Crown Medical Practice

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/eq7950YOUb3
Learn about support and community at Different Strokes: https://ow.ly/XZ6950YOUb2
Join peer support groups: https://ow.ly/r38r50YOUb0

30/04/2026

Did you guess 1978-80? Score!

But there’s another kit you should know about.

Everyone aged 50-74 will now receive a free bowel screening kit every 2 years.

More than 80,000 people from Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent return their kit every year.

So, when you get it, don’t forget it.

29/04/2026

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

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/

27/04/2026

Angel delight or a classic Marathon bar?

Bad for your health but good for your soul.
How about something that’s good for both?

Everyone aged 50-74 in Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent will receive a free bowel screening kit every 2 years.

Date it. Catch it. Swab it. Post it. 4 clean and simple steps to give yourself peace of mind.

So, when you get it, don’t forget it.

26/04/2026

If Grandstand was your Saturday sports go to, you might want to know that everyone aged 50-74 in Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent gets a free bowel screening kit every 2 years.

Just follow the instructions, send it back for free, and let us handle the rest.

When you get it, don’t forget it.

24/04/2026

Did you recognise the classic test card?

Well done you.

Here’s another test to remember: everyone aged 50-74 in Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent will get a free bowel cancer screening kit every 2 years.

It’s designed to catch issues early, even without symptoms.

So when you get it, don’t forget it.

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

Of course, it’s Slade’s very own Noddy Holder!

If his Christmas number one brings back the excitement of waiting for Santa to visit, we’ve got news for you.

Everyone aged 50-74 will now receive a free bowel screening kit every 2 years.

Over 80,000 people in Staffordshire and Stoke on Trent return their kit every year.

So, when you get it, don’t forget it.

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/