Tag: Health and wellbeing

Healthier lunchbox ideas

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

Healthy Heart Tip: Healthier lunchbox ideas

With the summer holidays at an end, it’s time to think about what to include in your children’s lunchboxes for the new term.

Less than 2% of packed lunches meet the School Food Standards and often offer a less nutritious option than school meals.

Lunchboxes brought from home often include more processed and ultra-processed foods with higher amounts of salt and sugar than school meals. What you choose to include in your children’s lunchboxes can affect their behaviour, concentration and brain function for the rest of the day.

Here, we show you how to pack a nutritious lunchbox ready for going back to school:

Good protein source

Protein is essential for brain and body growth to help kids feel fuller for longer. Fuelling kids’ lunches with protein is crucial for helping them concentrate until the end of the day and supporting their development.

A great way to add protein is by making tuna, chicken or turkey sandwiches or wraps, adding beans and seeds to the lunchbox and including yoghurts.

Fruit and vegetables

Fruit and vegetables are full of vitamins, minerals and fibre, making them a great way to add colour to a lunchbox. This will help your child meet their five-a-day goal and feel energised throughout their school day.

So, why not include some vegetable sticks and hummus, or add salad to sandwiches, wraps or pitas? An easy way to ensure fruit is eaten from a lunchbox is to make it easy to eat, this might mean peeling oranges or chopping fruit into bite-sized pieces. Add a small squeeze of lemon juice over chopped fruit like apple to prevent it from turning brown.

Wholegrains

Wholegrains are a great source of fibre and energy for your child. Wholegrains, along with protein, help keep your child full and give them more energy to concentrate.

Wholemeal bread, wholegrain pasta, crackers or brown rice are some examples of where you can swap white carbohydrates for wholegrain varieties.

Hydration

Hydration is essential for your body and brain to work effectively. By including a drink in your child’s lunchbox, you’re helping to keep their brain functioning and ensuring they have optimal concentration.

Using an appealing reusable water bottle that your child has picked themselves can help encourage them to drink regularly. If it’s a warm day, you could add a small frozen drink to their lunchbox to help keep its contents cool throughout the day and encourage your little one to drink more.

Addressing racism as a significant public health issue

Measures to reduce health inequalities

Cabinet Secretary for Health and Social Care Neil Gray has issued a statement identifying racism as a significant public health challenge, and a key cause of health inequalities.

Echoing the First Minister and other Scottish Government ministers’ comments on racism in the wake of recent violence in other parts of the United Kingdom, the Health Secretary has outlined various measures, including asking health boards to develop and deliver their own anti-racism plans.

Mr Gray said: “These changes can’t come fast enough. Racism already has a life-threatening effect on minority ethnic communities across the UK. That has been the case for generations.  

“The only way we can make a difference now is to actively work against racism. This work is just one step in the right direction. There is no place in Scotland for hatred or racism of any kind.”

Earlier in the week, the Scottish Government’s 2024/25 Programme for Government included plans to embed anti-racism across the public sector.

The full text of the Health Secretary’s statement

Safe access to abortion services

New protected zones come into force on 24 September

From 24 September 2024 it will be an offence to intentionally or recklessly influence, harass or prevent anyone from accessing or providing abortion services in protected zones around certain hospitals and clinics.

The Abortion Services (Safe Access Zones) (Scotland) Act 2024 comes into force and creates protected zones of 200 metres around all premises providing abortion services.

Within those zones, it will be a criminal offence to behave in ways that could influence the decisions of women and staff to access services; impede their access; or otherwise cause alarm, harassment or distress.

Minister for Public Health and Women’s Health Jenni Minto said: “I thank Gillian Mackay for all her hard work in progressing the Act and I am eternally grateful to all the women and staff who contributed to that process.

“It is unacceptable for women to face any unwanted influence, distress or alarm when accessing abortion services. In bringing the Act into force, I hope women across Scotland hear the clear message that the Scottish Government will protect their access to healthcare.

“People continue to have the right to free speech and protest in a democracy – however, no one has the right to interfere in women’s personal medical decisions. This Act makes that clear.”

Police Scotland will be responsible for enforcing Safe Access Zones. Anyone who breaks Safe Access Zone laws could be fined up to £10,000 under summary procedure or to an unlimited amount under solemn procedure. Full details of the penalties that apply for committing an offence.

Full list of the locations of zones:

Hospital
University Hospital Crosshouse – Kilmarnock
Borders General Hospital – Melrose
Dumfries and Galloway Royal Infirmary
Galashiels Health Centre
Oak Tree Family Health Centre – Stranraer
Queen Margaret Hospital – Dunfermline
Victoria Hospital – Kirkcaldy
Forth Valley Royal Hospital – Larbert
Aberdeen Royal Infirmary
Aberdeen Community Hospital
Aberdeen Maternity Hospital
Dr Gray’s Hospital – Elgin
Inverclyde Hospital – Greenock
Royal Alexandra Hospital – Paisley
Sandyford Sexual Health Clinic – Glasgow
Princess Royal Maternity Hospital – Glasgow
Ross Hall – Glasgow
New Victoria Hospital – Glasgow
Queen Elizabeth University Hospital – Glasgow
Stobhill Hospital – Glasgow
Vale of Leven Hospital – West Dunbartonshire
Raigmore Hospital – Inverness
University Hospital Wishaw
Royal Infirmary Edinburgh
Chalmers Sexual Health Centre – Edinburgh
St John’s Hospital – Livingston
The Balfour – Livingston
Gilbert Bain Hospital – Lerwick
Ninewells Hospital – Dundee
Western Isles Hospital – Stornoway

Charity urges Secondary Schools to use new resource to inspire pupils’ confidence to live tobacco-free lives

ASH Scotland is encouraging secondary school teachers in Edinburgh to use a new resource pack as part of cross-curricular learning to inspire young people to make confident, informed decisions to protect their long-term health by not taking up smoking or vaping.

The Tobacco-free Schools pack, which features 28 engaging activities that can be used in group lessons, is being launched by the charity at a time when the major public health issues of youth smoking and, increasingly, vaping are causing great concern for teachers and other school staff working with children.

The pack provides up-to-date facts and statistics covering a range of topics such as ‘Understanding addiction’, ‘Smoking and mental health’, ‘Are e-cigarettes safe?’, ‘Being confidently nicotine-free’ and ‘Cigarette butts and e-cigarette waste’ to support the delivery of personal and social education classes or for classwork across various subjects.

Sheila Duffy, Chief Executive for ASH Scotland, said: “With concerned teachers across Scotland regularly contacting us for information and advice about tobacco and vapes, it is important that those working with young people in Edinburgh can access robust, evidence-based tailored resources to engage and empower youngsters to make informed decisions about their health and wellbeing.

“We are pleased to launch our new Tobacco-free Schools resource pack which is specially designed to be an effective learning aid to enable teachers to facilitate classwork to help equip pupils to increase their knowledge about the risks associated with both smoking and vaping.

“The pack’s interactive resources offer opportunities for teachers to promote a smoke and vape-free culture on school campuses through building the confidence of students to prevent peer pressure from steering them in a harmful direction and, instead, make positive choices to protect their physical and mental health by not smoking or vaping.”

To download the pack, visit www.ashscotland.org.uk/schoolspack

BBC ALBA explores male suicide in Scotland

One in 100 deaths worldwide are connected to suicide. In Scotland, that accounts for over 700 people a year and three-quarters of these are men.

A new BBC ALBA Trusadh documentary, Big Boys Don’t Cry, will air during National Suicide Awareness Week on Monday 9 September at 9pm with presenter Derek ‘Pluto’ Murray meeting people whose lives have been affected by mental health struggles and suicide.

Professor Rory O’Connor from the University of Glasgow, is Professor of Health Psychology, Director of the ‘Suicidal Behaviour Research Laboratory’, and leads research into suicide and self-harm.

Discussing the support available, Professor O’Connor says: “We did some work recently looking at trying to understand male suicide specifically and one of the messages that came back time and time again was that the services and support out there are not tailored to their needs.

“We have this traditional model of expecting men to go to clinical services; well, that might work for some people, but what about actually going to places that men are? Why don’t we go to places like football clubs, rugby clubs, the shinty club, whatever it might be, and use that as a mechanism of support?”

This is particularly important in a rural context. Professor O’Connor continues:

“We’re trying to make sense of why the suicide rates are particularly high there. Part of that is linked to access to services, and part of that is linked to the fact that if you live in rural communities, the likelihood of being socially isolated is increased.

“There’s also this idea people talk about of ‘living in a fish bowl’, that you’re less likely to talk about your emotions, your feelings, or if there’s problems going on in your life because you’re concerned about what your neighbours or friends might think.

“Reaching out for help is a sign of strength, it’s not a sign of weakness, so we need to engrain that in our young people. But we also need to ensure that the services and support out there is tailored to these men.”

Patrick Mullery from the ‘James Support Group’ explains: “We offer support – monthly meetings in various locations. There’s 10 actually, all the way from Thurso down to Fort William, across to Elgin, Inverness and lots of places in between.

“It’s a group setting, it’s specifically for people who are bereaved by a suicide but also for people who have suicidal thoughts. We bring those two types of people together for mutual support and understanding – the hope is that people who have suicidal thoughts will see the devastation that is left behind in an attempt to give them another barrier to stop them going that extra step.

“To actually just make them stay with us and realise that they are loved and they would be missed.

“We’ve all got emotions and we have to break the stigma around poor mental health and about suicide. Boys can cry and the best thing to do for yourself, if you’re in a bad place, is talk about it. Unfortunately, suicide is a permanent solution to a temporary problem.”

In Glasgow, Derek visits Drumchapel-based charity ‘Men Matter Scotland’ to find out more about their approach to offering support and how they have created a safe place for men to visit. 

From street outreach to the facilities available at the welcoming hub, the team hope to build a self-sustaining and secure model that can be shared with other parts of Scotland.

Vice chair D I Brown says: “What is most important is that people talk. If people don’t start to speak about this, it will be hidden and more men will die from suicide. I’d say that people need to open up and be open.”

Professor O’Connor adds: “People sadly still believe that if you ask somebody about suicide, or if you talk about suicide, that you make it more likely that you’ll plant the idea in somebody’s head. There’s no evidence for that. Indeed, the evidence is for the opposite – suicide prevention is everyone’s business – and I mean that sincerely.

“We all have a role that we can play in preventing suicide. Anything we can do, no matter how big or small – a WhatsApp message, a text message, a phone call – anything that reaches out to someone who might be struggling, that sense of connection could be potentially lifesaving.

“I would encourage everybody and anybody, if you’re concerned about a loved one, a friend, a colleague, please reach out… That sense of human connection could save a life.”

Filmed and produced by Stornoway-based MacTV, Big Boys Don’t Cry premieres on BBC ALBA and BBC iPlayeron Monday 9 September at 9pm (in Gaelic with English subtitles).

Watch live or on demand: https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/m0022vyn

Getting you fit and healthy at Leith Primary School

GETTING YOU FIT AND HEALTHY AT LEITH PRIMARY SCHOOL

10 week term, starting from 23rd September

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Monday 18.30-20.30 – Tai Chi : International Yang Style

Tuesday and Thursday 18.15-19.15 : Gentle Exercise

Tuesday and Thursday 19.30-20.30 : Fitness Bootcamp style to get you fit

Wednesday 18.15-19.15: Zumba Dance and Zumba Gold

Wednesday 19.30-20.30: Latin Dance

For the 10 week term, starting from 23rd September

Standard Fee: £50.40 Concession Fee: £25.50 Reduced Fee: £20.00

Ring 0131 556 7978 to book a place

Or online https://adulteducationedinburgh.spydus.co.uk/

Rethink Dementia campaign launched

Supporting people to stay well for longer

A new campaign challenging people to Rethink Dementia has been launched by the Scottish Government in partnership with COSLA.

To help address the stigma around the illness, people are being encouraged to continue doing everyday activities with friends or relatives diagnosed with dementia.

Research shows that making this effort to include people in social activities can help them stay well for longer as well as alleviate symptoms such as depression, anxiety and apathy.

Cabinet Secretary for Health and Social Care Neil Gray said: “When a friend or relative is diagnosed with dementia it’s natural not to know what to do. It can be an upsetting and daunting time, but it’s important for all of us to play a supportive role in helping our friends and family.  

“One of the key elements in the Rethink Dementia campaign is asking us to think differently about a dementia diagnosis. There are many practical steps we can take to help the people closest to us to lead fulfilling lives and stay well for longer.” 

COSLA’s Health and Social Care Spokesperson Counsellor Paul Kelly said: “This new campaign is a clear call to us all to think differently about dementia and those with a diagnosis.

“It highlights very clearly the simple ways that we can support people with dementia to stay connected to their local communities.”

Dr Tom Russ, an NHS Consultant Old Age Psychiatrist and Researcher at The University of Edinburgh said: “Over the past 20 years I’ve engaged with hundreds of people who have been diagnosed with dementia, and often they will withdraw from social activities, which can have a negative impact on their overall wellbeing.

“For anyone with friends or relatives who have been diagnosed with dementia, it’s vital to stay in touch to help them maintain their usual social activities, or even try something new together.”

Dementia affects an estimated 90,000 people in Scotland, 3,000 of whom are under the age of 65. 

For more information on supporting someone with a dementia diagnosis, please visit: ReThink Dementia | NHS inform

You can view our campaign film here https://youtu.be/82cLVZaoskI

Scotmid announces new charity partnership to support cancer patients in Edinburgh

Scotmid, one of Scotland’s leading community retailers, has announced a new, year-long charity partnership with Maggie’s, an organisation dedicated to providing comprehensive support to individuals and families living with cancer.

This partnership highlights the shared commitment of both Scotmid and Maggie’s to making a meaningful difference in their communities. Over the next 12 months, Scotmid and Maggie’s staff in Edinburgh will work hand-in-hand to raise awareness, fundraise, signpost and offer tangible support to those living with cancer.

As part of this collaboration, Maggie’s volunteers will be visiting Scotmid stores across the country, engaging directly with customers to raise awareness and funds. These in-store ‘pop-up’ events will offer customers the opportunity to learn more about the resources available to them and how they can contribute to the cause.

Scotmid stores have also introduced exclusive Maggie’s-branded merchandise, including limited edition pin badges and air fresheners, making it easier than ever for customers to show their support.

Additionally, Scotmid employees are being encouraged to get involved in local fundraising activities, bringing their own creative ideas to the table to enhance community engagement.

Beyond fundraising, a key focus of this partnership will be to educate communities about the diverse support services that Maggie’s offers to those living with cancer. From emotional support to practical advice, the Maggie’s centre in Edinburgh provides a lifeline to individuals and families during some of their most challenging times.

 Anna Clarkson, Centre Co-Head, Maggie’s Edinburgh, expressed her enthusiasm for the partnership: “We are delighted to be partnering with Scotmid, an organisation renowned for its dedication to Edinburgh community causes.

“Together, we aim to shine a light on the profound impact cancer has on lives and to remind those living with a diagnosis that they are not alone.

“It is wonderful to think that Scotmid stores will now help ensure people with cancer, as well as family and friends in Edinburgh, get the support they need at possibly the most difficult time of their lives.”

Karen Scott, Chief Executive at Scotmid, said: “Supporting our communities is at the heart of everything we do at Scotmid. We are excited to partner with Maggie’s to raise both awareness and vital funds for a cause that touches so many lives.

“The money we raise will help ensure that more people can access the care and support they need during such a critical time. We look forward to making a difference together.”

Scotmid has raised an impressive £3.25 million across its last ten charity partnerships, establishing itself as a leading retail fundraiser.

This significant contribution is made possible through the hard work and dedication of staff, members, and customers, who participate in numerous fundraising activities and campaigns.

Find out more about Maggie’s: https://www.maggies.org/

RCEM: Tackling A&E waiting times must be top priority for Scottish government

Curbing sky rocketing A&E waiting times must be the number one priority for the Scottish government with winter just around the corner.   

That is the call from The Royal College of Emergency Medicine (RCEM) Scotland as A&E performance data for July represented the worst July since records began in 2011 for extended wait times in Emergency Departments.  

Data released yesterday (Tuesday 3 September 2024) by Public Health Scotland shows in A&Es across Scotland in July, 5,593 patients waited 12 hours or longer before being seen, admitted, discharged, or transferred.

This is double the number of people who waited this long in July last year. 

The data also shows long waits have increased significantly since the 2010s.  

Since July 2017, for example, the numbers of people waiting four hours or more has increased by nearly seven times (5553 to 38,379), eight hours or more by 53 times (248 to 13,146), and 12 hours or more by 279 times (20 to 5,593). This was despite attendances only increasing by 0.9% in the same period. 

Delays in discharging patients is a key reason that doctors cannot admit patients into hospitals from their Emergency Departments, therefore causing long waits. In July, there were 61,165 days spent in hospital by people who were well enough to be discharged but unable to be due to a lack of social care provisions. This is equivalent to 167 years.  

Dr John-Paul Loughrey, RCEM Vice President for Scotland said: “The Scottish government must take heed and put measures in place to end long wait times in our Emergency Departments.   

“These staggering statistics are deeply worrying for the people of Scotland who are facing incredibly long and tiring waits despite it being summer. We have been dealing with ‘winter levels’ of pressure, which does not bode well as we start to head into the colder months. The first day of winter is just three months away, which will inevitably heap pressure on the health care system.   

“Continuing to focus on diverting patients away from A&E rather than addressing the capacity problems will not avert the coming crisis. These statistics aren’t just numbers. They are people who have come to our Emergency Departments needing emergency care. They deserve better. Our health care colleagues deserve better.” 

A graphical representation of the data can be found here.  

The full data set can be found on the RCEM website. 

Gender identity healthcare in Scotland

Update on work to improve services

The Scottish Government has accepted the findings of a multi-disciplinary team’s report on gender identity healthcare for young people.

Following the Chief Medical Officer establishing a multidisciplinary clinical team to consider, in the context of Scottish services, the recommendations of the NHS England commissioned Cass Review on gender identity services for young people; Public Health Minister Jenni Minto confirmed that the Scottish Government has accepted all the findings of the Cass Review: Implications for Scotland report, published in July, and that work is underway to implement its recommendations.

These recommendations include:

  • gender identity healthcare services for children and young people being provided in paediatric clinical settings
  • the provision of these services via a distributed network, or regional model, rather than on one site
  • an end to self-referral, with young people being referred to specialist services by a clinician, in common with other specialities.

In a statement to the Scottish Parliament, Ms Minto outlined work that is underway to implement the recommendations, including the publication of new National Standards for Gender identity healthcare: Adults and young people by Healthcare Improvement Scotland.

The Minister also highlighted the publication of a progress report on work to improve these services. The new standards are part of a suite of documents published today that also includes NHS Education for Scotland’s Transgender Care Knowledge and Skills Framework and an updated Gender Identity Healthcare Protocol for adult services.

Progress report on work to improve gender identity services.

Ms Minto said: “The Chief Medical Officer’s report underlines the need for development of these services with children, young people, and their families. I am determined the young people using these services, and their families, are our priority and will be at the heart of all our discussions about how this care is provided.

“There is now a breadth of work underway to take forward the recommendations of the CMO’s report which illustrates our commitment to deliver improved gender identity healthcare for young people.

“In addition, the suite of documents relating to gender identity healthcare provision published today, which were developed following extensive public consultation and targeted consultation with people with lived experience, will support clinicians and a wide range of professional bodies and help drive improvement in services.”

Progress report on work to improve gender identity services.