Tag: Health and wellbeing

Students encouraged to get vaccinations as semesters resume

Students are being encouraged to get protected against infectious diseases such as meningitis, measles and HPV (human papilloma virus) as they return to campus. 

As schools, colleges and universities return after the festive break and students begin to mix closely, it is a time when we can see increased spread of infectious diseases. 

Being vaccinated offers the best protection and we would encourage those eligible to get their most up to date jags to protect both themselves and their peers. 

Dr Iain Kennedy, of NHS GGC Public Health, said: “Student health is vitally important and that is why we are encouraging everyone to ensure they have their vaccinations up to date.

“Diseases can spread easily and quickly through schools, colleges and universities and being vaccinated ensures the best possible protection.

“If you are unsure of your vaccination status, please get in contact with your local GP practice who should be able to advise you on this.

 “All our routine immunisation programmes are available on the NHS.

“For more information about getting your vaccines, please speak to your GP or log on to NHS Inform where you can read further information on vaccinations.”

Healthy Heart Tip: Healthy Hearty Soups

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

Healthy Heart Tip: Healthy Hearty Soups

Soups are great for lunch or dinner, or even as a snack between meals in a mug. When planned properly, soups can be a healthy, balanced meal and be a great way to increase your intake of vegetables. They’re usually a low cost per portion, great to make in bulk and convenient to warm up in a hurry or take out and about in a flask.

We’ve outlined some tips for building a balanced, nutrient-dense soup below:

Base

A great soup starts with a tasty base. Sautéed onions, celery and garlic make a wonderful starter for most soups.

Next select your stock, homemade is best and the most cost effective as you can make it from leftover meat bones and vegetables. Shop-bought stock cubes can be high in added salt and sugar so if you are using these make sure you choose a low-salt and low-sugar variety or leave it out altogether.

You can use herbs and spices to add depth of flavour.

Carbohydrates

White potatoes, sweet potatoes, wholewheat noodles/pasta, and brown rice are all great options for adding to soup.

They provide a healthy source of carbohydrates to give you the energy you need to fuel your body.

Vegetables

All vegetables work well in soups, try choosing ones you wouldn’t usually eat to increase the variety in your diet.

Butternut squash, parsnips, carrots, cauliflower and broccoli are great options.

Protein

Protein is often forgotten in soups, but it is an important nutrient for growth and repair in the body. It also helps us feel fuller for longer which can help us maintain a healthy weight.

Healthy sources of protein include chicken, turkey, fish and low-fat cheeses. Plant based options such as different varieties of lentils and beans are healthful options, and these are a cheap option for bulking up soups.

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

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

To help keep your heart healthy, why not try out some of our Healthy Heart recipes from our website: https://heartresearch.org.uk/heart-research-uk-recipes-2/.

Or have a look through our Healthy Heart cookbook filled with recipes from top chefs, celebrities and food bloggers:

https://heartresearch.org.uk/heart-research-uk-cookbook/.

Don’t hide behind ‘fine’ – seek out your breathing space

As Breathing Space Day approaches on 1st February 2023 the message for people across Scotland who might be feeling down is one of hope and support.

Scotland’s mental health service, Breathing Space,  is encouraging people to open up when they are feeling down, instead of hiding behind the phrase we all use, ‘I’m fine’.

Opening up to friends, colleagues, or family is a good place to start but the service’s trained advisers know it’s not for everyone. It recommends finding ways to support one’s own breathing space in ways to suit them which might include a brisk walk, a favourite TV show or podcast, a good book, a feel-good play list or simply some time to sit quietly with their thoughts and feelings.

Breathing Space benches across the country provide spaces for a quiet moment or a quick chat. Breathing Space unveiled its 50th bench recently in Golspie, Highland, in partnership with Change Mental Health as they marked50 years of supporting people.

Mental Wellbeing Minister Kevin Stewart said: “Looking after our mental health and wellbeing is as important as looking after our physical health. That message is especially relevant now, given the continuing challenges which we all face in relation to the COVID-19 pandemic and cost of living crisis.

“Breathing Space is a free service providing vital out-of-hours support to people across Scotland who are feeling low, stressed, or anxious. I am pleased to highlight the help available and to support Breathing Space Day.

“I would urge anyone who is experiencing low mood, anxiety or distress in their lives to get in touch with Breathing Space or to look at the range of helpful advice on the website.”

Tony McLaren, National Coordinator of Breathing Space, said: “We are all finding our way in uncertain times right now. If you are struggling to find your own breathing space, please don’t hide behind ‘fine’. Our team are here for you and you can lift the phone or contact us on webchat to open up. 

“Our advisors at Breathing Space are available in the evenings and at the weekends on 0800 83 85 87 or through web chat, to listen and offer information and advice.”

Edinburgh Leisure: Buddy Swimming

Buddy Swimming is a great way to regain confidence and get back in the water.

Our volunteers are experienced and ensure you have support to get in the water confidently. Afterwards, we gather for a cuppa – the perfect end to our sessions!

Read more here https://edinburghleisure.co.uk/news/ageingwellcourses2023

MSP supports campaign to end cervical cancer in the UK 

Foysol Choudhury MSP supports campaign to end cervical cancer in the UK 

This Cervical Cancer Prevention Week (23rd-29th January), Foysol Choudhury MSP is supporting Jo’s Cervical Cancer Trust as they call for action to eliminate cervical cancer in the UK. 

Cervical cancer currently kills two women in the UK every day and the charity is calling for action, innovation, and awareness to help end cervical cancer. 

Foysol Choudhury MSP is supporting Jo’s Cervical Cancer Trust, by encouraging women in the Lothian region to attend their cervical screening when invited, and by supporting the efforts of the HPV immunisation programme.  

Foysol Choudhury MSP said: “Cervical screening and HPV vaccines can both help prevent cervical cancer and I would encourage everyone who can to make use of these amazing cancer prevention tools.  

“Many do not attend appointments for cervical screening when invited. Jo’s Cervical Cancer Trust recognises that attending a screening isn’t always easy, but they are there for you with information and support if you ever need them.

“I applaud the work of Jo’s Cervical Cancer Trust in raising awareness of this important matter. Let’s work together to make cervical cancer a thing of the past.” 

In its latest report, the UK’s leading cervical cancer charity found that only 17% of health professionals working across cervical cancer prevention think enough is currently being done to eliminate cervical cancer in the UK. Only 20% think enough is being done to ensure high levels of HPV vaccine uptake, and just 16% believe that enough is being done to support cervical screening uptake. 

Samantha Dixon, Chief Executive at Jo’s Cervical Cancer Trust said: “A world without cervical cancer doesn’t have to be a pipe dream. The UK has the tools to make it a reality which is incredibly exciting.

“We need Government action to get there as soon as possible, but everyone can play their part. Going for cervical screening when invited, and making sure your child is vaccinated against HPV, will help make cervical cancer a thing of the past. 

“We must also continue to invest in research, improve access to treatments, and banish the stigma and blame that too often comes with a cervical cancer diagnosis. Being forward looking should not mean those living with and beyond cancer get left behind.” 

To get involved with Cervical Cancer Prevention Week, and the #WeCan End Cervical Cancer campaign, follow Jo’s Cervical Cancer Trust on social media or visit the website at jostrust.org.uk.

More funding to help parents and infants at risk

Supporting perinatal and infant mental health

Families across Scotland will benefit from a £1 million investment in charities specialising in mental health and wellbeing support in pregnancy and early years.

The support – provided by the Scottish Government’s Perinatal and Infant Mental Health Fund – will go to 34 charities that help new families take their first steps in raising babies and young children.

It has been estimated that up to 20% of mums and up to 10% of dads are affected by poor mental health in the perinatal period. Between 10-22% of babies and young children also experience mental health difficulties.

The Fund enables organisations to provide one-to-one and group based support and care that parents, carers and new babies need. Over 7,000 parents, expectant parents and infants have been supported by the funded organisations.

Mental Wellbeing Minister Kevin Stewart announced extension of the existing Fund for another year from April 2023 to March 2024 at the current level of funding, over £1 million across the 12 months.

Mr Stewart said: “We want all mothers and their families to have access to good mental health care throughout pregnancy and during the postnatal period. The third sector plays a key role in access to perinatal and mental health support, and with the impacts of COVID-19 pandemic and the cost crisis, their work is more important now than ever.

“I am pleased to extend the Perinatal and Infant Mental Health Fund. It is reassuring to see that from October 2020-March 2023 over £2.5 million has been distributed to successful charities via the Fund and over seven thousand parents, expectant parents and infants have been supported by the funded organisations.”

Home Start Dundee service user said: “On my bad days, the groups have been a lifeline, having somewhere to go and vent to people who “get it” and understand.

“It’s nice to be able to open up in a safe and non-judgmental environment”

Mind Mosaic service user said: “The group really helped me to feel less alone in my struggles, and the calm friendly way you welcomed us all each Thursday morning set the tone to make it easy and comfortable to share experiences.”

Barnardo’s maternal and infant mental health support service user said: “It was a great way to find and talk to new parents.

“I felt welcomed and loved each session. So did my son.”

Celia Tennant, Chief Executive of Inspiring Scotland said: “We’re delighted the Perinatal and Infant Mental Health Fund has been extended for another year. This will enable us to work alongside our charity partners to continue offering their essential perinatal services that support families with babies.

“This support is needed now more than ever, and these organisations are a lifeline to parents and families, offering empathetic support with trusted relationships right at the heart of their services.”

Read more on the Perinatal and Infant Mental Health Fund  – PIMH Report Jan 2023 (inspiringscotland.org.uk)

Scotland’s Women’s Health Champion

Professor Anna Glasier OBE has been appointed as the first Women’s Health Champion for Scotland.

She will work with partners in the NHS and across the public and third sectors to drive forward actions in the Women’s Health Plan. Priorities include specialist menopause services, menstrual health with a focus on endometriosis and polycystic ovarian syndrome, and heart health.

Prof Glasier has had a long and distinguished career in women’s reproductive health, demonstrating a passion for improving women’s health outcomes across Scotland and beyond.

Her appointment coincides with the publication of the first Women’s Health Plan report which details the progress made so far on raising awareness around women’s health, improving access to health care and reducing inequalities in health outcomes for women and girls.

Minister for Public Health, Maree Todd said: “I am very pleased to welcome Prof Glasier to the role of Women’s Health Champion.

“Her appointment is an important step forward in our work to reduce the unacceptable health inequalities that women continue to face. She has a wealth of knowledge and a passion for women’s health and will bring huge value to the role.”

Prof Glasier said: “I am honoured to have been invited to champion women’s health in Scotland.

“Scotland has a long tradition of being courageous in its approach to women’s health and the ambitious Women’s Health Plan is no exception, recognising as it does the inequalities which affect women in many areas of health. I am eagerly looking forward to starting in the role and supporting progress with the medium and longer term actions set out in the plan.”

Women’s Health Plan : A Report on Progress – gov.scot (www.gov.scot)

Dentists: Latest figures reveal depth of Scotland’s access crisis

The British Dental Association has called on the Scottish Government to fix the broken system underpinning NHS dentistry, as new data reveals little sign of a recovery in attendance and ever-widening health inequalities.

Figures from Public Health Scotland show participation rates – contact with a dentist within the past two years – continued to fall. On 30 September 2022 just 50.4% of all registered patients had seen an NHS dentist within the last two years, still down on the 52.6% seen in 2021, and a considerable reduction from almost two-thirds (65.1%) in 2020. The participation rate among registered children was higher than for adults (65.7% compared to 47.2%).

The gap between the most and least deprived areas in Scotland continues to grow, with the new data showing record inequalities in participation rates. In September 2008, the gap in child participation between the most and least deprived areas was three percentage points; this had increased to seven percentage points by 2010, eighteen percentage points (55.3% compared to 73.1%) in September 2021. The figure now stands at twenty percentage points (55.9% compared with 75.8%).

The BDA has warned that lower levels of participation will inevitably translate into a higher dental disease burden, with deep oral health inequalities expected to widen even further given the cumulative impact of limited access to services, the temporary suspension of public health programmes, and the impact of lockdown diets. Lower participation will reduce the chance of picking up early signs of decay and oral cancers at routine check-ups, and delays in treatment will mean higher costs to the NHS and worse outcomes for patients. 

Registration rates remain high due to lifetime registration – over 95.4% of the Scottish population were registered with an NHS dentist in September 2022– but the percentage of children registered fell marginally. 

Free NHS dental for all remains a key Scottish Government policy. BDA Scotland has long warned that a return to a ‘business as usual model’ – low margin and high volume – will put practices under unsustainable financial pressure, with soaring running costs raising the risk of closure or movement to the private sector.

BDA Scotland stresses that Ministers must continue with additional financial support for practices, set to end on 1 April 2023 to support dentists and their teams as they work through the historic backlog of dental care and until a new, sustainable funding arrangement for NHS dentistry is in place. This data follows recent reports of a growing exodus of dentists from the NHS.

David McColl, Chair of the British Dental Association’s Scottish Dental Practice Committee said: “Patients in Scotland’s poorest communities are paying the price for the crisis in dentistry.

“The Scottish Government must not try to hide behind positive sounding registration figures. The reality is patient participation remains on the floor, and inequalities are set to widen.

“Dentists are reconsidering their futures working in a broken system. NHS dentistry is on the critical list, and real reform won’t wait.”

‘There is more to care than caring’

Scottish Government campaign aims to help fill vacant posts

A marketing campaign to support the recruitment of more adult social care workers has launched To help address the high level of vacancies in the sector.

The campaign – titled ‘there is more to care than caring’ – will raise awareness of the career opportunities available in adult social care and encourage people to apply. Activity includes radio, outdoor and digital advertising, highlighting the important work done by adult social care workers.

It is part of the Scottish Government’s commitment to attract more people to work in adult social care, retain existing staff and raise its status as a profession. This builds on a pay uplift for all adult social care staff which guarantees them a minimum of at least £10.90 an hour from this April.

Social Care Minister Kevin Stewart visited Leuchie House in North Berwick yesterday to see the work it does to support people affected by stroke, multiple sclerosis and neurological conditions.

Mr Stewart said: “Working in adult social care can be challenging but offers the opportunity to have a hugely positive impact on people’s lives on a daily basis.

“We are increasing pay, improving terms and conditions in the sector, and developing clear career pathways for the workforce, ahead of the introduction of the National Care Service. This will lead to more rewarding roles for the existing adult social care workforce, and for new entrants to the profession.

“This campaign highlights that while relevant experience can help, it is core interpersonal skills such as communication, compassion, empathy and respect that are most highly valued. If these are skills you possess then adult social care could be the career for you.”

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