4 June 2024
 Whooping cough rates in the UK have risen sharply in recent months, which has sadly led to five infant deaths in the first quarter of 2024.
Babies who are too young to start their vaccinations are at greatest risk. However, you can vastly reduce that risk by getting vaccinated against whooping cough when pregnant.
Mums-to-be can contact their midwife or GP surgery if they have reached week 20 of their pregnancy and are unsure whether they have had the vaccine.
If you're pregnant, it's also advisable to get vaccinated against flu and Covid-19, which can be particularly dangerous for you and your baby during pregnancy.
 Come down to Health in the Park on Saturday, 15 June for a chance to win great prizes including a signed Brentford FC Shirt, wellbeing hampers, kids' outdoor games activity packs, and a free meal for a family of four at Madras Kitchen.
To get involved, visitors on the day just need to collect a bingo sheet on arrival and visit various health stalls. Any child who participates in Brentford Community Trust games can also enter the prize draw to win the signed football shirt.
This is just one of the many reasons to visit Health in the Park at Lampton Park. It's also a great opportunity to have a chat with health experts who can give you helpful advice and guidance on how best to access services. Click on the button below to see a full list of stalls and activities on the day.
 The Council is gearing up to celebrate National Bike Week (10-16 June) with some great free events and activities.
From training sessions for adults and children to guided rides through the great outdoors and free fix-it sessions with Dr Bike, there is something for everyone.
The Council and its partners are encouraging more residents to consider cycling as a great way to get around. Cycling has benefits for your health, is a cheap way to travel, and can work wonders for your mental health and wellbeing.
If you're looking for free ways to enrich your body and mind this summer, Stay Fit and Stay Healthy in Hounslow could be perfect for you.
It offers free activities for residents aged 18 and over at Bristol Court in Feltham, with a range of activities like arts and crafts, exercise sessions, music therapy, and more.
The programme also provides opportunities to socialise, interact with people while learning, and make friends.
To find out more, you can email activities60plus@hounslow.gov.uk, call 07974622748, or click on the button below to see the full programme of activities.
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 High blood pressure, also known as hypertension, can lead to serious health issues such as a stroke, heart attack and kidney disease. People of any age can experience hypertension, but the risk increases as you get older.
Often there are few signs or symptoms of high blood pressure. That’s why it’s important to keep an eye on it with regular blood pressure checks. Thankfully, there are lots of ways to get free blood pressure checks in Hounslow with no appointment. These include with our Health Outreach Team, Healthy Hounslow, and via your local pharmacy.
If you have a high blood pressure reading, your GP practice will arrange to do further checks and see if you do have a diagnosis of high blood pressure. Treatment, if needed, will involve lifestyle measures. Your GP clinical team may also discuss options for medicines to maintain your blood pressure at a healthy range.
Bowling Balls - new venue for event to promote awareness of male cancer
 Due to the general election, Bowling Balls is moving from Hounslow House to Holy Trinity Church.
The event combines the thrill of bowling with a crucial cause - raising awareness for men’s health and tackling cancer head-on. It will now be held at Holy Trinity Church, Hounslow from 2pm to 5pm on Friday, 21 June.
Bowling Balls is an informative event to raise cancer awareness among men. It will be jointly run by the Council, Richmond Community Healthcare, and Imperial College Healthcare.
It has been specifically designed for men in the community with learning disabilities, autism, mental health difficulties, and neurodiversity - as well as their caregivers.
 This week is Volunteers Week, which is a great time to celebrate amazing volunteers like Belinda and put yourself forward to provide life-changing care for people in Hounslow.
Belinda works at the Council and volunteers at West Middlesex Hospital as a Butterfly Volunteer, which means she works with end-of-life patients, families, and health professionals.
She said: “I really enjoy spending quality time with them. I supported via the Volunteer Hub and have access to training. West Middlesex Hospital has lots of volunteering opportunities and I would encourage others to make contact and enquire. It’s rewarding, fun and educational.
"Volunteering is a humbling experience. It’s nice to give back to the community and make a difference to the patient, family and hospital.”
Read more inspiring stories and learn how you can volunteer by clicking the button.
Cooking course to improve gut health
 Join a five-week course starting on Monday, 10 June to learn how to prepare meals that will help to balance your gut microbiome. The course is run by Hounslow Adult and Community Education (also known as Learn Hounslow), which provides a range of learning programmes for adults for adults.
An imbalance of microbes in the gut may affect your general health and wellbeing. On this course you will be introduced to a fascinating science of microbiome and provided with practical advice on how to keep it healthy and nourished.
You will be given an opportunity to prepare a few easy recipes that you can repeat at home.
To find out more, you can ring 020 8583 6000, email courses@hounslow.gov.uk, or click the button below.
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