Guest Speakers
Dr Grace Bottoni, GP HIV champion for Lewisham
MM Chair: Estelle Ndungu, 4MNet Lead Mentor Mother
Grace gave an in-depth presentation on how to access your GP surgery digitally as well as telephone/in person. Information about confidentiality within the GP surgery and why it might be helpful to share your HIV status with your GP surgery.
Health and Wellness Resources from the webinar
Resources to support specific health conditions, with a focus on heart and circulatory health, cholesterol, weight management, and chronic kidney disease.
Understanding Statins and Cardiovascular Health
REPRIEVE Study
This global research study focuses on reducing heart disease and stroke risks in people living with HIV. It underscores the importance of statins for heart health. UK experts recommend statins for all people with HIV aged 40 and over | aidsmap . It is now recommended that people living with HIV aged 40 and over consider statin Statins – NHS therapy to support cardiovascular health.
While statin medications are effective, additional lifestyle changes can also help manage cholesterol. They include:
Tips to Lower Cholesterol
British Heart Foundation (BHF): How do I lower my cholesterol? We answer 5 of your most common questions – BHF.
High Cholesterol – How to Lower It
NHS: High cholesterol – How to lower your cholesterol – NHS;
Healthy living
If you have been told you have high cholesterol, heart disease, high blood pressure (hypertension), heart failure, stroke, mini-stroke (TIA) Living healthily when you have a heart or circulatory disease – BHF.
Tips to Lose Weight
NHS: Tips to help you lose weight.
NHS Weight Loss Plan (App) you can use on your phone Lose weight – Better Health – NHS.
Up! Up! Weight Loss Programme
NHS: For Black, Black African, and Black Caribbean individuals living in Lewisham, the Up! Up! Weight Loss Programme offers culturally sensitive support: Healthy weight programmes – Up!Up! | Guy’s and St Thomas’ NHS Foundation Trust
If you live outside Lewisham, ask your GP to connect you with a Social Prescriber. Many practices have Social Prescribers who can:
- Link you to local weight loss or exercise groups
- Introduce you to volunteering opportunities or support groups
- Help with housing or benefits-related issues
Chronic Kidney Disease
Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) Specialized Resources for African and Afro-Caribbean Communities: About — Hidden-CKD