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Visit us at our new website: www.wihb.scot.nhs.uk/our-services/health-promotion-health-improvement-service/

Two new sports directories have been launched for the Uists and Barra communities. To view, simply click on the appropriate directory below.

• Uists Sport & Activity Directory
• Barra Sport & Activity Directory

Story via Stornoway Gazette

Staff at Sgoil a’ Bhac were recently presented with a Gold Award following a successful Gold assessment under the Healthy Working Lives programme.

The programme is delivered by NHS Health Scotland in collaboration with Scotland’s 14 local NHS Boards.

The Healthy Working Lives programme helps workplaces identify issues and improve health, safety and wellbeing in their organisations in a structured and productive way.

By Achieving the Healthy Working Lives award, workplaces:

• Have a healthier, more motivated and productive workforce
• Reduce absence rates and support employees in work and returning to work
• Reduce accidents, incidents and work related ill health
• Enhance their reputation and increase their profile
• Contribute to the health of the wider community.

Staff at Sgoil a’ Bhac set out on their Healthy Working Lives journey in 2011 when the school was working on a large project related to Health and Wellbeing.

At that time it was considered important to also look at how best to improve the health and wellbeing of staff within the workplace.

Despite a number of changes in the senior management team within the school since 2011, Healthy Working Lives has remained a priority and the current Healthy Working Lives Steering Group includes employees from all staff teams across the School and Sgoil Àraich.

Cervical screening (also known as the smear test) saves around 5,000 lives every year in the UK and prevents 8 out of 10 cervical cancers from developing. Six women are diagnosed with cervical cancer every week in Scotland, so it’s really important to attend your cervical screening appointment when invited.

Cervical cancer may not have symptoms in its early stages, but it can be prevented through regular cervical screening (smear test) which detects any early changes to the cells of the cervix. The earlier cervical cancer is found, the easier it is to treat and you’re nine times more likely to survive cervical cancer when it’s found at an early stage, compared to a late stage.

The NHS Cervical Screening Programme invites all women from the age of 25 to 64 to attend cervical screening. Women who are 25 to 49 years of age are offered screening every 3 years, and those aged 50 to 64 are offered screening every 5 years.

From 30 March 2020, cervical cytology (looking at cells under a microscope) will be replaced by human papillomavirus (HPV) testing as the primary (first) screening test in the Scottish cervical screening programme. This will be carried out using the same samples of cells taken during cervical screening so the cervical screening experience for women will remain unchanged. Further information is available at: http://www.healthscotland.scot/health-topics/screening/cervical-screening/changes-to-cervical-screening-programme.

WHAT TO LOOK OUT FOR

If you’re a woman over 50, the combination of checking your breasts and attending your regular breast screening appointments gives you the best chance of being diagnosed early- and surviving – breast cancer.

In the last round of screening across the Western Isles which took place in 2017, almost one in four women didn’t take up the offer of screening, with only 77% of women attending their appointment. Ignoring the invitation leaves women at risk. Dr Maggie Watts, Director of Public Health said: “Breast cancer remains a common cancer in Scottish women but it’s also very treatable when caught early. I encourage every woman who receives an invitation for breast screening, to attend their appointment. We are using locations across the islands to make it easier for women to be screened; the appointment only takes a few minutes and the staff are welcoming and helpful.”

Attending your appointment is important. It involves having X-ray images taken of your breasts (mammograms). If you are due to attend for the first time or are worried about what might happen in the appointment, we recommend you have a look at the Health Scotland video, in which actress Elaine C. Smith has her breast screening appointment. The video is available at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FOplwRPhq1o. Remember:

A number of free health walks are being scheduled for Uig and for further information please contact the Uig Walk Leaders direct: 

Tony Ingle-Finch, tel: 01851 672 740 or email: info@uigdevelolpmenttrust.org.uk
* Alistair Pratt, tel: 01851 672 297 or email: info@uigdevelopmenttrust.org.uk

Free armbands are available to walkers, runners and cyclists; supporting them to stay safe and be seen while out and active in darkness.

NHS Western Isles’ Health Promotion department, in partnership with Comhairle nan Eilean Siar’s Sport & Health Section and the Lewis & Harris and Uist & Barra Sports Councils are distributing free hi-vis armbands across the islands following a similar successful initiative last year.

Our rural islands include many unlit roads, marked walkways and pavements; increasing the risk of harm to active people. Hi-vis clothing can increase the visibility of participants, allowing other road users to see them more clearly and reducing the risk of harm for all road users.

Local businesses and organisations are getting behind a campaign to raise awareness of Domestic Abuse and Coercive Control. The ‘16 Days Of Action’ campaign launched on November 25, and local businesses and organisations are lending their support to helping to promote the campaign.

The Outer Hebrides Violence Against Women Partnership, represented by NHS, Local Authority, Police Scotland, Fire Scotland and Third Sector, is seeking to raise awareness across the Western Isles during the campaign, which runs until December 10. The Partnership is encouraging everyone in the Western Isles to help us raise awareness by following our posts on social media (Facebook – NHS Western Isles or Twitter @NHSWI) and liking or sharing our posts #16daysofactivism #endviolenceagainstwomen #domesticabuse

The campaign is an opportunity for individuals, groups and communities around the world to call for the elimination of all forms of gender-based violence. The campaign runs every year from 25th November, UN International Day of Elimination of Violence Against Women, to 10th December, Human Rights Day, to highlight the link between violence against woman and human rights.

Domestic abuse is a pattern of controlling, coercive, threatening, degrading and/or violent behaviour, including sexual violence, by a partner or ex-partner. Domestic abuse is overwhelmingly experienced by women and perpetrated by men. However domestic abuse can also happen to men. It doesn’t matter how old someone is, what race or ethnicity they are, what class they are, whether or not they are disabled, or whether they have children – anyone can be a victim of abuse.

The Outer Hebrides Alcohol and Drug Partnership (OHADP) is raising awareness of a new law introduced on driving after taking certain drugs (including some medicines).

The law, introduced in Scotland on 21 October 2019, states that it is an offence to drive with certain drugs above specified blood levels in the body, whether your driving is impaired or not.

The new law sets limits at very low levels for eight drugs commonly associated with illegal drug use, such as cannabis and cocaine, to tackle illegal drug use and driving. The law also includes eight drugs commonly associated with medicinal use, that are sometimes abused, that have been set at higher limits based on the available evidence of the road safety risk and to reflect their use as medicines. These are morphine used to treat pain; diazepam, clonazepam, flunitrazepam, lorazepam, oxazepam, temazepam used to treat anxiety or inability to sleep; methadone used to treat drug addiction; and amphetamine used to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and Parkinson’s disease.

Evidence shows that all of the drugs listed in the new drug driving offence result in a significantly greater road safety risk when taken in combination with alcohol, even in small amounts.

Existing law makes it an offence to be in charge of a motor vehicle while unfit to drive through drink or drugs, including medicinal drugs, with the penalties being a minimum 12-month driving ban, up to six months in prison and a fine of up to £5,000. The new offence of driving while above specified drug limits will operate alongside the current offence and carry with it the same maximum penalties. If in doubt, you should not drive.

The Outer Hebrides Alcohol and Drug Partnership (OHADP) launches its winter campaign this month, with a focus on reducing stigma and improving recovery.

Alcohol and drugs continue to be a major issue nationally, with 1,187 drug related deaths in Scotland in 2018 (latest figures); the highest number ever recorded.

There were 1,136 alcohol specific deaths in 2018, with 23,751 people admitted to hospital as a result of consuming alcohol during 2018/19.

Here in the Outer Hebrides, recent data shows there were two drug related deaths in 2018 with an annual average of two between the years 2014-2018 and 13 alcohol specific deaths in 2018 with an annual average of 11 between 2014 and 2018. There were 192 people admitted to hospital as a result of consuming alcohol during 2018/19.

The OHADP is a multi agency partnership which exists to prevent and reduce the harmful effects of alcohol and drugs in our community, to promote sustained recovery and deliver better outcomes for those affected.

The 2018 Scottish Government ‘Rights Respect & Recovery’ Strategy’s vision is that Scotland is a country where ‘we live long, healthy and active lives regardless of where we come from’ and where individuals, families and communities have the right to health and life free from the harms of alcohol and drugs; be treated with dignity and respect; and are fully supported within communities to find their own type of recovery.

Community Walk Leader Dave Phillips recently received a national Walking Champion of the Year certificate. The annual awards recognise and celebrate volunteer Walk Leaders across Scotland. The Walk on Hebrides project, hosted by NHS Western Isles, nominated Dave for Paths for All’s Volunteer Award for his outstanding contribution to a community walks programme with Pairc Trust.

Community volunteer, Dave, launched Pairc community walks with Pairc Trust Office Manager, Fiona Stokes, two years ago in November 2017. They started with one weekly walk and since then they have gone from strength to strength and now offer two weekly walks including a Cancer Friendly Walk. They have been trained to ensure they have the skills and confidence to support people joining the walk who are affected by cancer: people living with cancer, their friends, family and carers.

Dave said: “Having walked the hills and dales of Great Britain nearly all my life, it was very natural for me to want to get involved when asked to join the project on the islands. The benefits to health are laid out for all to hear and read about, especially as you are getting into your senior years. It is very tempting to sit in the chair reading or watching TV, but a good walk with good company is far better for your mental, social and physical health.”

Since joining the Walk on Hebrides project Fiona and Dave have created inspiring community walks in Pairc with enthusiasm and dedication to improving the health of their local community.

Walk on Hebrides Walk Leaders are now offering Strength and Balance Exercises within their group walks. This provides people with an opportunity to keep muscles, bones and joints strong and reduces the chance of frailty and falls for older adults.

Karen Peteranna, NHS Western Isles Walk on Hebrides Coordinator, said: “This is the first time Paths for All strength and balance exercise training has been offered locally. Our Walk Leaders were keen to take part in the training so they can offer the exercises to people on group walks across Lewis and Harris. This is just the start, with more training opportunities planned across the islands next year.”

The Chief Medical Officer’s Physical Activity Guidelines were updated this year with more emphasis made on the importance of strength and balance exercises for all ages but especially as we get older. From 30 years of age, functional ability is reducing one to two per cent each year; for example strength, power, bone density, flexibility, balance and co-ordination. While the reduction in functional ability cannot be stopped, undertaking exercises that strengthen muscles and improve balance can help maintain strength and reduce the risk of frailty and falls.

NHS Western Isles has worked in collaboration with the local Department of Work & Pensions (DWP) to deliver training to frontline staff working in the Job Centre.

The training ‘Making Every Opportunity Count (MeOC)’ encourages staff to engage in conversations with claimants on lifestyle and life circumstances. This could include smoking, healthy eating, healthy weight, being physically active and alcohol intake, money and housing issues.

Taking 30 seconds to 3 minutes, the brief conversations make maximum use of resources available and provide information and signposting to them for further advice and support where appropriate.

For further information please contact Norma Macleod, Healthy Working Lives Coordinator, tel. 01851 762017 or email: norma.macleod1@nhs.net

Three Mentally Healthy Workplace training courses were run in October (two for Comhairle nan Eilean Siar and one for University of the Highlands & Islands Lews Castle College).

The training was for managers and supervisors and was designed to encourage good practice in promoting positive mental health and wellbeing, thereby contributing to a more open culture that puts mental health on the agenda alongside physical health, social inclusion and productivity.

For further information please contact Norma Macleod, Healthy Working Lives Coordinator, tel. 01851 762017 or email: norma.macleod1@nhs.net

A new Health Walk has been launched which meets every Thursday at Carloway School Annex at 1pm.

Just for a short walk, followed by a cuppa.  All welcome.

For further information contact Sally Reynolds, Walks Leader, Tel. 01851 643481 or email: info@carlowayestatetrust.co.uk

Intergenerational work is not a new concept however due to the advancements in technology and travel, where families are more geographically dispersed; there is more of a need within local communities to raise awareness of and encourage the connecting of different generations.

Intergenerational practice aims to bring people together in purposeful, mutually beneficial activities which promote greater understanding and respect between generations and contributes to building more cohesive communities. Intergenerational practice is inclusive, building on the positive resources that the young and old generations have to offer each other and those around them.

The above-titled intergenerational project was an initiative led by NHS Western Isles Health Promotion Department in partnership with Bhuth Bharraigh, children, parents and staff from Castlebay Children’s Centre, residents and staff from St. Brendan’s Care Home in Castlebay, Isle of Barra.

NHS Western Isles Health Promotion Department would sincerely like to thank everyone who made this project possible; in particular, the nursery children and care home residents who participated.

http://www.promotionswi.scot.nhs.uk/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/Cothrom-Og-Nursery-and-Sacred-Heart-Care-Home-Intergenerational-Project-2017-18-Evaluation-Report.pdf

Intergenerational work is not a new concept however due to the advancements in technology and travel, where families are more geographically dispersed; there is more of a need within local communities to raise awareness of and encourage the connecting of different generations.

Intergenerational practice aims to bring people together in purposeful, mutually beneficial activities which promote greater understanding and respect between generations and contributes to building more cohesive communities. Intergenerational practice is inclusive, building on the positive resources that the young and old generations have to offer each other and those around them.

The above-titled intergenerational project was an initiative led by NHS Western Isles Health Promotion Department in partnership with Bhuth Bharraigh, children, parents and staff from Castlebay Children’s Centre, residents and staff from St. Brendan’s Care Home in Castlebay, Isle of Barra.

NHS Western Isles Health Promotion Department would sincerely like to thank everyone who made this project possible; in particular, the nursery children and care home residents who participated.

http://www.promotionswi.scot.nhs.uk/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/Castlebay-Childrens-Centre-and-St-Brendans-Care-Home-Intergenerational-Proejct-2018-19-Evaluation-Report.pdf

Tuesday 17th December 2019
10am-1pm
St. Columba’s Hall, Stornoway

Come along and learn about how you can use Age Scotland’s Body Boosting Bingo game to promote strength and balance exercises in a fun way!

You will learn about the digital game, the pocket game and become familiar with the exercises; both seated and standing versions.

This awareness session is suitable for Walk Leaders, community groups and people who can use the resource to promote strength and balance exercises with adults and older adults. Refreshments provided.

For further information or to register contact: Karen Peteranna, Health Improvement Practitioner. Tel: 01851 762015 / Email: karen.peteranna@nhs.net

At the launch of October’s annual Breast Cancer Awareness Month, 35 year old breast cancer survivor, Shona MacInnes from South Uist, is eager to share her story to encourage women to regularly self-check their breasts and detect cancer early.

On November 2, 2017, Shona received the devastating news she had been diagnosed with breast cancer. At the age of 33 Shona was a wife and mother of three, was physically fit and healthy, and studying to become a teacher. There was no immediate family history of breast cancer, so it was a shock to everyone when Shona received her diagnosis.

It was during her monthly breast self-examination that Shona discovered a lump in her breast and immediately contacted her local GP Practice for an appointment. After her initial GP appointment, she was then referred to Glasgow where, within seven days, she had received her breast cancer diagnosis and a treatment plan was put into action.

Shona said: “It was a tough nine months, but it shows just how important it is for women to regularly check their breasts so that if breast cancer is found, it’s more likely to be treated successfully.”

Many of the symptoms of breast cancer are invisible but some symptoms can be caught early just by looking out for certain changes in your breasts and being proactive about your breast health. Lumps can appear anywhere in your breasts, armpit or around your collarbone. Any changes in the size or shape of your breasts need to be checked out. Remember that if you do find a lump, it doesn’t necessarily mean you have cancer, but you do need to get it looked at, to rule it out. Symptoms and signs of breast cancer include:

• a change in breast size or shape • a lump or area that feels thicker than the rest of the breast
• a change in skin texture such as puckering or dimpling (like the skin of an orange) • redness or rash on the skin and/or around the nipple
• your nipple has become pulled in or looks different, for example changed its position or shape
• liquid that comes from the nipple without squeezing
• pain in your breast or your armpit that’s there all or almost all of the time
• a swelling in your armpit or around your collarbone

NHS Western Isles is urging women to be aware of the signs and symptoms of breast cancer during this year’s Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Detecting cancer early is vital to saving lives. In fact, you’re five times more likely to survive breast cancer if it’s diagnosed and treated at the earliest stage.

Most women know that a lump can be a sign of breast cancer. Lumps can be found anywhere in your breasts, armpit or around your collarbone. If you do find one, or any other symptom of breast cancer such as leaking nipples, skin like orange peel, nipple becoming turned in, bleeding or crusty nipples or dimples, it doesn’t necessarily mean you have cancer. Breast changes can happen for many reasons, and most of them aren’t serious. Many women have breast lumps, and 9 out of 10 are not cancerous. So stay calm – remain in control. However, you do need to get it looked at by your doctor – just to rule it out.

Of course, your breasts will look and feel different at different times of your life but if you’re worried about a change, see your doctor. After all, breast cancer is much more treatable these days and the earlier it’s found, the easier it is to treat. If you or anyone you know is concerned about any of these symptoms, please visit your doctor. It’s probably nothing serious but it could be a sign of something that needs treatment.

As part of this year’s Breast Cancer Awareness month, NHS Western Isles is grateful to be sharing the story of breast cancer survivor Shona MacInnes from South Uist who, at only 33 and with a young family, was diagnosed with breast cancer. It is hoped that Shona’s story will encourage women to carry out their own breast self-examination on a regular basis, and become ‘breast aware’.

Being ‘breast aware’ simply means knowing what your breasts look and feel like normally, being on the outlook for any unusual changes and getting them checked out by your doctor. Lumps are vital to look out for – but there can be other important signs too.