CFA Healthwatch

Would you like book a Health Watch session for your brigade?

How to book a Health Watch session:
Send us an email or fill out our online booking form on CFA Members Online https://www.members.cfa.vic.gov.au/.../healthwatch...
*Health Watch sessions are available to CFA fire brigades only

Many of us drink alcohol to relax and socialise. Alcohol can be part of a healthy lifestyle if you drink in moderation, get regular exercise and eat a healthy diet. However, too much alcohol can affect your physical and mental health, regardless of other behaviours.

National guidelines recommend that healthy adults consume no more than ten standard drinks per week, and no more than four standard drinks on any one day.

What many don’t realise is that even drinking small amounts of alcohol increases your risk of poor health outcomes, and the more you drink the greater the risk.

Reducing alcohol consumption can help decrease your risk of chronic illness, improve your mood, sleep and relationships with family and friends, increase your energy levels, help you perform better at work, and save money.

Here are 12 easy tips to break unhelpful habits and start embracing a healthier lifestyle:

1. Catch up for a tea or coffee instead of an alcoholic drink
2. Substitute a non-alcoholic drink, such as sparkling mineral water with fresh lemon or lime
3. Set yourself some alcohol-free days each week and try to stick to it
4. Use water to quench thirst
5. Eat while you drink – avoid making alcohol a focus of your social time
6. Plan active catch-ups with family and friends, such as a game of cricket, a bushwalk, or visit the beach
7. Sip alcoholic drinks slowly – take time to talk, relax and catch up
8. Alternate alcoholic drinks with glasses of water
9. Set yourself a limit on the number of standard drinks you’ll have
10. Wait until the glass is empty before topping up to help you to keep count of your drinks
11. Switch to low alcohol drinks, or diluting with extra mixers or soda water
12. Avoid salty snacks as these can make you thirsty

This October, aim to reduce your alcohol-related risk of harm and poor health. For support services and other resources, visit https://drinkwise.org.au/drinking-and-you/support-services/ #

Join the Health Watch Group (even if you are a member of the Health Watch Page) for more tips and health awareness messages here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/250306196493645

The Health Watch Program offers all CFA volunteers FREE heart health checks. Brigades can book health checks using the contact details on the Health Watch page on Brigades Online.

https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/healthyliving/Beaches-and-water-quality

Heading to the beach? Make sure you check the water quality. Aussie beaches are generally very clean, however they can become polluted from storms or sewage spills.

Read the article on the above link to learn more.

You can also check the quality of beach water by visiting the EPA website.

https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/healthyliving/swimming-preventing-injury

In Victoria we are lucky to have plenty of great swimming spots, whether that be the river, lake, ocean or pool. Before you go swimming, it is important to know how to prevent swimming injuries.

This articles has plenty of tips to keep you and your family safe when swimming.

Want to cut down on alcohol?
Here are ten tips!

10 tips to cut down on alcohol Keep track of your drinking habits ... 10 tips to cut down on alcohol.

Do you know the 5 tips for surviving the heat?
1. Drink plenty of water
2. Never leave anyone in a car
3. Stay somewhere cool (avoid going out if you can)
4. Plan ahead - check the weather!
5. Check-in on others

Learn the signs of heat-related illness:
1. Rapid heart rate
2. Muscle cramps
3. Dizziness
4. Nausea
5. Fainting

Survive the heat How to cope and stay safe in extreme heat.

https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/servicesandsupport/regular-health-checks

Happy New Year!
New Years is usually a time when people start fresh and set new goals.
It is also a good time to organise those routine health checks that keep us well.
Follow this link to learn WHY health checks are important, what health checks you can do in the comfort of your own home, and what you might like to include on your list for a routine medical appointment.

Regular health checks Regular health checks can help you identify any early signs of health issues.

Do you want to take a break from alcohol? Maybe you're planning for Feb Fast? Or maybe you just want a healthier way to relax?
Here are a bunch of alcohol-free drink ideas for you to try!

Alcohol Alternatives | Hello Sunday Morning Alcohol-Free Alternatives Looking for alternatives to alcohol? Whether it be premade, or a twist on a classic favourite – these are some of the best alternative alcohol-free drinks that we’ve heard about. Alcohol-Free Drinks to Order at a Bar Not sure what to order when out at a bar?