BBC runs Wake Up Call series this summer

Over the next four weeks, the team at BBC Radio Somerset is running a special Wake Up Call – Your Head, Your Heart, Your Health series, aimed at promoting the message of preventing ill health and getting symptoms of illness checked as early as possible.

Over the four weeks many colleagues from our trust will be taking part in interviews during the popular Charlie Taylor Breakfast Show, which runs every weekday on BBC Radio Somerset, from 6am to 10am.

The BBC has given the series an affectionate title: “Head, Heart, Boobs, Balls and Bums – which cover the topics being covered.

Week 1 (11 – 15 May) – Head

This week will focus on mental health (it’s also Mental Health Awareness Week), as well as neurology, dementia, ears and eyes.

During the week you’ll be able to hear from our very own consultant psychiatrist and associate medical director for mental health and learning disabilities, Dr Sathya Cherukuri, as well as Joanna Yates – who is a peer support worker within our mental health teams.

For advice and support on your mental health, please go to the Open Mental Health website: Somerset's Mental Health Alliance - Open Mental Health

Week 2 – Heart

While we don’t have any trust interviewees for this week, there will be important messages from other organisations about cholesterol, blood pressure, disease, and hereditary risks.

Week 3 – Boobs

This week two of our specialist breast nurses will be in the hot seat talking about all things breast cancer, including how it’s now possible for people with breast symptoms to self-refer into our service via NHS 111 Online, rather than needing to book a visit to their GP.

To make a self-referral, go to the NHS 111 Online website: Check your breast symptoms - NHS 111

Week 4 – Balls and Bums - Bowel Cancer, Prostate and Testicular. 

For the final week of the series, there will be a focus on bowel cancer, prostate and testicular.

As part of this, one of our colorectal consultants will be talking about the symptoms of bowel cancer and how people can now self-refer into the service. For more information about how to do this, go to our website: Somerset Bowel Service - Cancer services

In addition, one of our stoma care nurses will be talking about all things stoma care and busting myths, and our IBS nurses may also make an appearance.