Drayton Medical Practice

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/6wA450YzCk1
Learn about water, drinks and hydration: https://ow.ly/5zLA50YzCk4
Read about making small healthy diet changes: https://ow.ly/5aLW50YzCk6
Find guidance on fasting safely during Ramadan: https://ow.ly/SF6f50YzCk5

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

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/3IGu50YyavP

Learn about waist measurement and type 2 diabetes risk:
https://ow.ly/LFkT50YyavT

26/03/2026

Social Prescribing Day celebrates the power of community, connection and non-medical support to improve health and wellbeing. 🌿✨

Social prescribing links people to local activities, groups and services that can help with loneliness, stress, finances, housing, physical health and more. Being part of a community, trying new social activities or accessing practical advice can have a positive impact on both mental and physical wellbeing. Support is available in many different areas, helping people feel more connected and empowered. 💚🤝

Learn about social prescribing: https://ow.ly/oCL850Yy18e

💡 Helpful support and resources:
• Improve your financial wellbeing with the Money and Pensions Service: https://ow.ly/P4bI50Yy18a
• Get advice on housing, immigration and legal issues from Citizens Advice: https://ow.ly/fMHG50Yy18f
• Find mental and physical health advice at NHS Live Well: https://ow.ly/3VW150Yy18g
• Create a free personalised mental health plan with Every Mind Matters: https://ow.ly/1Gi150Yy18h
• Get active with We Are Undefeatable: https://ow.ly/PMGw50Yy18b
• Support dementia care through Music for Dementia: https://ow.ly/1j6850Yy189
• Find bereavement support services via At A Loss: https://ow.ly/naox50Yy18k

23/03/2026

Prostate cancer is one of the most common cancers in men, and recognising symptoms early can make a real difference.

Symptoms may include difficulty p*eing, a weak flow, needing to p*e more often (especially at night), discomfort in the pelvic area or blood in urine/semen. If you notice changes, talk to your GP and tell them about any family history of cancer - not just immediate family, as broader history can help guide decisions about checks and referral.

Public figures like Sir Chris Hoy have also shared their cancer journeys to help raise awareness and encourage conversations about men’s health. 💙🩺✨

Learn more about prostate cancer: https://prostatecanceruk.org

Read Chris Hoy’s cancer story: https://www.ourcancerstories.com/cancer-news/chris-hoy-cancer

20/03/2026

Salt plays an important role in the body, but too much can raise blood pressure and increase the risk of heart disease and stroke.

Many processed foods contain hidden salt, so it’s easy to consume more than recommended. On the other hand, very low salt levels can sometimes contribute to symptoms like muscle cramps, weakness or fluid balance issues, especially if combined with dehydration.

Staying well hydrated, keeping active and aiming for a balanced diet can help support healthy blood pressure. Understanding how salt affects your body can help you make informed choices. 🧂💧🩺✨

Learn about dietary salt and sodium: https://patient.info/healthy-living/healthy-eating/dietary-salt-and-sodium

Read about salt and your blood pressure: https://www.bloodpressureuk.org/your-blood-pressure/how-to-lower-your-blood-pressure/healthy-eating/salt-and-your-blood-pressure/

19/03/2026

Updated: 19 March 2026

Local Advice for Shropshire, Telford and Wrekin

There is no current increase in meningitis cases in Shropshire, Telford and Wrekin, and the overall risk to people locally remains very low. However, it is still important to stay protected and be aware of symptoms.

Ø Check your child or young person’s vaccinations

· MenACWY vaccine

o Routinely given in Years 9 and 10.

o If missed, young people can have it for free through their GP up to age 25.

o Contact your GP practice if you are unsure about vaccination status.

· MenB vaccine

o Given routinely to babies.

o There is no national catch-up programme, but the vaccine is available privately.

o Availability may be limited nationally as areas with active cases (e.g. Kent) are being prioritised. Local pharmacies should be able to advise.

Ø Know when to get help

· If you are worried about symptoms or someone becoming increasingly unwell: call NHS 111.

· If symptoms are severe or worsening quickly: call 999.

Ø Keep an eye out for symptoms

Although meningitis is uncommon and does not spread easily, symptoms can develop quickly. Not everyone will have all symptoms, and they can appear in any order. Symptoms can worsen quickly - keep checking on anyone who is unwell. Do not wait for a rash.

Ø Don’t panic – the risk in Shropshire, Telford and Wrekin is low

· Meningitis is not like COVID-19; it does not spread easily or widely in the community.

· Close contacts of any local case would be contacted directly by public health teams and provided with antibiotics or a vaccine if required.

Ø Local support and reassurance

In Shropshire, Telford and Wrekin, NHS services, schools, and public health teams are working together to monitor any concerns and ensure rapid action if needed. At this time, no extra measures are required locally beyond staying informed, ensuring vaccinations are up to date, and recognising symptoms early.

19/03/2026

Meningitis Outbreak and Vaccinations



Following the ongoing meningitis outbreak and reports of the very sad deaths in Kent.
https://www.gov.uk/government/news/cases-of-invasive-meningococcal-disease-confirmed-in-kent

Please see the information below regarding vaccinations and what to look out for if you are worried about meningitis infection.

Many routine vaccinations protect against meningitis including MenB, DTaP/IPV/Hib/HepB, PCV, MMRV and Men ACWY vaccines

Please see this information: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/meningitis/vaccination/

We encourage you to ensure children and school leavers are up to date with the UK vaccine schedule: https://www.nhs.uk/vaccinations/nhs-vaccinations-and-when-to-have-them/

The Kent outbreak is linked to MenB meningococcal disease. The Men B vaccine is offered at 8 weeks, 12 weeks and 1 year of age. Babies can be offered missed vaccinations up to 2 years of age.

GP Practices are currently unable to offer the Men B vaccine to anyone over 2 yrs old, unless they met very specific health conditions.

The Men ACWY vaccine is given to children in school in School Year 9 (13 or 14 years of age). Those who missed immunisation can receive the vaccination up to 25 years of age from their GP Practice

Meningitis is an infection of the protective membranes that surround the brain and spinal cord (meninges).
It can affect anyone, but is most common in babies, young children, teenagers and young adults.
Meningitis can be very serious if not treated quickly.

https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/meningitis/symptoms/

Read about the main symptoms of meningitis, including the meningitis rash, and find out when and where to get medical advice if you have any concerns.

19/03/2026

Easter Bank Holiday Closure

The Practice will be closed on Good Friday 3rd April and Easter Monday 6th April.

The practice will re-open on Tuesday 7th April.

For any Urgent medical need during the Easter weekend please call 111

For any life threatening medical emergency please call 999

18/03/2026

Endometriosis is a long-term condition where tissue similar to the lining of the womb grows in places it shouldn’t, often causing symptoms like painful periods, pelvic pain, heavy bleeding, pain during s*x, and fatigue.

Find out more here: https://ow.ly/mM4l50Yvoqu

If you’re experiencing ongoing symptoms that affect your daily life, it’s important to speak with a healthcare professional and describe exactly what you’re experiencing. Early recognition, understanding family history and access to support and reliable information can help you get the care you need. Trusted resources are available to help you learn more about symptoms, management and support. 💛🩺✨

Read about endometriosis symptoms and care from the NHS: https://ow.ly/IVqS50Yvoqt
Could bad period pains be endometriosis? Learn more: https://ow.ly/Esyy50Yvoqv
Find endometriosis publications and support: https://ow.ly/QvHu50Yvoqx

17/03/2026

Wednesday 15th April at Festival Drayton Centre

17/03/2026

2nd Monday of each month starting Monday 13th April