Gloucester Road Medical Centre

If you are requested to provide measurements such as BP by the practice, please do so. It will help us monitor any conditions that you have.

Makaton is a symbol and sign language used by those who struggle to understand concepts or with poor literacy skills. By using Makaton, individuals can actively participate in their lives.
If you want more information on learning sign language visit: The Makaton Charity

Next month is . If you are contacted by the practice for BP readings etc, please make sure these are provided 🙂

As a nation, we love a cup of tea. And there is nothing better than a traditional afternoon tea with scones (cream first sorry), finger sandwiches, mini cakes and if you are feeling really extra, champagne – however, I will always have a good cup of tea!
Celebrate national with a proper cup of tea.... and some cake!

What are the benefits of cycling to work?
Taking a bike to work has many benefits. Around 180,000 people a year participate in cycle to work schemes. Here are some of the main benefits of cycling to work:
Riding a bike for 30 minutes a day helps build muscle strength and flexibility
Cycling enhances balance, posture and coordination
Cycling also decreases stress levels and strengthens emotional wellness
You can find out more about the health and mental wellbeing benefits of hopping on the bike right https://www.cycleguard.co.uk/blue-monday

Four Amazing Mental Health Benefits of Cycling | cycleGuard Here's how cycling can boost our mental health in 4 simple steps! Find out how spending some time in the saddle can help us beat the blues

Psoriasis is a common skin disease affecting 1 in 50 people. It occurs equally in men and women. It can appear at any age. Psoriasis is a long-term condition which may come and go throughout your lifetime. It is not infectious; therefore you cannot catch psoriasis from someone else. It does not scar the skin although sometimes it can cause a temporary increase or reduction in skin colour. Although psoriasis is a long-term condition there are many effective treatments available to keep it under good control.

Psoriasis can affect the nails and the joints as well as the skin. Psoriatic arthritis produces swelling and stiffness in the joints or stiffness in the lower back and should be managed by a rheumatologist who works closely with your dermatologist and/or your GP.

Psoriasis, particularly moderate to severe psoriasis, is associated with an increased risk of anxiety, depression and harmful use of alcohol. Moderate to severe psoriasis increases the risk of heart disease and stroke and treatment of psoriasis may reduce this risk. Psoriasis can also be associated with diabetes, obesity, venous thromboembolism, high cholesterol and high blood pressure. Psoriasis is also associated with inflammatory bowel disease and there is a small increased risk of skin cancer.

One in 100 people will experience sc**zophrenia. Despite being so common, the stigma surrounding sc**zophrenia remains stubbornly high due to a lack of understanding.
Schizophrenia is a very complex condition that can affect how a person thinks, feels, and experiences the world around them. While the word is made up of sc**zo (to split) and phrene (the mind), sc**zophrenia does not mean split personality.
People with a diagnosis of sc**zophrenia can often experience very different symptoms, including:
▪ Audio hallucinations (hearing voices)
▪ Delusions
▪ Disorganised thinking
▪ Changes in body language or emotions
For more information visit Rethink Mental Illness

We are currently experiencing issues with our clinical system and our telephone system. Appointments are happening, however these are heavily affected and delays are more than likely.

This is a national issue and we are working hard to rectify this, but please bear with us.

Please if you know who you are meant to be seeing, that will help us.

We apologise for the disruption.

Insect bite? If needed, your pharmacist can now provide some prescription medicine without seeing a GP.

Think pharmacy first.

National simplicity day is about switching off, slowing down and taking a moment. Looking after our health and wellbeing is important. Remembering to do the following will allow us to be present in our lives:
▪ Switch off and tune into “simplicity”. Between the bulging inbox and pressure to be “always on” at work, the long hours and activities such as driving to work, it is no wonder work can sometimes be too much. When you are in your personal time, switch off.
▪ Switch off when on holiday. Don’t be checking the email, the group chats. Take a moment to do breathing exercises and remember your work life balance is important. This is an important time to recharge.
▪ Speak up when you are feeling mentally and emotionally “unwell”
Visit Mind for tips on everyday living with a mental health problem.

Understanding alcohol harm
Alcohol sometimes plays a centre-stage role in our lives. It’s promoted as we watch our favourite sports, advertised as we travel to work and strategically placed in our favourite films and TV shows. It’s there when we celebrate, commiserate and when we’re just trying to cope.
Yet alcohol is harming our health and wellbeing on a daily basis, from the quality of the sleep we’re getting, to our relationships with those we love. And each year, thousands of people experience long-term health problems as a result of the alcohol they drink, or die from alcohol-related causes.
This visit Alcohol Change UK for information on

Saving lives can’t wait, su***de rates are as high now as they were 20years ago.
The Samaritans are here, whatever you may be facing. They offer listening and support, ways of coping and skills to be there for others.
Every life lost to su***de is a tragedy and the Samaritans work tirelessly to make prevention a priority
Whatever you are going through, you can call the Samaritans free of charge any time!
Sometimes writing things down helps you understand it better, why not write an email – sometimes it is hard to voice your feelings!
They also have a Welsh language line!
Visit: https://www.samaritans.org/
Remember, if you need help with your mental health, you can . Visit your GP website for signposting to resources that can help, and if needed make an appointment to see a mental health professional
***deprevention ***de ***de

Samaritans - Here to listen Samaritans works to make sure there’s always someone there for anyone who needs someone. Read more.

The NHS App is the very best way to request repeat prescriptions, view upcoming appointments and see test results without waiting on the phone.

Currently, the App doesn't do everything patients would want, but if it can save you some time on the phone, and let's be honest, doing something far more enjoyable. Why not?

At the practice, we understand that there are some patients who want to use new technologies, but are unsure where to start or could use some support.

Does this sound like you? We are looking to run support groups for patients, run by patient volunteers, to help you gain the confidence to use the app!

If this is something you would be interested in, please message the practice on https://www.grmc.nhs.uk/contact-us-form; pick up a paper questionnaire in reception when you are next in or feel free to comment on here and we can contact you!

To attend the session, you will need:
▪️ A smartphone with access to your emails
▪️ A photo ID to verify who you are
▪️ Online access enabled on your GP record (we can help with this at the practice).

Our citywide partners, InHope. have organised this fun summer holiday activity starting tomorrow across central Bristol searching for 15 knitted geese.

Join the Wild Goose Chase by purchasing your trail map for £3 here: https://tinyurl.com/wildgoosechasefacebook

The money will go towards helping feed and support people in Bristol who are homeless and hungry, in their day centre called the Wild Goose.
PLEASE SPREAD THE WORD!

is the loss of sight and hearing to the point where your communication, mobility and ability to access information are impacted.

It comes on a huge spectrum ranging from struggling to see and hear the TV right through to not being able to hear or see anything at all

Some of the signs of deaf-blindness are:
▪Difficulty reading and watching TV
▪Difficulty recognising people
▪Often thinking you need new glasses
▪Uncomfortable in bright or low lighting
▪Asking people to repeat themselves or speak louder
▪Difficulty hearing the TV and having the volume high
▪Complaining people are mumbling or speaking too quickly
▪Not hearing the doorbell
▪Avoiding using the phone

If this sounds familiar for you or someone you know, there are resources online https://deafblind.org.uk/get-support/ or you can contact your GP and talk to a clinician

For some people, especially older people and those with underlying health conditions,
the summer heat can bring real health risks. Temperatures indoors can be higher than
temperatures outdoors. That’s why we’re urging everyone to keep an eye on those you know who may be at risk this summer. If you’re able, ask if your friends, family or neighbours need any support.

We all know the pollution that exists outdoors, but did you know indoor air pollution causes up to 36000 deaths per year in the UK. Poor quality air can cause respiratory difficulties and heart/lung disease.
Sources of indoor air pollution:
▪Asbestos in older buildings
▪Building materials
▪Animal hair/pollen/viruses
▪Mould and mildew
▪Tobacco smoke
▪Air conditioning
▪Candles
Some ways to help mitigate these risks would be to:
▪Open windows and doors regularly - much easier this time of year!
▪Avoid drying washing inside - again, much easier when the sun is out!
▪Don’t smoke indoors
▪Avoid using air fresheners and scented candles
▪Avoid open fireplaces
▪Use an extractor fan whilst cooking

https://youtu.be/IU1cH7Wss2k

Euros 2024 We Are South Gloucestershire and Bristol United Against Domestic Abuse Campaign video featuring football players from Bristol City FC and Bristol Rovers Women's FC to be shown during the Euros 2024 explaining the signs that vic...

It is cervical screening awareness week! Having a cervical screen can be daunting, but here are some tips to help relieve the stress:
▪Talk to your nurse of doctor – telling the clinician what you are feeling can help them to make you feel more comfortable
▪Ask for a longer appointment – this can help you take in more information about the process
▪Ask for a clinician of a particular gender
▪Take someone you trust with you
▪Wear a skirt of dress – trust me, this will help you feel
less exposed!
▪Lie in a different position
▪Visit a specialist cervical screening centre – this may be appropriate if you have experienced past sexual violence

Visit www.jostrust.org.uk for more information about

The Sands Bereavement Support app was created for anyone who has experienced the death of a baby.
It aims to help bereaved parents and families to find the right information and support at the right time. The app can also be used by healthcare professionals, who would like to know how best to support bereaved parents and their families.
The Sands Bereavement Support app contains information and support resources for bereaved parents, grandparents, families and friends, about:
- Saying goodbye to your baby
- Returning to work
- Making difficult decisions
- Having a funeral for your baby
- Post-mortems
- Sexual relationships after loss
- Another pregnancy
- How to support children
And much more
For information and support visit Sands, the stillbirth & neonatal death charity

What is the significance of Pride Month?
Pride Month is an important reminder of the progress made by the LGBTQ+ community in the fight for equality, acceptance, and visibility. It is also a time to recognise the many challenges still faced by LGBTQ+ people and their allies. Whether it’s discrimination in the workplace, lack of legal protections, or community violence, there is still much to be done to ensure that LGBTQ+ people feel safe and secure in their identities.
Pride Month is a reminder to the world that discrimination and prejudice are still prevalent and that the LGBTQ+ community is still fighting for acceptance, visibility, and equality. It is also a reminder to both the LGBTQ+ community and their allies that the fight for justice and equality is ongoing.
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At the practice we have a Patient Participation Group who meet every 2 months to discuss all the goings on at the practice.

Our members are involved in digital inclusion projects, focus groups and all other improvement projects at the practice, alongside these meetings.

If you would like to come along to a meeting or find out more about it, visit our website: www.horfieldhealthcentre.nhs.uk/about-the-ppg

Join us in celebrating volunteers week, where we celebrate and highlight the vital role volunteers play across the UK.
We would like to thank the current team of volunteers who have signed up to our volunteer drivers scheme for the practice. Your contribution to helping those who would otherwise be unable to attend the clinic is extremely valuable.
If you would like to learn how to become a volunteer driver for the surgery please visit the website and contact the practice who can give you more information

It is
What is multiple sclerosis?
MS is a disease affecting the central nervous system – the brain and spinal cord.
The symptoms experienced depend on the position and extent of the scarring within the nervous system – no two people with MS are the same.
More than 100 000 people in the UK currently have MS
More women than men are diagnoses with MS
MS is usually diagnosed when people are in their twenties and thirties
Find support and information about MS at: Multiple Sclerosis Trust

Next week is
65 million people worldwide have epilepsy. That is an estimated 1 in 100 people and in 50% of cases, the cause is unknown.
70% of people with epilepsy can gain seizure freedom with medication alone.
30% of people have drug-resistant epilepsy. There are additional treatments for people with drug-resistant epilepsy that can improve seizure control or stop seizures altogether.
If you are due your epilepsy review, or you need advice on managing your disorder, please remember to contact the surgery and book an appointment.