Waterhouses Medical Practice

14/04/2026

💚 Bowel Cancer Awareness Month – April

April is Bowel Cancer Awareness Month, a time to raise awareness about bowel cancer, its symptoms, and the importance of early detection.

Bowel cancer is one of the most common cancers in the UK, but when caught early, it is highly treatable. Being aware of your body and seeking help promptly can save lives.

Watch out for these signs:
• Blood in your stool or re**al bleeding
• Persistent changes in bowel habits (diarrhea or constipation)
• Unexplained weight loss or fatigue
• Abdominal pain or bloating
• Feeling that your bowel doesn’t empty completely

Tips to reduce your risk:
✔ Eat a balanced diet rich in fibre, fruit, and vegetables
✔ Stay physically active
✔ Maintain a healthy weight
✔ Limit alcohol and avoid smoking
✔ Take part in NHS bowel cancer screening if eligible

For reliable information and support:
🔗 NHS – Bowel Cancer: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/bowel-cancer/
🔗 Bowel Cancer UK: https://www.bowelcanceruk.org.uk/
🔗 Cancer Research UK – Bowel Cancer: https://www.cancerresearchuk.org/about-cancer/bowel-cancer

If you notice any symptoms or have concerns, please contact your GP practice. Early action can make all the difference.

Find out about bowel cancer, including what the symptoms are, what to do if you think you have it, how it is treated, and where to get support.

11/04/2026

Today is World Parkinson’s Day, a day dedicated to raising awareness of Parkinson’s disease, supporting those living with the condition, and highlighting the importance of research and care.

Parkinson’s is a progressive neurological condition that affects movement, and can also impact mood, sleep, and daily functioning. Common symptoms include:
• Tremors or shaking
• Stiffness or rigidity
• Slow movement (bradykinesia)
• Balance problems
• Changes in mood or memory

While there is currently no cure, early diagnosis and treatment can improve quality of life. Support, medication, lifestyle changes, and therapy can all make a real difference.

For more information and support:
🔗 Parkinson’s UK: https://www.parkinsons.org.uk/
🔗 NHS – Parkinson’s Disease: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/parkinsons-disease/
🔗 Michael J. Fox Foundation – Parkinson’s Research: https://www.michaeljfox.org/

If you or a loved one are experiencing symptoms, please contact your GP for advice and assessment. Together, we can raise awareness and support those affected. 💜

We are Parkinson's UK. Powered by people. Funded by you. Improving life for everyone affected by Parkinson’s. Together we'll find a cure.

07/04/2026

🌍 World Health Day – 7 April 2026

This World Health Day, the theme is “Together for Health. Stand with Science.”

Health is a collective effort, and science plays a vital role in keeping us safe and well. From vaccines to treatments, research and evidence-based care help us live longer, healthier lives. By following trusted medical advice and supporting scientific progress, we can protect ourselves, our families, and our communities.

As your GP practice, we encourage everyone to:
✔ Stay up to date with recommended vaccinations and screenings
✔ Follow health guidance from trusted sources
✔ Prioritise mental and physical wellbeing
✔ Ask your GP for advice when you have concerns about your health

Learn more from reliable sources:
🔗 World Health Organization – World Health Day 2026: https://www.who.int/campaigns/world-health-day
🔗 NHS – Health A–Z: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/
🔗 Science for Health – Public Health Advice: https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/public-health-england

By standing together and supporting science, we can build healthier communities for everyone.

World Health Days, 7 April, provide an opportunity to focus world attention on a health problem or issue that deserves special attention.

05/04/2026

💛 IBS Awareness Month – April

April is IBS Awareness Month, a time to raise understanding about Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) and support those living with this common digestive condition.

IBS affects the large intestine and can cause symptoms such as:
• Abdominal pain or cramping
• Bloating and gas
• Diarrhea, constipation, or alternating between both
• Changes in bowel habits that affect daily life

While IBS is a long-term condition, its symptoms can often be managed with lifestyle changes, diet adjustments, and medical support.

Tips to help manage IBS:
✔ Keep a food and symptom diary to identify triggers
✔ Eat regular, balanced meals and stay hydrated
✔ Reduce stress through exercise, mindfulness, or relaxation techniques
✔ Speak to a healthcare professional about treatment options

For reliable information and support:
🔗 NHS – IBS: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/irritable-bowel-syndrome-ibs/
🔗 British Dietetic Association – IBS: https://www.bda.uk.com/resource/ibs.html
🔗 IBS Network: https://www.theibsnetwork.org/

If you’re experiencing symptoms affecting your daily life, contact your GP practice for advice and personalised support.

Find out about IBS (irritable bowel syndrome), including what the symptoms are, what to do if you think you have it, how it is treated, and where to get support.

02/04/2026

💙 World Autism Awareness Day – 2 April

Today is World Autism Awareness Day, a day dedicated to increasing understanding, acceptance, and support for people living with autism.

Autism is a lifelong neurodevelopmental condition that affects how people communicate, interact with others, and experience the world around them. Autism is a spectrum, meaning it affects individuals in different ways. Many autistic people have unique strengths, talents and perspectives that enrich our communities.

Raising awareness helps create a more inclusive and supportive environment for autistic people and their families.

If you would like to learn more about autism, support and advice is available:

🔗 NHS – Autism: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/autism/
🔗 National Autistic Society: https://www.autism.org.uk/
🔗 Ambitious about Autism: https://www.ambitiousaboutautism.org.uk/

If you are concerned that you or your child may be showing signs of autism, please contact the practice and a healthcare professional can discuss your concerns and guide you through the next steps.

Together we can help create a more understanding and inclusive community. 💙

NHS guide to autism. Find out what autism is and what the common signs are. Get help and advice if you or your child are autistic.

01/04/2026

April is Stress Awareness Month 💚

Stress is something we all experience from time to time, but when it becomes overwhelming it can start to affect our physical and mental wellbeing. Stress Awareness Month is an opportunity to pause, reflect, and think about small steps we can take to manage stress and support each other.

Common signs of stress can include:
• Feeling overwhelmed or anxious
• Trouble sleeping
• Difficulty concentrating
• Headaches, muscle tension, or feeling constantly tired
• Changes in appetite or mood

There are simple things that can help reduce stress and improve wellbeing:
✔ Taking regular breaks and getting outside for fresh air
✔ Staying active – even a short walk can help
✔ Talking to someone you trust about how you're feeling
✔ Practising relaxation techniques such as breathing exercises or mindfulness
✔ Limiting screen time and making time for activities you enjoy

If stress is starting to affect your daily life, you are not alone and support is available.

You can find helpful advice and resources here:
🔗 NHS – Every Mind Matters: https://www.nhs.uk/every-mind-matters/mental-health-issues/stress/
🔗 Mind UK – Understanding Stress: https://www.mind.org.uk/information-support/types-of-mental-health-problems/stress/
🔗 Mental Health Foundation: https://www.mentalhealth.org.uk/explore-mental-health/a-z-topics/stress

If you are struggling and need support, please contact the practice or speak to a healthcare professional.

26/03/2026

🌿 Social Prescribing Day 🌿

Today we’re supporting Social Prescribing Day, celebrating the power of community support in improving health and wellbeing.

Health is about more than prescriptions. Sometimes the best support comes from connecting with others, getting active, or accessing practical advice.

Our Social Prescribing Link Workers can help you access:
✔️ Local community groups and activities
✔️ Exercise and wellbeing programmes
✔️ Bereavement and emotional support
✔️ Debt, housing or employment advice
✔️ Volunteering opportunities

Social prescribing takes a whole-person approach — focusing on what matters to you.

If you’re feeling isolated, overwhelmed, or would benefit from extra support beyond medical treatment, speak to our reception team or a clinician to find out how we can refer you.

🔗 Learn more about Social Prescribing Day:
https://socialprescribingday.org.uk

🔗 Find out more about social prescribing through NHS England:
https://www.england.nhs.uk/personalisedcare/social-prescribing/

Together, we can support healthier, happier lives 💚

16/03/2026

🧠 Brain Awareness Week – Looking After Your Brain Health 🧠

This week we’re supporting Brain Awareness Week, a global campaign dedicated to raising awareness about the importance of brain health.

Your brain controls everything you do — from thinking and memory to mood and movement — so keeping it healthy is vital at every stage of life.

Here are some simple ways to support your brain health:
✔️ Stay physically active
✔️ Eat a healthy, balanced diet
✔️ Get 7–9 hours of quality sleep
✔️ Keep your mind active (reading, puzzles, learning new skills)
✔️ Stay socially connected
✔️ Manage blood pressure, cholesterol and blood sugar

If you’re worried about memory changes, headaches, or other neurological symptoms, please contact the practice to speak with a clinician.

🔗 Learn more about Brain Awareness Week from Dana Foundation:
https://www.dana.org/brain-awareness-week/

🔗 NHS advice on brain health:
https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/dementia/prevention/

Looking after your brain today can help protect your health tomorrow 💙

Brain Awareness Week is the global campaign to foster public enthusiasm and support for brain science. Every March, participants host imaginative activities in their communities that share the wonders of the brain, and the impact brain science has on our everyday lives.

15/03/2026

🥗💧 Nutrition & Hydration Week – Small Changes, Big Difference 💧🥗

This week we’re supporting Nutrition and Hydration Week, a global campaign raising awareness about the importance of good nutrition and staying well hydrated for better health and wellbeing.

Eating well and drinking enough fluids helps to:
✔️ Boost your immune system
✔️ Maintain a healthy weight
✔️ Improve energy levels
✔️ Support heart and brain health
✔️ Reduce the risk of long-term conditions

💧 Hydration matters! Aim for around 6–8 glasses of fluid per day (unless advised otherwise by a clinician).

🥗 Balanced meals matter! Try to:

Eat at least 5 portions of fruit and vegetables daily

Choose wholegrains where possible

Include lean protein

Reduce salt, sugar and processed foods

If you have concerns about weight loss, appetite changes, dehydration, or managing a health condition such as diabetes, please contact the practice for advice and support.

🔗 Learn more about Nutrition and Hydration Week:
https://nutritionandhydrationweek.co.uk

🔗 NHS guide to healthy eating:
https://www.nhs.uk/live-well/eat-well/

🔗 NHS advice on dehydration:
https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/dehydration/

Let’s use this week as a reminder that good nutrition and hydration are key to staying well 💚

13/03/2026

🌙💤 World Sleep Day – Sleep Well, Live Well 💤🌙

Today we’re supporting World Sleep Day, a global initiative highlighting the importance of good sleep for your physical and mental health.

Sleep isn’t a luxury – it’s essential for:
✔️ Heart health
✔️ Mental wellbeing
✔️ Immune function
✔️ Concentration and memory
✔️ Overall quality of life

Struggling to sleep? Here are some tips:

Keep a consistent sleep routine

Limit caffeine and alcohol before bed

Reduce screen time in the evening

Create a calm, dark sleeping environment

Speak to your GP if you regularly struggle with sleep

🔗 Learn more about World Sleep Day:
https://www.worldsleepday.org

🔗 NHS tips for better sleep:
https://www.nhs.uk/mental-health/self-help/guides-tools-and-activities/sleep-problems/

Good sleep is key to good health – let’s all make it a priority tonight! 🌙

World Sleep Day (WSD) is an annual celebration of sleep & call to action on important sleep issues organized by World Sleep Day Committee of World Sleep Society

12/03/2026

🩺 World Kidney Day – Are Your Kidneys Healthy? 🩺

Today we’re supporting World Kidney Day, a global campaign focused on raising awareness of kidney health and the importance of early testing.

Kidney disease often has no symptoms in the early stages, which is why regular monitoring is so important.

You may be at higher risk if you:
✔️ Have diabetes
✔️ Have high blood pressure
✔️ Have heart disease
✔️ Are over 60
✔️ Have a family history of kidney disease
✔️ Are from a Black, Asian or minority ethnic background

Simple blood and urine tests can help detect problems early.

If you have any of these risk factors or would like a kidney health check, please contact the practice to book an appointment.

🔗 Learn more about World Kidney Day:
https://www.worldkidneyday.org

🔗 NHS information on kidney disease:
https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/kidney-disease/

🔗 Support and advice from Kidney Care UK:
https://kidneycareuk.org

Taking small steps today can protect your kidney health for the future 💜

World Kidney DayRaising awareness of theimportance of our kidneysWho we areWKD 2026 Scientific EditorialKidney Health for AllCaring for People,Protecting the PlanetRead the 2026 Scientific EditorialKidney QuizAre your kidneys healthy? Take the quiz to find outTake the quiz find out more find out mor...

11/03/2026

💙 Young Carers Action Day – Recognising & Supporting Young Carers 💙

Today, our GP Practice is proud to support Young Carers Action Day, a national campaign highlighting the incredible contribution of young carers across the UK.

A young carer is someone under 18 who helps to care for a family member with a disability, long-term illness, mental health condition, or substance misuse issue. While many young carers show remarkable resilience, caring responsibilities can sometimes impact their education, social life, and emotional wellbeing.

We want young carers and their families to know:
💙 You are not alone
💙 Support is available
💙 Your health and wellbeing matter too

If you are a young carer, or think your child may be one, please let us know. Our practice team can offer support and help connect you with local services.

For more information and support:
• Carers Trust – https://carers.org

• The Children’s Society – Young Carers – https://www.childrenssociety.org.uk/young-carers

• NHS – Help for Young Carers – https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/social-care-and-support-guide/support-and-benefits-for-carers/being-a-young-carer/

Let’s work together to ensure young carers are recognised, valued, and supported 💙

Carers Trust partners with its network of local carer organisations to provide funding and support, deliver programmes, raise awareness and influence policy for unpaid carers.