Wokingham Borough Connect
 BXGFit looking to reach new heights in 2023
It has been just over a year since BXGFit opened and it has been such a joy to see it grow and develop in that time.
Our state-of-the-art boxing fitness gym in Wokingham has welcomed clients from all walks of life, who have seen their fitness levels improve while having a great time.
Techniques have improved, milestones have been reached and weight has been lost. We can’t wait to see BXGFit members reach new heights in 2023.
We have so much to offer next year, including new equipment arriving, exciting classes and all the enthusiasm and motivation needed to push you to your limits.
Member Yasmin has been using the gym since it opened last year and always enjoys her visits. She said: "As a super busy working mum, it's sometimes the only me-time I get, and it gets me ready for the day. A really friendly and diverse group makes it even better. All the trainers work hard to make every minute count."
The gym is a great place to learn boxing and fitness with a strong community focus. We welcome all levels from beginner to advanced and have classes for men, women and children. We also offer circuits, strength and conditioning and much more.
BXGFit is open from 6.30am to 8pm on weekdays and 8am to 1pm at weekends. You can also book a free trial online.
 Carnival Hub to host free Christmas cinema event
Get your popcorn ready as Wokingham Leisure Centre at the Carnival Hub is set to host a free cinema event on Tuesday 20 December.
We will be showing a Christmas classic, Miracle on 34th Street, with the event starting at 1pm.
There is no need to book, however capacity will be limited to 400 spaces. If you want a warm place to go for the afternoon while enjoying some festive entertainment, please join us.
This event will be accessible for wheelchair users and people with mobility issues.
 Festive spirit brings success for final tea dance of year
Guests dressed to impress at the final dementia friendly tea dance of the year, with many of them taking the opportunity to get into the Christmas spirit.
The session was held on Monday 5 December in the Ashridge Room at Cantley Park Café in Wokingham. These dances are available to all borough residents living with dementia and it is a great opportunity to make new friends, sing along, dance and have fun, all while enjoying tea, coffee and a slice of cake.
The photo above shows just how much fun people were having, with plenty of Christmas jumpers, party hats and even Santa's beard.
The next tea dance will take place on Monday 9 January, from 12.30pm to 2pm in the Ashridge room. The room is accessible by lift.
For more information and to book a free place, email preventionteam@wokingham.gov.uk or call (0118) 974 3728.
 Know the symptoms of Strep A
Group A streptococcus, also known as Strep A, is a common bacteria. Many people carry it in their throats and on their skin but it doesn’t always result in illness. However, Strep A does cause a number of infections including scarlet fever, some mild and some more serious.
It can also cause a rare, more serious infection called invasive group A strep (iGAS). This occurs when Strep A bacteria get into parts of the body such as the lungs or bloodstream, where they cause serious disease. iGAS is a form of sepsis and you should take immediate action by calling 999 if your child shows any of the symptoms listed under the ‘Call 999 or go to A&E’ section below.
Signs of scarlet fever
Scarlet fever is an illness that mainly affects children and usually follows a sore throat or a skin infection, such as impetigo, caused by particular strains of streptococcus bacteria.
Scarlet fever symptoms include:
- A sore throat
- A headache
- a high temperature (38.3C or above), flushed cheeks and a swollen tongue
- a fine, pinkish or red body rash which feels like sandpaper
- An itchy rash that starts on the chest and stomach before spreading to other areas of the body such as the ears and neck
Call the NHS on 111 or your GP if you suspect your child has scarlet fever, because early treatment with antibiotics is important to reduce the risk of complications, such as pneumonia or a bloodstream infection.
Contact NHS 111 or your GP if:
- your child is getting worse
- your child is feeding or eating much less than normal
- your child has had a dry nappy for 12 hours or more or shows other signs of dehydration
- your baby is under 3 months and has a temperature of 38°C, or is older than 3 months and has a temperature of 39°C or higher
- your baby feels hotter than usual when you touch their back or chest, or feels sweaty
- your child is very tired or irritable
Call 999 or go to A&E if:
- your child is having difficulty breathing – you may notice grunting noises or their tummy sucking under their ribs
- there are pauses when your child breathes
- your child’s skin, tongue or lips are blue
- your child is floppy and will not wake up or stay awake
How to prevent Strep A from spreading:
Strep A is spread by close contact with an infected person and can be passed on through coughs and sneezes or from a wound. Good hygiene practice such as hand washing remains the most important step in preventing and controlling spread of infection.
Learn more about Strep A by visiting the UK Health Security Agency website.
 Taking care of yourself and others this winter
It is important to know how to stay well this winter. Being cold isn’t just uncomfortable, it can also be bad for your health. Sitting or sleeping in a cold room is not good for you and increases the risk of heart attacks, stroke and breathing problems. Don’t let the cold catch you out, check the weather forecast and be ready for cold weather.
Check on frail or older neighbours or relatives, especially those living alone or who have serious illnesses to make sure they are safe, warm and well.
Tips for keeping well this winter:
- Get regular exercise and keep moving to stay warm
- Try not to sit for more than an hour, go for a walk around the house and make a hot drink
- Wear a few layers of thin clothing rather than one thick layer as this will trap the heat better
- Wear shoes with good drip to prevent slips and falls and make sure you have spare medication for basic ailments if you are unable to go out
- Aim to eat five daily portions of fruit and vegetables
Overnight, people who are 65 and over, or who have pre-existing health conditions, may find bedroom temperatures of at least 18°C are good for their health. If you can’t heat all the rooms you use, heat the living room during the day and your bedroom just before you go to sleep.
Get your heating system and cooking appliances checked and keep your home well ventilated. If you have an electric blanket, use it as instructed and get it tested every three years.
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