News

A31 PCN October Newsletter

Our regular newsletters highlight what’s going on across the A31 Primary Care Network — from community events and health campaigns to updates from your local practice teams.

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Understanding Cholesterol and How to Keep It in Check

October is Cholesterol Awareness Month – a great time to learn more about how cholesterol affects your health and what you can do to keep it at a healthy level. Cholesterol often gets a bad name, but it’s actually something your body needs to stay healthy. It helps build cells and make certain hormones. The

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Breast Cancer Awareness Month – October 2025

Every October, people across the country come together to raise awareness of breast cancer, the most common cancer in the UK. Around 1 in 7 women will be diagnosed with breast cancer in their lifetime, and while it is much less common in men, it can still affect them too. Breast Cancer Awareness Month is

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Restart a Heart Day: CPR and Defibrillators Save Lives

Every year, thousands of people in the UK suffer a cardiac arrest outside of hospital. The statistics are sobering: fewer than 1 in 10 people survive an out-of-hospital cardiac arrest. For every minute without CPR and defibrillation, the chance of survival reduces by up to 10%. That’s why Restart a Heart Day on 16th October

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World Mental Health Day – 10 October

Every year, World Mental Health Day is marked on 10 October. It’s a chance to raise awareness about mental health and wellbeing, encourage conversations, and remind ourselves that support is available. This year’s theme is “Access to Services – Mental Health in Catastrophes and Emergencies”. It highlights how important it is for people to be

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Have Your Say on Health and Wellbeing Events and News

The A31 Primary Care Network (PCN), along with Boundaries Surgery, Chawton Park Surgery, and The Wilson Practice, would love to hear your thoughts on local health and wellbeing events. We want to understand how you usually find out about these events, what interests you most, and how we can make future activities even more useful,

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Join Stoptober and Take the First Step Towards a Smokefree Life

October marks the return of Stoptober, the national campaign that helps people quit smoking and start living healthier, smokefree lives. Whether you’ve been thinking about giving up for a while or this is your very first attempt, now is the perfect time to take that step. Why join Stoptober? Local help and support Here in

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Know Your Numbers Week 2025 

Theme: Looking for the Missing Millions  Every September, Know Your Numbers Week shines a spotlight on the importance of blood pressure checks. This year’s theme – Looking for the Missing Millions – highlights that millions of people in the UK are living with high blood pressure without even realising it.  Why it matters  High blood

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World Suicide Prevention Day: Together, We Can Make a Difference 

World Suicide Prevention Day is marked on 10 September each year. It’s a chance for us all to come together, raise awareness, and remember that suicide is preventable. This year’s theme is “Creating hope through action” — reminding us that even small acts can make a big difference.  Why Awareness Matters  If You’re Feeling Suicidal 

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Why Vaccinations Matter at Every Age

Vaccinations aren’t just for children — they’re an important way of protecting health throughout life. From babies to older adults, immunisations help defend against serious illnesses that can spread quickly and cause long-term complications. Vaccinations are one of the most significant achievements in public health. According to the World Health Organization, vaccines prevent an estimated

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World Breastfeeding Week: Every Journey is Unique

Breastfeeding can be a beautiful way to nourish and bond with your baby—but it’s not always easy. Whether you’re preparing to breastfeed, currently navigating the challenges, or figuring out what works best for you and your baby, we want you to know: you’re not alone. Every feeding journey is unique. Some babies latch straight away,

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gray and white airplane on flight near clear blue sky

Why We Do Not Prescribe Diazepam for Fear of Flying

We understand that fear of flying is a very real and distressing issue. However, there are several important reasons why prescribing diazepam (or similar sedatives) for this purpose is not recommended: Alternative Support for Fear of Flying Rather than relying on medication, a much more effective and long-term solution is to address your fear of

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Cancer Awareness in July

July is a time to raise awareness of two lesser-known but important types of cancer — Sarcoma and Head & Neck Cancers. Spotting the signs early can make a big difference.  Sarcoma Awareness Month  Sarcoma is a rare type of cancer that can develop in the bones or soft tissues like muscles, fat, or blood

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Don’t Travel Without It! Apply for Your Free GHIC

Planning a trip to Europe or certain other countries? Don’t forget your free UK Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC)! It’s an important card that can help you get necessary state healthcare if you suddenly fall ill or have an accident while you’re away.

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Protect Your Family: Understanding the MMR Vaccine

With measles cases recently highlighted in the news, it’s more important than ever to ensure you and your family are protected. Getting two doses of the MMR vaccine offers long-lasting protection, helping to keep our communities safe. It also helps to keep those safe who can’t have the vaccine themselves, like very young babies or people with certain health conditions.

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East Hampshire Stroke Support

Music Therapy Aimed at stroke support survivors who are struggling with aphasia. No musical or vocal skills are required, just some enthusiasm to consider music therapy and learn more about it. No one will be asked to do anything they feel uncomfortable with, and the aim is to enjoy yourselves. As always, tea and cake

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Men’s Health Week: 10 Ways to Take Charge of Your Wellbeing

It was Men’s Health Week last week (10–16 June 2024) so this is a great time to take stock of how you’re feeling — physically, mentally and emotionally. Whether you’re dealing with stress, aches and pains, or just want to feel more energised, small changes can make a big difference. Here are 10 things you

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🍎 Healthy Eating Week – Small Steps to a Healthier You

Healthy Eating Week is the perfect time to think about how what we eat affects our health and wellbeing – both now and in the long term. Whether you’re cooking for a family, living alone, or supporting someone else, small changes can make a big difference. Why healthy eating matters Eating well doesn’t mean dieting

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Dying Matters: Supporting Conversations About End-of-Life Care 

5-11 May is Dying Matters Awareness Week, a time to encourage people to talk openly about death, dying, and end-of-life care. It’s an important topic that can feel uncomfortable, but having open conversations about death can help reduce fear and ensure that you receive the care and support you need at the end of life. 

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Bowel Cancer: Know the Signs & Get Screened 

Bowel cancer is the fourth most common cancer in the UK, but early detection saves lives. Over 90% of cases can be treated successfully if caught early. That’s why it’s important to know the symptoms and take part in the NHS Bowel Cancer Screening Programme.  Signs & Symptoms  Symptoms of bowel cancer can be subtle,

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Testicular Cancer Awareness Month: Know the Signs & Take Action

April is Testicular Cancer Awareness Month, a time to raise awareness about the most common cancer in young men (ages 15–49). While testicular cancer is relatively rare and has high survival rates, early detection is key to successful treatment.  Know the Symptoms  Testicular cancer can often be spotted early. Look out for: ✔ A painless lump

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ALTON COMMUNITY HOSPITAL

Article written by members of The Chawton Park Surgery Patient Participation Group Recently the Chairs of the three Patient Participation Groups (Chawton Park, Wilson Practice and Boundaries) visited the hospital to find out more about the care offered there. The hospital is physically and administratively divided into two: Visiting the wards, observing the atmosphere and

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