Tonbridge Medical Group

02/11/2025

Anti-Bullying Week, 10th to 14th November

This year, the theme of Anti-Bullying Week is ‘Power for Good’.

Every year, bullying impacts on the lives of so many people, and silence means it carries on. Use your ‘Power for Good’ to speak up and raise awareness when you see bullying, face to face or online.

40% of children were bullied over the last year. Bullying can be in person or online, and includes physical, verbal, emotional and discriminatory behaviour (e.g., racist, homophobic, disability-related). Let’s use our ‘Power for Good’ and stop this harmful behaviour this Anti-Bullying Week.

Advice for parents and carers to help keep children safe from bullying, wherever it happens.

02/11/2025

Odd Socks Day, 10th November

To celebrate the start of Anti-Bullying Week, Odd Socks Day is held in many schools, and even in some workplaces! It’s all about celebrating what makes someone unique, showing how we are all different, and that acceptance is key!

Thousands of kids and adults will be wearing odd socks this week and there's a really good reason why!

02/11/2025

Social media kindness, 9th November

9th November, Social Media Kindness Day, is the annual reminder of the need to post thoughtfully all year round.

We understand that it can be difficult to get an appointment sometimes, or you may have to wait for a callback, but we’re doing our best to help you while under huge pressure. Our team are people too, and online posts left in frustrated haste can be hurtful.

If you’ve got a concern about any aspect of our service, please speak to the Practice Manager. We’re always happy to hear from you.

In a world where you can be anything, be kind!

02/11/2025

Mouth cancer awareness

Mouth (oral) cancer can start in any part of the mouth – most commonly, on the side of the tongue or the floor of the mouth. Early diagnosis saves lives.

Know the warning signs:

Mouth ulcer or sore that doesn’t heal after three weeks
Red or white patches in the mouth
Persistent mouth or tongue pain
Early detection changes lives. If you’re worried, make an appointment.

Mouth cancer is also known as oral cancer. The most common symptom is a mouth ulcer that does not heal in 3 weeks.

30/10/2025

Lung cancer awareness

Understanding the signs and symptoms of lung cancer can help with an early diagnosis. This useful video helps to explain the two types of lung cancer, exploring symptoms, testing, stages and treatment options. https://youtu.be/n6TE-Nkws6Q

Did you know lung cancer can affect anyone, not just smokers? This month is a great opportunity to raise awareness of this devastating disease and to help save lives. If you find that any of the following symptoms are affecting you, and last more than three weeks, make an appointment with your GP:

• Persistent cough
• Coughing up blood
• Chest pain or shortness of breath
• Unexplained weight loss or fatigue
• Repeated chest infections

Early detection saves lives.
https://www.macmillan.org.uk/cancer...lung-cancer/signs-and-symptoms-of-lung-cancer

The Macmillan Support Line offers confidential support to people living with cancer and their loved ones. If you need to talk, we’ll listen.

30/10/2025

Winter weather warnings and staying warm

Feeling the chill this winter? Keeping warm is essential for your well-being and health. Here are a few tips on warming up when it’s cold outside:

Reduce draughts where you can
Layer up – wear lots of layers of thinner clothing
Cover extremities – hats, gloves, thick socks and scarves
Eat healthily with plenty of hot drinks
Avoid alcohol
Keep moving
Keeping the cold at bay can help you to stay healthy over these wintry months.
https://www.ageuk.org.uk/informatio...keep-well-this-winter/stay-healthy-in-winter/

If you’re retired and struggling with costs this winter, check if you’re eligible for the winter fuel payment. If you were born before 22nd September 1959, you could get help to pay your heating bills for the winter of 2025 to 2026.
https://www.gov.uk/winter-fuel-payment

Winter Fuel Payment helps older people with their heating bills - claim form, how much you get, eligibility

30/10/2025

Movember

Movember is here to change the face of men’s health. Too many men are dying before their time, and growing a moustache in November is a conversation starter for those difficult topics that could save lives. https://uk.movember.com/?home

*Trigger warning*

Did you know that in the UK, three out of four suicides are by men? This has to change. This month is a time to focus on men’s mental health, prevention and health promotion.

Have you noticed a friend’s change in mood? Maybe they’re not around as much, or they’re going through life changes? Reaching out can make all the difference. https://uk.movember.com/men-s-health/spot-the-signs

Changes in behaviour can be a sign of poor mental health. Learn how to spot the signs and support a friend who might be struggling.

30/10/2025

Pancreatic Cancer Awareness Month

Light up your life with purple on 20th November 2025 to commemorate World Pancreatic Cancer Day. Whether you or someone close to you, or you simply show support for the cause, taking part in Purple Lights for pancreatic cancer helps to raise awareness of this devastating disease. https://purplelightsuk.org/

Pancreatic cancer often causes no symptoms in the early stages. When symptoms do appear, they’re the same in men and women and often vague or intermittent. This can mean it’s sometimes missed. Understanding and knowing the symptoms to look out for can help with early diagnosis, which results in improved outcomes.

Look out for:

Unexplained upper abdominal pain
Sudden weight loss or loss of appetite
Indigestion, bloating or early fullness after small meals
Nausea or vomiting, especially after fatty foods
Fatigue or general weakness
If you’re worried, please make an appointment via our online request form.
https://www.pancreaticcancer.org.uk/information/signs-and-symptoms-of-pancreatic-cancer/

Tip: Find some great symptom-related resources here: https://shop.pancreaticcancer.org.uk/collections/symptoms-awareness

Are you raising awareness of the symptoms of pancreatic cancer? Knowing the symptoms can lead to earlier diagnosis and could save lives. If you want to raise awareness, the materials on this page can help. You can order free leaflets and posters to give out or to make an awareness display. Why not a...

29/08/2025

Gynaecological Cancer Awareness Month, 1st - 30th September

September is Gynaecological Cancer Awareness Month. During the month, charities raise awareness of gynaecological cancers, which include ovarian cancer, cervical cancer, uterine cancer, va**nal cancer and vulval cancer.
Ovarian cancer is often overlooked, misunderstood or misdiagnosed, currently with a shockingly low survival rate, and it’s time to turn this around.

Each year in the UK, over 22,000 women are diagnosed with a gynaecological cancer, and early diagnosis is key to improving outcomes.
If you’ve noticed symptoms that aren’t normal for you, it’s worth getting checked. These symptoms aren’t usually cancer, but it’s important to identify any changes in your own body.

Unusual va**nal bleeding or discharge, including any bleeding after the menopause
Persistent bloating, feeling full more quickly or nausea
A persistent itch, lump or changes to the vulval skin or va**na
Unexplained lower back, abdominal or pelvic pain
You can book online, call our team or ask at reception.

The five gynaecological cancers- womb, ovarian, cervical, vulval and va**nal. What they are, signs and symptoms and risk factors.

29/08/2025

World Alzheimer’s Month, 1st - 30th September

Dementia is the UK’s biggest killer. This September is World Alzheimer’s Month, with World Alzheimer’s Day happening on 21st September to raise dementia awareness and support people affected by the disease.

As we age, it’s normal to experience some changes in our mental abilities. While these changes can be frustrating, they’re usually a natural part of getting older. Dementia, however, is different; it’s a group of symptoms caused by different diseases that damage the brain.
Learn how you can raise awareness here: https://www.alzheimers.org.uk/get-involved/world-alzheimers-month

Every three minutes, someone in the UK is diagnosed with dementia. Early signs can be subtle but often include:

Memory loss
Confusion and difficulty with daily tasks
Trouble with language and understanding
Changes in mood, behaviour or personality
If you’ve noticed a change in yourself, or someone has mentioned that they feel you have shown new behaviour, it’s important to speak to a GP early.

World Alzheimer's Month takes place every September and World Alzheimer's Day is on 21 September each year. It's a global opportunity to raise dementia awareness and support people affected by the disease.

29/08/2025

Vascular Disease Awareness Month, 1st - 30th September

Vascular disease is a leading cause of coronary heart disease and heart attacks, and it also contributes to strokes. It develops, often silently for many years, due to inflammation and weakening of the veins and arteries, along with the gradual build-up of fatty deposits inside blood vessels. It may only become apparent when the damage is severe.

If you’re worried, it’s important to book an appointment and consult your doctor at an early stage. https://www.circulationfoundation.org.uk/patient_info/

Protect your vascular health! Over many years, vascular issues can develop silently. Take control with a few lifestyle changes:

Maintain a healthy weight
Eat a balanced diet – think plenty of fruit, vegetables and fibres
Stay active
Limit alcohol and stop smoking
Manage conditions like high blood pressure, high cholesterol and diabetes
For support, please speak to a member of our team. Together we can fight vascular diseases.

29/08/2025

Urology Awareness Month, 1st - 30th September

This September is Urology Awareness Month, focusing on ‘Bladder Leakage: Time to Act’. Did you know that one in five people in the UK are affected by bladder problems? And one in three women live with bladder leakage.

With an ageing population, these numbers are expected to rise.

Bladder leakage can happen for many reasons:

Menopause or childbirth
Urology cancers like bladder or prostate cancer
Urinary tract infections
Ongoing conditions like incontinence or after surgery
Many people rely on continence products and the impact on daily life and mental health can be significant. Let’s raise awareness, and support those living with bladder issues.