The IMC is keen to develop longer term strategies for preventative health care within our community. In the long run, this will save time, stress and more importantly, money, if diseases are caught early or prevented from even happening.
These can include identifying conditions through genetic screening (a condition called haemochromatosis is a good example) but longer term prevention of diabetes, obesity, heart disease, respiratory diseases are just as important. Hazardous alcohol use can lead to conditions such as dementia, liver disease and cancer. Smoking tobacco is another concern – we all know that lung cancer is a big killer, but chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a well known bi-product too.
Did you know?
There are over 200 people on the island with diabetes? That is 10% of the population! There are probably more yet to be diagnosed. We are setting up a clinic run by our Practice Nurse to talk through diabetic issues such as diet, exercise and medication. If you are diabetic we strongly encourage you to book in for blood tests every 6 months minimum (more frequently if recently diagnosed – so we can help get blood sugar under control) and see Nurse Caroline. Dr Hamilton will also be involved in your care. All this in conjunction with the Diabetic Nurse Specialist and Endocrine Consultant in Guernsey.
What else can I do to improve my health?
Know your risk factors for illness – is there a family history for example? Do you smoke/drink too much?
Have regular health check-ups – we run a Men’s or Women’s health clinic (double appointment)
Attend for national cancer screening tests when offered – mammogram, bowel cancer, cervical smears, as well as the routine pregnancy screening tests. We can also arrange for aortic aneurysm scans.
Ensure you and your family are fully vaccinated – we offer all childhood immunisations, flu, covid, pneumococcal, shingles as well as travel jabs
Practice healthy habits – easy to say, harder to do! We understand and don’t want to preach, but if you are wondering what you can do, why not make an appointment to chat with our Practice Nurses?