Biddulph Valley Surgery

15/12/2025

15/12/2025

The festive season is a time for fun, family and celebrations - but it’s also easy for drinking habits to creep up. Being mindful can make all the difference to your health and safety.

🎄 Here’s how to keep things balanced:
👉 Tips for drinking sensibly this festive season: https://patient.info/features/healthy-living/how-to-drink-sensibly-over-the-festive-season
🚗 Check if alcohol or medication could affect your ability to drive safely: https://patient.info/doctor/primary-care/fitness-to-drive
💬 Need advice or support? The NHS has great resources: https://www.nhs.uk/live-well/alcohol-advice/alcohol-support/

Enjoy the celebrations — just do it safely and stay in control.

12/12/2025

As winter approaches, it’s more important than ever to take action to avoid slips and falls — especially for older adults. 👣❄️

Knowing the risks and making small changes can make a big difference. Check out these helpful guides:
👉 https://patient.info/signs-symptoms/dizziness/prevention-of-falls-in-the-elderly
👉 https://patient.info/features/general-health/step-to-take-this-winter-to-avoid-falls
👉 https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/falls/

From improving lighting and removing trip hazards to building strength & balance, it’s all about staying steady and safe. Let’s keep moving with confidence this season. 💪🧤

10/12/2025

🧬💊 Keeping on top of your medicine cabinet and daily medications is more important than you might realise. From having the right medicines at home to organising your routine and checking expiry dates — it all matters.

Check these helpful guides:
👉 https://patient.info/treatment-medication/medicines-to-keep-at-home
👉 https://patient.info/features/treatment-medication/when-did-you-last-check-your-medicine-cabinet
👉 https://patient.info/features/treatment-medication/how-to-manage-your-medications-at-home

Staying organised means you’re ready, safer and more in control of your health. ✅

08/12/2025

🧼✨ Good hand-washing is one of the simplest ways to protect yourself and others from illness.

Whether you’re prepping food, using the loo, blowing your nose or getting home from a trip out — clean hands matter! Check these useful guides:
👉 https://ow.ly/pi2J50XFylW
👉 https://ow.ly/7JEF50XFym0

Take 20 seconds (the time it takes to sing “Happy Birthday” twice) to lather, rub all surfaces, rinse & dry — and you’ll make a big difference. 💧👌

05/12/2025

👂💡 Ear infections can be painful and frustrating, but knowing the facts can make all the difference! Whether it’s a common middle ear infection or a less common fungal type, it’s helpful to recognise the signs and take steps early.

Check these out:
👉 https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/ear-infections/
👉 https://patient.info/ears-nose-throat-mouth/earache-ear-pain/fungal-ear-infection

From itching and discharge to muffled hearing, symptoms vary. And when it comes to treatment, you’ll often hear about pain relief and keeping the ear dry.

Remember: if symptoms persist, worsen or include hearing loss, get medical advice. 👍

03/12/2025

💙 Feeling connected and supported matters more than ever. Social isolation can deeply affect mental health, especially for people living with disabilities - but there are ways to stay active, engaged and supported. 🌈✨

Check out these helpful resources for advice on reducing loneliness and staying well:
👉 https://ow.ly/iG4250XzUPn
👉 https://ow.ly/60MI50XzUP6
👉 https://ow.ly/YV5w50XzUOJ

Whether it’s joining a local group, finding an accessible exercise routine or learning what support is available, small steps can make a big difference. 💪💬

01/12/2025

📅 November Appointment Update

In November, 4,514 appointments were booked, but unfortunately 88 patients did not attend their appointment.

Missed appointments mean longer waiting times and fewer available slots for others who need care. If you can’t make your appointment, please let the Practice know as soon as possible so the slot can be offered to someone else. 💙

Thank you for your support.

01/12/2025

🌍❤️ This World AIDS Day 2025, let’s come together to fight stigma, share knowledge and stand in solidarity with everyone affected by HIV. 💪✨

There are still so many myths surrounding HIV and AIDS — but knowledge is power! Learn the facts and help stop misinformation:
👉 https://patient.info/features/sexual-health/dispelling-common-myths-about-hiv-and-aids
👉 https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/hiv-and-aids/

Find out how you can get involved and show your support this :
🔗 https://worldaidsday.org

Together, we can end stigma and empower healthier futures. ❤️🕯️

01/12/2025

Please be patient with our reception team this morning, we are short staffed so may take longer answering the phone.

28/11/2025

🩹😣 Got a splinter? Whether it's a tiny piece of wood, glass, or metal, a splinter can be surprisingly painful - and if left untreated, could lead to infection 🦠

👉 In this helpful video, you’ll learn:
✔️ How to remove a splinter safely using tweezers
✔️ Tips to prevent infection
✔️ When to get medical help

💡 Don’t ignore it! Even a small splinter can cause problems if not removed correctly.

🧼 Always wash your hands and clean the area before & after removal.
If redness, swelling, or pus appears - seek medical advice 🧑‍⚕️

📚 Learn more about treating cuts, grazes & minor wounds:
👉 https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/cuts-and-grazes/

👍 First aid essentials for your home:

🌟 https://patient.info/news-and-features/essential-first-aid-items-for-your-home

26/11/2025

🫁💙 Living with COPD? While there’s no cure, there’s plenty you can do to manage it and improve your quality of life. COPD happens when the lungs become inflamed, damaged and narrowed - often due to smoking, long‑term exposure to dust/fumes or genetic factors.

Here are some ways to live well with COPD:
🔹 Stop smoking - the single most effective step.
🔹 Take inhalers and follow your treatment plan to reduce flare‑ups.
🔹 Stay active, eat well, keep weight in check and avoid triggers like pollution or cold air.
🔹 Be alert to symptoms like persistent cough with phlegm, shortness of breath or wheezing - mention them to your GP.

Need more support or want to learn how to cope?
👉 https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/chronic-obstructive-pulmonary-disease-copd/
👉 https://patient.info/news-and-features/how-to-live-healthily-with-copd