It may be obvious but the first step to being able to maintain your health and well being is registering with a local doctor or GP (General Practitioner). Everyone in the UK has the right to be registered with a local GP.

To find your local GP surgery  – you can enter your postcode at the NHS choices website by clicking here or you can call NHS Direct 24 hours a day and they can advise you 0845 4647.

When you have found information on your local GP, telephone or visit the practice of your choice and ask to be registered. If the surgery agrees to add you to their list of patients, you will be asked to fill in an application form with details about yourself and your previous GP. It is helpful if you have your NHS medical card or your NHS number handy but this is not essential.  When you register with a new GP you may be invited to attend a new patient medical assessment and you should receive a new medical card in due course.

If you have been diagnosed with schizophrenia, bipolar affective disorder, or psychosis, you are entitled to an annual health check at your GP practice. Ask at your GP practice if you would like one, the health check should include:

• Taking your blood pressure
• Checks on your weight and Body Mass Index (BMI)
• Asking you about your alcohol consumption
• (if you are 40+) Checks on your blood glucose and cholesterol levels
• (if you are female aged 25 – 64) Checks on if you have accessed cervical screening in the past 5 years.

You can also talk with your doctor if you’re feeling low, depressed or are having problems with stress or your mental wellbeing as well as any physical health conditions. Mind have produced some information about getting the most from your GP,  you can access this by clicking here.

NHS Direct also run an online health information service which includes a self-help guide, health encyclopedia and online query service. You can access this by clicking here. In addition you can find your nearest GP, pharmacy, minor injuries unit or A&E with their post code checker.

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