Supporting patients to have the healthiest lifestyle during this time is important, as it can have a significant impact on the outcomes of their treatment.
So if you did we would encourage you to consider stopping smoking or switching to vaping, reducing your alcohol intake and walking more as it can make an enormous difference.
There are a range of services available either through Somerset County Council or wider in the NHS that can support patients with all of these.
NHS Quit Smoking Support
If as a patient you are waiting for treatment and you smoke, then now is the ideal time to consider stopping smoking. Information can be found on the NHS Quit Smoking pages which can be found here with links to the NHS Quit Smoking app.
Smoke Free Life Somerset
Also our partners in Somerset County Council run a Smoking Cessation service to help support you with this challenge. They have a leaflet with information and more can be found on their website and on Smokefree trifold DIGITA. They are keen to support patients who are on our cancer pathway.
You can call their practitioners on 01823 356222 or email them using their contact form, below is their video “Your personal nicotine monster” which helps to explain the cravings.
Somerset Drugs and Alcohol Service
If you have been diagnosed with Cancer, now is a suitable time to consider your alcohol consumption. Support and guidance can be found through Somerset County Council on their website, where their drug and alcohol service can support you with interventions to help people before their interventions worsen.
There is also support on the NHS Drink Less web pages, as cutting back on the volume of alcohol you drink can be a really effective way to improve your health, boost your energy, lose weight and save money, any reduction in the amount you drink every week will be beneficial and with the right help, it’s easier than you think.
They have some simple tips and tools to help you start cutting down today along with a drink free days app that can be downloaded to help track drink free days.
Somerset Health Walks
SASP (Somerset Activity Sports Partnership) supply health walks across Somerset on a regular basis
What is a health walk?
It is a gentle walk done on a regular basis for well-being. It can help you to feel good, to have more energy, to sleep better and to manage your weight. There are so many benefits from health walking we are sure you will see a difference in yourself even after your first walk!
Would you like to find out more about walking or where you can take part in Somerset?
For further information on health walks in Somerset contact Georgina Hainsby on 07599 654679
The council offer additional services that may support patients, for example they can loan laptops, offer health checks, a home library and even have a range of Online Health Information. Also our libraries are recognised to be death positive libraries.
