The importance of addressing your insomnia – new study reveals it could protect you against dementia

If you’ve struggled with insomnia, you will know the frustration of not being able to fall asleep and you’re aware of the short-term impact it has on your brain’s ability to function. But did you know it has been linked to memory problems in later life?

A new study has been looking into the theory that there may be a link between chronic insomnia and dementia and found that the condition increases the risk of developing dementia by 40%.

The study

Several previous studies have found a link between insomnia and various health concerns – both physical conditions like obesity, type 2 diabetes and high blood pressure, and neurological ones like Alzheimer’s disease and dementia.

For this study, a team of researchers at Minnesota’s Mayo Clinic, set out to find out more about the link between insomnia and dementia.

The team recruited 2,750 adults with an average age of 70. No participants had any cognitive decline at the beginning of the study, and 16% suffered from chronic insomnia. They were tracked for 5.6 years on average, during which time they underwent cognitive function and memory tests, answered questions about their sleeping patters and had regular brain scans to check for markers of Alzheimer’s disease, including white matter hyperintensities and beta-amyloid plaques.

At the end of the study, it was found that those participants suffering from chronic insomnia were 40% more likely to develop dementia or cognitive impairment than their better-rested peers.

What does this mean for insomnia sufferers?

Firstly, it is always important to remember that correlation is not causation – just because there’s a link, that does not mean that insomnia causes dementia. But such a high-risk increase does warrant concern, and if you do have serious sleeping problems this is one more reason to do something about it.

Another key thing to note about this study is that the patients with increased risk of dementia had chronic insomnia, which is defined as having serious difficulty sleeping for three or more nights every week over a minimum period of three months.

What can be done to treat insomnia?

There are various insomnia treatments, and the right one for you will depend on which type of insomnia you suffer from – this could be sleep onset insomnia, where you struggle getting to sleep at the beginning of the night, or sleep maintenance insomnia, where you may not have a problem falling asleep at bedtime, but then wake up in the night and have difficulty getting back to sleep.

Or you might have terminal insomnia, which is when you wake up long before your alarm and can’t get back to sleep. Or any combination of the above! Importantly, sometimes insomnia occurs because of an existing medical condition, such as anxiety or depression, and this is known as comorbid insomnia. If this is the case for you, it’s a good idea to seek help for the underlying medical condition before treating the insomnia.

Insomnia treatments might involve Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), to help you control any negative thoughts that might be keeping you awake, or you might choose to go down a more hi-tech route, using one of the many sleep apps that are available to help you drift off using techniques such as guided meditations and sleep trackers.

If you’re struggling with insomnia and would like to speak to a medical expert about your concerns, please contact us to book an appointment today.

/by

Menopause and your cholesterol

Menopause often hits at a busy and stressful time in a woman’s life, when she is at the peak of her career and often caring for both children and ageing parents at the same time. The combination of all those stressors can make it difficult to recognise the mood swings and fatigue as symptoms of menopause, and even if you do realise something’s amiss, finding the time to get the problem diagnosed and treated can seem like an impossible task.

However, there are reasons to ensure you are monitoring your menopause, beyond getting relief from the hot flushes, night sweats, brain fog and low mood, and one such reason is the link between menopause and high cholesterol. October is both Menopause Awareness Month and HEART UK’s National Cholesterol Month, so what better time to take a moment for yourself and think about your health needs?

How does menopause affect your cholesterol?

There are several midlife factors that can cause your cholesterol levels to go up: a sedentary lifestyle (sitting at a desk all day), unhealthy diet (because you’re too busy dealing with everyone else’s needs to pack yourself a healthy lunch) and weight gain (often linked to the aforementioned issues) can all have an impact.

But the biggest factor for women’s cholesterol is the inevitable dip in oestrogen that happens when we enter menopause. Although the exact reasons for this link between oestrogen and cholesterol is unclear, it is evident that the link exists as, even before menopause, women display fluctuating cholesterol levels along with the variations in oestrogen level that occur throughout the menstrual cycle.

Perimenopause can begin long before any changes in your menstrual cycle, with symptoms that include:

  • night sweats
  • fatigue
  • hot flushes
  • low mood and irritability

The change in cholesterol level, however, tends to take place in the two years surrounding the menopause itself – the point at which your periods actually stop.

What are the risks of high cholesterol?

Once we have hit menopause, our levels of ‘good’ cholesterol (high-density lipoproteins) begin to plateau, while ‘bad’ cholesterol (low-density lipoproteins) starts to surge. This can increase your risk of cardiovascular disease, which can potentially lead to life-threatening medical incidents such as heart attack or stroke.

Of course, not every woman whose cholesterol levels go up at menopause is going to have a heart attack – it is perfectly normal for cholesterol to increase with age, and if you generally live a healthy lifestyle, a small fluctuation in cholesterol might be nothing to worry about. However, it is important to keep an eye on your cholesterol, particularly as you enter midlife.

What can be done to improve my cholesterol levels through menopause?

The first and most important step is to book an appointment with your GP, both to discuss your menopause symptoms and to check your cholesterol levels. They will then be able to talk you through the various options for managing both, which may include hormone replacement therapy (HRT).

If your cholesterol levels are found to be concerning, you may be able to manage this through lifestyle changes such as eating a healthy diet or getting regular exercise. If this proves unsuccessful, then medical treatments are available.

If you have concerns about menopause, cholesterol or both, and would like to speak in confidence to a medical professional, please contact us to book an appointment.

/by

McMigraine: Can a happy meal cure a headache?

Anybody who suffers from migraines will know that they can be pretty debilitating, and that you would try anything that promised to offer relief. So, it’s hardly surprising that when a new TikTok trend emerged suggesting that fast food might be the answer, migraine sufferers the world over were prepared to give it a go.

But is there any truth behind the trend? In this post we’re going to break down what a migraine is – and how it differs from a standard headache – and what, if anything can be done about it.

What is a migraine?

A migraine can be different things for different people – some mainly experience visual symptoms, while others are bedridden for days in excruciating pain. The following are the most common types of migraine:

  • Migraine with aura – this type of migraine is usually preceded by visual disturbance, tingling, or difficulty speaking that warns the sufferer a migraine is imminent
  • Migraine without aura – these migraines come on suddenly with no warning, just immediate, throbbing pain in the head, and often around the eyes
  • Chronic migraine – this term is used for patients who suffer from migraines for 15 or more days per month
  • Menstrual migraine – as the name suggests, these migraines are linked to hormonal changes, such as puberty, pregnancy and menopause, and can be triggered by certain contraceptive pills
  • Vestibular migraine – this type of migraine is characterised by the additional symptoms of vertigo, dizziness and loss of balance
  • Hemiplegic migraine – this is the rarest type of migraine and is often confused with a stroke, as it tends to involve temporary weakness on one side of the body

Crucially, a migraine is not the same as a headache. Sufferers are often highly sensitive to light while in the throes of a migraine and are physically unable to continue life as normal.

Most over-the-counter painkillers won’t touch a migraine, and it is very common for patients to need to retreat to a darkened room on their own until the pain has passed, while a standard headache can usually be easily treated with paracetamol.

What causes migraines?

The truth is that no one is exactly sure what the mechanism is that causes some people (around one in seven) to suffer migraines and others not. However, we do know that there are some things that can trigger a migraine attack. Frequent triggers are:

  • Hormonal changes (see menstrual migraine, above)
  • Changes in the weather – some people are more prone to migraines when the weather is heavy and thundery, for example
  • Certain foods – commonly dairy produce, caffeine or alcohol
  • Stress
  • Lack of sleep
  • Dehydration
  • Hunger

Can fast food help?

It is unlikely that eating fast food will cure migraines long term – and eating it regularly is likely to cause more problems than it solves – but there may be some short-term relief from consuming something that is high in salt and sugar, particularly if your migraines are triggered by hunger or thirst.

However, it is worth considering that, while TikTokkers might recommend a full fat cola and a portion of fries to treat your migraine, the advice on caffeine in the cola is mixed. Caffeine is a nerve disruptor and an ingredient in some migraine relief medication, but, for some people, caffeine can actually trigger migraine attacks.

So, what can be done?

If you suffer from migraines, the first step is to book a consultation with your GP to discuss the type of migraine you experience and what you consider to be the triggers. There are plenty of medications available that can effectively treat migraine pain, but the right treatment for you will depend on several different factors, which can be discussed in consultation. Studies show that a close relationship between doctor, patient and pharmacist is the best way to provide an effective migraine treatment plan.

For more information or to book a consultation with one of our GPs, please contact us.

/by

Can you reverse atherosclerosis?

September is Vascular Disease Awareness Month, so we wanted to highlight a common, but little discussed, condition: atherosclerosis.

Heart disease is the second most common cause of death in the UK (and number one for men), and atherosclerosis is one of the major factors that leads to heart disease. Patients are often keen to know what can be done to cure atherosclerosis: can it be reversed? To answer that question, we first need to establish what atherosclerosis is, and what causes it.

What is atherosclerosis?

Atherosclerosis is a chronic inflammatory disease that occurs when the lining of the arteries becomes damaged and plaque begins to build up. This causes the arteries to narrow, making it harder for blood to travel through them, which – left untreated – can eventually lead to a heart attack or stroke.

What are the causes of atherosclerosis?

As with any medical condition, the exact causes will vary from patient to patient, and no book or article should be seen as a viable alternative to a medical consultation. Some patients have a genetic predisposal to the condition – if you have a family history of cardiovascular disease or high cholesterol it is definitely worth seeing your GP regularly to monitor your cholesterol levels, among other things.

Some other common causes are:

  • High blood pressure (hypertension)
  • Smoking
  • Obesity
  • Diabetes
  • Very high, or very low, cholesterol
  • Physical inactivity

How can atherosclerosis be treated?

So, can this condition be reversed? The good news is that by taking some steps towards a healthier lifestyle, you can prevent further plaque build-up and manage the condition yourself. These steps include:

  • Quitting smoking
  • Eating a healthy, balanced diet that is low in saturated fats and high in fruits, vegetables and complex carbohydrates
  • Maintaining regular physical activity – this doesn’t have to mean running several miles a week, it can be as simple as walking around the block twice a day. Any increase in activity will improve your overall health, and the more you do, the more you will be able to do.

Even if you do not currently have a diagnosis of atherosclerosis, taking these steps will not only help to improve your overall health, but will help to prevent you from developing atherosclerosis in future – and prevention is always better than cure?

What medical interventions are available to treat atherosclerosis?

Depending on the severity of your atherosclerosis, medical treatment may be advised. The standard prescription is statins, a cholesterol medication, while beta blockers can be used to relieve stress on the heart, or blood thinners like aspirin might be prescribed to help the blood flow more freely and prevent clotting.

Additionally, if the cause of your atherosclerosis is diabetes or obesity and you are struggling to make healthy lifestyle changes yourself, weight loss medications like Wegovy may help to make that process easier.

Ultimately, a full and thorough consultation alongside diagnostic testing will determine the best course of treatment for you.

For further information or to book a consultation, please contact us.

/by

Understanding the UV index and what it says about your risk

There has been a lot of talk recently about the UV index, and how it can be used to assess the risk from sun exposure. But how much do you really understand about what the UV index is and how it works? And can you really use it as a measure to indicate how much sun protection you need. We answer your frequently asked questions:

What is the UV index?

The UV index is a standardised measurement to show the intensity of UV (ultraviolet) radiation in a specific location and at a specific time. It was a joint development from the World Health Organisation (WHO) and the World Meteorological Organisation (WMO), to help people understand the level of UV radiation on any given day and take the precautions necessary to protect themselves.

How do I read the UV index?

The UV index is generally reported as a number between 0 and 11(+). As you might expect, 0 is the lowest level of UV – which only occurs at nighttime – and 11 is the highest. When the UV index is reported at 11, burn can occur within just ten minutes of exposure to the sun.

What’s the difference between the UV index and the weather forecast?

Many people think that the UV index is higher on a hot day and lower when it is cold. And this might be true, but the UV index is dependent on more than just temperature. Cloud cover can make a difference, as can altitude, because the atmosphere is thinner the higher up you go – which is why skiers are so prone to sunburn. In countries like New Zealand, which sits beneath a hole in the ozone layer, the UV index tends to be higher all year round than it is in Europe.

If the UV index is low, do I still need to protect my skin from the sun?

Absolutely. The UV index is great to give us an idea of the level of sun protection we need – if the reading is 11, for example, you may want to consider not going out into the sun at all unless it’s absolutely necessary – but it certainly shouldn’t be used as an indicator of whether we need to protect our skin at all. If you have very pale or sensitive skin, you could still burn even if the UV index is 1, depending on how long you are in the sun. And even those with darker skin tones can burn at level 2, if they stay outside for long enough.

What is the point of the UV index?

We are all at risk from excess UV exposure, but some people’s risk is greater than others. If you have previously had skin cancer, for example, protecting your skin from the sun becomes vitally important.

What is the bottom line?

The UV index is a fantastic tool to help us consider how much time we should be spending outdoors, or the level of sun protection we need. However, UV exposure can be harmful whatever the number, and we should all be wearing SPF 30+ – and topping it up at regular intervals – every day.

If you have any concerns about your risk from sun exposure or would like to discuss anything else with one of our team, please contact us.

/by

Is a four-day work week the answer?

,

Researchers from Boston College have carried out a landmark trial across six countries, to assess whether moving to a four-day working week would improve employees’ physical and mental health.

The trial included nearly 3,000 workers across 141 companies, in Australia, Canada, Ireland, New Zealand, the UK and the US, who shortened their work week to four days instead of five, without reducing pay. This reduced work schedule lasted for six months, preceded by two months of training to help them adjust to changes in workflow and improve efficiency.

The results were unanimous across the board, showing that employees working a four-day week reported less burnout, greater job satisfaction and improved mental and physical health.

“A patient’s company recently trialled the four-day week and it was so successful, they’ve retained an early finish on a Friday for the long term,” comments Dr Justine Setchell. “Employee satisfaction is much higher, and productivity has stayed the same.”

Can we expect to see a four-day week implemented soon?

Sadly, one of the limitations of the study was that participants were self-selecting, meaning that those companies taking part were likely to already have an interest in flexible working and improved work-life balance. So, while it would be great to see this reduced working week rolled out across the UK, the likelihood is that more traditional organisations will be slow to take it up.

Why was there a need for this study in the first place?

Employee burnout is at an all-time high in the aftermath of the Covid-19 pandemic, when the line between work and home became blurred, and many of us are struggling to re-establish that separation.

Symptoms of burnout can include:

  • Physical and mental fatigue
  • A negative attitude to work
  • Reduced efficacy at work

We can see from that list that employees are not the only ones who suffer when burnout becomes a problem – work-related stress has an impact on your performance, which means that employers need to act, not just to improve their employees physical and mental wellbeing, but also to improve productivity.

What can be done about employee burnout without reducing the working week?

Occupational health is one of the key services we offer here at GP London W1, which means that we work together with employers to ensure that their employees needs are met, to reduce burnout, improve employees’ sense of work-life balance and satisfaction at work, and increase productivity and employee retention.

Some of the key steps employers can take to reduce burnout include:

  • Talk to your employees – find out who feels their workload is too much for them, who has things going on at home that might be affecting their performance at work, and who might benefit from a more flexible work schedule, for example due to caring responsibilities.
  • Look at your practices, to ensure workloads are evenly spread and that employees are provided with the resources they need to manage stress.
  • Bring in an outside organisation to check in with employees’ physical and mental health regularly and suggest ways this can be improved.

It would be fantastic to see a four-day working week implemented across the UK, as this trial has shown the benefits to far outweigh any perceived negatives – and in fact, productivity improved alongside employee wellbeing. In the meantime, however, an increased focus on occupational health will help to reduce workplace burnout.

For more information about our occupational health services, or to arrange a discussion, please contact us.

/by

Weight loss medications – the benefits and the risks

Weight loss medications, such as Mounjaro and Wegovy, have experienced a significant surge in popularity since their licensing for use in weight management, with an estimated 1.5 million people in the UK now using them. There is no doubt that they can be highly effective in helping people to lose weight, and the vast majority of patients report feeling fitter and healthier than they have in years.

As with any medication, however, there are potential risks and side effects, and some patients may have been alarmed by recent reports about a link between weight loss drugs and incidents of pancreatitis.

To help put things into perspective, we have compiled a round-up of the potential risks and benefits of weight loss medications, so you can make an informed decision about whether this is something you want to pursue. It is essential to remember, however, that this is not a substitute for a consultation with one of our doctors.

The benefits of weight loss injections

Injectable weight loss medication has become popular for a reason: it works. Extensive studies, examining data from hundreds of patients, are emerging and showing real, tangible benefits from medications like Mounjaro and Wegovy, with patients losing up to 20% of their body weight after approximately eighteen months of regular use.

Scientists are not yet entirely sure of the mechanism whereby these medications aid weight loss, but according to patients who have been using them for a while, they help motivation by suppressing the appetite and ‘reducing food noise’ – that little voice in your head that tells you it’s time to eat something, even when you’re not hungry.

And while weight loss might be many patients’ primary motivator in taking the drugs, there are health benefits too:

  • Diabetes control – this is what the meds were first approved for, and they are highly successful in reducing diabetes patients’ insulin requirements. They do this by stimulating the pancreas to produce more insulin, and by reducing the amount of glucagon in the body – a hormone that causes glucose to enter the bloodstream
  • Reduced risk of heart attack and stroke – perhaps a side effect of the weight loss, studies are beginning to show a significant reduction in strokes, heart attacks and deaths from cardiovascular disease in patients using these drugs

The risks of weight loss injections

All medications carry a risk, and weight loss injections are no exception. Some of the side effects outlined for medications like Mounjaro and Wegovy are as follows:

  • Gastrointestinal side effects – some patients have reported vomiting and diarrhoea whilst taking these drugs
  • Pancreatitis –because of the effect that these drugs have on the pancreas, they can, occasionally, cause it to become inflamed. This is an infrequent side effect, but it is essential to be aware of it, particularly if you are suffering from the nausea and vomiting described above, which can be a symptom of pancreatitis
  • Thyroid cancer – there is a slight association between these medications and thyroid cancer. It is not known whether this association is causative, and again, it is very rare, but many doctors will refuse to prescribe these drugs to patients with a family history of thyroid cancer

A significant concern raised among medical professionals is the high rate of weight regain after discontinuing weight loss medications. Recently, research presented at the European Congress on Obesity indicated that users regained all the weight they had lost once they stopped taking the drug.

Analysis of 11 studies on older and newer GLP-1 weight loss drugs by the University of Oxford found that patients typically returned to their original weight within 10 months of stopping the medication.

A GP-led weight loss clinic offers a more comprehensive and bespoke approach, including medical supervision, lifestyle changes, and support systems. It can be more effective in helping you maintain weight loss. To discuss the support we can offer or to learn more about weight loss medications, please get in touch with us to schedule a consultation.

/by

7 women’s health problems you should always talk to your doctor about

As women, we are often made to feel that any health problems we are experiencing are just a regular part of female life. Heavy, painful periods? Headaches? Bloating? Extreme tiredness? There is always someone who will tell you that these symptoms are just part and parcel of being a woman.

And some women do indeed have heavier periods than others, and some of us are more prone to bloating after meals. However, that doesn’t mean you should ignore these symptoms. If you are experiencing more than one of them, it might be time to make an appointment with your GP. Here are some examples of symptoms that any doctor will want to look into more closely:

  1. Chronic fatigue

We all wake up some days feeling more exhausted than we did when we went to sleep. But if this is happening to you every day and you are unable to shake it off, it could be a sign of something more serious, like:

  • Iron deficiency anaemia
  • Vitamin D deficiency
  • Hypothyroidism

  1. Unusual bleeding

We all know our own menstrual cycle, and we know when something isn’t normal. Your period can be affected by things like weight loss, stress and too much exercise (yes, really!), but if you are experiencing bleeding outside of your regular cycle or heavier periods than usual, it is worth contacting your doctor. Irregular bleeding can be a symptom of fibroids, polyps, anaemia, or, more seriously, uterine or cervical cancer.

  1. Changes in your breasts

Hopefully, we are all aware of this, but it is so important to check your breasts regularly and go to the doctor as soon as you notice any irregularity. Although the most common sign that something is wrong is a lump, other things to watch for are:

  • Rashes or red areas
  • Inverted nipples
  • Changes to the size or shape of your breasts
  • Thickening or dimpling of the breast skin

  1. Bloating

As indicated above, we all feel bloated after a meal occasionally, or just before our period, and some people are more prone to this than others. However, if you are experiencing prolonged bloating, it might be worth contacting your GP to rule out ovarian cancer. Other symptoms of ovarian cancer include:

  • Unusual bleeding
  • Urgency to urinate
  • Lower abdominal discomfort
  • Weight loss
  • Changes to bowel movements

  1. Migraines

Migraines are more than just a headache – they often involve visual disturbance, nausea, vomiting, and extreme sensitivity to light. Although many things can cause migraines – and, again, some people do get them habitually – if you are having regular migraines, it is a good idea to visit your doctor to rule out any more serious problems.

  1. Pain during intercourse

Sex should not be painful! Sadly, for many women it is, and often they don’t seek help out of shame or embarrassment. If you are experiencing pain during intercourse, please book an appointment with your GP immediately, as it could be a symptom of something more serious, such as:

  • Endometriosis
  • Fibroids
  • Infection
  • Ovarian cysts

  1. Changes to vaginal discharge

Discharge from the vagina is normal, and is vital to keep the vagina healthy and moist. If, however, you start to notice changes to the colour, texture or smell of your vaginal discharge, this could be a sign of infection and it’s essential to seek medical attention.

If you have concerns about any of the health problems mentioned above and would like to speak with one of our female GPs in confidence, please contact us to book a consultation or a Comprehensive Medical for a full health assessment.

/by

3 strategies to adopt to avoid muscle loss from weight loss drugs

Weight loss drugs have soared in popularity in recent years, which is no great surprise, given their proven effectiveness in helping people lose weight. For those who have struggled with their weight their whole lives, these drugs can be life-changing, and many report feeling happier and healthier than ever before.

However, the speed with which patients are losing weight on these drugs has caused some concern amongst medical professionals, as it indicates that not all the weight being lost is fat – some of it will be muscle loss. Whenever you lose weight, some of that weight is muscle, but the faster you lose it, the higher the proportion of muscle being lost.

Why does losing muscle matter?

If you’ve spent decades dreaming of being slim, now that it has finally happened, it might feel petty to quibble about a bit of muscle loss. However, maintaining healthy muscle mass is crucial for things like:

Metabolism

Having a good amount of muscle helps keep your metabolism working, which will help you keep the weight off in the long term.

Insulin

Muscle helps to improve the effectiveness of the insulin in your body by taking the glucose from your blood and turning it into energy.

Bone health

Keeping your muscles strong helps support your bones and joints, which in turn prevents injury.

Daily life

Never underestimate the importance of muscles for just performing basic tasks, like standing up and sitting down.

How can I avoid muscle loss?

There is absolutely no need to stop taking weight loss drugs to avoid muscle loss, but you do need to be aware of this risk and take steps to prevent it.

Research presented at the European Congress on Obesity (ECO 2025) last month identified strategies to minimise muscle loss from GLP-1 weight loss drugs.

A six-month study of 200 adults with overweight or obesity found, in particular, that strength training and enough protein are key to keeping muscle while losing weight.

The things you can do to ensure that you maintain healthy muscle mass whilst continuing to lose weight are:

  • Think about your diet – many people find that they just aren’t very interested in food when they are taking weight loss drugs. While this might be a relief if you feel that food has controlled your life up until now, it is still important to pay attention to what you are consuming. A diet that is high in protein – whilst still containing a healthy balance of carbohydrates, fruits and vegetables – will allow you to keep your muscles strong and healthy.
  • Strength training – We advise our patients to keep up or adopt a regular exercise programme throughout. Ensuring that this routine includes strength and resistance training will help you maintain lean muscle mass.
  • Drink plenty of water – particularly if you are working out regularly  –  to stay hydrated and support muscle function and recovery. If you have already lost muscle, this can lead to dehydration, as muscles hold a significant amount of water, making it even more vital that you stay on top of your water intake.

If you follow all these steps, there is no reason why you shouldn’t be able to lose weight quickly and safely on weight loss drugs without risking excess muscle loss.

Dr Justine Setchell, one of the partners of GP London W1, is passionate about the importance of strength training. “Following a nasty skiing accident a couple of years ago, having opted for the non-surgical route, I had to do months of rehab which involved weights. I gradually moved from physio to an S+C coach to a PT and weight lifting has now become a non-negotiable!

“I’m stronger than I’ve ever been and all aspects of my life are better for it – running’s easier, I was back on skis a year to the day with no brace, and I love that no-one can tell how much I can lift from looking at me! So no, Mr Postman, I don’t need a hand with that heavy package! If we don’t use it, we lose it, so try it and see – you never know, you might actually like it!”

For more advice on how to avoid muscle loss from weight loss drugs, get in touch to arrange a Weight Management consultation with one of our GPs.

/by

Six steps to preventing a stroke

Late last year, the NHS revealed that the number of people being admitted to hospital following a stroke had risen by 28% in the last 20 years.

The released data coincided with the launch of a major new campaign, urging the public to call 999 immediately if anyone experiences one of the three most common symptoms of stroke.

Experts say the increase in admissions among ages 50 to 59 may be associated with several factors including better detection and reporting, hypertension, obesity, poor diet and lack of exercise.

As May is Stroke Awareness Month, we wanted to take the opportunity to remind you of the positive steps to preventing a stroke you can take with some simple modifications.

While there are of course some risk factors you can’t avoid, such as age, gender, ethnicity and family history, you may be reassured to know that research has shown that up to 80% of strokes could be prevented through lifestyle changes and careful monitoring.

Six steps to preventing a stroke

  1. Stop smoking

This may sound familiar, but smoking is the number one preventable cause of strokes. Nicotine constricts your blood vessels, interrupting the flow of oxygen through the body and causing damage to the brain. In fact, studies have shown that your risk of stroke increases by 12% for every five cigarettes you smoke per day.

  1. Reduce your alcohol intake

Again, the message that excess alcohol consumption has a negative impact on your health isn’t exactly news, but according to the American Heart Association consuming two or more drinks per day increases your stroke risk dramatically. So if you must drink alcohol, try to stick to one drink or fewer per day.

  1. Exercise regularly

Studies have shown that people who are more active have around a 25% lower stroke risk than those who are sedentary. You don’t need to be running marathons – in fact, aiming too high is the biggest predictor for failure when taking up any new habit. Consider taking a brisk walk for 30 minutes per day, choosing the stairs over the lift, or getting off the bus a stop earlier than usual. Every bit counts, and the more exercise you do, the more you will feel capable of.

  1. Eat a healthy diet

This isn’t about weight loss, but about nutrient consumption. Making sure you are eating enough of the right nutrients – found in fruits, vegetables, nuts and wholegrains – and fewer of the wrong ones – saturated fats, cholesterol and trans fats – will help keep your heart healthy and minimise your risk of stroke.

  1. Know your numbers

Many of us are entirely unaware of our BMI, blood pressure or cholesterol levels, but knowing these numbers can help us to understand our stroke risk and do something about it. If, for example, we know our cholesterol is high, then we know we need to focus on eating a low-cholesterol diet. If BMI is the problem, then we need to restrict calories and increase our exercise to get back to a healthy BMI. Having some agency in your own health management can help you to feel in control of the situation

  1. Have regular health checks

The best way to find out what these numbers are is to book in for a health check with your GP. They can not only measure your blood pressure, cholesterol and BMI, but can talk to you about your lifestyle and family history, and offer some personalised advice on how best to reduce your stroke risk.

In 2017, the International Hypertension Society rolled out ‘May Measure Month’, which has been running every May since, to encourage people to get their blood pressure checked. So why not take this year’s May Measure Month as the incentive you need to book a health check today.

/by

Kind words from our patients

“I cannot recommend the GP London W1 practice too highly. It has provided exceptional care to my family, combining the best in medical provision with a warm and personal approach.”

PreviousNext

We provide services to the following companies

 
Small business occupational health
Occupational Health for One Welbeck
SME occupational healthcare
LEK occupational health services
King Edward's Occupational Health Services
BDO Occupational Health

Private GP appointments at 25 Harley Street

Make an enquiry

This contact form is deactivated because you refused to accept Google reCaptcha service which is necessary to validate any messages sent by the form.

ABOUT US

We deliver a Family GP service in a relaxed environment. Appointments are available between 9am and 5pm Monday to Friday at the practice and it is usually possible to accommodate same day appointment requests (video, telephone or face to face).

CONTACT US


+44 (0)20 4580 1152

[email protected]

25 Harley Street, London, W1G 9QW

OUR TEAM


Dr Fiona Payne

Dr Justine Setchell

Dr Caroline Wall

USEFUL LINKS


Comprehensive Medicals

Occupational Health Assessments

Menopause Management

STATEMENT OF PURPOSE PRIVACY POLICY FEEDBACK & COMPLAINTS