The Lodge Surgery

11/03/2026

𝗡𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝗮𝗹 𝗡𝗼 𝗦𝗺𝗼𝗸𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗗𝗮𝘆 🚭
11 March 2026

Smoking is very harmful to your heart. It seriously increases your risk of developing heart and circulatory diseases. To keep your heart healthy, you can make small lifestyle changes to help you quit smoking.

The British Heart Foundation have put together a booklet that can help you and your loved ones to make healthier changes to look after your heart health. It contains lots of tips and simple swaps to be more active, eat healthier and more. You'll also find information on where to go for more help and support.

Order or download it for free. It's also available in large print.
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www.bhf.org.uk/informationsupport/publications/healthy-eating-and-drinking/understanding-your-heart-health

𝗪𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝗮𝗿𝗲 𝘀𝗼𝗺𝗲 𝗼𝗳 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗯𝗲𝗻𝗲𝗳𝗶𝘁𝘀 𝗼𝗳 𝗾𝘂𝗶𝘁𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘀𝗺𝗼𝗸𝗶𝗻𝗴?

🚭Your heart rate and blood pressure will begin to return to normal after 20 minutes.

🚭Your sense of smell and taste will begin to improve after 2-3 days.

🚭Your risk of a heart attack is half that of a smoker after 1 year.

It’s never too late to benefit from stopping smoking. On average, smokers who quit in their 30s will add 10 years to their life. Even quitting at 60 will add 3 years. Being a non-smoker can also improve your chances of being more physically active and healthier as you get older.

www.bhf.org.uk/informationsupport/risk-factors/smoking

𝗛𝗲𝗹𝗽 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝘀𝘂𝗽𝗽𝗼𝗿𝘁
You're more likely to quit if you have support:

Find NHS Stop Smoking Services near you ➡ www.nhs.uk/better-health/quit-smoking/ready-to-quit-smoking/find-your-local-stop-smoking-service/

Smokefree National Helpline on 0300 123 1044

Or if you'd like to speak to an experienced Cardiac Nurse to help answer your questions or concerns about heart and circulatory diseases, call the Heart Helpline 0808 802 1234

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09/03/2026

𝗗𝗼 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝗸𝗻𝗼𝘄 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝘀𝘆𝗺𝗽𝘁𝗼𝗺𝘀 𝗼𝗳 𝗰𝗲𝗿𝘃𝗶𝗰𝗮𝗹 𝗰𝗮𝗻𝗰𝗲𝗿?

Cervical cancer is a cancer that's found anywhere in the cervix. It's most common in women aged between 30 and 35, but it can happen at any age.

4 of the most common symptoms include:
🩷Unusual vaginal bleeding
🩷Unexplained pain in you lower back or pelvis area
🩷Pain or discomfort during s*x
🩷Changes to vaginal discharge

These symptoms are very common and can be caused by many different conditions.

Having them does not definitely mean you have cervical cancer. But it's important to get them checked by a GP.

This is because if they're caused by cancer, finding it early means treatment is more likely to be successful.

You might find you get used to the symptoms. But it's important to be checked by a GP if your symptoms change, get worse, or do not feel normal for you.

Try not to be embarrassed – the doctor or nurse will be used to talking about these symptoms.

www.nhs.uk/conditions/cervical-cancer/symptoms/

05/03/2026

Did you know there are many types of dementia?

Alzheimer's disease, vascular dementia, frontotemporal dementia and dementia with Lewy bodies; are four of the most common forms of dementia and they can all affect people differently.

The Alzheimer's Society have put together a guide picturing a few of the most common symptoms of each illness.
Dementia looks different for everyone, so a person's symptoms may not look exactly like the descriptions pictured.

However, by knowing the signs, we can make sure that we don't brush off or ignore some of these lesser-known symptoms, to help everyone with dementia get a crucial early diagnosis.

For more information, visit The Alzeimer's Society website: www.alzheimers.org.uk
or give the Dementia Support Line a call: 0333 150 3456

02/03/2026

𝗣𝗿𝗼𝘀𝘁𝗮𝘁𝗲 𝗖𝗮𝗻𝗰𝗲𝗿 𝗔𝘄𝗮𝗿𝗲𝗻𝗲𝘀𝘀 𝗠𝗼𝗻𝘁𝗵
March 2026

March is Prostate Cancer Awareness Month, a time to raise awareness about prostate cancer, the UK’s most common cancer in men.

1 in 8 men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer in their lifetime, and the risk increases if you’re over 50 or have a family history. Early detection can significantly improve the chances of successful treatment, but many men with early prostate cancer often show no symptoms. That’s why it’s essential to start the conversation about your health and understand your risk.

It's the most common cancer in the UK, but the earlier you find it, the easier it is to treat. You can check your risk in just 30 seconds, answer three quick questions to check your risk.
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https://prostatecanceruk.org/risk-checker

𝗣𝗿𝗼𝘀𝘁𝗮𝘁𝗲 𝗶𝗻𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗺𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝘀𝘂𝗽𝗽𝗼𝗿𝘁

If you're worried about prostate cancer or prostate problems, Prostate Cancer UK offer a range of services so you can choose what works for you.

Specialist Nurses are available to help everyone navigate their prostate cancer journey. Call for free, confidential information and support. They can also help partners, family members, friends, and health professionals.

𝗛𝗼𝘄 𝘁𝗼 𝗴𝗲𝘁 𝗶𝗻 𝘁𝗼𝘂𝗰𝗵
Monday to Friday: 9am-5pm (Wednesday: 10am-5pm).

📞0800 074 8383
📱WhatsApp: https://api.whatsapp.com/send?phone=442033107060

📧Email:
Complete the contact form and your question will be emailed to the Specialist Nurses.
https://prostatecanceruk.org/prostate-information-and-support/get-support/our-specialist-nurses/email-our-specialist-nurses

💬Live Chat:
A chat window will show in the bottom right-hand corner of the website if one of the Specialist Nurses is available. Message and they'll reply straight away.
https://prostatecanceruk.org/prostate-information-and-support

It's the most common cancer in men, but most men with early prostate cancer don't have symptoms. Find out about your risk now.

27/02/2026

𝗟𝗲𝗮𝗿𝗻 𝗖𝗣𝗥 𝗶𝗻 𝟭𝟱 𝗺𝗶𝗻𝘂𝘁𝗲𝘀 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗳𝗿𝗲𝗲 𝘄𝗶𝘁𝗵 𝗥𝗲𝘃𝗶𝘃𝗥

February is Heart Month and to protect the hearts of those we love, it's crucial we all know how to do CPR. With RevivR, it's fast, free and easy to learn lifesaving skills in just 15 minutes.

www.revivr.bhf.org.uk

24/02/2026

𝗘𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗗𝗶𝘀𝗼𝗿𝗱𝗲𝗿 𝗔𝘄𝗮𝗿𝗲𝗻𝗲𝘀𝘀 𝗪𝗲𝗲𝗸
23 February - 1 March 2026

What are eating disorders?
Eating disorders are complex mental illnesses affecting people of all ages, genders, ethnicities and backgrounds - anyone can develop one.

People with eating disorders use disordered eating behaviour as a way to cope with difficult situations or feelings. This behaviour can include limiting the amount of food eaten, eating very large quantities of food at once, getting rid of food eaten through unhealthy means (e.g. making themselves sick, misusing laxatives, fasting, or excessive exercise), or a combination of these behaviours.

It’s important to remember that eating disorders are not all about food itself, but about feelings. The way the person treats food may make them feel more able to cope, or may make them feel in control, though they might not be aware of the purpose this behaviour is serving. An eating disorder is never the fault of the person experiencing it, and anyone who has an eating disorder deserves fast, compassionate support to help them get better.

www.beateatingdisorders.org.uk

There are a number of myths surrounding eating disorders. Here are a few of the most common, along with the real story:

❌Myth: Eating disorders are a choice.
✔️Fact: Eating disorders are mental health disorders and are never a personal choice.

❌Myth: Parents are to blame for their loved one’s eating disorder.
✔️Fact: There is often nothing a parent or other carer could have done to prevent the eating disorder, but they are often best placed to help to create an environment that promotes and supports recovery. Although treatment may involve families changing certain behaviours, this is often because families have inadvertently fallen into routines that accommodate the behaviours that have come from the eating disorder, as opposed to them being at fault.

❌Myth: Eating disorders are someone being vain and seeking attention.
✔️Fact: Although there is often an association between body dissatisfaction and eating disorders, eating disorders are not someone being vain or just wanting to look a certain way. Eating disorders are serious diagnosable illnesses; they are not a lifestyle choice, a phase, or someone being attention seeking.

❌Myth: Someone must be underweight to have an eating disorder.
✔️Fact: Often when people think of someone with an eating disorder, they think of someone who is significantly underweight. However, although weight loss is typical in anorexia nervosa, most people with an eating disorder stay at an apparently “healthy” weight or are “overweight”.

❌Myth: Eating disorders only happen to young girls.
✔️Fact: Research shows that eating disorders do not discriminate – they affect people of all genders, ages, ethnicities, s*xual orientations, weights, and socioeconomic statuses.

BeatEatingDisorders.org offer a range of services for those affected by eating disorders. From support with telling someone you have an eating disorder to Helplines, online support groups as well as other services and downloadable resources.

Knowing where to start if you have, or think you may have, an eating disorder can be challenging.
The link below provides a step-by-step guide to help you navigate the possible steps you might want to take if you are worried about disordered eating, displaying eating disorder behaviours, have an eating disorder or supporting someone who is struggling with one.

www.beateatingdisorders.org.uk/get-information-and-support/get-help-for-myself/im-here-for-the-first-time/

19/02/2026

We have appointments available this coming Saturday, 21 February with our Physiotherapist at Springfield Campus in Corsham. Appointments are available to book online in the NHS app or through your SystmOnline account - choose Physio at Springfield Campus. Alternatively you can call us and we will book you in.

First Contact Physiotherapists are experts providing assessment and management of musculoskeletal conditions directly without the need for a GP referral. They provide rapid assessments, tailored advice, and personalised exercise plans to improve patient mobility and independence.

Available for patients with:

Soft tissue injuries, sprains, strains or sports injuries
Arthritis – any joint
Problems with muscles, ligaments, tendons or bone, e.g. tennis elbow, carpal tunnel syndrome, ankle sprains etc
Spinal pain including lower-back pain, mid-back pain and neck pain
Spinal-related pain in arms or legs, including nerve symptoms, eg pins and needles or numbness
Changes to walking

Please note that the service is not available for under 16s, medical management of rheumatoid conditions, ante-natal or post-natal physio problems, neurological or respiratory conditions, mental health crisis, those with long term conditions or those who are acutely unwell.

19/02/2026

Bowel cancer screening in England is improving.
Find out how ⬇

FIT kits, sent to everyone aged between 50 and 74, will now be checked at a lower threshold. This means smaller amounts of blood in poo samples can be spotted — helping to find signs of cancer earlier, leading to more successful treatment.

It’s the same simple test, just better at picking things up even earlier. Most people who use their kit won’t need further tests.

When your kit arrives, put it by the loo. Don’t put it off.

Read more about bowel cancer screening: www.nhs.uk/tests-and.../bowel-cancer-screening/

16/02/2026

The regional CSE prevention event for parents and carers is now live for bookings.

12/02/2026

𝗢𝗿𝗱𝗲𝗿𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗿𝗲𝗽𝗲𝗮𝘁 𝗽𝗿𝗲𝘀𝗰𝗿𝗶𝗽𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘀

The easiest ways to order repeat prescriptions are:

🔹Using your NHS account (through the NHS website or in the NHS App)
www.nhs.uk/nhs-app/account/

🔹Using the GP Online System – SystmOnline
www.systmonline.tpp-uk.com/2/Login?Redir=1

🔹Using the Triage System – SystmConnect
www.systmonline.tpp-uk.com/2/OnlineConsultation?OrgId=J83625

These accounts show you all your repeat medicine and dosage and you can choose the ones you need.

If any of your items are missing from your medication list, this could be that it is too early for you to request this item, or the medication is due a review. In this case, please use the medication request box to let us know what items need to be reviewed.

🔹Alternatively, please send us an email to: enquiries.lodgesurgery@nhs.net
with any medication requests.

We do NOT take repeat prescription requests over the phone. To ensure safe prescribing and accuracy, we require requests to be written.

🔹You can request medication up to 8 days in advance.

🔹Please allow 2 days for your prescription request to be authorised.

🔹Please allow 7 days to collect your medication from a pharmacy.

The NHS website has information on how your medicine works, how and when to take it, possible side effects and answers to your common questions.

www.nhs.uk/medicines/

09/02/2026

𝗛𝗲𝗮𝗿𝘁 𝗠𝗼𝗻𝘁𝗵 ❤️
February

www.heartuk.org.uk/

This Heart Month learn about cholesterol and adjust your lifestyle for a healthy heart. The aim is for people to know and understand their cholesterol and other blood fat (lipid) levels and take appropriate action.

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Cholesterol is a blood fat which plays a vital role in how all of our cells work. It's also needed for digestion, to make Vitamin D, and to make hormones which keep your bones strong.

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Too much cholesterol in the blood can lead to diseases of the heart and blood vessels. High cholesterol can be caused by lifestyle but can also be inherited, and most people don’t know they have it.

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Anyone can have high cholesterol, even if you’re young, slim and otherwise healthy. You can’t feel it, so the only way to find out your cholesterol level is to get a cholesterol test.

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When you have a cholesterol test, ask your healthcare professional to explain the results, so you don't have any unnecessary worry or confusion. This link will help to explain your cholesterol and triglyceride results and see if they are in the healthy range.

www.heartuk.org.uk/cholesterol/understanding-your-cholesterol-test-results-

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Healthy eating can make a huge difference to your cholesterol levels and your heart health, whether your cholesterol has crept up over the years or you have a genetic condition. It will improve your health in other ways too, helping to lower your blood pressure, prevent diabetes and maintain a healthy weight.

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𝗪𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝗺𝗮𝗸𝗲𝘀 𝘂𝗽 𝗮 𝗵𝗲𝗮𝗿𝘁-𝗵𝗲𝗮𝗹𝘁𝗵𝘆 𝗱𝗶𝗲𝘁?

🍏Eat lots of fruits, vegetables and plant-based foods.

🥜Eat a variety of healthy sources of protein such as peas, beans, lentils, fish, nuts, chicken and lean red meat.

🥛Eat some low-fat dairy products or fortified dairy alternatives.

🍬Cut down on sugary foods and drinks.

🍽Eat three small meals a day with one or two healthy snacks in between.

Find out more about foods that affect your cholesterol and heart health⬇
www.heartuk.org.uk/low-cholesterol-foods/choose-low-cholesterol-foods -healthy-diet