Things in the library 13 Sept...

Things to browse...
We always have a trolley of second-hand books for sale in the library at reasonable prices. This is  made up of items which we have replaced with newer editions, feel free to come up and browse or check out this list. Please note if you are registered with the library we can reserve items for you by putting the cost on your library account - but note this is a commitment to buy.

Things about FGM...
Hundreds of survivors of female genital mutilation (FGM) will be able to access expert care, support and treatment earlier in a new network of NHS ‘one stop shop’ clinics being launched this week.
More than 1,300 women over 18 are expected to benefit from the highly specialised FGM support being rolled out to eight new centres across England as part of the NHS Long Term Plan. Typically, the NHS is first able to identify and begin to offer support to survivors of FGM when they are pregnant, through maternity services. Over the last three months almost 1,000 women and girls were identified as having been affected. The new network of FGM support clinics – opening in Birmingham, Bristol, London and Leeds – will aim to reach women before they are pregnant, providing those over the age of 18 with a range of services all under one roof. They will be led by specialist doctors, midwives and nurses, and provide access to specially-trained counsellors for emotional support, as well as FGM Health Advocates for advice on accessing other services locally.

Things about healthy lives...
A whole government approach to long-term investment in the nation’s health has been published by the Health Foundation. Life expectancy in the UK has been stalling since 2011, and there is an 18-year gap in healthy life expectancy between the least and most socioeconomically deprived populations. Fluctuations in government priorities, a tendency towards short-term political decision-making, and challenges in addressing complex dynamic issues, all lead to insufficient attention by government on creating the conditions for a healthy life. This publication makes the case for an ambitious, whole-government approach to long-term investment in the nation’s health. They recommend five shifts in the government’s overall approach to achieving this aim and outline how investment can be re-balanced towards areas of spending that maintain and improve health, such as early years services, housing and social security.

Things about physical activity...
New physical activity guidelines have been issued by UK Chief Medical Officers. The guidelines emphasise the importance of building strength and balance for adults, and include recommendations for pregnant women, new mothers and disabled people.
Falls are the main reason older people are taken to A&E, and could be avoided through daily activities such as brisk walking, carrying heavy shopping, climbing stairs, swimming and gardening. There is strong evidence that physical activity protects against a range of chronic conditions. Meeting the guidelines can reduce the risk of:

• type 2 diabetes by 40%
• coronary heart disease by 35%
• depression by 30%

The new guidelines are an update to those released in 2011, but the overall message remains the same: any activity is better than none, and more is better still. Under the new guidelines, adults are advised to undertake strength-based exercise at least 2 days a week. This can help delay the natural decline in muscle mass and bone density that starts from around age 50. It is believed that this is a major reason why older people lose their ability to carry out daily tasks.

New advice is also available to encourage good development in babies and children, with the UK Chief Medical Officers recommending lots of ‘tummy time’. As much active play as possible in children under 5 is encouraged, and older children are recommended to be active for an average of 60 minutes a day across the week. To support this, the government will work with nurseries to find fun opportunities for young children to exercise during the day through the new Daily Toddle initiative.

Things about health & social care...
Healthwatch received reports of 17,269 people’s views and experiences of health and social care from their network between Apr to Jun 2019. This briefing highlights what the public are saying about primary care, secondary care and social care. They also take an in-depth look at why personalised care matters and how this can be applied to different sections of the community.

Things to make...
The Hairy Bikers seem to be off on their journeys again and this (not so healthy) wedge salad with blue cheese dressing featured on their latest TV programme ...sounds delicious though!