Madeley Practice

27/04/2026

Freshwell
This is a useful site and app that we thought you might find helpful.
particularly useful for diabetes and diabetes prevention.

The Freshwell Low Carb Project is an initiative set up by Dr David Oliver and Dr Kim Andrews at the Freshwell Health Centre, Essex, UK. This project grew out of our concern about the rise in incidence of type 2 diabetes over the last few years, alongside the widely reported rapid increase in obesity...

27/04/2026

Childhood vaccinations are one of the safest and most effective ways to protect children from serious diseases.

Vaccines help the immune system recognise and fight infections like measles, meningitis and whooping cough before they can cause harm. By keeping up to date with vaccinations, you are not only protecting your child but also helping protect vulnerable people in the wider community.

Without vaccination, children are at higher risk of serious illness, complications, hospitalisation and, in some cases, long-term health problems. Outbreaks of preventable diseases can spread more easily when vaccination rates drop.

Benefits of childhood vaccinations include:
• Protection against serious and potentially life-threatening diseases 💉🛡️
• Reduced spread of infections in schools and communities 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦✨
• Long-term protection and peace of mind 💙🌿
• Helping protect those who cannot be vaccinated ⚠️💛

Keeping vaccinations up to date is a simple step that can make a lifelong difference. 💙✨

Learn about NHS vaccinations and when to have them: https://www.nhs.uk/vaccinations/nhs-vaccinations-and-when-to-have-them/

27/04/2026

Angel delight or a classic Marathon bar?

Bad for your health but good for your soul.
How about something that’s good for both?

Everyone aged 50-74 in Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent will receive a free bowel screening kit every 2 years.

Date it. Catch it. Swab it. Post it. 4 clean and simple steps to give yourself peace of mind.

So, when you get it, don’t forget it.

26/04/2026

If Grandstand was your Saturday sports go to, you might want to know that everyone aged 50-74 in Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent gets a free bowel screening kit every 2 years.

Just follow the instructions, send it back for free, and let us handle the rest.

When you get it, don’t forget it.

24/04/2026

Did you recognise the classic test card?

Well done you.

Here’s another test to remember: everyone aged 50-74 in Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent will get a free bowel cancer screening kit every 2 years.

It’s designed to catch issues early, even without symptoms.

So when you get it, don’t forget it.

24/04/2026

MS Awareness Week is a chance to raise awareness of Multiple Sclerosis and support those living with the condition.

MS affects the brain and spinal cord and can cause a wide range of symptoms, including fatigue, vision problems, numbness, muscle stiffness and difficulties with balance or coordination. Symptoms can vary greatly from person to person, which is why understanding and awareness are so important.

There are still many myths about MS, which can lead to misunderstanding and stigma. Learning the facts can help people feel more supported and informed, whether you are living with MS or supporting someone who is. 💙🧠✨

Learn more about MS and support available: https://mstrust.org.uk
Read about common myths and facts about MS: https://patient.info/features/brain-nerves/myths-about-multiple-sclerosis-you-need-to-stop-believing

22/04/2026

Of course, it’s Slade’s very own Noddy Holder!

If his Christmas number one brings back the excitement of waiting for Santa to visit, we’ve got news for you.

Everyone aged 50-74 will now receive a free bowel screening kit every 2 years.

Over 80,000 people in Staffordshire and Stoke on Trent return their kit every year.

So, when you get it, don’t forget it.

22/04/2026

Diabetic eye screening is an important part of diabetes care and helps protect your sight. Diabetes can damage the small blood vessels in the eyes, leading to a condition called diabetic retinopathy, which can cause vision loss if not detected early. Screening checks for early signs before you notice any changes, meaning treatment can start sooner and help prevent serious damage.

If you have diabetes and are aged 12 or over, you will usually be invited for screening every 1–2 years. The test is quick and involves taking photographs of the back of your eyes to check for any changes.

Attending your screening appointment can:
• Detect problems early before symptoms develop 👁️✨
• Help prevent or reduce sight loss 💙🩺
• Support long-term eye health as part of your diabetes care 🌿📊

Even if your vision feels fine, it’s important to attend when invited. 💙✨

Learn more about diabetic eye screening: https://www.nhs.uk/tests-and-treatments/diabetic-eye-screening/

20/04/2026

Smoking affects nearly every part of your body, increasing the risk of serious conditions like cancer, heart disease and stroke. Quitting smoking is one of the best things you can do for your health, and the benefits start almost immediately. It can also have a big impact on your finances, with the cost of smoking adding up over time. Understanding both the health and financial impact can be a powerful motivator to quit. 💷🚭💙✨

Reasons to quit smoking include:
• Improved heart and lung health ❤️🫁✨
• Reduced risk of cancer and serious illness 🎗️💙
• More energy and better overall wellbeing ⚡🌿
• Saving money every week and year 💷📊

Small steps can lead to big changes, and support is available to help you quit for good. 💙🚭✨

Use the smoking cost calculator: https://patient.info/healthy-living/smoking-cost-calculator
Learn about the true impact of smoking: https://www.nhs.uk/better-health/quit-smoking/why-quit-smoking/understanding-the-true-impact-of-smoking/

20/04/2026

Weaning can feel overwhelming — you're not alone. 💛

Nearly half of parents say they've had conflicting advice about when and how to start solid foods.

The Start for Life weaning hub cuts through the confusion with trusted NHS guidance, simple recipes and step-by-step tips.

Find your answers at nhs.uk/start-for-life/weaning

20/04/2026

If you’re struggling with a mental health condition like social anxiety, OCD or PTSD, treatment is available.

NHS Talking Therapies are effective, confidential, and free treatments delivered by trained professionals, and can take place in-person, on the phone, or as an online course.

You can refer yourself online at nhs.uk/talk