Day: May 15, 2022

Hay fever: Doctor reveals everything you need to know about spotting the signs and treatments 

  • Doctor shares tips on how to manage hay fever symptoms over spring and summer
  • Giving your dog a bath could help minimise irritation!  

Now that it’s spring, the blooming flowers and warmer weather means that we’re officially in hay fever season.  

To support those who suffer from a reaction to pollen, Dr Rhianna McClymont lead GP at digital healthcare provider, Livi, shares tips on how to spot the signs and manage the symptoms so you can make the most of the British summer.  

What is hay fever? 

Hay fever is a type of allergic rhinitis – irritation and inflammation mainly in the nose and eyes as a response to something that triggers the immune system. In the case of hay fever, it’s an allergy to pollen in the air – tree pollen, grass pollen, and other plants can cause problems. 

When we have an allergic reaction, our body naturally releases chemicals called histamines as part of a natural protective response. Sometimes when we’re exposed to an allergen, like pollen, our body’s response is excessive and makes us feel unwell. Some people are more susceptible to these kinds of allergic response than others – this seems to be down to a combination of lifestyle, genetic and environmental factors. 

Common signs of hay fever: 

Hay fever can make you feel quite unwell and can mimic the symptoms of other related allergies. 

Some of the most common signs of hay fever include: 

  • Sneezing 
  • Runny nose 
  • Swollen, red and sore eyes 
  • A sore throat 
  • Itching 
  • Feeling very tired and generally unwell 
  • Poor sleep 

Some people also find that they get headaches and earaches, and hay fever can even affect your sense of taste and smell. 

When is it hay fever season? 

Hay fever season is usually between around March and September, when plants release pollen as trillions of microscopic particles. 

However, depending on the type of pollen, some people may start showing signs of hay fever as early as February.  

  • Grass pollen: This is the most common trigger for hay fever and is usually particularly active from May to July in the UK. 
  • Tree pollen: This affects people a little earlier in the year, between February and mid-summer. There might even be differences in how each person reacts to different types of trees. 
  • Weed pollen: From June to September, hay fever is more likely to be a reaction to weed pollen – common weeds which cause hay fever include dock, nettles, mugwort and ragweed. 
  • Crops: Some crops also cause problems around this time of year, particularly rapeseed, just before and around the time of harvest. 

Managing hay fever: 

Treating hay fever can be done effectively at home and for most people, following the below steps will be sufficient in helping you manage the symptoms.  

  • Use over-the-counter treatments: your local pharmacy is usually a good first port of call for hay fever relief. There are ample options on the market and a variety of ways to ingest the medicine.  
  • Plan ahead: take notice of which days are likely to be worse than others. Dry, windy days when the pollen count is high are particular culprits for causing hay fever, and you can take antihistamines in advance. You can usually find the pollen forecast on the weather report.  
  • Wash clothes (and pets): doing laundry and showering after you’ve been outside on high pollen days can help with signs of hay fever. For pets, especially dogs, pollen may get trapped in their fur after rolling around in the grass or running through plants. If this is a case, giving them a good clean can help get rid of the pollen.  
  • Dry clothes indoors: hanging laundry on the line will increase the amount of pollen you’re exposed to so opting for indoor drying can help reduce the risk of contamination.  

For those who begin to develop trouble breathing or if you’re struggling to manage with symptoms using over-the-counter medications, speaking to a doctor can help as there are stronger medications for hay fever available on prescription, or in severe cases, a GP may refer you to an allergy specialist.  

For more information and support on hay fever, please visit:

https://www.livi.co.uk/your-health/hay-fever-signs-and-treatment/  

‘Mortons Rolls worthy of more than a Lorne’, says top chef Gary Maclean – and Aldi agrees

This week Masterchef winner and acclaimed Scottish chef, Gary Maclean, made an outstanding claim that ‘masterpiece’ Mortons rolls were deserving of more than just a classic lorne sausage, and Aldi Scotland agrees.  

Adding to the debate, the leading value supermarket has lined up three of its top selling products it thinks are worthy of Scotland’s favourite crispy roll. 

Nature’s Glen Scotch Beef Rump Steak 30 Day Matured 255 – £3.79 

Nothing says ‘upgrade’ more than a steak, and at everyday amazing Aldi prices it’s a top contender for a Mortons sarnie.  

This prime cut is the perfect substitute for your slice, and at only £3.79 shoppers are not picking between price and quality. 

Finesse with a dash of mustard to create your Mortons A La Mode.  

Macaulay’s Smoked Ham Hough 850g – £2.75 

Smokey, succulent and sweet, this Macaulay’s Ham Hough falls off the bone, creating a filling worthy of Scotland’s top chef. The producer is one of 90 Scottish suppliers working with Aldi to bring the best of Scotland’s larder to it’s customers. 

Even better, its big enough to feed 4, meaning the whole family can enjoy.  


The Fishmonger Marinated Gravadlax with Sweet Mustard & Dill Dressing – £1.99 

Aldi Smoked Salmon slices which come in a punchy, yet light mustard and dill dressing, are the perfect posh bite for those looking for some ‘roll reversal’. 

For just £1.99, it will add a layer of luxury to your lunch for no more than the cost of a roll at your local van. 

You can find you nearest Aldi here.  

Edinburgh volunteers needed for NSPCC’s flagship Childhood Day

NSPCC Scotland is bringing people in Edinburgh together this summer to have fun while helping to protect children from abuse and neglect.

Childhood Day, which is on June 10, is the NSPCC’s landmark charity day where families, friends and colleagues fundraise and take action to help keep children safe.

To help make this the best Childhood Day yet, the NSPCC is appealing for volunteers on the day in Edinburgh to help at the fundraising collections for the city centre and Edinburgh Craigleith Retail Park, from 10am until 6pm.

Caroline Renton, Supporter Fundraising Manager for NSPCC Scotland, said: “Last year, the NSPCC Helpline made 897 referrals to agencies in Scotland about child abuse and neglect concerns – an average of two referrals a day.

“With the support of local people here in Edinburgh, we can take action against child abuse, and raise funds to ensure young people always have someone to turn to.

“We need volunteers to help at our Edinburgh collection, so please contact us if you’re able to give your time, energy and enthusiasm. It would be great if you could spare a couple of hours to help us. Together we can make all the difference for children.

“Or you may prefer to set up a fundraising event. Whether you’re organising a sponsored kickabout in the park, a board game, a musical get-together or an online gaming tournament, we want your help to get the UK playing and to raise money to help us keep children safe from abuse.”

https://youtu.be/mMcOHBaKkN0

To help with a collection, visit:  

www.nspcc.org.uk/support-us/events-fundraising/childhood-day/volunteer/

If you want to do your own fundraising, then visit:

 https://www.nspcc.org.uk/childhoodday 

for a fundraising pack.

Martin Miller’s Gin: World Bee Week

This May, Martin Miller’s Gin, the world’s most awarded gin brand, proudly partners with leading UK-wide venues and local beekeepers, in a week-long national celebration supporting the  UN’s World Bee Day 2022.  

Martin Miller’s Gin is partnering with Bermondsey Street Bees, Manchester & District Beekeeper’s  Association (MDBKA) and Edinburgh Honey Co. with the mission to raise awareness across the country  of the importance of bee pollinators, particularly in the urban environment.

Key venues including Duchess  of Dalston, Callooh Callay Chelsea and Gold in London, Atlas Bar, Pen & Pencil in Manchester and Pear  Tree, The Raging Bull and OohMami, Edinburgh will partake in this extended initiative – World Bee Week,  16-23 May 2022.  

The week-long celebration by Martin Miller’s Gin will see each partner venue list the Bee’s Knees Cocktail,  made with Martin Miller’s SUMMERFUL Gin. Every serve will be accompanied with an information leaflet  and complimentary thyme seeds for customers to plant at home and encourage their own thriving bee  community. Known to attract all variety of bees, the thyme seeds also provide a much-needed reminder  of the importance of planting, and the role that this plays in allowing bees to thrive within an urban  environment. 

The Bee’s Knees  

The Bee’s Knees is a classic, refreshing summer cocktail, composed of gin, honey and lemon. A gin cocktail  with a twist, the Bee’s Knees is made with Martin Miller’s SUMMERFUL Gin – a fresh variant from the  brand which includes notes of rosemary and thyme, perfectly paired with artisanal raw honey from  Bermondsey Street Bees. The result is a crisp, complex serve offering a herbaceous and citrus finish,  underpinned with cherry-forward notes further heightened by the honey. 

Florencia Orlando, Brand Manager, Martin Miller’s Gin comments: “We had an incredible response to this campaign last year and we’re thrilled to be taking this initiative around the country, for longer!

“The humble  botanical – thyme – is the magic ingredient for both our SUMMERFUL gin and in the mission to save our  bees. We’re delighted reignite our partnership with Bermondsey Street Bees who front the campaign  from London.

“They could not be more aligned with Martin Miller’s Gin in both its quest for high quality  and perfection but also their sustainability values. Incorporating Bermondsey Street Bees honey within our  SUMMERFUL cocktail is a harmonious match and we are looking forward to everyone sampling the serve  this May.” 

Sarah Wyndham-Lewis, Co-Founder, Bermondsey Street Bees comments: “It has never been more  important to support the urban honeybees and their wild bee cousins, and we are delighted to be  partnering with Martin Millers’ Gin and their “World Bee Week” offering to do so.

“We hope through this  partnership Londoners will learn more about these pollinators and indeed will be encouraged to plant  bee friendly seeds. Simply to survive, a single honeybee hive requires around 50kg of pollen and 250 kg  of nectar every year, and this is prior to any surplus honey becoming available for humans to harvest.

They  also need to share this City’s forage resources with the bumblebees, the solitary bee species and other  vital pollinators, so the more green-fingered Londoners, the better!” 

World Bee Day  

This year, The United Nations has selected 20 May 2022 as World Bee Day. Created to draw attention  to the importance of pollinators and sustainable means to support their development, while combatting  the threats the face, World Bee Day aims to educate the public on the importance of bees and the key  role pollinators play in both food supply and biodiversity.  

World Bee Week  

The extended week-long celebration by Martin Miller’s Gin spotlights the importance bees play within our  everyday lives, and how vital it is to take action to protecting this species.

Of the 25,000 species of bees on Earth, only seven are honeybee species, which are the most efficient and successful pollinators, key to  the subsistence of the planet’s ecosystems.

In addition to receiving a packet of thyme seeds with each  Bee’s Knees serve, guests will also be provided with information on key bee conservation charities to  donate to, including British Beekeepers Society and the Bumblebee Conservation Trust.  

How to make a Bee’s Knees  

Ingredients  

• 50ml Martin Miller’s SUMMERFUL Gin  

• 25ml fresh lemon juice  

• 20ml Bermondsey Street Bees Exmoor Honey  

Method  

• Add the gin, lemon juice and honey to a shaker with some ice (if you don’t have a shaker, a jam  (or honey!) jar will do) 

• Shake until chilled  

• Strain into a cocktail glass  

For further information, please visit www.martinmillersgin.com 

Sales & Marketing suite launched at Rowanbank Gardens

New on-site Showcase for Industry-Leading Sustainable Development set to become “a Spectacular Blueprint for Low-Carbon Living” 

Savvy home buyers can now see for themselves the progress being made on one of Scotland’s most anticipated new residential developments following the launch of the on-site sales and marketing suite at Artisan Real Estate’s Rowanbank Gardens, in Corstorphine. 

Potential buyers can now book an appointment or simply drop into the new marketing suite to view the many significant benefits of owning an industry-leading, sustainable home in one of the Capital’s most vibrant centre neighbourhoods. 

Described as a ‘spectacular blueprint for low carbon living’, Rowanbank Gardens will deliver 93 high quality apartments. 

Work began in summer 2021 and, with construction continuing apace, the first ‘move-ins’ are anticipated for spring next year.   Since it launched late last year, sales have been buoyant, with 13 of the first ‘Appleberry’ phase already sold.

A further four of the remaining 14 apartments in Appleberry are now available, with the remaining apartments being released shortly.

Prices for a two-bedroom apartment start at £315,000 with a one-bedroom apartment available soon – making the development a perfect destination for first-time buyers and downsizers wanting to live in well-connected, bustling community just minutes from the city centre.  

Artisan’s New Homes Sales Advisor, Izzy Bastiani, will now be based permanently at the new sales and marketing suite, and she is already welcoming new buyers to the Rowanbank Gardens experience. 

Izzy said: “This is a fantastic development in a fantastic area – and the sales and marketing suite really brings to life what it would be like to live here. Visitors will be able to see, at first hand, just how well-connected and vibrant Corstorphine has become, with everything you need on your doorstep. 

“Rowanbank Gardens has been designed to meet the needs of the modern buyer, making it ideal for the first-time buyer and downsizer market. At its heart is a sustainable design which reflects the demands of modern life, with buildings designed to minimise carbon footprint and maximise daylight. 

“Significant emphasis is placed on the quality of internal space and light to create enjoyable home-working environments, whilst accessible gardens and landscaping promote health and well-being by making nature and well-designed outdoor space integral to the day-to-day living experience.” 

She adds: “And with no fossil fuels being used and both heating and hot water delivered through individual air source heat pumps, the development offers smart energy-efficient design geared to achieving low to zero carbon ratings, with the added benefit of significantly lower home-running costs which is now, more than ever, especially important to home buyers.” 

Rowanbank Garden’s apartments have been designed around an internal courtyard garden, filled with fruit trees and communal planting and growing beds as well as a natural woodland area and formal lawns.  

The spacious apartments will provide open plan living with easy access to a private courtyard or large balcony overlooking the gardens, while innovations such as green roofs ensure benefits of surface water retention, improved insulation and biodiversity. 

David Westwater, Artisan’s Scottish Regional Development Manager adds: “The Rowanbank Gardens site fits in well with Artisan’s approach of regenerating city centre sites with good local amenities and public transport links .

“It is well set to meet the Council’s stated requirement for well designed, high density living whilst providing spacious communal areas and well-established public transport links ensuring low car ownership.  

“Artisan now has an opportunity in Scotland to set a new benchmark for high quality urban regeneration in sensitive city-centre environments – whether it be residential, commercial, or mixed-use.

“Our track record across Scotland has given us a strong understanding of the importance of sustainable low carbon living combined with high quality placemaking, which is at the heart of all Artisan’s developments.” 

To register interest In Rowanbank Gardens and book an appointment at the new on-site sales and marketing suite, visit the development website at www.rowanbankgardens.com or call 0131 516 3302. 

Hidden Door Festival: 4 weeks to go!

We can’t believe that in just FOUR WEEKS we will be welcoming you to Hidden Door 2022!

For our team of volunteers, the festival build begins in the next few days so stay tuned for some exclusive behind-the-scenes previews.

For now, let’s take a closer look at our first Friday night … a night of wild pop and songs for the soul; late night electro in the Basement; ghostly dancers in the debating chamber; powerful theatre and beautiful spoken words echoing down the corridors; eclectic art around every corner; hot street food and sunny terrace bars with stunning city centre views …

See the full 12-hour Friday programme and book ticket

SEPA seeks feedback on new three-day flood forecast

Members of the public are being asked for their feedback on a new Scottish Flood Forecast, which will give communities an indication of where flooding is likely to occur in Scotland up to three days in advance.

A digital, colour coded map has been developed to show potential flood risks for the three days following the publication date of the map, and whether the source of flooding is from the sea, rivers or from surface water.

It will describe the potential impacts of flooding and link to advice and information on what protective action people can take if required. The map will also provide reassurance to communities when significant flooding is not expected.

The forecast will be produced every morning, 365 days a year, and published on SEPA’s website. It is an additional tool for the public to use alongside the current Floodline service, which issues shorter notice regional flood alerts and local flood warnings to those signed up, 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

The Scottish Flood Forecasting Service, a partnership between the Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA) and the Met Office, has created the new Scottish Flood Forecast following extensive user research.

It involved the public, community flood groups, emergency responders, partner organisations and SEPA and Met Office employees. The findings identified a need for flood information to be provided earlier, in a simple and clear way, and the ability to check when no flooding is expected.

The new national service can be viewed online from Thursday 12 May 2022 and is the first step on the journey to providing communities with improved flood information. Feedback from the public will be gathered to inform the next steps and refine the design. The forecast is expected to be finalised and launched later this year.

Pascal Lardet, Flood Warning Unit Manager at SEPA, said: “More extreme weather and rising sea levels due to climate change mean we have to learn to live with flooding.

“It’s vital communities are supported to safely prepare for the potential impacts as early as possible. Thanks to this new product and the extra notice it offers, they’ll have the best chance to reduce the risk of damage and disruption.

“The three-day Scottish Flood Forecast is the biggest change to our flood warning service since it began in 2011. We have listened to customers to ensure we are creating a product that will help them prepare for flooding at the earliest opportunity.

“We will continue to engage and capture customer feedback during the initial pilot period before launching the final version of the Scottish Flood Forecast expected later this year. I would like to take the opportunity to thank the Scottish Flood Forum and the communities at risk of flooding who have already helped to develop this service so far.”

Mark Gibbs, Head of Environment and Energy at the Met Office said: “We have worked in partnership with SEPA to develop the Scottish Flood Forecast which embodies our ethos at the Met Office to help people stay safe and thrive.

“This is becoming increasingly challenging as climate change impacts threaten to affect communities across Scotland and the risks from flooding increase. The Met Office are continually working on improvements to forecasting which feed into the Scottish Flood Forecast.

“During this pilot period we look forward to hearing the views and opinions from communities throughout Scotland to create an improved final version.”

The Scottish Flood Forecast will be available and tested on:

www.sepa.org.uk/scottishfloodforecast. 

A link will be available on this page for members of the public to submit any feedback.

News from Heart of Newhaven

MAY NEWSLETTER

First of all, a big thank you to everyone who contributed to our recent Crowdfunder campaign.

This is to be put towards the costs of sprucing up the building once we get the keys. Lots of volunteers are of course already hard at work getting ready for the big day, making inventories and moving furniture, all essential logistical work.

Soon, it really will be “all hands on deck” as we start with the paintbrushes and the trowels and we’ll be calling on even more help on the ground then.

Meanwhile, if you haven’t already given, the Crowdfunder is still open for donations.

Did you know however that you can gift to our charity at any time you like, or even on a regular basis?

All you have to do is go to our website and follow the links.

You can donate online directly to our bank or you can send a cheque if you prefer.

All the details are on the website here 

Now that the weather is improving, remember our big Picnic in the Park, to be held in Victoria Park on Sunday 19th June, between 12.30 and 3.30pm. 

Inspired by the Eden Project’s Big Lunch, this is being held in collaboration with the Friends of Victoria Park and the Victoria Park Allotment Holders. Bring a picnic and enjoy meeting your neighbours. Take part in the fun races and games or take advantage of the plants and books swap tables. There will even be an (optional) fancy dress competition for children and pets – with prizes!

New initiatives

Thanks to successful applications to the Social Isolation and Loneliness Fund 2022, The Arnold Clark Community Fund and the People’s Postcode Trust, we have successfully achieved funding to help connect and bring people together. This is the aim of the following two new projects.

Reminiscence training

We know that sharing stories and memories is valuable in preserving not just family history but social history and brings people of different generations together through understanding and sharing. It’s also enjoyable and rewarding.

If you’re interested in reminiscence and recording people’s stories and memories, then we have funding for training in reminiscence work which will be led by the Living Memory Association. 

Do get in touch with: judy.crabb@heartofnewhaven.co.uk or christine.mcderment@heartofnewhaven.co.uk  if you would like to take part.

Pots of kindness

The second project is an expansion of our earlier Pots of Kindness. That project was so well received that we are going to run another.

This time, as well as primary school children, we are inviting young people of 16+ to get involved.

We will supply the seeds, pots and compost. All you do is plant the seeds and write a short letter to an elderly recipient. We’ll deliver the planted pots with their accompanying letters to the elderly or isolated within the community.

It’s a wonderful way to bring the generations together.

Get in touch with judy.crabb@heartofnewhaven.co.uk if you know a young person who would like to get involved.

Annual General Meeting

Finally, we are due to hold our next AGM shortly, probably towards the end of June. If you’ve not become a member, consider doing so now, before the meeting, so that you have the right to vote.

There are two types of membership depending on where you live and you can find out all about it on the website page.

JOIN US.

Remember to check the website and our social media regularly for updates and blogs.

RCEM: ‘Now is the time for an Urgent and Emergency Care plan’

Responding to the latest Emergency Department performance figures published by NHS England for April 2022, Dr Katherine Henderson, President of the Royal College of Emergency Medicine, said: “The crisis in Urgent and Emergency Care continues to deteriorate.

“The data show 24,000 patients were delayed in an Emergency Department for 12-hours or more (from decision to admit to admission). This is a staggering and grim number and should seriously alarm all political and health leaders. Patients are coming to harm; now is the time for an Urgent and Emergency Care plan to tackle this crisis.

“The situation is more serious than it has ever been. Patients face long waits for an ambulance, long waits in an ambulance outside an Emergency Department, and long waits in the Emergency Department. These long waits delay care and treatment to patients who may be in a critical condition, and they prevent our highly skilled paramedics from returning to the community and responding to urgent and emergency calls.

“At the heart of the issue are reduced bed capacity in hospitals mixed with an increase in the number long-stay patients – social care patients who do not have sufficient support to return home or to the community – and widespread workforce shortages throughout the system.

“To tackle the crisis the government must publish a fully funded workforce plan that includes measures to retain existing staff, and open 10,000 more beds across the UK.”

Responding to the government’s announcement of more funding for nursing in care homes, Dr Henderson continued: “This announcement is welcome. Social Care nurses have long been undervalued and under-acknowledged. This increase in pay is a welcome step towards showing them the appreciation and gratitude they highly deserve.

“However, it is a shame to see that this increase in funding is limited to NHS-funded nursing care. The entire social care workforce deserves the same acknowledgement and reward. It is critical that during this crisis we attract and retain social care workers and value their time and effort by paying a wage that reflects the significance of their role.

“Good social care supports an efficient health service. Good social care can help prevent A&E attendances. Good social care will support patients moving in and out of hospital in a timely way. Crucially, good social care frees up space for other patients and increases flow throughout the hospital.”

Man convicted and sentenced for attempted murder in Craigentinny

A man responsible for the attempted murder of another man in Edinburgh in 2020 has been jailed.

At Edinburgh High Court on Friday (13 May 2022) Robbie Brown, aged 22, was sentenced to 10 years in prison following the attack which occurred on Thursday, 26 November, 2020.

The victim, who was 22-years-old at the time, was in a property on Craigentinny Road when he was attacked with bladed weapons.

Detective Sergeant Keith Taylor said: “Robbie Brown orchestrated this violent and premeditated attack, an attack which could have cost the victim his life, therefore we welcome him being brought to account for his actions.

“Following the incident we issued an appeal for the help of the public and I would like to thank everyone who came forward to assist.

“I would also like to thank the victim and hope that this sentencing will offer him some comfort.

“We are committed to bringing perpetrators of violence to justice and providing all the necessary support and assistance to victims of such offences.”