Your Health and Wellbeing
In understanding the difference between health and wellness, in short, health is a state of being, whereas wellness is the state of living a healthy lifestyle. Health refers to physical, mental, and social well-being; wellness aims to enhance well-being.
Wellbeing is not just the absence of disease or illness. It’s a complex combination of a person’s physical, mental, emotional, and social health factors. Wellbeing is strongly linked to happiness and life satisfaction. In short, wellbeing could be described as how you feel about yourself and your life.
For example, higher levels of well-being are associated with decreased risk of disease, illness, and injury; better immune functioning; speedier recovery; and increased longevity. Individuals with high levels of well-being are more productive at work and are more likely to contribute to their communities.
How do you maintain personal health and wellbeing?
- Relax and reduce stress. Find ways to relax. …
- Find ways to learn and be creative. Try doing something creative. …
- Spend time in nature. Try to spend some time outdoors. …
- Connect with others. …
- Look after your physical health. …
- Try to get enough sleep….
The following links to organisations that can help you on your way.
Common Conditions this Winter
Getting the right help and services
The winter months are always a busy time for GP Practices. There may be another service or healthcare professional that you can see to give you the support you need without contacting the Practice. Find the right service for your needs; click the ‘staywelldorset’ button to go to the website.
Everyone has an important role to prevent illness and minor issues like coughs and colds, sore throats, or ear infections can be easily treated at home with cheap medicines from your local pharmacy without needing an appointment or prescription. Medicine cabinet essentials include:
- Pain relief (e.g. paracetamol, ibuprofen)
- Cough or sore throat remedies
- First aid kit (plasters, bandages, antiseptic wipes)
- Oral rehydration salts
- Heartburn and indigestion treatment
- A thermometer
Stocking up on these essentials will not only help you feel better sooner and save you time, but also help the NHS save much needed resources. Please download the Leaflet, Common Conditions this Winter, for more information.
Ridgewater Energy: Healthy Homes
By working together, we can do more to help address some of the causes of poor health that put strain on the services we provide and the health, wellbeing and quality of life of those we assist. Around 2.4 million households in the UK are in fuel poverty and struggle to afford to properly heat their home – nearly one in ten properties. Studies show that living in a cold home increases the likelihood of respiratory infections by up to30%, particularly for vulnerable groups such as the elderly and children and also worsens cardiovascular problems, resulting in an increase in hospital admissions.
Money Saving
The actions and tips in this booklet can help you save money, by providing the tools and understanding to control your heating and energy use at home. It also includes further generalised hints and tips tailored to different aspects of daily living.
Click on the ‘Booklet’ image to download for more information