https://drhelenmedical.co.uk/gp-lifestyle-medicine/, https://drhelenmedical.co.uk/gp-lifestyle-medicine/

Dr Selina Lifestyle Medicine, Salisbury (2025)

28/10/2025

Blood test day 💉🩸💉🩸

I wanted to share this little clip of something that gives me a bit of anxiety every year - my annual blood test for diabetes.

Because I had gestational diabetes during pregnancy, I make sure to get my blood sugar checked annually. The test itself is super simple. It’s just a small sample that can tell you so much about your health. It checks things like your blood sugar and cholesterol, helping to spot early signs of problems before they start.

Honestly, it’s not the test that worries me. It’s waiting for the results! 😅 But it’s so worth it for that peace of mind.

So if you’ve been putting off your routine blood test, here’s your reminder: it’s quick, easy and gives you valuable info to take charge of your health. 💪🏽

💡 When should you think about getting a diabetes blood test?

You should consider testing if:

✅ You’ve had gestational diabetes (like me!)
✅ You have a family history of diabetes
✅ You’re over 40 (or over 25 and from an ethnic minority background)
✅ You’re overweight or not very active
✅ You have high blood pressure or high cholesterol
✅ You’ve noticed symptoms like increased thirst, frequent urination, tiredness or blurred vision

Even if you feel well but are at risk of diabetes, it’s worth checking as early detection makes a huge difference.

🩸 Know your numbers. Take charge of your health. Your wellbeing is worth those few minutes.

If you’re concerned about your risk or would like to get tested, contact De Helen Medical to speak to one of us. We are here to help with any questions or to arrange a simple blood test.

16/10/2025

As we approach World Menopause Day, I’m thrilled to share that I’m undertaking my Menopause Certification with the support of Dr Helen Medical! 🌸

As a GP with an interest in women’s health (and as someone with 4 older sisters!) this has always been an area close to my heart. I’ve seen how much impact the right information and support can have on women navigating menopause.

Coming from an ethnic background where women’s health and menopause were rarely discussed, I’ve also witnessed how silence can lead to suffering affecting wellbeing, careers and relationships.

With my background in fitting contraceptive coils and prescribing HRT, this certification feels like the final step in being able to offer truly holistic, evidence-based care in supporting women through lifestyle changes, medical options and beyond.

Here’s to breaking the stigma, opening up the conversation and helping every woman thrive through menopause, not just survive it. 💪🏽✨

10/10/2025

Today is World Mental Health Day 💚

It’s made me reflect on a time in 2023 when anxiety was quietly starting to take over my life.

What still moves me most is that it was my eldest child who first noticed. His gentle nudge to seek help was exactly what I needed and I’m forever grateful I listened.

Starting CBT was truly one of the best decisions I’ve ever made. It gave me the tools to understand myself better, rebuild my confidence and find calm again. 🌱

When thinking about sharing this, I looked back through my photos from that time period and realised there were none. That gap spoke volumes.

The photo above is one I found on my husband’s phone taken during that same period. It reminded me how much a smile can hide and how powerful it is when we choose to open up instead.

In recent conversations with my patients, I’ve been reminded again and again how many of us carry silent struggles and how important it is that we keep breaking the stigma around mental health. Talking about it doesn’t make us weak, it makes us human.

If this post helps even one person feel seen, less alone or ready to ask for help, then it’s worth every word 💚

05/10/2025

Why ‘healthy’ food labels can be so misleading?

My recent talk to primary school children about ultraprocessed foods (UPFs) sparked a lot of great questions especially about how to spot them in the first place! 👀

You’ve probably seen the traffic light system on food packaging - green for “good,” red for “not so good” etc.

But here’s the catch: some ultraprocessed foods like Coke Zero show all green lights… even though they’re full of additives, sweeteners, and colourings with zero nutritional value.

UPFs aren’t just “empty calories.”

A growing body of research links them to:

⚠️ Weight gain and poor gut health

⚠️ Increased risk of heart disease, diabetes and certain cancers

⚠️ Fatigue, low mood and food cravings

So instead of relying on the label colours, try this simple checklist next time you shop:

1️⃣ Check the ingredient list – long and unrecognisable? Probably ultraprocessed.

2️⃣ Look at the food – does it resemble something found in nature?

3️⃣ Consider the packaging – does it look like a science experiment in plastic?

Choose more real, minimally processed foods. Your body (and mind) will thank you 💚

26/09/2025

Today I had the joy of teaching primary school children about ultra-processed foods (UPFs) and the harms of vaping because it’s never too early to start these important conversations. 🌱💨

Children are naturally curious and when we give them the tools to understand what’s on their plate and the choices they may face as they grow, we’re empowering them to make healthier decisions for their future. 💡

Knowledge is power and planting these seeds early helps build a strong foundation for lifelong health and wellbeing. ✨

25/09/2025

✨ Spotlight on my tribe ✨

Coming from a family of 5 sisters and leaving my home country 26 (😱) years ago, I’ve always searched for people who remind me of home. These wonderful women do exactly that (and there are so many more not pictured here who hold a piece of my heart too!)

When you don’t have your own family close by, you build a surrogate one and I’m so grateful for mine. Tonight, as I lay with my 8 year old daughter at bedtime, I shared with her what good friends look like: they accept you as you are, celebrate you for who you are and show up in ways you don’t always expect.

Sharing this photo of celebrating my birthday with these ladies with my daughter was a reminder for both of us never to expect anything less ❤️

17/09/2025

🍁 Special Autumn Offer! 🍁

🙌🏽 My Lifestyle Medicine clinic has moved to Dr Helen Medical in Ringwood this September 🎉

To celebrate, I’m offering a special promotion:

✨Advanced Lifestyle Assessment (includes 2x 1-hour appointments + blood tests) £399 ✨
👉🏽 Usual price £450

📅 Offer valid for bookings made from now until 31st October.

✨ Take the first step towards better health today!

➡️ Book online: drhelenmedical.co.uk/gp-lifestyle-medicine

📩 Or email me at selina@drhelenmedical.co.uk with any questions

13/09/2025

Helping Our Teens Feel Better From the Inside Out

As a GP, I sadly see a lot of mental health struggles in teenagers and as a mum of a teen myself, it’s something I often worry about. While many factors influence mental wellbeing, I’ve been reflecting on what’s within our control to help support our teens.

You’ve probably heard me talk before about the gut microbiome and the gut-brain axis, the fascinating 2-way connection between gut health and brain health that impacts mood, focus and overall wellbeing.

Here’s the challenge:

🔹 Ultra-processed foods (UPFs) disrupt the gut microbiome

🔹 Mental health issues are increasingly common in young people

🔹 UK adolescents are among the highest consumers of UPFs and around two-thirds of their daily calories come from them

🔹 Globally, 1 in 7 teenagers (ages 10–19) live with a mental health disorder

⭐️And yet, teenagers remain one of the most overlooked and misunderstood groups⭐️

So, what can we do?

From my perspective as both a doctor and a parent, I’ve found teens are surprisingly open to the science when it’s explained to them. Getting them involved in food choices, shopping, cooking and learning can be a powerful way to engage with them.

Here are some simple nutrition strategies I’ve found helpful in supporting my teen’s gut microbiome and overall wellbeing:

🌈 Eat the rainbow - aim for a variety of colourful fruits and vegetables.

🌱 30 plant points a week - diversity matters

💧 Stay hydrated - small habit, big impact

🫘 Embrace protein - consider plant-based sources to balance cost with nutrition plus the added benefit of fibre

🍔 Follow the 80/20 rule - focus on nourishing whole foods 80% of the time while keeping flexibility for occasional treats

Above are some photos from a shopping trip with my teen this morning 💙

Little changes can make a big difference and when teens feel part of the process, they’re more likely to engage and stick with it.

Dr Helen Medical

07/09/2025

✨ Did you know most of us in the UK don’t get enough vitamin D especially between October and March?

☀️ Our bodies make vitamin D from sunlight but in autumn and winter, the sun isn’t strong enough here in the UK. That’s why the NHS recommends everyone considers a daily supplement during these months.

💊 The guidance: 10 micrograms (400 IU) a day for adults and children over 1 year old.

Some people including those with darker skin tones (like me and my family) or those who cover up or spend little time outdoors may need to take it all year round.

🥗 You can get a little from foods like oily fish, red meat, egg yolks and fortified foods but it’s hard to get enough from diet alone.

✨ A simple daily supplement can help keep your bones, muscles, and immune system strong.Hope that helps 💚

04/09/2025

👋🏽Hello to my new followers and welcome back to those who’ve been with me a while!

I’m re-introducing myself as I’ve recently started my new clinic Dr Helen Medical.

After 18 years as an NHS doctor, I realised one thing: the most powerful medicine often isn’t a pill. It’s lifestyle!

That led me to set up my Lifestyle Medicine Clinic where I help my patients prevent, manage and even reverse chronic conditions through personalised support in nutrition, movement, sleep and stress management.

My mission is simple: to empower my patients with the tools to take back control of their health and reduce their risk of long term conditions.

31/08/2025

✨ Taking a break is never easy, especially when travelling with three kids, but it’s always worth it.

I’ve just returned from a wonderful trip to the U.S. to spend time with my sister and her family, something I don’t get to do nearly often enough. Having left my home country 25 years ago, at just 16, every visit with my family feels both precious and fleeting. Saying goodbye never gets easier but I’ve learned to hold on tightly to the memories until the next time we’re together. ❤️

This holiday was a reminder of the importance of pausing: stepping back from work, slowing down on social media and reconnecting with the people who matter most. These moments of rest and real connection aren’t just good for the soul, they’re essential for my wellbeing. And even Disney reminded me to keep believing in a little everyday magic. ✨🏰

Here’s to cherishing family, making space for balance and carrying gratitude (and a little magic!) with us wherever we go and a select few photos to capture the holiday ✨❤️🏰

15/08/2025

With Mounjaro prices set to rise, now’s the time to focus on strong lifestyle changes to make your weight loss last. In this video, I explain why building healthy habits while on Mounjaro is key to a smooth transition off the medication helping you maintain your results and potentially save money in the long run.

Dr Helen Medical

Dr Selina Lifestyle Medicine

28/10/2025

16/10/2025

10/10/2025

05/10/2025

26/09/2025

25/09/2025

17/09/2025

13/09/2025

07/09/2025

04/09/2025

31/08/2025

15/08/2025

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