News
Listen to Your Gut. It May Tell You a Few Things
What is a gut microbiome The bacteria that live within the human colon (or large intestine) are known as the gut microbiota – more recently termed the gut microbiome. It is thought that tens of trillions of microorganisms are present in this microbiome – including at least 1000 different species of known bacteria. This complex ecosystem […]
Colorectal Cancer – Choosing the Right Screening Test For You
Colorectal cancer (commonly referred to as ‘bowel cancer’) rates are dropping significantly in the USA (by around 30%), however the average rate in the UK has been stable since the 1990s. What Are the Americans Doing That We Aren’t? The Answer Might Be in Their More Regular Use of Screening. From annual home testing kits […]
Understanding Heart Screening – Which Tests Are Worth It?
Why Heart Health Matters – Key UK Statistics According to the British Heart Foundation, Heart and Circulatory disease cause 26% of all deaths in UK. Coronary Heart Disease is the most common cause of a heart attack, with one hospital visit every 3 minutes. It is estimated that there are 7 million people in UK […]
Changes to cervical cancer screening a.k.a. the PAP smear test
Let’s get back to basics – what is a cervix? This is the neck of the womb that joins with the vagina and looks like a mini doughnut! The opening in the middle is called the ‘os’ which allows blood to flow out during your period, and sperm to get in when trying to conceive. […]
Erectile dysfunction – what are the treatments? One option might shock you
Erectile dysfunction (ED) is when a man cannot achieve and/or maintain a full erection. Sometimes the penis may become semi-erect but may not be hard enough to have sex. In some cases there is no change to the penis at all. How common is ED? Most men at some point in their lives may be […]
Regular Health Screening – Early Detection Prevents Heartache
Most people do not start a health screening programme in their lives until something happens, a symptom develops, a cancer scare, a heart attack or a friend or relative gets a serious illness or dies. So why do people do not undertake regular health checks, whilst will readily pay for their cars, machinery, equipment to […]
If your hands and feet are cold it could be Raynaud’s
Raynaud’s phenomenon is a common condition thought to affect up to ten million people in the UK. In Raynaud’s – the small blood vessels in your extremities (such as hands and feet, fingers or toes) are over-sensitive to even the slightest changes in temperature, the cold and stress. This causes a Raynaud’s attack where […]
What to Expect During an Allergy Consultation at ROC
Initially, a detailed history is taken about allergic symptoms, other illnesses, the environment and possible triggers, to give the doctor an understanding of your situation and to guide the testing to follow. The doctor is also happy to review letters/results from other sources. If necessary, a physical examination can take place, in particular assessing the […]
Everything you need to know about genital herpes
There is a lot of misinformation and scaremongering out there when it comes to genital herpes. There also is too little emphasis on the importance of this sexually transmitted infection. Genital herpes is important because not only is it one of the more uncomfortable sexually transmitted infections, causing genital pain and difficulty urinating, but also […]
The most common New Year’s resolutions (and how ROC can help you achieve them)
Love or loathe New Year’s resolutions, every year around 70% of people will make them. The other well-known fact is that the majority also won’t stick to them. Statistics have recurrently shown the top resolutions to include: Losing weight (or getting in shape) Eating more healthily Having more sex Quitting smoking Whilst these may […]