Walking
Even the smallest effect can improve your quality of life and make you feel healthier and livelier. Simply start by walking for 15 or 20 minutes at a brisk enough pace to get your heart beating faster, 3 times a week regularly. There is a local walking group and leaflets are available at Reception.
Healthy Eating
A healthy diet doesn’t need to be a boring one. Health experts tell us we are all eating too much fat, salt etc, but what exactly does this mean? Why not speak to your doctor/nurse or pick up some of our information leaflets so you can enjoy a healthier diet?
Lorn and Oban Healthy Options (LOHO)
The Surgery is participating in LOHO which is a programme aimed at improving physical activity, health and wellbeing. Referral to this should be discussed with your GP or practice nurse, as it is aimed at people with long-term health problems.
Smoking
We are keen to give all our patients who smoke as much help as possible. All of our practice nurses can give advice and specialist help on how to stop smoking; this includes nicotine replacement therapy. Appointments are available throughout the day and evening.
Alcohol
The practice is keen to promote responsible drinking and is participating in an initiative to improve people’s awareness of the dangers of consuming too much alcohol. We have leaflets available which will explain what a unit of alcohol is and what the recommended limits are. If you are concerned about the amount of alcohol you are consuming, please take time to complete the short questionnaire available at reception..
Drugs
Dr Michael Boyle sees patients with drug dependency problems in a specialised drug clinic. Any patients with drug addiction problems can be referred to the Clinic by their GP.
Cardiovascular Disease
The West Coast of Scotland has a higher than average incidence of heart attacks/strokes and other cardiovascular disorders. To try to prevent these illnesses, we are keen that everybody over 45 has a Lifestyle check, which will include checking their blood pressure and other risk factors.
Sexual Health
There are worrying increases in sexually transmitted infections for people of all ages in the UK. Younger women are at particular risk of Chlamydia, which can cause infertility yet may show no symptoms. HIV/AIDS now affects more heterosexuals than gay men, and continues to spread. We can provide free condoms and offer vaccines to anyone at risk.
Mental Health
Mental health problems are very common and we offer patients the opportunity to discuss problems as early as possible. We are able to offer support here, and advise on other services available locally.
Osteoporosis
We are interested in prevention and treatment of osteoporosis. Regular exercise, avoiding smoking and plenty of calcium in the diet all help reduce the risk for men and women.
Testicular Self Examination
Testicular cancer is one of the most common causes of death in younger men. Early detection of any abnormality is important, testicular self-examination (TSE) can detect problems; we can show you how to do this or ask for a leaflet.
Well Woman Clinic
Well woman Clinics are no longer held in the Lorn & IslandsHospital.
Appointments can be made in the Surgery with any of our GPs and nurses.