23/05/2014 - Permalink

Public health team present health advice at physiotherapy event

Related topics: Health / Partner organisations

A series of presentations were given by members of the Shropshire Council’s public health team and staff at Robert Jones and Agnes Hunt Orthopedic Hospital (RJAH) in Oswestry, which highlighted the role that physiotherapists can play in helping patients to avoid problems related to unhealthy lifestyles.

The Shropshire Musculoskeletal Physiotherapists Study day was held on Wednesday 14 May 2014 in the lecture theatre at the hospital.  The aim of the event was to encourage physiotherapists to work with patients to promote health and well-being.

The presentations included one by Miranda Ashwell from public health titled “Physical Inactivity – the hidden killer” which gave practical examples of how people can make small changes to become more active and less sedentary.  Sitting still for long periods is an independent risk factor for heart disease, and Miranda highlighted the importance of the ‘Stand More Sit Less’ approach.

As part of the presentation “Overweight – the new norm” given by Cathy Levy, participants had the opportunity to wear a ‘Fat Suit’, weighing a total of one and a half stone, to allow them to get an insight into the impact that extra weight can have on a person’s health.

Mike Delahay, Senior Physiotherapist, said:

“Wearing the ‘Fat Suit’ is a great motivational tool as it gives you an idea of weight.  With a lot of weight you can really feel how it puts your back and hips under more strain.  It also draws your attention to how losing a couple of pounds can make a big difference.”

Charlotte Cadwallader gave further advice on how to raise prevention issues with patients in a supportive way, and ensure that they receive the help they need to make changes.

Dr Kevin Lewis, from the public health team, said:

“I am delighted that the therapy team at RJAH are so engaged with public health. Physiotherapists are key partners in prevention and are well placed to help tackle issues such as being overweight and obesity, that are placing a considerable burden on health services.  Most of the conditions that physiotherapists see will have a prevention component.”

Yvonne Rimmer, Physiotherapist, said:

“The meeting was buzzing and full of energy.  We have got loads of ideas for how to encourage small changes in our patients that will have a big impact on their health.”

Karen Calder, Shropshire Council’s Cabinet member for health, said:

“I’m delighted the event was a great success.  It’s great to see our public health team working with physiotherapists by giving them advice and information to support them to helping their patients to make healthier lifestyle choices.”

The public health team has developed a ‘Healthy Shropshire’ website that provides lots of information for patients on improving health behaviour, and there is also a telephone helpline available.  Frontline health professionals are being encouraged to use these resources to raise prevention issues with patients and signpost them to support services.

More information is available by clicking here or calling 0345 678 9025.