Mental Health AwarenessSeptember 2019

Know Your NumbersDo you know your systolic from your diastolic?

Confused? You might be if you’re not familiar with Blood Pressure measurement terminology. Blood Pressure UK are promoting their annual Know Your Numbers campaign this month (9th -15th) so it’s a great time to educate yourself, get your pressure checked and know what your numbers mean.

Blood pressure readings are given in two numbers. The top number is the maximum pressure your heart exerts while beating (systolic pressure), and the bottom number is the amount of pressure in your arteries between beats (diastolic pressure). The numeric difference between your systolic and diastolic blood pressure is called your pulse pressure. For example, if your resting blood pressure is 120/80 your pulse pressure is 40.

What is normal blood pressure? Ideally, we should all have a blood pressure below 120 over 80 (120/80). This is the ideal blood pressure for people wishing to have good health. At this level, we have a much lower risk of heart disease or stroke.

It’s a Balancing Act As the nights begin to draw-in and with the start of a new academic year, we may all be adjusting our life patterns in one way or another. Whether it be juggling parenthood, being a carer or other challenges - striking a balance between work and home life is not an easy feat. With these demands, we must also ensure we think about our own health and recognise when we may be overstretching ourselves. Remember, don’t be afraid to ask for help and make sure you take time for yourself.

Think about your colleagues - how can you support a happier workplace? Author and presenter Shawn Achor delivers some great messages in his TED session on The happy secret to better work.

Josephine Bey - Editor

Reducing your blood pressure: Eat less saltSalt raises your blood pressure, so try to keep your intake level low

Eat more fruit and vegetables Eating fruit and veg helps to lower your blood pressure

Keep to a healthy weight Losing weight, if you need to, helps lower your blood pressure and reduces the risk of health problems

Drink less alcoholIf you drink too much alcohol, this will raise your blood pressure over time

Get active Moderate activity for up to 30 minutes five times a week can keep your heart healthy, and can lower your blood pressure - even a small amount can help

What’s Going on This Month

10th SeptemberEvery 40 seconds a person dies by suicide somewhere in the world; that’s over 800,000 people every year - A staggering number of losses which is preventable. The International Association for Suicide Prevention (IASP) champions raising awareness worldwide and taking action to prevent suicides.

Blood Cancer Awareness Month is promoted every September. Blood Cancer is one of the most commonly diagnosed cancers in the UK. Only 1 in 10 people confidently know the symptoms and over 240,000 people in the UK are living with Blood Cancer.

29th September Promoted by the World Heart Federation, World Heart Day aims to reduce premature deaths from cardiovascular disease by 25% by 2025.

Wellbeing Solutions Management (WSM), is Medigold’s psychological services partner. WSM provides: Employee assistance programmes, critical incident support, mediation, and HR-led counselling referrals. wsm-wellbeing.co.uk

Mental Health Awareness

Medigold Health is a leading supplier of corporate wellness and occupational health solutions, offering a comprehensive services portfolio, keeping people in work, safe and well. medigold-health.com

Wellbeing Solutions Management delivers a comprehensive range of mental health and wellbeing services to support both individuals and their employers.

Our wellbeing services include:

24/7 Counselling & advice helplines (EAPs)

Managed counselling for return-to-work Critical

incident and post-trauma support Psychological

assessment and clinical reports Stress

management and resilience training

Our mission is to help employers improve overall workforce performance, reduce stress-related absence and raise productivity by supporting the wellbeing of employees. 

Mental Health and Wellbeing Services

Legal

Money

Health

Emotions

Relationships

Family

Work

Addictions

Older People

Are you sitting comfortably?Poor posture can affect every part of our body so it’s important to know how to improve your posture to reduce physical health risks such as lower back pain, neck pain, and pelvic pain. For office workers, it’s recommended you change your position at least every 30 minutes. Shifting around in your seat isn’t the answer, as it’s likely to cause a slumped and uncomfortable posture. With desk work, it’s about getting up and moving. Take a moment every 30 minutes to get up and have a walk, then return to your ‘good posture’ position.

Use the following steps to see if you can improve your posture

Your eyes should be level with the top of your monitor

Shoulders should be relaxed and low – you shouldn’t be able to feel tension or hunching.

Arms should be parallel to the floor and should rest on a support and have easy access to keyboard, mouse and phone

Your feet should be flat on the floor and upper legs positioned at a 90 degree angle. If you are shorter, you may need a foot rest and taller people should raise their chair

Your upper back should be straight with your hips as close to the back of the chair as possible.

Try not to lean to one side by resting on the arm of your chair. This causes your spine to curve.

As a driver, your correct sitting position should be almost the same. Adjust your seat so your back is supported and shoulders are not hunched. Also remember to take regular breaks when able.

Take action and Be Happy!Action for Happiness is a movement of people who are committed to building a happier and more caring society.

Containing daily actions to help you spread more happiness you can check out their monthly calendar and find out more about the 10 Keys to Happier Living

giantpeach.agency/blog/10-keys-to-take-action-for-happiness/