Ways to Improve Our Health

Giving up smoking is one of the most important things you can do to benefit your health.
It is never too late to quit, the health benefits start straight away.
Quitting will improve your health and protect the people around you from harmful second hand smoke.
Quitting smoking will also save you money.

You are three times more likely to stop smoking using an NHS Stop Smoking Service than if you try to quit alone.

Help Me Quit is the national NHS stop smoking brand for Wales.
Local advisors provide expert support and FREE stop smoking medication. For more information visit the Help Me Quit website or Freephone 0800 085 2219 Text HMQ to 80818 (text cost is one standard rate message) or scan the QR code

Move more and more often aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate to vigorous activity per week
Just 10 minutes of brisk walking has health benefits
Physical activity contributes to wellbeing and is essential for good health.
Even small increases are linked with some protection against chronic conditions.
Build walking and cycling into daily living routines by walking to the shops, to work, to school, or when visiting family and friends

Try new activities in local centres, including strength and balance for older people

The Keeping Me Well website has information on how to move more often and links to local leisure centres and facilities

Eating well can help you to feel better, maintain a healthy weight and reduce the risk of some chronic conditions
Healthy eating is not about cutting out foods or following a special diet, all foods can be included. You just need to get the balance right.
Eat ‘5 a day’ portions of fruit and vegetables

Swap unhealthy snacks and drinks for healthier ones. It is best to avoid fatty and sugary snacks like crisps, biscuits and drinks high in sugar

Visit the Keeping Me Well website for information on eating well
Pregnant women and children under 4 may be eligible for Healthy Start food vouchers and free vitamins. Call 0345 607 6823 or visit the Healthy Start website.

- Pregnant

- New baby

- Pre-schooler starting school

- Becoming a teenager

- Around retirement age (65 years)

- Person develops chronic disease

- Becomes a carer

There is an annual nasal flu spray or injection (gelatine free option) for children at schools from Reception to Year 11.
Immunisations are free, quick, and highly effective in protecting against unpleasant and potentially serious illnesses.

Being up to date with your immunisations protects you, your family and your community

Contact your GP surgery to find out if you or your child is up to date and/or to arrange any immunisations
Many community pharmacies now offer the seasonal flu vaccine. The winter flu vaccine is now offered to people aged 50 and over.
Immunisation and Vaccines (Public Health Wales website)
Immunisation and Vaccination (Cardiff and Vale UHB website)

Mental well-being is about “feeling good and functioning well”. Everyone experiences ups and downs but if the ‘downs ’ are severe and affect daily living, it is best to talk to your GP or nurse.
Worries about mental health are the second most common reason for visiting a doctor.
Talking about mental wellbeing and asking for support can help.
Things we can do to improve our mental wellbeing include being physically active, engaging with people, giving to others, (thank you, a smile, volunteer), learning something new and (a book, online course, recipe...), taking time to enjoy life and be in the moment