Arbury Monthly Campaign
October: Stoptober - Take the First Step to a Smoke-Free Future
Make October Your Month to Quit
October is Stoptober, the UK's annual stop smoking campaign designed to help people quit smoking and improve their health.
Stopping smoking is one of the best things you can do for your physical and mental wellbeing. Whether you've tried to quit before or this is your first attempt, support is available to help you succeed.
What Is Stoptober?
Stoptober is a national campaign that encourages people to stop smoking during October and stay smoke-free for 28 days.
Research shows that if you can remain smoke-free for 28 days, you are much more likely to quit successfully for the long term.
Who Is Affected?
Smoking increases the risk of a number of serious health conditions, including:
⚠️ Heart disease
⚠️ Stroke
⚠️ Lung disease
⚠️ Several types of cancer
⚠️ Reduced fertility
⚠️ Pregnancy complications
⚠️ Breathing difficulties
Stopping smoking can reduce these risks and improve your overall health and wellbeing.
Did You Know?
📌 After just 20 minutes, your pulse rate starts to return to normal.
📌 After 48 hours, harmful carbon monoxide has left your body.
📌 If you stay smoke-free for 28 days, you are 5 times more likely to quit for good.
📌 It is never too late to stop smoking and benefit from improved health.
Benefits of Quitting Smoking
✅ Improve your heart health
✅ Breathe more easily
✅ Save money
✅ Improve your sense of taste and smell
✅ Protect family and friends from second-hand smoke
✅ Increase your energy levels
Even small improvements begin very quickly after your last cigarette.
What Could You Do With The Money?
Every smoke-free day can help you save money.
Those savings could go towards:
☕ A favourite coffee
🍽️ A meal out
🎁 A family treat
✈️ Saving towards a holiday
Small daily savings can soon add up.
How We Can Help
At Arbury Medical Centre, we can support you with:
🩺 Advice and support from the practice team
💊 Information about stop smoking treatments
📱 Signposting to local stop smoking services
🏥 Support to improve your overall health and wellbeing
If you would like help to stop smoking, speak to a member of our team for further advice and support.
Take the Stoptober Challenge
🚭 Make October your month to quit.
❤️ Every smoke-free day is a positive step towards better health.
📞 Speak to Reception or a healthcare professional for support and advice.
Every quit attempt is a step in the right direction. This October, take the first step towards a smoke-free future
Published on 1st Oct 2026
September: Know Your Numbers - Blood Pressure Awareness Month
Check Your Blood Pressure Today!
September is Know Your Numbers Month, a national awareness campaign encouraging people to understand and monitor their blood pressure.
High blood pressure often has no symptoms, which is why it is sometimes referred to as the "silent killer." Many people are unaware they have high blood pressure until it is detected during a routine health check.
Knowing your blood pressure is one of the simplest ways to take control of your health and reduce your risk of serious illness.
What Is Blood Pressure?
Blood pressure is the force of blood moving through your blood vessels.
High blood pressure usually causes no symptoms, but over time it can increase your risk of:
❤️ Stroke
❤️ Heart Attack
❤️ Kidney Disease
❤️ Dementia
The only reliable way to know whether your blood pressure is high is to have it checked.
Could You Be At Risk?
You may be more likely to develop high blood pressure if you:
⚠️ Are aged 40 or over
⚠️ Are overweight
⚠️ Smoke
⚠️ Drink alcohol regularly
⚠️ Have diabetes
⚠️ Have a family history of heart disease
⚠️ Do little physical activity
Even if you feel well, regular blood pressure checks are important.
Did You Know?
📌 High blood pressure is often called the "silent killer" because many people do not know they have it.
📌 High blood pressure often has no symptoms, which is why regular checks are so important.
📌 A simple blood pressure check can help detect problems early.
📌 Community pharmacies can often provide blood pressure checks for eligible patients.
5 Ways to Keep Your Blood Pressure Healthy
✅ Be active every day
✅ Eat less salt
✅ Maintain a healthy weight
✅ Stop smoking
✅ Limit alcohol
✅ Take prescribed medication as directed
Making small lifestyle changes can have a significant impact on your heart health and overall wellbeing.
Blood Pressure Checks at Arbury Medical Centre
Patients aged under 70 years can use our self-service blood pressure machine at the practice.
Benefits of the self-service machine:
✅ Quick and easy to use
✅ No appointment required
✅ Available during practice opening hours
✅ Reception staff can provide assistance if needed
Simply follow the instructions provided and let Reception know if you require any help.
How We Can Help
The practice offers:
🩺 Blood pressure monitoring appointments
📋 Hypertension reviews
🍎 Healthy lifestyle advice
💊 Medication reviews
🏥 NHS Health Checks
✅ Access to our self-service blood pressure monitor for eligible patients
If you are concerned about your blood pressure or would like further advice, please contact the practice team.
Don't Know Your Numbers?
🩺 Use our self-service blood pressure machine if you are under 70 years of age.
📞 Speak to Reception about blood pressure checks and reviews.
❤️ Knowing your blood pressure can help reduce your risk of heart attack and stroke.
Take Action This September
A quick blood pressure check could make a big difference to your future health.
Know Your Numbers. Check Your Blood Pressure Today. 🩺❤️💙
Published on 24th Sept 2026
Page created: 14 October 2026