HealthWatch Volume 6 Issue 1 April 2017 Volume 6 Issue 1 April 2017 Britannia Health Watch 1 Health Watch is always looking at ways to raise awareness about health, encouraging you to keep an eye on your own health and to look out for the health of your fellow seafarers. Over the past few years we have addressed a number of common health problems, both physical and mental. In the next two editions of Health Watch we will revisit 10 such medical conditions. As well as giving some basic facts regarding the symptoms and causes of these, we will also offer guidance on some simple steps that you can take – such as adopting a balanced and healthy diet and making sure that you exercise regularly - to reduce the risk of suffering from these conditions. In addition to lifestyle changes, if you have a condition which is controlled by medication - such as diabetes or hypertension – then it is vital that you take your medication as prescribed by your doctor. It is also important that take sufficient supplies of your medication on board with you when you embark on your contract to last for the whole period that you are away, as additional supplies can sometimes be difficult to obtain at short notice in far flung countries. Don’t think that because you feel well you don’t need to continue to take the medication - making that mistake can have serious, even fatal, consequences! We hope you find this summary issue of Health Watch both interesting and informative. Our aim is not to scare you, but to make you aware that relatively small changes in your lifestyle can have a significant positive impact on your health. Not only will this help you to work more efficiently and prolong your career at sea, but a renewed sense of wellbeing can benefit you and your family in every area of your life, whether on board or ashore. Please do not hesitate to contact us if you have any questions or suggestions on other topics that you would like to see included in future editions of Health Watch. Simple steps to better health Diabetes Hypertension Kidney stones Cancer Digestion problems 2 Britannia Health Watch Volume 6 Issue 1 April 2017 Diabetes Waist size Diabetes is a condition which affects many seafarers as it is often caused by not caring for your body properly through poor diet and lack of exercise. It is a condition in which glucose gets trapped in the bloodstream and cannot get to the cells used for body energy. Insulin normally helps to transfer the glucose to these cells but if the pancreas – where insulin is produced – is not functioning as it should, then lower or no levels of insulin are produced. There are two main types of diabetes and Type 2 is the most common. The main symptoms include: Being overweight is the biggest risk for Type 2 diabetes and your waist size can be an indicator of this. If your waist size is over 94cm for men (90cm for South Asian men) or 80cm for women, this puts you at high risk. Your waist size shouldn’t be more than half your height. Extreme tiredness Z Z Z Urinating more, especially at night Z Z Z An increased thirst Z Z Z Unexplained weight loss Z Z Z Blurred vision Z Z Z Volume 6 Issue 1 April 2017 Britannia Health Watch 3 Prevention Aim to control your weight with a healthy, balanced diet Cut down on carbohydrates, such as sugar, rice, bread, pasta and potatoes Take regular exercise Get regular medical screening REMEMBER! If you are diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes it is important that you take any medication that is prescrib