At Uppingham Surgery we are committed to helping you get the best out of your health, and encouraging a healthy lifestyle.

Smoking
Smoking causes heart disease, lung disease, cancer, damage to unborn children and increases susceptibility to infections, both in the smoker and his/her children. Giving up is always difficult but help and advice is available from Resolutions, a local NHS organisation (01162 252 828), and a smoking cessation counsellor is available at the Uppingham surgery by appointment. Your GP can also prescribe nicotine replacement tablets or patches to help.

Alcohol
Excessive alcohol consumption can cause liver disease, strokes, damage to unborn children, depression and heart problems. A safe limit for men is 21 units per week, and for women 14 units per week, (a unit is a small glass of wine, half a pint of beer or a single spirit measure). If you feel you have a problem with controlling your alcohol intake, help is available from the Community Alcohol Team, (Tel 01162 256 350), who can see you confidentially at the Uppingham Surgery.

Diet
A good diet is the cornerstone to good health. Everyone should have five portions of fruit and vegetables daily and try to regulate fat and sugar intake. Specific diet advice can be given by the dietician, following referral by your GP.

Obesity and being overweight are significant risk factors for diabetes, heart disease and arthritis. Very overweight patients (BMI>30) can be prescribed medication to help in some circumstances, these are not suitable for everyone.

Exercise
Regular exercise is essential and helps improve general health, diabetes, asthma, heart disease, musculoskeletal problems and depression. Most people should aim to achieve a minimum of 30 minutes aerobic exercise daily; sufficient to increase your heart rate, and make you slightly breathless and hot. If you have any medical problems and need advice on exercising safely, please see your GP or nurse.

Uppingham School offers some swimming sessions for Uppingham Surgery patients who would benefit for medical reasons, following referral by a GP or Physiotherapist.

Sexual Health
Sexually transmitted diseases including HIV are becoming increasingly common. Using a condom reduces the risk of catching an infection. Some infections (e.g. Chlamydia) may not cause symptoms but can lead to long term damage and fertility problems. If you are concerned you may have contracted an infection, confidential screening and treatment is available from the genitourinary (GUM) clinic. Your doctor will NOT be informed if you attend a GUM clinic.

Contact local GUM clinics on Tel:-
Leicester Royal Infirmary 01162 585 208
Kettering General Hospital 01536 410 647
Peterborough District Hospital 01733 874 949

Drugs
Taking illegal drugs can cause severe physical and mental health problems. For further help and advice contact the Community Drug Team at Paget House, Tel 01162 256 400.