Health
Now that we do not have the six-month fitness test or three yearly medical to contend with,
health problems may not always be apparent.
The onset of diabetes may produce obvious symptoms eg: tiredness, thirst, frequent trips to the toilet.
Equally, diabetes can be insidious, causing damage to the body but showing no symptoms for a long time.
The 'complications' can be serious, leading to, among other things, blindness, nerve damage, circulatory and heart problems.
Early treatment can reduce the effect of complications. Be aware. Visit Diabetes UK at
www.diabetes.org.uk
for information.
Influenza is a highly infectious viral illness. The best time for a jab is between late September and early November. If you are over 65, if you have a chest complaint,
kidney disease, diabetes, lowered immunity or any other serious medical condition ask your doctor. For more information visit,
www.doh.gov.uk/fluvaccinationleaflet.
Fragile bones, loss of height and fractures were accepted as part of growing old, but this can be protected against, and sufferers need to be informed about treatment.
Visit the National Osteoporosis website at :
www.nos.org.uk.
N.H.S. Direct is a confidential telephone service, staffed by nurses, who, for the price of a local call, will give advice on health problems or queries, or general information, on,
for example, late night pharmacists or dentists. Call 24 hrs on 0845 4647. Visit website at :
www.nhsdirect.nhs.uk.
Diabetes
02/02/01