Plus: Over 1,600 people in Dorset have signed up to our new Swap 2 Stop offer. If you're over 40, find a pharmacy offering free blood pressure checks.
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Improving and protecting health and reducing health inequalities.
Newsletter header. Text: Health and wellbeing news and updates.
** Use local services wisely this Easter bank holiday weekend
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Easter is one of the busiest weekends of the year. You can support the NHS this Easter by choosing the right health services during the busy holiday period, should you need help.
* Only access A&E or 999 in case of genuine life-threatening emergencies
* Visit NHS 111 online or call 111 for other urgent care needs
* Call NHS Connection if you need mental health support - 0800 652 0190
* Visit your local pharmacy for any minor health concerns
More information on choosing the right NHS service
** Thinking of switching from smoking to vaping?
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Since launching our new Swap 2 Stop offer
on No Smoking Day, we've had over 1,600 people in Dorset, sign up to get their free vape starter kit and put smoking behind them.
Evidence shows that vaping is much less harmful
to health than smoking tobacco. It's not completely risk-free, so it is only recommended for adult smokers to support them to quit smoking.
Our Swap 2 Stop offer does not provide smokers with a disposable vape, we use a trusted supplier following strict regulations.
We know there are a lot of misconceptions out there about vaping, so we've put together all the facts you need to know.
Facts on vaping to quit smoking
** 1 in 3 adults have high blood pressure, but don’t know it
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If you’re aged 40 or over, you can get a free NHS blood pressure check at a local pharmacy. This simple check for high blood pressure could save your life.
High blood pressure is responsible for 1 in 4 deaths in England; it can have no symptoms but it can be easily treated. So it's very important to have your blood pressure checked and get advice on how to reduce it.
Find your nearest pharmacy offering free blood pressure checks
** Loneliness, let’s talk about it
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Many of us can feel lonely and according to recent research, 16 to 24 year olds are at a higher risk compared to other age groups. 81% of those say that they would worry about being embarrassed, judged or treated differently if they said they were lonely.
Feeling lonely is part of life and nothing to be embarrassed about. If you or someone you care about is feeling lonely, try simple and affordable actions like:
* going for a walk with a friend or joining a walking group
* inviting someone out for a coffee
* joining in events nearby
* going along to a gym class or playing in a sports team
* taking up a hobby or joining a society or local community group
The feeling usually passes, however, severe or long term loneliness can increase the risk of physical and mental health conditions. If you’re worried, find out about the possible signs of loneliness, reasons we feel lonely and ways to manage i
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In this video, Public Health Doctor, Rohan Mongru talks about childhood vaccinations and how important they are for children's health and keeping them protected from illnesses.
If you are unsure whether your child is up to date, please check their Red Book and speak to your GP about catching up. For more information on childhood vaccinations, visit nhs.uk/childhoodvaccinations
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