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Menās Health Week 15-21 June, is a reminder that looking after both physical and mental wellbeing is vital. In England, men are more likely to die from major conditions such as heart disease and cancer. Taking small steps can make a big difference, from staying active and eating well to checking in on how you are feeling.
One of the simplest ways to take control of your health is by booking a free NHS Health Check - a quick 20-minute appointment that can help spot early signs of conditions such as heart disease, stroke, diabetes and kidney disease. If you are aged 40 to 74, you may be eligible.
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šCheck your eligibility for an NHS Health Check and book an appointment.
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Bowel Screening is another way to help keep you healthy. It can help find cancer early, and before you have any symptoms, which may mean it's easier to treat. If you're aged 50 to 74 and registered with a GP, you'll automatically get a bowel cancer screening home test kit (FIT kit) through the post every 2 years.
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Hot weather can affect everyoneās health, but simple steps can makeĀ a big difference.Ā Taking actionĀ early helps protect you and those around you fromĀ heatārelated illness and keeps everyone safer during the summer months.
- Be prepared ā plan ahead for hot days, especially if you or others are at higher risk.
- Keep cool and hydrated ā drink water regularly, wear light clothing and take breaks in the shade.
- Keep your home cool ā use shading, ventilation and adjust appliances to reduce indoor heat.
- Check on others ā look out for older people, young children, and anyone who may need extra support
- Know the signs of heat exhaustion and heat stroke ā act quickly and seek help if someone becomes unwell.
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If youāre out in the heat or need a break from a hot home, consider spending time in a cool space such as a library, community centre, shop, or other airāconditioned public building to help your body cool down safely. Cool spaces are indoor spaces for Londoners to shelter from the sun, cool down, rest and take respite on hot days. Check out the Cool Spaces Map to find one near you.Ā
Up to 9 in 10 cases of melanoma skin cancer in the UK could be prevented by staying safe in the sun and avoiding sunbeds
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Sunburn increases your risk of skin cancer. Sunburn does not just happen on holiday. You can burn in the UK, even when it's cloudy.
Itās important to stay safe in the sun by spending time in the shade, covering up with clothes and a hat, and using sunscreen with at least SPF 30 and 4 or 5 stars.
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If you're travelling abroad over the summer holidays, check that you and your family, including children, are up to date with all recommended vaccinations before setting off. This is especially important as some countries may have ongoing outbreaks or much higher rates of key diseases such as measles or hepatitis A, which increases the risk to you and your family.Ā
Some destinations may require additional vaccines or boosters, so itās worth planning ahead and allowing enough time for these to take full effect. Being protected helps keep you, your family, and the communities you visit safe from preventable diseases.
Have questions about vaccinations or what you might need for your trip? Speak to your GP or practice to find out which vaccinations you or your family might need.Ā
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 Cervical screening (previously called a smear test) checks the health of your cervix. It's not a test for cancer, it's a test to try and help prevent cancer.
Women and anyone with a cervix aged 25 to 64, and registered with a GP, should be invited by a letter to get cervical screening every five years. The test is usually done at your GP practice, you will need to make sure your contact details are up to date to receive your invitation.
You'll get an invitation through the NHS App, by text or by letter asking you to make an appointment and telling youāÆhow toĀ book. You can book an appointment as soon as you get an invitation.
If you missed your last cervical screening, you do not need to wait for an invitation to book an appointment.Ā
š«¶ Learn more about what to expect and available support.Ā
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Air pollution is considered the biggest environmental risk to public health in the UK, with some groups more at risk, such as children, those with existing health conditions and pregnant women. Early exposure can lead to lifelong health problems. Taking action to address air pollution is an important step in tackling climate change and also protects you and your family from health risks.
The Council has an Air Quality Action Plan with measures to monitor and tackle air pollution and protect health. Some measures include, active and sustainable travel policies, schoolsā streets, anti-idling work, working with the most vulnerable on indoor air pollution and a new Clean Air Schools Accreditation Scheme.
šØJoin us on Clean Air Day, 18 June, to explore the air we breathe.
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Quit smoking to help keep our air clean. Quitting smoking delivers other personal benefits quickly ā within three days, breathing and energy levels improve; within weeks, skin and circulation benefit; and within a year, the risk of heart attack is halved. You're four times more likely to quit smoking with support.Ā
Our Stop Smoking Service offers:
- Free tailored one-to-one support.
- Swap to Stop scheme ā vape kit with three months of supplies for smokers 18+.
- Nicotine Replacement Therapies (NRT) including patches, lozenges, oral and nasal spray.
- Information on what to expect when trying to quit.
- Access to stop smoking medications.
- Tips for managing withdrawal symptoms and triggers.
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