GFCT Prostate Cancer Awareness Charity

📣 Key prostate cancer and PSA statistics reinforcing the importance of testing. An annual PSA test can identify potential issues with your prostate. Early diagnosis can improve your treatment options and success. Don't wait for symptoms. Get tested. Book here - mypsatests.org.uk 💙

📣 Did you know that we offer 12 different types of health tests for anyone over the age of 25? At The Graham Fulford Charitable Trust, we are supporting health testing for early diagnosis. Whether you have symptoms or not, it is important to be aware of any health issues in order to take action as early as possible, potentially resulting in easier treatment. Head to myhealthtests.org.uk to explore our types of tests, testing events and home testing kits. 💙 Get tested. It could save your life.

💛 Our Health Tests: Vitamin D - What is Vitamin D? Vitamin D is essential for healthy bones and teeth, muscle function, nerve health, and immune system support. It aids in calcium absorption and promotes overall health and well-being. - Who may be at risk? Those at risk of low vitamin D levels include individuals with limited sun exposure, dietary restrictions, older adults, postmenopausal women, and those with a family history of bone-related issues. - What are the symptoms? Symptoms of low vitamin D levels include bone pain, muscle weakness, aches, soft or deformed bones, fractures, low bone density, fatigue, and mood swings. - How does the blood test work? A Vitamin D blood test measures the level of 25-hydroxyvitamin D in your blood. - What does my result mean? If your results show low Vitamin D levels, you may need supplementation. The blood test helps you determine the right dosage and type of supplementation required to meet your specific needs. This tailored approach ensures that you achieve adequate Vitamin D levels without the risk of over‐supplementation, maximising the benefits while minimising potential side effects. Your healthcare professional will provide specific advice tailored to your needs. Having a vitamin D blood test is a key step in taking control of your health and keeping your immunity and bone strength high. Book now - https://lnkd.in/eSmgJ6Qg

📣 AUGUST PSA & HEALTH TESTING EVENTS 📣 ✉️ Book via myhealthtests.org.uk to reserve your place.

A new testimonial received this week, highlighting the importance of health testing 💙 “Hi. I hope you are well and keeping busy, just wanted to let you know I was diagnosed with cancer following my last biopsy even though I am still not showing any symptoms, anyway I had the operation on Monday and came home on Tuesday, everything happens so fast even though I had prepared myself for this, when they mention the ‘c’ word the mind goes into overdrive, 2 months of doing nothing and hopefully everything will be fine, so if I hadn’t gone to the golf club in Feb 2023 I wouldn’t have bothered doing anything so this is a personal thank you for all the work you and the rest of the team do let’s keep banging the drum and letting everybody know the importance of the testing and if I can help in anyway you know where I am. Take care.” - M. from Cornwall ✉️ Book your health test: myhealthtests.org.uk

Our Health Tests: Thyroid - What is the thyroid? The thyroid is a butterfly-shaped gland in the neck, producing hormones that regulate metabolism, growth, and development, and control energy use, affecting nearly every organ in the body. Therefore it plays a pivotal role in our overall health. - Who may be at risk? People at risk of suboptimal thyroid function include those with a family history of thyroid disease, women, older adults, individuals with autoimmune diseases, iodine deficiencies, or those who have undergone radiation therapy to the neck. - What are the symptoms? Symptoms of suboptimal thyroid function include fatigue, weight changes, cold intolerance, hair loss, dry skin, muscle weakness, depression, constipation, memory issues, and irregular menstrual cycles. These can vary depending on whether the thyroid is overactive or underactive. - How does the blood test work? A thyroid blood test allows for the early detection of thyroid‐related issues. By measuring the levels of thyroid hormones (T3 and T4) and the thyroid‐stimulating hormone (TSH), healthcare professionals can identify any imbalances or abnormalities. Early detection is key to prevent the progression of thyroid disorders, such as hypothyroidism or hyperthyroidism, which can have a significant impact on your overall health and quality of life. - What does my result mean? Hypothyroidism (under active thyroid) may be indicated by high TSH, low T3 and low T4. Hyperthyroidism (over active thyroid) may be indicated by low TSH, high T3 and high T4. Both conditions affect metabolism and energy levels, but they have opposite effects on the body's functions and require different treatments. Your healthcare professional can provide specific guidance based on your result. Having a thyroid blood test is a key step in taking control of your health and potentially improving your metabolism, energy levels and fertility. Book now - https://lnkd.in/eSmgJ6Qg

Comedian and broadcaster, Jon Holmes, opens up about his 2023 prostate cancer diagnosis on BBC Radio 4. 🎥 Watch here: https://lnkd.in/eF-wtJKR

👑 The Graham Fulford Charitable Trust were awarded The King’s Award for Voluntary Service in November 2023. This is the highest award a local voluntary group can receive in the UK and is equivalent to an MBE. The King’s Award for Voluntary Service aims to recognise outstanding work by local volunteer groups to benefit their communities. It was created in 2002 to celebrate Queen Elizabeth II’s Golden Jubilee and, following his accession, His Majesty The King emphasised his desire to continue the Award. Representatives of GFCT have received the award crystal and certificate from Tim Cox, Lord‐Lieutenant of Warwickshire later this summer. Graham Fulford, Founder of the Graham Fulford Charitable Trust, said: "We are delighted to receive this very prestigious award on behalf of the hundreds of volunteers who have worked tirelessly for the charity over the past 19 years, giving men in Warwickshire the opportunity to find out more about their prostate and general health."

New here? Get to know us! What we do at The Graham Fulford Charitable Trust 🌟 - Health Testing Together with our partners, we offer testing all over the UK for conditions such as prostate cancer, diabetes and menopause as well as other general health tests through public testing events and home testing kits. Book now - https://lnkd.in/ecG9Huse - Research We are undertaking a major research study into PSA and Free to Total scoring, working alongside the University of Manchester with the aim of persuading the health authorities to implement a National Prostate Cancer Screening Programme for all men in the UK. Read more - https://lnkd.in/e6kRQ8eF - Awareness We are always striving to spread awareness about the importance of early diagnosis and how it can be life saving. Keep up with our news at the charity as well as industry-wide updates through our blog and social media platforms. Blog - https://lnkd.in/eyqPFNXv

Our Health Tests: Diabetes - What is diabetes? Diabetes is a chronic condition that affects the body's ability to produce or use insulin, which leads to high blood sugar levels. If left untreated, diabetes can cause serious health problems such as nerve damage, kidney damage, and cardiovascular disease. - Who may be at risk? Risk factors for diabetes include being overweight or obese, having a family history of diabetes, being over the age of 25, being physically inactive, and having high blood pressure or high cholesterol levels. - What are the symptoms? Symptoms of diabetes include increased thirst and hunger, frequent urination, blurred vision, fatigue, and slow healing of cuts and bruises. - How does the blood test work? A diabetes blood test is a simple and effective way to find out if you have diabetes or are at risk of developing it. The only way to find out if you or a loved one has diabetes is from blood tests that measure your blood glucose (sugar) levels. One of the most common blood tests for diabetes is the HbA1c test, which measures your average blood glucose levels for the last two to three months. This test gives a good indication of how well your diabetes is being controlled and can help you and your healthcare provider make informed decisions about your treatment. - What does my result mean? If you have diabetes, an ideal HbA1c level is 48mmol/mol (6.5%) or below. If you are at risk of developing type 2 diabetes, your target HbA1c level should be below 42mmol/mol (6%). Knowing your HbA1c level and what you can do to lower it will help you reduce your risk of devastating complications. Having a diabetes blood test is a key step in taking control of your health and reducing your risk of developing diabetes or its complications. Book now - https://lnkd.in/eSmgJ6Qg