Church Stretton Medical Practice

27/05/2026

Staying active as you get older is one of the best ways to maintain independence, improve wellbeing and reduce the risk of conditions like heart disease and stroke. It’s never too late to start, and even small amounts of movement can make a difference. 💙🚶‍♂️✨

For older adults, the NHS recommends:
• Being active every day, even with light activities 🌿💙
• Aiming for around 150 minutes of moderate activity each week, such as brisk walking 🚶‍♀️✨
• Doing strength exercises at least twice a week to keep muscles strong 💪🩺
• Including balance and flexibility activities to reduce the risk of falls ⚖️🌱

Activities like walking, gardening, swimming or gentle exercise classes can all help improve physical and mental wellbeing, as well as reduce loneliness and support independence.

Find out more about staying active as you get older: https://www.nhs.uk/live-well/exercise/physical-activity-guidelines-older-adults/

25/05/2026

Bladder cancer is one of the most common cancers, and recognising the signs early can make a real difference to outcomes. The most common symptom is blood in your p*e, even if it only happens once or is not painful, and it should always be checked by a GP.

Other symptoms to look out for include:
• Pain, burning or stinging when passing urine 💧⚠️
• Needing to p*e more often or urgently 🚽⏱️
• Repeated urinary infections 🔁🩺
• Pain in the lower tummy or back 🤕✨
• Feeling very tired or losing weight without trying 💙📉

These symptoms are often caused by other conditions, but it’s important not to ignore them. Getting checked early can lead to earlier diagnosis and more effective treatment.

Learn more about bladder cancer: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/bladder-cancer/
Read detailed information from Cancer Research UK: https://www.cancerresearchuk.org/about-cancer/bladder-cancer

23/05/2026

Looking to connect with others who understand life with Crohn’s or Colitis? 💜

Join one of our upcoming virtual social events – a friendly and supportive space to meet others, share experiences, and connect from the comfort of home 💬

📅 Young Adults – Tues 26th May at 6.30pm
Book here: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/young-adults-virtual-social-event-tickets-1987064938722?aff=ebdsshcopyurl&utm-campaign=social&utm-content=attendeeshare&utm-medium=discovery&utm-source=cp&utm-term=listing

📅 North of England – Mon 1st June at 6.30pm
Book here: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/north-of-england-virtual-social-event-tickets-1987058184520?aff=ebdsshcopyurl&utm-campaign=social&utm-content=attendeeshare&utm-medium=discovery&utm-source=cp&utm-term=listing

📅 Friends & Family – Wed 10th June at 6.30pm
Book here: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/friends-and-family-virtual-social-event-tickets-1987603565770?aff=ebdsshcopyurl&utm-campaign=social&utm-content=attendeeshare&utm-medium=discovery&utm-source=cp&utm-term=listing

📅 South West – Mon 15th June at 6.30pm
Book here: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/south-west-virtual-social-event-tickets-1987617982892?aff=ebdsshcopyurl&utm-campaign=social&utm-content=attendeeshare&utm-medium=discovery&utm-source=cp&utm-term=listing

📅 It Takes Guts – Sun 21st June at 10.30am
Book here: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/it-takes-guts-virtual-social-event-tickets-1988079623672?aff=ebdsshcopyurl&utm-campaign=social&utm-content=attendeeshare&utm-medium=discovery&utm-source=cp&utm-term=listing

Whether you’re looking for support, friendship, advice, or simply a chance to chat with people who get it, we’d love to see you there 💜💬

22/05/2026

Maintaining a healthy weight is important for your overall health and wellbeing. Even small changes can make a big difference, helping to reduce your risk of serious conditions like heart disease, type 2 diabetes and high blood pressure. 💙⚖️✨

Losing just a small amount of weight, around 5–10% of your body weight, can have significant health benefits, including improving blood pressure, cholesterol and energy levels.

Simple ways to work towards a healthier weight include:
• Eating a balanced diet and making healthier food choices 🥗🌿
• Being more active and moving regularly 🚶‍♂️💪
• Setting realistic, achievable goals 📊✨
• Making small, sustainable changes over time 💙🌱

The NHS Better Health programme offers free tools, apps and a 12-week plan to help you build healthier habits and stay on track.

Start your journey to a healthier weight: https://www.nhs.uk/better-health/lose-weight/

20/05/2026

If your child or young person has an earache, your local pharmacy can often help without needing a GP appointment. Through the Pharmacy First service, pharmacists can assess symptoms, give advice and provide treatment where appropriate for children aged 1 to 17. 💙👶🩺✨

Pharmacists can:
• Assess your child’s symptoms and check for signs of infection 🔍💙
• Offer advice on managing pain and symptoms at home 🌿💊
• Provide treatment, including some prescription medicines if needed 💊🩺
• Refer you to a GP or other service if symptoms need further care 🚑⚠️

Earache is a common condition in children, and many cases can be safely managed with support from your pharmacist. Getting help locally can save time and ensure your child gets the right care quickly.

Learn how pharmacies can help (Pharmacy First): https://www.nhs.uk/nhs-services/pharmacies/how-pharmacies-can-help/

18/05/2026

🌸 May Bank Holiday Closures 🌸

Please note that Church Streeton Medical Practice will be closed on:
📅 Monday 25th May

Make sure to order any repeat medications in plenty of time to avoid delays.

If you need urgent medical help while we’re closed, please call 111, or 999 in an emergency.

Thank you for your understanding

18/05/2026

Walking is one of the easiest ways to boost your health and wellbeing, and it doesn’t require any special equipment or gym membership. Even a brisk 10-minute walk a day can improve your mood, increase energy levels and support heart health. 🚶‍♀️💚✨

Regular walking can help:
• Improve heart health and reduce risk of disease ❤️🩺
• Boost mood and reduce stress and anxiety 🌿💙
• Increase energy levels and improve sleep ⚡🌙
• Support weight management and overall fitness ⚖️✨

You don’t need to do hours of exercise to see benefits. Short, regular walks all add up and count towards the recommended activity levels.

Making walking part of your daily routine, whether it’s a lunchtime walk, walking to work or getting outside with friends, can have a big impact on your physical and mental wellbeing. 💚🚶‍♂️✨

Get active with NHS tips and support: https://www.nhs.uk/better-health/get-active/
Find out more about National Walking Month: https://www.livingstreets.org.uk/get-involved/national-walking-month/

17/05/2026

High blood pressure (hypertension) is often called a “silent killer” because it usually has no symptoms, but it can significantly increase your risk of heart attacks, strokes and kidney disease if left untreated. The only way to know your numbers is to get your blood pressure checked. 💙🩺✨

The good news is that checks are quick, simple and often available at your local pharmacy without needing an appointment. Many pharmacies offer free NHS blood pressure checks for people aged 40 and over, making it easier than ever to stay on top of your health.

Getting your blood pressure checked can:
• Detect problems early before symptoms appear 🔍💙
• Help prevent serious health conditions 🫀⚠️
• Give you advice on lifestyle changes if needed 🌿✨
• Support long-term heart health 📊💪

Taking a few minutes to check your blood pressure could make a life-saving difference. 💙✨

Find a pharmacy offering free blood pressure checks: https://ow.ly/sfN150Z04I8

15/05/2026

Prickly heat (heat rash) is common in warm weather and happens when sweat gets trapped under the skin. It can feel uncomfortable, but it’s usually harmless and clears up on its own.

Common symptoms include:
• Small red or raised spots on the skin 🌡️🔴
• An itchy, prickly or stinging feeling 🤧⚡
• Mild swelling or irritation 💧✨
• Often appears on the neck, chest, back or skin folds 👕🌿

What can help:
• Keep your skin cool and avoid overheating ❄️💙
• Wear loose, breathable clothing like cotton 👕🌿
• Stay well hydrated 💧✨
• Use cool compresses or showers to soothe the skin 🚿🧊

Heat rash usually improves within a few days, but if it doesn’t get better or you’re concerned, seek advice.

Learn more about prickly heat and how to treat it: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/heat-rash-prickly-heat/

13/05/2026

13/05/2026

Taking action for mental health can make a real difference, whether it’s for yourself, for someone else, or for all of us.

Raising awareness is important, but meaningful change happens when we turn that awareness into everyday actions.

Simple ways to take action include:
• Checking in with yourself and taking time to rest and recharge 💙🌿
• Reaching out to someone who might need support 🤝✨
• Talking openly about mental health to reduce stigma 🗣️💬
• Getting involved in your community or supporting others 🌍💛

Small actions can have a big impact on wellbeing, helping create a more supportive and understanding environment for everyone. 💙✨

Learn more and get involved: https://ow.ly/l5v850YWv0v