Tag: Health and wellbeing

More children turn to Childline

  • Childline delivered more than 4,000 counselling sessions, including 273 in Scotland, to children and young people with worries around body image and eating disorders
  • 40% of these counselling sessions take place during the summer – June to September
  • Childline reminds children the service is here to support them during holidays

Childline, the counselling service run by the NSPCC, reveals new data showing that 40% of all the counselling sessions they delivered last year on eating disorders and body image took place in the summer months (June to September).

Across the whole year  – April 2022 to March 2023 –  Childline delivered 4,179 counselling sessions to  children struggling with  these issues. 273 of these were in Scotland.

1656 (40%) of those counselling sessions based on these topics took place from June to September , the lead up to and the duration of the six-week summer break.

Eating disorders and body image issues were the 6th most common concern for children contacting Childline in 2022/23 in Scotland.

During this year’s summer holiday, Childline knows that many children might be struggling to cope with these issues and wants to remind them that  their  trained counsellors and online services are here to support them.

Childline insight

Common themes that came out of Childline  counselling sessions on body image and eating disorders include:

  • Comparisons to friends, siblings, and people on social media
  • Guilt around eating particular “bad” foods or guilt about eating at all
  • Negative comments from family, friends, bullies, and partners about their weight and body often contributes to body image concerns
  • Weight worries linked to lockdown, gaining weight due to lockdown inactivity or stress
  • Not knowing how to manage weight or fitness without going to extremes
  • Cancelling plans due to body image issues

Childline knows that there are number of factors that make the summer holiday a particularly tricky time for children and young people struggling with their body image or their relationship with food.

For some, the prospect of wearing clothing which shows their body more can make them feel under pressure to look a certain way, that they need to lose weight or change their appearance.

For others, this pressure is also reinforced as many will be spending more time online during the summer months to keep in touch with their friends and to stay entertained. As a result, we know many children may be exposed to more content online that might make them feel negatively about the way they way look.

Additionally, children who struggle with eating disorders might find a change in their day-to-day routine and eating habits over the summer period difficult to cope with.

A girl in Scotland aged 16 who reached out to Childline said*: “How is Tiktok full of so many beautiful people and I look like this? I stare out at my face in the mirror and can only see what needs fixing. My lips, my nose, my eyes, my cheeks. Even my friends agree my nose is huge. Make up doesn’t do what surgery and fillers can do.”

A boy aged 13 told the service: “I feel so guilty every time I eat. I’ve been trying to be healthy and cut down on food, but it doesn’t seem to be helping. My older siblings are all so skinny, everyone says they’re so handsome and look like models, then there’s just me. It’s been upsetting me so much lately, thank you for letting me offload how I’m feeling.”

Support

Kieran Lyons, Service Head of Childline said: “Every year our trained counsellors speak to hundreds children in the run up to and during the summer holidays who are struggling with their body image or eating disorders.

“Summer can be a really a tough time for anyone who is already dealing with these issues, and it also can be a time which can make others who ordinarily felt happy with their body image begin to feel negatively.

“Regardless of your situation or your worries, Childline is here to ensure  that no child is  left to cope alone with any worry they have.

“If you are struggling with your body image or an eating disorder, we want you to know that Childline is here to help, and we can support you on what you can do and how to make things feel better.”

If there is a young person in your life struggling with their body image or an eating disorder here are some tips on how best to support them:

  • Remind them that how they look is part of who they are and that their personality, achievements and the way they behave is important too.
  • Images they may see on TV, in magazines, in social media or online are often altered and airbrushed so what they are seeing isn’t always real.
  • Remind them that everyone is different and not to compare themselves to anyone else. Accepting themselves is all about them noticing things they are happy and unhappy about and realise that is what makes them unique.
  • To help build their confidence encourage them to spend time focusing on a hobby they enjoy.
  • Also, it may help if they write down every morning a few things they like about themselves.

All children can speak to a trained counsellor over the phone on 0800 1111, via email or on a 121 chat on the Childline website.

Children can also visit the website to find more advice on any concerns or questions they may have on body image and eating disorders and they can also use the service’s monitored message boards to get support from their peers.

Meerkat’s Out of the Bag! Cheeky creatures coming to Edinburgh Children’s Hospital

Children at an Edinburgh hospital will soon be learning important conservation lessons from some very unusual teachers – a mob of meerkats based in an outdoor classroom within the grounds!

The first programme of its kind outside of Australia, the meerkats from The Royal Zoological Society of Scotland’s (RZSS) Edinburgh Zoo will reside at NHS Lothian’s Royal Hospital for Children and Young People (RHCYP) and be at the heart of an extensive learning and discovery experience.

Thanks to a partnership between Edinburgh Children’s Hospital Charity (ECHC), NHS Lothian and RZSS, the inquisitive creatures will give young patients, particularly those staying long term, the opportunity to learn all about nature and the environment.

Edinburgh Zoo currently delivers a weekly programme of educational activities at the RHCYP, including projects on penguins, pandas and tigers, all of which encourage children to think about their place in the world and the importance of wildlife within it.

The meerkat enclosure will replicate their natural habitat and zookeepers from Edinburgh Zoo will care for them and provide meerkat educational sessions while on site.

Roslyn Neely, CEO of ECHC, said: “Some children are too unwell or have been in hospital for so long that they don’t have the opportunity to engage with the outdoors, or interact with animals.

“Many of the children who visit the hospital care passionately about nature and the environment. Our programme will allow them to learn from experts while getting up close to the best teachers of all – the meerkats themselves.

“The wellbeing benefits of engaging with animals and using nature in the healing process are well documented, and there’s great excitement within the hospital in anticipation of our furry friends arriving.”

David Field, chief executive of the Royal Zoological Society of Scotland, said, “Our conservation education programme has already been a great success and now we are taking this incredible next step by creating the only meerkat enclosure at a children’s hospital outside of Australia, making this a first in the UK and Europe.

“Being close to nature and animals can have a tremendous impact on people’s mental and physical health and wellbeing. We also know that people and communities are more likely to help protect nature when they have had the opportunity to connect with our natural world.

“We are really looking forward to bringing a group of meerkats to live at the hospital next year and seeing the impact this will have for the children and their families.”

Allister Short, Service Director, Women’s and Children’s, NHS Lothian, said: “We are really excited about this innovative programme coming to the RHCYP.

“Meerkats have been introduced into many children’s hospitals in Australia and this unique concept encourages children to learn and be inspired, particularly when they’re in hospital for long periods of time.

“We want to brighten up our patients’ days in an educational way and we know that the meerkats will be an exciting addition to the RHCYP.”

The programme is currently in the early stages of planning and it is hoped the meerkats will move into their new home at the RHCYP from 2024.

MasterChef encourages families to Raise Some Dough this summer

Gary Maclean provides the perfect recipe for families to start baking in support of Mary’s Meals

MasterChef Gary Maclean is encouraging families to get baking over the summer holidays and raise vital funds for Mary’s Meals.

Scotland’s national chef, who won MasterChef: The Professionals in 2016, is supporting the charity’s Raise Some Dough campaign which asks people to host a fundraising bake sale to help feed hungry children.

Mary’s Meals serves nutritious school meals to more than 2.4 million children in 18 of the world’s poorest countries – including Ethiopia, Syria and South Sudan. The promise of a daily meal attracts children into the classroom, where they can gain an education and hope for the future.

For first-time bakers and kids keen to get involved in the kitchen this summer, Gary suggests biscuit making as the best way to get started.

He says: “It’s great to do this with kids because it should only take 15 to 20 minutes for a biscuit to bake, and it doesn’t really matter what shape they come out.

“I’ve got great memories of making biscuits with my mum.

“We can now introduce that side of it to our kids and it’s an entry point for them to start enjoying cooking and baking.”

Gary, who is executive chef at the City of Glasgow College, has been a long-time supporter of Mary’s Meals. He says: “Initially what brought Mary’s Meals to my attention was that connection between education and food.

“Obviously, we need both. But to bring that together, it really helps families getting children fed, but also getting them educated, because education can be their route out of poverty.”

And when asked which biscuits he’ll be enjoying with his family over the school summer holidays, the celebrity chef admitted: “I probably make more biscuits than I eat them! I like things with coconut, I do like dark chocolate.

“Over the summer holidays, I’d encourage parents and kids to get involved in Raise Some Dough. Any money raised goes a long way with Mary’s Meals, so every penny counts!”.

People across the UK can download a free Raise Some Dough fundraising pack from the charity’s website, which includes a book packed full of tasty biscuit recipes from some of the UK’s favourite celebrities – including Stephen Fry, Dame Joanna Lumley, Ellie Taylor, Rosemary Shrager and Judy Murray.

The charity will also send bakers a free mug-shaped cookie cutter, based on the mugs from which many children eat their daily serving of Mary’s Meals.

It costs just £19.15 to feed a child with Mary’s Meals for a whole school year, which means every penny raised through baking will help to transform young lives around the world.

To order your free Raise Some Dough fundraising pack, please visit:

marysmeals.org.uk/raise.

Gary Maclean’s Perkins Biscuits recipe

Perkins biscuits are not to be confused with the Yorkshire biscuit called Parkins. They are similar, but not the same. Perkins are worth a go if you like your biscuits with an oaty texture. This is my type of biscuit, another very easy one to make and I think they look amazing. You could also add your own twist by topping them with some dark chocolate.

Ingredients:

  • 120g / 4 ¼ oz Plain Flour/All-purpose
  • 120g / 4 ¼ oz Rolled Oats
  • 60 g / 2 ½ oz Unsalted Butter, diced and cold
  • 85 g / 3oz Caster Sugar
  • 1tsp Bicarbonate of Soda/Baking powder
  • ½ tsp Ground Ginger
  • ½ tsp Ground Cinnamon
  • ¼ Mixed Spice
  • 100g / 3 ½ oz Golden Syrup
  • 100g / 3 ½ oz Blanched Almonds.

Method:

  1. Pre-heat oven to 180°C/350˚F.
  2. Take the flour, bicarbonate of soda/baking powder, ginger, cinnamon and spices and sift them into a large bowl.
  3. Add the butter and rub until the mixture resembles breadcrumbs.
  4. Add the oats, sugar, and mix.
  5. Take a small pan and warm the golden syrup until it is of a pouring consistency, try not to heat it too much.
  6. Pour the golden syrup into the bowl and mix to form a stiff dough.
  7. Line two baking trays with parchment paper.
  8. Split the mixture in half and roll into a long sausage shape.
  9. Cut the sausage shape into 12 equal parts, do the same with the other half of the dough, you should end up with 24 pieces.
  10. Roll each piece up into a ball, split the balls between the two trays leaving a gap between the balls.
  11. Gently press the tops of your biscuits with your thumb and top each with a blanched almond.
  12. Bake in your oven for 10 minutes, until the biscuits have spread and are golden.
  13. Leave to cool on the tray until cool enough to touch before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

Care comes home: Edinburgh nurse launches local in-home care service

Since moving to Edinburgh to study nursing 10 years ago, Courtney Bennett has long understood the need for attentive, respectful in-home care to meet the growing demand for exceptional services in her community.

After a decade in the care industry, Courtney has recently launched Visiting Angels – a care provider that cares for people in the comfort of their own homes – with the intention of not only providing high-quality in-home care for Edinburgh residents, but also to reward carers for the amazing work they do for others day in, day out.

Before launching Visiting Angels, Courtney graduated from Edinburgh Napier University with a nursing degree, and she felt so at home in the city that she decided to stay and start a life here.

In her years after university, Courtney worked across the care sector in various roles, predominantly with the elderly in nursing homes and in adult social care from the nursing perspective.

After battling through her own health issues, Courtney had to take a step back from clinical nursing, but never lost the passion she had for caring for others. It was this which prompted Courtney to launch Visiting Angels; she was able to provide that high level of care to those who need it most while being able to look after her own health.

“Since finding nursing, I have loved caring for others, particularly for the elderly,” says Courtney, of her motivation for launching the company. “I love the elderly; I feel so comfortable in their company – more than most my own age actually!

“I loved my job as a nurse, but it’s no secret that it comes with its own challenges. Being a caregiver is such a difficult job, one which is not nearly championed enough. Carers deserve to be treated, valued and rewarded properly for the amazing work that they do.

“I found when I was working in care homes that no matter how fantastic the home, the team and the facilities were, there was always something which felt institutionalising and isolating about them.

“I’m a firm believer that people rest better in their own home, and that when carers are given more time for visits and properly compensated for their work, that in-home care becomes something incredibly special.

“When I decided to launch Visiting Angels here in Edinburgh, it was so important for me to think about not just our clients, but our carers as well, which is why we have policies covering minimum one-hour visits, paid-for travel time between visits for staff, and proper rewards for our caregivers’ incredible work.”

Visiting Angels’ ‘carer-centric’ approach sets it apart from other companies in the in-home care sector. Carers working for Visiting Angels feel valued and respected for their commitment to the industry.

Through both financial rewards and opportunities for career development, Courtney and the Visiting Angels team are determined to address issues surrounding the industry, which often leaves carers feeling little –to no appreciation.

Courtney is aiming to have around 20 carers on board by the end of the year. With staff turnover in the care sector at a record high, Courtney is determined to encourage caregivers to stay in the industry, by providing them with a supportive, respectful, rewarding work environment.

More than anything, Courtney wants to change the face of social care for the better, and to make it accessible to every person who needs it.

“It’s so important to get our voices heard and to make a real difference in the community. So much of our local area is underserved and often overlooked when it comes to care, so I’m really excited to be able to bring this level of high-quality, consistent care to the people of East Edinburgh.”

For more information, visit https://www.visiting-angels.co.uk/edinburgheast/

David shares tragic family stories of pancreatic cancer

David Fitzpatrick is working with Pancreatic Cancer Action, a UK-based charity dedicated to improving survival rates through early diagnosis of pancreatic cancer, to raise awareness of the disease’s devastating nature.

Recently, David raised an incredible £8,285 at his golf fundraiser on 23rd June from the grounds of the beautiful Cowglen Golf Club, with nearly 80 people participating in the annual event that included a raffle and auction.

The Fitzpatrick family have been supporting the charity since 2014 after David’s brother, Paul, sadly passed from pancreatic cancer. Paul was diagnosed just 15 months after David’s mum, Patricia, sadly died from the disease.

To date, they have raised over £40,000 in their memory.

David had this to say about their efforts and why they have worked tirelessly to raise funds and awareness: “Our family have lost two special people to this illness, both our beloved mum and brother who was a loving father and husband.

“Pancreatic cancer is the 5th biggest cancer killer. Pancreatic Cancer Action has worked tirelessly to raise awareness of the cancer across the UK, including making GPs and consultants more aware of the symptoms, which, if caught early enough, can increase the survival rate of people diagnosed with it.

“I only wish our family GP and doctors at The Southern General Hospital had more knowledge of it whilst treating my mum and brother, who was diagnosed 15 months after mum, who died within a month of being diagnosed.

“Our family, nephews, nieces, grandchildren, Paul’s daughters, our friends, Nitshill Bowling Club, and former players and coaches of Bellarmine Amateurs are truly inspiring in their assistance and encouragement to raise funds in memory of both mum and Paul.

“They have all helped raise awareness of pancreatic cancer and hopefully save the lives of others as well as help educate the people who regularly misdiagnose this disease.”

Pancreatic cancer is the 5th most common cause of cancer death in the UK, with over 10,000 people diagnosed each year. Early diagnosis is crucial for improving survival rates, yet under 8% of those diagnosed will survive for five years or more.

David lost his mum and brother far too early, and we strongly believe that they both could have been saved if their pancreatic cancer had been detected sooner.

Pancreatic Cancer Action is dedicated to raising awareness of the disease and funding research into early detection and treatment.

About pancreatic cancer 

  • Twenty-nine people are newly diagnosed with the disease each day. 
  • For those diagnosed in time for surgery, their chances of surviving beyond five years increases by up to 30%. Knowing the signs and symptoms means you can act on any concerns you might have, sooner. 
  • Over 50% of all patients are diagnosed as an emergency in A&E when it is more likely that the cancer has already spread to other parts of the body. 
  • Pancreatic cancer can affect any adult. It occurs equally in men and women. 
  • The disease receives only 3.1% of cancer research funding. 
  • Pancreatic cancer is the UK’s 5th biggest cancer killer and the 10th most common cancer. 
  • In most cases, it can develop unexpectedly with no family connections to the disease. 
  • The five-year survival rate is less than 8%. 
  • Twenty-six people die from pancreatic cancer each day. 
  • Only 10% of patients are diagnosed in time for life-saving surgery. 
  • Incidence rates are projected to rise by 6% in the UK by 2035 to 21 cases per 100,000 people.

To find out more about our work, visit our website at www.panact.org

£1m Cycle Share Fund announced

Ahead of the 2023 UCI Cycling World Championships, #ActiveTravel Minister Patrick Harvie announces £1 million Scottish Government investment to support bike share schemes.

The Scottish Government is investing £1 million to support bike share schemes. Delivered by Cycling UK, the Cycle Share Fund will get more people in Scotland cycling, by enabling access to a bike in an affordable, easy and convenient way.

It will enable organisations to purchase cycles and equipment for schemes that provide people with access to a bike that they don’t own. It will support a range of delivery models including loan schemes, subscription services, hire schemes, bike libraries, pool bikes and bike shares.

With support from Cycling UK, organisations who run or wish to run any form of cycle share scheme, including third sector and community organisations, charities, schools and other workplaces, will be eligible to apply for funding.

The fund will tackle barriers to cycling including the upfront costs of buying a bike, uncertainty around choosing the right bike or how to maintain it, or lack of a safe place to store a cycle.

Launching the funding, Minister for Active Travel Patrick Harvie visited Bike for Good in the west end of Glasgow, to learn more about their existing non-ownership pilot ‘SWITCH UP’.

Minister for Active Travel Patrick Harvie said: “I’m pleased to announce the Scottish Government investment of £1 million to support and develop cycle access schemes across the country.

“With the eyes of the world on Scotland for the first ever UCI 2023 Cycling World Championships – this investment demonstrates our commitment to removing barriers to cycling by expanding access – helping to keep the wheels in motion for everyday cycling after the event concludes.

“For our health, wellbeing and environment – we’re committed to building an active nation and making it easier for people to walk, wheel and cycle for shorter everyday trips.

“That’s why the Scottish Government has committed to spend at least £320 million, or 10% of the total transport budget, on active travel by 2024-25. Through this, we can bring about more projects like the one Bike for Good in Glasgow is expertly offering. Coupled with further investment in infrastructure, we will transform our communities to support the revolution in active travel that we need to see.”

Suzanne Forup, Head of Development at Cycling UK in Scotland, said: “We’re delighted to be delivering this fund that will provide more opportunities for people to cycle in an affordable and accessible way.

“We know that owning a cycle is not the best option for everyone, so we look forward to supporting a range of schemes that will break down barriers and enable people to feel all the benefits of cycling – financially, for their health, wellbeing and for our environment.”

Gregory Kinsman-Chauvet, founder and  CEO at Bike for Good, said: ““We welcome the Scottish Government’s Cycle Share Fund, delivered by Cycling UK. The purpose of the new fund aligns well with Bike for Good’s mission to enable people to ride a bike.

“We launched the UK’s first impact-led bike subscription service, SWITCH UP. We offer a safe, reliable and easy-to-use bike subscription service so that users are always ready and confident on the road. SWITCH UP users can access a bike, an e-bike or an e-cargo bike at affordable prices, with maintenance, insurance and mobile repairs included.

“Bike for Good is proud to offer this fantastic opportunity to Glasgow and are expanding it across the UK. A significant part of our fleet is committed to supporting low-income individuals.

“With SWITCH UP, we aim to make available a micro-mobility platform that enables people to access a bike as a mode of transportation. Overall, the new fund is a significant step forward for Bike for Good in their mission to make cycling more affordable, accessible, and widespread.”

Delivered by Cycling UK in Scotland, the #CycleShareFund will get more people in Scotland cycling through organisations like Bike for Good Glasgow.

It will enable access to a bike in an way that is:

🔹 affordable

🔹 easy

🔹 convenient

#PowerOfTheBike

#GlasgowScotland2023

Edinburgh Leisure competition: Find the Pin Drop Box to win

EXPLORE THE CITY TO DISCOVER A WORLD OF FITNESS


Edinburgh Leisure, the largest provider of sport and leisure facilities across the city, is launching an exciting competition next week, The Edinburgh Leisure Pin Drop, so that wherever you’re at in the city, you could be in with the chance to win a year’s membership with Edinburgh Leisure.

The Edinburgh Leisure Pin Drop competition runs from 17th – 28th July. They will be giving away six free Edinburgh Leisure memberships.

To be in with the chance of winning, all participants must do is to find the pin (a branded box featuring a pink geolocation), which will be ‘dropped’ somewhere in Edinburgh and take it to their nearest venue. 

The first person to do this will win a year’s membership and can choose from Full Fitness, Climb, Golf or Single Child Soft Play membership.*

Over the duration of the competition, Edinburgh Leisure will be ‘dropping a pin’ in six different locations around the city and sharing some clues and photos on their social media channels, on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.

Pins will be dropped at 11am on the following days during the competition:

  • Monday, 17th July 2023
  • Wednesday, 19th July 2023
  • Friday, 21st July 2023
  • Monday 24th July 2023
  • Wednesday, 26th July 2023
  • Friday, 28th July 2023

Participants will have two hours to find the box from 11am when the clue is posted on social media. The person who finds the box then has until Edinburgh Leisure’s participating venues close on the same day to redeem their prize. Venue closing times vary, so people should check closing times of their closest venue.

Participants are encouraged to tag Edinburgh Leisure in their Edinburgh Leisure Pin Drop posts on social media and use the hashtag #WhereverYoureAt.

As the biggest club in town, wherever you’re at on the map or in life, Edinburgh Leisure is here to help the people of Edinburgh enjoy a healthier, happier, and more active life. In the heart of communities, they’re the largest provider of sports and leisure facilities across the city.

*Competition information, terms and conditions and participating Edinburgh Leisure venues can be found by visiting:  rb.gy/qbh9o

BBQ Season: Expert reveals THIS bad cooking habit can increase the risk of food poisoning  

  • A kitchen expert has revealed the simple safety tip that’s often ignored during BBQ season – despite reducing the risk of food poisoning 
  • Brits often prepare their raw meat products on a plate or board and carry them to their BBQ – before returning the cooked meat to the same surface  
  • BBQ hosts may grow complacent as the day progresses, data shows, with accidental fires 124% more likely to occur between 4 pm and 8 pm 
  • Other kitchen mishaps include leaving meat out of the fridge while prepping, placing hot dishes on countertops, and reusing contaminated marinade 

A kitchen expert has revealed the common mistakes Brits will make when hosting a BBQ this summer – which can increase the risk of food poisoning, and even cause fires.  

Mert Yashar, Director at House of Worktops, says that it’s easy for many of us to forget essential kitchen safety tips while celebrating the warm weather, but with data showing that food poisoning cases rise in the summer months, it’s important to stay on the ball.  

According to the Food Standards Agency (FSA), there are 2.4 million cases of foodborne illness a year, and the risk rises in summer as the warm weather boosts bacterial growth.  

Add to this that nationwide Google searches for ‘food poisoning symptoms’ rose by 60% in June alone, and prioritising BBQ safety is crucial ahead of the upcoming July heatwave.   

Mert says: “As we’ve already enjoyed some high temperatures over the last month, it’s likely many of our friends and family have already hosted or discussed hosting a BBQ. And while it’s practically a British summer staple to fire up the grill as soon as possible, the fact is that many hosts will start to let their food safety standards slip once the good weather kicks in. 

“The most easily-avoidable mistake that many make is laying out their raw meat in an easy-to-grab fashion on a chopping board or plate, which they then carry to the grill. They then place the cooked products back onto the same surface to be transported back inside, or to an outdoor table where condiments, garnishes, and guests are waiting.  

“Just because the meat has been cooked doesn’t mean it’s safe to place it on a surface that’s previously held raw meat, as this will cause contamination. And it’s easy to forget this, as you’re likely preoccupied with not burning the meat or yourself on the grill.”  

The expert reveals that this preoccupation can result in other essential safety tips being overlooked, as hosts have to juggle cooking and entertaining their guests in a social setting. 

Mert adds: “It’s all too easy to lose track of time when hosting any event, but especially one that’s very social and based outdoors.

“Other common mishaps that occur include leaving raw meat unrefrigerated for an extended time while waiting for the grill to heat up, not keeping side dishes covered to protect them from bacteria or bugs, and rushing to take the meat off the grill before it’s ready to free it up for the next batch of product. 

“Hosts can even find themselves reapplying the same marinade they’ve placed raw meat in to baste the cooked meat on the grill – just before serving it to their unsuspecting guests.” 

But it’s not just food contamination that being distracted or lazy can lead to, as barbecues reportedly account for around 1,800 accident and emergency visits yearly – most of which (44%) are for burns, while 1 in 10 visits are due to cuts from sharp objects.  

According to the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents (RoSPA), most barbecue accidents happen in a home setting (78%) instead of a public place, and the likelihood of injury increases considerably as temperatures rise.  

As temperatures rise throughout the day and the grill has been used successfully, hosts may become complacent around BBQ safety – especially if they drink alcohol while cooking.  

Figures on domestic fire incidents from the Home Office support this, as an accidental fire is 124% more likely to occur between 4 pm and 8 pm than any other time. Dwelling fires are also 10% more prevalent in June and July than in May or August.  

But there are some easy ways to prioritise fire and food safety at your next BBQ, House of Worktops reveals, as long as you remember the following advice:  

  • Keep your raw and cooked meat utensils separate. Using different plates and tongs for raw and cooked meat ensures cross-contamination can’t occur. If you’re working with limited containers, place cooked meat directly onto your guests’ plates so that the board or plate is only used to bring raw meat to the grill. Make sure to use hot, soapy water to wash anything that raw meat has covered thoroughly.     
  • Make sure your meat and side dishes are covered. While it’s tempting to put on a spread and then turn all of your attention to the grill, it’s much safer to keep your side dishes covered with foil or clingfilm right up until you need to use them, to avoid any bugs or bacteria sneaking in. You’ll also want to keep your meat refrigerated until the grill has heated up – unless the product says it needs to reach room temperature first.
  • Avoid placing hot dishes on cold and wooden surfaces. Not only can placing hot dishes on your countertops cause blistering or burning but it can also make it harder for your guests to keep track of which containers are too hot to touch. Place glass or metal dishes on a wooden chopping board or cooling rack so that it’s easier to distinguish, and so you avoid damaging your kitchen surfaces.  
  • Make sure your grill is clean before firing it up. The best time to clean your BBQ is immediately after it’s heated but before you start cooking again, as this will make it easier to get grease off and ensure you’re not contaminating food. Brush off the grates and racks once they’re cool with a wire brush, scraper, or scourer, and keep an eye out for any debris that may fall onto the hot coals while your food cooks. 
  • Keep a bucket of water or sand nearby. Your BBQ should ideally be set at least 10 feet away from your house and should have a bucket of water or sand close by for emergency extinguishing. If your BBQ uses gas, don’t use water and instead opt for sand or salt, as water on a grease fire can cause a flare-up. Make sure to close the lid once adding your water/sand to help starve the fire of oxygen.  

With a two-week heatwave currently expected in July as temperatures could soar to 40C, it’s key that Brits ensure they avoid hosting BBQs in the sweltering heat unless following safety precautions, as dry grass also increases fire risk. 

Healthy Heart Tip: Back to Basics

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

Healthy Heart Tip: Back to Basics

12th of July is National Simplicity Day in the UK, and in honour of the day dedicated to simple living, this healthy tip takes heart health back to the basics.

Our health, the food we eat and the exercise we do (or don’t do) are hot topics and it can feel overwhelming and far from simple.

In this week’s healthy tip, we are stripping back the noise and detailing a few easy things we can all start doing from today for a healthy heart.

Mediterranean diet

This way of eating emphasises eating lots of plant-based foods and healthy fats and can reduce your risk of cardiovascular disease.

Eat lots of fruit and vegetables, wholegrains (brown rice, wholemeal bread etc), nuts and seeds and extra virgin olive oil. Eat moderate amounts of fish (especially omega-3 rich fish like salmon) and dairy products. Eat little meat (opt for lean chicken and turkey), sweets, sugary drinks, and processed foods.

30 minutes of exercise

Exercise for 30 minutes at least five days a week. Adults should be active for 150 minutes a week and you can break this up however you like.

Start small if you need to. If you don’t currently have an exercise routine, a brisk walk for 30 minutes a day, five days a week will significantly impact your heart health for the better.

Alcohol & smoking

If you smoke, seek support and work with a professional to help you stop. There is support available so be sure to ask for help. Drinking small amounts of alcohol is unlikely to cause serious consequences alongside a healthy lifestyle, but heavy drinking is a big risk factor for cardiovascular disease.

The NHS recommends drinking no more than 14 units of alcohol a week spread over three or more days, but also state that there is no completely safe level of drinking so skip the alcohol where possible.

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

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