Worthing Medical Group

17/02/2026

Chinese New Year | 17 February – 3 March
Chinese New Year marks the beginning of the lunar new year and is celebrated by communities around the world. It is a time for cultural traditions, family gatherings, and celebrations.
ℹFind out more about how Chinese New Year is celebrated here:

What happens during Chinese New Year? The Newham Chinese Association explain some of the traditions, festivals and customs that take place when Chinese New Year is celebrated.

16/02/2026

❄️Stay Well in Winter
Cold weather can increase the risk of illness, particularly for people who are more vulnerable, including older adults, young children, and those with long‑term health conditions. Staying warm can help reduce the risk of illness and unplanned hospital admissions.

ℹNHS guidance on keeping warm and well during winter is available here:
https://www.nhs.uk/live-well/seasonal-health/keep-warm-keep-well/

ℹThere are also practical steps that individuals and families can take to stay safe and well throughout the winter months.
Further advice from Age UK can be found here:
https://www.ageuk.org.uk/information-advice/health-wellbeing/keep-well-this-winter/

Find advice on how to stay well in winter, including getting the flu and COVID-19 vaccines, and keeping your home warm.

15/02/2026

Stress in Children
Children can experience stress in similar ways to adults, but they may express it differently. This can be because their ability to explain their feelings does not always match the intensity of their emotions.

ℹInformation on what stress is and how it can affect children is available here:
https://www.unicef.org/parenting/mental-health/what-is-stress

ℹChildren can also be affected by their environment. Hearing adult concerns about issues such as finances, work, or education can contribute to stress and anxiety.

ℹNHS guidance for parents and carers on anxiety in children can be found here:
https://www.nhs.uk/mental-health/children-and-young-adults/advice-for-parents/anxiety-in-children/

A common feeling that affects children as much as adults, just differently

14/02/2026

Childhood Obesity
Children who are overweight have an increased risk of becoming overweight adults, which can lead to long‑term health conditions such as type 2 diabetes. Supporting children to achieve and maintain a healthy weight can help reduce these risks.

ℹThe NHS provides practical advice for parents and carers, including simple lifestyle tips and guidance on checking a child’s BMI:

It can be difficult to tell if a child is overweight as they are still growing. Find tips on how to help your child reach a healthier weight.

13/02/2026

Depression
Depression is a common mental health condition and is more than a temporary low mood. It can affect how people feel, think, and manage daily activities, with symptoms ranging from mild to severe.

ℹInformation about depression, including symptoms and treatment options, is available on the NHS website:
https://www.nhs.uk/mental-health/conditions/depression-in-adults/overview/

ℹThere are also practical steps that can help support mood and wellbeing, alongside professional support. NHS guidance on self‑help strategies can be found here:
https://www.nhs.uk/mental-health/self-help/tips-and-support/cope-with-depression/

If you are experiencing symptoms of depression, support is available through healthcare services.

Read about depression in adults, including how to tell if you're depressed, the treatments for different severities of depression, and how making lifestyle changes can help.

12/02/2026

National HIV Testing Week | 9–15 February
National HIV Testing Week raises awareness of the importance of HIV testing. Testing is free and confidential, and helps support early diagnosis and treatment.
ℹFind out more here:

National HIV Testing WeekNational HIV Testing Week (NHTW) is our flagship annual event which seeks to promote regular testing in England, particularly among groups most affected by HIV. Regular testing helps to reduce the numbers of undiagnosed people and those diagnosed late, as well as raise aware...

11/02/2026

Children’s Mental Health Week | 9–15 February
Children’s Mental Health Week focuses on the importance of children and young people’s mental wellbeing. The theme for this year, “This is my place”, highlights the value of children having a place where they feel safe, supported, and that they belong.
ℹFind out more here:

Place2Be's official Children's Mental Health Week exists to empower, equip and give a voice to all children and young people in the UK.

10/02/2026

Safer Internet Day | 10 February
Safer Internet Day promotes the safe and responsible use of technology. The theme for this year, “Smart tech, safe choices – exploring the safe and responsible use of AI”, highlights the importance of online safety for children and adults.
ℹFind out more here:

Safer Internet Day 2026 will take place on the 10th of February 2026, with celebrations and learning based around the theme ‘Smart tech, safe choices – Exploring the safe and responsible use of AI’.

09/02/2026

International Epilepsy Day | 9 February
International Epilepsy Day raises awareness of epilepsy and seizure conditions. While anyone can experience a one‑off seizure, a diagnosis of epilepsy may be made when there is a high risk of further seizures. Around 1 in 100 people in the UK are living with epilepsy.
ℹFind out more here:

International Epilepsy Day is a special event which promotes awareness of epilepsy in more than 130 countries each year. Every year on the second Monday of February (International Epilepsy Day) people join together to celebrate and highlight the problems faced by people with epilepsy, their families...

08/02/2026

🏃‍♀️Keeping Active During Winter
During the winter months, colder weather and shorter days can make it more difficult to stay active. Regular physical activity supports both physical and mental health, even when motivation is low.

ℹHelpful tips on staying active during the colder, darker months can be found here:
https://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/2023/jan/xx/how-to-keep-exercising-in-the-cold-dark-winter-months

ℹThere are also simple, low‑impact exercise ideas that can be done indoors or outdoors during winter:
https://www.everydayhealth.com/healthy-living/fitness/easy-winter-exercise-tips-help-you-stay-fit/

07/02/2026

Cost of Living Support
Many people are experiencing financial pressures due to the rising cost of living. Government guidance and support resources are available to help with managing money and household costs.

ℹFind government support and advice here:
https://www.gov.uk/cost-of-living/managing-money

ℹMoneyHelper also provides free, impartial guidance tailored to individual circumstances to help manage financial difficulties:
https://www.moneyhelper.org.uk/en/money-troubles/cost-of-living

ℹIf access to food is a concern, foodbanks can provide short‑term support and help signpost to other services:
https://www.trussell.org.uk/emergency-food/find-a-foodbank

Find out what support is available to help with the cost of living: income and disability benefits, bills and allowances, childcare, housing and travel.

06/02/2026

International Day of Zero Tolerance for FGM | 6 February
Female Ge***al Mutilation (FGM) refers to procedures that intentionally alter or cause injury to female ge***al organs for non‑medical reasons. It is illegal in the UK and recognised internationally as a human rights violation.
ℹInformation and guidance, including how to seek help or report concerns, is available here:

Get help and support if you or someone you know is a victim or in danger of female ge***al mutilation (FGM) (also known as 'female circumcision' or 'female ge***al cutting')