Edinburgh’s Festival of Sport kicks off this weekend and runs until 8 September.
From aquafit and athletics through to volleyball and walking – and lots of sporting activities in between – there’s something for everyone at venues across the city.
See the above programme for details or visit:
www.activity.info/festivalofsport
The UK will make the fight against dementia global by hosting the first G8 summit dedicated to seeking an ambitious level of international coordination and an effective response to tackling the condition.
Prime Minister David Cameron and Health Secretary Jeremy Hunt will use the UK’s 2013 presidency of the G8 to lead coordinated global action against what is fast becoming one of the greatest pressures on families, carers and health systems around the world.
In the UK alone, there are likely to be nearly a million people with the condition by the end of 2020. The government has already begun a national programme of action through the Prime Minister’s Challenge on Dementia, launched in 2011.
Now the UK is looking to spark a world-wide effort by inviting health ministers from G8 countries to a high-level summit in London on 11 December to discuss how they can coordinate efforts and shape an effective international solution to dementia. This includes looking for effective therapies and responses to slow dementia’s impact.
The summit will aim to identify and agree a new international approach to dementia research, to help break down barriers within and between companies, researchers and clinicians and secure a new level of cooperation needed to reach shared goals faster than nations acting alone.
They will draw on the expertise and experience of the OECD, World Health Organisation, industry, national research organisations, key opinion leaders, researchers and physicians.
Secretary of State for Health, Jeremy Hunt said:
“Globally there is a new case of dementia every four seconds, and by 2020 we will see nearly 70 million people living with the condition.
Dementia requires long-term health and social care support that can be hugely expensive. Currently 70 per cent of the global cost is incurred in medically advanced nations like Western Europe and North America. But nearly 60 per cent of people with the condition live in developing countries. As their populations grow and age, the pressure on their services and budgets will inevitably increase.
This is a global challenge and one which is set to intensify. While we continue to pursue tomorrow’s cures, it is critical now more than ever to pay serious attention to what we can do to reduce the average number of years living with the condition. The G8 today have a unique chance to come together to help people manage dementia better, lead healthier lives and deliver real improvements in care and substantial economic savings.”
The UK launched a wide-ranging dementia plan on research, care and awareness in 2012 under the Prime Minister’s Dementia Challenge. Most G8 countries also have similarly targeted plans. But the majority of this work and research investment has been led at a national level. Experts believe if countries, biopharmaceutical companies and businesses collaborate more effectively and share information, research and knowledge it could see significant advances and better support for people living with dementia today.
Current estimates indicate 35.6 million people worldwide are living with dementia but with the world’s populations ageing, the World Health Organisation estimates that number will nearly double every 20 years, to an estimated 65.7 million in 2030, and 115.4 million in 2050.
Much of the increase will be in developing countries. Already 58 per cent of people with dementia live in developing countries, but by 2050 this will rise to 71 per cent. The fastest growth in the elderly population is taking place in India, and their south Asian and western Pacific neighbours. In China, the burden of dementia seems to be increasing faster than is generally assumed by the international health community.
If dementia care were a country, it would be the world’s 18th largest economy, ranking between Turkey and Indonesia.
If it were a company, it would be the world’s largest by annual revenue exceeding Wal-Mart (US$414 billion) and Exxon Mobil (US$311 billion).
The total estimated worldwide costs of dementia were US$604 billion in 2010. About 70 per cent of the costs occur in Western Europe and North America.
The UK annual funding on dementia research will increase to around £66 million by 2015, while President Obama has committed the US to spending around £360million ($550 million) in dementia research each year. At the same time, the pharmaceutical industry is also investing heavily.
Dementia is a syndrome and refers to the impairment of cognitive brain functions of memory, language, perception and thought. There are many diseases that cause dementia such as Alzheimer’s disease, dementia with Lewy bodies and Parkinson’s Disease-associated dementia. The majority are degenerative but not all, for example, vascular dementia. Dementia is not a single disease.
Dementia progresses from mild cognitive impairment, difficulties organising daily life, to the breakdown of personality, followed by loss self and identity, incontinence, unsteadiness, then confinement to bed and finally death. Knowing this is very distressing for people in the early stages of dementia, as well as for caregivers at the end of their loved ones life.
One of the very few things that has shown steady and continuous growth since the war has been the Scottish waistline. Countless healthy eating initiatives have been introduced over the years – I’ve attended more initiative launches than I’ve had pie and beans lunches – yet Scotland’s problem with poor diet, obesity and the resultant chronic health issues remain as intractable as ever.
Two thirds of Scotland’s adults are classed as either obese or overweight, and a BBC Scotland special investigation to be screened tonight confirms that Scotland’s love affair with sugary and fatty foods grows unabated. That love affair costs Scotland’s NHS £200 million a year – and unless something is done to tackle this urgently the country faces a health crisis.
Statistics produced for ‘Scotland the Fat’ indicate that heath boards across the country have seen significant increase in obesity-related issues over the last ten years, with a marked increase in weight-loss surgical operations.
Research for the programme found that more and more Scots eat processed ready meals or takeaways at least three times a week, and that barely a quarter of Scots now cook for themselves every night. As ever the most worrying statistics were found in the most disadvantaged communities, where almost one in five (17%) said they did not cook a single evening meal from scratch.
In North Edinburgh, Pilton Community Health Project (PCHP) established the Food For Thought Forum last year to address these very issues:
The group believes everyone in North Edinburgh should have access to a tasty, enjoyable, nutritious diet. We want food to be a central part of our thriving community, bringing people together to grow, bake, cook and eat.
We want to see our community skilled and empowered to grow and cook good quality food for their families, friends and neighbours, and to see more local employment opportunities created in the production, distribution and preparation of the food we eat.
Our members are working towards aspects of this shared vision, and we believe that by working together we are stronger and better able to contribute to the flourishing of North Edinburgh.
Anyone involved or interested in community food or growing activity in Greater Pilton.
For further information about heathy eating and the Food for Thought Forum, contact Anita Aggarwal at Pilton Community Health Project on 551 1671
‘Scotland the Fat’ will be screened on BBC Scotland tonight at 8pm, and can be seen on BBC iPlayer for a further seven days.
BBC Scotland
Leith’s first health & fitness festival takes place at Victoria Park tomorrow, hosted by local carity Looking After Our Elderly. It aims to bring back community spirit and unite all generations of the community with the aim of getting healthy, active and having fun.
Demonstrations & entertainment highlights:
Tai Chi, 10.00, Thistle Foundation, Lambs House Circle
The Thistle Foundation are a Scottish Charity that supports people with disabilities and health conditions to lead full lives. Thistle Gym is a bit different. With a friendly and relaxed environment, Thistle Gym helps members to improve their health and fitness levels, regardless of their disability or health condition.
5k fun run, 11.00, demonstration drive
Fitness Soul, Booiaka, 11.00, Lambs House Circle
Booiaka is an intense cardio dance workout that feels like a fun night spent dancing with friends at a party or a favorite club, to music you love. It incorporates elements of many different dance styles, such as Latin, Brazilian, Jamaican, hip-hop and Reggaeton – but the emphasis is on having fun, releasing your spirit and feeling the beat.
Canongate Cadjers (ceilidh band), 13.00, Lambs House Circle
Space hopper race for adults, 14.00 – 15.00
Organised by Tracy Griffen, of Griffen fitness, competitors will race in heats and go on to a final hop off! Hop at your own risk!
Hula Honeys demos, 10.00 –16.00, demonstration drive
Kim Sibbald, personal trainer and hula hoop teacher based in Edinburgh, is on a mission to spread the love and share the joys of hooping. Hula Honeys hooping classes are fun, friendly and addictive. Don’t worry if you have never been able to hoop before, the hoops provided make the skill much easier to pick up. The great thing about hooping is you are training your mind as well as your body. It is progressive and you can always learn new skills. But remember the focus is on having fun!
Kuk Sool Won workshop, 12.00– 15.00, demonstration drive
A comprehensive, modern, traditional Korean Martial Art. Kuk Sool Won™ is a systematic study of all of the traditional fighting arts, which together comprise the martial arts history of Korea. As a martial arts system, Kuk Sool Won™ is exteremely well-organized; and seeks to integrate and explore the entire spectrum of established Asian fighting arts and body conditioning techniques, as well as mental development and traditional weapons training. The following list includes some, but by no means all, of the elements of Kuk Sool Won™. For a history of Kuk Sool Won™ click HERE
Links Fitness Bootcamp 12.30– 14.00, demonstration drive
Women’s only bootcamp classes held at Leith Links on Saturday mornings and Tuesday evenings. Bootcamp is suitable for all levels of fitness with classes including sandbags, medicine balls, bodyweight circuits, cardio drills, fun games, battling ropes, boxing. Varying activities keeps the classes interesting and challenging.
SwishandHips, bellydancing demos by Elspeth, 12.30, entertainment area & 13.00 demonstration drive
Belly dancing is the name given to many different styles of dance which originated in the Middle East, but which dancers all over the world have taken to their hearts and made their own.
Belly dance is known in arabic as Raks Sharki, and comes in many different forms – oriental style, cabaret style, American Tribal style, tribal fusion, and many other sub-strata. Elspeth studies and dances in the Egyptian Oriental Style, as performed by dancers in Cairo today.
Strictly Fitsteps demos, 12.30 – 16.00, demonstration drive & 15.30 main stage
FitSteps® came to life in 2013 as the result of a collaboration between two of the UK’s most famous ballroom dancers and Britain’s most successful swimmer! During the long, arduous dance training sessions that are an integral part of Britain’s most decided to mix the graceful steps of Ballroom and the up tempo steps of the Latin dances together to create a really fun, energetic and effective way to stay fit and keep trim that would appeal to everyone, even if they couldn’t dance. The programme is based around twelve of the most popular Latin and Ballroom dances and the first class that we’ve launched has elements of six of these dances – Jive, Cha Cha, Samba, Tango, Waltz and Quickstep.
Edinburgh Lau Gar Self Defence demos, 14.30 – 17.00, demonstration drive
Lau Gar is the most popular form of Kung Fu in the UK and was brought here by Master Jeremy Yau in 1961. Lau Gar Kung Fu is derived from the form of boxing that was practised in Kuei Ling Temple, situated on Bac Pye Saan (the Bac Pye mountain), in Hong Kong in Western China. It was first learned by a monk fleeing from Kuei Ling Temple by the Master, “Three Eyed Lau”, a tiger hunter, who is honoured as the founder of Lau Gar Kung Fu.
Metamadness, 13.00, main stage
The MetaMadness class is an all over body work out based on the sport of boxing.
Fire Safety demos, 11.15, 12.30, 13.45, 15.00, Lambs House Circle
Chip Pan Fire and Fire extinguisher demos
It promises to be quite a day – don’t miss it!
Celebrating Success Awards- Health Hero category open!
NHS Lothian’s Celebrating Success Awards mark the inspiring and truly amazing work that takes place across health services in Lothian each day.
The Health Hero category encourages the people of Lothian to get involved. This is an opportunity for you to nominate for a health care worker or team who has been exceptional in their line of work. It may be someone who has constantly provided help to others or it may be someone that has made a positive change to a patient’s life. This is your chance to say thank you.
All shortlisted entries will be invited to attend an evening award ceremony, where our winners will be presented with their award by our special guest.
This year’s ceremony will be held on 24th October.
We are looking for someone who:
If you know someone who you think is your Health Hero then nominate them by completing the nomination form and submiting it by email to:
celebrating.success@nhslothian.scot.nhs.uk
or by post to:
Celebrating Success Team
NHS Lothian, 2nd Floor, Waverley Gate,
2-4 Waterloo Place, Edinburgh EH1 3EG.
Tips for writing your nomination:
Deadline for all nominations must be received by 30th August 2013
For further information call 0141 578 1779.
Local community mental health organisation Living Well North Edinburgh is based at West Pilton Park.
Formed in Autumn 2011 following a merger between PROP Stress Centre and the Clermiston-based Threshold Mental Health Project, the essence of LWNE is people working together to improve the mental health and wellbeing of their local community and themselves.
‘LWNE is all about helping people grow’
If you want some support, friendship, understanding or just a friendly face, then come along to LWNE. We offer relaxation sessions, and other groups such as confidence building, arts and crafts. We also have a number of weekly Drop Ins. Our regular newsletter details our future plans and activities. So, if you are feeling fed-up, depressed, stressed, anxious or isolated, please phone for an informal chat or to make an appointment to come and meet us.
Living Well North Edinburgh
5 West Pilton Park, Edinburgh EH4 4EL
Telephone 343 6375
Email: info@livingwellnorthedinburgh.org.uk
Click on link to see a copy of LWNE’s latest newsletter:
During this heatwave it’s important to listen to expert health advice, particularly if you are taking part in the NEN Walkathon this Saturday:
NHS Lothian summer sun advice:
‘Sunshine in Scotland may be a rarity, but too much exposure can do as much damage to your skin as it would if you were abroad.
Wherver you are enjoying the sun it is important to protect your skin. Sun lotions come with various levels of sun protection factors (SPFs) and it is important to make sure you use a strength appropriate for your skin. There are tailored varieties availabel for use during sport or whiel swimming, and it is best to reapply sun lotion throughout the day for maximum protection.
If sunburn does occur, place a cool, damp sponge on the affected areas then apply aftersun to soothe and help heal the skin. Drinking plenty of fluids will also help to cool you down and will replace water lost due to sweating’.
There’s still time to sign up to the NEN Walkathon – entry form below:
Is this the hottest Edinburgh Trades Fortnight on record?
Pilton Community Health Project is a fast-changing organisation which has been working with local people to overcome health inequalities in north Edinburgh for more nearly 30 years.
We are currently recruiting motivated and dedicated people to join our Board of Directors. We value people’s life experience as well as their qualifications and are looking to achieve a good balance on our Board. Its an exciting time for us, we are revisiting our vision and if you were to join us, you would have a real opportunity to shape the direction of our work for the next 30 years!
We are particularly keen to recruit people who live locally and want to make a difference to people’s health in the area.
If you are interested call Project Manager, Jen Richards on 0131 551 1671 to find out more about what it would involve. Have a look at our website and facebook page to find out more about what we do and what goes on in the area.
www.facebook.com/PiltonCommunityHealthProject
Anita Aggarwal
Senior Development Worker (Health Inequalities)
Pilton Community Health Project
73 Boswall Parkway
Edinburgh, EH5 2PW
Officers from Police Scotland are reinforcing a drugs warning following the death of an 18 year-old woman in Alexandria in the early hours of Tuesday morning (9 July).
An investigation is underway and our enquiries have so far revealed that the woman, along with three friends, had taken what they thought were ecstasy tablets. The tablets were described as green with a Rolex crown logo stamped on them. This is clearly a cause for concern.
Three men, aged 18, 21 and 25 have been admitted to the Royal Alexandra Hospital. The 18 year-old and 21 year old have since been discharged, however the 25 year old man remains within the hospital.
Superintendent Grahame Clarke said: “Our priority is to ensure the safety and well-being of our communities. Public warnings have been issued recently in relation to the dangers of taking ecstasy, or indeed tablets being passed off as ecstasy. They are illegal and could contain a cocktail of toxic ingredients. We have yet to establish if this particular pill is to blame for the death of this young woman, but the fact that she and her friends took pills described as green and with a Rolex stamp on it causes us real concern.
“The exact contents of the pills are unknown but they could contain dangerous chemicals and users need to be aware of the dangers and understand the devastating effect they can have. Drugs are dangerous and illegal. I would strongly advise people to avoid any such pills or drugs and report any information to police.”
At this time of year there are numerous music festivals, including T in the Park which runs from Friday this week. We would urge people to enjoy the festivals and keep themselves safe. Possession of controlled drugs and supplying anyone else with drugs is illegal. Festivals organisers adopt a zero tolerance approach to illegal drugs and work alongside the police to tackle this criminal activity.
There will be drugs amnesty bins at the entrance to the campsites at T in the Park, where illegal substances can be disposed of without risk of exclusion or prosecution. Once inside the festival venue, drugs will not be tolerated and anyone caught dealing or carrying drugs will be arrested. Police Scotland’s specialist drugs dogs will also be operating at T in the Park.
Police Scotland is continuing work with its NHS partners in connection with this investigation.
Glasgow Royal Infirmary Senior Specialty Doctor in Emergency Medicine, Dr Richard Stevenson said: “We are deeply concerned about the number of drug related deaths. Symptoms to look for include a high temperature, aggression and muscle pains as well as an extreme exaggerated expected effect of the drug such as hallucinations and excitability which would be very alarming and unpleasant to the person experiencing them.
“These symptoms are treatable if help is sought early I would urge anyone who begins to feel unwell or feels a more intense high than usual after taking any drug which they think is ecstasy or not to seek immediate medical help.”
If anyone has any information about the sale or supply of such tablets, please contact police on the non emergency number, 101, or contact Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 where you can give information anonymously.
The National Health Service celebrates it’s 65th anniversary today.
The National Health Service was created by Clement Attlee’s Labour government to create “comprehensive health and rehabilitation services for prevention and cure of disease”. Described by Minister for Health Aneurin Bevan as ‘the biggest single experiment in social service that the world has ever seen undertaken’, the legislation to create the NHS was implemented in England and Wales in 1946 and across the rest of the United Kingdom by 1948.
Sixty-five years on the NHS has seen many changes – for better and worse – and has become something of a political football. But for all it’s shortcomings and faults, the NHS remains by far the country’s most cherished institution.
Prime Minister Daid Cameron (pictured below) said: “Our National Health Service is one of the most precious institutions we have. We all know it, because all of us have been touched by it. I will never forget the care my son Ivan received and the inspirational people who helped Sam and me through some of the most difficult times.
The consultants, the community nurses, the care team – every one of them became part of our lives. When you have experienced support and dedicated professional care like that, you know just how incredibly special the NHS is.”
Holyrood Health Secretary Alex Neil visited Wishaw General maternity unit to meet babies born on the same day as the anniversary of our health service, and took the opportunity to point out what the Scottish Government is doing to improve health in Scotland.
Mr Neil said: “I am absolutely committed to the founding values of our NHS. I can promise that while this Government is in charge it will be free at point of access for everyone, and as we move towards the historic moment of the 2014 referendum, I can guarantee that independence will help maintain Scotland’s NHS as the wonderful institution it is today.
“Today, Scotland’s NHS is a both a tribute to the kind of society Scotland is, and the kind of society we must continue to aspire to be. Anyone who comes for treatment will get the care they need – regardless of whether they are rich or poor. That is the embodiment of a just and equitable society.
“But this isn’t just about the institution that is the Health service. It’s about the health of our people. Health inequalities blight Scottish society. It is simply not good enough that someone’s life expectancy should depend on where they are born, or the income of their parents.
“Where can act, we have. We’ve banned smoking in public places. We are tackling excessive drinking and will introduce a minimum price for alcohol. But the main levers to tackle the kind of poverty that is a driver of health inequality remain in the hands of London Governments.
“The recent welfare cuts are just the latest example of this. With our population ageing, and pressures on the health service growing significantly, we need to be allowed to take control of the levers needed to tackle poverty and with it finally rid Scotland of health inequalities.”
