Welcome to the Healthy Hub newsletter
This month's edition is packed with a range of health, wellbeing and physical activity news and events including national campaigns such as Dry January and Brew Monday that you can get involved in and we dedicate a whole month to the new year.
The Healthy Hub are here to help!
We are the North Herts Healthy Hub, a free health and wellbeing support service for residents of North Herts. Whether you're feeling lonely and isolated, struggling with your mental health or looking for some advice on staying healthy and well, we're here to help.
For you can call one of our hub coordinators on 01462 474111 (Mon-Fri, excluding bank holidays), email healthyhub@north-herts.gov.uk or visit the Healthy hub North Herts website to find out more.
Start the year off with some Positive Movement
Positive Movement is a gentle exercise approach which combines techniques from adaptive yoga and mindfullness. Sessions are open to anyone over 60 with a mobility problem or who is living with a long-term condition.
The friendly sessions combine gentle exercise and movement with time to socialise over tea. Both fun and hugely beneficial, this programme can really make a difference to your life!
Sessions run at:
*Baldock - Fridays 2-3.30pm at Baldock Community Centre
*Hitchin - Wednesdays 12-1.30pm at Westmill Community Centre
*Letchworth - Wednesdays 2-3.30pm at The Sadie Centre
*Knebworth - Thursdays 2-3.30pm at St. Martins Parish Centre
Sessions are free! For more information contact Clare Chambers at positivemovement@sadiecentre.org or on 01462 410893/678804.
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Resolve can help with drug and alcohol misuse
Resolve delivers Drug and Alcohol Treatment Services from centres in Letchworth and Welwyn Garden City, providing services for people who want to reach abstinence.
Treatment includes group therapy, individual key work and professional counselling. Evening sessions and friends and family groups are also provided. People can self-refer or be referred by a partner agency.
Look at the website for more information.
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Dry January - find out more about the benefits
 Week 1
In the first week you may already start to notice some changes. You may find that you have more energy and better concentration. Even if you toss and turn a bit at first, when you do drop off you’ll get better-quality sleep and probably wake feeling more refreshed the next day.
Week 2
During the second week, things get even better. You might experience what lots of people describe as ‘the fog lifting’. This is another way of saying clearer thinking and more energy. You may also notice a reduction in acid reflux, a burning sensation in the throat also known as heartburn.
Another thing you may find around the two-week mark is that you’re much more in tune with how much water your body needs - you’re going to be better hydrated!
Week 3
You may be noticing the pounds dropping off as you cut out the booze - especially if you're using your newfound free time to get exercising. As the average pint can rack up 200 plus calories and a large glass of wine about the same it’s easy to see why you might find your waistband loosening after a couple of weeks.
By now, you might also start to notice improvements in your memory, particularly your short-term memory. You might find that you can retain information for longer, you’re less forgetful or that you’re more able to focus your attention.
Week 4
After one month of no alcohol, your risk of developing certain cancers, including two of the most common worldwide – breast and colorectal – is diminishing. According to a 2018 report in the Lancet, by reducing your drinking, you also reduce your risk of strokes, heart disease and hypertensive disease and could increase your life expectancy. Another lovely side effect of no booze might start to appear around this time: your skin starting to look amazing. A few weeks off alcohol should lead to a reduction in facial redness, and see the size of facial pores diminish too! If you’ve got high blood pressure, there’s a good chance it’ll start to come down by the end of your challenge. Plus your risk of type 2 diabetes has already started to reduce and your cholesterol levels should be starting to lower.
Moving More in the new year
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Is your New Year’s resolution about getting fitter and moving more? If so, why not start with a gentle Health Walk?
Walking helps you look and feel good. It helps you maintain a healthy weight, strengthen bones and muscles and get a better night’s sleep. The free group walks are fun, social and a great way to explore your neighbourhood. There are 14 walks in North Herts, including four walks for beginners. Find a walk near you by visiting www.hertfordshire.gov.uk/healthwalks
People who want a more vigorous work-out might want to pop along to our walks in Hitchin, Ickleford and Willian. Simply turn up on the day and if it’s your first walk please arrive 10 minutes before the start to complete a New Walker Form. If you prefer, you can Register online
If you are a regular walker and would like to set up a walk in Baldock and Royston, we’d love to hear from you. We are also currently looking for people to help us set up a new walk from St George’s Church in Letchworth. Click on Health Walk Volunteers | Hertfordshire County Council to find out about the role. Speak to a member of the team healthwalks.cms@hertfordshire.gov.uk or 01992555888.
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Are you looking to start 2025 by eating healthier?
These 8 practical tips cover the basics of healthy eating and can help you make healthier choices.
The key to a healthy diet is to eat the right amount of calories for how active you are so you balance the energy you consume with the energy you use.
If you eat or drink more than your body needs, you'll put on weight because the energy you do not use is stored as fat. If you eat and drink too little, you'll lose weight.
You should also eat a wide range of foods to make sure you're getting a balanced diet and your body is receiving all the nutrients it needs.
It's recommended that men have around 2,500 calories a day (10,500 kilojoules). Women should have around 2,000 calories a day (8,400 kilojoules).
Most adults in the UK are eating more calories than they need and should eat fewer calories.
1. Base your meals on higher fibre starchy carbohydrates
2. Eat lots of fruit and veg
3. Eat more fish, including a portion of oily fish
4. Cut down on saturated fat and sugar
5. Eat less salt: no more than 6g a day for adults
6. Get active and be a healthy weight
7. Do not get thirsty
8. Do not skip breakfast
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Make time to talk for #BrewMonday
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Brew Monday, also known as Blue Monday, is an annual initiative that encourages people to connect with others over a cup of tea or coffee. It aims to combat loneliness and provide emotional support, especially during the winter months when feelings of isolation can be more pronounced.
Brew Monday 2025 is a day dedicated to promoting social connections and mental well-being. It encourages individuals to take a break, share a warm beverage with friends or colleagues, and have meaningful conversations to lift their spirits.
Who will you be catching up with for a #BrewMonday on Monday 20th January?
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How to contact us
Contact the hub by phone on 01462 474111 (Mon-Fri, 9am-5pm) or via email healthyhub@north-herts.gov.uk.
More information and regular updates can be found at healthyhubnorthherts.co.uk and on our social media channels:
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