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Mr Jim Hanson is a very fit-looking, 72 year old retired gentleman who has lived in Ottery St Mary for the last twelve years with his wife Enid.  But appearances are deceptive and Jim has serious health problems of his own.  Some years ago he had a cancer scare that returned in earnest in 2006 causing him to need major reconstructive surgery.

Jim tells us:-  “It is one of the most difficult operations performed at Wonford and I had first-rate treatment from my surgeon and his team. Until quite recently I have been in and out of hospital and had frequent blood pressure checks which were all perfectly normal so it came as a really big surprise when at the Carer’s Health & Well-being Check they found my blood pressure was sky high and I was at risk of a heart attack or a stroke.

I keep myself fit, go to the gym daily and eat a healthy diet so I just couldn’t believe it.  Now I am on new medication and being closely monitored, thank heavens.  I couldn’t ask for better help than I have received from my GP Practice, Coleridge Medical Centre.  

Until three years ago I thought I was going to be the one who needed to be cared for but in the last year my wife’s rheumatoid arthritis has worsened, and now she has little use of her hands so I have to do everything for her.  Our daughters live too far away and although friends and neighbours offer, she is very independent and doesn’t want anyone strange coming in the house so the cooking, cleaning, housework etc falls to me.  I am happy to do this for her but it makes it even more important that my own health is safeguarded.”

My health as a carer is now more important than ever so I am really glad that I went along for the health check and I would urge any one, who cares for a friend or relative they love, to think about what could have happened to us and go along for a check too.

For more information contact Denise Rendell, GP Carers Project Supervisor on 01392 825756 email d.rendell@westbankfriends.org