Health
FAQs
"If I go to my GP for advice or treatment, will it remain confidential?"
All medical professionals must keep information about patients confidential, regardless of age. The only time that they would break confidentiality is if they had reason to believe that they would be putting you or someone you know in danger by not sharing information. This is unusual and your GP would be required to discuss this with you first so that you knew what would happen.
When you are over the age of 16 you are able to make the same decisions about treatment as adults. The only exception to this would be if a GP felt that you were unable to make a decision about your own treatment and therefore needed further support. If you are under 16, your GP would also want to ensure that you are able to reach a fully informed decision about treatment. If they feel that you are unable to make a 'competent' decision they may refuse treatment without parental consent.
For more useful information on this topic, take a look at these pages on the Connexions Direct website:
09/03/2009
"I'm worried that I'm overweight. How can I lose weight and be healthy?"
If you are concerned about your weight, as a starting point you could make an appointment at your local GP's surgery. A doctor or nurse will be able to tell you what the healthy weight range is for someone of your height, age and gender. If it turns out that you do need to lose some weight, your doctor or nurse will then be able to advise you on how you can do this healthily.
It's important that if you do decide to change your diet and lifestyle, that you do this in a way that will enhance your health, rather than damaging it. There are so many different diets on the television and in magazines, but by following some of those diets you may miss out on some of the foods that your body needs.
Exercise can help some people to maintain a healthy weight, but it also has many other added health benefits. Joining sports teams can be a great way to make exercise fun and meet new people; or you can plan exercise into your day, by walking to school or work, or even helping out in the garden or around the house.
For more useful information on this topic, take a look at these pages on the Connexions Direct website:
09/03/2009
"I want to quit smoking - what can I do?"
Smoking is linked to several life threatening diseases and so quitting smoking really is one of the best things you can do for your health. Some people manage to quit by willpower alone, and other people find that support groups or Nicotine Replacement Therapy (NRT) are more useful.
If you want to try NRT such as chewing gum or patches, speak to your GP as they can provide these on a prescription. Your GP can also refer you to local NHS-run support groups. To help keep you motivated, keep a record of how much money you are saving, think of something you would like to buy and work towards that goal.
For more useful information on this topic, take a look at these pages on the Connexions Direct website:
Do you think underage smoking is becoming more common?
09/03/2009
