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Word On...Kids & Drugs Given the prevalence of teenage drug and alcohol abuse, it's increasingly likely that children will experiment with drugs and drink. With children as young as age eight now turning up to school or GP surgeries stoned or drunk, it's not just our teenagers we need to worry about. Research suggests that half of us think it's the parents responsibility to ensure that their children don't become part of the growing problem, an equal number blamed schools and the authorities. The truth is WE ALL have a role to play in trying to turn tide of this unwelcome menace. Below you'll find a list of pointers from the Talk To Frank organisation, their website provides extensive advice and support for parents, children, friends and family. Talk To Frank offers free confidential drugs information and advice 24 hours on 0800 77 66 00 Frank Advice Talking to a child about drugs strikes right at the heart of being a good parent. If your child takes drugs it's your fault - right? Wrong. Young people take drugs for all sorts of reasons. And above all, it's their choice to take drugs. You can't make those choices for them. But you can keep the channels of communication open. Here's some further FRANK advice to help you manage those tricky teenage conversations. And if you have discovered that your son or daughter has taken drugs DON'T PANIC. IT IS NOT THE END OF THE WORLD (even though it may feel like it). Talk To Them When You're Calm. A parent's natural reaction on finding out their child is using drugs is to panic. Don't talk to them while you're in a state. Walk away. Try and get calm and buy yourself some thinking time. Decide what you want to say in advance. This will help stop the conversation spiralling out of control. Knowledge Is Power. Lots of parents worry their children will know more than them. Read up on the facts. You don't need to know the cool slang you just need to know how drugs can affect their health and welfare. And the truth is kids hear a lot of rubbish and don't always have all the answers themselves. Get Someone To Help You. You may not want to tell your partner for fear of what they'll do but it could be for the best. Get someone the child likes and respects like Gran, a friend or a favourite uncle to be there with you. Having someone else in the room will stop the conversation escalating into a row or stand-off. Avoid Asking 'Why?' Why? Because it's the worst thing you can say to a child as it immediately puts them on the defensive. Also, they may not really know why they started taking drugs or are thinking about taking them. Gently ask questions beginning How, When, What, Where, as these will help the conversation flow and you won't simply get a Yes or No answer Don't Get Hung Up On Blaming Someone. Why have you done this to me? (Assumption: It's your fault). Who gave it to you? (Assumption: It's the dealer's fault.) Why don't the school do something? (Assumption it's the school's fault). Blame isn't useful for anything. It won't even make you feel better. What's important is the future and where you go from here. It's Better To Know The Truth. There's no evidence to suggest that talking to a child about drugs will lead to them experimenting - so don't be afraid to ask simple, direct questions. As you know, you can't expect children to accept what you say automatically so be prepared to share your views. Give The Child Space. Make the focus of the conversation your child and what they're going through. Really listen to what they're saying, paying particular attention to their feelings. And don't be afraid to ask them to clarify things - the more you understand, the easier it will be for both of you to move forward. If you have done drugs think very carefully about telling your child about your experiences. Assumptions Can Be Dangerous. Children take drugs for different reasons. Try and get them to explain in their own words what's going on for them, and treat what they say seriously. It could be that they want to rebel, they're experimenting or that drugs are readily available - not necessarily that they're having problems at school, for example. Set Clear Limits. This isn't all about what children think and feel. It's important that your children are aware of your views and house rules too. Ask yourself these questions: What do you approve / disapprove of? What is allowed in your home? Will you support them regardless of what they do? Be prepared to make a fuss and take action if these limits are broken. They're Never Too Young For A Chat. If a small child brings up the subject it's worth gently asking them what they know about 'drugs'. Tell them when they're ready to hear more to come and ask you and you'll tell them. And to tell you if anyone ever offers them drugs. Older Children. Starting secondary school is a difficult, vulnerable time for many kids, a time when friends can influence them heavily. As an adult your influence can also wane and your credibility diminish - so it's important you don't try to 'blag' or try to be 'cool' when discussing drugs. This could be a quick way of losing their trust, before you've even gained it. Take Your Time And Be Ready To Listen. When chatting, be patient - you don't have to wrap things up in one conversation. Make sure you won't be interrupted (e.g. not when their favourite soap's on) and try to make your opening gambit as natural as possible (e.g. by picking up on a soap plotline or a piece of local news about drugs). If they broach the subject be ready to listen. The Three Rs -- Reassure, Reassure, Reassure. If a child has a drug problem, it's important for them to know that you'll be there for them - from answering simple questions to helping them through difficult times. It's worth telling them that you trust them - but at the same time feel free to show disappointment if this trust's broken. For free confidential drugs information and advice 24 hours a day talk to FRANK on 0800 77 66 00. If you're deaf you can Textphone FRANK on 0800 917 8765. Or email frank@talktofrank.com Parents Against Drug Abuse. This organisation offers online help and advice to parents of drug users: www.pada.org.uk. A Word On… Diabetes Diabetes mellitus is a condition in which the amount of glucose (sugar) in the blood is too high because the body cannot use it properly. Glucose comes from the digestion of starchy foods such as bread, rice, potatoes, chapatis, yams and plantain, from sugar and other sweet foods, and from the liver which makes glucose. Insulin is vital for life. It is a hormone produced by the pancreas, that helps the glucose to enter the cells where it is used as fuel by the body. The main symptoms of untreated diabetes are increased thirst, going to the loo all the time - especially at night, extreme tiredness, weight loss, genital itching or regular episodes of thrush, and blurred vision. There are two main types of diabetes. These are: Type 1 diabetes, also known as insulin dependent diabetes Type 2 diabetes, also known as non insulin dependent diabetes Type 1 diabetes develops if the body is unable to produce any insulin. This type of diabetes usually appears before the age of 40. It is treated by insulin injections and diet and regular exercise is recommended. Type 2 diabetes develops when the body can still make some insulin, but not enough, or when the insulin that is produced does not work properly (known as insulin resistance). This type of diabetes usually appears in people over the age of 40, though often appears before the age of 40 in South Asian and African-Caribbean people. It is treated by diet and exercise alone or by diet, exercise and tablets or by diet, exercise and insulin injections. The main aim of treatment of both types of diabetes is to achieve blood glucose and blood pressure levels as near to normal as possible. This, together with a healthy lifestyle, will help to improve wellbeing and protect against long-term damage to the eyes, kidneys, nerves, heart and major arteries. Managing Diabetes Blood glucose monitoring is a useful tool for controlling diabetes. It can help to maintain day to day control, detect hypoglycaemia, assess control during any illness, and helps to provide information that can be used in the prevention of long term complications Many people with Type 2 diabetes take diabetes tablets. They are not the same as insulin. Insulin cannot be taken in tablet form because it would be broken down in the stomach before it could work. Diabetes tablets work by lowering the blood glucose. They do this either by stimulating the pancreas to produce more insulin, or by helping the body to use the insulin that it does produce more effectively. If you have diabetes, insulin may be a key part of your treatment. Insulin helps your body to use glucose. Different types of insulin can act very differently in different people. Your diabetes care team will tailor your insulin regime to suit you. If it is not suitable, the type or dosage of insulin can be changed. Depending on the type of injection device you use, the insulin will be packaged in vials (bottles), cartridges or prefilled pens. The cartridges are used with pen injectors and the vials are used with syringes. Prefilled pens are disposable pen injectors, which are prefilled with insulin. These are particularly useful for people with visual or dexterity problems. If you've recently been diagnosed with diabetes you needn't worry that you'll have to follow a special diet or give up chocolate. The good news is there is no special diet for people with diabetes. The healthy diet for people with diabetes is the healthy diet recommended for everyone. Although choosing your food wisely and adopting sensible eating habits can help you manage your diabetes, you can still enjoy a wide variety of foods as part of a balanced diet. Try to get more active too, not only to control your weight and your diabetes, but to reduce your risk of heart disease, high blood pressure and stroke. If you are overweight, losing weight will help you control your diabetes. You should aim to lose weight slowly over time rather than by drastic dieting. Even if you don't manage to get to your ideal weight, losing a small amount and keeping it off will help you. Following the steps and recommendations in this section of the site will help you control your blood glucose levels and blood fats as well as regulate your weight. Remember: everyone with diabetes should receive dietary information and support. So, if you haven't already, ask your GP or healthcare team to refer you to a state registered dietician for specific dietary advice that takes your lifestyle and cultural preferences into account. A Word On... Stressmas "Here it is Merry Christmas, everybody's having fun"..goes the Slade Classic Festive classic track however research shows that this isn't true for a substantial number of us who find the pressures to 'enjoy' ourselves intolerable, add the toll from this years credit crunch and this really could be a season to be miserable!! Even without the economic gloom, stress levels climb on the run in to Yuletide and with calorie filled temptations all around us health goals go out of the window. For a whole host of reasons research shows an extra 25% of us maybe waiting to the last minute before starting to pull everything we need to eat drink and be merry. Which if borne out will only add to the stress levels that Xmas inevitably makes soar. Arabella Hudson's Top Tips For Making The Most of Xmas. In many households the preparation for Christmas falls mostly on one person's shoulders, which is grossly unfair, so try and spread load, get the children, your partner, the in laws and grandparents together, make a long list of what needs to be done an then plan and delegate jobs and responsibilities. Pace everything out by writing lists and allocating 2 or 3 jobs amongst members of the family. It's their Christmas as well as yours, so why shouldn't they get involved with the preparations. Follow this through to Christmas Day Planning is crucial. Write a list of what you have to do, such as when to start cooking, then stick to it. Try out new recipes before the big day so they don't go wrong. Don't do everything yourself. Get other people to help,. Presents Set a budget and keep to it so you don't have a financial hangover in the New Year. When it comes to present buying, it might sound cheesy, it's the thought that counts, not the cost, manage the expectations of others be clear on what you can and can't afford and don't beat yourself up if you can't buy your sibling the latest must have gizmo! Perhaps develop a little 21st century thinking with ever increasing numbers of us now using the internet to shop, theirs no need to be endlessly traipsing up and down the high street when with a few clicks of a mouse you could sort all your Xmas shopping out online and perhaps save money into the bargain but make sure that you the online provider of your Xmas fare is bonafide, payment methods are secure and that delivery dates are clear. Parties Not everyone is a great raconteur so don't worry about coming up with sparkling conversation. The trick is to ask questions that don't require yes/no responses to get the conversation going, occupation, relaxation and leisure, and education - are excellent starters for conversation topics and then concentrate on being a good listener. We all get on with certain people at work, socially or within the family. At a party, talk to them first to build your confidence. Don't rely on alcohol or 'dutch courage' to calm your nerves - it can make you more stressed. If you are shy, imagine the person you are talking to is more shy than you. Breathing exercises can help you relax. If you feel tense get yourself off to the loo and try breathing in slowly to the count of four and out to the count of five, relaxing your shoulders and tummy and concentrate on the path of the breath from your lips and nose down your wind pipe and into your lungs. Repeat four times. 2 out of 5 of us will look back with regret at overindulging in rich food, plentiful alcohol and lack of exercise Statistics show we can gain around 3 kilograms or half a stone at Christmas many of the kilos packed on are due to snacks that lie around the house. Remember 'little pickers make big knickers' so go easy on the chocolates, nuts and high calorie treats. Whatever your chosen Christmas meal, max out on veggies and cut back on fatty foods. Try out new recipes before the big day so they don't go wrong. Look up inventive ways to make a splendid salad or dress up those sprouts. As long as your veggies aren't covered in butter or rich salad dressing, you can scoff lots without packing on the pounds. Some alcoholic drinks will kill your diet, so try to be sensible with your intake. Carbonated mixers, such as tonic, increase absorption of alcohol so choose fruit juice instead. it's also important to remember to space out alcohol with soft drinks, and give your liver a chance to fight back. Offer to drive occasionally when you go out, provided you can stay on the wagon and whatever the temptation DON'T DRINK AND DRIVE. Build some time into your day to take some exercise, even if it's a simple walk. Taking time out is also helpful for avoiding family tension Disappointment often breeds resentment. As at any other time of the year, communication is of paramount importance - If your parents are separated or if you're planning to spend the holidays with your partner's family, make sure the other set know in good time. Hiding away from telling somebody something they won't want to hear will only prolong the issue and finally remember not everybody finds Christmas a pleasant time - be sensitive to the feelings of those around you, especially if there's been a recent bereavement or loss. Even happy events such as the birth of a child can cause emotional havoc, so stay aware and steer clear of potentially hazardous topics. A Word On… Blue Lips Cyanosis (Blue Lips) can be a sign of a number of conditions including a disease called Pulmonary Hypertension, or PH. So What Is Pulmonary Hypertension (PH)? PH is a disease in which the blood pressure in the arteries in the lungs elevates putting pressure on the heart and reducing the amount of oxygen that is able to reach the tissues of the body. Guinness World Record Attempt In order to gain a place in the Guinness Book of World Records the PHA-UK need to get 40,000 different people to 'Pucker Up 4 PH' by the first week in December. To qualify for the Guinness Book of Records, each Blue Lip print must be accompanied by the full name and address of the kisser and the kiss must be witnessed. Entry forms can be downloaded from the PHA-UK website www.phassociation.uk.com Sounds Serious. It is! There is no cure, but there are effective treatments that can help sufferers if they are diagnosed early in the disease progression. Untreated, PH has a worse prognosis than many forms of cancer. So What Are The Symptoms? Chronic fatigue, shortness of breath, chest pain, fainting, swollen ankles and legs. If you have diagnosed shortness of breath that's not improving with treatment talk to your doctor. It's rare, but it is worth asking the question. Could it be PH? To find out more about Pulmonary Hypertension or if you want to get involved with the Guinness World Record Attempt, visit www.phassociation.uk.com or email office@phassociation.uk.com A Word On.... Stroke Every year, an estimated 150,000 people in the UK have a stroke. Most people affected are over 65, but anyone can have a stroke, including children and even babies. A stroke is the third most common cause of death in the UK. It is also the single most common cause of severe disability. More than 250,000 people live with disabilities caused by stroke. What Exactly Is A Stroke? In simplest terms, a stroke is a brain attack. It is what happens when the blood supply to part of the brain is cut off. Blood carries essential nutrients and oxygen to the brain. Without a blood supply, brain cells can be damaged or destroyed and won't be able to do their job. Because the brain controls everything the body does, damage to the brain will affect body functions. For example, if a stroke damages the part of the brain that controls how arms move, arm movement will be affected. The brain also controls how we think, learn, feel and communicate. A stroke can also affect all these mental processes. There Are Two Main Causes Of Stroke The most common type of stroke is a Blockage. This is called an ischaemic stroke, which happens when a clot blocks an artery that carries blood to the brain. It may be caused by: - A cerebral thrombosis, which is when a blood clot (thrombus) forms in a main artery to the brain; - A cerebral embolism, when a blockage caused by a blood clot, air bubble or fat globule (embolism) forms in a blood vessel somewhere else in the body and is carried in the bloodstream to the brain; or - a lacunar stroke, which is when there is a blockage in the tiny blood vessels deep within the brain. The second type of stroke is a Bleed, which is when a blood vessel bursts, causing bleeding (haemorrhage) into the brain. This is called a haemorrhagic stroke. It may be caused by: - an intracerebral haemorrhage, which occurs when a blood vessel bursts within the brain; or - a subarachnoid haemorrhage, when a blood vessel on the surface of the brain bleeds into the area between the brain and the skull (subarachnoid space). / What Are The Common Symptoms To Look Out For? The first signs that someone has had a stroke are very sudden. Symptoms include: - numbness, weakness or paralysis on one side of the body (signs of this may be a drooping arm, leg or lower eyelid, or a dribbling mouth) - slurred speech or difficulty finding words or understanding speech // - sudden blurred vision or loss of sight - confusion or unsteadiness - a severe headache. The Stroke Association suggests the useful 'Face-Arm-Speech Test' (FAST) to help you recognise whether someone has had a stroke or mini-stroke (transient ischaemic attack - TIA). F Facial weakness: Can the person smile? Has their mouth or an eye drooped? A Arm weakness: Can the person raise both arms? S Speech problems: Can the person speak clearly and understand what you say? T Test these symptoms. If you see any of these signs, call 999 immediately. Below we have some recommendations from The Stroke Association to help ourselves from avoiding having a stroke. Firstly, aim to maintain a well balanced diet. A diet high in fatty foods causes cholesterol to build up in the blood and the arteries to narrow. Too much salt can lead to high blood pressure. Being very overweight (obese) puts extra strain on the heart. Drink alcohol in moderation. Regular heavy drinking raises blood pressure. Binge drinking (drinking a lot of alcohol in a short time) can cause a blood vessel in the brain to burst. Keep active. An inactive lifestyle can contribute to a build up on the wall of the arteries. Regular exercise helps keep the heart and bloodstream healthy. Stop smoking. Smoking causes higher blood pressure and makes the blood thicker. The chemicals in tobacco smoke are absorbed into the body, damaging blood vessel walls. If you are would like to find out more information about strokes, contact The Stroke Association Helpline for more information on 0845 3033 100 (calls charged at local rate) open Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm or email info@stroke.org.uk A Word On Colds & Flu… The common cold is caused by over two hundred different strains of virus. The rhinovirus (nose virus) is one of the most common viruses and there are around one hundred types of rhinovirus. The rhinovirus is incredibly small- 50,000 viruses could be lined up along a millimetre. The rhinovirus looks like a twenty sided golf ball and the surface of the virus has docking points to attach to the cells lining the nose rather like a small spaceship docking on to the mother ship. The virus hijacks the nasal cell and turns it into a production line for new viruses. It takes around 8 hours from infection of the nasal cell until the manufacture of new fully assembled rhinoviruses with each cell releasing thousands of new viruses. The symptoms of the common cold are caused by the white cells not the virus. Coughs, Sneezes and Dirty Fingers Coughs and sneezes are the most likely route of transmission but many believe that dirty fingers, which are poked into the nose or eye, are a major source of infection. When children were trained not to touch their nose and eyes so frequently this cut down the incidence of common cold infection by almost half. Common Cold Viruses & Kissing In laboratory experiments in which patients with colds and healthy volunteers gave prolonged kisses only one in thirteen healthy volunteers became infected with a cold. Common Cold Viruses Are World Wide Travellers Whatever part of the world you visit you will find the inhabitants suffer from the same common colds caused by the same viruses as in the UK. The only difference in the colds is that those in the warmer tropical areas tend to be milder than the miserable colds we get every year in the UK. A Severe Chill Can Cause A Cold? Folklore tells us that a severe chill, especially in cold wet weather, will bring on a cold. However, there is no scientific evidence to support this common belief. When scientists have chilled volunteers in cold showers they have not been able to show that this influences the likelihood of becoming infected or alters the severity of symptoms. However, lack of scientific evidence in no way disproves the folklore and there is a definite seasonality to colds and flu with most infections occurring during the cold wet winter period. Did You Know In a lifetime of 75 years we suffer from over 200 bouts of common cold, its estimated that we spend three years of our life coughing and sneezing. The velocity of a sneeze can be up to 145km/h. The words 'God bless you!' were first used by Saint Gregory, who lived from 240-332 AD. He is said to have spoken the term in response to sneezers during a plague. In 1919, United States citizens who were unlucky enough to catch a cold were likely to be jailed. At that time it was an offence to sneeze in public, because an earlier flu epidemic had claimed 24 million lives globally. Over-the-counter medicines can relieve symptoms of the cold and flu, but doctors also recommend plenty of rest. Good, old-fashioned hand-washing is one of the best preventative measures a person can take. Cleaning a desk at work, school or home may also eliminate lurking germs. Rhinoviruses that cause colds can survive up to three hours, so cleaning surfaces with disinfectant may help stop infections, Flu Influenza is a disease of the lungs and upper airways caused by infection with a flu virus. The virus spreads in the lungs and airways. There are three flu viruses, known as A, B & C. Flu A occurs more frequently (every two to three years) and is more serious than type B. It is very likely to mutate and it regularly produces varieties to which populations have no resistance. It is for this reason that widespread epidemics occur that may affect whole continents. These are known as pandemics and are caused by new strains of the type A virus. Generally, flu B causes a less severe illness, although it is responsible for smaller outbreaks. Flu B is much more stable than the flu A virus and if you have been infected with flu B, your immunity to further flu B infections will last for many years. Flu B mainly affects young children (5 - 14 years of age) who have not been exposed to the virus and have not developed immunity. In the winter of 2005/6, the majority of flu activity was confined to type B with only a few cases of flu A reported. Type C usually causes a mild illness similar to the common cold. In recent years, two subtypes of flu A have been circulating, the H1N1 subtype and the H3N2 subtype - Panama or Moscow-like strains. In 2003/4, the main strain circulating was a flu A (H3N2) Fujian-like strain. This is slightly different to the A (H3N2) Panama-like virus, which has been circulating in the UK in recent years. Many of the symptoms of flu are similar to those of the common cold and many people incorrectly refer to a heavy cold as 'flu'. Viruses cause them both, but flu affects the lungs much more that a cold does. The main symptoms of flu are that you will have are a high temperature that comes on quickly and general aches and pains. You may also experience a loss of appetite, nausea and a harsh dry cough. Your symptoms will usually peak after 2-3 days and you should begin to feel much better within 5-8 days, although a cough and general tiredness may last for 2-3 weeks. Like with colds, the flu virus is usually spread in the small droplets of saliva coughed or sneezed into the atmosphere by an infected person. Direct contact with hands contaminated with the virus can also spread infection. It takes between 1- 4 days (average 2 days) to go from being infected to having the full symptoms. People with flu are usually infectious a day before symptoms start and remain infectious for approximately 5 days after the start of the flu symptoms. Children and people with lowered immune systems may remain infectious for longer. You should therefore try to avoid all unnecessary contact with others during the infectious period. Flu usually occurs during the winter months, from October to April in the UK. Complications such as a chest infection can affect people who are elderly, or those with certain medical conditions. This can result in serious illness and can be life threatening. Flu vaccinations are offered to the over 65's and those deemed 'at risk' Special flu clinics are held each autumn, ask your GP or practice nurse for details. A flu jab's main purpose is to protect those who are most at risk of developing complications that can result from flu. You should have a flu jab if you are aged 65 or over, or if you have:a serious heart problem such as heart failure, a serious asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), a long-term kidney or liver disease, diabetes, or a weakened immune system as a result of an illness such as HIV (human immunodeficiency virus) or AIDS or due treatment, such as chemotherapy. Catching flu is a nasty experience for most of us. However, for some people it can lead to really serious illnesses like bronchitis and pneumonia and hospital treatment may be required. Every winter, a large number of mainly elderly people die from influenza. Therefore, if you are at particular risk, you should have a flu jab every autumn to ensure that you are protected. The number of people who consult their GP with flu-like illness during the winter varies considerably from year to year (usually between 50 and 200 for every 100,000 population). However healthy people with flu do not need to consult their G.P. An epidemic can be declared if more than 400 people per 100,000 of the population consult their GP with flu or a flu-like illness every week. You can usually diagnose flu yourself based on the characteristic of your symptoms. It is unusual for any other diagnostic tests to be necessary unless there are complications. Your GP cannot normally say exactly which virus is causing your 'flu-like' symptoms. The main role of laboratory diagnosis is to identify the main circulating types and strains of the flu virus. To do this, a viral culture is necessary which will be taken from your nose or throat using a swab. If some other disease is suspected (e.g. malaria, if you have recently travelled to an area where malaria is a problem), then other tests or a referral may be necessary. Our thanks to The University of Wales Common Cold Research faculty and NHS Direct for their help in preparing this weeks report and support information. A Word On… Food & Mental Health The foods we consume daily are very different in nutritional content to those we ate more than fifty years ago. We are eating less nutritious, fresh produce and more saturated fats and sugars. Partly because of the way food is produced and manufactured, many people are eating fewer vitamins and minerals. New substances, such as pesticides, additives and trans-fats have been introduced to the diet, which alone and together can prevent the brain from functioning properly. Our intake of omega-3 fatty acids has gone down whilst our intake of omega-6 fatty acids has gone up. The rise of processed foods, which use vegetable oils, has significantly increased our intake of omega-6. At the same time, people in the UK eat 60 per cent less fish - a good source of omega 3 fatty acids - than they did 60 years ago. This imbalance of omega 3 and omega 6 may result in depression, concentration or memory problems for some people. In addition to this, over the last 60 years there has been a 34 per cent decline in UK vegetable consumption. Only 13 per cent of men and 15 per cent of women now eat at least five portions of fruit and vegetables per day. As a result, instead of our diets providing a healthy combination of polyunsaturated fats, minerals and vitamins, we are eating too much saturated fat, sugar and salt and not enough vitamins and minerals. Our analysis of the research indicates that this diet is fuelling not only obesity, cardiovascular disease, diabetes and some cancers, but may also be contributing to rising rates of mental ill-health and anti-social behaviour. People Are Always Being Told 'Eat This, Eat That' - Is This Just Another Health Fad? Most diets are linked to slimming and most healthy eating campaigns to date have concentrated solely on physical health. The links between diet and mental health have yet to be properly addressed at a national level. This is what our campaign is all about. Just like the heart or the stomach, the brain is an organ that is affected by what we eat and drink. Most of the brain is derived directly from food and it needs various nutrients to stay healthy. Won't People Feel Powerless Hearing This News - Aren't We All Doomed? This is a serious large-scale issue, and the big changes need to come from Government but there are things that people can do to ensure that they eat the necessary nutrients to keep the brain healthy. The same diet that is widely accepted to be good for your physical health is also good for your mental health. A healthy balanced diet includes lots of different types of fruit and vegetables, wholegrain cereals, nuts and seeds, meat and dairy from extensively reared (including organic) sources and oily fish from sustainable fisheries. Are You Saying That Everyone Needs To Eat Organic Food For Good Mental Health? There are several issues addressed in our reports that lead us to support organic farming - for example, the evidence of a link between pesticides and Parkinson's disease and the possible decline of minerals in the soil due to intensive farming methods. Buying food from local farmers who farm their animals less intensively and to high animal welfare standards is a good option. But buying organic is not the only option. A healthy balanced diet includes lots of different types of fruit and vegetables, wholegrain cereals, nuts and seeds, meat and dairy from extensively reared sources and oily fish from sustainable fisheries. Should People Be Eating More Fish? Eating more of any particular food is not necessarily the answer. However, the evidence does show that omega-3 fats, which are found in oily fish, are beneficial to the brain. Much attention is often paid to the use of fish oils in mental health treatment. If a person does choose to eat fish, oily fish is the better choice. Unfortunately, there is a very real problem in advising people to eat more fish because industrialised fishing is leading to a severe decline in fish stocks. People should make an effort to choose oily fish from a sustainable source to help preserve declining fish stocks. Fish certified by the Marine Stewardship Council will be from a sustainable fishery. Are Vegetarians In Danger? Vegetarians are usually physically healthier than meat eaters, and there is no evidence that mental health problems are more common in vegetarians. Although the fats found in fish do appear to be vital for mental health, it is still possible to get simpler versions of these fats from plant foods. Vegetarians who eat a wide variety of fruits, vegetables, nuts and seeds will be giving their brains good nutrients. It is a generally healthy and balanced diet that appears to have the most benefit to a person's mental health - not just one nutrient or food. Wouldn't It Be Easier If We All Just Took Supplements? Although food supplements have their role in some cases, we need to emphasise that they are not a substitute for a healthy diet. Supplements may contain some beneficial specific nutrients, but they do not contain many other valuable elements that are present in food. And, more of a good thing is not always better! Eating too much of one nutrient can sometimes interfere with how the brain absorbs or creates other substances. Advice Constantly Changes About What Is Considered A Healthy Diet The advice about healthy diets has actually been very consistent over the past decades. The copious amount of popular diet books may lead the public to think otherwise, but there has really been very little change, even though new discoveries may occasionally tweak the recommendations. A healthy diet is actually very simple. It is low in saturated fats, salt and sugar and includes lots of different types of fruits and vegetables, wholegrain cereals, nuts and seeds, and protein from fish, meat or pulses. Are Diets Responsible For The Increase In The Number Of People Experiencing Mental Health Problems? Diet is one of many factors that may result in a person experiencing mental health problems. Other factors include genetics and life events - such as a person's upbringing or emotional experiences, such as bereavement or separation. Can Anybody With A Mental Health Problem Be Treated With Diet? Some foods damage the brain by harming healthy brain cells but many nutrients can improve a person's mood and mental health. Growing evidence, and a number of significant voices are saying that diet should be used in the care and treatment of people with mental health problems. Research into the use of dietary approaches in the treatment of mental illness shows that certain vitamins or minerals can alleviate depression, and the removal of certain food additives can help to alleviate the symptoms of hyperactivity in children. Research has been carried out both using diet as a standalone treatment, and as a complement to conventional treatments, such as medication. Our Government must look to nutrition as an option in helping people to both prevent and manage their mental health problems. Everybody is susceptible to mental ill health and for that reason people need to be educated about the implications of the foods they eat, and how they may affect them. Is The UK Really Experiencing An Increasing Incidence Of Mental Ill Health? Yes, there has been an increasing prevalence of mental health problems in children, adolescents and older people. There has been a definite increase in the number of people being diagnosed with dementia. The incidence of common mental health problems such as depression and anxiety has increased in the last fifty years but rates of severe mental ill health have not really changed. A Word On… Airlines & Oxygen One of the world's leading airlines has axed its charge for supplementary oxygen for passengers with breathing problems following a campaign by the National patient support charity, the Pulmonary Hypertension Association UK (PHA-UK) and the British Lung Foundation. Research by the charities unearthed charges of up to £1100 levied by Emirates airlines, on otherwise 'fit to fly' passengers who require extra oxygen in flight. But Emirates has just announced that it has changed its policy and passengers will no longer be required to pay any additional charge for oxygen. "From 1st October 2008, Emirates changed its policy for passengers who require oxygen throughout a flight. These passengers are able to book the lowest available fare and are not required to pay any additional charge. To help meet the cost of providing oxygen, Emirates had previously asked passengers to pay the IATA, the licensed fare for the route. Whilst the difference between IATA fares and others available could be very little, there were occasions when this was not the case, hence why the policy was reviews and changed." Twenty-two of the world's major airlines were surveyed revealing that only Virgin Atlantic consistently provided free oxygen to passengers. British Airways suspended their £100 per flight oxygen fee in July 2008. Now following the Emirates climb-down, lung charity bosses, are hoping other airlines will follow suit. Ninety thousand people in the UK currently need some form of supplemental oxygen because of low oxygen levels in their blood due to the lung conditions Pulmonary Hypertension(PH) and Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease(COPD).They are dependent on supplemental oxygen to improve delivery of oxygen and blood to the muscles and prolong life. Iain Armstrong, Chairman of PHA-UK said: "It is very good news that another airline has withdrawn its charge for extra oxygen and we hope this creates a domino effect with others following suit. Over the past 8 years we have provided over £50,000 worth of grants to people with PH to enable them to afford these ludicrously unfair charges. We applaud Virgin, British Airways and now Emirates for not taxing oxygen dependent passengers." He added: " The majority of airlines won't allow oxygen dependent passengers to bring their own supply or to use a battery operated oxygen concentrator which filters ambient air in the cabin so they have little choice but to pay anywhere from £55 to £1100 per flight to enable them to breathe." Helena Shovelton, Chief Executive of the British Lung Foundation, said: "Supplemental oxygen is as important to people with breathing problems as a wheel chair is to people who have difficulty walking. This survey reveals the enormous challenges facing anyone who is dependent on supplemental oxygen and wants to travel by plane. All airlines should allow these passengers to travel with it free of charge, if they have medical clearance to do so. We need other airlines to act on this with urgency so that people with breathing difficulties do not have to overcome enormous barriers just to be able to take a holiday." The Pulmonary Hypertension Association UK (PHA-UK charity number 1120756) provides support, understanding, and information for those whose lives are touched by Pulmonary Hypertension (PH). By bringing people together, and providing a focus for everyone throughout the UK and around the world, PHA-UK aims to make the lives of patients, relatives and carers easier and more able to cope with the challenges that the disease imposes. To find out more visit www.pha-uk.com or call the helpline on 08003 89 81 56. The British Lung Foundation is the only UK charity working for everyone affected by lung disease. The charity focuses its resources on providing support for people affected by lung disease today; and works in a variety of ways (including funding world-class research) to bring about positive change, to improve treatment, care and support for people affected by lung disease in the future. It provides information via the website www.lunguk.org and telephone helpline 08458 50 50 20. A Word On… Coeliac Disease Coeliac disease is caused by a reaction to gluten, a protein found in wheat, and other similar proteins found in rye, barley and oats. These proteins damage the small finger-like projections (villi) that line the small intestine and play a significant role in digestion. When damaged and inflamed, the villi are unable to absorb food properly, which often causes diarrhoea and malnutrition. What Are The Symptoms? Diarrhoea is one of the most common symptoms to affect people of all ages with coeliac disease. Children may not gain weight or grow properly, while adults may find they lose weight. Malabsorption can also leave people tired and weak, because of anaemia caused by iron or folate deficiency. Other possible symptoms include mouth ulcers, vomiting and abdominal pain. An itchy rash on the elbows and knees, called dermatitis herpetiformis, may occur. Possible long-term problems include infertility, osteoporosis and bowel cancer. Who's Affected? The average incidence in the UK is one in 100 people and men and women seem to be affected equally. The condition runs in families and was once thought to affect only children. However, many adults are now being diagnosed with the disease. It's particularly common between the ages of 30 and 45. Coeliac disease is more common among people with type 1 (insulin-dependent) diabetes, autoimmune thyroid disease, osteoporosis, ulcerative colitis and epilepsy. People from the west of Ireland are more often affected, as are those from the Punjab region of India, Pakistan, the Middle East and North Africa. It's possible people who think they have wheat intolerance may have undiagnosed coeliac disease It's important to consult your GP if you suspect coeliac disease. It's possible people who think they have wheat intolerance may have undiagnosed coeliac disease. Can It Be Prevented? Breastfeeding and delaying the introduction of foods containing gluten until after four months may prevent children from developing coeliac disease, but there's no definitive way to stop it developing. How's It Diagnosed? A specialised blood test has been developed to help doctors decide whether or not a patient has coeliac disease. In the past, anyone suspected of having the condition would've had a biopsy taken from the intestine by a hospital specialist. Although this is still necessary to confirm diagnosis, it's usually only done when the blood test has demonstrated that coeliac disease is the likely cause of symptoms. What's The Treatment? There's no cure for coeliac disease, but it can be controlled by following a gluten-free diet for life. This allows the damaged villi to recover and nutrients can then be absorbed normally again and symptoms disappear. The risk of someone with coeliac disease developing bowel cancer is believed to be no more than that of someone who doesn't have coeliac disease, provided they stick to a gluten-free diet. It's essential to consult a dietician to understand which foods are gluten-free (fruit, vegetables, fresh meat, fish, cheese, eggs, and milk) and which contain wheat, barley and rye, and should be avoided or replaced with products such as rice or corn flour. Recipe books and gluten-free foods are readily available. Regular tests are recommended to check for osteoporosis, so that appropriate treatment can be given if necessary. A diet rich in calcium and vitamin D and regular weight-bearing exercise are essential to help prevent osteoporosis from developing. Scientists in the UK are studying the effects of gluten on the intestine. In future, it may be possible to block the damaging effects of gluten on the gut, so people with coeliac disease are able to eat any food they wish. For more information please contact Coeliac UK on either 0870 444 8804 or www.coeliac.co.uk A Word On… Avoidable Tragedy Blood pressure is the pressure of blood in the arteries. If your blood pressure is high it can narrow the arteries and blood vessels in your body and this can lead to damage to the brain or heart. If it is too high over a period of time and not treated, then you will be at increased risk of heart attack, stroke and heart failure. High blood pressure is also a risk factor for kidney disease, dementia and some eye conditions. High blood pressure (also called hypertension) usually has no symptoms, which is why many people do not know they have it. That is why it is often called the 'silent killer'. The good news is that high blood pressure can be treated and often prevented, and there is lots you can do to lower your risk. Whether you have high blood pressure, or normal blood pressure, it is important to realise that the higher your blood pressure, whatever it is, the higher your risk of heart disease or stroke. This means that all of us should be adopting a lifestyle that will help to lower our blood pressure whether we have high blood pressure or not. The only way to find out what your blood pressure is to have regular checks. Keep a record yourself and remember the numbers in the same way as your height and weight. In other words, Know your Numbers - and encourage your family and friends to do the same. What Do The Numbers Mean? Your blood pressure numbers show how hard your blood is pushing against the sides of your blood vessels (arteries) as it travels round your body. When you have your blood pressure measured it is written like this: 120/80mmHg, which is said "120 over 80". The first number is the systolic pressure, when you heart pushes blood around your body. The second is the diastolic pressure, when your heart relaxes. Blood pressure usually ranges between 90 to 250 for the top or maximum number (systolic) and 60 to 140 for the bottom or minimum number (diastolic). A healthy blood pressure is a level of 120/80 or less, but the lower you can get it, the better, as blood pressure tends to rise with age. To maintain a healthy level and reduce your risk of stroke and heart disease, check out our lifestyle tips (link). 140/90mmHg is the level used to diagnose high blood pressure for everyone, whatever your age. It is important to remember that high blood pressure is never diagnosed after just one reading, but only when blood pressure levels are consistently at or greater than 140/90mmHg. If this is the case, it will need to be treated. How Can I Lower My Blood Pressure? There are a number of ways in which you can lower your blood pressure. Below we list the five main lifestyle changes you can make. Some will lower your blood pressure in a matter of weeks; others will take a little longer. They are listed in order of speed of effect: Cut down on salt. This means eating more natural foods and fewer processed ones and not adding any extra salt to foods or in anything you cook. Salt naturally raises your blood pressure, eating less will reduce this effect. Increase your fresh fruit and vegetables. Aim to eat at least five, or better still, seven to nine different portions a day. Fruit and vegetables contain potassium that counters the effect of salt and helps to lower blood pressure. Drink alcohol in moderation. No more than 3-4 units per day for men and no more than 2-3 units per day for women. Drinking more than the recommended limits over a long period will slowly raise your blood pressure. Increase your level of activity. Build in 30 minutes of moderate activity at least five times per week. Being active not only gives your heart a good work out, but it also helps your arteries to stay flexible and better able to cope with the demands of daily life. Lose weight if you are overweight. Your doctor or nurse will be able to tell you your ideal weight. Excess weight puts extra strain on your heart and your arteries. The good news is that these changes really do work and will help to lower your blood pressure for life. If you have high blood pressure, another key way to lower your blood pressure is to take medication prescribed by your doctor. Treatment for high blood pressure is now very successful and there is a wide range of medicines to choose from. Taking your tablets as prescribed, especially in combination with the lifestyle tips above, will help you to live a longer and healthier life. Can High Blood Pressure Be Cured? There are a small number of people who do have an underlying condition causing their high blood pressure. Unfortunately, only a few of these conditions can be treated, but this does mean in a very few people blood pressure can be returned to normal. You are more likely to have an underlying cause if you have very severe blood pressure or blood pressure that is resistant to treatment or if you have underlying kidney disease.For most people, however, there is no cure as such, but both lifestyle changes and tablets are very effective in lowering blood pressure. If you do manage to lower your blood pressure, then your risk of developing a stroke or heart attack is considerably reduced. Can High Blood Pressure Kill Me? High blood pressure is the major cause of stroke, dementia, heart attacks and heart failure and is responsible for more than half of these. These are the major causes of death and disability in the UK. It is, therefore, vital that everyone knows what their blood pressure is and take steps to prevent them developing high blood pressure later in life - by lifestyle and dietary changes, as well as making sure their blood pressure is well controlled if it is raised. Do I Need To Get My Cholesterol Checked Too? High blood pressure is a 'risk factor' for heart disease and stroke. This means that if you have high blood pressure you have a greater chance of having these conditions. A raised blood cholesterol is also a risk factor for the same conditions. If you have both a high blood cholesterol level and a high blood pressure your risk is multiplied. Therefore, many doctors also arrange for people with high blood pressure to have a blood sample taken to measure cholesterol, particularly if they are overweight, inactive or smoke as well. As You Get Older Is It Still Necessary To Get Below 140/90mmHg? Yes. Blood pressure does rise in many people as they get older but the levels to aim for with treatment are the same for all ages, unless you have diabetes, kidney disease or have already had a heart attack or stroke. If this is the case you are aiming to get your blood pressure even lower, to 140/80mmHg or below. Some people can find it difficult to get their blood pressure down to these levels, especially if their blood pressure is very high to begin with. However, almost everyone should, with the right treatment and lifestyle, be able to get down to these levels. Shouldn't Your Blood Pressure Be 100 Plus Your Age? Many people have probably heard this before! This is an old saying for blood pressure levels and comes from a time when doctors understood less about the risks of high blood pressure. It is not true - an optimal blood pressure level is 120/80mmHg or lower, and high blood pressure is 140/90 mmHg or higher, whatever your age. The lower your blood pressure the lower your risk of heart attack, heart failure, stroke and kidney disease will be. What Is A Dangerously High Blood Pressure? For almost everyone the risks of high blood pressure affect you in the long term. As high blood pressure usually has no symptoms people often don't know they have it. Because they don't know they have it, it is never treated and, over a period of years, the blood pressure remains high and starts to damage the blood vessels. This is when the damage to the blood vessels can lead to a heart attack, stroke, heart failure or kidney disease. So, the important thing is to make sure that you know what your blood pressure is and if it is high that you receive treatment and stick to it. A small number of people will have a blood pressure at very high levels, above 240/120mmHg for example, and this can cause problems very quickly and it needs to be treated straight away. Which Is More Important, The Bottom Or The Top Number? We have discovered that systolic blood pressure (the top number or highest blood pressure when the heart is squeezing and pushing the blood round the body) is more important than diastolic blood pressure (the bottom number or lowest blood pressure between heart beats) because it gives the best idea of your risk of having a stroke or heart attack. We know, for example, that having a blood pressure of 160/80mmHg is more "risky" than having a blood pressure of 150/90mmHg. Having a raised systolic blood pressure but normal or low diastolic blood pressure is called Isolated Systolic Hypertension (ISH) and carries an increased risk of developing heart attacks or strokes and should be treated. However, there are some circumstances where diastolic blood pressure may be more important than systolic. For example, some studies suggest that, in people aged younger than 40 years, diastolic blood pressure is a better way of assessing risk. However, younger people are less likely to have a stroke or heart attack, so information on their risk of future problems is limited. It could be that diastolic blood pressure becomes more important when it is very high. There is some evidence to suggest that, for example, a blood pressure of 180/120mmHg gives a greater risk of stroke or heart attack than 180/100mmHg. T he only way to resolve this issue is to obtain data from thousands of patients collected on a systematic basis. The statistical tests to investigate the relative importance of systolic and diastolic blood pressure are immensely complicated. However, current evidence strongly suggests that, over the age of 40, it is systolic pressure that is most important. Only My Top Number Is High - What Does This Mean? This is called isolated systolic hypertension and is more common as people get older. It is important that it is treated even though it is only the systolic number that is raised. For more information contact the Blood Pressure Association on www.bpassoc.org.uk or 0845 241 0989 or the British Heart Foundation on 08450 70 80 70 or www.bhf.org.uk A Word On…. Diseases Of The Pituitary Gland The pituitary is a small, pea-sized gland located at the base of the brain that functions as "The Master Gland." From its lofty position above the rest of the body it sends signals to the thyroid gland, adrenal glands, ovaries and testes, directing them to produce thyroid hormone, cortisol, estrogen, testosterone, and many more. These hormones have dramatic effects on metabolism, blood pressure, sexuality, reproduction, and other vital body functions. In addition, the pituitary gland produces growth hormone for normal development of height and prolactin for milk production. What Are The Diseases Of The Pituitary Gland? Pituitary conditions include: Acromegaly Adult Growth Hormone Deficiency Craniopharyngioma Cushing's Disease Diabetes Insipidus Hypopituitarism Non-functioning tumours Prolactinoma Rarer Disorders, including Empty Sella Syndrome, Pituitary Infarction, Sheehan's Syndrome, Kallmann's Syndrome, Rathke's Cleft Cysts and Familial Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia Type 1, Wolfram Syndrome, & Septo-Optic Dysplasia. Why Are Pituitary Disorders So Hard To Diagnose? Pituitary disorders can cause a wide spectrum of symptoms, both hormonal and neurological, due to its location near the brain, the intracranial nerves and blood vessels and because of the vital hormonal control that the gland provides. Diagnosis of pituitary disease may be extremely difficult because it's often confused with other disorders. It is dependent on symptoms, signs on examination, blood tests and MRI findings. Direct access to the pituitary can only be reached at surgery. What Causes The Pituitary To Malfunction? Tumors (overwhelmingly benign), inflammation, infections and injury can cause the gland to malfunction, as well as metastasis or spread of other tumors to the pituitary (rare). Radiation therapy to the brain can also cause normal pituitary cells to malfunction. What Is A Pituitary Tumor? A pituitary tumor is an abnormal growth of pituitary cells. Pituitary tumors can either be nonfunctional (that is they do not secrete hormones) or produce specific hormones, such as prolactin (causing infertility, decreased libido, and osteoporosis), growth hormone (causing acromegaly), ACTH (causing Cushing's), TSH (causing hypothyroidism), or be nonfunctional (that is they do not produce hormones). These tumors behave according to their cell of origin and are named for the specific cell type affected. For example, if a tumor originates in a prolactin producing cell, the patient develops a prolactinoma-a prolactin secreting pituitary tumor that is common and usually treatable. High prolactin levels suppress production of the pituitary hormones (luteinizing hormone and follicle stimulating hormone) that stimulate production of estrogen or testosterone. Men with these tumors have low testosterone levels and lose their sex drive and eventually their masculine characteristics-hair, muscle, erections, and ability to produce sperm. Women with prolactin producing tumors often do not ovulate, experience low estrogen levels, and cease having menstrual periods. In both cases, patients with low sex hormones develop osteoporosis. It is important to remember that most pituitary tumors are benign and cancer is very rare. They have variable patterns of growth and affect different people in vastly different ways. Some are small and incidental, while others are small but cause hormone excess. Others may be rapidly growing mass lesions. Are They Fatal? If diagnosed early enough, the prognosis is typically excellent. If not, some tumors can grow into macroadenomas that press on the optic nerves (causing loss of peripheral vision and, in some cases, blindness), the brain (impacting function) and the pituitary (limiting or eliminating hormone production). Large tumors can also invade the cavernous sinuses, which house the carotid arteries, the veins to drain the eyes, and nerves involved in eye movement. Surgery around the cavernous sinuses is difficult and should be performed by an experienced pituitary surgeon. The tumors can also secrete too much of a hormone, causing hypertension, diabetes, mood disorders, sexual dysfunction, infertility, osteoporosis, arthritis, accelerated heart disease and death. Why Is Diagnosis Such A Problem? The confusing constellation of symptoms that can be produced by pituitary tumors and the difficult to visualize location make diagnosis very tricky. It is not uncommon for patients to have symptoms of either hormonal deficiency (caused by compression of the pituitary or its "stalk") or hormone excess (caused by unregulated production of hormones by the pituitary tumor). In a significant minority of patients diagnosis is not made until the individual has developed debilitating or life-threatening symptoms of heart disease or adrenal (uncommon), gonadal and/or thyroid insufficiency. Even in the 21st century death from a large pituitary tumor or hormonal deficiency still occurs, albeit rarely. Early diagnosis is usually a reflection of a high index of suspicion on the part of a physician. Unfortunately, many doctors have been taught that pituitary disease is rare, so it is not at the forefront of their list of possible diagnoses. How Are Pituitary Tumors Treated? It depends on the type of tumor and how far it has invaded into the brain, as well as the patient's age and overall health. Three kinds of treatment are used: surgery (removing the tumor during an operation), radiation therapy (using high-dose x-rays/proton beams to kill tumor cells) and drug therapy to shrink and sometimes eradicate the tumor. Drugs can also block the pituitary gland from making too much hormone. A Transphenoidal operation can remove the tumor through a cut in the nasal passage, leaving no external scar. (Sometimes a surgeon prefers to go through an incision under the upper lip instead of the nose, also with no external scarring.) A Craniotomy removes the tumor through a cut in the front of the skull; this is rarely done for large invasive tumors. How Do I Get Diagnosed? Anyone suffering from a constellation of complaints/clinical findings suspicious for pituitary disease should get blood and urinary hormone levels checked and, if indicated, a brain MRI, keeping in mind that microadenomas may not show up on the x-rays. Combinations of three or more of the following may suggest the possibility of a pituitary tumor: sexual dysfunction, depression, galactorrhea, infertility, growth problems, osteoporosis, obesity (specifically central), severe vision problems, easy bruising, aching joints, carpel tunnel syndrome, disrupted menses, early menopause, muscle weakness, fatigue. For more information, please contact The Pituitary Foundation on www.pituitary.org.uk or 0845 450 0375 A Word On… Medical Identification MedicAlert is a non-profit making, registered charity providing a life-saving identification system for individuals with hidden medical conditions and allergies. This takes the form of body-worn bracelets or necklets (known as Emblems) bearing the MedicAlert symbol on the disc and supported by a 24 hour emergency telephone service. Each member receives an Emblem that is engraved with the wearer's main medical condition(s) or vital details, a personal ID number and a 24 hour emergency telephone number which accepts reverse charge calls that can access their details from anywhere in the world in over 100 languages Who Needs Medical Identification? You need medical identification if: You have any type of hidden medical condition You have an allergy You have had any type of implant You take regular medication You would like your blood group to be recorded You have a living will or wish to be an organ donor You simply want someone else to know if you have been involved in an emergency And this is just the beginning. It is important to understand that everybody, irrespective of whether they are 100% fit and healthy, could justify becoming a member. It is not just bracelets and necklets, but a complete system. In an emergency it may be just as vital to know who your next of kin are as it is to know your medical details. How Does It Work? In an emergency, vital information is available on the back of your Emblem. Medical and emergency personnel can then telephone the given number and by quoting your ID number and after clearing security checks, they can receive further important details where appropriate. For example: your name and address, doctor's details, current drug therapy or next of kin. This 24 hour emergency telephone service is dealt with from the emergency call centre housed within the offices of the London Ambulance Service. The emergency telephones are staffed 24 hours a day, 365 days a year with trained staff on hand to answer all calls, including reverse charge calls, from anywhere in the world with a translation service available in over 100 languages. In an emergency situation there is always someone on standby who can give your vital medical and personal information. All calls are logged, with full details of the caller, the nature of the call and the response given. Becoming a member of MedicAlert does come at a small cost. If you are interested or wish to find out more information, please either call a Membership Services Advisor on 020 7833 3034, 0800 581 420.(freephone) or visit their website at www.medicalert.org.uk A Word On… Carbon Monoxide Poisoning Carbon monoxide (CO) is a colourless, odourless, tasteless, poisonous gas produced by incomplete burning of carbon-based fuels, including gas, oil, wood and coal. Carbon-based fuels are safe to use. It is only when the fuel does not burn properly that excess CO is produced, which is poisonous. When CO enters the body, it prevents the blood from bringing oxygen to cells, tissues, and organs. You can't see it, taste it or smell it but CO can kill quickly without warning. A recent survey claims that 30 people die from CO poisoning caused by gas appliances and flues that have not been properly installed, maintained or that are poorly ventilated. Levels that do not kill can cause serious harm to health if breathed in over a long period. In extreme cases paralysis and brain damage can be caused as a result of prolonged exposure to CO. Increasing public understanding of the risks of CO poisoning and taking sensible precautions could dramatically reduce this risk. What Preventative Measures Can I Take Against Carbon Monoxide Exposure? Ensure that any work carried out in relation to gas appliances in domestic or commercial premises is to be undertaken by a CORGI-registered installer, competent in that area of work. Make sure that gas appliances and/or flues are installed and serviced regularly for safety by a CORGI-registered installer. If you live in tenanted accommodation, your landlord has a legal duty to carry out an annual gas safety check and maintain gas appliances. They must provide you with a copy of the completed gas safety check certificate. Always make sure there is enough fresh air in the room containing your gas appliance. If you have a chimney or a flue, ensure it is not blocked up and also ensure that vents are not covered. If you plan to install a gas fire in a bedroom, use a CORGI-registered installer; do not use unflued appliances like paraffin heaters and cabinet heaters. Get your chimney swept from top to bottom at least once a year by a qualified sweep. If you have appliances that use other fossil fuels, make sure they are serviced and maintained by a competent person. For information on competent persons' schemes, visit the Communities and Local Government website. What Are The Symptoms Of Carbon Monoxide Poisoning? Early symptoms of carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning can mimic many common ailments and may easily be confused with food poisoning, viral infections, flu or simple tiredness. Symptoms to look out for include: tiredness drowsiness headaches giddiness nausea vomiting pains in the chest breathlessness stomach pains erratic behaviour visual problems. If you or your family experience any of the above symptoms and you believe CO may be involved, you must seek urgent medical advice from either your GP or an accident and emergency department. You should ask for a blood or breath test to confirm the presence of CO. Be aware, CO quickly leaves the blood and tests may be inaccurate if taken more than four hours after exposure has ceased. How Do I Know If I Am At Risk From Carbon Monoxide? Although carbon monoxide (CO) is a colourless, odourless and tasteless gas, signs that indicate incomplete combustion is occurring, resulting in the production of CO, include: Yellow or orange rather than blue flames (apart from fuel effect fires or flueless appliances which display this colour flame) Soot or yellow/brown staining around or on appliances Pilot lights that frequently blow out Increased condensation inside windows What Should I Do If I Think My Appliance Is Spilling Carbon Monoxide? Switch off the appliance and do not reuse until remedial action has been taken Shut off the gas supply at the meter control valve (if you know where it is). If gas continues to escape call National Grid on the Gas Emergency Freephone Number 0800 111 999 Open all doors and windows to ventilate the room - do not sleep in it Visit your GP urgently and tell him/her that you believe your symptoms may be related to carbon monoxide poisoning and request either a blood and/or breath sample Contact a CORGI-registered installer to make repairs |
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