May 2026
Welcome to the second of a series of newsletters about making the best use of local health services
These newsletters have been produced in partnership with the Practice’s Patient Participation Group.
This newsletter focuses on keeping well and self care.
Use the links in each section below (underlined) to find more information.
Keeping Well
There are many things you can do to help keep yourself fit and healthy.
Adopting a healthy lifestyle
LiveWell Dorset provides free coaching, support and advice to help you:
- Move more
- Manage your weight
- Stop smoking
- Drink less alcohol.
Call 0800 840 1628 or go to: LiveWell Dorset.
Vaccinations and immunisations
Vaccinations are also important for keeping people healthy and preventing diseases in our community - it’s also important to make sure you are up to date with all the vaccinations you are eligible for. More information can be found at: Stay Well Dorset website - Vaccinations.
Swanage Medical Practice administers a range of vaccinations offered routinely to children, young people and adults, in line with the NHS Vaccinations and Immunisations Schedule.
More information about the vaccinations and immunisations offered at the Surgery can be found on the Practice website at: Swanage Medical Practice - Vaccinations and Immunisations.
Screening
Screening can detect a problem early, before you have any symptoms. Finding out about a problem early can mean that treatment is more effective. Screening can also reduce the chance of developing a condition or its complications.
The NHS offers a number of screening programmes, including:
- Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm (AAA) Screening - offered to men when they turn 65
- Bowel Cancer Screening - offered to adults aged 50 to 74 every two years
- Breast Screening - offered to women aged 50 to 70 every three years
- Cervical Screening - offered to women aged 25 to 64 every five years
Further information about all the screening programmes offered by the NHS in England can be found at: NHS - Screening.
NHS Health Checks
An NHS Health Check is a free check-up of the health of your heart and blood vessels (your cardiovascular health). It can help to tell you whether you’re at higher risk of getting certain health problems, such as heart disease, diabetes, kidney disease or stroke.
NHS Health Checks are offered every five years to people aged 40 to 74 who do not have certain pre-existing health conditions. To find out if you are eligible for a free NHS Health Check, go to: NHS Health Checks.
NHS Health Checks are offered at Swanage Medical Practice. If you’re eligible for an NHS Health Check, you will receive an invitation from the Practice every five years.
NHS Health Checks are also available at both Boots Pharmacy and Well Pharmacies in Swanage.
More information about NHS Health Checks and where they are offered in Dorset can be found at: NHS Health Checks - Dorset.
If you’ve recently had your NHS Health Check, LiveWell Dorset can help you take the next steps to improve your health. Their advisers offer free support to help you give up smoking, move more, manage your weight or drink less alcohol. Register online for personalised support at contact LiveWell Dorset or call 0800 840 1628.
Checking your blood pressure
Checking your blood pressure regularly could also help save your life - for more information go to: Stay Well Dorset website - Checking your blood pressure.
Self Care
There are many minor conditions you can treat yourself by using over-the-counter medicines from your local pharmacy or supermarket - without needing to see a doctor or nurse.
Prescriptions for medicines that are available over the counter to treat 35 minor conditions are no longer generally available in Dorset - including for coughs, colds, mild hayfever, and indigestion. For more information, go to HelpYourNHS on the NHS Dorset Website.
The Pharmacists at your local Community Pharmacy can offer help and clinical advice to manage minor health concerns - and, if your symptoms suggest it’s more serious, they will advise you on how to get the care you need.
For more advice on how to manage specific conditions, visit the Health A to Z on the NHS Website.
The Healthier Together website includes advice to help parents and carers decide what to do when babies, children or young people are unwell.