As we say goodbye to the cold months of winter and welcome the warmth of spring, it’s the perfect time to refresh not only your home but also your health. After a long, often sedentary winter, taking the time to schedule a health check-up can give you the peace of mind you need to start the new season with confidence. Regular Insights Health Checks and screenings can help identify potential risks early, giving you the opportunity to take action before issues become more serious.

Why Health Check-Ups Are Essential

Winter can often lead to a more inactive lifestyle, with shorter days and cold weather keeping us indoors. This can result in weight gain, a decrease in fitness levels and potential neglect of mental well-being. Spring is the ideal time to hit the reset button on your health by getting a comprehensive health check-up.

Tip: Even if you’re feeling healthy, regular check-ups are essential for maintaining long-term wellness. Certain conditions, such as high blood pressure, cholesterol levels and blood sugar, may develop without noticeable symptoms. Catching these early with routine tests can prevent more serious complications later.

Comprehensive Health Screenings for Total Wellness

A health check-up typically includes various screenings and tests to give you a full picture of your overall health. These might include:

At Helth, we offer a range of Insights Health Checks designed to give you a comprehensive understanding of your health. Whether you want a quick review or an in-depth assessment, we have options that cater to your needs.

Insights: Start – £149 | 15 minutes

A great starting point for anyone looking for a general health check. This includes a pre-screening questionnaire, blood and urine tests and a follow-up consultation with one of our Doctors.

Insights: Advance – £699 | 90 minutes

A more in-depth check that includes everything from Insights: Start plus additional blood screenings, cognitive assessments, and a comprehensive physical exam.

Insights: Elite – £1799 | 120 minutes

The most detailed check-up we offer, including advanced screenings for heart health, cancer markers, prostate health and more. You’ll have ample time with one of our Doctors thoroughly review your results.

Tip: By scheduling an Insights Health Check, you can start your spring with confidence, knowing that you’re taking proactive steps toward a healthier lifestyle.

Taking Action Based on Your Results

Once your health check-up results are in, it’s important to act on them. If any concerns are raised, our Doctor will work with you to create a plan for managing your health. Whether it’s adjusting your diet, starting an exercise routine or taking medications to manage a chronic condition, addressing any risks early can help you avoid complications down the road.

Tip: Incorporating small but significant changes, like increasing physical activity and adopting a balanced diet, can make a huge difference in how you feel and your long-term health.

Spring cleaning isn’t just for your home—it’s for your health too. Book your Insights Health Check today and start the season with a clear plan for your health.

Understanding RSV and Bronchiolitis: What You Need to Know

As the winter season unfolds, respiratory illnesses become more prevalent, with one particular virus often making headlines: RSV, or respiratory syncytial virus. While RSV is a common virus that most children encounter by the age of two, its potential to cause bronchiolitis and severe respiratory distress in young children and vulnerable adults makes it a condition worth understanding.

What is RSV?

RSV is a highly contagious virus that primarily affects the respiratory tract. It spreads through respiratory droplets from coughing or sneezing, as well as via contaminated surfaces or direct contact. In most people, RSV causes mild, cold-like symptoms, including:

For infants, toddlers, older adults, and individuals with weakened immune systems, RSV can lead to more severe complications, including bronchiolitis and pneumonia.

Who is at Risk?

Certain groups are more susceptible to severe RSV infections and associated bronchiolitis, including:

Preventing RSV

While there is no specific antiviral treatment for RSV, prevention plays a critical role. Key strategies include:

When to Seek Medical Attention

For most children and adults, RSV resolves on its own with supportive care, such as hydration, rest, and fever management. However, seek medical attention immediately if you notice:

References

  1. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). “Respiratory Syncytial Virus Infection (RSV).” www.cdc.gov.
  2. Mayo Clinic. “RSV (Respiratory Syncytial Virus).” www.mayoclinic.org.
  3. National Health Service (NHS). “Bronchiolitis.” www.nhs.uk.
  4. World Health Organization (WHO). “Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV).” www.who.int.

Regarding your health, convenience, trust, and expertise are paramount. For many, the choice to work with a local private GP is a decision that significantly improves the quality of their healthcare experience. At Helth, we proudly offer private GP services focusing on patient-centred care. Here’s why choosing a local private GP like Helth could be the best decision for your health.

1. Convenience at Your Fingertips

One of the standout benefits of choosing a private GP is the ease of access. Helth offers same-day appointments, in-person visits at our clinics, home visits, and even virtual consultations. With our simple online booking platform, you can secure an appointment at a time and place that works for you, eliminating long waiting times and stressful scheduling.

2. Personalised, Patient-Centered Care

At Helth, we prioritise getting to know our patients. Our experienced GPs take the time to listen to your concerns, understand your medical history, and provide tailored care plans that suit your individual needs. Whether managing a chronic condition or addressing a sudden health issue, our patient-focused approach ensures you receive the best possible outcomes.

3. Expertise Backed by Years of Experience

All Helth GPs are highly experienced professionals who continue to work within the NHS and private healthcare sectors. With over 40 cumulative years of expertise, you can trust that your health is in capable hands. This blend of local knowledge and medical proficiency allows our GPs to provide accurate diagnoses, recommend appropriate treatments, and connect you with specialists.

4. Faster Referrals and Diagnostic Services

A private GP can significantly expedite the process of accessing diagnostic tests and specialist care. At Helth, we offer comprehensive blood tests, health checks, and genomic assessments directly in our clinics. If further specialist input is required, our GPs provide referrals to trusted experts, ensuring you receive the care you need without delay.

5. Flexibility to Suit Your Lifestyle

Whether you need a quick video consultation during your lunch break or prefer a detailed in-person consultation, Helth offers unparalleled flexibility. Our locations in Esher, Farnham, and Hartley Wintney cater to a wide range of patients, and our home visit services bring expert care right to your doorstep.

6. Improved Continuity of Care

At Helth, we believe that continuity of care is vital for long-term health. By consistently seeing the same GP, you build a trust-based relationship, allowing for more accurate diagnosis and treatment over time.

7. A Focus on Preventative Healthcare

Helth doesn’t just treat illnesses; we help you stay healthy. With services like health checks, mole screenings, and genomic assessments, we empower patients to take control of their well-being and catch potential issues early.

Choosing a local private GP means receiving high-quality, convenient, and personalised healthcare from a trustworthy team. Helth’s commitment to exceptional patient care ensures that your health concerns are always our top priority.

Book an appointment with your local Helth GP today to experience the benefits of private healthcare firsthand.

Sometimes, getting to a clinic can feel overwhelming—whether unwell, housebound, or seeking more personalised care. That’s where private GP home visits come in. At Helth, we specialise in providing expert healthcare in the comfort of your home. Here are the top five reasons to consider booking a home visit today.

1. Convenience and Comfort

Travelling to a clinic can be an added burden when you feel unwell. With Helth’s home visit services, our expert GPs come to you. Our team ensures you receive high-quality care without leaving the house in Esher, Farnham, Hartley Wintney, or surrounding areas.

2. Expert Care for Chronic and Acute Issues

Our GPs are equipped to handle a variety of health concerns, from managing chronic conditions to addressing sudden illnesses like sore throats, rashes, or urinary issues. During a home visit, our doctors provide the same level of care you’d expect in a clinic, with thorough examinations and personalised advice.

3. Avoiding Busy Clinics and Long Waiting Times

In a world where time is precious, a home visit saves you from waiting rooms and lengthy queues. Helth ensures you’re seen promptly, in the comfort of your own space, so you can focus on improving.

4. Ideal for Frail or Vulnerable Patients

For individuals who are frail, housebound, or living with mobility challenges, home visits are a lifeline. Our compassionate GPs provide thorough assessments tailored to your needs, ensuring you feel comfortable and cared for.

5. Follow-Up Care That Builds Trust

Seeing the same GP for follow-up appointments during home visits builds continuity of care. Your doctor gets to know you and your medical history, enabling more accurate and effective treatment plans. At Helth, we are committed to fostering long-term relationships with our patients.

How to Book a Home Visit with Helth
Arranging a home visit is simple. You can book online, call us at 0333 335 6403, or email us at [email protected]. We cover Esher, Farnham, Hartley Wintney, and nearby areas. Our expert GPs will bring exceptional care directly to your door.

Experience the benefits of a private GP home visit today. Book your appointment now and let Helth provide the care you need, where you need it.

Understanding Advanced Directives: A Guide from Your Local Private GP

Planning for the future is essential for ensuring your healthcare wishes are respected, even when you may be unable to communicate them. Advanced directives are legal documents that provide clear instructions about your preferences for medical care, empowering both you and your loved ones. At our private GP clinic, we believe in helping patients make informed decisions about their health. This blog will outline what advanced directives are, their benefits, and how to create one.

What Are Advanced Directives?

An advanced directive is a legal document that outlines your decisions regarding medical treatments in situations where you might be incapacitated. These may include:

  1. Living Will: Specifies the types of medical treatment you want or do not want, such as resuscitation or mechanical ventilation.
  2. Lasting Power of Attorney (LPA) for Health and Welfare: Designates a trusted individual to make healthcare decisions on your behalf if you’re unable to.

In the UK, advanced directives are governed by the Mental Capacity Act 2005, ensuring they are legally binding if they meet specific criteria.

Why Are Advanced Directives Important?

  1. Respecting Your Wishes: They ensure your preferences are followed, reducing uncertainty for your loved ones.
  2. Providing Clarity: Helps healthcare professionals deliver care aligned with your values.
  3. Reducing Stress: Eases the emotional burden on family members who might otherwise need to make difficult decisions.

Creating an Advanced Directive

An advanced directive should reflect your personal values and healthcare goals. Here are the steps:

  1. Reflect on Your Preferences: Consider treatments you would want or decline under certain circumstances. This might include life-sustaining interventions or pain management.
  2. Discuss with Your GP: A private GP can provide guidance on medical options and ensure your choices are realistic and medically appropriate.
  3. Document Your Wishes: Write your advanced directive clearly, specifying scenarios and treatments.
  4. Appoint a Health and Welfare LPA: If desired, nominate a trusted individual to advocate for your decisions.
  5. Ensure Accessibility: Share copies with your GP, family, and if you have one, your solicitor. Your GP surgery will store this on  your NHS electronic record.

Maintaining and Updating Your Advanced Directive

Your preferences might change over time. It’s essential to review your advanced directive periodically and make updates as needed. Significant life changes, such as a new diagnosis or family circumstances, might prompt a revision. Always inform your GP and loved ones of updates to ensure your latest wishes are honored.

How Can We Help?

At our private GP clinic, we’re here to provide compassionate guidance through the process of creating an advanced directive. We offer:

Take Control of Your Healthcare Decisions Today

Advanced directives are a vital step in ensuring your voice is heard, even when you cannot speak for yourself. By planning ahead, you’re empowering yourself and your loved ones with clarity and peace of mind. Book a consultation with our private GP today to begin the process.

References