Chet Valley Medical Practice

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/2w7f50YAFPP
Read NHS guidance on symptoms and treatment: https://ow.ly/5GGH50YAFPY
Find support and information from Orchid: https://ow.ly/kOJZ50YAFPM

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/JjIA50YAwLF
Download the NHS Active 10 app on Apple: https://ow.ly/yH5f50YAwLC

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/NIaM50YzAUJ
Learn about water, drinks and hydration: https://ow.ly/zCqv50YzAUP
Read about making small healthy diet changes: https://ow.ly/Jj0K50YzAUI
Find guidance on fasting safely during Ramadan: https://ow.ly/IvLb50YzAUQ

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/keMI50Yy8k1

Learn about waist measurement and type 2 diabetes risk:
https://ow.ly/iPQG50Yy8jV

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/wZX350YxZyK

💡 Helpful support and resources:
• Improve your financial wellbeing with the Money and Pensions Service: https://ow.ly/L5rX50YxZz1
• Get advice on housing, immigration and legal issues from Citizens Advice: https://ow.ly/YPo450YxZz0
• Find mental and physical health advice at NHS Live Well: https://ow.ly/HQNv50YxZzw
• Create a free personalised mental health plan with Every Mind Matters: https://ow.ly/2nJn50YxZyV
• Get active with We Are Undefeatable: https://ow.ly/CL2x50YxZzl
• Support dementia care through Music for Dementia: https://ow.ly/uxfs50YxZyz
• Find bereavement support services via At A Loss: https://ow.ly/snko50YxZz3

24/03/2026

Turn on notifications to get messages, appointments and reminders as soon as they’re sent.

You can do more with the NHS App than you realise. Discover what else you can do today.

📱Tap the NHS App

24/03/2026

Bank Holiday - Pharmacy opening times and contact numbers.

23/03/2026

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

21/03/2026

From September 2025, the NHS Cervical Screening Programme began rolling out digital delivery of negative test results through the NHS App — and by now, this process is fully in place.

📲 Here’s how it works:
- If your result is negative, you’ll receive it directly in the NHS App, along with a notification on your device.
- If the message isn’t opened within 72 hours, a backup letter will automatically be sent.
- If your app notifications are switched off, you may also receive an SMS reminder to check the NHS App.

📬 Important:
Abnormal results will continue to be sent by post for the time being.

💻📲 With most screening invitations and reminders now sent digitally, this move to digital results is helping make cervical screening quicker and more convenient.

👉 Don’t have the NHS App yet? Download it here: www.nhs.uk/nhs-app/

🔔 Once downloaded, turn on notifications so you never miss an update!