Are you fit for travel?

Fitfortravel is a website provided by NHS Scotland.  It gives travel health information for people travelling abroad from the UK.  You can get vaccination, disease and malaria advice for your chosen destination.

Remember - always discuss your particular needs with the practice travel nurse at least 6 weeks before you travel. 

www.fitfortravel.nhs.uk

Do you Care?                              

Have you told us you are caring for someone? 

Are you providing help and support to a relative, partner, friend or neighbour who could not manage without your help due to age, sickness, addiction or disability?

You may not realise you are acting in a 'caring role’, let alone realise the benefits; whether emotional, physical or financial; available to help and support you in your role.
 
We have introduced a 'Registration of a Carer' form within the practice.  The form will allow us to note you are a carer on your records.  Our doctors will be aware of your role and are here to help. We can offer you an annual health check, annual flu immunization, arrange appointments to fit around your caring role, send repeat prescriptions direct to your pharmacy and provide information on access to practical and emotional support for you.  We hope you, our patient, will feel supported rather than isolated, in what can be a challenging, frustrating and stressful role. 

It is important to tell us and find out what help is available for you.  Please ask for a Carer Registration Form from Reception. 

Living It Up                           

Do you want to know what is going on in your area?  Do you wish you could get more out of life?  Perhaps you’d like to find out how to do more things online or take time to get to know your neighbours?  Living It Up aims to support people to Shine, Flourish, Discover and Connect

http://www.taynuiltmedical.co.uk/info.aspx?p=8

Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)

Causes of seasonal affective disorder (SAD)

It’s not known exactly what causes seasonal affective disorder (SAD), but it’s thought to be linked to reduced levels of daylight in winter.

This may cause changes to brain chemicals like melatonin and serotonin that affect your mood and your sleeping patterns (circadian rhythm).

Light therapy

Light therapy involves using a bright light, sometimes called a SAD lamp or light box, to simulate daylight in winter.

It’s not usually available on the NHS as there’s not enough evidence to tell whether it’s effective. But many people find it helps their symptoms.

Speak to a GP before trying light therapy. It might not be suitable if you have certain eye conditions or are taking some medicines that increase your sensitivity to light.

If you buy a light box or SAD lamp, make sure it's bright enough (10,000 lux is standard), UV-free and has a UKCA or CE mark. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for using your light.

Sad Lamp

The practice has some SAD lamps available for patients to try before committing to buying one.  These are available for a month and we ask for a £10 deposit, which will be refunded on return of the lamp.  Please enquire at any of the three sites for further information.