Wellness

Summer is a great time to get outside and be active. Exercise can help you feel better and has lots of mental health benefits too.

Join us this summer

Our public health van (PHIL) will be at events all summer with tips on health and safety Follow us on Facebook to find out where we'll be throughout the summer.

Getting active

There is information to help you fit exercise into your routine on the NHS website. Small changes like making short journeys on foot or on your bike can make a big difference. Find some beautiful places to go for a walk on the Visit Lancashire website. Eating a healthy diet and being active can reduce your risk of heart disease, diabetes, cancer, stroke and more. If you find it difficult to eat well, here is a list of health programmes across the county to help you.

NHS Health Checks

A free NHS Health Check can help protect you from future problems with your heart and blood vessels, which can lead to serious health conditions. It only takes 20-30 minutes, and those aged 40-74 can have a free test once every five years. It’s a simple step that can make a big difference. Find out about NHS Health Checks.

Helping adults stay independent

It's important for adults to live independently for as long as they can. Visit our AskSARA portal to find out about daily living aids that can make household tasks and getting around much easier.

Our Technology Enabled Care (TEC) uses digital sensors to help you live independently, alerting friends, family, our call centre or emergency services if needed. For more information, visit our TEC webpage.

Sun safety

Summer is a time for fun, but it's also important to stay safe in the sun. We have lots of tips to help you look after yourself and loved ones in hot weather, including:

• remembering to apply sunscreen (NHS website) 
• wearing a hat
• keeping hydrated
• protecting babies and young children (NHS website) 
• checking on vulnerable people

Weather forecasts from the Met Office can help you prepare for hot weather. There is also advice about keeping pets safe in the heat on the Met Office website. The Child Accident Prevention Trust website has tips on keeping children safe this summer.

Water safety

Summer is a lovely time to visit the seaside, but the sea can be dangerous. The RNLI website has information to help you stay safe, including advice about what to do in an emergency. There is also advice to help parents keep their children safe around water.

Sadly, people drown in open water in Lancashire every year. Keep your children where you can see them when they are near lakes, ponds, rivers and reservoirs. Help make sure your loved ones know the risks of swimming in open water with these water safety tips from The Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service.

Remember, it's possible to drown in very shallow water. Always supervise children around paddling pools and empty pools when not in use.

Keeping your children's teeth healthy

Summer BBQs and park outings can involve sugary snacks. Where you can, include healthier options which you and your children can also choose to keep their teeth healthy. Start brushing your children's teeth early to build good habits.

Mental health

If you or someone you know feels down, visit our Every Mind Matters page for lots of helpful information.

Age UK offers calls for people over 65 who feel lonely and want to chat. Talkzone gives confidential advice and support for young people and their families. Talkzone is available 365 days a year, from 2pm - 10pm. You can contact Talkzone by calling 0800 51 11 11, by texting 07786 511 111, or emailing talkzone@lancashire.gov.uk.

Volunteering lets you help others and make new friends. It’s good for your mental health and helps you feel less lonely. Check out The Lancashire Volunteer Partnership to find lots of local opportunities. Our museums and libraries run events throughout the year. Getting out and meeting others can stop you feeling lonely.

Support for carers and young carers

If you think you might be an unpaid carer, visit our Carers Service page to find out how we can support you. It contains advice ranging from the benefits you can claim to support for you to take a short break.

Give up smoking

Are you thinking about quitting smoking this summer? Smokefree Lancashire offers support to help you kick the habit and breathe more easily. The My Quit Route app can also help you to stop smoking. It is available on Google and on Apple.