Dave’s story

Dave as a serving police officer was very fit and healthy with a strict training regime. Sadly, due to injuries sustained at work, Dave had to take an early retirement which ended his career and after four separate spinal operations also impacted on his ability to exercise or take part in team sports. During this time, Dave had begun to gain weight and was diagnosed with high cholesterol and high blood pressure, both conditions requiring daily medication.

During a regular check up with his GP in April 2016 Dave was diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes with his HbA1c at 49.  At this point he asked the GP to give him 8 weeks to reduce his glycated haemoglobin (blood sugar) levels. He was adamant not to take medication. Dave changed his diet dramatically and started to do light low impact exercise. He was very strict with his diet and ate plenty of fruit and veg with small portions of meat and dairy. Within two months David had reduced his HbA1c to 39 and by November 2016 had reduced it to 38, which is within a normal range.

As a result of Dave’s self-care he does not have to take medication. It has also had multiple health benefits which has depleted his need for medication for blood pressure, chronic back pain and cholesterol.

Dave took the simple approach to eating healthily and doing some physical activity.  He described the professional advice he had received to eat “1/2 fruit and veg, 1/4 meat and 1/4 dairy and you can’t go far wrong”.  Though he does admit to still indulging in the odd pudding!

What motivated Dave to help himself?

Dave was aware that his grandfather died of complications around diabetes and two other relatives are diabetic.  They have no desire to change and rely on medication to help them stay in control; they continue to eat unhealthily.  Dave didn’t want to end up like them, and as he was previously very healthy he was determined to gain that back.  By making positive lifestyle changes Dave is now healthier and stronger both physically and mentally.

What has he done since achieving his goal?

In November 2015 Dave trained as a Community Health Champion as a local volunteer, and has written this story to share with others.

He uses his health champion skills to get into conversations with others and so encourage them to think about making changes to improve their health

• Development Plan
• End-of-year report
• Health champions’ brief interventions
• Health champions share – ketso
• Project feedback (testimonial from University of Central Lancashire)
• Social media strategy
• Peer support example

A health champion is a local person who promotes healthier lifestyles and engages in conversations within communities to support behaviour change in others. The role is about listening, providing support & information, signposting to specialist services when necessary and being available. Health champions are usually volunteers; some have a health and wellbeing role within the workplace.

West Lancashire CVS has been delivering health champion training (RSPH Level 2 Understanding Health Improvement) since January 2015, and is an accredited RSPH centre.

The course is 8 hours in length, usually over two days, plus one 45 minute multiple-choice.

Please see the CVS training brochure for more information and for dates of future courses.

A selected list of digital sources for staying well with Type 2 Diabetes or to prevent (further) health complications

The following list is a short selection of sources that focus on eating well and being physically active and can be used for general self-care. It is always important to keep in touch with your GP, take up opportunities for medical checks (such as the free NHS Health Check) and screenings, and to follow medical advice.

(You can download a copy of the list below here)

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NHS Choices

Click here for NHS Choices. A plain English website with an A-Z list of health conditions and information on available health services.  Lots of links to other information.

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Interactive Eat Well Plate

A good ‘all-round’ resource from Public Health England Eat Well Plate. It is available as a simple document. The website gives clear guidance on how to use the Eat Well Plate and a booklet is available online.

(It applies to everyone above the age of two. It is advisable to check with your GP if you have special dietary needs).

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BMI checker

This BMI (Body Mass Index) tool to help check whether your weight is healthy for your height. Other tools help with healthy eating and regular physical exercise.

You can also download a free NHS BMI healthy weight calculator and tracker from the iTunes App Store.

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Wellbeing self-assessment

The Wellbeing self-assessment tool (via NHS Choices) is a short online quiz that helps you look at how you are doing (mental wellbeing). This is an important part of staying well and being able to manage self-care.

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Change 4 Life

Get young members of the family involved: check out the food facts at Change 4 Life . There are also apps for smart phones too.

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One You

The One You campaign (Public Health England) is a good source of help and advice. Check out this free app on iTunes and Google Play.

Eating food that has been made at home gives you more control of your sugar, salt and fat intake.  See also the Couch to 5K app.

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Better Points (Skelmersdale Rewards)

A new phone app (see Better Points) to reward physical activity (walking, cycling, running) with points for vouchers. They can be spent in participating shops or as donations to a local named charity.

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Level Crossing

@levelcrossingwl

A microblog (Twitter) on health & wellbeing that is local to West Lancashire. The focus is on Type 2 Diabetes, but there is a range of health news and opportunities.

Includes information on local courses on becoming a health champion, being a community connector and using digital resources for health.

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West Lancs Buzz

Check West Lancs Buzz to support your general wellbeing. News of local activity such as groups, health walks etc.

Join on Twitter and Facebook to get regular updates.

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Diabetes Animation tool

NHS England produced a short animation to mark Diabetes Week 2017. It follows a fictional character’s journey on discovering he was at risk of developing Type 2 Diabetes.

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Diabetes UK

Diabetes UK  is a key resource for anyone with Diabetes. Look for the organisation’s links to regular information to help you with any management of your condition (once diagnosed by your GP).

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The following course materials can be used to help individuals have a conversation about health, and to motivate them towards making changes.

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– Health champion “bite-size” taster:   CVS has engaged local people in conversations around health this way, and encouraged individuals to take up the full RSPH Level 2 Understanding Health Improvement to promote health in their neighbourhood with knowledge and confidence.

• Guide to health champion taster course

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– ‘Making Better Connections’:  An assets-based approach to the individual (what’s ‘strong’ rather than what’s ‘wrong’) and in recognition of the 5 Ways to Wellbeing.  The course brings together tools to help a person recognise what they can do for themselves, how they can build effective relationships, and how they can build on their successes.

• Guide to Building Better Connections course

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Course materials:

• Building Better Connections – presentation
• Health champion taster – workbook
• Health champion taster – answers

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For further course materials, please go to our ABCD pages.

For more information about the Level Crossing project, please contact the CVS on 01695-733737 or email us.

The social prescribing information packs are now located on the Social Prescribing Service page.