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In this issue, the following topics are covered:
- Women can be stronger for longer
- Household Support Fund
- Ageing Well Festival
- Cancer bus
- Protect against cervical cancer
- Urgent dental appointments
- Who is eligible for the flu vaccine?
- RSV vaccine
- Warning about non-sterile wipes
- Botox safety warning
- Help to stop smoking
- Know your numbers
- Support for veterans
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Ladies, did you realise that one in two of us over 50 will break a bone due to osteoporosis? But don’t worry, you can change that.
Dudley public health, in collaboration with Dudley adult social care, and Dance to health, has created Stronger For Longer - free exercise videos to follow at home, and free women-only exercise classes at the park activity centres.
They are tailored for women aged 40 to 55 and promise to:
- Build strength
- Protect your bones
- Improve your balance
- Boost your mood
All you need to do is 10 exercises, two or three times each week.
Find out more about the videos and the classes, which launch on 1 October, to coincide with Menopause Awareness Month.
Book your free class now – find the Eventbrite links on the Healthy Dudley website. And wait with excitement for the free videos to drop.
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Borough residents will be able to apply for a one-off payment of £250 from Dudley Council next week. This is part of wider financial support provided through Dudley’s Household Support Fund.
Applications for financial help through the Household Support Fund (HSF) will open online on Wednesday September 17, with payments allocated on a first come, first served, basis.
Read more.
Find more information about the Household Support Fund.
Get details on further cost of living support.
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If you're aged 40 or over, you may be interested in taking part in activities for the Ageing Well Festival in Dudley borough.
There are more than 100 activities taking place from Monday 29 September to Sunday 5 October.
They are designed to encourage us to plan for our later lives by showcasing what’s available locally for us to enjoy now, to support our wellbeing, social connection, and active lifestyles.
The full programme of events taking place is available on the Healthy Dudley website.
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Do you want to learn how to spot cancer early and understand the NHS’s three main cancer screening programmes?
Visit the Black Country NHS Integrated Care System’s cancer bus on tour, to find out more.
The bus chugs into the Dudley borough on:
- Tuesday 16 September, at the fountain in Dudley High Street
- Friday 19 September, at Merry Hill Shopping Centre
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Together with the human papillomavirus HPV vaccine, regular cervical screening is the best way to protect against cervical cancer and prevents more than seven in 10 diagnoses.
When you are invited for screening, book your appointment with your GP surgery.
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Got a dental emergency?
Call NHS 111 – they’ll help you find a dentist near you, even if your usual dentist can’t help.
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Booking is now open for your NHS free flu vaccination.
Flu can be much worse than a heavy cold. The most common symptoms are fever, chills, headache, aches and pains in the joints and muscles, and extreme tiredness.
In 2022/2023, more than 49,000 people were admitted to hospital with flu and 2,000 people in England were admitted to an intensive care unit.
Flu can be life-threatening, but those eligible can protect themselves by having their flu vaccination, helping to reduce the serious illness if they catch it this winter.
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Who is eligible for the flu vaccine this year?
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From 1 September 2025
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From 1 October 2025
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· Pregnant women
· All children aged 2 or 3 on 31 August 2025
· Children with certain long-term health conditions
· Primary school aged children
· Secondary school aged children (to year 11)
· All children in clinical risk groups
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· Everyone aged 65 and over
· Individuals aged 18 to under 65 with certain long-term health conditions
· Care home residents
· Carers
· Those living with people who are immunocompromised
· Frontline health and social care workers
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Check if you’re eligible and book online or via the NHS App for appointments.
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People aged 75 to 79 and anyone who is 28 weeks pregnant or more, can now book to have the Respiratory Syncytial (RSV) vaccine.
RSV can cause pneumonia and other life-threatening conditions in older adults. Meanwhile having the vaccine while pregnant, could reduce your baby’s risk of having severe RSV by 70 per cent in the first six months of life.
Speak to your GP or midwife, or book your vaccine at a local pharmacy.
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The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) is warning people to be aware of the signs and symptoms of botulism. This follows a small number of individuals presenting to NHS healthcare settings following adverse reactions after receiving cosmetic procedures involving botulinum toxin (toxin sometimes branded as 'Botox').
UKHSA is also urging people to check that their aesthetic practitioner is using a licensed product. On the NHS website there is more information on choosing a practitioner.
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Quitting smoking is one of the best things you can do for your health, no matter your age or how long you’ve smoked.
Your Health Dudley offers flexible support tailored to you.
The stop smoking service is free, friendly and can massively boost your chances of quitting for good.
The 12-week quit programmes are run by expert advisors who provide a range of proven methods to help you quit.
They are there to help — when you’re ready.
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High blood pressure is one of the biggest causes of global death. If left unmanaged, high blood pressure can lead to strokes, heart attacks and other complications.
That’s why it’s important that you know your numbers.
By getting your blood pressure checked and knowing your numbers, you can find out if you have high blood pressure, and then you can take control of your health by making small but significant lifestyle changes and taking medication, if prescribed.
If you’re aged 40 and above, you can get a free blood pressure check at a community pharmacy. If you are over 40 you will be offered an NHS health check by your GP practice. Your blood pressure will be measured as part of the check. The health check is offered every five years from the age of 40. Visit the Healthy Dudley website for more information.
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