‘Step It Up’ for September

Bluebird Care Oxford, South & West Oxfordshire is supporting the ‘Step It Up’ for September campaign to promote Vascular Disease Awareness Month. Behind the campaign is the Circulation Foundation, which aims to increase understanding and knowledge of vascular disease and its impact on people’s lives.   

Bluebird Care Oxford, South & West Oxfordshire is supporting the ‘Step It Up’ for September campaign to promote Vascular Disease Awareness Month. Behind the campaign is the Circulation Foundation, which aims to increase understanding and knowledge of vascular disease and its impact on people’s lives.

Although vascular disease is a common and major cause of death in the UK, many people have little or no understanding of its causes and effects.

Vascular disease is an umbrella term for diseases of the veins, arteries and lymphatics. It is caused by the accumulation of fatty deposits in the blood vessels which causes inflammation and weakness.

Over time, the build-up of fatty deposits causes blood vessels to become so impaired that blood flow to vital organs and muscles is greatly reduced. The disease can be symptomless until it results in tissue death causing pain and impaired mobility.  

The exact causes of vascular disease are unknown but certain risk factors include:

• Being male
• Family history of vascular diseases
• High blood pressure
• Smoking
• Over weight
• Sedentary lifestyle
• High stress levels
• Diabetes
• High cholesterol levels

Many vascular diseases can be prevented by:  

• A healthy diet to keep weight under control, reduce cholesterol, decrease blood pressure and lessen risk of diabetes
• Regular exercise
• Lower stress levels
• Reduction or elimination of smoking and alcohol intake

Robert Mezo, Director of Bluebird Care Oxford, South & West Oxfordshire, commented:

“We know that many of our customers have a greater chance of developing vascular disease. Our highly trained staff provide expert care to minimise the risk by supporting a healthy diet and encouraging an active lifestyle.

Raising awareness this month could truly save lives and Bluebird Care is 100% behind the campaign.”

Bluebird Care is a national provider of care in the home, specialising in working with customers who live with dementia, physical disabilities and many other acute and chronic conditions. Bluebird Care work alongside their customers’ families, social services and the NHS to ensure that each person receives the care they need.

Bluebird Care offers a unique service of tailored care visits which range from anything from 30 minutes to full live-in support. As well as personal care they also help with meal preparation, welfare checks, shopping, social trips, visits to the hospital and provide extra support for post-discharge customers.

For more details contact Bluebird Care by calling 01865 807198, emailing oxford@bluebirdcare.co.uk, or by visiting their website  http://www.bluebirdcare.co.uk/oxford/home