UNDERSTAND HOW THE NHS CAN SUPPORT YOU

Many teenagers and young people have queries and concerns about their health, but often do not know where to go for help and information.

Below are some suggested websites for you to view, which give accurate and up to date support and information on a range of issues that can affect young people.

If you have concerns about health issues, please do not be afraid to contact the surgery on 01543 472202 or email us at Yoxall.healthcentre@nhs.net

All information will be treated in the strictest confidence.

       NHS APP

Use the NHS App to:

• check your symptoms
• find out what to do when you need help urgently
• book and manage appointments at your GP surgery
• order repeat prescriptions
• view your GP medical record securely
• register to be an organ donor
• choose how the NHS uses your data

https://www.nhs.uk/using-the-nhs/nhs-services/the-nhs-app/

The FREE Student Health App (previously known as 'ESC Student') provides useful and reliable health information for students - all in one single place.

• Reduce your worries - learn when it's safe to manage self-treatable health problems yourself

• Feel more confident - find out how to spot warning signs and know when to seek medical advice

• Know where to go  - become more confident in navigating the NHS and get the support you need

 Click on this link for more information Student Health App 

MeeTwo

The MeeTwo app provides a safe and secure forum for teenagers wanting to discuss any issue affecting their lives.

You can anonymously get advice from experts or other teenagers going through similar experiences in areas such as mental health, self-harming, relationships and friendships

https://www.nhs.uk/apps-library/meetwo/

BOTH APPS ARE COMPATIBLE WITH ANDROID AND APPLE DEVICES 

 ChatHealth  

Text message service and app for young people and parents to ask for health and wellbeing advice

Numbers to text

• Young people in Staffordshire should text 07520 615721
• Parents in Staffordshire should text 07520 615722

Who can use the service?

This is a universal programme available to all children and families living in Staffordshire or attending a Staffordshire school (excluding Stoke-on-Trent) where the family have a child or young person up to 19 years old.

General health advice for teenagers

https://www.healthforteens.co.uk/ 

https://www.nhs.uk/live-well/eat-well/healthy-eating-for-teens/

https://www.nhs.uk/live-well/sexual-health/

https://openclinic.org.uk/  - Sexual health service in Staffordshire

http://patienttech.co.uk/ - using technology to help manage your health

Moving away from home for the first time? Going to college or uni away from home?

Knowing how to look after your health might not be the first thing you think of, but it's an important part of becoming an independent young adult.

Here are a few key tips:

• Register with a GP and a dentist wherever you move to.  This is important so you can get healthcare, medicines and dental treatment easily and quickly if you need it.  Your chosen uni or college will be able to help you and often have their own student medical facilities.  Or you can go to the NHS website to find the nearest Doctor and Dentist near you: https://www.nhs.uk/
• Take a basic 'medicine cabinet' with you to help you manage minor illnesses such as coughs, colds, sore throats and headaches.  Follow this link for advice https://www.nhs.uk/live-well/healthy-body/your-medicine-cabinet/ or visit the local chemist and ask their advice.  They'll also help to make sure you know how to use things like paracetamol, ibuprofen, antiseptic cream, indigestion remedies and cough mixtures safely.
• If you use medication that is prescribed by a doctor, make sure you order what you need to take with you plenty of time before you go and make sure you take it with you.
• Check what vaccinations you have had to make sure you're protected.  Make an appointment with the practice nurse before you go away. 

  If you're starting college or university you should make sure you've already had:

  • the MenACWY vaccine – which protects against serious infections like meningitis. You can still ask your GP for this vaccine until your 25th birthday, if you missed having it at school or before coming to the UK to study
  • 2 doses of the MMR vaccine – as there are outbreaks of mumps and measles at universities. If you have not previously had 2 doses of MMR you can still ask your GP for the vaccine
• Never be afraid to ask your doctor's surgery or pharmacy for advice or help.