EDINBURGH’s smokers are being urged to set the goal of leaving tobacco behind in 2024.
Charity ASH Scotland is campaigning to improve the physical and mental health of people who smoke by encouraging them to use free expert stop smoking support provided by the NHS.
Quitting is one of the biggest proactive steps people in Edinburgh who smoke can take to quickly improve health and mental wellbeing, reduce the risk of longer term illness and also save money.
If a person who smokes decides to make a New Year’s resolution and starts to quit, not only will they find their health will improve by the end of January, in one month an average smoker could also save in the region of £250.
Sheila Duffy, Chief Executive of ASH Scotland, said: “Tobacco is highly addictive and, although it can take a number of attempts to quit, some people find giving up cigarettes or tobacco easier than they had thought.
“Don’t be discouraged if you’ve tried before, you’ll have learned something valuable about what did and didn’t work for you it is the best thing you can do for your health, finances and for those around you.
“You don’t have to quit on your own in the New Year. We’re encouraging people in Edinburgh to seek person-centred support from local stop smoking services or the national stop-smoking service Quit Your Way Scotland.
“Getting support will give you the confidence to move forward with your quit journey and the tools you need to make the best possible start to 2024.”
Contact Quit Your Way Scotland by visiting www.QuitYourWay.Scot or by calling the free helpline on 0800 848484.
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.
While 84% said they enjoy walking because it is good for their health, a significant increase from 78% in 2019, only just under a quarter (24%) had heard or seen messages on the health benefits of walking.
Dr Fiona Bull, Head of Physical Activity at the World Health Organisation (WHO), presented compelling evidence at Paths For All’s 2023 Expert Lecture, hosted in Stirling in November, on how walking can save lives, and how Scotland is leading the charge.
Dr Bull said: “Walking more regularly can contribute to saving lives and brings so many health benefits; but too often, walking is not being promoted enough.
“The work Paths for All has been doing to get more people active is incredible, bringing communities together and ensuring all have access to walking groups, as well as upgrading infrastructure, and educating the public.
“According to data released from Scotland, the country is bucking the trend, with collective action there has been a 7% increase in physical activity, and to see that nearly all Scots are walking for health benefits is commendable.”
In particular, Dr Bull shared the alarming health impact of physical inactivity accounting for between 3.2 – 5.1 million deaths a year and this is a conservative estimate. She also highlighted new data providing a global “price tag” for not acting to promote more people being more active – estimated at US$27 billion per year – totalling US$300 billion by 2030.
Dr Bull reinforced to the audience that walking is the best way to get more people of all ages doing more physical activity both in Scotland and globally. Examples of how cities are making communities more walkable were shared including the example of Vienna which created a Year of Walking – Dr Bull suggested Scotland would be well placed to borrow this idea.
According to the National Survey of Attitudes to Walking and Wheeling in Scotland, people with a long term physical condition or mental health problem were also significantly more likely to have encountered cars parked on the pavement, roads that were difficult to cross or poor maintained pavements (53%, 34% and 54% respectively).
Of those walking for short journeys, we found a desire to get fit, relax and unwind, and enjoyment to be the main motivations for people to get out and about.
Louise Bursle, Paths For All’s Communications and Marketing Manager, said more Scots clearly recognise walking’s physical and mental benefits: “The fact that so many people walk for exercise and relaxation highlights this. We’re keen to eliminate barriers to make frequent walking possible for everyone in Scotland to reap wellbeing rewards.
“As we enter a new year, many people will be setting resolutions to be more active, but you don’t need to make big commitments to see the benefits. Just adding a short walk to your daily routine will have an impact.”
To boost regular walking, over 7-in-10 Scottish adults also voiced support for 20-minute neighbourhoods, ensuring services are nearby. Delivering these communities could help more than 30% of Scots who currently do not walk to places like shops and public transport stops because distances are too far.
Louise said the findings reveal clear priorities for Scotland’s health: “By making streets more welcoming through improved lighting, seating, better surfaces, and amenities within reach, we can help fulfil people’s desire to integrate walking into their days – ultimately getting Scots moving together.“
We support the Scottish Health Walk Network, which facilitates over 850 regular Health Walks across Scotland, with more than 14,000 dedicated volunteers leading and assisting the groups.
As we kick off 2024, we’re continuing the valuable work in partnership with 30 national organisations with a shared vision of a healthier, happier, greener Scotland, where everyone can be active every day.
As winter poses increasing demand on our healthcare system, NHSGGC is encouraging family members to help get their loved ones ‘Home for Lunch’.
Almost all patients that are ready to go home are discharged on the same day, but a number remain in hospital causing flow issues throughout the health care system.
Doctors are reminding families of patients who are ready to be discharged to help make the required arrangements to get them back to their own home or care setting, at the earliest opportunity.
NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde ward staff and discharge teams work in parallel to create pathways for families to ensure that, when their loved ones are healthy enough to return home, they are supported in doing so.
As part of NHSGGC’s ABC winter campaign, the health board are attempting to ease pressure on our services and staff from the emergency department, through to patients being discharged.
Dr Scott Davidson, Deputy Medical Director for Acute Services, said: “Winter places increasing demands on our health care services and families play an important role in helping to ease those pressures.
“Our staff are working extremely hard to ensure we provide the best possible care for our patients and we are looking for your help to get loved ones home at the earliest opportunity.
“We do not want patients spending any longer than they need to within our hospitals and want people to be in the comfort of their own home, without the risks associated with lengthy hospital stays.
“I would like to thank families and members of the public who are doing their best to support our patients and staff as we continue to tackle winter pressures.”
New Year, new workouts! If you’re craving something different in 2024, Edinburgh Leisure is introducing two new limited edition Les Mills classes in January.
Les Mills Shapes and Strength Development are being launched at Edinburgh Leisure’s most popular fitness class venues, Meadowbank, Leith Victoria, and the Royal Commonwealth Pool.
Shapes is a Mind and Body class that mixes elements of Power Yoga, Pilates, and Barre, while Strength Development is a sequence of 12 progressive workouts that are designed to build muscle and improve lifting techniques.
Alex Smith, Fitness Manager at Edinburgh Leisure explained: “Studio strength and toning based products is a big growing area within group exercise. If you’re not into using the free weights areas within a gym, then a studio strength and toning session will appeal to you. You get all the benefits of group-based training and still get to develop a sweat.
“The classes have been developed as something different from Les Mills regular-based workouts, and we’re aiming to capture the Gen Z market, a group historically underrepresented in group fitness. However, we see them appealing to our current fitness class customer too who may wish to try something new – especially our Mind/Body customers and those who are fans of weight training in classes such as Body Pump.”
“Both workouts are suitable for people of any fitness level so don’t worry if you’re a beginner. Even if you’re new to fitness classes, these new classes lower the intimidation barrier. Our instructors will invite you to work at your own pace and effort level within timed intervals of work.
“You also have the option to lose any equipment being used throughout the workout at any time you need to press pause. We want you to have full autonomy of your workout – not feeling tied to match the level of the person next to you who might have been doing classes for 10 years.
“The great thing about group fitness is that no matter your fitness level, everyone works to their personal best, and there’s a great sense of group and individual achievement within that training on your own in the gym can’t capture.”
Classes are available to book online and on the Edinburgh Leisure app from 4 January 2024.
Launch Weekend
To celebrate the new classes, Edinburgh Leisure will be holding a launch weekend on 13th and 14th January at 2024 at The Royal Commonwealth Pool, Leith Victoria Swim Centre, and Meadowbank Sports Centre, with new music releases of the classes customers know and love, which include BodyPump 127, BodyCombat 97, BodyBalance 102, RPM 100 and a special focus on the new products, Les Mills Shapes and Strength Development.
Meadowbank will host two one-off Les Mills Shapes classes delivered by Les Mills master trainer Holly Mason on Saturday, 13th.
RPM release 100 will also be hosted at Edinburgh Leisure’s cycle venues, which includes Ainslie Park Leisure Centre, Craiglockhart Leisure Centre, Drumbrae Leisure Centre, Leith Victoria Swim Centre, the Royal Commonwealth Pool, and Meadowbank Sports Centre, celebrating 25 years of RPM and 20 years of RPM at Edinburgh Leisure.
To find out more and to book, go to the Edinburgh Leisure website and the Edinburgh Leisure app.
With unlimited access to their 12 pools,17 gyms, indoor climbing and over 750+ fitness classes each week, Edinburgh Leisure has a new membership promotion that runs from 1st – 31st January 2024 and offers new members joining in January a no-joining-fee offer.
As we step into 2024, wherever you’re at on the map or in life, Edinburgh Leisure provides a diverse array of fitness options, catering to individual preferences and goals.
Whether you’re a tech-savvy tracker, a studio enthusiast, or someone embracing a holistic wellness approach, embrace the New Year and let your fitness journey unfold with the guidance and support of Edinburgh Leisure.
New survey by Scotland’s largest conservation charity shows the positive impact the outdoors has on mental health and wellbeing
93% of people across Edinburgh and the Lothians stated spending time outdoors reduces their stress levels and 91% said it enhanced their quality of life
New research for the National Trust for Scotland shows that 98% of Scots in Edinburgh and the Lothians believe access to the outdoors is important for their mental health, a point that is particularly significant at this time of year when wintery weather and dark nights can deter people from spending time outside.
The research for Scotland’s largest conservation charity found that 93% of those surveyed in Edinburgh and the Lothians said spending time outdoors was effective at reducing their stress levels, with 91% stating that it enhances their quality of life.
Across Scotland’s cities, Dundonians have been unveiled as the strongest advocates for spending time outdoors, with 99% agreeing it’s important for their overall wellbeing, closely followed by Inverness (97%) and Glasgow (96%).
The Scottish coast topped the polls as the preferred place to spend time outdoors, with 58% enjoying spending time by the sea, followed by 50% who favoured woodland spaces and 48% favouring country parks or gardens. The popularity of different types of landscape, and their value to people’s wellbeing, has highlighted the importance of the National Trust Scotland’s work to care for, protect and share Scotland’s outdoor places.
Looking after over 100 places across Scotland, the Trust ensures people of all ages have the opportunity now and in future to discover new places, make memories, and learn more about Scotland’s natural and cultural heritage, while experiencing the positive wellbeing impacts of the outdoors.
These range from Newhailes, known for its woodland walks in the 18th-century designed landscape and its Weehailes Adventure Playpark, to beautiful Malleny Garden where people of all ages come to escape from the hustle and bustle of the capital.
Stuart Maxwell, Regional Director for Edinburgh and the East at the National Trust for Scotland, said: “Our charity is privileged to look after some of the country’s most beautiful natural heritage, and every day we see the positive impact that the great outdoors can have on wellbeing and mental health.
“It doesn’t have to be an epic climb of a mountain, or extreme water sports, it can be as simple as a walk around a peaceful garden or the bracing Scottish coastline. Whether you’re looking for a family day out, to make new memories with friends, or share a new experience with a loved one, there’s a place and activity for everyone.
“All of us at the National Trust for Scotland are proud to play our part in looking after and providing access to outdoor places, to continue to offer residents and visitors to our incredible country the chance to make the most of the positive wellbeing impacts of the outdoors.
“It’s thanks to the generosity of our members and supporters that we can continue our vital work of caring for and sharing Scotland’s most special places, helping to create memories that last a lifetime.”
Supporting its work to share the benefits of nature and the outdoors, the National Trust for Scotland appointed Dr Cal Major, vet, adventurer and advocate for nature and the oceans, as its ambassador in 2023.
Speaking frequently about how the outdoors has enhanced her own mental wellbeing, Cal’s role as ambassador is helping to raise awareness of and support for the Trust’s important work, particularly around the conservation of natural spaces.
Commenting on the research results, Cal said: “Over the course of my career, I have discovered that an appreciation of what it means for their wellbeing is why lots of folk feel a strong connection to nature. This often translates into a recognition of its importance in their lives and a desire to protect it.
“Beyond the National Trust for Scotland’s survey results, there is scientific research showing that nature, especially blue spaces such as the ocean, is beneficial for our human wellbeing. This seems logical – as humans, historically we would have been hard-pushed to survive without it, so it’s no wonder we’re drawn to it.
“But in our modern society, which is so fast-paced and disconnected from nature, making space for it in our lives has never been more important. And equally, nature has never needed us to stand up for its protection more.
“It can offer joy and laughter and connection to other people, an opportunity to top up our nature batteries and stay well, or a path to healing. For me, the outdoors is very much my go-to for staying well, and it is hugely reaffirming to hear this is the case for many other people around Scotland.”
To find out more about the work of the National Trust for Scotland, or plan your next outdoor adventure, please visit: www.nts.org.uk.
People who smoke in Edinburgh are being urged to set the goal of leaving tobacco behind in 2024.
Charity ASH Scotland is campaigning to improve the physical and mental health of people who smoke by encouraging them to use free expert stop smoking support provided by the NHS.
Quitting is one of the biggest proactive steps people in Edinburgh who smoke can take to quickly improve health and mental wellbeing, reduce the risk of longer term illness and also save money.
If a person who smokes decides to make a New Year’s resolution and starts to quit, not only will they find their health will improve by the end of January, in one month an average smoker could also save in the region of £250.
Sheila Duffy, Chief Executive of ASH Scotland, said: “Tobacco is highly addictive and, although it can take a number of attempts to quit, some people find giving up cigarettes or tobacco easier than they had thought.
“Don’t be discouraged if you’ve tried before, you’ll have learned something valuable about what did and didn’t work for you it is the best thing you can do for your health, finances and for those around you.
“You don’t have to quit on your own in the New Year. We’re encouraging people in Edinburgh to seek person-centred support from local stop smoking services or the national stop-smoking service Quit Your Way Scotland. Getting support will give you the confidence to move forward with your quit journey and the tools you need to make the best possible start to 2024.”
Contact Quit Your Way Scotland by visiting www.QuitYourWay.Scot or by calling the free helpline on 0800 848484.
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.
Edinburgh Leisure offers insights into the upcoming fitness trends in 2024
As the world ushers in another year, the mantra “New Year, New You” takes centre stage, and fitness enthusiasts eagerly anticipate the trends that will shape their wellness journeys in 2024. Ally Strachan, Fitness Development Manager at Edinburgh Leisure, offers insights into the upcoming fitness trends.
With unlimited access to their 12 pools,17 gyms, indoor climbing and over 750+ fitness classes each week, Edinburgh Leisure has a new membership promotion that runs from 1st – 31st January 2024 and offers new members joining in January a no-joining-fee offer.
As we step into 2024, wherever you’re at in life, Edinburgh Leisure provides a diverse array of fitness options, catering to individual preferences and goals.
Here’s what Ally Strachan believes are set to dominate the scene in 2024:
1. Wearable Tech Takes the Lead
Wearable technology is not a fleeting trend; it’s here to stay. Devices like Apple Watches and Fitbits continue to empower users by tracking exercise and activity data. Myzone, with its focus on specific exercise bouts and intensity levels, offers a more targeted approach. It’s also great for those who don’t want to be consumed by 24 hours’ worth of data.
2. Studio Strength and Toning
For those who shy away from the free weights area in the gym, studio strength and toning sessions are gaining popularity. You get all the benefits of group-based training and still get to develop a sweat. This January, Edinburgh Leisure introduces two new Les Mills classes—Shapes, a mind and body fusion of Power Yoga, Pilates, and Barre, and Strength Development, a sequence of 12 progressive workouts designed to build muscle and enhance lifting techniques.
3. Embracing LISS (Low Intensity Steady State)
In contrast to the high-intensity (HIIT) craze, which can be very taxing and requires more recovery, Low Intensity Steady State (LISS) training seems to be on more people’s lips than in previous years.
Ally says “I wouldn’t replace all of your high intensity training with LISS; however I would supplement LISS to a current exercise plan. By keeping it low intensity (60-65% max HR or low blue zone on your Myzone), this is something that can be done every day, by getting in more steps and increasing non-exercise activity thermogenesis (NEAT) to burn body fat. Take the stairs where possible or take a small walk every day.
4. Rise of Hybrid Training
Hybrid training is a growing trend with the likes of HYROX competitions taking place across the world. Combining cardiovascular and resistance-based methods in a single session, is gaining traction. Ally advises caution due to its intensity, suggesting consultation with Edinburgh Leisure’s knowledgeable gym staff to programme a workout effectively and safely according to individual fitness levels.
5. Body Composition Takes Centre Stage
While the fitness industry has long advocated for ignoring the number on a set of scales and more traditional metrics like BMI, newer technology allows for more accurate body composition testing. With Boditrax kiosks at The Royal Commonwealth Pool, Meadowbank, Drumbrae Leisure Centre, Leith Victoria Swim Centre and Glenogle Leisure Centre, this console offers customers the ability to track their progress conveniently via an app. There’s no better time to do this than in January when you’re already super motivated to make some great progress in your health and wellbeing.
6. Strength and Resistance Training Soars
The benefits of strength and resistance training extend beyond a sculpted physique. Improved posture, metabolism, bone density, joint strength, injury risk reduction, balance, and enhanced body composition are just a few of the advantages. Edinburgh Leisure’s gym team is ready to assist in creating personalised plans for optimal results.
7. Mind and Body Workouts for Holistic Wellness
Mind and body workouts such as Yoga, Pilates, and the new Les Mills Shapes class focus on both mental and physical well-being. These classes provide relaxation, stress relief, and mindfulness, catering to beginners and seasoned group fitness enthusiasts alike. In 2024 with an Edinburgh Leisure membership, you can enjoy the choice of over 300 Pilates, Yoga, Les Mills Shapes and Bodybalance classes – the best variety, choice and cost-effective mind and body classes in Edinburgh.
8. Functional Training for Everyday Life
Functional training mimics daily activities to build a stronger body and mind for everyday life. Think shoulder presses mimicking lifting something heavy onto a shelf, or weighted squats allowing you to get low to the floor with ease to play with your children or pets. Workouts such as Les Mills Strength Development, L1FT, Bodypump and Gym Blast classes use weight plates, barbells, dumbbells, and your own bodyweight to improve performance, mobility, strength, and stamina not just in your fitness classes, but in everyday life.
9. Get Fit For Surgery Programme Acknowledging the aging process, Edinburgh Leisure introduced a pilot referral “Get Fit For Surgery” programme in 2023. This 16-week initiative supports individuals awaiting hip and knee surgeries, enhancing overall health and well-being through fitness, strength building, and increased confidence.
10. Employee Wellbeing Initiatives Investing in employee wellbeing yields significant rewards. Edinburgh Leisure not only prioritises customer health but also supports staff with access to facilities as a job perk. One of the roles of their dedicated Director of Wellbeing is focusing on corporate initiatives to support staff’s mental and physical wellbeing.
If you want to invest in your staff’s wellbeing, get in touch to discuss their Corporate Membership, which provides unlimited access to our gyms, swimming pools, and fitness classes at discounted prices.
As we step into 2024, wherever you’re at on the map or in life, Edinburgh Leisure provides a diverse array of fitness options, catering to individual preferences and goals.
Whether you’re a tech-savvy tracker, a studio enthusiast, or someone embracing a holistic wellness approach, the fitness trends of the year promise exciting and transformative experiences. Embrace the New Year and let your fitness journey unfold with the guidance and support of Edinburgh Leisure.
In a major report today Westminster’s Science, Innovation & Technology Committee calls for steps to develop the potential of bacteria-killing viruses – called bacteriophages or phages for short – that can provide an alternative to antibiotics that are attracting growing resistance.
Phages have been used as therapy for over a hundred years, but interest has increased in recent years as the widespread use of antibiotics is leading to alarming antimicrobial resistance (AMR) to even the most effective treatments. But they have never been licensed for therapeutic use in the UK. They have only been used as “compassionate” treatments of last resort in isolated cases of otherwise intractable infections.
One of the problems has been an impasse: in order to be deployed in clinical trials phages must be manufactured to the Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) standard – but investment in compliant manufacturing plants will only be justified following successful clinical trials.
Rt Hon Greg Clark MP, Chair of the Committee, said: “Phages offer a possible response to the increasing worldwide concerns about antimicrobial resistance.
“But the development of phage therapies is at an impasse, in which clinical trials need new advanced manufacturing plants, but investment requires clinical trails to have demonstrated efficacy.
“The Committee is asking the Government to consider whether the mothballed Rosalind Franklin Laboratory in the West Midlands could provide a suitable facility.
“The Laboratory, which has already received over £1 billion of public funding, was established by the Government to bring to an end the inadequacy of testing capacity that so hampered the national response to Covid.
“It consists of modern, secure laboratory facilities and was meant to be an important source of national resilience against future pandemics. But the Rosalind Franklin Laboratory has suddenly appeared for sale on the property website Rightmove, to the astonishment of the science and health communities.
“Our Committee’s report on phages asks for the Rosalind Franklin Laboratory to be considered for this purpose, rather than be lost to the nation and to science in a firesale.”
The Committee recommends that the Government should consider establishing a small GMP facility on the lines of the Catapult network which provides shared facilities for companies who cannot afford to make the level of investment on their own.
The Committee also calls on the Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency (MHRA), Department for Health and Social Care (DHSC), and phage researchers to work together to make for a more promising route for phage research to be funded and its products licensed for use.
The Committee calls for:
Awareness-raising for healthcare students and professionals of the antimicrobial potential of phages where antibiotics have failed or are failing
Government and its agencies to make a definitive and positive statement on the role of phages in the national approach to anti-microbial resistance (AMR), which is important in research funding decisions and for private investment in commercial phages
The MHRA to consider allowing the compassionate use of non-GMP phages produced in the UK for last resort medical cases where other medical approaches have failed or are failing
The MHRA to review how current regulations would govern liability for clinicians and hospitals who used UK non-GMP phages,
