Fit for February Success

The Rotary Club of Maidenhead Bridge invited town residents to pick up some health tips and information alongside their shopping this weekend.  Over 80 people took us up on our offer, receiving blood pressure checks, cholesterol checks, diabetes checks as well as advice on exercise, healthy eating and mental health.
 
We took over a unit in the Nicholson Shopping Centre from 10am to offer advice and information on getting fit, eating healthily, the effects of high cholesterol and how to manage it, diabetes, and the risks of high blood pressure – all completely free of charge with no obligations. 
 
Neil Gow, event organiser, commented “After having their blood pressure checked 19 people were advised to visit their GP within a month and two were advised to visit their GP within a week. This proves that these events really do potentially reduce ill-health and perhaps save lives.”
 
Having teamed up with Hearth UK to offer free cholesterol checks and blood sugar tests; the team gave advice on how to lower cholesterol levels and avoid contracting diabetes, which is an increasing healthcare concern.  Of those who were tested 10 were advised to make changes to their diet immediately and two were given advice on medication to manage high cholesterol and told to speak to their GP for further investigation.
 
The team were also joined by staff from The Magnet Leisure Centre who were on hand to talk to people about healthy eating and the importance of exercise to maintain a healthy weight and promote healthy hearts.
 
For the first time this year advice was also on offer regarding mental health. Rotarian Victoria Williams, a therapeutic coach, spoke to people about mental well-being, tips on reliving stress and anxiety and signposted visitors to organisations that can provide additional support.
 
Another new feature of the event was an onsite consultation on good posture from Laura Rigby from Berkshire Health Clinic.  Laura not only gave advice to the public, but more than a few Rotarians who took advantage of the superb service Laura was providing.
 
The Health Awareness Day, Fit for February, is just one of the many local community based activities carried out by the Rotary Club of Maidenhead Bridge, alongside a free Easter family fun day in Grenfell Park and a close working relationship with FoodShare helping to feed the hungry in Maidenhead and the immediate area.

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