Carterknowle & Dore Medical Practice

01/04/2026

💜 Stress Awareness Month – April 💜

Feeling stressed lately? You’re not alone.

Stress affects us all, but too much of it can take a real toll on both your mind and body.

Over time, stress can lead to:
• Feeling anxious, overwhelmed or irritable
• Poor sleep and low energy
• Headaches and muscle tension
• Changes in appetite or habits
• Raised blood pressure and chest discomfort

Long-term stress can impact your overall health, so it’s important to recognise the signs early.

If you’re worried about symptoms like chest pain or high blood pressure, please contact your GP.

💙 Looking after your mental health is just as important as your physical health.

💬 Have you noticed how stress affects you?

31/03/2026

We will be closed on 3rd April & 6th April for the Easter period.

During this time our phone lines will not be available, if you need medical assistance, please contact the NHS 111 service -
https://111.nhs.uk/ or in the case of an emergency please call 999.

We will reopen as normal on 7th April at 8am.

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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

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/vBW650YyaPU

Learn about waist measurement and type 2 diabetes risk:
https://ow.ly/ykbv50YyaPV

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/rJXm50Yy1iZ

💡 Helpful support and resources:
• Improve your financial wellbeing with the Money and Pensions Service: https://ow.ly/vJLW50Yy1kh
• Get advice on housing, immigration and legal issues from Citizens Advice: https://ow.ly/yQe250Yy1jP
• Find mental and physical health advice at NHS Live Well: https://ow.ly/7eeB50Yy1jS
• Create a free personalised mental health plan with Every Mind Matters: https://ow.ly/BEMn50Yy1ka
• Get active with We Are Undefeatable: https://ow.ly/ne4z50Yy1kv
• Support dementia care through Music for Dementia: https://ow.ly/yQzB50Yy1k6
• Find bereavement support services via At A Loss: https://ow.ly/6lGo50Yy1k7

25/03/2026

NHS Bowel Screening Programme have introduced digital pre-invitations via the NHS App. The pre-invites will be sent to all eligible patients who have previously completed Bowel Cancer Screening.

If eligible you will receive an NHS App message inviting you for your screening appointment, if you do not open the message within 39 hours or if a digital message cannot be sent via the NHS App, you will receive a paper invitation letter via post to your registered address as a backup.

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/

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/rBUS50Yvowg

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/N0OQ50Yvowy
Could bad period pains be endometriosis? Learn more: https://ow.ly/rRoZ50YvowH
Find endometriosis publications and support: https://ow.ly/CNKR50Yvowr

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