Old Forge Surgery, Annalong

12/11/2025

Painkiller addiction can affect anyone.

Warning signs of painkiller addiction include: needing medicine for longer periods, in higher doses, or feeling unwell when you stop taking them.

If you're concerned about becoming dependent on combination painkillers, speak to your community or practice pharmacist, or GP for support.

Find out more at https://bit.ly/Manage-Your-Pain
https://bit.ly/KCA-info

12/11/2025

Please see link below to a joint press release from the Southern Trust and Public Health Agency which contains links to three cervical screening reports that are now available to view.

https://southerntrust.hscni.net/southern-trust-and-public-health-agency-publish-reports-on-cervical-screening/

12/11/2025

Does your child suffer from sleep issues?
Will your child not sleep in their own bed?
Do you struggle with bedtime?
Join our free, friendly online sleep awareness session for parents/carers of children 0-5 years.

📅 Thursday 20 November
🕙 10–11.30am

To book your place contact:
07452 509 055
mona.hanna@southerntrust.hscni.net

12/11/2025

We have three face-to-face Mindful Self-Compassion courses taking place in the month of December.
The course explores what self-compassion is; how to cultivate self-compassion; and how to manage the internal critic. It also provides practical skills and techniques to integrate self-compassion into daily life, fostering resilience and well-being.

Register your interest in attending any of the dates below via link
https://hscni.pulse.ly/6vzpjyz7ul

11/11/2025

10/11/2025

You can become addicted to combined ibuprofen/paracetamol and codeine painkillers.

Remember: Know, Check, Ask

✓ Know that combination painkillers are for short-term use only
✓ Check you're using them correctly
✓ Ask your Pharmacist or GP if you're unsure about anything.

Your local Community Pharmacist is there to help.

Find out more at https://bit.ly/Manage-Your-Pain
https://bit.ly/KCA-info

10/11/2025

Do you have a child who's unwell and are wondering if they should be in nursery or school?

Check out this handy guide to find out when they should stay off, and when they can go back if they are well enough to do so.

Symptoms and severity of illness will vary from person to person. If your child is unwell and you have concerns about their symptoms you should speak to your GP.

10/11/2025

Stay well this winter and help stop the spread😷🦠

📌Take common sense steps to reduce the spread of flu and other similar illnesses by exercising good respiratory and hand hygiene and staying away from others if you have symptoms.

📌Self-care is often the best choice to treat minor illnesses. Pharmacists are qualified to give advice about different health matters, including minor illnesses, so consider speaking to a pharmacist before going to your GP.

📌And if eligible get your flu vaccine, COVID-19 vaccine and RSV vaccine.

10/11/2025

From October to early spring, it’s harder to get enough vitamin D from sunlight in Northern Ireland. While foods like oily fish, eggs, meat, dairy, and fortified cereals help, most of us still need a daily supplement to keep bones, teeth, and muscles healthy.

Learn more 👉 www.pha.site/vitaminD
🎥 Watch an explainer video: “The truth about Vitamin D and your health” on YouTube: youtu.be/zRE7eLZzqq4

10/11/2025

The latest respiratory report shows influenza activity has increased again across all surveillance indicators, but particularly among children. This increase is earlier than in previous influenza seasons recently.

Vaccines provide the best defence against winter viruses.

People who are eligible for vaccination against flu or COVID-19 this year should make themselves aware of their own GP surgery’s or community pharmacist’s vaccination arrangements and work with them to get vaccinated.

For further information see www.nidirect.gov.uk/wintervaccines