Page 49 - Real Rochdale Issue 15 Autumn 2022

get bronchitis off your chest

Autumn brings with it a fall in temperature temperatures. Colder air is one of the most
and a rise in coughs, wheezes, and sneezes. common causes of irritated bronchial tubes
and keeping your inhaler close at hand is
Sadly, the dying embers of a cold can imperative.
morph into bronchitis, the first condition
listed under the acronym COPD (Chronic You have probably heard the word
Obstructive Pulmonary Disorder), which for “norovirus” more frequently over the last few
one in twenty patients can then progress to years. This causes stomach inflammation and
pneumonia. There is also a chance that your regular vomiting and cramps. Bouts of this
lungs may become scarred, which may mean hyper-contagious virus begin in autumn and
a hospital admission. typically stretch throughout the winter. It is
transmitted from person to person (though
Bronchitis is typified by a hacking cough and recent research has also claimed it is carried
the bringing up of mucus. The coughing can in seafood) and so those maxims around
be so severe, it might even lead to a sore cleanliness apply again.
chest and tummy.
Weather change and indeed lower spirits
Bronchitis is usually an infection that enters mean that physical and mental health
the air passageways. Given that it is usually typically deteriorates during the autumn;
Lesley Kaengele wins NHS schools’ competition caused by a virus and not a bacterium, but I see it as a season that prepares us for

antibiotics won’t treat it. Rest, plenty of fluid winter, and invites us to make every attempt
and if you already have breathing problems, to care for ourselves.
10-year-old schoolgirl from St Gabriel’s Lesley said: “I learnt that the NHS is a lot steroids, are the best way to beat bronchitis.
RC Primary School in Castleton has bigger than it seems; it’s not just doctors We all know that Covid has caused a backlog
A won a top prize in a contest thanking and nurses but computer scientists, and Covid has reminded us that keeping hands in appointments and so we must play an
NHS staff, while learning about the many cleaners, and they’re all as important as and surfaces clean curbs the spread of even bigger role in self-care, whether by
careers it provides. each other. viruses. The best way to avoid any chest getting our flu, Covid and pneumonia jabs or
complaint is to stay off cigarettes. Yes, modifying our diet, increasing our exercise
As part of the ‘Step into the NHS’ “My mum inspired me because she’s strong quitting is not easy; but it will make you and giving-up the smoking.
competition run by Health Education and puts her strengths into helping other breathe easier and is essential for long life.
England, Lesley Kaengele created a rainbow people which inspires me to be just like her. That way we can all breathe a little easier
poster with showing the diversity and range Asthma is another potentially dangerous this autumn.
of health service staff with a ‘thank you’ “To me, the NHS means a huge diverse army condition that can flare-up with plummeting
message to the NHS. that helps everyone from all backgrounds
without judgement.”
Lesley was awarded the top prize for the
north west region in the contest, which saw Lianne Powers, ward sister, Rochdale
916 entries from more than 1,080 pupils Infirmary said: “The artwork was ABOUT THE WRITER
in 36 primary schools across England this outstanding and really showed the diversity
year. of the NHS. Seeing how engaged and Dr Chauhan OBE is a respected GP, health and social care
hearing how many of the children’s parents
As well as encouraging students to and family worked within the NHS was very campaigner, and champion of social justice and charity.
challenge gender stereotyping in health humbling and made me feel proud to be a As a local GP, he has become a powerful advocate for his
professions, pupils had the chance to say nurse within our local community.” patients and introduced innovative methods to improve
‘thank you’ to the NHS in their own their care.
personal and creative way. Health Education England runs the
competition each year to raise awareness of

In a special prize presentation assembly, over 350 career opportunities in the NHS, His work mentoring and employing young people has
won national recognition and he was awarded an OBE in
Lesley received a certificate, a £25 Amazon while supporting the career aspirations of 2020 for his creation of the Homeless-Friendly charity.
voucher and an exciting goody bag. young people in education.

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