Lifestyle
Click on the links below to access information on each topic:
Exercise | Mental Health and Wellbeing | Smoking | Alcohol & Drug Support | Gambling Addiction | Sexual Health
Exercise
Exercise can benefit our health in so many ways. It can improve energy levels, clear our heads and lift moods. It can help many physical health issues including lower back pain and high blood pressure. It reduces the risk of long term conditions such as heart disease, anxiety, depression, type 2 diabetes and some cancers.
There are guidelines to outline the recommended physical activity we should all be doing. Please see the following links for further information and guidance and some suggestions of some apps and links to help you improve your activity levels.
Couch to 5k
Couch to 5k is a free and easy way of getting fitter and healthier whether you have never run before or if you just want to become more active.
https://www.nhs.uk/live-well/exercise/get-running-with-couch-to-5k/
Penllergaer Valley Woods Running Group
The Penllergaer Valley Woods Running Group meets every Sunday at 10am with two groups for either new runners starting out on the couch to 5k programme or an advanced group for those running 5-10k. To find out more search for ‘Penllergare Valley Woods Running Group’ on Facebook.
Swansea Bay Park Run
Parkruns are free, weekly, community events all around the world. Parkrun is a positive, welcoming and inclusive experience where there is no time limit and no one finishes last. Everyone is welcome to come along, whether you walk, jog, run, volunteer or spectate.
In Swansea the event takes place at The Secret Beach Bar & Kitchen, Mumbles Rd, Swansea, SA2 0AY at 9am on Saturdays.
https://www.parkrun.org.uk/swanseabay/
Active10
A brisk daily walk can improve your health in so many ways. Active 10 is a free and easy to use app that tracks your walking and shows you how you can increase your energy levels to benefit your health.
https://www.nhs.uk/oneyou/active10/home
National Exercise Referral Scheme (NERS):
A government funded exercise scheme aimed at people over 16 years of age who are unused to being regularly physically active and have a medical condition. The aim of the scheme is to provide opportunities to exercise than can be fun, motivating and incorporated into everyday life.
To enquire further please discuss with a member of our nursing team at an appointment and see the following information:
Wales National Exercise Referral Scheme – Public Health Wales (nhs.wales)
Physical Activity for Children:
When children are a healthy weight they feel better about themselves, find it easier to play and learn and are more likely to grow up to be healthy. ‘Every Child Wales’ is scheme introduced by Public Health Wales providing ideas to help families provide the best start to children aiming for happy and healthy futures.
http://everychildwales.co.uk/parents/
Smoking:
Help Me Quit is the single point of contact for smokers who want to stop smoking in Wales. Smokers can refer themselves for stop smoking support directly by:
Calling (Freephone): 0800 085 2219
Texting (standard rate message change): HMQ to 80818
Completing an online form: for further information regarding the service please see https://ash.wales/helpmequit/.
Alcohol and Drug Support:
There are many agencies available locally to provide confidential help and support to those people who are concerned about their alcohol or substance misuse or affected by alcohol or drugs:
Newid is the single point of access for people affected by drugs and alcohol. At Newid we believe that everyone can achieve their full potential, and we aim to provide the support to do so.
Barod has friendly, trained workers providing support to individuals affected by alcohol and drugs, and their friends and family across South Wales. The support and information we provide is free, confidential and non-judgmental.
Barod specialises in substance use support for both adults and young people.
DAN 24/7 Wales Drug and Alcohol Helpline
Telephone: 0808 808 2234
For friendly confidential advice regarding drugs and alcohol talk to FRANK…
Adferiad: Providing services and campaigning for people and carers affected by mental illness, substance use, addictions, and other complex conditions.
Adferiad combines the skills and expertise of its founding charities to provide outstanding services for people in Wales with a wide range of needs.
Gambling Addiction:
The Addiction Recovery Agency (ARA) offer a FREE counselling service throughout Wales for those affected by problem gambling.
Telephone: 0330 1340 286
Sexual Health:
For information on local sexual health services:
https://111.wales.nhs.uk/localservices/ViewLocalService.aspx?id=4530&s=Sexual+Health