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Tel: 01277 658071 |
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Men should not drink more than 28 units of alcohol (14 pints of beer)
per week. Women should not drink more than 21 units of alcohol (21
This is an illness which should not be underestimated. Whilst mild in
most people, it can sometimes lead to very severe attacks of sudden
wheezing and breathlessness, which, though usually easily controlled,
can lead on to respiratory failure and death. Asthma is usually
controlled by means of inhalers. Blue inhalers control symptoms. Brown,
red or orange inhalers prevent the illness getting severe, important if
there are
frequent or bad attacks. For inhalers to be effective, they must be used
correctly. The preventative care nurse can teach inhaler technique on a
variety of devices. All asthmatics should be seen in the asthma clinic
regularly if only to 'brush up' on this technique from time to time.
Raised blood pressure increases the risk of heart disease and strokes (and can cause other problems such as kidney damage). There are no symptoms in most people, therefore it is advisable to check blood pressure routinely over the age of 30. You will be asked to see the doctor if your blood pressure is found to be raised on a routine check.
This is a serious illness and, if not controlled, causes blindness,
leads to heart attacks, strokes and damaged circulation, which could
cause leg ulcers and amputations.
The current recommendations are to take at least 20 minutes of exercise at least three times per week. Any exercise is better than none.
This requires careful management to avoid a second attack. Raised
cholesterol should be lowered by dietary means and usually also with
drug treatment. Blood pressure must be kept under control. A healthy
diet and regular exercise are important. You should stop smoking. A very
small daily dose of aspirin stops blood clots forming and may prevent
further heart attacks. You should have influenza vaccinations every
year.
Heart disease and strokes are the most common cause of death in this country. The risk of these can be lowered by stopping smoking, taking regular exercise, losing weight and by eating a diet high in fibre and low in saturated fat.
Smoking causes lung cancer, chronic bronchitis and emphysema,
hardening of the arteries (arteriosclerosis), leading to gangrene and
amputations, heart attacks and strokes. It also causes stomach ulcers
and indigestion and makes you more prone to sinusitis. It contributes to
other forms of cancer, particularly of the womb and bladder.
It is possible to be ill without feeling ill. There are warning signs which tell us if there is something wrong. If you notice something like this, contact your doctor within 10 days.
Serious Warning Signs In Children - Get Medical Advice Immediately
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