The Dow Surgery

09/12/2025

Diabetes Awareness for Over-40s 🌟

As we get older, our risk of developing type 2 diabetes increases especially after age 40. Many people don’t experience symptoms at first, so early awareness is key.

👉 Common signs to look out for:
• Increased thirst
• Feeling tired
• Unexplained weight loss
• Slow-healing cuts
• Blurred vision

💙 The good news? With early detection and lifestyle changes, diabetes can be managed effectively.

If you're over 40, it’s a great time to check your risk and learn more. The NHS has excellent resources:

🔗 Check your diabetes risk:
https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/diabetes/check-your-risk/

🔗 About type 2 diabetes:
https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/type-2-diabetes/

Take care of your health today even small steps make a big difference. 💪💙

04/12/2025

💜 It's National Grief Awareness Week (December 2nd - 8th) 💜
Grief is a natural response to loss, and while it is different for everyone, nobody should ever have to go through it alone.

This week, we take a moment to acknowledge the impact of loss, encourage open conversations, and remind our community that support is available not just now, but all year round.

If you are grieving, please remember:
There is no right or wrong way to feel.

It is okay to take time and space to heal.

Talking about your loved one can help keep their memory alive.

How to Find Support:
If you are struggling to cope, or if you feel your grief is prolonged and affecting your daily life, please reach out. We encourage you to use these trusted, specialist NHS and national services:

NHS Advice:

Comprehensive guide to dealing with bereavement, grief, and loss.

- https://www.nhs.uk/mental-health/grief-bereavement-loss/

Cruse Bereavement Support:

Free, confidential, national support for anyone who has experienced a loss. Helpline: 0808 808 1677 or visit:

- https://www.cruse.org.uk/

The Good Grief:

Signposting to over 1,000 national and local support organisations.

- https://www.thegoodgrieftrust.org/

Samaritans:
For anyone needing to talk, any time, about anything.

- Call 116 123 (Free 24/7)

NHS Talking Therapies:

Free, confidential talking therapies (you can self-refer without seeing a GP).

03/12/2025

02/12/2025

🧔‍♂️ Decembeard is here!

This month we’re raising awareness for bowel cancer, one of the most common cancers in the UK. Growing a beard (or skipping the shave!) helps start important conversations and supports early detection.

👉 Useful links:
NHS – Bowel cancer information:
https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/bowel-cancer/

Early awareness saves lives. 💙

01/12/2025

📅 Please Cancel Your GP Appointments if You Can’t Attend 🙏

Did you know that every week, many GP appointments go to waste because patients don’t cancel when they can’t make it?

❗ When an appointment isn’t cancelled, that time slot is lost, and it could have been used for someone who really needs medical help.

By cancelling your appointment in advance, you help us offer the slot to another patient in need, reduce waiting times, make better use of our clinicians’ time, and improve access for the whole community.

It only takes a moment to cancel, but it makes a big difference to everyone. 💙

If you can’t attend your appointment, please let us know as soon as possible by phone, online, or through the NHS App.

Together, we can make sure every appointment is used to support the patients who need it most. 💚

01/12/2025

❄️ Winter Newsletter Now Available! ❄️
The Kingfisher PCN Winter Newsletter is here! 🎉
Packed with important updates, seasonal health tips, and news from across the network, it’s a great way to stay informed this winter.
Link: https://www.dowsurgery.co.uk/2025/12/01/%e2%9d%84%ef%b8%8f-winter-newsletter-now-available-%e2%9d%84%ef%b8%8f/

20/11/2025

📢💙PCN Health Promotions at The Dow Surgery.

Andre from the PCN Health Promotions team will be at Dow tomorrow between 9:30 am - 11:00 pm.

He will be here to promote the NHS App and answer any questions you may have about how to:
✅Book appointments
✅Order repeat prescriptions
✅ Access your medical records
✅Use other useful NHS services

If you have any questions or need help setting up the NHS App, come along and speak with Andre he’ll be more than happy to help. 😊

19/11/2025

💪 Support for Men
Find services, peer groups, and crisis support here.
You’re not alone.

🌟 Men’s Health Awareness Month 🌟

Men’s health matters all year, and raising awareness is key! 💙 Whether it’s mental, physical, or emotional wellbeing, taking care of yourself is a priority.

Here are some support services for men in the UK, including the REDDITCH area:

🔹 Men United CIC – Peer-support group in Worcestershire for men dealing with low mood, mental health challenges, or loneliness.
https://men-united.co.uk/

🔹 Worcestershire Men’s Walking & Talking – Mental health–focused walks providing men with a safe space to talk and connect.
https://www.menwalkingandtalking.co.uk/

🔹 Men’s Sheds – Community groups where men can socialise, work on projects, and improve wellbeing.
https://menssheds.org.uk/

🔹 Worcestershire Safe Haven (Mind) – Crisis support line and face-to-face appointments for those experiencing mental health crises.
https://cwwmind.org.uk/
💡 Remember: Taking small steps, talking to someone you trust, and using available resources can make a huge difference.

18/11/2025

"Don't forget to take care of yourself!" 🥰

🌿 National Self-Care Week 2025 🌿

This week is National Self-Care Week, a time to recognise the importance of looking after our physical, mental, and emotional wellbeing. Self-care isn’t a luxury it’s a vital part of staying healthy, reducing stress, and improving our quality of life.

Whether it’s taking a moment to breathe, staying active, eating well, connecting with others, or seeking support when you need it, small actions can make a big difference.

✨ Simple ways to practice self-care this week:

Take regular breaks and rest when your body needs it

Go for a walk or spend time outdoors

Stay connected with friends, family, or community groups

Use services like the NHS App to manage your health easily and stay informed:
https://www.nhs.uk/nhs-app/

Free resources for National Self-Care Week:

https://www.selfcareforum.org/events/self-care-week-resources/

More on self-care and its importance:

https://socialcare.blog.gov.uk/2024/11/19/why-we-need-self-care-week/

Try mindfulness, journaling, or any activity that brings you calm.

Don’t hesitate to reach out for help asking for support is self-care.

Let’s use this week as a reminder that taking care of ourselves helps us stay well and better support those around us.

17/11/2025

What happens if a baby is born early, and how are premature and sick babies cared for? We explain what happens if your baby is born premature, and why they might go to a neonatal unit.