Long Term Conditions

Asthma

Asthma is a common condition that causes coughing, wheezing, tightness of the chest and breathlessness. Most people with asthma who take the appropriate treatment can live normal lives, but left untreated, asthma can cause permanent damage to the airways

Symptoms of asthma

Treatment of asthma

There isn't a cure for asthma. However, treatments are available to help manage your symptoms. Your treatment plan will be individual to you, combining medicines and asthma management in a way that works best for you. You can book your review with your Asthma Nurse - click here.

Living with asthma

Medicines are only part of your treatment for asthma. You will also need to deal with the things that make it worse. Keep a diary to record anything that triggers your asthma - this can help you to discover a pattern. Using a peak flow meter to monitor your lung function can also help. If you have repeatedly low readings in a certain situation (for example, at the end of a working day, after exercise or after contact with an animal) this may indicate the trigger.

Local Links

Breathless Singers (Bournemouth and Poole)

An informal singing group for local residents in the Poole area who have been diagnosed with various chronic lung conditions such as asthma.  They meet in Hamworthy Library and on-line (to be Covid-safe) to enjoy fun, friendship and songs.

British Lung Foundation - Local Support Groups

These exercise classes aim to support local residents with lung conditions such as asthma to keep fit in a fun and friendly environment.

Exercise/Circuit Class in Wimborne

Maintenance Exercise Class - in Colehill

Useful Links

Asthma UK
This website aims to help the thousands of people with asthma to find valuable information about asthma and how to control it. 

Asthma
An excellent Bupa resource with useful video, audio, images and references relating to asthma.

NHS - Asthma
This site provides an overview of symptoms, treatment, causes and prevention of asthma.

These links all come from trusted resources but if you are unsure about these or any other medical matters please contact your doctor or pharmacist for advice.

Cancer

One in two people will be affected by cancer at some stage in their life. There are many different types of cancer and this page doesn't cover them all, but the general information will help you to access further information and support.

Macmillan Cancer Support - how it can help

A cancer diagnosis can be overwhelming. We’ll help you make sense of it all, with tailored and trusted information and support from day one. Helping you cope with the physical, financial and emotional impacts of cancer.

There are various Macmillan videos available showing the support they offer on the Macmillan Video Site

There is also further information and educational videos on the Cancer Research UK Video Site

Local Links

Cancer Counselling Service

This service is based at Forest Holme in Poole and provides support and counselling to local patients living with a diagnosis of cancer and their partners, children and families. This may be when cancer is diagnosed, or at any stage of the illness.

Dorset Cancer Care Foundation

DCCF is a local charity for Dorset people who are experiencing financial hardship because of cancer.

Dorset Cancer Centre - Poole Hospital NHS Foundation Trust

This centre is based in Poole Hospital and provides details of local support groups throughout Dorset as well as acting as an excellent information resource about cancer.

Leonardo Trust - Broadstone

This independent charity supports unpaid carers who live in Dorset who care for a sick relative or friend at home.

Poole Lymphoma Association Support Group

This friendly and informal support group welcomes everyone affected by lymphoma, including family, carers and friends who live in BH12, BH13, BH14, BH15, BH16, BH17 and BH18 (Broadstone) areas.

Useful Links

Cancerhelp

Free information service provided by Cancer Research UK for people with cancer and their families and carers. The website is formatted in such a way that makes understanding the information an easy process.

HealthTalk Cancer

An award-winning charity website, lets you share in other people's experiences of health and illness. An excellent resource compiled after interviewing a wide range of people suffering from cancer.

NHS
Further information about symptoms, treatment, causes and prevention of cancer.

These links all come from trusted resources but if you are unsure about these or any other medical matters please contact your doctor or pharmacist for advice.

Coronary Heart Disease (CHD)

Coronary Heart Disease is one of a number of cardiovascular diseases. It is usually associated with a build up of fatty deposits inside the arteries (atherosclerosis) and increased risk of blood clots.   Cardiovascular diseases cause a quarter of all deaths in the UK - on average killing one person every three minutes. ( BHF Turning Back the Tide Report 2018 ) However, it can often be prevented by leading a healthy lifestyle. 

CHD occurs when the flow of oxygen rich blood to the heart muscle is blocked or reduced.  This puts an increased strain on the heart and can lead to angina, heart attacks and heart failure. 

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Resuscitation Council UK - Cardiac Arrest Guidance

There are other videos available on all aspects of heart disease on the British Heart Foundation video site.

You can download and listen to podcasts free from the BHF website- either on the move or in the comfort of your own home.  Here are  a few examples below. 

Cholesterol and how to control it

Smoking and how to give up

Risk Factors for heart disease

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Home Blood Pressure Monitoring

The BIHS (British and Irish Hypertension Society) recommends that only properly validated Blood Pressure monitors be used both in the clinic and at home.  All monitors listed on this website have been clinically validated.  This means that all the machines, regardless of their cost, give reliable readings when used correctly.

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Local Links

British Heart Foundation - Support Group - Broadstone

This support group meets in Broadstone for local residents with heart conditions and offers help and friendship.

Livewelldorset

LiveWell Dorset supports all adults living in Dorset on a journey to a happier and healthier lifestyle.  It offers free advice, coaching and activities to those who want to become more active, lose weight, quit smoking or drink less alcohol with a view to having a healthier heart.

Poole Heart Support Group

This local network provides help and support to heart patients in the wider Poole area, covering Ferndown, Poole town, Lychett Minster, Wimborne, Wareham, Swanage and all other neighbouring villages. It is an active group that organises many activities, both social and exercise.

Other Useful Links

British Heart Foundation

Trusted information and support about heart and circulatory conditions, tests and treatments.

Health Talk - Heart Attack

On this website you can find out about the experience of a heart attack (myocardial infarction) by seeing and hearing people share their personal stories on film. You can also see what people said about their symptoms, surgery, returning to work and intimate relationships following their heart attack. 

NHS Health

This site provides an overview of aspects of CHD such as symptoms, causes, diagnosis, treatment, recovery and prevention.

Myheart - Cardiac Risk in the Young - CRY

CRY's myheart network provides help, support and information to young people who have been diagnosed with a potentially life-threatening inherited or congenital cardiac condition.  It is a support system for individuals to help develop effective coping strategies and reduce social isolation.

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These links all come from trusted resources but if you are unsure about these or any other medical matters please contact your doctor or pharmacist for advice.

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is the name for a collection of lung diseases including chronic bronchitis, emphysema and chronic obstructive airways disease. The main symptom of COPD is an inability to breathe in and out properly. This is also referred to as airflow obstruction. COPD is a progressive disease, meaning it typically worsens over time.

What is COPD?

Local Links

Breathless Singers - Bournemouth and Poole

An informal singing group for local residents in the Poole area who have been diagnosed with various chronic lung conditions such as COPD.  They meet in Hamworthy Library and on-line (to be Covid-safe) to enjoy fun, friendship and songs.

British Lung Foundation - Local Support Groups

These exercise classes aim to support local residents with lung conditions such as COPD to keep fit in a fun and friendly environment.

 Exercise/Circuit Class in Wimborne : https://www.asthmaandlung.org.uk/support-in-your-area/exercise-class-in-colehill in Wimborne

https://www.asthmaandlung.org.uk/support-in-your-area/exercise-class-in-wimborne-0 in Colehill

Useful Links

British Lung Foundation

Information and guidance on living with COPD.

Every Day Health

This informative website explains about the symptoms of COPD, causes, diagnosis, treatment and prevention.

Healthline

A comprehensive guide explaining about all aspects of COPD including a guide to living with this disease.

NHLBI - National Heart, Lung and blood Institute

Excellent information with useful videos, audio and references relating to all aspects of COPD.

NHS - COPD

This site provides an overview of the symptoms, diagnosis, treatment and risks of COPD.

These links all come from trusted resources but if you are unsure about these or any other medical matters please contact your doctor or pharmacist for advice.

Diabetes

Diabetes is a long-term (chronic) condition caused by too much glucose (sugar) in the blood. It is also known as diabetes mellitus. There are two types of diabetes - type 1 and type 2.

According to the charity Diabetes UK, there is estimated to be over four million people living with diabetes in the UK (diagnosed and undiagnosed).  Around 90% of people living with diabetes have type 2 diabetes and around 8% have type 1 diabetes.  About 2% of people with diabetes have rarer types of the condition.

Type 2 diabetes mellitus used to be known as non-insulin dependent diabetes mellitus (NIDDM) or maturity-onset diabetes mellitus. The number of people with type 2 diabetes is rapidly increasing as it more common in the overweight and obese, which is itself a growing problem.

Type 1 diabetes mellitus used to be known as insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus.

What's the treatment for diabetes?

It is recognised that the sooner the blood sugar levels are brought under control, the better the long term prospects of preventing damage. Lifestyle advice about diet, weight management and regular activity is the first step.

Type 1 diabetes will require immediate insulin therapy, Type 2 diabetes will first be managed with a drug called Metformin, if lifestyle changes alone aren't effective. There are now several other drugs used in type 2 diabetes, although eventually some type 2 diabetics will need insulin therapy as it's a progressive disease

Diabetes UK - How to take a blood glucose test

There is further information and education on the Diabetes UK Video Site

Local Links

Diabetes Local Support Groups

Adjusting to the knowledge  that you or a family member has diabetes takes time and it is often helpful to meet other people who have been through a similar situation.  They can offer understanding, help and support at an important time.  A good way to find this is to join a local group.  Currently the nearest one to Broadstone is near Weymouth or why not set up your own group and connect with others on the Diabetes UK Support Forum.

Dorset Health Care

This organisation provides support for Dorset residents living with diabetes.  It helps local people control and manage their condition on a day-to-day basis.

Livewelldorset

A public health service funded by your council.  LWD offers to support the health and wellbeing of residents in Dorset through advice and coaching, such as weight management, quitting smoking and becoming more active.

Useful Links

Healthtalk - Diabetes type 1 in young people

This charity website includes information about the experience of diabetes type 1, by listening to young people share their personal stories.  Hearing what people say about issues such as symptoms, doing insulin injections and friends and relationships can be helpful and reassuring to other sufferers. 

Healthtalk - Diabetes type 2 

This charity website includes information about the experience of diabetes type 2, by listening to people share their personal stories.  Hearing what people say about issues such as symptoms, diagnosis, controlling the disease and impact on lifestyle can be helpful and reassuring to other sufferers. 

NHS
Information about symptoms, treatment, causes and prevention of Diabetes.

Type 1 Diabetes - NHS

A useful resource focusing on Type 1 Diabetes for you, your friends and family.

Type 2 Diabetes - NHS

A useful resource focusing on Type 2 Diabetes for you, your friends and family.

These links all come from trusted resources but if you are unsure about these or any other medical matters please contact your doctor or pharmacist for advice.

Mental Health

Mental health is about how we think, feel and behave. One in four people in the UK have a mental health problem at some point in their lives, which affects their daily life, relationships or physical health.

Mental health disorders take many different forms and affect people in different ways. Schizophrenia, depression and personality disorders are all examples of mental health problems. Diseases such as Alzheimer's and dementia generally develop in old age, whereas eating disorders are more common in young people.

Alzheimer's Society - Diagnosis interview with Terry Pratchett

The Alzheimer's Society is the leading care and research charity for people with dementia and their carers.

Alzheimer's Society Video Site 

This site provides information and education on support for carers and their families and on quality day and home care. 

Local Links

CAMHS (Poole Child and Adolescent Mental Health Service)

This BCP council run service aims to prevent the development of emotional and behavioural problems through consultation, advice, training and support to children and young people (0-18 years).

Chestnut Nursery - Kingland Road, Poole, Dorset BH15 1TN

A charity based on horticulture providing meaningful occupation in a supportive environment, aiming to restore well-being to people with mental illness. It serves residents in BH12, BH13, BH14, BH15, BH16, BH17 and BH18 (Broadstone) areas.

Dorset Mental Health Forum

This local peer led charity promotes wellbeing and recovery and exists to improve the lives of everyone in Dorset affected by mental illnesses. It offers a range of services throughout Dorset and the nearest Community Mental Heath Team is based at Alderney Hospital (CMHT - Adult) and (CMHT - Older Persons) in Poole, details of which can be found on this website.

Mind/Dorset

An innovative charity offering one to one support at five locations across Dorset helping to develop positive mental wellbeing and social inclusion.  The nearest local groups to Broadstone are based in Verwood and Bournemouth, details of both can be found on this website.

Samaritans - Bournemouth

This national charity helpline provides emotional support to anyone in distress, struggling to cope or is at risk of suicide.  Calls to 116 123 are free day or night, 365 days of the year.  The nearest branch is based in Bournemouth. 

Steps2Wellbeing

This local organisation offers psychological therapies for mental health conditions such as low mood, anxiety, stress and a sense of hopelessness about the future. It accepts self-referrals from people over the age of 18 who are registered with any Dorset GP practice.  The nearest Steps Teams to Broadstone are:

Bournemouth and Christchurch - Tel 0300 790 0542 and Purbeck and East Dorset  - Tel 0300 123 1120

Useful Links

Alzheimer’s Society

Comprehensive information for people with all forms of dementia. The Alzheimer's Society works to improve the quality of life of people affected by dementia in England, Wales and Northern Ireland.  It aims to help people with dementia and their carers to find out who to turn to and where to go for information and support at every stage of the dementia journey.

Healthtalk - Depression

This  charity website helps you find out about the experience of depression by seeing and hearing people share their personal stories.  Hearing what other sufferers say about issues such as childhood, therapies, self-help and impact on work and family can be helpful and reassuring.

Mental Health Foundation
Founded in 1949, this leading UK charity that provides information, carries out research, campaigns and works to improve services for anyone affected by mental health problems, whatever their age and wherever they live.

Mental Health Helplines - NHS

A vast directory of organisations offering support and expert advice for those concerned about their mental health or that of a loved one.

These links all come from trusted resources but if you are unsure about these or any other medical matters please contact your doctor or pharmacist for advice.

Osteoarthritis

Osteoarthritis is the most common type of arthritis, affecting 8.75 million people in the UK. It develops gradually over time, causing joints to become stiff and painful. It can affect any joint but commonly affects the hands, knees, hips, feet and spine.

Osteoarthritis: a real story

Who develops osteoarthritis?

Osteoarthritis usually develops in people who are over 50 years of age, and it is more common in women than in men. It is commonly thought that osteoarthritis is an inevitable part of getting older, but this is not true. Younger people can also be affected by osteoarthritis, often as a result of an injury or another joint condition.

Local links

ESCAPE - pain

A rehabilitation programme for Dorset people with chronic joint pain associated with hip or knee osteoarthritis.  It consists of self-management techniques, education and personalised exercise.  Information on your nearest group can be found on this website.

Rightathome 

Osteoarthritis can lead to frustration, weariness and depression when sufferers can no longer perform simple, daily tasks.  This organisation has highly trained CareGivers who deliver assistance to help alleviate some of the pressures of daily living and improve quality of life.  They cover Bournemouth, Poole and Christchurch from Broadstone and Merley across to Tuckton, Wick and Christchurch.

Versus Arthritis 

Versus Arthritis is the UK's largest voluntary organisation is run by arthritics for the benefit of arthritics . It promotes health, wellbeing and independence through services, social welfare, support, self-help influence and information.  This local Ferndown group enjoys fun, friendship, refreshments, news magazine, outings and entertainment.

Useful Links

Arthritis Action 

This UK charity offers hands-on practical help for people with all types of arthritis to improve their quality of life whilst living with the condition.

Arthritis Research UK

This charity is leading the fight against all types of arthritis and everything they do is underpinned by research and supports people with arthritis. They are the UK’s largest organisation working with,and for, all people who have arthritis.

NHS - Osteoarthritis

The NHS provides an overview of symptoms, treatment and support for living with Ostearthritis.

NRShealthcare - Osteoarthritis

This site clearly explains what Osteoarthritis is and explores treatments, causes, diet and exercise as well as the products that can help if you are a sufferer.

These links all come from trusted resources but if you are unsure about these or any other medical matters please contact your doctor or pharmacist for advice.

Living with Pain

Chronic pain comes in a number of different forms - musculoskeletal, such as chronic lower back pain; chronic neuropathic pain, caused by a nervous system dysfunction or disease; and chronic widespread pain, or fibromyalgia.

The NHS website contains lots of useful information on living with chronic pain and ways to reduce pain.

Help from your GP and use of NHS services dedicated to pain management can help make sufferers more independant, reduce the severity of pain and assist day to day with coping with what can be a debilitating condition.

Examples of types of pain are listed below but there are many more on the NHS website.

Back Pain

Neuralgia

Complex regional pain syndrome

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Local Links

Dorset Community Pain Service

This service provides timely and effective care to support Dorset residents already suffering from chronic pain and helps in preventing others from developing it.  It provides advice and ongoing online support across the county and includes those in the BH18 (Broadstone) postcode.

Dorset Healthcare Pain Management

This service offers support and information for local people living with persistent pain, helping them to lead as fulfilling, independent lives as possible.  It deals with all forms of chronic pain including musculoskeletal (muscles, bones and joints) neurological (nervous system) internal organs and unexplained pain.  It also provides employment support to help people return to work or find a new job.  If you would like to be referred please speak to your doctor.  There are several centres situated in and around Poole, Bournemouth and Blandford.

Painpals Helpline

This helpline offers confidential, anonymous telephone and email services to local people living with the loneliness of being in constant pain. It is supported by Dorset Healthcare Pain team and calls and emails are answered by trained and skilled Helpline volunteers who aim to provide support and empowerment.    Call 01202 858361 - Mon-Fri 11:00 -17:00 Email: painpalsinfo@gmail.com

Poole NHS - Pain information

Information relating to pain and its management, with useful online advice leaflets and youtube hints and tips for persistent pain management.

Useful Links

Healthline - Chronic Pain

This website explains the causes, risk factors and treatment of long term pain and how to cope with it.

Pain UK  

This charity is an alliance of charities providing support and help for those living with pain.  Information on pain management, healthcare advice and tips and resources are available on this website.

Practicalpainmanagement

A useful website with information on many types of chronic pain and how to live with, and manage, chronic pain.  It shares sufferers stories which can often give help and reassurance to others.

The British Pain Society

This publication gives information for patients on how to understand and manage their pain.

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These links all come from trusted resources but if you are unsure about these or any other medical matters please contact your doctor or pharmacist for advice.

Stroke

A stroke is a serious medical condition that occurs when the blood supply to part of the brain is cut off.

Like all organs, the brain needs the oxygen and nutrients provided by blood to function properly. If the supply of blood is restricted or stopped, brain cells begin to die. This can lead to brain damage and possibly death.

Strokes are a medical emergency and prompt treatment is essential because the sooner a person receives treatment for a stroke, the less damage is likely to happen.

The NHS Stroke Act FAST pages offer a great deal of information about stroke, including how to recognise the signs, some real stories of stroke sufferers and advice on how to live your life after a stroke.

British Heart Foundation - What is a Stroke?

A stroke is when the blood supply to part of your brain is cut off. In this animation we explain what a stroke is and the risk factors associated with having one.

Transient Ischaemic Attack (TIA)

A transient ischaemic attack (TIA) or 'mini-stroke' is caused by a temporary fall in the blood supply to part of the brain, leading to a lack of oxygen to the brain. This can cause symptoms that are similar to a stroke, although they don’t last as long. A TIA lasts only a few minutes and is usually resolved within 24 hours.

As TIAs are serious, it is important that they are always investigated so that appropriate treatment can be given quickly. With treatment, the risk of a further TIA or a full stroke can be greatly reduced.

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Local Links

BCP Stroke Support Co-ordination Service

BCP Council - Adult Social Care Factsheet providing information and advice to people in Poole who have had a stroke or Transient Ischemic Attack (TIA), their carers and families.  It gives support to help sufferers make choices which will enable them to live as independently as possible after a stroke or TIA.

Different Strokes - Dorset Support Group 

This UK charity runs a network of exercise and stroke support groups providing help for stroke survivors an their families.  Each group is run by a volunteer-coordinator, many of whom are stroke survivors themselves.  This local group meets in Moordown, Bournemouth, details can be found on this website.

Dorset Communication Support - Stroke Association

This association works with stroke survivors who are living with communication difficulties, such as Aphasia.  It offers opportunities to develop communication strategies, help rebuild confidence and independence.  Details of the local group which meets in Moordown Community Clinic, Bournemouth can be found on this website.

Dorset Speakability Group

This self-help group is run by and for people in Dorset with Aphasia- language loss - following a stroke, head injury or other neurological condition.  The meetings are aimed to support each other, share experiences, make new friends, rebuild self-confidence and develop new skills.   Details of the Poole group can be found on this website.

Poole Together for Stroke Group

'Mylifemycare' offers friendly chat, advice and signposting to other stroke related services.  It serves residents in BCP areas BH12, BH13, BH14, BH15, BH16, BH17 (Canford Heath, Creeekmoor) through to BH18 Broadstone. 

Stroke Support Services

This service provides support, education and advice for people across Dorset who have suffered a stroke, as well as for their families and carers.  It aims to help people adjust to the life changes associated with a stroke and regain independence wherever possible.  Local services are based at Victoria Hospital, Wimborne and Alderney Hospital, Poole - details of which may be found on this website.  Please ask you doctor for a referral.

Useful Links

NHS - Stroke

Comprehensive information relating to symptoms of a stroke, causes, diagnosis, treatment, recovery and prevention.

Stroke Association UK

A national charity working to support the NHS and develop new ways to help stroke survivors rebuild their lives during difficult times.  

Stroke Patient Handbook - Guy's and St Thomas' Hospital NHS

This handbook has been developed with the help and input of people who have had a stroke, and their relatives, together with health and social care professionals.

Teen and Young Adult Stroke Survivors

'Different Strokes' Charity provides vital services and information that caters to the unique needs and wants of young stroke survivors in their teens and early twenties.

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These links all come from trusted resources but if you are unsure about these or any other medical matters please contact your doctor or pharmacist for advice.