Tag: Health and wellbeing

Covid: Second vaccine approved

Oxford/AstaZeneca vaccine gets the green light

The UK Government has this morning accepted the recommendation from the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) to authorise Oxford University/AstraZeneca’s Covid-19 vaccine for use.

This follows rigorous clinical trials and a thorough analysis of the data by experts at the MHRA, which has concluded that the vaccine has met its strict standards of safety, quality and effectiveness.

The Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI) will also publish its latest advice for the priority groups to receive this vaccine.

The NHS has a clear vaccine delivery plan and decades of experience in delivering large scale vaccination programmes. It has already vaccinated hundreds of thousands of patients with the Pfizer/BioNTech vaccine and its roll out will continue. Now the NHS will begin putting their extensive preparations into action to roll out the Oxford University/AstraZeneca vaccine.

Health Minister Matt Hancock hailed the news as ‘a real British succes story’.

Throughout this global pandemic the UK Government says they have always been guided by the latest scientific advice.

Having studied evidence on both the Pfizer/BioNTech and Oxford University/AstraZeneca vaccines, the JCVI has advised the priority should be to give as many people in at-risk groups their first dose, rather than providing the required two doses in as short a time as possible.

Everyone will still receive their second dose and this will be within 12 weeks of their first. The second dose completes the course and is important for longer term protection.

From today the NHS across the UK will prioritise giving the first dose of the vaccine to those in the most high-risk groups. With two vaccines now approved, we will be able to vaccinate a greater number of people who are at highest risk, protecting them from the disease and reducing mortality and hospitalisation.

The JCVI’s independent advice is that this approach will maximise the benefits of both vaccines. It will ensure that more at-risk people are able to get meaningful protection from a vaccine in the coming weeks and months, reducing deaths and starting to ease pressure on our NHS.

To aid the success of the vaccination programme, it is vital everyone continues to play their part, abides by the restrictions in their area and remembers hands, face, space so we can suppress this virus and allow the NHS to do its work without being overwhelmed.

News of the second vaccine is timely – yesterday’s coronavirus figures were particularly grim. 53,135 new cases were reported across the UK on Tuesday. 1895 of these were in Scotland – our worst daily figure since the country was first hit by the virus back in February.

First Minister Nicola Sturgeon will make a statement later today. She is expected to welcome the Oxford/AstraZeneca announcement but will appeal to Scots to strictly adhere to current coronavirus guidelines over the New Year period.

Health Secretary Jeane Freeman has welcomed news that the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) has approved the Oxford AstraZeneca vaccine for use in the UK.

This means we can now proceed with arrangements for doses of the vaccine, which is the second coronavirus (COVID-19) vaccine to be approved for use after the Pfizer BioNTech vaccine, to be made available to our distribution centres throughout Scotland.

The vaccine has been procured on behalf of the four nations by the UK Government, who have ordered 100 million doses, of which Scotland will get 8.2% based on its population. We will begin to roll the vaccine out from 4th January, in the settings we have already been delivering in, moving out into more community settings from the 11th January.  

For this vaccine as for Pfizer, the intention is to provide an important layer of protection to all adults but particularly those most at risk from serious illness and death from COVID-19.  With age as the greatest risk factor, the Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI) have retained the same phase 1 priority list. 

The priority now is to vaccinate as many people with their first dose as quickly as possible, working through that priority list and the advice that the second dose for both vaccines can be given up to 12 weeks after the first means we can maximise this protection quicker than planned.  The second dose remains critical for longer term protection and to complete the course.

Ms Freeman said: “At the end of a very difficult year this is a truly excellent piece of news. Oxford AstraZeneca has the major advantage of being much easier to store and transport, which means it is easier to administer in local settings. We are also expecting to receive it in significantly larger quantities than the Pfizer vaccine.

“With the four Chief Medical officers agreeing with the advice that we should prioritise delivering first vaccine doses to as many people on the JCVI Phase 1 priority list in the shortest possible timeframe, we are now able to maximise the impact of the vaccine programme in its primary aims of reducing mortality and hospitalisations for those at greatest risk.”

“When it is your turn to be vaccinated you will be contacted by your local health board and I urge you to please take up the offer.

“Vaccination is one of the most important tools we have as we work our way out of this pandemic.  But as we vaccinate as many people as quickly as supplies allow, we have a new more transmissible strain of COVID-19. 

“That makes it vital that we all continue our  work to suppress the virus in Scotland, rigorously complying with the restrictions where we live and making sure we continue to wear face coverings, maintain 2m distance from others outside our own household and wash our hands regularly.

“These three strands – following all we need to do to suppress the virus, using our expanded testing programme to identify cases and break chains of transmission and rolling out vaccination as fast as supplies allow- are the three critical actions that will see us move, step by step, to a brighter spring and summer in 2021.”

Emergency Services: Together Let’s Care for your Mental Health

NHS 24, Police Scotland and the Scottish Ambulance Service are working together to support mental health and wellbeing for people across Scotland during the Festive Season.  

After a year like no other for the people of Scotland and our NHS and emergency services, the Together Let’s Care for your Mental Health campaign aims to raise awareness of a range of mental health information and services that support mental health.

The three organisations have been working together to develop new ways to support people in mental health distress when they contact the services.

People calling Police Scotland in mental health distress may now be offered access to the NHS Mental Health Hub service. The Scottish Ambulance Service is also able to support some callers through a similar pathway.

Under the banner ‘Together Let’s Care for your Mental Health’ the partners are able to signpost to a range of self-help guides and options for further support. Online information is available for a range of day to day concerns such as anxiety, depression, young people’s mental health needs, alcohol, gambling and drug use.

NHS 24 offers a range of online mental health guides through NHSinform.scot as well as the 111 Mental Health Hub and Breathing Space’s telephone and web chat services.

Vicky Burnham, Consultant Paramedic in Dementia and Clinical Lead for Mental Health with the Scottish Ambulance Service, said: “We have been faced with many different challenges this year as a result of Covid-19 and all key workers have gone above and beyond, providing exceptional care throughout the year during an unprecedented global pandemic.

“With social interactions being limited as a result of restrictions this year, it’s vital that health care providers and emergency services are able to provide additional support to those who require help related to anxiety, depression, young people’s mental health needs, alcohol, gambling and drug use.

“We look forward to working alongside our colleagues at Police Scotland and NHS24 to ensure we continue to provide the very best care to patients across Scotland.”

Stephanie Phillips, Director of Service Delivery, NHS 24 said: “”We are pleased to be working together with Police Scotland and the Scottish Ambulance Service to provide the best possible outcomes for people in mental health distress.

“We know this Festive Season is going to be very different for everyone and many people will feel more anxious than usual. Our online resources are a good place to look for the first steps to support and self-care. If you need help now there are a range of services available to you. Our team are here to help those getting in touch with our services with a compassionate response.”

Tony McLaren, National Coordinator for Breathing Space said: “We know that this time of year can be a particularly poignant and difficult time for some.  This year there will be many people who are facing bereavement, anxiety and stress, perhaps for the first time.

“Talking about how you feel, and being listened to, can make all the difference. Our Breathing Space advisors are here to listen and respond when you need someone to support you.”

Assistant Chief Constable, Police Scotland, Gary Ritchie said: “It is the challenge of all in public service to ensure that when people need help, they get it at the right time from the most appropriate agency.

“This is why we have strengthened our work with NHS and SAS colleagues, to make sure that those callers who are suffering mental ill health can now be referred directly to a qualified health professional. We will never step away from people in crisis where they have nowhere else to turn.”

bs-leaflet-2020Download

Make ‘Walk All Over Cancer’ your New Year’s resolution

FOLK in Edinburgh and the Lothians are being challenged to kick start the New Year by taking steps to support Cancer Research UK. 

The charity is urging people to sign up now to Walk All Over Cancer and get sponsored to take 10,000 steps every day for a month.

By raising vital funds, people across the region could help to get life-saving research back on track after the impact of COVID-19 – while burning off any excess Christmas calories. As well as helping towards a healthy body weight, taking part could take a little weight off the mind too. Regular walking is a great stress-reliever and can help with mental wellbeing by improving mood and sleep.

Linda Summerhayes, Cancer Research UK’s spokesperson in Scotland, said: “Fundraising has fallen and right now, future research is at risk – that’s why we’re urging as many people as possible to make ‘Walk All Over Cancer’ their New Year’s resolution.

“We all hope that 2021 has a more positive outlook. So why not give yourself a boost by committing to get more active and having an achievable goal to aim for – all in aid of a good cause.

“There’s plenty of time for supporters to start building up to the challenge in March and planning new ways to fit in some extra steps.

“Sticking to a resolution can be hard, especially through the cold, dark winter months, but registering now and making a public pledge to take part in the Spring, could help people steel their resolve. Plus, there’s the ultimate motivation of knowing every step you take will be helping to save lives.”

Based on the average person’s strides, 10,000 steps is equal to about five miles, so by the end of March participants will have clocked up more than 150 miles.

That’s quite a challenge for some but adopting small changes that you can stick to can really add up – whether it’s doing conference calls on the go, exploring local beauty spots or treating the dog to a month of extra-long walks.

Keeping check on the number of steps taken each day is a great way to create a sense of achievement and it’s easy to do with smartphone apps, pedometers and wearable activity trackers available to help. Walk All Over Cancer is now integrated with FitBit, so that participants can automatically publish their step count on their fundraising page throughout the month.

Linda added: “With around 32,400 people diagnosed with cancer every year in Scotland*, we’re working every day to find new ways to prevent, diagnose and treat the disease.

“The truth is COVID-19 has slowed us down, but we will never stop striving to create better treatments for tomorrow. Every step our scientists take towards beating cancer relies on our supporters. That’s why we need everyone to step up to Walk All Over Cancer.”

Before the outbreak, Cancer Research UK was able to spend over £8 million in Edinburgh on some of the UK’s leading scientific and clinical research.

To sign up and receive a free fundraising pack, with tips and ideas to help with the challenge, visit cruk.org/walkallover.

Participants are being encouraged to use #WalkAllOverCancer and tag @CR_UK when sharing their challenge on social media.

New mental health gym launched

Soul Sanity – the UK’s online mental health gym – has launched, supporting members to focus on improving their mental health from the comfort of their own homes.

The membership-based service offers a range of activities that are scientifically proven to relieve stress and anxiety, improve mindfulness and encourage the release of the “feel good” hormone dopamine.

Holly Novick, Founder, said: “There are so many gyms out there for your physical health but nothing that focuses specifically on your mental health.

“Soul Sanity is truly unique in that way. It was something I personally felt I needed during a time of grief. I needed an outlet to feel better but all I got was fist-pumping music lifting weights, one to one therapy sessions which I found difficult to open up in and suggestions for tablets which I thought could be a slippery road.

“I also didn’t want to mask how I was feeling, I knew my body was acting this way as a signal because something was wrong. I needed a fix not a quick fix so Soul Sanity’s really been an idea in the making for a while and coincidently the pandemic has hit at the same time perhaps making it the perfect storm”.

Unlike other platforms, all sessions are broadcast live, with a large variety available to participate in including:

  • Mindfulness – To relax the senses, reset and unwind
  • Art for Art’s Sake – Finding new ways to express creativity
  • Mastermind – Focus on learning new skills from languages to chess
  • Kid’s Corner – Fun and educational activities to enjoy with children
  • Food Glorious Food – Connecting through the power of food
  • Musical Genius – Mood-boosting music sessions, from guitar to singing
  • Garden Life – Connecting with nature in our own back garden
  • Tender, Love & Care (TLC) – Online support from qualified psychotherapists

Anyone can join soulsanity.co.uk with a one-month free trial on offer at soulsanity.co.uk/memberships. Gift cards are also available to share with loved ones during the festive season and throughout the year.

More than 2000 Scots receive Young Carer Grant in first year

The Scottish Government has paid £600,000 to eligible young carers in the first year of the new benefit. Over 2000 young carers received a payment between October 2019 and October 2020.

The Young Carer Grant is a payment of £305.10 for young people, aged 16, 17 and 18, who spend an average of 16 hours a week caring for someone who receives a disability benefit.

This is an annual payment and young carers who still meet the eligibility should apply again once a year has passed since the date of their previous successful application. The money can be spent on anything that they like, for example a subscription to a video or music streaming service, new clothes or anything that helps them take a break from their caring responsibilities.

Cabinet Secretary for Social Security and Older People, Shirley-Anne Somerville said: “The Young Carer Grant is the first benefit of its kind in the UK and I am delighted that we have been able to help so many young carers over the course of the past year.

“We have continued to work with key stakeholders throughout the Covid-19 pandemic to ensure eligible young carers are still getting access to the support they are entitled to.

“These young people play a vital role in our society and I am proud we can help give them the recognition they deserve.

“Young people often don’t realise that what they are doing is caring – it is just part of their day to day life. If you help someone who gets a disability benefit with anything from going to the shops or even giving emotional support, this could be for you. I encourage any young people in this circumstance to look into this, check if they are eligible and to apply. And if it’s been a year since you last submitted your application – make sure you apply again to get your money and treat yourself.”

Cameron, a young carer, now aged 19 from Perthshire said: “I care for my mum, she has mental health issues and she is not able to stand or walk for a certain distance without support.

“I make my mum breakfast, I make sure she’s taken her medication in the morning, I help get her clothes, make her lunch and dinner and take her cups of tea throughout the day. I keep my mum company when I can and have my siblings who care for her too. I support my mum if she needs to go out and about, I’ll go with her.

“One challenge I face being a Young Carer is not getting enough spare time to go out and spend time with my friends. Also not getting enough spare time to study for college assessments and exams.

“I feel like the Covid-19 pandemic has made things more tough because I need to be there more often to support my mum, more than before the coronavirus pandemic.

“It was quite easy to apply for Young Carer Grant, I had the documents ready to print off so didn’t have any issues. I spent my grant on driving lessons.

“This year, I won’t be reapplying as I have now turned 19, but my younger sibling turned 16 recently so I am going to encourage him to apply because he also cares for my mum.”

Emma, a young carer, aged 17 from Perthshire said: “My mum has a long term health condition which renders her physically disabled. I mainly help with practical tasks like cleaning the house and cooking for my family. I also help with small errands like picking up medication and doing the food shopping. I help my mum through her mental health difficulties as well.

“One of the main challenges I face being a young carer is just less time to do everything! Less time to complete things.

“The Covid-19 pandemic increased my workload at home because we were at home more. Also with my mum being high risk it has been pretty nerve wracking.

“I spent my payment last year mostly on personal things for myself like clothes. I also used it to pay for a lot of lunches for school.

“I will reapply for the grant this year and will probably put it towards university.

“Anyone that is responsible for another member of their household should apply for the grant because caring can really take it out of you so it’s nice to have something of your own for you. If you have all of your paperwork ready then it’s easy but if you don’t it can be quite tricky to find the right documents.”

Paul Traynor, Policy and External Affairs Manager at Carers Trust Scotland said: “Carers Trust Scotland commend the Scottish Government for introducing the innovative Young Carer Grant last year, the first of its kind in the UK.

“Many young carers have difficulty accessing and participating in opportunities that are the norm for many other young people. This grant helps to recognise the immense contribution of young carers in Scotland.

“The Young Carer Grant has benefited many young carers to take part in more activities, pursue more of their aspirations and has helped to reduce social isolation.

“Many young carers have benefited from this support over the last year and we would encourage all young carers who are eligible to apply for a Young Carer Grant.”

Concern over urgent cancer referral numbers in NHS Lothian

Lothian MSP and Co-chair of the Cancer Cross Party Group at the Scottish Parliament, Miles Briggs, has warned about the drop in urgent cancer referrals over the last six months in NHS Lothian.

Public Health Scotland figures released this week showed that over the last two quarters (ending June 20 and September 20) 484 and 463, 947 total, were urgently referred for and received a cancer treatment.

This compares to the same six months last year (ending June 19 and September 19) when 591 and 616, 1207 total, patients were urgently referred for and received a cancer treatment.

This is equivalent to 21.5%, or just over a fifth, fewer patients being urgently referred and receiving treatment for cancer in NHS Lothian.

Co-chair of the Cancer Cross Party Group at the Scottish Parliament, Miles Briggs, said:

“This is extremely concerning that there has been such a drop in patients being urgently referred to cancer patients in the last six months.

“Early detection and treatment of cancer is the best way to improve survival rates for cancer and these figures show fewer people are having cancer detected and treated.

“The focus of our National Health Service has been on Covid-19, but people are still going to get ill and it is vital that access to cancer services is available for everyone.”

ENDs…

Table with eligible referrals attached, tab 4e.

https://beta.isdscotland.org/find-publications-and-data/conditions-and-diseases/cancer/cancer-waiting-times/

NHS Lothian – Eligible referrals

 62 day standard from receipt of an urgent referral with suspicion of cancer to first treatment        
  
 Dec-18Mar-19Jun-19Sep-19Dec-19Mar-20Jun-20Sep-20
All Cancer Types*579529591616601605484463
All Cancer Types* (screened excluded)447414443489447455416449
All Cancer Types* (screened only)1321151481271541506814
Breast201169195173202197132110
Breast (screened excluded)92787167837976103
Breast (screened only)10991124106119118567
Cervical786116555
Cervical (screened excluded)454105544
Cervical (screened only)33211–11
Colorectal72717985911038368
Colorectal (screened excluded)5250576557717262
Colorectal (screened only)202122203432116
Head & Neck2930233424272432
Lung6541576258544149
Lymphoma17148151251317
Melanoma1722436540221322
Ovarian47108641010
Upper GI6054646262806364
Urological10711310610110010810086

Abortion: The right to choose

A lot of pregnancies are unplanned. It’s common to feel stunned, scared, embarrassed or isolated when facing an unplanned pregnancy (writes LORNA FROST).

Deciding whether or not to continue with the pregnancy can be very straightforward and obvious for some people while others can find it a difficult and complicated decision. It’s important that the decision as to whether or not to continue with a pregnancy is made by the person it most affects.

Early medical abortion involves taking two sets of pills. Since April 2020, in light of COVID-19 and the importance of minimising risks of spreading the virus, abortion care providers in Scotland have been able to allow early medical abortions (taking  both sets of pills) at home. This avoids travel to GPs and hospitals to access abortion services. It is a way of keeping abortion safe and accessible.

Now the Scottish government is seeking views on the future arrangements for early medical abortion at home. The responses will affect whether the current arrangements continue once there is no longer a risk of COVID-19 transmission.

Surveys have found that most people are pro-choice. They think that deciding whether or not to continue with a pregnancy is a personal decision that should not be interfered with. If you agree please take 10 minutes to respond to the Scottish government’s consultation on early medical abortion at home.

Please do this now – the deadline for responses is 5th January 2021.

Just click on the link for guidelines which suggest how to respond.

To find out more, contact your local Edinburgh Abortion Rights Group – you can follow us on https://www.facebook.com/AbortionRightsEdinburgh

Walk This Way: Anstruther to Crail is Scotland’s favourite walk

Which? reveals the UK’s favourite walks to blow away the cobwebs over the holidays

The Buttermere Circuit in the Lake District has been named the UK’s top-rated walk in a survey of more than 50 popular routes, ranging from gentle strolls to full-day hikes.

With the UK continuing to face coronavirus restrictions, limiting opportunities for socialising indoors over the festive season, Which? has revealed the UK’s favourite walks, as voted for in a survey of nearly 3,000 Which? members.

The Buttermere Circuit in the Lake District, a 4.5 mile lakeside walk, took the top spot of the table, receiving a walk score of 88 per cent.

It was awarded five stars for scenery, thanks to its combination of a rippling silver lake next to dramatic mountains. Visitors also rated it favourably for accessibility, peace and quiet, and places of interest available on the route.

It was followed by Helvellyn, a tough eight-hour hike up the third-highest peak in the Lake District.

It received a walk score of 87 per cent, with hikers giving it five stars for its stunning scenery and views from the Striding Edge Ridge. While not one for the faint of heart – Which? recommends only experienced walkers tackle this route – the path is well trodden, and the chances of real danger are slim. Which? gave this walk five out of five for difficulty though, and facilities along the route are limited to non-existent, so walkers should come prepared.

The Rhossili Headland in Gower and Solva to St David’s route in Pembrokeshire, both coastal walks in Wales, also received walk scores of 87 per cent.

These routes were both ranked two out of five for difficulty, making them both nice options for a pleasant but invigorating stroll. Those who enjoy a bite to eat or a drink as part of their walk should head to Rhossili, awarded five stars by visitors for food and drink, while nature fans will be rewarded on the walk from Solva to St Davids, where they may even spot grey seals and porpoises – an indication as to why visitors gave it five stars for wildlife.

Receiving the third highest score – and the accolade of Scotland’s best walk – was the Anstruther to Crail stretch of the Fife Coastal Path, with a score of 86 per cent.

A comfortable saunter between two fishing villages, this route was given five stars for peace and quiet and should only take a couple of hours to complete. The path is clearly waymarked too, allowing walkers to find their way easily while making the most of the views across the Firth of Forth.

Other routes also receiving 86 per cent were the Botallack Mine Walk in Cornwall, the Craster, Dunstaburgh and Low Newton Circuit in Northumberland, and the Old Man of Coniston in the Lake District.

Dunseverick Castle to the Giant’s Causeway was named Northern Ireland’s best walk, receiving a score of 85 per cent and five stars for both scenery and places of interest.

The five-mile route, including a descent down the 162 Shepherd’s Steps to take in the view of the 40,000 basalt columns at the end, is well-maintained and was rated two out of five for difficulty by Which?, with visitors also awarding it four stars for facilities along the way.

Ben Lomond in Scotland was also given a score of 85 per cent, along with High Force & Low Force in the Durham Dales, Housesteads to Steel Riggs along Hadrian’s Wall, and the Mawddach Estuary in Wales.

Rory Boland, Editor of Which? Travel, said: “Whether you’re looking for easygoing strolls to fill the space between Christmas and the new year, or you’re after a breathtaking hike to help you shake the dust off your feet after this year, our rundown of the country’s favourite walks should provide plenty of inspiration.

“While coronavirus restrictions might prevent us from travelling to some of the farther-flung destinations on our list, the good news is that we are truly spoiled for choice when it comes to stunning walks across the UK, meaning there are walks to be enjoyed wherever you are in the country.”

Table of results:

Maps:

You are what you eat

THE FIVE NUTRIENTS TO HELP EDINBURGH STAY HEALTHY THIS WINTER – AND WHERE TO FIND THEM

keep your immune system strong with these nutritious foods

www.fruitjuicesciencecentre.eu/en

As we get deeper into winter and the subsequent rise in colds, flu and likely, covid-19, more of us are hunting out ways to keep ourselves healthy.

However, research by the Fruit Juice Science Centre states that 40 per cent of people in Edinburgh are unaware that they are more likely to pick up viruses if the immune system is compromised.

So, how do we Improve our virus-fighting systems? It’s not as difficult as you might think. In fact, adding certain nutrients to your day-to-day diet could make all the difference.

Vitamin C

There’s a reason we turn to orange juice during times of sickness; new research by the Fruit Juice Science Centre has revealed that just one 150 ml glass of 100% fruit juice provides a staggering 84% of the Nutrient Reference Value (NRV – the minimum we should consume for normal health) for vitamin C. During times of illness, experts say we may need more than double the NRV – around 200 mg of vitamin C daily.

And this vitamin is essential for our immune system; it not only influences the growth and function of immune cells, it also supports the skin and gut barriers against pathogens, acts as a powerful antioxidant, and encourages mobilisation of white blood cells to sites of infection to kill off pathogens.

However, it’s not just when you’ve been struck down with the sniffles that you should consider drinking a glass of orange juice.

Thirty-one per cent of respondents quizzed in Edinburg believe wrongly that the body stores vitamin C and as long as you’ve consumed lots on one day, your body will have enough for the next day. However, this isn’t the case, and a daily supply is needed.

Dr Gill Jenkins, GP and broadcaster, explains that in the UK many of us fail to reach optimal vitamin C intakes as most people don’t eat the recommended five daily servings of fruit and vegetables. Shockingly, fewer than one third of 19-64-year olds hit their quota.

That’s why it’s a good idea to load up on fruit and veg, particularly those rich in antioxidant vitamin C such as tomatoes, red and green peppers, kiwi fruit, broccoli and potatoes. One daily serving of 100% juice can be part of this.

Vitamin D

The sunshine vitamin is in short supply during the UK’s winter months, so the UK government advises everyone considers a year-round supplement of 10 micrograms of vitamin D a day to keep bones and muscles healthy.

More recent studies have found vitamin D receptors on several types of immune cells, suggesting that it also has an immunity benefit. Added to this, low vitamin D levels in blood increase the likelihood of respiratory tract infections, so it’s essential to keep stores topped up.

Vitamin D is only found in a small number of foods which is why we rely on summer and autumn sunshine to hit our vitamin D targets. But even this isn’t foolproof given the UK’s ever-changing weather.

With nearly a fifth of adults failing to reach the minimum cut-off set by the UK Department of Health (25 nmol/litre) of vitamin D blood levels, it’s time to up our game with this essential vitamin.

As well as supplementation, include vitamin D-rich foods like oily fish, eggs, dairy products, liver, fortified foods and mushrooms.

Folate

This water-soluble B vitamin is essential for normal immunity, including antibody production and function.

It’s also vital for cell health, says Dr Jenkins, as during pregnancy, “a lack of folic acid is associated with neural tube defects (NTDs) such as spina bifida”. Need another reason to drink fruit juice?  A 150 ml glass of 100% orange juice provides 16% of the NRV for folate. To increase your intake of folate even further, add whole fruit, nuts, seeds, beans, peas and green leafy vegetables to your diet.

Omega-3 fatty acids

Whilst Omega 3 fatty acids do target and reduce body inflammation[5], fewer than half (45%) of those surveyed in Edinburgh by the Fruit Juice Science Centre actually linked omega-3s with immune function. It’s recommended that we consume 140g of omega-3s-rich oily fish a week. However, the National Diet and Nutrition Survey reveals that adults aged 19-64 years eat just 56 g a week on average -with teens eating even less! Up your omega 3s intake with oily fish (including sardines, salmon and mackerel) as well as nuts and seeds such as flaxseed, chia seeds and walnuts. Try sprinkling flaxseeds over porridge for breakfast and grilling sardines on toast for lunch.

Polyphenols, prebiotics and probiotics

These all support our gut microbiota- the complex family of bacteria that lives in our digestive tract – which in turn, can play a role in our immune health. The gut is the first line of defence against pathogens and having a healthy, balanced microbiota is the cornerstone of this.

As if the vitamin C content of 100% orange juice wasn’t enough to make you consume 150 ml a day, orange juice also contains hesperidin, a type of polyphenol particularly useful in aiding vascular function with new 2020 research claiming that hesperidin could be useful in novel drugs for covid-19.

Dr Gill Jenkins explains: “Hesperidin has attracted the attention of scientists because it binds to the key proteins of the Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) – meaning it could have anti-viral effects.”

New evidence also suggests that hesperidin has a prebiotic effect, encouraging more favourable bacteria to thrive in the gut. For optimum levels of hesperidin, drink packaged juice rather than home squeezed juice since commercial squeezing extracts more polyphenols. As well as orange juice, add high fibre and probiotic-rich fermented foods to your diet such as pickles, miso, kefir and sauerkraut.

For more information see: www.fruitjuicesciencecentre.eu/en

Charity urges families to walk to help beat winter blues

SCOTS are being encouraged to use walking to socialise safely, beat loneliness and boost mental wellbeing this festive period.  

As festive plans are cancelled and changed, walking charity Paths for All has suggested families do something a little different this Christmas and New Years for a winter health boost by taking up local festive walks with loved ones, while following all government guidelines.

While winter can be a tough time for older people in particular, regular walks can help keep Scots safe while allowing us to meet up and spend time with family and friends helping to reduce stress, isolation and anxiety.

Research shows half a million older people regularly suffer periods of isolation during winter, with some people not seeing or speaking with others for up to five or six days per week, and even longer over the festive period.

A local daily walk over Christmas allows for all important interaction with loved ones, neighbours, and others in the community, creating a sense of connection and community belonging even while social distancing.

Dr Gregor Smith, Scotland’s Chief Medical Officer, said: “Regular walking is a powerful tonic. It helps to boost our immune system and those of us able to should strive to get the benefit this winter.

“A 30-minute daily walk is one of the best ways to look after yourself and it’s something we can do from our own front door.

“During periods of physical distancing, isolation and uncertainty, many have expressed increased feelings of anxiety, stress or worry. Daily outdoor exercise, while adhering to guidelines, is an important way to improve physical and mental wellbeing.

“We would encourage those who are able to get outdoors this winter to do so, even if it is for a short walk to the shop or to school.”

The plea comes as the charity launched its Walk Once a Day this Winter campaign and online content hub which highlights the importance of a daily walks to maintain physical and mental well-being.

The hub provides a variety of ideas, Christmas activities and information designed to motivate individuals of all ages to get outdoors and get moving including Santa spotting, podcast recommendations, location advice, community and festive walks and creative walking.

The winter initiative will also offer incentives to those who pledge to walk once a day through December and January.

Dr William Bird MBE, founder of Intelligent Health and the Beat the Street game said: “Walk Once a Day this winter is such a simple but effective message.

“When I talk to patients on a day-to-day basis, most of them ask for advice on how to avoid getting COVID-19 or how they can improve their chances of fighting it if they do catch it.

“Walking is always one of the best things that people can do for their health, however during these times of COVID-19, it’s more vital than ever. When you go for a brisk walk, this stimulates the creation of ‘natural killer cells’ which are part of the immune system. They sit at the nasal cavity and are ready to mop up any virus including COVID-19 and kill it before it has a chance to replicate and get into the cells.

“Not only that, but walking in green space and nature has a positive impact on the brain also reduces stress and its negative impact on the immune system.”

UK-wide research by King’s College London during lockdown revealed 49% of people in the UK have felt more anxious or depressed than normal, with walking shown to be an effective method to prevent and manage mental health conditions.

Paths for All believes regular walking is key to leading a happy and healthy life – and it is important for people to continue enjoying short, local walks where it is safe and appropriate to do so, owing to the huge array of associated benefits.

Ian Findlay CBE, Chief Officer at Paths for All said: “A walking Christmas is the safest way to meet with friends and family this festive period, and additionally experience positive physical, social and mental health benefits.

“Over the last few months, walking has become more popular and surveys have shown that Scots have increased their walking during this unprecedented time more than any other part of the UK.

“We would encourage individuals to keep this up, even if it is for just a short walk round the block, it’s a time for us to wander outside, get some fresh air and leave our worries behind.  

“We believe by encouraging people to walk everyday they will experience many positive physical, social and mental health benefits and in turn we will move forward in the New Year as a healthier, greener, safer and happier nation”.

Follow the campaign over on Paths for All social media channels #WalkOnceADay.

Paths for All launched a mood-boosting podcast designed using mindfulness techniques to help people look after their mental well-being whilst getting their daily exercise during Covid-19. Mind to Walk is freely available online on all popular podcast players or on Paths for All website at www.pathsforall.org.uk/mindtowalk

Paths for All’s focus is clear: it wants to get Scotland walking: everyone, every day, everywhere.

For more information on Paths for All and the Walk Once a Day this Winter campaign, visit: http://www.pathsforall.org.uk/walkonceaday