Latest 'Healthy Wednesday' advice from the Hywel Dda Health Board
Latest 'Healthy Wednesday' advice from the Hywel Dda University Health Board -
This Healthy Wednesday – make sure you make the most of screening opportunities.
As part of national screening month this Healthy Wednesday we are highlighting the importance of Bowel and Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm (AAA) Screening.
These are just two types of screening available and more information can be found on all screening opportunities at www.screening.wales.nhs.uk
Bowel screening reduces your risk of dying from bowel cancer and people aged 60 to 74 are invited to take part every two years. . Screening detects bowel cancer at an early stage, often when there are no symptoms.
You can do this simple screening test in the privacy of your own home.
When you are due for screening you will receive a screening test kit and information pack. You will be asked to collect small samples of your bowel movements (poo) and put it on the test kit provided.
You will need to provide three samples within 10 days and return them by post in the specially designed envelope. The test looks for tiny amounts of blood in the sample which you may not be able to see, which could be a sign of bowel cancer.
An AAA is a swelling of the aorta. This is the main blood vessel that supplies blood to the body. There is a risk that an AAA may split or rupture. This screening is offered to men aged 65 who are invited for a one-off ultrasound screening test.
Teresa Owen, Director of Public Health at Hywel Dda University Health Board, said: “Don’t leave your health to chance. The best advice around screening is not to ignore any opportunities you may receive for screening as it could save your life.
“Screening is just one way we can help detect illnesses but you can take steps to help yourself too – having a healthy lifestyle with a balanced diet and plenty of exercise can really make a difference.”
For more information on a healthy lifestyle go to
www.hywelddahb.wales.nhs.uk/healthy-wednesday
This Healthy Wednesday – make sure you make the most of screening opportunities.
As part of national screening month this Healthy Wednesday we are highlighting the importance of Bowel and Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm (AAA) Screening.
These are just two types of screening available and more information can be found on all screening opportunities at www.screening.wales.nhs.uk
Bowel screening reduces your risk of dying from bowel cancer and people aged 60 to 74 are invited to take part every two years. . Screening detects bowel cancer at an early stage, often when there are no symptoms.
You can do this simple screening test in the privacy of your own home.
When you are due for screening you will receive a screening test kit and information pack. You will be asked to collect small samples of your bowel movements (poo) and put it on the test kit provided.
You will need to provide three samples within 10 days and return them by post in the specially designed envelope. The test looks for tiny amounts of blood in the sample which you may not be able to see, which could be a sign of bowel cancer.
An AAA is a swelling of the aorta. This is the main blood vessel that supplies blood to the body. There is a risk that an AAA may split or rupture. This screening is offered to men aged 65 who are invited for a one-off ultrasound screening test.
Teresa Owen, Director of Public Health at Hywel Dda University Health Board, said: “Don’t leave your health to chance. The best advice around screening is not to ignore any opportunities you may receive for screening as it could save your life.
“Screening is just one way we can help detect illnesses but you can take steps to help yourself too – having a healthy lifestyle with a balanced diet and plenty of exercise can really make a difference.”
For more information on a healthy lifestyle go to
www.hywelddahb.wales.nhs.uk/healthy-wednesday
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