Tag: Health and wellbeing

Care comes home: Edinburgh nurse launches local in-home care service

Since moving to Edinburgh to study nursing 10 years ago, Courtney Bennett has long understood the need for attentive, respectful in-home care to meet the growing demand for exceptional services in her community.

After a decade in the care industry, Courtney has recently launched Visiting Angels – a care provider that cares for people in the comfort of their own homes – with the intention of not only providing high-quality in-home care for Edinburgh residents, but also to reward carers for the amazing work they do for others day in, day out.

Before launching Visiting Angels, Courtney graduated from Edinburgh Napier University with a nursing degree, and she felt so at home in the city that she decided to stay and start a life here.

In her years after university, Courtney worked across the care sector in various roles, predominantly with the elderly in nursing homes and in adult social care from the nursing perspective.

After battling through her own health issues, Courtney had to take a step back from clinical nursing, but never lost the passion she had for caring for others. It was this which prompted Courtney to launch Visiting Angels; she was able to provide that high level of care to those who need it most while being able to look after her own health.

“Since finding nursing, I have loved caring for others, particularly for the elderly,” says Courtney, of her motivation for launching the company. “I love the elderly; I feel so comfortable in their company – more than most my own age actually!

“I loved my job as a nurse, but it’s no secret that it comes with its own challenges. Being a caregiver is such a difficult job, one which is not nearly championed enough. Carers deserve to be treated, valued and rewarded properly for the amazing work that they do.

“I found when I was working in care homes that no matter how fantastic the home, the team and the facilities were, there was always something which felt institutionalising and isolating about them.

“I’m a firm believer that people rest better in their own home, and that when carers are given more time for visits and properly compensated for their work, that in-home care becomes something incredibly special.

“When I decided to launch Visiting Angels here in Edinburgh, it was so important for me to think about not just our clients, but our carers as well, which is why we have policies covering minimum one-hour visits, paid-for travel time between visits for staff, and proper rewards for our caregivers’ incredible work.”

Visiting Angels’ ‘carer-centric’ approach sets it apart from other companies in the in-home care sector. Carers working for Visiting Angels feel valued and respected for their commitment to the industry.

Through both financial rewards and opportunities for career development, Courtney and the Visiting Angels team are determined to address issues surrounding the industry, which often leaves carers feeling little –to no appreciation.

Courtney is aiming to have around 20 carers on board by the end of the year. With staff turnover in the care sector at a record high, Courtney is determined to encourage caregivers to stay in the industry, by providing them with a supportive, respectful, rewarding work environment.

More than anything, Courtney wants to change the face of social care for the better, and to make it accessible to every person who needs it.

“It’s so important to get our voices heard and to make a real difference in the community. So much of our local area is underserved and often overlooked when it comes to care, so I’m really excited to be able to bring this level of high-quality, consistent care to the people of East Edinburgh.”

For more information, visit https://www.visiting-angels.co.uk/edinburgheast/

David shares tragic family stories of pancreatic cancer

David Fitzpatrick is working with Pancreatic Cancer Action, a UK-based charity dedicated to improving survival rates through early diagnosis of pancreatic cancer, to raise awareness of the disease’s devastating nature.

Recently, David raised an incredible £8,285 at his golf fundraiser on 23rd June from the grounds of the beautiful Cowglen Golf Club, with nearly 80 people participating in the annual event that included a raffle and auction.

The Fitzpatrick family have been supporting the charity since 2014 after David’s brother, Paul, sadly passed from pancreatic cancer. Paul was diagnosed just 15 months after David’s mum, Patricia, sadly died from the disease.

To date, they have raised over £40,000 in their memory.

David had this to say about their efforts and why they have worked tirelessly to raise funds and awareness: “Our family have lost two special people to this illness, both our beloved mum and brother who was a loving father and husband.

“Pancreatic cancer is the 5th biggest cancer killer. Pancreatic Cancer Action has worked tirelessly to raise awareness of the cancer across the UK, including making GPs and consultants more aware of the symptoms, which, if caught early enough, can increase the survival rate of people diagnosed with it.

“I only wish our family GP and doctors at The Southern General Hospital had more knowledge of it whilst treating my mum and brother, who was diagnosed 15 months after mum, who died within a month of being diagnosed.

“Our family, nephews, nieces, grandchildren, Paul’s daughters, our friends, Nitshill Bowling Club, and former players and coaches of Bellarmine Amateurs are truly inspiring in their assistance and encouragement to raise funds in memory of both mum and Paul.

“They have all helped raise awareness of pancreatic cancer and hopefully save the lives of others as well as help educate the people who regularly misdiagnose this disease.”

Pancreatic cancer is the 5th most common cause of cancer death in the UK, with over 10,000 people diagnosed each year. Early diagnosis is crucial for improving survival rates, yet under 8% of those diagnosed will survive for five years or more.

David lost his mum and brother far too early, and we strongly believe that they both could have been saved if their pancreatic cancer had been detected sooner.

Pancreatic Cancer Action is dedicated to raising awareness of the disease and funding research into early detection and treatment.

About pancreatic cancer 

  • Twenty-nine people are newly diagnosed with the disease each day. 
  • For those diagnosed in time for surgery, their chances of surviving beyond five years increases by up to 30%. Knowing the signs and symptoms means you can act on any concerns you might have, sooner. 
  • Over 50% of all patients are diagnosed as an emergency in A&E when it is more likely that the cancer has already spread to other parts of the body. 
  • Pancreatic cancer can affect any adult. It occurs equally in men and women. 
  • The disease receives only 3.1% of cancer research funding. 
  • Pancreatic cancer is the UK’s 5th biggest cancer killer and the 10th most common cancer. 
  • In most cases, it can develop unexpectedly with no family connections to the disease. 
  • The five-year survival rate is less than 8%. 
  • Twenty-six people die from pancreatic cancer each day. 
  • Only 10% of patients are diagnosed in time for life-saving surgery. 
  • Incidence rates are projected to rise by 6% in the UK by 2035 to 21 cases per 100,000 people.

To find out more about our work, visit our website at www.panact.org

£1m Cycle Share Fund announced

Ahead of the 2023 UCI Cycling World Championships, #ActiveTravel Minister Patrick Harvie announces £1 million Scottish Government investment to support bike share schemes.

The Scottish Government is investing £1 million to support bike share schemes. Delivered by Cycling UK, the Cycle Share Fund will get more people in Scotland cycling, by enabling access to a bike in an affordable, easy and convenient way.

It will enable organisations to purchase cycles and equipment for schemes that provide people with access to a bike that they don’t own. It will support a range of delivery models including loan schemes, subscription services, hire schemes, bike libraries, pool bikes and bike shares.

With support from Cycling UK, organisations who run or wish to run any form of cycle share scheme, including third sector and community organisations, charities, schools and other workplaces, will be eligible to apply for funding.

The fund will tackle barriers to cycling including the upfront costs of buying a bike, uncertainty around choosing the right bike or how to maintain it, or lack of a safe place to store a cycle.

Launching the funding, Minister for Active Travel Patrick Harvie visited Bike for Good in the west end of Glasgow, to learn more about their existing non-ownership pilot ‘SWITCH UP’.

Minister for Active Travel Patrick Harvie said: “I’m pleased to announce the Scottish Government investment of £1 million to support and develop cycle access schemes across the country.

“With the eyes of the world on Scotland for the first ever UCI 2023 Cycling World Championships – this investment demonstrates our commitment to removing barriers to cycling by expanding access – helping to keep the wheels in motion for everyday cycling after the event concludes.

“For our health, wellbeing and environment – we’re committed to building an active nation and making it easier for people to walk, wheel and cycle for shorter everyday trips.

“That’s why the Scottish Government has committed to spend at least £320 million, or 10% of the total transport budget, on active travel by 2024-25. Through this, we can bring about more projects like the one Bike for Good in Glasgow is expertly offering. Coupled with further investment in infrastructure, we will transform our communities to support the revolution in active travel that we need to see.”

Suzanne Forup, Head of Development at Cycling UK in Scotland, said: “We’re delighted to be delivering this fund that will provide more opportunities for people to cycle in an affordable and accessible way.

“We know that owning a cycle is not the best option for everyone, so we look forward to supporting a range of schemes that will break down barriers and enable people to feel all the benefits of cycling – financially, for their health, wellbeing and for our environment.”

Gregory Kinsman-Chauvet, founder and  CEO at Bike for Good, said: ““We welcome the Scottish Government’s Cycle Share Fund, delivered by Cycling UK. The purpose of the new fund aligns well with Bike for Good’s mission to enable people to ride a bike.

“We launched the UK’s first impact-led bike subscription service, SWITCH UP. We offer a safe, reliable and easy-to-use bike subscription service so that users are always ready and confident on the road. SWITCH UP users can access a bike, an e-bike or an e-cargo bike at affordable prices, with maintenance, insurance and mobile repairs included.

“Bike for Good is proud to offer this fantastic opportunity to Glasgow and are expanding it across the UK. A significant part of our fleet is committed to supporting low-income individuals.

“With SWITCH UP, we aim to make available a micro-mobility platform that enables people to access a bike as a mode of transportation. Overall, the new fund is a significant step forward for Bike for Good in their mission to make cycling more affordable, accessible, and widespread.”

Delivered by Cycling UK in Scotland, the #CycleShareFund will get more people in Scotland cycling through organisations like Bike for Good Glasgow.

It will enable access to a bike in an way that is:

🔹 affordable

🔹 easy

🔹 convenient

#PowerOfTheBike

#GlasgowScotland2023

Edinburgh Leisure competition: Find the Pin Drop Box to win

EXPLORE THE CITY TO DISCOVER A WORLD OF FITNESS


Edinburgh Leisure, the largest provider of sport and leisure facilities across the city, is launching an exciting competition next week, The Edinburgh Leisure Pin Drop, so that wherever you’re at in the city, you could be in with the chance to win a year’s membership with Edinburgh Leisure.

The Edinburgh Leisure Pin Drop competition runs from 17th – 28th July. They will be giving away six free Edinburgh Leisure memberships.

To be in with the chance of winning, all participants must do is to find the pin (a branded box featuring a pink geolocation), which will be ‘dropped’ somewhere in Edinburgh and take it to their nearest venue. 

The first person to do this will win a year’s membership and can choose from Full Fitness, Climb, Golf or Single Child Soft Play membership.*

Over the duration of the competition, Edinburgh Leisure will be ‘dropping a pin’ in six different locations around the city and sharing some clues and photos on their social media channels, on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.

Pins will be dropped at 11am on the following days during the competition:

  • Monday, 17th July 2023
  • Wednesday, 19th July 2023
  • Friday, 21st July 2023
  • Monday 24th July 2023
  • Wednesday, 26th July 2023
  • Friday, 28th July 2023

Participants will have two hours to find the box from 11am when the clue is posted on social media. The person who finds the box then has until Edinburgh Leisure’s participating venues close on the same day to redeem their prize. Venue closing times vary, so people should check closing times of their closest venue.

Participants are encouraged to tag Edinburgh Leisure in their Edinburgh Leisure Pin Drop posts on social media and use the hashtag #WhereverYoureAt.

As the biggest club in town, wherever you’re at on the map or in life, Edinburgh Leisure is here to help the people of Edinburgh enjoy a healthier, happier, and more active life. In the heart of communities, they’re the largest provider of sports and leisure facilities across the city.

*Competition information, terms and conditions and participating Edinburgh Leisure venues can be found by visiting:  rb.gy/qbh9o

BBQ Season: Expert reveals THIS bad cooking habit can increase the risk of food poisoning  

  • A kitchen expert has revealed the simple safety tip that’s often ignored during BBQ season – despite reducing the risk of food poisoning 
  • Brits often prepare their raw meat products on a plate or board and carry them to their BBQ – before returning the cooked meat to the same surface  
  • BBQ hosts may grow complacent as the day progresses, data shows, with accidental fires 124% more likely to occur between 4 pm and 8 pm 
  • Other kitchen mishaps include leaving meat out of the fridge while prepping, placing hot dishes on countertops, and reusing contaminated marinade 

A kitchen expert has revealed the common mistakes Brits will make when hosting a BBQ this summer – which can increase the risk of food poisoning, and even cause fires.  

Mert Yashar, Director at House of Worktops, says that it’s easy for many of us to forget essential kitchen safety tips while celebrating the warm weather, but with data showing that food poisoning cases rise in the summer months, it’s important to stay on the ball.  

According to the Food Standards Agency (FSA), there are 2.4 million cases of foodborne illness a year, and the risk rises in summer as the warm weather boosts bacterial growth.  

Add to this that nationwide Google searches for ‘food poisoning symptoms’ rose by 60% in June alone, and prioritising BBQ safety is crucial ahead of the upcoming July heatwave.   

Mert says: “As we’ve already enjoyed some high temperatures over the last month, it’s likely many of our friends and family have already hosted or discussed hosting a BBQ. And while it’s practically a British summer staple to fire up the grill as soon as possible, the fact is that many hosts will start to let their food safety standards slip once the good weather kicks in. 

“The most easily-avoidable mistake that many make is laying out their raw meat in an easy-to-grab fashion on a chopping board or plate, which they then carry to the grill. They then place the cooked products back onto the same surface to be transported back inside, or to an outdoor table where condiments, garnishes, and guests are waiting.  

“Just because the meat has been cooked doesn’t mean it’s safe to place it on a surface that’s previously held raw meat, as this will cause contamination. And it’s easy to forget this, as you’re likely preoccupied with not burning the meat or yourself on the grill.”  

The expert reveals that this preoccupation can result in other essential safety tips being overlooked, as hosts have to juggle cooking and entertaining their guests in a social setting. 

Mert adds: “It’s all too easy to lose track of time when hosting any event, but especially one that’s very social and based outdoors.

“Other common mishaps that occur include leaving raw meat unrefrigerated for an extended time while waiting for the grill to heat up, not keeping side dishes covered to protect them from bacteria or bugs, and rushing to take the meat off the grill before it’s ready to free it up for the next batch of product. 

“Hosts can even find themselves reapplying the same marinade they’ve placed raw meat in to baste the cooked meat on the grill – just before serving it to their unsuspecting guests.” 

But it’s not just food contamination that being distracted or lazy can lead to, as barbecues reportedly account for around 1,800 accident and emergency visits yearly – most of which (44%) are for burns, while 1 in 10 visits are due to cuts from sharp objects.  

According to the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents (RoSPA), most barbecue accidents happen in a home setting (78%) instead of a public place, and the likelihood of injury increases considerably as temperatures rise.  

As temperatures rise throughout the day and the grill has been used successfully, hosts may become complacent around BBQ safety – especially if they drink alcohol while cooking.  

Figures on domestic fire incidents from the Home Office support this, as an accidental fire is 124% more likely to occur between 4 pm and 8 pm than any other time. Dwelling fires are also 10% more prevalent in June and July than in May or August.  

But there are some easy ways to prioritise fire and food safety at your next BBQ, House of Worktops reveals, as long as you remember the following advice:  

  • Keep your raw and cooked meat utensils separate. Using different plates and tongs for raw and cooked meat ensures cross-contamination can’t occur. If you’re working with limited containers, place cooked meat directly onto your guests’ plates so that the board or plate is only used to bring raw meat to the grill. Make sure to use hot, soapy water to wash anything that raw meat has covered thoroughly.     
  • Make sure your meat and side dishes are covered. While it’s tempting to put on a spread and then turn all of your attention to the grill, it’s much safer to keep your side dishes covered with foil or clingfilm right up until you need to use them, to avoid any bugs or bacteria sneaking in. You’ll also want to keep your meat refrigerated until the grill has heated up – unless the product says it needs to reach room temperature first.
  • Avoid placing hot dishes on cold and wooden surfaces. Not only can placing hot dishes on your countertops cause blistering or burning but it can also make it harder for your guests to keep track of which containers are too hot to touch. Place glass or metal dishes on a wooden chopping board or cooling rack so that it’s easier to distinguish, and so you avoid damaging your kitchen surfaces.  
  • Make sure your grill is clean before firing it up. The best time to clean your BBQ is immediately after it’s heated but before you start cooking again, as this will make it easier to get grease off and ensure you’re not contaminating food. Brush off the grates and racks once they’re cool with a wire brush, scraper, or scourer, and keep an eye out for any debris that may fall onto the hot coals while your food cooks. 
  • Keep a bucket of water or sand nearby. Your BBQ should ideally be set at least 10 feet away from your house and should have a bucket of water or sand close by for emergency extinguishing. If your BBQ uses gas, don’t use water and instead opt for sand or salt, as water on a grease fire can cause a flare-up. Make sure to close the lid once adding your water/sand to help starve the fire of oxygen.  

With a two-week heatwave currently expected in July as temperatures could soar to 40C, it’s key that Brits ensure they avoid hosting BBQs in the sweltering heat unless following safety precautions, as dry grass also increases fire risk. 

Healthy Heart Tip: Back to Basics

Heart Research UK Healthy Heart Tip, written by the Health Promotion and Education Team at Heart Research UK

Healthy Heart Tip: Back to Basics

12th of July is National Simplicity Day in the UK, and in honour of the day dedicated to simple living, this healthy tip takes heart health back to the basics.

Our health, the food we eat and the exercise we do (or don’t do) are hot topics and it can feel overwhelming and far from simple.

In this week’s healthy tip, we are stripping back the noise and detailing a few easy things we can all start doing from today for a healthy heart.

Mediterranean diet

This way of eating emphasises eating lots of plant-based foods and healthy fats and can reduce your risk of cardiovascular disease.

Eat lots of fruit and vegetables, wholegrains (brown rice, wholemeal bread etc), nuts and seeds and extra virgin olive oil. Eat moderate amounts of fish (especially omega-3 rich fish like salmon) and dairy products. Eat little meat (opt for lean chicken and turkey), sweets, sugary drinks, and processed foods.

30 minutes of exercise

Exercise for 30 minutes at least five days a week. Adults should be active for 150 minutes a week and you can break this up however you like.

Start small if you need to. If you don’t currently have an exercise routine, a brisk walk for 30 minutes a day, five days a week will significantly impact your heart health for the better.

Alcohol & smoking

If you smoke, seek support and work with a professional to help you stop. There is support available so be sure to ask for help. Drinking small amounts of alcohol is unlikely to cause serious consequences alongside a healthy lifestyle, but heavy drinking is a big risk factor for cardiovascular disease.

The NHS recommends drinking no more than 14 units of alcohol a week spread over three or more days, but also state that there is no completely safe level of drinking so skip the alcohol where possible.

For more tips on how to stay healthy, sign up for weekly healthy tips at:

www.heartresearch.org.uk/health-tips.

Cost of living crisis impacts mental health of 2 in 3 over-40s, finds UK Care Guide workforce research

Research* from the UK Care Guide has found startling levels of stress amongst the workforce aged 40 and over, with over two thirds (67%) reporting increased levels of stress thanks to the cost of living crisis.

The survey, based on the data of 1487 respondents, found that a huge 72% directly attributed their increased levels of stress to the tightening of household budgets as a result of the cost of living crisis.

While work-related factors were a major cause, half of the respondents also identified personal and family-related factors as sources of stress.

Saq Hussain of UK Care Guide commented: “Our latest UK Care Guide research reveals a worrying surge in stress levels among UK workers aged 40 and over in the face of the cost of living crisis.

“This issue cuts deeper than just affecting productivity at work. It’s intruding into individuals’ personal lives, straining relationships and fundamentally undermining their mental wellbeing.

“Amidst these challenges, it’s commendable that almost half of those surveyed have adopted some form of coping mechanism to manage their stress levels. However, the glaring outlier is the lowly 20% looking for professional mental health support. This number signifies not only a potential stigma around seeking mental health assistance, but also perhaps hints at the lack of easily accessible mental health services.

“Our findings highlight an urgent call to action for employers, healthcare organisations, and policy-makers alike. There is a pressing need to not only address the root causes of workplace stress but also to create a supportive environment that promotes mental health resources and empowers individuals to effectively manage their stress levels without fear of stigma.”

For more information on the survey, please email: media@ukcareguide.co.uk 

First Collection Centre for Unrelated Blood Stem Cell Donors opens in Edinburgh

Blood Cancer Charity DKMS and Scottish National Blood Transfusion Service partner to bring accessibility and awareness to Scotland

DKMS, a global non-profit organisation dedicated to the fight against blood cancer and other blood disorders, has announced its partnership with the Scottish National Blood Transfusion Service (SNBTS) to open the first collection centre for unrelated blood stem cells donors in Scotland.

This landmark initiative will significantly enhance the availability and accessibility of life-saving blood stem cell transplants for patients in Scotland and beyond.

The partnership between DKMS and SNBTS marks a crucial milestone in the battle against blood cancer, ensuring that patients in Scotland have a better chance of finding a matching blood stem cell donor.

By establishing the new collection centre, DKMS and SNBTS aim to raise awareness about the importance of becoming a registered blood stem cell donor and encourage more people to join the donor registry.

Blood stem cell transplantation is a life-saving treatment for patients suffering from blood cancers and other blood disorders.

For many patients, the step of finding a matching donor can be a challenging and time-sensitive process. The collaboration between DKMS and SNBTS will help alleviate many obstacles by providing the first dedicated facility for collecting blood stem cells from unrelated donors in the country, increasing the chances of finding a suitable match for patients in need.

Helen Kelly, Head of Projects and Operations at DKMS, said: “We are delighted to be working with SNBTS. This initiative will support more donors being able to donate their stem cells in Scotland, reducing the barriers of extensive travel and time off work. This collaboration will give more people with blood cancer and blood disorders a second chance at life”.

The collection centre is staffed by trained professionals and equipped with state-of-the-art technology, ensuring a seamless and efficient process for donors.

 “There is a clearly defined need for this important facility to open in Scotland. As the expert in blood, platelet, plasma and cell collection, SNBTS has transferrable expertise to support the collection of stem cells from unrelated donors,” said Dr Lynn Manson, SNBTS Clinical Lead for Therapeutic Apheresis Services at the Scottish National Blood Transfusion Service.

“An Edinburgh facility will reduce the travel time required for donors and help to ensure stem cell donations are available when needed. We are pleased to have been involved in this important project, and I’d like to thank all staff and donors involved.”

The collection centre aims to be able to support all Scottish donors, allowing around 100 donors a year to be assessed and their donations collected locally. DKMS’s goal, with the support of SNBTS, is to provide a matching donor for every patient in need of a blood stem cell transplant.

To achieve this, DKMS actively engages with the public, healthcare professionals, and community organisations to raise awareness about the importance of becoming a blood stem cell donor and encourage eligible individuals to register.

By expanding the donor pool, this initiative aims to improve the odds of finding a matching donor for every patient in Scotland and beyond.

Dobbies team members in Edinburgh won’t miss a beat with new lifesaving CPR training

Dobbies, the UK’s leading garden centre retailer, has rolled out a potentially lifesaving defibrillator and CPR training programme in Edinburgh supporting the British Heart Foundation (BHF), to help improve survival rates from cardiac arrest.  

There are more than 30,000 out-of-hospital cardiac arrests in the UK each year, but less than one in ten people survive, often because those around them don’t have the skills or confidence to perform CPR.   

Now to help save more lives, Dobbies’ 4,000 team members across all 76 of its stores, including Edinburgh, and its Central Support Office are being encouraged to complete RevivR – the BHF’s online tool which teaches vital CPR skills for free in just 15 minutes – and all that is needed is a mobile phone and a firm cushion to practice on.   

RevivR shows how to recognise a cardiac arrest, gives feedback on chest compressions and outlines the correct steps of using a defibrillator, giving anyone the confidence to help in the ultimate medical emergency.  

The retailer has also committed to registering all of its 77 defibrillators, one in each store and Central Support Office, on The Circuit2, the national defibrillator network, which connects defibrillators to NHS ambulance services across the UK. This ensures in those crucial moments after a cardiac arrest, they can be accessed quickly to help save lives. 

Paul Green, Head of People Experience, at Dobbies, said: “We are proud to be working with the British Heart Foundation on this important initiative, which we hope will help save lives.

“We want to enable all our team at the Edinburgh store to learn CPR and to know how simple defibrillators are to use. We are committed to creating a safe environment for our customers and our team, and I am proud to celebrate this landmark moment for our stores.” 

Dr Charmaine Griffiths, Chief Executive of the British Heart Foundation said: “A cardiac arrest can happen to anyone at any time and it could happen to someone you love.

“Knowing what to do in those vital moments could mean the difference between life and death. We want to thank Dobbies for their support and for working with us to make sure even more people have the skills they need to save a life.” 

To find out more about RevivR please visit: https://www.bhf.org.uk/how-you-can-help/how-to-save-a-life/how-to-do-cpr/learn-cpr-in-15-minutes  

Visit TheCircuit.UK for more information or to register your defibrillator.