The Thorpe Practice

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/7lM650YyaRP

Learn about waist measurement and type 2 diabetes risk:
https://ow.ly/lwmI50YyaRF

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/JosB50Yy1kp

💡 Helpful support and resources:
• Improve your financial wellbeing with the Money and Pensions Service: https://ow.ly/pHBr50Yy1n0
• Get advice on housing, immigration and legal issues from Citizens Advice: https://ow.ly/vISY50Yy1l8
• Find mental and physical health advice at NHS Live Well: https://ow.ly/8aNr50Yy1mZ
• Create a free personalised mental health plan with Every Mind Matters: https://ow.ly/Nvfp50Yy1l7
• Get active with We Are Undefeatable: https://ow.ly/Wq6s50Yy1ko
• Support dementia care through Music for Dementia: https://ow.ly/KlNS50Yy1kn
• Find bereavement support services via At A Loss: https://ow.ly/ieO750Yy1nH

25/03/2026

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

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/

19/03/2026

Important Update: Support for the 8.30am Rush – Meet Emma 👋
We’re always looking for ways to improve your experience at The Thorpe Practice, especially during the busy 8.30am period when many of you are trying to contact us.

To help with this, we are introducing Emma, our new virtual receptionist. When you call the practice, you may be greeted and supported by Emma, who will guide you through your request.

Our soft launch starts today (19th March 2026). Emma will be taking a limited amount of calls between 2pm - 3pm. During this time, some calls will still be answered by our reception team as we continue to embed the system.

Please be reassured:

Our team is not being replaced by a computer – our team is still very much here and will be reviewing and responding to all requests.

Emma is simply there to help you get through more quickly and reduce waiting times.

Your request will always be looked at by a trained clinician or member of our team.

If you are struggling or need urgent help, you will still receive the support you need.

How Emma helps you:
📞 Answers calls quickly – no long waits on hold
📝 Helps you submit requests using our secure AccuRx system
👩‍⚕️ Sends your request directly to our clinical team
😊 Frees up our staff to focus on helping you
⏰ Helps reduce the 8.30am rush

Emma can be used for medical queries, prescription queries, fit notes, results and administrative requests.

Please note Emma will not take repeat prescriptions. This can be done via the NHS App.

This is part of our commitment to making access to the practice fairer, easier and less stressful for everyone.

Watch this space for more information coming over the next few days 😊

Thank you for your patience and support as we introduce this new service 💚

18/03/2026

Endometriosis is a long-term condition where tissue similar to the lining of the womb grows in places it shouldn’t, often causing symptoms like painful periods, pelvic pain, heavy bleeding, pain during s*x, and fatigue.

Find out more here: https://ow.ly/H4Hz50Yvoyk

If you’re experiencing ongoing symptoms that affect your daily life, it’s important to speak with a healthcare professional and describe exactly what you’re experiencing. Early recognition, understanding family history and access to support and reliable information can help you get the care you need. Trusted resources are available to help you learn more about symptoms, management and support. 💛🩺✨

Read about endometriosis symptoms and care from the NHS: https://ow.ly/hBV550Yvoya
Could bad period pains be endometriosis? Learn more: https://ow.ly/bVhT50Yvoym
Find endometriosis publications and support: https://ow.ly/ymwe50Yvoyf

17/03/2026

Cases of invasive meningococcal disease have
been confirmed in Kent. It's important to know
the signs of symptoms of meningitis and
septicaemia. Get more info from
http://nhs.uk/conditions/meningitis

15/03/2026

Good sleep habits are essential for both physical and mental wellbeing.

Struggling to fall asleep or waking frequently during the night can affect mood, concentration and overall health.

Simple changes like keeping a regular bedtime, reducing screen time before bed, limiting caffeine and creating a calm sleep environment can help improve sleep quality.

Understanding the possible causes of sleep problems and accessing trusted advice can make a real difference. Better sleep supports better days. 😴🌙💙✨

Get NHS tips on falling asleep faster and sleeping better:
https://ow.ly/bQbv50YtjoE

Understand common causes of sleep problems:
https://ow.ly/fmqE50YtjnT

Watch helpful sleep videos and advice:
https://ow.ly/8xTf50YtjnU