Wokingham Borough Connect
 Enjoy taster sessions as part of National Fitness Day
There are lots of ways to get involved locally with National Fitness Day, which this year falls on Wednesday 18 September.
Whether you are looking for a gentle activity that connects you with nature, a harder test of your fitness levels, or you simply want a health check, there is something for everyone.
On National Fitness Day itself, you can take part in a Running Places session. There is a mixed session starting at 7.30am and a women's only session at 6pm. These both start at Wokingham Leisure Centre and are due to last one hour. You can take part in a 3km or 5km route and it is free to attend.
Cantley Park in Wokingham will then play host to a range of free activities on Friday 20 September:
Places Leisure will also be around with some challenges and information about the leisure centres in the borough. To support National Fitness day, Places Leisure is offering free five-day membership passes.
 Paddle and sprint your way around Dinton Pastures
Test your stand-up paddleboarding (SUP) skills at the Dinton SUPathalon on Sunday 22 September.
The event involves a 1km SUP course on Black Swan Lake at Dinton Pastures Country Park in Hurst, followed by a 5km run.
You don't need to own a SUP, as you can rent one as part of your entry. You can enter solo, or as part of a team, where one of you paddles and the other runs.
Solo entry is £30 and £40 to hire a SUP, while team entry is £40 and £50 for SUP hire.
Organised by Barness Fitness, the event is not suitable for everyone and you must have previous experience on a SUP. Find out more and enter online.
 Discounted memberships to help girls keep active
As part of their award-winning Big Sister project, Places Leisure is offering free and discounted memberships at leisure centres across Wokingham Borough.
The project aims to empower girls to stay active and engaged in sport and physical activity during puberty, a time when many typically fall out of love with exercise.
The offer is open to girls aged nine to 15 and includes:
- Weekly We Move Classes designed specifically for girls
- Unlimited gym use during junior gym hours
- Unlimited swimming
- Friendly on-site team to support you through your activity
- Free access to Places Leisure app and virtual studio, which includes a Big Sister channel
To sign up, visit your nearest leisure centre, where a member of the team can help get you started. Alternatively, you can submit your details via the online form.
 Course to help guide you through the menopause
Move through Menopause is a 12-week course, providing the opportunity for conversation and physical activity in a safe and supportive environment.
Run by Places Leisure, weekly sessions are starting at Loddon Valley Leisure Centre in Lower Earley on Thursday 5 September, running from 6.30pm to 8pm.
The course will also be available at Wokingham Leisure Centre, starting from Tuesday 24 September, with sessions held from 7pm to 8.30pm.
Sessions are split into two elements, with the first half being informative and discussion based and the second half focusing on movement, all in a judgement-free environment.
If you are already a Places Leisure member, you can sign up to the course for £48. It is £90 for non-members and this includes the 12 sessions, as well as access to all other Places Leisure facilities.
 RSV vaccine for older people and pregnant women
A new vaccination programme is being rolled out by the NHS to help protect those who are most vulnerable to respiratory syncytial virus (RSV).
RSV is an infectious disease of the airways and lungs and often causes symptoms similar to a cold. However, it can be especially dangerous for infants and the elderly, causing hospitalisations or even deaths.
Vaccinations will be offered to two groups:
- Pregnant women (from 28 weeks, speak to your maternity service or GP surgery to get your vaccine)
- Older adults aged 75 to 79 (everyone turning 75 on or after 1 September 2024 will be offered the vaccine by their surgery)
The vaccine will be available all year, but winter will be when the illness spreads most easily.
 Know your numbers and check blood pressure at home
Your blood pressure is important, no matter how old you are. Know Your Numbers Week (2 to 8 September) aims to promote the importance of checking your blood pressure regularly.
The focus of this year's campaign is on home monitoring, which is an easy way to know your numbers and take steps to lower them.
If your blood pressure is too high, it puts extra strain on your blood vessels, heart and other organs, such as the brain, kidneys and eyes. Persistent high blood pressure can increase your risk of a heart attack, stroke and kidney disease.
Knowing your numbers means you can start making healthy lifestyle changes or start taking medicines if you need them to bring your blood pressure down to a healthy level.
You can find more information on the NHS blood pressure test webpage, which includes guidance on how to test your blood pressure and understand your readings.
 Mental health support available from recovery college
A new term is underway at Wokingham Recovery College, with a mixture of new and existing sessions.
The college is open to anyone aged 18 and over living or working in Wokingham Borough.
The team delivers workshops, courses and peer support groups designed to teach you about topics relating to mental health and wellbeing.
Take a look at the prospectus and timetable to see what is coming up.
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