Self Help

What is change for life?

These days, ‘modern life’ can mean that we’re a lot less active. With so many opportunities to watch TV or play computer games, and with so much convenience and fast food available, we don’t move about as much, or eat as well as we used to. Which means that 9 out of 10 kids today could grow up with dangerous amounts of fat in their bodies. This can cause life-threatening diseases like cancer, type 2 diabetes and heart disease – so it’s really important that we do something about it.

You’ve taken the first step towards getting your kids eating well, moving more and living longer just by being here – so welcome to Change4Life!

Who needs Change4Life?

We all know it can be hard these days to live a happy, healthy life but Change4Life can help. After all, none of us are perfect. The way we live in modern society means a lot of us, especially our kids, have fallen into unhealthy habits. Even the best of us can make small changes.

Why should I join Change4Life?

Would you like loads of ideas and help to give your family a happier, healthier future? Then you already know why you should join Change4Life. As part of Change4Life, you will receive tons of helpful information, games, tools, tips and a free welcome pack. You can also search for what is happening in your local community. We’ll update the site all the time so don’t miss out – come back and see us regularly.

Where will I find Change4Life?

In a word – everywhere! Making a Change4Life is really important, so we’re going to be talking to you through your telly, your radio, your parks, your local halls, your supermarkets, in your children’s schools and, with any luck, in your home too. And that’s just for starters!

HOW WE CAN HELP ANYONE AFFECTED BY CANCER

• The Lodge is open on a ‘drop-in’ basis, Monday – Friday, 9am – 4pm
• The Lodge has a telephone helpline 01803 617521 for those unable to access the centre in person
• The Lodge is a warm, welcoming house, an oasis of calm away from the hustle and bustle of the hospital
• The Lodge offers a wide range of information, freely available, covering such topics as health awareness, reducing your risk of cancer, site specific information, coping at home and support organisations. This information is available in a variety of languages and formats, including books, videos and audio-cassettes
• The Lodge provides a twice weekly 1:1 benefits advice service, please ring to make an appointment
• The Lodge provides 1:1 supportive listening
• The Lodge provides weekly 1:1 psychological support, please ring to make an appointment
• The Lodge provides internet access
• The Lodge provides a monthly genetics clinic, please ring to make an appointment
• The Lodge can apply for Macmillan Cancer Relief patient grants
• The Lodge has access to free holidays and ‘special’ days out for patients and their families
• The Lodge provides beauty and make-up sessions
• The Lodge provides a range of complementary therapies

So, if you have any concerns, about any aspects of cancer, please call in or telephone The Lodge, Cancer Support Centre, you will be most welcome.

Who and What are FITNESS IN TORBAY?

They are a team of exercise professionals who work on the Fitness in Torbay scheme and have been trained to a nationally recognised standard. Their education may include degrees in Exercise and Sports Sciences, Professional qualifications in gym and group instruction, and more besides.

They work with referred patients from our Surgery as they have the ability to exercise people with various medical conditions, including Cardiac Rehabilitation (ability to exercise people who have had cardiac surgery). They are not Doctors or Physiotherapists but have had some training in medical conditions and common medications. Therefore are aware of the benefits of exercise to your health and understand how your medications may affect your ability to exercise.

Do you want to be come more active, more often and have fun, meet new people, discover your local environment, try something new or improve your health? Ask your G.P. for more information.

Physical activity has been proven to have a positive effect on health and fitness. In addition there is evidence to show that physical activity can help reverse or have a significant impact on medical conditions or ailments that you may suffer from. This can lead to reduction in medication, fewer visits to the Doctor, and a huge improvement in your well being. They have helped many people to reduce their stress levels (often something carers can find beneficial), to boost their confidence (helps to make new friends), lose weight (reducing chances of heart disease and many other medical conditions, control their blood sugar levels (improving their diabetes care), to be able to move more easily around the house and to walk further (boosting energy levels), and to manage joint pains (returning people to work).

The Lifestyles team can help support you in making healthier changes to your lifestyle. They cover a range of services including Stop Smoking Service, Community Fitness Team, Community Nutrition Team and Health Trainer Service.

To find out more about how the Lifestyles Team can help you please visit this site

Physiotherapists are experts in muscle, bone and joint problems.

Did you know you do not need to make an appointment with your GP to access a physiotherapist at Torbay?

If you have back pain, neck pain or a sports injury why not contact the Physio first team on 0300 456 9987.

This will save you time and free up a GP appointment.

Why?

If a GP identifies physiotherapy is a requirement you will have to call the 0300 456 9987 number yourself.

After attending the physio service if they feel you need further inverstigation, a referral or treatment this will all be managed by the Torbay physio team.

Save a trip to the surgery and ring the number direct.

The MSK physiotherapy service provided by Torbay and South Devon NHS Foundation Trust will be delivering a new style service from mid April 2023. This is to reduce waits for patients who are registered with a local GP practice. Increasing waits are due to high patient demand and workforce limitations nationally. The changes will begin in Torquay from mid April and will follow the digital first model already used in many health care settings . Patients will still be able to refer themselves – without the need to see another healthcare professional first – by using the booking line 0300 456 9987

It is expected that other sites will start to use this style of service during summer 2023.