Lanchester Medical Centre

20/03/2026

World Oral Health Day 🦷

🦷 Happy World Oral Health Day!

Today we’re shining a light on the importance of good oral hygiene and the big impact it has on overall health.
Taking care of your mouth isn’t just about a bright smile — it helps prevent gum disease, infections, and other health issues linked to poor oral health.
💙 Healthy mouth tips:
• Brush twice a day with fluoride toothpaste
• Floss or clean between teeth daily
• Limit sugary snacks and drinks
• Stay hydrated
• Visit your dentist regularly
Small habits make a big difference — let’s celebrate healthy smiles everywhere!

Websites such as Dental Choices list NHS dentists who are currently accepting new NHS patients in Durham. [dentalchoices.org]
🔗 https://dentalchoices.org/find-nhs-dentists-in/england/county-durham/durham/

12/03/2026

Today is World Kidney Day, a global reminder of the importance of protecting our kidney health and supporting those living with kidney disease.

🩺 Did you know?
Kidney disease often develops silently, with symptoms appearing only after significant damage has occurred. That’s why early detection, regular check‑ups, and healthier lifestyle choices are so important.

💙 Let’s raise awareness of:
• The importance of staying hydrated
• Managing blood pressure and diabetes
• Eating a balanced, kidney‑friendly diet
• Staying active
• Getting regular kidney function tests if at risk

Together, we can help reduce the impact of kidney disease and support a healthier future for everyone.

11/03/2026

💙 Today is Young Carers Action Day 💙

A day dedicated to recognising and celebrating the incredible young people who care for family members or loved ones — often balancing school, friendships, responsibilities, and their own wellbeing.
This year’s focus is on ensuring young carers get the support, time, and recognition they deserve.
Young carers show strength, kindness, and resilience every single day — but they shouldn’t have to do it alone.

🌟 Today we raise awareness of:
• The challenges young carers face
• The impact caring can have on education, health, and social life
• The importance of better support services
• The need for more understanding in schools, workplaces, and communities
Let’s use today to celebrate young carers, amplify their voices, and push for meaningful support so they can thrive.

💙 Thank you, young carers — you make an incredible difference.

11/03/2026

🌿 Ready to Quit Smoking? The NHS Stop Smoking App Can Help

Quitting smoking is one of the most important steps you can take for your health — and having the right support makes all the difference. The NHS Stop Smoking app is a free, easy‑to‑use tool designed to help you stay on track, stay motivated, and celebrate every milestone.

The app offers:
• Daily support and motivation
• A personalised quit plan
• Progress tracking to show how far you’ve come
• Tools to manage cravings
• Health and money‑saving benefits as you quit
• Encouraging messages when you need them most

It’s a great option whether you’re quitting for the first time or trying again — every attempt brings you closer to success.

📱 Download the NHS Stop Smoking app from the App Store or Google Play.

If you’d like extra support, our practice team can also help you access local stop‑smoking services.
You don’t have to do it alone — small steps today can lead to a healthier, smoke‑free future. 💚

11/03/2026

🌿 Thinking About Quitting Smoking? Smoke Free Durham Can Help

Today is a great day to take the first step toward a healthier, smoke‑free future. Stopping smoking is one of the best things you can do for your heart, lungs, and long‑term wellbeing — and you don’t have to do it alone.

Smoke Free Durham offers free, friendly, and specialist stop‑smoking support for anyone living or working in County Durham. Their team can help with:

• Personalised one‑to‑one support
• Group sessions if you prefer to quit with others
• Advice on ni****ne replacement and other stop‑smoking aids
• A supportive, non‑judgemental approach
• Up to 12 weeks of guided help to keep you on track

📞 To get started, call Smoke Free Durham on 0800 772 0565.
You can also speak to our practice team if you’d like help with a referral.

Every quit attempt matters — and support makes a real difference.
Let’s make today the day you choose a healthier, smoke‑free life. 💚

11/03/2026

🌿 National No Smoking Day – Support from Your GP Practice

Today is National No Smoking Day, a great moment to think about making a positive change for your health. Stopping smoking is one of the best things you can do for your heart, lungs, and long‑term wellbeing — and you don’t have to do it alone.

At our practice, we’re proud to work alongside Smoke Free Durham, a free local service offering:
• Personalised stop‑smoking support
• One‑to‑one or group sessions
• Advice on ni****ne replacement and other stop‑smoking aids
• Friendly, non‑judgemental guidance at every step

Quitting can be challenging, but support makes a real difference. Whether you’re ready to stop today or just want to explore your options, help is available.

👉 Every attempt counts — even small steps move you closer to a healthier future.

Let’s make today the day you choose a smoke‑free life. 💚

11/03/2026

10/03/2026

National No Smoking Day is all about encouraging people to quit, not just for the day, but for good! The UK campaign is using the opportunity to get smokers to think about a positive smoke-free future with the message “quitting smoking doesn’t have to be stressful”. To do this, they are encouraging smokers to access the NHS quit smoking portal and learn more about the dangers of smoking and how smoking aids can help you quit.

National No Smoking Day also has several key messages designed to take away some of the stress associated with your stop smoking journey:

Quitting smoking doesn’t have to be painful – With the use of stop smoking aids you can successfully beat your addiction without feeling like you need a cigarette 24/7!
Quitting smoking isn’t always easy – Smokers already know this, but by using the right tools and quit smoking aids you too can stub out your last cigarette!
Today is the day – National No Smoking Day is the perfect launchpad to stop smoking, and according to research, those who quit for 6 weeks or more are happier and experience less anxiety than those who continue smoking.

10/03/2026

National No Smoking Day is tomorrow. Are you ready.

09/03/2026

National No Smoking Day Wednesday 11th March.

06/03/2026

Elephant in the Room

Having s*x? Thinking about it? Let’s talk about the elephant in the room - your s*xual health! Looking after your s*xual health is just as important as your physical and mental health - but we get it… it can feel awkward to talk about. Here’s the thing, some STIs, like chlamydia and gonorrhoea, don’t always show symptoms, which means they can be passed on without anyone knowing and still cause serious long-term health problems. That's why it's important to use condoms every time you have s*x - it’s one of the best ways to protect yourself and others.
We also recommend getting tested regularly - it’s free, quick, simple and confidential.
Want to know more? Visit www.elephant-in-the-room.co.uk to:
● Check where you can get free condoms
● Find your nearest STI testing clinic (or order an at-home test kit)
● Get clear, trusted s*xual health advice from Brook No judgement. No embarrassment. Just support, whenever you need it.