May 2025 Newsletter

Posted by: modupefield - Posted on:

Your Monthly Health Update from The New Surgery

Blood Pressure and Stroke Awareness

Did you know that high blood pressure is a leading risk factor for stroke and heart disease? May Measure Month is the perfect time to check your blood pressure and take control of your health. A “normal” blood pressure reading is typically around 120/80 mmHg. If your reading is higher, lifestyle changes such as reducing salt intake, exercising regularly, and managing stress can help.

Key Risk Factors for Stroke:

  • High blood pressure
  • Diabetes
  • Atrial fibrillation
  • High cholesterol
  • Lifestyle factors (e.g., smoking, poor diet)

While you can’t change your age, family history, or ethnicity, you can take steps to manage other risks. Visit the links below for more information:
🔗 May Measure Month
🔗 British Heart Foundation – Blood Pressure
🔗 Stroke Association

Celebrating Our Teams

This May, we’re recognising the incredible contributions of our healthcare teams:

  • International Day of the Midwife (5th May): Celebrating midwives and their vital role in maternal and child health.
  • International Receptionists’ Day (8th May): Our reception teams are the backbone of the practice—thank you for all you do!
  • International Nurses Day (12th May): A heartfelt thank you to our nurses for their dedication and compassion.
  • National Day for Staff Networks (14th May): Highlighting the importance of inclusivity and support in the workplace.

Interested in a career in healthcare? Consider joining as a receptionist—it’s a rewarding role with opportunities for growth!
🔗 NHS Careers – Receptionist Role

Mental Health Awareness Week (12th–18th May)

This year’s theme is “Community and Wellbeing.” Feeling connected to others can significantly improve mental health. If you’re struggling, remember you’re not alone—reach out for support.
🔗 Mind
🔗 Mental Health Foundation

Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion

May highlights important awareness days:

  • Global Accessibility Awareness Day (15th May): Promoting digital access for people with disabilities.
  • International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia, and Biphobia (17th May): Standing against discrimination.
  • Equality, Diversity, and Human Rights Week (19th–23rd May): Advocating for inclusivity in all areas of life.

🔗 Accessibility Day
🔗 May 17 Campaign

Physical Wellbeing

  • National Walking Month: Walking boosts physical and mental health—try adding extra steps to your day!
  • Walk to School Week (19th–23rd May): Encourage children to walk for better health.
  • Sun Awareness Week (6th–12th May): Protect your skin with sunscreen and shade, especially between 11am–3pm.
    🔗 NHS Sun Safety Tips

Healthy Habits

  • National Smile Month (12th May–12th June): Focus on oral health—brush twice daily and limit sugary foods.
  • National Salt Awareness Week (12th–18th May): Reduce salt intake to lower blood pressure and improve heart health.

Pregnancy and Baby Care

  • Maternal Mental Health Awareness Week (5th–11th May): Supporting mothers’ mental health.
  • World Preeclampsia Day (22nd May): Raising awareness of this serious pregnancy condition.
  • National Weaning Week (12th–16th May): Tips for introducing solid foods to babies.

🔗 The Lullaby Trust – Baby Check App

Patient Participation

National Patient Participation Week (31st May–6th June): Join your local Patient Participation Group to help shape NHS services.
🔗 NAPP

Key Awareness Days

  • World Hand Hygiene Day (5th May): Good hand hygiene saves lives.
  • Dying Matters Week (5th–11th May): Open conversations about death and dying.
  • World Asthma Day (6th May): Improving access to asthma treatments.
  • ME/CFS Awareness Day (12th May): Supporting research into chronic fatigue conditions.

Thank you for reading! Stay healthy and connected this May.

Your GP Practice Team