The FALLs Prevention Assistant Practitioners who are part of the Support and Independence Team have once again been raising awareness about the importance of strength & balance exercise for anyone over the age of 50 who may feel unsteady, have problems with balance, have fallen or have a fear of falling when walking.

As it was World Osteoporosis Day 2016 on Thursday 21st October the team spent the afternoon in the foyer of Calderdale Royal. They were talking to patients explaining how important weight-bearing, muscle-strengthening and balance-training exercises are in improving bone and muscle strength for patients who suffer with osteoporosis.

One passer-by commented that they  "hadn't realised undertaking small amounts of specific targeted exercise undertaken on a regular basis will improve their muscle and bone strength, improve their balance and increase their confidence"

If you know anyone who suffers from Osteoporosis or poor strength and balance and are:

•       Over the age of 50.

•       Registered with a Calderdale GP or live in the Calderdale area.

•       Are generally fit, independent and able to exercise independently

Then tell them about our FALLs Prevention Team.  The team will carry out an assessment for home exercise and/or offer them a place on one of the weekly strength & balance exercise classes - known as 'Finding Your Feet'.

The referral is made by contacting Gateway-to-Care on 01422 393000 by either a health professional or the patient themselves.

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HeadStrong Volunteers promote cracking service

Volunteers from the Macmillan Information Services set up a stall in the reception of HRI

 The stall was to promote their ‘rebranded’ new look service with new t-shirts, a new logo and to promote the valuable service they provide.

Over 42 queries were recorded including a gentleman that had recently finished  chemotherapy and had been using a ‘cold cap’ a device that helps prevent hair loss during treatment, a lady that had used the Headstrong  service over 5 years and others enquiring  about volunteering for the service.

 The headstrong service have patient appointments across both sites of the Trust for more information please phone 01422 222700.