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
• Our Centre is based at Eastbank Conference & Training Centre, Shettleston and you can plan your journey by going to Traveline Scotland Journey Planner: Traveline Scotland | The Centre is also approximately 10 mins walk from Shettleston Train Station and there is also car parking available including disabled parking places. The entrance to the clinic is via a ramp where you will see a yellow vaccination clinic sign. If driving please put the following postcode into your Sat-Nav G32 9AA

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
• Our Centre is based in Hope Street in the Centre of Glasgow just a few minutes walk from Central Station. Our main entrance has some steps however there is a lift and there is an alternative entrance at the back of the building. Please call us prior to your appointment if you have any questions regarding access. You can plan your journey by going to Traveline Scotland Journey Planner: Traveline Scotland | There are car parks locally the nearest located at St Enoch Shopping Centre or Q Park a short walk away.

Overview

The pneumococcal vaccine provides some protection against illnesses caused by pneumococcal bacteria.

What are pneumococcal bacteria?

Pneumococcal bacteria cause pneumococcal infection. They can cause serious illnesses like pneumonia and bacterial meningitis. They can also cause other conditions like severe ear infections.

Some adults carry pneumococcal bacteria in the back of their nose and throat. They can pass bacteria on by coughing, sneezing, and close contact.

Exposure to pneumococcal bacteria doesn’t normally result in serious illness. But, sometimes it leads to pneumococcal infections.

You have a higher chance of becoming unwell with a pneumococcal infection if:

• you’re aged 65 or over
• you’re under 65 and have certain health conditions

People aged 65 or over are more likely to suffer serious long-term health problems from pneumococcal infection. These health problems can lead to death.

What is pneumococcal disease and why do we need a vaccine?

Dr Andrew Prendergast explains why it’s important to vaccinate against pneumococcal disease.

Why should I be vaccinated?

The pneumococcal vaccine provides some protection against the serious conditions caused by pneumococcal bacteria. These conditions include:

• one of the most common types of meningitis
• severe ear infections
• pneumonia caused by pneumococcal bacteria

This vaccine doesn’t protect against meningitis or pneumonia caused by other bacteria or viruses.

Who is eligible for the vaccine?

The pneumococcal vaccine is available in Scotland for all people aged 65 and over.

Some people under 65 are also eligible for the vaccine if they have certain health conditions, or are at high risk of exposure because of their job. You may be at risk if you have:

Asplenia or problems with the spleen

This includes conditions that can lead to problems with the spleen, like homozygous sickle cell disease or coeliac syndrome.

Read more about vaccinations for those with problems with their spleen (asplenia)

Chronic respiratory disease

This includes:

• chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
• chronic bronchitis
• emphysema
• bronchiectasis
• cystic fibrosis
• interstitial lung fibrosis
• pneumoconiosis
• bronchopulmonary dysplasia
• asthma, if it’s so severe that you need constant or repeated use of systemic steroids

Chronic heart disease

This includes conditions like:

• ischaemic heart disease
• congenital heart disease
• hypertension  with cardiac complications
• chronic heart failure

Chronic liver disease

This can include:

• cirrhosis
• biliary atresia
• chronic hepatitis

Chronic kidney disease

This can include:

• nephrotic syndrome
• chronic kidney disease  at stages 4 and 5
• those on kidney dialysis
• those who’ve had a kidney transplant

Diabetes

If you’ve diabetes and use insulin or anti-diabetic medication, you’re eligible for extra pneumococcal vaccinations.

If your diabetes is controlled by diet and you’re under 65 years old, you’re not eligible for extra pneumococcal vaccination.

If you’re over 65 years old, you’re eligible for your pneumococcal vaccination regardless of how your diabetes is controlled.

Immunosuppression

People who are immunosuppressed may be offered extra pneumococcal vaccines. These people include patients who:

• are having chemotherapy
• have had a bone marrow transplant
• have asplenia or problems with their spleen
• have complement disorder
• have HIV infection (at any stage)
• have multiple myeloma
• have a genetic disorder that affects the immune system, like IRAK-4 or NEMO
• are on or are likely to be on a high dose of systemic steroids for more than a month

Cochlear implants

Individuals with cochlear implants are eligible for extra pneumococcal vaccinations

Cerebrospinal fluid leak

If you have leakage of cerebrospinal fluid from trauma or major skull surgery, you may be eligible for extra pneumococcal vaccinations.

This does not include leakage from CSF shunts, which deliberately drain excess fluid from the brain to another part of the body.

Occupational risk

Research has found a link between exposure to metal fumes and pneumonia.

If your job involves frequent or constant exposure to metal fumes, you may be considered at risk. This would make you eligible for the pneumococcal vaccine. An example of an at risk occupation would be a welder.

How do I get my pneumococcal vaccination?

You do not need to arrange your appointment. You’ll be contacted by your local NHS immunisation team when you’re eligible to be immunised.  They’ll tell you:

• the date and time of your appointment
• where your appointment will be

They’ll contact you by sending an invitation to your home address. This is the address that is registered with your GP.

You can be invited for the vaccine at any time of the year.

Who is eligible for the shingles vaccine?

Your local NHS immunisation team will contact you when you’re eligible to get the vaccine. This will be from January 2024 onwards. Please wait to be contacted. Eligibility for the shingles vaccine depends on what age you were on 1 September 2023.

If you’re not sure if you’re eligible, you can use the age eligibility calculator to check.

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.

People who have a severely weakened immune system are also at higher risk of getting shingles and experiencing further complications from it.

Every year in Scotland, around 400 people aged 70 and over will be hospitalised due to shingles and related complications. 

The shingles vaccine helps to build up your immunity to the virus. This means, if you do get shingles, your body will fight it off more easily.

Getting the vaccine will:

• reduce your risk of developing shingles by over 70%
• reduce your risk of experiencing long-term pain from shingles
• reduce your risk of being hospitalised with complications from shingles

What is shingles?

Shingles is caused by a virus called varicella zoster. This is the same virus that causes chickenpox. When you recover from chickenpox most of this virus is destroyed, but some of the virus survives and lies inactive in your body’s nervous system.

The virus can then become active again later in life. This normally happens when your immune system has been weakened by:

• age
• stress
• illness
• certain treatments that can reduce your immunity

The shingles vaccine helps to protect you by boosting your immunity.

More about the symptoms of shingles

Do I need the shingles vaccine if I’ve never had chickenpox?

Yes. The chances are that you may have had chickenpox at some point without knowing it. Some people have chickenpox without displaying any of the typical chickenpox symptoms.

Do I need the shingles vaccine if I’ve had shingles before?

Yes. Even if you’ve already had shingles, you should still get it again. The vaccine will reduce your risk of getting shingles again.

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.

Are there any reasons I shouldn’t have the shingles vaccine?

You shouldn’t have the shingles vaccine if you’ve had a severe allergic reaction (anaphylaxis) to:

• any of the ingredients in the vaccine
• a previous dose of the chickenpox vaccine

Is the shingles vaccine a live vaccine?

No, the shingles vaccine is not a live vaccine. It cannot cause shingles.

How many doses of the vaccine do I need?

You need to have 2 doses of the shingles vaccine for it to be effective.

You’ll be offered your second dose 2 to 12 months after your first dose.

How do we know the vaccine is safe?

The shingles vaccination programme was introduced in Scotland in 2013.

All medicines (including vaccines) are tested for safety and effectiveness. The vaccine meets the high safety standards required for it to be used in the UK and other European countries. The vaccine has been given to millions of people worldwide.

Once they’re in use, the safety of vaccines continues to be monitored.

Read more about how we know vaccines are safe

The respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) vaccine helps to protect people from RSV.

RSV is a common respiratory (lungs and airways) illness. RSV infection is more common from late autumn to early spring, but can happen at any time of year.

Sometimes, RSV infection can cause severe lower respiratory infections like pneumonia. It can also cause other life-threatening conditions.

Last year in Scotland, there were over 1,000 RSV cases in adults aged 75 and over.

The vaccine helps protect you by reducing your chances of getting an RSV infection.

Who can get the RSV vaccine

If you’re turning 75 years old between 1 August 2024 and 31 July 2025, you’ll be offered the RSV vaccine. This includes if your 75th birthday is on 1 August 2024 or 31 July 2025.

The vaccine will also be offered to anyone who is aged 75 to 79 years on 1 August 2024. This means you can get the vaccine if your date of birth is between 2 August 1944 and 31 July 1950. This is because the RSV vaccine is new to Scotland, and this group could not be given the vaccine before now.

In future years, the vaccine will be routinely offered to those turning 75 years old between 1 August and 31 July.

Getting the RSV vaccine is the best way to protect yourself against infections caused by RSV.

About the RSV vaccine

The Abrysvo vaccine is offered to protect against RSV in Scotland. It’s usually given as an injection in your upper arm.

You may be able to get the RSV vaccine at the same time as other vaccines (like shingles or pneumococcal). You can discuss this with the person giving you the vaccine. Because RSV infections often happen earlier in the year, this vaccine will be offered in August and September. You’ll be offered a different appointment later in the year to get your flu vaccine.

The Abrysvo vaccine is not a live vaccine. It does not cause RSV infection.

Read more about vaccines for older adults

There are very few people who cannot have the RSV vaccine.

The vaccine should not be given to people who have had a severe allergic reaction (anaphylaxis) to:

• ny of the vaccine ingredients
• a previous dose of the same vaccine

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

It’s important to tell the person giving you the vaccine if you:

• have ever had a severe allergic reaction (anaphylaxis) to anything
• are receiving medicines, treatment or therapy at a hospital or specialist clinic

How to get the RSV vaccine

You’ll be contacted by your local NHS immunisation team when it’s time to get the vaccine. Most immunisation teams will begin inviting patients from August 2024 onwards.

If you’re ill on the day of your appointment

Reschedule your vaccine appointment if you feel very unwell, for example if you have a fever, vomiting or diarrhoea. You should not attend an appointment if you think you might be infectious to others.

To reschedule your appointment, phone the number on your invitation letter. If you’ve lost your invitation letter, contact your local NHS immunisation team.

Side effects of the RSV vaccine

After having the vaccine you may have some side effects. These are usually mild and disappear within a few days.

Around the injection site you might experience:

• pain
• redness
• swelling

Where can I report side effects?

You can report suspected side effects of vaccines and medicines through the Yellow Card Scheme.

This can be done:

• via their website
• through the Yellow Card Scheme app
• by phoning 0800 731 6789 (9am to 5pm, Monday to Friday)

Flu vaccine

Influenza (flu) is an infectious virus and can be serious. Symptoms may include a fever, a cough, a headache and tiredness. The virus spreads through the air when people cough or sneeze, or when they touch surfaces where the virus has landed then touch their eyes, nose or mouth. You can catch flu all year round, but it’s especially common in winter. It can be serious, even if you’re healthy.

The flu vaccine

The flu vaccine is the safest and most effective way to help protect against flu. It’ll also help reduce the risk of spreading flu to others.

The flu vaccine is available between September and March.

Why should I get vaccinated?

The flu vaccine has a good safety record. It gives the best protection against flu. It’s offered every year for free by the NHS to help protect people at risk of flu and its complications.

The vaccine helps protect against the main types of flu viruses. But there’s still a chance you might get flu after having the vaccine. If you do get flu, it’s likely to be milder and not last as long if you’ve received the flu vaccine.

Having the flu vaccine can also stop you spreading flu to other people who may be more at risk of complications and serious illness if they catch flu.

You have to get immunised every year because flu viruses change constantly and your immunity reduces over time.

The flu vaccine can’t give you flu, but it can stop you catching it.

Vaccine safety

All medicines (including vaccines) are tested for safety and effectiveness before they’re allowed to be used.

Once they’re in use, the safety of vaccines continues to be monitored by the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA).

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.