Aroundtown Magazine January/February 2024 edition

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HEALTH & BEAUTY Don’t ignore your cervical cancer screening invite! Every day in the UK, two women lose their lives to cervical cancer and nine more receive a life-changing diagnosis. But cervical cancer can be prevented. Cervical screening, or smear tests, can save lives by stopping cervical cancer before it starts. However, figures from Jo’s Cervical Cancer Trust show that one in three women and people with a cervix do not take up their screening invite. South Yorkshire and Bassetlaw Cancer Alliance are reminding people of the importance of attending screening when invited. What is a smear test? A smear test, or cervical screening, is not a test for cancer. It checks the health of your cervix and helps find any abnormal changes before they can turn into cancer. A sample taken from your cervix checks for the human papillomavirus (aka HPV). Cervical sceening is available to anyone with a cervix between the ages of 25 to 64 in the UK. Eligible people will be contacted and asked to make an appointment at their GP surgery. You may get your first invite up to six months before you turn 25. The screening is usually done by a female nurse or doctor. Your cervical screening result will help decide when you are next invited for cervical screening. This could be every year, every three years, or every five years. What is HPV? Human papillomavirus (HPV) is a common virus that lives on the skin and can affect the cervix. There are over 200 types of HPV – most are low-risk and cause no problems, but around 13 are high-risk and are linked to cancer. HPV is usually passed on through sexual contact, which can make some people feel worried or embarrassed. But it is nothing to be ashamed of. Because HPV lives on our skin, it is easy to get and difficult to completely protect against. At some point during our lives, eight in ten people will get HPV. 12 aroundtownmagazine.co.uk What if I get HPV? In most cases, your immune system will get rid of HPV without it causing any problems. If your cervical screening shows that you have HPV, you’ll be invited back more regularly (after a year) to keep a closer eye on you. If high risk HPV is detected, the sample is then checked for abnormal cells. There is no treatment for HPV itself, but there are treatments for conditions caused by HPV, including genital warts, cervical cell changes and cancer. Persistent HPV infection is what causes the cells in the cervix to change. Over time, these abnormal cells may develop into cervical cancer if not monitored or treated. Reducing your risk of HPV You can’t completely protect against HPV. But there are ways you can reduce your risk of getting HPV or developing a persistent infection that your immune system can’t get rid of. Stopping smoking, getting the HPV vaccine if you are eligible, and having safer sex (using condoms or dental dams) all help to reduce your risk. What are the symptoms of cervical cancer? While a smear test is the best protection against cervical cancer, it does not stop every case. Being aware of the symptoms may mean cervical cancer is detected and treated early. The most common symptoms of cervical cancer include: • Vaginal bleeding that is unusual for you, including after the menopause, after sex, or between regular periods • Changes to vaginal discharge • Pain or discomfort during sex • Unexplained pain in your lower back or between your hip bones (pelvis) Tips for your cervical screening test • If you feel uncomfortable in waiting rooms, you may want to ask to book the first appointment of the day. This can mean it is quieter and there is less time for you to wait. • Wear something comfy and easy to get on and off. Some people feel more covered wearing a skirt or dress as they only need to remove their underwear. Ask if you can bring a spare shawl or blanket to cover yourself if it makes you feel more at ease. You might experience spotting after your cervical screening, so you may want to wear a fuller brief with a liner or sanitary pad. • Speculums come in different sizes. If you find the standard size too uncomfortable, you can ask to try another size. Lying in a different position, such as on your side with your knees bent, may also make the test more comfortable. • If you have gone through or are going through the menopause, let your doctor or nurse know. After menopause, the opening of the vagina and vaginal walls become less able to stretch, which can make the test more uncomfortable. A vaginal oestrogen cream or pessary may help. • Don’t rush off. Take your time to recover and make sure you feel okay before you leave. Arrange for someone to pick you up in case you don’t feel great after. • Ask questions. Speak to your friends, nurses, or colleagues for reassurance, especially before your first cervical screening or if you have previously experienced anything that makes the test hard for you. Cervical Cancer Prevention Week: 22nd - 28th January 2024 Join the conversation #CervicalCancerPreventionWeek Find out more at www.jostrust.org.uk/CCPW Or for advice, call their free national helpline on 0808 802 8000
HEALTH & BEAUTY Improve your health and wellbeing with Rotherham United Community Trust Feeling the winter blues? Did you know just 30 minutes of activity a day, a good old chat and a smile from a stranger can all help to lift your mood and pop that spring back in your step. Rotherham United Community Trust have a wide range of activities for adults ranging from badminton, football, and fitness classes to dance-based classes for menopausal women, a walking group or even a spot of table tennis. Many sessions are free, while others cost just £3 or less. If you’re looking to improve your health and fitness in 2024, get a sweat on in their range of fitness classes for all abilities. There are low and high intensity classes, a men’s only session, plus their Fit Fans programme to help lose weight. Their popular football-based weight loss programme, MAN v FAT football, is now in its fifth year, with over 60 men joining the RUCT team every Friday at Parkgate Astro. For women, there are lots of ladies-only groups such as a women’s recreational football session or women’s badminton. RUCT have also developed a dance-based session aimed at helping women going through menopause. They have recently added more venues to roll the programme out to more women in Rotherham, with sessions throughout the week at places like Brinsworth and Upper Haugh. It’s not all about physical exercise. The RUCT team also support people with their mental wellbeing. They run a weekly coffee morning down at New York Stadium and have set up a walking group that meets each Thursday lunchtime. Rotherham United fans also can join the Mature Millers group who meet on Mondays to discuss the previous week’s games as well as the history of the club. Emma Schofield and Hollie Webb jointly manage the Health and Wellbeing department at the Trust. Emma said: “Whether you fancy joining us down at the New York Stadium or out in the community, there’s plenty of weekly options to come and meet new people, grab a cuppa and have a good old chat.” Hollie added: “No matter what you enjoy, we have something for everyone. Don’t be afraid to come along, our groups are welcoming and friendly and we’d love you to join us. You never know, you might even rub shoulders with a player or two!” For more information about any of the sessions, contact the RUCT team on 01709 827767 Or email health@rotherhamunited.net Facebook Rotherham United Community Trust Instagram @Rotherhamunited_CT www.ruct.co.uk What’s on each week: Menopause dance sessions Mondays at Liberty Church 12pm-1pm £3 Tuesdays at The Centre Brinsworth 10am-11am £3 Tuesdays at Unity Centre 1.30pm-3.30pm Free Wednesdays at New York Stadium 5.45pm- 7.15pm £3 Thursdays at Upper Haugh Drop In Centre 1.30pm-3.30pm Free Sports-based sessions Walking Football - Mondays at Parkgate Astro 1pm-2pm Free Women’s Rec Football – Tuesdays at Parkgate Astro 8pm-9pm £3 Inclusion Football – Wednesdays at Parkgate Astro 2pm-3pm Free Women’s Badminton – Wednesdays at Rotherham Leisure Complex 10am-11am £3 Badminton – Thursdays at Rotherham Leisure Complex 10am-11am Free Table Tennis – Thursdays at New York Stadium 2pm-4pm £3 Fitness sessions Low intensity – Mondays at New York Stadium 10am-11am £3 High intensity – Mondays at New York Stadium 5.30pm-6.15pm £3 Men Only class – Fridays at New York Stadium 1pm-2pm £1 Weight management sessions Fit Fans at New York Stadium – Tuesdays at 6.30pm or Wednesdays at 10am Free Man V Fat Football League – Fridays at Parkgate Astro 7pm-9pm £31/month Mental wellbeing sessions Mature Millers – Mondays at Brentwood Hotel 10am Free Coffee Morning – Tuesdays at New York Stadium 11am Free Walking Group – Thursdays 11.45am Free aroundtownmagazine.co.uk 13
Page 1 and 2: JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2024 www.aroundtow
Page 3 and 4: Welcome to the January/February edi
Page 5 and 6: AROUNDTOWN MEETS on their books. Wh
Page 7 and 8: AROUNDTOWN Harley’s Cynthia Shaw
Page 9 and 10: HEALTH & BEAUTY • National Ear Ca
Page 11: HEALTH & BEAUTY Are you prepared to
Page 15 and 16: HEALTH & BEAUTY See what you’ve b
Page 17 and 18: Embrace the season of change with t
Page 19 and 20: HEALTH & BEAUTY Lottery funding a P
Page 21 and 22: HEALTH & BEAUTY Eat well, spend les
Page 23 and 24: FASHION Carol Ann, Wickersley An Ou
Page 25 and 26: An exquisite collection of wedding
Page 27 and 28: LOVE IS IN THE AIR Find ‘The One
Page 29 and 30: DEER PARK FARM Tea Room Fully licen
Page 31 and 32: OUT & ABOUT Add the finishing touch
Page 33 and 34: OUT & ABOUT Signals Festival return
Page 35 and 36: OUT & ABOUT Penistone Library Illus
Page 37 and 38: Invest in a home on wheels Discover
Page 39 and 40: OUT & ABOUT Langsett Reservoir Less
Page 41 and 42: Our family caring for your family f
Page 43 and 44: FAMILY & EQUINE their concentration
Page 45 and 46: New Year & New Beginnings with Visi
Page 47 and 48: FAMILY Reconnect with the local com
Page 49 and 50: FAMILY Rotherham’s Crossroads Car
Page 51 and 52: FAMILY Jessica Bloor BA (hons) in T
Page 53 and 54: FAMILY Serving our great community
Page 55 and 56: Est. 2004 We Meet > Sport > Out and
Page 57 and 58: HOME & GARDEN Feature Walls Make a
Page 59 and 60: Furniture and accessories to turn y
Page 61 and 62: HOME & GARDEN Established 2006 We m
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Take your home to another level Bes
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HOME & GARDEN Visit our showroom fo
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at Homeflair Unique riverside setti
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HOME & GARDEN Winter in the garden
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HOME & GARDEN Help protect the UK
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FOOD & ENTERTAINMENT Easy traybake
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FOOD & ENTERTAINMENT Fun ways wine
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FOOD & ENTERTAINMENT Sheffield lege
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FOOD & ENTERTAINMENT Baa’sil goes
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AROUNDTOWN CLASSIFIEDS Karen’s Cl
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KITCHENS BEDROOMS BATHROOMS MEDIA U
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Aroundtown Magazine January/February 2024 edition

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