Southern Independent Health

01/09/2026

If you fancy sponsoring a good cause, we're hoping to raise some funds for the homeless - thank you 🙂

Help Ben Kay raise money to support Salisbury Trust for the Homeless

25/08/2026

Creatine and collagen supplements: are they worth taking?

We are increasingly asked whether creatine or collagen supplements are worthwhile. Both are heavily marketed, but the strength of the evidence differs.

CREATINE

Creatine is a naturally occurring substance that helps muscles produce energy. Of the many supplements available, creatine monohydrate has some of the best supporting evidence.

When combined with regular resistance exercise, it can produce modest improvements in strength, exercise performance and muscle mass. It may be particularly useful for older adults trying to preserve muscle strength, and for vegetarians or vegans, whose dietary intake is usually lower. Taking creatine without exercising is much less likely to provide a meaningful benefit. Claims about improved memory and brain health remain interesting but are not yet sufficiently established for us to recommend it for that reason alone.

For most healthy adults, 3–5 grams of creatine monohydrate daily is sufficient; a high-dose “loading phase” is unnecessary. Some people experience temporary water-related weight gain or digestive upset.

Creatine appears safe for people with healthy kidneys when taken at recommended doses. However, it can raise the blood creatinine level and make routine kidney results appear worse without actually reducing kidney function. Tell your clinician before having blood tests. Anyone with kidney disease, who is pregnant or breastfeeding, or who takes medicines that may affect the kidneys should seek medical advice first.

COLLAGEN

Collagen supplements are usually sold for younger-looking skin, healthier joints, hair or nails. Once swallowed, collagen is digested into amino acids and small peptides; it does not travel directly to the skin or joints.

Some trials report small improvements in skin hydration, elasticity and wrinkles after several months, and there is some evidence of modest symptom improvement in osteoarthritis. However, many studies are small, use different products and are funded by manufacturers. A major 2025 review found that the apparent skin benefits disappeared when only higher-quality or independently funded studies were considered. The evidence for improving hair, nails, bone strength or sporting performance remains limited. (https://www.amjmed.com/article/S0002-9343%2825%2900283-9/fulltext)

Collagen is generally well tolerated, although it can cause digestive symptoms and may be unsuitable for people with allergies to its fish, shellfish, bovine or porcine source.

OUR VIEW

Creatine is a reasonable optional addition for someone undertaking regular strength training, but it cannot replace the exercise itself. Collagen may offer a small benefit for some people, particularly for joint symptoms, but the evidence is less convincing and it can be expensive.

For most people, the priorities remain a balanced diet containing adequate protein, regular resistance exercise, not smoking and—when thinking about skin ageing—daily sun protection. Supplements should complement these measures, not replace them.

16/08/2026

Why continuity of care matters

At Southern Independent Health, we believe good general practice is about more than treating the problem in front of us.

It is about having time to listen, knowing our patients and building relationships over time.

There is growing evidence that continuity of care — regularly seeing a doctor who knows you and your medical history — is associated with better health outcomes, fewer emergency attendances and fewer hospital admissions.

For us, this is one of the most important parts of the care we provide.

Time to listen. Continuity of care. A doctor who knows you.

That is what we want Southern Independent Health to stand for.

13/08/2026

Did you know we offer cryotherapy?

As we get older, many of us develop harmless brown, warty growths known as seborrhoeic keratoses. Although benign, they can become irritated, catch on clothing or simply be something you would prefer to have treated.

Cryotherapy uses liquid nitrogen to freeze suitable lesions and is a quick treatment that we can provide at Southern Independent Health.

We will always assess the area first, as not every pigmented lesion is suitable for cryotherapy and some may need a different approach.

Please contact the practice if you would like to arrange an assessment.

13/08/2026

We’re pleased to share that Southern Independent Medical Practice has recently become Southern Independent Health, accompanied by a fresh new look and logo.

We’re also working on a new website, which we hope to launch by the end of this month. As part of these improvements, we’ll be introducing WhatsApp Business, offering patients a quick and convenient way to contact the practice about appointments and other administrative queries.

Although our name and appearance are changing, our priorities remain the same: giving our patients time, providing continuity of care, and delivering general practice healthcare of the highest standard.

We look forward to sharing more with you soon.

12/05/2026

Celebrating Sarah and Lainey this International Nurses Day 2026. Your dedication, compassion, and hard work mean the world to our patients and team. Thank you for all you do 💐🌟