Windermere and Bowness Medical Practice

19/11/2025

💙 International Men’s Day – Celebrating Men & Supporting Their Health
📅 November 19, 2025
🌍 International Men’s Day

Today is about more than raising awareness of men’s health, it’s also about celebrating the positive influence of men as fathers, mentors, leaders, and role models in our communities. 💪

This year, our Charity of the Year is Andys Man Club, a fantastic peer-support organisation providing safe spaces for men to talk and look after their mental and emotional wellbeing. Their clubs across Carlisle, Maryport, Cockermouth, Workington, Whitehaven, Barrow, Kendal, Penrith, and beyond are transforming lives every day.

We also want to recognise other Cumbrian organisations doing incredible work to support men’s mental health:

- Every Life Matters: su***de prevention, training, and bereavement support.
- Carlisle Eden Mind (MindLine Cumbria): mental health support, crisis services, and one-to-one listening.
- Together We CIC: wellbeing programs, talking therapies, and recovery support.
- West Cumbria Mental Health Partnership: working with Andy’s Man Club and local services to strengthen men’s mental health support.

On this day, we not only highlight the challenges men face but also celebrate their everyday contributions: the guidance they give, the inspiration they provide, and the difference they make in our communities.

💬 Let’s continue to break the stigma, support one another, and remind the men in our lives: “It’s okay to talk, help is here.”

👉 Learn more and get involved: Andys Man Club

11/11/2025

Today, we pause to remember the brave men and women who gave their lives in service to our country.
Their courage and sacrifice will never be forgotten.
At the going down of the sun and in the morning, we will remember them.
🌹Lest we forget.

10/11/2025

09/11/2025

Afternoon all,

I'm pleased to share that St Marys Hospice will be launching some new services at The Ladyholme in the new year. 🙂

They will be here at the surgery this Friday too, to chat to patients about their plans - positive stuff, that will hopefully be really helpful for some of you.

Have a good week everyone!

Take care,
Nick@Windermere.

05/11/2025

This week is Stress Awareness Week (3rd–7th November)! 🌿

It’s a time to reflect on the everyday stresses of modern life. A little stress can motivate us, too little can lead to boredom, but too much over time can harm our health and wellbeing.

💚 Be aware of the signs of stress:
😟 Irritability
💤 Poor sleep or fatigue
🤯 Worry or feeling overwhelmed

🧘♀️ Tips to manage stress:
Practice relaxation, deep breathing or mindfulness
Eat well, stay hydrated and get enough rest
Keep active and exercise regularly
Stay connected with friends, family and colleagues

You’re not alone, talk to someone you trust and don’t suffer in silence.

For further help and information, visit the NHS page on stress:
💻 https://www.nhs.uk/mental-health/feelings-symptoms-behaviours/feelings-and-symptoms/stress/

30/10/2025

If you feel unwell or need medical help but aren’t sure which NHS service is right for you, please visit NHS 111 https://www.nhs.uk first. A&E is for emergencies only. 🚨

28/10/2025

🎉 Congratulations!

You’ve done the best thing you can for your health by quitting smoking and after 28 days smoke-free, you’re now 5 times more likely to quit for good. That’s a huge achievement, and everyone from your GP surgery is proud of you!

💡 Quitting smoking is always worth it.
Even after just a few weeks, your body is already repairing itself: your circulation improves, your lungs start to clear, and your risk of heart disease begins to drop. Every smoke-free day is a step towards a healthier, longer life.

🛠 Staying smoke-free
To help you stay on track, check out these tips and strategies to remain a non-smoker: https://www.nhs.uk/better-health/quit-smoking/staying-smoke-free/

Remember, quitting isn’t always easy, but you don’t have to do it alone, we’ve got your back every step of the way. Keep going, and celebrate every smoke-free day!

25/10/2025

🚭 Thinking about quitting smoking? You don’t have to do it alone, we’ve got your back.

There are lots of free local services across Cumbria that can give you support, advice, and even ni****ne replacement therapy to help you stay on track.

👉 Here are some options near you:

Smokefree Cumberland – 1-to-1 and group support, pharmacy sessions, plus access to Allen Carr’s EasyWay programme. https://www.cumberland.gov.uk/health-and-social-care/health-and-wellbeing/find-support-and-help-give-smoking

Smoke Free Westmorland and Furness – Free online sessions, 12-week pharmacy support, and one-to-one coaching. https://www.westmorlandandfurness.gov.uk/smoke-free

Cumbria Stop Smoking Service (NHS) – Free pharmacy-based support available county-wide. https://www.nhs.uk/services/service-directory/cumbria-stop-smoking-service/N10510733

Well Pharmacies – Local clinics offering personalised quit support. https://well.co.uk/health-hub/services/stop-smoking/

Townhead Surgery Stop Smoking Service – Free 6-12 week personalised programme with weekly check-ins. https://www.townheadsurgery.co.uk/clinics-and-services/smoking-cessation/

North Cumbria Integrated Care – To***co Dependency Treatment Service – Support available in hospital and after discharge. https://www.ncic.nhs.uk/services/tobacco-dependency-treatment-service

💡 Whether you want in-person help, phone support, or online sessions, there’s a service to suit you.

20/10/2025

🚭 Do you know someone who wants to quit smoking, but doesn’t know where to start?

Taking the first step can feel daunting, but the right support makes all the difference. The NHS offers a free Personal Quit Plan, tailored advice to help find the best way to quit, based on individual needs and lifestyle.

💡 It only takes a few minutes to complete, and it could be the first step towards a healthier, smoke-free future.

👉 Share this link with a friend, family member, or loved one today: https://www.nhs.uk/better-health/quit-smoking/ready-to-quit-smoking/personal-quit-plan/

18/10/2025

🌿 World Menopause Day 2025 – 18 October

GP practices across the region recognise the strength and resilience of people going through menopause. This year's theme, Lifestyle Medicine, highlights how nutrition, exercise, sleep, stress management and self-care can make a real difference in managing menopausal symptoms and supporting wellbeing.

Menopause is a natural stage of life and there are ways to maintain health and vitality during this time. Local GP practices are here to offer advice, guidance and resources. Booking an appointment with a GP can help you access personalised support and information.

💡 Simple lifestyle steps to support menopausal health
Nutrition: Eat a balanced diet with plenty of whole foods, fibre and essential nutrients
Physical activity: Take part in regular exercise to support mood, energy and bone strength
Sleep: Prioritise good quality sleep to maintain hormonal balance and mental clarity
Stress management: Try mindfulness, meditation or relaxation techniques to reduce stress
Self-care: Listen to your body, ask for support when needed and practise self-compassion

Let’s continue the conversation and support each other through this important life stage. For more information visit the International Menopause Society's World Menopause Day page; https://www.imsociety.org/education/world-menopause-day-2025/?utm_source=chatgpt.com

15/10/2025

🚭 We know quitting smoking isn’t easy – but the ‘future you’ will thank you.

Every day you go smoke-free, your body begins to repair itself. Within just 20 minutes your pulse rate returns to normal, and within weeks you may notice more energy, easier breathing, and a better sense of taste and smell. Longer term, the health benefits are even greater – reducing your risk of serious conditions like heart disease, stroke and cancer.

💪 Quitting can be tough, but support is available and every attempt gets you closer to becoming smoke-free for good.

👉 Learn more about the health benefits of stopping smoking here: https://www.nhs.uk/better-health/quit-smoking/why-quit-smoking/benefits-of-quitting-smoking/

10/10/2025

🧠 World Mental Health Day - 10 October 🧠

Today is World Mental Health Day, a moment for all of us to pause, reflect, and check in, with ourselves and with each other. This year the theme is “Access to services: mental health in catastrophes and emergencies”, a reminder that everyone deserves support when they need it most.

In our community here in Cumbria, we know that life can sometimes feel heavy, overwhelming, or uncertain. You are not alone in how you feel, and there is help, both within and beyond our GP Practice.

Every Life Matters is a Cumbrian based organisation which have a fantastic support directory listing various mental health support services available: https://www.every-life-matters.org.uk/support-directory/

You are not alone. Struggling doesn’t mean defeat.

There is support, and there are caring people who want to help.

Let’s look after our minds, today, tomorrow, and every day.