Alexander House Surgery

13/05/2026

🚶‍♀️🌿𝙎𝙩𝙚𝙥 𝙄𝙣𝙩𝙤 𝙒𝙚𝙡𝙡𝙗𝙚𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙏𝙝𝙞𝙨 𝙈𝙖𝙮! 🌿🚶‍♂️

Did you know it’s National Walking Month?

There’s no better time to get moving and enjoy the many benefits of fresh air, gentle exercise, and good company 💚

We’re delighted to be continuing our Community Wellbeing Walks, giving everyone the chance to take a break, connect with others, and boost both physical and mental health 🌼

Whether you’re a regular walker or just getting started, you’re very welcome to join us. Every step counts when it comes to feeling better!

👟 Fresh air
💬 Friendly chat
💚 Better wellbeing

𝑪𝒐𝒎𝒆 𝒂𝒍𝒐𝒏𝒈 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝒘𝒂𝒍𝒌 𝒘𝒊𝒕𝒉 𝒖𝒔 – 𝒍𝒆𝒕’𝒔 𝒎𝒂𝒌𝒆 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒎𝒐𝒔𝒕 𝒐𝒇 𝑵𝒂𝒕𝒊𝒐𝒏𝒂𝒍 𝑾𝒂𝒍𝒌𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝑴𝒐𝒏𝒕𝒉 𝒕𝒐𝒈𝒆𝒕𝒉𝒆𝒓!

11/05/2026

Improving Mental Wellbeing.🧠
Find your thing to boost your mental health. Choose a positive action that works for you.
Trying some of these things could help you feel more positive and able to get the most out of life

🍷Reduce Alcohol intake
Alcohol is a depressant, like other depressants, it impairs and slows both physical and psychological activity. The chemical changes to your brain can initially induce feelings of relaxation and calmness, however once worn off these can lead to intense feelings of depression and anxiety. This can make you want to drink more, to ward off negative feelings – which can start a cycle of dependence.

🏃‍♂️Exercise
Exercise has a huge impact on mental health. Physical activity is great for our bodies and minds. When we exercise our bodies release a natural hormone called ‘endorphins’, which make can improve your mood and self-esteem. Exercise has been proven to reduce anxiety and depression, and it can help us to prevent physical illnesses. and slowing cognitive decline.

😴Try to improve your sleep
How well we sleep can impact our wellbeing. Try and establish a routine around bed time. Try to wind down before bed
Do a relaxing activity, like having a bath, or try a relaxation exercise before you go to sleep. It may also help to avoid having caffeine before your bed time, as this can keep you awake.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦Connect with other people
Good relationships are important for your mental wellbeing. They can help you to build a sense of belonging and self-worth,
give you an opportunity to share positive experiences and provide emotional support and allow you to support others

🤯Avoid burnout
Our modern ways of life have drastically affected our work-life balance and stressors, causing many to experience burnout. Burnout symptoms can be recognised physically, emotionally, and behaviourally. Ensure you carve out time for yourself in a busy schedule. Try to eat nutritious foods and keep regular sleeping patterns to support your energy and physical health.

🗓️Pay attention to the present moment (mindfulness)
Paying more attention to the present moment can improve your mental wellbeing. This includes your thoughts and feelings, your body and the world around you. It can help you enjoy life more and understand yourself better. It can positively change the way you feel about life and how you approach challenges.

🤹Learning a new skill
Has been proven to improve your mental wellbeing by boosting self-confidence and raising self-esteem
helping you to build a sense of purpose and connect with others.

06/05/2026

🗓️SAVE THE DATE! Thursday 7th May St Peters Pavilion, Hindley. Between 10am-3pm. No registration required. The event is open to everyone.

Think Ahead Stroke will be promoting the importance of Stroke Awareness and healthy lifestyles, they will be partnering with professionals from Be well, Mental Health, Age UK, along with Medical professionals to offer FREE health checks.
Pop in to St Peters Pavilion and say hello.

04/05/2026

Act FAST at the signs of Stroke!
Even if it doesn’t seem like much, at the first sign of a stroke call 999. A stroke strikes every five minutes.

The first sign of a stroke might not seem serious. Like not being able to raise your arm, or struggling to smile, or slurring when you speak.

Stroke symptoms can be less dramatic, painful or obvious than you might expect. Even if it doesn’t seem like it, any sign of a stroke is always an emergency, so call 999 immediately if you or someone else experiences a single symptom.

Other symptoms of stroke which also require immediate medical attention are:

· Sudden weakness or numbness on one side of the body, including legs, hands or feet

· Sudden blurred vision or loss of sight in one or both eyes

· Sudden memory loss or confusion, dizziness or a sudden fall

· A sudden, severe headache

👉If you spot any of these signs of a stroke, don’t wait!! Call 999 straight away.

01/05/2026

This month is Stroke Awareness Month. 🧠
Did you know that high blood pressure is the biggest risk factor for stroke, causing about half of all strokes.

We’re encouraging people to have their blood pressure regularly checked. Those with high readings can aim to lower their blood pressure by making some simple lifestyle changes. These include:

🩺Eating healthily
🩺Being active
🩺Reviewing alcohol consumption
🩺Stopping smoking or va**ng.

Where to Get Screened:

Pharmacies: Many pharmacies offer free blood pressure checks, especially for those over 40.

GP Surgery/NHS Check: Part of routine check-ups or an NHS Health Check for adults aged 40–74.

Home Monitor: Using a validated home blood pressure monitor allows you to keep a record of your readings.

Find out more: stroke.org.uk/SPD26

13/04/2026

During Testicular Cancer Awareness Month, take the time to regularly check yourself and encourage the men in your life to do the same. Regular self-examinations, knowing the signs, and seeking help early are the most effective ways to protect your health.

Testicular cancer is highly treatable when detected early, with survival rates above 95% for many cases. Awareness, self-checks, and prompt medical attention can save lives.

Common signs may include:
👉A lump or swelling in either testicle
👉A feeling of heaviness or discomfort in the sc***um
👉Pain or tenderness in the testicles or lower abdomen
👉A sudden build-up of fluid in the sc***um
👉Changes in size or shape of the testicles

If you notice any of these changes, it’s important to speak to your GP straight away. Early diagnosis significantly improves treatment success.

Tips for Prevention and Early Detection;
While there is no guaranteed way to prevent testicular cancer, men can take steps to detect it early:
👉Perform Regular Self-Checks – Check your testicles once a month, ideally after a warm bath or shower when the sc***um is relaxed. Feel for lumps, swelling, or changes in size or shape.
👉Know Your Body – Learn what’s normal for you so changes stand out quickly.
👉Seek Medical Advice Promptly – Don’t ignore unusual lumps, pain, or swelling. GP consultations are confidential and can provide reassurance.
👉Maintain a Healthy Lifestyle – Eat a balanced diet, stay active, and avoid excessive alcohol or smoking, which support overall wellbeing.
👉Encourage Open Conversations – Discuss men’s health with friends or family, raising awareness helps break stigma.
Why Awareness Matters

Remember: Your health matters. If you notice any changes or have concerns, contact your GP without delay. Early action can save lives.

13/04/2026

Eligible for your spring COVID booster?
📞Call 119 to book your appointment or online at: https://www.nhs.uk/nhs-services/vaccination-and-booking-services/book-covid-19-vaccination/

01/04/2026

🔷Bowel Cancer is one of the most common cancers in the UK.

Bowel cancer screening uses a test called a faecal immunochemical test (FIT) to look for blood in a sample of your poo. This could be a sign of bowel cancer.

🔹Benefits of bowel cancer screening
Screening can spot bowel cancer at an early stage, when it’s most likely to treatable. Research shows that more than 9 in 10 people survive bowel cancer when it’s diagnosed at the earliest stage.
Screening can help to find polyps (non-cancerous growths) which may be in the bowel. Polyps may develop into cancer in the future, so removing these will reduce your risk of getting bowel cancer
You collect the sample at home and send it by post to be tested.
It can help find cancer early, and before you have any symptoms, which may mean it's easier to treat.

🔹Who bowel screening is for?
Bowel cancer screening is currently offered to people aged 50 to 74 every 2 years.
Depending on when you turned 50, you will be sent your first test at the age of either 50, 52 or 54.
If you think you're eligible for bowel cancer screening but you've not been invited, or had your test kit or if you're aged 75 or over, you can call the bowel cancer screening helpline on 0800 707 6060 every 2 years to ask for the test.
If you’re below the screening age and are worried you may have symptoms of bowel cancer, please see your GP.
Find out more from Bowel Cancer UK
https://www.bowelcanceruk.org.uk/about-bowel-cancer/screening/

Please watch this short video to find out more about Bowel Cancer including symptoms, reducing risk and the importance of screening.👇

Watch our brand new animation to learn the key facts about bowel cancer. It covers common symptoms and how to reduce your risk of getting the disease, as wel...

01/04/2026

31/03/2026

With the bank holiday weekend approaching, health services can be busier than usual.
Knowing your options can help you get the care you need quickly.

⚠️Please note - The surgery will be closed Friday 3rd April and Monday 6th April.

Health advice and support over the Easter Bank Holiday Weekend:

👉Please call NHS 111 or visit https://111.nhs.uk/NHS for medical advice.
👉Pharmacy for minor illnesses
👉Wigan GP Alliance - Clinical appointments 📞 01942 482484
👉Wigan Mental Health Urgent Response Team - For serious crisis, contact their dedicated 24/7 helpline 📞 0800 953 0285 or call NHS 111, option 2 for advice & guidance.
👉Urgent dental care, contact Greater Manchester Dental Helpline on📞 0300 332 3800
👉Call 📞999 in medical emergencies.

The surgery will be open as usual on Tuesday 7th April. Have a lovely Easter from everyone at Alexander House Surgery 🐇🐣