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Together First CIC

Federation of GP practices in barking & Dagenham which cares for more than 210.000 residents.

16/10/2026

October is National Cholesterol Month – do you know your cholesterol levels? ❤️

High cholesterol means you have too much cholesterol in your blood. It does not usually cause symptoms, so a blood test is the only way to find out if your cholesterol is high. Left unmanaged, it can contribute to blocked blood vessels and increase your risk of heart problems and stroke. 🩺

There are positive steps you can take to help manage your cholesterol. Eating a balanced diet, being physically active, maintaining a healthy weight and stopping smoking can all support your heart health. Some people may also need cholesterol-lowering medication. 🥗🚶‍♀️

This National Cholesterol Month, take some time to think about your heart health and find out whether you should have your cholesterol checked. ❤️

NHS high cholesterol information:
https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/high-cholesterol/

Patient.info cholesterol advice:
https://patient.info/features/heart-health/how-to-keep-your-cholesterol-on-track

14/10/2026

Sinusitis causing pain, pressure or a blocked nose? Your local pharmacy may be able to help. 💊

Sinusitis is swelling of the sinuses, often following a cold or flu. Symptoms can include pain or tenderness around the cheeks, eyes or forehead, a blocked or runny nose, reduced sense of smell, headache and green or yellow mucus. 🤧

Through Pharmacy First, eligible patients can speak to a pharmacist about sinusitis without needing to see their GP first. A pharmacist can assess your symptoms, provide advice and, where appropriate, offer treatment or direct you to other medical support. 🩺

Mild sinusitis will often clear by itself within four weeks. Resting, drinking plenty of fluids and using suitable pain relief can help manage symptoms while you recover. 💙

NHS sinusitis advice:
https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/sinusitis-sinus-infection/

12/10/2026

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month – a reminder to be breast aware and know what is normal for you. 🎀

Breast cancer is the most common type of cancer in women in the UK, but anyone can get breast cancer, including men.

Get to know how your breasts or chest normally look and feel. Changes to look out for can include a new lump or swelling, changes in the size or shape of a breast, skin changes such as dimpling, changes to the ni**le, unusual ni**le discharge or persistent pain.

Most breast changes are not cancer, but it's important to contact your GP if you notice something that's new or unusual for you. Don't wait to see if it goes away on its own.

Breast Cancer Awareness Month is also an opportunity to encourage the people around you to be breast aware and seek advice if something doesn't feel right. 🎀💗

NHS information about breast cancer in women:
https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/breast-cancer-in-women/

Breast Cancer Now information and support:
https://breastcancernow.org

NHS information about breast cancer in men:
https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/breast-cancer-in-men/

10/10/2026

This World Mental Health Day, remember that movement is for everybody. 💚

Physical activity can be a positive way to support both physical and mental wellbeing, and being active should be accessible and enjoyable for disabled children and young people too.

There is no single right way to get moving. Activities can be adapted around individual abilities, interests and needs. This might include swimming, accessible cycling, boccia, wheelchair sports, adapted games or simply enjoying time outdoors. Small changes such as using softer or larger balls, shortening distances or reducing the length of an activity can make movement more accessible.

The most important thing is finding something that works for you or your family and that you enjoy. Being active can also provide opportunities to have fun, spend time together and connect with other people. 💚

This World Mental Health Day, celebrate movement in all its forms and remember that every body can move in its own way. ♿

NHS accessible activity ideas:
https://www.nhs.uk/healthier-families/activities/accessible-activities/

06/10/2026

High-quality care matters for people living with Crohn’s and Colitis 💜

The IBD Standards set out what good care should look like for people with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), helping to ensure patients receive the right support at the right time 💬

This includes access to specialist teams, timely diagnosis, ongoing monitoring, and support for both physical and mental wellbeing 🤝

By raising awareness of these standards, we can help empower patients to understand what care they should expect and improve outcomes for everyone

Find out more about the IBD Standards here:
https://ibduk.org/ibd-standards

03/10/2026

To mark World Ostomy Day (Stoma Aware Day), Crohn’s & Colitis UK are hosting a virtual social event for people living with a stoma.

Join them on Wednesday 7 October, 6:30pm–8:00pm for a friendly online get-together where you can connect with others, share experiences of life with a stoma and swap practical tips.

💻 Online event
📅 Wednesday 7 October
⏰ 6:30pm–8:00pm

Whether you’re new to life with a stoma or have been living with one for some time, everyone is welcome.

Sign up here: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/world-ostomy-day-virtual-social-event-tickets-2000440286748

02/10/2026

𝗦𝘁𝗼𝗽𝘁𝗼𝗯𝗲𝗿 is a great opportunity to quit smoking and start feeling the benefits of a smoke-free life. 🚭💙

Giving up smoking is one of the best things you can do for your health. From the moment you stop, your body begins to recover, and over time you can reduce your risk of heart disease, stroke, lung disease and many cancers. ❤️

Quitting can be challenging, but you don't have to rely on willpower alone. There is support available to help you manage cravings, choose suitable stop-smoking treatments and find practical ways to stay on track. 🤝

Taking part in Stoptober gives you the chance to join thousands of other people making a quit attempt this October. Even if you've tried before, don't be discouraged – every quit attempt can bring you closer to stopping for good. 🌟

You could also notice benefits such as breathing more easily, having more energy, improving your sense of taste and smell, and saving money. 💷

Make this October the month you take your first step towards becoming smoke-free. 🚭

Quit smoking advice and support:
https://www.nhs.uk/better-health/quit-smoking/

30/09/2026

𝗦𝗲𝘅𝘂𝗮𝗹 𝗛𝗲𝗮𝗹𝘁𝗵 𝗪𝗲𝗲𝗸 𝗶𝘀 𝗮 𝗴𝗿𝗲𝗮𝘁 𝗼𝗽𝗽𝗼𝗿𝘁𝘂𝗻𝗶𝘁𝘆 𝘁𝗼 𝘁𝗮𝗸𝗲 𝗰𝗵𝗮𝗿𝗴𝗲 𝗼𝗳 𝘆𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗵𝗲𝗮𝗹𝘁𝗵.💙

Looking after your s*xual health is an important part of your overall wellbeing. Whether it's attending cervical screening, getting vaccinated against HPV or seeking advice when you need it, small steps can make a big difference. 🌸

Cervical screening (smear tests) is offered to eligible women and people with a cervix to help prevent cervical cancer. It checks for high-risk types of human papillomavirus (HPV), a common virus that most people will have at some point in their lives. In most cases HPV causes no problems, but some types can increase the risk of cervical cancer if left untreated. 🩺

Cervical screening can detect HPV before it causes abnormal cell changes, meaning treatment can be offered early if needed. It is one of the best ways to protect yourself against cervical cancer. 💜

You can also help protect yourself by:
✔️ Attending cervical screening when invited.
✔️ Ensuring your children receive the HPV vaccination when offered.
✔️ Practising safer s*x.
✔️ Speaking to a healthcare professional if you have any concerns about your s*xual health.

If you receive your invitation for cervical screening, don't put it off. It could save your life. 💙

Find out more:
HPV: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/human-papilloma-virus-hpv/

Cervical screening: https://www.nhs.uk/tests-and-treatments/cervical-screening/what-is-cervical-screening/

28/09/2026

Cold weather can make asthma symptoms worse, but a few simple steps can help you stay well this winter. 💙❄️

Breathing in cold, dry air can narrow your airways, making it harder to breathe and increasing symptoms such as coughing, wheezing and breathlessness. If you have asthma, it's important to be prepared before heading outside. 🌬️🫁

Here are some tips to help protect your lungs:
✅ Wear a scarf loosely over your nose and mouth to help warm the air you breathe.
✅ Try breathing through your nose rather than your mouth.
✅ Check the weather forecast before going out and limit your time outdoors during very cold weather if possible.
✅ Dress in several thin layers to stay warm.
✅ Continue taking your preventer inhaler exactly as prescribed, even if you're feeling well.

Know your asthma action plan and seek urgent medical help if your symptoms become severe. 🚑

Find out more about living with asthma:
https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/asthma/

25/09/2026

Falls are one of the most common causes of injury, especially for older adults, but many can be prevented with a few simple changes at home. 💙🏡

One of the easiest ways to reduce your risk is by wearing the right footwear. Well-fitting slippers with a secure back and non-slip soles can help you stay steady on your feet, while worn-out, loose-fitting or backless slippers can increase the risk of slipping or tripping. 👣

You can also help prevent falls by:
• Wearing supportive shoes or slippers with good grip.
• Keeping floors clear of clutter and trailing cables.
• Cleaning up spills straight away.
• Making sure your home is well lit.
• Using handrails when going up or down stairs.
• Having your eyesight and hearing checked regularly.
• Staying active to improve strength, balance and mobility.

If someone does fall, stay calm and check for injuries before helping them move. If they have injured their head, neck, back or hip, or cannot get up, call 999 immediately. If they may have a less serious injury, NHS 111 can provide advice. 🚑☎️

Find out more about preventing falls:
https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/falls/

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Barking

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https://togetherfirst.co.uk/

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