Byhowbeck
Barton Family Practice News – October 2023
It was great to see several patients from Barton at the Parkrun held at the Rosliston Forestry Reserve on Saturday the 16th of September 2023. Several members of the practice team also took part. Everyone seems to have enjoyed the experience. Participants were from a wide age range – from young children to pensioners, and levels of fitness – from the athletic to the less fit, and even included some dogs. I would highly recommend taking part. Anyone can join, and you do not need to run – you can walk if you prefer. I strongly recommend exercise to everyone, and if group activities are not your thing, then at least try to increase your activity levels, and consider regular walks. Find something that suits you, and which you enjoy. No amount of exercise is too little, and all exercise is good for us.
There is a new covid kid on the block, known as BA.2.86, which is doing the rounds and is causing concern because it has many mutations, which makes it difficult to predict how transmissible and severe its effects will be. This is the reason the autumn/winter vaccination programme was brought forward to September, after an initial proposal to delay the flu and covid vaccinations till October. The Department of Health and Social Care and NHS England are aiming to get as many eligible people vaccinated as quickly as possible, preferably before the 31st of October. If you have not been invited already, please book your COVID-19 vaccination online (using NHS.uk), via the NHS App or by calling 119.
Did you know that losing a significant amount of weight in the early years after diagnosis can reverse or remit type 2 diabetes? The NHS Type 2 Diabetes Path to Remission Programme is a treatment available for some people living with type 2 diabetes and obesity, or who are overweight. Have you been diagnosed with type 2 diabetes in the last 6 years? Are you living with obesity or overweight and are aged 18-65? You may be eligible to join the NHS Type 2 Diabetes Path to Remission Programme. Research trials have shown that a programme including a 3-month specially formulated ‘soup and shake’ diet followed by healthy lifestyle support helped people living with type 2 diabetes and obesity, or overweight, to lose over 10kg in weight, improve their blood sugar levels, reduce diabetes-related medication and, in almost half of participants, put their type 2 diabetes into remission. To find out more and to access the service, please contact Sister Rose Bain or Claire Stamp at the surgery.
Best wishes from the team at BFP.
Byhowbeck
Have you been diagnosed with Type 2 Diabetes in the last 6 years?
You can also download a copy of the The NHS Type 2 Diabetes Path to Remission Programme information booklet.
Byhowbeck
Don’t ignore your cervical screening invite
Cervical Screening is carried out to check the health of your cervix, it is not a test for cancer, it’s a test to help prevent cancer.
All women and people with a cervix aged 25 – 64 should go for regular cervical screening. You’ll get a letter in the post inviting you to make an appointment.
The test itself should take less than 5 minutes and is usually done by a female nurse or doctor. This video explains what happens during your screening.
You can also find more information and support at https://www.jostrust.org.uk/
Byhowbeck
It’s time to talk about loneliness
We all get lonely. Its time to talk about it.
Whether its your regular barista, the friendly dog on your walk, or the shopkeeper down the road, everyday moments of connection matter. They allow us to make connections, feel happier and less lonely.
You can find information and support if you are feeling lonely at https://www.marmaladetrust.org/law
Byhowbeck
Are you a carer looking for advice or support?
Carers Week is an annual campaign to raise awareness of caring, highlight the challenges unpaid carers face and recognise the contribution they make to families and communities throughout the UK.
If you are a carer and need advice and support, you can find information at:
https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/social-care-and-support-guide/introduction-to-care-and-support/
Byhowbeck
When anxiety becomes an issue
This year’s Mental Health Awareness Weeks theme is ‘anxiety’. Anxiety is a normal emotion in us all but sometimes I can get out of control and become a mental health problem.
You can find out more about anxiety and what help is available at: