This article was published on Mon 23 May 2022. At the time of publishing, this article was true and accurate, however, over time this may have changed. Some links may no longer work. If you have any concerns about this please contact us

13-17 June 2022

We all feel lonely at times, it is a natural emotion. By building a greater awareness and acceptance of loneliness, we can help ourselves to manage the feeling.

Loneliness awareness week is hosted by Marmalade Trust. Their aim is to reduce the stigma of loneliness. The aim of this week is to raise awareness of loneliness and to get people talking about it. For more details of the week click here.

Loneliness is affecting more and more people in the UK and has had a huge impact on our physical and mental health especially during the pandemic. The connection to other people and community is fundamental to protecting our mental health.

Most people will feel lonely at some point in their lives, regardless of age or background. It’s a deeply personal experience that in most cases will thankfully pass. But for a growing number of people, loneliness can define their lives and have a significant impact on their overall wellbeing.

Loneliness will be felt differently for everyone, it may still occur when you have loving support around you. It’s not always the number of social contacts but the perception of those relationships that count. Feeling lonely is different from being lonely.

Things you should know about loneliness

Loneliness is a natural feeling

Most of us will experience loneliness at some point in our lives. Loneliness doesn’t mean there is anything wrong with you, it’s just your body’s way of letting you know that you’re not getting your social needs met. Like hunger telling you to eat.

You shouldn’t feel embarrassed or shameful about being lonely.

Loneliness can affect you at any age

It is generally thought that the older community are more likely to feel lonely, but this isn’t the case, people aged 16-24 are now the most likely group to be affected by loneliness. According to a recent ONS (Office for National Statistics) study, women and people from ethnic minorities were amongst the groups most affected by loneliness during the pandemic.

There are various reasons for feeling lonely

Certain life events, such as a bereavement can trigger such feelings, even if other family members rally around in support.

Loneliness can be caused by many other things including leaving the workplace, children or friends moving away, debilitating health condition or illness, no longer being able to participate in normal hobbies or activities and lack of access to transport. Emotional loneliness can happen in relationships and families, where you have people in your life, but you don’t feel close to or understood by them.

We are all different and you may not know someone is feeling lonely unless they tell you.

Loneliness is temporary

You may not realise it if you are feeling overwhelmed by loneliness, but it won’t last forever and you can take steps to feel better.

Loneliness is not a mental health condition, however, if left unchecked, loneliness can start to affect both our mental and physical health.

Loneliness should improve with time. However, often it’s advisable to address the situation in the early stages to prevent it becoming a chronic issue. Loneliness is now being recognised for its damaging effects, such as mental health conditions, cardiovascular issues, and sleep problems, it is therefore important to try and overcome the feeling of isolation.

What can you do if you’re feeling Lonely?

Catch up with friends – Connecting with the people around you, your family, friends, colleagues, and neighbours are key to your overall wellbeing. These relationships will support and enrich you.

Make new friends – Join local groups or classes based on your interests, not only will you be doing something you enjoy, but you’ll meet new people with similar interests.

Help others by volunteering – Giving to others is a great way to boost your wellbeing. It can give a sense of purpose and create feelings of positivity. It is also a great way to meet new people whilst helping the local community.

Do things you enjoy – Plan your week to include activities that you enjoy and make you feel good.

Learn a new skill – Continued learning throughout your life helps to enhance your self-esteem and encourages social interactions.

Spend time outdoors – Fresh air, natural light and exercise combined are great for our mental health. Whatever the weather it’s great to get outside.

Focus on the positives – When you are feeling lonely, you can sometimes be in a negative frame of mind. Thinking about the good things in your life, remembering happy times or identifying at least one thing each day to be thankful for can help you to think more positively.

Look after yourself – Self-care is essential. Make sure you are sleeping well, eating healthily and being as active as possible. Prioritise looking after yourself.

It’s good to talk – If at times, life gets too much for you, it’s important that you speak to someone about how you are feeling, this may be a family member or trusted friend, your GP, or a professional organisation.

However lonely you are feeling, there is always something you can do to feel better. Loneliness Awareness Week is a good time to start to make a positive change.

Useful links:

NHS

Samaritans

Mind

AnxietyUK

Mental Health Foundation

Marmalade Trust

This article was published on Mon 23 May 2022. At the time of publishing, this article was true and accurate, however, over time this may have changed. Some links may no longer work. If you have any concerns about this please contact us

Volunteers Week takes place 1-7 June every year. It’s a chance to recognise the fantastic contribution volunteers make to our communities and to say thank you.

Volunteers play a key role in making a difference to our communities.

This week is a time for us to thank all volunteers for their invaluable contribution and also consider volunteering ourselves.

Volunteering doesn’t just help others and the community but is has also shown to improve volunteers’ wellbeing too.

It’s human nature to feel good after helping someone out. But volunteering can also help you gain valuable new skills and experiences, boost your confidence and be your chance to make a difference.

People choose to volunteer for a variety of reasons. For some it offers the chance to give something back to the community or make a difference to the people around them. For others it provides an opportunity to develop new skills or build on existing experience and knowledge. Regardless of the motivation, by volunteering they are making a difference to the community.

Volunteering is a hugely valuable and rewarding experience for the volunteers and the communities they support.

There are many reasons to volunteer, including:

Community – volunteering helps us giveback to those around us, particularly in the community we live or work in. When you volunteer you strengthen your community, improve the environment you live in, give something back to an organisation, make a difference to the lives of others and help others less fortunate or without a voice.

Volunteering enables people to play an active role in society and contribute to positive social change. Volunteers support vulnerable people in society and enable them to live a healthy and rewarding life.

This could mean support with things we take for granted, such as practical help at home for disabled or older people, mentoring a care leaver and helping them to find their feet as an adult, or taking part in a litter pick or at a local scouting group.

Your mental health and self-esteem – volunteering also makes you feel good. In fact, a study has shown that not only is volunteering associated with increased happiness and lower depression, but it also reduces the risk of premature death.

This is especially true if you enjoy volunteering and feel valued and part of a team. You will spend quality time away from work or your busy lifestyle and be in the moment. It may help you gain confidence and improve your self-esteem. Volunteering can also help to improve your mental health.

Evidence suggests there are 5 steps you can take to improve your mental health and wellbeing. One of which is to give to others, research suggests that acts of giving and kindness and being part of community life can improve your mental wellbeing. For more details on the 5 steps to mental wellbeing click here.

Action for Happiness list ten key ingredients for a happy and fulfilling life: giving, relating, exercising, awareness, trying out, direction, resilience, emotions, acceptance and meaning. Volunteering ticks most if not all of these boxes. For more details click here.

Your Physical health – there are lots of different ways you can volunteer, but many of them involve physical tasks, like litter picking, dog walking for a local shelter, wildlife conservation and sports coaching, all of which will help keep you fit whilst you are also enjoying nature and the outdoors.

There is lots of anecdotal evidence that volunteering has a positive impact on both your physical and mental health.

Social – volunteering is a way to get a better understanding of people, cultures, places, and organisations which can also lead to more social connections.

Researchers believe that volunteering can extend a person’s life because humans thrive on social connections. Eye contact and smiling for example release the hormone oxytocin, which helps us handle stress better. Social interaction improves mental and physical health. When you volunteer you strengthen your social network, you make connections with the people you are helping, and you cultivate friendships with other volunteers. Volunteering creates stronger bonds between friends, family, and co-workers. People build closer relationships, better connections, and more powerful attachments to people when they work together.

Personal Development – volunteering is an opportunity to learn new skills and can boost employment prospects. For some people, volunteering can be a route to employment, or a chance to try something new which may lead to a career change. Volunteering can also be a way of enhancing a CV, improving employment prospects, gaining an accreditation, or using your existing professional skills and knowledge to benefit others.

By volunteering in a specific profession, you can gain valuable experience for a future career, for example, becoming a police special before joining the force.

Values – volunteering can satisfy personal values or humanitarian concerns. For some people this can have a religious component. For instance, helping those less fortunate is a large part of Christianity and the concept of karma in Hinduism means those good deeds come back to you.

People who volunteer, report a greater sense of purpose and meaning in their lives.

Volunteering within the police service

There are many volunteering roles within and connected for the police service, including the special constabulary, police chaplains, police service volunteers and our own FAO and AO’s.

Police volunteering roles provide an opportunity to do something worthwhile in your spare time, making a real difference to your local police force and to your community.

It allows you to become involved with policing and to be part of the policing family and to make a positive contribution to your area.

For more details click on the links given below.

Police Mutual FAOs and AO volunteers

At Police Mutual we have volunteer Force Authorised Officers and Authorised Officers who represent Police Mutual customers within their own forces.

Our volunteers are a vital part of the team and assist us hugely in promoting the financial wellbeing support we offer. Their assistance and advocacy are greatly appreciated.

We would like to thank all of our FAO and AO’s for their continued support.

Do you want to give something back and make a different with your spare time? Many serving and retired Police Service employees volunteer.

If you’re interested in volunteering, here are some websites where you can find out more information:

Volunteering Matters

NCVO

Police UK Volunteering

This article was published on Mon 23 May 2022. At the time of publishing, this article was true and accurate, however, over time this may have changed. Some links may no longer work. If you have any concerns about this please contact us

6 -12 June 2022

Carers Week is an annual campaign to raise awareness of caring, highlight the challenges unpaid carers of all ages face and recognise the contribution they make to families and communities. For more details click here.

The theme for Carers Week this year is ‘Make caring visible, valued and supported’. The aim is that people looking after family members or friends, and the challenges of caring should be recognised in all areas of life.  Caring should be valued and respected by everyone in our society, and carers should have access to the information and support they need, where and when they need it.

A carer is anyone who looks after a family member or friend who has a disability, mental or physical illness or who needs extra help as they grow older. Caring’s impact on all aspects of life from relationships and health to finances and work can be significant. Whilst many feel that caring is one of the most important things they do, its challenges should not be underestimated. Caring without the right information and support can be tough. It is vitally important that we recognise the contribution carers make to their families and local communities, workplaces, and society, and that they get the support they need.

Caring for someone has many positive and rewarding aspects to it and it can be the most loving thing you can do for someone else. It can, however, also be challenging, leaving you feeling exhausted and in some cases can be extremely lonely and isolating. If you find you are struggling it is important to ask for help and support.

Caring for elderly parents

Our parents bring us up and do everything for us when we are children, so it can come as a shock when they start to require care themselves. As people age or develop disabilities, you may need to ask for help to take care of elderly parents.

Persuading parents to accept help can be difficult, but it’s important that everybody is open and honest about their hopes and fears. Explain to your parents that you are worried they are struggling to manage.

A big decision you and your parents may have to make is about whether they will receive at-home care or if they will move into a residential care home, this may consist of sheltered housing, assisted living or a nursing home. Talk to specialists and those involved in your parents’ care, such as their GP, any social workers involved or staff at care homes. Ensure you involve your parents and ask them their views.

Caring for someone with dementia

Caring for someone with Dementia can be daunting, challenging, and exhausting. Here are some things to consider.

Accept support – this support may come from other members of your family, a professional or a support group. Just don’t be afraid to accept or ask for help. This help will allow you to take a break and have some time to yourself.

Be empathetic – as a carer compassion and empathy are at the heart of what you are doing. Be patient and understanding, don’t criticize and judge.

Look after their overall wellbeing – make sure the person with dementia regularly has their physical health monitored and ensure they receive the appropriate health advice or treatment. It’s important they remain active, eat a balanced diet, and get enough sleep.

Dementia Specific Support – seek out advice, support, education, and training. This could involve
investigating local services, joining a social or peer support group.

Be positive – focus on their strengths and think about what they can still do, rather than what they
can’t. Prioritise things that bring them peace and joy and avoid negative comments.

Be realistic – those with dementia will have good and bad days. Be realistic about the course of the
disease, remember that most types of dementia are irreversible and progressive.

Plan ahead – when caring for someone with dementia things will change, so you should prepare for a time when their loved one may need more care than you can provide, this may be provided from a professional coming into your home each day or with your loved one moving into a residential setting. You will need to prepare yourself for this emotionally and plan financially for this change.

For more information read our guide here.


Caring for someone with a disability

Looking after someone with a physical disability can be physically demanding for you as a carer. An important part of your role is to make sure the person you care for has the best quality of life possible by helping them to be as independent as possible.

There is no ideal way to care for someone with a disability. Each person is different, each with a different disability.  Here are some things you can do to help make life as a carer that little bit easier for you both:

Take time to understand their illness or condition – the term disability is varied. Its therefore important for you to research the disability itself to help understand the challenges it’s likely to present. This knowledge can help you empathise more with your loved one.

Focus on their abilities rather than their disabilities – when caring for a disabled person at home, it’s easy to focus on what they can’t do and do it for them. In order to be as independent as possible, it’s important to try to encourage them to do as many of the things they can themselves, and only step in when they really need help.

Think ahead – all types of disabilities will present unexpected challenges every day. Planning for emergencies in advance can enable you to respond as well as possible to the unexpected.

If you can its useful for you to attend health appointments with your loved one where possible, taking a list of questions with you so that you can be fully informed.

Another thing you might want to think ahead about is making legal arrangements. For instance, has your loved one made a Will and do they have power of attorney in place.

Young carers

A young carer is someone under 18 who looks after a parent or another family member who is ill or help them by looking after other members of the family while they can’t. They take on physical and emotional duties like bathing and dressing of the person they are caring for or cooking meals for younger siblings and helping them to get ready for school and bed each day.

It can be hard work, scary at times and isolating and may lead them to miss school or being bullied. Many young people cope well with caring, especially if you have support from other family members, but it’s important for them to look after themselves. This may involve talking to a teacher or school counsellor. There is also lots of organisations providing help, like Young Minds and Barnardo’s.

Financial assistance for carers

Having the right financial aid can really help when caring for a loved one at home. There are a range of different benefits that offer that little bit of extra support, including:

Carer’s Allowance – if you care for someone at least 35 hours a week and they get certain benefits you could get a weekly allowance. You do not have to be related to, or live with, the person you care for.  For more details click here.

Carer’s Credit – a National Insurance credit that helps with gaps in your NI record. You’re eligible for this if you care for someone at least 20 hours a week. For more details click here.

Disability Living Allowance for Children – may be payable if you care for a disabled child. For more details click here.

Carer Premium – which is an additional premium on top of other benefits you can claim. The benefits you can claim the premium on include universal credit, income support, Jobseeker’s Allowance, employment support allowance, housing benefit, pension and tax credits, and council tax.  For more details click here.

Additionally, depending on your age and circumstances you may also be entitled to Pension Credit and additional local welfare assistance. Click here for more info.

Caring for yourself

Caring can be both physically and mentally exhausting, you may be getting up several times in the night, you may have to lift an adult who is heavier than you, or you may be juggling caring whilst also holding down a job. You may also have the emotional distress of seeing a loved one suffering.

It is important that you take care of your own health, even if you are busy looking after someone else’s health. Being healthy is not only important for you, but it also helps the person you care for too. Remember you can’t pour from an empty cup.

Caring for others can be extremely stressful and may lead to mental health conditions including depression. The tips below may help:

• Eat well
• Sleep well
• Enjoy some time for yourself
• Get exercise when you can
• Consider trying a meditation or mindfulness
• Write in a journal about what you are going through and how you feel
• If you are working request compassionate leave or flexible working

Recognising your own needs will help you balance caring with the rest of your life; it will also ensure you are physically and mentally well enough to care for your loved one as well as you can.

As a carer you may experience a range of emotions, including feelings of isolation, anger, guilt, stress, and fatigue. All these feelings are natural but to overcome them, some of the tips below may help:

• Talk to others in a similar situation or join a support group
• Seek out the national organisation devoted to the condition or illness that you are dealing with
• Ask other members of the family for help to give you a break and avoid burnout
• Speak to a counsellor, therapist, or your GP about how you are feeling
• Try to set some time aside for yourself every day and do something you enjoy

Support & Sources of Information

NHS

Gov UK

Carers Trust

Young Minds

Barnardo’s

Age UK

Carers UK

Citizen Advice

This article was published on Mon 23 May 2022. At the time of publishing, this article was true and accurate, however, over time this may have changed. Some links may no longer work. If you have any concerns about this please contact us

13 – 19 June 2022

Wellbeing and health are topics that are often over-looked by men. Men’s Health Week is a great time to think about your overall wellbeing. This year the theme is It’s Time for a DIY Man MOT. For more information about the link click here.

 Did you know:

• 1 man in 5 dies before age 65.
• 75% of premature deaths from heart disease are male.
• You can have an NHS health check from age 40.
• Women live longer than men.
• 4 out of 5 suicides are male.
• Suicide is the biggest killer of men under 49.
• Men between the ages of 18 and 44 are less likely to go see a doctor than women.
• 67% of men are overweight or obese.
• Middle-aged men are twice as likely to have diabetes as women.
• Men are more likely to drink alcohol to dangerous levels.
• Men are twice likely to have liver disease.
• When men do use therapy, it is at the point of crisis.
• Men are more likely to smoke

It is vital that men start to feel more comfortable talking about their health and wellbeing.

Physical Health

The main physical health issues that men face are:

Heart attacks strike men at younger ages than women. On average, a first heart attack strikes men at age 65. For women, the average age of a first heart attack is 72. It’s not entirely clear why middle-aged men have more heart attacks than women in the same age group. But historically higher rates of unhealthy habits, including smoking and stress, may be partly to blame.

Men are more likely to get cancer than women and they are more likely to die from it. This is probably due to a higher risk of exposure to carcinogens, lack of awareness of risks and not going to see a doctor when symptoms develop.

Testicular cancer tends to mostly affect men between 15 and 49 years of age. Typical symptoms are a painless swelling or lump in 1 of the testicles, or any change in shape or texture of the testicles. It’s important to be aware of what feels normal for you. Get to know your body and see a GP if you notice any changes.

Prostate cancer is the most common cancer in men in the UK. It usually develops slowly, so there may be no signs for many years. Symptoms of prostate cancer do not usually appear until the prostate is large enough to affect the tube that carries urine from the bladder out of the penis (urethra). When this happens, you may notice things like:

• an increased need to urinate
• straining while you urinate
• a feeling that your bladder has not fully emptied

These symptoms should not be ignored, but they do not mean you have prostate cancer. It’s more likely they’re caused by something else, such as prostate enlargement. See a GP if you experience these symptoms.

Diabetes is a lifelong condition that causes a person’s blood sugar level to become too high. There are 2 main types of diabetes:

Type 1 diabetes – where the body’s immune system attacks and destroys the cells that produce insulin.

Type 2 diabetes – where the body does not produce enough insulin, or the body’s cells do not react to insulin.

Type 2 diabetes is far more common than type 1. In the UK, around 90% of all adults with diabetes have type 2. Men are more likely to develop type 2 diabetes than women.

Tips for staying healthy:

• Drink less than 14 units of alcohol a week (equivalent of 6 pints of average strength beer).
• If you smoke, STOP! On average a cigarette smoker will die 10 years younger than a non-smoker. For help stopping smoking click here.
• Eat at least 5 portions of fruit and veg a day.
• Walk 10,000 steps a day.
• If it comes in brown choose this over white (rice, pasta, bread).
• Drink at least 2 litres of water a day.
• Aim to do at least 150 minutes of moderate exercise a week.
• Regularly have your cholesterol and blood pressure checked.
• Aim to get 7-9 hours of sleep each night (or day if you are working nights).

Mental Health

One in four people will experience some kind of mental health problem in the course of a year.

For many of us talking about mental health is difficult and often men find this even more difficult. It’s hard to put how you’re feeling into words. Remember you can be strong without being silent.

As a police officer your role is to serve and protect, this means that you are less likely to ask for help, as you think it’s seen as a sign of weakness. We all need to stop thinking that talking about emotional or mental health is a sign of weakness. Police officers are dying because they aren’t asking for or getting help.

Research has shown that emergency services workers are twice as likely as the public to identify problems at work as the main cause of their mental health problems, but they are also significantly less likely to seek help.

With a quarter of emergency service workers admitting to thinking about taking their own lives, the ‘Man up’ campaign through the Police Federation encourages officers to take each other’s mental wellbeing as seriously as they take each other’s physical safety, and questions whether we are too dismissive of a colleague who may be showing signs of mental health issues – something that has potentially fatal consequences. When you hear ‘Man Up’, think ‘Man Down’ offer help. For more details of this campaign click here.

If you’re struggling with your mental health, help is available:

Samaritans

Mind

Shout

Stress and anxiety are normal. It’s what we do about it that matters. There are various steps you can take to cope with being under pressure, remember, different things work for different people.

Identify your triggers and take control – working out what triggers your stress can help you anticipate when you may feel stressed and what you could do about it in advance.

Organise your time – making some adjustments to the way you organise your time can help you feel more in control and able to handle the pressure you are feeling.

Be active – exercise can help clear your head and then let you deal with your problems more calmly. Go outside to exercise, as fresh air and spending time in nature can really help.

Talk to other people – friends, family and colleagues can help support you through the stress you are feeling, you may even have a laugh and start to relax. You may also want to consider talking to a professional counsellor.

Do something you enjoy – spending time doing something you enjoy will take your mind off how you are feeling. Everyone needs to take time for themselves, it can be as simple as having a bath or reading a book.

Avoid unhealthy ways to cope – many people use alcohol, smoking, chocolate, and gambling to try and relieve the stress they are feeling, none of these things will help in the long term, use healthy coping strategies like going for a run, listening to music, or walking the dog.

Challenge yourself – learning new skills and setting yourself new goals will help build your confidence and make you feel good about yourself.

Help others – people who volunteer in the community or for a worthwhile cause tend to be more resilient.

Try to be positive – think of all the things you are grateful for, write down or say out loud 3 things that went well each day.

Address some of the causes – where possible improve some of the issues that are putting pressure on you.

Accept the things you can’t change – it’s not easy but accepting that there are some things happening to you that you can’t do anything about will help you focus your time and energy elsewhere.

For more details on looking after your mental health, read our guide here.

To read our stress awareness guide click here.

Financial wellbeing

Worrying about money can be extremely stressful and may lead to mental and physical health conditions.

According to the 2021 Police Federation of England and Wales Pay & Morale Survey:

• Around 1 in 7 of respondents said that they are never or almost never able to cover their monthly essentials.
  • 45% of respondents said that they found themselves worrying about the state of their personal finances every day or almost every day.
  • 73% of respondents said that they feel worse off financially compared to 12 months ago.

Being in debt causes stress and worry which can lead to mental health problems. Research by moneyandmentalhealth.org found that nearly half of those in England in problem debt also suffer from poor mental health.

Individuals with multiple debt problems are at a ‘significantly high risk of suicide’ than those with just one problem debt.

If you’re struggling with debt or finding it hard to manage your finances, then we’re here to help.  Read our debt awareness guide here.

If you are struggling with gambling, call the National Gambling Helpline (24 hours) 0808 80 20 133 or read our guide here.

This article was published on Mon 23 May 2022. At the time of publishing, this article was true and accurate, however, over time this may have changed. Some links may no longer work. If you have any concerns about this please contact us

Healthy eating week, 13 – 17 June, is a great time to think about improving your diet. Poor nutrition and obesity are becoming more common in the UK. According to Public Health England nearly 2/3rds of adults in England are classed as being overweight with more men likely to be in this category than women.

Being overweight can cause various health concerns and according to Cancer Research UK, overweight and obesity is the 2nd biggest cause of cancer. Keeping a healthy weight reduces the risk of 13 different types of cancer. Diabetes and heart disease are also other conditions that you have a higher chance of developing if you are obese.

It is therefore important to ensure you are eating a balanced diet. This guide will give you some tips on how to achieve a healthy diet.

How can you improve your eating and drinking habits?

Eat at least 5 portions of fruit and vegetables each day (this can include frozen & dried). This will not only improve your nutritional intake, but also many fruits and non-starchy vegetables such as grapes, watermelons, tomatoes, and lettuce, contain a lot of water and can help keep you hydrated as well.

When eating carbohydrates, choose whole grains and high fibre versions with less added fat, salt and sugar and more vitamins. Eating whole grains instead of highly refined grains can help reduce the risk of heart disease and diabetes and can support a healthy digestive system.

Ensure you are getting a good source of protein like lean meats, fish, eggs, dairy products, soya, seeds and nuts and beans and pulses. Reduce the amount of processed meat you are eating, these include sausages, bacon, cured ham, corned beef, and smoked meat. Try to eat 2 portions of fish per week, at least one of which is oily.

Be aware of your sugar intake. Eating too much sugar can cause weight gain and tooth decay, so moderation is key.

Some studies believe that sugar can be incredibly addictive, so keep track of how much sugar you are adding to your food and drinks. Look at information on nutrition labels and ingredients lists to help reduce your intake of sugar. High sugar intake is linked to numerous ailments, including obesity, type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and many forms of cancer.

A lot of products have been choosing to replace their sugar usage with sweeteners and this is where diet drinks have come from. Sweeteners are a minimum of 200 times sweeter than sugar and can be as much as 700 times sweeter. This means that less can be used in foods, therefore we consume less product overall. Sweeteners are much better for you from a dental health perspective. However, the research around obesity and weight gain is not clear. It is therefore best that sweeteners included in your diet are in moderation.

We all know that it’s important to keep hydrated and to drink more water. Water is good for your health, drinking 8 glasses of water each day is recommended to maintain good health, which is around 1.5 to 2 litres.

When choosing what to drink, consider the nutritional benefits. Sugary drinks can often be your biggest source of sugar intake. The soft drinks industry levy or sugar tax was introduced in April 2018 as a key part of a government strategy to tackle childhood obesity.

Flavoured water is often promoted as a healthier alternative to fizzy drinks but that’s not always the

case. Even though they are zero or low calories, these drinks can be loaded with sugar, artificial sweeteners, artificial colouring, preservatives, and other unnatural ingredients. One easy way to ensure tasty water that’s naturally flavoured is to make it yourself.

DIY infused drinks add nutrients to your diet that can strengthen your immune system, boost your energy, kick start your metabolism and help you maintain a healthy, hydrated body. You could try using cucumber, lemon, lime, mint, ginger, basil or even a cinnamon stick.

Swap caffeine and alcohol with water. Caffeine and alcohol are both diuretics, meaning that they cause your body to remove fluids from your blood at a much quicker rate than other liquids. This results in the body becoming dehydrated.

Alcoholic drinks contain almost twice as many calories as protein and carbohydrates they also contain calories from other sources, which add to overall caloric intake, e.g., Cocktails, mixers, spirits. Alcohol loosens the inhibitions and therefore you are more likely to indulge on unhealthy foods. If you’re drinking and then you don’t feel well the next day, you’re going to be less likely to be physically active. When you drink your body is more focused on breaking down alcohol rather than burning fat.

Recommended Daily Allowance

Food labels use reference intakes to demonstrate the amount of calories you should eat each day.

The intake for an average adult should be:

• Saturates – less than 20g
• Carbohydrates – at least 260g
• Energy – 2000Kcal
• Fat – less than 70g
• Total sugars – 90g
• Protein – 50g
• Salt – less than 6g

Poor nutrition or malnutrition is caused by a person’s diet lacking the right amount of nutrients. Malnutrition can refer to undernutrition, which is not getting enough nutrition and over nutrition, where you are getting more nutrients than you need.

Malnutrition can lead to a range of serious health conditions, including:

• Type 2 diabetes
• Cardiovascular disease
• Obesity
• Depression
• Bone and joint issues
• Tooth decay

It’s important for you to be aware of the symptoms of poor nutrition and dehydration.

These include, but are not limited to, dizziness, dry skin, nausea, and heart palpitations. If you notice any of these changes occurring, you need to be proactive and take some preventative measures to

avoid malnutrition by having a healthier, more balanced diet.

Here are some tips if you are trying to lose weight and want to reduce hunger cravings naturally:

Some foods are high in soluble fibre which form a gel in your bowels, making you fuller for longer and helping to clear cholesterol from your blood. Eat oats, barley, rice, golden linseeds, chia seeds, aubergine, okra, bananas, apples, citrus fruits, strawberries, prunes, plums, avocados, pears, carrots, broccoli, sweet potatoes, and onions. Food such as meat, fish and diary don’t contain any fibre as this only comes from plant foods.

• Keep it simple and don’t fall prey to fad diets.
• Aim for a protein source at every meal to combat the hunger cycle.
• If you don’t exercise often, look to make movement part of your day.
• Avoid drinking sugary drinks where possible, as it is common to underestimate how many calories and how much sugar a drink can contain. Look out for ‘no added sugar’ drinks.
• Feel empowered, not overwhelmed, if you are trying to switch to a healthier diet take it one step at a time and in moderation. You will be more likely to stick with it. Be patient losing weight will take time.
• Set realistic goals, to maintain a balanced nutritional diet and fit in regular exercise. Start by making small changes such as walking daily.
• Try using a health and wellbeing mobile App, to keep track of your calorie intake and water consumption. Make sure you celebrate your milestones.

Food and Stress

You have both physical and psychological relationships with food. Your physical relationship with food is based on the types of food you choose to eat, your eating behaviour, or habits and how your body responds biologically to your diet.

Your psychological or emotional relationship with food is based on how you think about food, how you use food for reasons other than to relieve hunger, and how food relates to your body image, or the way you feel about how you look.

In order to get control of stress eating, you have to control your stress levels.

Read our stress awareness guide here.


5 ways to manage food consumption when stressed:

1. Know your stressors
2. Exercise to reduce stress
3. Reach out for help
4. Develop a practice of mindfulness
5. Learn intuitive eating

This article was published on Fri 22 Apr 2022. At the time of publishing, this article was true and accurate, however, over time this may have changed. Some links may no longer work. If you have any concerns about this please contact us

9 – 15 May 2022

Mental health problems can affect anyone, any time of the year, but mental health awareness week is a great time to show your support for better mental health and looking after your own wellbeing.

Hosted by the Mental Health Foundation, the theme for Mental Health Awareness Week, 9-15 May 2022 is ‘Loneliness’.

The week will explore the experience of loneliness, its effect on our mental health and how we can all play a part in reducing loneliness in our communities.

The Week is an opportunity for people to talk about all aspects of mental health, with a focus on providing help and support.

Loneliness is affecting more and more people in the UK and has had a huge impact on our physical and mental health especially during the pandemic. The connection to other people and community is fundamental to protecting our mental health.

Most people will feel lonely at some point in their lives, regardless of age or background. It’s a deeply personal experience that in most cases will thankfully pass. But for a growing of people, loneliness can define their lives and have a significant impact on their overall wellbeing.

Loneliness will be felt differently for everyone, it may still occur when you have loving support around you.  It’s not always the number of social contacts but the perception of those relationships that count. Feeling lonely is different from being lonely.

It is expected that the need for mental health and psychosocial support will substantially increase in the coming months and years.

Taking care of your mental health is as important as taking care of your physical health.

Mental health problems affect around one in four people in any given year*. They range from common problems, such as depression and anxiety, to rarer problems such as schizophrenia and bipolar disorder.

Certain life events, such as a bereavement can trigger such feelings, even if other family members rally around in support.  Loneliness can be caused by many other things including leaving the workplace, children or friends moving away, debilitating health condition or illness, no longer being able to participate in normal hobbies or activities and lack of access to transport.

Sometimes loneliness may improve with time. However, often it’s advisable to address the situation in the early stages to prevent it becoming a chronic issue. Loneliness is now being recognised for its damaging effects, such as mental health conditions, cardiovascular issues, and sleep problems, it is therefore important to try and overcome the feeling of isolation.

What can you do if you’re feeling Lonely?

Catch up with friends – Connecting with the people around you, your family, friends, colleagues, and neighbours are key to your overall wellbeing. These relationships will support and enrich you.

Make new friends – Join local groups or classes based on your interests, not only will you be doing something you enjoy, but you’ll meet new people with similar interests.

Help others by volunteering – Giving to others is a great way to boost your wellbeing. It can give a sense of purpose and create feelings of positivity. It is also a great way to meet new people whilst helping the local community.

Do things you enjoy – Plan your week to include activities that you enjoy and make you feel good.

Learn a new skill – Continued learning throughout your life helps to enhance your self-esteem and

encourages social interactions.

Spend time outdoors – Fresh air, natural light and exercise combined are great for our mental health. Whatever the weather it’s great to get outside.

Focus on the positives – When you are feeling lonely, you can sometimes be in a negative frame of mind. Thinking about the good things in your life, remembering happy times or identifying at least one thing each day to be thankful for can help you to think more positively.

Look after yourself – Selfcare is essential. Make sure you are sleeping well, eating healthily and being as active as possible.  Prioritise looking after yourself.

It’s good to talk – If at times, life gets too much for you, it’s important that you speak to someone about how you are feeling, this may be a family member or trusted friend, your GP, or a professional organisation.

Research has shown that emergency services workers are twice as likely as the public to identify problems at work as the main cause of their mental health problems, but they are also significantly less likely to seek help. So, it’s even more important to look after your own mental health when working on the frontline.

Here are some tips:

Think about your purpose: Be clear about why you are doing this job.

Be clear on expectations: Make sure you know what is expected of you and whether it is realistic.

Keep your boundaries: Establish clear boundaries between work and personal life, don’t take work home with you.

Talk to colleagues: Make time to talk to your colleagues about your experiences and share fears and concerns.

Value your own family and relationships: While work is important, your family and relationships need to be valued.

Exercise: Regular exercise can boost your self-esteem, can help you concentrate, relax, and increase your overall wellbeing.

Get plenty of sleep: Sleep helps regulate the chemicals in our brain that transmit information. These chemicals are important in managing our moods and emotions and an imbalance in those chemicals can result in us becoming depressed or anxious. Read our sleep guide here.

Eat well: A balanced diet that is good for your physical wellbeing is also good for your mental wellbeing. Your brain needs a mix of nutrients to stay healthy and function well.

Avoid alcohol: The numbing effects of drinking are only temporary and can often lead to mental

health issues. It’s advised that if you do drink, that you stay within the governing bodies recommended unit guidelines.

Keep in touch: It’s good for you to catch up with friends and family face to face or over the phone.

Take a break: A change of scenery or pace is good for you.

Do something you’re good at: Enjoying yourself can help beat stress

Care for others: Supporting others uplifts you as well as them.

Ask for help: If at times, life gets too much for you, it’s important that you speak to someone, this may be a family member or trusted friend, your GP, or a professional organisation, see the list at the end of this guide for details.

Making positive change is more important than ever, but it’s difficult to know where to start. Do one thing today, whether it’s going for a walk, learning a new skill, or doing something creative, taking the first steps to getting support for yourself, or reaching out to someone else, take the opportunity to do one thing during Mental Health Awareness Week.

Whatever you’ve been through this year, Mental Health Awareness Week is a chance to make a positive change for your mental health.

Useful links:

NHS

Samaritans

Mind

AnxietyUK

Mental Health Foundation

* Time to Change. Attitudes to Mental Illness 2014 Research Report

This article was published on Fri 22 Apr 2022. At the time of publishing, this article was true and accurate, however, over time this may have changed. Some links may no longer work. If you have any concerns about this please contact us

9-15 May 2022

Every year, people around the country use Dying Matters Awareness Week as a moment to encourage all communities to get talking in whatever way, shape or form works for them. The awareness week is organised by Hospice UK, who’s mission is to help people to talk about dying and grief, and plan for the end of life. Learn more about Dying Matters Awareness Week.

It’s important that we all know what it means for us and our loved ones to be in a good place to die – physically, emotionally, financially, spiritually, and crucially, with the right care and support.

Talking about death, dying and bereavement is hard. It can feel awkward or uncomfortable and sometimes, you just don’t know what to say.

When we talk about dying and grief, we remove the taboo and stigma that have for too long surrounded these topics. Talking about death helps us make the most of the time that we have.

Starting a conversation about death, particularly with those close to you, is never easy as you don’t want to upset people. It’s important to choose the right place and time. For more details of starting a conversation about death click here.

Things to do before you die

None of us want to think about getting ill and dying. But having a plan makes it easier for you and your loved ones when you are dying. Thinking about things in advance, can make our last days easier for us and the time after our death easier for our families and friends. Here are some of the things to think about:

Make or update your Will – if you don’t already have one, write a Will, if you have already got one, then make sure it’s up to date. Without a Will, the Government decides how your estate should be distributed, with no regard for your wishes. A Will ensures your Estate goes to the people you want it to. For more details on writing a Will click here.

Plan your funeral – funerals are expensive, making a plan to pay for your funeral will mean your family won’t have to find several thousand pounds at a difficult time. There are lots of different funeral options available, and you can leave written wishes about your funeral and what should happen to your body with those you care about, or in a Will.

Organ donation – decide if you want to be an organ donor and make sure your family knows your decision. Register your decision with the organ donation register where you live. Organ donation register in:

• England
• Scotland
• Wales
• Northern Ireland

Plan your future care – we don’t know how we will cope physically or mentally when we get older. So, it’s a good idea to talk to your family and your GP about the sort of care you’d like if you become dependent, seriously ill and towards the end of your life. You may also want to think about how long you want doctors to treat you and where you’d like to die.

Create a ‘When I’m gone’ document – pull together all your personal and financial information into a simple document to help your loved ones when you’re gone. It should include details of your Will, life assurance and your funeral wishes. Ensure your family are aware of where this document is stored.

Set up Powers of Attorney (POA) – if you don’t have a POA in place and you lose the ability to make your own decisions, your family or friends would need to go to court to get authority to make decisions on your behalf. This can be a costly, complicated and time consuming process. Having a POA in place would help your relatives immensely at a difficult time. There are difference types of POA in the various parts of the UK.

Caring for your dependents – if you have children under 18 it’s important to decide on guardians, people who would look after them if you and your partner were no longer around. Think about who you would want for this role and ask them if they’d be happy to do so. Then appoint them as guardians in your Will. You may also have elderly parents that you need to put care measures in place for. If you have pets, you may need to think about their care after you’ve gone.

Manage your digital legacy – given how much of our lives is on the internet now, it pays to take some time to understand the end of life policies and processes available for each of the digital sites or assets we use or own. visit The Digital Legacy Association for more details.

What to say when someone is grieving

It is normal to feel worried about saying the wrong thing to the bereaved, but it is more important that you say something rather than finding the perfect words. You may find the tips below useful:

• It is important to acknowledge their loss and offer your condolences, saying how sorry you

are that their friend or family member has died.

• The bereaved may want to talk about the person and tell you stories, they may cry through

these stories. You may find this really hard to hear but just being there and listening can be a

great comfort. You can’t fix their pain, but you can listen.

• Don’t be afraid to ask more about the person who has died. Allowing the bereaved person to

talk and share their feelings with you can make a real difference.

• Ask if there is anything practical that you can do to help at that time.
• You could also signpost the bereaved to services such as Cruse for them to access support.

Looking after yourself following a bereavement

Take care of your wellbeing: make sure you get enough sleep, eat regular meals, rest, and relax.

Be clear on expectations: make sure you know what is expected of you and whether it is realistic.

Take exercise: taking exercise, e.g. walking, running and cycling can help you relax and increase your wellbeing.

Talk to others: make time to talk to your family or friends about how you’re feeling, or if you would find it easier contact Cruse 0808 808 1677.

Explain to family and friends what they can do to help, don’t be afraid to ask for practical support

Try to keep to a regular routine of getting up and dressed and eating meals at the usual time, whether you are on your own or part of a family group. The structure will help, even if only a little.

You may find you have days when you have more energy, and the grief isn’t as consuming – this is normal. Some people can feel guilty when this happens, but there is no need. It is all a normal part of grieving. Equally if you are really struggling that is also normal. Please don’t feel guilty or angry with yourself.

Signs and symptoms of grief

There is not a correct way to feel when you are grieving. Bereavement, grief, and loss will cause different symptoms and they affect people in different ways. Some of the most common symptoms include:

• Shock and numbness
• Overwhelming sadness
• Tiredness or exhaustion
• Anger – towards the person you’ve lost or the reason for your loss
• Guilt – this could be due to many things, including not being with the person when they died, not saying something to them, or not being able to stop your loved one dying.

These feelings may not be there all the time and powerful feelings may appear unexpectedly. For more details click here.

Helping children to cope with death

Children and young people need to be given the opportunity to grieve as any adult would. But it is also important to remember that children and young people grieve in different ways. A child’s understanding of death and the nature of their bereavement will be different at different stages of development. Children will experience both physical and emotional reactions to death. Emotional reactions may include shock, denial, anger, depression, guilt. Physical reactions may include disturbed sleep, loss of appetite, challenging behaviour, and developmental delays.

Useful links:

NHS Children and Bereavement

Children Bereavement UK Resources for children and young people

Cruse Bereavement Care Helping children to cope with death How to help a child or young child

Some key points to remember concerning children, young people, and grief:

• No bereaved child or young person will respond to the death of someone close in the same way.
• Keep the structure of the bereaved child or young person’s day/night as routine as possible.
• Allow the bereaved child or young person to say how they feel and do not be offended if they are angry with you or do not want to talk.
• Give the bereaved child or young person the time to explore their grief and support them as they mourn.
• Do not feel that you have failed if you need to seek professional help for the bereaved child or young person. You are doing the right thing.
• Put in place appropriate boundaries if a grieving child or young person is hurting themselves or others and explain why such boundaries are necessary.
• Do not dismiss a bereaved child or young person’s real or perceived illness.
• Talk things through with them in an open and honest way, remembering to listen to the child or young person.

Everyone responds to death differently there is no right or wrong way to respond.

You can access support from the services below.

Where to get help:

NHS

Cruse Bereavement Care

Ataloss

Child Bereavement UK

Hospice UK

Marie Curie

Sue Ryder

WAY (Widowed & Young) Foundation

This article was published on Fri 22 Apr 2022. At the time of publishing, this article was true and accurate, however, over time this may have changed. Some links may no longer work. If you have any concerns about this please contact us

16 – 22 May 2022

Dementia Action Week run by the Alzheimer’s Society is an awareness week to encourage people to ‘act on dementia’. This year’s theme is diagnosis.

This Dementia Action Week, the Alzheimer’s Society will be encouraging those who are concerned they or a loved one may be experiencing signs of dementia to seek support and guidance.

There are currently around 900,000 people with dementia in the UK. This number is expected to rise sharply in the coming years. Dementia can affect a person at any age, but it is more commonly diagnosed in people over the age of 65 years, with the condition affecting 1 in 6 people over the age of 80. If somebody develops dementia before the age of 65, they are described as having young onset dementia.

Dementia is an umbrella term for a range of progressive conditions that affect the brain. There are over 200 subtypes of dementia, and it can also be a secondary condition of another disease, such as Parkinsons. The most common types of dementia are Alzheimer’s disease and vascular dementia.

Regardless of which type of dementia is diagnosed and what part of the brain is affected, each person will experience dementia in their own unique way.

Signs that could indicate a person has Dementia

Memory problems – people with dementia might have problems retaining new information. They might get lost in previously familiar places and may struggle with names. Relatives might notice the person seems increasingly forgetful, misplacing things regularly.

Cognitive ability – people with dementia may have difficulty processing information. This could be their perception of time or a place, for example, getting up in the middle of the night to go to work, even though they’re retired. Also, their concentration could be affected. There may be a difficulty when shopping with choosing the items and then paying for them. For some people the ability to reason and make decisions may also be affected. Some may get a sense of restlessness and prefer to keep moving than sit still; others may be reluctant to take part in activities they used to enjoy.

Communication – people with dementia may repeat themselves often or have difficulty finding the right words. Reading and writing might become challenging.

Changes in behaviour – they might experience changes in personality, mood swings, anxiety, and depression. They can lose interest in seeing others socially. Following and engaging in conversation can be difficult and tiring, and so a formerly outgoing person might become quieter and more introverted. Their self-confidence might also be affected.

Differences engaging with their surroundings – people with dementia can experience changes in vision and hearing as their brain processes information in a different way. People can view everyday items in their home and in the outside world in a different way such as walking round the rug in the living rooms, becoming hesitant getting into the car, being apprehensive stepping off the kerb. Some people can find noisy places very disturbing and can find it challenging to participating in large group conversations.

Everybody assumes the first sign of dementia is memory loss, but this not always the case. The other signs described above can change earlier. The changes can be intermittent and vary in their severity. People living with dementia can often describe a feeling of mist coming over them and then lifting. These symptoms of dementia gradually get worse over time. How quickly this happens varies from person to person and some people stay independent for years.

If you or your loved one are showing symptoms associated with dementia it is important to contact

your GP. There are many conditions that have similar symptoms to dementia, including, infections,

thyroid problems, vitamin B12 deficiency, sleep apnoea, stress, anxiety, and depression.

Dementia Diagnosis and Next Steps 

To establish if dementia is present, a GP will take a medical and family history of the person and will screen them for mental health and cognitive issues by asking questions, testing concentration, short term memory, mood, and behaviour changes.  The GP may then request blood tests, an MRI or CT scan to examine the structure of the brain or request a chest X-ray to check for any chest conditions. They may also refer the person to a memory service/clinic, or to a specialist for further investigation and assessment.

If a diagnosis of dementia is given, the GP should then ensure that the person with the diagnosis and their family are made aware of any specialist advice and support services in their area, as well as referring them for further assessments and treatments that may help.

Dementia UK have produced a next steps checklist, to help in the early days after your family member has received a diagnosis of dementia, click here for more information. If you don’t have access to the internet, you can call the Admiral Nurse Dementia Helpline on 0800 888 6678 or email helpline@dementiauk.org.

Being diagnosed with dementia can understandably cause distress and a feeling of hopelessness, and some people may feel anxious or depressed. It may be that the person is finding it difficult to adjust emotionally. Equally, the dementia changes happening in the brain can make it difficult to control their emotions.

The person with dementia may also struggle to understand the emotions of those around them. Understanding and recognising the impact of these symptoms may help you to understand the reasons the person is showing distress and help you to give the best type of support.

Family members are equally likely to have difficulty in accepting the diagnosis and the changes dementia can cause to the person and the relationship they have with them. It’s important to ensure everybody takes the time to understand how one another is feeling.

There is evidence that people living with dementia can remain healthy, with a good sense of wellbeing, by being active and socially engaged. People who focus on their strengths, and the things they like and want to do, are able to cope better with the changes that dementia can bring and can continue enjoying their life.

Caring for someone with Dementia

Caring for someone with Dementia can be daunting, challenging, and exhausting. You may be caring for a parent, a partner, an elderly relative, or a friend with dementia, whoever it is, it’s important to educate yourself about the condition but also ensure you also care for yourself. Here are some things to consider.

Accept support – this support may come from other members of your family, a professional or a support group. Just don’t be afraid to accept or ask for help. This help will allow you to take a break

and have some time to yourself. It may also lead to you making new friends who understand what you are going through. You may learn more about the condition and how other carers deal with the challenges it brings.

Be empathetic – as a carer compassion and empathy are at the heart of what you are doing. Be patient and understanding, don’t criticize and judge. Listen and be interested in what they are telling you, even if they have told you many times before.

Look after their overall wellbeing – make sure the person with dementia regularly has their physical health monitored and ensure they receive the appropriate health advice or treatment. It’s important they remain active, this could include walking, gardening, or dancing. A balanced diet is also essential, including drinking plenty of fluids (ideally water) and reducing the amount of caffeine and alcohol they drink. If they smoke, help, and encourage them to stop. Smoking can increase the risk of physical and cognitive conditions. Getting enough sleep is also vital as poor sleep can affect concentration and cognitive function. Where you can, try and adapt the person’s home to make it as safe and comfortable for them as possible.

Dementia Specific Support – seek out advice, support, education, and training. This could involve investigating local services, joining a social or peer support group. Which can be attended in person or online. It can be helpful to know other people who have similar experiences and who may have some good advice and support to offer. Identify dementia friendly places to visit and understand how to make travel more dementia friendly. There are several dementia charities and organisations who have great websites providing information, support, tips, and activities. Details can be found at the end of this guide.

Be positive – focus on their strengths and think about what they can still do, rather than what they can’t. Prioritise things that bring them peace and joy, such as listening to music, dancing, or walking in the garden. Try to avoid negative comments and correcting the person if they get something wrong or muddled up. Take a day at a time, rather than looking too much in the future. Focus on what is achievable now.

Be realistic – those with dementia will have good and bad days. Be realistic about the course of the disease, remember that most types of dementia are irreversible and progressive. Dementia will tend to get worse over time and there is no known cure.

It’s more than memory loss – memory loss is typically the main dementia symptom. But the symptoms experienced will depend on the area of the brain that is most affected. The person with dementia will experience a neurological decline that may lead to other issues. This may be linked to their behaviour and mood. Towards the latest stages of most types of dementia, patients will struggle with everyday living activities, such as dressing and washing independently. They may also become non-communicative, unable to recognise loved ones and even unable to move about. If they are having trouble remembering where they keep things, you could try keeping important items in one, consistent place. Using a whiteboard or similar showing reminders for the person.

Plan ahead – when caring for someone with dementia things will change, so you should prepare for a time when their loved one may need more care than you can provide, this may be provided from a professional coming into your home each day or with your loved one moving into a residential setting. You will need to prepare yourself for this emotionally and plan financially for this change. You will also need to ensure you have time to find a care home you are happy with. Develop coping strategies to live as well as possible with the diagnosis. Have a family discussion about future plans, including applying for a Lasting Power of Attorney and making an Advance Care Plan. Understand what financial support is available, including attendance allowance and council tax relief.

Self care – As a carer its essential to look after your own wellbeing. Caring can be both physically and mentally exhausting, you may be getting up several times in the night, you may have to lift an adult who is heavier than you, or you may be juggling caring whilst also holding down a job. You may also have the emotional distress of feeling like you are ‘loosing’ your loved one. Caring for others can be very stressful and may lead to a mental health illness, such as depression. This is why caring for yourself is vital when you are caring for somebody else. So, ensure you eat and sleep well, do some exercise and take some time for yourself to do the things you enjoy. Remember, you can’t pour from an empty cup.

Support & Sources of Information

• NHS
• Dementia UK
• Alzheimer’s Association
• Alzheimer’s research UK
• Age UK
• Carers UK
• Citizen Advice
• Mind for You
  

Visit the Alzheimer’s Society website for more details on Dementia Action Week

This article was published on 22 Apr 2022. At the time of publishing, this article was true and accurate, however, over time this may have changed. Some links may no longer work. If you have any concerns about this please contact us

Whatever stage of your life that you are in, it’s important to understand and look after your physical and mental health. You may be preparing for pregnancy, going through the menopause, or looking for answers to a general health query.

Physical Health

It’s important to look after your physical health, this should include exercise, healthy eating and ensuring you get enough sleep.

Exercise helps both your physical and mental health, so it’s important to stay active. A few hours of gentle exercise a week will release endorphins that make you feel energised. This could be as simple as a walk, a run, a cycle ride, dancing or even some gardening. In simple terms exercising makes you feel good.

For more details on looking after your physical health read our physical health guide here and our wellbeing guide here.

For more details on eating well, read our nutrition guide here.

Sleep

You spend about a third of your life asleep. Sleep is essential, it is as important to your body as eating, drinking, and breathing, and is vital for maintaining good mental and physical health.  Sleeping helps you to recover from mental as well as physical exertion.

For more details, read our sleep guide here.

The main physical health issues that women face are:

Cancer

According to Cancer Research UK breast cancer is the most common cancer in UK females, accounting for almost a third (30%) of all female cases. The next most common cancers in UK females are lung cancer and bowel cancer. Breast, lung, and bowel cancers together account for over half of all new cases in females in the UK.

Breast cancer

Most women diagnosed with breast cancer are over the age of 50, but younger women can also get breast cancer.

There’s a good chance of recovery if it’s detected at an early stage.

It’s vital that women check their breasts regularly for any changes and always have any changes examined by a GP.

Gynaecological cancers

There are five gynaecological cancers – womb, ovarian, cervical, vulval and vaginal, but awareness levels of these cancers is very low.

The most common of these cancers is womb (also known as endometrial or uterine).

Preventing cancers

Leading a healthy lifestyle can help to prevent cancers. The following measures will help you reduce your risk of cancer:

• Take part in the cervical and breast screening programmes provided by the NHS
• Exercise regularly
• Eat a healthy diet
• Don’t smoke and avoid second-hand smoke
• Maintain a healthy body weight

Osteoporosis

Osteoporosis is a health condition that weakens bones, making them fragile and more likely to break. It develops slowly over several years and is often only diagnosed when a fall or sudden impact causes a fracture.

Women are more at risk of osteoporosis than men, particularly if the menopause begins early (before the age of 45) or they’ve had their ovaries removed.  Women will lose bone rapidly in the first few years after the menopause.

Endometriosis

Endometriosis is a condition where tissue similar to the lining of the womb starts to grow in other places, such as the ovaries and fallopian tubes.  Endometriosis can affect women of any age. 

It’s a long-term condition that can have a significant impact on your life, but there are treatments that can help.

Fertility & Pregnancy

If you are pregnant or thinking about trying for a baby, then it’s important to think about your health. If you smoke or drink alcohol, now is a good time to stop.  Ensure you are eating a balanced diet and taking a folic acid supplement. If you have a long-term medical condition or take regular medication, it’s important to talk to your GP before trying to conceive.

For everything you need to know about trying for a baby, pregnancy and birth read the NHS guide here.

Some people get pregnant quickly, but for others it can take longer. According to the NHS 1 in couples may have difficulty conceiving.  It’s a good idea to see a GP if you have not conceived after a year of trying.

Women aged 36 and over, and anyone who’s already aware they may have fertility problems, should see their GP sooner. The GP can then check for common causes of fertility problems and suggest treatments that could help.

For more details on infertility click here.

Menopause

The menopause is a natural stage of life that millions of women experience. It is marked by changes in hormones and the ending of menstruation. It can also bring many other physical and emotional changes. Millions of women go through the menopause and there is great support available.

In the UK, the average age for a woman to reach the menopause is 51, but the menopause commonly happens any time between the ages of 42 and 56 as a woman’s estrogen levels decline.  But around 1 in 100 women experience the menopause before 40 years of age. This is known as premature menopause and may be caused by hormonal imbalances, chemotherapy, radiation, or a hysterectomy.

Menopausal symptoms can begin months or even years before your periods stop and last around 4 years after your last period, although some women experience them for much longer. 

It’s worth talking to a GP if you have menopausal symptoms that are troubling you or if you’re experiencing symptoms of the menopause before 45 years of age.

The menopause is a natural turning point in a woman’s life that marks the end of the menstrual cycle and childbearing years. For more information on the menopause read our guide by clicking here.

Mental Health

According to Mental Health Foundation, in England, around one in five women has a common mental health problem such as anxiety, depression or self-harm.

Women generally find it easier to talk about their feelings and have stronger social networks than men, both of which can help protect their mental health.

It’s as important to look after your mental health as it is your physical health. For more details, read our mental health guide here.

Depression

One in four women experience depression compared to one in 10 men. This may be due to factors such as poverty, isolation, and hormonal changes. Around 10- 20% of women experience depression while they’re pregnant or after giving birth.

Women have a longer life expectancy than men, meaning they’re more likely to experience the mental health difficulties that can come with older age. Losses such as bereavement or loss of independence can lead to depression.

Most people go through periods of feeling down, but when you’re depressed you feel persistently sad for weeks or months, rather than just a few days. Symptoms of depression can range from mild to severe and may include suicidal feelings. For more details of depression click here.

If you are feeling depressed, then it’s important to talk to your GP and get help.

Anxiety

Anxiety is a feeling of stress, panic, worry or fear, which can be mild or severe.

Everyone has feelings of anxiety at some point in their life. For example, you may feel worried and anxious about sitting an exam or having a medical test or job interview. During times like these, feeling anxious can be perfectly normal.

Some people find it hard to control their worries. Their feelings of anxiety are more constant and can often affect their daily lives. If your feelings of anxiety are your daily life, then it’s important to talk to your GP and get help.

Eating disorders

Eating disorders are not about food or weight but are attempts to deal with emotional and stress related issues.

Unhealthy eating behaviours may include eating too much or too little or worrying about your weight or body shape.

Anyone can get an eating disorder, but teenagers between 13 and 17 are mostly affected.

If you or a loved one are experiencing the symptoms of an eating disorder, early intervention is vital. So, it’s important to contact your GP as soon as possible.

Stress Awareness

It’s important to put measures in place to reduce any stress you are feeling and to take a moment to think about your own wellbeing and find out more on how to manage stress. For more details, read our stress awareness guide here.

This article was published on 31 Mar 2022. At the time of publishing, this article was true and accurate, however, over time this may have changed. Some links may no longer work. If you have any concerns about this please contact us

April is National Stress Awareness Month. Stress Awareness Month is held each April, to increase public awareness about both the causes and cures of stress. According to the Mental health Foundation 74% of UK adults have felt so stressed at some point over the last year they felt overwhelmed or unable to cope. For more details click here.

We all know what it’s like to feel stressed – being under pressure is a normal part of life. But becoming overwhelmed by stress can lead to mental and physical health problems or make existing problems worse.

Millions of people around the UK are experiencing high levels of stress if you are one of them, it may be damaging your health.

Stress isn’t a mental health condition, but it can cause a mental health problem, like anxiety or depression or it can cause an existing one to get worse. Stress can also affect you physically, it can cause headaches, insomnia, tiredness, or stomach problems.

Individually we need to understand what is causing our personal stress and learn what steps we can take to reduce it for ourselves and those around us. National Stress Awareness month is a great opportunity to take a moment to do this and think about our own wellbeing.

What you can do to help manage worries and stress – there are various steps you can take to cope with being under pressure, remember, different things work for different people.

Write down your worries and concerns – this may help process your thoughts and emotions. You can then read the worries back and try to think of them from a different perspective.

Keep a daily routine – our overall wellbeing relies on our daily routines; these also help with sleeping & eating patterns. This is why it’s important to ensure you and your family have structure in your day. The routine can be simple everyday things like, getting up, going to bed, and eating at the same times each day, listening to music, going for a daily walk.  They can also include things to look forward to, like visiting a local attraction or café at the weekend.

Identify your triggers and take control – working out what triggers your stress can help you anticipate when you may feel stressed and what you could do about it in advance.

Organise your time – making some adjustments to the way you organise your time can help you feel more in control and able to handle the pressure you are feeling.

Keep active – exercise can help clear your head and then let you deal with your problems more calmly. Go outside to exercise, as fresh air and spending time in nature can really help.

Stay healthy – as well as exercise it’s important to maintain a healthy diet and ensure you are getting enough sleep.

To read our sleep guide click here

To read our Nutrition guide click here

Talk to other people – friends, family & colleagues can help support you through the stress you are feeling, you may even have a laugh and start to relax. You may also want to consider talking to a professional counsellor.

Do something you enjoy – spending time doing something you enjoy will take your mind off how you are feeling. Everyone needs to take time for themselves, it can be as simple as having a bath or reading a book.

Avoid unhealthy ways to cope – many people use alcohol, smoking, chocolate, and gambling to try and relieve the stress they are feeling, none of these things will help in the long term, use healthy coping strategies like going for a run, listening to music, or walking the dog.

Challenge yourself – learning new skills and setting yourself new goals will help build your confidence and make you feel good about yourself.

Help others – think of others in your local community, who may need help with small tasks, like shopping or volunteer to help a worthwhile cause, like litter picking or the local food bank. People who help others tend to be more resilient.

Keep informed – whilst it’s important to keep up to date with the latest news, it can be overwhelming, so in order to manage any feelings of stress and anxiety consider only checking the news and social media once a day.  Ensure you stick to trustworthy sources for the latest information.

Dealing with change is hard for everyone and can be extremely stressful, for more information on handling change and improving your resilience read our guide here.

Keep positive – it’s very easy to focus on the negatives of a situation. But it’s important to stay positive. You could also think of all the things you are grateful for, write down or say out loud 3 things that went well each day. Use these positive statements to create a positivity jar with your family.

Try Mindfulness – mindfulness can help reduce stress; it can also give you the space to respond calmly under pressure.  For more details click here.

Address some of the causes – where possible improve some of the issues that are putting pressure on you.

Accept the things you can’t change – it’s not easy but accepting that there are some things happening to you that you can’t do anything about will help you focus your time and energy elsewhere.

Useful links:

• NHS
• Mind
• Gov.UK
• World Health Organisation

Worrying about money can be extremely stressful and may lead to mental health conditions. Police Mutual are here to help. We want to break down the stigma surrounding debt and get people talking about money.

We’ve teamed up with PayPlan*, one of the UK’s leading free debt advice providers, who offer free and confidential advice to anyone in serious financial difficulties.

They’re able to advise you on a range of debt solutions suited to your individual circumstances, helping to protect you and your family with a sustainable way to manage your debt.

Get free and confidential help to combat your debt, call PayPlan* on 0800 197 8433

*PayPlan is a trading name of Totemic Limited. Totemic Limited is a limited company registered in England, Company Number: 2789854. Registered Office: Kempton House, Dysart Road, PO Box 9562, Grantham, NG31 0EA. Totemic Limited is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. Financial Conduct Authority Number: 681263