Leading Leicestershire and Rutland to become the healthiest place in the UK Inside this issue: More than 9,500 members September is Older Persons’ month Take up new activities; meet new friends – where to get out and about for the over 50s It’s never too late to get fit Be inspired by our member cover star What makes you feel healthy and happy? Find out what people said These boots are made for walking Get your walking boots on, walk this way – feel fitter every day Leicestershire County and Rutland NHS Leicestershire County and Rutland membership Healthy Times Autumn 11 Issue 10 Members’ newsletter
Transcript
Leading Leicestershire and Rutland to become the healthiest place in the UK
Inside this issue:
More than9,500 members
September isOlder Persons’monthTake up new activities; meetnew friends – where to get outand about for the over 50s
It’s never too late to get fitBe inspired by our member cover star
What makes you feelhealthy and happy?Find out what people said
These boots aremade for walkingGet your walking boots on,walk this way – feel fitter every day
Leading Leicestershire and Rutland to become the healthiest place in the UK
Autumn is just around the corner, so let’smake the most of those left over summerdays that sometimes creep intoSeptember. In this issue we look at waysto continue exercising as changes in theweather can make it more difficult forsome of us to exercise outdoors.
Turn to the centre pages to see how ourinspirational member cover star, JohnWalford, manages to keep exercising allyear round. Also on the centre pages, takea look at different ways of exercisingavailable near to you. Find out about thebenefits of walking on page 15.
September is Older Persons’ Month, anopportunity to try new activities and tomake new friends. Find out more on pagefive, where we also have a feature onwhat makes people feel healthy andhappy.
On pages six and seven read howmembers are being heard and having theirsay on future services.
How about treating yourself to a tastyhomemade cookie? Follow the easy step-by-step recipe on page 12.
Make a date in your diary to get your fluvaccination – read all about it on pagethree. Also, are you up to date onchildhood vaccinations? Cut out thehandy table on page 14 for those in yourfamily who need to know.
Finally, could you be our next issue’s coverstar? If you would like to inspire othersand be on the cover of the magazine,simply write and tell us what you do tokeep healthy or how you have inspiredothers to keep healthy (see addressbelow). Don’t forget to include a contacttelephone number so we can get in touchwith you easily.
Enjoy the issue. Until next time – keephealthy and happy.
Best wishes
Andrea ClarkHead of EngagementNHS Leicestershire Countyand Rutland
Post: Please send all correspondence to:NHS Leicestershire County and RutlandMembershipFreepost Admail ADM4149Loughborough LE11 1YW
Telephone: The membership helpline isopen between 9.00 am and 5.00 pmMonday to Friday.
Please call us on 0300 555 5345
Published by: NHS Leicestershire Countyand Rutland, Lakeside House, 4 Smith Way,Grove Park, Enderby, Leicestershire LE19 1SS
NHS Leicestershire County and Rutland is theoperating name for Leicestershire County andRutland PCT
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Contents
Welcome to theautumn issue
News in brief
Older Persons’ Month
Be heard – yourfeedback
It’s never too late to getfit – our special featurefor Older Persons’Month
Competition resultsand how to become amember
Update onmaternity care
Recipe – oat and raisincookies
Leicestershire andRutland LINk updates
Protecting your child –immunisations
Walk your way tobetter health
Access for all
Contact us:If you have a practical tip, healthsuggestion, idea for a ‘Let’s TalkAbout Health’ topic or aninteresting story, please send itfor inclusion in the next issueusing these contact details.
We are also still looking for coverstars – send us your picture andhealth story if youwould like toappear on our cover.
Healthy Times: Autmn 11 Issue 10 3
Update on the new Healthand Social Care legislationThe new Health and Social Care Bill has been amendedfollowing the Government’s ‘Listening Exercise’ earlier inthe year, and is nowmoving forward through parliamentin preparation for becoming law. The ‘Listening Exercise’culminated in a report by the independent NHS FutureForum. The Government has responded to this byreiterating that they want to ensure patients and carersare at the heart of the NHS so that shared decisionmaking becomes second nature, guided by the principlesthat there should be ‘no decision about me, without me’.
They have also outlined new safeguards against pricecompetition, privatisation and private companies ‘cherry-picking’ profitable NHS business.
In addition, the Government have committed to a new‘Duty of Candour’, a contractual requirement on providersto be open and transparent in admittingmistakes. TheHealth and Social Care Bill is also being amended torequire Foundation Trust hospitals to hold their boardmeetings in public. These examples of increasedtransparency, openness, and accountability will allow thepublic and patients to more effectively challenge andscrutinise the delivery of local health services.
The Government also confirmed that patients willcontinue to have the legal right to drugs and treatmentsthat have been recommended by the National Institutefor Clinical Excellence (NICE) beyond 2014.
More information about the ‘Listening Exercise’ and theGovernment’s response can be found on the Departmentof Health’s website, atwww.dh.gov.uk
New contraception leaflet forpeople with learning disabilitiesA new leaflet has been designed to help people withlearning disabilities to make informed choices aboutcontraception. The leaflet uses photographs and easy toread language to explain what contraception is, andgives details about four types of contraception whichare commonly used. The leaflet will be distributed toagencies which work specifically with people withlearning disabilities as well as to local GP surgeries andfamily planning clinics.
The eight page leaflet was designed by LeicestershireAids Support Services in partnership with theLeicestershire Valuing People Team who aim to make iteasier for people with learning disabilities to usemainstream services.
For copies of the leaflet or for more information contactChaz Ram on 0116 2559995 or email [email protected]
News in brief
Dental AccessNHS Leicestershire County andRutland have continued to improveaccess to NHS Dental Services andhave indeed continued to increasethe level of NHS dentistry available to the people ofLeicestershire and Rutland. The Trust has worked withlocal practices to ensure that people who have notaccessed NHS dentistry for more than two years are ablefind the care they need.
The Trust has set up a dedicated email address:[email protected]. Patients can also contact theCustomer Services Team on 0116 295 7011, whowilladvise them ofwhere NHS Dental practices are in their area.
NHS LCR will also be launching a dedicated web pageon the Trust website (www.lcr.nhs.uk)which willprovide general information on what care and treatmentpatients can expect to receive from NHS Dental Services,the current NHS charges, how and where to find an NHSDentist as well as an ‘Ask the Dentist’ section which willprovide general dental advice.
From September people will also be able to find an NHSDentist viawww.Yell.com and the Yellow Pages.
4 Healthy Times: Autmn 11 Issue 10
Get your flu jabIt is the time of year again when people need toconsider their annual seasonal flu vaccination.
The vaccination is offered to all those over the age of65 and also to those who have a range of long termhealth conditions which may make them particularlyvulnerable to the complications of flu. This includespeople with heart, lung, liver, kidney and neurologicalconditions as well as those with diabetes. It alsoincludes those whose immune systems are notworking well. Seasonal flu vaccine will also be offeredto all women who are pregnant at the start of thecampaign and to all those who become pregnantduring the flu season, which normally lasts until aboutApril. The vaccine can also be given to those whoreceive a carer’s allowance, or those who are the maincarer of an elderly or disabled person whose welfaremay be at risk if the carer falls ill.
The flu viruses that are circulating in the communitytend to change from one year to the next, which iswhy it is very important to have a vaccination everyyear, as the one you had last year may not protectyou from the viruses that are around this year.
The immunisations will be available fromyour local general practice.If you think you are eligible fora vaccine and you do nothear from your practicewithin the next fewweeks you shouldcontact them.
Helping you to beHEADSMART
Each week just under ten children and young peoplein the UK will be diagnosed with a brain tumour.
Although rare, brain tumours are one of thecommonest cancers in childhood and are now aleading cause of cancer-related deaths in this agegroup. Survivors of childhood brain tumours arefrequently left with permanent life-altering disabilitiessuch as visual impairment, learning difficulties andproblems with mobility and coordination.
Healthcare professionals canfind it difficult to recognisewhen a child could have abrain tumour and thereforerequires referral for a brainscan. The symptoms caused bybrain tumours can be veryvaried and change accordingto the part of the brainaffected and the child’s age.
The recently launched HEADSMART campaign is anawareness campaign that aims to reduce the timetaken for children and young people with braintumours to be diagnosed. To find out more, visitwww.headsmart.org.uk
If you have been affected by a brain tumour diagnosisand would like further support please contact theSamantha Dickson Brain Tumour Trust atwww.braintumourtrust.co.uk.
The Shree Ram Krishna Centre in Loughboroughrecently hosted a day to raise awareness of bowelcancer and of the NHS bowel cancer screeningprogramme. More than 100 people from the localSouth East Asian community came to the event.
There were presentations on bowel cancer, the NHSscreening programme and diet and a healthy bowel. Ahighlight was a presentation from a patient perspectivethat was delivered in Gujarati.
Earlier focus groups had suggested some activities, andattendees had the opportunity to try vegetariancooking demonstrations, smoothie making, yogasessions, chair exercises and health screening (bloodpressure and body mass index calculation). They alsohad the opportunity for a private consultation aboutbowel cancer screening and volunteering to become acommunity health champion.
Shree RamKrishna Centre hosts bowel cancer awareness event
The Older Persons Engagement Network (OPEN) is a network of older people run onbehalf of Leicestershire County Council to provide a voice for older people. To find outmore about OPEN contact Liz McGregor as above. At a recent OPEN forum memberswere asked what made them feel healthy and happy. This is what they said:
Healthy Times: Autmn 11 Issue 10 5
Older Persons’ MonthSeptember is Older Persons’ Month – a time to promote opportunities andactivities for older people in Leicestershire and Rutland.A series of events and activities are taking placeacross Leicestershire and Rutland during Septemberto help promote independence, wellbeing, andcommunity for older people. Information bookletswith lists of activities, events and information arewidely available from GP surgeries and libraries.
To whet your appetite come to a launch event inWigston, Leicester or Loughborough and find out more.Join in with one of the big information and fun days orcome along and have your health checked at a librarynear to you. Listen to useful speakers on topical subjects.
Join in a singalong, or justhave a coffee and chat.
There are also many physicalactivities taking placethroughout this monthwhere you can perhaps try something for the first time.
For more information about getting booklets, dates ofevents and how to be involved and active, contactLiz McGregor, Engagement Officer for Older People,on 0116 233 4243 or email:[email protected]
University of the Third Age (U3As)are self-help, self-managed lifelong learning co-operatives for older people no longer in full time work.They provide opportunities for their members to sharelearning experiences in a wide range of interest groupsand to pursue learning for fun. To find outmore please visit:www.u3a.org.uk
What makes you happy and healthy?
Carol Measureswas gladto tell us what makes herhealthy and joyful: swimming,music and walking. Carol also said
her religious faith was veryimportant to her.
Frances Gerald listshealthy food, good exerciseand good company as thethree things that made herfeel healthy and happy.
ForAnthony Buck volunteeringis key to making him feel happyand healthy: ‘I get so much out ofit by meeting people and beinginvolved in the community.’
Ron Fellows enjoysa wonderful view,the right companionand a goodmeal.
Richard Akers lists regularexercise at Heartstart, sponsored byCharnwood Borough Council, at hislocal leisure centre in Loughborough.Richard also benefits from beingactive in the University of the ThirdAge (U3A) to keep him feeling
healthy and happy.
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Be heard…your feedback
Patient ParticipationGroups/PatientReference GroupsLeicestershire and Rutland Local InvolvementNetworks (LINks) and representatives of PatientParticipation Groups (PPGs) at local GP practicesheld a workshop in May to look at how they couldwork together more closely.
As a result, a PPG network is being set up, and PPGs willbe represented on the Leicestershire LINk board and theRutland LINk Steering Group. This will give LINks andPPGs opportunities to work together and to raise issuesjointly, as well as being routes for public consultations.
PPGs are also in the process of being renamed PatientReference Groups, in line with work that GP practices arebeing asked to do to ensure they discuss health matterswith their patients.
If you would like to become involved in a PPG/PRG (youmay see them referred to by either name) get in touchwith your local GP practice. For more information aboutLINks, see page 13.
Settings of care forpeople with complexhealth needsThank you to all members who attended the settingsof care event which took place on 14 June, and tothose who completed the online questionnaire.
The purpose of the event was to brief members of thepublic on the reasons for the new draft policy oncontinuing healthcare settings of care for people withcomplex needs and to discuss who the draft policy mayapply to. The event also wanted to promote anunderstanding of the content of the draft policy. Thisincluded how decisions would be made, who would beeligible for continuing healthcare in relation to the settingsof care, how those decisions would be made, and theprocess if the patient or family disagreed with thedecisions made. To gain feedback on the policy, membersof the public were asked to complete a questionnairewhich was also available on the Trust’s website.
All feedback was collated and made available at the NHSLeicester, Leicestershire and Rutland Cluster Trust Boardwhen the policy was discussed in July.
Thank you to all members who fed back on thepharmacy services out of town consultation.Your voices were heard by NHS LeicestershireCounty and Rutland trust board on 7 July whenthey made the decision about which parishesshould be classed as rural for the purpose ofdispensing pharmacy services.
Following consultation the draft map was modified sothat a number of areas previously classed as non-ruralwill now be classed as rural. Patients in those areas willtherefore be able to either continue to or potentiallyhave their prescriptions dispensed by GPs if they livemore than 1.6 km from a pharmacy.
The areas are:� Oakthorpe, Donisthorpe,Moira
� Long Clawson� Elmesthorpe� Ravenstone and Snibston� Swannington
The decision was made on the recommendation of thetrust’s Primary Care Panel, taking into account access,public transport, lack of facilities, demographics, and landuse. The Panel also took into account the views gatheredduring the public consultation.
Pharmacy services out of town– what is rural and what is not
Healthy Times: Autmn 11 Issue 10 7
Your voice,your choice
Vote on funding for communityprojects to improve your area
Leicestershire County Council is making £320,000available through the network of 25 Community Forumsfor local communities to invest in projects of their choice.Residents and community groups can get directly involvedand put their project ideas forward, comment on otherproposals and vote on their favourites.
If you have an idea for a project that will benefit andimprove your local area and your community, now is thetime to submit an Expression of Interest. At CommunityForum Budget workshops later this autumn, these ideaswill be prioritised for a share of the funds. Before that,there will be a chance to view the project proposals and tomake your comments and suggestions. To find out moreabout how you can get involved, please visitwww.leicestershireforums.org/cfb.html
Care in residential homesRecent news items have drawn attention to sub-standard care in some residential homes. Sometimes itcan be difficult to know who to tell if you haveconcerns about care in a residential home.
Leicestershire LINk are often asked by the Care QualityCommission and other bodies for feedback aboutresidential care homes. If you have any feedback youwould like submitted, please contact Kamini Patel,0116 229 3029, [email protected]
The Speaking Up for Health Group is a group ofpeople with learning disabilities who worktogether with health services to make things better.
The Speaking Up for Health Group have recently beensupporting Mencap’s ‘Getting it Right’ Campaign. Theyhave helped promote the campaign by interviewingsome of the decision makers in the NHS and asking themto sign up to the Getting it Right charter – the charter hasnine key points which services who have signed up to thecharter say they will do to make things better for peoplewith learning disabilities.
One action that came out of the initial interviews withthe NHS decision makers was to raise the awareness ofthe campaign through pharmacies.
The Speaking Up for Health Group had campaignmaterial printed and sent out to all the pharmacies inLeicester City, Leicestershire and Rutland and asked the
pharmacies to display thecampaign material for oneweek, during learning disabilityweek in June. The Speaking Upfor Health Group then arrangedto interview some pharmacies about `Getting It Right’.They focused the interviews on finding out if pharmaciesknew about making reasonable adjustments – in otherwords is making it easier for someone to access a service.
The group thoroughly enjoyed taking part in the interviewsand developing their interview technique. Following theinterviews with the pharmacies, the group are planning todevelop some easy read material to sign post people withlearning disabilities to where they can get easy readinformation about their medication.
If you would like to find out more about The Speaking Upfor Health Group please contact Ashleigh Burrows on0116 225 5214.
Meet member Mr John Walford, who is 93 yearsyoung and an inspiration to us all to be active. Johnswims 20 to 25 lengths at his local leisure centre inLutterworth twice weekly to keep fit and healthy.“Swimming keeps me healthy and active so that Ican enjoy taking part in an active social life andmaintain independence,” says John.
A swimmer since the age of 10, John lists the benefits ofswimming as including being a sport you can do all yearround. He describes the facilities at his local leisure centreas “excellent, warm in the winter and air conditioned inthe summer”.
John is also a keen lawn bowler all year round, on grass inthe summer and on “heavy carpet” in the winter. Whenasked what three things make him healthy and happy, hisfirst answer was regular exercise followed by careful dietand all round general interest in life. After a few secondsthought he also added: “ambition, I would like to reach100 years of age”. His regular interests also include jazzmusic, playing bridge, a theatre group and a gardeninggroup. He enjoys all of these through the University of theThird Age, an organisation open to anyone over 50.
A retired bank manager, John is grateful to the “guardianangel” that kept him safe as a D-Day Beach Master tothe 9th Canadian Infantry Brigade with the rank ofCaptain (Royal Engineers) and also when the engine ofthe plane in which he was travelling caught fire on twooccasions. When a bomb hit one of the London stationsduring the war the first thing he and his wife did was to“have a cigarette to steady their nerves”. The dangers ofsmoking were unknown then. But John managed to stopsmoking at the age of 52 and has never looked back.Stopping smoking is something else that he feels haskept him healthy and active, along with a low fat dietand eating fruit every day.
It is no surprise that in October 2007 he was awarded acertificate by Leicestershire County Council in recognitionof an outstanding contribution to the life of thecommunity and county of Leicestershire and for inspiringothers with a positive attitude and enthusiasm.
The Be Healthy Be Heard membership scheme is proud tohave such a truly inspirational member. We are sure manyof our members will be encouraged by John’s zest for lifeand commitment to a healthy lifestyle.
OLDER PERSONS’ MONTH SPECIALIt’s never tooSwimming
SwimmingHaving read all about member John Walford, ifyou would like to start swimming contact yourlocal leisure centre to find out the times and typeof activity best suited to you.All contacts for leisure centres can be found at:www.leics.gov.uk/index/children_families/family/fis_leisureactivities.htm#centresor by phoning 0116 232 3232.
Ideas forstaying healthy
Active AgeingIn order to celebrate the UK Older Persons’ Day themeof ‘Getting and Staying Active in Later Life’ and theBritish Heart Foundation’s concept of Active Ageing,partners across the county are organising activitiesfor Leicester-Shire & Rutland’s Active Ageing Week,26 September to 5 October. These include 50+exercise; Zumba Gold; Over 50s Pilates; tai chi,tea dances and many more.
Active Together (Leicestershire) and Active Rutland(Rutland) also organise regular activity sessions,including Next Steps Gentle Aerobics; Next StepsAqua Aerobics, 50s Mobility; and Next Step ChairBased Exercise.
For more information on Active Ageing Week or todownload a regular activity timetable, visitwww.lrsport.org.uk/activeageing or contact thePhysical Activity Team on 01509 564870.
Fit as a fiddleFit as a fiddle is a nationwide programme fundedby the Big Lottery Fund wellbeing programme. Itsupports people aged over 50 with physical activity‚healthy eating and mental well-being.
The Leicester Shire & Rutland branch of the projecthas been very successful in working with a diverserange of older people offering activities such asarmchair exercises, tai chi, yoga, dance and walkinggroups. It also gives talks on diet and nutrition,alongside confidence building and positive thinking.
Arm chair exercises are exercises that are performedwhile sitting down and can increase your strength,balance and vitality. They create movement,stretching, and help increase your heart rate.
Benefits of armchair exercises include:� Improved vitality and range of motion� Pain relief� Cognitive improvement� Increased circulation� Increased muscle strength� Healthier ageing
For more information on Fit as afiddle Leicester Shire and Rutland,please contact: Nisha Popat,telephone 01162 046441 or SukiGarcha, telephone 01162 992261.
Ideas forstaying healthy
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10 Healthy Times: Autmn 11 Issue 10
COMPETITION RESULTS
Winner of the word searchcompetition ‘Are you sun aware?’Be Healthy, Be Heard member Mrs I Longland is thewinner of our spring edition word search competition.
When receiving the £25 ASDAvoucher prize Mrs Longland said:
“I am delighted to win the ASDAvoucher. I am going to put ittowards something special”. Sheadded, “I always fill in word searches, and sawthis one in the newsletter, so had a go”.
The competition tested readers’ knowledge on sunawareness after reading the article published in the springissue of Healthy Times promoting sun awareness week.
Title: First name:
Last name:
Address:
Postcode:
Telephone no.:
Email:
Communication preference: Email Post
All your details will be kept confidential, but youhave the right to withhold any of the additionalinformation below.
Age band Gender16 - 24 Male25 - 34 Female35 - 5960 - 7575+
Ethnic group (please tick as appropriate)White Black or Black BritishWhite British CaribbeanIrish AfricanOther White Other Blackbackground background
Asian or Asian BritishIndian PakistaniBangladeshi ChineseOther Asian background
MixedWhite & Black CaribbeanWhite & Black AfricanWhite & AsianOther Mixed Background
Other ethnic group Other ethnic group
Do you consider yourself to have a disability?
Yes No
Please state:
MembershipformIf you are reading this publication and are not amember, but would like to join, please fill in yourdetails below and return to:NHS Leicestershire County and RutlandMembership, Freepost Admail ADM4149,Loughborough, LE11 1YWYou can also join online or by telephone:www.nhslcrmembership.org Tel: 0300 555 5345
�
Joiningis FREE
CompetitionAre you sun aware?
Winner of the child safetycrossword competition
The lucky winner of theBlackBerry Curve mobilephone kindly donated byIncahoot, which offersbroadband deals andmobile phone offers, isJayne Gannon. Thecompetition ran in thesummer edition of HealthyTimes following an articleto promote child safetyweek from 20 to 26 June.
Child Safety Week
Healthy Times: Autmn 11 Issue 10 11
Plans for maternity servicesMany members will remember being involved in areview of maternity and neonatal services whichtook place during 2009 and early 2010. More than800 members completed questionnaires andattended meetings to have their say, emphasisinghow important safety was to them, and givingfeedback on access to services and facilities, andtheir views on home births.
In December the feedback was considered by NHS TrustBoards and new proposals agreed to develop localmaternity and neonatal services to meet the demandsof the increasing birth rates.
Phase one of the plans to develop the services is nowbecoming a reality with the recruitment of 20 newmidwives who will be on the wards by October 2011.
Future plans include proposals for the reorganisation ofgynaecology services involving consolidating somegynaecology services at Leicester Royal Infirmary andsome at Leicester General Hospital.
NHS organisations across Leicester, Leicestershire andRutland (LLR) along with local authorities have beensuccessful in obtaining stage one accreditation fromUNICEF Baby Friendly. Stage one of the assessmentprocedure is designed to ensure that the necessarypolicies, guidelines, information and mechanisms are inplace to allow health care providers to implement BabyFriendly Standards effectively.
Stage two will be undertaken in October 2012 and thisinvolves the assessment of staff knowledge and skillswith stage three assessing the implementation of babyfriendly standards in the care of pregnant women andnew mothers. Part of stage two will include GPpractices. Information related to breast feeding will bedistributed to all practices starting in September 2011.
Baby Friendly
The Baby Friendly initiative is a worldwideprogramme of the World Health Organisation andUnicef. It was established in 1992 to encouragehospitals and community health care services inensuring a high standard of care for pregnantwomen and breastfeeding mothers and babies.
Keeping fit and healthy can sometimes seemlike hard work. Take a break and treat yourself.Enjoy a home made oat and raisin cookie.This healthy recipe is supplied by theLeicestershire Dietetic Service.
Enjoy ahomemadeoat andraisin cookie
12 Healthy Times: Autmn 11 Issue 10
SERVEWITHACUPOFTEA INACHINACUPFORATASTEOFELEGANCE
Cook’s
Tip
Imperial Metricmeasures measures
2oz Raisins 60g
1tablespoon Unsweetened orange juice 15ml
5oz Self raising flour 150g
1teaspoon Baking powder 5ml
2oz Porridge oats 60g
2oz Soft brown sugar 60g
1 Egg (beaten)
Few drops vanilla essence
3 tablespoons Sunflower oil 45ml
Method� Soak the raisins in the orange juice for 10minutes. Sieve the flour and baking powder intoa bowl. Stir in the porridge oats and sugar.
� Add the raisins and any liquid, the beaten eggand vanilla essence. Stir well. Gradually add theoil, stirring until the mixture comes together toform soft, crumbly dough.
� Divide the dough and form into approximately18-20 small walnut sized balls. Space well aparton a lightly greased baking tray and flattenwith a fork.
� Bake in a preheated oven at 190°C/375°F/Gasmark 5 for 10-12 minutes until golden.
� Leave on the baking tray for 2 minutes toharden before transferring to a wire rackto cool completely.
� Store in an airtight container.
The outcome of the Government’s‘Listening Exercise’ about the futureof the NHS has resulted in the set-upof HealthWatch England (HWE) andLocal HealthWatch (LHW) beingdelayed to October 2012. However, the important work ofLeicestershire LINk will continue during this transition time.
The LINk, with Leicestershire County Council, submittedan application to the Department of Health to become a‘Pathfinder’ HealthWatch. This has been approved. As aPathfinder, we will be jointly developing the newHealthWatch, testing the benefits of new ways ofworking and helping other communities around thecountry learn from our experience.
The LINk has also been busy lobbying local MPs, so muchso the views and concerns of Leicestershire LINk werementioned in the Parliamentary debate on 14 July.
EventsLeicestershire LINk has organised a number of eventsduring Older Persons’ Month, which we wouldencourage you to attend:� Heart Disease and High Blood Pressure, Monday,19 September 1pm – 3pm in Melton. Find out moreabout the signs and symptoms of heart disease, whattreatments are available and the risk factors. There willbe an opportunity to ask questions and find outwhere help and treatment can be accessed.
� Diabetes and Sight Loss, Tuesday, 27 September1pm – 3pm in Market Harborough. Information aboutdiabetes and an interactive session on the differenteye conditions that are related to diabetes.
� Information and Support for Cancer Patients andCarers,Wednesday, 28 September 10am – 12noon inCoalville. This is your chance to influence servicesprovided by University Hospitals of Leicester forCancer Patients.
For more information or to book your place, pleasecontact Kamini Patel on 0116 229 3029 or [email protected]
If you are a LINkmember, youwill know that we often askfor your experience of services.We are asking for help again– please turn to ‘Be Heard’ on page 7 to find outmore.
Rutland LINkencourages debateon NHS changesIn July, Rutland LINk held a successfulevent in Uppingham, ‘YOUR Health Services – Now andin the Future’. People had an opportunity to hear aboutClinical Commissioning Groups and Planned Care,Pharmacy Services and Community Health Services.
The event provided an opportunity for the LINk to findout people’s views about local health services resultingin key areas of work being identified for our futurework programme.
Further events and focus groups will look at specifichealth and social care issues. An information stand atUppinghamMarket is planned over the coming monthsto promote the LINk and encourage new members.
September is Older Persons’ Month and we are holdingan event called ‘People Living with Dementia’ onMonday 12 September in Manton Village Hall.Attendees will find out what dementia is, how it canaffect someone’s abilities, relationships, emotions andcommunication. The event aims to be informative, but itis also an opportunity for you to tell us what you thinkabout dementia services. If you would like to attend thisevent, please contact Rutland LINk.
The LINk have been working to develop protocols withpartner organisations, such as Rutland County Council.This will promote and ensure clear communication andproductive joint working arrangements.
The Rutland LINk leaflet has been refreshed and nowincludes a tear-off slip for those who wish to join theLINk. Leaflets are available from libraries, Rutland CountyCouncil and by contacting us directly. You can also joinonline or by calling the LINk office (number below).
The Rutland LINk websitewww.rutlandlink.co.uk hasnow been launched with a wealth of informationranging from the latest news to the annual reportdocument, events and LINk activities.
If you would like to knowmore about the Rutland LINk orhow to become involved, please contact 0116 229 3103.
Healthy Times: Autmn 11 Issue 10 13
Latest LatestfromLeicestershire LINk
fromRutland LINk
14 Healthy Times: Autmn 11 Issue 10
Immunising your child against preventable diseases is oneof the most important things you can do for them. Whenthey are babies and young children, they are vulnerableto diseases that have almost disappeared in the UK dueto the childhood immunisation programme.
To ensure your child receives the best protection, theymust receive the full course of immunisations. You mightfeel you are backwards and forwards to the doctors sooften with your child or children that missing one won’tdo any harm. This is not the case. The doses are carefullymeasured and rigorously tested to ensure they do not
overwhelm your child’s immune system but by havingthe correct amount will make it stronger. If your childdoes not receive all the doses required, he or she maynot be able to fight diseases if they come into contactwith them.
For more information ask your practice nurse, healthvisitor or visit the NHS Choices website atwww.nhs.uk/Planners/vaccinations/Pages/Landing.aspx
You may like to cut out and keep this useful table ofchildhood vaccinations.
Vaccinations
When to have Which diseases this protects against How many Where is itthe immunisation injections given2 months old Diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis (known as whooping One Thigh
cough), polio and Hib (Influenza type b)First of 4Pneumococcal infection One ThighFirst of 3
3 months old Diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis (known as whooping One Thighcough), polio and Hib (Influenza type b)Second of 4Meningitis C One ThighFirst of 2
4 months old Diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis (known as whooping One Thighcough), polio and Hib (Influenza type b)Third of 4Meningitis C One Thigh (2.5 cmLast of 2 from first)Pneumoccocal infection One OppositeSecond of 3 thigh
Between 12 and Hib (Influenza type b) / Meningitis C One Thigh13months old To boost the immunity–within amonthof the first birthday.
Measles, Mumps and Rubella (German Measles) One ThighFirst of 2Pneumococcal infection One ThighLast of 3
3 Years 4 Months Diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis (known as whooping One Upper Armto 5 years old cough), polio
Last of 4Measles, Mumps and Rubella (German Measles) One Upper ArmLast of 2
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Healthy Times: Autmn 11 Issue 10 15
By exercising regularly you can lower the risk ofdeveloping diseases such as heart disease,stroke, some cancers and type two diabetes. Youcan also reduce the risk of and help in themanagement of conditions such as osteoporosis,back pain and osteoarthritis
Not only is walking something that most people can do, italso helps to reduce blood pressure, manage your weightand reduce stress, and gives youmore energy, which in turnwill improve your health, confidence and quality of life.
Walking is a fantastic way to get active. It is something thatyou can do anywhere and at any time, it’s free and you canstart slowly and build up gently.
Adults should aim for 30minutes of moderate intensityexercise five times a week. A goodway of achieving this isby taking a brisk walk which will make you breathe a littlefaster, feel warmer and increase your heart rate slightly.
Your 30minutes don’t have to be done all at once – youcan break them down into 10-minute bursts of activityspread throughout the day.
If you are new to walking regularly it is best to start offslowly and not overdo it, especially if you can only walk fora couple of minutes to begin with. Try starting off with twowalks of 10minutes on three days a week. Over the nextfewweeks increase the length of your walks, building up toexercising for 30minutes five times a week.
Once you feel ready, try increasing how fast you walk,
aiming for a brisk pace. This means still being able to talk,so if you can’t have a conversation while exercising youmaybe going too fast! You also need to challenge yourself witha few steeper inclines or hills.
Make sure you start your walk slowly before building upyour pace, and towards the end gradually slow down yourpace to allow your body to cool down, and finish withsome stretches to improve your flexibility.
Your aim should be to build walking into your daily routineand steadily improve how long and how far you can walk.
better healthIf youwant to feel good, keep yourheart strong and lower your risk ofdevelopingmajor chronic diseases,then walking could be the perfect start.
Top tips for walking� Try to build walking into your daily life� Wear a comfortable pair of shoes which providegood support and don’t cause blisters
� Choose clothes which are loose fitting so you canmove more freely and wear thin layers that youcan remove if you feel too hot
� Take a bottle of water� If it is sunny wear sun cream and a hat so youdon’t burn – try to avoid walking during thehottest times of the day
� Do a regular walk with a friend� Join a Walking for Health group, which meets forfree, regular short walks every week. To find yournearest group visitwww.wfh.naturalengland.org.uk/walkfinderand enter your postcode, or alternatively call0300 060 2287
We can provide versions of all ‘be healthy, be heard’ membership publications in otherlanguages and formats such as Braille and large print on request. Please contact theengagement and involvement department, telephone 0116 295 7626. Please state whichpublication you require when you call.
