the website of South Ashford Community Forum
‘Quit to Get Fit’ is a new NHS programme, combining the support of a stop smoking programme with a fitness session. It’s free and it can change your life. We have courses starting in January 2016 in these venues:
Ray Allen Centre, Ashford (Thursday mornings)
Call 0300 123 1220 (option 1) for more details or visit www.kenthealthandwellbeing.nhs.uk
Kent Community Health NHS Foundation Trust 30 November 2015
If you think a friend or family member is experiencing abuse, find out how you can start the conversation:bit.ly/talk_about_abuse
#talkaboutabuse
This is an honest and frank account of domestic abuse so some readers may find her story distressing
https://blogs.citizensadvice.org.uk/…/hannahs-story-a-pers…/
If you are affected by domestic abuse there are specialists who can help you.
Ashford Domestic Abuse One Stop Shop offers free advice, information and support from a range of agencies under one roof to help victims of domestic abuse. Domestic abuse can affect anyone and therefore, if you are a man or a woman and would like to discuss your issues, you are welcome to attend. No appointment is required just turn up.
The Willow Centre, Brookfield Road, Ashford, Kent TN23 4EY
Telephone: 07598 74504
Opening times: Every Tuesday morning 9.30am – 12.30pm
Domestic Abuse Support in Kent website, a new resource covering Kent and Medway providing advice and information on services for victims, friends & family, and perpetrators of Domestic Abuse. http://www.domesticabuseservices.org.uk/
Citizens Advice online advice on domestic abuse, where you’ll find lots of organisations that can help.
If you think a friend or family member may be experiencing domestic abuse, see Citizens Advice’ guidance on how you can talk to them about it and direct them to places where they can get further help.
#talkaboutabuse
By 2035 the number of cars on England’s roads is set to increase by 45% and traffic delays by 64%.
Four in 10 car journeys are less than 2 miles.
Driving less means less congested, more pleasant streets.
Half of our children are driven to school, yet the average school run for primary schools is just 1.5 miles.
Walking, cycling, scooting or skateboarding to school helps kids engage with their community, stay healthy and arrive alert and relaxed.
Driving less for families can mean more active, sociable lifestyles.
#DriveLessLiveMore
One in four adults in England are obese and a further 37% are overweight.
Regular walking, jogging and cycling can help guard against asthma, depression, diabetes, heart disease, osteoporosis and some cancer.
People who take the bus or train to work instead of driving have a lower BMI and a healthier bodyweight.
#DriveLessLiveMore
Be prepared for the cold weatherAlthough winter weather and snow can be fun, it is also associated with an increase in illnesses and injuries. There’s more to feeling ‘under the weather’ than most people realise. Cold and wintry conditions can cause severe illness and, in the worst cases, people can die. The cold weather, combined with low levels of sunlight after the clocks go back, means that many of us can feel in poor health. However, with some simple precautions, most people can be prepared for the cold weather and prevent much of the misery often associated with winter weather. (more…)
People across east Kent are being encouraged to visit their local pharmacist rather than a GP for advice on treating minor ailments.
Pharmacists can offer help and advice on many illnesses, such as colds or fever, which can be safely treated at home without the need to see a doctor.
They can also sell a range of medication – often at lower cost than a prescription – which will save both patients and the NHS money. (more…)
During Self Care Week (16 – 22 November) we remind you about why it’s important to choose well when accessing local health services, so that everyone can get the best out of the NHS.
It is important to make the most of the range of NHS services available to you and choose the right health service for your health needs. There might even be something you can do for yourself first, especially when it comes to minor ailments or injuries such as, colic, flu, sprains or strains.
You can make a significant contribution to your own and your family’s good health and wellbeing and take responsibility for it.’ It is important, therefore, that people understand what they can first do for themselves before accessing health services. (more…)
Health officials are reminding Kent residents of some simple steps they can take to beat the Norovirus bug this winter.
Norovirus is the most common cause of gastroenteritis in England and Wales; it can affect people of any age and is more prevalent during colder months.
The symptoms begin around 12 to 72 hours after the patient picks up the infection and can usually last for 12 to 60 hours, but sometimes longer. (more…)