Neetside Surgery

31/12/2025

31/12/2025

Staying updated on our page is crucial, especially with winter weather and staff illnesses affecting our operations. Make sure to like and follow our page so you can be the first to hear about any changes at our practice, and encourage friends, family and teens!
Our page is packed with health campaigns, NHS information, surgery updates, newsletters and local support groups. ☺️

31/12/2025

A little reminder to our patients about the final date for our festive closures. ⬇️ plus a list of health services available to you when we are closed.
Stay safe as we welcome in 2026. 😊

30/12/2025

We’re working with Cadent to provide practical support for people living with heart and circulatory conditions.

By joining the free Priority Services Register (PSR), everyone with a heart condition can access extra help from utility companies if the power, gas or water goes off in an emergency or during planned works.

Once registered, you’ll receive tailored support and assistance designed around your needs.

Find out more and sign up here: cadentgas.com/help-and-advice/priority-services-register

30/12/2025

30/12/2025

The NHS Healthy Choices Quiz - give it a go! Full details ⬇️

5 minute quiz
Completely free
How healthy is your lifestyle? Take the quiz to find out!

You'll get NHS apps and advice to show you how to make changes where they matter most.

Christmas knocked your routine off track? Check in with the NHS Healthy Choices Quiz.

The quiz asks a few quick questions about your lifestyle and gives you a score out of 10, plus a clear summary of how you’re doing.

You’ll also get personalised NHS apps and advice to help you make small, realistic changes – when you’re ready.

Take the quiz now: www.nhs.uk/better-health/healthy-choices-quiz/

29/12/2025

Winter bugs and illnesses can leave little ones feeling under the weather.

Most of the time, childhood illnesses can be dealt with in the comfort of your own home.

There's a page on our website packed with advice and information on how to help if your child is unwell, from coughs and colds to injury and even advice on when you should keep them home from school...

Head over and have a read...

https://cios.icb.nhs.uk/help-us/health-advice-for-children-young-people-and-adults/

29/12/2025

29/12/2025

As we approach the new year, it's often the small adjustments to our daily routines that can lead to significant improvements in our lives. Embrace the idea of a fresh start and take a moment to consider those little changes you can make. This new year, focus on incorporating these small shifts that can ultimately have a big impact. Happy New Year !
For more tips and Healthy Living click the links below ⬇️

https://www.nhs.uk/live-well/

https://www.ageuk.org.uk/information-advice/health-wellbeing/healthy-living-information-guide/

29/12/2025

Temperatures into 2026 will be “generally a little below average” - Met Office
There is some snow in the forecast for the Southwest from this weekend.

Preparing for cold weather is especially important if you’re elderly or taking medications, because cold can worsen health conditions and some medicines affect how your body handles temperature. Here’s a clear, practical guide.

1. Understand medication-related risks
Some medications reduce your ability to stay warm or sense cold:
Heart & blood pressure meds (beta blockers, diuretics): reduce circulation or cause fluid loss
Sedatives, sleep meds, antidepressants: dull awareness of cold
Diabetes medications: nerve damage may reduce temperature sensation
Parkinson’s or thyroid meds: can affect heat regulation

What to do
Ask your doctor or pharmacist if any of your medications increase cold sensitivity
Never change dosage without medical advice
Keep a current medication list with you

2. Dress for heat retention (layering matters)
Base layer: moisture-wicking (not cotton)
Middle layer: insulating (fleece, wool)
Outer layer: windproof and waterproof
Wear hat, scarf, gloves, and warm socks — heat loss is greatest from head, hands, and feet
Indoors: wear layers rather than turning heat too low

3. Keep your home safely warm
Aim for at least 18–21°C (65–70°F) indoors
Seal drafts around doors and windows
Use space heaters only if they have automatic shutoff and keep them 3 ft (1 m) from anything flammable
Never use ovens or grills to heat a home

4. Prevent dehydration and poor nutrition
Cold reduces thirst but dehydration worsens cold intolerance.
Drink warm fluids regularly (water, tea, soup)
Eat balanced meals with enough calories and protein
Avoid excess alcohol — it increases heat loss

5. Watch for warning signs of cold stress
Hypothermia signs (can be subtle in older adults):
Shivering or absence of shivering
Confusion, slurred speech
Drowsiness, weakness
Cold, pale skin
Frostbite signs:
Numbness
White or grayish skin
Hard or waxy skin
➡️ Seek medical help immediately if these appear.

6. Reduce fall and outdoor risks
Wear shoes with good traction
Use a cane with ice tips if needed
Avoid going out early morning or at night when it’s coldest
Carry a phone and emergency contact info

7. Plan ahead for emergencies
Keep extra medication and medical supplies on hand
Have blankets, flashlight, batteries, and non-perishable food ready
Arrange daily check-ins with family, neighbours, or caregivers during extreme cold

8. Get vaccines and regular check ups

Cold weather can worsen heart and lung conditions — regular monitoring matters

29/12/2025

Flu is caused by a virus, and antibiotics only work against bacteria. Taking antibiotics for flu won’t help and can actually cause harm.

Why antibiotics don’t treat flu
Different targets:
Flu (influenza) → caused by a virus
Antibiotics → designed to kill or stop bacteria
Viruses don’t have the cell structures that antibiotics attack, so antibiotics simply do nothing to the flu virus.

Unnecessary antibiotic use can:
Cause side effects (diarrhea, allergic reactions)
Kill helpful bacteria in your body
Contribute to antibiotic resistance, making real bacterial infections harder to treat later

👉 Flu is usually treated with rest, fluids, fever/pain reducers, and sometimes antiviral medicines (like oseltamivir) if started early and if you’re at higher risk.

When antibiotics might be needed

Sometimes flu can weaken your immune system and lead to a secondary bacterial infection, such as:
Bacterial pneumonia
Sinus infection
Ear infection
In these cases, a doctor may prescribe antibiotics—but they’re treating the bacterial complication, not the flu itself.

When to seek medical advice
Seek medical help urgently if you have:
Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath
Chest pain or pressure
Bluish lips or face
Confusion or trouble staying awake
Seizures
Severe dehydration (very little urine, dry mouth, dizziness)

Contact a doctor promptly if:
Fever lasts more than 3–4 days or returns after improving
Symptoms suddenly get worse
You have a very high fever (≥39°C / 102°F)
Severe or persistent vomiting
You suspect a bacterial infection (thick yellow/green sputum, sharp chest pain, worsening cough)

Seek advice early if you’re at higher risk, including:
Young children
Adults over 65
Pregnant people
People with asthma, heart disease, diabetes, or weakened immune systems

For more information please click ⬇️

https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/flu/