Glebelands Practice

20/03/2026

🟦 MENINGITIS (MenB) – IMPORTANT HEALTH ADVICE
Following recent cases in Kent, UKHSA advise that the overall risk remains low. Most cases occur with close contact. Contacts may be offered antibiotics or vaccination.

🟥 🚨 CALL 999 / GO TO A&E IMMEDIATELY IF:
• Rash that does not fade when pressed (glass test)
• Severe headache with neck stiffness
• Sensitivity to light
• Confusion or difficulty waking
• Seizures
• Cold, pale or mottled hands/feet
🟦 📞 CONTACT GP OR NHS 111 URGENTLY IF:
• Fever with worsening headache
• Vomiting or unable to keep fluids down
• Symptoms getting worse
⚠️ IMPORTANT
Do not wait for a rash. Symptoms can worsen quickly.
Seek help immediately if concerned.
💉 MENINGITIS VACCINE GUIDANCE:
Vaccination is not routinely given to the general public during an outbreak unless identified as a close contact.
If you have been contacted by UKHSA or NHS services, follow their advice urgently.
If you are unsure whether you are a contact, seek advice via NHS 111 or your GP.
Vaccination helps reduce risk but does not replace urgent medical assessment if symptoms develop.

🔗 More information:
https://ukhsa.blog.gov.uk/2026/03/18/meningitis-b-outbreak-what-you-need-to-know/⁠

🟩 Dr Abhishek Bari
MRCGP, MBBS, DRCOG, PG Diploma Diabetes
GP Partner | GP Trainer & Appraiser
Glebelands Practice

23/02/2026

Eating Disorders Awareness Week, 23rd February–1st March

This year, Eating Disorders Awareness Week focuses on the importance of community in supporting people with eating disorders. Community ensures that people with eating disorders aren’t alone on their journey.
https://edaw.beateatingdisorders.org.uk/

20/02/2026

Childhood obesity

Overweight children have an increased chance of becoming overweight adults. Increased weight in adulthood can lead to long-term conditions such as Type 2 diabetes. Simple tips can help your child regain a healthy weight. Checking what their BMI is can help too. https://www.nhs.uk/live-well/healthy-weight/childrens-weight/advice-for-parents-overweight-childre

19/02/2026

Cost of living

Many people are struggling with the cost of living. The Government has some suggestions and resources to help and support: https://www.gov.uk/cost-of-living/managing-money

MoneyHelper has tailored suggestions to help you in your specific circumstances if you’re struggling with the cost of living. The advice provided is free and impartial and could help you manage the cost of living.
https://www.moneyhelper.org.uk/en/money-troubles/cost-of-living

If you’re really struggling to feed yourself or your family, foodbanks could help you manage for a few days. They can also help and signpost you to other support. https://www.trussell.org.uk/emergency-food/find-a-foodbank

19/02/2026

Depression

Depression is often misunderstood, but it’s more than a passing low mood. Mild depression can mean you’re unable to enjoy your normal activities, while severe depression can make you feel suicidal or as if life isn’t worth living. If you’re struggling with feelings of depression, please ask for an appointment.
https://www.nhs.uk/mental-health/conditions/depression-in-adults/overview/

If you’re struggling with feelings of depression, there are things you can do to help your mood. Getting outdoors and doing exercise are some of the well-known tips for helping mood, but what are the others?
https://www.nhs.uk/mental-health/self-help/tips-and-support/cope-with-depression/

Read about depression in adults, including how to tell if you're depressed, the treatments for different severities of depression, and how making lifestyle changes can help.

17/02/2026

Chinese New Year, 17th February–3rd March

Happy Chinese New Year! Chinese New Year is a time for celebration. You can find out more about how the Chinese New Year is celebrated here: https://www.rmg.co.uk/stories/topics/how-do-people-celebrate-chinese-new-year

13/02/2026

Stress in children

Children can experience stress in similar ways to adults, but they may express their stress in different ways as their ability to describe their feelings may not match the depth of their emotions.
https://www.unicef.org/parenting/mental-health/what-is-stress

Children often absorb more from their surroundings than we might imagine. Overhearing adults’ concerns about things like money, jobs and their own education can translate into stress and anxiety.
https://www.nhs.uk/mental-health/children-and-young-adults/advice-for-parents/anxiety-in-children/

10/02/2026

Safer Internet Day, 10th February

‘Smart tech, safe choices – exploring the safe and responsible use of AI’ is the theme of this year’s Safer Internet Day. If we work together, we can protect our children and each other from the harm that can be done on the internet.
https://saferinternet.org.uk/safer-internet-day/safer-internet-day-2026

09/02/2026

Children’s Mental Health Week, 9th–15th February

‘This is my place’ is the theme of this year’s Children’s Mental Health Week. This week focuses on the importance of children having somewhere they feel they belong. https://www.childrensmentalhealthweek.org.uk/

09/02/2026

International Epilepsy Day, 9th Feb (the second Monday of February)

Anyone can have a one-off seizure. If you have a seizure, you may be diagnosed with epilepsy if your doctor believes there’s a high risk you’ll have further seizures. Around one in 100 people in the UK are living with epilepsy.
https://internationalepilepsyday.org/

05/02/2026

Time to Talk Day, 5th February

Conversations are important for our mental health. Whether that’s a quick chat or something more meaningful, let’s make Time to Talk!
https://www.mind.org.uk/get-involved/time-to-talk-day/

04/02/2026

World Cancer Day, 4th February

Everyone’s cancer journey is unique to them. In the UK, we’re lucky to have access to healthcare free at the point of need. Let’s help to raise awareness. https://www.worldcancerday.org