With the last of the mince pies munched, now is the perfect time to think about setting some healthy lifestyle goals for 2023.
And this New Year it couldn’t be simpler thanks to a range of activities and programmes organised by Healthy Cornwall, most of which are completely free.
They include:
- Digital Adult Healthy Weight Programme
This new free four-week programme is designed to help adults begin their weight loss journey and understand how to use the free tools and links provided by the Healthy Cornwall team. Sign up by January 5.
- Bitesize Healthy Families Digital Programme
Also new, this free programme is designed to help parents and carers support children, young people and their whole family to make healthy lifestyle changes, using free tools and resources. Sign up by January 10.
- Healthy Lifestyles Support Drop-in Sessions
These sessions are a chance to catch up with local advisors about a range of topics aimed at improving health and wellbeing. This includes weight monitoring, nutrition, food diaries, ideas for physical activities, and stop smoking support. They are free for anyone to drop in at any point and take place in Redruth, St Austell, Camelford and Liskeard.
- Swimming for Health
Swimming for Health groups are for anyone, regardless of their fitness level. The Healthy Cornwall team hires the whole pool for each free session so there is more privacy than with standard public sessions. A team member will also be on hand to offer advice and support. The sessions take place in Penzance, Camborne, Newquay, St Austell and Camelford.
- Walking for Health
These free sessions offer a gentle walk to help improve mobility and increase activity levels whilst having a chat with other people in the area and friendly Healthy Cornwall staff members. They are currently available in the Penzance, Hayle and Camborne areas.
To register or for more information about everything available from Healthy Cornwall check out www.healthycornwall.org.uk/NewYearNewYou
Dr Ruth Goldstein, assistant director of public health at Cornwall Council, said:
“After a hopefully relaxing and indulgent Christmas it can often feel a bit daunting when January looms and we start to think about getting back into a healthier routine.
“The team at Healthy Cornwall knows this, which is why they’ve tried to make it as easy as possible to access convenient healthy lifestyle programmes and advice, which is almost always free of charge.
“You’ve got nothing to lose by checking what’s available so why not visit the website when you have a spare five minutes? It might change your life!”
Cllr Dr Andy Virr, portfolio holder for adults and public health, added:
“The team at Healthy Cornwall do a fantastic job of making sure there is a wide range of help and support available for anyone who wants to set healthy lifestyle goals.
“Not only will these activities, drop-in sessions and programmes help with your physical health, they often provide a chance to socialise and meet new people as well, which can be a huge boost to mental health.
“So have a look at the website and see what’s on offer. Who knows, there could be a ‘new you’ waiting in 2023!”
Visit the Healthy Cornwall website for a wealth of tools and information to help people make healthier lifestyle choices. The team can help with healthy eating, physical activity, stopping smoking, healthy pregnancies, learning disability and autism support, and mental health training.
Remember to stay safe and healthy by keeping up to date with your latest flu and Covid-19 vaccinations.
And it’s okay not to be okay. If you are worried about your own or someone else’s mental health call the Cornwall and Isles of Scilly 24/7 NHS mental health response line on 0800 038 5300. It's free to access by anyone, any age, any time, day or night.
Visit the Council's mental health web pages for more information.