Welcome to the first COVID-19 Bulletin of 2021 and what an eventful year it is already turning out to be!
New year, new lockdown measures. Not exactly how we might’ve wanted 2021 to start, but coronavirus is spreading fast. We need to stay home, protect the NHS and save lives. In light of this, the best we can do is try and stay active in our own way, because moving is good not just for your physical health but your mental wellbeing as well.
COVID-19 Bulletin
Lockdown and quarantine have meant increased periods of sitting for hours on end and lack of exercise. Whether that is being sat at the computer, taking calls from clients or watching the latest series on Netflix, sitting has become the norm for many of us. Whether you are self-employed or working for an employer, fostering an accidental ‘sedentary’ lifestyle is the key ingredient for a recipe to poor health. Having an inactive lifestyle is a leading cause of many chronic illnesses including obesity, heart disease, high blood pressure, diabetes, osteoporosis.
Dr. Dan Cuthbertson, of the University of Liverpool in the United Kingdom, led a study of young, healthy adults. Researchers found that switching from moderate-to-vigorous activity to near-sedentary behaviour for just 14 days led to metabolic changes that could raise the risk of chronic disease, and even premature death.
If you find yourself sitting for long periods of time without breaks, you might like to try one of the many activity and break apps to help you move more at work. They give you a gentle prod to remind you that it’s time for a stretch if nothing else! Here’s a helpful guide to 5 free activity reminder apps available.
In a bid to build a nation where everyone, everywhere, feels able to get active in a way that’s right for them, Sport England is on a mission to deliver the goods. They provide expertise, insight and funding to improve the nation’s long term physical and mental health. You can find great tips and advice on keeping active in and around the home at Join the Movement. For more information and support about how to stay active during the pandemic visit Sport England’s Coronavirus Hub information and support section.
How to Stay Active
Another genius way to get your body moving is to register and volunteer to support the NHS during the pandemic, becoming an NHS Volunteer Responder. You will be helping the most vulnerable people in your community through the Coronavirus outbreak, while protecting the NHS. Your help and support is needed now more than ever. NHS Volunteer Responders provide simple yet invaluable support to people who may be isolating or shielding by helping them:-
- Avoid busy places by collecting shopping, medicines and other essential items
- Have regular contact with other people by making regular friendly phone calls
- Go to medical appointments by giving lifts
There are various roles that are part of the NHS Volunteer Responder programme including:-
- Community Response Volunteer
- Community Response Plus Volunteer
- Steward Volunteer (COVID-19 vaccinations)
- NHS Transport Volunteer
- Check in and Chat Volunteer
- Check In and Chat Plus Volunteer
- Patient Transport Volunteer
You will not be committed to anything other than the tasks you choose to do. Once you have successfully registered you download the GoodSAM app, toggle the on/off duty button to suit yourself. You can then select any tasks you can help out with on any given day. Find out more about becoming an NHS Volunteer Responder. This service is part of the UK Government’s response to COVID-19 and will continue until at least March 2021.
Seeking further advice
As the coronavirus situation changes rapidly across the globe, together with all professional bodies we encourage members to keep themselves up to date by visiting the World Health Organisation for updates as they report regularly on coronavirus situation updates, advice for the public and vaccines, treatments and tests.
Also keep an eye on Government, NHS, Public Health England and Federation of Holistic Therapists pages because information is frequently added and updated.
Keeping you informed with the COVID-19 Bulletin
As we continue to mitigate the impact of COVID-19, follow us on Facebook, Twitter. Instagram and LinkedIn to share ideas, collaborate and stay up to date. If you have any questions you would like to ask us, we would love to hear from you so please get in touch info@privatepracticehub.co.uk.
Thank you again for your continued support, and for following government guidelines to keep your clients, communities, families and friends safe.
