HEALTH BULLETIN .CO

Tuesday, April 29, 2014

One third of people struggle to cope at work because of depression, stress or burn out.... and 80% feel isolated or lonely as a result, study finds

One third of people struggle to cope at work due to depression or stress

Some 83% of those affected feel isolated or lonely as result, says survey

But 71% of people said discussing their condition with colleague helped

Online research published today as part of Depression Awareness Week

A third of people struggle to cope at work because of depression, stress or burn out, according to a survey published today.

Some 83 per cent of those affected experience isolation or loneliness as a result, the study found.

Only half of those feeling lonely or isolated had confided in a colleague, yet 71 per cent found that discussing their condition with a colleague helped them feel better.

Difficulty: A third of people struggle to cope at work because of depression, stress or burn out, according to a survey published today. Some 83 per cent of those affected experience isolation or loneliness as a result

The online research, involving 1,200 people, was published by the charity Depression Alliance as part of Depression Awareness Week.

It also highlights the need for employers to take action to recognise the condition better and to support affected staff.

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Another report, published by business leaders, shows how companies including Royal Mail, Barclays and Unilever are helping depressed workers by implementing new policies to enable structured support and processes for affected workers.

Tim Munden, vice president HR, Unilever UK, said: 'At Unilever we firmly believe that addressing depression through our mental health policies benefits both our business and our employees.

Fighting depression: Tim Munden (left), vice president HR, Unilever UK, says the firm addresses depression through its mental health policies. Meanwhile, Norman Lamb (right) claims he wants to build a 'fairer society'

'We aim for a 10 per cent reduction by 2015 in work-related mental ill-health cases and working days lost to mental ill-health.'

Emer O'Neill, chief executive of Depression Alliance, said: 'Depression is the biggest mental health challenge among working-age people and often leads to considerable loneliness and isolation at work.

'However, many companies aren't properly equipped to manage employees who suffer from depression so providing support to these individuals in the workplace is essential.

Lonely: The online research was published by charity Depression Alliance as part of Depression Awareness Week. It also highlights the need for employers to take action to recognise the condition better (file picture)

'We have just launched Friends in Need, (www.friendsinneed.co.uk) which provides anyone with depression with a free and easy way to connect, either online or by meeting in groups and taking part in local activities, all of which help stop the feelings of loneliness and isolation.'

Depression Awareness Week, organised by Depression Alliance, lasts to next Saturday.

Care and Support Minister, Norman Lamb, said: 'I want to build a fairer society so that anyone with a mental health problem such as depression gets the support they need when they need it.

'That's why we've invested £400 million in improving access to treatment for conditions including depression and anxiety - which support people to stay in work.

'I want to build a fairer society so that anyone with a mental health problem such as depression gets the support they need when they need it'

Norman Lamb

'We are looking at ways for mental health and employment services to work more closely together and support people both in, and out, of work in building emotional resilience, developing well-being and getting support for their mental health problems.

'This is an incredibly important subject and there are some great employers already leading the way, such as BT.

'We've also invested £16million in the Time to Change programme to help reduce the stigma surrounding mental health and last year we published a guide showing managers how to support employees with mental health problems in the best way possible.'

TNS Omnibus conducted online research among 1,215 British adults aged 16+. The research was commissioned on behalf of Depression Alliance and conducted between April 10 and 14.

'Depression in the Workplace in Europe: A report featuring new insights from business leaders' is published by the Target Depression in the Workplace Advisory Group, an initiative set up by several large companies to advise and support human resources professionals across Europe on managing depression among employees.

A QUARTER of women who have an abortion end up having another one - and 57% were using contraception when they conceived

The majority of women who conceive while using contraception are taking the Pill or using condoms - very few are using longer-term contraceptives

A month after having an abortion, 86% of women are using contraception

But 67% have given up using their chosen contraceptive after a year

Common reasons are menstrual problems or forgetting to pick up the Pill

A quarter of women who have an abortion go on to have another one, new figures show.

And 57 per cent of young women who had an abortion claimed to have been using contraception when they conceived.

The majority of these women were using short-term methods of contraception, such as the Pill or condoms.

A quarter of women who have an abortion go on to have another one, new figures show (file picture)

The figures, from reproductive health charity Marie Stopes UK, also revealed that only 12 per cent of women have used emergency contraception and that the older a woman is, the more likely she is to have had more than one abortion.

They also showed that a month after having an abortion 86 per cent of women are using contraception, but 67 per cent use their chosen method of contraception for less than a year.

Reasons for stopping include menstrual irregularities and not renewing supply in time to take the Pill.

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After having an abortion, 63 per cent of the women surveyed were given long-acting reversible contraception – compared to 30 per cent of young women in England as a whole – and they were more likely to choose these methods of contraception if they had had more than one abortion or if they had had a surgical abortion.

The researchers analysed five years of Marie Stopes UK’s patient data, surveying 430 women - 121 of whom had previously had an abortion – and all of whom were between the ages of 16 and 24.

Although the total number of abortions in England and Wales has gradually declined in recent years, the number of women seeking abortion who had one or more previous abortions is increasing.

Some 57 per cent of people who have an abortion were using contraception when they conceived - most were using the Pill or condoms

Genevieve Edwards, Director of Policy at Marie Stopes UK, said: ‘Women have three fertile decades to manage, but too many women are being let down by a lack of on-going support in choosing and using the most effective method of contraception.

‘If we tackled the lack of sex and relationship education in schools, invested in contraceptive training for health professionals and bridged the gap between abortion, contraception and sexual health services, we’d see the rates of unwanted pregnancies plummet.’

The researchers say that with typical use, nine in 100 women become pregnant each year while taking the pill and that condoms have a failure rate of 18 per cent.

This failure rate means that of the people who say condoms are their chosen method of contraception, 18 per cent will actually not be protected from pregnancy each time they have sex.

This can be because they do not actually use a condom, because they do not use it properly, or because it breaks.

In contrast, there is a less than one per cent failure rate for long-acting methods of contraception, such as implants and coils.

Ms Edwards added: ‘We have got to get better at talking about contraception and abortion. One in three women will have an abortion and one in four of them will go on to have another.

‘Our research shows there is no particular demographic group who are more likely to have abortions – it can happen to any of us. But for the majority of women, it was more often the short-term methods that failed them.

‘Getting this right is also good for the public purse. Fitting a coil costs about £40 and lasts ten years – that’s less than 8p a week and it repays the NHS many times over in abortion or maternity costs.

SIX HUNDRED students put at risk of HIV by healthcare worker who failed to change part of the syringe during blood tests and vaccinations

606 students from the University of Derby have been contacted

The students have been advised to be screened for HIV and hepatitis

An investigation has been launched after it was established a healthcare worker at the university failed to change syringe barrels between patients

The risk of infection is thought to be very low as the needles were changed

More than 600 students at the University of Derby have been put at risk of infection with HIV and hepatitis

Six hundred students have been put at risk of HIV and hepatitis because a healthcare worker failed to followed correct clinical procedures.

Past and present students at the University of Derby - who had either vaccinations or blood tests - have been advised to attend screenings for the infections to ensure they have not been infected.

The advice was given after an investigation was opened into the safety of procedures carried out by a member of staff who was formerly contracted to provide services within the Occupational Health Service at the university.

Experts at NHS England have said the actions of a healthcare worker put students at risk of HIV and hepatitis B and C.

The worker involved failed to change the syringe barrels which needles are attached to between each patient.

This oversight occurred over a period of eight years putting 606 students at risk.

The affected patients are those that were seen by the healthcare worker between September 2005 and October 2013.

Dr Doug Black, Medical Director, NHS England Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire said: ‘This investigation has taken place as it is understood that, whilst syringe needles were always changed between patients, the syringe barrels to which the needles attach were being reused in the administration of vaccinations.

‘This also occurred during blood taking, where a single use holder for a blood collection tube was reused but needles changed.

‘Therefore, there is an extremely low possibility these errors may have put people at risk of infection from hepatitis B, hepatitis C or HIV.

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‘With this in mind, as a precaution, we have reviewed all available university health records and the 606 people identified have all been contacted and invited to attend a blood test at their local hospital or via their GP.’

He added: ‘We are extremely sorry for the undoubted worry and concern people we are contacting may feel on receiving this news.

‘I would however like to stress that the risk is extremely low and would encourage all those we contact, who may not already have been screened after their time at the university, to present themselves for blood testing.

The patients were put at risk by a healthcare worker who failed to change syringe barrels between patients. Image shows HIV infection in human tissue

‘As part of our investigation the healthcare worker involved has been reported to the appropriate regulatory body and has been suspended, pending further investigation.

‘We are working closely with the University of Derby and Public Health England to resolve this issue as quickly as possible.’

Professor John Coyne, Vice-Chancellor of the University of Derby said: ‘This is a deeply regrettable incident, and it does mean that we need to contact a significant number of our current and former students to ensure they get the information and guidance they need. I apologise for the potential distress this may cause to the people involved.

The risk is thought to be extremely low because the needles attached to the syringe barrels were changed between patients. Image shows hepatitis B

‘We are working closely with NHS England and Public Health England to provide support and assistance to those people who may be affected by this issue, and will continue to do so tirelessly in the coming weeks to ensure that all appropriate support is available and provided.

‘An advice line has been set up by the university, with clinical support from Public Health England, to provide advice and guidance to callers.

‘Those who receive a letter are advised to call 03330 142479 for further information on what actions they should take next.’

The investigation is being carried out by NHS England, Public Health England and the University of Derby.

Why 32 is the best age for a woman to diet: It's easier to stick to resolutions and shed the pounds

The best age for men to start a diet at is 31 - Prince William's age

The early 30s are the best time for dieting as turning 30 is a 'watershed'

When people are in their 20s they struggle to diet due to more partying

As they get older they tend to become less concerned about their looks

So, the 40s and 50s are not ideal for dieting as people lack motivation

The perfect age for a woman to start a diet is 32 – Kate Middleton’s age - according to new research.

Women of that age - including singer Beyoncé - find it easiest to lose weight and stick to a diet plan.

For men the best age to diet is 31 – the same age as Prince William.

The best age for a woman to diet is 32 - Kate Middleton's age - the best for a man is 31 - Prince William's age

Both sexes said their early 30s was the optimum time for weight loss because turning 30 was a watershed moment in their lives and they wanted to stay fit and healthy as they leave their 20s.

People are less likely to stick to diets in their mid-30s and 40s because they are not so bothered about their appearance as ageing takes its toll and they embrace middle age, according to 54 per cent of dieters.

Almost six out of ten slimmers - 59 per cent - said that diets are more likely to go awry in the 20s because people are more likely to be single and to party more.

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The findings come from a survey of 1,000 male and female slimmers by the diet company Forza Supplements.

The overwhelming majority of those polled - 82 per cent - said that 30 was a 'watershed' age for both sexes and they were more likely to stick to diets afterwards.

More than a third of female respondents - 37 per cent - found the ages of 30 to 35 the best to slim.

Women are more likely to stick to diets in their early 30s because turning 30 is seen as a watershed moment and they want to feel fit and healthy as they leave their 20s. Beyonce is the optimum age - 32

Amongst this group 32 was the ideal age for women.

Another factor making it the optimum for women to slim is the likelihood that they had become mothers.

The average age of women giving birth in the UK is now a few weeks short of 30 - while first time mothers are older than ever at 28.

Losing baby weight is a powerful incentive for women to slim with 56 per cent saying they had found it easier to lose weight after childbirth than before.

Marriage was also a factor in helping women to lose weight.

Four out ten female respondents - 42 per cent - said they found it easier to lose weight after marrying because they are less likely to drink and eat to excess.

The average age for a new bride in the UK is 30.

For men, 36 per cent said the ages of 30 to 35 were the most effective years to diet - with 31 the optimum age.

Men's ideal age was a year less than women's because turning 30 was seen as a bigger watershed for them.

Forza managing director Lee Smith said: ‘There is no doubt that turning 30 is a big moment for both sexes.

‘The ageing process starts to catch up with us all and both sexes are desperate to turn back the clock.

‘They are both in the right frame of mind to diet - and that's why they are both better able to lose weight around that age.

‘This is certainly true of the typical Forza dieter who is a young mum in her early 30s keen to lose a bit of weight after starting a family.’

What a woman eats BEFORE she becomes pregnant affects her child's health for life

Mother’s nutrition before she becomes pregnant is 'super-critical'

Nutrients needed to make chemical changes that affect DNA include vitamins B2, B6 and B12, plus choline - found in eggs - and folic acid

Findings could lead to cocktail of vitamins being taken before pregnancy

It’s often said you are what you eat.

But it seems that what your mother ate is also important.

Research points to a woman’s diet before she becomes pregnant affecting the genes of her future child.

Preparation: A woman's diet before she becomes pregnant affects the genes of her future child, new research suggests

What is more, pre-conception diet may have a life-long impact on the as yet unborn child’s health.

Researcher Andrew Prentice, of the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, said: ‘The key message is that a mother’s nutrition before she becomes pregnant is super-critical.

‘There is a lot going on before the moment of conception.’

The science is still in its infancy, but it could lead to women who want to start a family being advised to take a cocktail of vitamins and other food supplements ahead of pregnancy.

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To pin down the effect of a mother’s diet on health, Professor Prentice studied women in rural West Africa, where the marked seasons lead to distinct changes in the foods eaten.

Working with colleagues from the Medical Research Council’s unit in the Gambia, he measured the concentration of various nutrients in the blood of nearly 170 newly-pregnant women.

Half had conceived at the height of the rainy season and half had become pregnant at the peak of the dry season.

Stocking up: Good sources of the nutrients needed to make chemical changes include milk, green leafy vegetables and protein

He also scrutinised the DNA of their babies after they were born and quizzed other local women about their diet through the seasons.

Crunching the results together showed a clear link between a woman’s diet and her child’s genes.

Crucially, it was what she ate before pregnancy that was important – not what eaten when carrying the child.

The difference involved ‘epigenetic’ changes to the baby’s DNA. These aren’t mutations but chemical changes that affect when genes become active and how active they are.

Not all of our genes are active all of the time, and if they are under or over-active, it can cause problems.

Building blocks: Choline, found in eggs, in another influential nutrient, the study found

It is not known if the changes found here affect health but, in other work, Professor Prentice has found linked pre-pregnancy diet to the chemistry of genes involved in obesity, cancer and the immune system.

Some changes can be erased over time, others are life-long.

Nutrients needed to make the chemical changes include vitamins B2, B6 and B12, as well as choline and methionine and folic acid.

Professor Prentice said that while it is too early to give advice, good sources of these compounds include, milk, green, leafy vegetables and protein.

Women are already advised to take folic acid, or vitamin B9 in the run-up to pregnancy.

The professor said: ‘Now research is pointing to the need for a cocktail of nutrients, which could come from the diet or from supplements.

‘What is pretty thrilling is that we seem to have hit on something that has worldwide consequences for women trying to conceive.’

Variations: The diet differences involved 'epigenetic' changes to the baby's DNA (pictured). These are chemical changes that affect when genes become active and how active they are

Almost ten years ago, scientists showed the nutrients in a mouse’s diet before pregnancy can alter the colour of the coat of her future pup.

The latest research, published in the journal Nature Communications, is the first to definitively link preconception diet with epigenetic changes in people.

It is part of a growing body of research that points to a child’s health being programmed early in life – including in the womb and even before conception.

It is argued that these early days shape a child’s chances of everything from developing diabetes in their 40s and 50s to having a heart attack in old age.

It is even said that life expectancy can be traced back to those early days and months, as can a lifelong battle of the bulge.

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Tuesday, April 29, 2014

One third of people struggle to cope at work because of depression, stress or burn out.... and 80% feel isolated or lonely as a result, study finds

More...

A QUARTER of women who have an abortion end up having another one - and 57% were using contraception when they conceived

More...

SIX HUNDRED students put at risk of HIV by healthcare worker who failed to change part of the syringe during blood tests and vaccinations

More...

Why 32 is the best age for a woman to diet: It's easier to stick to resolutions and shed the pounds

More...

What a woman eats BEFORE she becomes pregnant affects her child's health for life

More...