Coughy Break

And now, time for a Coughy Break! Welcomeback to Coughy Break! Managing type 2 diabetes can often feel overwhelming, especially with the wide variety of tablets, injections, and treatments available today. In this special episode, Dr Geoff Hamp and Dr Sam McGinley are joined by two fantastic Diabetes Specialist Nurses, Sue and Hayley, to take a deep dive into type 2 diabetes medications. Together,they break down the different types of medications used to manage the condition, how they work in the body, and answer the key questions patients frequently ask about starting, taking, and adjusting their treatment. If you have any suggestions for topics you would like covered, any comments or ideas, or even just want to say hello then email us at the show at hello@coughybreak.com Sit back, and enjoy a Coughy Break! Links to TREND diabetes resources: https://trenddiabetes.online/people-with-diabetes/ Legal Disclaimer All content provided (“Content”) is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute medical or healthcare advice. The content is valid in England at the time of recording. The Content should not be relied upon as a substitute for professional medical or healthcare advice tailored to your specific circumstances. Always consult a qualified medical professional for medical matters. Released 21/9/26 Show time 36 minutes 25 seconds Music and audio under license Coughy Break is a Coughy Break Production

And now, time for a Coughy Break! Welcome back to Coughy Break! Loud snoring, daytime tiredness, or waking up gasping for air? Sleep apnoea is far more than just a noisy night's sleep—it's a condition that can seriously impact your health and daily life. In this episode, Dr Geoff Hamp and Dr Sam McGinley look into obstructive sleep apnoea. Dr Geoff and Dr Sam explain what actually happens when you stop breathing in your sleep, who is most at risk, how it gets diagnosed, and the treatments that can help you (and your other half) finally get a proper, restful night's sleep. If you have any suggestions for topics you would like covered, any comments or ideas, or even just want to say hello then email us at the show at hello@coughybreak.com Sit back, and enjoy a Coughy Break! Legal Disclaimer All content provided (“Content”) is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute medical or healthcare advice. The content is valid in England at the time of recording. The Content should not be relied upon as a substitute for professional medical or healthcare advice tailored to your specific circumstances. Always consult a qualified medical professional for medical matters. Released 14/6/26 Show time 15 minutes 04 seconds Music and audio under license Coughy Break is a Coughy Break Production

And now, time for a Coughy Break! Welcome back to Coughy Break! We are back for Season 2! In this season premiere, Dr Geoff Hamp and Dr Sam McGinley kick things off by diving into the world of blood pressure medications. High blood pressure is one of the most common medical conditions out there, but with so many different blood pressure medications available, how do they actually work? Dr Geoff and Dr Sam break down why keeping your blood pressure in check is so vital, what the different types of medications do, and what you need to know about taking them. If you have any suggestions for topics you would like covered, any comments or ideas, or even just want to say hello then email us at the show at hello@coughybreak.com Sit back, and enjoy a Coughy Break! Legal Disclaimer All content provided (“Content”) is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute medical or healthcare advice. The content is valid in England at the time of recording. The Content should not be relied upon as a substitute for professional medical or healthcare advice tailored to your specific circumstances. Always consult a qualified medical professional for medical matters. Released 7/9/26 Show time 13 minutes 53 seconds Music and audio under license Coughy Break is a Coughy Break Production

And now, time for a Coughy Break! Welcome back to Coughy Break! It's the end of season one already! In this episode Dr Geoff Hamp and Dr Sam McGinley look back at the last 27 episodes of season one, and look forward to what comes in season two. And, as always, we've got some myths to bust. So, what do the doctors think of ice baths, oil wrapping, powder swallowing, and jaw taping? Listen in to find out. If you have any suggestions for topics you would like covered, any comments or ideas, or even just want to say hello then email us at the show at hello@coughybreak.com Sit back, and enjoy a Coughy Break! Legal Disclaimer All content provided (“Content”) is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute medical or healthcare advice. The content is valid in England at the time of recording. The Content should not be relied upon as a substitute for professional medical or healthcare advice tailored to your specific circumstances. Always consult a qualified medical professional for medical matters. Released 10/8/26 Show time 17 minutes 08 seconds Music and audio under license Coughy Break is a Coughy Break Production

And now, time for a Coughy Break! Welcome back to Coughy Break! You join us for the penultimate episode of Season 1 and for this special occasion, Dr Geoff Hamp and Dr Sam McGinley have stepped out of the studio to discuss the proven health benefits of a healthy walk. It doesn't have to be a hike, a marathon, or even more than 5 minutes, but there's good evidence for the health benefits of being outside in a green space and spending some time there. Dr Geoff and Dr Sam might even stop for a Great British Cuppa and settle the age old question, is a cuppa really good for you? And will a hot chocolate or fizzy drink be a good alternative? So come and join us for a half hour walk and learn just how much better you'll be for coming on a Coughy Break! If you have any suggestions for topics you would like covered, any comments or ideas, or even just want to say hello then email us at the show at hello@coughybreak.com Sit back, and enjoy a Coughy Break! Legal Disclaimer All content provided (“Content”) is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute medical or healthcare advice. The content is valid in England at the time of recording. The Content should not be relied upon as a substitute for professional medical or healthcare advice tailored to your specific circumstances. Always consult a qualified medical professional for medical matters. Released 3/826 Show time 26 minutes 41 seconds Music and audio under license Coughy Break is a Coughy Break Production

And now, time for a Coughy Break! Welcome back to Coughy Break! Urinary tract infections- common, annoying, painful, and can be very serious if not treated. In this episode Dr Geoff Hamp and Dr Sam McGinley discuss urinary tract infections, UTIs, or cystitis. Dr Geoff and Dr Sam look at how these come about, why ladies are more likely to get them compared to men, how to treat them, and does cranberry juice really work? The answer might surprise you! If you have any suggestions for topics you would like covered, any comments or ideas, or even just want to say hello then email us at the show at hello@coughybreak.com Sit back, and enjoy a Coughy Break! Legal Disclaimer All content provided (“Content”) is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute medical or healthcare advice. The content is valid in England at the time of recording. The Content should not be relied upon as a substitute for professional medical or healthcare advice tailored to your specific circumstances. Always consult a qualified medical professional for medical matters. Released 20/7/26 Show time 22 minutes 01 seconds Music and audio under license Coughy Break is a Coughy Break Production

And now, time for a Coughy Break! Welcome back to Coughy Break! Nose bleeds, or epistaxis as they're known medically, are very common. And always seem to happen at just the wrong time. In this episode Dr Geoff Hamp and Dr Sam McGinley discuss nose bleeds. Dr Geoff and Dr Sam look at how exactly to stop a nose bleed, what causes them, what not to do, and when can you safely blow your nose again. And when do you really need to go to the hospital. And, does a nose bleed mean your blood pressure is through the roof? If you have any suggestions for topics you would like covered, any comments or ideas, or even just want to say hello then email us at the show at hello@coughybreak.com Sit back, and enjoy a Coughy Break! Legal Disclaimer All content provided (“Content”) is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute medical or healthcare advice. The content is valid in England at the time of recording. The Content should not be relied upon as a substitute for profesional medical or healthcare advice tailored to your specific circumstances. Always consult a qualified medical professional for medical matters. Released 6/7/26 Show time 15 minutes 00 seconds Music and audio under license Coughy Break is a Coughy Break Production

And now, time for a Coughy Break! Welcome back to Coughy Break! Sick day rules. Sounds unusual, sounds like it should be common sense, but what are they really and why are they important? In this episode Dr Geoff Hamp and Dr Sam McGinley discuss sick day rules. Dr Geoff and Dr Sam look at which medications you can safely pause if you are sick, why you need to pause them, and when to restart them again. And importantly, which medicines you really should not be stopping. If you have any suggestions for topics you would like covered, any comments or ideas, or even just want to say hello then email us at the show at hello@coughybreak.com Sit back, and enjoy a Coughy Break! Legal Disclaimer All content provided (“Content”) is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute medical or healthcare advice. The content is valid in England at the time of recording. The Content should not be relied upon as a substitute for professional medical or healthcare advice tailored to your specific circumstances. Always consult a qualified medical professional for medical matters. Released 22/6/26 Show time 13 minutes 24 seconds Music and audio under license Coughy Break is a Coughy Break Production

And now, time for a Coughy Break! Welcome back to Coughy Break! It's the test that people avoid. But should you avoid it, and what exactly happens when you have a smear test? In this episode Dr Geoff Hamp and Dr Sam McGinley are joined by Dr Helen Speakman to discuss cervical screening. Dr Geoff, Dr Sam and Dr Helen look at the facts and give you information about what happens, why it is important, what the recent changes are to the screening program, and what happens when those results come back. And yes, we still recommend having your test when it is due even if you've never been sexually active, and we'll explain why. If you have any suggestions for topics you would like covered, any comments or ideas, or even just want to say hello then email us at the show at hello@coughybreak.com Sit back, and enjoy a Coughy Break! Eve appeal: https://eveappeal.org.uk/ Speak to an Eve Nurse: https://eveappeal.org.uk/information-and-advice/ask-eve-information-service/ NHS Cervical screening: https://www.nhs.uk/tests-and-treatments/cervical-screening/ Cancer Research UK: https://www.cancerresearchuk.org/ Legal Disclaimer All content provided (“Content”) is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute medical or healthcare advice. The content is valid in England at the time of recording. The Content should not be relied upon as a substitute for professional medical or healthcare advice tailored to your specific circumstances. Always consult a qualified medical professional for medical matters. Released 8/6/26 Show time 22 minutes 02 seconds Music and audio under license Coughy Break is a Coughy Break Production

And now, time for a Coughy Break! Welcome back to Coughy Break! We are definitely well into hayfever season and if you are a sufferer then this is the episode for you. And if you don't suffer, firstly you are very lucky, but you might find this episode interesting- as any hayfever sufferer will tell you, it's more than just a sneeze now and again. So what causes hayfever? How do you treat it? And how can you try and avoid it? It's the battle of the histamines and the symptoms you suffer are all down to those histamines! In this episode Dr Geoff Hamp and Dr Sam McGinley discuss the hayfever. Dr Geoff and Dr Sam look at the facts and give you information about what it is and how to try and help with those symptoms. And no, you don't have to be anywhere near hay... If you have any suggestions for topics you would like covered, any comments or ideas, or even just want to say hello then email us at the show at hello@coughybreak.com Sit back, and enjoy a Coughy Break! Legal Disclaimer All content provided (“Content”) is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute medical or healthcare advice. The content is valid in England at the time of recording. The Content should not be relied upon as a substitute for professional medical or healthcare advice tailored to your specific circumstances. Always consult a qualified medical professional for medical matters. Released 25/5/26 Show time 23 minutes 50 seconds Music and audio under license Coughy Break is a Coughy Break Production

And now, time for a Coughy Break! Welcome back to Coughy Break! You might have heard the term "Chronic Kidney Disease". You might havebeen diagnosed with it. It sounds horrendous, right? And it is important, but what does it mean, and should you be worried? In this episode Dr Geoff Hamp and Dr Sam McGinley discuss the topic of CKD. Dr Geoff and Dr Sam look at the facts and give you information about what CKD means, what it is, and what you need to know and what you can do. If you have any suggestions for topics you would like covered, any comments or ideas, or even just want to say hello then email us at the show at hello@coughybreak.com Sit back, and enjoy a Coughy Break! Legal Disclaimer All content provided (“Content”) is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute medical or healthcare advice. The content is valid in England at the time of recording. The Content should not be relied upon as a substitute for professional medical or healthcare advice tailored to your specific circumstances. Always consult a qualified medical professional for medical matters. Released 30/3/26 Show time 14 minutes 36 seconds Music and audio under license Coughy Break is a Coughy Break Production

And now, time for a Coughy Break! Welcome back to Coughy Break! Skin moles - we all have them. But what's a worrying mole? What does one look like. What does one feel like? And how do we know that that really large irritating mole isn't a bad one? And what actually is a mole? In this episode Dr Geoff Hamp and Dr Sam McGinley discuss the topic of moles. Dr Geoff and Dr Sam look at the facts and give you information about what the different sorts of moles are, what risk factors increase the risk of that mole turning into something more serious, how to mole map, and that contrasting advice about vitamin d and uv exposure. If you have any suggestions for topics you would like covered, any comments or ideas, or even just want to say hello then email us at the show at hello@coughybreak.com Sit back, and enjoy a Coughy Break! You can find the PCDS self-examination advice here: https://www.pcds.org.uk/self-examination-of-moles Legal Disclaimer All content provided (“Content”) is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute medical or healthcare advice. The content is valid in England at the time of recording. The Content should not be relied upon as a substitute for professional medical or healthcare advice tailored to your specific circumstances. Always consult a qualified medical professional for medical matters. Released 27/4/26 Show time 18 minutes 03 seconds Music and audio under license Coughy Break is a Coughy Break Production

And now, time for a Coughy Break! Welcome back to Coughy Break! In this episode Dr Geoff Hamp and Dr Sam McGinley discuss the topic of pre-payment certificates. If you pay for one or more NHS prescription items a month, this has to be an episode to listen to! How to save money on your prescriptions can only be a good thing. And if you are on HRT medications, you also need to listen to this epispode. We talk about the HRT pre-payment certificate, something many patients and doctors don't know about. Dr Geoff and Dr Sam look at the facts and give you information about who the certificates can be helpful for, how to get them and just what you can expect when you get one. If you have any suggestions for topics you would like covered, any comments or ideas, or even just want to say hello then email us at the show at hello@coughybreak.com Sit back, and enjoy a Coughy Break! Links we discuss in the show: https://www.nhsbsa.nhs.uk/help-nhs-prescription-costs/nhs-hormone-replacement-therapy-prescription-prepayment-certificate-hrt-ppc/medicines-covered-hrt-ppc https://www.nhsbsa.nhs.uk/help-nhs-prescription-costs/nhs-hormone-replacement-therapy-prescription-prepayment-certificate-hrt-ppc https://www.nhs.uk/nhs-services/prescriptions/save-money-with-a-prescription-prepayment-certificate-ppc/ Legal Disclaimer All content provided (“Content”) is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute medical or healthcare advice. The content is valid in England at the time of recording. The Content should not be relied upon as a substitute for professional medical or healthcare advice tailored to your specific circumstances. Always consult a qualified medical professional for medical matters. Released 13/4/26 Show time 10 minutes 13 seconds Music and audio under license Coughy Break is a Coughy Break Production

And now, time for a Coughy Break! Welcome back to Coughy Break! This episode is about meningitis, what causes it, how its spread, what the symptoms of meningitis are, how it's diagnosed, how it's treated, and what you can do to try and prevent it. Meningitis is a serious and potentially life-threatening condition that affects babies, infants, children and young adults, as well as older people and anyone with a lowered immune system. Prompt recongnition of the signs of meningitis can lead to faster diagnosis and treatment. In this episode Dr Geoff Hamp and Dr Sam McGinley discuss meningitis in detail and explore the infection, some of the complications that can develop and explain that meningitis is a medical emergency. Dr Geoff and Dr Sam look at the facts and give you information about what meningitis is and what to do if you think you, or someone else, has meningitis. If you have any suggestions for topics you would like covered, any comments or ideas, or even just want to say hello then email us at the show at hello@coughybreak.com Sit back, and enjoy a Coughy Break! Suggested links: The Meningitis Research Foundation https://www.meningitis.org The Meningitis Charity, Meningitis Now https://www.meningitisnow.org Legal Disclaimer All content provided (“Content”) is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute medical or healthcare advice. The content is valid in England at the time of recording. The Content should not be relied upon as a substitute for professional medical or healthcare advice tailored to your specific circumstances. Always consult a qualified medical professional for medical matters. Released 22/3/26 Show time 18 minutes 34 seconds Music and audio under license Coughy Break is a Coughy Break Production

And now, time for a Coughy Break! Welcome back to Coughy Break! We've all been there, nasal congestion, not able to breathe, not able to sleep and feeling miserable. So, what about those nasal decongestant sprays? They promise fast action and being able to breathe again within seconds. And, they do work! So, what's the problem? Well in this episode Dr Geoff Hamp and Dr Sam McGinley discuss the topic of using nasal decongestants and some of the potential issues. Dr Geoff and Dr Sam look at the facts and give you information about how they work, their side effects, and some important safety warnings. And what to do if you, or someone you know, really can’t be without that bottle of nose spray! If you have any suggestions for topics you would like covered, any comments or ideas, or even just want to say hello then email us at the show at hello@coughybreak.com Sit back, and enjoy a Coughy Break! Legal Disclaimer All content provided (“Content”) is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute medical or healthcare advice. The content is valid in England at the time of recording. The Content should not be relied upon as a substitute for professional medical or healthcare advice tailored to your specific circumstances. Always consult a qualified medical professional for medical matters. Released 16/3/26 Show time 17 minutes 02 seconds Music and audio under license Coughy Break is a Coughy Break Production

And now, time for a Coughy Break! Welcome back to Coughy Break! Painful, swollen toe. Must be gout. But how can it be? You don't drink port and you don't eat cheese, well not that much anyway! And when was the last pheasant or grouse you ate? Never. So, can't be gout then surely! In this episode Dr Geoff Hamp and Dr Sam McGinley discuss the topic of gout. It is surprisingly common, surprisingly painful, and generally not fun at all. Dr Geoff and Dr Sam look at the facts and give you the latest information about how to diagnose it, how to treat it, and how to prevent it. And whether or not port is the cure, or the cause! If you have any suggestions for topics you would like covered, any comments or ideas, or even just want to say hello then email us at the show at Sit back, and enjoy a Coughy Break! UK Gout Society https://www.ukgoutsociety.org/ Legal Disclaimer All content provided (“Content”) is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute medical or healthcare advice. The content is valid in England at the time of recording. The Content should not be relied upon as a substitute for professional medical or healthcare advice tailored to your specific circumstances. Always consult a qualified medical professional for medical matters. Released 2/3/26 Show time 18 minutes 26 seconds Music and audio under license Coughy Break is a Coughy Break Production

And now, time for a Coughy Break! Welcome back to Coughy Break. In this episode Dr Geoff Hamp and Dr Sam McGinley are joined by a very special guest. Gareth Hall is the Microsoft global health and lifesciences solutions team lead based in Seattle, Washington. He has experience of working in the NHS and healthcare as well as working at Microsoft HQ in Washington. Dr Geoff and Dr Sam speak with Gareth and look at the current situation regarding AI in healthcare, medicine, science and technology, as well as exploring what the pitfalls are, what safeguards are in place, and what the future might hold for us. If you have any suggestions for topics you would like covered, any comments or ideas, or even just want to say hello then email us at the show at hello@coughybreak.com Sit back, and enjoy a Coughy Break! Legal Disclaimer All content provided (“Content”) is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute medical or healthcare advice. The content is valid in England at the time of recording. The Content should not be relied upon as a substitute for professional medical or healthcare advice tailored to your specific circumstances. Always consult a qualified medical professional for medical matters. Released 16/2/26 Show time 55 minutes 06 seconds Music and audio under license Coughy Break is a Coughy Break Production

Welcome back to Coughy Break! Sometimes the help we need isn't in a blister pack, a medicine bottle, or a cardboard box with a chemist label on. Sometimes we need the expert help of others, those who work alongside our GPs. In this episode Dr Geoff Hamp and Dr Sam McGinley are joined by two of our experts, Xanthe Grace, a Health Coach, and Chris Shuter, a Social Prescriber. Dr Geoff and Dr Sam explore what Health Coaching and Social Prescribing is, how it can help, and how to access these amazing resources. If you have any suggestions for topics you would like covered, any comments or ideas, or even just want to say hello then email us at the show at Sit back, and enjoy a Coughy Break! Guest information Xanthe works for our partner organisation Help and Care. They are a local charity working in Dorset, and for over 40 years have helped thousands of individuals navigate life’s challenges and opportunities. They work across the south of England to provide information, advice, and direct support to people who need it most. They can be accessed through GP or other health professional referrals, or directly through their website helpandcare.org.uk or by calling 0300 111 3303. Legal Disclaimer All content provided (“Content”) is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute medical or healthcare advice. The content is valid in England at the time of recording. The Content should not be relied upon as a substitute for professional medical or healthcare advice tailored to your specific circumstances. Always consult a qualified medical professional for medical matters. Released 2/2/26 Show time 39 minutes 59 seconds Music and audio under license Coughy Break is a Coughy Break Production

And now, time for a Coughy Break! Welcome back to Coughy Break! We hope you have all had a very Merry Christmas and would like to wish you a Happy New Year! Have you made your New Year's Resolutions yet? Any thoughts about dusting off those running shoes and getting a gym membership? Or maybe what about those GLP1s we keep hearing about? Can Mounjaro melt the fat away, can Wegocy make you slim, will Rybelsus get you to drop 6 inches from your waist, and is it worth getting some from your hairdresser's friend at the pub? In this episode Dr Geoff Hamp and Dr Sam McGinley discuss the topic of GLP1s for weight loss. Dr Geoff and Dr Sam look at the facts and give you the latest information about how they work, their side effects, their important safety warnings, if they work or are they just hype, and eveything you should know if you are thinking about starting on them. If you have any suggestions for topics you would like covered, any comments or ideas, or even just want to say hello then email us at the show at hello@coughybreak.com Sit back, and enjoy a Coughy Break! General Pharmaceutical Council https://www.pharmacyregulation.org/ Pharmaceutical Society of NI https://psni.org.uk/ Legal Disclaimer All content provided (“Content”) is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute medical or healthcare advice. The content is valid in England at the time of recording. The Content should not be relied upon as a substitute for professional medical or healthcare advice tailored to your specific circumstances. Always consult a qualified medical professional for medical matters. Released 19/1/26 Show time 30 minutes 28 seconds Music and audio under license Coughy Break is a Coughy Break Production

And now, time for a Coughy Break! Welcome back to Coughy Break, the new show from the team that brought you the popular "Penny's Hill Practice Podcast". In this episode Dr Geoff Hamp and Dr Sam McGinley discuss internet searching your symptoms, turning to AI to diagnose your aches and pains, and relying on a chatbot to tell you the best course of action for your headache. AI and the internet are not inherently bad, but you need to know how to use these tools to keep them the most helpful. Dr Geoff and Dr Sam look at the increasing use of AI and internet searching your symptoms. And don't forget to listen all the way to the end... If you have any suggestions for topics you would like covered, any comments or ideas, or even just want to say hello then email us at the show at ⁠⁠hello@coughybreak.com⁠⁠ Sit back, and enjoy a Coughy Break! Legal Disclaimer All content provided (“Content”) is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute medical or healthcare advice. The content is valid in England at the time of recording. The Content should not be relied upon as a substitute for professional medical or healthcare advice tailored to your specific circumstances. Always consult a qualified medical professional for medical matters. Released 5/1/26 Show time 10 minutes 06 seconds Music and audio under license Coughy Break is a Coughy Break Production