Your health

Physical activity is simply any kind of activity or movement that we do in our day-to-day lives. It includes a whole range of activities from structured sport and exercise programmes, to dance, housework, gardening and things like walking around the shops. You don’t need to run a marathon or be a sports star to get the benefits of an active lifestyle; any activity which makes you breathe a bit faster, feel a bit warmer and raises your heart rate can help you to lead a healthier and happier life.

Being physically active is one of the most important things you can do for your health and wellbeing.  Even if you’ve not thought of getting active before, there are lots of reasons why you should get actve now:

• It can be fun!
• It helps you manage stress and gives you the feel good factor
• It can help you maintain your independence, keep your mind active and improve your social life
• It prevents and manages a range of medical conditions and diseases
• It can help you live a longer & healthier life
• It improves your quality of sleep
• It can help you maintain a healthy weight
• You can learn new skills
• It can give you more energy

Most people are more likely to stay active, if they choose activities they enjoy and that fits easily into their lifestyle. We have a range of options for you to choose from which can support you in becoming more active.

This popular video “23 and 1/2 hours” by Dr Mike Evans, with over 5 million views on YouTube, talks about the many benefits of being more active in an engaging and informative way:

• Build up to being active for 150 minutes spread across the week (for example 30minutes on 5 days of the week) but remember something is better than nothing.  Try to be active daily, start small and build up gradually – just 10 minutes at a time provides benefits.
• Try to move more often and break up the time that you spend sitting down when you can.
• Take part in activities which make your muscles, joints and bones strong twice per week.  This could be anything which uses your body weight, added weights or resistance, e.g. yoga, carrying groceries, gardening or exercising with weights

Some inspirational stories from people who have participated in our physical activity and weight management programmes.

Physical Activity

Weight Management

If you’re not currently being active, unsure where to begin and would like support getting started, then Live Active is for you!  

Please take a look at the following clip which shows you what Live Active is all about. You can also read testimonials from other Live Active service users.

Through the support of our highly trained and qualified Live Active Advisors, we’ll help you build the confidence you need to make positive lifestyle changes. We’ll work with you to develop a support package, provide you with one-to-one catch-ups, supported activity sessions and encourage you to set goals, which will leave you feeling great and ensure you’re getting the most out of life. 

Please Note – A referral from your health professional is required for you to attend Live Active. This is necessary as it gives the Live Active Advisors all the information that they need to best support you. The referral form will be sent to a Live Active Advisor at the Leisure Centre you wish to attend. Live Active operates within the main Leisure Centres across Greater Glasgow and Clyde. 

Live Active Support

Once your referral is made you will be assigned a dedicated Live Active Advisor who is there every step of the way to help and support you to become more active. The Live Active Advisor will receive your referral from the health professional, and they will give you a call to book in your first appointment. The first appointment will last about an hour and is a great opportunity to meet your Live Active Advisor and have a chat about what you would like to do. You will work together to agree an achievable goal and a plan to help you succeed. Your Advisor will also show you around the centre, so you know where everything is and make sure you have everything you need to get started. 

Whether it’s increasing physical activity, healthy eating/weight loss or simply living a more positive lifestyle, our Live Active advisors are with you every step of the way. During the Live Active programme, you’ll be given access to various activities such as Vitality classes, supervised gym sessions, swimming, health walks and many more (fees apply for some supported activities). 

The Live Active team will be in touch regularly for up to 12months (either by face-to-face catch ups or over the phone) to see how you are getting on. The advisors also provide supervised activity sessions* in the gym during the week so that you know they are there on hand if you need them with your gym programme. 

If your health professional has already referred you and you haven’t heard anything within 2 weeks then please call 0141 232 1860 and select Live Active to book in for your first appointment.  

Cost

The one-to-one support from the Live Active Advisor is free. You will have to pay for the additional activities you choose to take part in. Costs vary and your advisor can give you more details about these.  

What’s next

If you would like to take part in Live Active, then please speak to your health professional who will complete a referral form on your behalf and make the arrangements to book you in for you free consultation. 

Or if you have already been referred but still waiting to hear from the Live Active team please call 0141 232 1860 and select the Live Active option to speak to an Advisor who will be able to book you in for your first appointment. 

Data collection and privacy 

The data collected is done so in line with our privacy notice for patients. Please read our data protection and privacy information in full before signing a referral form. The privacy notice sets out the legal basis for processing this data, how long we will keep your data for, how we protect your personal information, and your rights in relation to the personal data that we hold on you.

For more information about Live Active within your local area please visit your Local Authority website:

Glasgow Life

East Dunbartonshire Leisure Trust

West Dunbartonshire Leisure Trust

East Renfrewshire Culture and Leisure

Renfrewshire Leisure Trust

Inverclyde Leisure

Vitality exercise classes are specially designed for people living with a range of medical conditions, such as; Parkinson’s disease, MS, Stroke, Cardiac Conditions, Osteoporosis, Cognitive impairments and COPD.  Vitality is also ideal for those of you who have a fear of falling or find your strength and balance is starting to impact on your daily lives. 

Our supportive instructors will improve your confidence to join in, get active and lead a fuller, more independent life.  

Please take a look at the following clip which shows you what Vitality exercise classes are all about.

We will help you choose a Vitality class that best suits your needs, making sure you are safe, comfortable and above all else having fun. Before you know it, you’ll be joining in, having a laugh and really feeling the difference. 

There are over one hundred classes per week in various Leisure Centres and Community Centres throughout Greater Glasgow and Clyde and classes last for approximately 60 minutes. 

Cost

Costs varies depending on Local Authority – when you call 0141 232 1860 they will be able to inform you of the exact costs.    

Where and when?

If you would like to find a Vitality Class near you all you need to do is call 0141 232 1860 and select the Vitality option or click the button below to find your nearest class:   

What’s next?

If you would like to come along to a Vitality Class all you need to do is call 0141 232 1860 and select the Vitality option. Here they will be able to advise you to which class is best, inform you of the days and times of when they are on and book you in (if need be) for your first session.  

All we ask is that you attend your first class 10-15 minutes before it starts so you can meet the instructor and discuss your specific needs. 

For more information about Vitality within your local area please visit our Local Authority website: 

Glasgow Life

East Dunbartonshire Leisure Trust

West Dunbartonshire Leisure Trust

East Renfrewshire Culture and Leisure

Renfrewshire Leisure Trust

Inverclyde Leisure

Everyone can take part in our walks. They’re easy, you don’t need fancy equipment and they won’t cost you a penny. 

Health walks are a great way of meeting people whilst getting out and taking in the sights of your local parks and gardens. They’re fun and a great first step to becoming more active. Our trained Walk leaders are on hand to make sure you go at a pace you are comfortable with.

Walks usually last up to 1 hour and with over 75 walks taking place each week there’s bound to be one to suit you. 

Take the first steps to becoming more active!  

Please take a look at the following clip which shows you what our health walks are all about

What’s next

There’s no need to book a place, simply call 0141 232 1860 and select the Walking option to find out more about your nearest walk.

OR

You can also visit your Local Authority or partner organisation website to find out more about health walks in your area:

Glasgow Life –  Good Move Walking

East Dunbartonshire Leisure Trust  

West Dunbartonshire

East Renfrewshire Culture and Leisure

Renfrewshire Leisure Trust

Inverclyde

In addition to our NHS activities mentioned above, our six Local Authority partners have a range of general physical activity opportunities available such as gym facilities, swimming and a range of exercise classes.  There’s literally something for everyone. 

Cost

Costs vary depending on activity and local authority area.  For more information please just call 0141 232 1860 and select General Physical Activity Opportunities.  

What’s next

If you would like to know what other activities are on in your local area either click on the relevant local authority area below which will take you to their website or call 0141 232 1860 and select General Physical Activity Opportunities to have a chat with someone. 

You can also find out more about local physical activity opportunities by visiting your Local Authority website:

Glasgow Life

East Dunbartonshire Leisure Trust

West Dunbartonshire Leisure Trust

East Renfrewshire Culture and Leisure

Renfrewshire Leisure Trust

Inverclyde Leisure

This service provides travel health advice, risk assessment and vaccination:

• Email: Ggc.VaccinationContactCentre@ggc.scot.nhs.uk
• Call: 0800 9176115

For travel health advice, risk assessment and vaccination, you can book your appointment online via www.nhsvaccines.co.uk or contact the service by email or phone.

• Email: NHSGGC@emcare.co.uk
• Call: 0141 816 1002.
• Address: 45 Hope Street, Glasgow G2 6AE

The pneumococcal vaccine is the best way to help protect yourself against the diseases and conditions caused by pneumococcal bacteria. These conditions include: one of the most common types of meningitis, severe ear infections and pneumonia.

Those aged 65 or over or under 65 and have certain health conditions have a higher chance of becoming unwell with pneumococcal infection.

Therefore, we strongly encourage those eligible to take up the vaccination offer when it comes.

For more information about the pneumococcal vaccine and the diseases and conditions it protects against visit www.nhsinform.scot/pneumococcalvaccine

From 1^st September 2023 the following groups became eligible for a free Shingles vaccination in Scotland:

• People aged 50 or over, about to start immunosuppressive therapy.
• People aged 50 or over, with a severely weakened immune system.
• People aged 71 – 79 who have not previously been vaccinated.
• People aged 18 or over who have received a stem cell transplant.
• People aged 18 or over who have had CAR-T therapy.
• People who were aged 65 or 70 on 1^st September.

If you’re unsure if you’re eligible, you can use the age eligibility calculator on www.nhsinform.scot/shingles to confirm.

In time, the offer will expand to those turning both 60 and 65 years old with the vaccine will be routinely offered to everyone aged 60 and over.

If you are currently aged 66 to 69 years, you won’t be eligible for the vaccine until you turn 70.
People aged 66 – 69 on 1^st September 2023 became eligible for vaccination from 1^st September after their 70^th birthday.

Rationale

It is recognised that some people may be disappointed that they are not yet included in the age group to be offered a shingles vaccine this year.

When any vaccination programme is introduced or extended, recommendations are made about who will be offered the vaccine and when they will be invited to come forward. These decisions are based on a combination of factors including the risk of the disease and the effectiveness of the vaccine in different age groups.

This phased approach is based on the advice of the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI) and to ensure that NHS Scotland can deliver the programme effectively alongside other immunisation programmes.

Why should I have the shingles vaccine?

Shingles can be very painful and is more common among older people. The older you are, the worse it can be. For some, the pain caused by shingles can last for many years.

Immunisation (vaccination) information in other languages and formats

I have turned 65yrs already or you are aged 66-69 years – Why am I not eligible for the vaccine this year?

If you turned 65 years before 31st August 2023 you will be called when you turn age 70 years.  As the lowering of the age range is a new development in the programme all Health Boards across Scotland follow the Guidance issued by the Joint Committee on Immunisation and decisions are based on a combination of factors including the risk of disease and the effectiveness of the vaccine in different age groups.

What vaccine will be offered?

From September 2023, the Shingrix vaccine will be used in Scotland.

You can view the vaccine ingredients in the Shingrix patient information leaflet.

How do I get the shingles vaccine?

You’ll be contacted by your local health board when you’re eligible to be immunised. You can get the vaccine at any time of the year.

Find out how to contact your health board regarding your vaccination appointment

Can the shingles vaccine be given at the same time as other vaccines?

Speak to a healthcare professional about getting other vaccines at the same time. They’ll advise what’s best for you.

What are the side effects of this vaccine?

Side effects are usually quite mild and don’t last very long.

Around the injection site you might experience:

• Pain
• Redness
• Swelling.

You may also experience:

• Muscle pain
• Tiredness (fatigue)
• Chills
• A fever
• A general unwell feeling
• A headache
• Nausea, vomiting or diarrhoea
• Stomach pain.

Non-urgent advice

Contact your GP practice if you have side effects that last for more than a few days.

During pregnancy women are offered seasonal flu vaccine (Sept to March) together with Pertussis Vaccine at 16 weeks of pregnancy (Whooping Cough). This is delivered to all pregnant women through Maternity Services. If you think you may have missed this then please speak to your Midwife.

More information on how you can catch Monkeypox and the symptoms of Monkeypox can be found on NHS Inform:

Mpox (monkeypox) | NHS inform 

Mpox Information (sandyford.scot)

During Adult life sometimes we require other vaccines or repeated courses of vaccines if you have undergone or are about to undergo a transplant, chemotherapy or have been exposed to a blood borne virus or had a dog or human bite. These Vaccinations will be arranged via your Consultant or GP. You may also require a vaccine as you missed some vaccines during childhood. Your GP or Consultant will refer you for any vaccinations required. The Vaccination Service will arrange for the vaccines required and contact you with an appointment. We will do this on receipt of your referral. Those about to or undergoing treatment or who have been exposed to a blood borne virus will be prioritised over routine referrals. You do not need to do anything to receive your vaccination our contact centre will be in touch with an appointment.

Please speak to ward staff to arrange a virtual visit.

A list of telephone numbers can be found for all wards and departments on the NHSGGC website. 

Please provide the following details:

• Your family member/friends full name
• Your phone number or email address. 

You will need to ensure you have a webcam and microphone on your device that you can use. Most devices already have this built in.

All our inpatient wards have a least one iPad for patients to take part in ‘virtual visits’ (video call) to contact relatives and friends during their stay in hospital. If your family member/friend does not have a mobile phone or tablet of their own they are welcome to use a hospital iPad to see and talk to the people who matter to them. 

If your family member/friend is unfamiliar with using iPads to set up calls or are unable to do this independently, staff will always try to facilitate these calls where possible. In addition, the iPads all have a range of communication tools or apps installed, specifically for those who are deaf, hard of hearing or who speak a language other than English. 

Where possible ward staff will try to arrange a time to suit you as well as your family member/friend you want to contact. However, it may not always be possible to give an exact time or day when a video call or telephone call can be guaranteed. We are sorry for any distress this may cause and of course, staff will always try to facilitate these calls where possible, however we ask for your understanding.

For the majority of situations in our wards it will not be appropriate for you to record the call. No-one is permitted to make unauthorised pictures, videos or audio recordings in healthcare settings that feature other service users, visitors or staff without their consent. If you are unsure, please speak to ward staff first for advice.

Healthcare chaplains are available to offer support and a listening service Monday to Thursday, 9.00am – 5.00pm and at weekends from Friday to Sunday, 9.00am – 10.00pm. If you wish to speak with someone confidentially, please ask a member of ward staff to contact switchboard and ask for the on-call chaplain.  

To obtain an update on the progress and plan of care for your family member/friend, you should contact the ward directly and ask to speak to the nurse or doctor looking after them.

Please speak to the person you are visiting, and the ward, about when would be good for you to visit.

Eating is a social occasion – family, friends and carers are welcome to visit at mealtimes to offer encouragement.

In most circumstances we ask that there are no more than 2 visitors at a time (these visitors can change). This is to help make the environment as restful as possible, and to minimise the risk of infection. There may be times when it would be appropriate for more than two people to visit at a time, the nurse in charge will be happy to discuss this with you.

Children are welcome; they do need to be supervised at all times.

Yes. If possible, it helps enormously if one family member is identified to be the key hospital contact and then takes responsibility to share information with other family and friends as appropriate.

Please note there is a limit to what information we can give over the phone, and who we can give this information to.

• Please use the hand gel provided when coming into and leaving the ward.
• Please do not visit if you are unwell. For example, if you have cold or flu, vomiting or diarrhoea, or an upset stomach.
• Please use the toilets for the public (not for patients or staff) where you can. 
• Visiting may take place at a bedside or communal area. In all instances chairs provided for visiting should be used. If visiting at a bedside, you should avoid sitting on the bed, as this can spread infection.
• If you relative/friend is being isolated or if the ward is temporarily closed, please follow the advice provided by staff as there may be additional safety measures to follow.

Person Centred Visiting is in place across NHSGGC, including outpatient areas and emergency departments.

Please see the rest of this page for information about Person Centred Visiting.

Patients where there is a particularly high risk of infection will continue to have visiting arrangements discussed as part of their individual risk assessments. Ward and department staff will be happy to discuss these with you.

If your relative/friend is being isolated, please follow the advice provided by staff, as there may be additional safety measures to follow.

If the ward is temporarily closed, please follow the advice provided by staff, as there may be additional safety measures to follow.

Please speak to the person you are visiting, and the ward, about when would be good for you to visit.

Eating is a social occasion – family, friends and carers are welcome to visit at mealtimes to offer encouragement.

In most circumstances we ask that there are no more than 2 visitors at a time (these visitors can change). This is to help make the environment as restful as possible, and to minimise the risk of infection. There may be times when it would be appropriate for more than two people to visit at a time, the nurse in charge will be happy to discuss this with you.

Children are welcome; they do need to be supervised at all times.

We are offering ‘virtual visiting’ (video calls) for all patients. All wards have iPads specially set up to make video calls. This lets you see and talk to the people who matter to you. If you have your own mobile phone, tablet or laptop we can also help you to do this using your equipment if you are not able to do this yourself.