New Longton Surgery

23/03/2026

Lots of people don’t know this, but children don’t need to be able to read to have their eyes tested - they can have an eye test at any age, regardless of their ability to read or speak. Every child should get their eyes tested every year, or more if recommended by an eye health professional.

For more information and tips about how to look after your children’s eyesight, straight from RNIB’s trusted experts, download our free children’s eye health guide rnib.in/EyeHealthGuideForm

[Image description: In pink hues, a graphic shows a representation of an open book with text that reads ‘Children need to be able to read to have an eye test?’ with ‘True’ or ‘False’ icons above.]

23/03/2026

23/03/2026

23/03/2026

Did you know that you can have more than one type of dementia?

This is known as mixed dementia, and it affects at least 1 in 10 people who are diagnosed with dementia.

Dementia is caused by diseases in the brain. The most common types are Alzheimer’s disease, vascular or blood vessel disease, and Lewy body disease.

Sometimes, a doctor may find that a person has clear signs and symptoms of at least two different types of dementia. When this happens, they will make a diagnosis of mixed dementia.

Most diagnoses of mixed dementia tend to be a combination of Alzheimer's disease with vascular dementia. The two different types of disease combine to make symptoms worse than they would be on their own.

Less commonly, mixed dementia can involve more than two types, and it can also involve other rarer types of dementia.

There’s no fixed set of symptoms for mixed dementia. This is because a person’s symptoms depend on the relative contributions of each type of dementia that they have.

It’s common to have more symptoms of one type than another.

To know more about the likely symptoms of mixed dementia, you need to learn about the symptoms of the different types involved. We have lots of information about this on our website.

And if you’d like more information, support or advice, call the Dementia Support Line on 0333 150 3456.

23/03/2026

Something not feeling right?

A tightness in your chest or an unusual sense of unease shouldn't be ignored. These could be early signs of a heart attack.

Trust your instincts. If something feels wrong, call 999 straight away and describe what you're experiencing. Getting help quickly can make all the difference.

Find out more: nhs.uk/HeartAttack

22/03/2026

Cigarette filters are the second-largest plastic pollutant on Earth, and do not reduce health harms.

Ban filters and protect the planet.

22/03/2026

People with Down's syndrome have a higher risk of developing dementia.

Knowing which signs to look out for can help make sure they get the right care and assessments as early as possible.

People with Down’s syndrome may have similar dementia symptoms as people without Down's syndrome. However, there may be some differences, such as changes in the person’s behaviour and personality.

They might become less willing to co-operate (for example, with daily tasks around the home). Or they might become stubborn, irritable or withdrawn.

The most common sign of dementia in older people is memory loss. As a person with Down’s syndrome may already have difficulties with their short-term memory, this symptom of dementia can easily be missed.

People with Down’s syndrome may experience epilepsy or fits. If a person with Down’s syndrome in later life begins to have fits, or experiences them more than usual, this could be a sign of dementia.

Speak to the GP straight away if you have any concerns about the person you care for.

People with Down’s syndrome are also more likely to have sight or hearing loss, depression, and an underactive thyroid. Dementia can complicate all of these conditions.

If you have any concerns or worries, speak to your loved one’s GP or community learning disability nurse.

22/03/2026

If you need urgent support in the North West you can call NHS 111 and select the mental health option to talk to a mental health professional and get help 24/7.

➡️nhs.uk/nhs-services/mental-health-services/where-to-get-urgent-help-for-mental-health/

22/03/2026

Know the common symptoms of a heart attack and stroke.

If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, seek medical care immediately ⬇️