Patient Newsletter for September 2023
Non-urgent advice: Have we got your number?
We’re doing a big push this month on checking we’ve got everyone’s up-to-date contact details. Can’t stress enough how important it is we have your most up to date mobile number and email address. You can update us quickly by completing this online form.
Sexual Health Week: Playing it safe
And finally, Monday 11 September is the start of Sexual Health Week and this year’s theme is playing it safe. Doesn’t matter if you’re 18 or 78, consent, healthy relationships and pleasure are all key parts of happy, healthy sex.
Our team here at Apex are always here to talk to if you’re worried about any aspect of family planning or contraception in a safe, confidential environment but if you prefer to talk safe sex, STI screening, services for under 25s or sex advice for over 45s away from the practice, visit the Medway sexual health hub, Clover Street. Face to face appointments, text advice and live chat is available via their website.
Non-urgent advice: BACK TO SCHOOL HEALTH
Cold and flu, fever and tummy upsets are very common among children in the autumn and winter months. We’re just starting to see the first little trickle of “back to school” illnesses, so it’s a good time to remind parents and carers who can help and what to do at the first signs of sniffles and splutters.
Visit the pharmacy
Pharmacists are experts in medicines and can help with minor health concerns without an appointment. As qualified healthcare professionals, they can offer clinical advice and over-the-counter medicines for a range of minor illnesses, such as coughs, colds, sore throats, tummy trouble and aches and pains. Pharmacists have the right training to tell you if it’s more serious and your child needs to see a GP or nurse. Many are open late or at weekends too.
Decide whether they should go to school or nursery
You know your child best and what’s normal for them when they’re unwell.
The NHS in South West London has this fantastic webpage covering a range of common child illnesses and what to do if you’re unsure whether it’s safe to send them to school or nursery.
For children with asthma, check they know how to use their inhaler properly
Asthma can be particularly troublesome at this time of year with kids mixing again. Be sure your child’s Asthma Action Plan is up to date and you know how to spot when the asthma or wheeze is getting worse. This step by step advice from the NHS in South West London is particularly helpful about managing asthma flare ups and covers the standard technique for use of inhalers and spacers.
