Garstang Medical Practice

08/04/2026

Stress Awareness Month is a time to recognise the signs of burnout and take steps to protect your mental wellbeing.

Burnout can build up over time and may leave you feeling physically and emotionally exhausted, overwhelmed, less motivated or struggling to concentrate. Recognising the early signs and taking action can help prevent things from getting worse.

Common signs of burnout include:
• Constant tiredness or lack of energy 😴💤
• Feeling overwhelmed or unable to cope 😣💭
• Reduced motivation or productivity 📉💼
• Difficulty concentrating or making decisions 🧠⚠️
• Changes in sleep or mood 🌙💙

Taking regular breaks, setting boundaries, speaking to someone you trust and seeking support can all help you manage stress more effectively. You are not alone, and help is available. 💙🌿✨

Learn more about burnout: https://mentalhealth-uk.org/burnout/
Read about the symptoms of burnout: https://patient.info/features/mental-health/what-are-the-symptoms-of-burnout

07/04/2026

World Health Day is a great time to highlight how digital access is making healthcare quicker and easier for patients. Our “Tap it, type it, we’ll take care of it” approach encourages patients to use online services like the NHS App, GP websites and online forms to get the help they need without waiting on the phone.

Using online access means you can:
• Contact your GP about a health problem quickly and easily 💻📱✨
• Submit requests at a time that suits you ⏰💙
• Get directed to the right care first time 🩺✅
• Help reduce phone lines for those who need them most ☎️💚

Online forms are simple to use and ensure your request is reviewed and prioritised appropriately by the practice team. Digital access helps improve efficiency, reduce waiting times and make care more accessible for everyone. 📲💙✨

Learn how to use an online form to contact your GP: https://ow.ly/7EIl50YB3Ry

07/04/2026

The BMA Resident Doctors Committee (RDC) has announced industrial action from 7am on Tuesday 7 April to 6.59am on Monday 13 April 2026.

Unfortunately, our services will be affected by this strike and we may not be able to offer the same number of appointments as normal during this period.

We respectfully ask for your patience and understanding whilst we endeavour to provide the best possible service with our available resources this week.

03/04/2026

Testicular Cancer Awareness Month is a reminder that knowing your body and checking regularly can make a real difference. Testicular cancer is most common in younger men, and early detection is highly treatable. There is nothing to feel embarrassed about when it comes to your health, and getting checked early can save lives. 💙🩺✨

How to check:
• Check yourself once a month, ideally after a warm shower or bath 🛁✨
• Gently roll each testicle between your fingers and thumb 🤲💙
• Get to know what feels normal for you 🧠✨

What to look out for:
• Any lumps or swelling 🩺⚠️
• Changes in size, shape or texture 📏✨
• A feeling of heaviness in the sc***um ⚖️💙
• A dull ache or discomfort in the lower abdomen or groin 🤕✨

If you notice anything unusual, speak to your GP. 💙🩺✨

Learn how to check yourself: https://ow.ly/oJHS50YAGXm
Read NHS guidance on symptoms and treatment: https://ow.ly/A4p950YAGXE
Find support and information from Orchid: https://ow.ly/Lhuc50YAGXF

03/04/2026

02/04/2026

It’s National Walking Day, the perfect reminder that moving more doesn’t have to be complicated. 🚶‍♀️💚✨

A simple 10 minute brisk walk can boost your mood, improve heart health and increase energy levels. The NHS Active 10 app makes it easy to track your brisk walking, set goals and stay motivated wherever you are. Little steps really do add up to big health benefits. 🚶‍♂️💙🌿

Download the NHS Active 10 app on Android: https://ow.ly/rrRT50YAxjy
Download the NHS Active 10 app on Apple: https://ow.ly/Uayn50YAxjC

30/03/2026

As we move into spring, we want to help our patients stay healthy and protected. COVID-19 is still with us, and for those at higher risk, a “booster” dose helps top up your protection. You are eligible if you are:
- Aged 75 or over (or if you turn 75 by 30 June 2026)
- Living in a care home for older adults
- Aged 6 months or over with a weakened immune system (for example, due to a health condition or treatment like chemotherapy).
Please phone the surgery to book your appointment.

30/03/2026

Good nutrition and hydration are essential for overall health, energy levels and how your body feels day to day.

Eating a balanced diet with a variety of fruit, vegetables, wholegrains and protein helps fuel your body, while drinking enough water supports circulation, digestion and joint health. Hydration also plays a role in keeping connective tissues, including fascia, supple and functioning well. Small, realistic changes to your diet can make a big difference over time, and planning ahead is especially important during periods of fasting to maintain safe hydration and nutrient intake. 🥗💧💙✨

Explore NHS healthy eating advice: https://ow.ly/Xftx50YzC3J
Learn about water, drinks and hydration: https://ow.ly/wnjz50YzC3F
Read about making small healthy diet changes: https://ow.ly/GmWc50YzC40
Find guidance on fasting safely during Ramadan: https://ow.ly/W1eb50YzC3P

28/03/2026

Don't forget! ⏰

The clocks go forward 1 hour this Sunday for Daylight Saving Time.

If your clocks don't update automatically, remember to change them before going to bed on Saturday night.

A simple change, but an easy one to forget!

27/03/2026

Did you hear our befriending volunteer, Shirley, live on BBC Lancashire Radio this weekend? She joined Fiona Sadler on the daytime show to talk about why she decided to become a befriending volunteer and the incredible impact it has on vulnerable, lonely and isolated residents.

Listen to the interview on BBC Sounds (available at 1:23:30)
https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/play/m002sm9n

Could you spare as little as an hour a week to help us combat loneliness? We have many people waiting to be matched with a volunteer befriender - please visit www.wyre.gov.uk/befriending to apply online. You can also contact our Befriending Coordinator by calling 01253 887234 or emailing befriending@wyre.gov.uk.

27/03/2026

BMI stands for Body Mass Index. It is a simple calculation that uses your height and weight to estimate whether your weight is in a healthy range 📊

Knowing your BMI can help identify if you may be underweight, overweight or at risk of health conditions linked to weight, such as type 2 diabetes, heart disease and high blood pressure.

While BMI is a useful starting point, it does not tell the whole story 👇
Waist measurement is also important, as carrying extra weight around your middle can increase your risk of health problems, even if your BMI falls within a healthy range.

Understanding both measurements can help you make informed choices about your health and seek support if needed 💙✨

Calculate your BMI:
https://ow.ly/horN50Yy9Gi

Learn about waist measurement and type 2 diabetes risk:
https://ow.ly/Nmv350Yy9Fa