Chet Valley Medical Practice

29/10/2025

Movember is coming up - and we’re calling on everyone who cares about men’s mental health.

Globally, 3 out of 4 suicides are men. That’s 1 man every 60 seconds.
This isn’t just a statistic - it’s someone’s brother, father, partner, or friend 💔🕯️

It’s time to stop the silence. It’s time to unite.

Together, we can:
🧪 Fund life-saving mental health research
📚 Support training and education
🫂 Provide real help for those in crisis

💥 Ready to take action?
👉 Register, grow a Mo, fundraise or simply spread the word:
https://movember.com/register

✊🏽 Let’s change the face of men’s health together.

27/10/2025

27/10/2025

Alert: Scam Involving Fake “Patient Information Booklet” Advertising

We have been made aware that a GP practice has reported an incident involving an individual or organisation impersonating a GP practice. The impersonator has been contacting local businesses, claiming to be selling advertising space in a “patient information booklet” supposedly produced on behalf of a GP practice.

Please note that we are not aware of any GP practice currently producing or distributing advertising materials or booklets of this kind.

We believe this to be a scam intended to obtain money from local businesses under false pretences.

We are sharing this information to ensure all practices and businesses remain vigilant. If you are approached in a similar way, do not engage and report the incident immediately to the relevant authorities or local NHS contacts.

27/10/2025

Black History Month is a time to honour culture, celebrate resilience, and spotlight important health conversations 🧠💬

🎯 Did you know? People of Black African & Caribbean heritage in the UK are more likely to develop:
🩺 Type 2 diabetes
💢 High blood pressure (hypertension)
❤️‍🩹 And face a higher risk of heart disease, kidney issues & stroke

But knowledge = power 💡💪
Let’s take action together:
🍽️ Eat for your heart & blood sugar (think more veggies, less salt!)
🏃🏽‍♂️ Move that body daily
🧪 Get regular checks - blood pressure & diabetes screenings can be life-saving
🫱🏾‍🫲🏽 Talk to your family - sharing this info could change lives

🧭 Start here:
👉 https://www.diabetes.org.uk/about-diabetes/type-2-diabetes/diabetes-ethnicity

This month, let’s rise together in strength, in knowledge, and in health 🖤✨

24/10/2025

🎗️ ADHD Awareness Month - October is here! Whether you're newly considering ADHD or already navigating life with it - you’re not alone. ADHD is a neurodevelopmental condition that can manifest as inattention, impulsivity, hyperactivity, or all three - presenting differently across individuals and across life stages

Seeking clarity? Begin with ADHD UK’s About ADHD page, offering videos from specialists and a self-screener for adults

ADHD UK also hosts peer support groups, expert-led sessions, and an online marketplace of coaches and tools to help with day-to-day challenges

Why it matters:

• Diagnoses are rising - not because ADHD is increasing, but because awareness is growing and stigma is lifting
• But many still wait long months - even years - for NHS assessments - access remains unequal
• Misinformation online can confuse rather than clarify. Trusted sources like ADHD UK are key

Find support and fact‑checked info at:
👉 https://adhduk.co.uk

23/10/2025

Not sure where to turn for help with your health?

Find out about the range of NHS services you can get through the NHS App, and other ways to access primary care services like pharmacies and GP practices.

https://improvinglivesnw.org.uk/support-primary-care/improving-access-to-primary-care/

22/10/2025

🎀 October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month - a time to learn, support, and advocate for everyone affected 💖

Breast cancer doesn’t just affect women. Men can get it too. It can also impact transgender people, who may face extra barriers to awareness, diagnosis, and care.

Here’s what to keep in mind:
🩺 Know the signs in everyone - lumps, changes in shape, ni**le changes, skin dimpling
🔍 Men, don’t ignore changes in your chest or ni**le - although less common, breast cancer can still occur in men
🏳️‍⚧️ Trans and nonbinary people: your risks and body may change with hormone therapy or surgeries - always feel empowered to ask for care and checkups

📚 Learn more and find inclusive support:
👉 https://breastcancernow.org
👉 https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/breast-cancer-in-men/
👉 https://www.breastcanceruk.org.uk/resource-for-transgender-people/

Let’s make awareness inclusive, supportive, and life-saving 💪

21/10/2025

💉 Protect yourself this winter — GET YOUR FLU VACCINATION!

Flu can cause serious illness, especially during the colder months.
Your flu jab helps protect you, your family, and your community.

If you haven’t booked your appointment yet, please contact the surgery to arrange your flu vaccination. If you are housebound, please wait for us to contact you over the next few weeks to arrange a visit.

Let’s stay well this winter together! ❄️

21/10/2025

Help Our Medical Students Learn!
Our medical students are currently learning about:
• Haematology
• Dermatology
• Respiratory conditions
• Cardiology
• Neurology
• Vascular conditions
You can help them gain valuable experience by talking them through your own personal experience.
For a full list of conditions, please see our website or reception area.
If you’re happy to help or have any questions, please contact our Reception Team or Student Co-ordinator at 01508 520222.

Thank you for supporting the next generation of doctors!

20/10/2025

🦴🌍 World Osteoporosis Day - 20 October is your moment to take action for stronger, healthier bones! This silent disease often shows no symptoms until we suffer a fracture. But with awareness, prevention, and early diagnosis, we can change that.

What is osteoporosis? It’s a bone condition where bone density drops and microarchitecture weakens - making bones fragile and more prone to breaks, especially in the hip, wrist, and spine.

Risk factors include aging, menopause (due to dropping estrogen), smoking, alcohol, poor nutrition, certain medications, and underlying health conditions.

Preventive steps:
• Eat a bone‑friendly diet rich in calcium, vitamin D, protein 🍎
• Do weight‑bearing and resistance exercises 🏋️‍♀️
• Avoid smoking and excess alcohol 🚭🍷
• Get your bone density checked if you're at risk

Learn more and reach support:
👉 https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/osteoporosis/
👉 https://theros.org.uk

Together, let’s break the silence around osteoporosis and stand strong for bone health!

18/10/2025

🌡️💬 Menopause brings change — from hot flushes and mood swings to sleep shifts and brain fog. But with the right information and support, it doesn’t have to be overwhelming 💪🌸

This is your reminder: you’re not alone - and help is just a click away 💻💙

📚 Learn more about symptoms, treatment and support from trusted sources:
👉 NHS: https://ow.ly/QnIE50XcTYy
👉 How to support someone: https://ow.ly/liAm50XcTYg
👉 Looking after your health: https://ow.ly/fzuX50XcTYu
👉 How long do symptoms last?: https://ow.ly/NlkN50XcTYv

Let’s talk, share, and support each other - here's to better understanding and better health 💚