Paula’s Background

I have lived in Verwood for over 30 years and am now enjoying the delights of being semi retired, working part time as a reflexologist.

I have a background in healthcare, as a nurse, health visitor and for a shorter period of time a midwife, as well as over a decade spent in nurse education.  I worked predominantly as a health visitor with its focus on family and community health . As a young Health Visitor it was always an ambition of mine to play a role in promoting health in later years as I felt that older age should be celebrated and whilst acknowledging the challenges that it can present I wanted to look to look at ways that  individuals  might lessen the impact of these, enabling them to lead healthier and happier lives.

Having entered into the post 60 age bracket I can honestly say that I am even keener to optimise my chances of leading the best life I can as I grow older and would like to support others in this, whatever your current age or health.  After many years of working in healthcare I realise that many individuals live with chronic illness and disability, often having to deal with a number of personal, social or environmental issues which can impact negatively on their health. I believe it is important to look at health in a holistic way if we are to make improvements in our own health, or if looking collectively, in the health of our community.

Get More Active

A number of you came to the inaugural session of the Health and Wellbeing group ‘What does being healthy mean to you?’ back at the end of October, and at this interest was shown in holding future Health and Wellbeing sessions on a monthly basis. The current thinking is that these will be scheduled roughly monthly with a programme being offered to all members on a bookable basis.

I would like to give an open invitation for the first such talk, ‘Get More Active’ (Date To Be Advised). January usually heralds an increased focus on healthy lifestyles so now is the ideal time to check this out.

I will be covering the first half of the session where we look at the benefits of increasing activity on  both physical and mental health and  how you can incorporate exercise into your everyday lives. I will be emphasising the importance of making even small changes to your activity level. 

In the second half of the session Carly Howard, Exercise Referral Specialist from the Dorset Council Active4Health Programme has very kindly agree to come along and explain what the programme might be able to offer you and its’ eligibility criteria and referral process.

So whilst you perhaps have your mind on other things at the moment why not check your availability for the session Dates to Be Advised and if you are free and interested then  book a place by emailing Paula here

 Subsequent sessions early on in 2025 will be: 

February: Reflexology as a complementary therapy with a focus on stress management. What is Reflexology, the benefits of Reflexology and self care reflexology techniques for managing stress. (Date To Be Confirmed)

March : How to Age Positively. This session will be based around the book of the same title whose author is Guy Robertson. It will dispel some of the negative myths about ageing and look for potential ways that a change in mindset might improve health outcomes in older age. The author has given me permission to use his book as a framework for this session without restriction. (Date To Be Confirmed)