How do I know if I need therapy?" There isn't a single answer, but this guest post from Dr Alice Harris demystifies not just how therapy can help but also how to choose your therapist and what the first sessions might involve. Enjoy the read!
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.
Restless Legs Syndrome
Whilst it might sound comical, restless leg syndrome is so much more than just a case of the fidgets. Causing sleep disturbance, making it dangerous to drive, and ruling out trips to the cinema, this condition is not to be underestimated. Read on for our tips and a run down of the multiple options available through your GP to get you from restless to rested!
Mounjaro money saving: The right (and wrong) way
Weight loss medications are a significant investment, so it’s only natural that patients will be on the look out to save money wherever possible. In this week’s waffle we talk about two methods we would absolutely avoid, and two others that could not only save you money but also increase your chances of long term success. :-)
Teenage Acne - In the Spotlight
Teenage acne is common - very common, in fact! Even if you, or the teen in your life is not plagued by severe symptoms, being a teenager is surely challenging enough without dealing with acne. That's why the doctors at Winchester GP are wholly supportive of taking acne seriously, and taking proactive steps to minimise its impact on health and happiness. Read on for tips on management from self help to how your GP or dermatologist can help.
