Day: August 11, 2023

Healthy Tip: Supercharged Sandwiches

Heart Research UK Healthy Heart Tip, written by the Health Promotion and Education Team at Heart Research UK

Healthy Heart Tip: Supercharged Sandwiches

Thought to have been invented in 1762, sandwiches have stood the test of time and are one of the nation’s favourite lunch options.

They are quick and simple to make, can be adapted to suit any dietary preference and they can be as extravagant or as basic as you wish.

Many people shy away from sandwiches when they are trying to eat more healthily, opting for salads or lighter options instead, but the humble sandwich can be a heart-healthy option when we take the time to plan out its components.

The bread

Choose wholewheat options which contain more fibre and are higher in vitamins than their white equivalent.

Fibre is an essential part of a heart-healthy diet, so it is a great idea to select higher fibre options when choosing bread. You can always switch up the bread for wholemeal pittas, wraps or bagels to add variety. Just be sure to look for lower salt options where possible.

The filling

It is important to make sure we include a source of protein in our sandwiches. Protein helps us feel fuller for longer and will keep our energy consistent throughout the day.

Avoid processed deli meats which usually contain high levels of salt, and opt for healthier options such as roasted chicken, salmon, egg, beans, lentils, or low-fat dairy options such as lighter cheddar or cottage cheese.

The veggies

No sandwich would be complete without some vegetables! It can be tempting to skip these, but adding some colour will make sure you receive a healthy dose of vitamins and minerals and add some more all-important fibre.

Ensuring we eat some plants at every meal makes it much easier to consume our five-a-day. Great options include roasted veggies, grated carrot, cucumber, pepper, spinach, rocket and any other leafy greens.

For more tips on how to stay healthy, sign up for weekly healthy tips at:

www.heartresearch.org.uk/health-tips.

Edinburgh plumber reaches semi-final of Screwfix Top Tradesperson Award

  • Ian Chapman from Edinburgh has reached the semi-final of the national award.
  • The plumber is amongst 27 semi-finalists shortlisted for this stage of the Screwfix Top Tradesperson Award 2023.
  • Ultimate trade bundle of tools, tech, and training worth £20,000 to be awarded to the champion at Screwfix LIVE in September.

Ian Chapman, a plumber from Edinburgh, has reached the semi-finals of Screwfix Top Tradesperson 2023.

Ian, 46, is the co-director of Chaps Heating & Plumbing and has been working in the trade for 28 years. His initial application highlighted Ian’s professionalism, dedication, and commitment to supporting the future of the industry, securing him a place in the semi-finals for the coveted award.

Ian is committed to learning and has invested in additional training for himself, as well as the apprentices he employs, to ensure they have wide-ranging knowledge on emerging heating technologies, such as hydrogen and heat pumps.

He will now compete against 26 other top tradespeople from across the UK and the Republic of Ireland, who were selected from over 1000 applications, for the chance to be shortlisted as a top 10 finalist.

The top 10 will participate in a one-day final event at Screwfix LIVE, on Friday 22nd September, where a panel of esteemed industry experts will interview the finalists before deciding on who is this year’s champion.

The overall winner will be crowned Screwfix Top Tradesperson 2023, and take home the ultimate trade bundle of tools, tech, and training worth £20,000.

Ian comments: “I’m thrilled to get through to the semi-finals of Screwfix Top Tradesperson 2023, particularly knowing how many incredible tradespeople I would have been up against. Reaching the national final in September and winning the award would be great recognition for me and my business.

“I hope to impress the judges with my commitment to expanding my knowledge and supporting the next generation of tradespeople to do the same. As a father to three daughters, I would love to play a part in encouraging more women into the trade too.” 

Now in the 14th year of the prestigious award, Ian aims to join the Top Tradesperson Hall of Fame, alongside reigning champion Toby Peacock who won the competition last year.

Toby, an electrician from Cambridge, has shown himself to be a true ambassador for the trade, launching his podcast ‘Tearoom Talks’ which focuses on improving mental health in the trade.

Jack Wallace, Marketing Director at Screwfix, said: “We know there are many exceptional tradespeople out there who show passion and dedication day in, day out. When choosing our champion of the trade, we look for inspirational tradespeople that go above and beyond for their customers, as well as acting as an ambassador for the industry to encourage the next generation of tradespeople.

“Through this national award, we hope to recognise the fantastic work of tradespeople who are invaluable to our economy and the communities they serve.

“A huge congratulations to all our semi-finalists – I wish them the best of luck and look forward to meeting our finalists in September!”

To find out more about Screwfix Top Tradesperson, please visit screwfix.com/stt

Amazon supports Andy’s Man Club

A suicide prevention charity has received a £1,000 donation from the Amazon fulfilment centre in Dunfermline.

Andy’s Man Club is a nationwide charity aiming to end the stigma around men’s mental health by offering weekly mental health support groups for men across the UK. The local groups in Dunfermline meet every Monday evening at 7pm, excluding bank holidays, where men can chat in a safe space about any difficulties they may be struggling with in their lives.

The donation from Amazon will go towards supporting the charity nationally with advertising and promotional materials, volunteer expenses, events, facilitator team building and provisions over periods when the centres are closed.

Speaking on the donation, Jamie Strain, General Manager at Amazon in Dunfermline, said: “Andy’s Man Club is a fantastic charity working hard to reduce the stigma around men’s mental health.

“I hope that this donation will be beneficial for the charity as it continues its work.”

Craig Bain, an employee who nominated the charity for support, added: ““Andy’s Man Club is a charity that is very close to my heart.

“It provides incredible support for men seeking to improve their mental health and I am glad Amazon has decided to support the charity with this donation.”

Joanne Smith from Andy’s Man Club, said: “We would like to say a big thank you to Jamie and the team at Amazon in Dunfermline for this donation.

“Their support is greatly appreciated and will allow us to continue our suicide prevention work in Dunfermline.

“The latest venue addresses can be found by emailing info@andysmanclub.co.uk or on the website www.andysmanclub.co.uk”

The donation to Andy’s Man Club was made as part of Amazon’s programme to support the communities in and around its operating locations across the UK.

Monday: Nature Explorers session at Duncan Place Community Hub

This Monday 14th August we’re having a wee event for kids aged 3 to 6. Come along with your grownup to our Story, Craft & Play: Nature Explorers session.

We’ll read a brill story together about three young girls who go on a hike. Then we’ll learn a bit about nature while exploring Leith Links.

Will we spot butterflies and bees? Maybe a squirrel! There’s lots of beautiful trees and flowers to discover too. We’ll also be getting crafty as you make your own notebook and bag.

Session runs from 10am until 12 noon and is £2 per child.

If the weather is bad, we’ll adapt the session where it will all be indoors.

More info, booking and payment options here > https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/682101151907

In partnership with Edinburgh & Lothians Greenspace Trust

Expert dog welfare group shares advice for helping to keep flat-faced dogs safer in the heat

‘WHEN IN DOUBT DON’T GO OUT’

During summer last year, when the UK faced record-breaking high temperatures of over 40C in July, over 50% of dogs treated for ‘heatstroke’ by PDSA* were those with flat faces (brachycephalic breeds) such as Pugs, British & French Bulldogs and Shih Tzus.

With the summer season underway, a group of UK dog welfare experts is urging owners of flat-faced dog breeds to take extra care to protect these dogs in the warm weather. 

The poor ability of these types of dogs to keep themselves cool by panting because of their abnormally flattened faces means that they are at huge risk of heatstroke in hot weather.

A survey by the British Veterinary Association (BVA) showed that over half of vets surveyed had treated flat-faced dogs for heatstroke in the past year.

In a separate BVA survey, following last year’s record-breaking heatwave, many vets also reported being especially concerned about the impact of hot weather on flat-faced dogs, with some vets worried that owners often did not recognise visible or audible signs of heat stress in their dogs.

The Brachycephalic Working Group (BWG), a national group of the UK’s leading dog health and welfare organisations and vets, has issued advice specifically aimed at owners of flat-faced breeds, to help protect these dogs in the hotter temperatures and summer sunshine:

  • Help them stay cool in hot weather – Dogs don’t sweat like humans do; instead the main way they cool themselves down is by panting. The limited breathing abilities of some flat-faced dogs means they often struggle to cool themselves down and ineffective panting in these dogs only further exacerbates their breathing difficulties.

Encourage your dog to stay in shaded areas, avoid exertion (such as outdoor walks or a game of fetch) and stay indoors through the heat of the day. Never leave flat-faced dogs in a car or conservatory, where they can overheat rapidly even on a relatively mild or overcast day.

  • Plan your walks – Always avoid the warmest parts of the day to head out with your dog. Plan your walks for dawn and dusk. If this isn’t possible, it’s far better to skip a walk rather than risk a flat-faced dog going outside – a dog can develop heatstroke in as little as 15 minutes in warm conditions.
  • Keep cool with fresh drinks – Ensure your dog stays well hydrated by placing bowls of fresh water around the house. And for an extra cool drink, you can add in some ice-cubes.
  • Spot the early signs your dog is struggling with the heat – Being aware of physical changes to your dog from over-heating can enable owners to intervene earlier, hopefully before heatstroke sets in. Look out for the following changes in your dog: breathing more heavily than usual, having less energy, less playful than normal, panting more, stumbling or laying down.
  • Recognising the signs of heatstroke – Being able to spot the signs of heatstroke and knowing when to act can save your pet’s life. Signs can vary from excessive panting, confusion, bright red gums, foaming at the mouth, vomiting, diarrhoea, collapse or even seizures.
  • Cool your dog down quickly – if your dog shows any of the above signs, it’s essential to cool them down as quickly as possible. Move them into a cool area, pour cool water from the cold tap and offer them small amounts of water to drink. Be sure to contact your vet as soon as possible so they can offer the best advice for your situation. Always remember to ‘cool first, transport second’1 when taking your dog for veterinary care for heatstroke.
  • Knowing Pet First Aid could save your pet’s life – Being comfortable and able to perform Pet First Aid before you get to a vet could be vital for your dog in an emergency, especially in cases of heatstroke. PDSA has a free Pet First Aid guide, full of tips and tricks for pet owners, should the worst happen.

Due to their flattened skull shapes, flat-faced (brachycephalic) dogs do not have the naturally longer nose that helps other types of dogs to lose heat during panting, meaning flat-faced breeds often struggle more than other types of dogs to lose heat effectively.

These problems are exacerbated in hot weather and especially if the dogs are exercised. Owners of flat-faced breeds should be extra vigilant in the summer months when it’s likely to be warmer than usual. Warm weather can be fatal for all breeds of dogs, so it is important all owners are aware of the severe dangers.

Dr Dan O’Neill, Chair of the BWG, said: “Flat-faced dogs are currently hugely popular in the UK but owners of these breeds need to especially vigilant to protect their dogs from heatstroke.

“Avoid exercise during hot parts of the day and wet these dogs liberally as soon as they show are any signs of overheating.

“If you are concerned, contact your vet as soon as possible. The core message is ‘when in doubt, don’t go out – Dogs Die on Hot Walks’.”

The BWG, which is made up of veterinary associations, welfare organisations, universities, the government, breeders and dog owners, has more information about heat-related illness in brachycephalic dogs, and an infographic with advice, on the Group’s website.

Quit Smoking: Ash Scotland lunch at Pilton Community Health Project

WEDNESDAY 16th AUGUST from 11am – 12pm

Due to popular demand, another smoking focus group in our comfy #NorthEdinburgh community hub!

Share a delicious lunch, we want to hear your stories. Ask all the questions you want with @QYWLothian and @ASHScotland

#listening

#wellbeing

#Equality

#belonging

Tributes to Sir Iain Livingstone on his retirement from policing

First Minister Humza Yousaf has led tributes to Sir Iain Livingstone QPM who yesterday (August 10) retired from policing after 31 years, including six as Scotland’s Chief Constable.

Sir Iain, who was appointed Chief Constable in August 2018 and served as Interim Chief from September 2017, announced his decision to retire from policing in February.

Having brought stability to Police Scotland, the 56-year-old led the organisation through the delivery of major events and challenges including the Covid pandemic, the policing of COP26, and the death of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth.

Under his command, Police Scotland has delivered a world-leading homicide detection rate, clearly established a commitment to tackling violence against women and girls, and championed inclusion.

First Minister Humza Yousaf said: “I would like to thank Sir Iain Livingstone for his outstanding leadership of Police Scotland over the past six years.

“During his time in charge, policing of the COVID pandemic, COP26 and the funeral of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II showcased all that is best about the qualities and traditions of Scottish policing.

“He has also shown courage and commitment in challenging the institutional and structural barriers that exist within Police Scotland. After 31 years of public service, I wish him well on his retirement.”

Martyn Evans, Chair of the Authority, said: “Sir Iain Livingstone has been integral to delivering the vision of a single national police service and transforming policing over the last decade. In doing so, he has shown great imagination, courage and created much needed stability.

“He has led Police Scotland with dignity, grace and distinction through significant major events and challenges. The Authority is immensely grateful for his contribution and leadership and we wish him well for this next chapter.”

Members of the force executive, probationary constables, and other colleagues, serving and retired, wished him well as he left Police Scotland Headquarters, Tulliallan.

Sir Iain said: “Leading our officers and staff as Scotland’s chief constable to keep the public safe has been the privilege of my professional life.

“I thank and pay tribute to all my colleagues for their dedication and professionalism and to my family for their love and support.

“With the strong and experienced leadership team in place and under the command of new Chief Constable Jo Farrell, I know Police Scotland will continue to deliver ethical and effective policing for our fellow citizens.”

Chief Constable Farrell will take up post on 9 October with Deputy Chief Constable Designate Fiona Taylor QPM taking on the responsibilities of Chief Constable in the interim period.

DCC Taylor said: “On behalf of our officers and staff I thank and pay tribute to Sir Iain for his outstanding public service and inspirational leadership. We wish him and his family the very best.”

A summary of Sir Iain’s career is available on the Police Scotland website here.

Tomorrow: Pedal to Porty!

Join ELREC for a sunny cycle to Portobello THIS Saturday.

🚲The rides are fun, social, and inclusive.

Participants will need their own bike and we are offering a free bike safety check on the Friday afternoon prior to the ride at Drylaw Neighbourhood Centre.

All details in the poster below 👇

#activetravel

#cycleride

#cycling

#SustainableLiving

Climate-themed exhibition of Oceanic art to open at the National Museum of Scotland

Rising Tide: Art and Environment in Oceania (12 August 2023 – 14 April 2024) delves into the most important and pressing issue of our time, humanity’s damaging relationship with planet Earth.

This is felt especially deeply in Australia and the Pacific Islands where sea levels are rising due to climate change and the oceans are filling with plastic.  

The exhibition hosts the latest version of artist George Nuku’s installation, Bottled Ocean 2123, which imagines the state of the oceans 100 years into the future in an immersive, undersea landscape crafted from single use plastic bottles.

The artwork will address humanity’s unsustainable relationship with single use plastic, highlighting its impact on the natural environment and asking audiences to rethink their relationship with it. 

It was created with the assistance of around 400 people including museum visitors, staff and volunteers from youth and community groups across Edinburgh. The opening of the exhibition coincides with the withdrawal from sale of plastic-bottled water at  the National Museum of Scotland.

Rising Tide also marks the first display in Europe of a set of five kimono which make up an artwork entitled Song of Samoa, by internationally renowned artist Yuki Kihara, newly acquired by National Museums Scotland with the support of Art Fund. 

This exhibition considers our relationship to the natural environment through contemporary responses to climate change and plastic waste by Indigenous Australian and Pacific Islander artists.

Examples include work by master fisherman Anthony C Guerrero, who uses historic weaving techniques to make contemporary baskets from plastic construction strapping that is found littering his local beach in Guam.  

The vulnerabilities of Oceanic countries to climate change are highlighted, whilst showcasing the strength and resilience of their diverse communities.

Alison Clark, Senior Curator of Oceania at National Museums Scotland said:  “This exhibition takes visitors on an important journey of reflection and action. While Oceania may be far away from Scotland, the issues of rising sea levels and plastic pollution are global and their effects are also felt here in the UK.

“The exhibition presents a diverse range of responses from individuals in Oceania to climate threats that are relevant to our own lives. Whilst the climate change threat is both real and immediate, this exhibition also provides a sense of optimism for the future.” 

Rising Tide also features historical material from National Museums Scotland’s collections, such as spear points from the Kimberley region of Western Australia made by Aboriginal men from discarded glass bottles.

A recurring theme throughout the exhibition, these spear points demonstrate that Indigenous peoples in Oceania have always innovated, using materials found in their environment to make cultural objects.

Rising Tide: Art and Environment in Oceania is part of Edinburgh Art Festival, taking place between 11–27 August 2023. 

edinburghartfestival.com/eaf-2023/ 

@edartfest 

#EdArtFest 

Fringe 2023: One MILLION tickets sold

FILL YER BOOTS: Optimism surrounds the 2023 Edinburgh Festival Fringe with 1 million tickets now issued 

[L-R] Cris Peploe, Claudia Cawthorne and Martha Haskins launch the Edinburgh Festival Fringe 2023 Programme. Photograph by Peter Dibdin

As the Edinburgh Festival Fringe enters its second weekend, audiences are embracing the call to Fill Yer Boots across a diverse and energetic Fringe programme.

With over 1 million tickets issued so far and thousands of people watching street performances and free shows; the 2023 Fringe is as relevant, exciting, accessible and diverse as ever. 

While this key moment is an important milestone, the festival, and indeed the wider cultural sector, have much to do in their continued recovery from the pandemic.

As an open-access festival it is the artists themselves who are at the heart of the Fringe, taking the risk to bring work to Edinburgh every August. As such, the Fringe Society encourages everyone visiting the festival this August to continue to see work and explore as much as possible for the next two weeks. 

Audiences have been flocking to the popular Street Events programme to experience local and international street performance every day from 11:00 – 18:00, with artists maximising the opportunity to tell passersby about their upcoming shows.

In addition to the outdoor programme, there are 439 free shows, and 614 Pay What you Can/Want shows across various venues ensuring something for everyone. 

The Fringe Central Artist Hub, which this year is located in the Quaker Meeting House, has welcomed hundreds of artists to the space to network with peers, engage in an extensive events programme, and gain advice and support from the Fringe Society team. 

The Fringe app, which returned this summer, has now had over 55,000 downloads; with Nearby Now and Shake to Search functionality helping audiences take a chance on watching something new while between shows or simply offering a randomised performance. 

Shona McCarthy, Chief Executive, Edinburgh Festival Fringe Society, said: “Last autumn when we reviewed the challenges facing the 2023 Fringe, we entered this year with uncertainty about what this summer would look like.

“Despite the current cost of living crisis, audiences have jumped straight into the Fringe programme and are exploring performance across every genre. With the average ticket price less than £12, it is the artists and venues who have worked tirelessly to ensure the Fringe is accessible as possible.

“I encourage you to continue to support this important event, book more tickets and Fill Yer Boots with everything this extraordinary festival has to offer!”