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

The sun is shining and while we’re all enjoying the beautiful weather the change in seasons is the perfect time for a bit of a reset. Here Dr Vicky Carre shares some simple, practical ways to “spring clean” your health, explaining what a powerful impact simple changes can have. Those of you who know me well will know that I’m partial to a spot of cleaning. Although with two teenagers in the house, it can feel like a distinctly thankless task at times. As the spring equinox

This past week media reports have highlighted an outbreak of meningitis in Kent. Understandably, such news raises concern- obviously for those in the affected area, but also for families and communities further afield. Here, our GP Dr Vicky Carre shares what you need to know about meningitis, including the symptoms to look out for and how to reduce your risk. As both a GP and a parent, I appreciate how worrying an outbreak like this can feel - I have a daughter who will be he

From pregnancy and childbirth to the demands of raising children, navigating midlife and ageing, the journey of motherhood takes women through profound physical and emotional changes at each stage. And through all of this, many mothers instinctively put everyone else first, often at the expense of their own health. Yet staying healthy - both to be there for their families and to model positive health behaviours for their children - is one of the most important things mothers

During Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month this March, Dr Nick Dunn explains why recognising the possible signs of ovarian cancer matters, what symptoms women should look out for, and why speaking to your GP if something doesn’t feel right can make an important difference. As GPs, we see women every week with bloating, tummy pain, tiredness or having to wee more frequently. In almost all cases, these symptoms turn out to be something minor—perhaps irritable bowel syndrome, a urine

The UK Health Security Agency has confirmed a large measles outbreak, mostly affecting unvaccinated children under the age of 10. Reports show multiple schools and nurseries have been impacted, and some children have become very unwell, needing hospital treatment. This reminds us that measles is not a mild childhood illness. It is highly infectious and potentially serious. But fortunately, entirely preventable. Here, our GP Dr Vicky Carre discusses the current outbreak in mo

Your heart beats around 100,000 times a day. With each beat, it pumps blood through a vast network of arteries and microscopic capillaries, delivering oxygen and nutrients to every organ in your body. It works tirelessly and usually without complaint, until something goes wrong. As Valentine’s Day approaches, our GP Dr Vicky Carre shares why this is the perfect moment to show your heart a little love and take a moment to think about how you can protect it for the years ahead.

January can feel like a long and challenging month, with dark mornings, unsettled weather and winter bugs taking their toll on both our physical and mental health. In this blog, GP Dr Vicky Carre shares some thoughtful, evidence-based ways to help you look after yourself through the colder months. From supporting your immune system to protecting your mood and energy, her advice focuses on small, realistic steps to help you winter well. It feels like it’s been a tough start to