THE NHS is facing its toughest winter ever, with waiting lists at record highs and A&E and ambulance response times the worst ever.
If you’ve tried to call your GP at 8am on the dot, only to get stuck in a long queue, you’ll know surgeries are slammed, too.
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Public satisfaction with GPs has dropped, and patients are complaining about poor access.
It comes as record numbers of NHS staff are quitting – at a time when the health service is already short 10,500 doctors and 47,000 nurses.
Figures show that between April-June this year, 34.909 workers quit.
It was higher than the 28,105 recorded in the same time frame in 2021 and 19,380 for 2020.
Hospitals and GP surgeries are now faced with an unprecedented waiting list of almost 7 million. This is in addition to a shrinking workforce.
Unions warn that one in ten job posts are empty – that’s around 132,000 vacancies.
This all amounts to a health care system under extreme pressure with the threat or a “twin-demic”Also, this winter is a time of flu and Covid.
What does this mean for you?
GP Dr Zoe Watson tells Sun Health it’s never been more important to keep a track of your health.
She says: “The old saying ‘knowledge is power’It is important to take care of our minds and bodies.
“The more you understand about how things should be, the more tuned in you’ll be when things aren’t quite right.”
Here, Dr Zoe shares her simple home health checks to arm you with the knowledge you need to know when to seek help when things go wrong . . .
Under pressure
AS well as your heart rate, it’s important to keep an eye on your blood pressure.
Electronic blood pressure machines, available from most big pharmacies and Amazon for £20-£40, are a good way to keep an eye at home, according to Dr Zoe.
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She says: “Blood pressure tends to increase as we get older but persistently raised blood pressure can increase your risk of heart disease, kidney disease and stroke, so catching and treating it early can have a big, positive impact.
“Your blood pressure should be less than 140/90.
“Check a few readings throughout the day to get a good range – and if you notice you’re getting readings that are consistently greater than 140/90, speak to your GP.”
Heart matters
NEXT up it’s your ticker.
You can check your resting heart beat by measuring the pulse point at your wrist. It should be between 60 and 100 beats per hour (bpm).
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To get your heart rate up, count the beats for 30 second. Then double that number.
“If you notice your heart is beating persistently at more than 100bpm, or less than 40bpm, get this checked by your GP,”Dr Zoe said.
“Skipping beats or not beating in a regular pattern are also signs you need to seek medical attention.”
According to the British Heart Foundation, irregular heartbeats or arrhythmia can be a sign that you have a heart attack, heart failure and cardiomyopathy.
Eye spy
WHEN it comes to your eyes, it’s not just your vision you should check.
The whites, or the sclera in English, are typically white with very small blood vessels.
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You can check everything looks right after a shower by looking in the mirror.
“Reddening of the whites can indicate infection or inflammation, which is worth speaking to your pharmacist about,”Dr Zoe said.
“If the whites become very yellow, this can indicate jaundice and requires medical investigation, so contact your GP.”
Next up, how’s your eyesight faring?
Dr Zoe’s words: “Normal vision shouldn’t be blurred, have black spots or double vision. Any of these changes require medical investigation.”
Sometimes, it can be a sign that there is something more serious like a stroke or brain tumour.
Dr Zoe states that regular visits to the optician should be made every two years.
She added: “If you have any concerns, make an appointment. Opticians are trained to look for more than just eyesight and can catch all kinds of eye issues.”
Listen up
Like problems with your eyesight, hearing difficulties can also be a sign that you have underlying health issues, such as diabetes or meningitis.
However, hearing loss can also impact your quality of life, mental well-being, and cognitive decline.
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Dr Zoe advises taking a simple hearing test for free on the Royal National Institute For The Deaf’s website (bit.ly/3ejTFj9).
“If you have noticed any changes to your hearing, it’s best to get a formal test done through your GP,”She adds.
Earwax buildup is one of the main causes of hearing loss.
Dr Zoe explains: “Ears are a self-cleaning organ and ear wax helps keep them clean and hygienic. Don’t put cotton buds down there, all they do is push wax further into the ear.
“It can cause wax to get stuck and become impacted, and you might feel like you can’t hear properly.
Olive oil drops can be used to dissolve a blockage. However, if the problem persists more than one week, consult your pharmacist.
Take care of your breasts
WHILE you might think this one is just for the ladies, it’s important to remember men can get breast cancer too.
Check your body for changes every month that could indicate the existence of the disease.
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Dr Zoe says: “Being familiar with the normal shape and texture of your breasts is the best way to notice any changes.
“Some people’s breast tissue is naturally lumpy, which can make it harder to detect any new lumps.
“Look at your breasts and feel each breast and armpit, up to your collarbone. This is easiest done in the tub or shower. You can also view your breasts through the mirror. You can look with your arms at your side or raised.
“See a GP if you notice any of the following: A change in the size, outline or shape of your breast, a change in the look or feel of the skin on your breast, such as puckering or dimpling, a rash or redness, a new lump, swelling, thickening or bumpy area in one breast or armpit that was not there before or a new discharge of fluid from either of your nipples.
“Also see your GP if there is any change in nipple position, such as your nipple being pulled in or pointing differently, a rash (like eczema), crusting, scaly or itchy skin or redness on or around your nipple, and any discomfort or pain in one breast, particularly if it’s a new pain and does not go away.”
Take a step up
A bit too tight in your jeans?
According to the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence, (Nice), a healthy way to improve your health is to keep your waist circumference at less than half of your height.
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“All you need is a tape measure,”Dr Zoe.
“Measure your height in centimetres and then do the same for your waist.
“Divide your waist number by your height number and if the number you get is between 0.4 and 0.5, you are in a healthy range.
“If you’re not in the right range, speak to your practice nurse who may be able to advise on some lifestyle changes.”
A healthy weight can help reduce your risk of developing heart disease, stroke, and cancer.
Use the NHS BMI calculator to get an idea of how you’re doing. Check out bit.ly/2Qu6Try.
Oh, the balls!
HERE’S one for the men.
Young males are most likely to develop testicular cancer.
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So it’s important to regularly check your testicles for any changes, particularly any new lumps.
Dr Zoe says: “Do this around once a month while in the shower when the scrotum is relaxed due to the warm water.
“Gently feel each testicle between the finger and thumb, checking for any lumps or changes in size and texture. Any changes need to be reported to your GP.”
Skin deep
SKIN is the largest organ and the easiest to examine at home.
Skin cancer is a common form of cancer. It can be treated if you detect it early.
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“If you have a lot of moles, take pictures of them to keep track of any changes,”Dr Zoe. “One photo every six months is enough,”
“Any mole that has changed colour, shape or size or started to bleed/become painful must be checked by a medical professional.
“When it comes to moles, you need to be aware of your ABCDE – asymmetry, border, colour, diameter, evolving.
“Track them using these and you’ll be able to notice what’s changing and speak to your GP.”
Period drama
There are many reasons why PERIODS may go haywire, including stress, illness, and conditions like polycystic Ovarian Syndrome, Covid, and perimenopause.
Dr Zoe says: “Knowing your usual cycle pattern – use a period app – can help you pick up on any anomalies.
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“A missed period here and there is generally nothing to worry about, but do a pregnancy test as a first port of call.
“When we reach perimenopause it’s normal for periods to become erratic, irregular, heavier or lighter and more unpredictable. This isn’t in itself concerning unless it is affecting your quality of life.
“The main things to look out for that need medical assessment are bleeding in between periods and bleeding after sex.”
Mind is important
IT’S not just your physical health that deserves your attention.
Keeping an eye on your mental health – and that of your family – is vital too.
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Dr Claire Ashley, also known as The Burnout Doctor (drclaireashley.com), says: “Patients can use the screening questionnaires that doctors use in clinics to work out if someone might have depression or anxiety.
“The screening questionnaire for depression is the PHQ-9 (bit.ly/3CfXQVf) and for anxiety it’s the GAD-7 (bit.ly/3CjhVtF).
“They will be helpful in highlighting whether you might need further assessment or not.”
Enjoy a relaxing night at the beach
IT’S the cause of many arguments, but taking note of your partner’s snoring could prove important.
Snoring can be caused by lifestyle factors like drinking excessively or being overweight.
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However, it could be a sign sleep apnoea which can increase your risk of stroke and type-2 diabetes, heart disease, depression, and other conditions.
Dr Zoe says: “If your bedfellow complains you’re snoring loudly and having big pauses in your breathing, that could need looking into, especially if you’re very sleepy during the day.
“If you have a sleep tracker, look at how many hours you’re getting a night or keep a diary and note whether you feel tired.
“If your sleep is constantly being interrupted it might be worth speaking to your pharmacist.”
Poo taboo
LATE Sun columnist Deborah James, who succumbed to bowel cancer in June 2017, urged everyone to listen: “Check your poo!”
It is possible to save your life, even though it sounds terrible
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Changes to your toilet habits – going more or less often – and blood in your stools are red-flag symptoms of the disease that claimed Dame Debs’ life at age 40.
Dr Zoe says: “Look for any signs of blood or mucus, as well as any change in how often you’re going, and the consistency of the poo, for example if you’re having persistent diarrhoea or constipation.
“If you notice anything new or unusual, or a change in habits, it’s always best to speak to your GP about it.”