Tel ep hone 01 95 2 5 60 0 11
Fax 019 52 50 15 02 www.lawleymedical.co.uk
Welcome to Lawley Medical Practice’s Newsletter. These will be released quarterly to try and provide patient’s of Lawley Medical Practice with information about changes and anything new happening at the practice.
Test Results – “Don’t call us we will call you” Healthy Living
Please be advised that if you have had recent tests and a
GP feels action is required we will contact you . If you do not hear from the practice then the GP feels no further
If you would like some help for your and your family on healthy living, then there a few useful websites. www.nhs.uk/livewell action is needed at this time.
has lots of useful information like recipes, exercise plans and health eating plans.
Samples www.healthytelford.nhs.uk
also has lots of
Please hand in any samples at reception. Please do NOT useful information and details regarding put them in the post box or in any other boxes in the waiting room !. various community fitness classes.
Flu and Pneumococcal Immunisations
We will be holding a special flu clinic on Saturday 5 th
October, and also Saturday 9 th November and at various other times during the campaign. You will be eligible for the Flu vaccine then if you are over 65 , or if you are pregnant, a carer or have one of the following conditions:

Diabetes

Asthma (if on regular steroid inhalers)

Stroke

Chronic Kidney Disease

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease

Cancer

Coronary Heart Disease
If over 65 you will also be eligible for a Pneumococcal vaccine which protects you against Pneumococcal infections caused by the bacterium Streptococcus pneumoniae and can lead to pneumonia, septicaemia (a kind of blood poisoning) and meningitis. Usually you only need this vaccine once in your lifetime.
Flu Vaccination – Children – 2 to 3 years old
This autumn a nasal flu vaccination will be given to protect children who were born on or after 2/9/2009 and on or after 1/9/2011. We currently can only offer to 2 and 3 year olds however this will be extended in future years.
Shingles – New Campaign
A vaccine to prevent shingles a common painful skin disease which some people are left with pain lasting for years after the initial rash has healed, is now available if you are aged 70 or 79 on the 1 st eligible. Unlike the flu jab, you will only need to have the vaccination once. The vaccine is expected to reduce your risk of getting shingles, if you are unlucky to on to have the disease, your symptoms may be milder and the illness shorter.
September, we will send you a letter if
MMR Catch Up
If you are aged over 16 and under 40, you may be at risk of measles, mumps or german measles if not fully vaccinated. If you are not sure if you are protected, and you wish to be vaccinated then please ask for a nurse telephone call to check.
Patient Group: Please let us know if you are interested in joining and becoming a patient champion

Tel ep hone 01 95 2 5 60 0 11
Fax 019 52 50 15 02 www.lawleymedical.co.uk
According to the NHS back pain is the biggest cause of absence from work in the UK. The most common type is lower back pain (usually an ache or feeling of tension or stiffness). Good news is back pain isn’t usually caused by anything serious and most people get better within 12 weeks. Any pain lasting more than 12 weeks is considered to be chronic pain.
It is difficult to say what causes back pain, but most are due to sprains, strains, minor injuries and pinched or irritated nerves. These may be caused by a number of things usually over a period of time including lifting, carrying, pushing or pulling incorrectly, slouching, twisting, over stretching and overusing your muscles
– even driving for too long without a break may lead to your back feeling sore.
Some people are more likely to suffer including those who are overweight, smokers, pregnant woman, people taking long term medications and those who are under stress.
Most cases of back pain that last 6 weeks or less can be treated with over-the-counter painkillers, ask your pharmacist to recommend a painkiller or other product.
- Paracetamol tablets are effective in treating most cases of back pain
- NSAID’s – or non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, are also effective such as ibuprofen tablets and gels or diclofenac tablets and gels (ask your pharmacist for advice as NSAID’s as they should be used with caution in people with certain risk factors and in the elderly because of an increased risk of side effects)
- Drug-free treatments may also be beneficial, including hot and cold treatments available at pharmacies and products such as TENS machines.
When to see your GP
See your doctor as soon as possible if your back pain is accompanied by one or more of the following:
- Fever - Pain in the back
- Unexplained weight loss -
Pain that’s worse at night
- Swelling in the back - Loss of bladder or bowel control
- Pain in other parts of your body
Keep it Strong
Health professionals believe regular exercise and being active on a daily basis will help keep your back healthy and strong. Try walking or swimming to strengthen your back muscles and Yoga or
Pilates to improve flexibility.
Since too much body weight can be a strain on your lower back, ask your pharmacist how they can help you in loosing a few pounds and keep your weight healthy. Use the BMI Healthy Weight calculator at www.allabouthealth.org.uk/weightloss to find out how much you need to loose.
Make sure your posture isn’t putting strain on your back too. Always stand upright with your back balanced evenly on both feet. Sit upright and keep your knees and hips level, your feet flat on the floor. A small cushion or other support in the small of your back may help keep your posture correct.
Patient Group: Please let us know if you are interested in joining and becoming a patient champion