July Newsletter

Hay Fever

Hay fever causes itchy eyes, a runny nose, sneezing and coughing, a headache or pain around the sides of your head or forehead, loss of smell and feeling tired. There are ways in which you can reduce the effects of hay fever, and the NHS has advice on these.

If you’re sneezing more than talking lately, you’re not alone! Hay fever (AKA allergic rhinitis) can really make the warmer months difficult. Here are some tips to help you cope during peak pollen season:

• Wear sunglasses to protect your eyes
• Keep windows closed during high pollen times
• Shower and change your clothes after being outside
• Antihistamines can help – talk to your GP or pharmacist if you’re struggling

Find more help here.

Dehydration

You can help to minimise the risk of dehydration by ensuring you drink enough to keep your pee a pale-yellow colour.

There are some easy ways to increase your fluid intake with food too:

• Ice lollies
• Melon
• Cucumber
• Jelly
• Soup

Find more advice here.

Childhood immunisation

If your child is due immunisations after 1st July 2025, there will be a change to the timetable as the national schedule goes through the first phase of changes; the second will follow in January 2026.

• Your baby will no longer receive the Hib/MenC vaccine at their one-year appointment
• The second dose of MenB will be brought forward to 12 weeks
• The first dose of PCV13 will be moved to 16 weeks

Find the full schedule here.

If you’d like more information, please speak to the Practice Nurse or your Health Visitor.

Weight Loss Drugs

We understand the media is reporting that Mounjaro is now available under the NHS, but it’s really important to note that this is ONLY for a limited group of patients.

You must be over 18, with a BMI of 40+, or 37.5+ if you’re from a Black, Asian or other minority ethnic background and have four or more weight-related health conditions, such as Type II diabetes, hypertension and heart disease.

We cannot offer any weight loss drug for cosmetic or general weight loss

Weight loss support is available here.

Thank you for keeping our lines clear for those who need urgent medical help.

School Holidays

A healthy diet is essential for growing children and we all know that kids love to snack!

During the summer holidays, if your children are entitled to free school meals, you’ll be able to access free meals over the break.

(Share a list of local places that offer free meals – e.g., look at supermarkets and local cafes.)

Prescriptions

Going away this summer and on regular medication?

Please remember to order enough of your medication, at least five days in advance of your holiday. Running out of regular medication where you’re unable to source more could cause serious side effects, and could make you very unwell.

Remember if you’re going aboard to keep your meds in their original containers with all their labels. Enjoy your holiday; request your medication early!

Group B Strep Support Awareness Month (1st - 31st July)

Do you know what Group B Strep is? It’s vital for every expectant parent to know about Group B Strep.

Group B Strep (GBS) is a common type of bacteria that can cause serious infections in newborns, but with the right awareness and care, it’s usually preventable.

Raising awareness could help to save a life. Learn more here.

UV Safety Month 

1st - 31st July

The sun is at its strongest between 11am and 3pm from March to October. While you might like to sit out, it’s important to consider your health. Ultraviolet rays can damage our skin and eyes, and while it’s great to be outdoors, consider reducing your exposure to UV with these tips:

• Wear sunglasses with UVA and UVB protection
• Wear protective clothing (e.g., a sun-safe, long-sleeve top)
• Use SPF30 or higher

You can read additional sun safety information here.

Good Care Month

1st - 31st July

Life as a carer can be complex, with challenges faced on a daily basis. Supporting carers ensures that the people they care for can stay at home where possible. It’s really important, if you’re a carer, that you let us know so we can care for you while you care for others.

Good Care Month spans the whole of July and aims to not only celebrate healthcare workers from the social sector, but to acknowledge their hard work, as well as those who care for people in their homes and communities.

Find out more about support here.

Alcohol Awareness Week

1st - 7th July

Around 10 million of us are regularly drinking alcohol in ways that can harm our health. The theme for this year’s Alcohol Awareness campaign is ‘Alcohol and Work’ to encourage conversations and awareness about the relationship between alcohol consumption and the workplace.

Some will manage work stresses by using alcohol as a way to try to cope. The reality is that drinking alcohol as a way to try to manage our stress and anxiety can worsen our symptoms and prevent us from performing well.

Realising you have a problem is the first step to getting help.

If you’d like help with alcohol, speak to us or look here