Tag: Health and wellbeing

Specsavers puts Scotland fans songbook knowledge to the test

Research reveals many Scots don’t know national anthem

RESEARCH data by Specsavers has revealed a staggering amount of Scots don’t know the words to the nation’s favourite football chants and songs.

From the national anthem ‘Flower of Scotland’ and classics like ‘Loch Lomond’ to recently adopted favourites like ‘Yes Sir, I Can Boogie’, many Scotland fans either don’t know the songs or are mishearing the lyrics.

As the Official Eye and Ear Care Partner of the Scottish FA, Specsavers recently put supporters’ knowledge to the test.

Via a Censuswide survey[1] and interviews outside of Hampden ahead of the Scotland men’s national team’s crucial match against Croatia, the responses threw up some shocking and surprising results.

Among the most surprising was the lack of knowledge of Baccara’s ‘Yes Sir, I Can Boogie’, with over half of Scots (55%) not knowing the lyrics to the 70s disco hit and recent fan favourite from the terraces.

Almost a third (30%) believe the lyrics to the chorus are: ‘Yes sir, I can boogie, if you play you can’t go wrong’. The actual lyrics are ‘if you stay you can’t go wrong’.

Over a third of Scots (34%) don’t recognise former national anthem ‘Scotland the Brave’, with one eighth of Scots believing the lyric ‘now feel the blood a-leaping’ is actually ‘now feel the floods are creeping’.

Nearly one fifth of Scots (17%) believe the Gaelic verse in ‘Loch Lomond’ ‘Ho, ho mo leannan, ho mo leannan bhoidheach’ means ‘let’s go home, let’s go home together’.

However, A quarter of the people from the Highlands and Islands and Inverness correctly identified the lyrics as ‘my sweetheart, my beautiful sweetheart’.

Most shockingly, almost a quarter of Scots aged 35-44 (23%) don’t recognise the national anthem at all.

Presenter Beth Wallace took to Hampden ahead of the Croatia match to find out if the core Tartan Army support could do any better. However, many also struggled to find the right words.

With answers ranging from ‘if you stay, you will be mine’ for ‘Yes Sir, I Can Boogie’ to ‘not a scooby’ as a response for the lyrics to ‘Loch Lomond’, it’s fair to say the fans didn’t perform as well as the team on the pitch that evening as Steve Clarke’s team earned a significant 1-0 win to increase their chances of a Pot 1 place for the World Cup Qualifying draw.

However, plenty of supporters did themselves and the country proud as they correctly recounted the lyrics with that famous Scottish gusto, before going on to roar the national team to victory at a packed Hampden stadium.

Jenny Stephenson, Divisional Chair for Scotland, said: ‘Keeping on top of your hearing health with regular checks and not overexposing yourself to loud noises is of paramount importance to your overall wellbeing.

‘Specsavers encourages everyone, particularly the raucous Tartan Army, to get their ears checked on a regular basis to avoid further complications in the future.

‘Not only is it good for your health, it means you’ll be able to hear our famous Scottish symphonies loud and clear at matches.’

As the Official Eye and Ear Care Partner of the Scottish FA, Specsavers is here to change lives through better sight and hearing, by making expert care accessible and affordable for all.

Hearing loss is experienced by millions of people in the UK and affects people of all ages. Everyone’s hearing is unique.

That’s why Specsavers carries out comprehensive hearing tests to better understand each person’s individual hearing profile. It also means Specsavers’ hearing experts can help people find the right hearing aids to rediscover the sounds they may be missing.

Visit www.specsavers.co.uk or go in store to book an appointment with one of our expert audiologists.

Don’t let gravy be the Grinch

NHSGGC urges people to take care this Christmas

Everyone is familiar with the old saying ‘there’s no use crying over spilled milk’, but it’s spilled gravy that might be doing the damage this Christmas – and NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde is asking the public to take extra care when they’re serving up the Turkey this December 25th.

Burns from hot gravy are among reasons why people self-present at Accident and Emergency (A&E) departments on Christmas Day. Other common minor conditions include cuts from parents using box cutters and craft knives to open presents, falls from ladders following decorations being hung or presents decanted from lofts, and acid reflux or constipation.

Debbie McCoach, Interim Lead Nurse at the Glasgow Royal Infirmary, Accident and Emergency Department, said: “Christmas Day at home is mostly full of buzz, excitement – and let’s be honest – chaos.

“In times of hectic family life, rational thinking can go out of the window and accidents can very quickly and easily happen. We’re asking everyone to have a lot of fun but approach things with caution, particularly when it comes to the kitchen.”

Upset tummies and respiratory issues from seasonal illnesses are also big with self-presenters at A&E, which are minor illnesses that should be treated elsewhere.

Dr Claire Harrow, NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde Deputy Medical Director for Acute Services said: “We’re also asking people to be aware when and when not to attend the Accident and Emergency department.

“A&E is for urgent injuries and life-threatening care. Otherwise, on Christmas Day, people should be calling NHS24 on 111 if they have a minor injury or minor illness. In doing so, they’ll be provided advice and will be given an appointment if required, virtually or in-person.

“After all, no one wants to be sitting in a waiting room on Christmas Day!”

There are instances where A&E will be essential and, when it comes to safety, paediatricians are asking parents and carers to be extra vigilant of their child at home to avoid hospital this Christmas.

Staff at the Royal Hospital for Children A&E have highlighted the anticipated big hitters when it comes to objects causing serious injuries this Christmas, along with some advice on how to avoid them.

Dr Joanne Stirling, Consultant in Paediatric Emergency Medicine at the Royal Hospital for Children, Glasgow said: “Bikes and scooters are always big on Christmas lists and we’re pleading with parents to remember that if Santa is bringing anything with wheels, especially if it is motorised, then a helmet is also included. We’ve had a few incidents with eScooters this year and the injuries have been very serious.

“This request extends to the “big kids” of the family too. i.e. mum and dad who may be eager for a “wee shot”– trust us, if you’re unprotected, the injury won’t be worth it.”

Dr Stirling highlighted others for parents to watch out for and if an injury does occur, should be brought straight to A&E:

  • Button batteries if swallowed – We’re very lucky in the UK that most toys have the battery secured away by being screwed in place but there are toys that can be bought from abroad. Double check yours are secure.
  • Severe burns from hair straighteners – It is so easy to style your hair and leave the appliance within reach when you’re a busy parent. Even when switched off, the burn for a child can be serious. Always keep hair straighteners out of reach and stored away safely.
  • Swallowing liquitabs or cleaning products – Many products look like sweeties and are exciting for a child who won’t hesitate to pop them into their mouth. Keep in high cupboards or use safety lock on cupboard doors.
  • Water beads if swallowed – What appears as a harmless, small bead will expand once inside a child and can block their stomach. Check all gifts for smaller children to ensure they don’t contain these.

NHS 24: Festive health tips

Claire is from Glasgow and has been a Senior Charge Nurse at NHS 24’s Cardonald contact centre for a year. She is working both Christmas Day and Boxing Day.

Claire says: “It has been lovely to take part in the school festive traditions with the kids throughout December. I’m really looking forward to attending the panto on Christmas Eve as well getting involved in some carol singing.

“It’s such a magical time of the year to spend time with the family, and we have lots of quality time planned in between my shifts.

“My top tip for over festive is if you have kids, ensure you have child-friendly remedies available at home.

“Pop into your local pharmacy where they can give you advice on the most appropriate medicines for your family.”

NHS 24 – #PoweredByPeople

Economic inactivity in England set to be tackled with health funding boost

People with back, joint, and muscle issues living in areas with the worst waiting lists for musculoskeletal (MSK) conditions are set to be treated quicker and supported back into employment as the Government ‘gets Britain working’.

  • £3.5million funding boost to be shared by 17 NHS areas to trial innovative ways to treat musculoskeletal conditions (MSK) 
  • 646,000 people off work with MSK conditions – around 1 in 4 of the record 2.8 million people on long-term sickness benefits  
  • Funding is part of the Government’s Plan for Change to deliver growth, put more money in people’s pockets, and get the NHS back on its feet

As part of the Government’s drive to tackle economic inactivity – where someone is out of work and not looking for work – 17 Integrated Care Boards (ICBs) across England will share part of a £3.5million package to improve MSK services.  

The funding will see each area receive up to £300,000 to treat one of the main drivers of economic inactivity, and is part of the Government’s Plan for Change which will put more money into people’s pockets and get the NHS back on its feet. 

The MSK Community Delivery Programme will be administered through NHS England’s Getting it Right First Time (GIRFT) programme, and will give ICBs the resources and leadership to develop more efficient ways of getting MSK patients treated, off waiting lists and back onto the path of employment. 

Minister for Employment, Alison McGovern MP, said: “For too long people locked out of work with health issues have been forgotten about and denied the support they need to get well and get working.  

“It’s stifling our economy and preventing those eager to progress in life from unleashing their full potential.  

“This multi-million-pound funding boost means musculoskeletal patients across the country will get the help they need, as we give clinical leaders the resources to innovate, get people off waiting lists and get Britain working again.”

There are 2.8million people economically inactive due to long-term health and MSK is the second largest reason given, behind mental health. Around 646,000 people – around 1 in 4 (23%) – said MSK was their primary condition.  

Waiting lists for MSK community services are the highest of all community waits in England, at 348,799 people in September 2024, with approximately 23.4 million working days in the UK being lost due to MSK conditions in 2022 alone.  

Minister for Public Health and Prevention, Andrew Gwynne, said: “With prevention, early detection and treatment, we know that the 17 million people with musculoskeletal issues in England could better manage their conditions, improving their quality of life and enabling them to rejoin the workforce. 

“Through the Plan for Change, the government is taking decisive action to drive down waiting lists, improve treatment options and boost the economy.”

Several of the 17 ICB locations spearheading the delivery of this programme also host NHS England’s Further Faster 20 programme and the Government’s recently announced WorkWell programme – meaning people with MSK conditions will benefit from an amalgamated approach of reduced waiting lists combined with intensive and bespoke employment support. 

Professor Tim Briggs, NHS England’s National Director of Clinical Improvement and Elective Recovery and Chair of the Getting it Right First Time programme, said: “The NHS has a proven record of spearheading improvements through the Getting it Right First Time Programme and this initiative could make a real difference to people with MSK conditions– providing them with the care they need and helping them to return to work. 

“Local health systems will be able to assess their current services and share examples of best practice to roll out innovative ways of working, as well as improving data on how services are performing.”

Deborah Alsina MBE, Chief Executive of Versus Arthritis, said: “With over 20 million people living with musculoskeletal conditions, including 10 million with arthritis, Versus Arthritis understands the devastating impact these conditions can have on working lives. 

“Arthritis can cause debilitating pain, joint stiffness and prevent people doing everyday tasks, with work sometimes made to feel an impossible challenge. 

“MSK Community Services can be an invaluable resource for people with arthritis, and we are delighted to see the launch of this programme in dedicated sites across England, and in the future across the whole country.”

The Government announced the launch of the Get Britain Working White Paper in November as part of the biggest reforms to employment support for a generation, bringing together skills and health to get more people into work and get on in work. 

Edinburgh University groundbreaking research initiative to reduce stillbirths

Teddy’s Wish, in partnership with Sands, is funding a pioneering research project led by Dr Sarah Murray at the University of Edinburgh.

This vital initiative aims to investigate how environmental factors, such as sunlight exposure, temperature variations, and air pollution, impact the risk of stillbirth.

Around 13 babies die shortly before, during or soon after birth every day in the UK and 2,680 of these deaths were stillbirths in 2022. More children die around the time of birth than at any other time of childhood, yet only 2.4% of UK health research funds go to reproductive health and childbirth.1

Philanthropic funding is vital in enabling Sands to fulfil its mission to end baby deaths and help families rebuild their lives. For over a decade, Teddy’s Wish has been committed to supporting Sands in memory of Jen and Chris Reid’s beloved baby, Eddie.

Through their generosity, Sands has been able to advance research aimed at understanding why some babies die unexpectedly. The Environmental Influences on Stillbirth project will explore how the environment a woman is exposed to during pregnancy affects both maternal and fetal health. 

Jen Reid,Co-Founder and CEO of Teddy’s Wish said: “Teddy’s Wish is committed to funding research that brings us closer to understanding and preventing baby loss. We are delighted to be jointly funding this important research project with Sands to explore the impact of environmental influences on stillbirth with the hope that more babies will be delivered safely.”

The link between environmental factors and stillbirth has not yet been studied in-depth in UK populations. This research will link environmental data with comprehensive Scottish maternity records, providing a robust dataset to study potential environmental risk factors.

Dr Murray, Consultant in Maternal and Fetal Medicine and Honorary Senior Clinical Lecturer at the University of Edinburgh, said: “This work is a step forward in understanding the complex and unknown factors that may contribute to stillbirth.

“Our findings could inform future public health guidelines and targeted interventions, especially in areas with high levels of air pollution.”

The research has the potential to reduce stillbirth rates across the UK by providing clinicians with clearer understanding of how the environment impacts on pregnancy and the baby’s wellbeing. The research insights could help people in government and the NHS improve maternity care for pregnant women and babies.

Janet Scott, Sands’ Head of Saving Babies’ Lives team, said: “Through this research, Sands and Teddy’s Wish aim to support advances in the health of babies and mothers, reducing the devastating impact of stillbirth on families across the country.

“Thank you to Teddy’s Wish for your unwavering support in helping save more babies’ lives and transform the life of future generations of families.” 

Sands is here to support anyone affected by pregnancy or baby loss, for as long as they need this. Find out more about all the ways the charity offers bereavement support.  

Addressing Delayed Discharge

£100 million Scottish Government funding to improve patient flow

£100 million funding in the 2025-26 Budget to tackle delayed discharge will make Hospital at Home the ‘biggest hospital in the country’, if approved by Parliament.

The service, which offers a safe alternative to admission to an acute hospital, will grow to 2,000 beds by December 2026, alleviating pressure on health and social care settings.

The money will also ensure all A&E departments in Scotland have frailty units directly linked to community care settings, with an increased focus on collaborative working to identify ways to improve patient experience.

It is part of an overall £200 million package to clear the majority of new outpatient and treatment time patient waits and renew the NHS.

Social Care Minister Maree Todd visited Queen Margaret Hospital in Dunfermline to outline a package of measures to reduce delayed discharge and to learn about other services that can be replicated across Scotland, such as Discharge to Assess that has been successful in Fife.

Ms Todd said: “Reducing delayed discharges is a key priority for the Scottish Government and the Budget we published last week will throw the weight of the government behind NHS improvement.

“More than 96% of all hospital discharges happen without delay but we are working with local health partners and local government to find solutions for those that don’t and address the variation we are seeing across Scotland. Our Budget for 2025-26, if approved by Parliament, will provide £200 million to help clear waiting list backlogs, improve capacity and remove blockages that keep some patients in hospital longer than necessary.

“Once someone has been assessed as well enough to be discharged from hospital, the best place for them to be is at home, supported by a bespoke care package. This can be delivered by services for older people such as Hospital at Home, and evidence shows that those benefitting from it are more likely to avoid hospital or care home stays for up to six months after an acute illness.

“We want to expand that service to make it the ‘biggest hospital in Scotland’, providing the very best care, in the comfort of a patient’s own home or home-like setting.

“We have a plan to renew our NHS and the Budget’s record funding for the health service will ensure that 150,000 extra patients are treated, deliver additional support for GPs, and invest in new hospitals at Belford and Monklands.

“We want to improve our NHS, but to do that Parliament must approve our Budget Bill to unlock investment to drive long-term and lasting improvements – and the healthier population that we all want to see. The NHS needs Parliament to unite behind this Budget.”

NHS: Winter Vomiting Bug advice

🌟 How to Cope with the Winter Vomiting Bug 🌟

We have some important advice for dealing with norovirus, also known as the winter vomiting bug, after a recent increase in calls to the 111 service.

Norovirus is a stomach bug that causes vomiting and diarrhoea. While it can be very unpleasant, it usually goes away in about 2 days. Symptoms include:

🤢Feeling sick (nausea)

💩 Diarrhoea

🤮 Vomiting

🤒 High temperature

🤯 Headache

😩 Aching arms and legs

Unfortunately, norovirus spreads easily and quickly. If you catch it, here’s what you should do:

☑️ Stay off work or school until at least 48 hours after symptoms have stopped.

☑️ Avoid visiting anyone in hospital during this time.

☑️ Wash your hands frequently and thoroughly with soap and water, especially after using the toilet and before handling food.

☑️ Remember, alcohol-based hand gels don’t kill the virus.

To prevent spreading norovirus, maintain basic hygiene and cleaning:

☑️ Disinfect surfaces and objects that could be contaminated using a bleach-based household cleaner.

☑️ Wash clothes and bedding separately on a hot wash (60°C).

☑️ Don’t share towels and flannels.

☑️ Clean toilets and surrounding areas with a bleach-based household cleaner.

Dr. Ron Cook, NHS 24’s Medical Director, advises: “If you experience sudden diarrhoea and/or vomiting, stay at home until you’re feeling better.

“There’s no treatment for norovirus, so you have to let it run its course. Drink plenty of fluids to avoid dehydration and avoid giving fizzy drinks or fruit juice to children as it can make their diarrhoea worse.

“Babies should continue to feed as usual. You don’t usually need medical advice unless there’s a risk of a more serious problem. Alleviate fever or aches with paracetamol and get plenty of rest.

“If you or someone you’re caring for shows signs of dehydration, use special rehydration drinks from your local pharmacy. Once you feel like eating, try plain foods like soup, rice, pasta, and bread.”

Stay healthy and take care this winter! 💙

Latest active travel route opens

The Roseburn to Union Canal active travel route was officially opened on Monday (9 December) with an inaugural group cycle ride and walk from Sauchiebank to Dalry Community Park.

Transport and Environment Convener, Councillor Stephen Jenkinson was joined by Cabinet Secretary for Transport Fiona Hyslop and Scotland Director for Sustrans, Karen McGregor alongside groups of local schoolchildren and representatives of the Dalry community, to cut the red ribbon marking the opening.

There were also stalls from partners at Police Scotland, Spokes, Soul Cycles and the Council’s Active Travel team.

The £17m project has transformed public spaces along the route, creating a green corridor with enhanced walking, wheeling and cycling connections alongside bringing disused areas back into community use.

Dalry Community Park itself is one of the greenspaces that has been upgraded with new play equipment after consultation with pupils at Dalry Primary School. We’ve also installed two new bridges along the route over the Mid Calder railway line and Dalry Road.

Along the route we’ve planted 200 semi-mature trees with further planting and seeding planned for spring 2025. This will create a healthier and more diverse woodland which will enhance the area’s ecological value.

Community gardens are planned for the Sauchiebank area, and a new toucan crossing has been installed across the West Approach Road to connect to Dundee Street.

The route also links to one of our other flagship active travel projects, the City Centre West to East Link along with the other established paths networks in the local area.

Sustrans Scotland’s Places for Everyone programme, which is funded by the Scottish Government, financed 100% of the design costs and up to 70% of construction costs totalling £11.6m. The Council financed the remaining £5.4m and led on the project’s delivery.

Further information is available on the city council’s website.

Transport and Environment Convener, Councillor Stephen Jenkinson said: “It was a real pleasure to open the brand new Roseburn to Union Canal active travel route today. This project will breathe new life into Dalry, revitalising previously less used community spaces and the community play park, whilst making it easier and safer for residents and visitors to get around and keep Edinburgh moving.

“Expanding active travel routes in the Capital is a key priority for us and remains central to our goal of becoming a net zero city by 2030, by providing people with more options for safe, sustainable travel. I have no doubt that this route will be a great success as we carry on with delivering a greener, healthier, and more sustainable city for all.

“I’d also like to thank all our excellent colleagues for their hard work and to Transport Scotland and Sustrans who have been instrumental in seeing this project completed.”

Cabinet Secretary for Transport, Fiona Hyslop said: “I was delighted to take part in the official opening of the Roseburn to Union Canal active travel route and to celebrate with local schoolchildren and residents who will benefit – not only from the path, but through the improved public spaces also.

“£11.6 million of Scottish Government funding was awarded to the Roseburn to Union Canal active travel project through the Sustrans Places for Everyone programme.

“Ambitious projects such as this are making it easier for people to walk, wheel and cycle – tackling poverty and protecting the environment – but there is so much more we wish to achieve.

“Over £155 million has been invested this year and through the Draft Budget for 2025-26, we intend to invest over £188 million to help people leave their cars at home and to choose healthier and greener transport options.

Scotland Director for Sustrans, Karen McGregor added: “We’re very pleased that the Roseburn to Union Canal Path is now open to the public.

“Safer routes for walking, wheeling and cycling save lives. The current lack of off-road cycling connections in our cities is the biggest challenge facing people who want to travel actively.

“The evidence shows that in providing convenient and accessible links away from traffic, we are giving more people the confidence to make healthier and more sustainable journeys. Protected routes like the Roseburn to Union Canal Path do just that, enabling those living and working in Edinburgh to get around with ease.”