Steps to improve Type 1 diagnosis in children
A health service campaign is encouraging medical staff and parents to look for the warning signs of Type 1 Diabetes in an effort to improve early diagnosis. Continue reading Diabetes: drive to spot the warning signs earlier
Bowel Cancer UK Decembeard campaign kicks off on 1 December
This December we’re asking men across the nation to ditch their razor and grow a beard to STOP bowel cancer. Continue reading Are YOU ready for Decembeard?
It’s good to talk: FREE, AWARD-WINNING AWARENESS & SCREENING TALKS
Bowel Cancer UK is a small but proactive UK-wide charity which offers free awareness and screening talks to raise awareness of the disease. Continue reading Getting to the bottom of bowel cancer
Partnership Centre construction starts next Spring
Around £330 million of investment in health and education facilities has been given the go-ahead by Deputy First Minister John Swinney. Among the projects to be given the green light is the long-awaited North West Partnership Centre in Muirhouse (above). Continue reading Green light for Partnership Centre
Dr Owl takes flight across Scotland!
People in Edinburgh and the Lothians are being encouraged to get Healthwise with the official return of wise Dr Owl! Continue reading Be healthwise this winter
A few minutes of physical activity aids health and boosts performance
The Education and Health Secretaries have written to all primary schools in Scotland to encourage them to implement daily physical exercise as part of the school routine, through the roll out of the Daily Mile or other initiatives. Continue reading Primary kids get set for Daily Mile
Penumbra Milestone wins innovation award
An Edinburgh service for people with Alcohol Related Brain Damage (ARBD) has been recognised for its innovative approach at this year’s Scottish Health Awards, held in the capital this week. Continue reading Milestone reached as Penumbra wins health award
‘Emotional wellbeing is just as important as physical health’ – Alison Johnstone MSP
Relationships with friends, playing sport at least once a week and reading books all have a positive effect on mental wellbeing in teenagers, according to a new report.
Mental Health and Wellbeing among Adolescents in Scotland looks at trends and key associations for the mental health of boys and girls aged 13 and 15.
The report found that friendships and a positive experience of school are the two things most closely aligned with mental wellbeing. Other factors with a close positive association include expecting to go to university and belonging to a club.
Higher levels of deprivation and poorer physical health both correlate with lower levels of mental wellbeing.
Overall, levels of mental wellbeing have remained largely stable since 2006. Conduct problems, hyperactivity and inattention and social behaviour have improved since 2006. Emotional and peer relationship problems have worsened, which is largely attributable to an increase in the numbers of 15-year-old girls reporting emotional problems.
Jamie Hepburn, Minister for Sport, Health Improvement and Mental Health, said: “I welcome this report, which contains useful data that will improve our understanding of why some teenagers experience poor mental health. It’s encouraging to see positive movements in several measures of mental wellbeing, including hyperactivity, conduct problems and social behaviour.
“Child and Adolescent Mental health is a key priority for the Scottish Government. We have recently announced an additional £100 million of funding for mental health services over the next five years. Some of this will be directed towards further improving child and adolescent mental health services. This is on top of a £19.8 million investment since 2009/10 that has led to a 70 per cent increase in the number of specialist psychologists working in this area.
“Every school in Scotland has access to a specialist in mental health, who can be contacted for advice and on-going support if teachers have concerns about any pupils.
“We know that the patterns and prevalence of different mental health problems through childhood and adolescence vary according to age, gender and deprivation. It is essential that services match their interventions to this dynamic background.
“The apparent increase in the number of 15-year-old girls who are experiencing emotional problems is something that we will look at carefully. We have seen a significant increase in the number of young people asking for help with their mental health in recent years, which may be attributable to greater awareness and lower stigma.”
Alison Johnstone MSP, health and wellbeing spokesperson for the Scottish Greens, urged ministers to act on the report, which shows a sharp decline in teenage girls’ emotional wellbeing.
The report highlights a Scottish Schools Survey showing that while fewer young people have conduct problems in 2013 compared to 2006, emotional problems have worsened, with 15 year old girls particularly affected. In 2010, 28 per cent of 15 year olds girls had a borderline or abnormal emotional problems score. This increased to 41 per cent in 2013.
Other surveys in the report also show girls have worse mental health and wellbeing than boys. Just 4 per cent of 15 year old girls always feeling confident, compared to 15 per cent of 15 years old boys.
Alison Johnstone MSP said: “These are significant findings and must be investigated further. The sharp drop in emotional wellbeing of 15 year old girls in recent years is a cause for concern and we should draw on the experiences of pupils, parents and teachers to understand what is causing this and how to turn the situation around.
“In general we know that good mental health and wellbeing among young people is at risk if they have fewer friends, dislike school and feel pressured. Encouraging support networks in and out of school and helping pupils play an active part in how their school is run would seem sensible steps to pursue. The finding that girls who play sport on a weekly basis have lower levels of emotional and behavioural problems underlines the need to invest in active lifestyles in and out of school.
“Emotional wellbeing is just as important as physical health. Ensuring good mental health in young people helps them grow into resilient adults able to handle life’s ups and downs.”
More young people than ever living in poverty
The most comprehensive review ever carried out on progress towards greater equality and human rights protection across Scotland and the rest of Britain has been published. Continue reading It’s not fair: ‘many people are being left behind’
This year’s Hummingbird Ball in aid of Diabetes UK marks 15 years of successful fundraising in the Scottish capital at the event on Saturday 7 November.
Organised by a group of local Diabetes UK volunteers, the Ball has raised over £300,000 for research projects since the inaugural event in 2001. Diabetes UK is the leading charitable funder of diabetes research which increases understanding of the causes of diabetes, brings about life-changing breakthroughs in care, treatment, prevention and, one day, a cure.
Craig Cameron, one of the event organisers, said: “When we arranged the first Hummingbird Ball in 2001 we thought it would be a one off event. No one could have imagined in those early days that we would reach 15 years and raise in excess of £300,000. We are so grateful to everyone who has supported this incredible achievement.”
The 15th Hummingbird Ball takes place at Sheraton Grand Hotel and Spa in Edinburgh on the evening of Saturday 7 November 2015. A five star black tie event hosted by master of ceremonies, Grant Stott, guests are invited to enjoy a lavish dinner with fabulous entertainment, charity auctions and raffles.
Auction items up for grabs include an evening at the ATP Tennis Finals as well as a weekend hire of a Harley Davidson motorbike. The organising committee is keen to hear from any individuals or companies who wish to donate auction or raffle prizes.
Craig added: “The Hummingbird Ball is a fantastic night that’s enjoyed by all. We have already sold many tickets but there are still some available if people would like to join us. Diabetes is a major health issue which affects over 276,000 people across Scotland including over 37,700 in Lothian. Diabetes UK is leading the way in cutting edge research, including some ground-breaking projects across Scotland, which will have a positive impact on the lives of people affected by the condition.”
Jane-Claire Judson, National Director of Diabetes Scotland, said: “The success of the Hummingbird Ball over the past 15 years is truly amazing given that the event is organised entirely by volunteers. Over £300,000 raised through the event is testament to the volunteers’ commitment to funding Diabetes UK research in Scotland. It’s a fantastic achievement and we’re truly grateful.”
Tickets for the event, priced at £90 each, are not cheap but for those who can afford to support a very worthy cause tickets can be purchased by contacting Diabetes Scotland office on 0141 245 6380 or email scotlandfundraising@diabetes.org.uk. Prizes can also be donated in this way.
