By David Saunders, Health Editor | UPDATED: 08:28, 26 June 2020
The Average GP waiting time has exceeded two weeks for the first time ever, according to Pulse’s annual survey of waiting times. A Midpoint analysis of data from the survey of 901 GPs across the UK found that the average wait time is now 15 days!
We’ve rounded up our top tips of ways to look after yourself in the meantime when you’re unable to see your GP.
Mental Health
With an average wait time of 2 months for an appointment related to mental health problems with the NHS, its becoming essential for individuals to look for alternative methods.
Waiting long periods of time for help can be particularly detrimental especially with problems related to stress and anxiety. However there are options you can try on your own to help combat these feelings.
Consider ThinkWell-LiveWell (www.thinkwell-livewell.com, Monthly Subscription £8.00) the ‘Mindfulness and More’ online toolkit. TWLW draws on a multi-modular approach to add and combine leading techniques such as cognitive work, NLP, hypnotherapy, guided meditation and dream-work, delivered in both online and offline forms.
Experienced therapist and former advertising psychologist Mick Cassell created a website app to answer the needs that his professional and personal experience told him were not being met by the Mindfulness apps currently in the marketplace
Users can experiment with key personalisation filters that greatly affect their experience from a choice of musical backing tracks, scientifically designed to augment each stage of the online sessions; even the wording of those sessions is tailored to a user’s sensory preference, whether visual, auditory, kinaesthetic or logical.
ThinkWell-LiveWell has numerous programmes to help support a healthier and happier you – including their ‘well in mind’ sessions, which focus on mental agility, control of stress and habits. It can be difficult to feel calm when time is short and the pressure is on.
TWLW offers a ‘Quick Stress Buster’ 5 minute programme that will relax, centre and restore you and you can visit these quick reboots easily during your day – ideal when you need consistency and can’t get an appointment.
Gut Health Issues
Gut issues can come in variety of forms, where symptoms can range from uncomfortable to unbearable it is often encouraging to visit your Doctor. Martina Della Vedova, Nutritionist at Natures Plus (www.naturesplus.com) explains, “People with gut issues suffer from a wide array of symptoms, from cramping and pain to bloating and gas or strong food intolerances. Looking at gut inflammation and at improving gut environment to promote healthy flora is key for long-lasting results,”
To look after your gut health at home try the Natures Plus GI Natural Drink Powder in a glass of water before bed (RRP £33.75, www.naturesplus.com) which contains 4000 mg of L-Glutamine to help strengthen and repair the mucosal lining of the entire digestive tract. Highly active probiotics, whole food enzymes, prebiotic fibre and other essential co-factors, deliver powerful synergistic activity to ensure total digestive wellness.
“This formula works very efficiently if taken before bed with half glass of warm water: when your digestion is at rest and you are having a temporary fasting, then the ingredients in GI Natural powder work their magic,” explains Martina.
Acne
Acne isn’t limited to teenagers and can seriously affect self-confidence as well as being painful. When appointments are tricky to secure consider using CBD oil as a topical treatment.
Nutritionist Alix Woods explains, “CBD oil has anti-inflammatory and pain killing properties, skin supporting vitamins A, D & E and healing essential fatty acids. With regards CBD balms and oils, they work directly on an area, lowering inflammation, pain and swelling. It accumulates on the upper levels of the skin, which provides long-term relief.”
“This is how it works – The body makes a type of cannabis feel good hormone, anandamide and CBD oil naturally elevates these levels within the endocannabinoid system (ECS) of the body. Elevating these levels, naturally lowers pain, inflammation and regulates cell growth.
It can help regulate the skin’s oil production thusly reducing acne. It has the ability to suppress breakouts by regulating oil production of sebaceous glands and reducing inflammation caused by clogged hair follicles. It has been found to be as effective replacement for steroidal retinoid medication without the nasty side effects of redness, inflammation and dryness.”
CannabiGold classic 500MG CBD oil (£29.90, www.planetorganic.com ) contains not only the skin supporting vitamins A, D & E but it also contains; protein, which is necessary for the structure, function and regulation of tissues, especially of the skin.