Peyia GP Surgery - Dr Theodora Bartzou

07/08/2025

🔥 HEATWAVE & WORK: The Role of Prevention in Safeguarding Workers’ Health

Exposure to high temperatures in the workplace, especially during intense heatwaves, poses a serious threat to employee health and safety. The risks are many: dehydration, heat exhaustion, heat stress, and even heatstroke. Workers in outdoor environments such as construction sites, agriculture, cleaning, transportation or those required to wear heavy or synthetic protective clothing are particularly vulnerable.

Prevention and education are our strongest allies. Below are five essential measures that must be consistently implemented:

🔹 Hydration Without Waiting for Thirst
Water consumption should be regular and scheduled, not reactive. Ideally, workers should drink 150–250 ml (about one glass) every 15–20 minutes during moderate activity. Avoid caffeinated or alcoholic beverages, as they promote dehydration.

🔹 Appropriate Clothing & UV Protection
Light-colored, cotton, and loose-fitting clothing allows for effective sweat evaporation and thermoregulation. A wide-brimmed hat and UV-protective sunglasses provide added defense against sun exposure.

🔹 Work Schedule Adjustment & Frequent Breaks
Employers should reschedule demanding tasks outside peak heat hours (12:00–17:00). Access to air-conditioned or shaded areas is crucial. Breaks must be frequent and sufficient.

🔹 Early Recognition of Heat Stress Symptoms
Headache, nausea, dizziness, excessive sweating, rapid heartbeat, or confusion are warning signs that must be assessed immediately by qualified health personnel.

🔹 Teamwork & Continuous Supervision
Working in pairs or groups reduces the risk of delayed responses in heat-related emergencies. Never work alone in hot environments.

📌 Prevention is not only an individual responsibility but also an organizational obligation. Informed employees and responsible employers can safeguard health and ensure the sustainability of workplace operations—even under extreme weather conditions.

Dr. Theodora Bartzou
Specialist in General & Family Medicine | GESY Registered GP

📞 26 442323
🌐 www.peyiagpsurgery.com
📧 info@peyiagpsurgery.com

04/08/2025

31/07/2025

🌍 World Hepatitis Day — July 28th

Hepatitis is an inflammation of the liver that can progress into serious disease, affecting the health and quality of life of millions of people worldwide. It often develops silently, without visible symptoms. Every 30 seconds, one person dies from a hepatitis-related cause.

✳️ Viral hepatitis is the most common and dangerous form.
It is the leading cause of chronic liver disease globally. Types B and C are responsible for most serious complications, including cirrhosis and liver cancer, accounting for the vast majority of hepatitis-related deaths. Alarmingly, millions of people live with the disease unknowingly.

🟢 Main types of viral hepatitis:
• Hepatitis A causes acute infection and is transmitted through contaminated food or water.
• Hepatitis B and C may become chronic and are primarily transmitted through blood or body fluids.
Hepatitis B is the most widespread globally, while hepatitis C remains underdiagnosed despite its severity.

📌 Hepatitis is not limited to viral forms. Other types include:
• Alcoholic
• Drug-induced
• Autoimmune
• Metabolic (e.g., NASH)
• Toxic (chemicals, herbs, environment)
• Secondary to autoimmune conditions
• Inherited/genetic (e.g., Wilson’s disease)

🦠 Viral hepatitis is transmitted through:
• Blood or body fluids (B and C)
• Unprotected sexual contact (especially B)
• Contaminated food or water (A and E)
• Mother-to-child transmission during childbirth (mostly B)
• Shared needles or instruments (e.g., tattoos, piercings)
• Items with blood contact (razors, toothbrushes)

🔹 It is not transmitted through hugging, kissing, coughing, or sharing utensils. Accurate information reduces stigma and protects communities.

⚠️ Possible symptoms include:
• Jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes)
• Fatigue, loss of appetite
• Nausea, fever
• Dark urine, pale stools
• Pain in the upper right abdomen
Many individuals remain asymptomatic, which makes early screening crucial.

🌟 Over 350 million people worldwide live with chronic viral hepatitis. Timely diagnosis and access to treatment can prevent severe and often fatal complications.

✅ Protect yourself with simple but essential measures:
• Get vaccinated against hepatitis A and B
• Get screened if you belong to a high-risk group
• Do not share needles or personal items
• Use condoms
• Choose certified facilities for tattoos and piercings
• Consult your doctor for guidance and personalized advice

💊 Is there treatment?
✔ Hepatitis C is now fully curable with modern antiviral therapy.
✔ Chronic hepatitis B can be effectively managed with long-term treatment.

📌 Today is a powerful reminder that hepatitis can’t wait. Prevention, diagnosis, and treatment are vital.

📞 Phone: 26 442323
🌐 Website: www.peyiagpsurgery.com
📧 Email: info@peyiagpsurgery.com

Dr. Theodora Bartzou
Specialist in General & Family Medicine | GESY Registered GP

25/07/2025

Ο Οργανισμός Ασφάλισης Υγείας ενημερώνει το κοινό για τα στοιχεία επικοινωνίας των υπηρεσιών εφημερίας Προσωπικού Ιατρού (ΠΙ) για το Σάββατο 26 Ιουλίου και την Κυριακή 27 Ιουλίου 2025, ανά επαρχία. Οι εφημερίες λειτουργούν τα Σαββατοκύριακα και στις Δημόσιες Αργίες, μεταξύ των ωρών 11:00–17:00.
Περισσότερες πληροφορίες θα βρείτε μέσω της ιστοσελίδας του ΓεΣΥ (www.gesy.org.cy), στην Ενότητα «Παροχείς» και στην Κατηγορία «Υπηρεσίες Εφημερίας Προσωπικών Ιατρών». https://loom.ly/PkvJOHE
Σημείωση: Τα επικαιροποιημένα στοιχεία επικοινωνίας των υπηρεσιών εφημερίας ΠΙ αναρτώνται εβδομαδιαία στην ιστοσελίδα του ΓεΣΥ (www.gesy.org.cy), και στα Μέσα Κοινωνικής Δικτύωσης του Οργανισμού.

Ομοσπονδία Συνδέσμων Ασθενών Κύπρου- ΟΣΑΚ
Οργανισμός Κρατικών Υπηρεσιών Υγείας - ΟΚΥπΥ
Υπουργείο Υγείας Κυπριακή Δημοκρατία
___________

Health Insurance Organization informs the public about the contact details of Personal Doctor (PD) on-call services on Saturday, July 26 and on Sunday, July 27 2025, by province. On-Call Services operate on Weekends and Public Holidays, between 11:00–17:00.
Additional information can be found on the GHS (GESY) website (www.gesy.org.cy) under the «Providers» section and the category «Personal Doctor On-Call Services»
https://loom.ly/PkvJOHE
Note: Updated contact details for Personal Doctor on-call services are posted weekly on the GHS (GESY) website (www.gesy.org.cy) and on HIO’s Social Media accounts.

18/07/2025

Ο Οργανισμός Ασφάλισης Υγείας ενημερώνει το κοινό για τα στοιχεία επικοινωνίας των υπηρεσιών εφημερίας Προσωπικού Ιατρού (ΠΙ) για το Σάββατο 19 Ιουλίου και την Κυριακή 20 Ιουλίου 2025, ανά επαρχία. Οι εφημερίες λειτουργούν τα Σαββατοκύριακα και στις Δημόσιες Αργίες, μεταξύ των ωρών 11:00–17:00.

Περισσότερες πληροφορίες θα βρείτε μέσω της ιστοσελίδας του ΓεΣΥ (www.gesy.org.cy), στην Ενότητα «Παροχείς» και στην Κατηγορία «Υπηρεσίες Εφημερίας Προσωπικών Ιατρών». https://loom.ly/PkvJOHE

Σημείωση: Τα επικαιροποιημένα στοιχεία επικοινωνίας των υπηρεσιών εφημερίας ΠΙ αναρτώνται εβδομαδιαία στην ιστοσελίδα του ΓεΣΥ (www.gesy.org.cy), και στα Μέσα Κοινωνικής Δικτύωσης του Οργανισμού.

Ομοσπονδία Συνδέσμων Ασθενών Κύπρου- ΟΣΑΚ
Οργανισμός Κρατικών Υπηρεσιών Υγείας - ΟΚΥπΥ
Υπουργείο Υγείας Κυπριακή Δημοκρατία
___________

The Health Insurance Organization informs the public about the contact details of Personal Doctor (PD) on-call services on Saturday, July 19 and on Sunday, July 20 2025, by province. On-Call Services operate on Weekends and Public Holidays 11:00–17:00.

More information can be found on the GHS (GESY) website (www.gesy.org.cy) under the «Providers» section and the category «Personal Doctor On-Call Services»

https://loom.ly/PkvJOHE

Note: Updated contact details for Personal Doctor on-call services are posted weekly on the GHS (GESY) website (www.gesy.org.cy) and on the Organization's Social Media channels.

06/07/2025

Abdominal pain is a symptom that all of us have experienced at some point. In most cases, it concerns temporary discomfort related to diet, stress, or bowel function. However, there are instances where pain signals an underlying pathology and requires prompt medical evaluation without delay.

🩺 Symptoms that Require Immediate Medical Attention:

• Severe pain that appears suddenly and worsens
• Pain accompanied by fever, multiple episodes of vomiting, or diarrhea
• Tenderness or a rigid abdomen on palpation
• Blood in the stools, black stools, or blood in vomit
• Accompanied by dizziness, fainting tendency, or rapid heartbeat
• Pain radiating to the shoulder, lower jaw, chest, or back

💡 When It May Not Be Concerning:

• Mild, intermittent pain that subsides
• Pain associated with bloating or indigestion
• Discomfort following specific foods or stress
• Pain that improves after bowel movement in cases of constipation

In any case, the role of the General Practitioner is crucial for diagnosis and the prevention of complications. If a symptom persists, intensifies, or is accompanied by other signs, it should not be ignored.

📞 Phone: 26 442323
🌐 Website: peyiagpsurgery.com
📧 Email: info@peyiagpsurgery.com

Dr. Theodora Bartzou
Specialist in General/Family Medicine | General Practitioner in GESY

14/06/2025

World Blood Donor Day – 14 June

🩸 Every drop matters. Every donor saves a life.
On World Blood Donor Day, we celebrate the silent heroes who give without expecting anything in return — and we encourage more people to become regular, voluntary blood donors.

Blood donation is safe, simple, and life-saving.

📍 Paphos Blood Donation Center
Address: 89 Vasileos Konstantinou Avenue, 8021, Paphos
(Ground floor of the Royal Business Center)
🔗 https://bit.ly/3SKTkGW
📞 Phone: 26 306409

Be the reason someone lives. Donate blood.

Dr. Theodora Bartzou, MD, MSc
Specialist in General & Family Medicine | GESY Registered GP

03/06/2025

The surgery will be closed on Monday 9th June as it is a Christian holiday, Pentecost!

29/05/2025

Ο δρ.Ανδρέας Ιωάννου Ειδικός Παθολόγος και Προσωπικός Ιατρός σε μια ενδιαφέρουσα συζήτηση μαζί μας, αναφέρεται στο σημαντικό ρόλο του Προσωπικού Ιατρού στο π...

24/05/2025

🩺 What You Need to Know About Blood Pressure

Blood pressure is one of the most essential indicators of cardiovascular health — a number everyone should be aware of. High blood pressure (hypertension) often presents no obvious symptoms — such as headache, dizziness, or a feeling of flushing — yet it significantly increases the risk of serious conditions such as heart disease, stroke, and kidney failure.

🔍 What Factors Lead to High Blood Pressure?

• Heredity and genetic predisposition
• Sedentary lifestyle and unhealthy dietary habits
• Chronic stress, smoking, or excessive alcohol consumption
• Underlying medical conditions, such as diabetes or thyroid disorders

💡 Why Is Monitoring It Important?

Even slight but consistent increases in blood pressure can cause long-term damage to blood vessels and vital organs. Early diagnosis is of critical importance, as hypertension can be both prevented and effectively managed through lifestyle changes and appropriate medical supervision and treatment.

🛡 What You Can Do:

╰┈➤ Schedule regular medical check-ups — especially if you're over 40 or have a family history of hypertension
╰┈➤ Reduce body weight to healthy levels
╰┈➤ Monitor your blood pressure at home if advised by your doctor
╰┈➤ Follow your doctor’s instructions and medication regimen diligently
╰┈➤ Adopt a balanced diet, reduce salt intake, incorporate physical activity into your daily routine, and learn to manage stress

Dr. Theodora Bartzou, MD, MSc
Specialist in General/Family Medicine | GESY Registered GP

📞 Phone: 26 442323
🌐 Website: peyiagpsurgery.com
📧 Email: info@peyiagpsurgery.com

17/05/2025

May 17th World Hypertension Day