Dean Cross Surgery, Plymstock

06/05/2026

Living with Crohn’s or Colitis can be unpredictable, painful and life-changing.

This year, you can make a difference by simply getting out and walking. 🚶‍♀️

“My WALK IT” is a flexible walking challenge you can take part in your own way – at your own pace, in your own time – while raising funds to support people living with Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD).

Take on 5 KM, 10 KM, a Half-marathon, or a Marathon
Lace up and walk at your own pace, solo, with friends, or with family. From park strolls to scenic trails, every step you take helps fund vital research and support people living with Crohn’s or Colitis.

Sign up, choose your distance, share your challenge and start fundraising now.

Enter our prize draw to win a Fitbit if you sign up before the 15th May! (T&Cs apply)

Find out more or sign up here:
My WALK IT 👉 https://crohns-colitis-uk.sync.giving/mywalkit-2026/?utm_source=Social+Media&utm_medium=Post&utm_campaign=My+WALK+IT&utm_id=Redmoor+Health

Every step helps support vital research and services. 💜

05/05/2026

Too many women still die from preventable causes during pregnancy and childbirth.

Skilled care before, during, and after birth can save lives — and midwives are best placed to provide it.

📊 Achieving universal coverage of midwife-delivered interventions by 2035 could avert 67% of these deaths.
⚠️ But the world is short of one million midwives.

Urgent action is needed to grow, support, and sustain the global midwifery workforce.

This , sign the global petition calling on policymakers for 👇
https://millionmore.org/petition/

04/05/2026

Having a personalised asthma action plan can help you stay in control of your symptoms and know exactly what to do if they change. It is a written plan agreed with your healthcare professional that explains your daily treatment, how to recognise worsening symptoms and what steps to take in an emergency.

A good asthma action plan can help you:
• Understand your triggers and how to avoid them 🌿⚠️
• Take the right medication at the right time 💊🩺
• Spot early warning signs of an asthma attack 👀💨
• Know when to seek urgent medical help 🚑⏱️

Keeping your plan up to date and easy to access can give you confidence and help prevent serious asthma attacks. 💙🫁✨

Learn more about asthma action plans: https://www.asthmaandlung.org.uk/conditions/asthma/manage/your-asthma-action-plan

01/05/2026

Knowing the signs of a stroke and acting quickly can save lives and reduce long-term disability. A stroke happens when blood flow to the brain is interrupted, and urgent treatment is essential.

Remember the FAST signs:
• Face drooping on one side 😟
• Arm weakness or numbness 💪⚠️
• Speech difficulty or slurred speech 🗣️❗
• Time to call 999 immediately ⏱️🚑

Recovery doesn’t stop after hospital care. Ongoing support, rehabilitation and connecting with others can make a big difference to rebuilding confidence and independence after a stroke. Peer support groups and specialist organisations can provide advice, encouragement and a sense of community for both patients and carers. 💙🧠✨

Find support for stroke survivors: https://ow.ly/vWzu50YOUxp
Learn about support and community at Different Strokes: https://ow.ly/Y3Pq50YOUxW
Join peer support groups: https://ow.ly/4Euq50YOUxu

29/04/2026

Allergies are common and can range from mild to severe. They happen when the body reacts to something harmless like pollen, food, dust or animal fur. Symptoms can vary depending on the trigger and the person.

Common allergy symptoms include:
• Sneezing, runny or blocked nose 🤧✨
• Itchy eyes, skin or throat 👀💙
• Rashes, hives or swelling 🌿⚠️
• Breathing difficulties or wheezing 🫁💨

Most allergies can be managed, but some reactions can be serious. Call 999 immediately if someone has signs of a severe allergic reaction (anaphylaxis), such as difficulty breathing, swelling of the face or throat, feeling faint or collapsing. 🚑⚠️

Understanding triggers, knowing the difference between allergies and intolerances, and taking early action can help keep you and your family safe. 💙✨

Read NHS advice on allergies: https://ow.ly/vxhs50YNVlw
Learn the difference between food allergy and intolerance: https://ow.ly/l17650YNVkX
Find advice on protecting babies against allergies: https://ow.ly/FNik50YNVlk

28/04/2026

27/04/2026

Childhood vaccinations are one of the safest and most effective ways to protect children from serious diseases.

Vaccines help the immune system recognise and fight infections like measles, meningitis and whooping cough before they can cause harm. By keeping up to date with vaccinations, you are not only protecting your child but also helping protect vulnerable people in the wider community.

Without vaccination, children are at higher risk of serious illness, complications, hospitalisation and, in some cases, long-term health problems. Outbreaks of preventable diseases can spread more easily when vaccination rates drop.

Benefits of childhood vaccinations include:
• Protection against serious and potentially life-threatening diseases 💉🛡️
• Reduced spread of infections in schools and communities 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦✨
• Long-term protection and peace of mind 💙🌿
• Helping protect those who cannot be vaccinated ⚠️💛

Keeping vaccinations up to date is a simple step that can make a lifelong difference. 💙✨

Learn about NHS vaccinations and when to have them: https://www.nhs.uk/vaccinations/nhs-vaccinations-and-when-to-have-them/

24/04/2026

This coming Tuesday! A friendly Long Covid peer support group.

Connect with others, share experiences and access helpful signposting to local services and resources. This group is a space to focus on wellbeing in the company of those who truly understand, to help manage symptoms and promote recovery.

For more information, email: scarlett@westdevoncvs.org.uk
Click here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/914335834635952/

24/04/2026

This coming Tuesday! A welcoming peer support group.

Are you living with a stoma or bowel condition? This group is for those who have, or are about to have, a colostomy, ileostomy or urostomy, as well as families and friends who offer support too.

Our group provides a safe space to share experiences, access practical advice from those who truly get it and build lasting friendships. Together we can reduce isolation, promote confidence and improve quality of life for everyone affected by stoma surgery or bowel conditions in the South Hams.

Everyone is welcome, whether you're newly adjusting or have lived with a stoma for years.

For more information, please email: scarlett@westdevoncvs.org.uk

24/04/2026

MS Awareness Week is a chance to raise awareness of Multiple Sclerosis and support those living with the condition.

MS affects the brain and spinal cord and can cause a wide range of symptoms, including fatigue, vision problems, numbness, muscle stiffness and difficulties with balance or coordination. Symptoms can vary greatly from person to person, which is why understanding and awareness are so important.

There are still many myths about MS, which can lead to misunderstanding and stigma. Learning the facts can help people feel more supported and informed, whether you are living with MS or supporting someone who is. 💙🧠✨

Learn more about MS and support available: https://mstrust.org.uk
Read about common myths and facts about MS: https://patient.info/features/brain-nerves/myths-about-multiple-sclerosis-you-need-to-stop-believing

22/04/2026

🧡🧡🧡

This week is MS Awareness Week.

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a lifelong condition that affects the brain and spinal cord.

There are lots of possible symptoms of MS. Everyone with this condition is affected differently.

ℹ️ http://nhs.uk/conditions/multiple-sclerosis/

22/04/2026

Diabetic eye screening is an important part of diabetes care and helps protect your sight. Diabetes can damage the small blood vessels in the eyes, leading to a condition called diabetic retinopathy, which can cause vision loss if not detected early. Screening checks for early signs before you notice any changes, meaning treatment can start sooner and help prevent serious damage.

If you have diabetes and are aged 12 or over, you will usually be invited for screening every 1–2 years. The test is quick and involves taking photographs of the back of your eyes to check for any changes.

Attending your screening appointment can:
• Detect problems early before symptoms develop 👁️✨
• Help prevent or reduce sight loss 💙🩺
• Support long-term eye health as part of your diabetes care 🌿📊

Even if your vision feels fine, it’s important to attend when invited. 💙✨

Learn more about diabetic eye screening: https://www.nhs.uk/tests-and-treatments/diabetic-eye-screening/