Breast Cancer Awareness Month

Every October, people around the world show their support for those affected by breast cancer.

Every 10 minutes a woman is diagnosed with breast cancer in the UK.

According to Cancer Research UK foundation, between 2015 and 2017 there were 55,176 new cases of breast cancer. Additionally, in the UK there were 11,547 deaths from breast cancer between 2016 and 2018.

During their lifetime, about 1 in 8 women are diagnosed with breast cancer, which is why it is important to raise awareness. Many women are not aware of the symptoms of breast cancer and how to check their breasts and the causes of it.

How has coronavirus impacted breast cancer?

Due to coronavirus, many people have had to hit pause on getting diagnosed or treating breast cancer. Now more than ever, we need to show our support and raise awareness.

In England, between March and July 2020 there were over 95,000 fewer referrals by GP for tests (even if breast cancer was initially suspected) compared to 2019. Additionally, between March and July 2020, there were 2,500 fewer urgent cases documented in Wales.

In a survey for NHS England, the statistics showed that the main reasons people afraid to come forward were the fear of catching coronavirus and to not burden the NHS. Some GPs were also reluctant on referring people to the hospital.

This has now improved and the NHS are prioritising at risk patients.

How can you show your support?

To show our support, we invite you to join us in wearing pink on Friday 22nd of October. Alert Health 24 will be organising an event to show support and contribute to breast cancer reach and care.

If you wish to donate, please click the link down below.

For more information about breast cancer, please use the link below.

Somerset Team Day Out

Our Somerset team has worked extremely hard over the last couple of years. They have been incredibly committed and it has made a huge difference having them as part of our team.

We are very thankful to have an amazing group of people by our side, who have completely bought into our mission of making a positive difference to people’s lives.

To show our appreciation they were whisked off to watch Manchester United vs. Aston Villa in the Premier League.

Despite Manchester United losing 1-0 it was a great day!!

The Health and Social Care Levy

On the 7th of September, the Prime Minister has announced his new plans to increase funding for health and social care through a new tax. This new tax is known as ‘the health and social care levy’.

Boris Johnson has discussed his plans to raise funding over the next three years for health and social care. The Command Paper shows that The Levy is predicated to raise an additional £11.4 billion a year over the three-year period.

This announcement has received mixed responses from social care leaders.

Some believe that it is unfair to raise the taxes, as it will be young people and those that have a smaller income will be effected by this tax rise.

However, others see the benefits of increasing the NIC tax. From October 2023, people will no longer pay more than £86,000 in care costs; the money raised will also go to carers’ salaries.

How To Stay Well In Winter

It is important to stay safe and healthy during winter. The cold weather can cause health problems worsen and lead to complications. Those vulnerable to the cold weather include:

• Children and babies
• People with long-term health condition
• Those 65 and older
• People with a physical disability
• People who have a mental health condition
• People with low income

About the flu vaccine

It is important to have your flu vaccine; although the flu generally gets better on it own, it can effect those with a serious health condition.

NHS offers a flue vaccine every year which is safe and effective. The best time to get your flue vaccine is now (autumn) before the flu spreads.

How to keep warm

To prevent catching the flu, it is important to keep yourself and your house warm.

Here is a list of things you can do to keep yourself warm:

• Use a hot water bottle to keep warm in bed
• Have a hot drink (like tea or hot chocolate) regularly
• Have at least one hot meal a day

Here are a few tips on keeping your house warm:

• Keep your bedroom window closed and keep the room temperature at a minimum of 18C. Those with health conditions like lung disease need to ensure their room is always 18C or above.
• Babies’ rooms should be heated to between 16C and 20C. This helps to prevent sudden infant death syndrome.
• Keep door and curtains closed at dusk to block out draughts
• Get your heating system checked regularly by a qualified professional

Please look out for vulnerable neighbours and relatives to make sure they are safe, warm and have the necessary medication.