Page 35 - Real Rochdale Issue 10 Summer 2021
P. 35
After the
storm, the
healthy hazy
days of
summer
ABOUT THE WRITER
Health is probably the last thing you want to Dr Chauhan OBE is a respected GP, health and social
think about now life is returning to some kind of care campaigner, and champion of social justice and
charity. As a local GP, he has become a powerful
normality. advocate for his patients and introduced innovative
methods to improve their care. His work mentoring
and employing young people has won national
It has dominated our thinking for over a year, recognition and he was awarded an OBE in 2020 for
and it is fair to say that while some have been his creation of the Homeless-Friendly charity.
blasé about their chances of contracting
Covid-19, others have been terrified of the virus.
Sunscreen and bite cream are essentials in the
But now that we have a clean bill once again, it medicine cupboard at this time of year. You may
is time to think positively about our wellbeing, know that I am the founder of the
whether it be physical or mental. Homeless-Friendly charity and while we often
feel compassion towards rough sleepers in the
The promise of sunshine-filled days and more depths of winter, lack of liquid and protection
light can be an enormous boon. We also have against the sun prove equally problematic for
the Olympic Games and the European football those without shelter in summer.
championships to look forward to, but we are far
better off taking part in sport rather than merely A period in the shade will benefit anyone on a
watching it (particularly with a pint in our hand!). sunny day: we are susceptible to damaging UV
rays even when the temperatures seem milder
Whatever exercise we do take, hydration is (especially at the coast).
important especially in hotter weather. And
while you might be tempted to rush outside or Finally, a word on mental health, another
to the gym now that restrictions have lifted, it is problem more equated with winter but
important not to overdo it. Elite athletes know actually an all-year blight that is very worrying
this and take breaks from their schedule to allow as people adjust to the world after lockdown.
their muscles to relax and old injuries to heal. Depression, anxiety and feelings of
self-destruction all should be shared with a
Frequent sips of water whilst in full flow keep health professional, here to help YOU.
your hydration levels acceptable. Bellyfuls of
liquid do not, and it is wise to watch the May your outlook, health, and your days be
exercise drinks also – their sugar content is off bright this summer. After the difficult winter, you
the chart. deserve it!
REAL ROCHDALE - SUMMER 2021 34 35 REAL ROCHDALE - SUMMER 2021
