Quarterly magazine of BackCare, the UK’s National Back Pain Association
AUTUMN n 2017
FREE TO MEMBERS
Don’t let back pain spoil your fun
also in this issue: Self help Choosing the fitness class that’s right for you Public health Increase in young people with Type 2 diabetes Lifestyle Staying pain free during your half-term getaway
www.backcare.org.uk
2 TALKBACK NEWS
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READING Contact: Telephone: Email:
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DERBY Contact: Telephone: Email:
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SALISBURY Contact: Telephone: Email:
Mrs Barbara White 01722 333925 white.alan@btinternet.com
ESSEX Contact: Telephone: Email:
Mrs Lyndee Oscar 01206 804353 lyndee@kidsbacks4thefuture.co.uk
SOUTHAMPTON Mrs Jo Goudge-Riley Contact: Telephone: 02380 464170 Email: goudgeriley@gmail.com
The BackCare branches are a network of local support groups up and down the country. They are run by local members who organise educational, social and fundraising events. You can find your local branch in the listing, right.
HARROGATE & DISTRICT Mrs Lin Tippey Contact: 01423 865946 Telephone: Email: keithandlin2@btinternet.com
SWANSEA (WALES) Ms Gloria Morgan Contact: Telephone: 01792 208290 Email: gloriamorgan@talktalk.net
HULL & EAST RIDING Contact: Mrs Beryl Kelsey Telephone: 01482 353547 Email: kelsey59@kelsey59.karoo.co.uk
WEST LONDON Mrs Teresa Sawicka Contact: 020 8997 4848 Telephone: Email: tere_ss@yahoo.co.uk
LOTHIAN (SCOTLAND) Mrs Jean Houston Contact: 0131 441 3611 Telephone: Email: jean.houston@blueyonder.co.uk
WEST MIDLANDS Contact: Mrs Thelma Pearson 01902 783537 Telephone:
If you’d like to start a branch in your area, please contact branches@backcare.org.uk
POOLE & BOURNEMOUTH Contact: Mrs Patricia Bowman Telephone: 01202 710308 Email: patriciabowman@ntlworld.com
WINCHESTER Contact: Ms Gillian Rowe Telephone: 023 8025 2626 Email: gillianmrowe@hotmail.com
Pain relief through yoga HAVE FUN AND RAISE FUNDS FOR BACKCARE Do you enjoy walking, jogging or cycling? Perhaps aerobics is more your style.
Mira Mehta MPhil (Oxon), Assoc. BAAAP Author of Yoga: the Iyengar Way, How to Use Yoga, Health through Yoga and Yoga Explained
Back pain (simple) and scoliosis – stretching and rotational postures. Neck pain – postures to relax and strengthen.
Why not use your favourite activities and events to raise funds for BackCare?
Sciatica and prolapsed discs – restful postures that realign and strengthen.
Contact us today and we’ll be delighted to discuss your fundraising ideas.
Call Anusha 020 8977 5474 TALKBACK l AUTUMN 2017
Venue in London WC1 www.yogicpath.com
TALKBACK LEADER 3
How the internet is fuelling anxiety over health UNEXPLAINED ailments can cause us to worry excessively about our health, especially if we’ve had a previous health scare. Most of the time our fears are unfounded and the mystery aches and pains subside and are soon forgotten. However, for some people suffering from a condition known as “health anxiety”, the fear of having an undiagnosed medical illness, despite evidence to the contrary, is constant and all-consuming. They will check their symptoms continually, frequently consulting health professionals for reassurance and going for unnecessary medical appointments and tests. Finding no underlying reasons for their symptoms, they continue to worry and trawl the internet for a diagnosis, often uncovering irrelevant detail about rare conditions while overlooking the medical likelihoods. Health anxiety has only recently been acknowledged as a separate condition that is closely linked (but not identical) to the former diagnosis of hypochondriasis, according to a new study1. Researchers from Imperial College London and King’s College London believe that this under-recognised condition is on the increase and could affect as many as one in five hospital out-patients, while the unnecessary use of primary and secondary care facilities is thought to cost the NHS at least £420m a year2. The authors of the study believe it is important to identify people with health anxiety (or cyberchondriacs as they’re sometimes called) and want the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence to produce guidelines on how to treat
them. One of the reasons for separating this condition from other forms of hypochondriasis is that it may be “amenable” to psychological interventions, particularly cognitive–behavioural therapy (CBT). Making psychotherapy available in hospitals may help to reduce the problem as CBT sessions have been found to be more effective at improving health anxiety than standard care. Self-diagnosis is no substitute for a professional medical consultation, as all reputable websites will state. That said, we are increasingly urged to monitor our own health and encouraged to look out for any early signs of disease; and so long as we don’t distort or misinterpret what we read on the internet, one might hope that being better informed can at least help improve communication with health professionals and contribute to the wellness process.
Richard Sutton Editor
Contents
£325m for local schemes in NHS modernisation 4
BackCare Awareness Week focuses on education 10
Workstations fit for the workplace 16
LETTERS TO THE EDITOR:
richard.sutton@backcare.org.uk
1) Cognitive-Behaviour Therapy for Health Anxiety in Medical Patients, nihr.ac.uk 2) BBC, 7 Sept 2017 Cover image: Sport England
We welcome articles from readers, but reserve the right to edit submissions. Paid advertisements do not necessarily reflect the views of BackCare. Products and services advertised in TalkBack may not be recommended by BackCare. Please make your own judgement about whether a product or service can help you. Where appropriate, consult your doctor. Any complaints about advertisements should be sent to the Executive Chair. All information in the magazine was believed to be correct at the time of going to press. BackCare cannot be responsible for errors or omissions. No part of this printed publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system or transmitted in any form or by any means without permission of the copyright holder, BackCare. ©BackCare
BackCare BackCare, Monkey Puzzle House, 69-71 Windmill Road, Sunbury-on-Thames TW16 7DT Tel: +44 (0)20 8977 5474 Email: info@backcare.org.uk Website: www.BackCare.org.uk Twitter: @TherealBackCare Registered as the National Back Pain Association charity number 256751. TalkBack is designed by Pages Creative www.pagescreative.co.uk and printed by Severn, Gloucester.
Anti-allergy medicines could be DVT hope 20
Falls prevention training delivered in wards 22 TALKBACK l AUTUMN 2017
4 TALKBACK NEWS
Image: Peoplecreations/Freepik
Health projects valued at £325m helping to modernise the NHS A SERIES of local healthcare projects are to receive £325m of capital investment to help the NHS to modernise and transform care for patients. Local capital investment schemes in 15 areas of the country have been approved, with the largest sums being used for urgent care in Dorset, surgery in Greater Manchester and cancer care in Cumbria. In Greater Manchester, up to £50m will be made available to help hospitals deliver significant improvements in urgent and emergency care by concentrating services
in four hub sites across the city, expected to save around 300 lives a year in general surgery alone. In Cumbria, between £30m and £50m will be used to improve access to chemotherapy and radiotherapy by establishing a new cancer centre, complete with new equipment at Cumberland Infirmary in Carlisle. In Derbyshire, up to £30m will be invested to create an “Urgent Care Village” at the Royal Derby with GP services, a frailty clinic and mental health services to ensure patients receive the right care in the
right place, first time, and avoid going to A&E unnecessarily. The funding will support Sustainability and Transformation Partnerships (STPs) across England. NHS England chief executive Simon Stevens said it marked the start of the first wave of major service upgrades and care redesign which will benefit people living in counties, towns and cities across England. “For patients, it’ll mean easier GP appointments, modern A&Es, and better cancer and mental health care,” he said.
Metal-on-metal hip implants need regular review HIP implants have positively transformed the lives of many patients who in the past were subject to increasingly severe pain and progressive disability. These use a variety of metal, plastic and ceramic components. While the majority of patients with these metal-on-metal devices have well-functioning hips, it is known some may develop soft tissue reactions related to their implant. As a precautionary measure, the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency has updated the current advice to ensure patients with
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metal-on-metal hip implants continue to receive appropriate follow-up to detect emerging complications should they arise. Previous guidance was issued in 2012 to ensure appropriate follow-up to monitor the potential for the already well-known risks of soft-tissue reactions. The key changes include additional recommendations regarding monitoring patients and are designed to ensure longer term follow-up is undertaken for all patients with these implants.
Image: Kjpargeter/Freepik
TALKBACK NEWS 5
NICE guidance on low back pain and sciatica in over-16s paracetamol alone, anticonvulsants or antidepressants to treat low back pain without sciatica. l Young people and adults are not given opioids to treat chronic low back pain without sciatica. l Young people and adults do not have spinal injections for low back pain without sciatica with the exception of radiofrequency denervation for people who meet the criteria.
Self-management advised Several professional networks from the Chartered Society of Physiotherapy contributed to the consultation process. Self-management is a recommendation of the 2016 guidelines and is included as a quality statement to manage symptoms of long-term, recurrent conditions.
Drugs recommended for those at risk of bone fractures THOUSANDS more people could be offered drugs to prevent bone fractures because of osteoporosis. NICE has published new guidance on the use of drugs called bisphosphonates for preventing bone fractures in people at increased risk. The new guidance links a person’s risk of having a bone fracture with the point at which treatment should be started, based on cost effectiveness. It recommends treatment with oral bisphosphonate drugs alendronic acid, ibandronic acid and risedronate sodium as options for people who have at least a 1% risk of a bone fracture within the next 10 years.
The new guidance also recommends the injected bisphosphonates ibandronic acid and zoledronic acid for people who have at least a 10% risk of a bone fracture within the next 10 years. For some people with a 1% risk of a bone fracture, oral bisphosphonates may be contraindicated or not tolerated, or taking them might be difficult or impossible. For these people injectable bisphosphonates are recommended. Risk factors for bone fractures because of osteoporosis include: increasing age; a history of falls; a previous bone fracture because of osteoporosis; smoking; current
use or frequent recent use of steroids; and an alcohol intake of more than 14 units a week for women and more than 21 units a week for men. Women are at greater risk because after they have gone through the menopause their bone loss accelerates. Professor Carole Longson MBE, director of the centre for health technology evaluation at NICE, said: “This new guidance will provide clarity for health professionals about when to start treatment with bisphosphonates and it will provide people who have osteoporosis with access to the most cost-effective treatments to prevent then getting a fracture.”
Image: Shayne ch13/Freepik
THE National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) has set out its priorities for implementing guidance on low back pain and sciatica in people over 16. The six quality statements refer to the implementation of updated NICE guidelines, published in 2016. These propose that: l Primary care services have an approach to risk stratification for young people and adults presenting with a new episode of low back pain with or without sciatica. l Young people and adults with low back pain with or without sciatica do not have imaging requested by a non-specialist service unless serious underlying pathology is suspected. l Young people and adults with low back pain with or without sciatica are given advice and information to self-manage their condition. l Young people and adults are not given
HSE summit tackles work-related MSDs The Health & Safety Executive (HSE) will be holding a Summit on Work-Related Musculoskeletal Disorders (MSDs) on 21 March 2018 at the QEII Centre, London. HSE will be showcasing a number of new and re-energised approaches to help you tackle MSD problems. It acknowledges that MSDs can affect many workplaces, arise from many work activities, and result in many health outcomes. It therefore wants to ensure this event addresses the most important issues that you have to deal with around this topic.
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6 TALKBACK COMMUNITY
LETTERS Dear TalkBack, I am presently researching Piriformis Syndrome and have found very little acknowledgement of the condition and its devastating effects. The winter 2016/17 edition of TalkBack revealed updated guidance on back pain from the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence which has now been extended to include sciatica. I would be interested to discover whether there are implications for Piriformis Syndrome, since it causes terrible pain as it compromises both the Gluteal Nerves and the Sciatic nerves as they emerge from the Sciatic Notch within the buttock area. I would also
be interested to discover what readers know about myofascial trigger points which cause such havoc in the body, but do not seem to be recognised by many practitioners. Piriformis Syndrome seems to be under-researched in the UK among the professionals and within the NHS, and only a few practitioners seem to be trying to deal with it. Mrs Janice Newcombe Essex Dear Mrs Newcombe, We are happy to circulate your request for information to BackCare-affiliated
practitioners and other TalkBack readers. In the meantime, there are a number of treatments available for Piriformis Syndrome, some of which can be used together. These include the use of ice packs and ice massage; heat therapy alternated with cold therapy; antiinflammatory medication; stretches and exercise; injections; and deep massage. TalkBack readers with knowledge of the condition are invited to share their experiences. Please write to richard.sutton@backcare.org.uk. Norma Barry Chief executive BackCare
FEEDBACK DIGEST TalkBack welcomes readers’ stories on managing your back and neck problems and the different types of equipment, therapies, techniques and exercise programmes that have worked successfully for you.
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Muscular relaxation through rhythmic movement “My last slipped disc was more than 10 years ago. This was because of my deskbound job. It’s happened to me twice now. As a result, despite being reasonably flexible from practising yoga for many years, I was still very stiff. This was particularly bad after strenuous exercise. I would be painfully stiff for days, even weeks after this. Nothing seemed to help. I felt old before my time. I was late 30s early 40s at that time. “About two years ago, I was lent the Flexxicore Passive Exerciser. It works by encouraging total deep muscular relaxation by its rhythmic movement of your legs, which travels up your torso. I used it regularly for about a month then found I didn’t need to use it as often. The semipermanent stiffness had gone! I still use it if I feel I may have overdone it or after a very long walk. I have never felt that blocked up stiffness since using my exerciser, 15 minutes a day. “I use the set programmes as they comfortably wind-up the motion then take you down again automatically. If I use it during the day I use the second programme, which is more energising. In the evening, I use the first one because that has a long wind-down period so I don’t feel raring to go when I should be preparing for sleep. “This can’t prevent back problems and it does look like I have more disc problems brewing because I am still chained to a desk 9-5. However, using the exerciser regularly again is definitely helping me. The pains down my legs have all but gone. I get the odd twinge only –
The Flexxicore Passive Exerciser: by creating a sideways oscillating motion through the spine, the flow of synovial fluid between the discs can be encouraged, helping to reduce inflammation and ease pain, as well as improving range of motion
usually at work after not moving enough. So I feel it is slowing down the deterioration and I hope, combined with careful exercise, may help resolve the problem without it developing into a full prolapse. Moreover, I find I sleep better for using this machine. Linda Clarkson Gloucestershire
TALKBACK COMMUNITY 7
Website enables self-referral for physiotherapy UP TO 50 people a day have been self-referring to physiotherapy in Worcestershire since a new website launched in June, according to the Chartered Society of Physiotherapy’s journal Frontline. Developed by Worcestershire Health and Care NHS Trust, the “Move to Improve” website aims to give patients an easy, efficient way to access an appropriate level of physio care and support. The website provides tips and advice about how people can manage common problems like back and shoulder pain more effectively by themselves. If users of the site still require support from an NHS physiotherapist, it enables them to selfrefer to physiotherapy, instead of attending a GP appointment to receive a referral. The trust’s senior physio staff helped with the development of the website and the self-referral model. Gordon Smith, a senior lecturer practitioner at the University of Worcester and physiotherapy team leader at Evesham Community Hospital, said the project’s development was based on the accepted best practice of self-referral being the best way to access physiotherapy. “Exercise, physical activity and lifestyle changes invariably come out as the most effective option we have to deliver within physiotherapy in nearly every study undertaken in this area,” he said. The CSP’s Physiotherapy Works campaign and work by its chief executive Karen Middleton were instrumental in supporting the scheme. The project began at the start of the year and the self-referral process was tried with a small number of GP surgeries. It is now available for residents in areas such as Evesham, Pershore, Malvern, Tenbury, Droitwich, Worcester and Upton.
Tips and advice about how to manage pain
Christmas diary date BackCare’s popular carol concert takes place on Tuesday 19 December at 6.30pm. Join us at the Queen’s Chapel of the Savoy for a rich tapestry of choral masterpieces brought to you by the Tredici Choir directed by one of Britain’s leading choral conductors, Richard Thomas. Donations towards refreshments welcome. Queen’s Chapel at The Savoy, Strand, London WC2A 0DA. For further information: (0)208 977 5474.
TALKBACK l AUTUMN 2017
8 TALKBACK PHYSICAL ACTIVITY
Images: Sport England
Don’t let back pain put you A QUARTER of respondents to a recent survey reported their back or neck pain has deterred them from physical activity for up to a month, with a further 9% stating it has caused them to avoid exercise for more than six months. An unfortunate 34% felt it was exercise itself which triggered their pain. With so many people potentially being put off sport, the BCA is urging more people to consider the benefits of exercise for improving their back health. BCA chiropractor Catherine Quinn, who specialises in treating sport related back pain, said: “We really want as many people as possible to
Consumer research from the British Chiropractic Association (BCA) has found that two fifths (41%) of people have been prevented from exercising because of back or neck pain. get out there and enjoy sports. Moderate exercise is essential to build and maintain strength and flexibility, improving posture and protecting you from any further pain. “The spine is naturally strong and stable so it’s worrying to find that so many people are being prevented from staying active due
to back pain. While total rest may seem like a good way to recover, often continuing moderate physical activity will help in the long run. Your local chiropractor will be able to advise on what is right for you.” To help people of all ages and fitness levels ensure their workout routines don’t
Encouraging the over-65s to be fit and active HEALTH professionals need a better understanding of local culture and older people’s priorities if they want to help the over-65s exercise, award-
winning research shows. The critical ethnographic study of exercise in later life by Esther Clift, a consultant practitioner trainee in frailty at
Social engagement with fellow participants is a key factor
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NHS Solent Trust, was among this year’s winners of the Council for Public Health Allied Health Professions Research (CAHPR) awards. Ms Clift said that a key challenge for health providers and public health strategists was to reverse the trend for older people that sees them reduce their activity by half from the age of 60 to 85. Her study explored the experiences of older people and their exercise practice through three focus groups. One was a group of people who took part in local exercise classes, the other two did not.
People who attended exercise classes thought the charisma and capability of the instructor to tailor activities to their needs were important, her research found. So were the familiarity and accessibility of the group and social engagement with fellow participants. Those in the other two groups spoke about a process of disengagement as they grew older, often because of a health or social crisis. An issue for clinicians is an inability to signpost older people appropriately because of a poor awareness of opportunities to exercise, Ms Clift found.
TALKBACK PHYSICAL ACTIVITY 9
off regular exercise cause or aggravate back pain, the BCA has developed these top tips: l Know your equipment. When trying a new activity, it’s best to make sure you ask your instructor how your equipment should be set up, and make sure it’s right for you. For example, if you’re cycling or spinning, you need to set your saddle and handlebar to the correct height so you are in a comfortable position that isn’t putting tension on your neck or back. l Know your limits. Even professional athletes aren’t born ready, it takes time to build the intensity of your practice. If
you try a new sport, or want to intensify your workout, it’s important to take a slow approach and not to push your body’s limits. It is always advisable to visit a professional who can assess your body’s capabilities and advise on a safe way of training based on your body’s limitations. l Warm up and cool down. Before starting any form of physical activity, you should warm up any muscle groups which might be affected while you exercise. If you use them without preparing them first, your muscles could get a shock, causing you pain which could have been prevented
l Reduce the impact. If a previous injury is causing you pain, adapt your exercise to reduce the impact on your joints and muscles. Activities such as swimming, walking or yoga can be less demanding on your body keeping your muscles mobile! l Not all exercise is the same. The fittest of athletes will still find it difficult to adapt to a new sport, as each sport uses some muscle groups more than others. With this in mind, always approach a new activity with care and don’t assume that you can jump in at the deep end! https://chiropractic-uk.co.uk/
Steep fall in number of children getting enough physical activity THE NUMBER of children meeting the recommended level of physical activity for healthy development and to maintain a healthy weight – 60 minutes a day – drops by 40% as they move through primary school, according to a new survey from Public Health England (PHE) in conjunction with the entertainments giant, Disney. Currently, just 23% of boys and 20% of girls meet the national recommended level of activity. Furthermore, one in five children start primary school overweight or obese, rising to more than a third by the time they leave. Eustace de Sousa, national lead for children, young people and families, PHE, said: “Children’s physical activity levels in England are alarmingly low and the drop in activity from the ages of five to 12 is concerning. Children who get enough physical activity are mentally and physically healthier and have all-round better development into adulthood – getting into the habit of doing short bursts of activity early can deliver lifelong benefits.” The survey also identified the main barriers to physical
activity and reveals that the worry of “not being very good” was one of the most common, affecting 22% of children. This increases with age as it affects just 17% of five-year-olds, compared to 29% of 11-year-olds. www.nhs.uk/10-minute-shake-up
Children who get enough physical activity have all-round better development into adulthood
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10 TALKBACK CAMPAIGNS
Fundraising offers a great way to try something new MOST of us are stuck in our comfort zones and tend to play it safe when trying new things – even when we know how much we have to offer. The British Heart Foundation wants people to break out of their daily routines and arrange a fundraiser to help support research into devastating conditions such as heart and circulatory disease. From zumbathons and treasure hunts to
pet shows and cake sales, or putting a twist on a hobby – these can all be effective ways to raise money. Donna Spriggs-Elliott, head of community fundraising at BHF, said: “We could all do with shaking things up a bit. People do wonderful and extraordinary things to support our lifesaving research, so why not have fun and mix Fundraising can add another layer to things up for a good cause.” your social life www.bhf.org.uk
SO MANY people in the UK have some form of back pain – it is estimated that around 30 million people will suffer from it this year. The debilitating condition can start in early life: about one in four children regularly experience back pain. This is why BackCare, the national back pain charity, has chosen Back Care in Education as its theme for Back Care Awareness week, 2-6 October.
Campaign promoted on social media BackCare was set up nearly 50 years ago to support people with back or neck pain. It provides evidence-based information, advice and guidance to its members on how to avoid and manage back pain. Its Back Care in Education campaign is being delivered in partnership with a community interest company, named Kids Backs 4 the Future, which aims to make children aware of the importance of maintaining healthy postures and taking care of their backs all their lives.
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Companies and organisations, in particular educational establishments, are being encouraged to highlight how the growing bones of children and young people can be harmed through poor posture – for example, carrying heavy school bags on one shoulder – and a lack of calcium and vitamin D in diets. Packs are available to teachers and others so they can impress upon school children and students the need to eat and drink well and to exercise regularly. Educational providers will also be reminded that desks, chairs and computer stations in schools and colleges should properly support the spine. The campaign is being widely promoted through social media. The charity welcomes support from pharmacies and other relevant organisations and is offering posters and advice leaflets for display in their premises. n If you are interested in participating in the campaign, please contact BackCare on 020 977 5474 or anusha. vamadeva@backcare.org.uk
Image: Sport England
BackCare Awareness Week focuses on education
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Assessing the impact of arthritis across society EITHER directly or indirectly, arthritis impacts everyone in the UK, says Arthritis Research UK, which has launched a nationwide campaign to reveal the true impact of arthritis across society. There are more than 10 million people living with arthritis and the condition can cause high levels of pain and fatigue. The charity has released “The Nation’s Joint Problem” report which reveals the current and future impact of two major forms of the condition, osteoarthritis (OA) and rheumatoid arthritis (RA). The findings show: l Impact on the economy: Working days lost due to OA and RA will increase from 25.1 million today to 25.9 million by 2030, equating to an annual £3.43 billion productivity hit to the economy. By 2050, these figures will increase to 27.2 million working days and an annual cost of £4.74 billion. l Impact on the health service: The estimated cost to the NHS and the wider healthcare system, of OA and RA, currently stands at £10.2 billion. Over the course of the next decade, an estimated £118.6 billion will be spent on the condition. l Impact on individuals: One-in-six people currently have OA and RA and this is predicted to rise to one-in-five by 2050. l Impact on families: More than threequarters (76%) of people with arthritis say their family and social lives are compromised by the condition. Over half (53%) feel they are a nuisance to their families. More than a quarter of people with the condition (28%) report a negative effect on physical intimacy with their partners. Arthritis is an umbrella term used to describe painful conditions that affect the bones, muscles and joints in all parts of the body. Even though nine-in-10 people with arthritis (88%) describe it as
Rheumatoid arthritis in hand
Image: brgfx/Freepik
a debilitating and life-restricting condition, the report reveals the condition is largely “invisible” from the public. Many do not understand the impact of the condition because sufferers may not look seriously affected. Also, arthritis is often dismissed as “an old person’s disease” even though it impacts people of all ages. Underpinning the campaign is an effort to improve society’s understanding of the condition and its impact. Currently, only four-in-10 (42%) people see the
Arthritis is often dismissed as an old person’s disease
condition as a major public health issue. Liam O’Toole, chief executive of Arthritis Research UK, said: “There is a complete mismatch between the enormous impact arthritis has on individuals, their families and society and the attention, priority and resources society currently gives to it. “As a result, people with arthritis do not get the help or support that they need. We are all losing out. Whether it’s an employer who loses out on the skills of an employee, a child who misses out on playing with their parents or grandparents, the strain on the NHS’s resources, or someone with arthritis who is trying to get through every day in pain, the impact of arthritis is being felt across the whole of society.” www.arthritisresearchuk.org
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12 TALKBACK LIFESTYLE
If you’re looking to get away for some extra sun during half-term next month, the British Chiropractic Association (BCA) offers some great tips on how to make sure your break isn’t ruined by back and neck pain.
Staying pain free during your ACCORDING to BCA research from 2016, almost one third (32%) of people who have suffered from back or neck pain said they have experienced this pain on holiday. As for the cause of pain, 45% of those suffering on holiday said that sleeping in a different bed was the cause of their pain, while 40% blamed travelling long distances, and 37% stated it was down to carrying heavy bags.
Before you go Suitcase selection – Choose wisely and buy the lightest case possible with wheels; (hard cases tend to weigh quite a lot before you even start to fill them). Two cases are better than one – If possible, take two light suitcases rather than one, so you can distribute the weight more evenly. If using soft bags, make sure they have a long shoulder strap as this will enable you to wear the bag across your
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body and more evenly distribute the weight of the bag. Push, don’t pull! – Many wheeled cases encourage you to pull the case handle from behind, but this makes the upper body/ back twist. If possible, push the case in front of you or use a trolley making sure you choose one from the stack which does not have “wonky wheels”, as keeping it on track will not do your back any good! Get a good night’s sleep – Travelling when tired increases your chances of injury, so make sure you sleep well the night before a long journey and avoid rushing around.
If you are flying Flying high – Avoid alcohol before and during the flight as this will cause you to dehydrate and, in turn, exaggerate muscle pain. Drink plenty of water instead. Air-exercise – You will be restricted to your seat for most of the flight, but
avoid stiffness by doing shoulder shrugs, buttock clenches and foot circles. Take the opportunity to get up and stretch your legs whenever you can. Avoid “travelators” – Get your joints moving quickly after a flight and walk to arrivals rather than the easy option of a moving walkway. At the travel belt – Ensure your bags are easily identifiable (e.g. knot a ribbon around the handle) to avoid lifting other people’s heavy cases in error. When lifting your case from the belt, be in a good position with plenty of space around you and as close to the belt as possible. Try to avoid lifting your suitcase and twisting your body; instead, lift and pull your suitcase off the belt by your side.
If you are driving Make adjustments – Many back problems are caused or aggravated by poor driving posture. If you’re driving to your holiday
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Image: Freepik
half-term getaway destination, ensure the seat position is slightly backwards so that it feels natural and that your elbows are at a comfortable and relaxed angle. Relax at the wheel – This reduces stress on the spine and allows your seat to take your weight. Take regular breaks – Stop and stretch your legs (and arms!) at least every two hours, more often if possible. You should certainly stop more frequently if you are feeling any discomfort. Clench! – If you are stuck in traffic, exercise in your seat. Try buttock clenches, side bends, seat braces (pushing your hands into the steering wheel and your back into the seat – tensing and relaxing) as well as shoulder shrugs and circles. Bigger is better – If you hire a car, go for the largest one you can afford, generally the larger car, the more comfortable and less cramped it will be.
When you get there Bed down – When you get to your hotel, if your bed is too hard ask the hotel staff for a spare duvet or blanket to put between you and the mattress. Firm beds are not always best, but it is easier to soften a hard bed than make a soft bed harder. The same with pillows. Pillow check – Check the pillow(s) on your bed allow your head to stay in alignment with the rest of your body and mould to the shape of your head and neck. Ask to change pillows if you are not happy. Many people take their own pillow away with them, although this is not always practical. Lounging around – If you’re heading to the sun loungers in search of the perfect tan, try not to lie on your stomach with your back and neck arched back when reading your book, magazine or Kindle. Put the reading matter on the floor, so that you can view it over the edge of the sun bed; this
should allow you to keep your head and neck in a more neutral position. Keep moving – Stand up and move around every 20 to 30 minutes; just stretch and shake out your limbs, to allow your muscles to relax. Using something like the Straighten Up UK exercises would be ideal. You can combine this with fresh applications of sun cream or taking a drink of water. Shield your eyes – Wearing sunglasses or a cap/hat may make you look cool but, more seriously, they keep your eyes more relaxed and can help to keep you from squinting and therefore keep your neck muscles more relaxed. See the sights on foot – If you opt for a sightseeing tour in a car or coach just be aware that sitting looking out of a window driving down bumpy roads will aggravate your neck, so don’t spend too long with your neck in an awkward position. https://chiropractic-uk.co.uk
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14 TALKBACK PUBLIC HEALTH
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Increase in young people with Type 2 diabetes MORE than 600 children and young people are being treated for a type of diabetes normally only seen in adults aged over 40 – an increase of 14% in a year. While not every case of Type 2 diabetes is a result of being overweight and obese, it is the single greatest risk factor. According to figures for 2015/16 from the Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health, 621 children and young people under 25 received care for Type 2 diabetes from paediatric diabetes units in England and Wales, of whom 78.5% were obese. Fifteen children with Type 2 were aged five to nine. The figure of 621 is an increase of 76 on the number for 2014/15. As these figures only relate to those treated in paediatric practice, and not, for example, primary care, the actual number of young people
with Type 2 diabetes is likely to be even higher. The Government reduced councils’ public health grant by £331m from 2016/17 to 2020/21. This followed a £200m in-year reduction in 2015/16. This has impaired councils’ ability to tackle childhood obesity and prevent associated conditions such as Type 2 diabetes from developing in the first place. The Local Government Association is calling on the Government to reverse the cuts. Unlike Type 1 diabetes, Type 2 is largely preventable and is closely linked to lifestyle, such as unhealthy eating or lack of exercise. Data from the National Child Measurement Programme, carried out in schools and funded by councils, shows 9.3% of reception children and 19.8% of those in year six in 2015/16 were obese.
Major cuts to public health budgets CENTRAL government cuts have forced councils to reduce planned spending on vital public health services such as sexual health clinics and reducing harm from smoking, alcohol and drugs by £85m, according to new analysis from the King’s Fund. The analysis, based on Department of Communities and Local Government data, shows that councils in England are planning to spend £3.4 billion on public health services in 2017/18. But on a likefor-like basis (to exclude the impact of changes to how budgets are calculated over different years) councils will spend only £2.52 billion on public health services in 2017/18 compared to £2.60 billion the previous year. Once inflation is factored in, planned public health spending is more than 5% less in 2017/18 than it was in 2013/14. The planned cuts are increasingly forcing councils to make difficult choices about
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Image: Snowing/Freepik
Councils face difficult choices about which services to fund which services they fund, says David Buck, senior fellow in Public Health and Inequalities at the King’s Fund. “Reducing spending on public health is short-sighted at the best of times. But at a time when
the rate of syphilis is at its highest level for 70 years, to cut spending on sexual health services is the falsest of false economies and is storing up problems for the future.” www.kingsfund.org.uk
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Specialist physio for early-stage Parkinson’s in NICE update ADULTS in the early stages of Parkinson’s can benefit from referral to physiotherapists for an assessment, education and advice, according to an updated guideline from the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE). The document [NG71], published in July, updates a 2006 version and says referrals should be made to physiotherapists with experience in Parkinson’s. Crucially, physiotherapists should provide information about exercise when offering advice to people in the early stages of the condition. More generally, the guideline recommends that people are offered Parkinson’s disease-specific physiotherapy if they experience balance or motor function problems. Fiona Lindop, a specialist physiotherapist at Derby Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust, was the only member of the profession on the committee that reviewed the 2006 guidance. She said: “It’s important because if we can assess people early on and identify potential problems, we can improve their quality of life and deal with issues before they become established.” Physiotherapy features in the NICE recommendations for research. It proposes an investigation into whether physiotherapy, started early in the course of Parkinson’s – rather than after the onset of motor symptoms – is beneficial.
“If we can assess people early on and identify potential problems, we can improve their quality of life...” NICE says there is no substantial evidence to support the use of physiotherapy at an early stage to stop motor symptoms becoming severe. This is because most trials have involved people who have already developed motor symptoms.
The updated guideline was received positively by Bhanu Ramaswamy, a national project officer for Parkinson’s to ACPIN and Agile, the Chartered Society of Physiotherapy’s professional networks for physiotherapists with an interest in neurology and older people. She welcomed the greater emphasis on the right of individuals affected by Parkinson’s to be involved in discussions and make informed decisions about their care, and welcomed the recommendation that physiotherapists should have experience in Parkinson’s, saying this would enable the best standards of physiotherapy intervention to be provided.
Musculoskeletal health toolkit for employers BUSINESS in the Community has partnered with Public Health England to produce an online interconnected suite of toolkits to help organisations support the health and wellbeing of employees. The materials, which are freely available, are designed to help employers take positive actions to build a culture that champions good mental and physical health and provide a greater understanding of how to help those who need more support. www.bitc.org.uk
Promoting a culture of good mental and physical health
image: Peoplecreations/ Freepik
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16 TALKBACK WORKPLACE
Company engagement is key when it comes to equipping staff with safe, comfortable and ergonomic workstations.
Ergonomic workstations can WHEN a business invests in its employees, it showcases that health and wellbeing are prioritised and that staff are valued. The outcome includes increased employee satisfaction and participation – while reducing the likelihood of hardworking individuals seeking employment elsewhere. Unfortunately, a vast number of companies remain oblivious to these needs. Steve Bays, director at Century Office, said: “In the UK today, we have a very mixed group of employers. Some will buy any type of office chair, as long as it has “office chair” written in the description. Some will
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buy cheap chairs and throw them away when broken; some see furniture as a non-profit-making necessity; others recognise the benefits of good furniture over workers’ performance and staff retention.” Early prevention is key, as possible health conditions can be easily avoided with the right chair. Additionally, it is important that employers are able to recognise signs of employee discomfort – and, ideally, be the first to face the issue, before workers need time off due to health-related issues. Equally, it is essential for employees to alert those in charge of potentially painful and hazardous seating.
Sit-stand promotes movement SIT-STAND workstations are increasing in popularity as the UK catches up with its Scandinavian neighbours in rolling out what is being perceived as a more efficient way of working. Research indicates that sit-stand workstations and meeting tables can improve productivity and wellbeing, but without proper guidance these potential benefits could be overshadowed by new risks arising from poor posture and excessive standing. The real benefit of sit-stand is not just in mitigating the longterm side effects of prolonged episodes of sitting in a chair over many years, the key is in the regular movement it facilitates and encourages. Tim Hanwell, osteopath and co-founder of office design and ergonomics consultancy Officeworks, said: “Alternating between a sitting and standing position is a personal choice, but changing every 20-30 minutes is a good idea.” Software packages integrated with electronic sit-stand desks such as the Work2 Sit-Stand collection from KI Europe can be a useful way of reminding sedentary workers when to make the change and monitor performance. www.kieurope.com
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Flexibility checklist
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NOT ONE person is built the same. You will likely have staff of all sizes and shapes, and the chair you buy ultimately needs to be flexible and versatile and fit them all. So go for seating that you can adjust to guarantee a more comfortable workspace for everyone. This includes: l Height: Being able to increase and decrease your seating’s height allows each person to have their feet flat on the floor and thighs at a 90-degree angle. If necessary, use a footstool to achieve this. Adjustment of the height should take forearms into consideration: make sure they are level with the desk and there’s enough space for hands and wrists to be fully supported. Another factor is the height in relation to the VDU screen: eyes should be level with the top of the screen and the distance needs to be about 700mm. l Width and depth: It is important to be able to change
the seat depth so all can sit comfortably while leaving 50mm between the seat edge and the inside leg. l Seat: An adjustable seat is necessary. Make sure it is slightly tilted forward to achieve even pressure on the underside of the leg and the buttocks. l Support: Special focus should be on the lower back. This area needs to be fully supported or you can begin to slouch, which in turn eliminates the natural curve of your back, making it flatter. The armrest needs to be adjustable to make sure you can rest your arms while not putting strain on your shoulders. l Flexibility: The office chair needs to encourage movement in all directions without having to stand up abruptly and subject your back to unnecessary strain and harm. The swivel of the chair is, in this case, vital for well-functioning office seating.
transform staff engagement Corner sit-stand desk optimises use of space GOOD ergonomic desks and seating will help all employees in the long run by minimalising pressure on muscles and joints, increasing blood flow and hindering muscle deterioration – thereby lessening the chance of absenteeism. Century Office’s sit-stand workstation, Autonomy Pro, introduced to the market last year, comes in a range of finishes and versions. The Crescent sit-stand is a corner variant of the desk, allowing for optimal utilisation of the given office space. The height of the sit-stand desk can be adjusted from 640mm to 1300mm and it can evenly lift 130kgs, which means there is no need to clear the worktop before adjusting the height to suit work and activity patterns, making changing its height hassle free. There are two memory settings, meaning that the workstation can be set according to the
users’ preference (a sitting and standing height) which allows further personalisation of desk and individual space. Safety features include an anti-crush sensor (which will detect any obstructions), and concealed moving parts.
Don’t forget to flex As well as avoiding too much seated work, remaining in a static standing position should also be avoided. It’s advisable to change or shift weight between legs in order to reduce fatigue. As well as shifting weight, you should frequently adjust the posture of your body throughout the working day. www.century-office. co.uk
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18 TALKBACK SELF HELP
If you are recovering from back pain, it is important that you make sensible and informed decisions about how you move and exercise. One great reason for going to a gym class is that it is an activity you can do in a social setting and still be in control of what you do. Elizabeth Dodgson, Alexander Technique teacher, helps you to navigate the world of gym classes and gives advice on how you can “be in charge” of your movements.
Choosing the fitness class IN A badminton match or any competitive sport where movements are dictated by the need to retrieve a ball, it is difficult, if not impossible, to remain in control of what you are doing. In a gym class, you can be the master of your own movements all the time if you embark on the class in a mindful way. It can be delightful to move to music and it is a social and uplifting activity. The instructor and your fellow classmates can help with motivation.
Know what the class entails Go and watch a class before you do it so you know what it involves. Then, before your first class, go a little earlier and have a word with the teacher. Tell them you are recovering from back pain and that you might choose not to do some parts of the class or you might do it slightly differently. Often this encourages the teacher to give “low impact” options during the class, something that some others will welcome too!
Stop before it hurts Don’t wait until those tell-tale signs of pain
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appear. In general, think of under-doing something rather than overdoing it. You can do this and still join in by: l doing fewer repetitions of the movement demonstrated. l doing the movement slower, half the speed for example, so you stay in rhythm. It is more important to do a movement well than to do it at speed. l opting for a lower weight than suggested if using weights, or use hand weights instead of a bar. You could even do the same movements but without a weight at all. l stopping the class early. Go to the side and do the “warm down” you will have seen when watching the class. Then slip out with a friendly smile to the teacher so he/she knows all is well.
Don’t get competitive Don’t compare yourself with others. As someone once said to me about running races…“there will always be someone older than you, fatter than you and wearing a monkey suit who is running past you. Get over it and run your own race!”
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Tips for typical moves
that’s right for you Use mirrors The mirrors are there for a reason – they let you see what you are doing. Alexander talks about us having faulty sensory perception. This means we are often not doing what we think we are doing. Don’t trust your feelings. Use the mirror to check yourself.
Choose your class well Below is a list of some typical classes offered at a gym. I have categorised them according to my own experience of doing all the classes. Back friendly l Aqua fit – in the pool, movement to music. Joyful! l Tai chi – a gentle martial art, slow movements. Good for balance and breathing. l Zumba – a sort of line-dance with latin and world rhythm music. High and low impact. With caution l Step – simple all-body workout with a lot of choice between low and high impact movements. l Spinning – on stationary bikes. Adjust the bike, get a good position and don’t go too fast.
Hands behind head to support the weight if doing sit-up type things... always! And put something to support your head when you are doing anything on your back that doesn’t involve raising the pelvis. Extend leg forward and out of back keeping an upright stance. Don’t dip down to lift the leg.
l Body pump – uses light to moderate weights. Lunges, bends and crunches. No bouncing. Not when you are in recovery! l Body attack – high energy class. Lunges, press-ups, squats, running and jumping. l Insanity – aptly named! You would be insane to attempt if recovering from back problems. l Jump fit – on mini trampolines. Fun but difficult to control movements. Pilates and yoga are also widely available but I am not covering these as they are often written about in TalkBack. Finally, don’t forget to be in the moment and enjoy it!
Keep the head in line when doing a lunge. This keeps you more balanced and keeps the back long.
Elizabeth Dodgson is an Alexander Technique teacher in Chiswick. She runs Learn to Run with Ease courses and teaches at Roko gym. The Alexander Technique is a taught self-help approach which offers people of any age or ability a way to improve their health and wellbeing. It is usually taught one-to-one and can be applied in all situations in everyday life and can lead to better balance, co-ordination, freedom of movement and confidence. www.ATteacher.co.uk www.alexandertechnique.co.uk
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20 TALKBACK RESEARCH
“These findings offer new hope for the treatment of deep vein thrombosis without a risk of bleeding”
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Anti-allergy medicines could offer treatment for DVT COMMON anti-allergy medicines could prove to be effective treatment for potentially fatal blood clots in the legs, according to new research by the University of Birmingham funded by the British Heart Foundation. The findings, published in the journal Circulation Research, may pave the way for new medicines to treat deep vein thrombosis (DVT). DVT is a blood clot that develops within a deep vein in the body, usually in the leg, and causes swelling, aching and difficulty walking. It can be caused by prolonged periods of immobility, such as after surgery or during a long flight. If the clot becomes dislodged it can travel to the lungs and block a blood vessel – known as a pulmonary embolism (PE). An estimated 30% of PEs cause sudden death.
Risk of bleeding The current treatments for DVT, which affects around 60,000 people in the UK
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every year, include anti-clotting drugs such as heparin and warfarin. These drugs are relatively effective but put patients at increased risk of bleeding. This is because as well as targeting the blood clot, they also affect haemostasis, the body’s natural response to blood vessel injury and bleeding. The team discovered that mice genetically depleted of mast cells, a type of immune cells, are protected from developing DVT. In the study, the researchers “knocked out”, or “turned off” the gene that is responsible for producing mast cells. As well as finding that mice deficient in mast cells were protected from DVT, the researchers also found that mastcell deficient mice had normal haemostasis, tackling the bleeding side-effects possible with treatments such as warfarin. Now, the researchers are hoping to validate their findings in humans, by testing samples of blood from people with and without DVT, to see if people with DVT
have activated mast cells. If positive, mast cell inhibitors, which are already approved for treatment of some allergic diseases such as asthma, could quickly move into human clinical trials. Lead author Dr Alex Brill, from the University of Birmingham’s Institute of Cardiovascular Sciences, said: “These findings offer new hope for the treatment of deep vein thrombosis without a risk of bleeding. If further human studies support our findings in mice, drugs to block mast cell production could be used in the future alongside lower doses of anticoagulants such as warfarin, significantly reducing bleeding risk. “This is particularly exciting because this is a group of drugs which already exists, and some forms are approved for the treatment of allergies such as hay fever and asthma, meaning that this discovery could help people with DVT sooner rather than later.” www.birmingham.ac.uk
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Life expectancy rates may be under threat from dementia REPORTS that improvements in average life expectancy rates have been slowing dramatically – and are on the verge of stopping – have concerned leading health experts. Dementia is believed to have contributed to this, while austerity and spending cuts could also have affected the health of our older population. University College London expert Sir Michael Marmot conducted a review into life expectancy, which has been increasing since the 1920s and 30s, in line with improvements to our quality of life. From 2000-2009, men saw a one-year increase in their life expectancy every three-and-ahalf years and this was every five years for women. However, the rate of increase has slowed
dramatically since 2009, to the extent that it might no longer continue to rise at all. Marmot said this goes against the continued increase which he had anticipated. The findings showed that since 2009, for every 10 years, for men life expectancy will increase by one year every six years; and for women life expectancy will increase by one year every 10 years. The findings show that the threat of dementia is “loud and clear”, said Age UK. Since 2002, the rate of people over 85 who are diagnosed with dementia has been rising – by a huge 250% for men and 175% for women. It is now the leading cause of death among women over 80 and men over 85. This is partly due to the fact that doctors can now certify it
Image: Kjpargeter/Freepik
as an official cause of death as opposed to only a contributing factor. As well as dementia, austerity may also be to blame, Age UK believes. Austerity measures following the “credit crunch” in 2007 have resulted in cuts to
education, employment and NHS health and social care. If these services have not been able to deliver as much for our population, they could be influencing the quality of health care older people receive. www.ageuk.org.uk
Addressing health inequalities across the UK LIFE expectancy in England stands at 79.5 years for males and 83.1 years for females. However, much of the extra time is spent in poor health. A milestone report on the health of the population in England, published by Public Health England (PHE), reveals the health inequalities between different population groups. In the richest areas, people enjoy nearly 20 more years in good health than people in the poorest areas. The “Health Profile for England” report covers life expectancy, major causes of death, morbidity trends, European comparisons, inequality in health, social determinants of health and current health protection issues. Some of the report’s more notable findings include:
Image: Bedneyimages/Freepik
l Life expectancy has increased more than years in good health and therefore the number of years lived in poor health has increased. l Diabetes makes the top 10 causes of ill-health and disability (morbidity) for the first time. l The two biggest risk factors behind levels of ill health are excess weight and high blood sugar. l Lower back and neck pain are the biggest causes of ill health.
l While deaths from heart disease and stroke have halved since 2001, it’s still the biggest killer of men. l The biggest killers for women are Alzheimer’s disease and dementia. Duncan Selbie, Chief Executive of PHE said: “Good public health is not defined by health policy alone. Our health profiles show a high-quality education, a well-designed and warm home, a good job and a community to belong to are just as important.”
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22 TALKBACK PREVENTION
image: melodi2/freeimages.com
250,000 inpatient falls in NHS last year AN estimated 250,000 inpatients fell in hospitals in England last year, costing trusts about £2,600 per patient, according to the NHS financial regulator. NHS Improvement says most of these people, 83%, were in acute hospitals; 14% in mental health hospitals; and 3% in community hospitals. Further, it found that about 77% of people who fell in hospitals across England were aged over 65. NHS Improvement’s report, published in late July, provides a picture of the scale of inpatient falls and indicates the benefits to the NHS if the rate of falls was reduced. The document identifies some of the key factors in reducing the number of falls in hospital. It recommends establishing a multidisciplinary strategic falls group; ensuring all staff are aware of fall risk factors; good quality reporting data; and pursuing a multidisciplinary approach that makes prevention a shared responsibility.
Physiotherapy will reduce costs Across the UK every year 280,000 people end up in A&E after a fall, costing the NHS £1.5 billion. If everyone aged 65 and over who was at risk of falling was referred to physiotherapy, 160,000 falls could be prevented, saving the NHS £250 million every year, a recent falls prevention economic model suggests. www.csp.org.uk
Falls prevention training delivered in wards and clinics MID Yorkshire Hospitals NHS Trust has launched falls prevention training for staff which recreates reallife situations in allocated sections of actual wards and clinics. It was created in consultation with ward managers and by adapting the lessons learned from investigations into falls in the trust. The aim of the training is to reduce preventable falls and improve staff confidence in managing people who have fallen, and allows staff the time to complete bespoke training in their work environment. The training consists of two short scenarios. One is
how to deliver an assessment and care plan for a patient at risk of falling, which is delivered to individuals. The second is to educate teams about managing people after a fall and ensure they work effectively together. Leading the programme is Catherine Bramwell-Walsh, neuro physiotherapist and falls prevention practitioner in the trust’s quality and safety team. The programme started in the medical geriatric ward at the trust’s Pinderfields Hospital, Wakefield. It has been extended to the hospital’s medical assessment unit and will be rolled out to the trust’s two other hospitals.
Don’t let back pain prevent you from walking every day WALKING on hard, flat surfaces with conventional shoes has stressed our bodies’ natural shock absorption system, taking its toll on the spine and joints. In addition, most conventional shoes do not allow a natural and active range of movement of the feet. The positive effect of a soft, springy surface on the locomotor system has been put to good use by clinicians for a number of years. A shoe developed under the Joya brand makes use of this principle.
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The biomechanical engineered construction of the sole enables movement that simulates natural and dynamic walking
The soft, supple material of the Joya sole means the load on the sole of your feet is carefully distributed as you walk and stand, instead of
being concentrated only on certain spots. When your heel strikes the soft Joya sole, your foot makes “micro-movements” which can help to activate the
muscles around the joints in the feet, hips and back. The soft polyurethane sole provides an effective cushioning, which can help to take the pressure of your backbone and lighten the load on your spinal discs, says the company. Importantly, there is active pelvis movement due to the foot sinking when you put down your heel. As a result, the diagonal erector spinae back muscle holds against this and must be stabilised through tension. www.joyashoes.co.uk
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Across Europe, one in six households are currently living in an “unhealthy” building
Upgrading damp and dark homes will reduce the health bill DAMP and dark homes across the UK are having a direct impact on the levels of serious health conditions being reported. UK residents living in dark homes are thought to be 27% more likely to report poor health conditions, including asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. In addition, people living in unhealthy buildings in the UK with damp are 34% more likely to be suffering from health conditions. The findings feature in the Healthy Homes Barometer report from roof window manufacturer Velux, which highlights a correlation between poor housing stock and ill-health. Across Europe, one in six households are currently living in an “unhealthy” (meaning damp or mouldy) building – increasing
their chances of illness significantly, Velux states. The Healthy Homes Barometer examines the effects of housing on health, along with the associated costs to society and ways to tackle the problem. Grant Sneddon from Velux-GBI said: “We know instinctively that living in unhealthy surroundings is bad for our health. This study reveals to just what extent those in the UK and Europe are suffering on account of their homes; and the staggering financial costs to society of not bringing our aging housing stock up to par.” Meanwhile, Europeans who suffer energy poverty – meaning they are unable to keep their homes comfortably warm in winter – are twice as likely to report poor
health and nearly three times more likely to report damp in the home. The costs of unhealthy buildings are not just felt by individuals. The overall (direct and indirect) costs to European governments and societies run into the billions. One solution is to modernise existing buildings through energy efficient and healthy renovations. This would not only lead to improved health outcomes, lower societal costs and reduced CO2 emissions, but would also provide a catalyst to European economies. The new analysis on the relationship between housing and health was conducted using data from the EC’s Eurostat Database. www.velux.com
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24 TALKBACK NEWS
participate! Calling all BackCare members! Would you like to: l become an advisor on research steering committees l give independent feedback on clinical trial protocols l participate in the development of new medical devices l take part in research questionnaires and surveys?
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If you suffer from back pain and would like to get involved with research, please visit www.backcare.org.uk/research