New Health Protection Profiles for Buckinghamshire were released yesterday by the Health Protection Agency.

The profile covers infections such as measles, TB, sexually transmitted infections (STIs), vaccine uptake for jabs such as measles, mumps and rubella (MMR), HPV and seasonal influenza, food poisoning notifications and environmental hazards, such as high radon gas levels in homes.

Buckinghamshire is a generally healthy county with life expectancy for both men and women above the national average.

The county performed well against the national average in a number of areas assessed in the profiles, particularly for vaccination against MMR, and had amongst the lowest rates of hospital admissions from asthma in the country.

The profile also highlighted three areas where local people can make healthier choices and take more control of their own wellbeing – by taking up chlamydia screening to ensure they remain sexually healthy, protecting themselves against the Human Pappilomavirus (HPV) and staying safe in the sun.

The NHS in Buckinghamshire offers free and confidential chlamydia screening services for 15-24 year olds in a number of locations across the county. Under 25s can also request a postal kit which enables them to take the test in the privacy of their own home. More information can be found online at www.sexualhealthbucks.co.uk.

Chlamydia is the most common bacterial STI in the UK, being most common in men and women under 25. Most people have no symptoms, so will not know they have it.

If left untreated chlamydia can be painful and can lead to serious long-term problems and cause pain, however it is easily cured with antibiotics.

NHS Buckinghamshire is also turning its attention towards a drive to improve the number of young girls who are fully vaccinated against HPV.

A vaccination programme starts this week to protect young girls against HPV, which can cause cervical cancer. The vaccine is being offered to girls aged 12-13 in schools across Buckinghamshire.

NHS Buckinghamshire is urging all girls in the eligible age group to take up this opportunity to safeguard themselves against HPV and reducing their risk of developing cervical cancer.

Dr Geoff Payne, NHS Buckinghamshire Medical Director and local GP, said: “The HPV vaccine is vital to protect girls against cervical cancer, which can have a devastating effect on lives. The vaccine is administered in 3 doses over a period of about 6 months. I fully encourage girls to take advantage of this important opportunity to prevent the development of the second most common cancer in women under the age of 35. It is also crucial that girls attend all 3 vaccination clinics to ensure that they receive maximum protection against this potentially deadly disease.”

NHS Buckinghamshire is also committed to reducing the number of cases of malignant melanoma and continues to advise residents to stay safe in the sun.

Whether they are off abroad for some winter sun, or making the most of any good weather at home, local people should remember to be SunSmart.

The SunSmart campaign suggests these simple steps: Spend time in the shade between 11am and 3pm.

Make sure you never burn.

Aim to cover up with a T-shirt, hat and sunglasses.

Remember to take extra care with children.

Then use factor 15+ sunscreen.

Any mole changes or unusual skin growths should be reported to your GP.

Based on information supplied by Emily MacDonald.