Latest news with #LivingWell
Scotsman
6 days ago
- Business
- Scotsman
Asda Dyce presents £1,000 Asda Foundation Grant to Dementia Charity ‘The Living Well Dementia Café' in celebration of Asda's 60th Birthday
An Aberdeen community project has been awarded a £1,000 grant by Asda's charity, the Asda Foundation, to celebrate a decade working with people impacted by dementia. 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 Living Well Project, which was established in 2010 to support isolated and vulnerable people in the north of the city, launched its Living Well Dementia Cafes five years later, providing much-needed social support for those affected by memory loss and dementia, as well as their families and carers. The £1,000 grant comes as part of more than £60,000 of funding from the Asda Foundation that will be awarded to grassroots groups across the UK in celebration of Asda's 60th Birthday. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad The Living Well Project, which also runs a Befriending Service, will use the funding to host special events across its three Living Well Cafes to mark a10 years at the heart of their communities. The Living Well Project Cafe Jeanette Abel, Team Leader at The Living Well Project said: 'People living with dementia can often feel isolated and on the edge of society. Our cafés offer a safe place where peer support is so important and where attendees can reconnect with people in their own communities. We were delighted to be awarded a grant of £1000 as part of the Asda 60th birthday celebrations and this will be used to celebrate our own 10th birthday. The cafes have grown since we started in 2015 and have become so important to those who attend as we are able to support carers as well as those living with the debilitating illness. Carers can meet others in similar situations, and they get support from each other. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Those with a diagnosis of dementia also get support in a different way as they have fun and get the opportunity to 'live in the moment' and enjoy a happy afternoon.' Fiona Cumming presents cheque to The Living Well Project Dementia Cafe The team offers a range of activities at the cafes, with a strong emphasis on music. Linda Rendall, Cafe Co-ordinator at The Living Well Project added: 'It has been proven that music can have a positive effect on those living with dementia, providing a way to connect when verbal communication is difficult. The dementia community continues to grow locally as the prevalence of the disease escalates but it can be difficult for unpaid carers to find a safe environment to attend. This year, as The Living Well Cafés celebrate their 10th birthday, we plan to use the funding received from the Asda Foundation to mark the occasion with celebratory events in our three dementia cafes. We will invite local entertainers and encourage people to dance and sing along to songs that are from their era and are familiar to them' Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad
Business Mayor
26-05-2025
- Health
- Business Mayor
Billy Joel health: What brain condition does he have, what are the symptoms and can you treat it?
Sign up to our free Living Well email for advice on living a happier, healthier and longer life Live your life healthier and happier with our free weekly Living Well newsletter Billy Joel is being treated for a rare brain disorder that has led to him cancelling all upcoming performances and tour dates. The 'Piano Man' star, 76, shared a statement to his official Instagram account that revealed he has been diagnosed with Normal Pressure Hydrocephalus (NPH). 'This condition has been exacerbated by recent concert performances, leading to problems with hearing, vision and balance,' the statement said. 'Under his doctor's instructions, Billy is undergoing specific physical therapy and has been advised to refrain from performing during this recovery period. Billy is thankful for the excellent care he is receiving and is fully committed to prioritising his health.' 'He is grateful for the support from fans during this time and looks forward to the day when he can once again take the stage.' What is Normal Pressure Hydrocephalus? NPH is a condition caused by excess cerebrospinal fluid building up in the brain's ventricles, which leads to increased pressure that compresses brain tissue and can lead to neurological symptoms. It is described by the NHS as an uncommon and poorly understood condition that typically affects people over the age of 60. Billy Joel is being treated for the condition (Getty Images) What are the symptoms? The damage to the brain caused by hydrocephalus can cause a wide range of symptoms, including headaches, being sick, blurred vision and difficulty walking. Different kinds of hydrocephalus can cause specific symptoms. The NHS describes the three main types of hydrocephalus as follows: congenital hydrocephalus: hydrocephalus that's present at birth acquired hydrocephalus: hydrocephalus that develops after birth normal pressure hydrocephalus: usually only develops in older people Normal Pressure Hydrocephalus can sometimes develop after an injury or stroke, but in most cases the cause is unknown. According to the Cleveland Clinic, NPH affects around 5.9 per cent of people over 80. Patients are often diagnosed after they see a doctor because they or a family member are concerned they might be developing dementia, as the symptoms – from memory loss, bladder control issues and trouble walking – can be similar. What causes hydrocephalus? The NHS explains that the brain is surrounded by a fluid called cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), which has three important functions: to protect the brain from damage, to remove waste products from the brain, and to provide the brain with the nutrients it needs to function properly. The brain constantly produces new CSF equivalent to around a pint a day, while old fluid is released and absorbed into the blood vessels. However, if this process is interrupted, the level of CSF can build up and cause pressure in the brain. Billy Joel with his daughter, Alexa Ray Joel (middle) and ex-wife Christie Brinkley (Getty) How is it treated? While NPH can present as dementia, it is treatable and often reversible provided it is caught early. To relieve pressure on the brain, neurosurgeons perform a surgery that involves drilling a hole into the skull and inserting a thin tube (shunt) that drains away the excess fluid. It has not been disclosed how Joel is being treated, but his statement said he was undergoing 'specific physical therapy'. His fans, friends and family including his daughter Alexa Ray Joel and ex-wife Christie Brinkley are among those to send messages of support to the renowned singer-songwriter.
Business Mayor
16-05-2025
- Health
- Business Mayor
Are expensive SPF products worth the money? Experts reveal all
Sign up to our free Living Well email for advice on living a happier, healthier and longer life Live your life healthier and happier with our free weekly Living Well newsletter As the desire to protect our skin from the sun intensifies, many are drawn to the allure of high-end sunscreens. With their promises of silky textures and chic packaging – it can be tempting to blow the budget. But do these luxury SPFs offer superior protection, or are consumers simply swayed by sophisticated marketing? Dermatologists and sun care experts are now weighing in on whether investing in premium sunscreen is worth it. Here's what to look for when prioritising performance over prestige. More expensive SPFs tend to feel better on the skin (PA) Function vs. finish It's no question that affordable SPFs are just as effective at protecting your skin from the sun as high-end ones. 'Affordable SPFs from trusted brands can offer excellent protection and meet the same safety standards as high-end options,' says consultant dermatologist at the Cadogan Clinic, Dr Sophie Momen. 'Pricier products may offer more luxurious textures, faster absorption or finishes that feel better on the skin, but in many cases, you're just paying for branding and marketing, rather than superior protection.' However, the formula and level of protection is incredibly important. Premium products often boast more advanced UVA protection and skincare actives – and may avoid cheaper chemical filters linked to health concerns. 'There is also a possibility that the price can reflect the type of UV filters used in a formula to protect you,' explains Ultrasun's Abi Cleeve, founder of SkinSense. Read More Keir Starmer has started to sound like Boris Johnson on Brexit Ingredients that justify the investment Not all SPFs are created equal – and some of the most worthwhile differences lie beneath the surface. According to Momen, 'An effective SPF should be broad-spectrum, offering both UVB (for burning) and UVA (for ageing) protection and it should be SPF 50, especially if you're outdoors frequently, have pigmentation issues, or are using active skincare ingredients.' She also recommends formulas with antioxidants like vitamin E or niacinamide, water resistance and non-comedogenic features for acne-prone skin. 'High UVB protection – the SPF number – over 90% UVA filters, additional skincare actives for a 'one and done' in your skincare routine and a formula that sits well on the skin [can justify the cost]' says Cleeve. 'It needs to be effective, comfortable to wear and support your overall wellbeing.' (Amazon/PA) Eucerin Sun Actinic Control SPF100 Fluid Protezione Cheratosi Attinica, £19.99, Amazon (Ultrasun/PA) Ultrasun Extreme SPF50+, £24 (Look Fantastic/PA) Garnier BHA + Niacinamide Daily UV, £13, Look Fantastic How to decode the label A £12 high-street SPF 50 and a £60 luxury equivalent might look similar, but are they really offering the same thing? Technically, yes – and no. 'The SPF number measures UVB protection and must meet strict standards, regardless of the price,' says Momen. 'However, luxury brands may use newer or more photostable filters that provide better UVA protection, which is important for preventing pigmentation and premature ageing.' On a practical note, you should be looking for a 90% UVA filter or above – this is harder to find in affordable SPFs. 'Also consider how long the product protects you, and what the water resistance and photostability will be,' says Cleeve. 'A cheaper alternative may end up costing you more if you need to use more of it.' But don't let the beauty jargon confuse you. There are ways to keep the decoding simple. 'Check for the SPF rating to ensure protection against UVB rays,' says Momen. 'For UVA protection […] look for a UVA symbol in a circle or a five-star UVA rating.' Cleeve recommends going even further. 'For environmental considerations look for the BASF EcoSun pass. Look for clarity on the percentage of UVA filter and look for those that state they are allergy tested.' (Look Fantastic/PA) Ultra Violette Extreme Screen Hydrating Body & Hand Skinscreen SPF 50+, £12, Look Fantastic The mistakes you might be making Even the best SPF can't save you if it's not used correctly. Both experts cite the same major misstep: underestimating your skin's needs. 'Using low-SPF products – like SPF 15 – is a key mistake,' warns Momen. 'Lab testing assumes a much thicker application than most people use, so lower SPFs offer significantly less protection. Always opt for SPF 30–50 – ideally 50!' Solely relying on the SPF rating as opposed to UVA and UVB protection is also a common oversight. 'Not checking the level of UVA protection alongside choosing their UVB protection [is a major mistake]' explains Cleeve. She also advises ditching the 'holiday scent,' as fragranced SPFs can cause unnecessary sensitivity during sun exposure. If you're dealing with sensitive skin, melasma, or acne, your SPF choice matters even more. Read More How Enterprise Companies Are Pitching Generative AI to Marketers 'For oily or acne-prone skin, non-comedogenic formulas are essential to avoid breakouts,' says Momen. 'People with melasma or pigmentation issues benefit from tinted sunscreens with strong UVA protection, as these help block visible light too.' Those with sensitive skin, rosacea, or eczema may benefit from higher-end, hypoallergenic options, says Cleeve, particularly those with mineral-only filters. (MooGoo/PA) MooGoo Tinted SPF 40 Face Cream, £12.50 The bottom line So, is splashing out really worth it? Well, if your budget allows for a luxurious, high-performing sunscreen that feels like a dream to wear – go for it. But if you're reaching for a £10 bottle from a trusted brand with broad-spectrum protection and SPF 50, you're still doing your skin a massive favour. The simple golden rule is to use it generously. Reapply. And whatever the price point, find a formula that fits your lifestyle.
Business Mayor
13-05-2025
- Health
- Business Mayor
The seemingly small health symptoms doctors say you shouldn't ignore
Sign up to our free Living Well email for advice on living a happier, healthier and longer life Live your life healthier and happier with our free weekly Living Well newsletter H ave you ever had a weird ache that had you umming and ahhing about whether to book a doctor's appointment? Or wondered if you need to get this probably minor thing checked out? Our modern lives of overworking, poor sleep routines and general life stress all exacerbate a wide variety of symptoms. However, there are some things that, though seemingly small, may require a second opinion. The Independent spoke to Dr Lori Solomon, chair of the Department of Family and Community Medicine at New York Medical College, and Dr Estelle Williams, medical director for CityMD for the southern New Jersey region to get their thoughts on which symptoms should really not be ignored. Going to the bathroom too frequently Waking up in the middle of the night needing to pee is totally normal, Solomon tells The Independent. But if that's something you're doing two or three times per night – every night – that might be indicative of a more serious problem. Over-frequent urination can be a symptom of diabetes. 'When your sugar is high, one of the ways the body tries to get rid of the sugar, is to get rid of it through the urine,' Soloman says. 'During the day, you just go to the bathroom more often, but at nighttime, you often have to wake up.' Simple things such as needing to go to the bathroom frequently at night, or pain that causes you to wake up, may be a sign of something more serious that should be checked out by a medical professional (Getty/iStock) Williams agrees, adding that other worrying signs can be feeling more thirsty and a significant increase in appetite. 'Those are the types of things I think need to be checked sooner rather than later,' she says. Pain in the night Any pain that wakes you up during the night could be a problem. While pulled muscles, physical injuries, or other discomforts may hinder someone getting to sleep – they shouldn't be disturbing you once you're asleep, Solomon says. 'If you're waking up in the middle of the night with a headache, you've got a problem… because usually we don't wake up with headaches in the middle of the night,' she says. 'If that's waking you up at night – I'm a little bit more worried about that.' Sudden headaches Headaches are 'super common,' and shouldn't necessarily be considered worrisome, Solomon says. However, if a headache is accompanied by other things such as vision changes, nausea tingling in the extremities, weakness – those may be a sign that something neurological is going on. Williams cautions those who jump to label sudden, severe headaches as migraines. 'A migraine is actually a very specific diagnosis and headache pattern, requiring neurologic evaluation,' she says. 'It's good that you get evaluated if you're having a headache that's unusual for you, if it's very intense.' Headaches are super common, but if you're experiencing extra symptoms including nausea, vision changes or weakness this can be a sign of something else. Sudden, intense headaches, known as 'thunderclap headaches' should definitely necessitate a trip to the emergency room (Getty/iStock) Such high-intensity episodes, coming on quickly and out of nowhere, can be what is known as 'thunderclap headaches' should definitely necessitate a trip to the emergency room, says Solomon. Shortness of breath or fatigue Another symptom that crops up fairly frequently that shouldn't be ignored is sudden shortness of breath – especially if it's not something you've experienced before, says Williams. 'If you're like, 'that's weird. I was just doing my regular activities and I became very winded and short of breath,' get that checked,' she says. 'I would also say, if you take a deep breath and you develop pain in your chest or your back that you've never had before, that can sometimes be a soft sign for a blood clot in the lungs, called a pulmonary embolism, that we certainly want to see for sooner rather than later. Fatigue too – while common in many people due to hectic work schedules or other lifestyle commitments – should not be significantly interfering with things you would do day-to-day such as exercising, Solomon adds. In very severe cases, fatigue can be symptomatic of heart disease, sleep apnea, and even some cancers. Indigestion There is one less obvious and very typical symptom of heart disease. 'It's very common for people who are having a heart attack to think they're having indigestion,' Solomon says. 'If you're taking a walk and all of a sudden you feel like, 'Oh, I've got some indigestion', and then it gets better when you stop walking, that's your heart.' A combination of fatigue and indigestion, unconnected to a big meal, is something that people should see the doctor about, she says. It could be due to a lack of blood flow to the heart. Williams says that bouts of indigestion-like symptoms – pressure or tightness – that last for 15 minutes or 20 minutes can be telling, especially for those who do not typically suffer from indigestion or heartburn. 'Sometimes people think 'Oh, I just ate something weird, and I must have a bubble of gas in my chest,' she says. 'That sensation of indigestion is something that can be an indicator of heart disease… It can be a masker of something more serious.' Blood in your stool Monitor your bowels, says Williams, because being constipated or having diarrhea is something that's different is worth getting checked out. And while it may seem obvious, seeing blood in either your poop or pee is definitely something to see a doctor about. 'If you're having a change of bowel habits – if you see black stool or a lot of blood when you're using the restroom, I feel like that's perhaps not a subtle sign,' William says. 'That's something a little more concerning that means you should come in.' People often associate blood in the stool as a hemorrhoid, but should not be ignored as it can be a common presentation for colon cancer, according to Solomon. 'In general you generally don't want to see blood in the urine either,' she says. 'But that's usually kidney stones or urinary tract infections.' Persistent symptoms Solomon also warns people to pay attention when things just don't clear up on their own. 'If there's a cough lasting more than four weeks, you generally want to see somebody about that,' Solomon says. 'There's lots of reasons you can have a cough, but generally, if you have a cough after a cold, it generally goes away in a few weeks. So if it lasts longer than a month, we generally want to know about that.' Williams agrees, adding that things that have been happening for months that may seem innocuous may still be worth investigating. Losing weight unintentionally is definitely something worth mentioning to your primary care doctor. There are many reasons that a person can get a cough, though most generally go away in a week or so following a cold. Any longer, and it might be worth booking an appointment to see your doctor (Getty/iStock) Above all, Solomon recommends that to avoid anything too concerning, take regular visits to your primary care physician, who is better qualified to notice any changes, concerning or otherwise. She encourages people to be over, rather than under-cautious. 'Sometimes people feel silly about coming in with all these different symptoms, but I don't think we could expect that people are going to know everything that doctors know,' she says. 'I'd rather say it's nothing and reassure them than miss something that could be really serious if we didn't catch it in time.'
Yahoo
13-05-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Over 30 per cent of adults in Bradford are obese, figures suggest
NEW figures have revealed the scale of the obesity problem among adults in Bradford. The estimates have been published by the Office for Health Improvement and Disparities (OHID), using data from the Sport England Active Lives Adult Survey, and suggest that 31.2 per cent of adults living in the area in 2023-24 were obese. This is slightly down from figures from 2022-23, when an estimated 32.9 per cent of adults aged 18 or over were classed as obese. However, the data is still a sharp increase from 2018-19, when 26.5 per cent of adults were obese. Rose Dunlop, interim director of public health at Bradford Council, described obesity as a "growing public health concern globally" and outlined what the authority was doing to help tackle the problem. She said: "In Bradford, we recently launched our Good Food Strategy, which sets our system-wide approach to reducing food poverty, making the supply chain more sustainable, and improve access to healthy food. "Our physical activity strategy, Every Movement Counts, sets out how we are getting people in the district to be more active. "Our Living Well initiative brings together a wide range of resources we have in the district to support children and adults achieve the behaviours which are associated with having a healthy weight, eating a balanced nutritious diet, being more active as we go about our daily activities, and getting good sleep. "From classrooms to campaigns, to community groups and cycle lanes, the aim of Living Well is to transform Bradford a place where it becomes easier for families to live healthier and more active lives. "Under the Living Well initiative, residents of Bradford can also access free home-based support to families and young people who would like personalised confidential support to manage their weight. "Anyone looking for support to ways to improve their wellbeing can visit our website at "We have also just launched our Choose What Works For You campaign which offers people from across the district the opportunity to access a free service to help manage a healthy weight. "This includes Weight Watchers, Slimming World, the Brotherhood and APNA. "These services provide tailored support to help people build better habits, stay motivated and join like-minded people on the same journey in improving health."
