Healthy lifestyle choices
Keeping fit and healthy can be a challenge if you have a
long-term condition, but it will make a big difference to your
wellbeing and could ease your physical symptoms too.
The Live
Well pages on NHS Choices contain a wealth of information on
healthy lifestyles.
Health Trainers
Health Trainers are a one-to-one information service that can
offer you practical lifestyle advice and help you to make a
personal health plan on how to eat healthily, quit smoking, drink
sensibly and become more physically active.
For more information, see the contact for your area on the
Worcestershire Public Health website.
NHS Worcestershire Stop Smoking Services
Provide 1-1 support with NRT in clinics, GP practices and
pharmacies. To find your nearest NHS stop smoking service or to
book an appointment call 0800 9175602. Alternatively visit the
Worcestershire Public Health website.
Physical Activity and Exercise
The
NHS Choices website contains useful information on
exercise and healthy living and keeping fit.
Hereford and
Worcestershire Sports Partnership - information on local
clubs and activities locally
SportsBase -
find your nearest sports club or fitness class
with SportsBase, covers all aspects of sport, health and
fitness from sky diving to aerobics, golf to yoga.
Walking the way to
Health - Health walks are regular short walks over easy
terrain that last about one hour and are led by trained volunteer
health walk leaders. For details of the Walking the way to Health
iniative and groups in Worcestershire supported by the
Worcestershire Walking Network please see the Walkfinder.
Other useful websites:
Worcestershire Activity Referral Schemes
People suffering from chronic conditions like asthma, diabetes,
mild depression, mild to moderate arthritis, obesity, osteoporosis,
poor mobility, high blood pressure or stress are being offered the
opportunity to attend lifestyle courses through their GPs or
specialist nurses.
Activity Referral is being developed across the six localities
in conjunction with local authorities. Go to the Worcestershire Public
Health Activity Referral Scheme page to find
the contact in your area.
Wellbeing in Worcester
Wellbeing in Worcester is a 12 week activity and lifestyle
referral scheme for people who suffer from a range of illnesses or
medical problems. You can be referred by your GP, practice nurse or
Community Health professional. There are 5 programmes planned for
2009 offering a range of venues and times. The programme costs £24
but concessions are available. For more details either ask at your
local surgery or contact the programme co-ordinator Russell Oakley
on 01905 357842 or 429900.
Rehab Extend
It's a movement to music class, specifically for people who have
had a recent medical episode, who want to remain physically active
but who do not yet feel able to participate in a mainstream
activity class.
Telephone: 01684 564500
Diet, Food and Nutrition
Good health is fundamental to leading a full and active life,
and the right nutrition is an important step towards good health.
The NHS Choices
website contains useful information on diet, food and nutrition,
and links to other websites. The
Worcestershire Public Health website also has useful healthy
eating resources.
Preventing falls and fall related injury
General health and wellbeing can make a big difference to
quality of life whatever a persons age. Eating well, keeping fit,
looking after your bones and feet are all important.
Walking, gardening, dancing and aerobic classes are all good
ways to keep fit and healthy and in addition there are specific
exercises that you can do to improve strength and balance and keep
you on your feet.
Although falls are associated with getting older they do not
have to be an inevitable consequence of aging. It is known that a
combination of certain risk factors can make us more likely to fall
and these include; having fallen before, problems with blood
pressure, certain medications, loss of muscle strength and
difficulties with balance. In addition environmental factors such
as hazards in the home can also put you at more risk of falling.
These include poor lighting, especially on stairs, loose carpets,
obstacles and clutter.
For more information on preventing falls visit www.worcsfallsprevention.co.uk
What can you do to avoid falls and keep bones
healthy?
- Clear clutter, loose rugs or trailing flexes from your
home
- Make sure stairwells are clearly lit, have regular eye
tests
- Look after your feet and ensure slippers and shoes fit
well
- Try and keep as active as you can. Include weight bearing
exercises such as brisk walking, gardening, dancing
- Eat a well balanced diet with enough calcium and vitamin D.
Taking short breaks outside in the spring/summer will boost your
vitamin D
If you have already fallen, seek advice from a healthcare
professional.
Last updated on 30 March 2012