The Wooda Surgery

31/12/2025

🍷⏸️ Thinking about drinking less? Taking regular breaks from alcohol and even stopping for a period can lead to real benefits.

👉 https://patient.info/features/healthy-living/should-you-take-regular-breaks-from-drinking-alcohol-throughout-the-year
👉 https://patient.info/features/healthy-living/what-happens-to-your-body-when-you-stop-drinking
👉 https://www.nhs.uk/better-health/drink-less/

Even a few drink-free days each week can make a difference — better sleep, more energy, improved mood and long-term health gains. Make a plan, choose your days, and notice how your body thanks you. 💪

29/12/2025

🛡️👶 Safeguarding children and adults is something we all need to be aware of. If you’re worried about someone’s safety, start with clear, trusted information:

👉 https://patient.info/features/mental-health/safeguarding-adults-leaflet/safeguarding-children
👉 https://www.childline.org.uk/

For young people, support is just a phone call away: free and confidential via Childline at 0800 1111. https://www.childline.org.uk/get-support/contacting-childline/

Together we can help keep everyone safe. 🤝

26/12/2025

📞💙 Not sure whether you need to see a doctor, visit A&E, or get advice at home? NHS 111 is here to help — 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. 🕒✨

If it’s not an emergency but you need medical help or advice, you can:
👉 Call 111 to speak with a trained adviser 🗣️
👉 Go online for quick guidance: https://111.nhs.uk/ 💻

They can tell you what to do next, whether that’s self-care at home, a pharmacist visit, or an urgent appointment. Stay informed and confident about your care. 💪🌿

24/12/2025

💚 Support is always available – you are not alone 💚

The festive season can be a difficult time for many people. Whether you’re struggling with your mental health, money worries, loneliness, bereavement or family challenges - there is help available 24/7.

Below are national helplines offering free, confidential advice and someone to talk to this winter ⬇️

Samaritans – 24/7 listening support
📞 116 123 (free) | ✉️ jo@samaritans.org | 🌐 samaritans.org

Shout – 24/7 crisis text support
💬 Text SHOUT to 85258 | 🌐 giveusashout.org

Campaign Against Living Miserably (CALM) – su***de prevention and support
📞 0800 58 58 58 (5pm–midnight daily) | 🌐 thecalmzone.net

Combat Stress – support for veterans
📞 0800 1381 619 (24/7) | 🌐 combatstress.org.uk

The Compassionate Friends – for bereaved families
📞 0345 123 2304 (10am–4pm & 7–10pm daily) | 🌐 tcf.org.uk

Cruse Bereavement Support – help after a loss
📞 0808 808 1677 | 🌐 cruse.org.uk

Survivors of Bereavement by Su***de (SOBS)
📞 0300 111 5065 | ✉️ support@uksobs.org | 🌐 uk-sobs.org.uk

Age UK (England)
📞 0800 678 1602 (8am–7pm daily) | 🌐 ageuk.org.uk

The Silver Line – for anyone aged 55+
📞 0800 4 70 80 90 (24/7) | 🌐 thesilverline.org.uk

Beat Eating Disorders

📞 0808 801 0677 (England) | 📞 0808 801 0433 (Wales)
🕒 Mon–Fri, 3pm–8pm | 🌐 beateatingdisorders.org.uk

National Domestic Abuse Helpline (Refuge)
📞 0808 2000 247 (24/7) | 🌐 nationaldahelpline.org.uk

Men’s Advice Line
📞 0808 801 0327 (Mon–Fri, 10am–5pm) | 🌐 mensadviceline.org.uk

LGBT Foundation
📞 0345 3 30 30 30 | 🌐 lgbt.foundation
🕒 10am–10pm, every day

The Trussell Trust (Foodbanks)
📞 0808 208 2138 | 🌐 trusselltrust.org

NHS 111 (England) – urgent mental health or medical advice
📞 111 | Text relay: 18001 111 | 🌐 111.nhs.uk

Please share this post to help others find the right support this winter.

💚 No one should face things alone — help is just a call or message away.

23/12/2025

If you need a Pharmacy over the Christmas break, please click on the link to search opening times. There will be at least one Pharmacy open in the area on Christmas day and Boxing day

Find an open pharmacy near you on the NHS website. Check your local pharmacy's opening times, and find your nearest late night, 24-hour or out-of-hours chemist.

22/12/2025

💊⌛️ Run out of your regular prescription and can’t get to your GP? Don’t worry — help is at hand! 🙌

You can request an emergency supply of your usual medication through the NHS 111 online service. It’s quick, secure and available when you need it most. 🌐💙

👉 https://111.nhs.uk/emergency-prescription

This service is ideal if you’ve completely run out of a regular medicine and can’t wait for a routine prescription. Always double-check with your pharmacist if you’re unsure. 🩺✨

19/12/2025

🤧🦠 Cold or flu - knowing the difference might not seem urgent, but it can help you act right. A cold often develops slowly and stays mostly around your nose and throat, while the flu tends to hit fast, affects your whole body and leaves you feeling really unwell.

👉 Check what to expect and when to seek help:
https://patient.info/features/infections/difference-between-cold-and-flu
https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/common-cold/

Rest well, keep hydrated and if things feel worse than “just a cold”, don’t hesitate to seek advice.

17/12/2025

Available at Allied Pharmacy Wooda!

17/12/2025

💊✨ Did you know your local pharmacy can do far more than just hand out prescriptions? Under the Pharmacy First scheme, pharmacists can now help with a range of common conditions — often without needing a GP appointment! 🙌

💬 They can offer advice, treatments and even prescribe for minor illnesses. So next time you’re under the weather, head to your local pharmacy first.

Find out more here:
👉 https://patient.info/features/general-health/pharmacy-first-getting-the-most-from-your-pharmacist
👉 https://www.nhs.uk/service-search/pharmacy/find-a-pharmacy/

Pharmacists are healthcare experts right on your doorstep. 🌟

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. ✅