Stoptober - the 28 day quitting challenge - is back 

By signing up to Stoptober, you will receive a variety of free support including packs, apps and emails to help you quit for 28 days and beyond. Face-to-face advice and support can also be obtained from Nottingham City New Leaf on 0800 389 7712 who are on hand to provide you with tailored advice, hints and tips on how to quit.

The start of Stoptober this year also coincides with the introduction of new legislation in England and Wales making it illegal to smoke in vehicles with someone under the age of 18 present. The law is changing to protect children from the dangers of secondhand smoke and will come into effect on 1st October.

With one less place to smoke, there is one more reason to sign up to Stoptober.

For more information and to join the biggest stop smoking challenge of its kind, search Stoptober and sign up online. www.smokefree.nhs.uk/stoptober

Autumn's here...so keep warm and well

One of the best ways of keeping well during the colder months is to keep warm. A cold home can have a major effect on your health and wellbeing, and can lead to some serious health problems like heart attacks, strokes and pneumonia. Main living rooms should be between 18 - 21C (64 - 70F) and the rest of the house should be at least 16C (61F). And remember to make sure that heating, radiators and boilers are serviced and in working order to reduce the risk of breaking down in cold weather.

And keep active

As the days draw in and temperatures drop, you may be tempted to hang up your outdoor exercise kit and hibernate. However you need to stay active throughout the autumn and winter. Regular walking is a great way to keep fit and can have some real health benefits - helping to reduce the risk of heart disease, strokes, some cancers and diabetes and it can lower blood pressure. It's also good for minds as well as bodies and can help cope with depression, stress and anxiety. So, pick a dry day, wrap up well and enjoy the outdoors at your local park this autumn.

Free flu jabs - are you eligible?

Don't put off getting the flu vaccination. If you're eligible, make sure you get it. It's free because you need it.

If you have a long term health condition, even one that is well managed, or you are pregnant, you are at greater risk of severe complications if you do catch flu.

The flu vaccination is particularly important for people who are at increased risk of flu. Speak to your GP about getting vaccinated. 

Find out more at

 http://www.nhs.uk/livewell/winterhealth/pages/fluandthefluvaccine.aspx

Calling all students: remember to get your meningitis jab before going to uni

If you haven’t had a Meningitis vaccination yet, remember to get your jab before you start at university – or if you’ve already started, as soon as possible. 

The vaccination offers protection against meningitis (inflammation of the brain) and septicaemia (blood poisoning) caused by four meningococcal strains including MenW. As a student you’re at increased risk of getting meningococcal disease, because you’ll probably be in halls of residence and meeting lots of new people at university, particularly during Freshers’ Week.

If you - or someone you know - are planning to go to university or college this autumn get your vaccination two weeks before the start of the academic year or before you leave home for university or college. Make an appointment with your GP as soon as possible when the vaccine is offered.

Stay alert to the signs and symptoms of meningococcal disease and seek urgent medical attention if there’s any concern. The disease develops rapidly and early symptoms can include headache, vomiting, muscle pain and fever with cold hands and feet. Be aware of all signs and symptoms – and don’t wait for a rash to develop before seeking urgent medical attention. For more information, go to:

http://www.nhs.uk/Conditions/vaccinations/Pages/men-acwy-vaccine.aspx