Have a spooktacular Halloween – A Better Medway

Have a safe and spooktacular Halloween

James Williams, our Director of Public Health is encouraging residents to celebrate a spooktacular Halloween at home this year.

“I would encourage residents to stay at home this Halloween. Unfortunately, Halloween traditions like trick or treating could put you and your family at risk.”

There are plenty of fun and safe ways to celebrate a spooktacular #HalloweenAtHome this year:

• virtual online party
• pumpkin carving competition
• do a pumpkin trail at home
  …and more

Get creative this Halloween

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Mouth cancer: early detection saves lives

This November is Mouth Cancer Action month. If you noticed a lump on your breast or testicles you’d get it checked out, right? Being alert to the signs of mouth cancer is just as important.

If mouth cancer is spotted early there is up to a 90% chance of complete recovery.

If you notice anything unusual please visit your dentist or GP as soon as possible.

Find out more

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COVID -19 – Play your part

Medway remains at medium alert level – check our webpage for the rules we all need to follow to help keep our friends and family safe.

Please remember:

• If you have a COVID-19 symptom, you must stay at home and book a COVID-19 test

If you’re contacted by NHS Test and Trace or through the Test and Trace app, you must self-isolate for 14 days (from when you had contact with the individual who tested positive for COVID-19)

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Stay Well This Winter

Keeping warm is really important in the colder months. It can help you from becoming vulnerable to illnesses such as colds and pneumonia.

Stay warm and well by following our top tips this winter:

• Make sure you heat your home to at least 18 degrees, particularly if you’re not very mobile, are 65 or over, or have a health condition (such as heart or lung disease)
• Keep your bedroom at 18C all night if you can and keep the bedroom window closed
• Babies: to reduce the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS), babies should sleep in rooms heated to between 16C and 20C
• Make sure you get your heating system checked regularly by a qualified professional
• Only go outside at night if absolutely necessary and always wear an extra layer of clothing
• Keep moving indoors with little exercises like moving your feet up and down (to help improve your blood circulation)

Find out more

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Flu – COVID-19 vs flu symptoms

Some symptoms of flu are similar to coronavirus symptoms. This is what to look out for:

• Sneezing or runny nose – flu symptom
• Loss of taste – coronavirus symptom
• Loss of smell – coronavirus symptom
• New persistent cough – flu and coronavirus symptom
• Fever – flu and coronavirus symptom

If you feel unwell, please stay at home. If you have a symptom of coronavirus, you must book a coronavirus test online or phone 119.

Find out the latest updates on coronavirus in Medway

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Lowering your drinking

Alcohol Awareness Week is 16-22 November and the theme is alcohol and mental health. During these stressful times, you may have noticed yourself drinking more. When life gets uncertain or lonely, some people may drink more than they would normally. The Lower My Drinking quiz lets you quickly check if you’re drinking too much.

Take the alcohol quiz

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Make Every Contact Count

If you work in health or social care or you interact a lot with the public, your day is probably full of conversation and chances to improve someone’s health.

Free #MECC training can help you have these conversations.

Find out more

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Remember remember… the rule of 6

Sadly, due to COVID-19 restrictions, there aren’t any organised displays in Medway this year. If you plan to celebrate bonfire night at home, please remember the rule of 6 and follow the  firework code and fire safety guidance.

Find out more

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Social Prescribing Programme: Better Connected

Social prescribing aims to improve people’s health and wellbeing by supporting them to access activities, advice, and social networks within their community.

Our Social Prescribing team support over 65s to feel less socially isolated by providing:

• 1-2-1 sessions with a link worker over the phone or video call
• Face to face social distanced appointments where possible
• A personalised support plan
• Empowering those who are socially isolated to introduce themselves to new people and build up their social network

Find out more

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