Meet Dr Jonty
35 year old Dr Jonty works in an inner city practice in south London. Here he talks about his work, his practice and the sorts of problems and issues he sees regularly in his surgery.
Q1. Tell us a bit about yourself and how you came into medicine.
I've been a fully qualified GP for five years and work in an inner city practice in Elephant and Castle. We have 10,500 patients and I'm one of five doctors in the practice.
Q2. Tell us a little more about your south London practice.
There are about 160 languages and dialects spoken in this part of London. So we need to give people dietary advice on the basis of a cultural understanding. We need to look after patients in a holistic manner. It's not just about people's physical well being - it's about their psychological needs as well.
Q3. How do you as a doctor treat patients from so many diverse cultural backgrounds?
Diverse backgrounds mean different health beliefs. For instance,
saturated fat tends to be used in a lot of south Asian cooking and these
facts could increase the risk of diabetes
in that community.
Q4. What particular illnesses do you find cropping up in your surgery?
In any deprived area you have a greater incidence of ill health. We have a huge job on our hands tackling issues like smoking, obesity, and cardiovascular disease.
Q5. What would be your top tips for a healthier, fuller, life?
Think broadly. People are looking after themselves better physically - but not mentally. The two are linked. I, for instance, meditate. Everyone needs ways to relax and take care of the mind as well as the body.
Related Links
- Cardiovascular disease
- BBC Health - There's a strong link between high blood cholesterol levels and the risk of heart disease.
- BBC Health - Meditation
- A step by step guide to meditation.
- Diabetes guide
- BBC Health article explaining diabetes, its causes, symptoms, treatments, prevention and support organisations.
Health Tips
from Dr Jonty
- Drink alcohol in moderation and have at least two drink free days a week.
- Spend half an hour a day doing something that makes you feel relaxed. Try meditation.
- Stop smoking and use the money you save to treat yourself to a massage.
- Get at least 7- 8 hours sleep a night.