Health

This week (24–30 September 2018) is Sexual Health Week, with the local NHS telling us to ask for advice if we have questions or concerns.

In 2017, there were more than 400,000 diagnoses of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) made in England.  During the same time, one in 10 sexually active 16-24 year olds also admitted that they never used a condom.

Colette Page, practice nurse lead at NHS South Sefton Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG) and NHS Southport & Formby CCG, said: “It’s so important that we practice safer sex – not using protection can lead to STIs as well as pregnancy.

“It’s also good to remember that some infections never show any signs and can go completely undetected unless tested for.

“This is why we advise you are screened regularly – before you have unprotected sex in a new relationship or after having sex with a new partner without using a condom.

“Most STIs can be treated easily, so don’t be scared of having a test and getting a positive result. However, if you leave an STI untreated it could go on to cause infertility and other complications.”

Another focus of this year’s awareness week is to highlight the issue of consent – non-consensual sex is a criminal offence and is punishable by law.

Overall, good communication throughout, between sexual partners is key to making sure consent has been given and neither partner has changed their mind.

Colette Page added: “If someone has forced or persuaded you into a sexual situation you are uncomfortable with, there is help available.

“You are not alone, there is help and support for you and you should never feel like it is your fault.”

The Sefton Sexual Health Service is free and confidential for everyone, offering walk-in or appointment clinics and designated under 25 only sessions.

Services provided include all contraceptive methods, sexually transmitted infection testing and treatments including HIV, free condoms and pregnancy tests.

For more information go to www.seftonsexualhealth.co.uk or call 01695 656 550.

You can call the national sexual health helpline free on 0300 123 7123 where your call will be treated with sensitivity and in strict confidence.

You can find out more about sexual health, on the NHS website – www.nhs.uk/live-well/sexual-health

Sefton Council’s 30 Days of Sefton in Mind campaign is well underway, using the 30 days that fall between World Suicide Prevention Day (September 10) and World Mental Health Day (October 10) to support good mental health and wellbeing in the borough. 

The campaign has seen support from across Sefton including Bootle’s own football legend Jamie Carragher who named Burbo Bank beach in Crosby as his favourite place to go to help promote his mental wellbeing.

To support the campaign, the Council’s Public Health Annual Report (PHAR), which explores mental health in young people, is being shown after having made the finals for a national award.

Sefton’s report has been recognised as one of the best in the country and was shortlisted for The Association of Directors of Public Health’s (ADPH) Annual Report Competition, which highlights the successes of PHARs from across the country.

First unveiled to the public in July, the PHAR was presented for the first time in video format as a way of making the report more accessible and easier to understand. With this year’s theme focusing on young people growing up healthy and happy, a digital format proved the best way to raise awareness of the issue and making the report more accessible to residents, particularly children and young people.

Cllr Ian Moncur, Sefton Council’s Cabinet Member for Health and Wellbeing said: “We’re delighted that Sefton is paving the way for future annual reports after being shortlisted among the best in the country.

“Annual reports can often be text heavy and difficult to access and so this year’s video aimed to bring public health to the forefront using channels that are modern and interesting to our target audiences. I hope that we have encouraged more people to view the video and give thought to the issues raised.”

There is no single reason why children and young people experience problems with their mental health. Factors such as growing up in a challenging home environment; having a disability; being a looked after child or a young carer; not being in education, employment or training; being exposed to domestic abuse; or having a parent with mental health problems can have a negative impact on mental health.

In Sefton, the number of people from some of these vulnerable groups is higher than the national average.

Cllr Moncur added: ““In Sefton we are dedicated to creating the right conditions and environments to promote and improve the mental health and wellbeing of children and young people.

“We continue to work with partners to develop early intervention programmes to promote emotional resilience which will empower children and young people to be able to cope better with difficult circumstances and do well in school and in life.”

The report is set to be presented to Sefton’s next Health and Wellbeing board on Wednesday 19 September.

The PHAR film and a short supplementary document can be viewed online at www.sefton.gov.uk/PHAR

Health leaders in Sefton are urging people to get their blood pressure tested as part of a national campaign to combat a silent killer.

Blood Pressure UK’s ‘Know Your Numbers!’ campaign aims to raise awareness of the importance of having your blood pressure tested and understanding what your numbers mean.

Cllr Ian Moncur, Sefton Council’s Cabinet Member for Health and Wellbeing added: “High blood pressure is a largely preventable and treatable condition but contributes to the leading causes of death. Having your blood pressure checked is an important step to knowing and reducing your risk of stroke, heart attack or heart failure.

“I urge all Sefton residents to take advantage of Know Your Numbers! week by getting your blood pressure checked to help keep your heart happy.”

Colette Page is a Practice Nurse Lead at NHS South Sefton Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG) and NHS Southport and Formby CCG. She said: “It’s really quick and easy to test your blood pressure, which makes it a great way to get a picture of your general health. If your reading is high, there are lots of ways to help bring your blood pressure down such as improving your diet, reducing your salt intake, quitting smoking and exercising more.

“People can find these lifestyle choices a bit daunting but there’s lots of information and support available to help you make some little changes that can make a big difference to your health.”

Graham MacGregor, chair of Blood Pressure UK and a professor of cardiovascular medicine, said: “High blood pressure usually has no symptoms, which is why it is often referred to as the silent killer. The only way to know you have it is to have a check. If detected, it can be easily treated, thereby reducing your risk of a stroke or heart disease.”

As part of this campaign, local NHS organisations and health charities have come together to offer free blood pressure checks which are being offered at a range of locations across Sefton this week. Health and lifestyle advice will be available from the friendly staff.

For a full list please visit www.southportandformbyccg.nhs.uk/your-health-and-services/know-your-numbers-sefton-blood-pressure-stations or www.southseftonccg.nhs.uk/your-health-and-services/know-your-numbers-sefton-blood-pressure-stations.

For more information about the Know Your Numbers! campaign, visit www.bloodpressureuk.org.