Physical and mental health

When you have an additional need, there might be some parts of your physical health that are out of your control. But, there are lots of other things you can do to achieve a healthy lifestyle, including:

• becoming fitter, stronger or more flexible
• maintaining a good sleep routine
• maintaining a balanced diet
• cutting down unhealthy habits such as smoking
• practicing good personal hygiene
• taking your recommended medication

If you can, exercise and do some physical activity every day.

You'll feel better physically and your brain will release feel-good chemicals called endorphins. This means your energy levels will go up and you will be happier.

Managing your physical health can also help improve your mental health as the two are closely linked.

Fitness clubs, gyms, and walking are all great ways to stay active and healthy.

These 8 practical tips from the NHS cover the basics of healthy eating and can help you make healthier choices.

The service sees children and young people from birth to age 19 who live in Buckinghamshire or have a Buckinghamshire GP. We offer information, training, advice, assessment, and therapy.

They offer speech and language therapy, occupational therapy and physiotherapy to support you if you have the following needs:

• speech, language and communication needs and feeding and swallowing difficulties
• occupational performance needs that impact upon your daily participation in activities
• difficulties with movement which impact on your physical development, activity and ability to participate in play, learning and socialising

For physical health needs in adulthood, you may need to continue to see a health worker such as a nurse, therapist or consultant or may only need to see one as and when a need arises.

Most physical health services in Buckinghamshire for children and young people and adults are provided by Buckinghamshire Healthcare NHS Trust (buckshealthcare.nhs.uk).

If you need to see a specialist as an adult speak to your GP surgery who will refer you to the right team to support your needs.

If you have continuing care support as a child/young person, this will be reviewed before your 18th birthday to ensure you still meet the criteria for support.

If you no longer need support from the Continuing Healthcare team, you will be referred to Buckinghamshire Council Social Care for assessment.

Your therapist will talk to you about moving on from children's services. They will provide advice about when you need to seek support and how to get support.

The Speech and Language Therapy for Adults Service can support your concerns with swallowing (dysphagia) and other long-term conditions.

The Adult Physiotherapy Service helps patients affected by injury, illness or disability to regain movement and restore mobility.

Equipment to help independence and care is provided by NRS in Buckinghamshire. Equipment that has been provided for you to use at home to support independence and care will continue to be provided unless you outgrow it or no longer need it.

The adult Occupational Therapy Service can provide assessment and advice for equipment and home adaptations.

Continence advice for children and young people under 18 years is available through the School Nursing or Community Nurses for Children with a Learning Disability.

For adults this service is provided by Continence Service - Buckinghamshire Healthcare NHS Trust.