Health Matters: Healthy holiday call for children

The week-long school holiday can provide a great opportunity for families to get out in the fresh air and get some exercise.

Playing on swings, roundabouts, slides and just running around in the park can make a real difference to a child’s health.

Regional director for public health at NHS Yorkshire and the Humber, Paul Johnstone, said: “Most children love running around, and half-term is the perfect opportunity for families to get out and about together, having fun and staying healthy.Exercise burns lots of that excess energy kids can have, keeps them happy, and helps them grow strong muscles and bones. It also helps them to maintain a healthy weight, which is really important in reducing the risk of serious illnesses like heart disease and cancer in later life.”

Walk-in centre on the move

THE Walk-in Centre in Sheffield is moving. On April 1, the centre will transfer from the Royal Hallamshire Hospital to the Sheffield City GP Health Centre on Broad Lane.

The new service, to be called the NHS Walk in Centre, will be open longer, from 8am to 10pm, 365 days a year. Members of the public can walk-in as an unregistered patient and see a GP or a nurse without an appointment for a range of minor illnesses and ailments.

The Minor Injuries Unit will remain at the Royal Hallamshire Hospital to treat minor sprains, cuts, bruises and minor burns.

Daniel Mason, lead in unscheduled care at NHS Sheffield, said: “The new joined up NHS Walk-in Centre based at Broad Lane will be easier to get to and open longer to meet more patients’ needs in Sheffield.

“On average you should be seen and treated by a GP or nurse within an hour.”

A further advantage of the new service and its city centre location is its close proximity to car parking facilities.

Cherry juice can aid muscle repair

A NEW juice drink could help to reduce muscle damage caused by exercise.

Cherrygood contains Montmorency cherries which research has shown can aid muscle recovery, by reducing muscle inflammation – especially important for people doing vigorous exercise.

The research from London South Bank University showed that after drinking cherry juice, athletes returned to 90 per cent of normal muscle force in 24 hours.