Maidstone Borough Council 9


Keeping fit and healthy eating can have a positive effect on health and wellbeing.


Maidstone Borough Council offers support to people living in Maidstone to help them meet their weight and fitness goals and stay healthy, working with funding from the NHS .


Here we look at tips for good mental health, support available to reach and maintain a healthy weight, and facts about alcohol.


help at hand Achieving and maintaining a healthy weight is good for the mind and body whatever your age.


There are a number of weight management programmes run across the borough, and many of them are free or available at very small cost.


Weight for It is a free 10 week weight loss programme for adults with a fun and friendly weekly weigh-in with diet and nutritional advice. Call the


community development team 01622 602222 to book on the sessions which start on Tuesday 9


October at Loose Pavilion from 3.30pm to 4.30pm, and on Thursday 11 October at Sutton Valence Village Hall from 1.30pm to 2.30pm.


Ways to wellbeing Healthy weight


Go for It is a free family and children’s weight management and healthy lifestyle programme for those aged 5 to 17 years. For further information call Jill Maynard at Zeroth on 01622 749564.


Weight for Life is a 10 week adult weight management programme with a holistic lifestyle approach. Sessions are just £1 per visit. For further information call Jill Maynard at Zeroth on 01622 749564.


Adult Weight Management Programmeoffers gym, swimming and exercise class sessions which are just £1 per visit, with free weekly diet and nutrition seminars and weigh-in. For further information call Maidstone Leisure Centre 0845 155 2277.


For more information on any of the programmes email healthy.living@maidstone.gov.uk


Wellbeing isn’t all about eating the right things and exercising... although there’s no doubt they’re both important.


Mental health also plays an important part in our wellbeing and with World Mental Health Day on 10 October, we’ve come up with some simple tips to help you stay happy, fit and well.


Connect Evidence suggests that feeling close to and valued by other people is a fundamental human need.


So why not:


 talk to someone rather than emailing or texting


 put aside five minutes to ask someone how they are and listen fully.


Be active Regular exercise is associated with reducing depression and anxiety.


So why not:  go for a walk at lunchtime


 contact the community development team at Maidstone Borough Council or


Alcohol facts


look at the council’s website for local sports clubs and sign up for a new activity – see www.maidstone.gov.uk/sports


Take notice Being aware of what’s happening around you and your environment and reliving ‘the moment’ enhances your wellbeing.


So why not:


 write a list of happy memories and put it on your fridge


 have a ‘clear the clutter’ day. Learn


Continued learning helps your self esteem and encourages a more active life.


So why not:


 learn a new word through reading a book or newspaper


 sign up to learn something new at www.kentadulteducation.co.uk


Give


Evidence shows 87% of people agree they feel good when they carry out an act of kindness for someone.


So why not :


 help an elderly neighbour carry their shopping


 volunteer in your spare time rather than sitting on sofa in front of the TV - see www.vam-online.org.uk


Alcohol Awareness Week runs from 19 to 25 November and since a recent survey revealed many people are unaware of the serious health risks associated with drinking regularly, we’ve produced this alcohol fact file.


 Drinking regularly increases your risk of developing breast cancer.


Women can drink up to 2-3 units of alcohol per day and should not drink more than 14 units of alcohol per week.


 Men can drink up to 3-4 units of alcohol per day and should not drink more than 21 units of alcohol per week.


 You should spread your units evenly across the week and avoid binge drinking.


 Drinking too much alcohol can cause many health problems including cirrhosis of the liver, stomach ulcers, malnutrition , high blood pressure, stroke and mental health problems.


 Problem drinking and dependence can cause a range of problems such as family conflict and disruption, job loss and financial problems that are likely in themselves to result in increased levels of anxiety and depression.


 Alcohol dependence is one of the main risk factors for suicide.


For information on services available to help you drink sensibly, please visit www.maidstone.gov.uk/community_and_living/ substance_misuse.aspx


Page 1  |  Page 2  |  Page 3  |  Page 4  |  Page 5  |  Page 6  |  Page 7  |  Page 8  |  Page 9  |  Page 10  |  Page 11  |  Page 12  |  Page 13  |  Page 14  |  Page 15  |  Page 16  |  Page 17  |  Page 18  |  Page 19  |  Page 20  |  Page 21  |  Page 22  |  Page 23  |  Page 24  |  Page 25  |  Page 26  |  Page 27  |  Page 28  |  Page 29  |  Page 30  |  Page 31  |  Page 32  |  Page 33  |  Page 34  |  Page 35  |  Page 36  |  Page 37  |  Page 38  |  Page 39  |  Page 40  |  Page 41  |  Page 42  |  Page 43  |  Page 44  |  Page 45  |  Page 46  |  Page 47  |  Page 48  |  Page 49  |  Page 50  |  Page 51  |  Page 52  |  Page 53  |  Page 54  |  Page 55  |  Page 56