Leek and Biddulph PCN

15/10/2025

12/10/2025

🧠💥 What is Rheumatoid Arthritis? Professor David Scott, Consultant Rheumatologist, explains it clearly:

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic inflammatory autoimmune condition that primarily affects the joints - especially in the hands and feet 🙌🦶. It can cause pain, swelling, stiffness, and fatigue, and it can deeply impact daily life 😓

But here’s the good news - with the right treatment and support, RA doesn’t have to define you. You can still work, stay active, and live well 💪🌈

📚 Learn more and find support:
👉 https://ow.ly/TwaA50X9HhJ
👉 https://ow.ly/kBpw50X9HiK

👉 https://ow.ly/BAmn50X9HhI

You are not alone 💙

10/10/2025

🧠💬 This World Mental Health Day, let’s take a moment to check in on each other - a simple conversation can make a world of difference 🌍❤️

Here’s how to support someone who might be struggling:
1️⃣ Find a quiet space with no distractions - be fully present 🤝
2️⃣ Listen without interrupting and ask thoughtful questions 👂❓
3️⃣ Ask how you can help - it might be booking a GP appointment, helping with chores, or just being there 🫶

📱 Remember: social media isn’t always real.
Feeling low? It’s OK to log off. It’s OK to not be OK all the time.
Less screen time = more time to breathe, reflect, and reset 🌿💚

💡 Mental health matters every day.
Small actions = BIG impact.

📖 Learn more and find support here:
👉 https://www.mentalhealth.org.uk
👉 https://www.nhs.uk/nhs-services/mental-health-services/

Banish harmful habits such as smoking, drugs and drinking to feel better: https://patient.info/features/healthy-living

08/10/2025

🔴 IMPORTANT NOTICE TO ALL PATIENTS AND VISITORS 🔴

🚧 Building Work: 15th–17th October 🚧

Please note that the ground floor entrance by the car park will be CLOSED during this time.

👉 All patients should use the entrance next to the pharmacy instead.

We apologise for any inconvenience and thank you for your understanding.

08/10/2025

🧘‍♀️💪 Looking after your back has never been more important - whether you're working from home, on your feet all day, or just trying to stay strong and mobile 🪑🫶

This gentle, low-impact back care class from InstructorLive focuses on improving strength and flexibility in the muscles that support your spine 🌀🦴 It’s ideal for those managing back pain or wanting to prevent it altogether 💥

🎥 Watch the safety video first: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JcykLowYWGc

08/10/2025

📣We’re hiring! Business Intelligence Officer – Leek & Biddulph PCN

Do you love turning data into insights that improve patient care? Join our team and help shape the future of primary care through data-driven decisions.

📊 Full-time, permanent
📍 Biddulph, Stoke-on-Trent
🗓 Closes: 14 Oct 2025

👉 Apply here: https://beta.jobs.nhs.uk/candidate/jobadvert/A5111-25-0005

Be part of something that truly makes a difference 💙

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06/10/2025

🫀💥 October is National Cholesterol Month – the perfect time to take charge of your heart health! ❤️✨

High cholesterol often has no symptoms, but it can lead to serious health issues like heart attacks and strokes 😟💔. The good news? You can take action today.

Here’s how to get started:
🥗 Eat heart-healthy foods (cut down on saturated fats!)
🚶‍♂️ Stay active with regular movement
🧪 Know your cholesterol numbers and get checked
🧠 Understand your risks and take control

📚 Learn more with trusted resources:
👉 https://www.heartuk.org.uk
👉 https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/high-cholesterol/
👉 https://patient.info/heart-health/high-cholesterol
🍽️ Tips for eating out with high cholesterol:
👉 https://patient.info/news-and-features/eating-out-with-high-cholesterol

Every small step counts when it comes to protecting your heart 👣💚

03/10/2025

🍹❌ Feeling like it’s time for a reset? Sober October is your chance to take a break from alcohol, boost your health 💪, sleep better 😴, save money 💷, AND raise funds for Macmillan Cancer Support 🎗️💚

Whether you're doing it for your body, your mind, or someone you love - it’s the perfect excuse to say no thanks to that drink and yes to a better you 🌟🧠

⚠️ Be careful of slipping into drinking more than usual - especially once October ends.
If you have a long-term condition, alcohol can interfere with your medication 💊 and make symptoms worse.

Try to build healthy habits that last:
✅ Make alcohol-free days a regular thing
✅ Know your limits
✅ Reach out for support if you're struggling

🛑 Sign up and go booze-free this October 👉 https://www.gosober.org.uk 🍺

01/10/2025

💊 Paracetamol and Pregnancy: A Gentle Reminder

Paracetamol remains the first-choice pain relief for pregnant women when needed. ✅

👉 There is no evidence that taking paracetamol during pregnancy causes autism in children.
👉 It is considered safe when used at the lowest effective dose for the shortest time possible.
👉 Paracetamol also helps reduce fever, making it an important option during pregnancy.

💡 If you’re pregnant and unsure about medications, always check with your healthcare provider.

✨ Rest assured: paracetamol continues to be a trusted and recommended option for pain and fever in pregnancy.

for more information visit:

Patients should be reminded and reassured that there is no evidence that taking paracetamol during pregnancy causes autism in children. Paracetamol is recommended as the first-choice pain reliever for pregnant women, used at the lowest dose and for the shortest duration. It also acts as an antipyret...

01/10/2025

🚭 October is Stoptober - your chance to take control of your health and quit smoking for good 💪🔥

Whether you've quit, started again, or switched to va**ng, it’s vital to let your doctor know. Why? Because smoking directly affects the treatment and management of long-term conditions like:
❤️ Coronary heart disease (CHD)
🦵 Peripheral arterial disease (PAD)
🧠 Stroke or TIA
💉 High blood pressure (hypertension)
🩸 Type 2 diabetes
🫁 COPD and asthma (in adults)
💭 History of psychosis, schizophrenia or bipolar disorder
🚰 Chronic kidney disease (CKD)

Your smoking status plays a big role in your care plan. Don’t keep it to yourself - tell your GP.

💬 Want to quit? Help is out there:
👉 Speak to your GP
👉 Call the NHS Smokefree Helpline 0300 123 1044
👉 Or visit: https://www.nhs.uk/live-well/quit-smoking/nhs-stop-smoking-services-help-you-quit/

Every day smoke-free is a win 🏆

29/09/2025

❤️ How healthy is your heart?
A heart attack can strike without warning — but recognising the symptoms early can save lives ⚠️💔

🚨 Common warning signs include:
• Chest pain or pressure 🫀
• Pain spreading to your arm, neck, jaw or back
• Shortness of breath 😮‍💨
• Cold sweat 😓
• Lightheadedness or nausea 😵‍💫

💡 If you have a family history of heart conditions, you may be at higher risk. It’s time to take action:
🧠 Learn the signs: https://ow.ly/USAe50X2Q2S
🫀 Check how healthy your heart is: https://ow.ly/nTUN50X2Q36
📊 Calculate your heart age: https://ow.ly/MV2z50X2Q34
💉 Understand your blood pressure: https://ow.ly/QYfz50X2Q2Q

💬 Don’t wait until it’s too late. Knowledge is power — prevention is everything.

25/09/2025

Pharmacists do so much more than dispense medicines. They offer expert health advice, help manage long-term conditions, provide vaccinations, and guide you on safe, effective treatments. 💊

This year, let’s celebrate the vital role they play in keeping our communities healthy — often as the first point of care.

Learn how to get the most from your pharmacist:
https://ow.ly/osVT50X0VAK