Ever wondered what a Health Walk is? Or how a Health Walk could benefit your community? Health Exchange explains
We run Health walks across Birmingham for members of the community at all fitness levels. Health walks can help you live a healthy lifestyle and improve your wellbeing. Dont believe us? This video shows walkers at our Avoca walk enjoying the benefits.
Patrick Kwesiga, our Mental Wellbeing lead, shares 5 top tips for improving your mental wellbeing to lead a happy healthy lifestyle
In 2008, New Economics Foundation (nef) was commissioned by the UK Government’s Foresight Project on Mental Capital and Well-being to review the inter-disciplinary work of over 400 scientists from across the world. The aim was to identify a set of evidence-based actions to improve well-being, which individuals would be encouraged to build into their daily lives. Five tips to improve every-day life wellbeing were identified. These tips have been acknowledged by National Mental Health Development Unit (NMHDU) and major mental health agencies across the country. Our Mental Health and Wellbeing Lead reviews the tips.
1. Connect… With the people around you. With family, friends, colleagues and neighbours. At home, work, school or in your local community. Think of these as the cornerstones of your life and invest time in developing them. Building these connections will support and enrich you every day.
2. Be active… Go for a walk or run. Step outside. Cycle. Play a game. Garden. Dance. Exercising makes you feel good. You could join one of our free, local health walks. Most importantly, discover a physical activity you enjoy and that suits your level of mobility and fitness.
3. Take notice… Be curious. Catch sight of the beautiful. Remark on the unusual. Notice the changing seasons. Savour the moment, whether you are walking to work, eating lunch or talking to friends. Be aware of the world around you and what you are feeling. Reflecting on your experiences will help you appreciate what matters to you.
4. Keep learning… Try something new. Rediscover an old interest. Sign up for that course. Take on a different responsibility at work. Fix a bike. Learn to play an instrument or how to cook your favourite food. Set a challenge you enjoy achieving. Learning new things will make you more confident as well as being fun.
5. Give … Do something nice for a friend, or a stranger. Thank someone. Smile. Volunteer your time. Join a community group. Look out, as well as in. Seeing yourself, and your happiness, as linked to the wider community can be incredibly rewarding and creates connections with the people around you.
*Patrick Kwesiega has worked in Mental Health for the past 6 years. He is a qualified clinical counsellor, accredited facilitator and a member of the British Association for Counselling and Psycotherapy. He also plays the African drummer.
Disclaimer: The information and tips in this blog should be read with the understanding that different individuals react differently to social, physical and emotional situations. What works for one may not necessarily work for another. It is always advisable to seek professional help when in doubt or mental health crisis.
Do you want to stop smoking? Do you live in Birmingham?
Wednesday 9th March 2011 is national stop smoking day and to celebrate peoples efforts to quit smoking we are promoting ways to stop smoking to help and support you.
A few facts about smoking currently in UK:
Around 10 million people smoke with two thirds of smokers starting before the age of 18.
Approximately 1 in 4 of all smoking-related deaths in the UK is from cardiovascular disease.
Tobacco smoke contains over 4000 chemicals in the form of particles and gases.
It is estimated that smoking causes over 100,000 premature deaths in the UK every year, of which about a quarter are from lung cancer and around one fifth are from chronic obstructive lung disease. Globally COPD is the fourth most common cause of death and is caused primarily by smoking.
Approximately a third of all cancer deaths are attributable to smoking.
Smoking harms nearly every organ of the body, causing many diseases. Smokers face a higher risk than non-smokers for a wide variety of illnesses, many of which may be fatal, however many also cause years of debilitating illness.
Still unsure as to whether quiting smoking is for you?
Here are a few reasons why you should and how you can achieve this.
Within 8 hours of stopping the Nicotine and carbon monoxide levels in blood reduce by half, oxygen levels return to normal. Circulation improves.
In 48 hours the ability to taste and smell improves.
In 1 month yourappearance improves – skin loses its greyish pallor and becomes less wrinkled.
In 1 year your risk of a heart attack reduces by half compared to that of a smoker.
In 10 years the risk of lung cancer falls to about half that of a smoker.
Tips to help you quit:
Involve friends and family for support
Speak to Health Exchange about ways that you can access Nicotine Replacement Therapy and a Health Trainer who can support you through these first difficult few weeks and beyond.
Write a list of reasons why it would be good for you to quit
Think of the money you’ll save – the average price of a pack of 20 cigarettes is £6.28
Find an activity that keeps your hands busy…this will stop you reaching for a cigarette
Save your money that you would normally spend on cigarettes and treat yourself!
And finally you don’t have to go through this alone call Health Exchange on 0800 158 35 35 and we’ll help you every step of the way
Wednesday 9th March 2011 is national stop smoking day and to celebrate peoples efforts to quit smoking we are promoting ways to stop smoking to help and support you.
