When you visit the doctor they can provide you with many leaflets on ways on which you can improve your health and wellbeing. They can also provide you with leaflets that help you understand the symptoms or condition you have been diagnosed with if you require further reassurance. These leaflets are now available online at the following link.

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Many of the most serious diseases can be prevented by a healthy lifestyle and without the need for drugs. Please feel free to discuss general health and ask for advice. The following suggestions may help you to improve the quality and length of your life.

Smoking - This is the single largest preventable cause of ill health in this country. It is a major cause of cancer, heart attacks, angina and chest disease. If you would like help and advice on giving up smoking, please discuss it with your doctor or nurse. We also have a smoking cessation advisor who is available by appointment on Thursdays. Many local chemists can also help with smoking cessation and prescribe Nicotine Replacement Therapy without a doctor’s intervention. Phone your chemist to see if they offer this service.

Diet - A healthy diet not only helps control weight but may also lower blood cholesterol levels and help reduce the risk of heart attacks. Dietary advice can be obtained from the nurses and the practice has the services of a dietician. Leaflets about healthy eating are available using the above link.

Exercise - Regular exercise helps prevent heart disease as well as reducing weight and gives a sense of well-being. If you are overweight or out of condition please ask for advice before starting vigorous exercise.

Blood Pressure - High blood pressure can, in the long term, increase the risk of strokes and heart attacks. Lowering blood pressure may reduce these risks. Treatment does not always require tablets. All adults are advised to have their blood pressure checked at least every five years. If you have not had yours checked recently please ask the doctor or the nurse. If you are already under supervision or are on treatment for high blood pressure, routine follow-ups can be arranged with one of the nursing assistants.

Cervical Smear Tests - Cancer of the cervix can be prevented and all female patients between the ages of twenty and sixty-five are advised to have regular smear tests. These are important because they can detect early signs of the disease when it is easily treated. We operate a three yearly call and recall system to remind you when the test is due.

Breast Awareness - It is recommended that women should become familiar with how their breasts normally look and feel. Although regular examination is no longer advised, please see your doctor if you notice any changes from the normal. This includes skin changes or dimpling of the breast, a lump or an alteration in the appearance of the nipple.

Emergency Contraception - If you have had sexual intercourse without using birth control or you think your method of contraception may have failed, emergency contraception, which is free of charge, can usually prevent unplanned pregnancy. You should make an appointment with the nurse as soon as possible, but certainly within 72 hours. Alternatively, you may wish to attend the Family Planning Clinic.

Travel Vaccinations – These are available from the surgery, please phone for an appointment with the nurse.  Vaccination requirements can be obtained from the following link together with useful advice on individual destinations: http://www.fitfortravel.scot.nhs.uk/

Joint Injections

Some arthritic joint conditions, as well as many chronic inflammatory conditions such as 'tennis elbow', may benefit from a steroid injection. Please see the doctors for further advice.

Minor Surgery

During minor surgery appointments, the doctors can remove warts, verrucae, some moles, skin tags and cysts using simple surgical techniques. The Doctors are approved for minor surgery. These appointments should be booked after discussion with the doctors.