With the icy surfaces, bad weather and increased hours of darkness... read more »
News
Nov
25
With the icy surfaces, bad weather and increased hours of darkness, any of us could take a tumble in winter. Older people are particularly vulnerable as they’re more likely to experience poor balance and vision, muscle weakness or long-term health conditions. Even simple tasks like taking out the rubbish pose a risk when driveways and paths freeze over.
Older people are also more likely to break bones if they take a fall. And that can result in more long-term problems like feelings of... read more »
Nov
25
When it comes to winter illnesses, we tend to think mainly of coughs, colds and flu. And while those bugs thrive during the winter months, the cold can also lead to more serious health problems.
These include high blood pressure, heart attacks, strokes, respiratory disease and pneumonia… and they particularly apply to older people. That’s why it’s important to understand the best ways to keep warm – inside and out – when the temperatures plummet.
For... read more »
Nov
10
Norovirus is the most common stomach bug in the UK. The ‘winter vomiting’ bug, as it’s also known, causes nausea, stomach cramps, vomiting, watery diarrhoea, raised temperature and aching limbs.
It also spreads incredibly quickly, so avoid public places if you’ve been struck down with symptoms. It’s particularly important to steer clear of GP surgeries, hospitals and care homes to protect already vulnerable patients from the virus.
Unfortunately, there’... read more »
Nov
01
Autumn is upon us – the time of year we fondly associate with conkers, Halloween and fireworks. But it’s also when the flu virus rears its ugly head.
The symptoms are all too recognisable – high temperature, chills, aches and pains, which make it difficult to even lift your head from the pillow.
But the good news is there are some simple steps you can take to protect yourself and others from this seasonal pest. Basic hygiene can make a difference – for instance,... read more »
Oct
27
Patients in Devon are feeling the benefits of the county’s new integrated urgent care service [IUCS].
The service, which launched on October 1, combines the out-of-hours GP service and NHS 111 helpline. It means patients now only have to deal with one system, making it quicker and easier to get the most appropriate advice and treatment.
The new service – operated by Devon Doctors – allows 111 call handlers to make GP appointments directly, which wasn’t the case... read more »
Pages
