Cowdenbeath Medical Practice

16/11/2025

Battling the flu? 🤧 Here are some top tips from NHS inform to help you feel better and stop the flu from spreading:

TREATING FLU

🔹 Rest and Sleep: Give your body the time it needs to recover.
🔹 Stay Hydrated: Drink plenty of water to keep yourself hydrated.
🔹 Medication: Take paracetamol or ibuprofen to reduce fever and ease aches and pains.

The symptoms of flu usually develop 1 to 3 days after becoming infected, and most people will feel better within a week.

PREVENTING THE SPREAD

🔹 Good Hygiene: Wash your hands often with warm water and soap.
🔹 Cover Up: Use a tissue or your elbow to cover your mouth and nose when you cough or sneeze.
🔹 Get Rid: Bin used tissues as soon as possible.
🔹 Stay Home: If you have a high temperature or feel unwell, stay at home to avoid spreading the flu to others.
🔹 Clean Surfaces: regularly disinfect places like your computer keyboard, telephone and door handles.

Remember flu is spread by germs from coughs and sneezes, which can live on hands and surfaces for 24 hours. Follow our hygiene tips above to prevent the virus from spreading further!

16/11/2025

16/11/2025

Not sure whether you need to go to A&E?

Calling 111 helps get you to the right care in the right place, often with a scheduled appointment.

nhsfife.org/rightcare

13/11/2025

Flu season has arrived about a month earlier than usual in Scotland, and cases are rising rapidly.

Our latest blog focuses on what's happening this season, how we're monitoring flu and vaccine uptake, how to ensure you're protected and what to do if you have symptoms.

👉Given the early start to the season, we’re encouraging those who are eligible to get vaccinated as soon as possible.
👉Flu viruses change constantly, and this year’s vaccine is designed to protect against the three main types of flu viruses we usually see.
👉Most people who are eligible for this year’s vaccination are receiving their invitations by text, email or post, in a white envelope with clear NHS Scotland branding. Invitations will continue to be sent out as the programme progresses through the winter.
👉To prevent the spread of flu, we continue to recommend regular handwashing and advise people with symptoms of respiratory illness to stay and home and avoid spreading the virus to others.

Read more here: https://publichealthscotland.scot/our-blog/2025/november/with-this-year-s-flu-season-starting-early-find-out-how-to-stay-protected/

10/11/2025

ℹ️ Protected Learning Time (PLT) - 11th November ℹ️

On Tuesday 11th November 2025 the Practice will close for training in the afternoon from 1pm-6pm. The Practice will operate as normal from 8am-1pm.

We will re-open at 8am on Wednesday 12th November 2025.

If you require urgent medical attention which cannot wait until we re-open please contact the Urgent Care Service by dialling 01592 729250 or for helpful information visit: www.nhsinform.scot.

For information relating to our opening hours please visit our website: www.cowdenbeathmedicalpractice.co.uk or our page.

Thank you for your co-operation

Some GP practices are taking part in a Protected Learning Time session on Tuesday 11 November between 1pm and 6pm.

Practices take part in a number of sessions throughout the year to allow staff to access training. During this time:

▶️ patients requiring urgent care should call 01592 729 250
▶️ appointments should attend unless advised otherwise
▶️ pharmacies should call 01592 729 250 for urgent enquiries

Access to urgent care for patients of surgeries taking part will continue throughout. More: https://brnw.ch/21wXfGI

07/11/2025

ℹ️ Think Again!

03/11/2025

💗 October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month 💗
Breast cancer is the most common cancer in Scottish women, with one in seven developing the disease. We’re encouraging everyone to be breast aware, share the symptoms, and know where to turn if you have concerns.

♥️Know the symptoms:
A lump or thickened area in the breast or armpit
Changes in the size or shape of one or both breasts
Discharge from the ni**le (possibly blood-stained)
Dimpling or puckering of the skin
Rash or crusting around the ni**le
A ni**le that becomes sunken or changes position

♥️How to check your breasts:
Get to know what’s normal for you - there’s no right or wrong way to check.
Look and feel regularly, including the upper chest and armpits.
Do this in the shower, lying down, or in front of a mirror.

♥️What to do if you’re concerned:
If you notice anything unusual, don't wait. Speak to your GP as soon as possible.
You may be referred to a breast clinic for further tests like a mammogram or biopsy.

Remember: most breast changes aren’t cancer, but it’s always best to check.

02/11/2025

Pop-up Flu and COVID Vaccination clinic
Date: Tuesday 4th November 2025
Place: Cowdenbeath Leisure Centre
Car Park area
7 Pit Road
Cowdenbeath, KY4 9NN
Time: 9.30 am – 4.30 pm

There is no requirement for an appointment. For eligibility please visit: https://www.nhsfife.org/services/all-services/immunisation/winter-vaccines-202526/

21/10/2025

Visit NHS inform to find out more about the free online resources available to improve your mental wellbeing.

☁️SilverCloud - a website with courses that help you learn new ways to deal with the challenges you’re facing.

☀️Daylight - a digital programme to improve anxiety based on Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT).

💤Sleepio - a digital sleep improvement programme based on Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT).

Find out more: https://nhs24.info/mental_wellbeing

20/10/2025

20/10/2025

'Keep on top of your health and wellbeing with Fife's 4 active classes👟 Receive six weeks of support and a fully structured, personal activity plan!

Active for health will:

✅Grow your confidence
✅Develop your experience
✅Improve your fitness, mobility and strength 💪

Self-refer via the link below and start your class 😊
https://www.fifeleisure.org.uk/active/ '

Keep on top of your health and wellbeing with our 4 active classes👟 Receive six weeks of support and a fully structured, personal activity plan!

Active for health will:
✅Grow your confidence
✅Develop your experience
✅Improve your fitness, mobility and strength 💪

Self-refer via the link below and start your class 😊
https://www.fifeleisure.org.uk/active/

20/10/2025

ℹ️ Know The Risks!