Looking after yourself and others

Daily exercise is important to keep fit and well. Even just a walk in the fresh air helps you stay strong and healthy. It lowers your risk of obesity, heart disease, stroke, diabetes and cancer. Exercise has real benefits to your mental health too, boosting your self-esteem and improving your sleep.

Exercise helps you to avoid falls, particularly exercise that builds strength and balance. Dudley Falls Prevention works to help older people avoid falls and with recovery following a fall.

During the summer, avoid or limit strenuous activity when it is very hot outside. Keep outdoor activity, such as sport, DIY or gardening, to cooler times of the day.

People who are living with a long-term condition, such as COPD, heart problems or diabetes, may find their symptoms difficult to manage during long periods of warm weather.

Keep medicines below 25°C or in the fridge – read the storage instructions on the packaging.

Many prescription medicines can reduce people's tolerance to heat. Keep taking your medicines and seek medical advice.

If you would like to gain skills, tools and tips to help you manage your long-term condition and attend a free six-week programme, contact Dudley Empowerment Partnership on 07976 637404 or email: smp@dudleycabx.org.

It is important that carers look after themselves and take a break during the summer months.

Dudley Carers Hub offers practical help, information and advice to anyone caring for a family member or friend.

Call 01384 818723, or email dudleycarershub@dudley.gov.uk

It's tempting during the summer to keep windows open. But remember to keep your home safe and secure. Window restrictors are a great solution, letting air in but keeping your home secure.

If you are going on holiday or on long day trips, remember to keep your home looking occupied. Use timer switches or ask neighbours to pop in to remove post or close curtains.

Living Well Feeling Safe can offer free home safety and security advice and equipment as well as other gadgets, to give you support for keeping safe and independent at home. It is provided following a home visit, or a telephone assessment if you prefer. They will also look at any adaptations, or support that will help keep you as independent as possible.

Living Well Feeling Safe also offers a self-serve online option. With this you can quickly and easily find equipment, aids and services to make things easier for your own circumstances. Purchasing items online is also an option.

For more information call 01384 817743 or email livewellfeelsafe@dudley.gov.uk.

Vaccination is the most important thing we can do to protect ourselves and our children against ill health.

It is important that vaccines are given on time for the best protection. To prepare your child for starting school, college or university in September, make sure they are up-to-date with the vaccinations they need.

These include 4-in-1 preschool vaccines, the MMR vaccine and the MenACWY vaccine.

• Never leave anyone in a closed, stationary vehicle
• In periods of extreme heat make regular checks on people living alone, elderly, ill, vulnerable family, friends and neighbours and very young people, to make sure they are able to keep cool
• Be alert and call a doctor or support services if someone is unwell or further help is needed