 Sexual Health Hounslow (SHH) is teaming up with the Council to raise awareness of the importance of regular HIV testing, and to tackle common misconceptions around HIV care and treatment. Testing remains the most effective way to reduce the spread of HIV and prevent harm.
Advances in HIV care over the years mean many people living with HIV experience no symptoms and, when diagnosed early and treated effectively, can live healthy lives with no risk of transmission. However, this is only possible if people are aware of their HIV status.
To order a free testing kit, just head to the Sexual Health London website. You can also speak to your GP or local sexual health clinic about getting tested for free.
February is Oesophageal Cancer Awareness Month. Symptoms can feel like less serious conditions, but it's always worth getting them checked out.
If you're experiencing persistent heartburn or indigestion, or difficulty swallowing, please contact your GP.
You're particularly at risk of oesophageal cancer if you're over 75, you smoke or drink alcohol, and if you're overweight.
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 Hounslow is marking Safer Internet Day today (Tuesday, 10 February) by encouraging residents to seek advice and guidance about the potential dangers of their online lives.
A new resource is now available from Hounslow’s Safeguarding Children Partnership to support parents, young people and practitioners across the borough.
But online safety is also relevant to vulnerable adults. The resources below would be helpful to people with a learning disability and elderly people:
 When Emily from Feltham joined BetterPoints, she was only active two days a week. Over the last three years, she has now increased that to five days every week.
Her BetterPoints reward points, which she can exchange for vouchers to use in Tesco, Argos and Sainsbury's, have helped to motivate her as she makes changes to her lifestyle.
Emily said: "Making this change has improved my mental health massively, and I’ve also taken steps to improve my diet. My physical health has improved too. I don’t get out of breath as much as I used to, and I can walk longer distances and exercise for longer without getting tired as quickly."
Download the free BetterPoints app today to make a positive change to your health like Emily.
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Are you or someone you know struggling with gambling addiction?
The Primary Care Gambling Service (PCGS) is a free and confidential NHS service for anyone experiencing gambling harm. It also provides support for anyone impacted by someone else’s gambling.
It's free and confidential and is made up of health and social care professionals who can help with physical, mental and financial problems caused by gambling.
You can refer yourself or someone else today.
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Many parents understandably head straight to A&E when their small child is sick because they're worried they won’t get a GP appointment in time.
But in Hounslow, help is available sooner than you might think, as there are now 750 additional monthly GP appointments for children aged 0-4.
If you’re unsure what to do, call NHS 111. They can assess your child’s symptoms and book a GP appointment if needed. Many childhood illnesses can be safely managed at home with the right advice.
For trusted local NHS guidance, visit Hounslow Healthier Together and check symptoms within seconds.
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 Head to the BridgeLink Centre in Isleworth for a community health event from 11am-1pm on Thursday, 26 February.
It will be an engaging and informative morning, focused on local health and wellbeing. You can chat with friendly health and social care professionals, ask questions, get guidance and discover services that can help you. You can also get a free flu jab and blood pressure check.
Partners including the Health Outreach Team, Employment and Education Advisors, Adult Social Care, Carers Support and Healthy Hounslow will be on hand to offer support and advice.
You don't need to book a place, just turn up on the day.
Do you want to share information about breast cancer screening in your community and get paid £50?
The Council and Imperial College London's breast screening community champion programme gives you the chance to do just that.
The champions receive training and use simple materials like leaflets, a video and posters to improve breast screening rates over a six-month period, saving lives in the process.
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