Tonbridge Medical Group

13/01/2026

National Obesity Awareness Week, 10th–16th January

National Obesity Awareness Week (NOAW) runs annually in January to raise awareness of the dangers of obesity while educating about managing weight. By setting small goals and making lifestyle changes, you can work towards a healthier weight and reduce the risks of life-limiting complications. Here are some tips to get you started: https://www.noaw2014.org.uk/lose-weight/

Losing weight has many benefits for your health, if you’re currently overweight. Not only will you feel better in yourself, but it may help to reduce the risk of high blood pressure, heart disease and type 2 diabetes.

While it may seem daunting, making small changes to your diet and lifestyle can really help to lose the pounds. https://www.nhs.uk/better-health/lose-weight/

Take steps to improve your health. Lose weight and feel better inside and out. Try our free NHS weight loss plan to get you started.

13/01/2026

Love Your Liver Month

Did you know, your liver performs over 500 jobs to keep you alive? So, it’s important to show it some love! When it’s damaged, the liver can repair itself, but only up to a point. Sadly, people with liver disease often don’t have any symptoms until the disease has progressed and it’s far too late for treatment. So, look after your liver with these top tips:

Focus on a balanced diet
Stay hydrated
Minimise alcohol
Take the correct dosage of medications
Ensure safe hygiene to reduce the risk of hepatitis
https://britishlivertrust.org.uk/information-and-support/love-your-liver/

Did you know that nine out of ten cases of liver disease could have been prevented? During Love You Liver Month, it’s the ideal time to make some lifestyle changes to protect your hepatic health. Cutting down on alcohol and making changes to what you eat could make a big difference.
https://britishlivertrust.org.uk/love-your-liver-month/factsheets/

9 in 10 cases of liver disease could be prevented. Cutting down on alcohol and making changes …

13/01/2026

Dry January

Whether you’ve overindulged during the festive season or you’re simply ready to make a change for your health, January is a great time to reset your relationship with alcohol. To keep you motivated, the free Try Dry® app will keep you on track. Download it today: https://alcoholchange.org.uk/help-and-support/managing-your-drinking/dry-january

Trying Dry January can have many more benefits that you’d expect; not only will your bank balance see a positive change but your health will thank you! In just 30 days, you’ll find you sleep better, your energy levels and concentration will increase, and by the end of the month, you’ll have reduced your risk of developing cancer. Why not give it a try?
https://alcoholchange.org.uk/blog/benefits-of-dry-january-and-when-you-can-expect-to-see-them

So, you’re keen to try a month without alcohol but what’s in it for you? Well, as it turns out, quite a lot! We talk through some of the main benefits from the Dry January® challenge, and when you can expect to see them.

13/01/2026

Mental health

January can be a challenging month; short days, cold weather and the pressure of a new year and finances can take their toll on our mental health.

If you’re finding things tough, you’re not alone. Setting small goals and prioritising your wellbeing can make a big difference. Put yourself first this January.
https://wellbeingtrust.org/blogs/ja...the-holidays-to-your-own-personal-well-being/

As the days get shorter and darker, some people experience a drop in mood, energy and motivation – in some cases, they may be suffering from Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD). It’s more common than many realise, especially during the winter months. If you’re finding that this is impacting on your daily life, make an appointment with your clinician.
https://www.mind.org.uk/information...-disorder-sad/understanding-your-experiences/

The page you're looking for can't be found. Try returning to the homepage or using the site search to find what you need

13/01/2026

Veganuary

January is the perfect time to try something new, and Veganuary is all about exploring delicious, plant-based meals while making a positive impact on both your health and the planet.

Are you taking part in Veganuary this year? Let us know your favourite plant-based dishes below!

Whether you’re trying to be vegan for the month of January, or you’re experimenting with a few meat-free meals, every change makes a positive impact on animals, the planet and you. Going plant-based can help you lose weight, improve kidney function and lower blood sugar levels while reducing your carbon footprint, deforestation and water pollution. Find some recipe ideas here:

Vegan recipes for anyone planning on trying plant-based! Whether it's breakfast, lunch, dinner or snacks - we've got you!

13/01/2026

111/ Signposting

Not quite feeling yourself and think you need medical help? Then visit 111 to seek help for your symptoms. Find advice for:

Current symptoms or injury
Dental problems
Mental health help
Medicines assistance
Help with an existing condition
Simply visit https://111.nhs.uk/ or access 111 via the NHS App.

This website only stores the cookies that are needed to make it work. Read more about how we use cookies (opens in a new tab).

13/01/2026

Walk Your Dog Month

After you get home from a long day at work, it can be a challenge to want to head back out into the cold to walk your dog, but exercise is essential for both you and your four-legged friend. https://www.mayoclinichealthsystem....aking-of-health/dogs-are-good-for-your-health

Did you know that walking your dog has positive physical and mental benefits for both you and your pooch? Pick up that lead and get walking this January. https://www.wuth.nhs.uk/news/latest-news/2025/01/how-daily-dog-walks-can-transform-live/

Those dark mornings and evenings during winter can be demotivating, but whatever the weather, your dog needs to get out and stretch his/her legs – and it’s great for your health too! Why not show us a picture of your dog out and about below?

Wirral University Hospital, Information on hospital services and facilities for residents, businesses and visitors.

13/01/2026

New year, new challenges

You hear it every year, but now is the time to make those resolutions and stick to them! Whatever your aims for January, setting yourself small, manageable goals can help you achieve more. https://practiceindex.co.uk/gp/blog/new-year-resolutions-for-managers/

Do you want to eat better? Exercise more? Cut down on screen time? Whatever you plan for your New Year’s resolutions, putting yourself first and prioritising your wellbeing will set you on the right path as we go into 2026. Here are some hints to help you stick to your resolutions: https://www.calm.com/blog/new-year-resolutions

Thinking that 2026 is your year to get more active? Couch to 5k is a free nine-week programme taking you from the comfort of your home to running towards a healthier lifestyle. What are you waiting for?
https://www.nhs.uk/live-well/exercise/get-running-with-couch-to-5k/

NHS Couch to 5K will help you get off the couch and gradually work you up to running 5km in just 9 weeks.

23/11/2025

International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women, 25th November (may also be called White Ribbon Day)

Every ten minutes, a woman is killed. International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women raises awareness about all forms of violence against women. Wear orange as a bright and optimistic colour; this represents hope and a future free from violence against women and girls.

©2025 British Red Cross The British Red Cross Society, incorporated by Royal Charter 1908, is a charity registered in England and Wales (220949), Scotland (SC037738), Isle of Man (0752) and Jersey (430).

23/11/2025

Carers’ rights, 20th November

Carers Rights Day is about raising awareness of the rights that the UK’s 5.8 million unpaid carers are entitled to – to help them get the support they need and the recognition they deserve. This year, the theme is ‘Know your rights, use your rights’. As a carer, knowing your rights empowers you and helps you to reach the support you so need, to reduce the pressure when you’re caring for others.
https://www.carersuk.org/news-and-campaigns/our-campaigns/carers-rights-day/

Being a carer is hard. There are no set hours and you’re often caring for someone close to you.
Every day, 12,000 people become unpaid carers for a partner, family member or friend. They may not even view themselves as carers. But who looks after you when you’re looking after someone else? All carers deserve to understand their rights and be supported to use them if they wish. Discover more here: https://www.carersuk.org/news-and-campaigns/our-campaigns/carers-rights-day/

Carers Rights Day is about raising awareness of the rights the UK’s 5.8 million unpaid carers are entitled to, and to help them get the support they need and the recognition they deserve.

18/11/2025

Antimicrobial Resistance Awareness Week, 18th to 24th November

Not every illness needs antibiotics. Resistance to antibiotics is a growing concern, so help to preserve their efficacy for when they’re really needed!

Always take antibiotics as prescribed
Never miss a dose
Complete a course in full
Vaccinate yourself and your family
Keep antibiotics for when they’re really needed. You could save a life.

18/11/2025

Sugar Awareness Week, 17th to 23rd November

Did you know that nine in ten children, and four in five adults, in the UK are eating more sugar than recommended? This raises the risk of obesity, type 2 diabetes and tooth decay – starting from childhood.

This week is all about raising awareness, making informed choices and calling for better food policies to support healthier lives.
(Factsheet here: https://www.actiononsugar.org/resources/ .en.488879)

This Sugar Awareness Week, the theme is ‘Cutting Through the Sweet Talk: What You See Isn’t What You Eat’, highlighting the importance of looking past marketing and packaging.

Terms such as ‘smart snacking’ can distract from the nutritional value of a food.

Always read the label
Swap sugary drinks for water
Choose whole, unprocessed snacks
Try the NHS food scanner to look into labels in more detail: https://www.nhs.uk/healthier-families/food-facts/nhs-food-scanner-app/

See healthier swaps and bring food labels to life with the NHS Food Scanner from Better Health. Click for download links or to find out more.