Furlong Medical Centre

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/135W50X2Q20
🫀 Check how healthy your heart is: https://ow.ly/uT0n50X2Q3O
📊 Calculate your heart age: https://ow.ly/fS1950X2Q22
💉 Understand your blood pressure: https://ow.ly/MWuS50X2Q28

💬 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/4hLa50X0VB4

24/09/2025

💚 Organ Donation Week

One conversation could save a life. Talking to your loved ones about your wishes means they can support your decision when it matters most.

Learn why it’s so important:
https://ow.ly/CBeJ50WZqrN
https://ow.ly/KC4L50WZqrU

22/09/2025

💪🔥 Activate your day with Joe Wicks!

🏃‍♂️💨 Quick, fun workouts to boost your 💥 energy, 😄 mood & 💗 health — wherever you are! Perfect for home, school, or outdoors.

🎥 Watch the playlist:
https://ow.ly/wlYe50WY2zW

19/09/2025

Blood cancer is the UK’s 5th most common cancer, but symptoms can be vague and easy to miss — such as persistent fatigue, unexplained bruising, or frequent infections.

Learn the early signs and find support:
https://bloodcancer.org.uk/

https://patient.info/news-and-features/what-are-the-early-warning-signs-of-blood-cancer

🩸

17/09/2025

The new 10-Year Health Plan – Fit for the Future sets out the vision for England’s healthcare.

📅 Over the next decade, the NHS will focus on:
💙 Better patient care
🧪 Medical innovation
🏡 More community-based services

Find out more here:
https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/10-year-health-plan-for-england-fit-for-the-future

17/09/2025

Just a reminder that our Winter Ready Event is today!
🕕 Time: 12:00 PM - 4:00 PM
📍 Location: Tunstall Methodist Church, Queens Avenue

Come join us for advice to stay healthy, warm and safe this winter ❄️

❄️ Are You Winter Ready?❄️

Join us for our Winter Ready Event – helping you Stay Warm, Stay Well & Stay Connected this winter!

🗓️ Date: Wednesday, 17th September 2025

🕙 Time: 12:00 PM – 4:00 PM

📍 Location: Tunstall Methodist Church, Queens Avenue

What’s Happening:

Warmth & Energy Support

Get advice on staying safe and warm at home, including energy-saving tips and support services.

Financial & Food Support

Find out what help is available to support you through the colder months.

Stay Connected, Stay Mentally Well

Discover local activities and support networks to help combat loneliness and promote mental wellbeing.

Health & Wellness Information

Learn about flu, COVID, and RSV vaccines for elderly and vulnerable groups, plus access information about the Pharmacy First scheme.

15/09/2025

🚭 Va**ng vs Smoking

Switching from smoking to va**ng can significantly reduce exposure to harmful chemicals — but va**ng is not risk-free. It still delivers ni****ne and other potentially harmful substances.

Learn more:
https://ow.ly/wAob50WVJlY
https://ow.ly/PxIx50WVJm4

13/09/2025

🩸 Sepsis is a life-threatening reaction to infection. Act fast if you notice:

• Slurred speech or confusion
• Extreme shivering or muscle pain
• Passing little or no urine
• Severe breathlessness
• Skin mottled, bluish, or very pale

These symptoms require immediate medical attention.

Learn more:
https://ow.ly/flz350WVGHR
https://ow.ly/KS0E50WVGHQ

10/09/2025

🕯 World Su***de Prevention Day – 10 September
Thoughts of self‑harm or su***de can be deeply distressing—and often, people don’t reach out for help. You are not alone and help is available.

This resource offers vital information and guidance:
https://ow.ly/Rz4f50WTO8P

UK Helplines — available to you now:

• Samaritans (24/7, free & confidential): Call 116 123, or email jo@samaritans.org
• CALM (Campaign Against Living Miserably): For anyone in crisis, call 0800 58 58 58 (5 pm–midnight daily)
• National Su***de Prevention Helpline UK: Call 0800 689 5652 (6 pm–midnight daily)
• Papyrus HOPELINEUK (under‑35s or concerned loved ones): 0800 068 4141 (24/7), or text 07786 209 697
• Shout (24/7 text support): Text SHOUT to 85258

You do not need to face these feelings alone—support is available, free, and just a call or text away.

03/09/2025

⚠️Patient Notice⚠️

Edit as of 16:00 03/09/2025: The phone lines are still down with no estimated time of resolution. We have been informed by our phone provider that this is a national issue.