Upton Group Practice

GENERAL HEALTH EDUCATION ADVICE

We believe that many of the illnesses we see can be prevented by following a healthy lifestyle.

SMOKING

Smoking is now well known to be a cause of many illnesses, and other family members of a smoker’s household are also more prone to illness. We advise you to stop smoking rather than just cut down.   We can supply you with leaflets and literature advising you how to stop. We can advise you on the use of nicotine chewing gum or nicotine patches available from the chemist which help you to give up smoking.

ALCOHOL

Alcohol is another major cause of illness. Apart from its effect on the body, causing heart, and stomach disease, excessive alcohol can also lead to road traffic accidents, accidents at work, marriage problems and loss of jobs.

The maximum recommended amount of alcohol per week is 21 units for men and 14 units for women. (1 unit is equal to half a pint of ordinary beer, or 1 glass of wine, or a single measure of spirits).

DIET

What we eat can have an important effect on our health. If we are overweight or obese, this can lead to heart disease and sugar diabetes. In later life it can also add to the chance of arthritis particularly of the hips and knees. A diet very high in fat can also led to hardening of the arteries and heart disease. Too little fibre or roughage can lead to bowel problems. Too much sugar can help cause dental problems.

Try not to eat foods which contain too many animal fats such as red meats, butter, cheese, and lard.  Try to avoid fried foods and to increase your intake of  chicken, turkey, and especially oily fish.

Eat more roughage such as bran-containing breakfast cereal  (Weetabix, Shredded Wheat, All-bran, or porridge oats), salad, green vegetables, potatoes, wholemeal bread and  fresh fruit.

EXCERCISE

A lack of regular exercise may help cause heart disease, circulation problems and obesity. Taking regular exercise helps us keep our weight down and helps circulation and lungs. We suggest you exercise for periods of at least 20 minutes each week, which makes you sweat or breathless.   You could take a brisk walk or perhaps visit the swimming pool. Remember, if you have not taken part in any physical exercise for some years and are over 40, you should seek advice before starting.

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Last modified: 15/09/2005