Anxiety

Most people will feel anxious at some point in their lives but for some people this can become a daily feeling that impacts everyday activities.

 Anxiety can affect people in different ways some of these include:

·       Trembling or shaking

·       Strong, fast, or irregular heartbeat

·       Excessive sweating or shortness of breath

·       Feeling nauseous

·       Feeling tense

·       A sense of dread

·       Irritability and difficulty concentrating

·       Social withdrawal

·       Seeking lots of reassurance from others

·       Dizziness and tiredness

·       Lack of energy, muscle aches and pains

·       Dry mouth

·       Headaches

·       Panic attacks

 Things that can help reduce anxiety include:

·       Talking to a friend/ family member

·       Change location to somewhere you feel more comfortable in

·       Breathe slowly in through nose out through the mouth

·       Try to focus on positive things

·       Regular exercise

·       Eating healthy foods

·       Taking time for yourself to relax

·       Meditation

·       Mindfulness

·       Avoiding caffeine, alcohol, and smoking

·       See a professional, a GP can help with a referral for treatments such as cognitive behavioural therapy, antidepressants and applied relaxation

 To help someone who is experiencing anxiety stay calm, listen to them, and reassure them. Accept what they say without judging them and show you understand the situation and their feelings are valid. Suggest they seek professional help if this is appropriate, there is also a lot of help from organisations online.

 In the UK over 8 million people are experiencing an anxiety disorder at any one time and less than 50% with a generalised anxiety disorder access treatment. There are many self-help techniques, online support, and professional support to help you cope with anxiety and you do not need to do this alone. Some organisations that can help include:

www.anxietyuk.org.uk

www.anxietycare.org.uk

www.youngminds.org.uk

www.breathingspace.scot

www.nhs.uk

www.rethink.org

www.samaritans.org

www.samh.org.uk

 If you are struggling with anxiety please seek help and if you suspect someone is struggling with anxiety make time to talk to them and offer them a safe, supportive and listening ear.

Festive First Aid

The festive season is just around the corner and we at Strong Roots Training are feeling jolly! The festivities bring lots of fun and good cheer to our homes, work environments and schools. However, in the most joyful way we would like to highlight some of the precautions everyone can take to ensure the whole festive season is enjoyable and injury free!

First things first, a well-stocked First Aid Kit for when accidents do happen. For information about what items should be included follow the NHS link.

https://www.nhs.uk/common-health-questions/accidents-first-aid-and-treatments/what-should-i-keep-in-my-first-aid-kit/

Be safe when decking the halls with bright lights and sparkles.

·       Turn off and unplug all lights overnight and when you leave the house,

·       Do not overload sockets,

·       Check Fairy lights before use,

·       Ensure lights and electrical wires are secured to avoid tripping hazards,

·       Dispose of wrapping paper or plastic packaging to avoid choking, especially if you have small children and/or pets in the house.

When cooking up a festive feast, ensure all enjoy full tummies and not burnt fingers.

·       We often use more pots and pans at Christmas than any other time of year, ensure you have proper, good quality oven gloves, tea towels cause burns!

·       Try to avoid a kitchen party whilst cooking. However lovely it is to get everyone involved, beware of a crowded kitchen.

·       Ensure that if cooking with children, the excited little ones know not to touch hot pans or sharp utensils.

If anyone does suffer a burn, follow these steps below:

1.      Cool the burn

Use cold running water for a full 20 minutes (immediate cooling is best but is still beneficial even 3 hours after the burn.)

Avoid hypothermia- cool the burn but warm the rest of the body.

 2.     Remove jewellery and loose clothing

Do this very gently and carefully, before the area starts to swell. DO NOT remove anything that is stuck to the burn.

3.     Cover the burn

Cover the cooled burn with a dressing that will not stick. Cling film is ideal (discard the first two turns of the film and ‘lay’ it on the burn, don’t wrap it around.) Alternatives include a new plastic bag, a low-adherent dressing, or a clean lint free cloth. Do not use cling film on the face.

NEVER rely on ‘burn dressings’ to cool a burn- use cold water for 20 minutes.

If the burn appears severe call 999 for emergency help.

NEVER COOL THE BURN USING ICE, BURST BLISTERS, TOUCH THE BURN, APPLY CREAMS, OINTMENTS OR FATS, APPLY ADHESIVE DRESSINGS, OR REMOVE CLOTHING THAT HAS STUCK TO THE BURN.

If anyone cuts themselves whilst preparing the food thoroughly irrigate superficial cuts with a large volume of drinkable water so there is no foreign matter in the wound. Slightly warm water can be more comfortable. Pat the wound dry with a sterile swab then cover with a sterile plaster or low adherent dressing.

If there is a lot of bleeding press firmly on the wound with a clean towel, press until the bleeding stops this may take 10 or more minutes, if possible, raise the limb. Then complete the steps above.

If after reading this, you feel the need to refresh your first aid knowledge before the festivities begin, please follow the link to our quick online course.

https://www.strongrootstraining.com/elearning

As lovely as Christmas is it can be a very overwhelming and stressful time especially with the cost-of-living crisis at the moment. Creating fun memories with your family can last a lifetime try playing games, watching movies, dancing to music, snuggling with a hot chocolate. Please don’t let the pressure of presents get to you. Quality family time can be the best present of all. If you are struggling with food, there are many community hubs set up now to help you.

If your mental health is suffering, please talk to someone. Remember it is ok not to be ok and there are support networks out there to help you.

Wishing you a very Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

Halloween First Aid

Halloween First Aid

Halloween is just around the corner, so we have put together some helpful tips in staying safe.

Costumes

The materials that most costumes are made from is flammable and when people put real candles in pumpkins outside their door this can be very dangerous if a child accidently stands too close. Try to get a costume with less flammable material or stay with your child and make them aware of the danger, if they are too young to understand it would be best to go all the way to the door with your child to prevent something bad from happening.

If a child’s costume does catch fire this is what your child should do STOP DROP and ROLL. Do not run just stop lay on the floor flat with legs out straight, cover their face and mouth with their hands and roll until the flames go out.

If the child has suffered burns:

1.      Cool the burn

Use cold running water for a full 20 minutes (immediate cooling is best but is still beneficial even 3 hours after the burn.)

Avoid hypothermia- cool the burn but warm the rest of the child.

 2.     Remove jewellery and loose clothing

Do this very gently and carefully, before the area starts to swell. DO NOT remove anything that is stuck to the burn.

 3.     Cover the burn

Cover the cooled burn with a dressing that will not stick. Cling film is ideal (discard the first two turns of the film and ‘lay’ it on the burn, don’t wrap it around.) Alternatives include a new plastic bag, a low-adherent dressing, or a clean lint free cloth. Do not use cling film on the face.

NEVER rely on ‘burn dressings’ to cool a burn- use cold water for 20 minutes.

 If the burn appears severe call 999 for emergency help.

 NEVER COOL THE BURN USING ICE, BURST BLISTERS, TOUCH THE BURN, APPLY CREAMS, OINTMENTS OR FATS, APPLY ADHESIVE DRESSINGS, OR REMOVE CLOTHING THAT HAS STUCK TO THE BURN.

 Sweet Treats

For many children Halloween is about receiving sweets and getting to eat them when they get home. However, things to consider are any allergies your child may have, choking, if the treats are homemade do not let your children eat them unless you are confident in the person who made them, are the treats in date, if anything isn’t in a wrapper is it hygienic to eat and how much they are able to eat once home.

Preparing your child can help a lot with this, before you go Trick or Treating if you let your child know once home, we will get all the sweets out and check them together and decide which ones you are able to eat tonight and save the others for another day. This helps the child as they will know they are going to get some sweets but understand it won’t be all of them tonight and whilst they are deciding which to eat you can check for allergies/ hygiene etc.

 If your child does have an allergic reaction the reaction may be mild or severe if a mild reaction has taken place give your child an antihistamine by mouth. (Some antihistamines aren’t suitable for children under 2, in this case speak to your GP, pharmacist or call 111.)

 If a serious reaction has taken place (anaphylaxis) this can be an extremely dangerous allergic reaction. In anaphylaxis a chemical called histamine is over produced causing one or more life threatening airway, breathing or circulation problems.

Recognition

·       Blotchy skin rash or flushing (not always present).

·       A rapid onset and rapid progression of one or more life threatening problems- Airway: Blood capillaries can ‘leak’ causing swelling and blockage. Look out for swelling of the tongue, lips, throat, or a feeling of the throat ‘closing up’.

Breathing: Windpipes can constrict just like asthma.

Circulation: Blood vessels can dilate to 3 times their usual size, causing a life-threatening fall in blood pressure. Look out for dizziness, fainting, pale skin, and a fast pulse.

 Treatment

·       Call 999 for emergency help.

·       Lay your child down in a comfortable position. If they feel light-headed or faint – DO NOT sit them up. Raise the legs if necessary.

·       If your child has airway or breathing problems only, they may prefer to sit up BUT take extreme care and lay them down immediately if they feel lightheaded or faint.

·       Use an auto-injector of adrenaline if your child has one.

·       If your child does become unconscious check airway and breathing and resuscitate if necessary.

If your child starts to choke, please see the poster below on what to do.

After successful treatment remember to seek medical attention if your child has received abdominal thrusts, has difficulty swallowing, has a persistent cough, or feels like the object is still stuck in the throat. And if the treatment seems ineffective call 999.

 Pumpkin Carving

Carving a pumpkin is great fun but it can be dangerous always supervise your children and if using a knife or sharp object this should be done by the adult. Painting pumpkins is a great way to get little ones involved rather than carving.

 If a child does cut themselves thoroughly irrigate superficial cuts with a large volume of drinkable water so there is no foreign matter in the wound. Slightly warm water can be more comfortable.

Pat the wound dry with a sterile swab then cover with a sterile plaster or low adherent dressing.

If there is a lot of bleeding press firmly on the wound with a clean towel, press until the bleeding stops this may take 10 or more minutes, if possible, raise the limb. Then complete the steps above.

 Road safety

Halloween is very busy with people walking around more than usual especially children, it is important to remind your children to cross the road safely even if they see something very exiting on the other side. Cars being able to see you is vital so walking with visible clothing or a torch is recommended.

It is also important for drivers to be more aware and drive more slowly particularly around residential areas.

Stranger Danger

Remind children of stranger danger and not to go off with anyone they do not know, do not get into any cars with any strangers or go into anyone’s houses and to stay with their adult or for older children/ teenagers to stay with their group and in well-lit areas on a pre-planned route and to keep phones on hand.

Halloween Etiquette

Only go to houses that are decorated or have a pumpkin outside. Say thank you for any treats you get. Take any rubbish with you. Try to keep in smaller groups when going up to someone’s door or wait your turn. Don’t stand on people’s plants or grass- use the path.

Having Trick or Treaters at your door

Make sure your pumpkin is out or your house is decorated so people know Trick or Treaters are welcome. It’s best to have a bowl of treats ready for Trick or Treaters to take when they come to your door. Some little ones may be shy so it’s good to smile and let them take their time to choose a sweet. If you have a dog, it might be best to keep it in another room away from the door as it might scare the children. The dog might also be confused as to why the doorbell keeps ringing so a new toy or treat might help settle him/her.

Breast Cancer Awareness Month

Breast Cancer Awareness

Breast cancer awareness is vital in helping to save lives we believe that schools with pupils aged 11+ years should help in the fight against breast cancer. Pupils who can spot the early signs and are comfortable checking for these are more likely to feel confident in going to a GP early and the earlier the cancer is detected the more successful the treatment will be. 

Here are some symptoms of breast cancer to look out for:

• A lump, swelling, thickening or bumpy area in the breast, upper chest or armpit

• A change to the skin, such as puckering or dimpling or a rash

• A change in the colour of the breast – the breast may look red or inflamed

• A nipple change, for example it has become pulled in (inverted) or pointing differently

• Rash, crusting or itchy around the nipple

• Unusual liquid (discharge) from either nipple

• Changes in size, outline or shape of the breast

• Pain or discomfort in one breast that does not go away on its own, pain in your breasts is not usually a sign of breast cancer.

Men can also get breast cancer. The most common symptom of breast cancer in men is a lump in the chest area.

See your GP if you notice any changes

How to check your breasts

There is no right or wrong way to check your breasts but it is important to know how your breasts usually look and feel that way you can spot any changes quickly and get seen by a GP as soon as possible.

·       Know what's normal for you

·       Look at your breasts and feel them can you feel or see anything new or different? Also check your armpit, and up to your collarbone. You can also look at your breasts in the mirror with your arms by your side and with them raised.

·       know what changes to look for

·       Report any changes to a GP without delay

If pupils have this information from a young age, we hope they would feel confident in checking themselves regularly and be able to spot the early signs to get a quick diagnosis, so therefore be able to start treatment without delay as when breast cancer is found early it needs less treatment and is more likely to be cured.

Black History Month

Black History Month

For Black History Month we will be talking about some black medical pioneers in the UK that made a real difference and changed Briton.

Mary Seacole 1805-1881

Mary Seacole started as a healer and female doctor in Jamacia in the 1800s then she worked in Central America. During the Crimean War she requested to be an army nurse but was refused so she funded herself and set up the British Hotel behind the front line to help injured soldiers. Mary provided food and supplies and cared for the injured and recovering soldiers. She also often went to the battlefield to help the injured on the front line. Her work was widely celebrated like Florence Nightingale. However, after her death in 1881 her story was forgotten. It wasn’t until the 21st Century that Briton began to recognise her achievements, in 2003 she was voted the Greatest Black Briton and in 2016 a memorial statue of Mary was created at St Thomas Hospital in London. And most significantly her story is now part of the National Curriculum.

Annie Brewster 1858- 1902

Annie Brewster was born in the Caribbean in 1858, she then moved to South London with her family in the 1860s. She worked at the London Hospital (now the Royal London Hospital) as a nurse for 20 years. She started as a probationer nurse in 1881 and became nursing staff in 1884 then went on to being in charge of the Ophthalmic ward in 1888. She became known as ‘Nurse Ophthalmic ‘due to her skills and kindness in treating patients with eye conditions.  Annie is one of the first known Afro-Caribbean nurses to work in Briton during the 19th Century. In 2018 she received public recognition for her work when her photograph was projected onto the side on the old Royal London Hospital during the celebrations for the 70th Anniversary of the NHS.

Dr Charles Drew 1904- 1950

Dr Charles Drew grew up in Washington DC he was an African American scientist who pioneered the science and politics behind blood transfusions his work helped save thousands of lives during World War II and beyond.  Drew was an amazing physician and surgeon and he finally gained international attention from his doctoral research which found new information on blood collection and storage. On request he came to England in 1939 to establish blood banks for the war effort the programme ended in 1941 and there had been over 5,000 litres of plasma sent. In 1942 Drew resigned after the armed forces rules that African Americans blood would be accepted but it needed to be stored separately from that of whites. Dr Drew went on to become Head of Department of Surgery and Chief of Surgery at Freemen’s Hospital. He was passionate about training the next generation of students in medicine and campaigning for the inclusion of black doctors. His work in medicine and to correct racial injustices earned him numerous awards.

Dame Elizabeth Anionwu 1947-

Dame Elizabeth Anionwu was born in Birmingham in 1947. She wanted to be a nurse from the age of 4 when her eczema was treated by a ‘wonderful nursing nun’. She started work in the NHS as a school nurse assistant at 16. She then became a nurse, heath visitor and tutor working with black and other ethnic minority communities in London. In the 1970s Elizabeth travelled to America to study counselling for sickle-cell and thalassemia centres, after this she worked with Dr Milica Brozovic to create the UK’s first sickle-cell and thalassemia counselling centre which was in Brent and opened in 1979. She became a professor and dean of the nursing school at the University of West London, then to try to address racial inequalities in the profession, established the Mary Seacole Centre for Nursing Practice in 1998. Elizabeth was honoured with a Damehood (DBE) in 2017 for her services to nursing and the Mary Seacole Statue Appeal. In July 2018, as part of the celebrations for the 70th Anniversary of the National Health Service, Elizabeth was included in the list of the 70 most influential nurses and midwives in the history of the NHS.

All these people and countless more have helped shape our future and the society of today. These people should be remembered and not forgotten.