June 2017
July 2017
Welcome to the ebulletin Welcome to the July issue of the e-bulletin which this month focuses on Sun Awareness. Sun Awareness is the British Association of Dermatologists’ annual campaign to raise awareness of skin cancer. The campaign runs from April to September annually and includes Sun Awareness Week which was held in May. Following a busy few months with events we are currently focusing on other aspects of the Network such as updating the website and developing podcasts. We are also in the process of evaluating the Network to ensure we continually improve the website and e-bulletins and provide events that members find most useful. We will be asking all members to complete a short survey so keep an eye out for this, and be in with the chance of winning £25 in Amazon vouchers! We do have a number of events in the planning stage and as soon as we have confirmed the details we will send out emails with further information. Please get in touch with any information you would like to include on the website or e-bulletin by contacting us at publichealth.network@wales. nhs.uk
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Sun Awareness - T
The Burning Issue Spotlight on Sun Awareness It’s a fact: Overexposure to the sun can result in skin cancer. Overexposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun or sunbeds is the main cause of skin cancer. In the UK more than 8 in 10 cases of melanoma, the most serious type of skin cancer, could be prevented through enjoying the sun safely and avoiding sunburn. Cancer Research UK, 2017 The Sun Awareness campaign which is run by the British Association of Dermatologists’ (BAD) is two-pronged and combines prevention and detection advice. The first aim is to encourage people to regularly self-examine for skin cancer. The second is to teach people about the dangers of sunburn and excessive tanning, and to discourage people from using sunbeds, in light of the associated risks of skin cancer. BAD, 2017
Skin Cancer in Wales
Rachel Abbott: Dermatology Consultant and Skin Cancer Lead for Cardiff and Vale UHB and Skcin Ambassador The incidence of skin cancer has more than doubled over the last twenty years and it is now estimated to be more common than cancer of all other body sites combined.1 Only data for melanoma skin cancer is published by the Welsh Cancer Intelligence and Surveillance Unit (WICSU) due to concerns about reliability of data for non-melanoma skin cancer.2 Ultraviolet radiation (UVR) is thought to cause approximately 86% of melanoma cases in the UK.3 UVR exposure is mainly from the sun but also from sunbed use. Part of the increase in the number of cases of skin cancer is due to our ageing population but it is also thought to be due to our behaviour in the sun – with tanning seen as attractive and desirable in our fair skinned population.
Evidence base for skin cancer prevention / education programmes
A Cochrane review on ‘sun protection for preventing basal cell and squamous cell skin cancers’ was published in July 2016.4 This review included one randomised controlled trial (RCT) which compared daily sunscreen use with discretionary sunscreen use and found no difference in the number of keratinocyte skin cancers over the 4.5 year follow up period in each group. Sandhu et al. published two combined systematic reviews on ‘multicomponent community-wide interventions and mass media interventions when used alone’ in preventing skin cancer.5 The authors reported that there was limited evidence for mass media interventions alone but that multicomponent community wide interventions (MCCW) are effective in promoting UVR protection at the community level. MCCW interventions combine mass media campaigns, with individually directed strategies including education and environmental and policy changes. Another systematic review by Finch et al. assessed whether skin cancer prevention can be improved through mobile technology interventions including text messaging mobile phone applications and emails.6 Five randomised controlled trials (RCTs), two controlled clinical trials and one cohort study were included. The authors reported that all studies resulted in self-reported behaviour change in at least one of their outcome measures; however there was no objective measurement of behaviour change in any of the studies. There is currently a Cochrane review in progress (protocol published) on ‘Educational programmes for primary prevention of skin cancer’.7 And Dudley et al. are currently evaluating the effectiveness of the Australian ‘SunSmart Program’ in schools.8
Skin cancer prevention in Wales in 2017
There is no funding from the UK government for skin cancer prevention. And yet more people die from melanoma in the UK than in Australia. In April 2011, a ban on businesses allowing under-18s to use sunbeds on their premises came into force in Wales and England through the introduction of ‘The Sunbeds (Regulation) Act 2010’. Research on the impact of this Act is due to be published later this summer. The Minister for Social Services and Public Health is planning to consult on whether to add sunbeds to the list of special procedures requiring licensing in the Public Health (Wales) Act 2017. The third sector, including the British Association of Dermatologists (BAD), Macmillan Cymru, Skcin, Skin Care Cymru and Tenovus, run campaigns and accreditation schemes to promote skin cancer awareness and sun safety. The BAD runs an annual Sun Awareness week (8th-14th May in 2017) and provides dermatologists for the Macamillan
sun awareness road show at events across the UK.
Skcin have developed free sun safety accreditation schemes for primary schools, nurseries and workplaces.
Skin Care Cymru launched a new media campaign in April 2017, #don’tbealobster, aimed at reducing sunburn in people enjoying the beaches in Wales. Tenovus runs an annual campaign over the summer months, ‘Here Comes the Sun’, to raise awareness of the symptoms of skin cancer and the importance of using skin protection when in the sun. Tenovus also has a branded suncream van which can be booked to attend events over the summer with volunteers providing sun safety advice and samples of sun cream.
The future for skin cancer prevention in Wales
Firstly, we should aim for complete registration of all skin cancer data, including non-melanoma skin cancer in Wales. This would enable more accurate planning for service provision as well as providing epidemiological data. It is well recognised that further research is required into primary prevention of skin cancer in the UK. Wales has a fair skinned population with the highest crude rates of melanoma in the UK and a national public health agency actively involved in research and so is well placed for this. Further legislation to reduce sun bed use would be welcomed together with integration of the Skcin Sun Safe Schools accreditation scheme with the Welsh Network of Health Schools scheme. Finally, coordination of the third sector activity, together with Health Boards, in promoting sun safety and skin cancer awareness would provide a cost effective way of ensuring coverage across Wales. References 1. Goon PKC, Greenberg DC et al. Predicted cases of UK skin squamous cell carcinoma and basal cell carcinoma in 2020 and 2025: horizon planning for National Health Service dermatology and dermatopathology. British Journal of Dermatology 2017;175:1351-3 2. http://www.wcisu.wales.nhs.uk/cancer-incidence-in-wales-1 3. http://www.cancerresearchuk.org/health-professional/cancer-statistics/statistics-by-cancer-type/skin-cancer 4. Sanchez G, Nova J et al. Sun protection for preventing basal cell and squamous cell skin cancers. Cochrane Database of Systemic Reviews 2016. 5. Sandhu PK, Elder R et al. Community-wide Interventions to Prevent Skin Cancer : Two Community Guide Systematic Reviews Am J Prev Med 2016;51(4):531–539. 6. Finch L, Janda M et al. Can skin cancer prevention be improved through mobile technology interventions? A systematic review. Preventive Medicine 90 (2016) 121–132. 7. Lanbecker D, Diaz A et al. Educational programmes for primary prevention of skin cancer (protocol). Cochrane Database of Systemic Reviews 2014. 8. Dudley DA, Winslade MJ et al. Rationale and study protocol to evaluate the SunSmart policy intervention: a cluster randomised controlled trial of a primary school-based health promotion program. BMC Public Health (2015) 15:42
Here Comes the Sun: A community intervention to raise awareness of skin cancer Maura Matthews: Health & Wellbeing Development Manager, Tenovus Cancer Care
The summer is a busy time for the Health & Wellbeing team at Tenovus Cancer Care as the Here Comes the Sun Campaign runs throughout June, July and August. It started six years ago in response to the worrying increase in skin cancer rates. Melanoma, the most dangerous form of skin cancer, has quadrupled since the 1970s with over 15,000 new cases every year in the UK. Skin cancer rates have risen faster than any other type of common cancer. It disproportionately affects young people and it is one of the most common cancers in the 15-34 year old age group. Our campaign aims to raise awareness of the risks associated with UV exposure and encourage adoption of safe sun behaviours. We appreciate people want to make the most of the sunshine when it arrives but our campaign aims to educate the population to treat UV rays with respect. After several years of asking people about what they do to protect their skin when the sun comes out, we have found they often know what they should do but don’t do it. They will often protect their children’s skin and forget about themselves. Most people only apply 25-50% of the amount of sunscreen they need when they first go out in the sun and it is common for them not to top it up every two hours. Sunbed use is still common especially amongst younger adults and research suggests this is the main reason for the dramatic rise in incidence of melanoma in this age group. Misconceptions around the risks associated with tanning beds are also prevalent especially the myth that sunbed use will prepare or protect your skin before you expose yourself to the sun. It’s important for us to dispel these myths by spreading the word that tanning beds can give 10-15 times more UVA than the midday sun and using them before the age of 35 increases the risk of melanoma by at least 60%. We need to keep getting the sun safety messages across if there is to be a reduction in the rates of skin cancer in the future. Our sun cream van has clocked up thousands of miles travelling to outdoor events to spread the word with our trained Sun Safety Advisors on board. Our intervention includes having brief intervention sun safety conversations with the public using a quiz/checklist to guide the conversation. The quiz focuses on sun cream use and we ask people to rate their knowledge before and after their conversation. If they need to change their sun safety behaviour we ask then to affirm their behaviour change on the form and follow them up several weeks later if they have given their permission to do so.
When the Sun Safety Advisors are not out and about with the sun cream van they may be delivering our schools sun safety resource in the classroom or presenting workplace seminars on skin cancer prevention and symptom awareness. Our school sun safety resource can be found on our website and is currently being evaluated by Aberystwyth University. The Health & Wellbeing team has also been involved with updating health professionals about skin cancer. It was as a result of our collaboration with screening radiographers at Breast Test Wales that one of them was able to identify a worrying mole on one of the ladies attending for screening. She advised her to see her GP and the patient was subsequently diagnosed with a melanoma. Its stories like this which highlight the importance of raising awareness of skin cancer and sun safety amongst many different groups of people and why we continue to develop our annual Here Comes the Sun Campaign. Our Tenovus Cancer Care shops have also been important locations for spreading sun safety messages. Staff and volunteers have given their time to be trained so they can give current information with confidence to interested customers, supported with materials including posters, leaflets and sun cream sachets. The Here Comes the Sun campaign is also a great way for shops to reach their communities, giving something back to our supporters and also provide valuable data for the research we do at Tenovus Cancer Care. This joint initiative between the health and wellbeing and retail teams won the community impact award at the 2015 National Charity Retail Association Awards. Our campaigns really do make a difference and some of the stats from last year’s campaign can be seen on the following pages. Tenovus Cancer Care is keen to partner with any organisations interested in promoting skin cancer awareness. You can contact me via email at maura.matthews@tenovuscancercare.org.uk or telephone 02920768871.
Here comes the We spoke to 2,324 people about sun safety this summer. Our focus this year was to discuss the correct use of sun cream. We tested people’s knowledge of: when to apply sun cream how frequently to apply what star rating to choose when buying sun cream
Only a quarter (25%) of participants got all three questions correct.
We also asked about people’s behaviour in the sun.
857 people claimed to only apply sun cream sometimes, rarely or never.
871 participants reported applying sun cream less than every 2 hours.
Reg Charity No. 1054015
Results Following a conversation with an advisor, 69% of participants indicated a willingness to change their current behaviour. We followed up 116 people.
67% of these had changed their behaviour and are now safer in the sun because of the campaign.
10 9 8 7
We asked people to rate their knowledge out of ten, before and after their conversation. 9 - Average score after conversation
6 5
6.5 - Average score before conversation
4 3 2 1
Give hope. Help cope. tenovuscancercare.org.uk
10 myths about the sun and your skin
Rachel Abbott: Dermatology Consultant and Skin Cancer Lead for Cardiff and Vale UHB and Skcin Ambassador
1. Only people with red hair and freckles get skin cancer: If your skin goes red before you go brown then you have a higher risk of skin cancer.
People with red hair and freckles have a higher risk of skin cancer, however these people tend to avoid being in the sun and so do not expose their skin to so much ultraviolet radiation (UVR) as people who tan. People with darker skin types can also get skin cancer but have a much lower risk.
2. A tan is healthy: There is no such thing as a healthy tan. If melanin has been produced in the skin then
DNA damage has been caused by UVR. We should all learn to love the colour of our skin. If you’ve forgotten what this should be then check your bottom which is usually the least sun damaged part of our bodies.
3. You are born with freckles: Freckles are a sign that the skin has been damaged by UVR in the past, hence they occur
on frequently sun exposed places like the face and forearms.
8am in the morning then it won’t provide much protection around the middle of the day when the UV index is highest.
skin, we rub it off, we sweat and then we forget to reapply it. A family of four would require a whole suitcase of sun cream for one week’s beach holiday if applied properly. Shade (particularly between 11am-3pm), a broad brimmed hat and long sleeved clothing is far more effective than sun cream alone.
The best sun cream is one that you will use, with a high SPF(>30) and at least 4**** UVA protection. For children, it is advisable to use fragrance free sun creams to limit their exposure to potential allergens.
brimmed hat is always preferable to provide protection to the head and neck. This is important given that the majority of skin cancers arise on the head and neck.
the side windows of cars, however UVA , which causes skin cancer and photoageing does pass through the side windows of cars.
4. Using a face cream with sun cream will protect your skin: The sun cream products will have depleted after 2 hours and so if it is applied between75. Applying sun cream alone will prevent skin cancer: Unfortunately we don’t apply enough sun cream in the first place, we miss bits of our
6. Expensive sun cream is better:
7. A baseball cap protects your head from the sun: Baseball caps do not protect the ears, the neck and the side of the face and so a broad 8. UV radiation doesn’t pass through a car window: UVB, which causes sunburn and also contributes to skin cancer, does not pass through 9. UV radiation is blocked by cloud: Visible light is reduced by cloud, however UVR passes through cloud. This explains why some people often think that they have had ‘windburn’ on a cloudy day, when it’s actually sunburn.
10. Sun enables us to produce Vitamin D all year round:
In the UK, the UVB levels are not high enough between October-April to enable Vitamin D production. We should all consider taking Vitamin D supplements, for example, cod liver oil, over the winter months and some high risk groups including young children, people who don’t expose their skin to the sun and people who are mostly indoors, should consider taking Vitamin D all year round.
Podcast on Sun Awareness
You asked us for podcasts and we listened! Public Health Network Cymru have worked with a number of organisations to produce podcasts which can be downloaded and listened to on the go. All the podcasts are available in the ‘Get Involved’ section of the website and in the most recent podcast, we speak to Maura Matthews who is the Health and Wellbeing Development Manager in Tenovus Cancer Care and Rachel Abbott, Dermatology Consultant and Skin Cancer Lead for Cardiff and Vale UHB. Maura and Rachel speak about the work they are involved in regarding sun awareness. Other podcasts currently available to download focus on Heart Health and Mental Health.
SUN SAFE SCHOOLS NATIONAL ACCREDITATION SCHEME
REGISTER AT: SUNSAFESCHOOLS.CO.UK
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SOURC
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ASSISTING SCHOOLS IN THEIR DUTY OF CARE AND PREVENTING SKIN CANCER THROUGH EDUCATION Whilst some sun is good for us, over-exposure to UV is a serious health risk and the primary cause of the UK’s most common and fastest rising cancer. UV is a known carcinogen, damage is accumulative and irreparable and burning as a child can dramatically increase a persons risk of developing the disease in later life. With children spending almost half their childhood at school, where they are outdoors every day, during peak UV hours (11am - 3pm), it’s imperative that school’s ensure children are protected from UV damage and are educated on the importance of enjoying the sun safely. Developed by national skin cancer charity, Skcin, the Sun Safe Schools national accreditation scheme is the UK’s most comprehensive FREE resource to assist primary schools in; creating a suitable sun safety policy, communicating with parents to raise awareness and gain support from the wider school community and educating pupils on the importance of sun safety, to influence behaviour and ultimately, save lives.
To gain their Sun Safe Accreditation, schools must complete a 4 step process, providing feedback on-line following completion of each step. Extensive resources have been provided to help schools achieve each step effectively and efficiently, with maximum impact and confidence and with minimum strain on valuable time and resources.
4 STEPS TO GAINING YOUR SUN SAFE SCHOOLS ACCREDITATION
“Our experience with the scheme has been overwhelmingly positive. The children have learnt so much and can talk with confidence about keeping safe in the sun. The scheme has had a significant impact on our school. We are better for it. Thank you for the opportunity and the fabulous resources”.
STEP ONE: CREATE YOUR SUN SAFETY POLICY Our on-line policy maker makes it easy for schools to tailor and download their own Sun Safety policy. This process ensures schools have considered and covered all essential guidelines and recommendations and can be confident that they are implementing a suitable policy to protect their pupils and present to parents.
“We are very proud to have achieved the Sun Safe School award. A huge thanks to the team behind the project. The website was wonderful - full of useful activities and resources to support teachers. Thanks to all involved!”
STEP TWO: COMMUNICATING WITH PARENTS In accordance with a school’s tailored policy, a personalised letter is automatically generated to download and send home to parents along with their policy and Sun Safety information booklets provided free upon registration. This ensures schools are requesting the required level of support from parents, advising them correctly about Sun Safety and doing great work to increase vital knowledge about prevention and early detection within the wider school community.
“This has been an easy to use and follow guide to helping everyone be more aware of sun safety. The children have really engaged but more importantly so have the parents and carers. Thank you!”
STEP THREE: CONDUCT A WHOLE SCHOOL ASSEMBLY A range of resources including assembly plan, presentation slides, music and song are all available to download, helping schools to plan their assembly, engage children and reinforce the importance of Sun Safety. STEP FOUR: CONDUCT INDIVIDUAL CLASS LESSONS Extensive curriculum linked educational resources for key stage one and two pupils can be downloaded including; ‘George the Sun Safe Superstar’ book, worksheets, fun activities, games and lesson plans - all developed to help schools engage children, increase knowledge and influence behaviour for a positive sun safe future. Upon completion, schools are awarded their Sun Safe accreditation certificate The accreditation is valid for one year, with a renewal process in place to review their policy, reinforce support with the existing school community, advise newcomers and increase knowledge of sun safety through education.
Schools that register to take part receive: • A comprehensive welcome pack and accreditation guide designed as a back-up resource to our on-line facility, including hard copies of all printable resources. • A hard copy of the book ‘George the Sun Safe Superstar’ for your school library • Sun Safe Superstar stickers for all children • Sun Safety information booklets to share with your school community • Unlimited access to all on-line resources
For more information and to register visit: sunsafeschools.co.uk
SUN SAFE WORKPLACES
FREE, NATIONAL ACCREDITATION SCHEME FOR EMPLOYERS OF OUTDOOR WORKERS: Comprehensive free resources for employers and outdoor workers. Developed by national skin cancer charity ‘Skcin’ - dedicated to promoting sun safety in the workplace to prevent skin cancer and promote early detection.
HEALTH AND SUN SAFETY. A DUTY OF CARE… UV is a known carcinogen, damage is accumulative and irreparable and responsible for 86% of all skin cancer cases and 4 out of every 5 melanoma deaths. Yet skin cancer is almost entirely preventable. Workplaces are advised to recognise that sunlight exposure is an occupational hazard for people working outdoors and to implement a policy to meet their responsibilities under the Health and Safety Work Act. National skin cancer charity ‘Skcin’ are the UK lead in the prevention and early detection of skin cancer and recognise not only the importance of Sun Safety education the workplace, but the pressures faced by those tasked to implement an effective policy. To combat this need and fill the mammoth void that exists in this arena, Skcin developed the national Sun Safe Workplaces Accreditation Scheme to provide employers of outdoor workers with comprehensive free resources and guidance to help them fulfill their duty of care. Through education and awareness, we can combat the most common and fastest rising cancer in the UK and save lives.
REGISTER FOR FREE RESOURCES AND TO GAIN YOUR SUN SAFE ACCREDITATION Comprehensive Employers Guide • Sample Sun Safe Policy Document • Sample Risk Assessment Engaging Power Point Presentation for employees • Sun Safety Fact Sheet for employees Skin Check Fact Sheet for employees • Work Site Posters • Certification • And much more...
Sun Safe Workplaces Free Resources
SUNSAFEWORKPLACES.CO.UK Sun Safe Workplaces has been specifically developed to:
What makes Sun Safe Workplaces different to other campaigns?
• The scheme is FREE and provides employers • To provide employers of outdoor workers with comprehensive guidance on the implementation of outdoor workers with the most comprehensive range of free resources available on the subject of a suitable and successful sun safety policy • The on-line, step by step, interactive check list • To provide employers with all the materials requires feedback / evidence that each step has they need to educate their outdoor workers on been completed, prior to certification the importance of prevention & early detection • The scheme is an annual accreditation to ensure • To provide employees with vital information to the continuation of sun safe practices year on year raise awareness and potentially, save lives
On The Spot This month’s ‘On the Spot’ is with Maura Matthews who is the Health and Wellbeing Development Manager with Tenovus Cancer.
Where do you currently work and what is your area of expertise? I currently work as the Health & Wellbeing Manager for Tenovus Cancer and my area of expertise involves developing cancer prevention programmes working with communities to reduce cancer risk and promote early detection of the disease. My remit is to deliver an all Wales, community-based programme aimed at reducing the incidence of cancer, increasing the uptake of screening, improving cancer symptom awareness and promoting early detection, all with a particular focus on areas of deprivation. Examples of the types of interventions I implement are the Tenovus Cancer Care Health Check which comprises an interactive touchscreen questionnaire with behavioural support delivered face-to-face by a trained Health Advisor. Individuals’ results are provided in a traffic-light system indicating an area where signposting or change could be considered. Cardiff University funded by Yorkshire Cancer Research is currently evaluating our Health Check’s effectiveness in deprived communities. Our “Quit with Us” intervention aims to raise awareness of the most effective ways to quit smoking with Tenovus Cancer Care contacts through community pharmacies, other community contacts and corporate partners. Over the last five years I have facilitated the Tenovus Cancer Care Here Comes the Sun Campaign (HCTS) to raise awareness of symptoms of skin cancer and the importance of following sun safety messages, including using skin protection when in the sun to reduce the risk of developing skin cancer.
This month’s e-bulletin spotlights Sun Awareness. What do you think are the main challenges facing us in addressing this issue in Wales? I think there is a lack of awareness around skin cancer especially the fact that it can be life threatening. In Wales there are around 700 cases of malignant melanoma every year, the most dangerous form of skin cancer with nearly 150 deaths. There is a misconception that skin cancer can be cut out and resolved easily. But even the non-melanoma skin cancers need to be removed and are often on the face so surgery can leave patients disfigured. Skin cancer is the most common cancer in the UK and treating skin cancer puts an enormous burden on the NHS. Finally the majority of skin cancers are caused by exposure to UV rays and are preventable. If people adopted sun safe behaviours , we may start to see a levelling off of skin cancer rates in the future.
What is the most important message that should be conveyed to professionals and the public around sun awareness? The most important message is that skin cancers rates are escalating at alarming rates and there is no sign of this trend abating. Professionals and the public need to know that skin cancer is largely preventable and by adopting safe sun behaviours you can reduce your risk of skin cancer, such as avoiding the sun between 11am and 3pm, using clothing to cover up and a broad spectrum sun cream with at least an SPF30 with four or more stars reapplying every two hours. Not using tanning beds is also a key message which needs to be promoted.
If you were granted 3 wishes what would they be? To stick with the prevention theme, my first two wishes relate to sun safety and include: • To ensure schools take responsibility for sun safety and to stop sending children out onto the playground often unprotected in the midday sun. Also to make sun safety education a compulsory subject delivered through the PSE curriculum. • To ban commercial tanning beds and “once a day” sun creams as they have done in Australia. • A plea generally for more investment to be made into evidence based cancer prevention interventions in Wales. Research tells us that at least 4 out of 10 cancers could be prevented if healthier lifestyles were adopted.
What are your personal interests? I started my career in nursing and worked for many years as an Environmental Health Officer which led me to seek a post graduate qualification in public health. So I have a keen interest in cancer prevention and evidence based intervention around lifestyle behaviour change. I am a working mum so sometimes find it difficult to fit in any hobbies. Although when I have the time I love cooking and entertaining friends and family. When I can find a babysitter the cinema is a real treat and I am an avid reader.
The Grapevine This section of the ebulletin is dedicated to news from the network members. You can submit news on the work being undertaken in your area, write us an article, showcase an upcoming project or show off your achievements! If you would like to submit an article for the Grapevine, please email publichealth.network@wales.nhs.uk The article should be no longer than 500 words and pictures are always welcome!
Cwm Taf Community Joint Care Programme The free Joint Care Programme is a 12 week community based programme targeted at patients with chronic knee and/or hip pain thought to be due to osteoarthritis and a BMI of 30kg/m2 or above. A referral into the programme is required via a health professional. The Joint Care Programme is currently available in Rhondda, Aberdare, Llantrisant and Hawthorn Leisure Centres. Evening sessions will also be available from July in Hawthorn. The programme includes nutrition sessions and basic exercise and cookery sessions.
The programme is designed to provide patients with the information and support to help them to lose weight, increase activity levels and improve their overall and specifically musculoskeletal health. Patients have reported: “Since starting this programme I feel so much more confident to use the leisure centre. I now attend aqua aerobics 4 to 5 times a week!!! I would never have done that before the programme.” “The programme is run in a nice way, you are not lectured, it was nice to attend in a small group. Exercise was built up gradually.” Contact Details for Referrals and/or any queries: Sam Belcher – Exercise Referral Co-ordinator Rhondda Cynon Taf Exercise Referral Scheme Joint Care Programme Abercynon Sports Centre Parc Abercynon Abercynon CF45 4UY Phone: 07825675743 Email: Sam.Belcher@rctcbc.gov.uk
Shared Practice
This month’s project is Drink Wise Age Well. Drink Wise, Age Well is an alcohol service for older adults which operates within the Cwm Taf Health Board region of South Wales. The Drink Wise, Age Well definition of an older adult is someone aged 50 or above. Our aim and objective is to convey key alcohol and health messages to the over 50 population of Cwm Taf so they can make healthier choices about alcohol as they age. By delivering free alcohol awareness and brief intervention courses to local services who come into contact with the over 50’s, we can successfully enable health and social care practitioners to broadly spread our messages to this age group. If you would like to add your own project to the Shared Practice Directory there is an easy online form (only accessible to members) and once approved by one of the coordinators your project will then appear on the directory. There is also a Self Assessment Toolkit which can be printed off or completed online and allows coordinators to quality assure the development and delivery of new and existing projects. If you need help completing the toolkit or have any questions please contact one of the coordinators at publichealth.network@wales.nhs.uk
News Round-Up Welcome to the News Round-Up. Click on the headings of the news item to take you to the full news story on the Public Health Network Cymru Website.
Children and Young People Doorstep to Desk: Helping more children to walk or cycle to school Public Health Wales has published a new easy-to-use visual guide to help organisations play a bigger part in encouraging children to walk or cycle to school.
Work Mass Unemployment Events (MUEs) - Prevention and Response from a Public Health Perspective New report examines the effect of mass unemployment events on health, and the steps that can be taken to reduce that impact
Policy Public Health Bill receives Royal Assent Wide-ranging legislation which will help people live healthier lives and protect them from harm, has received Royal Assent.
Physical Activity WHO Collaborating Centre for Physical Activity and Health The University of Zurich (Switzerland) had been designated as the new WHO Collaborating Centre for Physical Activity and Health.
Noncommunicable Disease Awareness of ovarian cancer symptoms ‘alarmingly low’ among women in Wales Target Ovarian Cancer has launched Pathfinder Wales, their second nation -specific Pathfinder report. They have discovered that women in Wales have an alarmingly low awareness of ovarian cancer symptoms.
Maternal and Newborn Health UK Chief Medical Officers issue advice for health professionals on physical exercise during pregnancy The UK’s Chief Medical Officers have jointly released new advice on physical activity fro expectant mothers
Click Here for more news on the Public Health Network Cymru website
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Aug and Sep
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(August) Play Day National Event Street Games Multi-Sport Festival Cardiff
(September) Sexual Health Week National Event Hitting the bar: How can we promote healthy drinking in sporting settings? Cardiff Mental Health: Making the forward plans a reality London
The Bigger Picture - Working with children and families in Wales Cardiff
Click Here for more events on the Public Health Network Cymru website
Contact Us Capital Quarter 2 Floor 5 Tyndall Street Cardiff CF10 4BZ www.publichealthnetwork.cymru If you have any news or events to contribute to the next edition please submit them to publichealth.network@wales.nhs.uk Deadline for submission is the 3rd Friday of every month.
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