Top tips for keeping healthy over the summer months Self care is about keeping fit and healthy, understanding when you can look after yourself, when a pharmacist can help with minor ailments, and when to get advice from your GP or another health professional. As we approach the summer months, here are some top tips from our local health services to support your health and wellbeing. Get active No matter how much you do, physical activity is good for your body and mind. Adults should aim to be active every day. Some is good – more is better still. A daily brisk walk can boost your energy, lift your mood and make everyday activities easier. As you age, your risk of falling increases but regular exercise will help reduce this. It can also be beneficial for recovery if you do get ill. The Government’s Better Health campaign has come up with nine simple tips to help you move more. 1. Get into a good habit - Set a reminder (you could use the alarm or timer on your phone) to get up and move every 30 minutes during the day. Try stretching during TV ad breaks or pacing around the kitchen while the kettle’s boiling. 2. Leave for lunch - Lunchtime is a good opportunity to fit in some activity. Take a break to stretch and unwind, or even fit in a quick 10-minute home workout. 3. Your own stand-up routine - Try standing when you can instead of sitting – even short periods will add up and improve your strength. 4. Take up a hobby - Active hobbies like gardening or DIY can be great for your mind as well as your body. 6
5. Track your progress - Hitting your daily target will feel great! Using tracking apps can help, but even just a checklist on a piece of paper will do. 6. It’s better together - If your friends and family want to be more active too, try engaging everyone’s competitive side with activity challenges like seeing who can do the most steps in a day. 7. Go from strength to strength Strength-building activities – like carrying heavy grocery bags, or following an online pilates or strength workout video – help to keep muscles, joints and bones strong. Aim to do this at least twice a week. 8. Reward yourself - Set yourself activity goals and rewards. You could go for a long walk then treat yourself to an episode of your favourite TV show! 9. Find something you enjoy - Not sure where to start? Give one of the offers below a go to find something that’s right for you, or try searching for an online programme. Whether it’s running, yoga or simply dancing around your living room, it all counts! For more advice visit nhs.uk/keepactive
Maintain a healthy weight Making small, simple changes to
what and how much you are eating and drinking can really help you lose the pounds if you are overweight. If you are not sure where to start, you can get useful advice from your local pharmacist. You can also visit nhs.uk/ better-health/lose-weight/ for some great tips and information on how to download the free NHS weight loss plan app.
Kick the habit this summer It’s never too late to quit smoking. It’s one of the best things you will ever do for your health. When you stop, you give your lungs the chance to repair, and you will be able to breathe easier. There are lots of other benefits too – and they start almost immediately. For help and information speak to your local pharmacist or visit Quit smoking - NHS (www.nhs.uk)
Make sure you have what you need in your medicine cabinet By keeping a selection of essential medications at home you can treat common conditions in a timely manner and avoid unnecessary trips to see your GP. A useful checklist of what to include in a medicine cabinet includes: • Pain killers for minor aches and pains such as paracetamol and ibuprofen
