A growing number of community based physical activity sessions are now available across Wolverhampton as part of the city’s Active Ageing Programme, designed to promote healthier, happier lives for older residents. The initiative, delivered by the City of Wolverhampton Council with the support of the NHS Black Country Integrated Care Board’s Health Inequalities Fund, offers a range of tailored activities that support mobility, strength and wellbeing among older adults. Sessions currently on offer include a Grandparents and Tots stay and play session at WV Active Bilston–Bert Williams on Tuesdays from 10am to 11am (£3), and a multi sports class for…

The rollout of the free Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) vaccine to selected local pharmacies has been welcomed by the City of Wolverhampton Council’s Cabinet Member for Health, Wellbeing and Community. Councillor Obaida Ahmed said it would make it even easier for eligible groups to get protected. RSV is an infectious disease of the airways and lungs which spreads all year round. It often causes symptoms like a cold, such as a runny nose, cough and fever, and usually gets better by itself. However, for infants and older adults the virus can lead to more severe illness and hospitalisation. People aged…

The Wednesfield junior parkrun will commemorate a significant milestone next month when it celebrates its 10th anniversary. Established in 2015 by Liz Lister and Martha Cummings, both of whom worked for the City of Wolverhampton Council and were members of Wolves and Bilston Athletics Club, it welcomes scores of children and young people to Wednesfield’s King George V Playing Fields every Sunday morning. The Wednesfield junior parkrun gives 4 to 14 year olds the chance to run, jog or walk around a 2km circuit, with parents invited to join in if they wish. It takes place thanks to the efforts…

People are singing the praises of a free yoga session which is held at a Wolverhampton park every weekend. Organised by Park Yoga, a national charity, with the support of the City of Wolverhampton Council and Active Black Country, it takes place at East Park from 9.30am to 10.30am every Sunday from early May to mid-September. It is open to people of all ages and abilities and there’s no need to book. All people need to do is bring a yoga mat if they have one, or a blanket or towel. For more details, please visit Park Yoga Wolverhampton. Group…

This level of sleep deprivation increases the risk of serious injury or fatality in safety critical situations. Published in Science Advances, the biomarker used a combination of markers found in the blood of healthy volunteers. Together, these markers accurately predicted when the study volunteers had been awake for more than 24 hours under controlled laboratory conditions. The biomarker detected whether individuals had been awake for 24 hours with a 99.2 percent probability of being correct, when compared to their own well-rested sample. When a single sample was considered without the well-rested comparison (similar to a diagnostic blood test), it dropped…

Councillor Obaida Ahmed, the City of Wolverhampton Council’s Cabinet Member for Health, Wellbeing and Community, tries out the Health Kiosk at Woden Road Surgery Residents can now take greater control of their health thanks to the rollout of new self service health kiosks at GP practices across Wolverhampton. The easy to use kiosks are designed to be used prior to appointments, allowing people to check vital signs such as blood pressure, height, and weight, and complete health questionnaires related to long term conditions like asthma, diabetes, and hypertension. This will empower people to have valuable information in advance of…

weakness,” is a powerful natural substance that has been used for centuries in Ayurvedic medicine. Found primarily in the Himalayan mountains, Shilajit is a mineral-rich resin that is created from the decomposition of plant matter over millions of years. It contains more than 80 minerals, as well as fulvic acid, which is believed to contribute to its wide range of health benefits. Here are some of the top health benefits of Shilajit. 1. **Boosts Energy Levels** Shilajit is a potent energy booster. It helps improve the body’s mitochondrial function, which is essential for energy production at the cellular level. By…

Sandwell is proud to announce that in the latest national Green Flag Awards, 15 of our parks and green spaces have once again been recognised as well managed. And we are even more pleased to announce that West Smethwick Park has joined them to win the prestigious standard! The Green Flag Awards are an international scheme recognising well managed parks and open spaces and it sets the benchmark standard for the management of green spaces across the United Kingdom and around the world. This week’s award ceremony for the West Midlands, as well as for the East of England and…

Depression and anxiety are significant mental health concerns that disproportionately affect women. Biological, social, and psychological factors contribute to this gender disparity. Hormonal fluctuations, such as those associated with menstruation, pregnancy, postpartum periods, and menopause, play a crucial role in women’s mental health. For instance, postpartum depression affects around 10-20% of new mothers, underscoring the link between hormonal changes and depression. Social factors like gender-based violence, discrimination, and the pressures of balancing multiple roles—such as caregiving, career, and societal expectations—can increase women’s vulnerability to anxiety and depression. Women are often expected to fulfill traditional gender roles while also excelling in…

Sandwell Council is proud to launch Stop For Life Sandwell, a new community stop smoking service designed to help people quit and live healthier lives. Run by behaviour change specialists ICE, the service is free and available to anyone living, working or registered with a GP in Sandwell. Support includes: One-to-one behavioural support Tailored quit plans Advice on Nicotine Replacement Therapy (NRT) and vapes, plus 12 weeks of free products The Best-You healthy lifestyles app The service is welcoming, easy to access and here to help people take that first step – or try again – on their journey to…