NHS Logo

  Health Promotion Resource Service Design Service Product portfolio
  Health Promotion Resource Service Design Service Product Portfolio
     
 
Home button
Diabetes button
Beasties button
Bits and Bobs button
Stay in bloom button
Heart health button
You're unique button
Sex sense button
Pssst alcohol aware button
Order form and price list button
Get Acrobat Reader
Need help with Acrobat?

Stay in Bloom!

Breast Awareness and Cervical Screening Leaflets
Leaflets, wording below... Code: A4
1 - 499 = 18p each  |||  500 - 999 = 16p each  |||  1000+ = 14p each

Large Print Leaflets, wording below... Code: LP
1 - 499 = 38p each  |||  500 - 999 = 36p each  |||  1000+ = 34p each


DVD. Code: DVD
Contains these resources and many others in signed (BSL), subtitled and English spoken word.
£25.00 each

Braille Leaflets, wording below... Code: BR
£1.00 each


Multi-lingual Leaflets
wording as below... Code: ML

Languages available: Arabic, Bengali, Chinese, Hindi, Portuguese, Punjabi, Somali, Urdu.
1 - 499 = 38p each  |||  500 - 999 = 36p each  |||  1000+ = 34p each


Breast Awareness Leaflet

All women, from their teens onwards, should be Breast Aware. This means checking the health of your breasts by regularly looking and feeling for any changes. You may see changes in your breasts before you can feel them. Look at your breasts in the mirror with your arms in three different positions:
1  Hands at your side; turn to each side.
2  Hands above your head; turn to each side.
3  Hands on hips with elbows pointing forward; turn to each side.

What should you be looking for?
• A change in the size and/or shape of your breast.
• A part of your breast pulled in like a dimple.
• Nipples pointing in a different direction to usual or turning inward if they’ve not done this before.
• Nipple discharge.
• Skin wrinkles, rash or irritation around your breast or nipple.
• A patch of rough skin on your breast.
• A change in the skin colour of your breast.

You should also regularly feel your breasts for any changes; you can do this in the bath, shower or lying down. Feel one breast at a time - your right breast with your left hand and vice versa. Keep your fingers flat and firmly feel your whole breast in a circular motion, from, and including, your nipple up to your collar bone and into your armpit.

What should you be feeling for?
• Lumps in your breast or armpit.
• Anything that feels different in your breast.
• Rough skin on your breast.
• Any unusual pain that lasts longer than two weeks.

Breast Screening is for all women aged 50 and above. This simple x-ray can detect small changes in your breast before you would notice anything yourself. Any changes found may be harmless but they could be signs of a problem, including breast cancer. Early detection means that treatment can be more effective. By 2004, all women between the ages of 50 and 70 will automatically be invited for breast screening every three years. If you are 71 years or over you should still go for regular screening by requesting an appointment at the Breast Screening Unit. If you do notice any changes, or have any queries about screening, you can discuss it with your doctor, practice nurse or call: NHS Direct: 0845 4647


back to top

Cervical Screening Leaflet

It’s very important to go for regular smear tests, even if you’re no longer sexually active or have gone through the menopause. Women between the ages of 25 and 49 will be invited for cervical screening (a smear test) every three years. Women aged 50 to 64 will be invited every 5 years. This test Is the best way of checking the health of your cervix (neck of the womb). The test is done in private at your doctors surgery or a family planning clinic and only takes a few minutes. It is usually done by a female practice nurse or doctor who will ask you some questions about your health.

What’s New? A new way of preparing smear samples called ‘Liquid Based Cytology’ (LBC) will be rolled out across the country over the next five years. This test is done in the same way as the old ‘smear test’ but will reduce the number of smear tests that have to be repeated because not enough cells have been collected. It also helps to improve the quality of the test.

What to expect. You will be asked to lie down so that a speculum can be put into your vagina for the doctor or practice nurse to look at your cervix closely. A cervex broom (cervix sampling device) will then be used to wipe your cervix to pick up cells which are then placed in a small bottle before being sent off for testing. Always make sure you get your results; ask your doctor or practice nurse how long this will take. If your smear test is normal you will not need another test for three to five years. Your test may show that changes have been found in the cells of your cervix. These changes act as an early warning sign that cervical cancer might develop in the future. The abnormal cells are not cancer and can be treated easily at an outpatient clinic. If you have any concerns about the smear test or your results you can talk it over with your doctor, practice nurse, or by calling NHS Direct: 0845 46 47

back to top

Osteoporosis Leaflet

What is Osteoporosis? Bones are living substances and new bone is always forming in our body. As you get older bone is lost faster than it can be replaced. If bone then becomes more fragile this is known as osteoporosis

What causes Osteoporosis? In most women it is caused by a lack of oestrogen, which protects your bones. After the menopause, ovaries produce less oestrogen therefore bone loss increases.

Who is most at risk? Women who:
• have had an early menopause or a hysterectomy with both ovaries removed (before the age of 45)
• have six months of missed periods due to poor eating habits or over exercising
• are inactive for long periods of time or don't exercise
• have a health condition affecting the absorption of food
• have a low calcium intake or had poor nutrition in childhood
• have a family history of Osteoporosis, particularly if their mother fractured/broke their hip

How can Osteoporosis affect you? Speak to your doctor if you think you have any of the following warning signs:
• Height loss.
• Curvature of the spine.
• Broken bones after a minor bump or fall.

How can you reduce your risk of Osteoporosis?
• Take regular weight bearing exercise, (e.g. walking five times a week for 30 minutes)
• Eat a variety of foods rich in calcium and Vitamin D, e.g. tinned fish, baked beans, vegetables, milk and cheese.
• Remember that low fat dairy products still contain calcium.
• Get plenty of sunlight for vitamin D but always use a sun screen.
• Stop smoking as this can cause an early menopause.
• Cut down on the amount of alcohol you drink as this affects how food is absorbed. Two units a day is the recommended limit.

How can you be tested and treated for Osteoporosis?
Your doctor can refer you for a bone density scan. This measures the thickness of your bones and is the most reliable way of checking the strength of your bones and possible risk of fractures. It is usually quick, simple and painless. Treatment can reduce the risk of fractures but at present there is no cure for Osteoporosis. Your doctor will advise you on the best treatment for your condition.

back to top

The Menopause Leaflet

What is ‘The Menopause’?
Approaching or following your last ever period, it’s natural for your body to change. This physical and emotional change is known as ‘The Menopause’. During the menopause, you can still get pregnant so keep using contraception for two years if you’re under fifty and for one year if you’re over fifty.

What can happen to your body during the menopause?
When you get older, your ovaries stop producing eggs every month. Your periods can become irregular and the bleeding lighter or heavier. You may have hot flushes and night sweats that vary in number, length and strength, and may leave you feeling cold and shivery. Other symptoms include: palpitations, weakness, skin prickliness, sleeplessness, tiredness, faintness, headaches, migraines, indigestion, constipation, bloating, breathlessness, cystitis and breast pain - known as Mastitis. As your body’s hormone levels reduce you may also get more aches, pains and muscle stiffness.

Osteoporosis is one of the most serious conditions that may occur during the menopause. This can make your bones brittle and more likely to break, so needs careful control and attention. During the menopause your vagina may become dry, this can make sexual intercourse uncomfortable but can be helped by using a vaginal lubricant. Your doctor can also prescribe Oestrogen in tablet or cream form. Avoid using antiseptics or perfumed products around your vaginal area as they can cause irritation, thrush and vaginal discharge. You may need to use the toilet more. Don’t suffer with ‘Stress Incontinence’ (a leak of urine), help control it by going for a wee when you feel the need - don’t try to hold it in! Pelvic floor exercises can also help. Don’t assume that all your body’s changes are to do with the menopause. Always visit your doctor to check up on any things that could be a symptom of something more serious like changes in bowel habit or unusual bleeding.

What effect can the menopause have on how you feel?
You may experience some of the following:
• Mood changes and irritability.
• Loss of confidence.
• Poor memory and concentration.
• Loss of libido (sexual desire).
• Depression.
• Panic attacks or Agoraphobia (fear of open spaces).

What can you do?
• Eat a healthy and balanced diet.
• Avoid food and drink that can make hot flushes worse.
• Exercise regularly – walking is really good for you.
• Use relaxation techniques.
• Stop Smoking.
• Wear layers of thin clothing, which can be easily taken off to cool down.
• Use a handheld fan during the day and keep your bedroom cool at night.
• Complementary therapies or food supplements may help with some of the changes.
• Talk about how you feel with family, friends or at a Menopause Support Clinic.
• See your doctor if your emotional changes are severe.

How can your doctor help?
Your doctor or practice nurse can give you advice and support on any of the points included in this leaflet. Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT), can also be prescribed, but there are some health risks including: thrombosis and an increased risk of breast cancer. You can also call NHS Direct for 24-hour, confidential nurse advice and health information on 0845 4647

back to top

Posters, wording below... (205mm x 420mm) Code: A3
1 - 49 = 50p each  |||  50 - 99 = 45p each  |||  100+ = 40p each

Breast Care Poster

All women, from their teens onwards, should be Breast Aware. This means checking the health of your breasts by regularly looking and feeling for any changes. Breast Screening is for all women aged 50 and above.This simple x-ray can detect small changes in your breast before you would notice anything yourself. Any changes found may be harmless but they could be signs of a problem, including breast cancer. Early detection means that treatment can be more effective. By 2004, all women between the ages of 50 and 70 will automatically be invited for breast screening every three years. If you are 71 years or over you should still go for regular screening by asking for an appointment at the Breast Screening Unit. If you do notice any changes, or have any queries about breast care, you can discuss it with your doctor, practice nurse or call: NHS Direct: 0845 4647

Cervical Screening Poster

The smear test (cervical screening) is the best way of checking the health of your cervix (neck of your womb). Women between the ages of 25 and 49 will be invited for cervical screening (a smear test) every three years. Women aged 50 to 64 will be invited every 5 years. The test only takes a few minutes and can be done at your doctors’ surgery or a family planning clinic. This is usually done by a female practice nurse or doctor. You should go for regular smear tests to protect your health; even if you are no longer sexually active, or have gone through the menopause. Changes can occur in the cells of your cervix without you realising. These changes act as an early warning sign that cervical cancer might develop in the future. The abnormal cells are not cancer and can be treated easily at an outpatient clinic. Always make sure you get your results. If you  have any questions or concerns talk it over with your doctor, practice nurse or call NHS Direct: 0845 4647

Osteoporosis Poster

Osteoporosis affects 1in 3 women and is usually caused by a lack of oestrogen. After the menopause, ovaries produce less oestrogen and bone loss increases. If bone then becomes more fragile this is known as Osteoporosis. Speak to your doctor if you have any of the following warning signs: height loss, curvature of the spine or broken bones after a minor bump or fall. Your doctor can refer you for a bone density scan which measures the thickness of your bones and will advise you on the best treatment if you have Osteoporosis. There is no cure, but treatment can reduce the risk of fractures. To prevent Osteoporosis, take regular weight bearing exercise, eat a variety of foods rich in calcium and vitamin D (which your body naturally makes when exposed to sunlight), reduce the amount of alcohol you drink and stop smoking. If you have any questions or concerns, talk it over with your doctor or practice nurse, or call NHS Direct: 0845 4647

The Menopause Poster

‘The Menopause’ is a time of physical and emotional change approaching or following your last ever period. Relaxation techniques and regular physical activity can ease symptoms such as sleeplessness, tiredness, depression, poor concentration, loss of confidence and mood changes. To help with hot flushes and night sweats, wear layers of thin clothing which can be easily taken off and keep your bedroom cool at night. Eat a healthy, balanced diet - avoiding foods and drinks that make hot flushes and night sweats worse. Complementary therapies or food supplements may also help. Don’t forget that during the menopause you should keep using contraception for two years if you’re under fifty and for one year if you’re over fifty. There are many physical and emotional changes that can occur during the menopause so talk about how you feel with family, friends or at a Menopause Support Clinic. Don’t assume that all your body’s changes are to do with the menopause. Always visit your doctor to check up on any things that could be a symptom of something more serious like changes in bowel habit or unusual bleeding. If you have any questions or concerns, talk it over with your doctor or practice nurse, or call: NHS Direct 0845 4647

back to top