|
|
In this issue, the following topics are covered:
- Public health website
- Water safety
- Summer wellbeing
- Free exercise activities
- Free dance classes
- Tick bites
- Check your pulse - stroke prevention
- Protect vulnerable people
- Pharmacy first
- Dementia information and advice
- Getting ready for school
- Student advice
- New play area at Himley Park
- My Tomorrow
- Free holiday HAF activities
|
|
|
Don’t forget that the Dudley Public Health website, www.healthydudley.co.uk is a one-stop-shop for health and wellbeing concerns and advice.
You can also keep up-to-date on the latest health and wellbeing news by following Healthy Dudley on Facebook and X.
|
|
|
It’s so tempting to jump into open water (rivers, lakes, reservoirs). But please share these messages to help keep people stay safe:
- Look out for warning signs or hidden dangers like shallow water or ledges to get stuck under
- The water is still cold and the shock can be deadly
- Check the depth – it can be deceptive
- Don’t go alone
- If there’s no lifeguard - don’t go in
- If there is a life-threatening situation, call 999
|
|
|
It’s great to finally enjoy warmer weather. But remember that hotter temperatures can be risky for babies, vulnerable, or older people.
Top tips to stay safe:
- Check in with vulnerable family, friends and neighbours
- Drink plenty of water to keep cool
- Regularly apply plenty of sun cream of at least SPF 30 and four or five star ultraviolet A (UVA) protection
- Do not drape a blanket or sheet over a pram or pushchair to shade a baby, this will make them hotter. You can use a sunshade or parasol.
|
|
|
Lots of opportunities exist for the whole family to exercise for free during the summer holidays.
|
|
|
Two new free dance classes for people aged over 50 are beginning in September.
Dance to Health, a popular dance class developed to build up strength and balance, is waltzing into Wollescote and Dudley.
To give you a sneak peak and to see if you like it, taster sessions will take place on Thursday 5 September, with the weekly classes starting on Thursday 26 September.
No experience is necessary, and each class will include a cuppa and time to chat to get to know your fellow dancers.
How can I attend?
To find out more or book your place email dudley@ae-sop.org or telephone 07470 799 540.
Can’t make the classes?
If you are unable to attend a class, boogie at home by trying out the Dance To Health On Demand Film Library, which has 22 unique dance videos.
Or, get a Dance To Health DVD which has 90 minutes of exercise. This is available to borrow from the following libraries: Brierley Hill, Dudley, Halesowen, Kingswinford, Sedgley and Stourbridge.
|
|
|
The idea of being bitten by a tick might be alarming, but with the right precautions you can help protect yourself and your family from tick bites.
Find out about what Lyme disease is and how to help prevent it, from this blog written by the UK Health Security Agency.
|
|
|
Sixty seconds of your time can help prevent you from having a stroke. An irregular pulse can be a sign that you are at considerably increased risk of a stroke. Prevent it by regularly checking your pulse.
If your pulse isn’t even and steady call 111 or go to 111.nhs.uk to get treatment before a stroke happens.
How to check your pulse
The British Heart Foundation gives advice on how to check your pulse.
Another good video to watch to help you take your pulse can be found on the Stroke Association You Tube channel.
Local resident comment
The following comment was given recently by a Dudley borough resident who attended a blood pressure and pulse check at her local pharmacy:
“I was shocked when the pharmacist advised I may have an irregular pulse and preferred not to put the 24-hour blood pressure monitor on. I was seen by my GP quickly and have had an echocardiogram and ECG.
“I am extremely happy with both the GP and pharmacist follow ups since the event. I am waiting to see a cardiologist in the next few weeks. I am comfortable now about the incidental finding.”
|
|
|
Residents are asked to consider their health before seeing vulnerable or older people.
If you have symptoms of sickness or diarrhea, any cold or flu-based illnesses, or anything else that you could pass onto someone more fragile than yourself, health experts suggest you wait until you are healthy again before visiting people who are more at risk.
|
|
|
As the long summer holidays are underway, it’s worth remembering that for quick health advice, you can visit your local pharmacist.
If you or your family become unwell, you may not always need to see a doctor or get a prescription.
Your local pharmacists are clinically trained experts in medicines, managing minor illnesses and providing health and wellbeing advice.
Pharmacists can help you with common problems such as coughs, colds, aches and pains. They also may offer medication advice and free consultations, perform health checks, and treat minor injuries and ailments.
Some pharmacies offer extended opening hours in the evenings and at weekends, and there is no need to book an appointment – just walk in.
For further information and advice, see the local NHS ICB web page.
Alternatively, view a full list of services and details of where to find your local pharmacy.
|
|
|
Worried about dementia? Dudley's dementia gateway in Brierley Hill is offering NEW information and advice sessions free for anyone worried they may have dementia, living with the condition, or for family members and carers who want to learn more.
The sessions start in August and include general advice, special sessions about dementia and anxiety and pre dementia sessions for anyone worried about memory problems. Everyone will be welcome and information, advice, signposting and support will be on offer.
The sessions take place at The Crystal Gateway, Brettell Lane, DY8 4BN.
|
|
|
Children starting school will be learning and playing with more children and could be at risk of catching preventable diseases if they haven’t had all their childhood jabs.
Pre-school jabs include:
- The second dose of the MMR
- The four-in-one pre-school booster
If you’re not sure if your child has had all their routine inoculations, check their red book, or contact your GP surgery.
|
|
|
The highly anticipated new play area at Himley Hall & Park is now open for children to enjoy, in time for the school summer holidays
|
|
|
The Violence Reduction Partnership (VRP) has launched "My Tomorrow", a campaign aimed at helping young people reach their full potential and bring about positive change in their communities.
|
|
|
|
|
