Across Yorkshire runners of all ages are following exercise plans, preparing their sports kits, and limbering up for a major running event taking place this weekend.

Hundreds of runners will take to the streets of York and surrounding areas this Sunday, 15 October for the Yorkshire Marathon.

It is an extra special event this year with the marathon celebrating its tenth anniversary. A decade on from the first race the marathon has attracted more than 90,000 participants and more than £7.5 million has been raised for charity.

We spoke to Dr Abbie Brooks, a GP partner at Priory Medical Group in York and finisher of the London Marathon 2023, about how runners can get ready for the big event.

The Yorkshire Marathon has a route starting and finishing at the main University of York campus in Heslington, passing some of the city’s major landmarks and sights including the majestical York Minster and picturesque River Ouse.

The event attracts runners of all abilities, from seasoned distance runners aiming for a personal best, to those who simply enjoy getting active, see it as a way to raise money for charity, or simply as a reason to get fit. Abbie and her colleagues have taken part in the corporate relay in the past, a great way to feel part of the run – without the long distance.

Everyone who takes part in the event has started somewhere, whether it is a solo jog or taking part in regular organised runs. One thing remains the same for everyone – preparation is key.

Abbie’s top tips for Race Day

Make sure that all your kit is tried and tested – remember to wear running shoes that are comfortable. Save those new shoes for another day. Dress for the weather.

Don’t try any new foods on race day – whilst it’s always good to eat carbohydrates in the run-up to race day, whether pasta or porridge, it is wise to avoid new foods that you might be unfamiliar with. The last thing you need is an upset tummy along the route! Keep fuelled as you run, you will have a tried and tested snack/gels/drink regime sorted ahead of race day.

Stay hydrated – different runs require different levels of hydration, but you should always hydrate prior to a run, no matter the length. Having a small drink every 20 minutes whilst you’re running will ensure you remain hydrated and once your run is complete replenishing your fluid levels can aid recovery. There will be regular drink stations around the course.

Enjoy the day – relax into it and enjoy the race. Hitting your targets makes all the time you spent training really worth it. Whether it’s your first marathon or you’ve done 26 of them, there is nothing like that post-marathon glow!

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While every day is Mental Health Day for leading providers of mental health services like North East Lincolnshire based NAViGO, October’s annual World Mental Health Day is a chance to further raise awareness and drive positive change

It’s also a chance to talk about mental health, how we need to look after it and where to get help if you are struggling.

Talking is good for your mental health. And talking about mental health is important.

But we know that starting a conversation isn’t always easy – whether that is talking about how you are feeling. Or whether it is checking in with someone you are concerned about.

Here are some top tips for how to approach a friend or family member if you think they might be struggling with their mental health.

Talk to them

If you’re worried about a mate, talk to them about it. Just talking about their feelings with a supportive pal who offers a listening ear can help them feel better. It doesn’t matter if you don’t have the solution. A phone call, a WhatsApp message or a surprise visit can have a huge effect on their wellbeing.

The most important thing you can do is be there for them in their time of need – and point them towards professional help if they need it.

Ask direct, open questions

Don’t ignore your gut feeling if you’re worried about someone. Some people won’t open up until they’re directly asked about how they’re feeling. Ask open questions so the person can respond in more detail than just a ‘yes’ or ‘no’ and give them time to answer in the way they want to.

Do your best not to judge them. It can be incredibly difficult for people who are feeling low to open up. Put the kettle on, get comfortable and be ready to listen to how they’re feeling.

Ask if they’re suicidal

Research has shown that asking someone if they’re suicidal can protect them. It also gives you the chance to let them know they’re not a burden.

Speaking about suicide won’t make them more likely to act on their thoughts – in fact, it decreases the likelihood of that happening. If they say they are having suicidal thoughts, take them seriously – and don’t skirt around the subject.

Encourage them to look for support and make them aware of the services that can help locally.

Stay calm

If you think your mate is struggling, you can help – by staying calm, not judging them and, most importantly, listening to how they feel.

You might not have the solutions, but you can help practically – help them to write questions to ask their GP, or offer to ease the load by arranging childcare or doing a food shop.

And while it’s great that you can recognise when your friend is struggling, it can also affect your own mental health. If this starts to get on top of you, consider looking into support to help you deal with anxiety and stress.

Please remember, if you or someone you know is struggling with their mental health, you are not alone. There are lots of professional support services who are here to help.

If Friday hasn’t come soon enough and your big weekend plans all involve your duvet, maybe tiredness is becoming an issue.

Tiredness is often due to stress, not enough sleep, poor diet and other habits. Try these self-help tips to restore your energy levels an get a better nights sleep.

If you feel you’re suffering from fatigue, which is an overwhelming tiredness that isn’t helped by rest and sleep, you may have an underlying medical condition. Consult a GP for advice.

Eat often to beat tiredness

A good way to keep up your energy is to eat regular meals and healthy snacks every 3 to 4 hours. This can be in place of a large meal less often.

Get moving

Exercise might be the last thing on your mind but even a 15-minute walk can give you an energy boost, and the benefits increase with more frequent physical activity.

Take time to relax

Learning how to relax takes practice, but over time it can help release tension in your body, calm your mind and improve your mental wellbeing.

There is a really useful bedtime meditation video where you can let the instructor’s soothing words and relaxing moves, help you leave the stresses and strains of the day behind and prepare for restful sleep.

Although this video is ideal at bedtime, you can follow it whenever you need to take time out to relax. All you need is a blanket, some cushions and a mat if useful, the most important thing is to be comfortable.

These fitness videos have been created by InstructorLive and range from 10 to 45 minutes. Please note that these videos are recorded sessions of previously live webcasts.

Drink more water for better energy 

Sometimes you feel tired simply because you’re mildly dehydrated. Drinking more, especially water throughout the day can increase your ability to have a better nights sleep.

For more tips on getting better night’s sleep visit NHS.uk

Awareness week. 4th – 10th September

When did you last check your blood pressure? Know Your Numbers week is a national campaign to raise awareness about the importance of checking your blood pressure, especially for those who are over the age of 40. Around one third of adults in the UK have high blood pressure which rarely has noticeable symptoms but if untreated, it increases your risk of heart attack and stroke.

Know your numbers campaign is designed to raise awareness and encourage people to make healthier lifestyle choices. It helps people understand the link between high blood pressure and stroke. It raises awareness of other risk factors too, like atrial fibrillation (a type of irregular heartbeat), and smoking.

By understanding your numbers empowers you to make informed decisions about diet, exercise, and overall health. Let’s make wellness a priority! To watch and hear more from
Dr James Crick click here

Let’s get better. Here’s how you can get checked, and what the numbers mean:
👉🏻 https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/blood-pressure-test/
👉🏻 https://www.bloodpressureuk.org/know-your-numbers/

If you would like anymore information surrounding the Know Your Numbers campaign you can sign up to the free public webinar via the following link.
Know Your Numbers Week Community Webinar Tickets, Thu 7 Sep 2023 at 12:00 | Eventbrite

As we observe World Breastfeeding Week, it is essential to shed light on the positive experiences of mothers across Humber and North Yorkshire who have embraced this extraordinary bond.

Breastfeeding is one of the most natural and fundamental acts that connect a mother and her child. It is a beautiful journey filled with countless benefits that extend beyond physical nourishment.

In this blog, we will explore the inspiring stories of three mothers, Georgina Birley, Marta Pereira and Elizabeth Carter, who share their unique breastfeeding journeys and the profound impact it had on their lives.

Embracing the Challenges: Georgina’s story

For Georgina Birley, breastfeeding was more than just a choice – it was a way of life deeply ingrained in her upbringing.

Despite the initial struggles she faced, Georgina remained determined to give her daughter, Alba, the best start in life. Alba was born with a severe tongue-tie, and Georgina experienced an inverted nipple, which made the beginning of their breastfeeding journey challenging.

However, Georgina’s perseverance and the support she received from healthcare professionals paid off. After a small procedure to treat Alba’s tongue-tie, breastfeeding became a breeze, and the bond between mother and child grew stronger.

Georgina’s commitment to providing the best for Alba ensured her consistent growth, which continued to be in the 98th percentile.

Even after returning to work, Georgina didn’t let her breastfeeding journey come to an end. Instead, it became a precious moment of reconnection after a long day. Georgina’s experience highlights the importance of support, determination, and a positive attitude in overcoming breastfeeding hurdles.

Trusting Your Instincts: Marta’s story

For Marta Pereira, the breastfeeding journey she had with her children exemplifies the incredible bond that can be formed through extended breastfeeding.

Marta embraced breastfeeding as the healthiest option for her children – she breastfed her eldest child for four and a half years and continues to breastfeed her youngest.

Despite facing challenges with her youngest child’s latch, Marta’s unwavering trust in her instincts and her dedication to feeding on demand helped her navigate through the difficulties.

By following her instincts and embracing her children’s cues, Marta nurtured strong connections and supported their wellbeing through the power of breastfeeding.

Strength in Community: Elizabeth’s story

For Elizabeth Carter, breastfeeding was a natural decision, influenced by her family’s tradition of nurturing through breastfeeding.

Her early journey with her eldest child had its challenges due to tongue-tie, which required the use of nipple shields. The support Elizabeth found at breastfeeding groups allowed her to navigate the difficulties and grow in confidence as a breastfeeding mother.

Connecting with other mothers on similar journeys provided her with valuable advice and a sense of belonging. As she breastfed her eldest child for 18 months, Elizabeth found joy in the camaraderie of the group and built lasting friendships, making her maternity leave truly enjoyable.

When her second child was born, Elizabeth’s experience was much smoother, and she continued breastfeeding her for 5 years.

The support and understanding from her community allowed Elizabeth to nurture her children through breastfeeding, leading to a remarkable bond between mother and child.

Benefits of Breastfeeding

These stories exemplify the benefits of breastfeeding that go beyond physical nourishment:

• Emotional Bond: Breastfeeding fosters a profound emotional connection between mother and child, promoting feelings of security and love.
• Nutritional Excellence: Breast milk is a blend of nutrients tailored to meet the baby’s evolving needs, bolstering their immune system and overall health.
• Community Support: Engaging in breastfeeding groups provides a sense of belonging and allows mothers to share experiences, exchange advice, and find encouragement during challenging times.
• Long-Term Health: Studies suggest that breastfeeding may reduce the risk of certain illnesses for both mother and child, promoting lifelong wellbeing.
• Positive Parenting Experience: Breastfeeding can lead to positive parenting experiences, fostering patience, and a deeper understanding of the child’s needs.

During this year’s World Breastfeeding Week, we celebrate the incredible journey of all breastfeeding mothers. Their experiences highlight the beauty of this natural bond and the transformative impact it has on both mother and child.

Breastfeeding goes beyond providing nutrition. It nourishes the soul, creates unbreakable bonds, and establishes a supportive community of mothers.

Let’s continue to support and encourage breastfeeding mothers, recognising the immeasurable value they bring to their children’s lives.

I started cycling around 5 years ago. I’ve always loved sport and exercise, being an avid runner in my younger days. However, old age, creaking joints and a back problem put a stop to all of that. Feeling bereft that I could no longer run, I tried many other activities to try and capture the euphoric buzz that exercise can give. Gym classes, lifting weights, running around with thirty others doing burpees, star jumps and other excruciating workouts, however, it just wasn’t the same.

Until a friend persuaded me to borrow her husband’s bike and helmet (I honestly thought I wouldn’t find a helmet to fit my afro!!) and go for a bike ride. It was amazing. I instantly fell in love with cycling. And when I say love, I really mean it. Cycling is fantastic. It gives me freedom. It’s all about being outside, the wind in your hair (even with a helmet), and the sights and sounds of life in the countryside. It doesn’t take long before you leave behind the hustle and bustle of city life and find yourself amongst cows, sheep and other gorgeous animals.

It’s sociable too. I’m a member of a group ‘Sunday Morning Spinners’ and enjoy being in the company of like-minded people pootling about on a Sunday morning, stopping off for a coffee and a sneaky slice of cake. The group increased my confidence. When I started cycling, it took me months to understand how gears even worked. I couldn’t ride up hills without panicking, they get much easier with practice, like anything else. I can now cycle 75 miles with around 1000+ elevation, feeling daunted but joyful and elated once completed.

I try to get out at least once a week, for a couple of hours or more. I’m looking to start training and competing in races / sportifs, that’s my next challenge.

For anyone thinking of dipping their toe into the world of cycling, I would wholeheartedly encourage. There are so many benefits for both your physical and mental health.

1. Cardiovascular Fitness:

It’s an excellent cardiovascular exercise that elevates heart rate, strengthens the heart muscles, and improves overall endurance. In addition, regular cycling helps to lower the risk of heart disease, stroke, and high blood pressure.

2. Weight Management:

It’s an effective way to burn calories and maintain a healthy weight. As a low-impact exercise, it puts less stress on the joints than activities like running. A moderate-paced bike ride can burn anywhere from 300 to 600 calories per hour, depending on factors such as weight and intensity.

3. Increased Muscle Strength and Tone:

Cycling engages various muscle groups, including the legs, thighs, calves, and glutes. Regular cycling helps to build strength and tone these muscles, leading to improved overall muscular endurance.

4. Stress Reduction:

Cycling outdoors in the picturesque landscapes of the Humber and North Yorkshire provides a refreshing break from daily routines and allows you to reconnect with nature. The combination of physical activity and exposure to natural environments has been proven to reduce stress levels and improve mood.

5. Boosted Mental Well-being:

Regular cycling stimulates the production of endorphins, also known as “feel-good” hormones. These natural chemicals promote a sense of happiness, relaxation, and general well-being. As a result, cycling can alleviate symptoms of anxiety and depression and enhance overall mental resilience.

6. Social Interaction and Community Engagement:

Cycling can be a social activity, as there are various cycling clubs, group rides, and events throughout Humber and North Yorkshire. Joining these groups provides an opportunity to meet like-minded individuals, build friendships, and foster a sense of community, which positively impacts mental well-being.

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Living and aging well, will mean different things to everyone.  For me, approaching my 50^th birthday, having been addicted to tobacco for 15 years: up to being 30, and approaching 14 stone, it was climbing the stairs and being out of breath, that made me look at myself, and decide to do something about my health. 

My decision in July 2011, was to get fit for 50, and I had 6 months to do it in.  The goal in my mind was to start running and eventually, be able to run something called a Park Run, which is a timed event of 5k (3 miles), that you can walk or run every Saturday morning at 9am.  After months of running a mile once a week, then 2 miles, on 03.09.2011, I took the plunge, signed up and ran my first Park Run in 26 minutes and 3 seconds.  For the next 4 weeks I continued to improve my time up to the 19.11.2011, when I peaked at 24:25.  The next week, I volunteered to marshall, and started talking to other runners, explained how difficult it was for me to breath.  One person I was talking to explained, the importance of breathing, which is something I pass on to everyone, don’t laugh when I say it is difficult to master, it is and has taken me years to become efficient.

In 2012, my wife started running, and it became evident quickly, she enjoyed running more than me, and was better than me.  For the record, I still do not enjoy running but, the benefits outweighs anything I think about it.  After encouraging her to join a local running run group, I also joined the East Hull Harriers.  Whilst I continued to be average, Carole became one of the clubs’ top runners.

In 2017, Carole managed to obtain a place in the Paris Marathon, and I thought, since I am going, I might as well run it also.  That was my first marathon, I did not train enough, when the more accomplished runners said I need to run 7 days a week, I did 3 days.  However, broken at the end, walking for the majority of the last 4 miles, I managed a respectable time under 4 hours.  I was not going to do another but, people kept asking, “Have you done London” and so, a few years later, eventually running every day for 17 weeks, before the London marathon, I can now say “Yes” to that question.

The training has been a struggle but, at 61 the time I achieved is something I am proud of.  Running is not for everyone, but we have to do something to assist ourselves in leading the best and healthiest life possible.

Ask yourself – When you are ill, what is your desire? and, If you could talk to yourself in the future, would you be thanking yourself for a healthier body? It is never too late to start 😊

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Exercise always seems to be that one thing many of us would like to give more time to yet we always seemed to struggle to fit it in.

Busy lives often means that the only spare time we have for exercise is a weekend, whether its going to the gym, out for a run or a home workout.

Guidelines suggest that adults should aim to do at least 150 minutes of moderate exercise a week to maintain good health and there has also been debate about whether cramming all that exercise into a weekend is beneficial.

The good news is that ‘weekend warriors’ – who might only have a few spare hours each week to exercise can still achieve the benefits that come from regular exercise.

The key message is that doing some physical activity is better than doing nothing at all, exercise combined with a good diet is essential for good health.

We spoke to local GP Dr Abbie Brooks to get her top tips for getting more movement into your everyday life as well as her training for the 2023 London Marathon and how she rediscovered her enthusiasm for exercise.

The Covid pandemic and subsequent lockdowns really affected my approach to exercise, I went from running regularly, managing to get to the gym, eating well and feeling good to struggling to figure out how to work a routine into my day to day life.

Work continues to be crazy busy and the work/life balance is a struggle but for me I know if I move, I feel energised, it improves my sleep and helps me to feel less exhausted.

I am a doctor and so know the benefits of regular exercise but I also appreciate how hard it can be especially when we can be so exposed to what is perceived as perfect lifestyles on social media. I work long hours and have two kids, the struggle to fit exercise in to my weekly routine is real. 

For me, being able to get back to parkrun is when my enthusiasm perked up finally got some rhythm and mojo back. Exercising is a social thing for me, parkrun is always followed by a chat and a coffee. I slowly started to get on my spin bike more regularly and head out for an occasional run. I really started to enjoy doing some basic strength work – the benefits of this are huge!

Exercise should be fun and we should all move for enjoyment. Sometimes we feel pressured to enjoy a certain type of exercise or only do things we are good at. I used to go to classes at the gym just for the sake of it, not because I enjoyed it, but now I know the time I have to exercise is precious so choose the activities that bring me joy. 

Running is hard, I remember starting couch to 5k in January of 2017. I was felt unfit, a fraud and found running even two minutes so hard. I trusted the process and managed to run my first ever 5km at parkrun in the May of that year. Running because a therapy for me, I needed the headspace to process a bereavement but also give me time to myself away from work/parenting! I never expected I would be able to run a marathon six years later, but here we are.

It’s important to know why I exercise and what the benefit is. I like the feeling after accomplishing something; the glow after a run; I love to feel strong and full of energy; I want to be a role model for my kids and I want to be able to keep up with them! 

Take the small wins. Did you manage a 5-minute YouTube class? Walk the kids to school instead of hopping in the car? Win two games in a set? Whatever it might be, celebrate yourself.

I never ever thought I would have been able to train for a marathon, join local tennis leagues or lift heavy weights. Yet here we are. Goals help me to provide some structure, but they are guidelines not rules. Do not beat yourself up if you miss a workout or sleep through a parkrun alarm. There is always another opportunity to get moving, take the pressure off and enjoy the process.

Head back to the Let’s Get Talking blog.

Making sure you eat a healthy balanced diet isn’t always easy – particularly when you’re on a budget or trying to spend less, with the cost of living, you might be feeling the pinch more than ever before.

It’s not all bad, there are some easy ways in which you can save money and still eat well, a few small changes to your shopping and cooking can help make your money go further whilst being healthy.

Dig out your recipe books

We are not all born culinary experts. So its just as well that the BBC Good Food site has a range of brilliant recipes for every occasion – including a budget recipe collection

Plus, if you use social media, you can find loads of inspiration on Instagram and TikTok

Switch up your snacks

Making better decision when it comes to snacking can help you feel better and fuller for longer.

Nuts are a good source of protein, coconut can help regulate blood pressure during times of stress, bananas contain vitamin B6, which releases serotonin and helps regulate blood sugars. Dried fruit is also a good choice for a healthy sugar lift, plus they are full of fibre and iron.

And don’t forget the humble apple. It’s a hunger busting snack rich in fibre and antioxidants.

Cook larger portions

Cooking larger meals can save you time and money. Your leftovers can be used for lunch the next day, be frozen for later, or reused in stews and stir fries.

Having leftover for the next day is a great way to stop you from spending money on your lunch break or eating out in the evening.

Make a list and stick to it

This sounds like an obvious one but take time to plan your meals before you head to the shops. Think about each meal and the ingredients you need and make a list – it’s a good idea to plan meals with similar ingredients so you use up what you buy. By knowing what you need you can shop smarter and reduce waste.

Buy frozen

People often think that frozen food isn’t as nutritious, but that couldn’t be further from the truth. Frozen fruits and vegetables can be more affordable than buying from the chilled aisle and it can help reduce waste.

Frozen veg is great for adding to curries, stir fries and stews, while frozen berries can liven your breakfast.

Do the maths

Just because something is on offer doesn’t always mean it is the best value, its always worth checking out the price per gram or litre.

Taking time to do the maths while you shop will let you know where the real savings are. Yes, it can take more time, but if you are on a budget or trying to spend less every penny counts.

Even gentle exercise can improve your health and wellbeing. You don’t have to pay huge sums of money for expensive memberships or equipment or torture yourself doing something you hate. Instead, why not think about trying to add more movement into your life to keep your mind and body happy and healthy.

Top tips

• The best exercise you can do is the one you enjoy and the one you can do regularly. Anyone can do something they dislike every day for a week, if you even last that long! This doesn’t compare to the benefits of doing something you look forward to doing once a week for the next 20 years.
• Physical activity doesn’t have to be structured and formal. It could be a walk around your town, dancing in the living room, stretching, or gardening.
• Choose something that feels good. Who doesn’t want an effective, joyful way to start their morning, decompress after work, spend time with others, or stretch their muscles?
• Aim to meet the recommendations. There are so many ways you might do this.
• Do it with others- with a friend, with family, or join a class. This can add to the enjoyment and keep you accountable.
• Or it could be an opportunity for some time to yourself.
• Learn a new skill, such as Pilates, climbing or golf.
• Reduce your sedentary time. Regardless of how active you are, reducing your time spent sitting still has additional health benefits.
• Snack on activity. Little and often can be easier than one longer session, such as 3 x 10-minute brisk walks rather than 1 x 30-minute walk.

Putting this into action

Having the knowledge and understanding is only part of the puzzle. We all know what we ought to be doing; that doesn’t mean we do it. Take some time to think about the following points so you have a clear plan of what you will do and how.

• What are your reasons to increase activity? More energy, more confidence, or better stress management? Reminding yourself of these will help motivate you. If you have more than one reason for doing it, it is easier to adapt if your circumstances change or your goal shifts.
• What might prevent you from achieving your goal and how you will overcome this. Anticipating problems before they arise puts us in a better position to deal with them.
• Start small and don’t try to change multiple things at once. Changing one thing a small amount is easy to do, immediately rewarding and quickly becomes a habit to build on.
• Set SMART goals

Specific

A specific goal is much more likely to be accomplished than a general one. To help you make your goal specific, think about Who, What, Where, When and Why

Measurable

A measurable goal lets you know if you are making progress. Are you walking faster or longer distances, are you lifting heavier weights, are you active more often or managing the stress of daily life better? When your goal is measurable you can manage your progress. Ask yourself ‘how much’ or ‘how many’?

Achievable

You need to know you will be able to achieve your goals in the given time. They should slightly challenge you but not to an extent that they demotivate you if you are unable to meet your target

Relevant

A relevant goal is one that is important to you. Think about your reasons for making a change.

Time-bound

A time-bound goal helps you to visualise how it will fit into your life. Think how frequently and for how long you will do the activity. E.g. you might start doing something for 20 minutes, twice a week.