BROMLEY LEARNING DISABILITY HUB
Health and wellbeing
Take care of your body and mind.
Contents
1. Annual health checks
What is an annual health check?
An annual health check is for people with a learning disability.
They are done by a trained person once a year.
The doctor checks how your body is doing.
Why is it important?
An annual health check helps you stay healthy.
The doctor checks things like:
- your weight
- your blood pressure
- how you are feeling
You can also ask the doctor questions about your health.
It’s a good time to talk about anything that worries you.
How do I get an annual health check?
- Contact your doctor (GP).
- Ask if you can have an annual health check.
- They will help you make an appointment.
What happens at the check-up?
At the check-up, the doctor or nurse might:
- Ask you how you are feeling
- Check your heart and breathing
- Take your blood pressure
- Weigh you
- Talk about any medicines you take
- Ask if you need help with anything
Useful links and resources:
Watch the video to find out more about annual health checks.
2. Vaccinations
What are vaccinations?
Vaccinations are special medicines.
They help protect you from serious illnesses like flu.
Why are they important?
Vaccines help your body stay healthy.
They stop you from getting very sick.
Ask your doctor:
- if you need any vaccinations
- when you should have them
Do I have to pay for a vaccination?
If you are on the learning disability register:
- You can get the flu vaccine for free
- You may be offered these vaccines before other people
Do I have to have a vaccination?
You do not have to have a vaccination.
It is your choice.
If you cannot decide for yourself, other people will help you.
This could be:
- a doctor
- a family member
- staff who support you
3.Dentists and opticians
Dental (Oral health)
Why is dental care important?
Looking after your teeth helps keep your whole body healthy.
Brush your teeth twice a day.
How often should you see the dentist?
Visit the dentist regularly to keep your teeth and gums healthy.
If you have any problems with your teeth, go sooner.
Optician (Eye health)
Why should I see an optician?
An optician is a person who checks your eyes.
They help you keep your eyes healthy and make sure you can see well.
It’s important to get your eyes checked regularly.
How often should you see the optician?
You should have an eye test every year.
If you have trouble seeing or pain in your eyes, go sooner.
Useful links and resources:
4. Healthy eating, exercise and weight management
Eating well and being active helps you keep healthy.
To eat well you should eat lots of fruit and vegetables.
It is good to eat different types of food.
This is called a balanced diet.
Try not to eat too many snacks like chocolate or crisps.
Sugary snacks and drinks can be bad for your teeth.
You should drink lots of water. The National Health Service says adults should have 8 glasses of drink a day.
That includes low-fat milk and sugar-free drinks.
There are lots of ways to keep active.
You can try different exercises.
You could go for a walk or ride a bike.
You could even try dancing!
Some people join teams or clubs, so they can exercise with friends.
What is weight management?
Weight management means keeping your body at a healthy weight.
This helps you feel good.
Stay safe from health problems like:
- diabetes (a problem with sugar in your blood)
- heart disease (a problem with your heart)
How can I manage my weight?
You can manage your weight by:
- eating healthy foods like fruits and vegetables
- being active by walking, swimming, or doing exercises you enjoy
You can also ask a doctor or nurse for help with a healthy eating plan.
Useful links and resources:
United Response has simple cooking videos with easy step-by-step recipes. They are made with and for people with learning disabilities and are on YouTube
5. Mental Health and emotional wellbeing
What is mental health?
Mental health is about how we feel, think, and act.
It is about:
- How happy or sad we feel
- How we get along with other people
- How we deal with problems
Everyone has mental health, just like we all have physical health.
Why is mental health important?
Good mental health helps us:
- Feel better
- Do things we enjoy
- Make friends
- Stay healthy
When our mental health is not good, it can be hard to do everyday things.
How to look after your mental health
Here are some things that can help:
- Talk to someone you trust
- Do something fun every day
Get enough sleep
Eat healthy food
Go outside for fresh air
Ask for help when you need it
Who can help?
If you feel sad or worried, talk to someone you trust.
This could be:
- a friend or family member
- a support worker
- a doctor or nurse
- a mental health team
Emotional well-being
What is emotional wellbeing?
Emotional wellbeing means:
- Feeling okay inside
- Understanding your feelings
- Being able to enjoy life
- Feeling safe and calm
Why is it important?
Emotional wellbeing is important because it helps you:
- Enjoy life and have fun
- Think clearly and make good choices
- Get along with other people
- Stay strong when life is hard
- Feel better in your body too
Emotional wellbeing means feeling
You feel happy more often
You can talk about your feelings
You can do things you enjoy
You can deal with problems better
You feel more confident
How to look after your emotional wellbeing
Talk to someone you trust
Do something fun every day
Rest when you need to
Eat healthy food
Go for a walk or get fresh air
Listen to music or do something relaxing
Who can help?
If you are feeling upset or worried, talk to:
- A friend or family member
- A support worker
- A doctor or nurse
You are not alone. People care about you and want to help.
6. Hospital passports
What is a hospital passport?
A Hospital Passport is a simple form. It tells hospital staff what you need when you go into hospital.
What’s in a Hospital Passport?
It includes important things like:
- How you talk or communicate
- What helps you feel calm and safe
- Any health problems or allergies
- What you like and don’t like
- How you show pain or feel unwell
- Who to contact for help
Why is it helpful?
Going to hospital can be scary.
A Hospital Passport helps by:
- Telling staff about your needs
- Helping staff understand you quickly
- Making sure your routines and preferences are respected
- Helping you feel less worried
- Making care better and more personal
It helps you be seen as a person, not just a patient.
Where can I get one?
You can download a Hospital Passport from the Bromley Council website.
How do I fill it in?
You might need help to fill in the passport.
Good people to help are:
- Family members
- Friends
- Support workers
- Teachers or school staff
Some schools and support teams can help you fill it in too.
