FIVE hairdressers, one trainee, a maintenance technician and a PR and marketing manager were delighted to recently team up as the ‘Charlie Miller Hair Angels’ and show off their speed and agility at It’s A Knockout Edinburgh 2017 to raise funds for SANDS Lothians. Continue reading Charlie Miller: Hair raising funds for SANDS Lothian!
A groundbreaking initiative which helps people overcome their addictions has celebrated helping its 600th graduate. Edinburgh resident Angie Dunn is the latest person to complete the Lothian and Edinburgh Abstinence Programme (LEAP), and she joined staff and NHS Lothian Chair Brian Houston to mark the event. Continue reading LEAP of joy: pioneering programme celebrates 600th success story
Universities and colleges across Scotland are gearing up for the arrival of students in the next couple of weeks. It is a busy time of year and students are being encouraged to add health care to the list of things they need to think about before starting their course. Continue reading Students urged: learn to look after your health
A major charity initiative between Diabetes UK, the British Heart Foundation (BHF) and Tesco has discovered that snacking habits in Scotland are risking families’ long term health.
A survey commissioned by the National Charity Partnership, a partnership between the three organisations, found that nearly half of all adults in Scotland (45 percent) worry about the extra calories their families consume through unhealthy snacks, yet almost three in ten (29 percent) never actively choose nibbles that are low in fat and sugar. In fact, despite nearly half of those surveyed worrying about snacking habits, more than one-third of Scottish parents are still regularly offering crisps (37 percent) and 45 percent say they offer biscuits as snacks for their children either alongside or in between meals.
Katherine Hale, Prevention Programme Manager for the National Charity Partnership, said: “Eating foods high in fat and sugar on a regular basis can contribute to increased calorie consumption – which can then increase the likelihood of being overweight. It’s particularly concerning that crisps and biscuits are still popular snacks for children because the food habits we learn at a young age can become ingrained and stay with us into adulthood.
“By developing unhealthy habits, you may be risking your family’s health. Regularly consuming ‘empty calories’ from snacks that contain lots of calories but little to no nutrients heightens your risk of obesity and the long-term conditions such as Type 2 diabetes and heart disease associated with this.“
As the summer holidays come to an end and a new school year begins, the National Charity Partnership is launching its Snack Goals Challenge to help UK families start the new term right by making some healthy snack swaps to curb those junk food cravings and improve their long-term health.
The partnership is encouraging people to set a goal to ‘eat healthy snacks’ using its online Eight Week Challenge. To support the challenge, the partnership has developed a series of articles to provide affordable and tasty recipe inspiration at https://lets-dothis.org.uk/tips/topics/snack-well/. Ideas include swapping crisps and biscuits for air-popped popcorn with cinnamon or spicy chilli.
Ms. Hale said: “Snacks are usually small and can seem insignificant. However the reality is that the calories they provide can really add up, especially for children. By making a change now and taking our Snack Goals Challenge, to swap to healthier snacks it will help you stay on track and kick those bad snacking habits. For even more motivation, take the challenge with the whole family or friends for that extra element of competition.”
The most common reason why people in Scotland shun snacks low in fat, sugar or salt is that it costs too much money (24 percent). Almost one in five people in Scotland (18 percent) said that healthier snacks lack variety and 16 percent of those surveyed claimed their family prefers the taste of snacks like crisps and chocolate. The survey also found that adults in Scotland have a sweet tooth when it comes to snacking choices, with mid-afternoon the most popular time to snack. Four of the top five regularly consumed snacks for adults are sweet and include biscuits (37 percent) and chocolate bars (28 percent).
The National Charity Partnership between Diabetes UK, the BHF and Tesco is working to help millions of people look after their bodies and reduce their risk of Type 2 diabetes and heart and circulatory disease by moving more and eating healthily.
To get involved set your goal at www.lets-dothis.org.uk/challenge and upload your healthy snack ideas on social media using the #snackgoalschallenge.
The Scottish Government has written to schools, nurseries, colleges and universities urging them to help Scotland become the first Daily Mile Nation. Around 800 Scottish primary schools currently take part in the initiative, which encourages people to walk, jog or run a mile every day. It is now being rolled out beyond the school sector.
The Daily Mile is a simple but effective concept through which primary-aged children run or walk for 15 minutes every day. Any primary school can implement The Daily Mile at no cost, and its impact can be transformational – improving not only the children’s fitness, but also their concentration levels, mood, behaviour and general wellbeing. Since beginning at St Ninians Primary, Stirling, in 2012, The Daily Mile has grown exponentially, with over 3,000 participating schools, and over half a million children taking part daily.
Yesterday the Education Secretary, Sports Minister and Chief Medical Officer joined pupils at St Ninian’s Primary School in Stirling for a Daily Mile with a difference, as it crossed paths with the Queen’s Baton Relay.
Deputy First Minister and Cabinet Secretary for Education, John Swinney said: “I’m delighted to be back at St Ninian’s Primary School, where the Daily Mile began back in 2012, to encourage every school in Scotland to take part and fulfil our ambition of being the first Daily Mile nation.
“We have written to headteachers, heads of early years establishments and principals of further and higher education institutions to highlight the benefits of the Daily Mile, not just to physical and mental health but to raising attainment levels and improving relationships between pupils and teaching staff.”
Minister for Public Health and Sport, Aileen Campbell said: “This simple and effective concept can help us to reduce health inequalities and to reduce the impact on our NHS.
“It’s brilliant to see the children here doing their Daily Mile with the Queen’s Baton, and I hope the run up to the Gold Coast Commonwealth Games – as well as the Glasgow 2018 European Championships – will inspire them to try out different sports and activities.”
Chief Medical Officer Catherine Calderwood said: “We know that physical activity is so important for children’s development. The UK Chief Medical Officers’ Guidelines recommend at least three hours of activity a day from birth to five years; and at least 60 minutes a day for five to 18-year-olds.
“Active children are healthy, happy, ready to learn and they sleep better.”
Convener of Stirling Council’s Education Committee Susan McGill said: “The Daily Mile, introduced in St Ninians Primary in Stirling, is a powerful tool to improve children’s fitness and I am proud that our schools led the way in improving children’s health.
“The Queen’s Baton Relay is an iconic symbol of the Commonwealth Games and the involvement of St Ninians pupils will inspire pride in the local community and across the region.”
Childhood flu vaccination programme underway for primary school children
Parents across the Lothians are being urged to return their children’s flu vaccination consent form as soon as possible to ensure they are protected against flu this winter. Continue reading Parents urged to return flu vaccination consent forms
Starting tonight, another local date for FREE COMMUNITY FOOTBALL COACHING!.
Come along to WEST PILTON PARK for structured, fun sessions by qualified coaches and ex-professionals with the occasional visit from some of Scotlands best players!
6 -7.15pm tonight – all you need to do is bring your kids! Boys and girls welcome between ages 7-14
Edinburgh Leisure have unveiled their September offer, designed to help thousands of new customers to try new activities and get more active this autumn. Continue reading #KeepOctoberFree – Edinburgh Leisure launches September campaign
Social Security Minister Jeane Freeman met local councils yesterday to discuss the practical steps needed to encourage more people to claim the financial support they are entitled to. It is estimated that in 2014/15, for tax credits and the main income-related benefits, there could be over 500,000 cases of individuals or families in Scotland not claiming benefits they were entitled to.
The round-table in Edinburgh was also attended by Alex Rowley MSP and Cllr Kelly Parry, Community Wellbeing Spokesperson for local authority umbrella group COSLA.
Ms Freeman said: “Social Security is a human right. That is the foundation for the social security system we are building for Scotland and making sure that everyone gets the financial support they are entitled to is one of the first steps towards putting dignity and respect at the heart of social security in Scotland.
“In Scotland today there are still many people on low incomes who are not claiming the benefits that are theirs by right. That might be because they don’t know what they are entitled to, or it could be the system is too complex. Whatever the reasons, we need to understand them and work out how they can be overcome.
“That will take both Scottish and local government working together. Local authorities have important experience in understanding what works at a local level. So it makes complete sense to work together on a coordinated approach that nationally and locally, actively encourages benefits take up. I am grateful to Alex Rowley MSP for his work and his support in, highlighting the critical issue of making sure people receive the support to which they are entitled.”
Councillor Kelly Parry COSLA spokesperson for Communities added: “Ensuring everyone in Scotland claims the support they are entitled to is something councils and our local partners have been involved in for many years.
“Councils expertise and local knowledge has played a huge part in efforts to maximise incomes for Communities across the country. Collaborative working, and sustained joint effort, will make a real difference to people all across Scotland.”
Through the Scotland Act 2016, the following benefits will be devolved to Scotland:
The following benefits will remain reserved to UK Government:
NHS Lothian has some healthcare advice for the city’s summer visitors – and it’s useful for locals too:
Are you visiting Edinburgh for any of the 12 summer festivals, including the Fringe and the International Book Festival?
The festivals in August are a huge part of Edinburgh’s modern culture and history. Established in 1947, the International Festival has grown significantly year by year, making it one of the most popular events in the world.
Last year, 31,545 people participated in shows on the Fringe Festival, and 2,475,143 show tickets were purchased. The average audience for the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo each year is 220,000. For the Festival finale on 28 August, an estimated 250,000 spectators will see around 400,000 fireworks burst into the sky above Edinburgh Castle.
Given the numbers attending, it’s no surprise that some fall ill and we need to treat them. If you are one of these visitors or performers and you become unwell, it’s important for you to know who to turn to for medical advice or attention when you’re away from home.
Emergency care is always free at the point of use. For temporary residents from around the world, if you access any of our services we will treat you first and then sort things out later – you won’t be denied urgent care.
Here we summarise the most popular services you might need to access. For more details see our Festival Health website pages.
Common questions or minor ailments
Your local pharmacy will provide you with help and advice on common health problems, minor ailments and questions about medicines.
If you are from the UK and run out of repeat medication, a pharmacy may be able to help you get a prescription from your own GP practice, or an emergency supply.
Less serious injuries
For minor injuries (minor cuts/burns, wound infections, sprains and small bone breaks), go to the Minor Injuries Clinic at the Western General Hospital. If you want to check if your injury is suitable for treatment here, phone ahead on 0131 537 3481.
The clinic treats adults and children over one year old and is staffed by specialist nurse, paramedic and physiotherapy practitioners. It’s open every day from 8am – 9pm. The last patient book-in is at 8.30pm, but no appointment is necessary.
Sexual health problems
The Chalmers Centre provides care and advice on sexual health issues, including emergency contraception. For appointments and advice, call 0131 536 1070. For walk-ins, you can attend the Centre between 8:30am and 10am.
GP services
If you are acutely ill and need contact with a General Practitioner (GP/family doctor) that day, you should first phone a local GP practice.
Alternatively, phone 0131 667 3925, where there are a number of additional appointments available during the festivals, between 8am and 6pm, Monday to Friday, from 4 August to 28 August.
Urgent mental health support
The following are some useful telephone numbers to
Mental Health Assessment Service (MHAS) on 0131 537 6000
Breathing Space helpline – 0800 838 587
The Samaritans helpline – 08457 909 090
Edinburgh Crisis Centre – 0808 801 0414
Out of hours
Need urgent medical advice out of hours, and not sure what to do? Call NHS 24 on 111.
Dental health
For information on emergency dental care, see NHS 24’s website.
Emergencies
NHS Lothian has hospital Emergency Departments at the Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh, St John’s Hospital, Livingston and the Royal Hospital for Sick Children. These services are for urgent and emergency situations only.
If at any time you think you need an emergency ambulance for a life-threatening condition, call 999.
A big welcome to Lothian’s temporary residents – we hope you all enjoy the summer festivals!
