An Edinburgh woman who lost her partner to Motor Neurone Disease (MND) in November 2018, has been reunited with her mother, who is now facing the same rare terminal illness in a nursing home in north-east England.
Tag: Health and wellbeing
RNIB Scotland: Blind people can be guided – but social distancing remains a concern
Heart Research UK Healthy Tip – Portion size
Heart Research UK Healthy Heart Tip, written by Dr Helen Flaherty, Head of Health Promotion at Heart Research UK:
Control your portions!
If you need to lose weight, it is important to think about the quantity of food you are eating as well as the types of food and drink you choose. Food portions tend to be larger today than they were thirty years ago and this is contributing to weight gain. Controlling your portion sizes doesn’t mean you have to go hungry. We provide you with some tips to control your portion sizes and achieve a healthy weight.
Weigh your portions
Check food labels for recommended portion sizes and make sure you weigh out the correct amount. If you are following a recipe, weigh out the ingredients correctly and take note of how many people the recipe serves. You can adapt recipes according to the number of people you are cooking to avoid having too much food.
You can access more information about portion sizes from the British Nutrition Foundation: https://www.nutrition.org.uk/healthyliving/find-your-
balance/portionwise.html
Eat more slowly
If you eat quickly, it is easy to overeat. By eating more slowly, you allow time for your brain to recognise when you are full. If you still feel hungry after eating a meal, don’t be tempted to reach for the snacks. Wait twenty minutes after a meal for your food to settle. If you are still hungry after that time, try eating some fruit.
Use smaller plates or bowls
If you serve meals onto a large plate or bowl, you may find that you are serving portions that are too large. Try using a smaller plate or bowl for your meals and you should still feel satisfied.
Avoid supersize portions
When buying food, avoid being tempted by offers of supersize portions or discounts for buying in bulk on less healthy food and drinks. These offers can tempt you into buying more than you need, which can lead to you eating more than you need.
Turn off the TV
Try eating your meals and snacks away from the TV as this can lead to overeating because you are not thinking about your food.
New Zealand women complete the Dundee Virtual Kilt Walk while UK sleeps
While Scotland slept on Thursday night, two women finished the virtual Dundee Kiltwalk almost as far from the city as it is possible to get.
Jane Ludemann and her mother Elspeth walked up Signal Hill in Dunedin, New Zealand, three times. They began at 9:30am on Friday the 3rd of July New Zealand time, which is 10:30pm on Thursday GMT.
Signal Hill is 393 metres (1289 feet) high.
They chose this hill because the monument at its summit is hewn from the rock on which Edinburgh Castle stands and they completed the Kiltwalk to raise money for research into low grade serous ovarian carcinoma at the University of Edinburgh.
When Jane was diagnosed with this rare form of cancer at the age of 32, three years ago, she discovered that there was very little research on the disease and no way to fund research into it anywhere in the world.
That spurred her to establish Cure Our Ovarian Cancer, a charitable trust dedicated to increasing awareness of LGSOC, supporting women with the disease and raising funds for research into better treatments and an eventual cure.
The University of Edinburgh is their UK charity partner. Cure Our Ovarian Cancer hopes to part fund a researcher at the University of Edinburgh to develop better laboratory models of the cancer to help find new treatments.
Since 2019 they’ve raised over £10,000 of their £25,000 target.
“University of Edinburgh’s Professor Charlie Gourley has provided national leadership of low-grade serous clinical trials in the UK. Furthermore the work of his research team is world renowned,” Jane said.
“Historically low-grade serous ovarian cancer has been overlooked. It disproportionately affects young women and the overall survival rates are really poor. It’s really confronting to stare death in the face at such a young age. If I don’t survive, the thing I want most in the world is to know this won’t happen to someone else. Knowing that Professor Gourley is on the other side of the world, working hard to improve survival, makes life that bit easier”, says Jane.
Elspeth said that when Jane was diagnosed she and her husband Grant said they would do anything they could to help her: “I didn’t think that would entail climbing a steep hill three times, but thankfully the Kiltwalk is about distance not speed.”
The rock at the top of the hill isn’t the only link between the Ludemann’s Kiltwalk and Scotland. Elspeth’s father, Charles Sime, was born in Dundee and lived there until he immigrated to New Zealand in his 20s.
“Although Dad ended up living in New Zealand longer than he lived in Scotland, he retained his accent and took great pride in wearing his kilt,” Elspeth said.
“He would be very sad that his granddaughter has cancer but so proud of what she is doing to raise awareness and funds. He loved tramping and would be tickled pink that we are doing the Kiltwalk with its link to him home town.”
Six hours and 30 000 steps later the pair finished their walk. Jane said: “I don’t think we’ll win any prizes for speed but we put in a lot of effort. I’m looking forward to an early night.
“I’m thrilled that we have been able to support the University of Edinburgh’s cancer research today, from the other side of the world.”
To make a donation to Jane’s efforts go to: https://dundeekiltwalk2020.everydayhero.com/uk/jane-3
Stop It Now campaign helps keep children safe from harm
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Minister hears from autistic people on their experiences of lock down
Minister for Mental Health, Clare Haughey MSP (who in addition has responsibility for autism and learning disability) joined an online group of autistic adults and carers yesterday to hear about their experiences of lock down.
The disruption of daily life and routine resulting from the pandemic and the lockdown has been very challenging for autistic people, 70% of whom are struggling with mental health difficulties and often intense anxiety.
Research from National Autistic Society Scotland has also shown that two thirds of autistic people in Scotland feel socially isolated and this was before social distancing was introduced in light of the Coronavirus pandemic.
The Scottish Government has recognised the fact that many autistic adults and families with autistic children are extremely vulnerable at this time and awarded the charity funds to provide specialist and moderated online social groups to reach as many autistic people carers and families as possible.
The online social groups allow staff to share information on staying safe and healthy as well as helping those with mental health needs and anxieties.
In addition, they also offer a safe and secure place where autistic people can connect and talk about whatever is important to them. There are specific groups focused on film & TV, gaming, craft, LEGO, politics, quizzes as well as for groups for young people, older people, carers, women as well as people from the LGBT+ community.
They’re a great way for people to build confidence, make friends and help with communication skills.
The Minister for Mental Health, Clare Haughey said: “We know that autistic people find the huge changes in their daily lives more difficult to deal with than many other people. That’s why we provided funding to the National Autistic Society Scotland to provide these vital online services for as many people as possible.
“Taking part in one of the Society’s online social groups today was a great opportunity to hear directly from autistic people and their families on how the lockdown restrictions have affected them. Through our national strategy, we will continue our work to improve the lives of people with autism and ensure everyone gets the care and support they need.
Nick Ward, Director, National Autistic Society Scotland said: “We were delighted that the Minister could join one of our online groups to hear directly from autistic people and as to the challenges they face at this difficult time.
“Many autistic people are feeling the effects of the dramatic changes in their lives from pandemic and in many cases struggle with mental health difficulties or are very isolated within their communities.
“Our online Social Groups, offer a safe a secure space where people can meet and talk about the things that are important to them, form meaningful relationships and feel more connected. Our staff will also be on hand to offer support and tips around managing mental health and well-being and importantly staying safe.”
Blair Spence who is autistic and from Glasgow said: “I’ve been going to the Social Groups for about 9 months, they’ve really helped my confidence and conversation skills as well as make new friends.
“The new online groups have been really fun. There are about 10 of us in the group and it works really well. It’s good to stay in touch with other people and we’ve done some exciting things with the group leaders like a virtual tour of an Aquarium and around San Francisco including going across the Golden Gate Bridge!
“I really look forward to the weekly online groups and I would recommend to other autistic people to give them a go.”
Face coverings to be mandatory in Scotland’s shops
Final Phase 2 measures confirmed
Provisions to allow children to play outdoors with friends, the introduction of exemptions to the 2 metre physical distancing rule and mandatory use of face coverings in retail settings from Phase 3 are among measures announced by First Minister Nicola Sturgeon yesterday.
From today, children aged 11 and under will be able to play outdoors, without physical distancing, in groups of up to eight and of no more than two other households.
Children aged 12 to 17 are asked to continue to physically distance but can meet in groups of up to eight outdoors and no more than two other households at a time.
There will be no limit placed on the total number of households children can meet in one day, enabling siblings to meet separate groups or friends, or to meet groups in addition to those their parents or carers may take part in.
The five mile limit for leisure travel will be lifted for the majority of the country from today (Friday, 3 July) as will restrictions on self-catering, self-contained accommodation.
The First Minister also confirmed that outdoor hospitality will be able to start trading from Monday 6 July, in line with indicative dates previously set out.
Following the successful introduction of mandatory face coverings on public transport, the measure will be extended to include retail settings from Friday, 10 July, in line with expected changes to other lockdown measures on that date.
The First Minister also announced the outcome of a review of the evidence on the 2 metre social distancing rule. Advice from the COVID-19 Advisory Group makes clear that the fundamental science around distance and transmission remains unchanged and that risk increases with proximity to an infected individual.
As such, the Scottish Government will retain 2 metres as the default physical distancing requirement for Phase 3 but introduce exceptions to this requirement if practicable mitigating measures can be implemented.
Settings and sectors considered appropriate for exceptions, pending agreed mitigations, are: public transport; outdoor hospitality; indoor hospitality; and retail. There will be no exemptions prior to the move to Phase 3.
Announcing the changes, the First Minister said: “As we move further out of lockdown, some rules will become more targeted and, as such, a bit more complicated.
“However, the basic foundation principles and hygiene measures remain as important as ever – each and every one of us must strike the right balance in order to keep the momentum of lifting lockdown going while protecting the progress made. What we are witnessing across the country is a sharp reminder just how highly infectious COVID-19 is, and how vital it is that we proceed with care and caution.
“That said, please take advantage of the fact that some rules are changing. Get out and about a bit more if you can and are able. Support your local businesses where possible – shops, outdoor hospitality and self-catering accommodation are beginning to reopen, travel distance restrictions are being lifted, and we are actively exploring further measures we can introduce – such as face coverings and 2 metre rule exemptions – that can get our economy safely back up and running even quicker.
“If you are ever in doubt, please remember our key guidance – the FACTS: face coverings should be worn in enclosed spaces; avoid crowded areas; clean your hands and hard surfaces regularly and thoroughly; 2 metre distancing remains in place; self-isolate, and book a test immediately, if you have symptoms of COVID-19.”
ScotRail reports that since the wearing of face coverings was made mandatory on Monday 22, June, around 90 per cent of customers have followed the guidance to keep themselves and others safe.
Route Map physical distancing approach
The First Minister’s statement
Mental Health and Wellbeing Support in North Edinburgh
Local organisations have put together a booklet listing mental health & wellbeing support services in North Edinburgh (see below).
If you need support call the new Community Wellbeing Helpline on 0131 332 8773.
Edinburgh charity Hearts & Minds announce best selling author Gavin Oattes as new Ambassador
Hearts & Minds is delighted and excited to announce that Gavin Oattes will be their new Ambassador.
Gavin is an award-winning entrepreneur, International keynote speaker and bestselling author. Based in Edinburgh his motivational talks are about happiness, kindness, empathy, playfulness and laughter – all values shared with the work of Hearts & Minds and the Clowndoctor & Elderflower Programmes.
His latest book Life Will See You Now has become a bestseller during this pandemic and is helping people get through lockdown. A former primary school teacher, he has the ability to get into the heads of kids and in his bestseller, Diary of a Brilliant Kid: Top Secret Guide to Awesomeness, co-written with Andy Cope & Will Hussey, they have created a ‘tweenagers’ atlas to life!
To launch the partnership with Gavin, Hearts & Minds Clowndoctors have taken his wonderfully funny short story for children, Pumpy Bee – and made it their own. This filmed short will be used in the future in the hospitals, hospices and schools for children with complex needs that the Clowndoctors visit.
Gavin Oattes said: “It’s an honour to have been asked to be an ambassador for such a wonderful charity.
“I love everything Hearts & Minds stand for and I can’t wait to get stuck in and help make a bigger difference”
Rebecca Simpson, CEO of Hearts & Minds said: “I am overjoyed to announce Gavin Oattes as an Ambassador for Hearts & Minds. Gavin’s passion, energy and enthusiasm for life are a perfect fit for us.
“His books teach us the importance of self-belief, kindness and laughter, all of which are embodied in the work that we do through therapeutic Clowning. I personally love his books and Diary of a Brilliant Kid: Top Secret Guide to Awesomeness is one of my daughter’s favourites. I am excited to develop the relationship between Gavin and Hearts & Minds, knowing that whatever we do there will be plenty of smiles, happiness and energy.
WATCH/ENJOY PUMPY BEE as told by the Clowndoctors!
Gavin Oattes: https://gavinoattes.com/