Tag: Health and wellbeing

Healthy Heart Tip: Make Your Summer Picnics Healthier 

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

Picnics are one of the best parts of summer and a great chance to spend some well-deserved time outside enjoying the sunshine.

The average person has around three picnics a year, so that’s 94 million picnics that happen annually. Dining al fresco doesn’t need to be boring or unhealthy, use this as an opportunity to continue your healthy habits and eat a range of nutritious and heart-healthy foods.  

Here we share some tips on how to enjoy a healthier picnic: 

Be Prepared 

There is nothing worse than tasty food that has been spoilt in the heat. Use this as the perfect time to invest in a cool bag or box that’ll keep your food cold and fresh for optimal enjoyment.

You might find it useful to get a picnic blanket too. This will not only give you somewhere more comfortable to sit, but it will also help protect you and your food or drinks from insects and damp ground. 

Make Nutritious Foods 

Preparing your own food at home will save you money and provide an array of heart-healthy, tasty options. If you want to eat a classic sandwich, choose a healthier wholemeal bread and fill it with a healthy protein and plenty of salad or vegetables.

Fruit skewers, roasted chickpeas, and homemade hummus with wholemeal pitta breads are great picnic options that are easy to prep in advance. 

Heart Research UK’s Greek salad or cheese and courgette savoury muffins also make tasty, heart-healthy choices. 

Enjoy Time with Friends and Family 

Picnics are great for socialising with friends and family to unwind from the stresses of life. Stress can increase both your heart rate and blood pressure, putting an increased strain on your heart.

Taking time out from your busy schedule to relax and socialise in nature over a picnic can be great for your health. 

Add in Some Physical Activity 

Why not use this designated time outside to increase your physical activity levels too? You could do this by making the picnic halfway through a nice walk or bike ride in the countryside.

Alternatively, you could take a frisbee or ball with you and play a group game of catch. By increasing your physical activity levels and eating healthier picnic food, you’re keeping your heart healthy. 

Helping children understand and cope with disasters

Sarah Jefferies – Paediatric Health Specialist

Paediatric First Aid Course

In recent times, our communities have faced challenges that can be difficult for anyone to process, particularly children (writes SARAH JEFFERIES, Paediatric Health Specialist).

As parents, caregivers, and educators, it is essential to help our young ones navigate these unsettling events with care, understanding, and reassurance. Children often turn to the adults in their lives for guidance on how to respond to and understand the world around them, especially during times of crisis.

Here are some key ways to talk to children about disasters while providing them with the support they need:

Create a Safe Environment

First and foremost, ensure that children feel safe. This means being present, both physically and emotionally, and reassuring them that their immediate environment is secure. Children need to know that they are protected and that their caregivers are there to support them.

Be Honest and Age-Appropriate

When discussing difficult events, it is important to be honest but mindful of the child’s age and developmental stage. Use simple, clear language and avoid overloading them with information. For younger children, brief explanations are often sufficient, while older children might seek more detailed information.

Encourage Questions

Children are naturally curious, and they may have many questions about what they hear or see. Encourage them to ask questions and listen attentively to their concerns. This will help them process their feelings and understand the situation better.

Validate Their Feelings

Children may express a range of emotions, from fear and sadness to confusion and anger. It is important to validate their feelings and let them know that it is okay to feel upset. Share your own feelings in a way that is appropriate and demonstrates empathy, showing them that they are not alone.

Focus on the Helpers

In times of crisis, it is beneficial to focus on the positive actions being taken by individuals and communities. Highlight the efforts of emergency responders, healthcare workers, and community volunteers. This can provide a sense of hope and demonstrate the power of people coming together to help one another.

Limit Media Exposure

Continuous exposure to news and media reports can be overwhelming and distressing for children. Monitor their media consumption and be available to discuss any content they may have seen. Encourage activities that offer a positive distraction, such as reading, playing games, or spending time outdoors.

Promote a Routine

Maintaining a regular routine can provide a sense of normalcy and stability for children. Consistent meal times, bedtimes, and daily activities can help them feel more secure and less anxious about the uncertainty around them.

Encourage Expression Through Play and Art

Children often express their feelings through play, drawing, and storytelling. Encourage these activities as a way for them to process their emotions and experiences. Offer them tools such as crayons, paper, or toys to facilitate this form of expression.

Be Patient and Available

Children may need time to process their emotions and may revisit their questions and concerns repeatedly. Be patient and make yourself available for ongoing discussions. Let them know that they can come to you anytime they need to talk.

Seek Professional Support if Needed

If you notice that a child is struggling to cope, exhibiting changes in behaviour, or showing signs of distress that do not improve over time, consider seeking the help of a mental health professional. Early intervention can be beneficial in supporting a child’s emotional well-being.

Sarah Jefferies – Paediatric Health Specialist from Paediatric First Aid Course, says: “By approaching these conversations with sensitivity and care, we can help children build resilience and develop healthy coping mechanisms.

“As adults, it is our responsibility to guide our young ones through challenging times, empowering them with the strength to face the future with confidence.

“Together, we can create an environment of support and understanding that helps children thrive despite the difficulties they may encounter.

“Let’s commit to being the reassuring presence they need as they navigate the complexities of the world around them.”

Leith sheltered housing tenants take on 1,280-mile walking challenge

A group of 26 tenants living in Leith have walked the distance from John o’Groat’s to Land’s End on paths around north Edinburgh. The group challenge recreated all the steps of the famous route over six weeks.

The walk was inspired by the success of the group’s virtual NC500 walk during lockdown in 2020. Harbour Homes’ sheltered housing coordinators recognised the benefits of a group challenge to promote movement for mental health.

The group exceeded the target distance by travelling over 1,280 miles on foot. This equates to over three million steps in six weeks.

Ellen who joined the walk said: “The virtual walking group was a great incentive to get up every morning and walk instead of sitting watching TV.

“I started to feel better about myself.”

Craig enjoyed the challenge and said: “It showed how much effort everyone put into the challenge.

“It was very worthwhile.”

Michael added: “I liked the challenge, it was really good for the body and mind.

“I really enjoy the walking group and catching up with everyone.”

Maureen Combe, Sheltered Housing Manager at Harbour Homes said: “There would be no challenge without our tenants, and we are very proud of the dedication shown by the walking group this summer.

“It is well known that one of the best things we can do to look after our mental health is to move regularly, and the benefits increase when we move as part of a group.

“I’m eager to see what our tenants accomplish next!”

Harbour Homes’ sheltered housing coordinators plan to keep the momentum going with more walking activities and challenges throughout the year.

Addressing the Challenges in Health and Care Systems

A call to value our workforce & embrace Third Sector solutions with immediate increased funding

With over 40 years of experience in various roles within the health and care systems, from a clinician in the acute sector to working in primary care, and now as the Chair of LifeCare Edinburgh, I have witnessed significant changes and challenges (writes LORNA JACKSON-HALL).

The recent impact of financial cuts to third sector care contracts in Edinburgh, along with the recent changes in the Westminster Government, compel me to share some thoughts on short-term solutions as we work towards long-term strategies.

Valuing Our People

It’s crucial to value everyone involved in our health and care systems, both the workforce and those we serve.

The NHS faces immense pressure, primarily driven by the need to manage patient flow into hospitals and expedite their discharge into supportive environments. The workforce crisis, identified over a decade ago, continues to escalate.

An ageing population among clinical staff, coupled with cuts in university courses, training places, and bursaries, has led to a crisis in the number of Allied Health Professionals, Nurses, and Doctors.

Addressing this workforce gap will take approximately ten years as we train and equip new staff with the necessary skills.

Maximising the Potential of the Care Staff Workforce

In the interim, we must focus on our care staff workforce in both social care and the third sector.

It’s essential to examine the health economics of utilising this workforce to its full potential. These dedicated individuals perform incredible work, significantly contributing to keeping people supported in their home environments, thereby delaying or even preventing hospital admissions.

Programmes such as befriending services like Vintage Vibes and buddying services for isolated individuals, play a vital role in enhancing the health and well-being of our older population. 

Urgent and immediate increased funding for third sector organisations such as LIfeCare Edinburgh could help to alleviate some of the current pressures on hospitals.

These organisations run meals on wheels, care at home services, and day services, all of which support frail elderly individuals and/or those living with dementia their carers to remain at home longer.

Impact on Hospital and GP Services

Implementing these measures would help reduce the influx of patients into hospitals and improve the discharge process, allowing acute hospitals to focus on reducing elective lists.

This, in turn, would ease the burden on GP Practice services, enabling them to prioritise preventative care. Such a shift is essential to support the growing number of people living with multimorbidity in Scotland today.

By valuing our workforce and maximising the potential of third sector organisations through true partnership working and appropriate funding, we can make meaningful progress in addressing the immediate challenges while laying the foundation for a healthier future.

Lorna Jackson-Hall,

Chair and Trustee LifeCare

Wes Streeting: Over 1,000 more GPs to be recruited this year

UK government will recruit more than 1,000 newly qualified GPs thanks to action to remove red tape

  • Government acts to fix front door to NHS and deliver more appointments
  • Slashing burdensome red tape to boost capacity in surgeries and hire over 1000 more newly-qualified doctors
  • Government listening to sector to help end scandal of patients struggling to see a doctor

More than 1,000 newly qualified GPs will be recruited thanks to government action to remove red tape currently preventing surgeries from hiring doctors.

Bringing back the family doctor is central to the Government’s plan to rebuild the health service, and the changes being made to cut through the current rules will help more patients get access to GPs, and ensure more GPs are able to find roles, so that people in communities across England will receive the timely care they deserve this year.

Currently, under a scheme known as the Additional Roles Reimbursement Scheme, primary care networks (PCNs) can claim reimbursement for the salaries (and some on costs) of 17 new roles within the multidisciplinary team – meaning more specialists are available to treat patients.

They are selected to meet the needs of the local population, but are currently prevented from using this to recruit additional GPs. The changes announced today means that newly qualified GPs  can quickly be recruited into the NHS through this scheme in 2024-2025.

It’s thought hundreds of newly qualified GPs could be without a job this summer in England. But thanks to this intervention, they will be able to be hired by the end of the year. 

The Government is listening to GPs, and this has been hard fought by the British Medical Association, Royal College of General Practitioners, and many other groups who petitioned for it, receiving over 11,000 signatures.

It comes as the Government accepts recommendations of the Pay Review Bodies in full, increasing GPs’ pay by 6% – their first meaningful pay rise in years.

Health and Social Care Secretary Wes Streeting said: “It is absurd that patients can’t book appointments while GPs can’t find work. This government is taking immediate action to put GPs to work, so patients can get the care they need.

“This is a first step, as we begin the long-term work of shifting the focus of healthcare out of hospitals and into the community, to fix the front door to the NHS.

“I want to work with GPs to rebuild our NHS, so it is there for all of us when we need it.”

Dr Amanda Doyle, National Director for Primary Care and Community Services, said: “With hard-working GP teams delivering millions more appointments a month compared to before the pandemic, it is vital they are given the resources to manage this increase in demand.

“Adding General Practitioners to the scheme is something that the profession has been calling for in recent months to make it easier for practices to hire more staff – so I welcome this measure which is an important first step to increasing GP employment in the long-term.

“We will continue to work with GPs, the BMA and the Government to avert any potential action but in the meantime the NHS has a duty to plan for any possible disruption to ensure services continue to be provided for patients – so the public should continue to come forward for care in the normal way if collective action does go ahead.”

This is an emergency measure for 2024-2025 to ensure patients are able to access GPs and GPs are able to find roles, while the Government works with the profession to identify longer term solutions to GP unemployment and general practice sustainability as part of the next fiscal event.

The Government will ensure the NHS has the funding it needs to deliver this, paid for by £82 million from the existing department budget.

In expanding general practice capacity, the Additional Roles Reimbursement Scheme improves access for patients, supports the delivery of new services and widens the range of offers available in primary care.

Lord Provost opens new state-of-the-art hearing centre

Scotland’s first state-of-the-art hearing stores open in capital 

  • Edinburgh has welcomed its first-ever World of Hearing store by Boots Hearingcare
  • Almost a fifth of people admit they may have a hearing loss but don’t wear a hearing aid
  • The new store gives customers an immersive experience in order to see which hearing aid is best for them. 

On Monday (29 July), Edinburgh welcomed Scotland’s first World of Hearing store from Boots Hearingcare.

The store is not a regular hearing test centre. It offers an impressive high-tech immersion room designed to revolutionise the way people think about hearing care. 

The Lord Provost, Robert Aldridge, officially opened the store, with councillors including Hal Osler, Lezley Marion Cameron, and Claire Miller in attendance, as well as representatives from the Lions Club and Deaf Action.

With approximately 11 million people in the UK living with an untreated hearing lossii, it is the UK’s second most common disability.  

The new World of Hearing store offers customers the chance to test out a range of hearing aids for themselves in a variety of settings – such as a busy restaurant or concert.

This helps people get a feel for what it would be like to have a hearing aid fitted in real life.  The new store supports Boots Hearingcare’s mission to break down old fashioned stigmas around the use of hearing aids and demonstrate first-hand how transformational life can be when you reconnect with the sounds you love.  

The store also allows customers to trial hearing aids before purchasing, enabling them to experience the benefits first hand. 

Jack Lovie, Hearing Aid Audiologist at Boots Hearingcare, said: “The team and I are very excited to be part of the first World of Hearing store in Scotland.

“This state-of-the-art experience will provide a new perspective on hearing aid technology and hearing aids, by providing new and innovative ways for the people of Edinburgh to discover how their hearing, confidence and overall quality of life can be significantly enhanced through the use of modern hearing solutions. 

“Regular hearing tests are crucial not only for ear health but also for mental well-being, as hearing loss can lead to feelings of isolation, loneliness, and reduced social participation. By ensuring that hearing health is actively monitored, individuals can enjoy those special moments more with family and friends.” 

According to Boots Hearingcare research: 

·         35% of hearing aid users in Scotland lived for five years with an untreated hearing loss before taking action, with 44% of people living in denial of their hearing loss. 

·         32% of Scottish hearing aid users began to socialise less frequently as a result of not being able to hear, with 26% who began to dread social situations and / or family occasions.  

·         Almost half (47%) of people missed out on socialising with friends as a result of living with an untreated hearing loss due to feeling anxious about not being able to hear and finding the listening effort too tiring.  

·         Over half (56%) of Scottish hearing aid users coped with an untreated hearing loss by turning up the volume on the TV and by guessing what was being said during conversations.  

·         53% of hearing aid users in Scotland believe there is some stigma associated with hearing loss and/or wearing hearing aids. 

·         74% of Scottish hearing aid users have loved being able to chat with friends and family more easily since being fitted with hearing aids, with 56% of those loving this the most about the hearing aids. 

Echo Lu, Managing Director of Boots Hearingcare said: “We are delighted to be opening the World of Hearing store in Edinburgh, the first of its kind in Scotland, providing customers with an immersive state-of-the-art environment to solve their hearing problems. 

“On average, it takes ten years for someone to address they have a hearing problem. We hope this new innovative format can help remove the stigma associated with hearing loss and encourage more people to act on their hearing loss and to experience the joy of better hearing and better quality of life, with the latest technology and great customer care from Boots.” 

The store is located inside of the Boots UK store on Princes Street. 

Third drug-checking licence application submitted

Glasgow joins Dundee and Aberdeen in £1 million pilot scheme

A licence application has been submitted to the UK Government Home Office for a drug-checking pilot to be established in Glasgow.

The Glasgow health and social care partnership service would be based at a hub on the same site as the UK’s first Safer Drug Consumption Facility which is scheduled to open later this year.

The Glasgow drug-checking service would allow dependent drug users to submit a drug sample which will then be tested to identify the substance. HSCP staff at the site will then be able to provide specific health and harm-reduction information directly to people who have come in.

It follows applications from organisations in Aberdeen and Dundee for similar facilities earlier this year. Scottish Government funding of £1 million has been committed to establish the three sites.

Speaking during a visit to the site of the Glasgow hub, Drugs and Alcohol Policy Minister Christina McKelvie said: “Glasgow’s licence application is a welcome milestone.

“Drug-checking facilities would enable us to respond faster to emerging drug trends – which is particularly important given the presence of highly dangerous, super-strong synthetic opioids like nitazenes in an increasingly toxic and unpredictable drug supply. These increase the risk of overdose, hospitalisation and death, and are being found in a range of substances.

“We’re taking a wide range of measures to reduce harm and save lives – including the opening of a Safe Drug Consumption Facility pilot in Glasgow, supported by £2.3 million in ringfenced funding.

“I was pleased to see the progress that has been made and I’m grateful to everyone involved for their hard work. This facility is not a silver bullet. But we know from evidence from more than 100 facilities worldwide that they work.”

City Convener for Workforce, Homelessness and Addiction Services Councillor Allan Casey said: “Glasgow’s plans to open Scotland’s first safer drug consumption facility are progressing well and the submission of a Home Office licence application to operate a drug-checking service is another step towards providing comprehensive harm-reduction measures at our Hunter Street site.

“Being able to test drug samples on site will give staff the opportunity to engage with service users about what they’re using and provide harm-reduction advice and support. 

“Engagement with local businesses, residents and community groups regarding the opening of our safer drug consumption facility is still ongoing. We recently completed a successful recruitment campaign, supported by volunteers with lived experience, and staff will be coming into post in the coming weeks, where they will undertake induction and training plans.”

Clinical trials for chronic kidney disease

New partnership for pioneering kidney health research

Clinical trials to accelerate research into treating chronic kidney disease will be strengthened as a result of a new partnership between the Scottish Government, academia and industry. 

NHS Scotland, AstraZeneca and the Universities of Dundee and Glasgow will work together on new medicines to slow the progression of chronic kidney disease, reducing the risk that patients might need dialysis or kidney transplantation.

The partnership will allow for development of new treatments to treat chronic kidney disease, build infrastructure and enhance expertise in renal clinical trial delivery in Scotland with the key aim of improving patient outcomes.

Preventing progression of the disease allows people to live longer, better lives, free from other consequences of the condition such as heart failure, cardiovascular disease and stroke. This allows people to work, contribute to their communities and economy, while reducing pressure on the NHS.

Cabinet Secretary for Health and Social Care, Neil Gray, said: “This project’s ‘triple helix’ approach is a shining example of how collaboration between the NHS, Scottish Government, academia and industry can accelerate health studies. As we navigate the complex issue of chronic kidney disease, our commitment to patient-centred research remains unwavering.

“Together we can advance targeted studies into medicines that slow progression of the disease and reduce the need for dialysis or transplantation, strengthen our workforce through dedicated research fellows and specialised training, provide greater opportunities for patients, and enable Scotland to attract and deliver more innovative trials.”

Professor Dame Anna Dominiczak, Chief Scientist (Health) at Scottish Government said: “I welcome this partnership with AstraZeneca which builds upon the excellent research infrastructure and expertise we have in Scotland, to drive the development of new treatments for chronic kidney disease.

“We must all work together to improve the outcomes and life circumstances for people living with kidney disease; and this partnership enables the fusion of medical expertise, knowledge, and insight from across NHS, academia, and industry.”

Tom Keith-Roach, AstraZeneca UK President, said: “Scotland is setting a bold ambition to change the trajectory of chronic kidney disease. We are thrilled to invest in a partnership with the University of Glasgow, the University of Dundee, and the Scottish Government to speed up the study of three potential new combination medicines to treat this disease.

“The triple helix of industry, academia and NHS Scotland is a powerful force with the potential to transform care and outcomes for people.

“Furthermore, we believe Scotland is well placed to collaborate with AstraZeneca to shape our research on the world stage across a number of disease areas and attract investment to the country’s thriving Life Science sector.”

ASH: Smoking and Mental Health

Take a look at our new briefing on smoking and mental health. Read about how they are linked, the inequalities caused by smoking and how people who quit tobacco often experience reduced anxiety and depression.

Learn more here – https://bit.ly/4cWcBwZ

ASH Scotland has welcomed the new UK Government’s commitment in the King’s Speech today to reintroduce a UK-wide Tobacco and Vapes Bill that will progressively increase the age at which people can buy cigarettes and limit the sale and marketing of e-cigarettes.

Sheila Duffy, Chief Executive of health charity, ASH Scotland, said: “We warmly welcome the new UK Government’s commitment to progressively increase the age at which people can buy cigarettes, which would mean those extremely health damaging products are incrementally cleared from retail space, and for the sale and marketing of vapes to be restricted.

“It is heartening to see that the new government is hitting the ground running by focusing on prevention to help keep people healthy, which is vital if we are to continue driving down use of tobacco – the biggest preventable killer in Scotland, causing more than 8,000 deaths a year.

“Tobacco industry promotions have lured youngsters into using their addictive, harmful products for decades and the same is happening with e-cigarettes, so we need government to work at pace to stop the targeted marketing of sweet flavoured, brightly coloured vapes and packaging aimed at children, by implementing strong measures as a matter of urgency to protect the health of young people.

“We urge cross party MPs to work to ensure the swift progress of the legislation to reach the statute book and for the governments in both Westminster and Holyrood to use all available powers to eradicate the damage that profit-centred multi-national tobacco corporations are inflicting on people’s lives, and enable Scotland to attain a tobacco-free generation by 2034.”

Boots Edinburgh Princes Street store reveals exciting refurbishment

  • Boots on Princes Street unveils fresh, new and updated look for customers
  • It incorporates a renewed beauty hall packed with new premium beauty and haircare brands
  • Reinvented healthcare area includes new private consultation rooms to offer more services 
  • Scotland’s very first World of Hearing area opens within the store 
  • A celebratory event is taking place this weekend, with giveaways, sampling, DJ and refreshments

Boots is today unveiling a new look, fully refurbished store on Princes Street in Edinburgh. Packed with a host of new brands, the store has been completely transformed and redesigned to create the very best shopping experience for customers. 

The store refit, which was completed earlier this month, features an extensive beauty hall with new and updated beauty counters. It is also now home to 12 exciting new Premium Beauty and Haircare brands including Kylie Cosmetics, Sol de Janerio, Caudalie, Philip Kingsley, Fenty Beauty and many more, as well as all of the much-loved beauty brands that customers enjoy shopping for at Boots, such as No7, Liz Earle, Soap & Glory and Boots own brand. The store also offers five Boots Beauty Specialists that are on hand to offer beauty advice and guidance to customers. 

The healthcare space in the store has also been reinvented, with a new look pharmacy. Located on the first floor, the new healthcare area includes a new dispensary and two new private consultation rooms, that will allow the store to offer more healthcare services than ever before, including covid vaccinations, chickenpox vaccinations, HPV vaccinations, NHS Pharmacy First services and Blood Pressure Checks.

Kirsten Darling, Store Manager said: “We are delighted to unveil our new and refurbished store to the local community.

“The store really is a one stop shop for health and beauty at the heart of Edinburgh, and we are so proud to continue serving the community on such an iconic and well-known street. The store has a lot of history, having originally being built in 1912, and now this refit will see us fit to serve into the future. 

“We have lots of exciting new beauty brands, revamped health and beauty areas, as well as expert advice and services available. I’d like to say a huge thank you to my store team who have been amazing throughout the whole refit process and we hope customers love the new look store as much as we do.”

The store is now also home to Scotland’s first World of Hearing area, which offers customers the chance to test out a range of hearing aids for themselves in a variety of settings; by impersonating what it would sound like if they were in a busy restaurant or at a concert. This helps people living with hearing loss to experience the benefits of having a hearing aid fitted in real life situations. 

The store is holding a celebration event this weekend with customers invited to visit the store throughout Friday 26th to Sunday 28th July. They can enjoy product sampling, a DJ, plus cupcakes and refreshments. The weekend event kick-starts with a ribbon cutting ceremony at 9am on Friday. 

The first 200 customers to visit the store from 9am will receive an exclusive tote bag from Scottish beauty brand BYOMA, including minis of its best-sellers; the Creamy Jelly Cleanser and Moisturising Gel Cream.