are fair in complexion, have red or very blonde hair, have freckles or moles, have a family or personal history of skin cancer, are on medication that increases the likelihood of burning, and/or are visiting, living or working in a hot and sunny country. 
• Protect children from the sun at all times.
• Try your best to not get burnt - use appropriate SPF and UVA Star Protection suncream at all times, reapply regularly (especially after swimming, showering or sweating, even if 'water-resistant') and ensure it is applied adequately to all exposed skin.
• Always choose sun cream with a minimum of SPF 15, and 4 star UVA protection, but depending on your skin type, strength of the sun, location, time of year and time spent out in the sun, you should try to aim for SPF 30 and 5 star UVA protection plus following sun-safety tips such as keeping covered and seeking shade. 

What does skin cancer look like?
Any changes to patches of skin, moles or freckles can be the first sign that skin cancer may be occurring. If you detect that any changes are occurring, show the affected area to your GP as soon as possible as they will be able to refer you to a dermatologist should you require it. Changes can also happen to a normal patch of skin, including development of a scaly or crusty growth that bleeds, or a sore that doesn’t heal.

Click below for a useful slideshow from the NHS website to depict what changes to moles that you should look out for.
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What is hayfever?
Hay fever is essentially an allergic reaction to pollen, which are tiny grains released from flowers during cross-pollination. Symptoms are then caused when these grains come into contact with the eyes, nose and mouth.

What symptoms may I be experiencing if I have hayfever?
You may be experiencing a runny or blocked nose, sneezing, coughing, itchy eyes, head and earaches, an itchy throat and fatigue. You may be finding it difficult to sleep, and if you also suffer from asthma, you may be experiencing shortness of breath and wheezing.

​How long will my hayfever last?
Pollen levels are usually at their highest levels during late March, right up until September, so after this time your symptoms can ease. Warm, windy or humid weather can make your symptoms even worse. Unfortunately, once hayfever starts (and depending on weather conditions and pollen counts) it can stay around for weeks or months.

What can I do to help my hayfever?
Home remedies:

1. Stay inside as much as possible
2. Try putting Vaseline around your nostrils to prevent excessive amounts of pollen from causing irritation to the area
3. Change your clothes and shower when coming back inside to reduce levels of pollen exposure
4. Wear wrap-around sunglasses to protect your eyes from pollen contact

See your GP
Your GP may prescribe you with drugs called 'anti-histamines', which work to reduce the amount of histamine produced by your body when it comes into contact with a substance that you are allergic to. Histamine build up can cause symptoms like itching, streaming eyes and running noses as it tries to eliminate the substance causing the allergy.

If you find no relief from anti-histamines, then another option is a Kenalog injection. This is a steroid injection that works to reduce your body's reaction to an allergic substance like pollen, and usually only one dose of Kenalog per year is enough to keep running noses and itchy eyes at bay.

A Kenalog vaccine costs £65* at Tudor Medical Matters, and appointments are usually available on the same or next day. If you have not had a Kenalog injection before, it is advisable to book at least a 15 minute GP consultation as well, to discuss your symptoms and other forms of potential treatment with Dr Tudor before-hand**.
*plus £15 administration fee. 
**excludes £15 administration fee if Kenalog is administered following a 15 minute GP consultation.