Latest news with #EdinburghNapierUniversity
Edinburgh Live
5 days ago
- Health
- Edinburgh Live
Edinburgh student creates 'cancer friendly clothing' after mum's leukaemia battle
Our community members are treated to special offers, promotions and adverts from us and our partners. You can check out at any time. More info A student has designed cancer treatment-friendly clothing in honour of her mum's battle with leukaemia. Kirsty Blyth, 21, took inspiration from her mother's resilience during treatment to develop a new type of clothing for others going through the same ordeal. The Edinburgh Napier University student has titled her project 'Thread of Hope,' and the concept involved a top which allows easy and discrete access to a Hickman line - a tube commonly used for medicine during chemotherapy. Kirsty, from Broxburn in West Lothian, said her mum Lynne encouraged her to come up with the solution. Kirsty said: "My mum had three different Hickman lines during her treatment because it kept getting budged about by clothing. Join Edinburgh Live's Whatsapp Community here and get the latest news sentstraight to your messages. "When I was coming up with ideas for my final project, she suggested doing something about that. "After speaking to her about it and others who've gone through similar procedures, they all said it was something they struggled with." Hickman lines are typically attached to a patient's chest, just above the heart, with part of the tube staying outside the skin. Clinicians use it to administer medication and food, or to take blood samples. As Lynne continued her treatment during 2024, Kirsty began looking into ways to make the experience more personal. (Image: SWNS) "The idea came when I was focusing on the emotional side of things," Kirsty continued. "My mum was given a piece of cloth that hangs round her neck to cover the line at first, so I thought about ways of making that better. "I thought that instead, patients could fill out a form and get the jumper made for them when they have the Hickman line fitted. "There are similar ideas for people who've gone through hair loss or a mastectomy during cancer treatment. "I wanted it to be personal and went through so many design ideas - but I'm happy with what I've ended up with. "Everything seems to get taken out of your control when you're going through cancer treatment. "I thought having a jumper like this could give some of that control back to the patient, while maintaining their dignity and comfort." Her working prototype and unique concept is on display at the university's Degree Show. The annual showcase for students from the School of Arts & Creative Industries gets underway with a launch event this evening (Thursday 29 May 2025). Kirsty's mum will be among her proud family and friends visiting her display, which sits alongside work from the BDes Product Design programme. Sign up for Edinburgh Live newsletters for more headlines straight to your inbox She will also join course mates in July who are taking their final projects to New Designers 2025, the annual London showcase of the UK's most innovative emerging design talent - where she hopes Thread of Hope could be taken further. "Working on a project that was so personal to me has been tough," Kirsty added. "But I've found it to be a helpful process. It helped us accept everything that was going on last year. "It feels like such a relief to get to this point. I'm looking forward to showing it off. "I'd love to see the idea go further too. "I've got friends in nursing who have told me they think it could make a difference."
Daily Record
5 days ago
- Health
- Daily Record
Student designs chemo friendly clothes after watching mum 'struggle' during cancer treatment
Kirsty Blyth's design would allow for easy access to a tube commonly used for administering medicine during chemotherapy. A Scots student has created clothing designed for people undergoing cancer treatment, in honour of her mum's battle with leukaemia. Kirsty Blyth, 21, took inspiration from her mum Lynne's resilience during her treatment to develop a new type of clothing for others going through the same ordeal. The Edinburgh Napier University student came up with the concept for her final project, which she has titled "Thread of Hope". It involves a top which allows easy access to a Hickman line, a tube commonly used for administering medicine during chemotherapy. The prototype is set to go on display at the university's Degree Show, which launches on Thursday, May 29. Kirsty, from Broxburn, West Lothian, said Lynne encouraged her to come up with the solution. She said: "My mum had three different Hickman lines during her treatment because it kept getting budged about by clothing. "When I was coming up with ideas for my final project, she suggested doing something about that. "After speaking to her about it and others who've gone through similar procedures, they all said it was something they struggled with." Hickman lines are typically attached to a patient's chest, just above the heart, with part of the tube staying outside the skin. It can be used to administer medication and food, or to take blood samples. As Lynne continued her treatment during 2024, Kirsty began looking into ways to make the experience more personal. She continued: "The idea came when I was focusing on the emotional side of things. "My mum was given a piece of cloth that hangs round her neck to cover the line at first, so I thought about ways of making that better. "I thought that instead, patients could fill out a form and get the jumper made for them when they have the Hickman line fitted. "There are similar ideas for people who've gone through hair loss or a mastectomy during cancer treatment. Join the Daily Record WhatsApp community! Get the latest news sent straight to your messages by joining our WhatsApp community today. You'll receive daily updates on breaking news as well as the top headlines across Scotland. No one will be able to see who is signed up and no one can send messages except the Daily Record team. All you have to do is click here if you're on mobile, select 'Join Community' and you're in! If you're on a desktop, simply scan the QR code above with your phone and click 'Join Community'. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. To leave our community click on the name at the top of your screen and choose 'exit group'. If you're curious, you can read our Privacy Notice. "I wanted it to be personal and went through so many design ideas - but I'm happy with what I've ended up with. "Everything seems to get taken out of your control when you're going through cancer treatment. I thought having a jumper like this could give some of that control back to the patient, while maintaining their dignity and comfort." Her working prototype and unique concept will be on display at the university's annual showcase for students from the School of Arts & Creative Industries. Kirsty's mum will be among her proud family and friends visiting her display, which sits alongside work from the BDes Product Design programme. She will also join course mates in July who are taking their final projects to New Designers 2025, the annual London showcase of the UK's most innovative emerging design talent - where she hopes Thread of Hope could be taken further. Kirsty added: "Working on a project that was so personal to me has been tough. "But I've found it to be a helpful process. It helped us accept everything that was going on last year. It feels like such a relief to get to this point. I'm looking forward to showing it off. "I'd love to see the idea go further too. I've got friends in nursing who have told me they think it could make a difference."
Daily Record
6 days ago
- Entertainment
- Daily Record
Caitlin's joy as she marks 10 full seasons of conducting Lanarkshire Cecilian Orchestra
Founded in 1956 and now a registered charity it took its name from the patron saint of music A music teacher is set to mark 10 full seasons of leading an orchestra that formed in Blantyre almost 70 years ago. Caitlin Hollinger is the conductor of the Lanarkshire Cecilian Orchestra (LCO) . The orchestra founded in 1956 is a registered charity and took its name from Saint Cecilian – the patron saint of music. The orchestra will perform its Spring Concert this Friday. Caitlin, a graduate in violin and conducting from Edinburgh Napier University, works for South Lanarkshire Council as an Instrumental Music Teacher in primary and secondary Schools, specialising in Violin and Voice. She also conducts the South Lanarkshire Schools Choir and is the Musical Director of the Wee Sing Community Choir in East Kilbride. 'I find it hard to believe that I am about to conclude my 10th season,' said Caitlin. 'Time flies when you're having fun, as they say. This is actually my 11th year as Conductor but Covid managed to steal an entire season from us. 'It has been one of the greatest joys of my life to have been at the helm of such an amazing organisation and to watch the orchestra grow and develop, year on year.' The amateur orchestra has grown in numbers so much in recent years that it struggles to find suitable venues to perform its three concerts each year. Caitlin continued: 'In my first season with the LCO, the orchestra was a relatively small ensemble. It's hard to believe now, but we had a cello 'section' of only one player. 'The organisation has grown to almost 60 members and we perform some of the greatest works within the orchestral repertoire. 'I have had so many memorable, musical moments over the last decade. From the fun-filled, family entertainment of our annual Christmas Extravaganzas to the heartfelt, mature performances of our Spring Classical Concerts or the exciting thrills and spills of our themed season finales, each concert brings something new for all of us. Away from music the mum-of-three loves nothing more than spending time with her husband, her sons and the family's two dogs, and loves the outdoors. 'Never make the mistake of asking me about my West Highland Way adventure,' Caitlin said. 'You will be stuck listening to me for hours. My next hiking challenge is The Great Glen Way.' There have been many highlights during the last decade-plus with LCO but one emotional performance tops the lot for Caitlin. 'It is very difficult for me to choose a stand-out performance from the past decade but, if pressed, I would have to choose last season's performance of the Beethoven Violin Concerto with Mark Wilson,' said Caitlin. 'Mark's mum, Sally Wilson, was our leader for many years until her passing in 2020. "Mark's incredible performance of the violin concerto, performed on Sally's violin and accompanied beautifully by the orchestra, is a moment that will stay with me for the rest of my days. The fact that Mark subsequently agreed to take on the role as leader of the orchestra is simply wonderful. 'I have had the privilege of conducting such a wide range of music over the years: towering Classical symphonies and concerti, modern Film and Musical Theatre Scores and even Rock and Pop scores. There really is something for everyone's tastes at an LCO concert. 'It is the friendliest, most welcoming and supportive organisation I have ever been involved with and I truly believe that this is why we have endured, are flourishing and are fast approaching our 70th anniversary. I cannot wait to see what the next decade holds'. Lanarkshire Cecilian Orchestra will perform The Universe and Beyond - Orchestral Concert this Friday, May 30 at Sherbrooke Mosspark Parish Church, 240 Nithsdale Road, Bellahouston, Glasgow G41 5AD *Don't miss the latest headlines from around Lanarkshire. Sign up to our newsletters here. And did you know Lanarkshire Live had its own app? Download yours for free here.
Time of India
6 days ago
- Health
- Time of India
Hearing aids could help reduce falls among older adults, results from clinical trial suggest
New Delhi: Providing hearing aids to older adults, along with counselling their families, were found to reduce falls by nearly 30 per cent over a three-year period, according to a study published in The Lancet Public Health journal. Falls -- a leading cause of injury and major health concern among the elderlies -- have been linked with hearing loss, among other factors, including a decline in physiological responses, mobility and cognitive skills. Researchers, including those from Edinburgh Napier University, UK, provided hearing aids and counselling to family members of half of 977 adults in the US, aged 70-84, with untreated hearing loss and without substantial cognitive impairment. The other half -- 487 participants -- were the 'control group' and given health education. Results from the 'ACHIEVE' trial revealed that the average number of falls over three years among those receiving hearing interventions -- hearing aids and counselling -- was 1.45, compared to 1.98 in the control group. "The intervention group had a 27 per cent reduction in the mean number of falls over three years compared with the control group," the authors wrote. The team said that evidence from previous studies that examined the link between using hearing aids and falls has been contradictory. The ACHIEVE trial is the "first large-scale" randomised control trial that has explored the potential effect of hearing intervention on falls, the researchers said. Findings from the trial suggest that hearing aids and counselling may reduce falls among older adults with hearing loss, even as further research is required to examine the longer-term effects of hearing intervention on falls. A study, published in 'The Evidence' journal in March 2024, found that prevalence of falls among older adults in India (aged 60 and above) was 11.43 per cent. Data of 28,710 participants from the Longitudinal Aging Study of India (LASI), collected during 2017-2019, was analysed. The study attributed the risk of falling to chronic conditions, such as diseases of bones and joints, and vision problems. Self-reported poor health emerged as a strong predictor for falls, emphasising the interplay of physical health and self-perception in risk of falling, it said. Further, women were found to be at a 31 per cent higher risk of falling, compared to men.
Scotsman
16-05-2025
- Health
- Scotsman
How research in Scotland is aiming to improve messaging with vulnerable groups to boost population vaccination
Immunisation research is addressing communication for Scotland's HPV vaccine | Submitted Research to improve cancer-prevention messaging with vulnerable and hard-to-reach groups for the human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine is ongoing to ensure communication is targeted to ultimately improve uptake rates. Sign up to our daily newsletter – Regular news stories and round-ups from around Scotland direct to your inbox Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know with a Digital Subscription to The Scotsman, you can get unlimited access to the website including our premium content, as well as benefiting from fewer ads, loyalty rewards and much more. Learn More Sorry, there seem to be some issues. Please try again later. Submitting... The HPV vaccine programme was introduced in Scotland in September 2008 – but uptake rates have dropped globally since the Covid pandemic. Now, researchers at Edinburgh Napier University are looking into ways to reach vulnerable and hard-to-reach groups and improve communication messaging with them more effectively to boost the numbers that are vaccinated and prevent future cancer cases. Academics from the University's Centre for Biomedicine and Global Health are among those at the forefront of the work to help Public Health Scotland increase understanding of the need for protection in different communities. Moving beyond 'one size fits all' messaging The number of S1 pupils having one dose of HPV vaccine dropped in 2023/24 according to Public Health Scotland, continuing a long-term gradual decline in HPV coverage rates over the past decade. The reasons for the lowered uptake are many and varied, which is why Edinburgh Napier University researchers like Dr Carol Gray Brunton, a research psychologist who lectures in Health and Social Care Sciences, and Dr Janette Pow a lecturer and former Health Visitor who leads the Master of Public Health Programme for the School of Health and Social Care, are focused on better understanding 'vaccine hesitancy' among hard-to-reach groups. As Carol explains, it's only by listening to and working with the views of vulnerable groups, such as those with an intellectual disability, or sexual minority groups (like gay, bisexual, men-who-have-sex with men) and ethnically diverse groups, that any barriers to vaccination can be addressed through targeted communications. 'Since the pandemic we've seen lowered rates of vaccines across the population, which means increased risks of disease and outbreaks. 'So that is why we are looking at and applying theoretical insights from behavioural and psychological science, for example, to a real public health problem and trying to reach people who are most vulnerable because sometimes it is the most vulnerable groups in society who aren't being vaccinated.' The pair have a long history of working together to understand the way different people view the HPV vaccine (read more here). "Prevention is one of the key principles of public health: health protection and improvement. And vaccination, or immunisation, is one of the methods we use to protect the public; we want to ensure that we are meeting vaccination uptake levels because we need what's called 'herd immunity',' explains Janette. 'In Scotland, we do have high uptake rates, but we still aren't reaching the pre-pandemic level . The World Health Organisation wants to see 90% of all girls vaccinated by 15 for cervical cancer elimination . We've concentrated our research on HPV, however other diseases like measles, where the uptake rates for the measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccine have declined and outbreaks have occurred as a result.' Sharing knowledge to prevent cancer Thanks to insights from the Centre's ongoing research, different ways are being considered to address the stigma around HPV and the vaccine. "This is a cancer prevention vaccine; what we're keen to communicate is that this is a vaccine that was really highly successful in Scotland before the pandemic,'* says Carol. 'It was called 'the Jade Goody effect' because the link between HPV and cancers became more widely understood after a celebrity died from cervical cancer; it helped to highlight the need for vaccination prior to being sexually active. 'Post-Covid, with the global slump in vaccination in general, and with boys being introduced into the national school-based vaccination programme later in 2019 in Scotland, somehow the messages for cancers affecting boys/men haven't been as widespread like head and neck, penile and anal cancers. We need to get that message out around cancer prevention for boys themselves but also protection for their future partners as well. 'In this case it's about knowledge and appropriate communication for parents and young people so when they come to make the decisions about the vaccine they understand what it is and why it's important.' 'A mission to tackle real-world health challenges' At Edinburgh Napier's Centre for Biomedicine and Global Health, a team of experts from different disciplines are working together to explore the full arc of human health from early development through to adulthood to uncover the root causes of disease. 'Our research is driven by a clear purpose: to tackle real-world health challenges through innovative, translational science. As part of our applied research portfolio, we look to deliver practical solutions to complex biomedical challenges — bridging the gap between fundamental discovery and health improvement worldwide,' says its director, Professor Peter Barlow. As he explains, the research on increasing uptake of the human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine has delivered critical insights into how gender, vulnerability, and social factors can affect vaccine access and acceptance. 'By addressing the barriers faced by girls and women, boys and men, together with marginalised populations, this work is helping shape inclusive, evidence-based public health strategies — both in the UK and internationally.' Elsewhere within the centre, its impact spans a number of areas of global health from Professor Mick Rae's pioneering work on polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) to Dr Fiona Kerr's work on neuro-inflammation and mechanisms of brain ageing and neurodegeneration. Internationally, Dr Mary Abboah's leadership of the ExtraCECI trial in Ghana aims to generate evidence around community-based, person-centred care to improve outcomes for people living with HIV/AIDS. Professor Eva Malone is also leading some work with international partners around piloting HPV educational interactional workshops aimed at S1 pupils to increase their HPV knowledge and awareness, and is working with Carol. Continuing to engage with Scotland's minorities And the work on improving vaccine uptake doesn't stop there: other ENU academics like Dr Elaine Carnegie are collaborating with Janette and Carol to better communicate and understand young men with intellectual disabilities' perceptions of HPV and HPV vaccine, for example, a very neglected group. Development of a cross-cultural HPV community engagement model within Scotland was undertaken to examine cultural barriers and solutions regarding acceptance and uptake of the vaccine from the perspective of Scottish Black, Asian, Minority Ethnic young people. . As Janette explains, the team have worked and plan to work closely with Public Health Scotland to help inform their work but "we've only really touched the surface of reaching some of these vulnerable groups to find out how we can get messages across to particular vulnerable and harder-to-reach groups'.. "We've explored some of the things to communicate in the studies we've been involved in over the last 12 years. So what seems to be important is using tailored and sensitive messages for specific groups, having trusted and respected community leaders advocate for the vaccines alongside public health messages and wider cancer-prevention messages that include boys/young men as well as girls/women and reduce stigma,' adds Carol. To find out more about the Centre for Biomedicine & Global Health, visit the website here For details on studying at Edinburgh Napier University, click here.
