Things in the library 8th February...

Things about breakfast ...or is it dessert...
There has long been a debate between me and my adult son about breakfast and whether it is an essential part of the day or whether that is a myth put out by cereal companies who funded much of the research. This recent systematic review and meta-analysis in the BMJ looked at the 'Effect of breakfast on weight and energy intake: systematic review and meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials'. They conclude that

"the addition of breakfast might not be a good strategy for weight loss, regardless of established breakfast habit. Caution is needed when recommending breakfast for weight loss in adults, as it could have the opposite effect. Further randomised controlled trials of high quality are needed to examine the role of breakfast eating in the approach to weight management."

There is also an interesting opinion piece on this topic here.

Things about pain...

This opinion article about pain in the New York Times written by  a paediatrician certainly reminds me of being brought up by a mother who was also a paediatrician (who incidentally worked with Prof Illingworth here at SCH) - the swing between 'there is nothing wrong with you' to 'that could be really serious lets rush to hospital' was a feature of my childhood!

Things about child mental health...

To mark Children’s Mental Health Week (4-10 February), the Education Secretary Damian Hinds announced that up to 370 schools in England will take part in a series of trials testing different approaches to supporting young people’s mental health. Children will benefit from mindfulness exercises, relaxation techniques and breathing exercises to help them regulate their emotions, alongside pupil sessions with mental health experts. The study will run until 2021 and aims to give schools new, robust evidence about what works best for their students’ mental health and wellbeing.

Things about care leavers...
The Department for Education (DfE) in England has announced three pilot schemes in Bristol, Lewisham and Sheffield to improve the education and training of young people leaving care, to help them make the transition into independent life. Sheffield City Council Councillor Jackie Drayton, Cabinet Member for Children, Young People and Families said:

"We want to ensure that our Care Leavers get every help and support they can to access education, training or employment. I’m pleased that Project Apollo will enable the Council’s Leaving Care Service to work with Sheffield Futures to give our care leavers every opportunity to achieve their full potential and progress successfully in the future."

More things about screen-time...
 There has been much in the news this week about recommended screen-time for children. Here you can read the full report and comments from the Chief Medical Officer (who has just announced she will be leaving the role later in the year). 

More things about mental health...
This report  Beyond the Green Paper: The Role of Practice Based Evidence from an All-Party Parliamentary Group seeks to influence the views of Parliament and the performance of  Government to better address issues relating to the Children’s Mental Health




Things from Reading Group...
Our last book (The Choice by Edith Eger) was one of our highest scoring books yet and so is thoroughly recommended. Our next book is very different and much lighter The Murder of My Aunt by Richard Hull. We meet on the first Wednesday of the month and it is very informal so do come and join us if you would like to...we had 11 people this week a mixture of SCH and University. Note to Estates...we may soon need a bigger library!

Things about coffee...
Our current Randomised Coffee Trial is underway with people meeting up across the trust...if you meant to join in with this one and didn't get around to it there is still time so drop the library an email.

Things to eat...
Cauliflower is such a wonderful vegetable both as an accompaniment and a main ingredient. I love the sound of this Baked aloo gobi with flatbreads and the colour is so warm and enticing on a wild wet windy day.