This year’s Self Care Week (13-19 Nov) is bigger and better than ever – with a huge range of events happening across the Bradford district.
Bradford Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust will be hosting an event at Bradford Royal Infirmary on Monday, from 10am to 2pm, in the Ambulatory Care Unit. People can come along and pick up information and advice about self-care from Public Health’s stop smoking team, Champions Show the Way and Carers’ Resource.
Other highlights of the week include events at the Kirkgate Shopping centre with Billy Bantam and the Lord Mayor (Tuesday, 14 Nov) and pop-up shops in Keighley’s Airedale shopping centre.
There are also events in Shipley, Bingley and Skipton to help people understand how simple lifestyle choice can make a big difference to their quality of life in the future.
Live a better and healthier life
The aim of the week is ensure residents get the information they need to live a better and healthier life by making sure they look after themselves.
People across Bradford and Craven are also being urged to take the Make One Change challenge for this year’s Self Care Week.
By taking part in the challenge, it is hoped people will be empowered to take control of their health and feel better for making a change.
The small changes are meant to be things people can commit to throughout the year, not just during the week. Suggestions for changes people can make include:
- cutting down the amount of sugar in your tea and coffee
- taking a brisk walk for ten minutes a day
- keeping a day alcohol free each week
- having an extra portion of fruit and vegetables
- quitting smoking.
Making a change is always easier when it’s done together and individuals are also asked to make pledges with family, friends or work colleagues if they can.
Councillor Val Slater, Deputy Leader of Bradford Council and portfolio holder for health and wellbeing, said: “We often take our own health for granted and it is only when we get ill or have an accident that we realise how important it is to look after yourself.
Never too late to change
“Whether you are eight or 80, anyone can make a small change to their lifestyle to improve your own life and it’s never too late to make a change.
“By doing something now, it means you are more likely to live a longer, healthier and happier life which benefits everyone in the long run.”
For more information about self-care and a programme of events, visit: https://www.bradford.gov.uk/adult-social-care/finding-support-for-yourself/self-care-packs/