Page 49 - Real Rochdale Issue 16 Winter 2022

Together we can tame the ill wind

Winter is traditionally a time of warm greetings nothing to calm the increased misery caused to
– with every faith from Christianity to Hinduism those with conditions traditionally associated
celebrating hope. with winter such as Seasonal Adjustment
Disorder or acute depression.
So, it is with no pleasure at all, that I bring tidings
of what I predict may be the most difficult winter Speaking of cold weather illness there is the
we have experienced for many, many years. growing threat of flu, pneumonia and, of course,
Covid. There are inoculations to prevent all
The cost-of-living crisis allied to rising energy three, please make sure you get them. An
prices has resulted in the vulnerable struggling increase in vitamin C intake to boost the immune
for fuel and food. Debt also brings with it system will help here, too. Make this part of
anxieties around money and family, which could a renewed drive to care for your own health,
precipitate a mental health tsunami. rather than simply expect the NHS to fix you.

As if that was not catastrophic enough, we The cold weather can also promote a dangerous
have the ever-present spectre of Covid, which sense of idleness, as we abandon exercise
contrary to popular belief, hasn’t died. regimes to stay lounged indoors. Remember,
even a short walk can do you good physically, and
Hope lies in our community and our ability to mentally.
show fortitude, one of the strongest traditions
our country displays. We must also take Lastly, 2023 will be upon us before we know
responsibility to protect our own health as never it and its beginning will herald a set of often
before, because demand on our NHS is set to be unrealistic New Year’s health resolutions.
humongous. Laudable though they are, crash attempts to lose
weight can result in dangerous complications,
With the vulnerable hit hardest, those of us as can drastic attempts to become teetotal and
fortunate enough to enjoy good health and get fit. It is better to consult a medic before
plenty to eat, have a duty to look after our embarking on such a journey, they are likely
neediest neighbours. Please make sure you to help you make your change healthy and
pop-in and see that the frail are healthy and sustainable.
heated properly and if not, intervene and call
health and social care services. Ergo we should It is with a heavy heart that I warn you that we
have a compunction to look out for the homeless. have a tumultuous winter ahead. The pressure
Sadly, a cold snap may result in hypothermia and on our doctors, nurses and heroic health service
Sports College benefits: serious illness. will be onerous. But we can at least reduce that
burden by caring for ourselves and each other,

Bursary payments Speaking with our friends and neighbours so that we may see the more optimistic, brighter
may also reveal mental health issues. The dire
days that surely lie ahead.
USA Scholarship Routes situation the country finds itself in will do
Weekly Football Fixtures

BTEC Level 3 in Sports Coaching ABOUT THE WRITER
Employment & Work Experience in Football Opportunity Dr Chauhan OBE is a respected GP, health and social care

Full Football Development Coaching Programme led by campaigner, and champion of social justice and charity.
UEFA A Licence Candidate Rochdale AFC As a local GP, he has become a powerful advocate for his patients

Community Trust and introduced innovative methods to improve their care.
Saturday 3rd December: 12:00 - 14:00 Crown Oil Arena His work mentoring and employing young people has won
national recognition and he was awarded an OBE in 2020 for his
Sandy Lane
Thursday 15th December: 17:30 - 19:00 Rochdale, OL11 5DR creation of the Homeless-Friendly charity.

REAL ROCHDALE - WINTER 2022 48 49 REAL ROCHDALE - WINTER 2022