Self-care week celebrated with two events in Bradford and Keighley
The Living Well Team will be celebrating Self Care Week with two events at
- Airedale Shopping Centre, Keighley, Tuesday November 14, 11am-3pm
- Broadway Shopping Centre, Bradford, Thursday November 16, 11am-3pm
The Living Well Stop Smoking Service is launching a new campaign to let smokers in Bradford district know about their free service and will be there to offer advice and free CO screening to help smokers start their quit journey.
The Bradford Encouraging Exercise in People (BEEP) Team will be offering free blood pressure checks and advice on ways to be more physically activity. BEEP is a great way for people living with long term health conditions to increase their physical activity levels and improve their health. Find out how to join their free exercise referral service that encourages people who are inactive to become more active, with a free personalised 52 week support programme.
Health and wellbeing
The NHS Oral Health Improvement Team will be attending the events asking people to be mouth-aware and letting everyone know that mouth cancer can affect anyone. They will be offering free mouth cancer screening, dental advice and a toothbrush (For as long as stocks last).
Keighley Healthy Living (KHL) will be there to share information about all their fantastic services. KHL is a charity that aims to support the health and wellbeing of the local community to develop a strong, connected and thriving Keighley that is resilient, capable and healthy.
HALE (Health Action Local Engagement) an award-winning health development charity based in Bradford, will also be at the Keighley event. They specialise in providing outreach programs, activities and education on topics associated with mental and physical self-care. Hale works with people of all ages and backgrounds and consist of a skilled team of community healthcare workers who understand how to make a difference to people’s health and wellbeing.
Tips and advice
In Self Care Week, Bradford District Care NHS Foundation Trust is sharing tips and advice to improve overall physical and mental health, and a sense of wellbeing this winter for the local community.
People are being encouraged to manage minor ailments at home and choose healthy options such as eating well and keeping active.
District nurse Anne Hartle, a community team leader with the Hillside Bridge District Nursing team - which works across Bradford Moor, Bowling and Barkerend, Bolton and Undercliffe - said: “Simple things like wrapping up warm when you go out and keeping the house warm can help to stave off minor illnesses and eating well and keeping active are just as important for your mental health as your physical wellbeing during cold weather and long winter nights.”
The care trust website has a range of helpful self-care information on the Supporting You pages, from mood-boosting tips and mental wellbeing advice, to information about flu and keeping little ones well.
For older people who may be indoors more than usual this winter, the Falls Prevention team has put together an easy home-based strength and balance exercise programme. Falls are one of the biggest causes of accidents in the home and one of the main reasons for emergency hospital admission for the over ‘65s. One in 20 older people who fall fracture a bone, yet many falls can be prevented.
Anne Hartley said: “Flu can be horrible, causing symptoms like fever, chills, aching muscles, headache, stuffy nose, dry cough and sore throat. And for children or adults with diabetes or asthma, it can potentially bring serious complications such as bronchitis and pneumonia. Check with your GP if you’re eligible for the free vaccine and please return your child’s consent form to school so they can be vaccinated.”
Over-65s urged to be alert
Minor illnesses like colds, sore throats, diarrhoea or vomiting which are common in the winter months should clear up within a few days to a week and can be treated at home with over-the-counter medicines. It’s helpful to stock up now with your usual choice of pain management products, rehydration salts, bandages, plasters, thermometer, antiseptic cream/wipes etc.
The over-65s as well as people with long-term conditions are advised to be especially alert to the first signs of illness and treat it early. Your local pharmacist can provide expert, confidential advice and treatment for minor illnesses. NHS 111 can help if you have an urgent medical problem and you’re not sure what to do. Only call 999 if you have a life-threatening emergency.
Bradford District and Craven Talking Therapies, for support with your mental wellbeing, offers a range of options to suit individual needs, including phone advice or one-to-one courses at a range of locations available across the district. The website also offers a range of free guides and tools to help people better manage life’s ups and downs. The service is open to anyone over the age of 16 who is registered with a GP in Bradford, Wharfedale, Airedale or Craven. People don’t have to go through their GP to access support.
People accessing support can register online at: www.bdctalkingtherapies.nhs.uk
For information on all mental health and wellbeing support services in Bradford and Craven and self-help resources and apps, visit www.healthyminds.services.
