General | Acne | Asthma | Eczema | Eating disorders | Exercise | Healthy Eating | Mental Health | Mobile Phones | Pregnancy | Self harm | Sexual Health | Sun Safety

Welcome to our page on health.

Looking after your health and dealing with any health problems is important.  Health covers lots of topics. It includes such things as eating well, taking excercise and problems with drugs, alcohol and smoking.  Don't put off getting help with any health problems.  Even though health problems can sometimes seem embarrassing, there are lots of people who can help and will understand.

General

Everyone should have a doctor, dentist and optician. Even if everything is fine you still need them for regular check-ups.

You are entitled to a doctor under the NHS. 

When you are looking for a dentist ask if they will take you on as an NHS patient. 

If you are under 19 and still in full time education you can get free dental treatment and eye tests and money-off if you need glasses.  

Prescriptions are free if you are under 16. They are also free if you are receiving Income Support or Job-Seekers Allowance. Check before you pay.

www.mindbodysoul.gov.uk	Health information for 14-16 year olds
www.nhsdirect.co.uk or telephone 0845 4647	National Health Service website
www.nhs.uk/root/localnhsservices/default.asp www.there4me.com	To find different health services in your area NSPCC site for 12 - 16 year olds
www.givingupsmoking.co.uk	Giving up smoking

Acne

www.stopspots.org or telephone 0870 870 2263	Young people’s acne support group
www.dermatology.co.uk	Information about various skin conditions including asthma

Asthma

Eczema

www.eczema.org or telephone Helpline 0870 241 3604	National organisation with information about eczema
www.dermatology.co.uk	Information about various skin conditions including eczema

Eating disorders

www.edauk.com	Eating Disorders Association. Help on all types of eating disorders such as anorexia, bulimia and binge eating with a special young people’s page
www.oagb.org.uk	Overeaters Anonymous. Help and advice for compulsive overeaters

Exercise

Taking exercise is good for you and makes you feel great! Exercise will actually give you more energy, help you think better and feel more alert. Being fit will help you look after yourself as you can older by making sure you are strong and fit. You should try to get at least 20 minutes exercise every day. Can you walk or cycle to school, college or work instead of getting a bus? Have you thought of taking up a sport, maybe joining a club or team or just going out and doing something with your mates?

www.bbc.co.uk/health	Information for young people on exercise and diet and related issues
Leisure and Sports Centres
www.bathnes.gov.uk	B&NES
www.bristol-city.gov.uk	Bristol
www.n-somerset.gov.uk	North Somerset
www.southglos.gov.uk	South Gloucestershire
Cycling
www.bathnes.gov.uk	Cycling around B&NES
www.southglos.gov.uk	Cycling around South Gloucestershire
www.bristol-city.gov.uk	Cycling around Bristol
Walking
www.bathnes.gov.uk	Walking around B&NES
www.bristol-city.gov.uk	Walking around Bristol
www.southglos.gov.uk	Activities for young people in Sth Glos

Healthy Eating

Do you eat a balanced diet or lots of burgers? A balanced diet means you get the right mixture of different types of food to include all the things that are good for you and things you like. Find out more about how to eat well and stay healthy now and for looking after yourself for the future.

www.lifebytes.gov.uk	Young people’s life site - this is the eating section
www.bbc.co.uk	BBC site with lots of information on health, food, exercise and more

Mental Health

www.youngminds.org.uk	Information on mental health and related issues for young people
www.mindbodysoul.gov.uk	Health information for 14-16 year olds
www.nspcc.org.uk or telephone 0800 800 500	National Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children
www.rcpsych.ac.uk	Royal College of Psychiatrists

Mobile Phones

There has been lots of talk about the safety of using mobile phones.  No one really knows exactly what the risks might be.  So the best thing to do is to play safe.  As a young person your body is still developing and you need to look after yourself,  so recent government guidelines say that under 16's should only make urgent calls and try to stick to texting.  And if you are over 16 try to limit the amount of time you are on your phone and text as much as possible.  You can also use hands free kits to keep the phone away from your head too.

Pregnancy

If you think you may be pregnant the first step is to find out for definite as soon as possible. You can do this in one of the following ways:

• Visit your doctor
• Buy a pregnancy testing kit from a chemist
• Visit a Family Planning Clinic or G.U.M clinic
• Contact one of the local agencies.

There are specialist organisations locally, with trained staff who can talk to you in complete confidence and support you in making the right decision for you.

www.fpa.org.uk	Family Planning Assocation
www.bpas.org or telephone 08457 304030	British Pregancy Advice Service

Self harm

Self-harm is when someone deliberately hurts or injures themselves.

Offers support to women in distress across the country, particularly those that self-harm.

Bristol Crisis Service for Women
Helpline Tel: 0117 925 1119
Fri – Sat 9pm – 12.30am
Sun – 6pm – 9pm

www.users.zetnet.co.uk
www.selfharm.org.uk	Website especially for young people with lots information and help about self-harm
www.nshn.co.uk	The National Self-Harm Network

Sexual Health

Sex is a normal and healthy part of life, but many people can feel confused or worried about the issues.  Some people choose to have sex outside a relationship, others wait until they are in a steady relationship, but remember the legal age is 16. Whatever you decide – you may need to talk to someone about contraception and protection, and there is always help and support available.  The condom is the only form of contraception which helps protect against STIs, HIV and AIDS. If you think you might have a sexually transmitted infection get in touch with a doctor or special clinic in your area. Sexual feelings develop over time and you may be feeling confused or anxious about who you are sexually. Remember, whatever the pressure, you don’t have to do anything you are not comfortable with.

www.ruthinking.co.uk	Young people's site with lots of information
www.4ypbristol.co.uk	Help and advice in Bristol on sex, relationships and contraception
www.mindbodysoul.gov.uk	Health information for 14-16 year olds
www.ccardfreecondoms.co.uk	Where to go for free condoms in Bath and North East Somerset
www.fpa.org.uk	Family Planning Association
www.bpas.org or telephone 08457 304030	British Pregnancy Advice Service
www.brook.org.uk or telephone 0800 0185023	Confidential advice
www.likeitis.org.uk or telephone 0800 282 930	Sexwise - confidential advice

Sun Safety

There is a link between too much exposure to the sun and skin cancer. Too much sun can also cause premature ageing and give you wrinkles.  Stay out of the sun between 11am and 3pm when it is at it's strongest and always wear a sunscreen of at least SPF15.  Keep covered up and wear a hat and shades.  Be especially careful when you are on holiday in hot countries.  Avoid using sun beds, they carry the same risks as being in the sun.  If you want a tan, it's best to go fake!

Look at our Contacts section and our 1 Big Database for lots of useful organisations, links and telephone numbers on a whole range of issues that affect young people.