Quote of the week:
"The problem [of poor mental health] is a global problem. Every 40 seconds someone dies by suicide somewhere in the world. In the next 20 years, it's going to be the biggest cause of disability worldwide... I think it's critical that business leaders step up and step in to this space." - Poppy Jaman OBE speaks to The King's Fund in a podcast on "Working 9 to 5"
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Coming up...
- Eating Disorders Awareness Week (25 February - 3 March)
Eating disorders are serious mental illnesses. They can affect anyone and can be difficult to talk about.
Beat - the UK's eating disorder charity - has developed some guidance on how to approach someone you're worried about, with specific information on looking after a housemate, child, friend, colleague, or partner. Beat has also developed a range of downloadable resources focusing on top tips, emotional overeating and other more specific issues.
These resources can be accessed here.
- International Women's Day
Celebrate International Women's Day, by joining us for a free "Menopause Masterclass", taking place on Thursday 7 March, 8am - 10am at UBS's offices.
This masterclass will be led by Dr Theodora Kalentzis - a City-based GP specialising in menopause and will aim to provide HR leads from organisations across the Square Mile with information on the physical, mental and social impact of menopause, as well as practical steps organisations can take to support their staff experiencing symptoms, and raise awareness among the wider workforce.
Breakfast and networking opportunities will be available and the session is open to any HR lead in the City - including men! Places are limited, so book sooner rather than later - visit the Eventbrite page here.
Date: Thursday 7 March (the day before International Women's Day)
Time: 8am - 10am
Venue: UBS AG, 5 Broadgate Circle, London EC2M 2QS |
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Keep well when it's cold
Many of us saw snow and low temperatures last week, but winter may have more in store for us.
What is it about cold weather that causes problems to health? When we start to get cold, our blood thickens and can clot. Increased clotting is one of the reasons why there are more heart attacks and strokes in the days following colder weather.
Being cold can also reduce our body's ability to fight off infection and can lead to lung conditions and coughs deteriorating faster than usual.
Breathing in cold air can irritate the airways and trigger an asthma attack. Asthma UK advises those with asthma, or other respiratory issues, to wrap a scarf loosely around their nose and mouth before heading outside into cold temperatures, to warm up the air before it's breathed in.
Public Health England (PHE) has some top tips for staying warm and well during the colder months:
- Heat the home, or the parts of it you're using, to at least 18 degrees Celcius.
- Moving around stops you feeling the cold more acutely as it keeps blood flowing around the body. It can also help to prevent clotting.
- Look out for others - particularly those with heart and lung conditions, the over-65s, young children and those with conditions like dementia and Alzheimer's (who may be less aware that they need to change their behaviour to stay warm). During icy or snowy weather, check in on people in these groups - they might be at higher risk of slips and falls and may become isolated as a result of the cold weather.
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No Smoking
Wednesday 13th March is National No Smoking Day and a great opportunity to signpost your staff to the range of free support available to help them kick the habit.
The Smokefree website has success stories from long-term smokes who have given up and also outlines different types of support available.
Anyone working in the City of London can access free and local support to stop smoking. This includes one-to-one clinics through WDP Square Mile Health and any Boots branch in the Square Mile, as well as free e-cigarettes and Nicotine Replacement Therapy (NRT).
In addition, WDP Square Mile Health can deliver free training, stands and stalls within your workplace, covering a range of issues such as smoking, drugs and alcohol. More information is available here. |
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Do you use LinkedIn or Twitter? Make sure you follow Business Healthy to stay up-to-date on news and developments in the world of employee health and wellbeing in the Square Mile.
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