Getting out and about

Sometimes I get the chance to write a message that is not necessarily directly connected with NHS business. Whilst the next few lines are not necessarily about NHS business they are about health and wellbeing.

Our borough, Halton, our two towns, have a proud industrial history. Many local people and their forebears worked in local industries, particularly in the chemical industry, some people still do. Whilst the borough does have this heritage when you look around and take notice there is also significant amount of green space, some natural and some man made. You cannot go far in the borough without finding a park, a stretch of water or some woodland.

Our offices, in Runcorn Town Hall, are surrounded by green space. When I go home of an evening I look across the River Mersey, a mighty tidal river with wonderful bird life. Sometimes I have a run along the Bridgewater Canal, avoiding being accosted by a family of swans, and it is peaceful and still. Our parks are magnets for people from all over the area, Victoria Park has often been a "go to" place with my kids. The open spaces in the borough attract people walking, running, skateboarding, cycling, or just being. One of our local Widnes Vikings stars, Hep Cahill, is using some of these spaces for communal exercise programmes, as do our local Health Improvement Team.

So, as I write this, the sun is shining and I am watching the River Mersey and the Ship Canal flow by I am feeling good.  My health and wellbeing has been improved by stopping for a bit, taking notice and taking in the environment. You don't have to go far in Halton to do this, it will improve your health and wellbeing, and this actually helps us in the NHS because if you feel well you can stay well for longer.

Simon Banks
www.activehalton.co.uk
https://www.facebook.com/pages/Walking-for-Health-Halton/482818178431169
@HaltonCCG