Peyia GP Surgery - Dr Theodora Bartzou

18/12/2025

🍷 During the festive period, alcohol consumption tends to increase. While a drink can be part of celebration and relaxation, excessive alcohol intake poses serious health risks, both physical and mental.

🔍 How alcohol affects the body:

• 🧠 Impairs brain function, balance, and coordination.
• ❤️ Increases blood pressure and heart rate.
• 🩸 Overloads the liver, leading to inflammation or fatty liver disease.
• 😴 Disrupts sleep quality and cognitive performance.

⚠️ When alcohol becomes harmful:

• More than 2 drinks per day for men or 1 for women.
• Combined use with medications or driving.
• Repeated episodes of heavy or binge drinking.

💡 Medical tips for safer enjoyment:

✅ Eat before drinking and stay hydrated with water.
✅ Set personal limits and stick to them.
✅ Avoid alcohol if taking medications that affect the liver or nervous system.
✅ Never drink and drive.

📌 Moderation is key. The holidays are meant for joy and connection, not for compromising your health. Responsible drinking keeps celebrations safe and meaningful.

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

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

16/12/2025

Sudden dizziness is one of the most common symptoms and may be caused by simple or more serious conditions. While it is often associated with fatigue or dehydration, it may also indicate a disorder of the vestibular system, blood pressure abnormalities, or circulatory problems.

🔍 Most common causes of dizziness:

💧 Dehydration or low blood pressure
🍽️ Hypoglycemia (low blood sugar levels)
🧠 Inner ear disorders (e.g. vertigo, otitis)
❤️ Cardiac rhythm disturbances or reduced cerebral blood flow
💊 Medication side effects

🩺 What to do immediately:

✅ Sit or lie down to prevent falling.
✅ Drink water and breathe calmly.
✅ Check whether you have eaten or if you are in a very hot environment.
✅ Seek assistance if dizziness is accompanied by fainting, sweating, weakness, or chest pain.

🚨 Seek immediate medical attention if:

• This is the first time it has occurred.
• The dizziness is severe or recurrent.
• It is accompanied by blurred vision, weakness, or difficulty speaking.
• There is loss of consciousness or chest pain.

📌 Medical evaluation is essential, as sudden dizziness may indicate cardiovascular or neurological conditions. A clinical assessment and simple diagnostic tests can help identify the cause and determine the appropriate treatment.

📞 26 442323
🌐 www.peyiagpsurgery.com

📧 info@peyiagpsurgery.com

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

15/12/2025

05/12/2025

WELCOME DR. SAVVAS LYKOUDIS, OUR NEW ORTHOPAEDIC SURGEON.

Dr. Theodora Bartzou is pleased to announce that Dr Savvas Lykoudis will regularly visit us at Peyia GP Surgery on a weekly basis.

Dr. Savvas Lykoudis is highly skilled and a motivated surgeon, always putting the patients best interests at heart.

Doctor Savvas brings a vast amount of experience from both Greece and Cyprus to ensure that patients receive the top-quality care they deserve.

He is available weekly for both GESY and private patients. Referrals from any another doctors are welcome.

To book an appointment, please contact us via telephone 26442323 or email info@peyiagpsurgery.com

03/12/2025

International Day of Persons with Disabilities - 3 December ♿

Today marks an opportunity to reflect on the importance of equality, inclusion, and accessibility for all.

In medicine, we understand that individuals with disabilities need not only treatment and care, but also an environment free of barriers, one that fosters independence, participation, and dignity.

📌 Caring for people with disabilities is not an act of charity - it is an act of respect and justice.
Through awareness, accessibility, and equal opportunities, we can build a society that embraces diversity and upholds human dignity.

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

01/12/2025

World AIDS Day reminds us that, despite medical advances, HIV continues to affect millions of people worldwide. Awareness, prevention, and early diagnosis remain the most powerful tools in controlling the disease.

HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus) attacks the immune system, making the body more vulnerable to infections and illnesses. Without treatment, HIV can progress to AIDS (Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome).

🧬 Key facts about HIV

🔹 Transmitted through blood, semen, vaginal fluids, and breast milk.
🔹 Not transmitted through casual contact, hugs, kisses, or sharing utensils.
🔹 With proper treatment, people living with HIV can lead long, healthy lives and prevent transmission to others.
💡 Prevention and care

✅ Adopt responsible sexual practices with appropriate protection.
✅ Regular HIV testing, especially for people with multiple partners.
✅ Learn about PrEP (Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis) — medication that significantly reduces HIV risk.
✅ Never share needles or sharp instruments.
✅ Early diagnosis and consistent treatment lead to a normal life expectancy.

📌 On this World AIDS Day, let’s remember that awareness saves lives. Through education, prevention, and compassion, we can fight stigma and move closer to ending HIV transmission.

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

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

20/11/2025

Please be aware that this is a scam. Ignore the message if you receive one.

19/11/2025

🫁 World COPD Day - 19 November 2025

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) is a progressive condition that affects breathing and lung function, often caused by long-term exposure to irritants such as cigarette smoke or air pollution. It is one of the leading causes of illness and death worldwide - yet, with early diagnosis and proper management, its progression can be significantly slowed.

🔹 Understanding COPD

COPD includes conditions such as chronic bronchitis and emphysema, which cause persistent obstruction of airflow, making breathing difficult.
Symptoms often develop gradually and may include:

• Shortness of breath (especially during physical activity)
• Chronic cough or mucus production
• Wheezing
• Chest tightness

Early symptoms are often ignored as signs of “aging” or “smoker’s cough,” but early medical assessment is crucial.

💡 Management and Prevention

✅ Quit smoking: The most important step to prevent or slow disease progression.
✅ Stay physically active: Gentle, regular exercise improves lung capacity.
✅ Avoid exposure to pollutants: Dust, smoke, and chemical fumes worsen symptoms.
✅ Stay up to date with vaccinations: Flu and pneumococcal vaccines reduce infection-related flare-ups.
✅ Follow medical advice: Use prescribed inhalers and medications as directed.

📌 This World COPD Day, let’s raise awareness about prevention and early detection. Breathing is life - protect it by making your lung health a priority.

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

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

14/11/2025

World Diabetes Day – 14 November

Diabetes mellitus is a chronic metabolic condition that affects how the body regulates glucose (sugar) in the blood. Poorly controlled blood glucose can, over time, lead to serious complications, impacting vital organs such as the heart, kidneys, eyes, lower limbs, and overall quality of life.

Although diabetes is very common, prevention, early diagnosis, and proper medical monitoring can make a significant difference.

🔹 Main types of diabetes

• Type 1: An autoimmune condition in which the pancreas does not produce insulin. It typically appears at younger ages.
• Type 2: The most common form, associated with insulin resistance and often linked to lifestyle factors.
• Gestational diabetes: Occurs during pregnancy and requires close medical supervision.

🩺 Early symptoms that require attention:

• Increased thirst, excessive hunger, and frequent urination
• Unexplained weight loss or fatigue
• Blurred vision
• Wounds that heal slowly or frequent infections

If you notice such symptoms, it is important to consult your doctor for assessment and guidance.

💡 Prevention and management

✅ Adopt a balanced diet rich in vegetables, whole grains, and small portions of fruit.
✅ Maintain regular physical activity—ideally 30 minutes, 5 times per week.
✅ Monitor your blood sugar levels as advised by your doctor.
✅ Avoid smoking and limit alcohol consumption.
✅ Visit your doctor regularly for preventive checks and early intervention, especially if you have a family history of diabetes.

📌 On the occasion of World Diabetes Day, let us remember that knowledge and prevention are the most powerful tools for protecting our health. Diabetes can be effectively managed with early diagnosis, proper care, and consistent medical follow-up.

📞 26 442323
🌐 www.peyiagpsurgery.com

📧 info@peyiagpsurgery.com

Dr Theodora Bartzou
Specialist in General / Family Medicine | GHS General Practitioner

07/11/2025

🚨Seasonal Viral Infections - What You Should Know 🩺

As temperatures drop, seasonal viruses such as the common cold, influenza, RSV, and COVID-19 become more prevalent. While most cases are mild, infections can be more serious for people in high-risk groups - especially older adults or those with chronic illnesses.

🧠 How viruses spread

Transmission occurs mainly through respiratory droplets, aerosols, and contaminated surfaces. Crowded or poorly ventilated environments increase the risk of infection.

🤧 Typical symptoms

• Nasal congestion or sore throat
• Fever or mild temperature
• Muscle aches, chills, headache
• Fatigue and weakness
• Cough or shortness of breath

🩺 High-risk groups

🧓 Adults over 60
🫁 People with chronic heart or lung diseases (COPD, asthma)
🍬 Patients with diabetes or metabolic disorders
🤰 Pregnant women
👶 Infants and young children
🧬 Individuals with weakened immune systems

💡 Differentiating between infections

• Common Cold: Mild, gradual onset, nasal symptoms.
• Influenza: Sudden, high fever, chills, fatigue, muscle pain.
• COVID-19: Fever, cough, sore throat, sometimes loss of taste or smell.
• RSV: Cough, wheezing, bronchiolitis (infants, older adults).

🏡 Home care tips

💧 Stay hydrated with water, soups, or herbal teas.
🛌 Rest and allow your body to recover.
🌡️ Use fever or pain relief medication only as directed by your doctor.
🌬️ Keep the air clean and ventilated; avoid exposure to smoke.
🧼 Wash hands frequently and disinfect high-touch surfaces.
🦠 Get tested if symptoms resemble influenza or COVID-19, or if vulnerable people are around.

🚨 When to seek medical advice

🚩 Shortness of breath, chest pain, or oxygen saturation below 94%
🚩 Fever above 39°C lasting more than 3 days
🚩 Signs of dehydration (dry mouth, fatigue, reduced urination)
🚩 Severe weakness, confusion, or worsening chronic illness
🚩 In children: difficulty breathing, bluish lips, drowsiness, or feeding refusal

🛡 Prevention — simple actions that save lives

💉 Get your annual flu vaccine and stay updated with COVID-19 boosters.
🧴 Practice good hygiene and respiratory etiquette.
🌬️ Ventilate indoor spaces regularly.
🏃 Support your immune system through rest, nutrition, and physical activity.
🏠 Stay home while symptomatic to prevent transmission.

📌 With awareness and medical guidance, most seasonal viral infections can be managed safely at home.
If you belong to a high-risk group or experience persistent symptoms, seek medical advice promptly.

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

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

31/10/2025

Seasonal Influenza Is Not Just a Common Cold

Every year, influenza is responsible for millions of infections worldwide and can lead to serious complications, especially in people with chronic conditions, the elderly, pregnant women, and children.

💉 Vaccination remains the most effective preventive measure.
The flu vaccine significantly reduces the risk of illness and the severity of symptoms in case of infection. It also helps protect the wider community — particularly those who cannot be vaccinated for medical reasons.

🩺 Who should get vaccinated?
Vaccination is recommended for:
• Individuals over 60 years of age
• People with chronic health conditions (cardiac, respiratory, metabolic disorders)
• Pregnant and postpartum women
• Healthcare professionals
• Children over 6 months of age
• Caregivers or family members of high-risk individuals
• Workers in migrant and refugee accommodation centers
• People living or working in closed communities — students, military personnel, residents and staff of institutions
• Veterinarians and livestock farmers
• People in regular contact with poultry

⚠ Influenza can cause serious complications such as pneumonia, worsening of chronic diseases, or hospitalization.
Vaccination provides protection, reduces the risk of spreading the virus, and helps safeguard public health.

📅 October and November are the ideal months for vaccination, allowing the body enough time to develop immunity before the peak of flu season.

Don’t hesitate to contact us to arrange your flu vaccination 💉🩺

📞 26 442323
🌐 www.peyiagpsurgery.com

📧 info@peyiagpsurgery.com

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