Health and wellbeing – Page 274 – The NEN

UK parents urged to warn children don’t assume it’s Covid if they fall ill at university

Parents of UK students are being urged to ensure their children don’t confuse Covid-19 with other killer diseases such as meningitis. The message, from the meningitis charity, Meningitis Now, comes as thousands of young people prepare to leave home for university for the first time.

With as many as half a million students setting up home, often in Halls of Residence, in the coming months, many universities will be expecting the usual health issues such as Fresher’s Flu and hangovers to be complicated by Covid-19 this year and all will be taking measures to help prevent it.

“But what about meningitis?” says Dr Tom Nutt, CEO at Meningitis Now. “The harsh reality is that some students will contract meningitis whilst at Uni this coming autumn and how easy will it be to put a headache and feeling unwell down to Covid-19 and self-isolate?

“And whilst this is the correct response for Covid-19, it could be disastrous if the illness is meningitis. When meningitis strikes it does so quickly and any delay in diagnosis or treatment can cost lives.

“Our message to parents as they battle with the uncertainties of university starting dates, online tutorials, and living arrangements, is to be certain about meningitis and to ensure that their children are aware of the signs and symptoms of meningitis and that if they are feeling unwell they shouldn’t simply assume it’s Covid-19 or a hangover and that they should seek medical help immediately by calling NHS 111 or their GP.”

Nineteen-year-old Ben, a student at the University of Portsmouth knows how quickly meningitis can strike having contracted meningococcal B in November 2019.

Keen to pursue a career as a Naval Officer, Ben was just one month into college when he became unwell, disorientated, and confused.

He was told that it was a hangover. Ben, who had been given the MenACWY vaccine, had contracted MenB – a strain of the disease he was not vaccinated against. The quick thinking and speedy action of his flatmates saved his life.

“Being told that our son was the sickest patient in the hospital, will live with me forever,” says Ben’s mother, Arlene de Souza. “The outcome for Ben could have been very different if he and his mates had also been dealing with the added confusion of Covid-19. Ben has been lucky.”

Ben has now recovered fully and intends to restart his university studies this autumn.

The student environment is the perfect breeding ground for diseases such as meningitis, as large groups of people start to cohabit and mix for the first time – some of whom will unknowingly be carrying the bug that causes this disease.

This is further exacerbated by the fact that up to a quarter of 15 to 24-year-olds carry meningococcal bacteria in the back of their throats, compared to one in 10 of the general population.

Whilst many students going to university or college this year are likely to have been protected against MenACWY, having received the vaccine at school, up to half a million people aged up to the age of 25 may have missed this important jab, and very few will have been vaccinated against MenB – a strain that causes most cases of bacterial meningitis in the UK.

Don’t ignore eye check-ups – they can save your sight!

Optometric practices (opticians) have now reopened in Scotland and a charity is urging people to resume treatment and eye examinations which may prevent later sight loss.

Eye examinations are free in Scotland and can spot the first signs of sight problems when impairment of vision can be arrested or even reversed.

James Adams, director of RNIB Scotland, said: “The coronavirus has eclipsed other concerns in the public consciousness lately, but we still have to be aware of maintaining our wider health, including our eyes. That’s why it’s very important we still go for regular eye examinations and continue treatment that can save sight.”

The charity is pointing to a recent survey by ophthalmic professionals that found that up to 50 per cent of people with acute or urgent eye conditions, including age-related macular degeneration, the most common cause of sight loss in Britain, had missed appointments during the peak of lockdown.

David Quigley, chair of professional body Optometry Scotland, said the emphasis was on ensuring a safe environment and experience for patients and staff. “So while appointments may be a little different as we closely follow Government guidelines, optometrists can now offer a wide spectrum of eyecare, including routine exams, which are crucial in maintaining eye health and reducing avoidable sight loss.

“The sector is also embracing technology to continue to offer remote services where appropriate, something we are keen to encourage as we move into a new reality of care. We encourage patients to phone their local optometrist in the first instance, who will assess whether they are best served remotely or in practice and will make an appointment as necessary.”

Home visits will be available for those who can’t attend a practice without assistance. This could be someone who is shielding, needs the support of carers, is unable to travel to a practice, or is temporarily injured. Most parts of a routine eye exam can be carried out and a broad spectrum of treatment can be administered too.

Optometry Scotland has produced a video [https://bit.ly/2AZ55VO] with RNIB Scotland explaining the special procedures in place for blind and partially sighted people when visiting their local optometrist practice.

* RNIB’s ‘Eye health during Coronavirus: What to do and what to expect’ leaflet is available here – https://www.rnib.org.uk/sites/default/files/eye-health-coronavirus-tips-2.pdf.

For more information on what to do if you have concerns about your sight, call the RNIB Helpline on 0303 123 9999 or visit rnib.org.uk/eyehealth.

People in the Lothians urged to keep up active lockdown habits to boost mental health

The benefits of staying active as restrictions ease have been highlighted, as new research shows worry about the coronavirus situation has risen amongst Scots.

A new phase of the Clear Your Head campaign launched yesterday to help people look after their mental health, as research shows seven in ten people in Scotland (71 per cent) are worried about the coronavirus situation, the highest level seen since mid-June¹ (59 per cent).

The latest phase of the campaign is encouraging people to keep up any new habits they may have started during the pandemic. It also highlights how making time to get active and do one thing, however big or small, can help people feel calmer and boost mood.

The website – clearyourhead.scot – gives practical tips and ideas on how to stay active and feel the benefits, including:

Build being active into your day by stretching, working out, walking or cycling
Be realistic about what’s achievable, start small and build up over time
Do something you enjoy, mixing things up to help make it interesting
Make it sociable, turning being active into a chance to catch up with people

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

Minister for Mental Health Clare Haughey said: “Life may be moving more as restrictions ease, but this can bring new challenges as people juggle work, family and other commitments. We are living in uncertain times and feelings of stress and worry are understandable as things continue to change, but there are practical things you can do to help you cope.

“Getting outside and keeping up active habits adopted during the pandemic, even for a short period of time, will help you feel better and more in control. It’s so important to be kind to yourself, and remember that help and support is available if you need to talk to someone about how you are feeling.”

Cycling Scotland and Paths for All backed the campaign, as organisations that recorded increases in cycling and walking rates during lockdown²– and encouraged people to keep going.

Keith Irving, Chief Executive of Cycling Scotland said: “Cycling is great for your physical and mental health. Many more people were on their bikes during lockdown and we heard from so many how much of a difference cycling was making to their mental health, enjoying cleaner air, quieter roads and reducing feelings of stress.

“As we battle against Covid-19 and move through different phases, everyday physical activity is more important than ever to look after our physical and mental health. Whether it’s a bike ride at lunchtime, when you go to the shops or at the weekend with people in your household, cycling can really help you fit physical activity into the daily juggle.

“Workplaces, campuses, schools and social housing providers can play their part by working with Cycling Scotland and partners to provide cycle parking and make bikes available to more people. Everyone can help support each other through this terrible pandemic and cycling is a great way of clearing your head.”

Ian Findlay CBE, Chief Officer at Paths for All, said: “Walking is an easy way to reduce stress and anxiety and feel good in body and mind. Just a 30-minute daily walk is one of the best ways to look after your physical and mental health and, as it’s something we can do from our own front door.

“We’ve been gathering stories documenting how life-changing walking during lockdown has been for many. We’ve spoken to people whose anxiety has melted away thanks to walking. People living alone used walks to see others safely, and feel connected to their communities. Some used walking to have fun as a family, while others walked to relieve stress and enjoy some time away from desks and busy homes. We’ve genuinely discovered that whatever your situation – a walk can often help.”

For practical tips on keeping up good habits, visit clearyourhead.scot

Coronavirus: danger at work

Nearly 600 people in Scotland are thought to have caught coronavirus at their place of work, new figures show. The data includes eight people who died from the virus since April.

Care home workers account for nearly two thirds of the suspected occupational exposures, according to Health and Safety Executive (HSE) data, but many other groups – hairdressers, funeral directors, beauty therapists and NHS workers among them – are also believed to have been exposed to the virus at work.

STUC General Secretary Roz Foyer said: “These figures confirm our view that undervalued key workers in care and the NHS have borne the brunt of workplace transmission of the virus with some, tragically, dying as a consequence.

“These figures are almost certainly the tip of the ice-berg. We suspect that there has been significant under-reporting, not to mention a significant incidence of transmission from workers without symptoms.

“Even taken at face value these figures shine a light on the failures we have witnessed in the delivery of adequate PPE and the slow response to the provision of testing for suspected Covid infection.

“Now, more than ever, government and every employer have the responsibility to get things right. Workplaces have been at the centre of localised outbreaks. We need the utmost vigilance, full engagement with unions and an open door for union roving health and safety reps in non-recognised workplaces.”

Gary Smith, secretary of the GMB Scotland union, said there is likely to be significant under-reporting of the suspected workplace coronavirus cases. He said: “The events of the last six months simply do not give any confidence in these figures.

“In sectors which predominately employ women, such as social care and food manufacturing, we are talking about industries notorious for the under-reporting of workplace incident and injury pre-Covid.

“We now know that many of the workers in these industries have been failed on basic health and safety issues, from the delay in the delivery of proper PPE provision to the ability to access testing for suspected Covid infection.”

Lockdown puts Edinburgh’s love of walking in the frame

A story of the life-changing way walking helped an Edinburgh man during lockdown is the focus of a new photography-led campaign.

‘Humans of the Walk’ features portrait photography and personal accounts of people from across Scotland who found walking to be a stimulating relief while the country was placed on pause for over four months.

Scotland’s walking charity Paths for All is sharing the inspirational stories which encapsulate the physical and mental benefits walking had on those coping with a variety of challenges during lockdown.

The charity hopes the 10 moving tales will encourage people to keep walking and convince others to take up walking every day.

Inspired by the famous digital photography project, Humans of New York, the campaign brings to life stories of love, strength, health, family and friendship – and are all connected by one thing: Walking.

One of the 10 individuals, Thomas Ferguson from Edinburgh, believes walking has made him physically and mentally stronger. He said: “Walking has saved me. I could feel myself getting weaker and weaker, growing older, and for a period I would struggle to move anywhere without feeling pain in my legs.

“Yet, through perseverance and self-intervention I began walking again and I can feel myself recovering physically and mentally – it was like a medicine for me.

“I will never again underestimate the power of walking.”

In the search for the 10 participants, Paths for All asked members of the public to take part in a short survey and share their lockdown walking stories. The survey found 93% of people walked during lockdown to look after their physical health.

The charity’s survey also found 77% of people found walking helped them connect with nature, while 61% explored new paths for the first time.

This is Paths for All’s second Humans of the Walk campaign. The first launched in May 2019 to coincide with Edinburgh’s first Open Streets event which closed city centre roads to cars to encourage more walking and cycling.

Ian Findlay CBE, Chief Officer at Paths for All, said: “Our 10 participants in this year’s Humans of the Walk campaign have shared their personal challenges through a period of time which have been arduous for us all.

“Lockdown has impacted our lives in ways we could not have imagined and these stories highlight how walking can help relieve the worries and stresses we feel every day.

“The Humans of the Walk campaign encompasses how walking can improve physical and mental health as well as keeping Scotland happier, healthier, and greener.”

Paths for All’s aim is to significantly increase the number of people who choose to walk in Scotland, whether it’s walking for leisure or walking to work, school or to the shops.

The charity works to create more opportunities and better environments not just for walking, but also for cycling and other activities to help make Scotland a more active, more prosperous and greener country.

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

To keep the celebration of walking going, Paths for All is giving everyone the chance to win a prize bundle worth up to £200. To enter the competition, members of the public should post a portrait photo celebrating walking in some way, on Twitter or Instagram, using the hashtag #HumansOfTheWalk.

The competition runs until September 18 and multiple entries are allowed.

For more information on Humans of the Walk and the competition visit the Paths for All website.

Determined Edinburgh supporters join new Race For Life weekend to beat cancer

DETERMINED fundraisers across Scotland’s capital are set to unite against cancer by taking part in a special Race for Life weekend this September.

Organisers Cancer Research UK cancelled all 400 mass participation events in 2020 to protect the country’s health during the COVID-19 outbreak. This included the Race for Life 5K and 10K at Holyrood Park, Edinburgh on June 21 and the Pretty Muddy obstacle race scheduled for September 12 at the Royal Highland Centre, Ingliston, as well as earlier May events at Hopetoun House, South Queensferry.

The charity is expecting a staggering £160 million drop in income in the year ahead with a £44 million cut to life-saving research funding already in 2020.

Now to help tackle the devastating loss, undeterred women and men are vowing to raise funds by completing their own Race for Life 5K in their nearest green space on Saturday September 26th. They plan to take part outdoors either alone or in small, socially distanced groups – but all on the same day – to help people with cancer.

Supporters can visit raceforlife.org and sign up free for a “Very 2020 Race for Life”.

Lisa Adams, Cancer Research UK’s spokeswoman in Scotland, said: “COVID-19 has made the fight against cancer even harder.

“With around 32,200 people diagnosed with the disease every year in Scotland,* we will never stop striving to create better treatments and to ensure people affected by cancer get the support they need. But we can’t do it alone. That’s why we need people to join us for a Very 2020 Race for Life.

“Vital cancer research has been delayed this year. Even though we have to Race for Life differently in 2020, nothing’s going to stop us running, walking and jogging to raise money and help beat cancer.

“Whatever the hurdle, we’ll keep going and we’d urge as many people as possible across Edinburgh to join in on September 26th. People can set off from their home to complete 5k their way that day. Things haven’t gone to plan for any of us in 2020. This is going to be a very 2020 Race for Life but together we will still beat cancer.”

Cancer Research UK’s Race for Life, in partnership with Tesco, is an inspiring series of 5K, 10K, Pretty Muddy and Pretty Muddy Kids events which raise millions of pounds every year to help beat cancer by funding crucial research.

Thanks to the generosity of people across the city, participants in Edinburgh last year raised £339,694 to support vital research to develop gentler and more effective treatments for cancer – a disease that will affect one in two people in the UK at some stage in their lives.

A live broadcast on the Cancer Research UK Race for Life Facebook page at 9.30am on Saturday September 26^th will include an energiser from a fitness expert as well as inspirational messages of support from people who have been through cancer.

Participants are then invited to set off on their own Race for Life. Organisers are also inviting participants to share photos and videos on social media using the hashtag, #Very2020RaceForLife.

Cancer Research UK’s work in the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of cancer has been at the heart of progress that has seen survival in the UK double in the last 40 years. The charity currently funds around 50 per cent of all publicly funded cancer research in the UK. However, as a direct result of the coronavirus pandemic, promising projects which could have the big answers to cancer are being held up.

Lisa Adams said: “Cancer is still happening right now and we won’t let 2020 stop us. Whether people are taking part in Race for Life this September in their local park or even in their back garden, they’ll be united by a determination to beat cancer together.

“At a time when we’re having to keep apart from each other, there is still a way to unite. We’re urging everyone who has got behind Race for Life in the past to please continue supporting us. Sadly, cancer touches almost every family at some time and we want to do everything we can to help give people more tomorrows with their loved ones.”

Cancer Research UK’s life-saving work relies entirely on the public’s generous support. The charity was able to spend over £8 million in Edinburgh and over £42 million in Scotland last year on some of the UK’s leading scientific and clinical research.

Visit raceforlife.org or call 0300 123 0770. Join in and share with #Very2020RaceForLife

Mind, Body & Soul: SHE school programme

SHE new high school programme Mind, Body & Soul has launched.

SHE providing a blended learning approach with our educational partners.

Our groupwork programme supports young women (S1-S4) to manage stress and anxiety, develop techniques to improve confidence and self esteem and silence their inner critic.

Promoting self healing and improving skills to move forward and embrace life.

For more information please contact shescotland@outlook.com

Heart Research UK Healthy tip – Healthy cholesterol

Heart Research UK Healthy Heart Tip, written by Dr Helen Flaherty, Head of Health Promotion at Heart Research UK

Keeping a check on Cholesterol

Cholesterol travels around the body in our blood and it is present in our cells. We all need some cholesterol to stay healthy, but high levels of cholesterol can increase our risk of heart disease.

Nearly half of all adults in the UK are estimated to have high levels of cholesterol in their blood. Many people are unaware that their cholesterol is high because there are usually no symptoms.

In this healthy heart tip, we explain what cholesterol is and we provide some tips for keeping your cholesterol levels healthy.

What is cholesterol?

Cholesterol is a fatty substance made in the liver and it is present in foods, such as eggs, liver and prawns. Cholesterol is needed in the cells of our body. It helps to make vitamin D and some hormones which keep our bones, teeth and muscles healthy. Cholesterol also helps our digestive system process the fats we eat. Having too much cholesterol in your blood can lead to a build-up in your arteries, which puts you at a higher risk of having a heart attack.

There are two main types of cholesterol.

Low density lipoprotein (LDL) more commonly known as “bad cholesterol” and high-density lipoprotein (HDL) more commonly known as “good cholesterol”. Too much “bad” LDL cholesterol can increase your risk of heart disease. The role of “good” HDL cholesterol is to transport excess cholesterol back to the liver. Therefore, it is important that you have enough “good” HDL cholesterol and not too much “bad” LDL cholesterol in your blood.

What can I do to maintain a healthy cholesterol level?

The cholesterol we eat in food has little impact on the level of cholesterol in our blood. Making some simple changes to your lifestyle can help reduce your cholesterol.

Reduce the amount of fatty foods you eat

Saturated fat increases the amount of “bad” LDL cholesterol in your blood. Saturated fat is found in foods, such as meat pies, sausages, cakes, biscuits, butter, lard, hard cheeses (e.g. cheddar), and foods containing palm or coconut oils. Replace foods that are high in saturated fat with foods containing unsaturated fats such as, olive oil, rapeseed oil, nuts, seeds and oily fish (e.g. salmon and mackerel). Aim for at least one portion of oily fish each week.

Eat more fibre

High fibre foods can reduce your risk of heart disease and help lower the amount of “bad” LDL cholesterol in your blood. Good sources of fibre include fruit and vegetables (eat at least five portions every day), brown rice, wholemeal bread, oats, beans and pulses.

Get active

Aim to do 150 minutes of moderate exercise (e.g. brisk walking, swimming or cycling) or any activity which gets your heart beating faster. Active people have increased levels of “good” HDL cholesterol meaning their bodies are good at removing the “bad” LDL cholesterol away from the arteries.

Stop smoking

Smoking reduces the levels of “good” HDL cholesterol in your blood and this can result in higher levels of “bad” LDL cholesterol. If you would like to stop smoking, you can get help from your GP or the NHS Stop Smoking Service.

Reduce your alcohol intake

It is recommended that men and women avoid drinking more than 14 units of alcohol each week. Information on alcohol units can be found on the OneYou website: www.nhs.uk/oneyou/for-your-body/drink-less/know-your-alcohol-units/

Take a test

It is recommended that adults over the age of 40, or anyone at high risk of heart disease should get their cholesterol levels checked. If you want a cholesterol check, you should speak to your GP. Anyone can have high cholesterol and it is very common. There are usually no symptoms so, unless you get a test, you may be unaware of your risk of developing heart disease.

2019 Mental Health Officers’ Report published

A new report published by the Scottish Social Services Council (SSSC) today, reveals that 94 staff left the mental health officer (MHO) workforce between December 2018 and 2019.

The report also shows that although the number of local authorities reporting an MHO shortfall increased to 27, the number of full time MHOs needed to address the shortfall decreased to 49.

MHOs carry out statutory duties in relation to mental health legislation and shortfalls in staffing could result in delays to people accessing services, appropriate treatment and care and hospital discharges.

Phillip Gillespie, SSSC Director of Innovation and Development said: ‘It’s encouraging to see the shortfall of MHOs decrease in 2019, with the equivalent of 49 full time MHOs needed to meet that shortfall.

“With 56 social workers starting their MHO training in 2019 and funding announced by the Scottish Government in 2019 to support additional MHO capacity in local authorities there are positive moves to help in future.

‘The report also shows the proportion of under 45s has increased from 24.1% in 2015 to 29.9% in 2019 which will help with succession planning in the workforce.

‘Our MHO report contains key data about the workforce in Scotland to help local authorities, Scottish Government and others plan the future workforce. I’m pleased that data from our workforce intelligence team makes a considerable contribution to this work.’

Key points from this year’s MHO report

There were 703 filled MHO posts in 2019.

There were 27 fewer filled MHO posts in 2019 than in 2018, which is equivalent to a drop of 3.7%.

The percentage drop in estimated MHO hours worked was 2.3%.

Exclusive MHOs fell by 2.2 %, non-exclusive MHOs fell by 2.1% and cover MHOs by 18.3%.

The number of exclusive MHOs unavailable for work increased from 18 to 30.

The fall from 2016 in the estimated amount of time spent by MHOs on MHO work in Scotland is more than 9%.

The estimated amount of MHO hours worked per 10,000 head of population in Scotland has decreased from 22.9 in 2016 to 20.5 in 2019.

Between December 2018 and December 2019 staff left 94 MHO posts, this is more than the 87 in 2018. Over the last two years there has been the highest number of leavers since we started recording leavers in 2012. The next highest was 62 in 2014.

Our role supporting MHOs

We approve and quality assure the three university MHO programmes in Scotland, which includes feedback from people who use mental health services to inform improvements in the delivery of MHO education and practice.

We also work in partnership with the national MHO forum, Social Work Scotland and the Scottish Association of Social Workers to develop resources to support practice including learning in relation to new mental health legislation and the annual MHO study day.

You can download the 2019 Mental Health Officers Report here.

An update from HEALTH IN MIND