Linbury Team, Author at Linbury Doctors

Private GP Reviews: What our Members say about Linbury Doctors

Posted on April 16, 2024April 24, 2024 by Linbury Team

Here at Linbury Doctors, we pride ourselves on providing quality healthcare to people of all ages, no matter their medical history. It’s so important to us to get to know each patient, spending the time they need and caring holistically for the whole family. Our highly individualised, flexible and proactive approach to care is why we receive such glowing reviews from our members. Read our private GP reviews to gain more of an insight into what our members think about our service.

If you’d like to find out more about Linbury Doctors, please call our Practice Line on 0333 050 7338 or email info@linburydoctors.co.uk. To discover all the benefits of joining, visit our Memberships page here.

Linbury Doctors Private GP Reviews:

“We joined Linbury Doctors last year and have had them come to us on several occasions. They are such lovely people. It is so much less stressful when your doctor comes to your home. Importantly, they are brilliant GPs with time to listen and ask questions. Thank you, Linbury!”
– Linbury Member, March 2024

—

“Dr Lucy Ansell and Dr Clare Wyld have both delivered extraordinary care to my entire family. It is an incredibly efficient way to receive general medicare care; we have prompt communication with our assigned family GP and in person house calls that are within hours, it’s incredible. Bravo to the team and the incredible work they do.”
– Linbury Member, March 2024

—

“We like the security of having the services of a private GP should we require it. We have always been very happy with the care we have received from your doctors.“
– Linbury Member, September 2023

—

“Since joining Linbury Doctors, Dr Lucy and her team have been an amazing help to the family; whenever you speak to her, nothing is too much trouble. I can not thank them enough for all they have done for us.“
– Linbury Member, August 2023

—

“My wife and I were so pleased to meet Dr Linney on Monday and very impressed by, and grateful to him for, the time and trouble he took with us. Both of us felt we were able to tell him exactly what was on our minds, and his advice was invaluable. He kindly fixed an appointment for me with a Dermatologist, which came through yesterday. All excellent.“
– Linbury Member, August 2023

—

“I would like to commend your colleague Ferdi who has given us excellent service. Last Monday, I had a pain in my chest and phoned Ferdi expecting him to pop around to examine me and advise there was nothing to worry about. After questioning me closely, I was astonished when he advised that I should go immediately to the hospital! And furthermore, he himself contacted emergency services on my behalf and an ambulance arrived within 15 minutes! Fifty minutes later I was in the operating theatre in the hospital, having a stent fitted. I am very grateful for Ferdi’s prompt and accurate diagnosis which I think has saved me from serious harm.“
– Linbury Member, 2023

—

“Fantastic doctors and service. Couldn’t be more grateful for all the help provided for my family.”
– Linbury Member, 2022

—

“Dr Lucy at Linbury Doctors has looked after our family seamlessly for 2 years. Not only has she provided immediate advice over the phone, but she’s also provided urgent visits where required and immediate referrals to hospital specialists.

Dr Lucy has provided a stream of communication (particularly covid illness, travel certificates and endless testing) and she has understood the health anxieties of parents when related to children’s health, regardless of the severity of the issue.

The constant reassurance is as valuable as any medical intervention required. We are very grateful, thank you.”
– Linbury Member, 2022

—

“Lucy Ansell is a life changer, literally. Nothing is too much trouble even when juggling small children in one hand and urgent patient issues in the other. Cannot rate Lucy more highly. 10 stars?“
– Linbury Member, 2022

—

“I cannot recommend Linbury more highly. Dr Lucy noticed an unusual lump on my partner’s neck and whisked him to see a specialist within days. This observation and quick response has probably saved his life. Her wall to wall 24/7 care, during hideous treatments over the last year, has been kind, uncomplicated and unwavering.”
– Linbury Member, 2022

—

“I just wanted to say how very happy I am having Dr Lucy Ansell as my doctor. When my husband was diagnosed with cancer, she was absolutely amazing and nothing was ever too much trouble when I rang asking for some advice. She is always so cheerful and if you feel anxious, she always manages to allay any fears you might have. We are so lucky to have her.”
– Linbury Member, 2022

—

“Signing with the Linbury Doctors was the best thing I have done. The security of knowing you have a trusted Doctor at the end of the phone is so reassuring. All the team are delightful, caring, efficient and know the right people if you need to be referred. I cannot recommend them more.”
– Linbury Member, 2022

—

“We were most impressed with Dr Liam’s delightful and diligent manner in which he dealt with us. We have every confidence for the future.”
– Linbury Member, 2022

—

“I cannot thank Linbury Doctors and in particular Dr. Lucy Ansell for the marvellous work she has done for me. She has diagnosed at least three potential problems I have had, which I certainly know my GP would not have bothered to care about. If I email her at 11 pm at night, there is often a reply by 7.30 am. The best advantage of all, is that they have no surgery in the general sense, because they always come and visit personally their patients, even the next day, if required. I could not recommend Linbury doctors more highly.”
– Linbury Member, 2022

—

“During the pandemic it has been difficult, as indeed it was before then, to see a Doctor and the same Doctor at that when you need them. Dealing with a GP practice which is so incredibly busy can make life even more stressful than it should be. I discovered Linbury Doctors through Linkedin and an enquiry was immediately followed up with a home visit the next day to explain the commitment and how it works. We signed up immediately and our Doctor, Hala Atkin was ‘assigned’ to us.

A call to Hala and she responds almost immediately and arranges to come over to our Home. After a medical examination and blood test where the results came back 24 hours later, I was referred without delay to the best specialist for my issue.

Hala and her colleagues have a great manner about them and are now fully in tune with our needs and health programme. They are very charming and professional and are so responsive. Probably the best thing we’ve done for ages and I can’t recommend their service highly enough.”
– Linbury Member, 2021

—

“Thank you to the Linbury Doctors for the kind and efficient service of doing a COVID test and preparing proper documentation for me, enabling me to travel home for Christmas smoothly.”
– Linbury Member, 2021

—

We pride ourselves on running honest, transparent service that is of the highest quality. So, it’s always such a pleasure to hear such fantastic feedback! If you’re a member and would like to leave a review, please email info@linburydoctors.co.uk.

The Essential Guide to Linbury Doctor’s New Cardiac Risk Profile Blood Test

Posted on April 5, 2024April 5, 2024 by Linbury Team

Here at Linbury Doctors, we are now offering a comprehensive blood test to assess your cardiac risk. Tailored to measure an array of cardiovascular risk markers, this innovative diagnostic test enables you to get a good overview of your current heart health and help in making pro-active decisions.

The Cardiac Risk Profile can flag potential heart health issues long before they manifest. But how does it do this, and is this test right for you?

Read on to discover more.

Call 0333 050 7338 to talk to a member of our team about this new blood test. If you’re not a member, find out more about joining here.

Cardiac Risk Profile Test Explained

In essence, the Cardiac Risk Profile blood test evaluates your cardiovascular health by measuring markers that can signal an increased risk for heart disease. By combining these data points, the test provides a comprehensive overview of your heart’s status.

The Cardiac Risk Profile test looks at the following:

Apolipoprotein A1 (ApoA1) and Apolipoprotein B (ApoB): These proteins offer insights into the quantity and quality of your HDL and LDL cholesterol, respectively. High levels of ApoB and low levels of ApoA1 correlate closely with increased risk of heart disease.
Homocysteine: You get this mostly from eating meat. It is an amino acid that, when elevated, can indicate a proclivity toward heart disease.
Lipoprotein (a): High levels of lipoprotein (a) increase your likelihood of having a heart attack, a stroke, and aortic stenosis, especially if you have familial hypercholesterolemia or signs of coronary heart disease. Cholesterol travels through the blood on lipoproteins, which are made of protein and fat. Like LDL-cholesterol, Lp(a)-cholesterol can build up in the walls of your blood vessels. The higher your Lp(a) level is, the more likely this is to happen. These cholesterol deposits, called plaques, can decrease blood flow to your heart, brain, kidneys, lungs, legs, and other parts of your body
Lp-PLA2 (PLAC): Marks enzyme levels in the blood, a potent predictor of plaque buildup in the arteries. A PLAC blood test helps identify early warning signs of the risk of heart disease or stroke.

Your Linbury GP will explain your results and any associated risks, ensuring you’re equipped with the knowledge to make informed health decisions.

Who is the Cardiac Risk Profile Test for?

This blood test is not one-size-fits-all. It’s for individuals with specific concerns about their heart health. You may benefit from the Cardiac Risk Profile test if you:

Are concerned about cardiac risk
Have a family history of high cholesterol/heart disease
Are unsure about taking medication to lower cholesterol

The Rewards of Early Detection

Knowing your risk profile early on can:

Arm You with Knowledge: You will have a clear picture of your cardiac risks, allowing for personalised health strategies that can prevent or delay the onset of heart conditions.
Empower Proactive Health Choices: Armed with knowledge, you can make targeted changes to your diet, exercise, and lifestyle, ensuring your heart’s vitality for years to come. Your Linbury GP will advise on what’s best for you.
Facilitate Informed Treatment Paths: Should intervention be necessary, your GP will craft an approach tailored to your specific risk factors, heightening the effectiveness of treatment.

Contact your GP

For members of Linbury Doctors who this test may apply to, please enquire with your dedicated GP for more information.

Linbury Doctors: Working with Top Private Hospitals for Advanced Healthcare

Posted on March 15, 2024 by Linbury Team

Linbury Doctors, a renowned group of private GPs dedicated to providing highly individualised and quality care, have been working alongside the top private hospitals in the country to offer the most advanced healthcare services. Linbury Doctors has been working with OneWelbeck to expand their range of medical offerings, ensuring patients have access to leading technology.

OneWelbeck

OneWelbeck, known for its commitment to innovation and advanced medical technology, stands as the home to the country’s only 3D mole mapping technology. This revolutionary advancement in dermatology enables precise and early detection of skin irregularities, enabling us to offer proactive and personalised care to our patients. OneWelbeck opens up avenues for Linbury members to benefit from this cutting-edge technology, ensuring comprehensive dermatological care as part of their healthcare services.

Furthermore, OneWelbeck offers a remarkable Well Woman and Well Man one-stop clinic, catering to the diverse and evolving healthcare needs of individuals. We are actively engaging with OneWelbeck to integrate their extensive health screening packages, which include full body MRI and endoscopy, into our preventative health programmes. This strategic collaboration aims to elevate the standard of preventive healthcare and diagnostic capabilities, providing patients with comprehensive and personalised health assessments.

Empowering Linbury Members with Comprehensive Healthcare Solutions

The collaboration between Linbury Doctors and OneWelbeck and other top private hospitals promises Linbury patients access to an integrated network of top-tier medical expertise and leading technology. We strive to empower individuals with holistic healthcare solutions, combining the proficiency of Linbury Doctors in personalised care with the advanced medical resources offered by OneWelbeck.

As we continue to expand our collaborative efforts with esteemed private hospitals, the future of healthcare holds promise for individuals seeking exceptional medical care tailored to their unique needs. Through the convergence of expertise, technology, and patient-centric care, we aim to redefine the standards of healthcare delivery and foster a culture of proactive wellness and comprehensive medical support.

To find out more about OneWelbeck, visit their website below:

OneWelbeck Official Website

Not a Linbury member? Benefit from all this and more by joining us today from as little as £100 per month. Find out more about our membership packages here, or call our team on 0333 050 7338.

Linbury Doctors Receive An Outstanding Rating in CQC Report

Posted on February 23, 2024February 23, 2024 by Linbury Team

In a recent assessment by the Care Quality Commission (CQC), Linbury Doctors’ service has been rated as Outstanding in crucial areas of healthcare provision, including the responsiveness and caring nature of their services.

“We are all absolutely thrilled to have received such a highly regarded rating. The hard work and dedication of the team is reflected in our service, and we’re delighted to be recognised for our achievements in quality, patient-led care.” – Dr. Hala Atkin, Founder & Medical Director.

“Since our beginning in 2020, we have always put our patients first. It is of utmost importance to us that we provide an unparalleled healthcare service, dedicating our skills to improving the welfare of generations. This Outstanding rating from the CQC is not just a feather in our cap, it’s a testament to the unwavering commitment we have to our members and our community.” – Dr. Lucy Ansell, Founder & Medical Director.

Some of the CQC’s key findings about Linbury Doctors’ service were:

Patients were respected and valued as individuals and were empowered as partners in their care, practically and emotionally.
Services were tailored to meet the needs of individual people and were delivered in a way to ensure flexibility, choice and continuity of care.
Upon joining the service, patients were provided with an in-person GP visit either in their own home or another location if preferred. Easy access and continuity with the same GP was an ethos the practice upheld.
The service model enabled GPs to check in with their patients often, including regular review meetings to review the patient’s general healthcare. Calls were responded to within the hour by the patients own GP.

The CQC found that individuals were genuinely respected and valued, being empowered as active participants in their care. Notably, recent patient surveys revealed that 100% of respondents felt heard and understood by their GPs.

The CQC rated the responsiveness as ‘Outstanding’ due to services being tailored to individual needs with a focus on flexibility, choice, and continuity of care. Patients had timely access to care, including initial assessment, test results, diagnosis, and treatment.

An ‘Outstanding’ rating was also given to the leadership category due to the delivery of high-quality, person-centred care. There was a strong culture of collaboration and support among all staff with a shared goal of enhancing care quality and patient experiences. During the inspection, staff expressed feeling respected, supported, and valued, reflecting pride in their work and the service.

A Patient-Led Service

At the core of Linbury’s stellar service is their patient-centric approach and open access to their asigned GP which has set a new benchmark for personalised care. With a well-rounded service that has set the bar high in the healthcare sector, Linbury Doctors prove that exceptional care results from unyielding dedication to patients and a culture that celebrates learning and innovation.

To review the whole report, visit: https://www.cqc.org.uk/location/1-9699409198

If you would like to find out more about Linbury Doctors please contact us directly on: info@linburydoctors.co.uk or fill out our enquiry form here.

Celebrating Our CQC Outstanding Report: A Milestone for Linbury Doctors

Posted on February 22, 2024February 23, 2024 by Linbury Team

In the ever-evolving landscape of healthcare, one of the most critical measures of success is the recognition of outstanding service by regulatory bodies. The recent news that our practice has been awarded an ‘Outstanding’ rating by the Care Quality Commission (CQC) is not just a feather in our cap, it’s a testament to the unwavering commitment we have to our members and our community.

About The CQC

The Care Quality Commission (CQC) inspects health and adult social care services in England to make sure that they provide safe, high-quality care. If a service needs to improve, CQC will take action to make sure this happens. Find out more at: www.cqc.org.uk.

The CQC evaluates services across five key areas: safety, effectiveness, caring, responsiveness to people’s needs, and leadership. To achieve an ‘Outstanding’ rating, an organisation must consistently demonstrate exceptional performance.

For Linbury Doctors, this recognition validates our continuous pursuit of excellence and our focus on each element of the CQC’s assessment framework. We meticulously ensure patient safety through robust processes. Our effectiveness is reflected in the success of our treatments, evidenced-based practices, and exemplary patient outcomes.

Celebrating Success

Our CQC achievement is a source of immense pride for everyone at Linbury Doctors. It is a tribute to the collective hard work, dedication, and passion of our healthcare professionals and staff. This accolade is a shared victory, which we believe is deserving of a celebration.

We’ve heard heart-warming feedback from our patients and their families who commend our doctors and staff for going the extra mile. Their stories affirm the ethos of care and service that exists at the core of our practice.

Future Plans

We recognise that the pursuit of excellence is a continuous journey. As such, we have structured our long-term goals to ensure that our services remain at the forefront of healthcare innovation, and that our patients continue to receive the highest standard of care.

Thank you!

The Linbury Doctors team extends its sincere thanks to every member who contributed to this outstanding achievement. The whole Linbury family played a vital role in making this distinction possible. We celebrate not only this particular win but the culture of excellence that drives us every day.

And to our patients and community, thank you! As we move forward, our promise is to uphold the values that have led to this remarkable success. Thank you for trusting us with your care, and we look forward to serving you with excellence always. Together, we will write the next chapter of our success story, one that’s bound to be filled with even more achievements, recognition, and most importantly, exemplary care for those we are privileged to serve.

National Heart Health Month: 5 Tips for Maintaining a Healthy Heart

Posted on February 1, 2024February 1, 2024 by Linbury Team

As February signifies National Heart Health Month in the UK, we are reminded of the importance of taking care of our heart health. Unfortunately, heart disease remains one of the leading causes of death and disability worldwide, including the UK.

Heart health is important to your overall well-being and making specific lifestyle changes can significantly reduce the risk of heart disease. Read on to discover our actionable tips for maintaining good heart health.

Want bespoke health advice? If you’d like to improve your overall wellbeing, our doctors will work with you to curate a health plan that’s right for you. As a member, you’ll see the same GP every time and they’ll visit you at your home or workplace, whenever you need an appointment. There are no waiting times and you’ll never feel rushed. To discover all the benefits of becoming a member of Linbury, visit our Memberships page here or call 0333 050 7338.

Eat a Heart-Healthy Diet

One of the best ways to keep your heart healthy is to eat a balanced, heart-healthy diet. A healthy diet includes plenty of fruits and vegetables, whole grains, lean protein sources, nuts, seeds, and low-fat dairy products. It is also vital to limit the intake of unhealthy fats, salt, alcohol and sugary beverages as these can increase your risk for heart disease.

Get Moving

Exercise helps improve blood flow, lowers blood pressure, reduces cholesterol levels, and maintains a healthy weight. Ensure you’re getting at least 30 minutes of movement into your daily routine. Regular physical activity can help manage weight, lower blood pressure, and strengthen your heart. Find something you genuinely love doing; yoga, strength training or simply walking the dog!

Reduce Stress

Chronic stress can have a negative impact on heart health. High levels of stress can cause an increase in blood pressure, heart rate, and inflammation. Practice stress-reduction techniques like mindfulness, meditation, or yoga.

Quit Smoking

Smoking is a major contributor to heart disease. The chemicals in tobacco smoke can damage the heart and blood vessels, leading to atherosclerosis, heart attacks, and stroke. If you smoke, it is essential to quit smoking to reduce your risk for heart disease.

Get Regular Checks to Assess your Heart Health

No matter your age or current health status, it’s never too late to start caring for your heart. However, doing it all alone can be challenging. We encourage you to book a comprehensive health check with us here at Linbury Doctors. Our full health checks look at your:

Heart health via ECG
Vitamin levels
Iron levels
Cholesterol levels
Kidney function
Liver function
Blood pressure
BMI (Body Mass Index)
Diabetes check
Prostate count for men
Ovarian cancer checks for women

All your test results will be shared with you via a secure system which is password protected. So, you will always have access to all the tests you have with us. A copy of your report will also be emailed to you after your health check.

To find out more information or to book your full body health check, call us on 0333 050 7338 or fill out our enquiry form here.

RSV Vaccine Now Available at Linbury Doctors

Posted on January 10, 2024January 22, 2024 by Linbury Team

We are now offering the Arexvy RSV Vaccine here at Linbury Doctors. RSV is a common respiratory virus that causes mild, cold-like symptoms in healthy adults and children. However, it can be very serious for infants and older adults with weakened immune systems.

Please contact us on 0333 050 7338 to find out more about this vaccine and whether it’s right for you. If you’re a member of Linbury, please contact your GP directly to discuss.

The cost of the RSV vaccine is £350. One dose will cover you for two years.

What is RSV?

RSV (Respiratory Syncytial Virus) is highly contagious and can spread through droplets from coughs and sneezes, as well as by touching infected surfaces. This can make it difficult to prevent the spread of the virus, especially in places where large groups of people gather.

How does the RSV Vaccine Work?

The RSV vaccine works by stimulating the body’s immune system to produce antibodies that will protect against the virus. It is recommended for infants and older adults who are at high risk for severe complications from RSV infection, such as:

Chronic lung or heart disease (e.g. asthma, COPD, emphysema, heart failure or poor heart function)
Cancer treatments
Organ transplants
Immunocompromised

One dose of the RSV vaccine will cover you for two years.

Why are we seeing an increase in RSV cases now?

There are a few possible reasons for this:

Delayed Immunity: With the COVID-19 pandemic, many children may have missed out on early exposure to viruses like RSV, leading to a delay in developing immunity. As restrictions are lifted and more people start socialising again, they may be exposed to these viruses for the first time and experience more severe symptoms.
Weakened Immune Systems: Older adults typically have weaker immune systems, making them more susceptible to viruses like RSV. With the pandemic and lockdowns, many may have been isolated and not exposed to common illnesses, leading to a decrease in their immunity.
Misdiagnosis: As RSV shares similar symptoms with COVID-19, there may have been cases that were initially diagnosed as COVID but turned out to be RSV upon further testing. With the focus on COVID, other respiratory illnesses may have gone undetected and untreated.

While the exact reason for the recent surge in RSV cases is still unclear, it’s important to take precautions to protect ourselves and others. Here are a few things you can do:

Wash your hands regularly with soap and water.
Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
Keep your distance from others, especially if you or someone around you is ill.

At Linbury, we are committed to providing a comprehensive range of vaccinations and preventive measures for our patients. Our team is dedicated to keeping you healthy and protecting against preventable illnesses. Book an appointment with us today to discuss your healthcare needs and let us help you stay on top of your health. Don’t risk getting sick – protect yourself and those around you by getting vaccinated.

Not a member of Linbury? Call 0333 050 7338 or visit our membership page to find out more and discuss your options.

Crafting Achievable Health Resolutions for a Healthier You

Posted on January 9, 2024 by Linbury Team

The new year often brings a tidal wave of enthusiasm for fitness goals and creating a new health plan. However, amidst the excitement of dieting, dry January pledges, and gym memberships, we must confront an inconvenient truth: many resolutions, no matter how well-intentioned, tend to fizzle out before they’ve truly begun.

Why is this the case? Often, it isn’t because the goals themselves are unrealistic, but because the timelines and the habits needed to attain them are. We’re all susceptible to the allure of quick results, but it’s crucial to remember that sustainable, long-lasting results are far more valuable. This sentiment is encapsulated perfectly in a universal quote: “People overestimate what they can do in the short-term and underestimate what they can do in the long-term.”

Special Offer with Motus Training

Here at Linbury, we’re working with Darren Putt at Motus Training. Over the past 20 years, he and his team have helped many clients achieve not only their physical health goals, but also carve a lifestyle that sustains these goals, to improve well-being in all aspects of life.

We are pleased to provide all of our members an online or in-person complimentary consultation with Darren and his team to determine your “Health Vision”, and six additional one-to-one sessions, when embarking on your health journey with Motus Training. Just mention you are a member when contacting Darren.

You can read more about Motus Training here.

And contact Darren directly here: 01789 450 141 | info@motustraining.co.uk

About Motus Training

Motus Training flips the script on traditional goal setting by focusing on what they term your “Health Vision”. This is your ultimate aspiration for your health, body, and fitness, intimately tied to your personal values and lifestyle. A 12-month timeframe is generally an effective range to work with; regardless of where you’re starting from, a year is ample time to bring about transformative health changes – provided they are rooted in behavioural modifications and the development of substantial new habits.

How to Set Realistic Resolutions for your Health Plan

Below, Darren shares his tips for creating realistic health resolutions:

Sustainable health plan results hinge on the formation of lasting habits. They need time to integrate into your daily and weekly routines and truly become a part of your lifestyle. They say it takes 21 days to form a habit, but if you’re still committed after 12 months, the likelihood is high that it’ll stick with you for a lifetime.

Here’s how to kick-start your journey towards realistic health resolutions:

Define your Health Vision: Understand your ultimate goal and how it aligns with your lifestyle.
Identify the Importance: Determine why this vision is meaningful to you. How will it enhance your life, and what pitfalls will it help you circumvent?
Set Measurable Outcome Goals: Identify up to three concrete outcome goals, such as a specific weight, clothing size, or fitness level.
Commit to Habit Goals: For each outcome goal, commit to 1-3 “habit” or “process goals”. These should be habits over which you have complete control and that you can consistently perform daily or at least a few times per week.
Monitor Your Progress: Regularly assess your progress, measuring not only the outcomes but also your consistency in maintaining your new habits. Remember to adjust your plan as needed.

Health isn’t a destination; it’s a journey of continuous improvement. By setting realistic and sustainable resolutions, you’ll be well on your path towards a healthier, happier you.

As a reminder, Linbury members can get a free consultation with Motus Training, plus six additional one-to-one sessions with them. Simply contact Darren directly here: 01789 450 141 | info@motustraining.co.uk

Not a member of Linbury? Call us on 0333 050 7338 or visit our memberships page here to find out more information.

The New Chickenpox Vaccine: A Parent’s Guide

Posted on December 11, 2023 by Linbury Team

As a parent, you want to do everything you can to protect your child’s health. It can be overwhelming to keep up with the latest recommendations regarding vaccines. Recently, the chicken pox vaccine has become a hot topic of discussion among parents and healthcare professionals. The Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI) recommends adding the Varicella vaccine (chicken pox vaccine) to a child’s vaccination schedule.

What is Chicken Pox?

As we all know chicken pox is very common, and most of us will have had it at some point during childhood.

Firstly, it’s important to understand chicken pox and why it can harm children. Chickenpox is a highly contagious viral infection. It causes an itchy rash, fever, and fatigue. While most children recover from chicken pox without serious issues, it can be life-threatening for children with weakened immune systems. Additionally, you risk developing shingles later in life if you have had chicken pox before.

How does the vaccine help?

The chickenpox vaccine was approved for use in the United States in 1995. Before the vaccine, chicken pox was a common childhood illness, with approximately 4 million cases reported each year. The vaccine has been highly effective at reducing the number of chickenpox cases, with a reported 90% reduction in cases since its introduction.

How is the vaccine given?

The vaccine is typically given in two doses. The first dose is given at 12 to 15 months of age. The second dose is given at 4 to 6 years of age.

So, should you give your child the chicken pox vaccine?

The American Academy of Paediatrics (AAP) strongly recommends vaccination for all children who have not had chickenpox before. The AAP also recommends that children who have had chicken pox receive the vaccine to further boost their immunity. While some parents may be hesitant to vaccinate their children, it’s important to remember that the vaccine is safe and effective. Serious side effects from the vaccine are rare, and the benefits of vaccination far outweigh the risks.

It’s also worth noting that the chicken pox vaccine can benefit beyond just preventing it. Studies have shown that the vaccine can also reduce the risk of developing shingles later in life. Shingles is a painful condition that occurs when the chicken pox virus reactivates in the body. By vaccinating against chicken pox, you can potentially reduce your child’s risk of developing shingles in the future.

How will it help my child?

The chickenpox vaccine is low-risk and effective at protecting your child’s health. Not only does it help prevent chicken pox, but it can also reduce the risk of developing shingles later in life.

If you’re unsure whether to vaccinate your child, talk to your Linbury Doctor. We can provide you with more information about the vaccine and help you make an informed decision about your child’s health.

Vaccination is critical in protecting your child and the community from dangerous diseases. It’s crucial to remember that the universal vaccination campaign has not yet been confirmed, despite the encouraging news headlines.

If you would like to book a private GP appointment to discuss your child’s vaccinations, click here. Alternatively, call us on 0333 050 7338.

Are you looking to focus on ‘You’ this winter?

Posted on November 13, 2023November 13, 2023 by Linbury Team

Motus Training founder Darren Putt has been helping people get fit, stay well and achieve their ideal body for over 20 years. Over that time, many fitness and diet fads have been and gone whilst Darren’s methods have consistently produced excellent results. More and more clients are visiting Motus Training not only to improve their health and well-being but also to recognise that this transfers directly into their physical and mental performance in everything they do.

You can read more about Motus Training here: https://www.motustraining.co.uk/

And contact Darren directly here; 01789 450 141 | info@motustraining.co.ukBelow, Darren has shared with you 4 Tips to Boost Your Immune System for Winter.

4 Tips to Boost Your Immune System for Winter.

Increasingly, many people are experiencing frequent illnesses, coughs, colds and flu-like symptoms, especially throughout the Winter months. If this sounds familiar, the following simple tips will help your immune system to be as robust as possible, which could help prevent some of the illnesses or at least reduce their severity whilst generally helping you feel better, have more energy and be more productive. This is a proactive approach: putting up the reinforcements before they are required. Also, if you start feeling run-down, getting a full-blown cold or flu is not a foregone conclusion!

1) Eat Enough Protein

The more protein you get earlier in the day, the better your immune system will function. Some experts claim the first 30g you eat each day supports detoxification, and the next 30g goes towards your immune system, yet many people won’t get 60g in the whole day (it’s roughly the equivalent of 2 chicken breasts and an egg). In practice, ensure you include a good source of protein with each meal, plus snack on foods like nuts containing immune-boosting vitamins and minerals such as selenium.

2) Get More Sleep

Stress and fatigue can leave you vulnerable. Most of us need 8+ hours per night to stay healthy. Whilst you sleep, your body works magic to fight off infections and viruses and eliminate other nasty things we are exposed to during the day. If 8 hours seems impossible, start with getting 15 minutes extra each night – even that tiny amount adds up to an additional night every month.

3) Supplement for Extra Protection

The balance of evidence tells us that a good multivitamin and mineral complex is a sensible idea. Even if we are diligent with our food, getting optimum nutrients is difficult, so a “backup” makes sense. Vitamin D supplementation is also recommended as daylight and sunshine become (even more!) scarce. Some reports show optimal Vitamin D levels as the number one way to protect ourselves from the flu. Zinc is well known to help with the immune system, but it is increasingly difficult to obtain through our usual diet. The other leading supplement to consider is a pro-biotic. Probiotics help your digestive system extract nutrients from foods more effectively. The quality of your supplements is far more important than the quantity. Speak to us for advice; otherwise, it can be money down the drain … literally!

4) Don’t Reach for Sugar if you Feel Run-down

When feeling run-down, an automatic response can be to reach for sugary foods to give you a quick boost. If you can resist this, you will be doing yourself a big favour: viruses feed off sugar, so by avoiding it, you might stop developing a full-blown cold and likely shorten its duration. If you do get a sugar craving, your body could want Vitamin C: good sources are many fruits (best eaten whole rather than juiced), green vegetables, tomatoes, peppers and chillis.

5) Think Positive

Ever heard anyone say on a Monday: “I’ve got a bit of a sore throat – I think I’ve got a cold coming. I bet by tomorrow I’ll be coughing; on Wednesday, I’ll hardly be able to get out of bed!” Thinking that way will ensure that’s precisely what happens. Others who say to themselves: “I can’t be ill” hardly ever are. It might not work 100% of the time, but if you don’t want to be one of those people who seem ill all the time, don’t think like them!

Darren and his team offer complimentary online/in-person consultations to discuss your health, fitness and lifestyle needs.

Please call 01789 450 141 or email anna@motustraining.co.uk for more information.