health

NHS

Choose the right service for your needs over Summer Bank Holiday

Authored by News Desk
Posted: Thu, 08/27/2020 - 12:43pm

Doctors in Devon are providing essential advice to people across the county on how to choose the right service for them if they feel unwell this August Bank Holiday weekend.

GP practices will be not be offering same-day appointments on Monday 31 August for the bank holiday, but other services are available for local people and visitors with urgent health needs over the holiday period:

  • NHS 111 – click on https://111.nhs.uk/ (for people aged over five only) or call 111 if you’re feeling unwell, unsure or if you need health advice and guidance in non-life-threatening
  • ...
Woman in a brown jacket and yellow jumper placing a disposable face mask on her face

Residents in Exeter urged to remain vigilant during ‘critical’ weeks ahead

Authored by Jenna Owen
Posted: Tue, 08/25/2020 - 3:59pm

Since the mandatory introduction of face masks in shops across England on Friday 24th July, there has been much discussion over the decision to formally implement this practice now rather than earlier.

Alastair Lockwood (MA, BM BCh, FRCOphth, PhD) is a consultant ophthalmologist specialising in glaucoma, currently residing at the Queen Alexandra Hospital in Portsmouth. In 2004, Mr. Lockwood was involved in a randomised control study which proved the reduction of droplet travel using dye to colour saliva for surgeons performing ophthalmic procedures and less contamination of the...

Dramatic rise in demand for mental health support during Covid-19 sees Independent Living West Country increase staff numbers by 51%

Demand for support for individuals suffering with acute mental health conditions during the coronavirus pandemic has led Exeter-based mental health support service, Independent Living West Country, to increase staff levels by 51% since April.

Set up following the withdrawal of MIND in the region in 2018, the business has seen demand for support and its services rise by 18%, driven by a dramatic rise in the number of clients being referred to it by Devon County Council, which has responsibility for the care of some of the county’s most vulnerable individuals once they leave the...

New Nordic

Brits need vitamin D after summer breaks away are cancelled

Authored by Claire Small
Posted: Wed, 08/12/2020 - 12:44pm

With summer holidays getting cancelled and the hot summer days in the UK feeling a long-distance memory, the NHS are encouraging people to take vitamin D supplements due to lockdown and poor weather.

The NHS has recommended people need to consider taking 10 micrograms of vitamin D a day to keep your bones, hair and muscles healthy.

Have you been feeling lethargic, short of energy, facing mood swings, muscle pains, or seeing a lot of hair loss recently?

A new study by, Scandinavian health and beauty brand, New Nordic , has revealed during lockdown 70% of Brits...

The NHS in Devon is here for you – reassurance as county prepares to welcome summer visitors

Authored by News Desk
Posted: Thu, 07/23/2020 - 6:24pm

The NHS in Devon has measures in place to keep local people and visitors safe as the county welcomes thousands of holidaymakers for the summer season.

With restrictions on holiday stays and day-tripping eased, Devonians are welcoming visitors attracted by the county’s glorious coastline and stunning countryside.

Doctors are encouraging everyone in the county to stay alert and respect Government safety rules on social distancing, isolating, face coverings and hand washing.

Dr Paul Johnson, Chair of NHS Devon Clinical Commissioning Group, the headquarters of the...

Research to reveal the evolutionary reasons why we get by with a little help from our friends

Authored by News Desk
Posted: Tue, 07/21/2020 - 3:41pm

The quest to discover why friendship plays such a pivotal role in social and mental well-being has been given a significant boost, it has been announced.

Professor Lauren Brent, an expert in animal behaviour from the University of Exeter has been awarded substantial funding to help uncover the evolutionary origins of friendship and social bonds.

Prof Brent has received a €2 million grant to conduct ground-breaking new research to investigate not only social bonds are so important to the health and longevity of so many species, but also why evolution allows social...

Five genius ways to get more Vitamin C for your skin

Authored by News Desk
Posted: Mon, 07/20/2020 - 6:29am

We know that vitamin C is key for us to have every day as it’s an antioxidant that protects cells, DNA, proteins, and lipids from oxidative damage. It is also essential for the formation of collagen, which is important for our skin as our body does not naturally produce the vitamin.

But with more of our favourite local restaurants adding takeaway options each week and the temptation of rewarding each working day with a glass of wine, it can be easy to let the nutrients and vitamins slip from our diet.

In addition to strengthening the immune system, it also has many other...

It’s easy to see your GP: 6 things you need to know

Authored by News Desk
Posted: Fri, 07/17/2020 - 3:59pm

More and more people in Devon are seeing their GPs as services continue to adapt to keep people safe from coronavirus.

Services like routine vaccinations and smear tests are now being offered, in addition to usual weekday GP appointments which can be held by phone, online or face-to-face.

Many people are surprised to know that GP services are fully available. Here’s how it works:

  1. If you need to see a GP, contact them online via their website, or by phone
  2. You will be offered a telephone, online or video consultation
  3. Your GP may suggest
  4. ...

£1.85 million for children’s health and maternity research 

A national research collaboration has been awarded £1.85 million to investigate children’s health and maternal wellbeing.

Researchers from PenARC (NIHR ARC South West Peninsula) based at the University of Exeter Medical School have collaborated with colleagues from ARC Yorkshire and Humber to develop the national research programme.

PenARC is one of the leading Applied Research Centres (ARCs) funded by the National Institute for Health Research (NIHR), conducting research to improve the health and needs of patients in the NHS. The new £1.85 million collaboration is...

Devon’s biggest ever community movement challenge set to launch

Authored by Mary Youlden
Posted: Fri, 07/03/2020 - 10:01am

Following a difficult period for many, Active Devon, Travel Devon and Devon County Council are launching a new, digitally enabled community movement challenge. Beginning 6 July and running over the summer, Let’s Move will offer Devon’s communities a chance to move more, celebrate our local communities and to win great prizes.

In overcoming these challenges and moving beyond the obstacles life throws at us, Let’s Move is also an inclusive celebration of every community across Devon, as well as how physical activity and movement can help us all, as both individuals and as...

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