When should you visit your GP?

If someone is having a health emergency they need help right away, but for less serious problems, it is harder to know what to do.

Many illnesses and minor injuries get better on their own, but some need a doctor's help to get better. You may need to see a doctor if:

• You have been too ill to work or go to school for several days
• You are in serious pain, and taking painkillers is not helping
• Symptoms seem to be getting worse, not better

If you're in any doubt, you can get help from NHS Direct, either by phoning 08 45 46 47 or on their website.

• www.nhsdirect.nhs.uk/help

Visit your Bodyzone

Anxious about a health issue? Worried about healthy eating or weight, drug and alcohol safety, sexual safety, problems with being unhappy or stressed?

Most young people in Oxfordshire should have access to a Bodyzone, where you can discuss health concerns in confidence with trained workers. Find out more.

Check 'em out (your testicles)

Young men over 15 are at risk of developing testicular cancer. It can usually be cured if caught in time so spend 2 minutes once a month getting to know your testicles. That way you can recognise worrying changes.

• While standing, support your testicles in the palm of your hand.
• Hold one testicle between the thumb (on top) and the middle and index fingers underneath. Roll gently, checking for lumps or swelling.
• Repeat for the other testicle.
• If you notice swelling, tenderness, lumps, unusual heaviness or blood from the penis when you pass water, visit your GP to have it checked.
• Don't panic. Most lumps are harmless.

Check 'em out (your breasts)

Breast cancer rarely occurs in teenage girls but doing monthly self-exams will ensure that you detect any unusual changes right away.

• 1 or 2 days after your period sit before a mirror, hands by your side and check your breasts for any changes in size, shape, dimpling etc.
• Gently press each nipple to ensure there is no discharge.
• Lying down or in the shower raise one arm over your head and use the opposite hand to feel for lumps or changes.
• Bring your arm down and feel under your armpit for any lumps or swelling.
• Repeat on the other side.
• Don’t panic if you find a lump. It’s probably not cancer but you should see your doctor to make sure.

Be aware: HIV/AIDS

HIV is the virus that causes AIDS, an illness that affects the body's ability to fight off disease. HIV is passed on in the sexual fluids or blood of an infected person, usually through sexual intercourse or by sharing needles used to inject drugs.

HIV can not be caught by kissing, hugging, shaking hands, or from door handles or dirty glasses.

Some people believe that HIV is only a problem if you are gay, use drugs or sleep around. This is wrong. Any young person who has unprotected sex can contract HIV and other sexually transmitted infections (STIs). Safer sex
means always using a condom.

Crucial Jabs

Routine Immunisations NHS recommends a number of routine jabs between Immunisations birth and age 18. (Use website below for details.)
Meningitis C If untreated can cause deafness, blindness, loss of limbs and death. Young people ages 15-17 are especially susceptible. Prevent with a single dose of the MenC vaccine
Hepatitis B Especially at risk if you have sex with more than one partner, are male and have sex with other men or
shoot drugs. Prevent with 3 doses of the Hepatitis B vaccine
Tetanus Caused by bacteria getting into deep wounds. Symptoms include a locked jaw, painful fits and death. You should be immunised between age 13 and 18.