In good health or need a change of lifestyle? JLife will see you now…
If you’re concerned about how to live a truly Instagramable life or how to be more ‘mindful’, there are plenty of options for transforming your habits or revamping your lifestyle. But for most people, our general health is more than just looking ‘fleek’ or creating an appearance of good health for our social media feeds, and sometimes our real health considerations get lost in the mire of what other fleeting concerns seem more pressing at the time. Whether it is neglecting our mental health, simply not ensuring we get enough hours of sleep or not heading to our GP to enquire about a persistent symptom, ignoring our physical health has become an all-too common aspect of modern life.
Despite this, there’s not a day goes by where there isn’t some celebrity endorsed-product or dieting fad to get us itching to finally fall in love with hot yoga or kale smoothies. LoveFit – the UK’s first music, food and fitness festival has launched down south and includes a mix of music from international DJs and live acts, fitness personalities and instructors, boutique camping and an expansive food and drink selection for health-conscious meat eaters, vegans and vegetarians. Closer to home, Liverpool personal trainer Faye Pritchard has launched full and half day female-only fitness retreats, ideal for friends, mothers and daughters or women who just want to escape to a retreat that is entirely devoted to their health and wellbeing. For those outside of the North West, Faye offers fitness retreats with a sightseeing element too – perfect for city breaks in Liverpool. While food-wise, ‘alternative’ culinary choices such as veganism are no longer seen as a niche lifestyle, but a viable why to change up our diet and decrease the impact we are having on the environment. Running and cycling are no longer viewed as simply short-lived endurance tests for charitable gain or sporting glory, but genuine low-cost ways to keep fit or commute.
As the population ages, healthcare has had to keep up with an aging population’s ever-changing needs. This 2018 marks the 70th birthday of the NHS, a wondrous institution from which we have all benefited. But as our public and much-loved free healthcare system is continually stretched and undermined, private and independent services have leapt into action. In this issue of JLife, we speak to family-run business Simply Hearing, a new audiology practice in LS17, hoping to help the people of Leeds to hear better and protect one of our most vital senses from further damage, whether you be a musician or a construction worker. Meanwhile in Harrogate, Rise Furniture and Mobility celebrate being named UK Retail Business of the Year at the Best New Business Awards. This family business was founded upon traditional Yorkshire family values; and its showroom on Leeds Road was chosen specifically for its location; on-site parking and wheelchair friendly access.
It was opened after founder Carl Drake, became frustrated by his own first-hand experience of the UK mobility market and struggling to find quality mobility products and daily living aids for his aging parents. Care residences such as Southlands, located just a short walk from the open spaces of Roundhay Park comprises of 23 purpose-built luxury apartments that allow older people to lead an independent life, run their own home without the worries of maintaining it, and have the reassurance of round-the-clock support and care. Likewise, Donisthorpe Hall, arguably the historic heart of Jewish living for many older people in Leeds, has been given a new boost of support from the community, with renewed fundraising efforts in place to ensure the hall remains an epicentre of considerate and Jewish-centric care in a multicultural city.
This summer, Leeds has also been playing its part in promoting good health and wellbeing. Schools from across the city came together to celebrate their commitment to health and wellbeing at a special celebration event, in which pupils descended on the debating chamber at Leeds Civic Hall to receive awards for the Healthy Schools, Investors in Pupils and MindMate Champion programmes, as well as voting on their top three health priorities for the city’s health. Schools attending the event received certificates and plaques in recognition of its ongoing commitment and achievement to health and wellbeing and also showcased some of the good work the schools have done over the year. Councillor Lisa Mulherin, executive member for children and families for Leeds City Council emphasised the importance of schools’ intervention, saying: “It is really important that schools play a leading role in helping pupils understand the importance of their own health and wellbeing and the impact it can have on their education as well as their life outside of school.”
Ultimately, our health and our general care needs are becoming ever more complex and multi-layered. However you choose to maintain a healthy lifestyle or live out your halcyon days, there are plenty of services and professionals out there that might be right fit for you. Whether you require an eye test from James Daly Opticians or seek to streamline your prescription needs with Pharm-Assist – they are waiting to support you. So, how can they help you today?
JLife Recommends…
Westward Care
Recovering from an operation or looking to provide a short rest for those caring for you at home? Rest and recuperate in luxurious surroundings with Westward Care, one of Leeds’ leading health and social care providers. Offering tranquil and secluded respite locations in Headingley and Roundhay, both homes sit in their own beautifully landscaped gardens and offer short and long term respite and recuperation options. With healthy dining options, social activities and the reassurance of five-star care and support from qualified staff, Westward Care will ensure your stay is welcoming, enjoyable and restful.