Have YOU got it??

Healthy Gay Hampshire are having a push on Chlamydia Screening and are working with our friends at the local Chlamydia Screening Programme to provide you with a free and easy way of testing.

As you may know Chlamydia is the most common Sexually Transmitted Infection (STI) in young people under 25 and is dead easy to pick up but also dead easy to treat as well.

It is a naughty little STI as more often than not  there are no symptons so you might not even know you have got it! It hangs around in your bits and can increase your chances of picking up another STI such as HIV; it can cause a thing called epididymitis, which is where your balls swell up like citrus fruit!! In women it can cause eptopic pregnancy and infertility.

We are trying to screen as many young people between the age of 16 and 25 so if you are in this age group please go to our condom ordering page and order a test online or check out www.haveyougotit.nhs.uk. We will even provide you with a funky pair of Chlamydia pants if you order through our website.

If you are over 25 you can access a Chlamydia test from your local sexual health service where you can also screen for other sexually transmitted infections including HIV.

Posted: February 22 by Andrew (Updated February 22)

February is LGBT History Month

Healthy Gay Hampshire is supporting events across Hampshire's colleges. Information can be downloaded from the links below

http://www.lgbthistorymonth.org.uk

http://www.stonewall.org.uk

Posted: February 10 by Pete (Updated February 10)

ALERT - Syphilis Outbreak

We have recently been advised that GU Medicine are treating an increasing number of people for infectious Syphilis in the Portsmouth, South East Hampshire and Winchester areas.

You can get syphilis by having oral, vaginal or anal sex with someone who already has it. A simple blood test can determine if you are infectious. Ask at your local GU Medicine clinic or your GP.

If you have Syphilis, you (and your partner) will be treated with free antibiotics, and you will receive help to contact any previous partners so that they can also get tested.

• You may not have any symptoms, but if you do they may include; a rash or ulcer.
• It can affect men and women
• If untreated can lead to blindness, heart problems, dementia and death, and can also increase the risk of HIV transmission.

If you live in Portsmouth or South East Hampshire please call 023 9286 6796 for more details.

If you live in Winchester please call 01962 828372 for more details.

Posted: January 15 by Pete (Updated January 15)

Good news for travel to America

The US has lifted a 22-year immigration ban which has stopped anyone with HIV/Aids from entering the country.

President Obama said the ban was not compatible with US plans to be a leader in the fight against the disease.

Check out the full story on this link   http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/americas/8438865.stm

Posted: January 4 by Andrew (Updated January 11)

Portraying the LGB community on the BBC

The BBC are carrying out research into the portrayal of LGB people on the BBC.

 

The BBC announced that it has commissioned a piece of research to help them gain a deeper understanding into how the lesbian, gay and bisexual (LGB) community are portrayed across all of their services.  

Read this and take part: http://www.bbc.co.uk/blogs/aboutthebbc/2010/01/portraying-the-lgb-community-o.shtml

09:37 UK time, Friday, 22 January 2010

Posted: January 28 by Pete (Updated January 28)

World AIDS Day - What did you do?

December 1st is always a busy time for the HIV Prevention team. Our work takes us far and wide across the county and into bordering areas where we work with partner agencies talking with groups and the public passing on details and information about HIV and to encourage people to use condoms and to get tested.

This year we are asking 'What did you do?' this World AIDS Day. We would be happy to hear from you if you did something to help us or an organisation get the message out there about HIV and how it affects us all. We would also like to hear from you if you have any ideas or suggestions on what you would like to see for World AIDS Day 2010.

Please email hivprevention@hchc.nhs.uk

All email will be treated in the strictest confidence and never shared outside of the HIV Prevention team without prior consent of the sender.

Posted: December 15, 2009 by Pete (Updated December 15, 2009)

Celebrate World Mental Health Day – Open your Mind!

10/10/09 - World Mental Health Day. This global awareness campaign addresses the continuing need to “make mental health issues a global priority.” Mental illnesses do not discriminate according to culture or age, and an individual’s mental health is an integral aspect of overall health and wellbeing.

Millions of people from across the globe celebrate World Mental Health Day each year, raising awareness for mental health causes.

Every year, on 10 October, the Mental Health Foundation marks the event by raising awareness of the mental health issues that matter.

Everyone knows that sharing your cares and hopes with someone else can be great for your own mental health and wellbeing. http://www.mentalhealth.org.uk/campaigns/world-mental-health-day-2009/

Stress and anxiety about Sexuality or health concerns can make problems seem worse. If you have questions about health or sexuality you can call a Healthy Gay Hampshire worker in confidence on 0845 643 9399 or 0300 123 9117

Posted: September 8, 2009 by Pete (Updated December 14, 2009)

Am I number 12?: Hepatitis C Awareness Day

01/10/09 - Hepatitis Awareness Day. Hepatitis C is a blood-borne virus that predominantly infects the cells of the liver. This can cause inflammation of and sometimes significant damage to the liver and affect its ability to perform its many, varied and essential functions.

Because of the common absence of symptoms, many people are unaware that they have a hepatitis C infection until some time after infection. Another reason so many people with hepatitis C remain undiagnosed is that many of the symptoms are subjective. http://www.hepctrust.org.uk/hepatitis-c/

Getting tested at the GUM clinic is the only way that you will know for sure. You can find out where your local services are by using the easy postcode locator function at http://www.condomessentialwear.co.uk/

Posted: September 8, 2009 by Pete (Updated December 14, 2009)

Reaching out: Rural Health Week

27/09/09 - 03/10/09 Rural Health Week. The aim of the week is to raise the profile of rural health issues locally, regionally and nationally.

The Institute of Rural Health and the Forum run a number of national events and target the national press to raise awareness of rural health issues. http://www.rural-health.ac.uk/rural-health-week/

If you live in rural Hampshire and would like more information on services and support for the gay community, please contact Pete Lovegrove on 0845 643 9399

Posted: September 8, 2009 by Pete (Updated October 14, 2009)

The more you drink the smaller the risk appears.

'One too Many' is the new campaign for 18–30 year olds on alcohol and sexual health. Enjoy sex responsibly!

People have had unprotected sex or have taken risks with their sexual health after drinking alcohol. Many of us have either been in that situation – or know someone who has.  

We usually see campaigns all about; how many alcohol units it’s safe to drink a week, how alcohol affects our health, binge drinking and anti social behaviour.   There isn’t so much research on alcohol and sexual health though. That’s why this campaign is called One too Many – examining the relationship between alcohol and sexual health. http://www.fpa.org.uk/News/Campaigns 

If you have recently had unprotected sex, or a change of sexual partner, or if it's been six months or more since your last check up, why not book into your local GUM clinic for a full sexual health screen. You can find out where your local services are by using the easy postcode locator function at http://www.condomessentialwear.co.uk/

 

Posted: September 8, 2009 by Pete (Updated January 5)

Itching to Help?

12/09/09 - 19/09/09 National Eczema Awareness Week. Having the right level of knowledge and information about eczema is key to treating and managing the condition. The About Eczema pages on the link below provides you with practical information on eczema and how to treat and manage it. In addition you will find information on where to find additional sources of support for people who have to live with eczema on a day to day basis.

http://www.eczema.org/

Stress and anxiety about Sexuality or health concerns can make eczema flare up. If you have questions about health or sexuality you can call a Healthy Gay Hampshire worker in confidence on 0845 643 9399 or 0300 123 9117

Posted: September 8, 2009 by Pete (Updated October 14, 2009)

What do you know about migraines?

06/09/09 - 12/09/09 Migraine Awareness Week, find out about headaches, migraines, what triggers them and how to control them. Visit the link below for all the details.

More than 10 million people in the UK get headaches, making them one of the most common health complaints.

The good news is that most headaches aren’t serious and can be treated with pharmacy remedies and lifestyle changes, such as getting more rest and drinking enough fluids. http://www.nhs.uk/LiveWell/headaches/Pages/headacheshome.aspx

It's not just stress and nasty colds that cause headaches. Cleaning your home or sleeping in late can cause them too. We reveal 10 headache triggers and how to fix them. http://www.nhs.uk/Livewell/headaches/Pages/Headachetriggers.aspx

Stress makes headaches worse and can even make you develop a headache in the first place. Learning how to relax can help you to keep headaches under control. 

There are many different ways to relax or reduce stress. The following are seven relaxation techniques that headache sufferers have found useful. Try to do one each day: http://www.nhs.uk/Livewell/headaches/Pages/Relaxandcureyourheadaches.aspx

Stress and anxiety about Sexuality or health concerns can make headaches and migraines feel worse. If you have questions about health or sexuality you can call a Healthy Gay Hampshire worker in confidence on 0845 643 9399 or 0300 123 9117

Posted: September 8, 2009 by Pete (Updated October 5, 2009)

People with HIV included in Swine Flu Vaccine Program

Friday, 14 August 2009 12:13

The Department of Health has explained that the most at risk will be given vaccine priority, this includes people living with HIV.

For more details see http://tinyurl.com/meu2wv

Posted: August 14, 2009 by Pete (Updated September 2, 2009)

New e-fit of Police Impersonator

Hampshire Police release e-fit of a suspect wanted for Impersonation a Police Officer.

Appeal Summary On several occasions, the suspect has stopped members of the public and claimed he was a Police Officer. He told the victims that they had committed an offence and demanded an on-the-spot fine of several hundred pounds be paid.

SUSPECT: White male, aged 30-40 years (but looked young for his age), 6’1”, very athletically built, he had broad shoulders but a thin body. On the 1st time the witness saw the suspect he was wearing a blue (was the same colour as the Greek flag blue) and white striped T-shirt (the stripes were large on the top), he also wore tracksuit bottoms with 2 white ¾ length stripes down either side and white trainers which had black markings down the side of them. He had short shaven hair at the sides but it was longer on the top. It was curly and was gelled into place, it was very neat and tidy. His eyebrows were lighter than his hair, his eyes were dark colour possibly a green/brown and they were more rounded. His nose was normal with a more flat tip, his mouth was quite wide but he had shiny teeth and a gap between the 2 front ones. He had a solid face with a defined jaw line, he had a clear complexion and was quite well suntanned. He was clean shaven and his ears were close to his head. He was very Portsmouth sounding and he was quite well presented. Witness said that suspect looked like a younger version of the pop star Suggs from Madness.

Location: Portsdown Hill Road, Portsmouth PO6 3LS Date: 14-Jun-2009 Time: 18:55 CS Reference: CS0906-2974 Police Ref: 44090257635

If you have any information relating to this appeal, please call CRIMESTOPPERS anonymously on 0800 555 111 or Hampshire Police on 08450 454545

 

Posted: June 30, 2009 by Pete (Updated August 12, 2009)

Alert: Important information about swine flu

Last updated 5:08 PM Tuesday 26 January 2010

Swine flu has diminished in the UK. However, it remains important that you know how to protect yourself, your family and others.

Key messages

If you have flu-like symptoms and are concerned that you may have swine flu:

• Read up on swine flu symptoms
• Stay at home and check your condition at the National Pandemic Flu Service
• You should call your GP directly if: 

            - you have a serious underlying illness

            - you are pregnant

            - you have a sick child under one year old

            - your condition suddenly gets much worse

            - your condition is still getting worse after seven days (or five days for a child)

Note: The National Pandemic Flu Service is a self-care service that will asses your symptoms and, if required, provide an authorisation number which can be used to collect antiviral medication from a local collection point. For those who do not have internet access, the same service can be accessed by telephone on:

• Telephone: 0800 1 513 100
• Minicom: 0800 1 513 200

For more information on the National Pandemic Flu Service go to Flu Service – Q&A

Key actions

Swine flu remains a threat in the UK. Prepare now by:

• Learning to recognise the symptoms of swine flu
• Establishing ‘flu friends’ - friends and relatives who can help if you fall ill
• Keeping  paracetamol-based cold remedies in the house
• Having a thermometer available so you can check your temperature if needed

Note: If you have elderly or vulnerable neighbours please check on them. They may need your help but be reluctant to ask for it. It is important you do what you can.

Key reading

• For an explanation of swine flu, its symptoms and treatment, go to Swine flu A-Z
• For quick questions and answers go to Swine flu Q&A
• For information on pregnancy go to Swine flu - pregnant women
• For information on other high-risk groups go to Swine flu - high-risk groups
• For information in other languages and formats, including British Sign Language video, go to Swine flu - other languages.

  Note: To order a Braille copy of the swine flu information leaflet, call the swine flu information line on 0800 1 513 513

Good hygiene

Preventing the spread of germs is the single most effective way to slow the spread of diseases such as swine flu. You should always:

• Ensure everyone washes their hands regularly with soap and water
• Clean surfaces regularly to get rid of germs
• Use tissues to cover your mouth and nose when you cough or sneeze
• Place used tissues in a bin as soon as possible

Further information

Go to Directgov for essential cross-government information on swine flu, including latest advice on travel, schools and other public services

Go to BusinessLink for essential information to help businesses deal with the effects of swine flu

Find out all about swine flu, including symptoms, vaccination, pregnancy, high-risk groups, and what you can do to protect yourself and others. 

 

Find out all about swine flu, including symptoms, vaccination, pregnancy, high-risk groups, and what you can do to protect yourself and others. 

http://www.nhs.uk/AlertsEmergencies/Pages/Pandemicflualert.aspx

The Department of Health urge people to cover coughs and sneezes with tissues, throw them away and wash their hands. Catch it, Bin it, Kill it!

Posted: May 11, 2009 by Pete (Updated February 8)

Police in Eastleigh release e-fit of Netley robbery suspect

Police in Eastleigh have released this e-fit of a man they would like to trace following a robbery against a man in his 60's, in the recreation ground in Victoria Road, Netley.

The incident occurred on Saturday, August 2 at around 11.20am.   The robber confronted his victim and threatened violence if he did not hand over his wallet and gold chain. The man refused and a short struggle ensued which left the man lying on the ground. The offender then snatched the chain and wallet and ran off.   Although shaken, the man was not harmed.   He described the offender as:

• Half Asian, half European with a cream like colour skin tone.
• Aged 17-19 years old
• 5ft 5ins tall
• Slim build
• Clean shaven with thin and long face with pointed nose
• Short black hair brushed foreword tight to his head
• Dark eyebrows
• He was wearing a black/navy tracksuit which had a light coloured square across the chest area and trainers

Anyone recognising the offender from this description or anyone who saw him in the vicinity at the time of the offence, is asked to contact Eastleigh police station on 0845 045 45 45 or the Crimestoppers charity anonymously on 0800 555 111.

Posted: November 14, 2008 by Lee (Updated April 30, 2009)

Serious Sexual Assault

Between 2.30am and 5.00am on the morning of Saturday 11th October a male teenager was sexually assaulted on Southampton Common.

The victim is a 19yr old white male, of slim build with short brown hair. He was wearing a black top, blue jeans and brown shoes.

Hampshire Constabulary Major Crime Team are anxious to speak to anyone who was in this area at the time or has been in this area before or after this incident and has any information that may assist the enquiry.

Please ring Hampshire Constabulary on 0845 045 45 45 and quote "OPERATION LERRAN". All calls will be treated in the strictest confidence.

Alternatively if you would prefer not to speak to the police you can ring and speak to someone from the Community Health Service (GCHS) on 07827 254873. Or you can call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

Posted: October 18, 2008 by Lee (Updated November 23, 2008)

Attempted Robbery

On the 10th October at approximately 9.20pm in the car park situated on Southampton Road opposite Salisbury College, a male was parked in his car adjacent to the public toilets.

Whilst sat there a man approached the passenger side of the vehicle, smashed in the window with an axe and demanded money from the sole occupant in a highly aggressive manner. Luckily the occupant of the car was able make his escape via his car with no serious injury occurring.

The man in the offence is described as a white male, approximately 5ft 8 of average build in his late 20's to mid 30's, with brown shoulder length hair tied in a pony tail with a full facial beard. The offender was wearing an oversized fluorescent jacket with dark coloured trousers and a dark coloured baseball cap, also with the male was a cocker spaniel believed to be white and brown in colour wearing a flourescent harness.

Police are aware that the car park itself is known to be frequented by boy racers and used as a cruising site, and are concerned that this offence could possibly be homophobic related.

If any person have information regarding this offence please contact Pc 1807 WILLIS at Salisbury Police station on 0845 408 7000.

Posted: October 18, 2008 by Lee (Updated November 18, 2008)

Cruising Ground Attack

A serious assault took place on cruising ground in Arlesford, just outside Winchester late Sunday night / early Monday morning (12/13th October) between the hours of 12.30am and 1.30am.

The police are looking for any information about this incident and would like to speak to anyone that uses the site which may link to this incident.

The police are interested in a silver/blue hatchback type car that was seen at the site around the time of the attack.

You can speak to the police about this incident by calling 0845 045 45 45 and asking to speak to a PC Becky Roberts at North Walls Police Station (Winchester). Information can also be passed on through Healthy Gay Hampshire by contacting Andrew in the Basingstoke Office - 0300 123 9117 or 07785 22 37 22

Thanks for all your help.

Posted: October 16, 2008 by Lee (Updated November 18, 2008)