Askern Medical Practice

19/06/2026

Cervical screening can save lives 💙

Cervical screening (previously called a smear test) is a quick and simple test that checks the health of your cervix and helps prevent cervical cancer 👍

It’s offered to women and people with a cervix aged 25 to 64, with invitations sent every 5 years 📅

The test doesn’t check for cancer itself – it looks for a virus called HPV, which can cause changes to the cells in your cervix. These changes can be treated early to stop cancer developing 💉

At your appointment, a small sample of cells is taken from your cervix by a nurse or doctor. It only takes a few minutes, and you’ll be supported throughout to make you as comfortable as possible 🤝

Even if you feel well and have no symptoms, it’s important to attend your screening when invited – it’s one of the best ways to protect your health 💙

Find out more:
Cervical screening: https://www.nhs.uk/tests-and-treatments/cervical-screening/

17/06/2026

Know your skin. It could save your life 💙

Skin cancer is one of the most common cancers in the UK, but spotting the signs early can make a big difference to treatment and outcomes 👍

A helpful way to check your moles is the ABCDE checklist:
• A – Asymmetry: one half doesn’t match the other
• B – Border: edges are irregular, ragged or blurred
• C – Colour: uneven or multiple shades
• D – Diameter: larger than 6mm (about the size of a pencil eraser)
• E – Evolving: changing in size, shape, colour or feeling (e.g. itching or bleeding)

You should contact your GP if:
• a mole becomes painful, itchy, inflamed, bleeding or crusty
• you notice a new or unusual mark or lump that doesn’t go away
• a mole changes or looks different from others

Melanoma can appear anywhere on the body, not just sun-exposed areas, so it’s important to check your skin regularly 👀

Find out more:
Melanoma skin cancer: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/melanoma-skin-cancer/
Non-melanoma skin cancer: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/non-melanoma-skin-cancer/what-is-non-melanoma-skin-cancer/

15/06/2026

Men’s Health Week is a great time to learn more about cancers that only affect men 💙

Some cancers specifically affect men, including prostate, testicular and pe**le cancer. These cancers develop in parts of the male reproductive system and can affect people at different stages of life 👨‍⚕️

For example:
• Prostate cancer starts in the prostate gland and is the most common cancer in men in the UK
• Testicular cancer often affects younger men and may present as a lump or swelling
• Pe**le cancer is rare but can develop on or under the fo****in

Treatments can vary depending on the type and stage of cancer, but may include surgery, radiotherapy or chemotherapy, with support available throughout 💙

It’s important to know your body and speak to a healthcare professional if something doesn’t feel right. Early detection can make a big difference 👍

This message is inclusive of trans women and non-binary people (assigned male at birth), who can also be affected by these cancers and should feel supported to seek advice 💙

Find out more:
Men’s cancers information: https://www.cancerresearchuk.org/about-cancer/mens-cancer

14/06/2026

❤️ Give blood. Save lives.

Donating blood is one of the simplest ways you can make a life-saving difference. Every donation can help patients in emergencies, during surgery, or those living with long-term conditions 💉

It’s quick, safe and takes around an hour, but the impact can last a lifetime. In fact, one donation can help save up to three lives 🙌

Most people aged 17–65 who are fit and healthy can donate, and you’ll be fully supported through the process to make sure it’s safe for you and the patient 👍

Blood is always in high demand, and new donors are needed all the time to make sure there’s enough for everyone who needs it 💙

Ready to make a difference?

Find out more and register:
Give blood: https://www.blood.co.uk/

10/06/2026

Starting from Tuesday 16th June we will have Citizens Advice located at Denaby on Tuesdays and Mexborough Wednesdays. Please speak to a member of our reception team for more information on how to book an appointment. Thank You

Following the expansion of our Advice on Prescription project, we are in new locations alongside our existing ones.

If your surgery is listed, you can request a referral at reception.

All appointments must be booked in advance to manage footfall.

01/06/2026

Enjoying the sunshine? Make sure you’re protecting your skin properly ☀️

Sunscreen is important, but it shouldn’t be your only line of defence. Wearing suitable clothing, spending time in the shade, and avoiding the sun when it’s strongest (11am–3pm) can all help reduce your risk of sunburn and long-term skin damage 🌤️

When choosing sunscreen, look for:
• SPF 30 or higher to protect against UVB rays
• At least 4-star UVA protection or a UVA symbol in a circle
• Broad-spectrum protection covering both UVA and UVB ☀️

Don’t forget to apply sunscreen generously about 20–30 minutes before going outside and reapply every 2 hours, especially after swimming or sweating 💧

Even water-resistant sunscreen needs reapplying, as water and towels can remove it more easily than you think 🌊

Find out more:
NHS sun safety advice: https://www.nhs.uk/live-well/seasonal-health/sunscreen-and-sun-safety/
Choosing the right sunscreen: https://patient.info/features/skin-conditions/how-to-choose-the-right-sunscreen

31/05/2026

Quitting smoking is one of the best things you can do for your health, and support is available to help you every step of the way. The NHS Quit Smoking app provides a free, structured 28-day programme with practical tools, encouragement and personalised advice to help you stop for good. 💙🚭📱✨

Using the app can help you:
• Track your progress and stay motivated 📊💪
• Manage cravings and triggers with practical tips 🧠✨
• See how much money you’re saving 💷💙
• Get daily support and encouragement when you need it most 🌿📱

With the right support, quitting becomes much more achievable, and even small steps can lead to lasting change. 🚭💙✨

Get free NHS quit smoking support: https://www.nhs.uk/better-health/quit-smoking/
Download the NHS Quit Smoking app: https://nhsquitsmoking.app.link/better_health_quit_smoking

27/05/2026

Staying active as you get older is one of the best ways to maintain independence, improve wellbeing and reduce the risk of conditions like heart disease and stroke. It’s never too late to start, and even small amounts of movement can make a difference. 💙🚶‍♂️✨

For older adults, the NHS recommends:
• Being active every day, even with light activities 🌿💙
• Aiming for around 150 minutes of moderate activity each week, such as brisk walking 🚶‍♀️✨
• Doing strength exercises at least twice a week to keep muscles strong 💪🩺
• Including balance and flexibility activities to reduce the risk of falls ⚖️🌱

Activities like walking, gardening, swimming or gentle exercise classes can all help improve physical and mental wellbeing, as well as reduce loneliness and support independence.

Find out more about staying active as you get older: https://www.nhs.uk/live-well/exercise/physical-activity-guidelines-older-adults/

25/05/2026

Bladder cancer is one of the most common cancers, and recognising the signs early can make a real difference to outcomes. The most common symptom is blood in your p*e, even if it only happens once or is not painful, and it should always be checked by a GP.

Other symptoms to look out for include:
• Pain, burning or stinging when passing urine 💧⚠️
• Needing to p*e more often or urgently 🚽⏱️
• Repeated urinary infections 🔁🩺
• Pain in the lower tummy or back 🤕✨
• Feeling very tired or losing weight without trying 💙📉

These symptoms are often caused by other conditions, but it’s important not to ignore them. Getting checked early can lead to earlier diagnosis and more effective treatment.

Learn more about bladder cancer: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/bladder-cancer/
Read detailed information from Cancer Research UK: https://www.cancerresearchuk.org/about-cancer/bladder-cancer

22/05/2026

Maintaining a healthy weight is important for your overall health and wellbeing. Even small changes can make a big difference, helping to reduce your risk of serious conditions like heart disease, type 2 diabetes and high blood pressure. 💙⚖️✨

Losing just a small amount of weight, around 5–10% of your body weight, can have significant health benefits, including improving blood pressure, cholesterol and energy levels.

Simple ways to work towards a healthier weight include:
• Eating a balanced diet and making healthier food choices 🥗🌿
• Being more active and moving regularly 🚶‍♂️💪
• Setting realistic, achievable goals 📊✨
• Making small, sustainable changes over time 💙🌱

The NHS Better Health programme offers free tools, apps and a 12-week plan to help you build healthier habits and stay on track.

Start your journey to a healthier weight: https://www.nhs.uk/better-health/lose-weight/