Welcome to this week's waffle, where we linger a little longer on the general back to school, back in the groove theme, to acknowledge that, despite all our upbeat intentions, family life can sometimes get hard. Flippin' hard, in fact!!
On the bad days, it's a messy combination of wading through treacle, running up a down escalator and herding cats (with a healthy dose of parental guilt that you 'should' be feeling grateful for the privilege).
No wonder that the constant juggle puts pressure on even the strongest relationships. Couples who previously felt close and worked well together can suddenly find themselves arguing about who emptied the dishwasher, whose turn it is to get up with the baby, or why one person seems to be carrying more of the mental load. Such circumstances can easily create an unfortunate cascade of health related issues (mental and emotional of course, but also physical) So it's well worth investing as much as possible in some preventive strategies.
September: The Real New Year for Growth and Change
September heralds a time when many of us reassess our priorities, re-enter routines, begin new roles, face organisational change, or prepare for the year ahead.
Issues that we've been too busy or distracted to notice over the playful and social summer months can come back to the fore. A career that no longer excites us. A leadership challenge we've been avoiding. A dream we've postponed for another year. A confidence issue that keeps holding us back. A relationship that is coming to an end.
If any of this resonates, then fear not, because this week we have a guest blog post from executive coach, writer and friend of Winchester GP, Lynne Copp. Thank you Lynn for talking us down from our 'September Scaries' and helping us to remember that the season is, in fact, simply brimming with potential!
Help! Our chicks are flying the nest!
Are you drawing a line in the sand?
Navigating the social care sector- some personal notes
How Do I Know If I Need Therapy? Signs It Could Help and What to Expect
How to prepare for a night shift and recover afterwards!
Sadly, there is no medical 'cure' for lack of sleep other than, erm... sleep. BUT our team of doctors wouldn't have passed medical training without learning a few tricks about preparing for an arduous night shift. Here, then, are a few nuggets on preparing for a long night and recovering ASAP the morning after...
Gentlemen! Try this hack to coax yourselves in to the doctor's office!
Welcome to this week's waffle, in which we chat Men's health in the lead up to Men's Health Week and in our 'community notices' section at the bottom a lovely volunteering initiative from a local Winchester charity.
Teaching New Dogs Old Tricks - why re-learning the 'old ways' can be a powerful ally in caring for your health
Stick or Twist? How to know when to change treatment?
Welcome to this week’s waffle where, inspired by the latest machinations at 10 Downing Street, we are musing on the theme of how to know when to “stick or twist”. Because in medicine, as in politics, it can be challenging to know whether pushing on with the current plan is better than throwing it all out and trying something entirely new — or is it a case of more subtle refinements that will reap greater rewards in the fullness of time?
Promoting calm in the name of smooth transit
The current Strait of Hormuz blockade is a great case of geo-politics imitating what your doctor has long known- effective transfer of ‘goods’ through a narrow canal needs a tension free environment! Inner calm is key to digestive comfort and efficiency - read on to learn how the sympathetic and parasympathetic systems need to reach a global understanding for this to happen.
Be Brave! Step out of your comfort zone!
Be Brave...Step Outside Your Comfort Zone
When was the last time you stepped out of your comfort zone? Whether it's a new challenge, a difficult conversation, or simply admitting that something doesn’t feel right, human nature will often tell us to play it safe and familiar - don't rock the boat. This instinct can sometimes be to our longer-term detriment.
When the financial world is chaos, focus on the one asset that really matters
The last weekend in March is traditionally when I feel motivated to get a few life sorting ducks in a row- a bit of financial planning, bit of travel planning perhaps - all of which seems a little bit compromised right now. So I’m satisfying my urge to feel in control of something meaningful by playing around with a financial management approach to wellbeing. It's not perfect, but see what you think...
Meningitis B- reasons to remain calm
Using Steroid Creams Correctly for Eczema: An Evidence-Based Guide
When used correctly, topical steroids are safe, effective, and recommended by UK dermatology guidance. Understanding how, and when, to use them can make a big difference to your skin and your confidence in treatment. Read on as Dr Rina, Winchester GP with special interest in dermatology helps you to get the best out of steroid treatments.
Healthy Habits This Lent
Winter Slump… or Could It Be the Perimenopause?
Here we are, hopefully at the tail end of Winter, and it’s quite normal to feel a bit frazzled. Lack of sunlight and constant rain can really zap energy levels, and leave you feeling flat and a bit fuzzy headed. But if you’re a woman in your late 30s, 40s, or early 50s, it’s worth considering another possible cause that might be flying under the radar: perimenopause.
Heart Health Month: Why Cardiac Screening Matters and How to Reduce Your Cardiovascular Risk
Social Media Is Making Us Doubt Ourselves — About Parenting and our Health
Maintaining weightloss after GLP-1 medications
GLP-1 medications such as Wegovy and Mounjaro can enable significant weight loss, but maintaining results after treatment requires a different strategy. This article explains the physiology of weight regain and outlines practical, evidence-based approaches to protect metabolism, manage appetite, and sustain long-term success.