Frequently referred to as impotence, ED is the inability to attain or maintain an erection sufficient for sexual activity. In one study from North America, almost half of all men over 40 suffered from a degree of erectile dysfunction at some point or another, with 1:10 suffering complete ED. Regrettably, only about 10% of sufferers actually receive treatment. To learn more about the support and treatment options for ED, read this specialist blog post by Hampshire-based consultant urologist Rowland Rees.
Why do men hate going to the doctor? A series of observations, musings, generalisations and general reflection from Dr Steph's surgery swivel chair on why men seem to find it more challenging to seek medical advice, or, when they do, to ask the questions that are really bothering them. This week is Men's Health Week - please share and forward this blog to anyone you know (male or female) for whom you feel it might strike a chord in some way...
The teenage years are DIFFICULT – teenagers can often seem to BE “difficult”. Plenty of parents of teenagers struggle with the new relationship they find they are having with their child, and they wonder whether they are doing something wrong, or whether there might even “be something wrong” with their teenager. Fear not, because Dr Stephanie Hughes is on hand to talk us through the various different factors, or “Tasks of Adolescence”, which are all at play in the teenage years, and how they exert their influences on a teenager’s development and behaviour.
Mindfulness seems to be the buzz word at the moment although this effective way of living was developed in ancient times. It is has been studied extensively since the late 1970’s and modern mindful meditation is a mental skill that can be integrated into all areas of your life. Read on to learn more from mindfulness coach Mandy Papas.
As part of our series of blog posts on mental health issues for Mental Health Awareness Week (16th -22nd May) Jane and Sam of Chilbolton Services, two addiction practitioners specialising in substance misuse, have kindly contributed this helpful piece on recognising the signs of addiction, and how to get help.
Hay fever is an extremely common allergic reaction to certain components of spring and summertime pollen – sadly, its symptoms are all too familiar to the 10 million or so UK sufferers, but there is an increasing number of very effective treatments available. Dr Steph is here to walk you through the 'field' of options without so much as a sniffle!!
There is no doubt that running is a good cardiovascular sport but novices and top athletes alike face injuries to hips, muscles and knees caused by the hard, repetitive impact that hitting the ground has. Winchester GP has called in the experts, in the form of Mr Datta and Mr Jennings of the Hip & Knee Clinic, who have very kindly given us their run down of typical running injuries, and how to address them.
Snoring refers to the rattly noise, noticeable by others, which people might make when they breathe whilst sleeping. It is very common - the chances are extremely high that the person reading this is either a snorer him/herself, or lives with someone who is! Read on to learn why snoring happens, how it might be impacting your health and that of your sleeping partner, and what can be done about it!
Is that a hint of Spring we detect in the air?? We certainly hope so, and this is exactly the right time to start thinking about your sun care. We've teamed up with Winchester GP's great friend and colleague, consultant dermatologist Dr Samantha Hunt to give you the low down on sun safety, so that you can look after your skin for now, and for the future.
Many women have questions about the menopause. This normal and natural phenomenon affects all women by the time they reach their mid-50s, and is nothing to be alarmed about. However, while for some women the menopause passes by almost unnoticed, for others it may bring symptoms which are noticeable enough to disrupt normal life – and for a few it can seem to make life quite miserable. It is important that women feel fully informed about what it happening to them during the menopause, including which options exist to manage any symptoms that they wish to control. It is also important that women feel fully supported, and sensitively listened to by a doctor who views them holistically, and respects their decisions regarding treatment. Read on for Dr Stephanie Hughes' guide to navigating the menopause.
Whilst our hearts go out to those affected by the Zika virus and its impact on unborn babies, we are also concerned that pregnant women in the UK do not suffer undue anxiety regarding the outbreak, as the media coverage of this issue continues to build. Zika virus is not expected to affect the UK for the following reasons...
Whilst it might sound comical, restless leg syndrome is so much more than just a case of the fidgets. Causing sleep disturbance, making it dangerous to drive, and ruling out trips to the cinema, this condition is not to be underestimated. Here is Winchester GPs own Dr Stephanie with some facts and advice on this not-so-funny condition.
In our 3rd blog post on depression, Dr Stephanie Hughes tells us about what might trigger depression, and what factors make some people more prone to the condition that others. We also discuss specific forms of depression, including post natal depression, seasonal affective disorder, and 'Facebook depression'. Lastly, we take a look to see what is going on at a chemical level in the brain of a depressed person.
“That’s the thing about depression: A human being can survive almost anything, as long as she sees the end in sight. But depression is so insidious, and it compounds daily, that it’s impossible to ever see the end.” In part 2 of our 4 part blog on depression by Dr Stephanie Hughes, we talk about what it feels like to be depressed, and how a doctor would go about diagnosing the condition.
We all feel low from time to time, and this is completely normal and natural – an appropriate response to life’s ups and downs. But what if your mood is so low that you are unable to enjoy yourself or take pleasure in anything; so low that you are unable to work or carry out your usual activities; so low that, in the worst case scenario, you contemplate suicide? This is the first of a series of 4 blog posts on depression, a much misunderstood illness by Dr Stephanie Hughes.
