LOCAL NEWS
SOUTHGATE Wombling Free
Communit
At last small steps and we are tip-toeing towards hopefully returning to some sort of near normality as spring approaches and such a challenging winter fades. A year so difficult for our valued hirers and users but we are ready and waiting to welcome back all when restrictions allow.
Contact our Community Centre Manager Jackie on 01284 203705 for hiring any of the versa
Contact us on 01284 703705 or email: office@southga www.southga
16 | MARCH 2021
LOCAL NEWS
MORETON HALL NEWS... from Peter Thompson, Mayor
Email: peter.thompson@westsuffolk.gov.uk Mobile: 07810 868986
Hub Snub
A quick update on the volunteer hub. After it was blocked by some Town Councillors last year, I have forged on ahead without council support with the project. Particularly, there are still Covid projects we need to execute and ongoing work with smaller organisations who need support. I’d also like to form a “Beat It” response team for clean ups, such as fly tipping or littered areas which WSC can’t get to. We now have sufficient trustees to form the Hub and by the time you read this I’d hope to have launched the Hub officially. Please get in touch if you’d like to be involved as a volunteer or trustee.
Grant Update
A quick update on some of the grant projects I’ve been involved with. We have an update to some of the planting and gardens at the Priory School which is being done by Greener Growth which I have been able to directly fund, as well as around £700 to the Best Before Project - a brilliant group who redistribute food to avoid waste and support families and vulnerable people. We have extended the excellent Xmas food project to half term for young families. I was also very proud to have been able to support a grant for RWSFM to extend their transmitter range. I know many of you rely on their local news and traffic reports to see what’s going on - even moreso in these tough times - and now more local people can reliably receive the channel.
Lorra, Lorry Problems
Record correspondence on trucks this month. We have been attempting to prevent heavy good from travelling down Orttewell Rd for quite some time, however now it is coming to a head. Suffolk Park is generating more trucks through Moreton Hall, but perhaps the bigger reason in the ongoing problem on our doorstep of consistent flooding on Compiegne Way. Remedial works were done last year, however yet again last month the road was closed for extended period of time meaning an increase in diverted traffic. I have a theory on some causes which are to be explored with Highways which haven’t ever been addressed. I also have a very exciting announcement on the subject which I will be able to tell you about soon when it is confirmed. Further to the trucks moving about, there are also issues with parked trucks on the industrial areas. I have received correspondence from businesses near Hollow Rd which has been passed on to Highways, with parked trucks blocking access and leaving waste around the area.
Oasis Playing at Moreton Hall
Some call it “The Jumps”, some call it “Oasis”. Either way, I’ve had some more messages on the area behind Sealey at the back of Kempson Way. It’s a beautiful little walk down under the A14 to the old A45 if you haven’t been there and this patch has a pond with a plethora of wildlife. Well, over this year, we have had various things go on. Some rubbish dumped there couldn’t be moved because it is actually in private ownership and requests for a bench or play equipment can’t be executed for the same reason. I have found out and written to the owners to see if we can partner on anything with the land and I’ll keep you all updated.
28 | MARCH 2021
HEALTH & BEAUTY
Struggling to
sleep
34 | MARCH 2021
during lockdown?
HEALTH & BEAUTY Are you struggling to get a decent night’s sleep? ‘Coronasomnia’ has fast become an informal term for sleep problems related to the pandemic. Here are some top tips for a better night’s sleep. 1. Establish a sleep routine Routine is often referred to as the guardian of good sleep. Set up a regular sleep schedule, aiming to go to bed and wake up at the same times every day. Avoid sleeping in at the weekend, as this can make it harder to wake up on Monday morning. 2. Get outside Getting outside and exposing yourself to natural light plays an important role in keeping your circadian rhythm in balance. Your circadian rhythm helps control your internal body clock schedule, following a 24-hour cycle. Exposure to outdoor light and dark helps to regulate a hormone in your body called melatonin, which helps to regulate your sleep and wake patterns. Getting outside when it’s light is especially important at this time of year when daylight hours are much shorter. 3. Limit your news intake The sheer volume of information and news reports on coronavirus (COVID-19) can feel overwhelming and increase both your stress and anxiety levels. Avoid the temptation to watch the news or use social media a few hours before bed. Perhaps check-in on any news developments in the morning instead.
5. Be careful with naps If you’ve had a bad night’s sleep and are feeling tired, you may be tempted to take a nap during the day. A short power nap in the early part of the afternoon can be helpful for some people. But it’s best to avoid having a long nap, or napping later in the day, as this could affect your sleep at night.
> having a bath > dimming the lights and putting on some relaxing music > reading a book > meditation > mindfulness relaxation > breathing techniques There are lots of meditation and mindfulness apps available to download.
6. Limit your alcohol and caffeine intake Steer clear of caffeinated drinks, such as tea, coffee and energy drinks, from midday onwards. Or switch to decaf versions or caffeine-free herbal teas. While it can be tempting to drink more alcohol during lockdown, it can affect the quantity and quality of your sleep. While alcohol may help you fall sleep faster, it can disrupt your sleep later on in the night.
10. Write down your thoughts If you’re struggling to fall asleep or wake up frequently during the night, try writing down what’s making you worried. This can help stop thoughts building up inside your head. It can also help you to organise your thoughts. Keep a notepad and pen beside your bed and use it before you go to sleep, or if you wake up during the night. You may find this helps you get back to sleep. It might also be helpful to look at Bupa’s interactive worry tree for guidance on how to work through worries. If you still can’t sleep after 20 minutes, don’t lie there thinking about it. Get up and do something relaxing, like reading a book or listening to music.
7. Don’t take recreational drugs Avoid taking recreational drugs, such as cocaine, amphetamines and ecstasy, as they are stimulants, and will make it harder for you to sleep. They can also cause a wide range of other health problems, including anxiety and depression. If you’re struggling with any form of addiction, always seek help and support.
4. Eat well and exercise Studies have shown that regular exercise and being active during the day can help you sleep better by relieving any worry or anxiety you have. Exercise regularly but avoid doing it too late in the evening. You may feel over energised and have trouble falling asleep. Take a look at our home workouts to inspire you.
8. Reduce light before sleep It’s important to reduce light before you sleep, as artificial lighting can trick your body into thinking it’s daylight, by delaying your circadian rhythm. Dim the lights and remove electronical devices that emit blue light from your bedroom before bed. This will help you to relax and get ready for sleep.
Maintaining a healthy diet is also linked with good sleep. Avoid eating large meals late at night, as these can cause indigestion and affect your sleep. Try and have a light dinner earlier in the evening, and drink enough water during the day.
9. Practise winding down Building relaxation techniques into your daily routine can really help you to relax before bed and improve your sleep. This could include:
When to contact your GP If these sleep tips don’t work and it’s not clear what’s causing your tiredness or sleep difficulties, get in touch with your GP. They can check that your sleeplessness isn’t due to a psychological, physical or sleep condition. If you haven’t been sleeping for some time, research has shown that cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) can be very helpful. Your GP may recommend this. Remember, your GP is there for you for all sorts of reasons – not just for coronavirus-related concerns, or physical illness. Please don’t feel alone if you have concerns about your mood, sleep or other health issues. Help is still at hand if you reach out.
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