Learning Objective
This letter is a template and I advise writing a letter to ask someone to see their GP.
One student who reported bloating retired after I asked that she visit her GP to say that it was not bread that was causing her issues. What she thought were vague and non-specific symptoms were in fact symptom of ovarian cancer and it was caught early. ( It is important to note that bloating alone is not a definitive indicator of ovarian cancer.) Nevertheless never assume that you know more than a medical professional and err on the side of caution.
Difficulty digesting bread can be a sign of an underlying medical condition, and in some cases, it may be necessary to ask your student or patient to seek medical formal medical advice. persistent symptoms that may be related to a medical condition, it is far better to err on the side of caution and seek medical advice, even if the symptoms may not seem to be severe or life-threatening.
4 key signs to indicate that a person should seek medical advice for difficulty digesting bread
- Persistent digestive problems: If a person experiences persistent digestive problems after consuming bread, such as bloating, abdominal pain, diarrhoea, or constipation, it may be an indication of an underlying medical condition that requires treatment.
- Significant weight loss: If a person experiences significant weight loss without intending to, and is also having difficulty digesting bread, it may be a sign of a more serious underlying medical condition that requires prompt medical attention.
- Blood in the stool: If a person notices blood in their stool after consuming bread or other foods, it is important to seek medical attention as soon as possible, as this may be a sign of a more serious underlying condition.
- Food allergy or intolerance: If a person has a known allergy or intolerance to certain ingredients commonly found in bread, such as wheat or gluten, and experiences symptoms after consuming bread, they should consult with their doctor or a specialist to determine the best course of action.
In general, if a person is experiencing persistent or concerning symptoms related to digesting bread or any other food, it is important to seek medical advice to rule out any underlying medical conditions or to develop a treatment plan.
When. student or a patient mentions a symptom that is concerning then we ask if they have discussed the matter with their GP.
If they have done then there is no need to do anything else, but suggest that if they have any concerns thy visit their GP again. However if a person has not mentioned symptoms to their GP then the procedures is that you send a letter that requests that they visit their GP. A letter ( in my opinion) a better way to convey your concern for their health in a formal and clear manner. It is often more personal than a text or email, and can demonstrate that you have taken the time to consider their situation carefully.
Procedure
I advise both posting however to protect yourself from any potential issues the procedure requires that you email the person and that you also email The Sourdough School team informing us that you have a concern.
Do not send the persons details to us as this will contravene privacy.
In addition, a letter can provide a written record of your concern and your recommendation for them to see a GP, which can be helpful if they need to provide documentation of your recommendation to your insurance should it been required. A letter can allow you to provide more detailed information about the symptoms or concerns you have noticed, which can be helpful for a GP in assessing the situation and determining the appropriate course of action. Sometimes people tell us things they are uncomfortable mentioning to the GP, so it is important to be professional and use appropriate medical terminology. Please refrain from suggesting a specific medical condition unless it the student has specifically mentioned this to you.
Do not add any further words to the letter. Overall, while there are many ways to convey your concern for someone’s health and encourage them to seek medical advice, writing a letter can be a personal and effective way to communicate your message
Please copy and fill in the blanks using the template below.
Template
Date
Dear [Name],
I am writing to you because.you mentioned that you have been experiencing [symptom], and I am concerned that it may be an indicator of an underlying medical condition. Because of our insurance and prioritising your wellbeing I need to pause your lessons until you can confirm that your healthcare provider is happy to confirm you are able to continue. I realise that this is perhaps not what you were expecting however while I am not a medical professional I have a duty of care to prioritise health and writing to you is part of the Baking as Lifestyle Medicine procedures that make sure we don’t miss something that might be relevant to your health.
I therefore strongly recommend that you visit your GP to have this symptom checked out. It is always better to err on the side of caution when it comes to our health, and I believe that a visit to your GP is the best course of action in this situation.
I want to emphasise that I am not trying to alarm you, but rather, to encourage you to take your health seriously and seek professional medical advice when necessary. Early detection and treatment of medical conditions is key to achieving the best possible outcomes, and I believe that a visit to your GP is an important step in this process.
Why you speak to your GP please request written confirmation that they are satisfied with any medical conditions and that have no concerns about you continuing the course. I would greatly appreciate it if you could provide me this confirmation in writing, so that I can provide a copy as part of the procedures that allow me to [ insert teach / prescribe ] when there is a concern about health.
Please do not hesitate to reach out to me if you have any questions or concerns. I wish you all the best with your health and wellbeing, and hope to hear that you have sought medical advice soon.
Sincerely,
[ insert your name]
Learning Outcome
First and foremost, if someone is experiencing symptoms that may be related to a medical condition, it is always better to err on the side of caution and encourage them to seek professional medical advice. This is especially important if the symptoms are persistent or worsening, as this may indicate an underlying medical issue that requires treatment.
Secondly, as a bread making instructor, you may be liable if someone becomes ill or injured as a result of engaging in the activity. Encouraging individuals to seek professional medical advice is a way to mitigate this risk, as it ensures that they are aware of any potential health risks and have taken steps to address them.
Finally, as an instructor, you have a duty of care to your students to ensure that they are safe and healthy while engaging in the activity. Encouraging individuals to seek professional medical advice is one way to fulfill this duty of care and ensure that your students are aware of any potential risks and are taking steps to mitigate them.
