Help to keep New Year’s resolutions healthy

Stopping smoking is a common New Year's resolution

Help is at hand to those who have made the typical New Year’s resolutions.

Heywood, Middleton and Rochdale Community Healthcare is offering a range of healthy lifestyle services, helping people whose resolution is to lose weight, keep fit by eating better or quitting smoking, and reducing the amount of alcohol they consume.

These services are perfect for people who want to stick to their resolutions, or just be healthier all together.

Stop Smoking 

Stop Smoking Service Manager, Ann Howarth, said: “Stopping smoking is one of the hardest things to do and can take a number of attempts but we will work with you until you have successfully quit. Research shows that you are four times more likely to quit using NHS support so improve your chances of quitting by getting in touch.”

Get active 

For some people, getting active can be a challenge and they need some extra support. In this case, the Exercise Referral Scheme has been developed to help people who are inactive and suffer from a long term chronic illness.

Borough-wide walk and talk Health Walk’s have been designed for people who want to achieve a healthier, more active lifestyle, or do little exercise and want to feel the benefits of regular physical and social activity, such as walking and cycling.

Rebecca Caygill, Physical Activity Manager, said: “At least 30 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise, five or more days a week is all it takes for people to improve their health. Children and young people need to be active for at least an hour every day, for example through active play, sport or walking to and from school.”

Eating well

Doing sports or engaging in a physical activity is a great way to loose weight and become healthier, however sometimes, it just isn’t enough. Maintaining a balanced diet is a key aspect of weight loss. The Healthy Weight team is a group of trained specialists in diet and physically active lifestyles. They can offer personal advice about managing your portions, reading food labels, cooking methods and weight loss medication.

Linda Convery, Lead Dietitian, said: “Moving towards and maintaining a healthy weight is a crucial part of overall good health. If you keep your weight within the healthy range, you'll not only feel better but you'll lower your risk of heart disease, stroke and certain cancers.”

For more information visit www.doyoufeelgood.org or ask your GP.