The clocks have gone back, November is upon us, and Storm Austen has blown through. No doubt there is plenty more challenging weather to come as we head properly into winter. As coughs, colds and other respiratory infections become more common, it's tempting to reach for supplements promising to boost our immunity. But what actually works? Here GP Dr Vicky Carre looks at the evidence and shares her top five tips for staying healthy this winter 1. Vitamin D: Our Winter Essenti

A stroke is sometimes called a brain attack because, just like a heart attack, it happens when blood flow is interrupted. But how much do we know about the warning signs, and what can we do to reduce our risk? Here, GP Dr Nick Dunn draws on his family’s experience of stroke and his time working on a stroke rehabilitation ward to explain why recognising the signs and getting medical help quickly can make such a difference. It feels strange to say that I was a little afraid and

Taking several different medicines is common, particularly as we get older or develop long-term health conditions. But could some of those medicines be doing more harm than good? Taking five or more prescribed medicines is known as polypharmacy, and while it is often necessary, it can increase the risk of side effects and interactions between medications. Here, our GP Dr Katie Platts explains why it’s important to regularly review the medicines you’re taking, how to recognise

It’s never too late to stop smoking, and the benefits can begin almost immediately. But quitting isn’t always easy, and having the right support can make a real difference. For Stoptober, Dr Nick Dunn looks at why stopping for just 28 days can improve your chances of quitting for good, the different support available to help, and the latest evidence around vaping. He also explains why new research has made him reconsider some of his own views on the role regulated nicotine va

Women and girls are generally less physically active than men and boys, but the reasons why are often much more complex than simply finding the motivation to exercise. Here Dr Vicky Carre explores some of the barriers women can face at different stages of life, and why understanding what’s getting in the way can be the first step towards becoming more active. I've been thinking a lot about women and physical activity recently. I was invited by the Health Improvement Commissio

Around 95% of people will experience acne in some form during their lifetime. It's most common during the teenage years and early adulthood, though it can affect people well beyond their teens too. Persistent or severe acne isn't something you simply have to put up with. Effective treatments exist, and getting advice early can make a real difference, especially if your skin is beginning to scar or acne is knocking your confidence. Your GP is a good place to start. They can as

When we think about looking after our health, we don’t always think about the health of the planet too. But for our Green Team, the two are increasingly connected. Our GP Dr Laura Bell is passionate about finding practical ways to reduce our environmental impact across our surgeries, while continuing to provide the best possible care for our patients. “Sustainability in healthcare can sound like a huge challenge, but there are lots of smaller changes we can make that collecti

Many of us hope to stay active, independent and healthy for as long as possible. But while genetics play a part, the choices we make throughout our lives can have a significant impact on how we age. Here, Dr Vicky Carre reflects on twenty years in general practice and explores why some people seem to stay fitter and stronger for longer than others. She shares the latest thinking on healthy ageing, along with some advice on how to maximise not just your lifespan, but your heal

The first few weeks with a new baby are full of joy, but they can also bring plenty of questions and uncertainty. Crying is one of the most common concerns for new parents, and it isn’t always easy to know what’s normal. Here GP Dr Chloe Savident explains why babies cry, what to expect during the first few months, and when symptoms could suggest a condition such as reflux or cow’s milk protein allergy. Is anyone ever fully prepared to step into the world of being a parent? Wh

For the first time, researchers have shown that the HPV vaccine is not only preventing cervical cancer, but saving lives. The findings, published in The Lancet, mark a significant milestone in the fight against one of the most preventable cancers. But while the results are incredibly encouraging, they also highlight the importance of continuing to attend cervical screening when invited. Dr Lucy Joslin, GP and Women’s Health Lead, explains what the research means, why the HPV

As summer arrives, so do bees and wasps. These insects belong to an order called Hymenoptera, a large family that includes honeybees, bumblebees, wasps, hornets and ants. While most stings cause nothing more than temporary pain and swelling, for a small number of people the venom can trigger a potentially life-threatening allergic reaction. Thankfully, severe venom allergy is uncommon, and even people with a true venom allergy now have highly effective treatment options. The

We are delighted to announce the launch of our new podcast series, designed to give islanders trusted, accessible health information while offering the chance to get to know some of the people shaping healthcare in Guernsey. Hosted by Dr Nick Dunn, the 'Doctors Decoded’ series will feature conversations covering everything from prevention and wellbeing to diagnosis, treatment and living with long-term conditions. Alongside expert health advice, the podcast will give listen

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) has been renamed polyendocrine metabolic ovarian syndrome (PMOS) following a major consensus process involving clinicians, researchers and patients from around the world. While the condition itself has not changed, the new name reflects a broader understanding of the condition and how it affects hormonal, metabolic and reproductive health. One of the longstanding challenges with PCOS has been that the name did not accurately reflect the co

Many of us expect hay fever symptoms to disappear once the pollen season comes to an end. But what if your sneezing, blocked nose and itchy eyes continue throughout the year? House dust mite allergy is one of the most common causes of year-round allergy symptoms and can have a significant impact on sleep, concentration, asthma control and overall quality of life. Here, Dr Vicky Carre explains how to recognise the signs of house dust mite allergy, why an accurate diagnosis mat

The heatwave over the past couple of weeks has left many islanders reaching for the tissues and queueing at pharmacies for over-the-counter hay fever remedies. Our GPs, have seen a noticeable increase in the number of patients attending clinics with severe hay fever symptoms. With pollen counts currently running very high, what is often dismissed as a minor seasonal nuisance is proving a significant source of misery for many people. Here, our Allergy Lead, Dr Vicky Carre look

We’ve all enjoyed a week of high temperatures and beautiful sunshine, making the most of the warmer weather and getting out to the beach as much as possible. The glorious sunshine can be a fantastic mood booster, but it’s also so important to remember just how dangerous overexposure to the sun’s rays can be. In his latest blog, our GP Dr Nick Dunn reflects on the risks of skin cancer in Guernsey, why early detection matters, and the small steps we can all take to enjoy the su

If you’ve been finding it harder to sleep over the last few nights, you’re probably not the only one. Hot weather can make it much harder to properly switch off and stay asleep, especially when bedrooms stay warm into the evening and there’s little chance to cool down overnight. For some people it can mean struggling to fall asleep at all, while others find themselves waking repeatedly through the night feeling too hot or uncomfortable to properly rest. What can help? The goo

Why do so many healthy changes fail, even when our intentions are good? In her latest blog, our GP Dr Vicky Carre reflects on the psychology of behaviour change and why trying to make the “perfect” change can sometimes stop us making any change at all. From stopping smoking and improving fitness to losing weight or cutting down on alcohol, the blog explores why progress is rarely straightforward and why setbacks are often a normal part of building healthier habits that la

Our GPs regularly see the impact dementia can have, not only on patients, but on entire families. While some forms of dementia are strongly linked to genetics, growing evidence also shows that lifestyle and vascular health can play an important role in reducing the risk of more common types of dementia. Here, Dr Vicky Carre explores the different causes of dementia, the latest developments in treatment and prevention, and the remarkable story of Jordan Adams, who is current

Cancer rates in the UK have reached an all-time high of over 400,000 cases annually. The “Cancer in the UK 2026” report by Cancer Research UK details how the number of cancer cases has increased over the past 2-3 years, in men by 11% and women by 4%. Some of this can be explained by people living longer and our ageing population: as we get older our risk of cancer increases, however other factors such as improved detection at an earlier stage by GPs play an important role, as