LiveLife 2008

Fruit basket

We all want to live a healthy life, but sometimes we need advice or a push in the right direction!  LiveLife 2008, the big exhibition being staged at the Odeon Cinema at Sandbrook Park in Rochdale on Wednesday 5 March will have a host of great ideas and help to get you leading a healthier lifestyle and having fun while you're at it.

Rochdale Council has teamed up with Heywood, Middleton and Rochdale Primary Care Trust for the event, with includes a huge range of free interactive demonstrations, giveaways, exciting activities and talks. Whatever your age, there'll be something for everyone.

The afternoon kicks off with a special live performance from comedian and television Doctor Phil Hammond.  The comic will take to the stage at 1.00 pm to prove 'Laughter is the best medicine.' Mr Hammond, a registered GP currently practicing in Bristol, has completed a sell out nationwide tour including a four week run at the Edinburgh Festival.  His TV credits include, 'Have I got News for You, 'Trust Me, I'm A Doctor' and BBC1's 'Heaven and Earth Show'. 

A wide range of free demonstrations will be on show, covering all aspects of healthy living, including physical activity, diabetes, sexual health, healthy eating and oral health.

The Oldham Theatre workshop will be performing their new play 'Kiss My Butt', highlighting the dangers and anti social side of smoking. It tells the story of Adam O'Reilly, a typical 15-year-old school boy with two loves in his life, smoking and the new girl Hayley Eve. The play has toured local schools with the aim of helping more young people quit - and discourage others from starting.

Exhibitors Include New Heart for Heywood, Heywood, Middleton, Rochdale Primary Care Trust, Link 4 Life, Rochdale Council, Early Break, Partnerships for Older People Projects, Patients Council, Groundwork Oldham and Rochdale and Health Walks Co-ordinator.

Workshops will cover a range of topics, providing valuable tips on leading a healthier life and there will be complimentary refreshments served all day.

There's a full programme of drop-in workshops running until 7.00 pm, along with three seminars on Older People's Provision in the Borough, Mental Wellbeing and the 'Beacon' status Healthy Schools initiative. 

Workshops Include:

• Healthy Activities
• Health
• Work and Wellbeing
• Weight Management
• Nutrition and Diet
• Stress Management
• Alcohol and Health
• Work-Life Balance

Rachel Snow-Miller from the Primary Care Trust says there will be something for everyone: "This is a fantastic fun opportunity for everyone across the borough to get involved and learn how to live a healthier lifestyle - visitors are in for a real treat!" 

Earlier in the day, leaders of the PCT and the Council will sign a 'Statement of Strategic Intent,' committing their organisations to work together to improve the health of people across the borough. 

Admission to LiveLife 2008 is free, and doors open to the public at 1.00 pm, closing at 7.00 pm.

For more information on LiveLife 2008 contact Ruth Robinson on 01706 824229.