Being healthy isn't just about not being ill! It also means feeling good about yourself and having a healthy lifestyle so
that you can get the most out of life.
For general advice, try thesite.org and
youthinformation.com
See here for sexual health information.
in this section
Using the Health Service
Alcohol, smoking, drugs
Drugs & alcohol - what to do if...
Picture
Stressed out?
BMI and Healthy eating
Eating disorders
Mental health
For Contact Details see our A-Z
USING THE HEALTH SERVICE
If you or someone else has an accident and need emergency treatment, dial 999 for an ambulance (minicom 669999) or go to the
Accident & Emergency (A&E) at York Hospital. For drug/alcohol first aid,
see here. For emergency dental treatment, contact your dentist; if you can't do this, it is possible to go to
A&E.
For Contact Details see our A-Z.
Registering with a doctor (GP)
From the age of 16 you can, if you wish, register with a doctor in your own right. Take your medical card with you if you have one. You can also change to another doctor - you don't have to give a reason for changing.
You can get a list of the doctors in your area from the NHS direct helpline or www.nhs.uk. If you are away from home and need a doctor, you can register as a temporary patient. If you are homeless and don't have a doctor, you can register with the Personal Medical Services (PMS) Team for the Homeless. For Contact Details see our A-Z.
York NHS Walk-in Centre and NHS Direct
For health advice and information you can speak to a nurse in confidence at the Walk-in Centre (8am - 6pm) or by phoning NHS Direct (24 hr). The Walk-in Centre can treat a range of minor illnesses and injuries. No appointment is necessary. You'll be asked a few personal details, but you can remain anonymous if you wish. For Contact Details see our A-Z.
You are entitled at any age to a confidential consultation with a doctor. You can get treatment in confidence if they are satisfied that you understand the information you are given, your choices and the possible consequences. If you are under 16 they are legally obliged to encourage you to discuss the issue with your parents - but even if it is about contraception, they must respect your confidentiality.
For details about free prescriptions, dental treatment and help with eye tests etc., get a copy of Leaflet HC11 "Help with health costs" from post offices, your GP or JobcentrePlus. You should be entitled to free prescriptions if you are:
• Under 16
• Aged between 16 and 19 and in full time education
• On Income Support or JSA, or on a low income
• Pregnant, or for 12 months after the birth
You may also be entitled to cheaper prescriptions etc. if you are on a low income. Ask any chemist for more information and Form
HC1.
Dentists and opticians
Dental treatment is free on the NHS to people under 18, and to most other people who get free prescriptions. (Even if you're not entitled to free treatment, it is still cheaper if your dentist takes NHS patients). If you don't have a dentist or want to change yours, you can get details from
NHS Direct helpline or the www.nhs.uk; or call the
Dental Line to be put on the waiting list. Leave your contact details and someone will contact you. Check that your dentist accepts NHS patients before treatment starts.
For Contact Details see our A-Z.
If you have to pay for dental treatment, many private dentists run schemes that allow you to spread the cost.
Most people entitled to free prescriptions are also entitled to free eye tests and vouchers towards the cost of glasses or contact lenses. You can get an eye test from any optician, and can use the vouchers where you like. Get a copy of your prescription to take with you.
For more information about NHS services contact the Patient Advice and Liaison Service (PALS). They can also help if you want to make a complaint or give feedback about NHS services. For Contact Details see our A-Z.
Most people enjoy drinking alcohol, without coming to any harm. However it is fair to say that many people do harm themselves or others by their drinking. Young, inexperienced drinkers are most at risk, as they tend to have a lower tolerance to the effects of alcohol.
Alcohol is measured in units. One unit is about equivalent to a single measure of spirits, half a pint of normal strength beer or lager, or a small glass of wine. Many beers are stronger than this: a pint of extra strength beer or lager can contain 4 or 5 units.
The recommended maximum limit is 3 or 4 units/day for a man and 2 or 3 units/day for a woman. If you are regularly drinking more than this, there is a risk to your health. This isn't a safe limit for every day of the week. You should take a few days off on a regular basis. Also, this limit is for adults over 18. There are no recommendations for young people under 18.
Alcohol problems
• often hungover?
• getting into fights and arguments, or causing accidents?
• can't remember what you did the night before, or wake up regretting the things you said or did?
• money problems because of drinking?
• causing problems at work or school?
• violent towards your family when you have been drinking?
• driving whilst over the limit?
If any of these warning signs is true for you, you may want to think about how much you are drinking. Alcohol problems are not just about being "an alcoholic" or causing serious health problems. If you are concerned about your own or someone else's drinking, you can contact Castlegate, First Base (see here for more info) or one of the following:
York Alcohol Advice Service - call in for information, advice or to make an appointment for counselling. They run evening sessions, and also groups where you can meet with other users to look at your alcohol use and practical ways to cut down or stop.
Alcoholics Anonymous - who offer support at regular meetings and run a national helpline. You can call them or search online for times of their local meetings (most evenings).
Drinkline - for information, advice and support on alcohol issues.
For Contact Details see our A-Z.
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SMOKING
Stopping smoking is not easy but it can be done (though it is easier not to start in the first place!) To be successful you have to really want to stop, and you have to be ready. Good support from family and friends is really important too.
Phone Quitline or see their website(s) for advice and information, or to contact a counsellor online. You can also ask them to send out a postcard pack and Quit Guide.
For support in your local area, contact the North Yorkshire Stop Smoking Service. They can give advice and one-to-one help, and also run groups. They can advise about stop-smoking medicines and products, and arrange supply for you (though your GP may do this direct).
For Contact Details see our
A-Z.
It is illegal to smoke in all enclosed public places and workplaces. This includes pubs, clubs, shops, works vans etc. There is a fixed penalty fine of £50 if you do so.
DRUGS
Some drugs are more harmful than others, but they all carry risks to some degree - whether it is to your health, your relationships, your finances, or your police record. Having a criminal conviction for possession of drugs can affect the jobs you are able to do in the future. If you take drugs, give them the respect they warrant.
You can pick up leaflets from Castlegate or Compass One. If you are concerned about your own drug use or someone else's you can also contact the following places:
First Base (based at Foundation Housing) - is a confidential service for young people 19 and under who are worried about their own or someone else's drug or alcohol use. You can meet up with a worker to talk about what is bothering you, and to see what support they can offer. This might be about using safely, cutting down or stopping altogether. They can also help with other problems in your life such housing or things to do.
For Contact Details see our A-Z.
Compass One - an independent organisation, which offers a range of services on all drug matters. For example they run a drop-in, a needle exchange, and have a nurse on site part-time. They offer complementary therapies, and have information about drugs, treatments and detox. They run a one to one service for all problems that drug use may cause, and related issues. They also run a
separate prescribing service - the Compass Drug Dependency Clinic - you will need to be referred by your GP or Compass One for this.
For Contact Details see our A-Z.
York Reach is for anyone 18+ who would like help with a drug problem. They offer one to one sessions and alternative therapies (accupuncture and electro-stimulation therapy). They also run group sessions for example in drug awareness, making changes and managing emotions. Contact them yourself or ask someone to refer you - e.g. your GP, support worker or Castlegate.
Frank - which runs a free and confidential phone line as well as website. You can also email a drugs adviser personally.
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For Contact Details see our
A-Z.
Drugs and the law
If you are found with illegal drugs (or traces of them) on you or in your house etc., you can be arrested for possession. If you have more than a certain amount, or the same amount divided up, you can be arrested for possession with the intent to supply - even if you were only carrying some for a friend. A conviction for intention to supply is far more severe than for possession - for Class A drugs, the maximum conviction is life. See talktofrank.com
The Drug Intervention Programme (DIP) at Compass can offer support to people arrested for drugs offences, before and after court. If you are arrested for the first time for possession of drugs, you will be offered a referral to DIP by the police. For Contact Details see our A-Z.
DRUGS & ALCOHOL: WHAT TO DO IF...
Knowing what to do in an emergency, because someone is off their face or unconscious due to alcohol or drugs, could save someone's life. You may never need to use it, but you should learn how to take emergency action just in case.
If someone is tense and panicky or getting paranoid...
• take them somewhere away from bright lights and loud noise
• talk gently and calmly to them, reassure them that the feelings will go away
• help them calm their breathing down if they are over- breathing (hyper-ventilating) by breathing slowly with them
If someone faints or loses consciousness...
• put them in the recovery position (see below). Loosen tight clothes
• keep them warm, but not too warm
• check their breathing. If they are not breathing, find someone who can do mouth to mouth resuscitation
• call an ambulance. Tell the crew what has happened and what you have done to help. Don't be put off calling an ambulance because you are worried about getting
someone in trouble as a consequence. You may be risking their life
If someone is drowsy but conscious...
• put them in the recovery position (see below)
• Try to stop them becoming unconscious - keep talking to them, but don't walk them about the room or put them to bed
• If they want a drink give them warm water (not black coffee)
• call for medical assistance
The recovery position
You should put someone into the recovery position if they are unconscious or drowsy. You can do this easily even if they are a lot bigger than you. It keeps their airways free so they do not suffocate or choke, and they cannot easily roll out of it or onto their front.
Roll the person onto one side. If they are on their left side, then bend their right leg up in front of them so they cannot roll forwards and bend their right arm so their hand is under their cheek (or vice versa). Practice on someone!
STRESSED OUT? See also FED UP? section
Everyone gets stressed out sometimes - but too much stress can be unhealthy. It can affect your sleep and your appetite, your relationships with friends and family, your work or study. There are some basic things you can do to combat stress.
• Make time just for you, for something you enjoy. Relax in a hot bath with a book or magazine
• Get regular exercise. Take the dog for a walk - or borrow one!
• Learn to be positive about yourself and your life
• Talk to someone about how you feel, or just to 'sound off'
• If people are expecting too much from you, learn to say no
• Learn to control your breathing. Concentrate your mind on your diaphragm muscles as you breathe slowly and regularly. This can help you focus and relax, lower your heart rate and give you 'time out' from stress
• Relax your muscles. Lie down and get comfortable. Tense the muscles in each part of your body as you breathe in (begin with your toes), and relax them as you breathe out. Work your way up through each muscle, from your feet and legs to your stomach, back, shoulders, arms and hands. End with your
neck and face. Try this at night if you have trouble sleeping.
BODY MASS INDEX (BMI) & HEALTHY EATING
The BMI is a simple method that has been used by doctors for many years to assess whether someone's weight puts their health at risk. To work it out, first find your weight in kilograms and your height in metres.
To calculate your BMI, divide your weight (kg) by your height squared (m2).
So: weight height x height
What group are you in?
Category
BMI
underweight -
less than 18.5
ideal -
18.5 - 25
overweight -
25 - 30
obese - should lose weight - 30 - 40
very obese -
greater than 40
Although BMI can be useful as a guide it does not take everything into account, such as whether you are male or female, how much muscle you have or whether you are an athlete. Use it alongside other things; whether your clothes feel tighter or looser, and whether you eat a healthy diet and take regular exercise.
A healthy diet is one that is balanced and varied and includes:
• plenty of fresh fruit and vegetables - it's recommended that you eat at least 5 portions a day
• lots of high fibre, starchy foods (bread, rice, pasta, potatoes)
• some protein - cheese, beans and pulses, nuts, fish, lean meat (if you eat them, otherwise find out about other sources)
• a little fat - choose olive oil, sunflower oil and margarine
• some dairy food - yoghurt, cheese, milk
• but doesn't include much sugar, salt or fat!
If you have any concerns you should speak to your GP. For more information about BMI, look at www.nhs.uk
EATING DISORDERS - see also SELF HARM
If you have a problem with what you eat - or do not feel that you are in control of your eating, you may want to seek help. Eating disorders can affect both men and women.
Anorexia can be: a fear of fatness, under-eating, losing a lot of weight, too much exercise. It can make periods stop in women. Bulimia can be: a fear of fatness, binge eating, normal weight but with fluctuations, induced vomiting after eating and/or use of too many laxatives. It can make periods irregular in women.
Binge eating can be: eating uncomfortably large amounts, eating a lot when not hungry, being embarrassed at how much you eat, feeling ashamed after eating a lot.
If you or someone that you know has a problem with eating and you want to talk to someone about this or to ask about getting the right help, you can contact your doctor, or Castlegate who offer a free and confidential counselling service about any issue. See here for more information.
beat run a helpline (over 18's), a youth line (under 25's), website and message boards for people affected by an eating disorder. You can also e-mail for personal correspondence with a worker. For Contact Details see our A-Z.
MENTAL HEALTH - see also: FED UP?
There are many types of mental health problems. Most of us will know of someone either now or in the past with a mental health problem. These range from mild through to clinical depression, phobias, and schizophrenia. rethink.org has lots of useful information about mental health.
If you think you or someone you know is suffering from a mental health problem, talk to your doctor. If you don't feel comfortable talking to them, or if you feel you aren't getting the help you need, then you can contact:
The Young Person's Mental Health Adviser, Sue Grant, who is based at Castlegate and can give support to young people 16-19 with mental health issues or emotional problems.
York and District Mind - who give information about mental health services and mental health issues. They have a free counselling service, and an independent advocacy service to help you speak up for what you want. Mind can also give you support if you are caring for someone with a mental health problem or illness; offering emotional support, befriending, activity groups, as well as self help support groups for anxiety, OCD, depression etc. Details on yorkmind.org.uk
Samaritans - If you or someone you know is feeling suicidal or needs to speak to someone immediately, contact the Samaritans. You can talk to them in complete confidence at any time, about anything.
Saneline / SANEmail - a National mental health helpline and email service giving support, and also information on illnesses, treatments and local /national services.
YoungMinds Parents Information Service is free and confidential and provides information and advice for any adult who is worried about the mental health of a child or young person.
For Contact Details see our A-Z.