Healthy Diet

Eating well will make you feel well and look good. It is important to eat a well-balanced varied diet to make sure that you get all of the nutrients that you need.

• To ensure we get all the essential nutrients to carry out normal bodily functions.
• To maintain a healthy weight.
• To ensure our digestive and intestinal system functions correctly.
• To keep bones strong.
• To help maintain muscle strength and joint mobility.
• For energy.
• To help prevent disease and long-term illness - heart disease, diabetes, osteoporosis, stroke.
• To reduce your susceptibility to short-term illness - colds and flu.
• To keep your teeth and gums healthy.

Live Well  ►  NHS website healthy eating

Alcohol   

The effects of drinking alcohol       

Drinking alcohol often takes away your inhibitions. This means that it is more likely you will do something dangerous that you would not normally decide to do.

Did you know that:

• 10,000 young people go to hospital every year because they have been drinking.
• More than one in ten 15 and 16-year-olds are involved in an accident caused by drinking.
• One in five 15-year-old girls say they have had sex after drinking alcohol that they later regretted.
• You are more likely to have unprotected sex if you have been drinking.
• Young women who drink alcohol are twice as likely to have an unplanned pregnancy than those who do not.
• You are more likely to get a criminal record or get into trouble with the police if you drink too much on a regular basis.

Nhs website drinking and alcohol       drinkaware

Emotional Problems

Many people suffer from feeling down, thoughts of self-harm, worries about relationships or exams.

If you wish to speak to your GP or a nurse please speak to a receptionist who will be happy to help you.

Below are some websites which may help.

Samaritans     Selfharm Support     Young Minds     Eating Matters

Physical Exercise

Along with healthy eating and good sleep patterns, physical activity is a vital part of keeping our bodies fit and strong.

It keeps our energy levels up, helps reduce stress levels and keeps us feeling good.

Modern Living

We are all spending much more time sitting these days. We work and play in seats more than ever before.

Many jobs are now desk jobs, replacing physical labour. And TV, video games and DVDs have become a big part of people's spare time.
So exercise is not a part of daily life like it used to be.

We now have to make an effort and factor exercise into our lives. But it doesn't have to be a chore or cost money. Exercise should be fun and it can be included into your normal day.

Remember.... any movement is an improvement!

• Climb stairs instead of using lifts or escalators.
• Ride bikes or walk whenever you can. You only need to plan your day a little better and you will save money and the environment.
• Walking the dog is also a good way of improving your fitness, and your dog will love it too.
• At lunchtime, go for a walk with a friend instead of sitting down talking - you can talk while you walk. Get out into nature!
• Have a game of football, cricket or basketball (or any other game).
• Cook healthy meals at home.
• Make use of whatever is around you to fit your physical activity into everyday life.

Nhs website health and fitness

Smoking

How will my health benefit by stopping smoking?

• You will reduce your risk of developing illness, disability or death caused by cancer, heart or lung disease.
• You will reduce your risk of gangrene or amputation caused by circulatory problems.
• You will protect the health of those around you by not exposing them to second hand smoke.
• You will improve your fertility levels and your chance of a healthy pregnancy and baby.
• You will improve your breathing and general fitness.
• You will enjoy the taste of food more.

Did you know that if you stop smoking for 28 days, you're five times more likely to stop for good?

Stoptober is the biggest stop smoking event of the year. Why not join all the people who have succeeded in becoming smokefree and join the challenge.

You'll find all the support you need to quit, including:

• a daily email support programme.
• inspiration from successful quitters.
• the Stoptober app to give you help when you need it.
• instant support from Facebook Messenger when cravings strike.

NHS website stop smoking

For help stopping smoking, please check the website Smokefree

Count the cost of your smoking