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In this issue, the following topics are covered:
- Menopause Awareness Month – Women can be Stronger for Longer
- Stoptober
- Ageing Well Festival 2026
- Flu
- Healthy Hubs timetable
- Cholesterol Awareness Month
- Healthy Dudley
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This Menopause Awareness Month, take a positive step to protect your health and wellbeing.
Did you know that 1 in 2 women over the age of 50 will break a bone because of osteoporosis?
After the menopause, falling oestrogen levels can cause bones to become weaker and more fragile, increasing the risk of fractures. The good news is that regular strength exercises can help keep your bones strong and healthy.
To support local women, Dudley Public Health, in partnership with Dudley Adult Social Care, local women and Dance to Health, has developed Stronger For Longer.
Designed for women aged 40 to 55, Stronger For Longer offers:
- FREE exercise videos to follow at home
- FREE downloadable exercise sheets
- FREE women-only exercise classes at four Park Activity Centres across Dudley
The programme can help you:
- Build strength
- Protect your bones
- Improve your balance
- Boost your mood and wellbeing
Just 10 simple exercises, two to three times a week, can make a real difference.
This October, make menopause a time to focus on your strength, health and future wellbeing.
Find out more about the videos, exercise sheets and classes on the Healthy Dudley - Stronger For Longer page, and find practical advice and support for managing menopause symptoms on the menopause support page.
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October is Stoptober - Stoptober is the month when we come together to quit smoking for a healthier, smoke-free life. Quitting smoking is one of the best things you can do for your health, no matter your age or how long you’ve smoked.
There is lots of free support on offer. By using the support that’s right for you, you’ll be boosting your chance of quitting. If you can quit for 28 days you are 5 times more likely to quit for good.
Get help with quitting smoking
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The Ageing Well Festival returns from 1 to 31 October 2026, bringing a month of fun activities to communities across Dudley Borough. Find out what activities are available via the Ageing Well Festival timetable.
With the theme “Wellness is Ageless”, the festival celebrates healthy, happy and connected living at every age. More than 150 local organisations have come together to offer a wide range of opportunities to help people stay active, learn new skills, make friends and look after their wellbeing. This year, the festival includes over 630 activities at more than 70 venues, making it the biggest Ageing Well festival across the borough so far.
This year, it is being led by Citizens Advice Dudley and Wolverhampton, working in collaboration with the Dudley Empowerment Partnership, Dudley Council Public Health Team, and a wide network of community, voluntary and public sector organisations.
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Protect yourself for the winter with a flu vaccination.
The flu vaccine is the most effective way to reduce the spread, severity of illness and complications caused by the influenza virus.
Check to see if you are eligible for the flu vaccine by visiting the NHS website. If eligible, you can book a vaccination appointment via the NHS App or the NHS website, by phoning 119 or by contacting your GP or local community pharmacist.
All children and young people aged from two years to those in school Year 11 are able to receive the free flu nasal spray vaccination. Two- and three-year-olds will be invited for their vaccine by the GP, but can also get the vaccine at some pharmacies, visit HealthyDudley for a list of participating pharmacies across Dudley borough. Children and young people will be offered the flu vaccine in school, look out for the electronic consent form. A pork-free vaccine is also available for children and young people, simply note this preference on your consent form.
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Explore the free exercise sessions across Dudley borough’s four healthy hub parks with the latest timetables covering October 2026 to March 2027. Healthy hubs can be found at Mary Stevens Park (Stourbridge), Huntingtree Park (Halesowen), Silver Jubilee Park (Coseley) and Netherton Park. From light outdoor exercise classes to falls prevention and bootcamps there is something to suit all fitness levels, visit the Healthy Dudley website to discover the timetables.
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October is National Cholesterol Month, a time dedicated to raising awareness about a hidden health risk that affects millions of people. Organised by the charity Heart UK, the campaign aims to encourage everyone to understand their cholesterol levels and take simple steps to protect their heart.
Cholesterol is a fatty substance found in your blood. While your body needs a certain amount to function, having too much ‘bad’ cholesterol (LDL) can clog your arteries. This increases your risk of heart disease and stroke. Because high cholesterol usually has no symptoms, it is often called a ‘silent killer’. The only way to know your level is to get it tested.
Managing your cholesterol does not have to be complicated. You can make a significant difference by making small, everyday changes to your lifestyle.
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Swap your fats - Reduce saturated fats found in butter, lard and fatty meats. Replace them with healthier unsaturated fats such as olive oil.
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Eat more fibre - Foods such as oats, beans, lentils, and whole grains act like a sponge in your digestive system, helping to lower bad cholesterol.
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Get moving - Aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate exercise each week. Walking, cycling, or swimming can help boost your ‘good’ cholesterol (HDL).
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Book an NHS Health Check - If you are over 40, you are entitled to a free NHS Health Check, which includes a simple cholesterol test.
This October, take control of your health. A quick cholesterol test and some positive lifestyle choices are simple steps toward a longer, healthier life.
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Visit Healthy Dudley for all health and wellbeing information locally. Also follow our Healthy Dudley Facebook page for ongoing information and campaigns
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