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Prevention of diseases
Exercise Referral Scheme
If you want to make a positive step towards better health ring them on 02476 252581
Sessions will be held at:
-Foleshill Leisure Centre, Livingstone Road
-Coventry Sports & Leisure Centre (City Centre)
-Midlands Sports Centre, Tile Hill
-Henley College, Bell Green
-AT7 Centre, Courthouse Green
Heart disease
The risk of developing heart disease is influenced by several factors:
-Smoking : non smokers have a lower risk. The practice can help you to stop smoking.
-High blood pressure : Have your blood pressure checked every 5 years if you are over 40 years old, systolic blood pressure should be below 140, diastolic below 80. The practice has complementary blood pressure checking machines in all surgeries
-High cholesterol : Have yours checked. Cholesterol can be high due to genetic factors, although you might have a healthy diet your cholesterol could be high.
-Stress : We all need a certain amount of stress, but high stress levels are detrimental to our health. Discuss strategies with your doctor.
-Diabetes : This increases the risk of developing heart disease. Increase your exercise pattern and follow a low sugar diet.
The computer can calculate your 5 and 10 year risk for heart disease if we know your blood pressure, cholesterol, smoking status and whether you are suffering with Diabetes. Your 5 year risk should be less than 10%, your 10 year risk should be less than 15%. Please ask for your risk, either in consultation with doctor or nurse or via EMIS Access email. Risk Charts - Cardiovascular Risk Calculator for Primary Prevention
Chronic Obstructive Airway Disease (COPD)
COPD leads to shortness of breath and a reduced life expectancy. The single most important factor in developing COPD is smoking. The practice can help you to stop smoking.
Diabetes
The risk of developing Diabetes is influenced by several factors:
-Ethnic group : Patients from Asian origin are much more likely to develop diabetes. A normal weight Asian male could be at higher risk of developing diabetes than a obese white male.
-Weight : a body mass index of more than 30 increases the risk for diabetes. Have your weight checked regularly.
-Alcohol intake : A high alcohol intake can lead to diabetes. Men should not have more than 21 units a week, women 14 units a week.
-High Cholesterol : Cholesterol can be converted into sugar. Have yours checked every 3 years if you are over 40 years.
-Family History : Diabetes can run in families, please inform us of your family history.
-Diet : High sugar intake can lead to Diabetes.
Cancer
The risk of developing cancer is influenced by several factors:
-Smoking : causes a 9 times higher risk of lung cancer. Smoking increases the risk for stomach cancer, cancer of the gullet, throat cancer, mouth cancer and bladder cancer. The practice can help you to stop smoking.
-Asbestos : Being exposed to asbestos can increase the risk if mesothelioma, a form of lung cancer. Please inform us if you think that you have work with asbestos in your profession.
-Spicy foods : Cancer of the stomach is more common in patients who eat spicy or smoked food
-Family history : Please inform us of family members who have developed cancer, this is especially important in breast cancer and prostrate cancer.
Prevention of cancer
-Stop smoking
-Have a high fibre diet
-Eat 5 pieces of fruit a day
-Exercise at least half an hour a day
-Tell your doctor about any symptoms
Having any of the following symptoms does not mean that you do have cancer, but it is necessary for the doctor to know about these symptoms. Please book an appointment if you have experienced any for the following symptoms:
-Coughing up blood
-Shortness of breath/cough for more than 3 weeks
-Rectal bleeding/bleeding from the back passage - especially very dark tarry motions
-Abdominal pain/tummy pain with a lump
-Hoarse voice for more than 6 weeks
-Tiredness & unexplained pale skin (anaemia)
-Weight loss
-Vaginal bleeding after the menopause has started
-Recurrent infections
-Ulcers in mouth for more than 3 weeks especially if a swelling
-Unable to swallow food/food seems to get stuck in the gullet
-Men with blood in their urine
-Lumps, especially breast and testicular
-Pigmented mole which have one or more of: getting bigger, changing shape, irregular outline, changing colour, mixed colour, ulcerating (getting infected), inflammation
Your doctor can arrange the appropriate tests or referrals to a specialist.
Please remember that your doctor is only a human being and not able to read your mind, if you have a specific worry, please inform us and discuss this with your doctor.
The information provided herein should not be used for diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed medical practitioner should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions.
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