Tag: advice

Stress Awareness month: Experts share tips on reducing stress levels through small, positive actions

April marks Stress Awareness Month in the UK, which since 1992 has sought to raise awareness of the causes and dangers of stress.

Stress is the body’s reaction to pressure or feeling threatened. It is very common and can help people to work hard and achieve their goals. However, too much stress can have a negative impact on your physical, emotional and mental health. 

The theme for this year’s month is Little By Little, focusing on the impacts of small, consistent and positive actions. To mark the month, the learning experts at online training provider High Speed Training have shared some tips to help identify and effectively manage stress at home.

Stress is a normal part of life, and everyone will experience it at some point. There are many causes of stress and they will be different for everyone. Some common sources of stress include:

  • Feeling under lots of pressure. 
  • Facing big changes in your life.
  • Being worried about something or someone. 
  • Not having control over the outcome of a situation. 
  • Having overwhelming responsibilities.
  • Not having enough work or having too much work.
  • Experiencing discrimination, hate or abuse.
  • Going through a period of uncertainty. 

Dr Richard Anderson, Head of Learning & Development at High Speed Training, said: “A key part of managing stress is being able to recognise when you are stressed and responding appropriately. This is crucial as preventing and managing long-term stress can lower your risk for other conditions such as heart disease, obesity, high blood pressure and depression.

“There are many sources of stress in our everyday lives. For many, stressful situations occur in the workplace or due to our jobs. All employers must ensure the health and safety of their employees, including minimising the risk of stress-related illness, so if you are experiencing stress at work, you should try and speak to your employer.”

Know the signs

There are many symptoms of stress, from feeling anxious and angry to physical manifestations, such as headaches, difficulty breathing and muscle aches. 

When you’re stressed, your muscles can contract and become tense, leading to neck pain, headaches, back ache and cramps. Physically relaxing your muscles can help to alleviate these feelings. 

Trying to control your breathing can also help. Try taking a deep breath through your nose, holding it for 5-6 seconds and breathing out through your mouth. Repeating this three times can help increase the amount of oxygen to your brain and reduce your heart rate.

Take Some Time and focus on rest

Taking some time out of your daily routine is essential if you are going to relax your mind and body fully. Activities such as reading, walking, doing a hobby or spending time with friends can all help alleviate stress and allow you to focus on a positive activity.

Sleep is also essential to our wellbeing so you should aim to get a full night’s sleep every night. Most people need around 7-8 hours’ sleep a night, though some people can manage on 6. 

To get a better night’s sleep, try going to bed and getting up at similar times each day to stabilise your body clock, and try to complete a relaxing activity before you go to sleep. It’s also important to ensure your bedroom is sufficiently dark and quiet, and if possible, avoid using electronic devices in bed.

Eat healthily

Dr Anderson said: “Without a balanced diet your body may be more susceptible to stress-related illnesses, so it is vital that you continue to eat healthily when you are feeling stressed. Always eat breakfast and keep hydrated throughout the day to stop yourself running out of energy and feeling tired.

“Eating foods from the 5 key food groups at every meal, consisting of a large amount of fruit, vegetables and starchy foods, a moderate amount of protein and dairy and a small amount of fats and sugars, will help to keep you happy and healthy.

“Try to cut out as many saturated, high-calorie foods as possible, such as pies, pastry, cakes, biscuits and crisps, as these can make you feel sluggish and will be detrimental to your mood.”

Get moving

Exercise is a great way to prevent stress and anxiety and a good way to release tension. Whichever fitness activity you choose to do, even if it’s just for 20 minutes a day, it will help to decrease blood pressure and lower your heart rate: two of the worst physical symptoms of stress.

When you exercise, endorphins are released in your body (as opposed to the adrenaline and cortisol released when you are stressed) which help to produce feelings of well-being and calmness.

Dr Anderson continues: “Everyone will experience stress at some point in their lives. It’s clear that long-term or prolonged periods of stress can have a negative impact on your physical and mental health.

“Identifying the causes of your stress and regularly engaging in stress management activities will help you to respond effectively.”

For more information on managing stress, and for lots more practical advice, please visit the High Speed Training Hub.

Police: Tackling tool theft

🚨🔧🔨 There has been a rise in tool thefts from work vehicles, renovation sites, and construction areas. 🚨

We urge everyone to be extra cautious and take preventative measures to protect your valuable assets.

Here are some practical tips:

1️⃣Lock it up: Ensure your vehicle or site is securely locked when unattended.

2️⃣ Out of sight, out of mind: Keep tools hidden. The less visible they are, the less likely they are to be stolen.

3️⃣ Invest in secure storage: A tool safe or lockbox can provide an extra layer of security.

4️⃣ Mark your tools: Engraving or marking your tools can deter thieves and aid in recovering stolen items.

🚚In addition to these, when it comes to vehicle security: 🚚

5️⃣ Hide your valuables: Avoid leaving property on open display within your vehicle, including the boot.

6️⃣ Remove tools at night: If you or anyone you know stores work tools in their vehicles, please remove them at night. It might take some time, but it’s the most effective theft prevention method.

7️⃣ Upgrade your locks: Installing additional or stronger locks can deter thieves from attempting to break into a vehicle.

Stay alert, stay safe!

#CommunityAlert

#ToolTheft

#StaySafe

NHS 24: Swing into Spring!

NHS 24’s ‘Healthy Know How’ tips to keep you fit and well this spring!

Do:

✅ check you have remedies to treat common illnesses at home.

✅remember many GP practices and pharmacies will be closed over the Easter weekend, and some may be closed for local bank holidays in May.

✅make sure you have enough prescribed medication to last through any spring holidays.

✅order any medicines you need in plenty of time.

Find more spring health tips at:

https://nhs24.info/spring

‘I’m a Vet – and muzzles are not bad for our pets’

PDSA urges to see past the muzzle & breaks down misconceptions ahead of Scotland’s new laws

Last released figures shared by Defra showcased that more than 35,000 dogs have been registered in England and Wales under the XL Bully exemption scheme. Not factoring in the number of dogs living in Scotland who as of 23 February will be required to wear a muzzle, there’s bound to be a surge in dogs outside wearing muzzles. 

Muzzles can be divisive, and vet charity PDSA is seeing this first hand. 

PDSA Vet, Lynne James, explains there’s many misconceptions around muzzles, which all XL Bully type dogs must now wear when out and about, in order to comply with the Exemption rules. This includes when being transported in a car.  

“Experts and animal welfare organisations have campaigned against breed bans for decades, but it’s a big myth that muzzles are bad for dogs.  

“As a Vet, and working in the profession, muzzles are no stranger to us. In fact, muzzles can be extremely helpful in our line of work.  

“We’re very keen to highlight misconceptions about muzzles. For many, especially now, muzzles are going to be part of their daily routine – grab your dog’s lead, collar and muzzle before heading out for walk. 

“Dogs don’t care what they look like – that’s a human thing. Thinking a dog in a muzzle must be ‘dangerous’ just isn’t accurate when muzzles have other uses. Vet professionals see them on a day-to-day basis and frankly, see past the muzzle. 

The leading vet charity shared some of the muzzle misconceptions it has heard since the ban was announced: 

  • Muzzles are prison for pooches 
  • They are animal cruelty 
  • Look barbaric 
  • Muzzles look like a monstrosity 
  • Horrible contraptions 

Why use a muzzle? 

“We do understand how muzzles can create the fear of the unknown, especially if you’ve only seen them portrayed on fierce looking guard dogs in films! It’s important to be aware though – muzzles can be used for other positive reasons, and many of the dogs you may see out and about wearing them these days are not to be feared. 

“Muzzles can be especially helpful for dogs who like to eat non-food items – owners who have a dog who munches on poo whilst out on walks will understand this better than most!  

“They can also create some safety for dogs themselves, if a dog does like to sniff out things to pick up when on walks, a muzzle can help to stop them easily picking up potentially harmful foods or substances.  

“Even the friendliest of dogs can find some situations stressful – such as visits to the groomers or the vets, particularly if they’re in pain or have had a previous uncomfortable experience. That’s why we’d recommend all owners include muzzle training with their general dog training, it’s just as handy for your dog to be happy wearing a muzzle as it is for them to know how to ‘sit’ and ‘wait’, should you need them to.” 

“It’s also imperative people understand that a muzzle is not ‘animal cruelty’. If a dog is wearing a suitable, comfortably fitting, spacious muzzle, they should be able to fully pant, drink water, and even take treats with ease. 

Choosing the right muzzle for your dog 

“When choosing the best muzzle for your individual dog, you want to make sure that:  

  • There’s roughly 1cm space between your dog’s nose and the very end of the muzzle. 
  • There’s plenty of airflow so your dog doesn’t overheat and can breathe normally. 
  • Enough room for your dog to comfortably open their mouth to eat and drink. 
  • Plenty of space for your dog to fully pant. 
  • Should be made of a durable but comfortable material so it doesn’t break but also doesn’t irritate your dog’s skin.

“It’s always key for pet owners to slowly introduce a muzzle in a positive way, to help their dog become confident and happy wearing it.

“Muzzle training shouldn’t be rushed and should always be done at a dog’s pace, in several short sessions over a few weeks, so they have time to adjust and feel comfortable wearing a muzzle.

“Whilst muzzles have their uses for shorter periods of time, they aren’t meant to be worn as a constant. However, a good walk, whether short or long, that suits the energy levels of your dog is fine to wear a muzzle for.”

 

Key dates for XL type owners in both England and Wales: 

  • 31 March 2024 — deadline for your dog to be microchipped (and microchip number provided to Defra by email or post, by this date) if your dog was less than eight weeks old when you applied for a Certificate of Exemption.  
  • 30 June 2024 — deadline to have your dog neutered (and neutering evidence provided to Defra by email or post, by this date), if your dog was more than one year old on 31 January 2024. 
  • 31 December 2024 — deadline to have your dog neutered (and neutering evidence provided to Defra by this date), if your dog was less than one year old on 31 January 2024. 

Scotland’s ban timeline:  

  • It has been announced restrictions for XL Bullies will come into place on 23 February 2024 in Scotland. 
  • From this date, owners of XL Bullies will need to comply with the restrictions: dogs must wear a muzzle and be on a lead when in public. It will also be illegal to sell, or advertise for sale, abandon, give away or breed the dogs in Scotland. 
  • From 31 July 2024, it will be illegal to own an XL Bully without having an Exemption. We’re still awaiting information for how owners will be able to apply for an Exemption, and when they can do so.

There’s plenty of muzzle training guidance and advice on PDSA’s website, as well as the information the vet charity knows about both the England and Wales ban, and the Scotland ban. 

Citizens Advice sees surge in young adults needing help with managing money as cost-of-living pressures soar

  • New research shows nine in ten (90%) under 25s feel uncomfortable discussing finances
  • “We’re here to help”: charity reveals the number of young people needing support with managing money has doubled since 2019
  • Citizens Advice to place 6m-tall elephant in Manchester city centre to address the ‘elephant in the room’ and encourage young people to talk about their money troubles

The number of young people needing help with managing money has doubled since 2019, Citizens Advice has reported. The charity, which supported 66,000 under 25s last year alone, says one in five (20%) young adults seeking its advice need help with debt.

Citizens Advice warns many young people are feeling particularly squeezed by the cost-of-living crisis as they face a triple whammy of soaring living costs, rising private rents and high inflation. The charity is helping record numbers of people amid rising financial pressures.

Despite this, the vast majority of young adults still feel uncomfortable discussing finances. According to the charity’s new research, nine in ten (90%) under 25s shy away from such conversations, and would rather talk about sensitive topics like health issues, politics or religion instead of money.

To address this ‘elephant in the room’, Citizens Advice has placed a giant 6-metre-tall inflatable elephant in Manchester city centre, aiming to create a talking point and encourage young adults to open up about their finances and seek support. 

The elephant is being displayed in Exchange Square, by Manchester Victoria Station, on Saturday 17 February to try to break the silence young people experience when it comes to talking about money and raise awareness of the support Citizens Advice can offer. Staff and volunteers from the charity will be on the ground in Manchester to help answer questions from the public and give advice and support on money troubles.

The elephant’s colourful, money-related pattern has been designed by India Buxton, a Fine Art student at the University of Salford, who was commissioned by Citizens Advice after winning its competition. 

India, who received £500 prize money, said: “It feels fantastic to win the competition. Many young people, myself included, are in the dark about finances and don’t know where to start, or who to ask for help. It can feel like an embarrassing conversation, but it’s so important to do it, and hopefully this artwork will help get people talking.”

In the Citizens Advice study, embarrassment was listed as the top reason why young adults feel uncomfortable discussing money, followed by the fear of comparison.

The top five reasons why young people feel uncomfortable talking about finances are:

  1. Feeling embarrassed of their financial situation (35%)
  2. Feeling worried how their finances compare to others (31%)
  3. It’s too personal a topic to talk about (18%)
  4. Not wanting the other person to feel uncomfortable in the conversation (15%)
  5. Not knowing enough about finances to talk about the topic confidently (12%)

Jack, 24 from Derby, is in his first graduate job after finishing university and has around £2,000 in debt, mostly due to late payments on utility and council tax bills. He would love to pay off his debts and start saving, but is currently living “pay cheque to pay cheque”, as the cost of living crisis makes it even more challenging for him to manage his money.

Jack finds conversations about money difficult, but knows that avoiding the topic isn’t helping his financial situation.

Jack says: “My finances are not in a good position, and I feel terrible about it. My debt is going down gradually, but I don’t think it’s ever going to hit zero. 

“I’d feel more comfortable talking about money if I had a clue what’s going on, but I don’t like discussing it. Even though I know that talking to people who have had similar experiences to me would probably do me the world of good, I still won’t do it, because it’s awkward and stressful. 

“I’ve actually straight-up lied to avoid talking about my financial situation. For example, I didn’t have the heart to tell my flatmate that I couldn’t afford to go halves on a rental deposit, so I talked them into a zero-deposit option, even though I knew it put us in a worse position in the long term. It made me feel like a failure.

“A massive part of the problem is the cost of living. Everyone says, ‘Make a budget plan and stick to it.’ I would, but if my bills are going up by £100 every two months, where is the extra money going to come from?

“I fully think that my financial situation has been affected by not knowing where to get good advice. If I’d just spoken to someone and explained my current situation, they might have been able to tell me what to do.”

Rosi Avis, Partnership and Communication Lead at Citizens Advice Manchester, says: “All of us can struggle to find the words when it comes to talking about our finances. And we know young people are really feeling the pinch with rising costs and sky-high rents.

“At Citizens Advice we help thousands of people find a way forward every day. So whether it’s a dodgy landlord, a retailer who’s refusing to give you a refund, or help with credit card debt, we can support you.

“The most important first step is to speak to someone about your worries: whether it’s a family member, a mate or one of our trained advisers. We’re here to help and make you feel less alone.”

To support young people to feel more comfortable discussing finances, Citizens Advice has created an expert guide here: 

https://wearecitizensadvice.org.uk/elephant-savings-your-starter-guide-to-talking-about-money-6fef0d8f4b6d

Health Board urges people not to visit hospitals if they have symptoms of vomiting or diarrhoea 

Members of the public are being urged not to visit hospitals if they are displaying symptoms of vomiting or diarrhoea, or if they have been in contact with anyone who is unwell. 

NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde (NHSGGC) issued the advice to those who are planning to visit loved ones in hospital. 

The health board said anyone with vomiting or diarrhoea symptoms, or anyone who has been in recent contact with someone with these symptoms, should not visit until they feel better. 

It comes amid a rise in winter related illnesses including Norovirus, Gastroenteritis, COVID-19 and flu across Scotland. 

Visitors are also reminded to practice good hygiene by ensuring they regularly wash their hands to prevent the spread of viruses. 

Nausea, vomiting and diarrhoea are common symptoms of these illnesses, along with headaches, fever and muscle or limb pain.  

Symptoms of Gastroenteritis include: 

  • Suddenly feeling sick 
  • Projectile vomiting 
  • Watery diarrhoea 
  • Slight fever 
  • Headaches 
  • Painful stomach cramps and aching limbs

Symptoms of COVID-19 include:

  • Continuous cough 
  • High temperature, fever or chills 
  • Loss of, or change in, your normal sense of taste or smell 
  • Shortness of breath 
  • Unexplained tiredness, lack of energy 
  • Muscle aches or pains that are not due to exercise 
  • Not wanting to eat or not feeling hungry 
  • Headache that’s unusual or longer lasting than usual 
  • Sore throat, stuffy or runny nose 
  • Diarrhoea 
  • Feeling sick or being sick 


Symptoms of flu include: 

  • A sudden fever 
  • A dry, chesty cough 
  • A headache 
  • Tiredness and weakness 
  • Chills 
  • Aching muscles 
  • Limb or joint pain 
  • Diarrhoea or abdominal (tummy) pain 
  • Nausea and vomiting 
  • A sore throat 
  • A runny or blocked nose 
  • Sneezing 
  • Loss of appetite 
  • Difficulty sleeping 


In recent years, taking precautions against viral infections have become part of our daily life and we can all continue to help each other by following guidance around slowing the spread of viruses and practicing good hygiene.

You can protect yourself and others by staying at home if you are unwell and by cleaning hands and surfaces regularly.  


Dr Aleksandra Marek, Consultant Microbiologist and Infection Control Doctor, said: “We are asking anyone with symptoms including vomiting or diarrhoea, or anyone who has been in contact with someone who has these symptoms, not to visit our hospitals. 

“During the winter months, illnesses such as Norovirus, Gastroenteritis, COVID-19 and flu, can add to the pressures that staff face across our sites. 

“To help protect yourself, your loved ones and our services, we are asking members of the public not to visit our hospital sites if they are displaying symptoms of any of these viruses.  

“We are also asking anyone who does attend a site to follow infection control guidance, such as washing your hands regularly.”

NHSGGC is urging people to only attend Emergency Departments (A&E) if their condition is very urgent or life-threatening.  

Any patient unsure of who to turn to has a range of options available to them: 

1. Visit the NHS Inform website:
https://www.nhsinform.scot/ 

2. Call NHS24 on 111 

3. Visit the NHSGGC website: https://www.nhsggc.scot/your-health/right-care-right-place/ 

For very urgent or life-threatening emergencies, the public should continue to call 999 or attend A&E. 

Fear of theft and violence putting a strain on tradespeople with more than nine in 10 targeted by criminals

  • More than nine in 10 tradespeople say they or someone they know have been victims of theft
  • Research shows 88% of those surveyed are concerned about the ongoing issue
  • Almost a third of tradespeople admit the fear of theft contributes to negative mental health
  • 60% in the industry do not believe mental health is spoken about openly
  • NFU Mutual is a proud supporter of Samaritans, whose volunteers offer emotional support to anyone who is struggling

More than nine in 10 tradespeople have been targeted by criminals as the fear of theft and violence puts a strain on the industry, alarming stats reveal.

New research* from commercial insurer NFU Mutual found that more than nine in 10 tradespeople (92%) say they or someone they know have been a victim of theft.

In the last 12 months alone, 53% of those surveyed said they had experienced tool or equipment theft, just shy of half had materials pinched, almost three in 10 had a vehicle stolen and 23% were victims of organised crime.

And those figures clearly weigh heavily on those in the industry, with almost a third of tradespeople (29%) admitting that the fear of theft and violence on their business contributes towards difficulties with mental health.

The rising cost of living (42%), financial worries (41%), stress of the job (39%), long hours (35%) and a lack of regular work (33%) were the other factors.

With almost nine in 10 tradespeople concerned about the threat of their equipment being stolen, NFU Mutual is urging workers to remain vigilant.

Trade theft pie chart1

Zoe Knight, Commercial Specialist at NFU Mutual, said: “Theft of tradespeople’s tools or equipment continues to blight the industry and the fact 92% of people surveyed say they – or someone they know – have been a victim speaks volumes.

“Tradespeople rely on this equipment for their income and livelihood, with crime hitting not just their pocket but, as our research shows, also having a huge and negative impact on their mental health.

“To see a third of tradespeople fearing theft or violence in their day-to-day job is worrying and we would urge tradespeople to do all they can to offput the threat of that happening – via security measures and recording serial numbers of equipment.

“We want tradespeople to feel supported and protected should the worst happen and know there is also help available for those struggling.”

A report by Builders Merchants News* revealed in December that texts to a construction charity helpline had seen an increase of 105% after the launch of an initiative to take the mental health message across the UK.

That could pave the way for more open conversations, with NFU Mutual’s survey showing that more than half of respondents believe that mental health isn’t spoken about openly in the trades industry.

While more than three-quarters of tradespeople did say they were confident or fairly confident they would know where to go for support if they were struggling, worryingly,  almost four in 10 (36%) said it is unlikely they would seek help if they had mental health problems.

Trade theft pie chart2

Commercial insurer NFU Mutual is a proud supporter of Samaritans, a charity which offers round the clock emotional support to anyone struggling to cope.

Jason Jaspal, Assistant Director of Business Development at Samaritans, added: “Samaritans offers a listening ear and a safe space to share how you’re feeling 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.

“It’s vital that tradespeople reach out for support when they are finding life tough, rather than letting things build up and potentially reaching a crisis point. It doesn’t matter what they’re finding challenging, Samaritans is here so they don’t have to face things alone.”

NFU Mutual Risk Management Services is sharing the following advice to tradespeople:

  • Minimise storage of tools and equipment in vans: a robust, lockable building is preferable. Consider intruder alarms for high value equipment.
  • If you have to leave tools and equipment in a van, make sure it’s alarmed and, as a minimum, park against a wall so that doors cannot be opened easily.  
  • Don’t make it easy for thieves to guess that equipment is kept inside (a van or a building) e.g. by leaving items on display and leaving tools around which may assist an intruder.
  • Store portable items within a robust, lockable store that is fixed in place.
  • Restrict and control vehicular access to the work site.
  • Consider video security system (temporary systems and temporary intruder alarm systems are available for site use).  
  • Security mark your tools and equipment (e.g. forensic, engraving or permanent marking) to deter thieves and aid recovery.
  • Don’t stockpile high value materials such as lead and copper or leave them around for longer than necessary.
  • For construction vehicles use CESAR marking, tracking and immobilisation to prevent and trace thieves.
  • Check all locks and security measures before leaving any site e.g. alarms switched on, cameras facing the right direction and security lights working.

For quality trades insurance to suit all sizes, search NFU Mutual Builders and Trades Insurance at www.nfumutual.co.uk/trades-insurance/.

For more information about Samaritans and the work the charity does, visit https://www.samaritans.org/

Health charity urges Edinburgh residents to share experiences of successful quit smoking attempts

People in Edinburgh who have successfully given up smoking in the last couple of years are being encouraged by a campaigning health charity to share their experiences about how they managed to quit.

As part of the charity’s preparations for No Smoking Day which takes place on 13 March, ASH Scotland is urging Edinburgh residents to share details of their journeys to live a tobacco-free life by highlighting the motivating factors which prompted their quit smoking attempts and if they gave up through sheer willpower and personal determination or the types of support they found to be most useful.

Sheila Duffy, Chief Executive of ASH Scotland, said: “Ahead of No Smoking Day on 13 March, we would love to hear from people in Edinburgh about their successful experiences in the last couple of years or so of giving up smoking for good.

“We look forward to discovering everyone’s inspirational stories, which could encourage others to quit smoking for the first time or try again to live a life free from tobacco and enjoy a healthier future with opportunities to spend their money in other ways.” 

The charity is asking people to share stories up to a maximum of 200 words by emailing: comms@ashscotland.org.uk or via ashscotland.org.uk/your-story.

ASH Scotland is tackling tobacco head-on by campaigning to reduce the harms caused by smoking. For more information, follow the health charity’s social media channels on Instagram and Facebook.