Health and wellbeing – The NEN – North Edinburgh News

New report highlights barriers to health equity for patients living with cancer and/or blood disorders

PATIENTS ASSOCIATION CALLS FOR ACTION

A new report by the Patients Association, funded by Bristol Myers Squibb, sheds light on the stark health inequities faced by patients living with cancer and/or blood disorders, revealing significant disparities driven by social determinants of health, systemic barriers, and discrimination.

The report also offers recommendations to improve access to equitable healthcare.

The report identifies critical issues such as economic and social factors, mistrust in healthcare services, systemic racism, and lack of joined-up care, all of which exacerbate health inequalities for underserved communities.

The report calls for a patient-centred approach that prioritises shared decision-making to ensure cancer and/or blood disorder patients are treated as equal partners in their care. It also calls for a multi-agency approach to tackle health disparities, aligning national and local strategies, such as NHS England’s Core20PLUS5 framework, to enhance access to early cancer diagnosis.

The report finds that cancer and/or blood disorder patients from underserved communities consistently experience worse health outcomes and lower standards of care. Contributing factors include delays in diagnosis, lower uptake of screening programmes, and mistrust of healthcare systems. Barriers such as low health literacy, cultural insensitivity from staff, and systemic discrimination further hinder equitable access to care.

Patients interviewed for this report highlighted several critical issues, including difficulty navigating healthcare systems and insufficient communication about their rights and available benefits. Many patients reported transportation and medication costs causing financial difficulties.

Organisations working with underserved communities reinforced these findings, emphasising the pervasive mistrust in the health among marginalised communities. This mistrust often results from discrimination, such as delayed diagnoses and unequal access to treatment. LGBTQ+ patients and those with sickle cell disease described particularly hostile or dismissive interactions with healthcare providers.

The report also draws attention to the role of social determinants of health, such as inadequate housing, poverty, and living in a deprived neighbourhood. These factors are closely linked to higher rates of cancer and mortality, as well as reduced access to essential healthcare resources.

Tackling these challenges requires urgent action at both a national and local level. The Patients Association calls on policymakers, healthcare professionals, and community organisations to work together to ensure equitable access to care for all.

Reflecting on the report, Rachel Power, Chief Executive of the Patients Association said: ““Equitable healthcare is an urgent necessity. It is deeply concerning that barriers such as systemic discrimination, financial hardship, and mistrust of the health and care system persist, disproportionately affecting underserved communities.

“Only by addressing these disparities can we achieve a health and care system that provides equality and dignity for all. We call on the government and the health and care system to align national and local strategies, address the social determinants of health, and foster trust between patients and healthcare providers.

“We must work together to close these gaps and build a system rooted in fairness, trust, and accessibility.”

For more information, please contact media@patients-association.org.uk

Half of UK adults say they’ve put off losing weight

GEN Z MOST LIKELY TO DELAY

● More than one in five UK adults (22%) have delayed losing weight for three years or more

● Four in 10 (42%) have thought about losing weight at least once a week without taking action

● 38% of people surveyed say they waited for a ‘final straw’ to start losing weight, such as struggling to fit into clothes, feeling unfit and feeling uncomfortable in social situations

● Now, a new study shows that joining weight loss support group, Slimming World, can quickly restore self-belief, self-confidence and self-determination. Before joining, only 40% of new members believed they could lose weight, but after just one session, this rose to 97%

The rising cost of obesity in the UK has soared from £58bn in 2020 to £98bn ^[1], with two thirds of adults being overweight or obese. Studies show children living with obesity are approximately 5 times more likely to become adults living with obesity ^[2]. The nation is in a fight for weight loss.

Yet, there is a much bigger battle – self-belief. People whowant to lose weight are increasingly feeling lost, desperate and hopeless – their self-confidence and self-belief that anything can help them, worn away.

A new survey ^[3] of 2,000 UK adults commissioned by the UK and Ireland’s largest group-based weight-loss organisation Slimming Worldreveals 50% of UK adults say they’ve put off even trying to lose weight, with six in 10 of those aged 18-27 (Gen Z) the most likely to delay (63%). More than one in five people (22%) say they’ve delayed losing weight for three years or more, with many saying that has impacted their health and caused them to gain even more weight.

The survey, carried out independently by Censuswide reveals four in 10 (42%) have thought about losing weight at least once a week without taking action, despite over 2 in 5 being unhappy with their size (43%) and over half saying they know they eat unhealthy food (54%) and seven in ten wanting to improve their health (70%).

When questioned on why they delayed their weight loss, (38%) of UK adults agreed they waited for a ‘final straw’ before making the decision to lose weight. The most common final straws were:

struggling to fit into clothes (14%)
feeling unfit (12%)
impacting mood (11%)
feeling uncomfortable in social situations (10%)
a health scare (8%)

The survey also revealed 48% of UK adults would not consider using medication or weight loss drugs if they were looking to lose weight, compared to less than a third (30%) who would. Worrying about potential side effects was a deterrent for 32% of respondents, 23% say they don’t know what they’d be putting into their body, 21% don’t think there’s enough evidence on the long-term effects and 19% fear it wouldn’t be a long-term solution.

Within the already deafening weight loss arena, weight loss injections add even more confusion, contradiction and uncertainty. The personal conviction and self-determination of people living with overweight and obesity depletes further.

Renowned Psychologist, Dr Linda Papadopoulos, says: “Delaying weight loss stems from fear of failure and feeling comfortable with what’s familiar. Each time we put off change, we chip away at our confidence, creating a cycle where taking action seems harder and harder.

“Procrastination isn’t just about weight – it reveals our deeper doubts about our ability to transform our lives. One way to make our goals feel more tangible and achievable is by seeking support from people who understand and share the same challenges and aspirations.

“In pulling on the strength that comes from that kind of togetherness we create something powerful – a supportive accountability network that transforms our personal intentions into collective motivation.”

There is good news. There is a way people can win the battle for self, rebuild their hope and optimism, and achieve a healthy, lasting weight loss.

In new research ^[4], which surveyed more than 7,000 new Slimming World members last January, more than two thirds said that before going to a Slimming World group, they didn’t dare dream they could lose weight and stay slim (69%). More than half of the members surveyed said that they’d had feelings of doubt, uncertainty and a lack of motivation and control for more than a year, and for some people 10 years or more.

However, in just one session, almost every new member left filled with self-belief, self-confidence and self-determination. This switch came from learning more about Slimming World’s health-giving eating plan, seeing the success of other members, and experiencing the empowering support to help them overcome their personal barriers. They left feeling:

Committed to their weight loss (98%)
That they could lose weight and keep it off (96%)
Motivated to make changes to their lifestyle in order to lose weight (97%)
More confident to manage the things that had previously got in the way of them losing weight (89%)

With over a decade of expertise in neurogastroenterology and cardiovascular pharmacology from leading institutions including the University of Sheffield and the University of Nottingham, Dr. Jemma Donovan PhD, Slimming World’s Research Manager, says: “This January, those feelings of doubt, fear and hopelessness could easily lead people to look to weight loss drugs as a silver bullet.

“However, unless they get effective support to make lasting changes to their eating and activity habits, they’re very likely to regain the weight once they stop the medication, and they’re far less likely to experience the sense of personal achievement and the increased self-worth that comes with knowing you’re in control in the long term.

“We also know the costs are high – painful and expensive weekly injections, with possible side-effects of diarrhoea, constipation, bloating, vomiting and more. Furthermore, the long-term safety of the regulated drugs is still unknown.

“Our research confirms what so many of our members tell us. After many years of feeling hopeless, out of control and desperate about their weight, new members quickly experience a powerful shift in self-belief, self-determination and self-confidence, restoring their hope about what they can achieve – without resorting to weight loss drugs or surgery. And that shift happens in less time than it takes to watch a movie!“

¹Tony Blair Institute for Global Change: Unhealthy Numbers: The Rising Cost of Obesity in the UK

² https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26696565/

³The research was conducted by Censuswide, with 2000 Nat Rep Respondents (aged 18+) in the UK between 22.11.2024 – 26.11.2024. Censuswide abide by and employ members of the Market Research Society which is based on the ESOMAR principles and are members of The British Polling Council

NHS: Pharmacy First

NHS Pharmacy First Scotland is an NHS service provided by your local pharmacy. If you have a minor illness, a pharmacy is the first place you should go for advice.

They can advise on lots of conditions including backache, UTIs, and sore throats.

Use NHS inform’s service directory to find an open pharmacy near you:

https://nhs24.info/servicedirectory

Find out more about Pharmacy First:

https://nhs24.info/NHS-Pharmacy-First-Scotland

Stay safe from norovirus and stomach bugs this winter

NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde (NHSGGC) is urging the public to be vigilant against norovirus and to practice good hand hygiene to help avoid the spread.

Norovirus is a highly contagious stomach bug that causes diarrhoea, nausea, and vomiting. It usually increases during the winter months.

Beatrix Von Wissmann, NHSGGC Public Health Consultant said: “While viruses are a concern year-round, winter months see a spike in stomach virus cases when people spend more time indoors and are in close proximity to one another.

“These viruses can be very nasty, particularly for those who are older or more vulnerable due to existing conditions. They also cannot be treated with an antibiotic and need to run their course, so it is important to be aware of how to avoid spreading the virus if you possibly can.

“We advise that you are also prepared to know what to do if you or loved ones do feel unwell. We recommend taking note of the online selfcare guides from NHS Inform or downloading the NHS24 app.

“Anyone, who believes they need to speak to a health professional, should call NHS24 on 111 for advice. It is better to wait to speak with someone in the comfort of your own home, particularly when vomiting and diarrhoea are involved.”

NHSGGC has listed how you can protect yourself and others from the virus.

Stay home if symptomatic: If you experience symptoms such as sudden nausea, vomiting, and diarrhoea, stay at home until at least 48 hours after your symptoms have stopped. This helps prevent spreading the virus to others, especially vulnerable individuals in hospitals and care homes.
Practice good hygiene: Wash your hands frequently and thoroughly with soap and water, particularly after using the toilet and before eating. Hand sanitisers are not as effective against norovirus.
Avoid visiting vulnerable settings: Do not visit hospitals or care homes if you or someone you live with has symptoms. This is crucial to protect patients who are at higher risk of severe illness. This includes going to A&E. If you need to speak to a health professional, call NHS24 on 111.
Keep surfaces clean: Regularly clean household surfaces, especially in the kitchen and bathroom, to reduce the risk of contamination.
Handle food safely: Avoid cooking for others while symptomatic and ensure fruits and vegetables are rinsed well before eating.

What to do if you catch norovirus:

Stay hydrated: Drink plenty of fluids, such as water, to replace those lost through vomiting and diarrhoea.
Rest and recover: Allow the virus to run its course, which typically lasts 2-3 days.
Eat light: Consume easily digestible foods to ease your symptoms.

For more information visit:

https://www.nhsinform.scot/illnesses-and-conditions/infections-and-poisoning/norovirus/

NHS 24: Service under pressure

IMPORTANT INFORMATION – PLEASE READ.

Today is one of the busiest days of the year for the 111 service and our staff are working extremely hard to answer all calls as quickly and as safely as possible.

The information you need may be available at #NHSinform – check out the links below for more advice.

Medication Queries:

For advice on prescribed or over-the-counter medicines, visit our guide. https://nhs24.info/accessing-medicines

Seasonal Ailments:

Check out NHS inform for advice on common illnesses and symptom checkers to guide your next steps. https://nhs24.info/winter-illness

NHS 24 Online App:

Get health advice and locate nearby services, like pharmacies, with our free app for iOS and Android. https://nhs24.info/NHS-24-Online

Use NHS Resources Wisely:

Find out more about accessing the Right Care, Right Place: Learn more. https://nhs24.info/RightCareRightPlace

Helpful Tips for Calls:

Use Wi-Fi calling and ensure your phone is charged to prevent disconnections due to network demand.

NHS 24 does not disconnect calls; network issues may cause interruptions.

If you still need to speak to us by dialling 111 please be patient, our dedicated team will answer. If you can try the above options first, it could save you time. We want to help you get the right care, in the right place.

Healthy Heart Tip: How to drink less alcohol this New Year

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

Alcohol can often be at the forefront of the festive season. This time of year, is for gathering and celebrating with your loved ones, which can often mean consuming too much alcohol.

Over 60% of drinkers in the UK over-indulge during the festive period, consuming more alcohol than usual and having their first drink at an earlier time of day. Alcohol consumption can have a negative effect on the heart and a few drinks can cause you to sleep poorly and be tired the next day, making you reach for unhealthy foods for a quick energy fix.

In this week’s healthy tip, we share some ideas for how you can reduce your alcohol consumption this festive season and enter the new year feeling full of energy.

Alcohol-free drinks

With so many alcohol-free alternatives of your favourite big-name brands now available, why not use Christmas as a time to try them out?

You may need to try a few to find one that you like, but often they taste very similar to their alcoholic counterpart. Even if you don’t quit drinking entirely, you can reduce the amount of alcohol you consume by alternating your regular drink with an alcohol-free version.

Mocktails

Mocktails or cocktails without alcohol are a great way to enjoy a tasty drink this festive season. Bars and restaurants often have a wide range of mocktails for you to choose from, and they’re usually cheaper too.

Be mindful when choosing your drink of how much sugar is in it, try to avoid those containing sugar syrups and fruit juices. Instead, opt for ones containing ingredients like mint, lime juice and soda water. A fancy glass makes all the difference, so why not buy some decorative cocktail vessels, and make some indulgent mocktails at home.

Enjoy alcohol in moderation

To look after our heart, we don’t have to stop drinking completely. The key is to enjoy alcohol in moderation and adopt other healthy lifestyle habits alongside this.

The NHS recommends drinking no more than 12 units of alcohol per week, spread across three or more days which is the equivalent to six medium (175ml) glasses of wine or six pints of 4% beer.

By not exceeding these recommendations, you may feel more able to be physically active and cook healthier meals.

Flu advice from NHS Scotland

Flu cases remain high in Scotland, putting pressure on health services.

To help protect vulnerable people, stay home and avoid contact with others if you have symptoms and know how to access the care you need.

Find out more: http://nhsinform.scot/illne…/infections-and-poisoning/flu/

£0 Joining Fee: Kickstart Your Fitness Journey in 2025

As the world welcomes in 2025 and the “New Year, New You” mantra resonates, Edinburgh Leisure is offering an exciting opportunity for fitness enthusiasts and newcomers alike.

With a £0 Joining Fee promotion throughout January 2025, there’s never been a better time to embark on your wellness journey.

Exclusive Membership Promotion: Zero Barriers to Fitness

Designed to make fitness accessible to everyone, regardless of age or fitness level, Edinburgh Leisure, the city’s largest provider of sports and leisure facilities, is breaking down financial barriers with its £0 Joining Fee offer.

Comprehensive Fitness Options

Members gain unlimited access to an impressive range of facilities:

12 pools
17 gyms across the city
New Evolve Hybrid gym at Meadowbank
Lead and speed climbing facilities
Six golf courses
Over 750 weekly fitness classes

The no Joining Fee membership is available to new members from January 1st to 31st, 2025.

Fitness for Every Journey

Whether you’re a complete beginner or a seasoned athlete, Edinburgh Leisure offers tailored fitness solutions.

Cutting-Edge Fitness Trends

Edinburgh Leisure has revolutionised the fitness landscape with the launch of Evolve Meadowbank, an official Hyrox Affiliate Training Club.

As the first leisure trust affiliated with Hyrox, they offer classes for both Hyrox newcomers and experienced participants. With a Hyrox competition in Glasgow in March 2025, their specialised membership is perfect for those looking to get competition-ready.

At the Edinburgh International Climbing Arena (EICA: Ratho), a significant £100,000 investment from sportscotland’s Sport Facilities Fund and National Lottery Players has transformed climbing opportunities.

The centre has unveiled a state-of-the-art competition bouldering wall, designed by the Serious Climbing team at Rockcity in partnership with Dreamwall.

This remarkable facility makes EICA: Ratho the only climbing centre in the UK with Olympic and International standard facilities across all three climbing disciplines: lead climbing, speed climbing, and bouldering.

This investment demonstrates Edinburgh Leisure’s commitment to providing world-class sporting infrastructure. Climbing enthusiasts and aspiring athletes can now access cutting-edge facilities that support progression at every skill level, from beginners to competitive climbers.

Group Fitness Renaissance

Post-pandemic, group exercise is experiencing a revival. Edinburgh Leisure provides a diverse range of classes:

Cardio
Dance
Strength training
Mind and body classes (Yoga and Pilates)

Inclusive Fitness for All Ages

Recognising the importance of fitness across all life stages, Edinburgh Leisure offers:

“Get up and Go” gym classes specifically designed for older adults
Low-level studio classes for those preferring a slower pace
Introductory and personal programmes at no extra cost to support you with a personalised fitness plan to reach your goals.

Your 2025 Fitness Transformation Starts Here

Whether you’re a tech-driven fitness tracker, a studio class enthusiast, or seeking a holistic wellness approach, Edinburgh Leisure provides the tools, support, and motivation to help you achieve your goals.

Embrace the New Year. Transform your fitness. Start your journey today!

Website: www.edinburghleisure.co.uk

#FitnessJourney2025

NHS Lothian: Quit Your Way

Your local community pharmacy provides a free stop smoking service.

You can drop in when it suits you to chat to your local pharmacy team. They will explain the nicotine replacement products available to help you quit smoking and advise on the pros and cons of each to help you decide which option is the best for you.

Find your local pharmacy