| Health Promotion |
At Wycliffe Medical Practice we are committed to helping you get the best out of your health, and encouraging a healthy lifestyle. Please click on the links below for more information:
| Smoking | | | Alcohol | | | Diet | | | Exercise | | | Drugs | | | Sexual Health |
Smoking
Smoking causes heart disease, lung disease, cancer, damage to unborn children and increases susceptibility to infections, both in the smoker and his/her children. Giving up is always difficult but help and advice is available from Resolution, a local NHS organisation (0116 225 2828), and a smoking cessation counsellor is available at the Wycliffe Medical Centre by appointment who can support you stopping with advice, nicotine replacement tablets or patches.
Alcohol
Excessive alcohol consumption can cause liver disease, strokes, damage to unborn children, depression and heart problems. A safe limit for men is 28 units per week, and for women 21 units per week, (a unit is a small glass of wine, half a pint of beer or a single spirit measure). If you feel you have a problem with controlling your alcohol intake, help is available from the Community Alcohol Team, (Tel 0116 225 6350).
For more information visit the Specific Health Issues Weblinks
Diet
A good diet is the cornerstone to good health. Everyone should have five portions of fruit and vegetables daily and try to regulate fat and sugar intake. Specific diet advice can be given by the dietician, following referral by your GP.
Obesity and being overweight are significant risk factors for diabetes, heart disease and arthritis. Very overweight patients (BMI>30) can be prescribed medication to help in some circumstances, these are not suitable for everyone.
Regular exercise is essential and helps improve general health, diabetes, asthma, heart disease, musculoskeletal problems and depression. Most people should aim to achieve a minimum of 30 minutes aerobic exercise daily; sufficient to increase your heart rate, and make you slightly breathless and hot. If you have any medical problems and need advice on exercising safely, please see your GP or nurse.
Lutterworth Leisure Centre also offers exercise programmes and the Health Visitors offer Lutterworth Healthy Walks, following referral by a GP.
For more information visit the Specific Health Issues Weblinks
Drugs
Taking illegal drugs can cause severe physical and mental health problems. For further help and advice contact the Community Drug Team at Paget House, Tel 0116 225 6400.
For more information visit the Specific Health Issues Weblinks
Sexual Health
Sexually transmitted diseases including HIV are becoming increasingly common. Using a condom reduces the risk of catching an infection. Some infections (e.g. Chlamydia) may not cause symptoms but can lead to long term damage and fertility problems. If you are concerned you may have contracted an infection, confidential screening and treatment is available from the genitourinary (GUM) clinic. Your doctor will NOT be informed if you attend a GUM clinic.
Find out opening hours of local GUM clinics by phoning or clicking the links below:
Leicester Royal Infirmary: 0116 258 5208
Hospital of St Cross, Rugby: 01788 545218
Coventry Sexual Health/ GUM Clinic: 024 7684 4164
George Eliot Hospital, Nuneaton: 024 7686 5162
For more information visit the Specific Health Issues Weblinks