Contents:
- Editor's welcome
- Paul Waugh: From Rochdale to Westminster
- Rachel Winnard: One in Two Million
- Rochdale Sixth Form College wins at prestigious Further Education awards
- Rev Mark Coleman
- Baillie Street Quarter
- Touchstones reopens with new exhibitions
- Greater Manchester Fire Service Museum
- Highlights of a Mayoral Year
- Fancy dress posties raise £1,700 for MIND
- John Swinden’s Captain Tom 100 challenge
- Littleborough’s Tackling Minds to become first organisation to work with NHS in prescribing angling
- Keith Hicks retires after 33 years of service at RAFC
- Bid for local digital radio signal
- Carpet Creations celebrates 25 years in business
- Help fill Springhill’s gardens with sunflowers in memory of your loved ones
- Local author reminisces about Rochdale high streets in the 80s and 90s in new book
- After the storm, the healthy hazy days of summer »
- Rochdale Heartbeat honoured with Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service
- Ian Jenkins: Forty Years of Making Music
- Hairdressing Trend - Babylights
- Lasting Power of Attorney
- Cupcakes recipe
- Brown’s Cakes celebrates 10 years
- Beauty Feature: Coming back strong after lockdown
- Take a walk at Ealees
Summer 2021After the storm, the healthy hazy days of summer
Health is probably the last thing you want to think about now life is returning to some kind of normality.
It has dominated our thinking for over a year, and it is fair to say that while some have been blasé about their chances of contracting Covid-19, others have been terrified of the virus.
But now that we have a clean bill once again, it is time to think positively about our wellbeing, whether it be physical or mental.
The promise of sunshine-filled days and more light can be an enormous boon. We also have the Olympic Games and the European football championships to look forward to, but we are far better off taking part in sport rather than merely watching it (particularly with a pint in our hand!).
Whatever exercise we do take, hydration is important especially in hotter weather. And while you might be tempted to rush outside or to the gym now that restrictions have lifted, it is important not to overdo it. Elite athletes know this and take breaks from their schedule to allow their muscles to relax and old injuries to heal.
Frequent sips of water whilst in full flow keep your hydration levels acceptable. Bellyfuls of liquid do not, and it is wise to watch the exercise drinks also – their sugar content is off the chart.
Sunscreen and bite cream are essentials in the medicine cupboard at this time of year. You may know that I am the founder of the Homeless-Friendly charity and while we often feel compassion towards rough sleepers in the depths of winter, lack of liquid and protection against the sun prove equally problematic for those without shelter in summer.
A period in the shade will benefit anyone on a sunny day: we are susceptible to damaging UV rays even when the temperatures seem milder (especially at the coast).
Finally, a word on mental health, another problem more equated with winter but actually an all-year blight that is very worrying as people adjust to the world after lockdown. Depression, anxiety and feelings of self-destruction all should be shared with a health professional, here to help YOU.
May your outlook, health, and your days be bright this summer. After the difficult winter, you deserve it!
ABOUT THE WRITER
Dr Chauhan is a respected GP, health and social care campaigner, and champion of social justice and charity. As a local GP, he has become a powerful advocate for his patients and introduced innovative methods to improve their care. His work mentoring and employing young people has won national recognition.