Tag Archives: NHS choices

What are you doing for Black History Month?

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As the UK enters Black History month, NHS Choices, the national website of the NHS is putting the spotlight on black health heroes at www.nhs.uk/blackhistorymonth. The siteprofiles members of the African and Caribbean community who are improving the health and lives of others. NHS Choices also sheds light on conditions that are more likely to affect the black population, www.nhs.uk/blackhealth.

Amongst the celebrated health heroes is Dr Tunji Lasoye, an A&E consultant and surgeon in an inner city hospital, who often encounters victims of knife crimes. Also featured is Rudolph Isaacs, a rare-type blood donor whose donations are especially vital to people who suffer with sickle cell anaemia, which affects the black community more than others. The work of the trailblazer Nola Ishmael OBE, is also acknowledged for her contributions to nursing.
According to recent statistics from the NHS Information Centre, the numbers of BME (black and minority ethnic) hospital doctors are on the rise. There has been an 73% increase of BME hospital doctors, from 22,775 in 2000 to 39,476 in 2010.[1]

Barry Mussenden OBE, Deputy Director for Equality and Partnerships at the Department of Health says; “Black and minority ethnic people have contributed greatly to the NHS for over 60 years since the Windrush era, this recognition by NHS Choices shows the appreciation to all those inspirational health heroes throughout the UK.”

To further help ethnic minority communities to get reliable health information, NHS Choices has now incorporated a translation function into the site. This enables visitors to read most pages in more than 50 languages.

For more information about other health heroes, visit the NHS Choices website at www.nhs.uk/blackhistorymonth

How To Treat A Cold

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Aaachoo! Most of us will have a cold this winter, but do you know how to treat it?

NHS Choices reveals some of the myths around treating a cold and offers advice on how to
get well quickly

According to NHS Choices, on average an adult can expect to catch a cold between two and four times a year, with more people suffering during the winter months. But do you know how best to treat a cold?

Myths about cures for the common cold:
· Vitamin C – according to NHS Choices, one in three people believe that Vitamin C can help cure a cold. In fact, research has shown that Vitamin C doesn’t prevent or cure a cold.
· Echinacea – many think that Echinacea can be used to prevent a cold or treat one, but research has shown that there is no proof of this being the case.
· Over the counter medicines for colds – over the counter medicines do not cure a cold. The usual ingredients are painkillers and decongestants, which only help manage the symptoms.

In reality, the best thing you can do if you do get a cold this winter is to rest, eat well, avoid stress and keep hydrated. As most colds are caused by viruses, you don’t need antibiotics to help treat it.

Dr. Knut Schroeder, GP, says: “Many people will catch a cold this year – but there really isn’t any miracle cure out there. A balanced diet and regular exercise can help you to stay healthy. But, if you are to catch a cold then my advice is to try and stay warm, drink plenty of fluids and to eat plenty of fruit and vegetables. All this can help your body naturally fight the cold virus.”

For more information on surviving colds this winter visit, www.nhs.uk/livewell/coldsandflu.