Page 35 - Real Rochdale Issue 23 August 2024

STIFFEN YOUR RESOLVE TO DO MORE EXERCISE

What a mixed bag of weather this summer Mental health matters
was, and it wouldn’t be at all surprising if
autumn were just as inconsistent. The shift in season can affect the production
of serotonin and melatonin in the brain,
But there are two things in autumn that we resulting in what some call SAD – Seasonal
are sure of. Temperatures will drop and the Affective Disorder. Sleep patterns can go out
days become shorter, and both have an impact of kilter causing exhaustion and irritability,
on physical and mental health. mood can be significantly lowered due to the
prevailing darkness, and even anxiety levels
Pointers on joints heighten with everything from the stresses of
paying for the coming Christmas to walking
For arthritis sufferers, joints get crankier home in the dark preying on our minds.
as autumn progresses. Recent research has Mental health organisations from CAMHS for
shown that they are responding to barometric our children to Andy’s Man’s Club for men, do
pressure, becoming less like the fuel that a sterling job and it is important to reach out
keeps us supple and turning instead to sludge, before issues escalate.
provoking aching limbs, pain, and stiffness. It
is important to start fighting these symptoms Feverish at the practice
before the chill of winter bites. So, ensure you
keep warm, eat well, walk carefully, stock up Back at your local surgery, we see autumn as
on vitamin D and stretch out and exercise. a time to prepare for the most difficult period
for health, namely winter. Notice of Covid
That last tip extends to all of us, actually. With inoculations and flu jab clinics will be coming
fewer daylight hours and more inclement your way and I suggest you accept the offer
skies, the tendency is to cut right down on the and make it easier on yourself – and us at the
exercise. But aside from being good for the NHS – over the closing months of the year.
heart and avoiding strokes, aerobic exercise
can fight and fend off colds, flu, and the Poor hygiene can help viruses spread
virulent viruses on the rise at this time of year. and mutate and so catching sneezes in a
handkerchief and covering your mouth when
It doesn’t have to be the same location or you cough is good practice. As is the frequent
even sport you do during summertime. Track washing of hands.
athletes and tennis players may begin to
venture inside, while some swap the intensity So, make this season one where you continue
of a run for a brisk walk. This is the season summer’s good practices and if you haven’t
for soccer too, and a big shout must go out to as yet made a commitment to care for your
walking football, a great way for older men health, then autumn truly is the time to turn
and women to exercise – with plenty of teams over a new leaf!
and leagues around.

ABOUT THE WRITER
Dr Anita Sharma is a published women’s health expert, the founder
of the charity Endometriosis Awareness North and the president
of the Rochdale Inner Wheel club.
As a GP, she previously coordinated the NHS pessary service for
Greater Manchester. She also works closely with Rochdale medics
to reduce unnecessary antibiotic prescribing.

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