Whyburn Medical Practice

09/10/2026

National Cholesterol Month, 1st–31st October

Almost half of UK adults have raised cholesterol, which can lead to heart disease, heart attack and stroke. We need cholesterol to stay healthy, but when it gets too high, it's a problem. Anyone can have high cholesterol, even young, slim people who eat well and exercise, because although high cholesterol can be caused by an unhealthy lifestyle, it can also be genetic.

The only way to find out whether you have high cholesterol is to get tested with a simple blood test. You can find out more about cholesterol and how to get tested at https://www.heartuk.org.uk/cholesterol/overview.

08/10/2026

Breast Cancer Awareness Month, 1st–31st October

Breast cancer is the most common cancer in the UK. It mainly affects women, but men can get it too. You can find out the symptoms at https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/breast-cancer-in-women/symptoms-of-breast-cancer-in-women/. The symptoms can all be caused by other things, but if you notice one or more, you should go to your GP to get checked, as the earlier breast cancer is diagnosed, the easier it is to treat and cure.

Breast Cancer Awareness Month is a global campaign to raise awareness of breast cancer, promote earlier diagnosis, and support those affected. We are asked to help raise awareness of the signs and symptoms of breast cancer, perhaps by holding an awareness event, or encouraging friends, family and colleagues to check their breasts regularly. You can also run or join fundraising activities and ‘Wear it pink’ in October to show support.

07/10/2026

National Hygiene Week aims to raise awareness about hygiene poverty. Even in the UK, around 4.2 million people have to make difficult choices between feeding themselves and their families, and buying toiletries and laundry products to keep themselves clean. Some are afraid to leave the house because they smell. Shame, anxiety and depression often prevent people from seeking help.

We can all help to change lives, improving physical and mental health and restoring dignity, by donating to local food banks, which often give out toiletries, sanitary products and nappies alongside food; or by making a regular donation to The Hygiene Bank, so that they can provide these essentials to individuals, families, schools and community centres where the need is greatest.

Find out about this year’s theme, learn how to donate or volunteer with the charity, and sign up to the newsletter at https://thehygienebank.com/national-hygiene-week/.

06/10/2026

Black History Month, 1st–31st October

Black History Month is an opportunity to share, celebrate and understand the impact of black heritage and culture. People from African and Caribbean backgrounds have been a fundamental part of British history for centuries, but their contribution to society has often been overlooked or distorted.

This year’s theme is ‘Honouring Our Communities’. We are all invited to look more closely at the communities that shape, support and sustain us, and to recognise the black individuals, including volunteers, teachers, nurses, carers, community leaders and organisers, who help make lives better and bring people together, often working quietly, without recognition.

You can find out more about black history and this awareness month, submit the names of black people making a difference in your communityhttps://www.blackhistorymonth.org.uk.

Discover the pioneers celebrated during Black History Month 2026, highlighting achievements in literature, music, sport, business, academia, and more. Inspiring change and innovation.

05/10/2026

Back Care Awareness Week aims to raise awareness of back pain, how to prevent it, and how to treat it. Most back pain does not have a serious medical cause, but is due to strains or sprains cased by moving, lifting weights or sitting poorly.

Back pain can be very distressing and debilitating. Most back pain is short lived and goes away after a time. Ways to speed up your recovery include staying active, taking anti-inflammatory medicine, using ice or heat and doing the right exercises.

However, some back pain could be an indicator of something more serious going on. If the pain does not improve after a few weeks, or gets worse over time, or you get other symptoms like swelling, numbness, high temperature or difficulty passing urine, you should get medical help.

You can find more information, including exercises to help with back pain, and details about this year’s campaign at https://backcare.org.uk.

02/10/2026

October is ADHD awareness month

ADHD is a neurodevelopmental disorder affecting both children and adults, which involves a long-term pattern of inattention and/or hyperactivity-impulsivity that can make it hard to stay still, focus, follow instructions and be organised, which interferes with daily life or typical development.

You can find out more about ADHD, the symptoms, diagnosis and what support is available at the ADHD UK website: https://adhduk.co.uk.

The goal of ADHD Awareness Month is to share awareness, information and supports worldwide. People with ADHD are invited to share their art, stories and memes to inform and inspire others. Find out more and get involved at https://www.adhdawarenessmonth.org.

We're here to help people with ADHD Thrive. Positively changing what it means to have ADHD in the UK if not the world.

28/09/2026

A big thank you to everyone who came to our coffee morning last week

We raised £174.75 for Macmillan 🎉🎉

24/09/2026

Migraine Awareness Week, 21st–27th September

Migraine is frequently misunderstood, and people with migraine are often told, ‘It’s just a headache, it can’t be that bad.’ But Migraine is a complex, long-term health condition involving repeated attacks which typically last between four hours and three days. These tend to involve a moderate to severe headache, but can be a whole-body experience that can make it difficult to function normally.

The most common symptoms of a migraine attack include:
moderate or severe headache
being very sensitive to light, sounds and smells
feeling sick (nausea) and being sick (vomiting).
aura – a set of symptoms that includes problems with sight, speech and sensations.
Migraine Awareness Week aims to raise awareness of how severe migraine really is, and change the perception of migraine. Learn more about migraine and how you can help raise awareness and support the Migraine Trust charity at https://migrainetrust.org/get-involved/campaign-with-us/migraine-awareness-week/.

22/09/2026

Rheumatoid Arthritis Awareness Week is intended to raise awareness of the condition and eliminate misconceptions by educating and informing friends, family, employers of those with RA and the general population about what rheumatoid arthritis truly is, and highlight its distinction from other forms of arthritis.

Unlike osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis is an auto-immune disease where the immune system mistakenly attacks the lining of the joints, causing inflammation, pain and swelling. In addition to joints, it can affect internal organs such as the heart, lungs, eyes. Late diagnosis or lack of targeted, appropriate treatment can therefore have serious consequences, and it is important to talk to your GP if you experience one or more of the symptoms for more than six weeks.

Find out about the symptoms, treatments and support for rheumatoid arthritis, and discover events and fundraising ideas at https://nras.org.uk/campaigning/ra-awareness-week/.

21/09/2026

We are hosting our very own Coffee Morning for Macmillan to raise vital funds for Macmillan Cancer Support! No one should face cancer alone, and every cuppa and penny counts in helping them provide essential support.

📅 Date: Wednesday 23rd September
⏰ Time: All morning
📍 Location: Whyburn Medical Practice

Come along for a delicious slice of cake, a warm hot drink, and a great catch-up with friends and community—all for a wonderful cause. Donations are warmly welcomed!