H&W Coaches
Our Health and Wellbeing coaches are experts in this field and have extensive knowledge on a variety of topics such as Weight managment through nutrition and exercise advice, lifestyle changes including smoking or sleep and much more.
They can refer you to local community organisations and activities to help you achieve your goals or to just simply give you something exciting to do!
More information on H&W coaches, as well as our other ARRS roles.
Here's what some of our patients had to say about our coaches!
I have struggled for a very long time with my weight. I have always been embarrassed to ask for help. I'm so pleased I took the step to ask for help. My health and wellbeing coach has been a tower of strength. She is so supportive and encouraging. It's not just about losing weight; it's about looking after the whole person. I think it's one of the best services the old fire station supply. I highly recommend this service!
Over the weeks the weight has been falling off, total to date is 1 Stone 8lbs. I feel so well, my health issues have greatly improved, my confidence has grown, thank you so much. You deserve a medal.
Low Carb worked for me. Give it a go, what have you got to lose?
Low carb transformed my life with the support of Mark and the community being an essential part of the way forward.
I would never have had the correct information to help with my Diabetes type 2 without this group. A lifesaver.
From hba1c of 106 to 41 in just 12 weeks. Invaluable support and information.
Never felt so good and sleeping so much better.
Join our Health & Wellbeing course!
We run an online course where you will receive support from one of our fantastic health & wellbeing practitioners.
You will be around other likeminded people who wish to change their lives for the better.
Speak to one of our receptionists or call us to arrange a place on our course.
Here are some wonderful comments from our patients who have attended the course:
"Mark and Terri created a very positive inclusive environment. They were open to different styles and experiences, never criticising just supporting. Having the course running over 6 weeks (+ 2 bank holidays) helps maintain focus over a longer period of time. The WhatsApp group is also a good reminder of the concept and shares people’s successes. Mark was very quick to respond to messages with honest advice without any obvious bias for any of the low carb approaches."
"It worked! Listening to others helped me just sort myself and change my habits"
"Support suggestion for meals, products, recipes. And any questions answered without judgment welcoming atmosphere"
"Quality input. The course is well constructed and delivered. There is plenty of time given to individuals."
"Over the period of the course: My weight dropped from 97.6kg to 89.3, I lost 6cm round my chest, 4cm from my waist, 7cm from my hips. My average resting heart rate dropped by 7bpm and my average stress score from my smart watch decreased by 6 (lessede stressed). My wife commented on how my clothes were looking loose and baggy. I have more energy throught the day and that energy is more consistant. I was unaware it was an issue but I'm now finding it easier to breath. My skin is clearer and my mother in law said that I didn't look as flushed all the time. I have more focus/a quieter mind. My family says I have become less grumpy and more positive. My long term pain has reduced leading to an improvement in mobility and I am finding it easier to push my wheelchair."
"This course cemented that a healthy lifestyle is beneficial and really does give you more energy and a better way of life as you get older"
Exercise
Exerercise is not only great for keeping you fit but also for weight loss, gaining muscle, improving strength and endurance, flexibility, mental wellbeing and so much more. Any exercise is better than nothing albeit 20 minutes a day. Here are some tips for your exercise journey:
- Move! We burn calories simply by moving. Activities such as hoovering the front room or hanging clothes out on the line require us to move our body which in turn, burns calories. Walking for 20 minutes can burn up to 200 calories and doing this 3 to 4 times a week will increase your endurance as well.
- Weight Training! This is a popular choice for those looking to lose weight and/or gain muscle. Putting on muscle actually improves your resting matabolic rate (RMR) which means you burn more calories when doing absolutely nothing.
- Yoga! Don't feel like leaving the house, then stretching is for you. Yoga is a popular way to exercise and relieve stress all whilst becoming more flexible. Whether it's at home or at a gym with others, this is a relaxing way to exercise and it is proven to improve mental and physical well-being.
For more exercise advice, then contact our H&W coaches.
Video: What are the Benefits of Yoga?
Smoking
We strive to help patients and staff alike to reduce their smoking habits by providing helpful resources and advice and by creating environments that support quitting. In Southampton alone, it is said that one in eight adults smoke.
We have become the second Southampton GP Practice to have signed the Smokefree pledge as we believe it is incredibly important to ensure smokers have the resources to help them quit.
To view the Smokefree Pledge, download the document below
Smokefree Pledge (DOCX, 29KB)
Sleep
It can be difficult to get a good nights sleep for many reasons including stress, heat, noise, children and more. The recommended amount of sleep an adult should get per night is around 7 to 9 hours whereas teens is 8 to 10 and newborns being up to 19 hours. However, it can be difficult to achieve this, especially when you live a busy life.
Resources
For more helpful information, view our Health and Wellbeing resource page. This page contains an array of helpful resources including:
- Nutrition and Diet
- Pre-Diabetes/Diabetes
- Exercise
This page is regularly updated with new resources that we can find.