Mereside Medical

10/11/2025

10/11/2025

💙 It’s Anti‑Bullying Week 2025: Power for Good! Time to stand up, speak out, and build kinder communities 🌟

Bullying can happen anywhere: in schools, workplaces, online, even in organisations up and down the ladder. It affects everyone.

Here’s how we can make a difference together:
👫 Be an ally, not a bystander - if you see something, say something
🏫 In schools: encourage safe spaces, peer support, and open dialogue
💼 In workplaces & organisations: promote respect, zero tolerance, and clear reporting structures
🗣️ Share stories, challenge harmful behaviour, and support those who feel alone

Learn more and access resources:
👉 https://anti-bullyingalliance.org.uk/
👉 https://www.acas.org.uk/discrimination-and-bullying

Let’s work together for environments where everyone feels safe, respected, and valued 💪

07/11/2025

🌫️ Lung Cancer Awareness Month is here - and this year, we’re shining a light on the connections between lung health, coughs, and family cancer history.

A persistent cough might be dismissed as a cold or heart issue — but sometimes, it’s more than that. If it lingers, gets worse, or you have other symptoms, get it checked.

Key point: family history of cancer doesn’t only mean the same cancer you have. When your doctor asks, they mean any cancer your relatives have had. This information can help assess your risk and guide decisions.

📚 Learn more about cancer risk and genetics:
👉 https://www.macmillan.org.uk/cancer-information-and-support/worried-about-cancer/causes-and-risk-factors/family-history-genetics-and-cancer-risk
👉 https://www.cancerresearchuk.org/about-cancer/causes-of-cancer/inherited-cancer-genes-and-increased-cancer-risk/family-history-and-inherited-cancer-genes

Stay alert to changes, know your family history, and speak up for your lung health 💨

05/11/2025

🧠🌀 Feeling overwhelmed? Stress isn’t just “part of life” — it can affect your body, mind and behaviour in real ways.

Here’s what you might experience:
✔️ Physical: headaches, muscle tension, stomach issues, chest‑racing heartbeats
✔️ Mental: trouble concentrating, making decisions, constant worrying
✔️ Behavioural: irritability, sleep too much or too little, eating changes, pulling away from others

When stress becomes long‑term, it can lead to burnout — extreme exhaustion, cynicism, reduced performance.

You don’t have to cope with it alone.

👉 Learn more and find help:
https://ow.ly/ngR750XmxtW
https://ow.ly/7EQ750XmxtX
https://ow.ly/ZKg050Xmxub

Take a pause. Talk it out. You matter. 💚

03/11/2025

🎇 Bonfire Night is here - and it’s a time for fun, but also for staying safe! 🔥 Before you light those fireworks and dig into all the good food, here’s what to watch out for:

🍗 Food Safety / Food Poisoning
• Don’t let food sit out too long - especially meats or salads
• Keep raw and cooked foods separate
• Store leftovers promptly at safe temperatures

🔥 Fire & Fireworks Safety
• Always follow firework instructions carefully
• Keep a safe distance
• Never relight a dud firework
• Always supervise children
• Have a bucket of water or hose nearby in case of fire
👉 Safety info:
https://ow.ly/b3YI50XjLhX
https://bonfire-night-safety.co.uk
https://www.firstaid.co.uk/fireworks-safety--first-aid/

🚑 First Aid for Firework Injuries
• Minor burns: cool under running water for 10+ minutes
• Seek medical help for deeper burns, wounds, or if you see smoke inhalation symptoms
• Use sterile dressings, don’t apply creams or adhesives until checked

Have a safe and happy Bonfire Night! 🎆

02/11/2025

💙 It’s not too late to get your flu vaccine!

Everyone aged 65 and over is eligible for a free NHS flu vaccine.

You might think you don’t need it because you’re feeling well — but people aged 65 and over are at higher risk of flu-related complications and need that extra protection.

Even if you had your flu jab last year, it’s important to get one again this year to stay protected through the winter. 💉

Help protect yourself and those around you.

31/10/2025

🎃🔪 Thinking of carving up a spooky pumpkin this Halloween? Before you do, here’s how to stay safe - and how to keep your sugar intake in check 👻🍬

How to carve a pumpkin safely:
🛠️ Use a clean, dry, well-lit area with a sturdy surface.
🧼 Wash and thoroughly dry your hands and tools to avoid slips.
🛡️ Use a proper pumpkin carving kit (small serrated saws) instead of large kitchen knives.
🔄 Always cut away from your body and use small, controlled motions.
👨‍👩‍👧 Leave the carving to adults; kids can draw the design or scoop out pulp.
⚠️ If you get cut and heavy bleeding continues for more than 15 minutes, seek medical care.

Too many sweets can impact your health in more ways than one.
Read how sugar affects your body and tips for moderating consumption:
👉 https://www.nhs.uk/live-well/eat-well/food-types/how-does-sugar-in-our-diet-affect-our-health/

Balance is everything - carve safely, enjoy treats mindfully, and take care.

30/10/2025

🤰💉 Flu protection for you and your baby

If you're pregnant, you can now get your free flu vaccine to help protect both you and your baby over the autumn and winter months.

It’s safe to have the vaccine at any stage of pregnancy — and it even helps protect your baby during their first few months of life. 💙

📅 Book your flu vaccine today with your GP practice, maternity service provider, or local pharmacy.

30/10/2025

🤰💙 Protect yourself and your baby from flu

The flu vaccine is safe at any stage of pregnancy and helps protect both you and your baby.

Getting vaccinated not only keeps you healthy but also passes on some protection to your baby for their first few months of life. 🌸

📅 Book your free flu vaccine today through your GP practice, maternity service provider, or local pharmacy.

30/10/2025

Oral Contraception from Your Local Pharmacy
💊 Did you know you may be able to get oral contraception directly from your local pharmacy without needing a GP appointment?

As part of the NHS Pharmacy First and Pharmacy Contraception Service, trained pharmacists can:
✔ Discuss your options
✔ Supply your pill (including repeats)
✔ Offer advice on safe and effective use

It’s quick, convenient, and confidential.
Find out more by speaking to your local participating pharmacy today.

29/10/2025

Movember is coming up - and we’re calling on everyone who cares about men’s mental health.

Globally, 3 out of 4 suicides are men. That’s 1 man every 60 seconds.
This isn’t just a statistic - it’s someone’s brother, father, partner, or friend 💔🕯️

It’s time to stop the silence. It’s time to unite.

Together, we can:
🧪 Fund life-saving mental health research
📚 Support training and education
🫂 Provide real help for those in crisis

💥 Ready to take action?
👉 Register, grow a Mo, fundraise or simply spread the word:
https://movember.com/register

✊🏽 Let’s change the face of men’s health together.

28/10/2025

🚭 Amazing work – no matter where you’re at!

If you’ve completed 28 days smoke-free, fantastic – you’re now 5 times more likely to quit for good! 🎉
If you’ve completed just one day or one week, keep going – every day counts! 💪

You’ve done the best thing for your health by quitting smoking.

To stay on track as a non-smoker, check out some helpful tips here:
https://www.nhs.uk/better-health/quit-smoking/staying-smoke-free/