Move Well, Live Well, Chessington

Dear Members,

There is an 'Age Friendly Leisure and Activities Fair' in Chessington next Friday - see leaflet attached (a copy came in local post recently).  It is free for all to attend and includes lunch and refreshments, information on better health and suitable exercises, seated exercises, Tai Chi, strength and flexibility exercises.

I had a look at the Connected Kingston website (they are organising the fair and have other free and paid activities and classes planned; see https://connectedkingston.uk/categories/gentle-exercise?query=&location=&distance=0&cost=free&when=all&dateFrom=2025-04-04&dateTo=2025-04-04&category=&isVirtual=false&hasInductionLoop=false&hasWheelchairAccess=false&page=1&eligibilities=).   

Their website is worth a look for local free and paid for activities, e.g. Kingston Nuffield Health is offering a free 6 month Joint Pain Programme aimed at supporting you to manage your chronic pain.  It offers:

• Joint pain health checks - You will receive a health check at the beginning, middle and end of the programme.

• Two weekly group sessions - In the first 12 weeks you will have access to two weekly group sessions. This is split into a 15–20 minute educational workshop providing you with information around mental wellbeing, managing your diet and sleeping better. The second session is based on 40–45 minutes of different exercises each week. The exercise sessions include a range of activities such as yoga, strength training and much more.

• Free gym access - the last 12 weeks of the programme entitles you to free gym access at your chosen Nuffield Health gym. You will be guided by your Rehabilitation Specialist, allowing you to maintain your progress.

In New Malden, there is a free short tennis activity which offers tennis with a small court and lightweight racket. This activity is ideal for older adults who want to stay active:

We’re excited to introduce (mini) Short Tennis for adults—a perfect way to enjoy the sport you love without the physical strain.

When:

• The second and fourth Thursday of every month at 13:00-15:00

Where:

• New Malden Methodist Church, High Street, New Malden

• Meet at Wesley’s Community Hub before 13:00

*If arrive after 1pm and our cafe is closed, please enter by the green doors on Cambridge Road (Doorbell labelled upper hall).

Book now:

Spaces are limited, so be sure to register in advance by:

• Phone: 02089421288

• Email: nmmc.wesleys@hotmail.com

Connected Kingston is also open to having additional local organisations list their activities on their website: https://connectedkingston.uk/get-involved

You can register basic details about what you offer and they will then review it and add it to the register of activities listed - it could be a good free way to advertise our PUK SKE website and monthly branch meetings?

All the best,

Patrick

Move_Well_Live_Well_Chessington_11_April_2025_leaflet_DOWNLOAD.pdf

Download PDF • 777KB

Parkinson's Research Conference

Dear Members,

Please find attached details of the Parkinson’s Research Conference in Sevenoaks on Saturday, 17^th May.

SERIG Conference (3).pdf

Download PDF • 69KB

Brain Health and Nuts

A balanced diet is a foundation of good health. For people with Parkinson’s, a balanced diet is even more important. Of all the foods that have been studied for their potential to promote brain health, research into nuts has shown promise.

• Walnuts. Walnuts contain an essential fatty acid called omega 3 and a variety of minerals, which early studies associate with a decreased risk for dementia. Try eating 5 to 10 each day.

• Pistachios. Emerging evidence shows these nuts (the vitamin K and antioxidants in them) may have potential for helping to re-establish lost connections between neurons. They also contain a small amount of lithium, which may help to improve mood. You can eat a few of them two or three times a week.

• Macadamia nuts. Oils in these nuts may increase the production of neurotransmitters that help brain cells communicate with each other. They are high in calories, but a few a day is good for you.

• Cashews. Iron, zinc and magnesium in cashews may boost serotonin — a neurotransmitter linked to good mood — and may reduce memory loss.

• Almonds. Although they have little effect on brain health, almonds contain fibre, which helps relieve constipation (a common symptom in PD).

• Brazil nuts. These nuts contain selenium, a mineral that may have the potential to counteract environmental toxins like pesticides and herbicides. Eat no more than one or two a day.