South Downs Health and Care

25/11/2025

Physical activity is one of the most effective defences against type 2 diabetes. Just 150 minutes of moderate exercise per week can:

✔ Enhance insulin sensitivity
✔ Lower blood glucose levels
✔ Reduce cardiovascular risk

Managing stress is equally important. Stress hormones raise blood sugar, making emotional wellbeing a vital part of prevention.

At Hillbrow Health & Wellbeing, you’ll find classes designed to support both body and mind. Why not try Yoga to restore calm, or join Strength & Conditioning sessions to build resilience and fitness? https://hillbrowhealthandwellbeing.org/activities/exercise-classes/

🎉 And to celebrate National Stress Awareness Month, you could win a FREE 12‑month Hillbrow Health & Wellbeing membership: https://hillbrowhealthandwellbeing.org/one-year-membership-giveaway/

Entries close: 1st December 2025
Winner announced: 5th December 2025

This November, we’re supporting National Stress Awareness Month — a reminder to slow down, breathe, and make time for your wellbeing!

24/11/2025

Diabetes has become one of the most significant public health concerns in the UK. In 2023–24, it was estimated that over 5.8 million people were living with the condition, while a further 6.3 million were identified as being at increased risk of type 2 diabetes due to raised blood sugar levels (Diabetes UK).

Type 2 diabetes - driven by obesity, poor diet, and inactivity - increases the likelihood of heart disease, stroke, kidney damage, and sight loss.

The good news: prevention is possible. Maintaining a healthy weight, eating well, and staying active are proven ways to cut risk and protect long‑term health.

At SDHC, we support prevention through services such as:

🔹 Weight Loss Service

Structured, clinically supported plans to help you achieve sustainable weight loss.
👉 Complete our eligibility questionnaire and we’ll let you know if you qualify: https://questionnaire.semble.io/6c340df90332ddbcfb5dd4077b29cb1339d5c6b4
💡 Don’t miss our limited‑time offer! https://www.sdhc.org.uk/sdhc-weight-loss-service

🔹 Health & Wellbeing App

A flexible £9.99/month subscription that gives you access to:
- One‑to‑one coaching
- Tailored recipes
- Fitness plans
- Wellbeing resources

Perfect for those who want to manage their health proactively without medical treatments.

06/10/2025

🚭 Stoptober starts now!

Quitting smoking is one of the best things you can do for your health, and you don’t have to do it alone.

This month, thousands across the UK are making the change. Join them.

Whether you're quitting for your kids, your future, or just for you, every cigarette you skip is a win.

Ready to take the first step?
Get your free Personal Quit Plan from One You East Sussex:
oneyoueastsussex.org.uk/programmes/stop-smoking

01/10/2025

Staying well isn’t just about fixing problems, it’s about catching them early. That’s why a free Health MOT could be just what you need.

As part of the Full of Life Festival, Wave Active Health is offering FREE Health MOTs at Hillbrow Health and Wellbeing on Friday 3rd October 1:00 – 2:30pm.

What’s included:
- Blood pressure checks
- Grip test
- Get up and Go walking test
- Friendly health advice
- A relaxed space to ask questions and feel supported

📍 Book your free place here: https://waveactive.org/health-classes/active-age-mot/?fbclid=IwY2xjawNKKchleHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETBhSFhzRmhldUVwQmNVRUduAR5On08rDqV2oMtQf58VwyN0d0wFEcBrLdWEF7UzNl8Srn0ksw5rxeT5ODxcKA_aem_Q8WUff_cTdGvntIy6LSMSA

We're proud to be part of Full of Life Festival - Older People’s Day is celebrated annually on October 1st, but in East Sussex a two-month long programme of activities takes place throughout September and October!

Don't miss out on Hillbrow's schedule of free wellbeing talks, health checks and community table facilitated discussions still taking place in October 👉 www.hillbrowhealthandwellbeing.org/events/

🏃‍♂️Book your place for a FREE Active Age Health MOTs run by Wave Active Health on October 3rd, suitable for over 50s 🏃‍♂️

📌 Find out more and how to book here:
https://waveactive.org/health-classes/active-age-mot/

01/10/2025

Covid-19 and Flu vaccine appointments for those most at risk begin today.

Find out if you are eligible and get protected ahead of winter ❄️

https://orlo.uk/dHSvI

30/09/2025

High blood pressure is one of the most common and often overlooked risks to heart health. It’s something you can and should discuss with a GP, especially if you’re experiencing symptoms like headaches, fatigue, or if you simply want to be proactive about your cardiovascular health.

Our blog on understanding high blood pressure is a helpful resource to guide that conversation: https://www.sdhc.org.uk/news/blog-understanding-high-blood-pressure

If you're ready to take control of your heart health, booking time with a GP is a great place to start. At SDHC, our private services offer:

✅ Faster access to appointments
✅ More time with a clinician
✅ Personalised care plans tailored to your needs

Private healthcare can give you the space and support to take control of your health without the wait.

Book now! https://online-booking.semble.io/?token=ed2aabfd65a2c325da7dd512fce2260f3d3a2ed6

29/09/2025

Autumn COVID-19 Vaccination Campaign Starts This Week!

From 1st October 2025, eligible individuals across East Sussex can receive their autumn COVID-19 booster. Clinics are open for online booking via the National Booking Service https://www.nhs.uk/nhs-services/vaccination-and-booking-services/book-covid-19-vaccination/, or you can call 119 to book by phone.

💉 Walk-in sessions also available at locations including:

Civic Hall, Hailsham
Downs Leisure Centre, Seaford
Eastbourne Library
Hillbrow Health & Wellbeing, Eastbourne
Polegate Community Association

Check full details and eligibility here: https://www.sdhc.org.uk/covid-vaccination-service

Let’s stay protected this winter!

29/09/2025

29/09/2025

World Heart Heart Day 2025: Don’t Miss a Beat!

Today marks the 25th anniversary of World Heart Day, and this year’s theme, “Don’t Miss a Beat”, is a powerful reminder to stay alert, act early, and prioritise heart health every day.

Over 6.5 million people die prematurely from heart disease each year, and millions more are left picking up the pieces. But the good news? Many cardiovascular conditions are preventable with early detection and lifestyle changes.

At SDHC, we’re here to support your heart health journey with private services designed to help you monitor and manage key risk factors.

🔬 Advanced GP2 Health Screen Test
Take a deep dive into your health and wellbeing, including extended cardiovascular health markers, with our comprehensive screening.
👉 Explore and book the Advanced GP2 test: https://www.sdhc.org.uk/blood-tests

💡 Did you know?
High blood pressure significantly increases the risk of coronary heart disease.

Track your daily readings with our blood pressure diary to spot trends and take control of your cardiovascular health.
👉 Start your diary today: https://www.sdhc.org.uk/health-monitoring-diaries

15/08/2025

SDHC Patient Update:

From 1 Sept 2025, the manufacturer of Mounjaro will increase prices across all dose strengths. This is a nationwide change affecting all providers and is not set by SDHC.

We know cost changes can be worrying. We’re actively working to keep prices as low as possible for our patients and may be able to offer alternative options where appropriate.

Our friendly team is here to support you, answer your questions, and help you plan ahead. Your care remains our top priority, please get in touch with us anytime.

09/08/2025

06/08/2025

In this episode of the Health and Well-Being podcast, Dr Nick Harvey explores the profound impact of human touch and connection with Helen Prosper, founder of the "A Touch of Gentleness" initiative. As our digital age distances us from physical interactions, Helen sheds light on the vital role of ge...