Tag: Health and wellbeing

ARC: New Addiction Recovery Companion app puts support in your pocket

  • The Edinburgh Health and Social Care Partnership and Edinburgh Alcohol and Drug Partnership have launched a new app to connect those recovering from drug or alcohol addiction to local support services.
  • The Addition Recovery App (ARC) is the first to offer a personalised emergency button, quickly connecting users to help when things get tough.
  • The app offers easy access, at any time, to a range of professional support services and help from others dealing with drink and drug problems. There is also a calendar to help plan recovery time, the capability to track mood, prompts for motivational exercises and inspirational quotes.

Today the Edinburgh Health and Social Care Partnership and Edinburgh Alcohol and Drug Partnership have launched the new Addiction Recovery Companion (ARC) – an app that puts drug and alcohol recovery into people’s own hands.

The app is the first to offer a personalised emergency button, making it even easier for Edinburgh citizens to reach out to the people most important in recovery when things get tough, or something goes wrong.

The app also provides live information from all drug and alcohol support services in Edinburgh including:

  • Information about local recovery networks in Edinburgh, keep you motivated and help you manage your time
  • Live information on recovery meetings taking place every day across the Capital, where people can meet and share their experience, strength and hope
  • Up to date information on professional services available
  • a calendar function to help people plan their day, stay motivated and manage your time
  • a diary to keep track of recovery progress and record the ups and downs of recovery
  • Inspirational quotes and exercises aimed at those who need a mental boost

The ARC app provides a personalised experience for every user, as everyone’s recovery journey is different. It allows users to make a plan that is right for them alongside giving them the opportunity and the space to reflect on their journey and follow their progress.

Visit https://arcapp.co.uk/ to download the app on android or IOS.

Judith Proctor, Chief Officer of the Edinburgh Health and Social Care Partnership, said: “The recovery community is a huge force in Edinburgh. There is lots of professional support available across the Capital, but more importantly, people are also increasingly helping each other to deal with drink and drug problems.

“That’s why the Addiction Recovery Companion app is so important. It is filled with information to support and guide people in their recovery, alongside tools to immediately connect them to those who can help if things get tough.”

Lothian MSP, Miles Briggs, said: “I welcome the launch of the new Addiction Recovery Companion App to support people accessing services for drug and alcohol recovery.

“Using technology to improves access to drug and alcohol services, for people recovering from addiction, is a clever initiative from Edinburgh Health and Social Care Partnership and Edinburgh Alcohol and Drug Partnership.

“Edinburgh and Scotland face a real challenge to reduce the number of drug related deaths in Scotland and this tool can be part of a bigger strategy for peoples road to recovery.

“It is important that people who do not have access to a smart phone are still able to easily access these services.”

When asked about the benefits of the app, users have said:

“It’s such a useful tool. I can see me using it more and more the further we go back to normal.“

“I’m quite disorganised and the calendar/map is great. I like that, when I’m in town, I can just pull up the map to find out what’s happening nearby.”

“It’s a clever app. The inclusion of the reflection section is useful for the days where I need some motivation.”

“For me, structure is important, and the Arc App helps with that.“

Your sight could be lost if you don’t attend eye-screenings, charity warns diabetics

As the covid crisis hopefully eases, concerns are being focused on the impact of lockdown on other health conditions. With health centres forced to postpone routine screenings last year, there are fears some conditions may have worsened in the absence of early diagnosis and treatment.

During Diabetes Week this week [June 14-20th], the national sight loss charity RNIB Scotland is emphasising it is more important than ever that people with diabetes attend their regular check-up appointments, now that these have resumed.

RNIB director James Adams said: “Diabetic retinopathy, a complication of diabetes, can affect the small blood vessels at the back of the eye and is a major cause of sight loss among working-age adults. But damage to vision can be arrested if detected early enough.

“While it’s possible that diabetes won’t cause any changes to your sight, the most effective thing you can do to prevent this is to go to your retinal screening appointments and eye examinations, where safety measures are in place.”

The message is also being emphasised by NHS Scotland. Dr Mike Gavin, clinical lead for the national Scottish Diabetic Eye Screening Programme said: “We are working hard to see patients for screening, after the service was temporarily paused during the first lockdown in 2020. Patients should always attend screening whenever they are invited to prevent avoidable loss of sight.”

Each year, 5,500 patients with diabetes in Scotland need to undergo further imaging or see an NHS eye specialist for the first time due to worsening in their retinopathy.

There are 3.5 million people in the UK who have been diagnosed diabetes, and an estimated 500,000 people living with undiagnosed diabetes. Within 20 years of diagnosis, nearly all people with type 1 diabetes and almost two-thirds of people with type 2 diabetes will have developed some form of diabetic retinopathy. People with diabetes are also at increased risk of glaucoma and cataracts.

People from a South Asian or African-Caribbean background are two to four times more likely to get type 2 diabetes. They tend to develop it at a younger age which means they live with the condition for longer.

The risk of complications increases with the length of time people have the condition. It is not known why this is the case, but it is likely to be a mixture of genetics, lifestyle, and environmental factors.

RNIB Scotland is on the steering committee of a five-year study that is following 1,100 retinopathy patients from across Scotland.

The LENS (Lowering Events in Non-proliferative retinopathy in Scotland) trial is testing whether a cholesterol-lowering medicine, fenofibrate, can slow the progression of retinopathy.

LENS is being co-ordinated by the Universities of Oxford and Glasgow in partnership with Aberdeen, Dundee and Edinburgh, and with NHS Scotland’s Retinal Screening Service. More information about the trial is available at: www.ctsu.ox.ac.uk/lens.

* If you’re worried about your vision, contact RNIB’s Sight Loss Advice Service on 0303 123 9999 or visit www.rnib.org.uk/eyehealth. 

For more information on the NHS Scotland eye-screening service, visit  https://www.nhsinform.scot/illnesses-and-conditions/diabetes/diabetic-retinopathy.

Walking to the disco beat at the Virtual MoonWalk Scotland!

With a fun disco theme, fantastic fundraisers turned out in force to Walk the Walk on the streets of Scotland and across the UK on Saturday 12th June, during the first ever Virtual MoonWalk Scotland!

Streets were awash with colourful psychedelic costumes, sparkle and glitter as these amazing walkers put on their boogie walking shoes and took on challenges between 6 and 52 miles in their own areas.

For the first time, The MoonWalk, organised by breast cancer charity Walk the Walk, took place during daylight. Walkers wearing the iconic Walk the Walk bra t-shirts, many with their decorated bras attached to their bumbags, raised an incredible amount of awareness in local communities as they were greeted on the streets by well-wishers!

All the men taking part wore a specially created Men Get Breast Cancer Too t-shirt, with a blue checked bra emblazoned on the front, playing their part ahead of Men’s Health Week.

Walk the Walk is about having fun, raising awareness and raising money. The event brought fun and laughter to thousands, as the walkers brightened up neighbourhoods.

Funds raised will be granted towards the mental and physical support of those living with cancer, to help where possible with the devastating impact that cancer patients have experienced throughout the pandemic.

Kate Brook from Tranent was diagnosed with breast cancer in August 2020 and completed the 13.1 mile Half Moon with Kate’s Dream Team, including her husband Matt and local friends.

Kate (back row, second from left) said: “The Western General Hospital in Edinburgh, where I continue to receive treatment, has benefitted from grants from Walk the Walk and many a time I have looked at their plaque in the waiting room and promised myself that, when I was better, I would be part of The MoonWalk again.

“Today has been amazing – it’s been a real focus for me during my treatment and it has not disappointed – super company, lovely scenery and lots of support from people along the way! We are all delighted to have raised so much money and awareness”. 

Tricia Young from Edinburgh completed her 14th MoonWalk Scotland, walking the 26.2 mile Full Moon. She said: “It was so much fun taking part in the Virtual MoonWalk, I was delighted that this year’s event still happened.

“Since my sister sadly died from breast cancer in 2013, I’ve been really motivated by her memory and the fact that we need to keep on raising awareness of breast cancer. I was walking on my own, but it was wonderful to bump into several other MoonWalkers on the streets of Edinburgh.

“The kindness of local people was so touching – one lady in Portobello even offered me the use of her toilet! I am thrilled to raise so much money too for such a deserving cause, I’ll keep on taking part as long as I can”.

Nina Barough CBE, Founder and Chief Executive of Walk the Walk said: “Whilst we would just love to be at Holyrood Park, hugging our intrepid challengers as they cross the Finish Line, it was not to be this year.

“It is incredibly positive that our first Virtual MoonWalk Scotland has encouraged Walkers and fundraisers across Scotland to take part, as well as people from across the length and breadth of the UK, and indeed countries across the world.

“Well-wishers and supporters on the streets of local communities have been incredibly generous, with much needed fundraising for those living with cancer.

“For many, the focus of training, and preparing for this day, has been an absolute life saver. Once again regular walking has proven to be a lifeline for mental and physical well-being during the ongoing uncertainty of Covid.

“We thank all our fundraisers for raising much needed funds and look forward to being back at Holyrood next year with a live MoonWalk Scotland”! 

To register your interest for The MoonWalk Scotland 2022, go to: 

www.walkthewalk.org

Final farewell to ‘Sick Kids’ site

NHS Lothian gave a final fond farewell to the iconic ‘Sick Kids’ site as the building was formally handed over to its new owners Downing yesterday.

The site was home to the Royal Hospital for Sick Children until March 2021, when the services moved to their purpose built, state of the art new facilities at Edinburgh’s Little France.

The Royal Hospital for Sick Children was designed by eminent Edinburgh architect George Washington Browne and opened in 1895. From then the hospital expanded and led the way in many aspects of paediatric medicine.

During the war years, women were welcomed onto the medical team and the staff coped with reduced supplies and evacuation.

Between 1895 and 2010 the hospital went through a number of extensions and redevelopments to provide a comprehensive range of dedicated children’s services including accident and emergency, acute medical and surgical care, specialist surgical and medical care, haematology and oncology, day care and critical care.

Despite the building’s incredible history and the amazing work that it supported, the space available was limited and the decision was made to move services to a new home located next to the Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh at Little France.

The first moves, which included the majority of children’s outpatient services took place in July 2020, with Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services and all remaining services including inpatients moving in January and March 2021 respectively.

Allister Short, Service Director, Women’s and Children’s Services, NHS Lothian said: “The Royal Hospital for Sick Children played an incredible role in supporting the health and wellbeing of children and young people across Lothian for over 125 years, and the building will always hold many memories for patients, families and staff.

“Our services are now settled into their incredible new home at the Royal Hospital for Children and Young People, but we will always look back on the colourful and remarkable history of our former building with fondness.”

The building, which has undergone a period of decommissioning to remove final clinical equipment will now pass to Downing who plan to deliver a major mixed-use development comprised of 323 student bedrooms, 95 private residential properties, community space and affordable housing.

Ian Harrison, Projects Director at Downing said: “We are looking forward to beginning works to the former Royal Hospital for Sick Children and associated buildings, ensuring the preservation of the site’s incredible architectural features whilst providing an inspiring space for residents and the surrounding community.

“The sensitive redevelopment of the hospital facility will not only represent an exciting new chapter in the building’s history, but Downing’s commitment to providing first-class residential and student accommodation will help to continue the legacy of what has been an important part of the city for generations to come.”

£20 million boost for summer programme provision

Children and young people most impacted by Covid will be supported by £20 million to create opportunities to socialise, play and ‘reconnect’ this summer.

Councils will receive £15 million and up to £5 million has been allocated to a coalition of 18 national partners to further strengthen and build on existing summer provision in addition to what is usually on offer. 

The support provided by councils will specifically target those aged up to 25 from low income households who may otherwise struggle to access such experiences during the holidays.

Education Secretary Shirley-Anne Somerville said: “Scotland’s children and young people have experienced significant disruption to all aspects of their lives as a result of Covid-19, including their wellbeing; education and social connections. They have told us that their mental health was a primary concern as a result of the pandemic and that they need a range of activity to help them reconnect with their peers and friends.

“We have listened and taken action. The £20 million of funding will support children, young people, their families and carers to enjoy the summer. Through our partners – local authorities as well as our national organisations – the summer activity will focus on mental health and well-being of our children and young people whose lives have been impacted by Covid.”

Councillor Stephen McCabe, COSLA Children and Young People’s Spokesperson said: “Over the past year children and young people have shown such resilience as the pandemic has limited many of the activities and support usually open to them.

“We are pleased that this additional funding will allow local authorities to build on their own regular summer programmes for children and young people and boost opportunities for those who have faced the greatest challenges due to COVID-19.

“Councils will provide a range of activities depending on local needs and guided by what children and young people themselves say will make a difference.”

People in Lothians urged to take things at their own pace as restrictions ease

Almost half of Scots have found meeting up with others more overwhelming than expected

People in the Lothians are being encouraged to take things at their own pace as restrictions ease, as research reveals almost half of Scottish adults (43 per cent) who have met up with others have found it more overwhelming than expected.

The Scottish Government’s Clear Your Head campaign has been designed to help people look after their mental health as life gets busier, providing hints and tips to help those feeling nervous or overwhelmed.

With research showing over half of adults (55 per cent) in Scotland are still worried about the coronavirus situation, tips to help feel calmer include keeping active, staying connected with others, planning ahead before leaving the house, being around nature and taking deep breaths.

The campaign also signposts helplines for those who need to talk to someone about how they’re feeling, including NHS24, Breathing Space, SAMH and the Samaritans.

Principal Medical Officer, Dr Alastair Cook said: “As we gradually come out of lockdown and life gets busier, it’s important to continue to look after ourselves, and others.  Each change brings another adjustment, and whilst many will welcome having more freedoms, feelings of worry are natural as we start to go out more.

“This survey indicates people are at different stages in their journey out of lockdown, and it’s encouraging to see many are taking things at their own pace.  Simple steps such as mentally preparing yourself for meeting up with others, getting regular exercise, keeping in touch with friends and family and getting outside as the weather starts to improve can help you cope as things change.

“If you’re feeling anxious, try to limit the time you allow yourself to worry and take deep breaths if you start to feel overwhelmed.   Remember that support is there if you need to talk to someone about how you’re feeling.”

Minister for Mental Wellbeing and Social Care Kevin Stewart, said: “We have lived with necessary restrictions on our lives to reduce the transmission of coronavirus for a long time now.  As these restrictions ease, many people are understandably nervous or worried about the changes.

“We have all had to cope and adapt to control the virus and now we are having to cope and adapt to new freedoms. It is more important than ever to look after our mental health and wellbeing.  This campaign highlights the things we can do to look after ourselves, and each other.”

To find other tips to help you cope, visit clearyourhead.scot

Bodysuit designed to support insulin pump users

An Edinburgh Napier product design student has created a bodysuit that aims to make it easier for women affected by type 1 diabetes to wear an insulin pump with any type of clothing.

Final year student Katarzyna Pohorecka has developed ‘Mude’ – a range of six nude-coloured bodysuits that contain a specially designed pouch that discreetly holds an insulin pump.

The work – which is being exhibited this week as part of the University’s online Degree Show – has been created after a gap in the market was identified for a product that allowed female insulin pump users to wear their pump under their clothes.

The inclusive range – which has been completely designed and sewn by Kat as part of her fourth year studies at Edinburgh Napier – comes in six different colours and in sizes XS to XXL.

Kat was inspired to create the range of bodysuits – which can also be worn as an individual item of clothing rather than as underwear – after her research showed that women regularly have issues wearing certain types of clothing, especially lighter clothes and dresses, while using an insulin pump.

Kat said: “My best friend has type 1 diabetes and she’s often remarked to me that she can’t wear certain items of clothing because they are just not compatible with her insulin pump.

“I started researching this area and I found that despite there being some accessories such as belts and bumbags to help with wearing an insulin pump, there was nothing specifically made with comfort and discreetness in mind.

“Mude – which takes its names from the word miód which is Polish for honey and nude which reflects the colours I have used – has been designed with these two aspects in mind. I wanted to create something that allowed women to wear any item of clothing along with their insulin pump.

“I’ve always been a believer that clothing – and the fashion industry as a whole – should be doing more to make clothing inclusive for all. I have designed the range in six colours and in a variety of sizes as I aim to make it as accessible for as many people as possible.

“Now that my time at Edinburgh Napier has come to an end, I’m really keen to continue pursuing my idea and would love to bring Mude to market, putting it on sale for those affected by type 1 diabetes who feel they could benefit from something like this.

“Design for a social impact has always been incredibly important to me and I’m hopeful of meeting this goal throughout the remainder of the year.”

The Edinburgh Napier Degree Show runs from 2 June. More information and to view this year’s work, visit here.

Age Scotland: Could lockdown have a long-term impact on our strength and mobility?

It’s something many of us have noticed over the past year. We’ve been getting our shopping delivered, the weekly Keep Fit class is on hold, and phone calls have replaced a cuppa with friends.

We’ve had to postpone regular activities, whether that’s a game of bowls or playing with grandchildren. And while many have tried to keep up that daily walk, the Covid-19 pandemic has kept others confined to home.

“Stay at home” has been the safest advice – with many older people either shielding or significantly cutting down their social interactions.

But now that the vaccine rollout is well underway and restrictions are starting to lift, what impact has this had on our longer-term health?

Age Scotland’s new research confirms the impact that lockdown has had on our daily life – almost two thirds of over-50s say they have been less active over the past year.

Around half are worried that spending so much time at home has led to a loss of strength and mobility.

This had led to concerns that the restrictions could have a serious impact on our health over the next few years. Tens of thousands of older people could be experiencing “deconditioning” – declining physical fitness caused by lack of activity and spending long periods of time sitting.

This can lead to a loss of muscle strength, balance, flexibility and overall mobility, which can leave people more vulnerable to falls and likely to require social care support in the years to come.

It can even lead to health problems resulting in higher mortality from cardiovascular disease,  diabetes and cancer.

One way to combat this is through an innovative app called LifeCurve, developed by researchers at Strathclyde University, It’s based on research that found that we lose the ability to do things in a particular order as we age.

Early on the curve, we might be able to go for a brisk walk, while as we get older we might start to struggle with housework, bathing or cutting toenails.

The good news is this is not set in stone at a particular age. We can improve our position on the LifeCurve by staying physically active and keeping up with regular daily tasks. This can slow the ageing process and help us to live a healthy, independent life for longer.

We can all try to build more physical activity into our lives, whatever our fitness and ability level. Age Scotland has developed its Around the House in 80 Days series of videos to help people of all ages stay fit safely at home.

For many people, the issue is a lack of confidence after around 15 months at home. It’s often tempting to offer to help an older relative or neighbour by doing the shopping or cooking a meal. But it might be more helpful to encourage them to do more independently.

Perhaps you could offer to walk with someone to the shops or try a gentle exercise class (in person or online) together?

Many Age Scotland groups, such as Men’s Sheds and walking clubs, are now re-opening safely, giving further opportunities for physical and social activity.

It might start with a small step, but it could go a long way to ensuring a healthier later life.

Walk This Way with SRUK

People living across Scotland are being invited to lace up their trainers and get walking this summer in aid of people living with a chronic, life-limiting autoimmune condition called scleroderma. 

The charity Scleroderma and Raynaud’s UK (SRUK) is asking people to get involved with its nationwide walking challenge and raise money for vital research and support. Participants have the option of making their walk physical or virtual and as long or as short as they need.  

The fundraiser – called The SRUK Walk – aims to raise at least £19,000 to represent the 19,000 people in the UK living with scleroderma. The money will be used to support people affected by the condition and fund research to improve diagnosis, treatment and quality of life. 

Sue Farrington, SRUK Chief Executive, said: “Scleroderma affects thousands of people and there is currently no cure. Through our research, information and support services we’re taking steps to improve the lives of everyone affected by scleroderma. And now we’re asking the public to quite literally do the same. 

“The past year has taken a toll on many people with scleroderma who have been forced to shield and, in some cases, have their treatments put on hold. We want to make sure we can be there for everyone who needs us, which is why we’re asking people to put their best foot forward – a simple act that will help make a world of difference. 

We know how supportive people in Scotland can be, so we’re hoping as many people as possible get involved.”  

Scleroderma occurs when the body’s immune system becomes overactive and begins to attack healthy tissue, causing hardening of the skin and, in some cases, other organs. It is most common in adults over the age of 40 and can also affect teenagers and young adults, although this is much rarer. 

SRUK is the only charity solely focused on improving the lives of people with scleroderma and Raynaud’s in the UK through information, support and ground-breaking research. 

To get involved with The SRUK Walk or to find out more, visit www.sruk.co.uk/walk  

Coronavirus cases on the rise: ‘Edinburgh is the new Glasgow’

Alex Cole-Hamilton challenges First Minister over disparity in Covid response

Liberal Democrat Heath Spokesperson Alex Cole-Hamilton has challenged the First Minister as to why Edinburgh residents have not been offered the same access to surge testing that Glasgow residents were, despite the rise in cases.

Edinburgh now has more cases per 100,000 of the population than Glasgow and several schools within the city have reported outbreaks.

Despite confirming yesterday that walk-in clinics will be provided for over 40s who have yet to receive their first dose of the Covid-19 vaccine or anyone of any age waiting more than 10 weeks for their second astrazeneca dose, door to door surge testing, which has been available in areas of Glasgow for weeks is still not available in Edinburgh.

The First Minister was clearly dissatisfied with Mr Cole-Hamilton’s question, failing to answer and accusing him of “trying to divide and set people against each other.”

Mr Cole Hamilton commented: “It is really disappointing to see the First Minister refuse to engage constructively on such a vital issue. The Health Secretary used the exact words ‘Edinburgh is the new Glasgow’ in a discussion I had with him last week. On that basis it is not unreasonable that I would seek the same level of action for my constituents as people in Glasgow saw.

“I have welcomed the announcement that walk-in vaccination centres will now be available to those over 40 but it is not enough. As well as surge testing, we need to provide walk in centres for those aged 18 and over who are yet to receive their first dose of this vaccine.

“My first responsibility is to my constituents, and I will never apologise for using my place in Parliament to fight for their best interests.”