People across Scotland are being encouraged to put a spring in their step this Easter with a few simple steps from NHS 24 to manage their health safely at home.
NHS 24’s Spring Campaign features lots of simple tips and advice on how to keep you and your family well by preparing for minor illness or bumps and scrapes.
NHS 24’s Medical Director, Dr Laura Ryan says: “Easter is one of the busiest times of year for Scotland’s health services. Lots of people tackle gardening or DIY over the break, so it’s a really good idea to think about what you might need at home to stay safe.
‘Treatments for minor injuries, such as plasters and antiseptic, are always useful to have at home, and your local pharmacy can help with advice about how to treat any minor cuts, bumps, bruises and scrapes.
‘If you have kids at home, some simple medicines such as ibuprofen, paracetamol, cold and hayfever remedies are great to keep in the cupboard to make sure that any sniffles or sore heads don’t get in the way of enjoying the break.
‘This year many GP practices and community pharmacies across Scotland may have different opening hours over Easter so it’s useful to know where to go if you do require medical advice or you have run out of medicines. NHS Inform has lots of symptom checkers on common illnesses so you can get fast, clinically assured advice that can help you decide what to do next. Managing minor ailments at home means we can enjoy Easter and make the most of the holidays.”
General advice and information on how to stay healthy this Easter canbe found at www.nhsinform.scot/spring.
With petrol prices hitting another record high, families and businesses are being hit in the pocket every time they fill the tank.
The RAC said today that it now costs £90 to fill a family car with petrol. The average price of a litre of petrol rose to 163.71p on Monday, and diesel also hit a fresh record of 173.68p.
The war in Ukraine triggered a surge in oil costs.
With prices so high, how do you ensure you get the most out of your tank of fuel? Greentech company SulNOx Group PLC has these top 10 tips:
Maintain your vehicle: Make sure your vehicle is regularly serviced, and regularly maintained between services. If an engine is not serviced regularly, it will use more fuel than one that is well-maintained.
Check your tyre pressure: It’s vital to make sure your tyres are inflated to the pressure shown in the car’s manual. Underinflated tyres can affect fuel economy – and so can overinflated tyres. Remember, your tyre pressure may need to be higher if you are carrying more passengers and/or a heavy load
Slow down: Excessive speed burns more fuel, as does harsh acceleration. Slow and steady wins the race!
Be smooth: In line with point 3, drive as smoothly as possible. Anticipate what’s going on ahead of you and try to slow down gradually by easing off the accelerator.
Easy on the A/C: Air conditioning burns more fuel, so don’t use it unless you need to.
Take it off: Lots of us have roof boxes and roof bars these days – and it’s often easier to leave them on. But the wind resistance caused by doing this means they use more fuel because of ‘drag’.
If you don’t use it, lose it: Lighter cars need less fuel, so don’t carry unnecessary items in the boot or the back seat.
Don’t fill up: The added weight of a full tank of fuel means burning more fuel. Next time, consider only filling half way. Don’t be tempted to run your tank down too much though. Always fill up before the red light comes on.
Get more bang for your buck: Revolutionary SulNOxEco™ Fuel Conditioners improve the combustion of light fuels including gasoline and diesel. In tests, they have proven to reduce fuel consumption by 8-10% and are certified to comply with fuel standards so any warranties remain intact. Adding SulNOx to your tank takes you further and reduces harmful emissions.
Plan ahead: Avoid rush hour black spots if you can. Use your SatNav to keep you on the right track and warn you of any potential hold-ups.
Richard Partington, garden paving expert from Simply Paving, offers his top tips on how to give your garden a well-deserved spring clean this month:
“As we move out of the winter months and start to enjoy those milder days and lighter evenings, getting outside and giving our gardens a spring clean is vitally important to help ensure they are refreshed, nurtured and a welcoming space both for us, and wildlife.
“There are some really simple tasks that you can carry out now that will make an immediate impact – from raking up leaves and debris to giving your patio slabs a clean – and a little bit of prep now will help ensure you can enjoy your outdoor space for longer.”
Clear up winter debris
There’s no escaping the fact that the first step in bringing your garden back to life is clearing out any remnants of winter.
It might feel like a big task initially but once you’ve done that first spring clean, you’ll not only feel a huge sense of accomplishment, but you’ll also find it much easier to stay on top of your garden over the coming months.
Head outside and start by picking up leaves that have collected around your flower beds, in pots and on paving slabs. You’ll be amazed by the transformation, and you’ll be protecting your plants from any harmful bacteria that might be lurking in the debris and muck below.
Get weeding and freshen up your compost
While we’ve been warm and cosy indoors, weeds have had free rein over the winter months and have most likely run wild, so now is the time to clear them out and prepare your soil for the spring.
Firstly, it’s important that you pull out any weeds at the root. Also, make sure you remove any winter mulch which protected your plants through the colder months.
Once all of that organic matter has been cleared away, you can add it straight to your composter, so it doesn’t go to waste. Remember to turn over your compost pile if it’s been laying dormant over the winter months, and you should find excellent mulch at the bottom which is ideal for spreading around your newly cleared flower beds.
Get planting
Now you’ve tidied, prepped and primed your borders, why not add some new blooms? Spring and summer gardens should be bright and colourful, so look at which flowers are suitable for springtime planting.
Rake over your soil to maintain airflow and ensure that when you start to plant new perennials, they will have the best growing matter possible, adding new topsoil as needed. You may also find that some of your existing plants could do with a little TLC so consider re-potting, moving them to a more protected area of the garden or trimming the stems to encourage new growth.
Clean your patio slabs
Whilst plants and lawns are affected by the dank and cold weather, so too is your patio. Often the place in the garden that sees the most footfall during the winter months, it’s important that any hard landscaping forms part of your garden spring cleaning routine.
As a bare minimum, give your paving slabs or block paving a once over with a stiff brush, and make sure to pick up and clean under any pots which can leave marks behind.
To help you get your patio looking its best, we’ve put together a step-by-step guide, which details three easy ways to get your paving gleaming again – and some handy hints to keep it in tip top condition all year round.
Show your lawn some love
Just like your garden slabs, you need to show your lawn some love too. Now is a good time to rake the grass and scarify the ground.
In doing so, you’ll remove any debris or old grass cuttings left over from last season and you’ll allow your lawn to breathe, preventing it from becoming waterlogged. You could also sprinkle new grass seed over your lawn to give your turf a helping hand.
Dust off your outdoor furniture
After all your spring cleaning and tidying, it’s time to start enjoying your newly revitalised garden just as soon as the weather allows, whether that’s dining alfresco or setting up an outdoor bar.
Bring out and uncover any garden furniture which may have been hidden away over the winter months, giving it a good clean with warm soapy water and a sponge to remove any cobwebs or dirt before placing on your garden paving.
Of course, if made of timber, start with a simple clean and then use the appropriate wood oil to seal it so it is protected from the elements.
Richard Partington – Garden Paving Expert at Simply Paving
Richard is one of the most experienced members of the Simply Paving team, having been with the company since 2006. He is responsible for simplifying the product choice on simplypaving.com and is dedicated to knowing the technical attributes of every product.
During his time at Simply Paving, Richard has picked up a wealth of knowledge about the laying and maintenance of patios and driveways.
Forestry and Land Scotland joins with Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents (RoSPA) to give tips on night time driving
At this time of year and as more people will be driving in the dark, Forestry and Land Scotland is urging drivers to be extra alert to wild deer on the roads.
Wild deer numbers in Scotland have reached record levels at 1 million – double the amount recorded in 1990 – and the consequent danger of deer-related road traffic accidents is predicted to rise. Forestry and Land Scotland previously released the figure of almost 2,000 reported deer-related accidents a year, though figures are believed to be nearer 8,000-14,000.
Collisions with large animals such as deer can be catastrophic, but there are some simple guidelines that can increase chances of avoiding a shocking accident. FLS has joined with RoSPA to offer guidance for night time driving when there could be deer on the road:
Dr Karen McDonnell, Head of RoSPA Scotland said: “When driving on country roads you have to try to anticipate the unexpected.
“Single track lanes, blind corners, and even the possibility of animals crossing can make driving challenging even for the most experienced drivers. To minimise your chances of a collision with a large animal, such as a deer, follow some straightforward steps.”
RoSPA’s tips:
Watch your speed on rural roads Be aware of warning road signs Be vigilant in areas where you have seen deer during daylight If you see a deer, slow down to pass it and keep an eye out for more Be ready to brake if a deer appears on the road Use indicators to warn other drivers if you are passing deer or slowing down
Ian Fergusson, Head of Wildlife Management for FLS said: ”As Scotland’s deer numbers rise and expand their range, it’s really important that those driving on rural roads at night are extra vigilant.
“We are aware that deer accidents are more likely to happen on rural roads adjacent to forests and other wild habitats but they are becoming more common on major roads around towns and cities.
“As we enter the Christmas season, we’ve pulled together advice for motorists. Hitting a large animal is distressing at best and apart from damage to vehicles and potential injury to drivers and passengers, no-one wants to leave a wild animal hurt and in enduring pain.”
To help protect Scotland’s national forests and land from the negative impacts of deer, Forestry and Land Scotland employs a number of techniques, including deer culling and fencing, where appropriate, to keep numbers down to a sustainable level.
This helps to keep herds healthy, mitigates against habitat loss and helps reduce deer/vehicle collisions.
Most recorded road accidents involving deer occur in the Highland, Aberdeenshire, Central Belt, and Fife regions, but areas in west central Scotland, including North and South Lanarkshire have also seen significant increasesForestry and Land Scotland Deer Accidents.jpg in the last decade.
A leading insurance comparison firm is revealing the top winter driving hacks that could help motorists avoid higher premiums and retain those all-important No Claims Bonuses.
Quotezone.co.uk says many motorists overlook the winter conditions and can make unnecessary mistakes that will hit them hard in the pocket.
The firm, one of the UK’s leading car insurance comparison websites, says even minor adjustments in behaviour could save hundreds of pounds. Here they lay out some of the pitfalls motorists can find themselves in this winter:
Defrosting – It is tempting to leave the engine running while the windscreen unfreezes, and the car warms up. However, if an opportunistic thief takes the vehicle, many insurance companies will not cover the loss.
Leaving engines running is also an offence under section 42 of the Road Traffic Act 1988. Doing this is known as ‘idling’,and is bad for the environment as it increases the amount of dangerous gases emitted into the air from the car’s exhaust.
Don’t use boiling water on windscreens – Glass can crack when it experiences a sudden change in temperature, and windscreen damage isn’t always covered by a standard car insurance policy.
Simply using a frost guard, a defogger or even homemade de-icer – lukewarm water mixed with rubbing alcohol.
Clear your windscreen before you set-off – Windscreens with inhibited views can land owners with a £1,000 fine and three points on a driving licence. So any leaves, snow, ice, mud or even condensation, needs to be fully cleared before setting out.
Check tyres – Motorists can be fined an eye-watering £2,500 for each faulty tyre and receive three points on their driving licence. If the police see another tyre falling short, it doubles to £5,000 and six points. Four faulty tyres could even see the maximum 12 points – resulting in the loss of a driving licence.
Commercial vehicle drivers, where the car or van is owned by their employer – could land firms with penalties of up to £20,000.
Numberplate – Excess mud and grit on the roads this time of year can make your car dirty very quickly, and if the numberplate isn’t clearly visible, drivers could face a fine of £1,000.
Floods – Some car insurance policies include clauses advising policyholders not to drive through flooded roads, and may specifically exclude cover for any water damage to the car if the motorist goes against this advice.
Avoid puddles – Soaking pedestrians by deliberately driving through large puddles can results in a £100 fine and three penalty points.
Greg Wilson, Founder of car insurance comparison site Quotezone.co.uk said: “As winter approaches, it’s not just the fines that motorists should worry about, points on a driving licence are noted by insurers as a sign of how safe a driver is and what the risk of a claim might be when calculating premiums.
“Three points on a licence can add 5% to premiums every year until the points are spent after four years. Six points pushes premiums up by as much as 25%, and let’s not forget No Claims Bonuses and what they might be worth if they’ve been built up over time and now have to be accrued again from scratch.
“Careful, considerate and patient drivers who plan for the winter weather and adjust their behaviour to meet the conditions give themselves the best chance of avoiding points and keeping their premiums low.”
Last year saw a year on year increase of 170% in dog thefts across the UK. With this in mind the insurance experts at Protectivity give their top five tips on how best to prevent dog theft.
It should come as first nature to dog walkers and owners but leaving dogs unattended in public spaces increases the chance of you falling foul to thieves dramatically.
That includes leaving dogs tied up outside shops or other businesses, inside a parked car or at the park.
The less time a dog is out of your sight, the less chance there is for the dog to be stolen.
2. Ensure your setting is secure
If your business involves keeping dogs on your premises, or even if you are visiting those of your clients, making sure they are secure is hugely important.
We all know dogs can sometimes take off of their own accord, so it’s worth checking that fences and property boundaries will keep even the most inquisitive dog inside.
By keeping your dogs inside, you can also keep potential thieves out.
3. Watch what you post on social media
Social media can be a great place to showcase your business to potential clients but it also comes with potential risks.
Posting your walks, daily activities or generally marketing your business is good, however there’s also the chance it’ll tell potential thieves where and when there’s an opportunity to steal a dog.
If you must post daily about your dog walks, it’s worth mixing things up to avoid a regular routine that can set you up for the risk of dog napping.
4. Ask that your clients’ dogs have good recall
Letting dogs off the lead when out on a walk obviously gives them an opportunity for a good run to burn off some steam, but it’s always worth ensuring they come back when called.
Should they fail to return on demand it increases the chances of them being snatched by thieves.
Whether you train the dogs yourself, or ask the owners to make an effort to teach dogs good recall, it can increase the safety of the pooches in your care.
5. Invest in a dog GPS system
It might seem an extreme investment, but with the value of certain dog breeds in the thousands, the outlay of a dog GPS system might be money well spent.
There are a number of options on the market, starting from around £50, so if you’ve got a lot of different animals in your care it can be a wise investment.
Should they take off, or worse still, be stolen, a tracker will allow you and the owner to see exactly where they go.
One in eight UK men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer in their lifetime
Dr Rhianna McCylmont explains the main symptoms and treatment options
Movember aims to raise awareness of the key health issues impacting men, helping them to identify symptoms and get diagnosed whilst their conditions are still treatable.
One of the main focuses is prostate cancer, which is the most diagnosed form of cancer amongst men in the UK. One in eight men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer in their lifetime 1.
Below, Dr Rhianna McClymont, lead GP at the digital healthcare provider, Livi, reveals some of the key facts about the disease, including the main warning signs and what to do about them:
Who’s at risk?
The prostate is an organ that only men have, and its main function is to produce the white fluid which mixes with sperm to create semen.
Dr Rhianna said: “Although prostate cancer can affect men of any age, it’s most commonly diagnosed in older age groups, particularly over 50s.
“Research has also found that men of an African, or African-Caribbean descent are also more at risk from the cancer compared to men from other ethnicities.”
What can increase the risk of prostate cancer?
Dr Rhianna said: “There are various factors that can increase the risk of developing prostate cancer, including family history. The risk increases if a male member of your family developed prostate cancer before the age of 60.
“Another factor which can increase the risk is obesity, with NHS information suggesting that obesity may be linked to an increased likelihood of the development of prostate cancer.”
What are the symptoms?
Dr Rhianna said: “Unfortunately, prostate cancer can often be symptomless, which is why it’s so important to have your prostate checked regularly as you get older.”
When symptoms do appear, particularly as the illness becomes more advanced, they can include:
Increased frequency in needing to urinate
Difficulty when starting to pee, or a weak flow
Feeling like your bladder hasn’t fully emptied
Feeling an urgent need to urinate
How is it tested?
Dr Rhianna said: “If you notice you have any symptoms related to prostate cancer, you might be offered a PSA, or Prostate Specific Antigen test. This is taken as a blood test and can indicate the presence of prostate cancer.
“Your GP will also suggest an examination of your prostate, which is undertaken through a rectal exam.
“If either or both of these tests indicate the possible presence of prostate cancer, then you will undertake an MRI scan to assess the prostate, and a biopsy will be used to officially diagnose the condition.”
What are the treatment options?
Dr Rhianna said: “Treatment of prostate cancer depends largely on the severity of the condition, and how far advanced it is, as well as other factors including whether it has spread to other areas of your body, and your general health.
“Treatment options are varied and include surgery to remove the prostate (a prostatectomy), radiotherapy, hormone therapy, or ‘watchful waiting’, where the cancer is considered to be relatively minor, and poses little threat of spreading, or developing further within the patient’s lifetime, so is left untreated but closely monitored.”
Dr Rhianna adds: “Movember has done a fantastic job of raising awareness of male-specific health conditions such as prostate cancer, and thankfully so, as it’s incredibly common, but often treatable if caught early enough.
“The good news is that whilst the condition is common amongst men and potentially very serious, most patients diagnosed with it do survive. This is why it’s so important for men to be aware of the signs and symptoms and understand the need to be checked as they get older.”
For more information about prostate cancer, visit:
GP offers advice on how to talk to them about mental health
A quarter of UK people experience mental health problems during their lives
Mental health problems are common, with one in four Brits experiencing them during their lives. However, there is often a stigma around mental health, which can make people feel uncomfortable talking about it or seeking help.
Ahead of World Mental Health Day (10th October), Dr Rhianna McClymont, lead GP at online service, Livi, has offered her advice on the best ways to raise mental health issues with your doctor, to encourage those dealing with mental health issues to ask for help when they need it.
1) When should I ask for help?
As a rule of thumb, you should look for help if your mental health starts to impact your everyday life, or if you feel that you’re struggling to manage the problem by yourself. In these cases, you can book yourself into a GP for an appointment.
In more severe cases, and if you have any thoughts about harming yourself or others, you should refer yourself to a local mental health crisis team, or consider checking in to A&E, where there are psychiatric liaison teams onsite.
Dr McClymont says: “Getting help early can limit the impact that a mental health problem has on you, your mood and the quality of your life. If you need specialised help for mental health, a GP can refer you to a psychiatry team.
“Anxiety, depression and other mental health concerns are common, and nothing to be ashamed or embarrassed about.”
2)Should I prepare for my appointment beforehand?
Whilst you won’t need to do any in-depth preparation for your appointment, it’s a good idea to know in advance what you want to talk about, what particular issues you want to address, and whether you want a friend or family member to join the appointment with you.
Dr McClymont says: “Knowing what you want to talk about can make your appointment much more effective when it comes to dealing with the issues. It can also be a good idea to record your feelings in a journal before your appointment. This will give you much more information to share with your GP that you might otherwise forget.
“You should also be prepared to inform your GP of any drugs or medication that you’re taking, as these can sometimes impact your mental health. Whether the drugs are prescription or recreational, legal or illegal, being honest with your GP will help them to address the problem.”
3) What will the appointment be like?
Your GP will ask you a series of questions about how you’re feeling and what issues you’re experiencing due to the mental health problems. They may also ask you about your family’s medical history to determine whether that could be a factor. In some cases, the GP may conduct some physical checks, such as a blood pressure test.
Dr McClymont says: “Sometimes, talking about your feelings, traumatic events in your past, or your own triggers for mental illness can be difficult.
“Take your time, but do try to bring up anything you feel could be important, as it will help you get the right treatment.”
4) What might the GP recommend?
The first step your GP will take is to determine whether there are any lifestyle changes that can be made to address the problems. This can include action like stopping smoking, reducing the amount of alcohol you’re drinking, or changing to an alternative prescription medication.
If further treatment is needed, then your doctor might suggest that you begin taking antidepressants, refer you to counselling or other therapies such as Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), and may recommend a nearby charity or organisation that can help.
Dr McClymont says: “Sometimes a change in lifestyle is all that’s needed to improve your mental health. Things like smoking or drinking can start as a coping mechanism to deal with things like stress at work, but they can quickly become contributing factors to the deterioration of your mental health.
“In other cases, we may find that direct treatment, whether through medication or counselling, is the best option.”
5) Are there other forms of help?
There are lots of groups and organisations that have been set up to help people with mental health problems, and to allow people suffering to be able to communicate their experiences to others who have faced similar issues.
You can also talk about your mental health with friends and family or write about your experiences in a journal. These techniques can often help you deal with mental health problems by relieving some of the burden through confiding in others. However, it’s important to state that you should always seek additional help if this doesn’t seem to be working.
Dr McClymont says: ‘There are many different mental health charities available that are excellent at offering advice and further support if needed. If you have health problems that are affecting your work, it may also be helpful to talk to your manager or HR department. You don’t need to disclose more than you’re comfortable with, but it can give you another avenue for practical support.
“Mental health problems are often incredibly difficult to talk to others about, however opening up about your struggles is often the first step in overcoming them. Seeking medical help or advice in times of personal crisis is a hugely important part of dealing with the problem and should never be taken as a sign of weakness.”
For more information on talking about your mental health problems, visit:
