|
|
The Mayor of Dudley met three hard-working volunteers who help residents to keep fit in the borough’s parks this afternoon (23 November).
Volunteers Jane Lacey, Penny Ladd and Richard Hale were presented with certificates by Councillor Andrea Goddard and Dudley Council’s chief executive Kevin O’Keefe to celebrate their commitment to the Park Active scheme.
Each volunteer has contributed more than 100 hours of their time to help people in the borough to stay active and enjoy the benefits of exercising outdoors.
The inspirational trio also received three vouchers for afternoon tea at the Dudley Council-run Himley Hall and Park venue.
Park Active sessions are delivered on the following days:
- Mondays – Stevens Park in Quarry Bank (10am to 10.45am)
- Wednesdays – Buffery Park in Kates Hill (9.30am to 10.15am)
- Saturdays – Abbey Street Park in Gornal (9am to 9.45am), Stevens Park in Wollescote (9.45am to 10.30am)
- Sundays – Grange Park in Dudley (10am to 10.45am)
Each class is led by a qualified volunteer instructor and designed to suit people of all ages and abilities.
Volunteers who are interested in leading new Park Active sessions should get in touch with the Healthy Places team at healthy.places@dudley.gov.uk.
For more information on Park Active, visit the Let’s Get Healthy Dudley website
|
|
|
If you live near Stourbridge and fancy a social way to stretch your legs, then check out the new wellbeing walk that is starting in Norton.
It will take place on Tuesday mornings at 9:30am. Initial walk dates are 28 November and 5 and 12 December.
The walk meeting point is at St Michael and All Angels Church, Norton DY8 3EE. There are bus stops located nearby and a free car park at the back of the church.
The walk uses local, quiet roads around Norton and is a flat route. It is scheduled to last for 30 minutes at a pace to suit all and is accessible to wheelchairs and pushchairs.
Visit the Ramblers Wellbeing Walks Dudley website to find out more.
|
|
|
Free health checks are on offer in Dudley town centre from Monday 27 November to Friday 1 December.
Dudley Integrated Health and Care NHS Trust, together with health partners, are hosting a pop-up health and wellbeing shop at the Churchill Shopping Centre from 9.30am – 4.30pm.
Come and get your blood pressure checked and receive health advice and signposting. Whether you have questions on mental health, need information on cancer screening, or just want to know more about ageing well or sexual health, drop by and speak to friendly and knowledgeable staff.
|
|
|
It may be a bit of a squash and a squeeze, but a quick blood pressure check can literally change your life.
If your blood pressure is too high it puts extra strain on your blood vessels, heart and other organs, such as the brain, kidneys and eyes.
Persistent high blood pressure can increase your risk of serious and potentially life-threatening conditions. But there are things you can do to lower your numbers.
It makes sense for anyone over 40 to have a blood pressure check at least every five years, and more frequently if you already have any risk factors.
You can get your blood pressure measured by making an appointment at your local participating pharmacy or GP practice. If you have been invited for an NHS Health Check by your GP this will provide a check-up, including cholesterol and diabetes testing.
You can also check your blood pressure by having your own machine.
Find out more about blood pressure and what you can do to lower yours.
|
|
|
Do you know which service you should use to get the right support and quickest medical help?
As temperatures drop and nights draw in, it is important to remember that winter conditions can seriously affect your health. The NHS is here for you and local health and care professionals are ready and waiting to help you this winter. All you need to know is which service best suits your needs:
Think pharmacist for the right advice and medication for your condition
You can speak to your local pharmacist in confidence, without the need for an appointment, about:
- Coughs, colds and the flu
- Aches, pains and minor injuries
- Dry skin and skin allergies
- Ear and eye care, such as dry eyes
- Stomach aches, constipation or diarrhoea
- Oral contraception
- Urinary tract infections (UTI)
- Help with medication and repeat prescriptions
- Advice on healthy living – how to eat better, lose weight and stop smoking
- Advice on vitamins and minerals
- Pain relief (paracetamol and ibuprofen).
Think NHS 111 online if you’re not sure what to do
If you need urgent medical help, advice or if you are not sure what to do, ring 111 or visit NHS 111 online.
Ring 111 or visit 111.nhs.uk:
- If you or someone you’re with has a medical problem or issue that isn’t life-threatening, but you need advice on where to go
- If you think you may require an emergency face-to-face appointment with a relevant healthcare professional
- If you need help with getting a repeat prescription or an emergency supply
- If you require emergency dental or mental health assistance.
|
|
|
As winter approaches, it makes sense to be prepared for snowy or icy weather, so that if you can’t get out you are ready for it. Here are a few tips to help you start off your list of what works for you:
- Stock up with long-life, tinned and frozen food
- Order repeat prescriptions well before you run out
- Ensure that batteries for home medical equipment are regularly checked, replaced, or charged
- Keep spare batteries handy for emergencies, such as a power cut
See government advice on top tips for keeping warm and well this winter.
For local guidance on staying safe, well and supported this winter, go to the Dudley Council winter wellbeing page.
You can also see the Met Office WeatherReady seasonal advice to help you prepare for and respond to the weather.
|
|
|
Type 2 diabetes makes you twice as likely to have a heart attack or stroke. World Diabetes Day took place on 14 November. The day is a wake-up call to encourage us to take the condition seriously.
To find out what the symptoms of type 2 diabetes are and how to get checked, go to the NHS website.
|
|
|
World Aids Day takes place on 1 December.
HIV and sexual health charity Terence Higgins Trust is using the awareness event to share six of the most important facts about HIV, including information about stigma and how people on effective treatment can’t pass it on.
Read more.
|
|
|
This World Antimicrobial Resistance Awareness Week (18-24 November), people in the Black Country are being encouraged to take part in an Antibiotic Amnesty and hand in old or unused antibiotics.
Read more.
|
|
|
The NHS is warning parents that measles cases are on the rise and to check whether their child has had both doses of the MMR vaccination.
Measles is more than just a rash, with one in five children needing a hospital visit. But two doses of the MMR vaccine provide lifelong protection.
It's never too late. Schedule an appointment at your GP practice to catch up and keep your child protected.
Find out more about the MMR vaccine.
|
|
|
|
