Take the test(s) !
It sometimes feels like there is not much which can’t be measured or tested these days. In terms of our health there are a range of tests which are invaluable in finding early indications of disease or ill health. Some of these we can instigate off our own bat and can sometimes be free. Here are just a few for you to consider whether they would help you understand your body more fully and take any action to make things better.
Hearing
Both Boots the chemist and Specsavers offer free preliminary hearing tests and offer advice on any possible follow up. Search online for Boots free hearing tests. Our nearest store is Shepton Mallet. boots hearing tests free – Search Similarly search online for Specsavers free hearing tests. Book Online | Book an Appointment | Specsavers
Sight
The NHS recommends that we should have our eyes tested every 2 years (more often if advised by your ophthalmic practitioner or optometrist). Visiting an optician – NHS Eye tests are free for some people, eg children under 16 and up to 18 for those in full time education, people over 60 and people with certain conditions, eg diabetes or glaucoma. For more information see the March edition of Wedmore News.
Poo in the post!
This is the colloquial name for the NHS bowel cancer screening programme. This test can help to show early signs of bowel cancer and thus improve the chances of better treatment outcomes. Although it sounds distasteful to send your poo in the post it is very easy to do and a very effective test. According to the NHS, bowel cancer screening is currently offered to people aged 50 to 74 every 2 years. This is because our risk of getting bowel cancer gets higher as we get older. You can also get screening for bowel cancer every 2 years if you’re aged 75 or over, but you need to call the bowel cancer screening helpline on 0800 707 6060 and ask for the test. If you think you’re eligible for bowel cancer screening but you’ve not been invited, or had your test kit, call the bowel cancer screening helpline on 0800 707 6060.
PSA (prostate-specific antigen)
According to the NHS website, routine PSA testing is not offered on the NHS. This is because there are advantages and disadvantages of having this test. You can find out more on the NHS website PSA test – NHS and https://prostatecanceruk.org/prostate-information-and-support/prostate-tests/psa-blood-test#advantages-and-disadvantages-of-the-psa-test
You may be offered a PSA test if a doctor thinks you have symptoms that could be prostate cancer. Men aged 50 or over can ask their GP for a PSA test, even if they do not have symptoms. Anyone aged 50 or over with a prostate can ask for a PSA test. However, there are organisations which do offer PSA testing free for men who would like to have a test. According to PSA Tests @ My PSA Tests the PSA test is a blood test which can provide the overall health of your prostate and may show the early signs of prostate cancer. Our local organisation, SPSA, holds regular testing sessions in our area – dates and locations will be published in the Wedmore News.
Mammogram
NHS breast screening is offered to women aged 50 up to your 71st birthday. Everyone registered with a GP as female will be invited. Breast screening (mammogram) – NHS If you have not been invited for breast screening by the age of 53 and think you should have, contact your local breast screening service. Somerset Breast Screening Service, Breast Care Centre, Taunton & Somerset Hospital, Musgrove Park, Taunton, TA1 5DA. Phone: 01823 342425 You will not automatically be invited for breast screening if you are aged 71 or over. But you can still have breast screening every 3 years if you want to. You will need to call your local breast screening service to ask for an appointment.
Skin testing
Boots offer a skin checking service, powered by AI. It states that ‘Results are for information only and are not a medical diagnosis’. This system enables you to upload a photograph of a particular area of skin and AI then gives possible causes for the change. SmartSkin Checker – Start Initial information is free, but there is a charge for more detailed information. Of course, your GP will be able to help with any skin concerns.
Blood Pressure
This test/measurement is one of the easiest and perhaps the most useful test we can do regularly to monitor our health and look for early warning signs of ill health. Please see May edition of Wedmore News for more information. Know your numbers!
Providing people in Somerset’s rural communities with easier access to information and services.
The Village Agent
Also, this month I am including information about our Village Agent, as I meet people who are not aware of the role.
Here Lina Curiale-Hopkinson gives the details.
“The Somerset Village Agent service is a project run by Thrive Somerset and now covers over half of the county. The Agents are local, highly trained individuals living in the parish ‘clusters’ they support. They help to bridge the gap between isolated, excluded, vulnerable and lonely individuals and statutory and/or voluntary organisations which offer specific solutions to identified needs. Village Agents work with all ages dealing with a wide variety of issues, including health and social care, home safety, finding local activities for people to join in with, and signposting and referring people to money and benefit advice. Village Agents also have the role of helping to shape services by feeding back to the appropriate body information about gaps in service e.g. transport provision. They can also motivate and support a community to respond to a local need by working together to address issues e.g. by helping them to set up a coffee morning for a group of lonely people or start a volunteer car scheme.
I work flexibly and may send emails outside normal hours – please don’t feel obliged to respond until it suits you. I care about making communication accessible. If a different format works better for you – plain text, bullet points, voice note, or otherwise – please let me know.”
Anyone can contact their Village Agent: You can contact Lina Curiale- Hopkinson by calling 07375371549 or 01823 331222 lina@Somersetrcc.org.uk
You can also make a referral for support from a Village Agent through Thrive Somerset’s website – www.thrivesomerset.org.uk
Support for people with dementia and their carers in Wedmore
Carer’s Group
Do you care for or support a person living with dementia? Then this friendly informative group is for you! Come along on the first Friday of the month to The Swan Hotel, Wedmore between 10am and 12md. The next meeting will be on Friday 3rd July. If you want to find out more about the Memories Workshops and Carers’ Group, phone HeadsUp on 01749 670667 or email wedmorecarers@yahoo.com If you need help with funding for attending HeadsUp, just ask, help may be available.
Coffee and a Chat
For general support with mental wellbeing Somewhere House, a charity based in Burnham, visits The Bluebird Café in Wedmore on the first Wednesday of the month, from 10-12md. They offer an opportunity to meet and chat. For more information contact them on 01278 780769
Cathy Butterworth
Wedmore Health & Wellbeing Project
01934 806266