October 2024 Patient Newsletter




💉 Vaccinations are your best form of protection
We know you’ll have seen the TV ads and hear it every year from us here at Apex but as autumn approaches, we urge you to think about protecting yourself and your loved ones from seasonal illnesses.
Vaccinations are the best line of defence against a range of viruses, including flu, Covid-19, meningitis, and measles, mumps and rubella.
The NHS offers free flu vaccines for many groups, including pregnant women, young children, and older adults. We’ll text you if you’re eligible for any vaccines and you can come have them here at the surgery.
To find out about clinics taking place across Kent and Medway, or to see if you are eligible please visit: https://www.getvaccinatednow.co.uk/ or call the vaccine helpline on 03000 810 007 (9am – 5pm, Mon – Fri).

🩸 Blood cancer – what you need to know
1 in 19 people in the UK will develop blood cancer! It is the 5th most common cancer in the UK and is also the 3rd biggest cancer killer so early diagnosis is important. There are various types of blood cancer, and the symptoms can vary depending on the type, but some common symptoms are listed below. This short YouTube video https://youtu.be/wWJVsr3jwmo explains more about blood cancer and the symptoms to look out for.
Blood cancer symptoms:
- Weight loss that is unexplained
- Bruising or bleeding that is unexplained
- Lumps or swellings
- Shortness of breath (breathlessness)
- Drenching night sweats
- Infections that are persistent, recurrent or severe
- Fever (38°C or above) that is unexplained
- Rash or itchy skin that is unexplained
- Pain in your bones, joints or abdomen (stomach area)
- Tiredness that doesn’t improve with rest or sleep (fatigue)
- Paleness (pallor)

👩🏾💻 Menopause
Awareness Month: Raising awareness and breaking the stigma
October is Menopause Awareness Month with World
Menopause Day taking place on 18th October. This year’s theme is Menopause Hormone Therapy, also known as Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) in the UK. The aim is to raise awareness, break the stigma, and highlight support options for people experiencing perimenopause or menopause. HRT is a treatment used to help menopausal symptoms. It replaces the hormones oestrogen and progesterone, which fall to low levels as you approach the menopause. You should make an appointment with your GP if you’re a) over 45 years old with menopause symptoms and you’re considering starting HRT or b) you’re under 45 years old and think you’re having menopause symptoms.
There is a lot of support available nowadays for women who are going through perimenopause or menopause.
Please don’t suffer in silence.


⛔ Quit smoking this Stoptober!
Did you know that if you stay smoke-free for 28 days, you’re 5 times more likely to quit for good? With the right support, quitting is easier than you think which is why Stoptober is the perfect opportunity to quit smoking! The NHS Better Health website has tips, advice, and support to help you take advantage of Stoptober and start your journey to a healthier, smoke-free you! The key is not to give up, try different combinations until you find the one that works for you.


🧑🏽🦽➡️ New Mobility Aids Hire Service
Due to the closure of the British Red Cross mobility aids service, a new non-profit, short-term hire service has been set up to continue providing equipment locally. Wheel Easy Mobility is based in Maidstone, Kent and is run by experienced volunteers. They offer manual wheelchairs and toileting aids on a weekly hire basis, as well as a selection of preloved refurbished equipment to purchase. They are open daily and can be contacted via:
Website: www.wemobility.co.uk
Email: info@wemobility.co.uk
Telephone: 07365 891388


🤍 Baby Loss Awareness Week: Breaking the silences around pregnancy and baby loss
Baby Loss Awareness Week is 9-15th October and is a special opportunity to bring together anyone touched by pregnancy and baby loss in a safe and supportive space to share their experiences and feel that they are not alone. If you have lost a baby, whether it was a long time ago, or are recently bereaved, there is help and support available to you.
The Lullaby Trust offer confidential bereavement support to anyone affected by the sudden and unexpected death of a baby or young child.
SANDS offers support to anyone affected by pregnancy loss or the death of a baby.
Tommy’s provides information and support for anyone who has experienced the loss of a baby, whether through miscarriage, stillbirth, neonatal death, or termination for medical reasons.

🚶🏽♀️➡️ Ready Steady Walk in Medway
Medway Move Well is offering a 16-week programme to help you increase your strength, stamina, and confidence to walk more for health improvement. If you can already stand for 5 minutes and walk for two minutes but would like to do more then come and join our friendly group. More information including locations and times can be found here: https://www.everydayactivekent.org.uk/activities/ready-steady-walk-medway-2/
