How to Recover Well from Illness

When you get sick, your body is placed under intensive pressure. The immune system goes into overdrive, energy levels drop, and an internal fight takes place to rid the body of whatever illness it is you have picked up.

Typically, most people recover from an illness within a couple of weeks. However, as the recent coronavirus pandemic has shown, the effects of a serious illness can last for months, and potentially even years.

If you want to recover well from illness, below we reveal some of the best things you can do.

Keep yourself hydrated

When you are sick, keeping the body hydrated can help to speed up your recovery. Drinking plenty of water will help to flush out toxins, improve the flow of oxygen around the body, and strengthen your immune system.

Diarrhoea and fever are two common symptoms of viruses, causing you to lose fluid from the body. If you have these symptoms, it is especially important to increase your fluid intake. Try to drink water that is at room temperature, rather than cold, and take regular sips throughout the day. You can also drink electrolyte-enhanced beverages as these help to replenish calcium, potassium, and sodium.

Don’t rush your recovery

One of the most important things you can do for your body when you are recovering from illness, is to rest. Although it can be tedious waiting for an illness to pass, if you try to rush back into activity, you could even risk delaying your recovery.

Listen to your body, and only resume exercise and other daily activities once you feel well enough. You should ideally start with gentle exercise such as yoga or a short stroll in the sunshine so that you also get a boost of Vitamin D. You can also practice meditation to help relax the mind and body, aiding in recovery.

Introduce supplements into your diet

The majority of nutrients that you intake should come from food. However, when you are ill you can boost your rate of recovery by introducing certain supplements into your diet. The best ones to take include Vitamin C, Potassium, Vitamin D, and Zinc.

However, before taking any supplements, it is best to book a consultation with your GP. At The Mayfair GP, we can offer nutritional and lifestyle medicine advice and can support you in your recovery.

Eat a nourishing diet

When you are ill, you don’t always have a healthy appetite. However, consuming a nutrient-rich diet can aid in your recovery. After you have been ill, the body typically needs more calories in order to function normally. Focus on foods that are easy for the body to digest such as fresh fruit and vegetables, cereals, oily fish, and eggs.

These are some of the best ways to recover well from illness. If you are concerned that your recovery is taking longer than it should, book an appointment with The Mayfair GP. We can carry out diagnostic tests and determine if there might be an underlying issue. We can also help with advice on lifestyle changes and treatment options that may help to speed up your recovery.

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Four Common Childhood Allergies

Did you know that approximately 40% of children in the UK are diagnosed with an allergy? Childhood allergies are common, but that doesn’t make them any less distressing for those affected by them.

The symptoms of allergies can have a significant impact on quality of life. They can cause anxiety, damage self-esteem, and contribute to a negative relationship with food. While there are a lot of different childhood allergies, some tend to be much more common than others.

Here, we will look at four common childhood allergies.

1. Food allergies

Food allergies are the most common type of childhood allergy. Approximately 1 in 12 children are diagnosed with a food allergy, with the most common including:

  • Cow’s milk
  • Peanuts and tree nuts
  • Eggs
  • Wheat
  • Fish

These types of allergies generally develop due to confusion in the immune system. Rather than ignoring harmless proteins in foods, instead, the body triggers a reaction that causes histamine to be released. This in turn causes common symptoms such as hives, swelling, a runny nose or vomiting. However, in severe cases, the reaction can include dizziness and difficulty breathing – when you should seek urgent medical attention.

While food allergies can develop due to a range of factors, it is a good idea to keep a symptoms diary so that you can identify and avoid the cause.

2. Asthma

Approximately 1.1 million children suffer from asthma in the UK. Commonly triggered by pollen, dust mites, environmental irritants, and pets, it leads to a range of breathing issues. Common symptoms include wheezing, coughing, and tightness within the chest. In severe cases, children can experience an asthma attack, making it difficult to breathe.

Children who suffer from asthma often have hay fever too. If hay fever symptoms develop, this can in turn trigger the symptoms of asthma. Therefore, it is important to keep hay fever under control in order to reduce the risk of an asthma attack.

3. Eczema

Also referred to as atopic dermatitis, eczema is an extremely common skin condition thought to affect 1 in 5 babies in the UK. In most children, the condition does clear up as they get older. However, in severe cases, it can persist well into adulthood.
Symptoms of the condition include dry, itchy, and flaky skin. While there isn’t a cure for Eczema, there are treatments available that can help to clear up the condition.

4. Hay Fever

Around 10-15% of children in the UK are diagnosed with hay fever. Occurring during specific times of the year, the condition is also known as seasonal rhinitis. It is typically triggered by pollen and weeds during the spring and summer months. Common symptoms include a runny nose, watery eyes, and sneezing.

Treating childhood allergies

While there is no cure for childhood allergies, there are effective ways you can manage them, once you know what you are dealing with. We can offer diagnostic testing and can quickly organise treatment for a wide range of common childhood health conditions. To receive the best treatment, the type of allergy and its severity will be considered.

At the Mayfair GP, we understand that your child’s health is one of your key priorities, which is why we offer a comprehensive paediatric service. We provide appointments at a time that is convenient for you. To start managing your child’s allergy and improving their quality of life, book an appointment today.

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Looking After Your Mental Health

According to leading mental health charity Mind, approximately 1 in 4 people in England experience issues with their mental health. While many factors can contribute to conditions such as anxiety, depression, and PTSD, high levels of stress play a key role.

If you want to look after your mental health, managing your stress levels needs to be a priority. In light of Stress Awareness Month, here we look at how stress impacts your mental health, and what you can do about it.

How does stress impact mental health?

Stress is something we all experience from time to time. However, chronic, or long-term stress, can have a detrimental impact on both our mental and physical health.

When the body is placed under pressure, it releases stress hormones known as cortisol and adrenaline. These hormones trigger an increase in your heart rate, causing you to breathe faster in a bid to deliver more oxygen to the muscles. This is commonly referred to as the ‘fight or flight’ response.

In cases of long-term stress, the fight or flight response is constantly triggered. This can prove overwhelming, making it difficult to cope with any challenges you face. Research has shown that chronic stress increases the risk of mental health issues such as anxiety and depression. It can also be a trigger for some conditions such as PTSD.

It is worth noting that everybody experiences stress differently. Some people are much more likely to develop adverse effects from stress than others. Researchers are hoping to determine why this is through future studies.

What are the best ways to reduce stress?

If you want to look after your mental health, reducing the amount of stress you experience is crucial. There are lots of ways you can manage and reduce stress in your life, including:

  • Taking a break from technology
  • Avoiding bad habits
  • Practising mindfulness
  • Regular exercise
  • Getting a good night’s sleep

Constant use of technology has been linked to several mental health issues including an increased risk of anxiety and depression, alongside low emotional stability. Reducing how much time you spend watching TV or scrolling through social media, will greatly improve your sense of wellbeing.

Practising mindfulness and avoiding bad habits such as comfort eating and drinking excessive amounts of alcohol, will all help to reduce stress and boost your mental health. Similarly, making sure you get plenty of regular exercise is one of the best stress management tips you can utilise.

If you focus on bringing down those stress levels, you will see a vast improvement in your health.

The lifestyle medicine approach

One way to look after yourself is to follow a lifestyle medicine approach. Renowned for its profound and positive benefits, lifestyle medicine promotes lifetime, rather than short-term health. Instead of treating illnesses once they occur, it focuses on preventing them with good health.

At The Mayfair GP, we specialise in providing a lifestyle medicine approach to suit each individual patient. If you want to reduce stress and improve your mental health, book a consultation with the Mayfair GP today.

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Looking After Your Child’s Health

A new campaign warns about the serious risk of the measles infection to a child’s health. Parents and guardians are being urged to ensure that children have the recommended 2 doses of the MMR vaccine. This vaccine protects against three harmful infections; measles, mumps and rubella.

The latest data shows that MMR vaccination uptake has dropped to the lowest level seen in over a decade. The vaccine is vital to protect against preventable diseases that can be seriously damaging to a child’s health.

What are Measles, Mumps and Rubella?

Measles is a highly contagious viral infection that can lead to serious complications. Measles usually begins with cold-like symptoms that develop around 10 days after being infected. A few days later, it is followed by the measles rash. It is also common for spots to develop in the mouth, however, not everyone will display all of these symptoms.

Along with measles, mumps is a highly contagious infection. Mumps causes painful swelling at the side of the face under the ears in the parotid glands. These glands are responsible for producing saliva, with the swelling causing pain, tenderness and difficulty with swallowing.

Rubella is a contagious virus that can cause usually mild symptoms including a distinctive rash, low fever, nausea and conjunctivitis. It can be especially dangerous if contracted during the early stages of pregnancy. At this time, it can cause life-threatening illness in the unborn child.

Reductions in Vaccine Uptake

Since the start of the pandemic in March 2020, data shows a dramatic reduction in the uptake of childhood vaccines. This puts children who are not being fully vaccinated at risk of catching measles, mumps and other childhood diseases.

Uptake has dropped to below 90% for children who are 2 years old. And for 5-year-old children it has dropped to 85.5%. This is well below the 95% World Health Organisation (WHO) recommended target needed for measles elimination. Over 1 in 10 children under the age of 5 are not fully protected from measles. Additionally, more children will be at an increased vulnerability for contracting it.

Helping You With Your Child’s Health

The MMR vaccine is vitally important to prevent against serious health concerns. Conditions including meningitis, hearing loss and issues during pregnancy. It is advised that 2 doses of the MMR vaccine provides the best protection against measles, mumps and rubella. It is given to babies and young children as part of their childhood immunisation regime. This is normally between the ages of 1 and 3 years and 4 months.

We offer 24/7 private GP appointments for children, from birth upwards. We can schedule urgent appointments, arranging a telephone consultation or home visit when it is convenient.

If you would like more information on our paediatric service, get in touch.

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Helping Women with their Sexual Health

A study has revealed that nearly a third of those eligible for their cervical screening in 2020 – 2021 have not come forward and have missed their tests. Women who may be eligible are being urged to take care of their sexual health and not to miss their screening appointments.

Anyone who missed their last cervical screening is encouraged to book an appointment as a matter of urgency. 98% of cervical cancer cases are preventable according to data from Cancer Research with cervical cancer accounting for around 850 deaths every year in the UK. That is more than 2 people every day.

Missed Screenings

More than a third of women said that they ‘kept putting it off’, whilst 28% had never attended a cervical screening appointment as they were worried that it would be too painful. However, for those women that did attend their appointments, a huge 89% said that they were glad that they had attended.

What is Cervical Screening?

Cervical screening is also known as a smear test which checks the health of your cervix, the opening to your womb from your vagina. During the appointment, a soft plastic instrument called a speculum is gently inserted into your vagina to see the cervix more clearly. Then a small brush is used to take a small sample of cells from the cervix. The whole process is normally over in a couple of minutes.

This test doesn’t test for cancer but instead tests for the sample for certain types of human papillomavirus (HPV) which can cause changes to the cells of your cervix. If any abnormalities are found then they can be treated before they develop into cervical cancer. If no signs of HPV are found you do not need any further investigations other than your routine screening.

Importance of Screening to Protect Against Cervical Cancer

Ultimately it is your choice to go for your cervical screening appointment, however, it is important to understand that cervical screening is one of the most effective ways to protect you from cervical cancer as it can detect any harmful changes early.

Looking After Your Sexual Health

We understand that having a cervical smear test can initially be daunting and can feel embarrassing which may end up causing you to put it off. But having your screening not only ensures you are looking after your sexual health, but it could also help to save your life.

 

If you are keen to book your cervical screening appointment, The Mayfair GP can offer cervical screening in a comfortable, discreet environment – including in the safety and security of your own home. We are also able to offer female doctors to perform the screening which may help to put your mind at ease and help you relax, to make it more comfortable for you.
Once your screening is complete, we are able to process your results quickly and in the event of any abnormalities, we can perform further investigations quickly and thoroughly. If required, we also have the option to refer you to a specialist for further consultations if needed.

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Lifestyle Medicine For Cardiovascular Health

Hypertension, hyperlipidaemia including high cholesterol and obesity are all major factors that are well known to increase the risk of developing cardiovascular disease. In England, 3 out of 10 of all deaths recorded annually are related to poor cardiovascular health.

Supporting Patients with Cardiovascular Health Issues

A new study published in the Journal of the Royal Society of Medicine has revealed that of the 770,000 patients in England with newly diagnosed cardiovascular issues, only around half are receiving lifestyle support.

By stopping smoking, taking up some regular exercise and other ways to achieve weight loss can help to reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease. But this is easier to achieve alongside regular monitoring and support, which can help to introduce and monitor positive lifestyle changes which in turn improve health outcomes.

The authors of this study did acknowledge that often interventions were being advised. However, often patients did not have the services in the area to support the lifestyle changes.

Lifestyle Medicine

At the Mayfair GP we believe it is really important that patients are equipped with the knowledge and resources to manage their health conditions.

We focus upon avoiding preventable diseases and helping to reverse some chronic diseases by valuing lifestyle medicine and putting health changes at the forefront of our recommendations.

Greater adherence to an overall healthy lifestyle is associated with substantially lower risk of cardiovascular disease. Additionally, adopting a healthy lifestyle will help to reduce the burden of cardiovascular complications.

Supporting Your Cardiovascular Health

This approach of lifestyle medicine plays an integral part in the care that we offer and we are here to support you to make the healthy changes that you need.

We can support you through smoking cessation, exercise and diet advice which in turn will all help to reduce the risk of developing diseases such as poor cardiovascular health.

We can also organise comprehensive health screenings that can detect conditions early, so we can organise treatment.

We want to give you the information and tools to optimise your lifelong health. Get in touch with us to find out more about how lifestyle medicine can help you.

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New Member Of The Home Visiting Mayfair GP Team

You spoke and we listened: a lot of our patients have loved the convenience of seeing a doctor in the comfort of their own home or office.

You have communicated this to us and as a result we have added to our team: we welcome the new Range Rover Sport to our ranks. It embodies what we provide as a service: stability, dynamism, mobility and elegance!

Give the doctors a wave if you see them on the road!

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Stay Active for a Healthy Mind

A new study has revealed that exercise and staying active can help to maintain a healthy mind in elderly people. Previously, this has only been demonstrated on mice and was much harder to prove in people.

The study found that when elderly people stay active, their brains have more of a particular class of proteins. These proteins help to enhance the connections between neurons which help to maintain a healthy mind. This was also seen in those who were diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease and other neurodegenerative diseases such as dementia.

Protection against Alzheimer’s

Elderly people who remained active had higher levels of proteins that improve neuron information exchange in the hippocampus. Additionally, this extended beyond the area responsible for memory and into other brain regions which are associated with cognitive function.

The brains of many elderly people are known to accumulate toxic proteins, amyloid and tau. These proteins can lead to Alzheimer’s disease, causing the neurons within the brain to fall apart. However, the proteins associated with exercising disrupts the toxic proteins forming, and prevents the disease from taking hold.

Not Just For A Healthy Mind

Exercise is: ‘beneficial for both physical and mental health and can lead to improvements in quality of life’, according to the Alzheimer’s Society.

Engaging in regular exercise can help to improve cardiovascular health which can lead to reductions in blood pressure and heart disease. It helps to improve physical fitness whilst gaining stronger muscles and flexible joints. Regular exercise can also help to keep the bones strong which reduces the risk of osteoporosis.

There is also a huge amount of benefit to be gained from exercise which can help to improve overall mental health and wellbeing. As well as improving memory and slowing down mental decline, it releases feel-good hormones. Additionally, it can help you to sleep better and is a great opportunity for social interaction.

Getting Started

If you have not done any physical exercise for a long period of time, or if you have an existing health condition, consult a healthcare professional before starting any new physical activity. It shouldn’t stop you from exercising completely, but it will help you to choose the most appropriate activity for you.

If you would like more information on how to get started with exercise then don’t hesitate to get in touch today to speak to one of our dedicated team who will be able to advise on the next steps.

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Prioritising Continuity of Care for Patients

Recently, there has been campaigning for more available face-to-face doctor appointments, and choice beyond telephone or online consultations. New guidance to help improve patient choices has also emphasised that patients ‘should be treated consistently’.

Research has recognised that continuity of care is an essential element of modern general practice and is a prerequisite for high-quality consultations. In fact, evidence shows that the prioritising of continuity of care in any healthcare setting is associated with greater patient satisfaction and lower mortality.

So here we look at what continuity of care really means, and why it is so important.

Importance of Continuity of Care

Continuity of care is concerned with the quality of care delivered to patients over time whereby a continuous, caring relationship is developed between the patient and their doctor.

Having a high level of consistent care is a vital element of general practice. Consistency allows both the patient and doctor to build a therapeutic relationship. It also allows each patient’s individual circumstance to be understood.

It implies more than technical skill as it involves palpable caring as shown by compassion and commitment. The trust that a patient has in his or her doctor that underpins the power of the relationship. With time, this level of trust becomes stronger as the doctor and patient grow to know each other better through experience.

Time is Precious

Research has shown that relationships are built between the patient and their doctor through repeatedly meeting to consult. During the consultation, the patient discusses their issue as the doctor aims to make sense of the situation. Then, they agree together on what the best actionable steps are in order to manage the situation.

For several years GPs have found that their consultation times feel pressurised. But research has shown that spending more time with patients is associated with better outcomes.

Continuity of Care at The Mayfair GP

At The Mayfair GP, we believe strongly in personal connection and continuity of care for our patients. With our continued support, patients can navigate their way through sometimes very complex health issues.

We want to deliver the kind of care that we believe our patients deserve – one of the reasons why we offer home visits. Patients can take all the time that they need to talk to us about their health concerns in a thorough consultation. In return, we offer our support, compassion and reassurance at every step of the way.

Get in touch today if you want to find out more about our devoted doctor-led care.

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Why Do We Need a Good Night’s Sleep?

Despite the importance of sleep, many people aren’t managing to get a good night’s sleep. Without enough sleep, the brain cannot function properly and can affect your concentration, as well as your ability to think clearly.

On average in the UK adults are only getting around 6 hours and 20 minutes of sleep. But this is below the minimum recommended amount of 7 hours of sleep per night. Additionally, around a third of people in the UK suffer from insomnia and sleep deprivation.

So why is it so important to get a good night’s sleep? We look at what happens while you are sleeping and share some tips on how to get enough sleep.

The Science of Sleep

Our bodies have an internal body clock that helps us to regulate our sleep cycles. This is known as the circadian rhythm. It is responsible for controlling when you feel tired and ready for bed compared to feeling awake and refreshed.

In addition to controlling the sleep-wake cycle, the circadian rhythm contributes to a wide range of health factors. These include hormone production and release, body temperature, mood, heart rate, blood pressure, mental health, appetite, DNA repair and metabolism.

Stages of Sleep

Once we fall asleep the body continues to follow a cycle that can be split into four stages. These are three non-rapid eye movement (NREM) sleep stages, and one rapid eye movement (REM) sleep stage. It is during the NREM stages that the body relaxes, decreasing body temperature, slowing down the heart rate and relaxing the breathing mechanisms.

The fourth stage of REM sleep is when you are most likely to be dreaming. During this stage, the body starts to wake up but you are in a dream state. All of these stages repeat throughout the night until you wake up. Typically, each cycle is thought to last around 90 – 120 minutes.

How to get a good night’s sleep

An insufficient amount of sleep can have a significant impact on your health. As well as affecting your mental health and cognitive function, it can lead to a higher risk of some diseases. This includes type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease, and stroke.

However, if you are finding it difficult to get your 7 hours of sleep, there are some simple things you can try:

  • Consider a digital screen ban in the bedroom – blue light from technology such as phones or laptops can disrupt the body’s ability to prepare for sleep.
  • Ensure a comfortable environment – including room temperature and mattress and pillow types that suit you.
  • Establish a realistic bedtime routine – stick to the same time each night.
  • Cut out caffeine, alcohol or large meals in the hours leading up to bedtime.
  • Exercise during the day – this can help you wind down in the evening.

If you are having trouble sleeping and would like to find out more about some simple lifestyle changes you can make then get in touch with us.

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Mayfair GP Member of British Medical Association
Mayfair GP Member of Royal College of General Practitioners
Mayfair GP Member of Faculty of Sexual and Reproductive Health
Mayfair GP Member of British Society of Lifestyle Medicine

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FIND OUT MORE ABOUT THE BENEFITS OF PRIVATE GP HEALTHCARE

Covering general practice, paediatric care, health screening, sexual health and lifestyle medicine, you can be assured of a discreet, flexible, convenient and personal service.

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