on the button issue 9 | Page 9

Carer’s Group for Stotfold to advertise in the sections below contact ‘on the button’ on: 01462 834265 A few months ago a support group was set up in Stotfold for people who are carers of elderly, ill or disabled people. The group meets every four weeks on a Friday at Larksfield Surgery and is run by Linda Di Michele, an Adult Support worker from Carers in Bedfordshire. The purpose of the group is to offer support to the many people who spend their time caring for a friend or loved one. It is an easygoing friendly group that offers a place to unwind and relax in the company of others who understand the stresses and difficulties of a life filled with looking after the needs of someone else. Whatever the relationship between the carer and the person needing help, and however much we as a carer love that person, at times it can all get too much. That’s when we need a bit of ‘down time’ away from the home in the company of others who by their mutual understanding and support can lift our feelings and help us to cope and get on with life. The carers group has a program of different events, a walking group and is trialing the idea of a film club, so there is something for all interests as well as the support and friendly company of a group of men and women in similar circumstances. Program of events Friday 17th May Coffee and chat Friday 14th June Presentation on Uganda by Linda Friday 19th July Summer Social, venue to be discussed. NEW! Add your details for £8.00 for one month. A maximum of 30 words. To add a photo of the property too it is just £5.00 more. announcements NEW! announcements £5.00 each insertion – births, marriages and deaths. Please supply no more than 25 words plus a picture. items for sale NEW! £1.00 for each item. Please supply no more than 25 words. Quarry Tiles Free to any body who can pick them up. 132 red and 40 black 6” x 6” Quarry tiles. Reclaimed. Telephone: 01462 731647 If you are a carer and are interested to meet the group, come along and chat to others at the next meeting, or alternatively contact Linda Di Michele on 01767 315079 or email the Larksfield Patient Participation Group (PPG) at [email protected] We would like to meet you. Larksfield PPG Carers Group let’s talk poo!! H property i my name is Gail. Some of you may remember me as one of the Akela’s at 1st Arlesey Sioux, others from my many appearances in the Apple Panto’s. Whether you know me or not my mission is to spread awareness of the horrible disease – BOWEL CANCER. April was Bowel Cancer aware month. Last year, at the age of 52, I was diagnosed with Bowel Cancer. Unfortunately for me the cancer had already spread and is now classed as terminal. I didn’t have the ‘normal’ symptoms we all should know about, i.e. blood in your poo, feeling tired or unexplained weight loss, but I did have a small pain in the right hand side of my stomach. Being of the fair sex and being quite young (even though I say that myself) the doctors put the pain down to’ woman’s trouble’ and that I was probably going through the change!!. I did have a couple of pelvis scans, but never had the correct scan of the abdomen and pelvis which would have shown the tumour. My mission now is to try and make everyone aware of this TREATABLE illness!! YES bowel cancer is the second biggest killer but it can be cured if caught early. If I had been more aware of the symptoms of bowel cancer I would have gone back to the doctors and requested more tests. I didn’t know that something like I little pain in my stomach, which I might add went away with a pain killer, could turn out to be so fateful. Get use to talking about your poo, Ok maybe not at the dinner table, but let’s not be shy about it. If you are unsure about it or worried by a pain that won’t go away, see your doctor, it is what they are there for. If I can help one person become I survivor then my misfortune will not of been all for nothing. SO come on, lets talk POO !! and remember bowel cancer is not an ”old person’s” illness. Volunteers needed If you could spare a little time once a month to help deliver on the button in Arlesey, please contact Steve on 834265. ARLESEY PHARMACY Opening hours: Monday to Friday – 8.45am to 1pm and 2.00pm to 6.15pm Saturday and Sunday – Closed • Repeat prescription ‘drop-off’ and collection service from Arlesey Medical Centre and Larksfield (Stotfold) Surgery • Prescription delivery servic