Health and wellbeing – Page 15 – The NEN

Urgent call to smokers to make a quit attempt for No Smoking Day

Smokers are being urged to make a quit attempt this No Smoking Day to improve their health and wealth

5.3 million smokers in England urged to make a quit attempt this No Smoking Day, as one of the best things they can do for their health and their wealth 
With up to two in three long-term smokers dying from smoking and causing 64,000 deaths in England each year – No Smoking Day remains important 40 years on from its launch 
It’s never too late to quit’: presenter Coleen Nolan tells us why she is stopping smoking following a recent health scare and reassures others on taking first steps to a smokefree life 
It comes as the Prime Minister’s landmark legislation to create a smokefree generation is due to be introduced,

Leading charities, including ASH, Cancer Research UK and Asthma + Lung UK, are joining forces with the government to encourage the nation’s 5.3 million smokers to make a quit attempt this No Smoking Day, 13 March. 

The campaign comes as part of the government’s bold plans to bring about the first smokefree generation and introduce legislation so children turning fifteen this year or younger can never legally be sold tobacco.  Almost every minute of every day someone is admitted to hospital in England with a smoking-related disease and in 2022-23 there were over 400,000 hospital admissions in England due to smoking.  

Quitting smoking is the best thing you can do for your health, at any age, and the benefits begin immediately. After eight hours your oxygen levels recover and the harmful carbon monoxide level in your blood will have reduced by half. After 48 hours all carbon monoxide will have flushed out, your lungs will clear out mucus and your sense of taste and smell improve. 

Stopping smoking is also one of the best things people can do to save money to spend on other things. The average smoker spends around £47 a week on tobacco, which is around £2,450 a year. More broadly, it costs society over £17 billion per year, which includes a £14 billion cost to productivity and £3 billion cost to the NHS and social care. 

UK Public Health Minister Andrea Leadsom said:  ”Smoking is the biggest preventable killer in the UK and places a huge burden on our NHS. Cigarettes are responsible for 64,000 deaths a year in England – no other consumer product kills up to two-thirds of its users.  

“That’s why No Smoking Day is still so important 40 years on from its launch.  We are taking action to prevent our children from ever lighting a cigarette, and our proposed historic Tobacco and Vapes Bill will safeguard the next generation from the harms of smoking and risk of addiction.

Up to two in three long-term smokers will die from their smoking. Despite the harms associated with smoking, it’s estimated that nearly 50 million cigarettes are smoked every day in England, with every single one negatively impacting the smoker’s health. 

Chief Medical Officer for England Professor Chris Whitty said:   “Cigarettes kill. They cause at least 15 different types of cancers and increase your risk of developing more than 50 serious health conditions. 

“Quitting smoking is one of the best things you can do for your health – no matter your age or how long you have smoked.”

Today, presenter, singer and TV personality Coleen Nolan – who smoked for over 40 years and is currently on her quitting journey following a health scare – shares her story to encourage others to join her.

Singer and presenter Coleen Nolan said: “I smoked for about 40 years and was heavily influenced by my friends and family around me. At such a young age I wasn’t aware of the health risks of smoking and soon found myself becoming addicted.

“Following a recent health scare, I realised how precious life is and became determined to quit, not just for my own health, but so I can be there fully for my children and grandchildren. To anyone out there thinking of giving up smoking, my advice is do it! ”

She is joined by ex-smoker and cancer survivor Sue Mountain who shares her story in a bid to urge smokers to quit smoking before it’s too late. Sue features in a powerful TV advert released by the department as part of a new Smokefree campaign, encouraging people to quit smoking. 

Sue Mountain said:  ”I never once thought I’d get cancer. Not once. To tell your family you’ve got cancer through smoking, is really hard. My kids thought they were going to lose their mam.”

Smoking rates have reduced by two-thirds since the first year of No Smoking Day 40 years ago, but smoking is still the single largest preventable cause of death in England – estimated to account for 64,000 deaths annually.  

Stopping smoking is the best thing people can do for their health, and it can significantly reduce the risk of younger people taking up smoking and becoming addicted. Currently, four in five smokers start before the age of 20 and smoking from a younger age is linked to being more likely to smoke in later years.

Better Health offers a range of free quitting support, including a local stop smoking services look-up tool and advice on stop smoking aids, including information on how vaping can help you quit smoking. 

As part of the government’s Swap to Stop scheme, almost one in five of all adult smokers in England will have access to a vape kit alongside behavioural support to help them quit the habit and improve health outcomes.   

Plans to introduce the most significant public health intervention in a generation and phase out smoking are progressing at pace, with the UK now in the lead to be the first country in the world to create a smokefree generation. The UK government is proposing the phasing out of the sale of tobacco so that any child born on or after 1 January 2009 can never legally be sold cigarettes.  

Be part of the change and help build a smokefree generation. For free support to quit this No Smoking Day, search ‘Smokefree’.  

Get Your Blood Pressure Checked

Millions at risk from ‘silent killer’ as NHS campaign warns there are often ‘no clues’ when it comes to high blood pressure

Up to 4.2 million people in England could be living with undiagnosed high blood pressure, according to NHS.
The ‘silent killer’ often has no symptoms but if left untreated, can lead to fatal heart attacks, strokes, kidney disease and vascular dementia.
New survey data shows that despite the majority of high blood pressure cases being asymptomatic, only one in 14 respondents (7 per cent) thought the condition has no symptoms.
The Get Your Blood Pressure Checked campaign has been launched to highlight that there are often ‘no clues’ as to who has high blood pressure – backed by Gloria Hunniford and Graeme Souness.
With the NHS expanding blood pressure checks in community pharmacies – including capacity for an additional 2.5 million tests – the national campaign is urging those aged 40 years and over to get a free blood pressure test at a participating pharmacy.
Campaign backed by British Heart Foundation, Stroke Association, Heart Research UK, Blood Pressure UK, May Measurement Month, British Society for Heart Failure, and more.

Today, the NHS is launching a new national campaign to find the ‘missing millions’ who have undiagnosed high blood pressure.

High blood pressure, often described as a ‘silent killer’, affects an estimated 32 per cent of adults. As the condition rarely has any symptoms, approximately three in 10 of these remain undiagnosed, equating to 4.2 million people in England.

The public are today being warned that there are often ‘no clues’ about who might have high blood pressure – the only way to know is to have a simple test.

With the NHS announcing an additional 2.5 million blood pressure checks in community pharmacies over this year and next, those aged 40 years and over are now being urged to get a free blood pressure test at a participating pharmacy. The procedure is quick, non-invasive and you don’t need to book in advance.

This comes as new survey data reveals widespread misconceptions about the condition among those at risk.

Despite the majority of high blood pressure cases being asymptomatic, only one in 14 respondents (7 per cent) thought the condition has no symptoms. The survey also revealed one in six (17 per cent) of those surveyed have been put off having a blood pressure check because they don’t feel unhealthy or stressed.

Health Minister Andrea Leadsom said: “Millions of adults in England unknowingly have high blood pressure, without experiencing any symptoms. As part of our Pharmacy First programme, the NHS has expanded its pharmacy offering to include 2.5 million more blood pressure checks within local pharmacies.

“Knowing if you have a healthy blood pressure is so important and this new drive will help to prevent the potentially fatal consequences of untreated high blood pressure. I urge people to go to their local pharmacy today to get their blood pressure checked. It could be a lifesaving trip.”

Left untreated, high blood pressure can lead to heart attacks, strokes, kidney disease and vascular dementia.

However, the survey of over 2,000 adults aged 40 and over revealed worrying numbers who don’t know the potentially fatal effects of high blood pressure – with four in 10 (41 per cent) unaware that, if left untreated, high blood pressure can lead to heart disease, and over a fifth (22 per cent) being unaware that it can cause strokes and heart attacks.

To encourage more over 40s to come forward for potentially life-saving blood pressure checks, new advertising features a fictional detective struggling to solve the mystery of high blood pressure, due to a lack of ‘clues’ and ‘insufficient evidence’.

The campaign is being backed by Graeme Souness, TV pundit and former footballer, who is affected by high blood pressure and had a heart attack, and Gloria Hunniford, TV presenter and broadcaster, whose dad and husband have suffered strokes.

The pair appear alongside other patients affected by the condition, and pharmacist Deepak Bilakhia, in a mock police line-up to demonstrate how any of us could be unknowingly walking around with the condition.

Gloria Hunniford said: “This campaign is very close to my heart – both my husband and my father sadly suffered from a number of strokes due to high blood pressure, so I know from personal experience just how important it is to get your blood pressure checked, even if you feel healthy.

“That’s why I’m so pleased to hear that pharmacies offer free, quick blood pressure checks for people aged 40 and over – thankfully, this really will save lives.”

Graeme Souness said: “It’s so important to get your blood pressure checked – in my experience, high blood pressure doesn’t only affect the ‘usual suspects’, it can and does affect anyone so you could be at risk without knowing it.

“I’ve had high blood pressure for years but have been able to manage it with a routine of healthy eating, regular fitness and regular blood pressure checks.”

It is hoped that the campaign will urge those at risk to prioritise getting their blood pressure checked, even if they have no symptoms – after the survey revealed that blood pressure checks are low on the list of people’s annual priorities.

The majority of those at risk currently prioritise annual tasks such as getting their car MOT’d (56 per cent), getting their boiler serviced (55 per cent) or renewing insurances (60 per cent), above checking their blood pressure (43 per cent) – despite its life saving potential. 

Meanwhile two in five (44 per cent) were not aware they could get a free blood pressure check at a pharmacy, with even more being unaware that they do not need an appointment (59 per cent).

Chief Medical Officer for England Sir Professor Chris Whitty said: “High blood pressure usually has no symptoms but can lead to serious health consequences such as a fatal heart attack, a stroke, kidney disease and vascular dementia.

“The only way to know if you have high blood pressure is to get a simple, non-invasive blood pressure test. Even if you are diagnosed, the good news is that it’s usually easily treatable.

“Getting your blood pressure checked at a local pharmacy is free, quick and you don’t even need an appointment, so please go for a check today – it could save your life.

Helen Williams, Pharmacist and National Clinical Director for CVD Prevention, NHS England said: “It can be easy to dismiss the risks of stroke and heart attack associated with high blood pressure, especially as it often has no signs or symptoms so I would encourage everyone over the age 40 to know their blood pressure numbers.

“With thousands of pharmacies across the country now offering free blood pressure checks with healthy living advice, it’s a quick, easy and convenient way to keep on top of your cardiovascular health at a time and place that suits you.”

Deepak Bilakhia, a Nottingham based community pharmacist, said: “Campaigns like this are so important because high blood pressure can be a silent killer and really can affect anyone, including those with no symptoms at all.

“Too many people are unaware that pharmacies offer this kind of service, without needing to book an appointment.

“So, if you’re 40 and over and haven’t had a check in the last 6 months, don’t put it off any longer.

“Checking your blood pressure at a local pharmacy is so simple to do but could save your life – and your pharmacist is here to help.”

Find a pharmacy that offers free blood pressure checks near you by searching “pharmacy blood pressure check” or visiting the NHS website here.

Women urged to apply for historic mesh removal expenses

Scheme to close end of March

Any women who have not claimed back the cost of private mesh removal arranged before 3 June 2022 are being encouraged to do so ahead of the planned closure of the Transvaginal Mesh Removal Reimbursement Scheme.

As announced in the parliament in October 2023, the scheme for women to claim back the cost of private mesh removal surgery will close to new applications at the end of March. The Scheme was due to close in December 2023 but the Scottish Government extended to give women a final chance to apply.

Women’s Health Minister Jenni Minto said: “Many women who have been impacted by complications after having had transvaginal mesh implanted have experienced immense pain and suffering.

“It is important that women who are eligible to apply to the Transvaginal Mesh Removal Reimbursement Scheme are not left out of pocket, which is why the Scottish Government extended the scheme. I would urge any women who thinks she may be eligible for reimbursement to apply before 31 March.”

Over 95% of UK women with endometriosis face disruptive heavy periods, impacting lives and careers

Over 1.5 million UK women are affected by endometriosis – now a new survey has uncovered the significant toll lesser-known symptoms such as heavy menstrual bleeding (menorrhagia) and fatigue take on their social, emotional, and professional lives.

Nine out of 10 (96%) UK women with endometriosis experience a decline in their quality of life due to debilitating heavy periods and fatigue, yet many never seek medical help, according to a new study from leading iron supplement specialist Active Iron.

A survey of 1,500 women and girls for Endometriosis Awareness Month found that problem periods are often dismissed as merely “part of being a woman”. This is despite many individuals experiencing severe pain, heavy menstrual bleeding and fatigue.

Nearly three-quarters of women diagnosed with endometriosis in the UK reported having heavy periods, leading to menstrual fatigue.

This fatigue affected 74% of surveyed women aged 16 to 55 who have the condition, with 59% describing the fatigue as ‘extreme’. As a result, 84% reported a noticeable difference in their ability to function normally during their period.

Endometriosis is a painful condition where tissue resembling the lining of the womb develops around organs within the abdomen. It is characterised by pain during periods, sexual intercourse, bowel movements and/or urination, as well as chronic pelvic pain. Many women also experience secondary symptoms including heavy bleeding, irregular menstrual cycles, and fatigue.

Despite this, on average, women wait 7.5 years for a diagnosis, and many with heavy menstrual bleeding avoid seeking medical help, thinking it’s normal.

Concerningly, the study revealed that symptoms like heavy periods and fatigue are not limited to women diagnosed with endometriosis.

Notably, 77% of those without endometriosis reported experiencing menstrual fatigue that impacted their daily lives, with 74% lacking the energy or motivation to do everyday tasks as a result.

This leaves many women facing serious physical, social, and emotional challenges due to debilitating symptoms. These issues not only harm their health but also disrupt important parts of their lives, such as work, relationships, and social activities.

More than a quarter of women (27%), irrespective of endometriosis diagnosis, reported being unable to work due to heavy menstrual bleeding and the accompanying fatigue. Approximately one in five (16%) had taken a sick day, while 34% had worked but experienced a decline in their performance.

Home life was similarly impacted, with 23% of all women surveyed saying that problem periods had negatively affected their relationship with their spouse or partner, almost a quarter (24%) avoiding staying overnight at a partner’s house, and 20% struggling to keep up with their children during their menstrual cycle.

As a result of heavy menstrual bleeding and fatigue, 50% of women felt antisocial and didn’t want to spend time with friends or family, leaving 55% feeling isolated and alone when dealing with tiredness from heavy periods. Emotionally, 50% described themselves as feeling unhappy, sad or depressed.

Dr Ria Clarke, registrar in obstetrics and gynaecology, and expert clinician for Active Iron, said: “It’s so important that we can dispel the misconceptions around heavy periods, fatigue and endometriosis, reduce unnecessary delays in diagnosis, and improve the quality of life for millions of women worldwide whose lives are being negatively impacted.

“This is particularly important when you consider that these conditions aren’t exclusive to diagnosed individuals, and 47% of UK women find their current methods for alleviating period-related fatigue ineffective.”

Claire Lynch, head of marketing for Active Iron, added: “With this survey and our campaign, we want to spark meaningful conversations and change the way we talk about endometriosis and heavy periods.

“As we enter Endometriosis Awareness Month, our aim is to shed light on the lesser-known impacts of the condition, like heavy periods and menstrual fatigue, breaking down the stigma around menstrual health and aiding women in better managing their symptoms.”

More than half of women surveyed had been given pain medication to treat endometriosis, while 45% were recommended contraception, and 32% have been prescribed other hormone therapies.

Active Iron’s survey found, however, that women find their current methods to relieve menstrual fatigue ineffective. Many had resorted to consuming more coffee or energy drinks (42%), sleeping more (52%), and doing less activities (48%) to manage tiredness caused by their menstrual cycle.

“Given that menstruation is the leading cause of iron loss worldwide, it’s important to understand the link between heavy periods, low iron levels and fatigue. Rather than covering up tiredness and fatigue with quick fixes, a daily iron supplement can help women address the energy loss associated with diminished iron levels, in turn achieving symptomatic relief and improving their quality of life,” added Dr Clarke.

Many iron supplements are poorly tolerated, leading to debilitating side effects like nausea, constipation and changed bowel habits. This causes women to discontinue them, reducing the chance of improving their iron stores and resulting energy levels.

In contrast, Active Iron is clinically proven to improve iron levels by 94%, whilst avoiding troublesome side effects, resulting in increased energy levels, and longer-term improvements in overall health.

Don’t accept menstrual fatigue, visit activeiron.com/uk to learn more.

Edinburgh audiologist highlights hearing health in local community for World Hearing Day

FOLLOWING this year’s World Hearing Day (3^rd March 2024), an audiology director from the Specsavers Home Visits team in Edinburgh has discussed the importance of regular hearing tests, sharing top audiology health tips to help the local community ensure their hearing is in great shape.

Lynne Philips, audiology partner at the Specsavers Home Visits team that covers Edinburgh, aims to raise awareness regarding hearing loss and promoting ear and hearing care.

One of the most reoccurring issues with hearing is earwax build-up which can cause hearing difficulties and discomfort. Lynne highlights the challenges this can cause: ‘Everyone has earwax. It’s produced by our ears to help protect them from infections and to stop them feeling dry and irritated.

“However, too much wax can cause problems, particularly when it becomes hardened and impacted, potentially leading to hearing loss, discomfort, pain and in some cases infections.’

Lynne continues: ‘Because of this, it’s always hugely important to get expert help if you experience difficulty with your hearing, especially if you’re not directly able to access a local Specsavers store.

“The accredited hearing care professionals on our Home Visits team are able to pay you a visit and can safety check if this is a problem you have.

‘Hearing loss is experienced by millions of people in the UK and affects people of all ages. Everyone’s hearing is unique. That’s why we carry out comprehensive hearing tests to better understand each person’s individual hearing profile. It also means Specsavers’ hearing experts can help people find the right hearing aids to rediscover the sounds they may be missing.’

The Specsavers Home Visits audiology team can provide adult hearing tests, as well as numerous audiology services such as hearing aid fittings and replacements, assisting customers with any hearing concerns they may have.

For more information about the Specsavers Home Visits team, visit https://www.specsavers.co.uk/home-eye-tests/request-a-free-home-visit.

Leading dental experts raise concerns over £350 MILLION underspend

Professor Grant McIntyre, Dean of the Faculty of Dental Surgery at the Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh, said: “At a time when dentistry is under significant pressure, the details of a £350million underspend, representing 10 per cent of the total dental budget for England, is very concerning.

“This shortfall is undoubtedly directly impacting patients and dental teams nationwide.

“The disparity in underspend across different regions exacerbates an already troubling ‘postcode lottery’ in dental care access. It is evident that the current system is not working for patients or dentists, with some practices receiving unjustifiably little support.

“This will not only compromise patient care but also place undue strain on dental professionals, adding to the existing workforce problems that the profession has endured in recent years.

“We must rectify the underlying issues, ensuring suitable working arrangements for professionals and fair access to quality NHS dental care for all patients.”

Counting butterflies reduces anxiety, new study proves

New scientific research reveals reduction in anxiety of almost 10% and improvements in mental wellbeing when taking part in the Big Butterfly Count
The first-of-its-kind study also shows citizen science activities can connect people with nature, a vital step towards conservation success and nature recovery

Leading wildlife charity, Butterfly Conservation, has today revealed that counting butterflies reduces anxiety by almost 10%, in new scientific research published in collaboration with the University of Derby.

The pioneering study involved surveying people taking part in Butterfly Conservation’s Big Butterfly Count in 2022. The results demonstrate that briefly tuning into nature to count butterflies reduces anxiety by 9% on average, while also enhancing mental wellbeing.

Researchers also found that spending just 15 minutes observing and counting butterflies boosted participants’ feeling of connectedness with nature. Noticing butterflies more often was sustained over 6-7 weeks after taking part.

How connected people feel to nature, known as nature connectedness, is directly correlated to how motivated they are to protect it. Therefore, the findings of this new study show that citizen science projects could play a vital role in nature’s recovery.

Dr Richard Fox, Head of Science at Butterfly Conservation, said: “While we have long known that there is a link between nature and human wellbeing, this study is the first to prove that the simple act of looking for and counting butterflies leads to a measurable decrease in anxiety.

“The results suggest that citizen science projects such as the Big Butterfly Count can play a part in improving people’s mental health, as well as gathering important data on how butterflies are faring to inform our conservation work.”

Dr Carly Butler, a Researcher in Nature Connectedness at the University of Derby and lead researcher on the study, said: “Our study showed that even small periods of time spent watching and counting butterflies are beneficial, with the benefits of reduced anxiety and stronger nature connectedness being the same whether people carried out just one 15-minute count or took part multiple times.

“This is key in proving that simple, small pockets of time connecting with wildlife and nature have a profound and beneficial effect on how we feel.”

Participants reported a range of positive and negative emotions, including joy, fascination, sadness, and concern; the latter driven by not seeing as many butterflies as they expected and fear over what is happening to our planet.

Carly added: “Interestingly, the more intensely participants felt these emotions, the more their feeling of closeness to nature and noticing wildlife increased afterwards, with participants reporting they felt motivated to help butterflies and nature more, by doing things such as transforming their gardens into butterfly-friendly havens.”

In conclusion, Dr Richard Fox said: “In order to save wildlife and ensure nature’s recovery we need people to care, and we know that being connected to nature sparks these caring feelings and a desire to do something positive.

“This study indisputably shows that citizen science activities, such as spending just a few minutes counting butterflies, makes people feel more connected to nature – a vital step in the battle to save wildlife.

“We’re at a tipping point, nature is in crisis, but we can all do something to help. Simple acts such as creating wild spaces to provide a haven for wildlife, or planting butterfly friendly plants in pots on a patio, terrace or balcony can have a positive impact.”

The Big Butterfly Count is Butterfly Conservation’s flagship citizen science activity, involving tens of thousands of participants across the UK spending 15 minutes in any sunny spot and recording the number and type of common butterflies and day-flying moths that they see.

This year’s Big Butterfly Count will take place from Friday 12 July – Sunday 4 August.

For advice on creating a Wild Space for butterflies ready for the Big Butterfly Count, visit www.butterfly-conservation.org/wild-spaces

Preventing childhood obesity

Scottish Government funding to help families

Projects that work with children and families to prevent childhood obesity and reduce health inequalities are benefitting from more than half a million pounds of investment.

Ten projects across Scotland will share £538,141. The funding is allocated to initiatives such as Little n Lively – run by NHS Lanarkshire – which provides families and young children in the area with practical skills and information on nutrition and cooking and increased opportunities for physical activity and expanding social networks.

This year a number of health boards, including NHS Orkney and NHS Shetland, are continuing or implementing the ‘HENRY – Healthy Families Right from the Start’ programme which helps parents and carers with children up to five years old to provide a healthier, happier start in life.

The internationally adopted, evidence-based package provides support with family emotional wellbeing and information about nutrition, physical activity and oral health.

The funding is part of the Scottish Government’s commitment to ensure all children have the best start in life and the projects support the ambition to halve childhood obesity in Scotland by 2030.

Speaking on World Obesity Day (Monday), Public Health Minister Jenni Minto said: “Preventing the causes of ill health is an important part of our efforts to make the health service sustainable in the years to come. That includes addressing obesity, particularly as we know good nutrition and physical activity is crucial for children’s health and development.

“We want Scotland to be the best place in the world for a child to grow up, and these early years projects are crucial to our bold ambition of halving childhood obesity by 2030.

“These ambitious and effective projects will also help tackle inequalities by working with families and communities to encourage healthy eating and offering support for those experiencing food insecurity.”

Health Improvement Adviser for NHS Shetland, Fern Jamieson said: “The continued early years funding from Scottish Government has enabled NHS Shetland and partners to continue delivery of the HENRY ‘Healthy Families Right from the Start’ programme to more families across Shetland.

“Healthy Families Right from the Start is an 8-week programme to support parents and carers with children between 0-5 years to provide a healthier, happier start in life. Parents and carers have the opportunity to join online or face-to-face groups, providing improved access across Shetland.

“We have had reports that the programme is very interesting, enjoyable and a good opportunity to share ideas with others which has helped in making healthy changes across the whole family.

“With over 20 groups across Shetland, we are engaging with communities to deliver our standalone HENRY workshops. Feedback has been very positive and parents and carers feel more confident at mealtimes, understanding behaviours and cooking cost effectively.”

Projects receiving funding in 2023/24 are:

NHS Ayrshire & Arran: JumpStart Tots – £76,828

NHS Dumfries & Galloway: A whole systems approach with a focus on Early Years – £11,400

NHS Grampian: Training and support for a group of multi-agency professionals across Aberdeenshire to deliver the HENRY approach – £15,000

NHS Grampian: Upskill relevant teaching staff to deliver the Grow Well Choices Early Years programme – £15,000

NHS Greater Glasgow & Clyde: ‘Thrive Under Five’ programme – £66,000

NHS Lanarkshire: ‘Little n Lively’ programme in partnership with Healthy Valleys – £141,492

NHS Lothian and NHS Fife: Continued delivery of HENRY core training to early years workforce – £115,700 (£96,400 for Lothian, £19,300 for Fife)

NHS Orkney: Training and support for practitioners to deliver the HENRY approach – £24,058

NHS Shetland: Training and support for practitioners to deliver the HENRY approach – £23,400

NHS Tayside: Refreshing the Eat Well Play Well programme – £49,263

The Scottish Government published the Diet and Healthy Weight Delivery Plan in July 2018.

Reduced working week for healthcare staff

Implementation of Agenda for Change recommendations

NHS Agenda for Change staff – including nurses, midwives, paramedics, allied health professionals, porters and others – will see a reduction of 30 minutes in their working week from 1st April this year.

The move follows a recommendation from a working group set up to implement a previous commitment to cut the number of working hours as part of the 2023/24 pay deal. It is one of a number of measures to modernise the NHS Scotland Agenda for Change system and has been agreed with trade unions.

If, due to service pressures, safe staffing or wellbeing issues, it is not possible for a staff member to receive their 30 minute reduction they will be recompensed accordingly, until such times as the reduction can be accommodated.

Other measures agreed include:

a consistent approach to Protected Learning Time across all NHS Scotland Boards, and
a defined process for undertaking a review of Band 5 nursing roles with any Band 5 nurse able to self-apply for a review of their role if they believe they meet the criteria.

The changes will support NHS Scotland workforce recruitment, sustainability and retention.

Health Secretary Neil Gray said: “Our Agenda for Change system recognises the value, dedication and hard work of our staff and makes NHS Scotland an employer of choice.

“We expect NHS Boards to work in partnership with trade unions and staff to reduce the working week. This presents an opportunity to modernise how staff are rostered and work, ensuring that NHS Scotland is a leader in flexible and family friendly working practices.

“I am grateful to both Trade Union and Employer representatives for working in partnership with us to develop these reforms to help modernise our service.”

Gym Group reveals it’s ‘Power Pair’ workout

● Research* reveals that 79% of us believe we would be more motivated in the gym if we had a ‘gym buddy’ giving us a push to hit our fitness goals

● Not only are we more motivated when working out with a partner, but studies suggest it can strengthen the relationships of those who we choose to exercise with too

● The Gym Group’s Master Trainer and expert fitness team have curated a workout specifically designed to help pairs get the most out of their gym session – whether in a couple or the best of friends – this exercise plan will help any duo reap the benefits of working out with a partner

New research by nationwide low-cost gym chain, The Gym Group, has revealed that 79% of gym goers believe they’d be more motivated when hitting the gym if they had a ‘gym buddy’ pushing them to achieve their goals.

Studies also suggest that exercising with a romantic partner can have the added benefit of contributing to long and happy relationships.

To help inspire more ‘gym duos’, the nationwide gym chain has devised a ‘Power Pair’ circuit session of exercises. This workout is specifically designed to build motivation and enjoyment in the gym while working out together.

From friendly competition and encouragement, to simply sharing the load, working out with a partner can have great benefits in staying consistent with exercise.

To support gym-goers to reap the mental and physical health benefits of ‘pairing up’ with a gym buddy, The Gym Group offers all members on its premium Ultimate membership thebenefit of bringing a friend to their gym for free, four times a month.

Hitting the gym with a buddy can provide a sense of belonging and can boost your confidence to try something new together. This could be as simple as a new form of exercise or training for a bigger challenge like HYROX – the fastest growing fitness trend that can be taken on by pairs to share the experience.

To provide gym partners with workout inspiration, The Gym Group’s Master Trainer, Jenni Tardiff and team have curated a simple but effective workout, guaranteed to bring the power to their relationship.

Jenni Tardiff, Master Trainer, The Gym Group commented: “Overall the power of working out with someone lies in the accountability, motivation, intensity, and social support it provides.

“Whether you’re trying to smash your fitness goals, stay consistent with your workouts, or simply enjoy the journey of health and wellness, having a workout partner by your side can truly enhance the experience and lead to greater success and more enjoyment.”

TheGymGroup’s ‘Power Pair’ workout

The “You Go, I Go” (YGIG) workout is a training method where two partners take turns performing exercises with minimal rest in between. One partner completes a set of exercises while the other rests, and then they switch roles. This method maximises efficiency and intensity while providing support and motivation from your partner.

Warm Up
Warm-up on any cardio machine for 5mins and perform some mobility drills and dynamic stretches

Circuit
Repeat the Ski (or row), sled, box jump burpees and push ups for 3 rounds so total distance is 3km on the Ski (or rower)

● Ski-erg or Rowing machine

What

○ 30-40 secs hard effort, partner rests then swap

○ Complete 1km distance as fast as you can between you.

How

○ Stand facing the Ski-Erg machine with feet hip-width apart.

○ Grasp the handles with an overhand grip and arms extended in front of you.

○ Engage your core and lower back muscle and maintain a slight bend in your knees.

○ Hinge from your hips while simultaneously pulling the handles down towards your hips.

○ Keep a smooth and controlled motion, mimicking the movement of skiing.

○ Allow the handles to return to the starting position with control.

○ Adjust the settings on the machine as needed to suit your fitness level and goals.

● Sled Push

What

○ Push the sled to the bottom of the track and your partner pushes it back up x 8 (4 lengths each)

How

○ Load the sled with an appropriate weight, keeping it challenging but manageable. Your partner can sit on the sled for added weight or a ride

○ Drive through your legs, pushing the sled using short, powerful steps.

○ Keep your arms extended or you can do close grip with bent arms, maintain a strong grip on the handles throughout the movement.

○ Engage your core muscles and keep your back straight as you push the sled forward.

○ Partner pushes the sled back up.

Burpee Box jump or Burpee Step ups

What

○ Perform either exercise for 20 reps.

How

○ Begin in a standing position facing a box that is a challenging but safe height for you both.

○ Perform a burpee by squatting down, placing your hands on the floor, and jumping or stepping your feet back and bring chest to the floor.

○ Jump both feet forward toward the box, landing with your feet flat on the ground. Or you can step in toward the box.

○ Powerfully jump onto the box, using your arms for momentum and landing softly with both feet. Option to step up onto the box.

○ Ensure that your entire foot lands securely on the box, and keep your knees bent.

○ Step back down from the box.

○ Partner performs burpee and box jump.

○ Each partner performs 1 burpee and jump alternating until you have done 20 in total (10 each).

Partner Push-Ups

What

○ Aim to perform 10 push-ups each.

How

○ Get into a push-up position facing each other, with enough distance between you for your arms to extend fully. Option to lower knees to thefloor.

○ Perform a push-up while your partner holds a plank position on their toes or knees.

○ Switch positions after each rep.

With off-peak memberships from £13.99 and expert fitness trainers, high-spec kit and 24/7 access, The Gym Group has 233 locations across theUK – over 50% of the population lives within a 15 minute drive of a gym – find your closest gym here.