By Jo Raine-Mitchell of AHSCP
YOU are being invited to invest a moment for your health and wellbeing at a Living Well in Kincardine & Mearns Community Appointment Day, taking place on Thursday 11 June, from 1pm to 7:30pm, at Stonehaven Town Hall.
The free event is being organised by GP practices across Kincardine & Mearns in partnership with Aberdeenshire Health & Social Care Partnership, NHS Grampian, Live Life Aberdeenshire, community organisations, charities and local voluntary groups.
The aim of the event is simple: to make it easier for people to understand their health, find local support, and take small steps towards living well.
On the day, people will be able to:
- Have friendly conversations with healthcare professionals about “what matters to you”
- Access health checks related to heart health, blood pressure and diabetes risk
- Take part in functional fitness checks for those aged 50 and over
- Meet local community groups, charities and activity providers
- Learn about practical support available close to home
- Take part in Taster sessions of Yoga and Tai Chi
While some people aged 35 to 60 have been invited directly by their GP practice, the event is open to everyone. You don’t need an appointment to attend, and there’s no pressure to undertake any tests or get involved in anyway that people are uncomfortable with.
Dr Michelle Harper, GP at Portlethen Medical Practice and organiser of the event, said: “This isn’t about judging anyone or telling people what to do. It’s about creating a relaxed, welcoming space where people can have a chat, learn something useful, and connect with support that works for them.
“We know that staying fit and healthy can be a challenge and this event is designed to support people to know more about their own health and what steps, even very small ones, they can take to ensure that they live long and healthy lives.”
The Community Appointment Day will focus on living well with a particular emphasis on helping people to understand their risk of developing cardiovascular disease, diabetes and early signs of frailty and loss of functional fitness.
Living Well in K&M reflects a growing focus on prevention and early support, bringing services together under one roof and into the heart of the community.
The event runs throughout the afternoon and evening, making it easier for people who work during the day to drop in after hours.