Rotherham great grandmother backs campaign to promote healthier lifestyle

Company news

Aug 16, 2010

After being diagnosed with osteoporosis five years ago, Elaine has been doing regular exercise walking her two beloved dogs, Amber and Lucky.  This regular exercise helps to control her condition by improving bone density.

Elaine said: “I was shocked to discover I had the condition as I’ve always been a very active person. I was concerned how having osteoporosis was going to affect my life, especially as I enjoy walking my dogs for at least two hours a day.

“Visiting Care UK’s specialist team at the NHS Rotherham Diagnostics Unit has given me peace of mind and I know that I am in expert hands. They’ve given me some really useful tips on diet and exercise that are helping me to continue enjoying my active lifestyle.”

The unit operates out of Rotherham Community Health Centre and is run by Care UK on behalf of NHS Rotherham. The team are encouraging others to use this summer as an opportunity to get active with a three step plan.

Kath Thompson, osteoporosis and bone health specialist nurse for DEXA scanning at the Rotherham Foundation Trust, said: “There are lots of ways we can help and advise people like Elaine, who may be worried about health and fitness and our three step lifestyle plan is an easy starting point.

“Summer is the perfect time of year to get fit and even it is just a short walk every day it’s a great way to improve general health as well as bone density. Being outdoors during the summer is also a great benefit as it gives you much needed vitamin D from the sun which, combined with a balanced diet, is everything your body needs to maintain good health.”

Rotherham Diagnostic Centre’s Three Step Lifestyle Plan

Exercise - weight-bearing exercise for 30 minutes or more each day helps to promote bone formation and bone health. Try tennis, dancing, weight training and brisk walking.

Lifestyle – try to cut down on smoking and drinking alcohol as this can have a harmful effect on bones and can also cause an early menopause.

Diet – eating a varied, well-balanced diet is important to build and maintain healthy bones. Foods rich in calcium and vitamin D are especially valuable for healthy bones. A diet that includes bread, potatoes, pasta and cereals, fruit and vegetables, milk and dairy products, and protein (from meat, fish, eggs, pulses, nuts and seeds) should provide the nutrients that your body needs.

Jo Hodgson, Care UK’s Diagnostic Service Manager, said: “It is fantastic to get this feedback from patients and as a result we have invited Elaine to join our Patient Forum Group which explores how we can improve the quality of our service for all patients attending our diagnostic centre.”

The Rotherham Diagnostics Unit offers X-ray, ultrasound, echo cardiogram, DEXA and MRI scanning to NHS patients and access to the service is by GP referral. For more information visit www.rotherham-diagnostics.co.uk

For more information about the NHS Rotherham Diagnostics Service, please contact James Crawford, Sarah Shimwell or Steve Leigh on 0161 235 0315, or email careuk@citypress.co.uk

For information about other Care UK services please contact Sheila Roberts on 01206 517215 or email Sheila.roberts@careuk.com