MAY 2025 NEWSLETTER

Posted by: kerry.walker - Posted on:

NHS APP

If you’re new to using the NHS App and you’re not sure how to access the information, there is lots of information around to help you. Download the NHS App on your smartphone or tablet via the Google play or App store. You can also access the same services in a web browser by logging in through the NHS website.

Did you know that using the NHS App can help you access lots of information about your health?

Request repeat prescriptions

  • Check the status of your prescriptions
  • See upcoming appointments
  • View your health records

DEMENTIA ACTION WEEK 19th – 25th May

If you’re worried about your memory, the Alzheimer’s Society has a fantastic checklist of 20 short questions to help you decide whether you should speak to your GP practice team about your concerns.
https://www.alzheimers.org.uk/get-involved/dementia-action-week

BLOOD PRESSURE AND STROKE

Do you know what “normal” blood pressure is?  More importantly, do you know what YOUR blood pressure is?  May Measure Month encourages us to have our blood pressure checked as high blood pressure can be a risk factor for some chronic diseases and premature death.  High blood pressure can be an indicator that you’re at increased risk of a heart attack or stroke. What is “normal” blood pressure, and what can you do if your blood pressure is higher than it should be?

Every day in May, 240 people will wake up to the life-changing impact of a stroke. Some of the most common risk factors for a stroke are: high blood pressure, diabetes, atrial fibrillation, high cholesterol, your age, lifestyle factors, family history, ethnicity. While you can’t do anything about your age, ethnicity or family history, you may be able to help decrease the risk from other factors.

https://www.maymeasure.org/
https://www.bhf.org.uk/informationsupport/risk-factors/high-blood-pressure
https://www.stroke.org.uk/stroke-awareness-month

NATIONAL SALT AWARENESS WEEK

12th – 18th May

The average salt consumption is around double the recommended average. Reducing salt (sodium) in your diet can help to reduce blood pressure which in turn reduces the risk of cardiovascular diseases, gastric cancer, obesity, osteoporosis, Meniere’s disease, and kidney disease. An estimated 1.89 million deaths each year worldwide are associated with consuming too much sodium.
https://www.worldactiononsalt.com/awarenessweek/salt-awareness-week/world-salt-awareness-week-2025/

MENTAL HEALTH MATTERS

Mental Health Awareness Week, 12th – 18th May
World Wellbeing Week, 31st May – 6th June

In Mental Health Awareness Week, let’s think about the number of people impacted by poor mental health. In the UK, it’s estimated that one in four adults suffers from a mental health problem of some kind each year. People suffering from poor mental health need support and to have their voices heard.

This year, let’s focus on community in terms of our wellbeing. Feeling part of a community can have a significant positive impact on our overall wellbeing. While busy lives can mean that it’s difficult to set aside time to build relationships, contributing to our communities helps us and helps others too.
https://www.mind.org.uk/get-involved/mental-health-awareness-week/
https://www.mentalhealth.org.uk/our-work/public-engagement/mental-health-awareness-week

NATIONAL WALKING MONTH

Walk to School Week, 19th – 23rd May
Walking is amazing. It’s great for both your physical and mental health, and it’s also completely FREE! May is National Walking Month, so discover the magic of walking, and add some extra steps into your day.

19th-23rd May is Walk to School Week. If you work in a school, you might want to think about encouraging your pupils to walk to school where possible. If you’re a parent, you could use the following video as a way to start a discussion with your children about the importance of walking for our general health.

The theme for this year’s Walk to School Week is ‘The Great Space Walk’. For five days, let’s see if we can walk to school and help to improve our physical and mental wellbeing!

https://www.livingstreets.org.uk/get-involved/national-walking-month/
https://www.bbc.co.uk/teach/school-radio/articles/z87nxbk
https://www.livingstreets.org.uk/walk-to-school/primary-schools/walk-to-school-week/