Archive for December, 2010
Thursday, December 9th, 2010
With winter well and truly here, NHS Birmingham East and North is issuing advice on how to stay warm and well during the colder weather.
Cold weather, especially during the winter months, can lead to serious health problems like heart attacks, strokes and even pneumonia. Every winter in the UK, 25-30,000 deaths are linked to the cold weather, with the elderly and vulnerable being more at risk.
To help, NHS Birmingham East and North has issued top tips for staying warm this winter. These include wearing plenty of thin layers of clothing, instead of one thick jumper, and helping your body to stay warm by eating a well balanced diet. People should aim to eat at least one hot meal a day and drink plenty of hot drinks throughout the day.
If you do venture outside, dress for winter! Put on a coat, hat, scarf, gloves and warm shoes or boots. Simple exercises, like walking, will get the blood pumping round your body faster and also help make you warmer.
Make sure your home is well insulated. Contact the Warm Front Scheme on freephone 0800 316 2805 for more information and to find out if you are eligible for a grant. When indoors, close any doors to rooms you aren’t using and keep the main rooms you use well heated.
Remember, when it’s freezing temperatures outside, it’s even more important to keep warm inside. If you are worried about a relative or elderly neighbour, contact your local council, or ring the Age UK helpline free on 0800 00 99 66.
Nicola Benge, Director of Health Improvement at NHS Birmingham East and North, said: “With the colder weather and freezing temperatures on the way, the elderly and vulnerable are at particular risk. There are plenty of services who can offer support and advice, and these simple tips will help people stay warm and healthy in the run up to Christmas and beyond.”
Ends
Enquiries
For more information, please contact Sarah Millard, NHS Birmingham East and North Senior Communications Manager, on 0121 380 0620.
Notes to editors
NHS Birmingham East and North is one of 152 primary care trusts (PCTs) within the English NHS. As a PCT, it is responsible for the wise investment of public money to ensure health improvement, access to health services and where appropriate the provision of health services to a local population of some 438,000 people, across 17 wards in north and east Birmingham.
We organise and fund the delivery of health care with the involvement of local people, maximising health outcomes for every pound spent, referred to as commissioning.
Posted in General public, Health advice, Health improvement, News, Press release, What our priorities are and how we are doing, Who we are and what we do | No Comments »
Wednesday, December 8th, 2010
While winter’s darker evenings can be a turn-off when it comes to exercising, NHS Birmingham East and North is urging people not to be discouraged.
Exercise has many benefits, including giving you more energy, which will help you get out of your bed on cold, dark mornings. Physical activity also helps to improve your blood circulation and generate heat, so activity will help you keep warm when it’s chilly, your immune system will get a boost, killing germs and viruses, and your mood will be better.
Adults should aim to do a minimum of 30 minutes of physical activity at least five times a week, while children should do 60 minutes of moderate-intensity physical activity each day. For activity to be beneficial, it should make you feel warm and slightly out of breath.
However, if you’re starting a new exercise regime, don’t overdo it. Slowly build the amount of exercise you do. If you can’t manage 30 minutes in one go, break it up into 10 minute chunks. Always warm up for up to 10 minutes before you start. Fit exercise into your lifestyle – walking the dog, doing the housework and even raking up leaves in the garden all count towards your physical activity.
Now might be the time to try something new, such as salsa dancing, swimming, fitness classes or other indoor sports such as badminton or five-a-side football. You don’t even have to stop doing outdoor activities: you could take a long walk at the weekend or go for a bike ride. If being outside when it’s windy, raining or snowing doesn’t appeal, borrow a fitness DVD and try some exercising at home.
If you’re exercising after dark, keep to well-lit areas and wear bright and reflective clothing. Ideally, exercise with a friend, but always tell someone where you’re going. Avoid listening to music while running outdoors as this can make you vulnerable.
Nicola Benge, Director of Health Improvement at NHS Birmingham East and North, said: “Exercise is an essential part of any healthy lifestyle, whatever the season. It’s easy to fit physical activity into your daily routine, and you should do something that you enjoy. However, you should stay safe while exercising during the colder weather. If rain or ice is making exercise dangerous, do it another day. The weather might be better tomorrow, but an injury could take weeks to heal.”
Ends
Enquiries
For more information, please contact Sarah Millard, NHS Birmingham East and North Senior Communications Manager, on 0121 380 0620.
Notes to editors
NHS Birmingham East and North is one of 152 primary care trusts (PCTs) within the English NHS. As a PCT, it is responsible for the wise investment of public money to ensure health improvement, access to health services and where appropriate the provision of health services to a local population of some 438,000 people, across 17 wards in north and east Birmingham.
We organise and fund the delivery of health care with the involvement of local people, maximising health outcomes for every pound spent, referred to as commissioning.
Posted in General public, Health advice, Health improvement, News, Press release, What our priorities are and how we are doing, Who we are and what we do | No Comments »
Thursday, December 2nd, 2010
With days getting shorter, and the pressure of Christmas shopping weighing on your mind, winter can leave you feeling stressed and down.
Winter depression (seasonal affective disorder or SAD) is thought to affect up to one in 15 Brits every year between the months of September and April.
Now NHS Birmingham East and North is offering advice to help melt those winter blues. This includes starting your New Year’s resolutions early by cutting back on alcohol and tobacco. Although they make you feel good in the short term, their longer term effects can make you feel more down. Eating a balanced diet with plenty of fruit and vegetables can improve mental health and make you feel better.
People should also sleep well, aiming for eight hours shut-eye every night. Not only will you feel the benefits, but your skin will see them too. Going for a walk or other forms of physical activity can also help you keep mentally well. Half an hour’s brisk walk, every other day can help make all the difference.
Nicola Benge, Director of Health Improvement at NHS Birmingham East and North, said: “Many people in east and north Birmingham experience a milder form of SAD, known as the winter blues. These simple tips will help people stay physically and mentally well in the run up to Christmas and beyond.”
Ends
Enquiries
For more information, please contact Sarah Millard, NHS Birmingham East and North Senior Communications Manager, on 0121 380 0620.
Notes to editors
NHS Birmingham East and North is one of 152 primary care trusts (PCTs) within the English NHS. As a PCT, it is responsible for the wise investment of public money to ensure health improvement, access to health services and where appropriate the provision of health services to a local population of some 438,000 people, across 17 wards in north and east Birmingham.
We organise and fund the delivery of health care with the involvement of local people, maximising health outcomes for every pound spent, referred to as commissioning.
Posted in General public, Health advice, Health improvement, Mental health, News, Press release, What our priorities are and how we are doing, Who we are and what we do | No Comments »
Wednesday, December 1st, 2010
A public meeting to discuss plans to improve local maternity services has been cancelled tonight, due to bad weather.
The meeting, which was scheduled to start at 5pm at Mere Green Community Centre in Sutton Coldfield was part of the formal consultation on maternity services launched last month by Solihull NHS Care Trust and NHS Birmingham East and North.
The consultation document is available online at www.maternityconsultation.co.uk or in printed form from the Patient Advice and Liaison Services Freephone telephone 0800 783 2894 or email palsbenpct@nhs.net.
Ways in which people can share their views on the consultation are outlined at www.maternityconsultation.co.uk although if any individuals or groups have any wider requirements they are advised to contact Tahirah Khan on 0121 380 9115 or email tahirah.khan@benpct.nhs.uk.
Posted in Communications and FOI, Consultation, General public, How we make decisions, Maternity services, News, Press release, Public and patient liaison, Sutton Four Oaks, Sutton New Hall, Sutton Trinity, Sutton Vesey | No Comments »
Wednesday, December 1st, 2010
A brand new magazine packed full of real life stories is out to give women the low down on breast cancer screening, fronted by local celebrity Rustie Lee.
Live It! produced by NHS Birmingham East and North is available free in shops and businesses in Erdington, Castle Vale and Sutton New Hall. Cover star Rustie, who is originally from Birmingham, came to fame as a TV chef on TV AM in the 1980s, and is thrilled to be involved with the magazine, and enthusiastic about encouraging women to get themselves checked out.
Rustie said: “I’ve been to the screening programme myself and I encourage everyone to attend the programme when called up.”
The new publication coincides with many women from area being invited to have their mammograms, helping to dispel myths and provide reassurance.
All women aged between 49 and 70 are invited to have their breasts checked for breast cancer every three years, but not everyone chooses to come along. NHS Birmingham East and North wants to encourage as many women as possible to have the test – which takes just minutes, but can provide real peace of mind.
Public Health Consultant Jacquie Ashdown said: “Having a mammogram only takes a few minutes, and the screening team are all women and really friendly. Most people get the all clear, but for those few who don’t, it means we can treat them for breast cancer that much earlier. I’m really looking forward to reading my copy of Live It! and I hope that other readers enjoy it, and are inspired to use their appointment – it may even save your life.”
The magazine includes celebrity interviews, real life stories about cancer, healthy tasty recipes, two chances to win £100 shopping vouchers and plenty more. Pick up your copy at your local shop, hair salon or community centre in Erdington, Castle Vale and Sutton New Hall.
Ends
Enquiries
For more information, please contact Sarah Millard, NHS Birmingham East and North External Communications Manager, on 0121 380 0620.
Notes to editors
NHS Birmingham East and North is one of 152 primary care trusts (PCTs) within the English NHS. As a PCT, it is responsible for the wise investment of public money to ensure health improvement, access to health services and where appropriate the provision of health services to a local population of some 438,000 people, across 17 wards in north and east Birmingham.
We organise and fund the delivery of health care with the involvement of local people, maximising health outcomes for every pound spent, referred to as commissioning.
Posted in Breastfeeding, Community health services, General public, Health improvement, News, Parents, Pregnant women, Press release, The services we offer, What our priorities are and how we are doing, Who we are and what we do | No Comments »
