𝗦𝗲𝘅𝘂𝗮𝗹 𝗛𝗲𝗮𝗹𝘁𝗵 𝗪𝗲𝗲𝗸 𝗶𝘀 𝗮 𝗴𝗿𝗲𝗮𝘁 𝗼𝗽𝗽𝗼𝗿𝘁𝘂𝗻𝗶𝘁𝘆 𝘁𝗼 𝘁𝗮𝗸𝗲 𝗰𝗵𝗮𝗿𝗴𝗲 𝗼𝗳 𝘆𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗵𝗲𝗮𝗹𝘁𝗵.💙

Looking after your sexual health is an important part of your overall wellbeing. Whether it's attending cervical screening, getting vaccinated against HPV or seeking advice when you need it, small steps can make a big difference. 🌸

Cervical screening (smear tests) is offered to eligible women and people with a cervix to help prevent cervical cancer. It checks for high-risk types of human papillomavirus (HPV), a common virus that most people will have at some point in their lives. In most cases HPV causes no problems, but some types can increase the risk of cervical cancer if left untreated. 🩺

Cervical screening can detect HPV before it causes abnormal cell changes, meaning treatment can be offered early if needed. It is one of the best ways to protect yourself against cervical cancer. 💜

You can also help protect yourself by:
✔️ Attending cervical screening when invited.
✔️ Ensuring your children receive the HPV vaccination when offered.
✔️ Practising safer sex.
✔️ Speaking to a healthcare professional if you have any concerns about your sexual health.

If you receive your invitation for cervical screening, don't put it off. It could save your life. 💙

Find out more:
HPV: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/human-papilloma-virus-hpv/

Cervical screening: https://www.nhs.uk/tests-and-treatments/cervical-screening/what-is-cervical-screening/

Cold weather can make asthma symptoms worse, but a few simple steps can help you stay well this winter. 💙❄️

Breathing in cold, dry air can narrow your airways, making it harder to breathe and increasing symptoms such as coughing, wheezing and breathlessness. If you have asthma, it's important to be prepared before heading outside. 🌬️🫁

Here are some tips to help protect your lungs:
✅ Wear a scarf loosely over your nose and mouth to help warm the air you breathe.
✅ Try breathing through your nose rather than your mouth.
✅ Check the weather forecast before going out and limit your time outdoors during very cold weather if possible.
✅ Dress in several thin layers to stay warm.
✅ Continue taking your preventer inhaler exactly as prescribed, even if you're feeling well.

Know your asthma action plan and seek urgent medical help if your symptoms become severe. 🚑

Find out more about living with asthma:
https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/asthma/

Falls are one of the most common causes of injury, especially for older adults, but many can be prevented with a few simple changes at home. 💙🏡

One of the easiest ways to reduce your risk is by wearing the right footwear. Well-fitting slippers with a secure back and non-slip soles can help you stay steady on your feet, while worn-out, loose-fitting or backless slippers can increase the risk of slipping or tripping. 👣

You can also help prevent falls by:
• Wearing supportive shoes or slippers with good grip.
• Keeping floors clear of clutter and trailing cables.
• Cleaning up spills straight away.
• Making sure your home is well lit.
• Using handrails when going up or down stairs.
• Having your eyesight and hearing checked regularly.
• Staying active to improve strength, balance and mobility.

If someone does fall, stay calm and check for injuries before helping them move. If they have injured their head, neck, back or hip, or cannot get up, call 999 immediately. If they may have a less serious injury, NHS 111 can provide advice. 🚑☎️

Find out more about preventing falls:
https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/falls/