International Women’s Day. Inspirational Woman: Justine Durno

International Women's Day. Inspirational Woman- Justine DurnoHappy International Women’s Day. Men may have the other 364 days but this day is all about women and how amazing they are. One such amazing woman is Justine Durno. Justine is 25-years-old and has already accomplished a lot despite being born profoundly deaf, which left her shy, withdrawn and isolated. She was bullied at school and would hide in the cloakroom. Justine felt from an early age being a deaf female was more of an obstacle than being a deaf male. She always thought this wrong and now hopes to empower all women – particularly those who have a disability – to not let anything deter them from fulfilling their dreams. Justine always wanted to be a Doctor because she knew how difficult accessing healthcare can be for herself and other deaf people and she wanted to turn this around. She worked hard at school but, unfortunately, she missed out by one grade to follow her dream of studying medicine.

Despite three years’ worth of University rejections, she preserved undertaking courses she thought would support her University application and embarking on an incredible year of volunteering with people with a range of disabilities across the world. Justine is now in line to become one of the very few deaf GPs in this country after finally being accepted to Barts and the London School of Medicine and Dentistry. Justine has faced prejudice, injustice, bullying and isolation all her life. She is finally finding the confidence to not feel embarrassed about her disability but to open and assertive about it and make sure she doesn’t miss out any more. Her career has given her this confidence – so much so, she had even taken up an evening Spanish course. She says she revels in finding herself the most unobtainable goal and then not stopping until she has achieved it.

International Women's Day Inspirational Woman Justine Durno

You have achieved a lot. What is your proudest accomplishment?

It would have to be getting into medical school. I am still in disbelief that I am here, even more so that I am halfway there to getting that ‘Dr’ title!

What are your feelings on International Women’s Day?

That I am very proud to be a woman! It is a shame that International Women’s Day exists because of inequality between the genders, but it is a great tool for reminding the world that this shouldn’t be happening. It’s also a great opportunity to celebrate how far we’ve come with stamping out sexism, and the amazing things women have achieved. This will no doubt empower the next generation of women to believe in themselves and the next generation of men to stand with us.

How does it feel that very soon you be a Doctor?

Very excited! I find medicine fascinating and I feel very fortunate that I will be able to have a job in something that will have so much variety and I will genuinely enjoy. I won’t lie, though, there is slight trepidation too. I’m going into a working environment that will demand more of me, as a deaf person, than my peers. It will get harder before I completely find my feet, and I don’t think the hardest part has come yet!

What holds women back?

It is the propagation of terribly outdated views on women over the years. Media doesn’t exactly help either – in adverts, for example, women are constantly being portrayed as scantily-clad sexual objects whilst men generally are fully dressed and powerful-looking.

What more can be done to help disabled people?

It’s about getting the right support. Deaf people can do anything others can do, given the right support. Without the right support, deaf children and adults are vulnerable to isolation, abuse, bullying, poor self-esteem and low levels of achievement. I am very fortunate to say that this hasn’t been my experience. I got the right support. I had the support of my family – a family is the most important influence on a deaf child’s ability to achieve – and I had the support of my teachers. And the support of the National Deaf Children’s Society  (NDCS – www.ndcs.org.uk)  – I made my lifelong, childhood friends through NDCS and Dumbarton Deaf Children’s Society.

Education and awareness goes a long way because the problems faced by disabled people, such as inaccessibility or negative attitudes, are down to ignorance. We also need to celebrate disabled people more, and focus on what amazing things they can do, so as to create a positive image of them. This would encourage disabled people to feel enabled, not disabled, by society.

What was your greatest obstacle?

My greatest obstacle has to be my greatest achievement – getting into medical school. It took 5 years from finishing secondary school to finally starting medical school. The first time I applied, I got a conditional place in medical school but didn’t get the A-Level grades I needed. Next time I applied, I didn’t have enough work experience, so I made sure by the 3rd time that I had satisfied the entry requirements AND had done plenty of volunteering!

How do you get yourself past the bad times?

I am quite bad at it, but reaching out to my friends and talking to them about it is always the remedy. Quite a lot of what makes me sad or frustrated is shared especially by my deaf friends, and knowing that I am not alone provides me with a huge amount of comfort.

Tips for other women to achieve their dreams?

It’s a marathon, not a sprint. It’s not going to get handed to you on a plate – you will have to work really hard at it, and there will be highs and there will be moments when you wonder whether it’s really worth it. But if those lows are there, then it will shape you as a person, give you resilience, and the success of finally achieving your dreams will feel even sweeter!

You have said you revels in finding the most unobtainable goal and then not stopping until you have achieved it. Any tips for other women to develop the same great attitude and do the same thing?

Never lose vision of the end goal, because that is what keeps the motivation there. Equally, don’t let it take over your life at the expense of enjoying it and taking each day as it comes. If you aren’t enjoying yourself whilst striving to achieve something, then one will be so much more likely to feel overwhelmed, or bored and fed up, and just give up.

International Women's Day. Inspirational Woman Justine Durno

What is the next unobtainable goal?

To make healthcare much more accessible for deaf people and therefore to contribute towards taking away the health inequality that exists amongst the deaf community.

Research has shown that there is a huge health inequality amongst the deaf community, and the reason boils down to mainly the fact that communication with medical professionals is difficult, and so there is less understanding of the education and advice given by doctors.

Visiting the doctor can be hard for anyone but when you have a health concern you know the steps to take to address it – you pick up the phone to make an appointment, understandably there might be some anxiety as you wait in the surgery to hear your name called, and then of course it’s time to tell the doctor what’s worrying you and to listen to their medical advice. Talking about personal health issues can be worrying and uncomfortable no matter who you are or what your age. Imagine though if even the process of seeking medical advice is a challenge. This is the reality for many deaf people.

The main barrier that deaf people face in healthcare is lack of accessible information and communication.  Many appointment systems are telephone-based meaning that deaf people rely on family or friends to make calls for them. Some professionals aren’t aware of technologies that may help deaf people.

I want to contribute to spreading deaf awareness amongst the medical profession, and to use my knowledge of BSL and deaf culture (because deaf culture is different to hearing culture!) to provide medical care and education to the deaf community in THEIR language.

But first, I have to pass my exams, perhaps that is my really my next goal!

 

 

Diabetes… It’s Not Too Late To Take Control

Nexus PR have wonderful people there, so when I got notification to go one of their events, I was only too happy. I met Nicky, Emma and Isla at The Balthazar, 4-5 Russell Street, which is a beautiful restaurant, with a naturally beautiful venue room. On entering the upstairs venue room there was an amazing piece of technology, which did an instant scan of your retina and could do a 3D image of your retina and show exactly where, if any, issue involving the retina is! To say it quick would be an understatement and it was well used over the course of the afternoon.

 

There was a genuine point to having the eye testing equipment, which was not the solo piece of medical advice there, as they had blood pressure testing too! Things attributed to Diabetes, but either overlooked, or ignored by the person with it! Simply health Advisory Research Panel (ShARP) were the company supporting the event and Speaking on behalf of ShARP was the exceedingly talented Dr Gill Jenkins.  Who is a practising GP (in Bristol) with special interests in lifestyle health, in particular around obesity, smoking, diabetes, heart disease, lipid management and joint health. Dr Jenkins has a breadth of medical experience since qualifying in 1981, including psychiatry, cardiology, rheumatology and emergency medicine. Her skills are not just in medicine, but whilst her Pilot’s license wasn’t needed in the event, it just goes to show how remarkable she is. After Dr Jenkins, was Dr Ralph Abraham. Dr Abraham specialises in diabetes and Endocrinology; lipid disorders; heart disease prevention. Dr Abraham Trained at Kings College Hospital, St Mary’s Hospital and St Bartholomew’s Hospital as an academic physician turning to full time private practice in 1984. Founded London Medical in 1991.

 

Rounding things up was Francesca Marchetti. Francesca is a self-employed optometrist working in the West Midlands/Warwickshire area, for both multiple and independent practices. She has previously worked as a part time lecturer/clinical demonstrator at Aston University. Francesca works at the “Midland Eye Institute” in their refraction clinics. She has recently been appointed secretary to the Warwickshire LOC (Leaders in Oncology Care) and is an AOP (Association of Optometrists) Councillor for the Midlands. Dr Jenkins started the proceedings by listing the reason behind Diabetes Mellitus. Poor sugar control can lead to:

 

  • Higher risk of heart disease.
  • Peripheral vascular disease.
  • Stroke.
  • Kidney damage.
  • Erectile issues
  • Nerve damage.

I think that the penultimate reason alone is a reason for males to make sure their blood sugar levels are kept in check! The stats may bore the general public, but they are a correlation of information compiled to show how far and how long this disease has been going! Mitigating factors can contribute to diabetes, such as high blood pressure, obesity, age, reduction in activity levels and unsurprisingly denial. Dr Jenkins said that the number of pre-diabetes has tripled since 2003, which is shocking by any means! If you had millions of pounds (sterling) and it tripled in 10 years, I am sure that you would not be upset. However, that figure is attributed to the number of people. The strange thing is that people are not really educated about diabetes! We all either know someone, or have a family member with it, but yet people are not bothered about such a debilitating disease. They are not in the knowledge of how they can lose their sight or limbs down to diabetes and it is often too late when they are in a situation that threatens to do just that! Bariatric (weight loss) surgery has shown to reverse the condition in 86% of people with Type 2 diabetes.

 

This proves that sufficient diet can also do this, however, many people with this condition are not motivated enough to change their diet sufficiently. The NHS spend £13.8 billion per annum treating people with diabetes. Believe it, or not, that figure is conservative! That doesn’t take into account complications, or other treatments extenuating from this. Dr Jenkins also explained that whilst some young people get Type 1 diabetes, it is usually virally activated and out of the total amount of people that have diabetes, about 85%-95% are type 2! I suppose that was as good a point as any to make way for Dr Abraham to speak, as trying to prepare yourself for more frightening stats is not easy! He started by saying, “If you have pre-diabetes it’s silent. There are no symptoms and a shocking number of people are in this position and are sleep walking towards serious health problems. It is particularly important to be aware of your risk of developing Type 2 diabetes, especially if you’re overweight, or have a family history of diabetes.” ShARP did a series of surveys and found that 53% of adults questioned had convinced themselves they were at no risk of developing Type 2 diabetes. 49% were displaying potential signs of diabetes. And the amazing figures kept coming! 76% with potential diabetes had not mentioned it to their doctor. 38% believed their symptoms were not serious. 18% disliked seeing their GP and 14% turned to the internet for advice over their GP… Exercise is one of the easiest way to attack pre-diabetes.

 

Almost 21% of adult never, or rarely, work up a sweat working out. Diet also works well, so that in tandem with exercise is a great combination. A Mediterranean diet, high in fruit, vegetables, monounsaturated fats, grains, legumes, nuts, lean meat and moderate intake of dairy foods has been found to reduce the risk of developing diabetes by as much as 83%. Dr Abraham made an excellent analogy referring to the amount of glucose that is in the modern human’s body. Just for reference, it is in nearly everything you eat… even things like Beef burgers!! It’s an industrial compound… which we happen to ingest. Anyway, the analogy was this, “If you think of putting glucose in a hot pan, it will start to turn to liquid then bubble and then solidify and become brittle. If you apply that to the human body and 30-40 years of glucose in your body at 37 degrees Celsius then it is similar to caramelising.” Given or lifestyle, we should be looking at what we eat better and how we take care of ourselves! We are not the same as our forefathers and their diet was different! They worked, because it was fundamental to survival and was an everyday occurrence. Given how we, as modern humans, take all this for granted, we should be more vigilant and aware of the things we do and do not do. Looking at the whole picture, Dr Abraham stated a Nine Care Process to check yourself.

 

  • Blood pressure.
  • Weight.
  • Smoking status.
  • Cholesterol – blood checks.
  • Hba1c blood checks (long term sugar level).
  • Eye checks including Retinal Screening.
  • Feet check – peripheral pulse loss from vascular damage and sensory loss from nerve damage.
  • Kidney check – including renal function blood tests – especially creatinine and eGFR.
  • Urinary Albumin.

Most people would not associate any of these with diabetes, but it is often the start of pre-diabetes and on to a more serious Type 2 diabetes. The most interesting things about these events are the fact that many stats scare, but you find one subject that just rattles you and leaves you thinking, “I’m sorry… say that again!” for me it was the St George’s University of London research that patients with foot ulcers are also more likely to die from heart disease, or a stroke! Yep, I had to do a double take when that was mentioned! How often do we check our feet, or take anything happening to them seriously? Remember that the accumulation of negligence and ignorance is the main reason people suffer from diabetes. I was hoping that the effervescent Francesca Marchetti would be able to get the shock from my system… well, it is a talk on diabetes and she is the eye specialist… I only hoped that it would be. Many of us had already had or eye scans before sitting down, so many of the people in the room were secretly hoping a picture similar to their eyes didn’t appear… thankfully one didn’t! Diabetic patients are at more risk from glaucoma (increased pressure in the eye). The retina needs a constant supply of blood, but high blood sugar levels can cause blood vessels to become blocked, or leak! This damages the retina and stops it from working!

 

Blood leakages are easier to detect than plasma leakages, but both are damaging to the retina if supply is lost! Everyone that has diabetes should have an annual eye exam. A bleed in the eye is often a reflection of one in the body, or brain. Francesca stated that in England alone, 1280 people a year go blind because of diabetic retinopathy. That also tends to be down to poor systematic diabetic control. Francesca passed around some glasses to imitate stages of cataracts and retinopathy, which shows how annoying it must be for people with these symptoms. Cataracts can occur 10-15 years earlier in patients with diabetes. Surgery can prevent further damage, but at the moment there is no cure for retinopathy. Francesca also started dropping starts which should not exist, by right, but the human animal is a strange creature indeed! About 48% of people with diabetes have never had their eyes checked… I wonder how many without diabetes would fit into that demographic. A third of people with diabetes will develop renal disease because of the damage to the small blood vessels in the kidney. A woman is 8 times more likely to develop kidney disease, but for men it’s 12 times more likely! Men just need to stop being so “macho” and just get checked!! Kidney disease kills 21% of people with Type 1 diabetes and 11% of those with Type 2! Because high blood pressure is more common amongst diabetics, this all adds to the complications and enhances the danger. Elevated AGE (Advanced Glycation End)  have been linked to a host of problems including:

 

  • Coronary artery disease
  • Liver damage
  • Formation of amyloid plaques, which lead to Alzheimer’s
  • Impaired kidney function
  • Extensive brain damage from strokes

Apart from the link between AGE and dementia, evidence suggests that getting diabetes in middle age increases the odds of a form of brain damage associated with dementia. Brain scans from the Mayo Clinic confirmed that having blood sugar problems can literally shrink the brain, with diabetics having an average of 2.9% less brain volume than those without the condition. Midlife diabetes was also associated with an 85% rise in micro-strokes. I always think that “micro” doesn’t extend the seriousness of the stroke! It is serious enough to shut down functions of the body, which means it should be taken seriously and not ignored to the point it becomes debilitating. Francesca finished off by some facts that don’t look good for our future, if this is not stemmed as a disease and even things like depression can be detrimental to the condition doing its own damage along with the disease. Thankfully the meal was ready to cheer up the crowd.

 

The sad thing is that we need events to make people aware, but maybe the media can make things better! The awareness needs to be wider afield and not just a quick advert telling how wonderful a product is to eat (or drink), but actually letting people know more about it!  Whilst many are aware of the dangers of modern additives and excess sugar, feeding it to your family does not help the situation. We got to chat to the specialists during the meal from The Balthazar and Francesca said thatthe UK has a National Eye Health Week! I didn’t even know!! It is from 22nd September – 28th September this year and if you have never  had an eye check, or are overdue one, that would be the best time as any, so you have no excuse about forgetting, or  being too busy. It is a weeklong and you have had more than enough warning. From the wonderful women of Nexus to the wonderful speakers of this event, is association with ShARP.

 

 

Dr Jenkins can be found at www.sharppanel.co.uk/sharp-experts/dr-gill-jenkins

Dr Abraham can be found at www.londonmedical.co.uk/en/consultants/ralph-abraham

Francesca Marchetti can be found at www.college-optometrists.org

Details for The Balthazar can be found at www.londontown.com/LondonInformation/Dining/Balthazar/7bc84/

Goat's Cheese and Tomato Medley.

Goat’s Cheese and Tomato Medley.

Lamb Cutlets with Sauteed New Potatoes and Veg

Lamb Cutlets with Sauteed New Potatoes and Veg

Lemon Cheesecake with Raspberry and Cream

Lemon Cheesecake with Raspberry and Cream

 

And don’t forget that National Eye Health Week is from 22nd September – 28th September 2014. Thank you Nicky, Emma and Isla at nexuspr.com

 

Richard Spencer: Hair Q & A: How To Relax Black Hair, Make Hair Grow Back & Does Washing Hair Make it Fall Out?

trichologist, hair, hair problens, questions, hair loss, hair problems, advice, helpDoes washing my hair a lot make it fall out? Male Reader.

Washing hair does not CAUSE hair loss, but people with hair fall problems can experience more hair fall during the washing process, especially if loose hair is captured within the body of the hair.

How do I make my hair grow back? Male Reader

Most male hair loss is associated with genetics. This has a slow, degenerative effect upon the hair follicle. The regrowth of hair largely depends on the condition of a hair follicle. If a follicle is in a weakened state, but not degenerated, the correct and regular amount of blood stimulation can strengthen a hair follicle and encourage regrowth. This would involve trichological therapy and certain stimulants for home use.

If a follicle is degenerated, regrowth cannot occur. A consult with a qualified trichologist should give you the necessary answers and way forward.

What is the best way to relax black hair? Female Reader

Black hair should be relaxed every three months and no sooner. This gives the hair a chance to achieve 3cm of regrowth which will allow less over-lapping of the chemical. One must then make sure the right product is used, the correct strength and the correct time periods strictly adhered to. Please do go to our website for more info. We relax hair in our clinic with the utmost professionalism and care.

My doctor isn’t taking my hair loss seriously, saying it is cosmetic. What can I do? Female Reader

GP’s are not specifically trained to deal with the many types of hair loss that occur with men and women. Therefore, they may not be able to offer the correct diagnosis, advice and treatment.

Trichologists are specialists who are only concerned with hair and scalp disorders and I would advise people to seek their advice when a problem occurs.

How can I cover my hair loss? I never want to leave the house as it looks so thin. Female Reader

I am so sorry. This is such a traumatic position to be in. I completely understand and sympathise with you as we see many women with the same dilemma.

I wonder, have you had any help or advice so far? If not, please do take a step towards seeking help from a consultant trichologist. Make sure they are qualified and registered with the institute of Trichologists.

Depending on the length of time you have suffered with thinning hair, the trichologist should be able to explain what can and can’t be achieved. Don’t delay any further is my advice….and wish you well.


Richard Spencer MIT

The Spencer Clinic Ltd
31 Thurloe Street
South Kensington
London SW7 2LQ

020 7584 4255

info@spencerclinic.co.uk
www.spencerclinic.co.uk

Young People Using Fertility MOTs

Erica and Kenny An increasing number of young people are discovering the benefit of ‘fertility MOTs’, consultants have said, even if they have no immediate plans to start a family.

Patients can come in for fertility advice even if they aren’t yet trying for children, and have a full range of tests so they can decide when they should start thinking about a family.

Mrs Yasmin Sajjad, fertility consultant at Spire Liverpool Hospital said: “The growing popularity of our fertility MOTs reflects a rising trend of young couples and singles seeking peace of mind on their fertility status.”

As people get older some may find it increasingly difficult to conceive and fertility consultancy is valuable in providing early advice as to how long it is practical to wait.

Yasmin said: “At 25 – 27 years old a woman’s fertility is already starting to decline, and upon reaching 35, chances of conception have often halved. Women who take an early assessment of their fertility can make informed decisions about their options later down the line, including the possibility of having eggs frozen for a later date.”

Erica Wilson used the fertility MOT to help make an informed decision on when she and her husband should start trying for children, she said: “I came to Spire a few years ago for a fertility MOT at the age of 31.  I was keen to see if there were any issues, and help become better informed so myself and my husband Ken could find out when we should start trying for children.  It ended up being a very good decision because we found out early on that there were problems and it has given us time to address this.”

Erica is now going through a treatment called ICSI, Intra-cytoplasmic sperm injection.  This involves injecting a single sperm into an egg in order to fertilise it, it’s then transferred back to the woman’s womb as an embryo.

Erica said: “So far we have undergone a few treatments of ICSI through the NHS.  The treatment went smoothly but unfortunately it hasn’t worked.  It’s now been diagnosed by Mrs Sajjad that I have certain cells, which identify the embryo being put back in my womb as a foreign body and I am now on a course of steroid treatment which should prevent this.  Ken and I are now really hopeful that we can start a family and having a fertility MOT has given us the time to solve the issues, and have a good chance at trying for a family before time and the odds are against us.”

Yasmin also said that they have seen an increase in the use of the clinic by couples in the middle of trying for a family. “Many couples are leaving it later to try for children, which simply put means they can’t afford to wait around.  If they have been trying for a year with no success then they should visit a GP, but often taking this route can mean they end up on waiting lists for tests and to see a fertility expert.  This wait can mean the difference between having a child and not, as some couples have left it too close in terms of their fertility or accessing IVF on the NHS, where the cut off for funding is often around the age of 40.  This means that the women should be referred for assisted conception treatment at least six months before their 40th birthday.

“Many older couples are now choosing to pay privately to find out if there is an issue straight away, then they can decide what action to take.”

The Fertility MOT includes a range of packages, all of which require only two visits to the hospital within the space of a week. The comprehensive process will provide a full assessment of a patient’s ability to conceive and identify any underlying factors that may prevent natural conception down the line.

Packages are available for men, women, and couples. Men receive an expert semen analysis, while women will be given a pelvic ultrasound scan, urine test and tubal patency test. Both will also have a full blood test to check hormone status.

Upon the second visit the results are discussed and potential options will be laid out.  From there consultants can give expert advice on future options, and advise any appropriate treatments.

Yasmin added: “Modern hectic lifestyles mean that more couples are choosing to postpone a family until later in life, so a fertility MOT can be invaluable in checking one’s options before it’s too late.”

Spire Liverpool Hospital is holding an information event for couples planning a family on Thursday 24 October, from 6.30 – 9pm.

 

Understanding IBS

flickr-3705507804-hdWhat is it?

Dr. Wendy Denning, GP and one of Tatler’s top 150 private doctors for the last three years, explains: “Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) is a sporadic and unpredictable disruption of the digestive system. Everyone suffers the odd upset, but if you regularly experience painful abdominal spasms, bloating, or attacks of constipation or diarrhoea, then you could be suffering from IBS.”

 

Causes

Dr. Denning, says: “Doctors are not exactly sure what causes IBS, and symptoms can vary in type, frequency and severity from person to person. However the condition can be painful, embarrassing and inconvenient to deal with. IBS occurs when the nerves and muscles of the bowel are not working properly. The bowel can become extra sensitive to pain and easily or frequently upset, and, unfortunately, IBS is a chronic condition – often recurring after long periods of calm.”

 

Symptoms

  • Abdominal pain and cramping – often relieved by emptying your bowels
  • A change in your bowel habits – such a diarrhoea, constipation, or both
  • Bloating and swelling of your abdomen
  • Excessive wind
  • An urgent need to go to the toilet
  • A feeling that you need to open your bowels even if you have just been to the toilet
  • A feeling you have not fully emptied your bowels
  • Passing mucus from your bottom

 

Stats

  • IBS affects 15-20% of the population, particularly women aged 20-4
  • 25-50% of all hospital gastroenterology appointments are for IBS
  • Studies have shown that approximately 2/3 of IBS patients have at least one food intolerance and some have multiple intolerances
  • Over 50% of those surveyed* had missed work with almost one quarter of 24-34 year olds taking over a month off
  • 43% reported their IBS impacted their confidence, with 24-34 year olds most severely affected (46%), and well over 1/3 (38%) reported low mood
  • 1 in 10 said that their condition had significantly impacted their love life

 

Treatments

  • The YorkTest IBS Diet Programme includes analysis reaction to more than 158 different food and drink ingredients. The new programme is specifically designed for IBS sufferers because it provides a personalised list of suitable low FODMAP foods which take into account your food and drink intolerances, the low FODMAP diet has been shown to be effective in reducing IBS symptoms.
  • Eliminate foods that patients are intolerant to
  • Probiotics
  • Eight glasses of water per day
  • Advice on eating + / – digestive enzymes
  • Stress reduction
  • Exercise
  • Glutamine
  • Fish oils
  • Cut down on FODMAP foods

 

*OnePoll survey of 1,000 IBS sufferers

Pay Less For Your Prescriptions.

Check if you qualify for free prescriptions

People in Wales, Northern Ireland and Scotland all have free prescriptions. People who live in England are not so lucky. However, if you are on some benefits, are pregnant or have had a baby in the last 12 months then you will be entitled to free prescriptions. Check with your pharmacist.

Use An Alternative

Check that the medicine you have the prescription for is not available over the counter. It could be cheaper to buy it without the prescription. A lot of commonly prescribed medicine is available over the counter.

Prepay.

You can get something called a prescriptions prepayment certificate. It covers all of your NHS prescriptions for a certain period.

For example, if you need four prescriptions in a three month period, you would be better off buying a three-month certificate which costs £29.10. You can get these from the NHS Prescription Pricing Authority website nhsbsa.nhs.uk/1127.aspx or call 0845 850 0030

Ask Your Doctor To Buy in Bulk

You can ask your doctor for a single prescription to cover a certain amount of time. It is not well known but this means that a 1-3 month prescription would only cost £7.65. Instead of buying four different prescriptions over that time, which would cost £30.60. Talk to your doctor about prescription charges and how you can save money.

Other ways to save on medical bills it to take out temporary medical insurance. Your health is the most important thing in life so invest in it as much as you can.

How To Treat A Cold

Aaachoo! Most of us will have a cold this winter, but do you know how to treat it?

NHS Choices reveals some of the myths around treating a cold and offers advice on how to
get well quickly

According to NHS Choices, on average an adult can expect to catch a cold between two and four times a year, with more people suffering during the winter months. But do you know how best to treat a cold?

Myths about cures for the common cold:
· Vitamin C – according to NHS Choices, one in three people believe that Vitamin C can help cure a cold. In fact, research has shown that Vitamin C doesn’t prevent or cure a cold.
· Echinacea – many think that Echinacea can be used to prevent a cold or treat one, but research has shown that there is no proof of this being the case.
· Over the counter medicines for colds – over the counter medicines do not cure a cold. The usual ingredients are painkillers and decongestants, which only help manage the symptoms.

In reality, the best thing you can do if you do get a cold this winter is to rest, eat well, avoid stress and keep hydrated. As most colds are caused by viruses, you don’t need antibiotics to help treat it.

Dr. Knut Schroeder, GP, says: “Many people will catch a cold this year – but there really isn’t any miracle cure out there. A balanced diet and regular exercise can help you to stay healthy. But, if you are to catch a cold then my advice is to try and stay warm, drink plenty of fluids and to eat plenty of fruit and vegetables. All this can help your body naturally fight the cold virus.”

For more information on surviving colds this winter visit, www.nhs.uk/livewell/coldsandflu.