Advice on Health

For advice on:

Free Breast Screening
Prostrate Cancer
Hearing advice
Advice on avoiding falls
Harrow Wheelchair Service
Patient Advice and Liaison Service
Good Foot Care
Saving energy

Free breast screening

All women between the ages of 50 and 70 are entitled to free breast screening (mammogram) every three years and receive their first invitation any time between the ages of 50 and 53.

Women aged 71 and ovr are able to make their own appointment by telephoning the screening office on 020 8951 4045.

This is a free service

Prostrate Cancer

It's an old joke that when women have a cold, men have the flu, and when women have flu, men have pneumonia but it's no joke at all that when men are really ill most of them won't go near a doctor especially not if it's something... ssssh...embarrassing.

'Prostate cancer is the most common cause of cancer in males in this country affecting roughly one in five men in the UK'.

And let's face it, some of the symptoms of prostate cancer are embarrassing. It's not surprising that men don't want to discuss such things as a frequent need to urinate, a weak flow, or a feeling that the bladder hasn't emptied properly; most don't want to mention it to their wives or partners, let alone go into details with their doctors. The average chap ignores these warning signs, confident that "they'll go away", "they're nothing". They might be right. All the symptoms can be caused by medical conditions that have absolutely nothing to do with prostate cancer... but even so, 30,000 men a year are diagnosed with it. And 10,000 every year die from it.

If you're suspicious about your prostate, then start with a visit to your GP. There are a couple of simple tests that he or she can implement to start the ball rolling. You'll never know the prognosis until you get a diagnosis.

Finding out about prostate cancer early could improve your chances of finding a successful treatment. Don't shrug the symptoms off in that casual immortal fashion. Your body is telling you something.

If you have any questions about prostate cancer then contact the Prostate Cancer Charity. Their confidential helpline 0845 300 8383 is staffed by specialist nurses and open Monday to Friday from 10am to 4pm and Wednesdays from 7pm to 9pm. Calls are charged at local rate.

More information is also available on www.prostrate-cancer.org.uk

Miss England asks 'how's your hearing?'

Miss England has called on the country to lend their ears to a good cause by backing charity RNID�s Breaking the Sound Barrier campaign, which aims to get people to look after their hearing.

Georgia Horsley, who was crowned Miss England 2007 and is profoundly deaf in her right ear, is supporting the innovative campaign to help the charity tackle the stigma and embarrassment surrounding hearing loss.

More than 50% of people over 60 have age related hearing loss and research by RNID shows that 41% of people believe those with a hearing loss cover it up or fail to seek help because they are embarrassed.

The Breaking the Sound Barrier campaign aims to challenge the stigma surrounding hearing loss and get people to look after their hearing by taking regular hearing checks and getting all the information they need. Georgia said: "I'm deaf in one ear but that doesn't stop me living life to the full."

If you're concerned that you or someone you know might be losing their hearing, why not take RNID's hearing check and find out for certain? Call 0845 600 5555 (local call rate) and listen. The whole check will take you less than five minutes - that's less than five minutes to change your life. RNID are also pleased to offer the benefit of half-price membership to everyone using or supporting Age Concern Harrow's services. This offer is a one year RNID membership trial for £10 (standard rate £22). Membership helps older people by keeping them informed about hearing aids, helpful products, equipment, coping with tinnitus and how to access services. To take advantage of this offer, simply call 0845 634 0679 or email membership@rnid.org.uk and tell them that you're a supporter of Age Concern or join online at www.rnid.org.uk/ageconcernoffer

How to Avoid Falls

More than 40,000 over-65's injure themselves by falling each year. The most common causes of falls are poor balance, weak muscles, poor eyesight and dizziness caused by medication.

Top tips to avoid having a fall:

Take regular exercise to keep muscles strong and joints supple
Keep stairs and rooms well lit
Never leave objects on the stairs
Use non-slip rubber mats in the bath and shower and avoid small rugs in the bathroom
Replace worn carpets and rugs to avoid tripping on loose edges
Get up slowly from chairs and beds to avoid becoming dizzy as a result of falling blood pressure
Have regular eye tests
Avoid wearing long clothes which may trail on the floor
Don't rush to answer the door or telephone
If medication is making you dizzy consult your GP
Avoid poorly fitting shoes and slippers.

Harrow Wheelchair Service

This service is based at Northwick Park Hospital, Watford Rd, Harrow. They supply wheelchairs on a permanent basis on referral from GP's, Occupational therapists or from Physiotherapists. Contact Tel: 020 8869 3522

PALS (Patient Advice and Liaison Service)

PALS has been set up by Harrow PCT so that there is always someone to turn to. As a patient, relative or carer you may need help, advice or support and this is where PALS can help. It focuses on improving the services to NHS patients by offering advice and support, helping sort out problems quickly and effectively, listening to your concerns, suggestions and queries and encouraging user feedback in order to promote change.

For more information ring 020 8966 1031 or 020 8966 1146 Mon. - Fri. 10 a.m.- 4 p.m.

Tips for Good Foot Health

Proper foot care is essential to healthy, painless feet, and should be as much a part of your daily routine as brushing your teeth. Follow these tips for good foot health:-

Try to keep your feet as warm as possible - but don't cook them in front of the fire! Exercise is a good way of keeping your feet warm and improving circulation.
Avoid wearing shoes or socks which are too tight as they can restrict your circulation or cramp your toes.
Wash your feet every day in warm, soapy water but do not soak your feet for long periods as this could destroy the natural oils, leading to very dry skin. Dry feet thoroughly, especially between the toes.
Remove hard skin gently with a pumice stone, but not if it is over a bony area or joint or if the hard skin is painful. In this case consult a chiropodist or podiatrist
Always wear good fitting footwear - the older you get the more you need a shoe which holds your foot firmly in place to give adequate support. Lace-up or velcro fastening shoes give more support and comfort than slip-on.
Buy new shoes later in the day when feet tend to be at their largest and wear new shoes in slowly. Remember new shoes should not hurt your feet!
Ensure your toe nails are trimmed regularly using proper nail clippers. Cut straight across, not too short and not down at the corners as this can lead to in-growing toe nails.

In November 2007 Age Concern Harrow launched a toe-nail cutting service in order to provide an affordable nail cutting service for the older people in Harrow. For more information ring 020 8861 7985.

Age Concern Energy Services

Age Concern has teamed up with Powergen to offer an electricity and gas service dedicated to meeting the needs of older people.

Benefits include:

Competitive gas and electricity prices, with no standing charges, so customers only pay for what they use
A guaranteed cold weather payment of £10 for all gas customers. Plus, gas customers aged 60 and over may receive an additional payment based upon the number of days the temperature is below freezing
Four free low energy light bulbs
Three free carbon monoxide detectors, providing peace of mind for a full year
A free hypothermia thermometer
A 24-hour dedicated customer helpline
Clear, easy-to-follow bills
Free energy efficiency advice

To find out more about Age Concern Energy Services customers can call free on 0800 404 5010 or visit our office.