Mereside Medical

03/04/2026

Testicular Cancer Awareness Month is a reminder that knowing your body and checking regularly can make a real difference. Testicular cancer is most common in younger men, and early detection is highly treatable. There is nothing to feel embarrassed about when it comes to your health, and getting checked early can save lives. 💙🩺✨

How to check:
• Check yourself once a month, ideally after a warm shower or bath 🛁✨
• Gently roll each testicle between your fingers and thumb 🤲💙
• Get to know what feels normal for you 🧠✨

What to look out for:
• Any lumps or swelling 🩺⚠️
• Changes in size, shape or texture 📏✨
• A feeling of heaviness in the sc***um ⚖️💙
• A dull ache or discomfort in the lower abdomen or groin 🤕✨

If you notice anything unusual, speak to your GP. 💙🩺✨

Learn how to check yourself: https://patient.info/features/mens-health/how-to-check-yourself-for-testicular-cancer
Read NHS guidance on symptoms and treatment: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/testicular-cancer/
Find support and information from Orchid: https://orchid-cancer.org.uk/testicular-cancer-3-2/testicular-cancer-support/

02/04/2026

It’s National Walking Day, the perfect reminder that moving more doesn’t have to be complicated. 🚶‍♀️💚✨

A simple 10 minute brisk walk can boost your mood, improve heart health and increase energy levels. The NHS Active 10 app makes it easy to track your brisk walking, set goals and stay motivated wherever you are. Little steps really do add up to big health benefits. 🚶‍♂️💙🌿

Download the NHS Active 10 app on Android: https://ow.ly/H5WG50YAx2b
Download the NHS Active 10 app on Apple: https://ow.ly/tSlU50YAx2m

02/04/2026

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/ebj050YzBa1
Learn about water, drinks and hydration: https://ow.ly/9VV550YzB9X
Read about making small healthy diet changes: https://ow.ly/T2yu50YzB9Y
Find guidance on fasting safely during Ramadan: https://ow.ly/WYas50YzB9U

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/g3Xi50Yy8vb

Learn about waist measurement and type 2 diabetes risk:
https://ow.ly/Cfm550Yy8vi

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/NYhs50YxZHL

💡 Helpful support and resources:
• Improve your financial wellbeing with the Money and Pensions Service: https://ow.ly/QXCr50YxZGY
• Get advice on housing, immigration and legal issues from Citizens Advice: https://ow.ly/a36B50YxZHl
• Find mental and physical health advice at NHS Live Well: https://ow.ly/Y3Ii50YxZHp
• Create a free personalised mental health plan with Every Mind Matters: https://ow.ly/Qfho50YxZH6
• Get active with We Are Undefeatable: https://ow.ly/jWZ650YxZHT
• Support dementia care through Music for Dementia: https://ow.ly/jtoc50YxZHU
• Find bereavement support services via At A Loss: https://ow.ly/1j4Q50YxZGT

23/03/2026

Living with high blood pressure?

We’re now welcoming participants for our high blood pressure research study.

If you’d like to know more, our team is here for a no‑pressure conversation.

📧 cpicb.mereside-research@nhs.net
📞 01353 727690

See our YouTube channel at youtube.com/ for videos in English, Polskie, Português, Русский, Türkçe, and українська.

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/

19/03/2026

Protect your child against HPV-related cancers with the HPV vaccine. Walk-in clinics taking place this weekend for anyone who missed having the vaccine in Year 8.

Saturday 21 March, 10am to 3pm

• Meadows Community Centre, 299 Arbury Road, Cambridge, CB4 2JL
• Millennium Centre, Dickens Street, Peterborough, PE1 5GD

Sunday 22 March, 10am to 3pm

• Tesco, Cromwell Road, Wisbech, PE14 0RG

No need to book – just turn up.