Robert Lloyd - a Sir Gar Blog of random news . . . and some Clecs!

Latest 'Healthy Wednesday' advice from the Hywel Dda University Health Board - Don’t be blue – men make healthy changes this Healthy Wednesday. This Healthy Wednesday as part of Blue September we are highlighting the changes men can make to improve their health. Men’s health is not nearly as good as it could be and 42% of men die before the age of 75. Men are more likely than women to have a weight problem, to smoke, to drink alcohol at risky levels or to eat a poor diet. They are also more likely to take risks with their skin in the sun and less likely than women to visit their GP or to ask a pharmacist for advice. However, there are plenty of simple steps which can be taken to improve your health: Stub out the fags – smoking is the main cause of lung cancer and increases the risk of developing over 12 other cancers, including mouth and bowel cancers  Cut back on the booze - try alcohol-free days and non-alcoholic drinks  Aim to maintain a healthy body weight...

Latest 'Healthy Wednesday' advice from the Hywel Dda University Health Board -  This Healthy Wednesday ‘Add to Your Life’ This Healthy Wednesday why not take a few minutes to do a free NHS Wales health and wellbeing assessment? Add to Your Life health and well-being assessments had previously only been available to those aged 50 and over, but this age restriction has now been removed. It is a confidential and easy-to-use self-assessment which can be undertaken online or by telephone. It can help you discover more about your health, learn the simple steps you can take to stay fit, and discover local services to help you make a positive change in your life. Add to Your Life will help provide you with an overall picture of your health and well-being and can help you live longer, feel better, stay healthier and active into the future. Try the assessment yourself at www.addtoyourlife.co.uk , or you can take the assessment over the telephone by calling NHS Direct Wales on 0845 46 47...

Latest 'Healthy Wednesday' advice from the Hywel Dda University Health Board -  This Healthy Wednesday Look after your Liver! This Healthy Wednesday we are raising awareness of hepatitis. Anyone who has used drugs may be at risk of infection, as well as those who have had a blood transfusion before 1991 or had tattoos/piercings undertaken in non-hygenic surroundings. So what can you do to avoid becoming infected with hepatitis? These are simple steps that can be followed: Do not share any drug paraphernalia. This includes needles, filters, spoons, crack pipes, water, straws or notes for snorting  Never share personal items such as razors or toothbrushes  Always use a condom when having sex  If having tattoos or piercings, always use a reputable practitioner and ensure that the equipment used is sterile  Of those infected by hepatitis B, ten per cent will become lifelong carriers. These are the people at risk of serious liver damage without treatment to s...

Latest 'Healthy Wednesday' advice from the Hywel Dda University Health Board -  It’s Healthy Wednesday – think and talk about what you drink! This Healthy Wednesday we are asking you to think and talk about what you drink. No matter how much you drink it is important to keep an eye on your alcohol consumption. Binge drinking often hits the news headlines but did you know over 45s are three times more likely to drink alcohol every day? The NHS recommends that men drink no more than 3-4 units a day and women no more than 2-3 units a day and that you have at least two alcohol-free days every week. Therefore, if you choose to drink, stick within the guidelines. You can find out how many units are in your favourite drinks with the unit checker http://change4lifewales.org.uk/adults/alcohol/drinks-checker/?lang=en or use the interactive calculator at www.drinkwisewales.org.uk you may well be surprised at what you should be drinking. Teresa Owen, Director of Public Health at Hywel ...

Latest 'Healthy Wednesday' advice from the Hywel Dda University Health Board - This Healthy Wednesday – have you thought about the cost of smoking? This Healthy Wednesday we are asking smokers to think about the cost of smoking – not just to their health but also to their pocket! If you smoke just five cigarettes a day quitting for a year could save you over £600 and if you smoke 20 a day that figure rises to over £2,500! You can find out much you can save by using the special calculator at www.stopsmokingwales.com/smoking-calculator There are many reasons to quit and giving up smoking is the biggest single thing you can do to improve your health and you don’t need to do it alone! There is a lot of help and support out there and you are four times more likely to succeed using an NHS stop smoking service than if you try to quit alone. You can speak to a Health Information Adviser at NHS Direct Walesby calling 0845 46 47 or make an appointment with Stop Smoking Wales in your loc...

Latest 'Healthy Wednesday' advice from the Hywel Dda University Health Board -  This Healthy Wednesday we are reminding new mums about breastfeeding their babies. Breastfeeding is the healthiest way to feed your baby and any amount of breastfeeding has a positive effect. The longer you breastfeed, the longer the protection lasts and the greater the benefits. Breastfeeding doesn’t only benefit your baby. It benefits mum’s health too! Breastfed babies have: less chance of diarrhoea and vomiting and having to go to hospital as a result fewer chest and ear infections and having to go to hospital as a result less chance of being constipated less likelihood of becoming obese and therefore developing type 2 diabetes and other illnesses later in life less chance of developing eczema Breastfeeding is good for mums as it: lowers your risk of getting breast and ovarian cancer naturally uses up to 500 calories a day saves money – infant formula, the sterilising equipment and fee...

Latest 'Healthy Wednesday' advice from the Hywel Dda Health Board -  Don’t forget to make the most of screening this Healthy Wednesday As part of national screening month this Healthy Wednesday we are promoting cervical and breast screening. Cervical screening aims to prevent cancer from developing in the cervix at the neck of the womb. Women aged 25 and over are invited for screening every three years and women aged 50 to 64 are invited every five years. Cervical screening, which is also known as a smear test, is a free NHS test that is carried out at your GP surgery or at some sexual-health clinics. It is always important to go for your smear test. Finding changes before they become cancer gives you the best chance of successful treatment. Breast screening reduces your risk of dying from breast cancer. Women aged 50 to 70 are invited for a breast X-ray every three years. Women over the age of 70 can ask for a screening appointment. Screening can find cancers when they are too...

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 da...

Latest 'Healthy Wednesday' advice from the Hywel Dda University Health Board -  This Healthy Wednesday - did you know there are five ways to wellbeing? The Five Ways to Wellbeing are a wellbeing equivalent of ‘five fruit and veg a day’! This Healthy Wednesday we are urging you to look at what you may currently do and to look at what you could do to improve your wellbeing. So what are the five ways? Connect… with people around. Building connections will help support and enrich your life. Make the effort to speak to family, neighbours, work colleagues and friends more often.  Be active… being active can make you feel good. Do something you will enjoy like walking, cycling or even playing a game.  Take Notice … be aware of what is around you and how you feeling. How many of us didn’t notice the flowers when we drove to work or the birds singing in the trees?  Keep learning .. learning new things can help make you confident. It doesn’t have to be something academic w...

Latest 'Healthy Wednesday' advice from the Hywel Dda Health Board -  This Healthy Wednesday Here Comes the Sun – we hope! With the summer on the way this Healthy Wednesday we are highlighting the risks of skin cancer in the summer sun. A national public health campaign is running in all community pharmacies in Wales throughout May to raise awareness about the causes of skin cancer, how to recognise the symptoms and what steps people can take to reduce their risk. Skin cancer is now one of the most common types of cancer in people between the ages of 15 to 34. Early diagnosis has a big impact on skin cancer survival rates, but many people delay seeking advice if they are worried. During this month, pharmacies will engage with people who are at greater risk of getting skin cancer to advise them on the steps they can take to reduce their risk, like seeking shade in the middle of the day, and keeping sunscreen with a high SPF topped up. Tenovus, Wales' leading cancer charity, ...

Healthy Wednesday advice from the Hywel Dda Health Board -  This Healthy Wednesday we are reminding you to think about Choosing Well when you get ready for the long Easter weekend. The Choose Well campaign uses a colour coded thermometer to help people to link their symptoms with a NHS service. The aim is to raise awareness of the full range of services available so that people are well-informed about where and when to access services that will best meet their needs. This helps ensure that essential treatment is given in the shortest possible time and that busy emergency services can help those who need them most. Plan ahead for your Easter break by having essential medicines at home in a child safe cupboard or first aid kit including pain killing medicine e.g. paracetamol, anti-diarrhoeal medicine, plasters and a thermometer. If you do become unwell you can find out which pharmacy is open close to you over the long weekend by going to www.wales.nhs.uk/sitesplus/862/page/46867 or...

'Healthy Wednesday' advice from the Hywel Dda Health Board -  This Healthy Wednesday we are supporting National Patient Nutrition and Hydration Week and promoting the importance of good nutrition and hydration for people who are at nutritional risk both in hospital and in the community. Nationally up to 40% of people admitted to hospital are at nutritional risk as a result of their illness or condition and similarly many older people and those with long term illness in the community are at nutritional risk. When food intake or appetite is very poor a ‘Food First’ approach to improving nutrition is encouraged. This means focussing on getting the best nutrition using every day foods and drinks. The main nutritional focus in hospital is optimising patients nutritional intake to minimise the effects of poor nutrition on recovery, healing and well-being. However, when you feel unwell you may not feel like eating – just when you need food the most! When you do not feel hung...

Healthy Wednesday advice from the Hywel Dda Health Board - This Healthy Wednesday get to know fat facts to help you eat a healthy diet. Healthy eating is not about cutting out foods or following a special ‘diet’, all foods can be included in a healthy diet, we just need to ensure we get the right balance. We all need a bit of fat in our diets, to help our bodies absorb certain vitamins and stay healthy, however you shouldn’t have too much of it because our bodies find it hard to process. Carrying extra fat on your body can also increase the risk of developing diseases like some cancers, heart disease and Type 2 diabetes. Some types of fat are better than others. Saturated fat is the one which we need to really watch how much of we have in our diets, however unfortunately it is found in lots of foods we like eating. Some foods high in saturated fat are: Processed meat like burgers and sausages  Butter, ghee and lard  Cream and ice-cream  Cheese  Pastry  C...

Latest 'Healthy Wednesday' advice from the Hywel Dda Health Board -  Caring about back care this Healthy Wednesday This Healthy Wednesday and Back Care Awareness Week, we are focusing on back care for carers. This year’s Back Care Awareness Week, held from now until October 11, focuses on caring for carers. Caring for others can cause problems in our own health, which are very often ignored. Looking after someone may involve helping them with physical tasks, such as getting in and out of beds, baths or chairs. Without advice and training in safe techniques, the carers may be putting themselves at risk of strain or injury. Consequently, more than 70% of the UK’s unpaid carers suffer from back pain. Carers are also at greater risk of developing chronic pain, which is disabling in a third of cases and life-long for the majority. If you know or work with carers, or are a carer yourself, help and advice can be found at www.backcare.org.uk If you look after someone and nee...

The latest 'Healthy Wednesday' advice from the Hywel Dda Health Board -  This Healthy Wednesday, and before the August Bank Holiday, people are being reminded that A&E does not stand for ‘anything and everything’. Evidence shows a significant number of people still go to hospital emergency departments or dial 999 when there are other services more convenient and suitable for their needs. Hywel Dda Health Board uses the Choose Well campaign, with its colour-coded thermometer, to help people link symptoms to the services and support that is right for their needs. This ensures people get the right treatment in the right place, busy emergency services can help those who need them most, and essential treatment is given in the shortest possible time. The board’s clinical lead for unscheduled care, Consultant Jeremy Williams, pictured, said: “Unfortunately, the doctors and nurses in our emergency departments frequently see people who would be more appropriately treated els...

Healthy Wednesday advice from the Hywel Dda Health Board - Be aware of diabetes this Healthy Wednesday Did you know there are currently 3.8million people in the UK with diabetes, including an estimated 850,000 people who have Type 2 diabetes but do not know it? This Healthy Wednesday we are promoting awareness of diabetes which is a lifelong condition that causes a person's blood sugar level to become too high. There are two main types of diabetes – type 1 and type 2. The main symptoms of diabetes are: feeling very thirsty  urinating frequently, particularly at night  feeling very tired  weight loss and loss of muscle bulk  Type 1 diabetes can develop quickly, over weeks or even days. Many people have type 2 diabetes for years without realising because early symptoms tend to be general. Dr Paul Underwood said: “Many people are not aware that there are steps they can take to prevent or delay themselves getting type 2 diabetes. “These include maintaining...

Healthy Wednesday advice from the Hywl Dda Health Board - This Healthy Wednesday, come rain or shine, why not enjoy the Wales Coast Path and the many health benefits walking can have? We have the longest continuous coastal path around any country on our doorsteps - it takes you from the Lleyn Peninsula down through Cardigan Bay, through Britain’s only coastal National Park in Pembrokeshire, and along miles of golden sand in Carmarthenshire. Teresa Owen, Director of Public Health at Hywel Dda Health Board said: “Walking is an excellent and free way to get the exercise that can help you stay healthy and people of all ages and fitness levels can take part and enjoy. “Moderate levels of daily exercise, such as walking, increases mobility; it helps you maintain a healthy weight by increasing your metabolism (the rate we burn calories), improves general mental well-being and increases energy and endurance levels. “Exercise has also been shown to either prevent or improve a number of differen...

Healthy Wednesday advice from the Hywel Dda Health Board -  This Healthy Wednesday are you Screening for Life? This Healthy Wednesday we’re supporting Public Health Wales’ brand new ‘Screening for Life’ campaign to raise awareness and highlight the importance of participating in screening programmes. Screening for Life is a brand new health campaign run by the Screening Division of Public Health Wales. The campaign will run during the month of July with the aim of raising awareness of the national screening programmes in Wales. Do you know about the free screening services available to you living in Wales? Also do you know if your GP has your up to date contact details? Those who are eligible for screening programmes are identified from GP lists so it is important that your doctor always has your correct date of birth and contact information. Depending on your age or gender you may be eligible for some of the following programmes: Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm (AAA) screeni...

Press release from Hywel Dda Health Board: This Healthy Wednesday we are encouraging mums to benefit themselves and their babies by breastfeeding. Breastfeeding is the healthiest way to feed your baby. Breastfed babies have: less chance of diarrhoea and vomiting and having to go to hospital as a result  fewer chest and ear infections and having to go to hospital as a result  less chance of being constipated  less likelihood of becoming obese and therefore developing type 2 diabetes and other illnesses later in life  less chance of developing eczema  Hywel Dda Health Board has pledged to double the numbers of mothers’ breastfeeding their babies from birth up to the age of six months over the next five years. Rhian Walters, Infant Feeding Co-ordinator for Hywel Dda Health Board, said: “Any amount of breastfeeding has a positive effect. The longer you breastfeed, the longer the protection lasts and the greater the benefits. Breastfeeding doesn’t only be...

Latest 'Healthy Wednesday' advice from the Hywel Dda Health Board - Think about volunteering this Healthy Wednesday. With busy lives, it can be hard to find time to volunteer but this Healthy Wednesday why not think about what you can do to help yourself and others. Volunteering provides many benefits to both mental and physical health, it can provide a healthy boost to your self-confidence, self-esteem, and life satisfaction. It also keeps you in regular contact with others and helps you develop a solid support system, which in turn protects you against stress and depression when you’re going through challenging times. Studies have also found that those who volunteer have a lower mortality rate than those who do not. David Fretwell, Head of Volunteering Services at Hywel Dda Health Board, said: “A lot of our volunteers tell us giving something back has helped improved their confidence and makes them feel good about themselves. “Even just giving a few hours a week can make a di...