 Image of the River Ouse, Lewes
From the newsroom...
Welcome to the latest issue of Health and Social Care News East Sussex.
We were in festive mood during June. First we celebrated the many things that make our county great - from its diverse landscapes and rich history, to its people and much more - on Sussex Day (16 June).
Now we're looking forward to celebrating the NHS' 75th birthday (5 July). To mark the occasion, the NHS is hoping as many of us as possible can join them at NHS 75 activities throughout the county during the next month.
As we look forward to the summer, it's important to remember to look after our health and wellbeing. With temperatures rising in the UK, we have advice on coping with hay fever - and where to seek help with it - and a guide on how to avoid heat exhaustion and what to do if it does happen. There's also been a rise in cases of measles, reminding us of the importance of the MMR jab - have you had yours?
Among the celebrations and hopes for the summer its easy to forget that some of us might be feeling lonely. This month, we have advice on what to do and where to go if loneliness strikes. Things such as building your confidence and meeting people can help; two things that volunteering can do, as our article highlights.
We hope you have a great month and enjoy the summer.
Rise in measles cases highlights importance of MMR jab
Residents across East Sussex are being urged to check they are up to date with their MMR (measles, mumps and rubella) vaccinations following a national rise in measles cases.
Public health officials are encouraging people to protect their communities by making sure they, and their children, have received the MMR jab which protects against measles, mumps and rubella.
Learn more about the MMR vaccine.
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Dealing with hay fever doesn’t need to be a headache
Around 1-in-5 of us will be affected by hay fever in our lives, so it’s important to know how to lessen symptoms.
But did you know that you don’t need a prescription from your GP to get hay fever and allergy medicines. Your local pharmacy should be the first point of call?
Getting advice on how to deal with hay fever.
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How to stay safe this summer and avoid heat exhaustion
While many of us are keen to enjoy the sunny weather while it’s here, it’s worth bearing in mind that high temperatures can also come with a degree of danger.
Getting outside has many health and wellbeing benefits, but when the temperature gets very hot you should know how to safe and well.
How to prevent heat exhaustion and heat stroke.
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#LetsTalkScreening for Cervical Cancer Awareness Week
Around one in three people in East Sussex have missed their potentially life-saving cervical screen, figures show.
While more than 100,000 people in East Sussex have had a cervical screen during the last five years, nearly a third of those eligible for a smear test have not taken up their appointment.
What to expect from your appointment.
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Celebrating 10 years of Healthwatch at its annual event
Have you ever wanted to share your thoughts on the county’s health and social care services – now’s your chance at an event being run by Healthwatch East Sussex this July.
As services in our county continue to change, the ‘Your Voice Counts: Celebrating 10 years of Healthwatch’ event lets you to tell your story of what’s working and what isn’t when it comes to health and social care.
Find out how to attend.
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Are you feeling lonely? You’re not alone
Image via Pixabay
Loneliness affects most of us at some stage of our lives, whether it’s for a few days, weeks or longer.
There are lots of things that can make us feel lonely, from a job or house move, to having a new baby, going through a break up, retirement and bereavement. Sometimes it’s just how we feel.
Feeling lonely for a long time can impact our health and wellbeing, so it’s important we all take steps to help if we, or others, are experiencing loneliness.
Learn more about making connections and coping with loneliness.
Volunteering: the health and wellbeing benefits of offering a helping hand
Volunteering is about more than helping your community. It's been shown to improve wellbeing while also giving you valuable new skills and experiences that can boost confidence.
Volunteering in East Sussex is thriving. It happens where you see it, such as in charity shops, and where you don’t, such as neighbours lending each other a helping hand, or being a trustee for a local charity. It all matters, and it all improves our communities and our lives.
To celebrate Volunteer Week (1-7 June) we’re letting you know how you can become a volunteer.
Your one-stop services directory...
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