News

March Awareness Month

Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month, 1st–31st March

Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month highlights the importance of picking up on early changes. Two-thirds of women are diagnosed with ovarian cancer too late, when the cancer is harder to treat. This video explains more:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D5z1JUnRSe4

Are you in the know about your ovaries? Knowing what’s normal can help you notice changes quickly. Try this quiz to test your knowledge! https://targetovariancancer.org.uk/about-ovarian-cancer/know-your-os

Feeling bloated? Need to wee more? Feeling full? Unexplained tummy pain? Raising awareness of ovarian cancer is vital in improving early diagnosis. Currently, just one in five women can name bloating as a symptom of ovarian cancer. We need to change that! If you have any of these ongoing symptoms, make an appointment with your GP. #EarlyDiagnosisSavesLives

Endometriosis Awareness Month, 1st–31st March

Endometriosis Awareness Month helps to spread awareness and to encourage understanding, early diagnosis and effective management of this condition. Diagnosis and treatment can significantly improve women’s lives, their fertility and their overall wellbeing. https://www.endometriosis-uk.org/information

For Endometriosis Action Month 2025, the theme is ‘endometriosis explained’. It’s vital that endometriosis is better understood by the general public and better explained to patients by healthcare practitioners. In the UK, endometriosis impacts one in ten women and those assigned female at birth, yet so many are still unaware of the condition and its impact.⁠

(You can find some useful information for your social media feeds here: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1yXKuvniI8W_rypXNY4-aUcaBB87pfR_U)

Endometriosis occurs when cells similar to the ones in the lining of the womb (uterus) are found elsewhere in the body. It can have a significant impact on the sufferer’s life from pain and anxiety to infertility and debilitating fatigue. Support and diagnosis are key to improving quality of life. Find out more here: https://www.endometriosis-uk.org/what-is-endometriosis

Zero Discrimination Day, 1st March

Zero Discrimination Day is celebrated on March 1st each year. It’s an international day that promotes equality and inclusion, and raises awareness about discrimination. This year, “we stand together”.
https://www.unaids.org/en/2025-zero-discrimination-day

NO MORE Week, 2nd–8th March

This year, the annual campaign to stop domestic abuse and sexual violence, NO MORE Week 2025, is focusing on ‘NO MORE silence’. Together, we encourage everyone to break the silence, shine a spotlight on the epidemic of domestic and sexual violence that affects one in three women and one in six men globally, and encourage collective action to stop it. https://www.nomore.org/no-more-week-2025/

Victims/survivors of domestic and sexual violence come from all walks of life, encompassing various ethnicities, races, ages, faiths, income levels, sexual orientations and genders. Talking about these issues openly will help end the shame and stigma that domestic violence and sexual assault survivors feel burdened with. If you need support, there is always someone there.

Rapecrisis – Call free on 0808 500 2222 or visit https://247sexualabusesupport.org.uk/

Safeline – https://safeline.org.uk/contact-us/

Survivors Trust – https://thesurvivorstrust.org/

World Obesity Day, 4th March

Join the global initiative to promote health and raise awareness of the challenges of obesity. We must make changes in order to prevent the growing epidemic of obesity and the impact on health.
https://www.worldobesityday.org/

Overseas NHS Workers Day, 3rd March

We’re saying thank you to our NHS colleagues for their huge contribution to the health of our nation on Overseas NHS Workers Day 2025. This day is dedicated to recognising and celebrating the contributions of international healthcare workers within the NH. Overseas workers make up a significant proportion of the total NHS workforce and are dedicated to saving lives and looking after people. Let’s celebrate their contribution! https://dauk.org/campaigns/overseas-nhs-workers-day/

International Women’s Day, 8th March

This year, for International Women’s Day, we’re raising awareness ‘for ALL women and girls: Rights. Equality. Empowerment’. For more than a century, people around the world have marked International Women’s Day on 8th March. This date was chosen after Russian women demanded “bread and peace” during a war-time strike in 1917. Celebrate women today!
https://www.internationalwomensday.com/
#IWD2025 #AccelerateAction

Covid National Day of Reflection, 9th March

To mark the fifth anniversary of the pandemic, people across the UK are invited to come together to remember and reflect on the impact of COVID-19. We remember those who lost their lives, the sacrifices made, and we pay tribute to the front-line workers.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zMNTMF4UE6U

No Smoking Day, 12th March

Take back your life this No Smoking Day. Quitting smoking is the best thing you can do for your health, and it’s never too late to give it a try. Even if you’ve tried before, No Smoking Day is a great chance for a fresh start. Support is vital in helping you succeed and you can find lots of resources and ideas here: https://www.nhs.uk/better-health/quit-smoking/

Did you know, by quitting smoking, you could save around £2,500 per year? Not only will your wallet benefit, but you’ll notice almost immediate improvements in your health. Download the free NHS Quit Smoking app to help support you and track your progress. https://www.nhs.uk/better-health/quit-smoking/

Quitting smoking is just the first hurdle of becoming smoke free; managing cravings and coping with triggers can help avoid relapsing. Cravings can be triggered by stress, habits and lifestyle reminders. Being aware of your triggers helps you manage cravings when they strike.
https://www.nhs.uk/better-health/qu...nderstand-your-smoking-triggers-and-cravings/

World Kidney Day, 13th March

World Kidney Day is an annual campaign to help raise awareness of kidneys and what can happen when they don’t work properly. By detecting changes early, there is a greater chance of finding a successful treatment. Have a go at this quiz to see if your kidneys are working OK! https://www.worldkidneyday.org/2025-campaign/

Are your kidneys OK? Detect signs early and protect your kidney health! Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is estimated to affect approximately 850 million people worldwide. Detecting kidney disease early is essential for preventing complications and improving quality of life. Know the risks.
#AreYourKidneysOK #WorldKidneyDay
https://www.worldkidneyday.org/2025-campaign/

Did you know diabetes is a major risk factor for kidney disease? If you have diabetes, talk to your doctor about checking your kidney health.

World Sleep Day, 14th March

This World Sleep Day, we’re raising awareness to “make sleep health a priority”. It’s really important to make sure you get enough sleep, but this can prove difficult for some people. Sleep helps support memory and learning, promotes brain function, and helps immunity. In fact, sleep is just as important as nutrition and exercise!
#WorldSleepDay

If you’re having difficulty sleeping, have a look at these ideas:
https://www.nhs.uk/every-mind-matte...s/how-to-fall-asleep-faster-and-sleep-better/
#WorldSleepDay

Young Carers Action Day, 13th March

Young Carers Action Day is celebrated every year, shining a spotlight on the invaluable contributions and challenges faced by young carers. This year’s theme is ‘give me a break’, focusing on the importance of rest and respite for young carers.
https://carers.org/getting-support-...if-you-are-a-young-carer-or-young-adult-carer

(If you offer any resources/support for young carers in your practice, this is a great time to highlight this – e.g., groups or ensuring they are registered with you as a carer.)

Nutrition and Hydration Week, 17th–23rd March

Nutrition and Hydration Week celebrates the importance of food and drink in maintaining health and wellbeing in patients. While it’s always important to eat a healthy diet, if you’re post operative or convalescing, it’s vital for healing to ensure that you’re eating the right type of foods.
https://www.nuffieldhealth.com/article/recover-from-injury-faster-with-these-healing-foods

Did you know that water makes up two-thirds of the body? So, it’s vital we drink enough fluid to stay healthy. You should aim to drink six to eight cups or glasses of fluid a day. Water, lower-fat milk and sugar-free drinks, including tea and coffee, all count. If you’re exercising, breastfeeding or the weather is hot, you’ll need to drink more to maintain healthy hydration levels.
https://www.nhs.uk/live-well/eat-well/food-guidelines-and-food-labels/water-drinks-nutrition/

Social Prescribing Day, 19th March

Social prescribing connects people to non-medical support to help with issues that affect health, such as loneliness, debt or stress due to financial pressures or poor housing. On Social Prescribing Day, we celebrate the Social Prescribing Link Workers and the importance of social prescribing in the health of our community. https://socialprescribingacademy.org.uk/what-is-social-prescribing/

(This is an ideal time to promote your social prescribing services, if you have clinics, or you could introduce them on your page.)

World Oral Health Day, 20th March

For World Oral Health Day 2025, we’re raising awareness that ‘a happy mouth is... a happy mind’. Smile inside and out!
https://youtu.be/ZEjiMLzumr0

Oral diseases lead to pain and discomfort, social isolation and loss of self-confidence, and they’re often linked to other serious health issues. However, most oral health conditions are largely preventable and can be treated in their early stages. In order to maintain your oral health, follow these simple tips:

• Brush your teeth twice a day
• Use a fluoride toothpaste
• Floss daily
• Eat a balanced diet and limit sugary drinks
• Avoid smoking
• Regularly visit your dentist
• Use a soft-bristled toothbrush and replace it every few months

Find out more here: https://www.nhs.uk/live-well/healthy-teeth-and-gums/take-care-of-your-teeth-and-gums/

(Create your own images for your campaign here: https://www.wohd.org/happymouth-tool)

International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination, 21st March

The International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination is a reminder of the role we all play in combating racism, promoting tolerance and striving for a more equitable world. In the UK alone, according to Stop Hate UK, racially motivated hate crimes are the highest reported hate crime in the UK. If you are a victim and need help or support, find out more here: https://saricharity.org.uk/

FND Awareness, 25th March

Functional Neurological Disorder is a brain network disorder that can affect anyone of any age. The neurological symptoms for many are severe and disabling, and life-changing for all. FND Awareness Day aims to raise awareness of this debilitating condition, as there is still little knowledge of FND. https://www.fndaction.org.uk/what-is-functional-neurological-disorder/

Epilepsy Awareness, 26th March

The 26th of March is Purple Day, the international day for epilepsy. Join us and be a part of the change as we ‘stand up to seizures’! In the UK, there are over 600,000 people with epilepsy and it can affect everyone differently. If you’re living with epilepsy, you can find lots of help and support.

(If you have any local groups, share the details here or you can link to: https://epilepsysociety.org.uk/about-epilepsy/what-epilepsy)

International Trans Day of Visibility, 31st March

Trans Day of Visibility (TDOV) marks a time to celebrate trans and non-binary people, and to raise awareness of the discrimination faced by the community worldwide.

Discover how to ask about someone’s pronouns, how to support a friend if they come out as trans, and how to show your support for trans people in this useful guide: https://lgbt.foundation/help/a-guide-to-being-a-trans-ally/

Post these anytime

Breast screening

Had an invite for breast screening? Make sure you mark the date in your diary! Regular breast screening is one of the best ways to spot a cancer that’s too small to feel or see yourself. It saves around 1,300 lives each year in the UK! https://campaignresources.dhsc.gov....help-you-cancer/breast-screening-saves-lives/

Building the NHS of the future

Help build a health service for your future and the future of your family. The Government wants to hear from you, and to understand your views on the health service, its future and the 10-Year Plan for Health. Don’t miss your chance to shape the future of the NHS.
https://campaignresources.dhsc.gov.uk/campaigns/change-nhs/

Published on 27th Feb 2025

Safer Sleep Week

March 10th-18th is 'Safer Sleep Week'

We know that greater awareness of safer sleep leads to a decrease in the numbers of babies dying.

Sadly around four babies a week still die from sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) and if all parents were aware of safer sleep advice, many lives could be saved. Around 700,000 babies are born every year in the UK and we want to reach all new parents and carers with life-saving messages.

Things you can do:

• Always place your baby on their back
• Keep your baby smoke free during pregnancy and after birth
• Breastfeed your baby if possible
• Place your baby to sleep in a separate cot or Moses basket in the same room as you for the first six months 
• Use a firm, flat, waterproof mattress in good condition

Things to avoid

Avoid letting your baby get too hot, don't cover your baby's face or head while sleeping or use loose bedding

Never sleep on a sofa or in an arm chair with your baby

Don't sleep in the same bed as your baby if you smoke, drink or take drugs or if your baby was born prematurely or was of low birth weight

Published on 25th Feb 2025

Tame Valley Primary Care Network New Website

As some of you may be aware Reddish Family Practice is part of the Tame Valley Primary Care Network, along with 7 other practices in the area.

The purpose of the PCN is to provide similar services across the area, but also to provide services which tailor to the needs of the local population of each practice. 

The Tame Valley PCN has now created a website where you can find out more information on what a PCN is, our goals, services you may not know that we offer with our PCN staff, our PCN ppg and much more!

Please visit www.tamevalleypcn.nhs.uk and let us know what you think

Published on 3rd Jul 2024