Guernsey Press

Pop to the cottage for health advice

Herm has been taking part in Weight Wise Week, an initiative by Guernsey's Health Promotion Unit to bring information about living a healthy lifestyle into the community.

Published

Herm has been taking part in Weight Wise Week, an initiative by Guernsey's Health Promotion Unit to bring information about living a healthy lifestyle into the community.

Herm resident Kirsten Parker George, pictured, who works as a Guernsey Health Trainer, was on hand for advice and guidance, and to answer questions about lifestyle issues.

Health trainers provide a free service to anyone in the Bailiwick who would like advice on aspects of healthy living.

Kirsten volunteered at the pop-up shop in Smith Street which provided free blood pressure checks, BMI checks, healthy recipes and face-to-face advice.

Inspired by the venture's success, she decided to try the idea in Herm, opening up a 'pop-up cottage' in one of the self-catering units.

For two days, the cottage became the go-to place for residents, with leaflets offering advice on increasing your physical activity, weight loss tips and portion control, as well as healthy lifestyle ideas for children.

'I just wanted to do something for the residents. I think it's important that Herm has the opportunity to be part of these things,' said Kirsten. 'I was in here for a few hours in case anyone wanted to ask any questions, or speak about something in particular. The rest of the time, the cottage was open for people to drop in and help themselves to leaflets or weigh themselves in private.'

There were also ideas on healthy meals, reducing alcohol intake, and – most importantly – lots of low-fat cake recipes.

'I put some electronic weighing scales in the cottage next to a chart that helps you to work out your BMI, or just helps you see how those double portions of Xmas pud have affected your weight,' said Kirsten.

The pop-up proved a success with residents, and all Kirsten's efforts were much appreciated. Even the island's children proved happy to be weighed, to play with the displays, and to take away leaflets about getting on the path to a healthier life – right from the very beginning.

Sorry, we are not accepting comments on this article.