Bupa UK

24/10/2025

Struggling with low mood as the days get shorter?

It could be Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)

SAD is a type of depression linked to seasonal changes, often starting in autumn and lasting through winter.

Here are some tips to help navigate SAD:
💙 Get outside - natural light can boost your mood.
💙 Let in the light - open blinds and sit near windows.
💙 Feed your body - eat a balanced diet with plenty of nutrients.
💙 Get moving - exercise helps release feel-good chemicals.
💙 Keep a diary - track your feelings and triggers.
💙 Help your future self - plan enjoyable activities to look forward to.

If you’re feeling very low or struggling to cope, speak to a healthcare professional. You’re not alone, support is available.

📌 This content is for illustrative purposes only. Please speak to a medical professional to discuss any concerns or specific circumstances.

23/10/2025

You asked… and Dr Rebecca answered! Here are the top 10 questions around Genomics, Medication Check and DNA Health Check.
 
💙 What is Genomics?
Genomics is the study of your DNA and how it interacts with your environment to influence your traits and health.
 
💙 Is Medication Check the same as an allergy test?
No. Allergy tests detect immune reactions to medications. Medication Check looks at how your genes affect how your body processes medicines.
 
💙 What is the DNA Health Check?
This is a genomic test available to eligible health assessment customers. It provides insights into your risk of developing conditions such as prostate cancer, breast cancer, cardiovascular disease and type 2 diabetes.
 
💙 What does Medication Check do?
It analyses your genetic response to over 100 commonly used medications, including those prescribed by your GP or bought over the counter.
 
💙 How do I take the test?
Receive a saliva collection kit by post.
Provide your sample and return it using the prepaid envelope.
Receive your results via email in around 4 weeks.
Book an optional 30-minute GP consultation to discuss your results.
 
💙 Who can take the test?
UK residents aged 18+
No need to be a Bupa customer
Not suitable if you’ve had a recent blood transfusion or certain transplants (bone marrow, stem cell, liver, or kidney).
 
💙 What happens to my data?
Your data is securely stored and processed by Bupa and trusted third-party providers in the UK, with strict privacy protections in place.
 
💙 Why is genomics important in healthcare?
Genomics enables personalised medicine, which allows healthcare professionals tailor treatments and medications to your unique genetic profile.
 
💙 What is the human genome?
The human genome is the complete set of genetic instructions in your DNA, made up of around 20,000 genes arranged in 23 chromosome pairs.
 
💙 What does PGx mean?
PGx stands for pharmacogenomics which the study of how your genes influence your response to medications, helping guide safer and more effective treatment choices.
 

23/10/2025

What a busy Wednesday we had here at pebble mill. Yesterday afternoon was a jam packed schedule for us all. We kick started the afternoon with our exercise class with Richard Fitnniss - Wellbeing in Care. Followed by talks with toby from the BBC. Toby educated us on when this site used to be Pebble Mill studios.
One resident told toby that her grandson is studying in Manchester to work on the news but never understood what he was talking about. She says the afternoon has opened her eyes as to what he does and now she has more understanding can talk to him about it.
Lots of questions was asked by all our residents and toby was more then happy to help.

22/10/2025

1 in 6 breast cancers don’t present as a lump. Knowing the other warning signs could save a life - Here’s what to look for:

✅ Skin changes – puckering, dimpling, rash or a texture like orange peel
✅ New ni**le inversion – if your ni**le suddenly pulls inwards and that’s not your usual
✅ Discharge or bleeding from the ni**le
✅ Changes in shape or size – breasts aren’t identical, but look for new asymmetry
✅ Persistent pain or tenderness

💖Check monthly by looking and feeling each breast. There’s no “right” technique - what matters is noticing what’s normal for you so you can spot changes early.

🎗️ It’s Breast Cancer Awareness Month so please SHARE this post to help someone else recognise the signs. Early detection saves lives!

22/10/2025

Today at Pebble Mill we have Toby from the BBC coming in to do talks on when this site used to be Pebble Mill studios. Pictures for us to look through with interesting facts followed by a question and answer.

21/10/2025

Meet Jenny. Jenny has suffered with back pain for a long time, and she's here to remind you the importance of seeking help and following your treatment plans. Whilst they might seem like small steps, they are crucial in your recovery.

If you suffer from back pain, or know someone that does, you're not alone. Check the link to watch the full conversation: https://bit.ly/47qJ3qq

📌 This content is for illustrative purposes only. Please speak to a medical professional to discuss any concerns or specific circumstances.

21/10/2025

We are getting ready at Pebble Mill for spooky season. Residents have been engaging with pumpkin carving these are going to be displayed in reception and we are going to vote for the best pumpkin.
One resident who is 93 years young has never before carved a pumpkin so was keen to give it a try. She said that she is glad to be given the opportunity to try new things even later on in life.
The team are working hard to make everything spooktacular ready for our Halloween party.

18/10/2025

This World Menopause Day, we’re spotlighting women’s health with expert advice from our Women's Health Clinical Lead, Dr Sam Wild. 💬 She shares her top tips for managing menopause and highlights some of the most common symptoms to look out for, from hot flushes to mood changes. 💡 Whether you're going through it or supporting someone who is, you won’t want to miss this. 💙

📌 This content is for illustrative purposes only. Please speak to a medical professional to discuss any concerns or specific circumstances.

17/10/2025

Pebbles pumpkin parade. Our activities team have been out today and brought pumpkins to get us in the spooky spirit ready for our Halloween party. The residents and team was on hand to help get them into the home. There will be displayed in the reception area please vote for your favourite pumpkin. There will be a box for your nominations. Come back to see our spooktacular creations.

16/10/2025

Is back pain doing your head in? It's a common complaint, so here's Dr Zoe Williams with her top tips on how to tackle back pain.

1. Rest isn't always best
2. Movement is medicine
3. Consistency is key
4. Act sooner rather than later
5. Managing back pain is possible

If you suffer with back pain, or if you just want to find out more, check the link for the full conversation. https://bit.ly/3KRzx7Y 💙

📌 This content is for illustrative purposes only. Please speak to a medical professional to discuss any concerns or specific circumstances.

16/10/2025

Super 7's abseil and we had the Opportunity of meeting. The lord Mayor of Birmingham.

13/10/2025

You might be surprised to hear that the hardest part of my job isn’t just treating the cancer itself, but helping patients manage everything else that comes with it - the fatigue, sleep issues, emotional strain, toll on relationships.

In fact, 1 in 3 people with cancer experience anxiety or depression. And the truth is, it’s probably more than that.

My PhD research focuses on improving quality of life for people living with cancer, because true cancer care means caring for both body and mind.

So whether you’re going through cancer or supporting someone who is, I hope this video encourages you to take a moment to check in with yourself, emotionally as well as physically. Looking after your mental health is part of cancer care too. 💙

13/10/2025

So we finally did it! The super 7 completed the charity abseil yesterday raising a total of £723. There was excitement, fear and tears. But one thing is for certain we all loved it and was so happy we got a chance to do something like this whilst raising money for an amazing cause. Thank you to University Hospitals Birmingham Charity for talking us into it and for helping us make it happen.
The Just giving page will remain open until Friday 17th October 2025 for any last minute donations we may receive. Thank you to everyone who sponsored up.
A massive thank you to the super 7 you was all amazing.

13/10/2025

Happy Birthday to Joan at our Alveston Leys Care Home in Stratford-upon-Avon 💙

10/10/2025

Today is world mental health day. Loneliness in the elderly community is a great concern so here at Pebble Mill we are being pen pals with one of sister homes (St Georges). We have spent the morning reading there letters and replying to them. A great way to make new friends.

10/10/2025

2 DAYS TO GO!!! Please if you haven't already donated to this amazing cause there is still time. Pennies make pounds so as much or as little as you can comfortably afford would be very much appreciated.
Thank you to everyone who has already donated

Pebble Mills super 7 will not be doing the abseil on Saturday 20th September. Due to weather conditions and health and safety the organiser has postponed our abseil until Sunday 12th October. We are all disappointed as was very much looking forward to doing it. Every cloud has a silver lining. This gives us a extra 3 weeks to raise as much money as we can for this amazing cause.
Pennies make pounds. So please give what you can spare the smallest of donations helps us get closer to our target of £1000.
On behalf of the super 7 thank you all for your ongoing support.

https://www.justgiving.com/page/pebble-mill-care-home-abseil?utm_medium=FR&utm_source=CL

09/10/2025

Meet Jody, she recently took Bupa’s Medication Check and it helped her take control of her health.

With a family history of breast cancer, she’s been under regular care of her doctor and has previously been recommended Tamoxifen as a preventative drug. But knowing the potential side effects, she hesitated.

After taking Bupa’s Medication Check, it revealed that Tamoxifen wouldn’t be effective for her, a powerful insight that now allows her to explore better options.

Personalised testing that can make a difference.

Find out more: https://bit.ly/42Spy8v

09/10/2025

3 DAYS TO GO!!! Please if you haven't already donated to this amazing cause there is still time. Pennies make pounds so as much or as little as you can comfortably afford would be very much appreciated.
Thank you to everyone who has already donated.

Pebble Mills super 7 will not be doing the abseil on Saturday 20th September. Due to weather conditions and health and safety the organiser has postponed our abseil until Sunday 12th October. We are all disappointed as was very much looking forward to doing it. Every cloud has a silver lining. This gives us a extra 3 weeks to raise as much money as we can for this amazing cause.
Pennies make pounds. So please give what you can spare the smallest of donations helps us get closer to our target of £1000.
On behalf of the super 7 thank you all for your ongoing support.

https://www.justgiving.com/page/pebble-mill-care-home-abseil?utm_medium=FR&utm_source=CL

09/10/2025

Don't you just love when a last minute plan just works amazingly. Today at pebble mill we have had Lollipop Pony the Mini Diva come and join us after a last minute booking. The smiles of everyone's faces the shock of having a real pony in there rooms. A few of our residents asked if they was real thinking they was battery operated haha. Perfect morning petting ponies.

08/10/2025

Not all meds work the same for everyone; and your DNA could be the reason why.

Medication Check from Bupa helps you find what works best for your body, and it's as easy as a saliva swab.

Find out more: https://bit.ly/42Spy8v

08/10/2025

4 DAYS TO GO!!! Please if you haven't already donated to this amazing cause there is still time. Pennies make pounds so as much or as little as you can comfortably afford would be very much appreciated.
Thank you to everyone who has already donated.

Pebble Mills super 7 will not be doing the abseil on Saturday 20th September. Due to weather conditions and health and safety the organiser has postponed our abseil until Sunday 12th October. We are all disappointed as was very much looking forward to doing it. Every cloud has a silver lining. This gives us a extra 3 weeks to raise as much money as we can for this amazing cause.
Pennies make pounds. So please give what you can spare the smallest of donations helps us get closer to our target of £1000.
On behalf of the super 7 thank you all for your ongoing support.

https://www.justgiving.com/page/pebble-mill-care-home-abseil?utm_medium=FR&utm_source=CL

08/10/2025

Our bi-weekly exercise session with Fitnniss - Wellbeing in Care. Our residents look forward to seeing Richard aka red shoes. With his dad jokes he always brings a fun element to the exercises sessions. Residents always look forward to our exercise classes and its always a big hit.

07/10/2025

You don’t need a stadium to show strength, just a loved one who’s there to listen. 💙

In our latest Bupa X ParalympicsGB story of what health is, Hollie Arnold, Paralympian, and her mum Jill open up about their mental health journeys - the quiet pressures, the challenges, and the power of family support.

Find out more about Bupa’s ParalympicsGB partnership: https://bit.ly/3WFFCbg

06/10/2025

Mum of Paralympian daughter Hollie Arnold, Jill, shares the importance of understanding yourself, speaking up, and leaning on those around you. 💙

Jill Arnold’s honesty is a reminder that mental health is a journey, and recognising your own warning signs is a powerful step forward.

🎥 Watch the full video of Hollie and Jill’s conversation - a powerful story of support, strength, and showing up. https://bit.ly/4pN1i1n