Podcast Episode 22: Challenge of Obesity

The charity exists to promote, support and help Leg Clubs run effectively while ensuring they meet the high standards set out for all Leg Clubs

The Leg Club and vWIN Vein Week has been supported by Emma Hardy MP, Chair, The All-Party Parliamentary Group on Vascular and Venous Disease.

Of the many presentations across the clinical spectrum of chronic venous disease, venous leg ulceration can be considered amongst the most important hence, education to non-health care professionals on the importance of vein awareness is paramount. Expansion of public health promotion now includes raising awareness of preventative management of all aspects of lower limb related problems to the general public. In this video Ellie Lindsay provides an easy to follow overview, tips and the importance of 'Getting to know your legs' raising the public’s awareness of the importance of looking after their legs.

Walking and/or exercise in the fresh air is vitally important for our mind, body and spirit. Older people are repeatedly told about the benefits of physical exercise, how it can help with weight loss, lower blood pressure, improve cholesterol levels, lower blood sugar and slow down osteoporosis. Also, many seniors often question whether it is safe to start exercising at an advanced age. Maintaining strength and good mobility is one of the most important ways to ensure you retain your health and independence. This easy to follow presentation is on the importance of exercise and how it activates the calf muscles, which will help to push the blood back towards the heart.

We welcome Sharon Gardner who is discussing “Early warning signs of lower limb problems”. She will talk through recognising the early signs of chronic venous insufficiency. Sharon works for H&R Healthcare as a clinical specialist and previously worked as an oncology specialist nurse. She currently has an honorary contract as a tissue viability nurse for the NHS.

Health promotion within Leg Clubs has specifically drawn from the discipline of Health Psychology to promote health education through psychology, biology, sociology, social interaction and high standards of professional communication all necessary and important components of effective The psychosocial Lindsay Leg Club® model of care has been in operation since 1995 and was specifically designed to provide a social model of care for people suffering from or at risk of leg ulceration. Leg Clubs are partnerships between nurses, volunteers, members (the people attending for leg ulcer treatment or prevention) and committed healthcare companies. This is demonstrated with a video filmed within Nailsea Leg Club. The objective being to reframe possible negative behaviours to positive wellness actions.