Other Information

Alcohol

Some studies associate moderate alcohol intake, say one or two units per day, with less risk of heart disease. However, there are many effective alternatives to reducing heart disease risk without the addition of alcohol.

Alcohol is a drug that depresses the brain. We all know the cheeriness that can come with the first drink, but alcohol can actually cause severe depression. Alcohol has no vitamin or mineral content, but plenty of calories.

If you are a heavy drinker, alcohol will be doing damage to parts of the body you cannot see. Some long-term effects of drinking are:

• Liver disease
• Obesity
• Depression
• High blood pressure

If you have any questions your doctor will happily discuss individual queries regarding lowering the risk of coronary heart disease and especially bad cholesterol.

Below is a table which indicates how your weight can be affected by regular drinking. An occasional drink as part of a calorie-controlled diet is better than a drink in addition to your diet.

In recent years the number of people who drink and drive has decreased dramatically with education and legislation. Alcohol is still a major cause of road traffic accidents. If you are pregnant, every time you have an alcoholic drink, your baby is getting one too.

Support

If you are concerned about your alcohol intake or that of a relative or friend, the surgery will be able to advise you on a safe course of action.
Call the Alcoholics Anonymous Helpline on 0845 769 7555.

Smoking Cessation

It is never too late to stop smoking. If you are serious about stopping your doctor will provide help and information about the local smoking cessation group. This will mean that you will get support from fellow smokers who wish to give up.

• Smoking kills over 100,000 people per year in the United Kingdom.
• Smokers are more likely to get ill and die earlier than non-smokers.
• Nicotine is 10 times more addictive than heroin. The Smoking Cessation Group has a number of tips to help you stop:
• Plan your attempt to quit smoking
• Pick a date and keep to it
• Support from family and friends is vital
• Reward yourself with treats from the money you save
• Always take one day at a time
• Be positive

Your doctor will be able to advise you about Nicotine Replacement Therapy (NRT). NRT increases your chances of quitting successfully. The products are available on prescription.

Support

Your doctor will have the contact number for your local Smoking Cessation Group.
Call the NHS Smoking Helpline 0800 169 0169.
Good luck! Remember, it's never too late to give up. Can you?

You're Welcome

Did You Know?

• At 13 years of age you can make an appointment at the surgery and see a doctor or nurse in confidence to discuss any problems or to ask advice
• You do not have to tell the receptionist what the appointment is for
• The information given to the doctor or nurse is confidential and cannot be disclosed without your consent
• Condoms can be given to teenagers; ask the surgery for advice
• The surgery provide contraceptive advice, including the 'morning after pill'

The surgery team are here to listen to you. They do not tell you what to do, they assist you to get better if you are ill and explain clearly anything that concerns you.

Eating

The saying 'are you getting enough?' goes for eating too. A good diet is very important, especially breakfast.

Personal Hygiene

As you mature your body goes through changes and keeping clean and healthy are vitally important. Washing your body, wearing clean underwear every day and cleaning your teeth are just a small, but important part of your personal welfare.

Smoking And Alcohol

If you are under 18 it is illegal for you to purchase cigarettes and smoke cigarettes. If you purchase cigarettes for a minor it is also against the law. If you are under 18, it is against the law to purchase alcohol. It is also illegal for someone over 18 to buy alcohol for someone under 18.

Drugs - Just Say No!

Seven important terms - do you know what they mean?

Overdose - this can happen when someone takes so much of a drug that their body cannot cope with it.

Stimulants - drugs like Ecstasy, Speed and Cocaine affect people by speeding up their bodies, making them energetic and excited; commonly known as uppers.

Addiction - when a person becomes dependent on a drug and needs it to get by from day to day.

Tolerance - the body has got used to the drug so it does not give the same effect anymore.

Hallucinogens - drugs like LSD (acid) and magic mushrooms make people hallucinate: they see and hear things which are not there. These types of experiences are called trips.

Depressants - drugs like heroin and tranquillisers slow the body down, making it feel drowsy and relaxed. These drugs are known as downers.

Withdrawal - the bad feeling someone gets when they stop using certain drugs which they have been dependent on for a long time.

Talking To FRANK

FRANK is available to speak to 24 hours a day.
You can ring free from a landline on 0800 776600; it will not show up on the telephone bill. Your call will be completely confidential.
Or log onto www.talktofrank.com. This website is for anyone who wants to know anything about drugs.