Ayton and Snainton 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

30/03/2026

***Important Information***
As we are fast approaching the busy Easter period we ask that prescriptions are ordered 5 working days in advance where possible.
If you are planning to go away over the Easter period please ensure you order your prescription in plenty of time and/or have enough medication to last whilst away from home.
The Practice will be closed on Friday 3rd April and Monday 6th April for the Easter Bank Holidays, along with weekends as usual.
Many thanks for your patience and co-operation, and wishing you a Happy Easter from all at Ayton and Snainton Medical Practice.

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/2cp650Yya5b

Learn about waist measurement and type 2 diabetes risk:
https://ow.ly/lowe50Yya59

26/03/2026

❗Annual Treatment Review System Reminder - April Birthdays❗
Patients who have a chronic health issue or who take regular medications are requested to book in for an annual treatment review during the month of your birthday. This is to ensure that you are receiving the correct treatment and medication and to address any problems you may be having.
Please contact the surgery to book your appointment, letting the receptionist know you require your annual treatment review so that you are booked in to see the most appropriate person.

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/96g150Yy0OA

💡 Helpful support and resources:
• Improve your financial wellbeing with the Money and Pensions Service: https://ow.ly/1j0P50Yy0Ob
• Get advice on housing, immigration and legal issues from Citizens Advice: https://ow.ly/HBRa50Yy0Oc
• Find mental and physical health advice at NHS Live Well: https://ow.ly/8TQx50Yy0Os
• Create a free personalised mental health plan with Every Mind Matters: https://ow.ly/xAS850Yy0O1
• Get active with We Are Undefeatable: https://ow.ly/t7lE50Yy0OB
• Support dementia care through Music for Dementia: https://ow.ly/b78e50Yy0O2
• Find bereavement support services via At A Loss: https://ow.ly/kQNx50Yy0Oq

26/03/2026

🌿 Social Prescribing Day – 26 March 🌿

Social Prescribing Day celebrates the positive impact that social prescribing has on people’s health and wellbeing. Social Prescribers support individuals to connect with activities, groups and services in their community that can improve confidence, wellbeing and quality of life.

Here’s what some patients from our PCN have shared about their experience:

💬 “Working with my social prescriber has helped me to feel more confident and in control of my own choices.”

💬 “With the support of my social prescriber I have been able to go shopping, which I find an overwhelming experience at times and I have also begun to engage more with people through feeling more comfortable with myself.”

💬 “I now attend 2–3 social/exercise groups a week I was not aware of before and really look forward to.”

Social prescribing can help people access support for things like social isolation, physical activity, wellbeing and community connections.

💚

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

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/