EngageYour FREE magazine from your local NHS Issue Three: March 2015

Ah-choo! Don’t let hay fever SPRING steal your sunshine into action! We chat about work and health and Amywellbeing with Garcia Life changing events with NHS Leeds West CCG Director

PLUS! QUIZ CORNER / TOP TWEETS / RECIPES / GARDENING / NEWS / SPORTS & HEALTH Looking ahead to WARMER DAYS One of the difficulties of putting For many of us summer can also a short interview where we got to together a quarterly magazine bring a sense of nostalgia as we find out more about her career as is trying to guess what the remember the carefree years of our well as life away from the cameras. wonderful British weather will childhood where we took advantage If you ever wanted to know what throw at us. At the time of writing of the warmer weather to enjoy the it’s like working in healthcare we the spring edition of Engage we great outdoors. That is unless you are pleased to provide you with a are all currently shivering in the were having to go into hospital for snapshot thanks to a local GP who snowy weather in what can be treatment then it could have been tells us more about his role and a described as a ‘proper’ winter. a scary thought. The thought of typical day – if there’s such a thing! But we’re an optimistic bunch hospitals being scary places got us We wonder if this might inspire you here at NHS Leeds West CCG so thinking: how can we find out more to consider working for the NHS. we are sure that by the time you about the experiences of children There’s lots of opportunities in a are reading this we will have some who need treatment at hospital number of different areas ranging spring like weather and some and what do they really think? from healthcare, IT, marketing leaves back on the trees. In this edition of Engage you can find through to project management, With that optimism in mind we out more about a new cartoon we accounting and finance and thought we’d give a gentle reminder have produced with local kids called much more. to all those who may be dreading the ‘Kevin Makes Friends in Hospital’ We hope you enjoy the latest edition high levels of pollen that can cause based on the experiences of young of Engage, do get in touch if you havoc with your daily routine. For patients at Leeds Children’s Hospital. want to see something in our next people with hay fever, the higher It helps us to prove that hospitals edition or if you have an idea for a temperatures and darling buds of aren’t that scary after all and you can story: [email protected] May might just bring a sense of dread. make friends too! We were delighted This is why we’ve got some tips to that BBC Look North’s Amy Garcia help you manage your condition and was able to launch the DVD for us. treat symptoms sooner so you too The Editing Team We were lucky that Amy also gave NHS Leeds West can enjoy the spring and summer. up some of her time to take part in Clinical Commissioning Group Contents

03 Don’t let hay fever get 08 Spotlight on Morley 12 Keeping the second biggest the better of you! Potholing, netball and a world cancer killer at bay Information and advice on coping war memorial… Morley has plenty Poo isn’t a subject we often would with hay fever during the warmer going on for people of all ages want to talk about however it days ahead could be a life saver that’s why 09 Hidden gem... we say ‘your poo can save you’ 04 We catch up with Amy Garcia York Gate Garden is one of Amy talks to us about the highlight the city’s hidden gems, with its 13 Gardening guru of her career, health and tells us beautifully stylish series of small You don’t necessarily need a about her guilty pleasure gardens tucked away from the garden to get gardening, Kirkstall hustle and bustle of nearby city life Community Garden provides local 06 From nursing in a refugee people the opportunity to meet, camp to NHS director 10 Kevin makes friends in hospital learn and grow An insight into a fascinating Local youngsters create a career journey from fighting a cartoon to show that hospitals 14 Recipes measles outbreak in a refugee aren’t scary places Check out the ginger spice review camp in Hong Kong through to and try out some ginger recipes holding a senior leadership 11 Helping children and young position within the NHS people stay safe online 15 Quiz corner Staying safe online is one of the Exercise your brain with a 07 Talking health with a local GP major worries for parents and suduko and a wordsearch We go behind the doors at a GP carers, we’ve got some top tips practice to find what a typical day to help you and your family 16 Sports roundup is like for a GP (family doctor) Find out how regular exercise If you'd like to receive a regular brings benefits and why Olympian Mark Foster is encouraging men copy of 'Engage', please let to sign up to Men United us know by emailing... [email protected] 02 Looking ahead or calling 0113 84 35470 The arrival of spring with its longer days and Don’t let hay warmer weather is long overdue after a bitterly cold winter. But, for one fever get the in five of us spring isn’t always something better of you! to look forward to.

THERE ARE AROUND 10 MILLION PEOPLE IN ENGLAND WITH HAY FEVER WHICH IS A COMMON ALLERGIC REACTION TO POLLEN. POLLEN IS A FINE POWDER WHICH IS RELEASED BY PLANTS, TREES AND GRASS DURING THEIR REPRODUCTIVE CYCLE AND IT’S THIS THAT CAUSES THE RED ITCHY EYES, SNEEZING AND RUNNY NOSE.

Don’t let hay fever stop you Pollen count Pharmacy first from enjoying spring. Below are some tips to help you explained for medical advice keep pollen at bay: Hay fever symptoms are likely Pharmacies are a great way to get to be worse if the pollen count advice and help to treat hay fever • avoid cutting grass, playing is high. If the count is high you symptoms with over-the-counter or walking in grassy areas and can take preventative steps medications such as antihistamines. camping – particularly in the such as taking an antihistamine However, you may need to see early morning, evening and before leaving the house. your GP if: at night when pollen counts are highest; The formula for measuring pollen • you can’t control your symptoms with can be difficult to understand however over-the-counter medications or you • wear wraparound sunglasses there’s an easier way to find out what are having troublesome side effects to stop pollen getting in your current pollen levels are. Pollen forecasts caused by the medication eyes when you are outdoors; are available on the Met Office’s • you are experiencing persistent • change your clothes and take weather map and provides people complications of hay fever, such a shower after being outdoors with vital information to help reduce as worsening asthma or repeated to remove the pollen on your the impact of pollen on their health. episodes of sinusitis body; and Visit www.metoffice.gov.uk • the pattern of your symptoms is • try to stay indoors when the unusual; such as occurring during pollen count is high (over 50). the winter or only at your workplace – it is likely that another substance other than pollen is responsible and further testing will be required to confirm this Did you know that it’s only We hope you enjoy the warmer days hay fever if you’re allergic to ahead and keep the pollen at bay! grass pollen. If you’re allergic to all plant pollens (tree, weed and grass) it’s known as pollinosis. ? Hay fever 03 We caught up with Amy as she helped launch our new cartoon ‘Kevin Makes Friends in Hospital’ See page 10 for more details...

Amy Garcia

04 Engage interviews... You’ve had an interesting career, I’m either at work or running around and almost gone full circle after with my daughter. We live close to Some starting your TV journalism career the Yorkshire Sculpture Park which is at BBC Look North, but can you stunning so we do go on lots of long questions tell us what has been your walks. I’ve just bought a bike with a biggest highlight? little seat on the back, so I’ll be out you weren’t I’d say the tandem ride that I did on that more often. I think it’s good expecting... with Harry Gration [BBC Look North to show your children early on that co-presenter with Amy] was really exercise is important. If you could go back in time hard work but was such a brilliant What are your top tips for what one piece of advice would experience and the amount of people any children wanting to follow you give your younger self? who came out to support us was in your footsteps? Travel a bit more and have fun. really overwhelming. The scenery I’d say carry on with your education was absolutely breathtaking and it Favourite film? as that’s very important and look for I watched a classic film the other was a brilliant way to see Yorkshire ways to get experience by maybe week, Shawshank Redemption, – I’d recommend it to anyone that starting a school magazine, newspaper have you seen that? Brilliant film. fancies it. or radio station. I always loved music Best holiday? The Look North job was the first and drama and that just seemed to Oh that’s a hard one, probably the since you had your daughter – filter into this for me so that’s where Maldives for my honeymoon. I did did you feel nervous about joining I started with it really. I started in TV lots of diving, sunbathing and lots Harry on the famous red sofa? when I was 19, presenting children’s of... not very much. I’ve forgotten I was so nervous! I’d actually done programmes. Eight years later I what that feels like! some shows with Harry when I did an MA in journalism. It’s about previously worked there so I knew we perseverance; if someone says you’re Your inspiration? worked well together. Any mum will not good enough, take on board what My family. My mother was always very much an encouraging figure know that when you go back to work they say and work on it. Perseverance when I was growing up, she was after having a child half of your brain is definitely it, you need to have thick always the one who said don’t is missing, you just have this mush and skin and don’t take no for an answer. give up on your dreams you can it takes you a while to get back into How do you prepare yourself do whatever you want. I guess the real world... and I was on live TV! before a broadcast? I’ve always stuck by that mantra My little girl was just eight months old I do a brief look through the papers but my husband has been equally so I did feel very guilty about leaving in the morning so know what’s in the supportive and really encouraged her. We’re now into a bit of a rhythm news that day. When I arrive at the me to go to university. so it’s much easier and I’m very lucky office I chat through the programme to have support from both sets of What did you want to be with the producer. I then prepare for grandparents – she has a great time. when you were younger? any interviews, write some scripts I wanted to do musical theatre As someone who took part in and pick out relevant stories to chat when I was younger but it just Sport Relief just how important about on BBC Radio Leeds, York and seemed to trickle into working is your health and wellbeing Sheffield. At 5pm I run upstairs throw in TV somehow. to you, how do you look after my rollers in and have my make-up If you weren’t a presenter your health? Is it just a case done. At quarter past I’m back in the what career do you think of eating the right food or is office making a few tweaks to the you would be in? there more to it? script or putting together a piece if Oh gosh that’s a hard one, this is I think your health is extremely I’ve been out reporting. The nice thing all I’ve ever wanted to do so I don’t important and I think if you exercise about Look North is that it’s different know, I feel like I’ve got the dream and you eat well then your mind stays every night, you’ll never get the exact job. I’d probably be a full-time mum healthy as well, I’m a big believer in same story twice. which is a much harder job. that. I do try to eat well but to be Guilty pleasure – could be honest a lot of it is on the go because a TV show, song etc.? Oh, these are quite hard questions but very straightforward. I make no secret of loving songs from the shows – Harry’s always telling me to shut up. My guilty pleasure would have to be… Peppa Pig. It’s constantly on our TV these days… it’s actually quite funny! “I think your health is extremely I also love a bag of jelly sweets and chocolates… Harry has a very important and I think if you sweet tooth too, so we are bad exercise and you eat well then influences on each other. your mind stays healthy as well, I’m a big believer in that.” Engage interviews... 05 From fighting a measles outbreak in a refugee camp in Hong Kong to sitting on the governing From nursing body at NHS Leeds West Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG), Sue Robins has had a remarkable career journey since starting out as a student in a refugee nurse in 1980 at St James’s Hospital in Leeds. We interviewed Sue to uncover her unusual camp to NHS route to a senior leadership position. director

Equally important is understanding how our decisions will have an effect on those working at the coal face with patients on a day to day basis. As part of my role at the CCG I lead on the development of primary care with our 38 member practices. This means we can use information provided by healthcare professionals alongside feedback from patients to develop the best and most accessible services Tell us about yourself… One winter there was a measles possible. Our most recent development I was born in Yorkshire and I travelled outbreak and I saw babies die has seen us invest over £8m to extend a lot as a child, but I settled back in of measles, this made me aware access to GP services for people living Yorkshire for my adult life. Having how vital good public health and in our CCG area. My past clinical worked in West Yorkshire for much immunisation is. It also made me experience will help me to plan services of my career I took up various job appreciate the healthcare system for the people we serve and understand opportunities that were presented to me. that we have here and how lucky how healthcare professionals can help us This included being a staff nurse in child we are to have it. implement some of our innovative ideas. and adolescent psychiatry in Newcastle, The experience that I gained in Hong school matron and a health visitor for We heard that a reunion Kong I was able to bring it back with had taken place… NHS Calderdale. I’ve also undertaken me to the UK and I did TB (Tuberculosis) various senior management roles in the It has been 25 years since my work in the community for Airedale experience in Hong Kong and I attended NHS including deputy director of nursing Primary Care Trust. and head of operational services at a reunion in February in Manchester Bradford South West Primary Care Why did you make the shift from with colleagues who I worked with at Trust from 2003 to 2005 nursing to a management role? the British Red Cross. We talked about I enjoyed my front line work and most our time in Hong Kong and shared What led to you working in a importantly interacting with patients stories, it was great seeing everyone. refugee camp in Hong Kong? but I also had a drive for influencing Working in Hong Kong was my major the way services are developed. I gained career change; I applied to the British valuable experience from working in Red Cross in 1990 at the start of the the community at Airedale Primary Gulf War, thinking if I got accepted Care Trust and Leeds Community “I enjoyed my I would be sent to the Gulf. Instead, Healthcare NHS Trust where I managed front line work I was sent to Hong Kong on a six children’s services, but I wanted to month mission working with detained build on my experience by working and most Vietnamese asylum seekers as a nurse in an acute care setting. My big break, practitioner, a role which I ended up importantly if you can call it that, came in 2009 interacting doing for two years. when I was appointed as a divisional My experience in Hong Kong was life general manager at Bradford Teaching with patients” changing, not only did I learn about Hospitals NHS Trust. cultural differences but how to adapt How does your fascinating to different circumstances. The British experience help you in your Red Cross ran medical centres in the current role? detention centres and there were 15,000 I oversee the development and people in our centre. In the centre there performance management of the was one doctor, a manager and seven contract for Leeds Teaching Hospitals or eight nurse practitioners. I had come NHS Trust and I would have not been across various conditions like rickets able to do this without having worked at which you wouldn’t have seen in the UK. Bradford Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust.

06 Getting to know us We thought we’d introduce a new feature in Engage, to help people get to know more about the work of family doctors (GPs). First up we have Dr Bryan Power, part-time GP at Vesper Road Surgery and a part-time clinical lead for cardiovascular disease at NHS Leeds West CCG

We talk health with a local GP prescriptions, answering queries, liaising How do you unwind after work? with other healthcare professionals. The I exercise regularly this includes walking remaining one to two hours will be spent in the countryside, gardening and on writing reports like insurance reports. socialising with friends. We’ve seen lots of campaigns Top health tip… advising patients to go Listen to your body as it tells you when to pharmacies for common you’re not well and that you need to conditions, why is this important? seek medical advice. Look after yourself Pharmacists are trained healthcare and take the time to re-charge. professionals and they can give expert advice on common illnesses and Why did you want to become a GP? best medicines to treat them. Most My family were close friends with a pharmacies are open until late and at WOMEN local GP and I saw him as a role model, weekends which is useful if you start ENCOURAGED as I was really impressed with how he feeling unwell when your GP practice worked and his belief in what he did. is closed. Many pharmacies also offer TO TAKE A I wanted to make a difference, have a a private consultation room and they career that was varied and interesting, will tell you if you need to see a GP. TEST THAT and becoming a GP was the right choice for me. How does patient feedback help COULD SAVE you as well as the wider NHS? How many patients do you roughly Patient feedback allows me and the THEIR LIFE see in a day? Has this changed in NHS to remain responsive to the needs The CCG encouraged local recent years, if so why? of patients and to understand how we women to attend their cervical On a Thursday I’m in surgery from 8am interact and communicate with patients. screening test (smear test) to 8pm and have three surgeries on that What do you enjoy as part of its efforts to raise day. I see 20 patients in one surgery and awareness of Cervical Cancer the other two surgeries I usually see 12 most about being a GP? to 14 patients each. Since January the Listening to patient stories and Prevention Week which practice has been able to offer extended the different ways that patients took place 25 to 31 January. hours, this will vary for all practices across cope with their illness. According to Jo’s Cervical our CCG’s area. Being able to offer What is the hardest thing Cancer Trust, every day in the extended hours has meant that patients about being a GP? UK nine women are diagnosed have more convenient access to an If things don’t go according to plan with cervical cancer and three appointment which will suit their lives. that can be very hard to deal with women will lose their lives to We know that no two days are ever and sometimes patients will fall ill the disease. To improve the the same but can you try to describe unexpectedly, so despite doing the chances of spotting cancer a typical day for a GP? best at all times it’s not always possible early the national screening When I’m in surgery from 8am to 8pm, to predict how things will go. programme for cervical cancer 7 to 8 hours will be in consultation with GPs tend to reflect on things where invites women aged 25 to 49 patients. This will include home visits and they have not gone so well more than for a screening once every telephone consultations. Approximately on where things have gone so well. three years and women aged one to two hours will be spent on work We don’t pat ourselves on the back 50 to 64 every five years. that has arisen from surgery like referrals, which we should do more of.

Getting to know us 07 Spotlight on… Morley

Make a big Morley Elderly Action Morley Elderly Action is a registered splash at Morley charity based at Wesley Street, Morley. Their aim is to help and Leisure Centre support people aged over 60 to live Where: Morley Leisure Centre, independently in their own homes. Queensway, Morley, LS27 9JP They cover the area of greater Morley When: Monday to Friday – which includes Morley, Churwell, check website for session details Drighlington, Gildersome, Tingley, East and West Ardsley, providing Morley Leisure Centre offers a practical help and signposting services. variety of activities over the children’s Opening times are Monday to Friday, holidays like the ‘Big Splash’ family 10am to 2pm. swim sessions. Take a look at what’s on offer to keep the kids both active If you have any spare time and would and entertained over the holiday like to help, they would love to hear from you. Please contact them for periods! more information by telephoning Gym Minis: one to three years 0113 253 4484 (Monday to Gymikins: three to four years Thursday, 8.15am to 4pm and For more information go to Friday 8.15am to 2pm). www.leeds.gov.uk/sports For further information or call Morley Leisure Centre on please contact MEA at 0113 336 7890 [email protected] Netball Morley Scatherd Park Potholing Club Where: Queensway, Morley, sessions Leeds, West Yorkshire LS27 9JP Where: Commercial Inn, Elland Why not visit Scatherd Park in Morley, Where: Morley Leisure Centre, Road, Churwell, Morley LS27 7QY where you can find lots of free Queensway, Morley, LS27 9JP When: The first Tuesday of every activities, including a children’s play When: Drop in session – month from 9pm area, an area for ball games and a Morley Potholing Club is a small Thursday, 4pm to 6pm skate park. There are formal gardens but active club who welcome Why not drop the children off at to walk round and a bowling green new members, either novice or their session and come and join experienced. Caving trips to suit all to wile away the hours. ‘B2N’. A gentle reintroduction to levels are organised and full training The park is one of Morley’s most the game of netball for women can be given as required. We cave popular open spaces and it holds over 16. Sessions are led by qualified mainly in the Yorkshire Dales and a Leeds Quality Park Flag award. Derbyshire but also further afield coaches who will cover basic skills Given to the people of Morley by such as passing and footwork in with regular trips every month – new members are very welcome Alice Scatherd, who was famed as a fun way and at your own pace. at any time of the year. a philanthropist and campaigner for Just turn up and play the rights of women, it also possesses The club also meets socially For more information go to every month. If you’d a Grade ll listed war memorial situated www.leeds.gov.uk/sports like to find out more visit in an elevated position. or call Morley Leisure Centre on www.morleycavers.org.uk For more information contact 0113 336 7890 or call 0113 253 9007 0113 232 3069

08 Local life... Hidden gem… York Gate We asked our gardening guru to unearth a hidden gem in Leeds, Garden here’s what we’ve had back…

“I never tire of all the green Sometimes these places can It’s important to note that York spaces Leeds has to offer. tend to be too formal but Gate is only open between April Whether it’s a canal walk in that’s not the case with York and September on Thursday Bramley or a woodland stroll Gate. My young children love and Sunday afternoons. Turn in Meanwood there’s always it there. We hunt for hidden up outside these times and somewhere to enjoy the treasure amongst the foliage you will be disappointed. (taking care to avoid the fresh air. There is something So, next Sunday afternoon when crocodiles in the pond and wonderful though, about a you fancy some fresh air and tigers in the trees, of course). new discovery in a city you have an urge to explore why The garden is an adventure know and love. not pop along to York Gate. for children and adults alike, a Imagine my delight last year Just watch out for the tigers!” chance to explore and imagine. then, when I stumbled across Find out more about this hidden Best of all is that York Gate a hidden garden tucked away gem: www.perennial.org.uk/ is owned by Perennial, the behind an ancient church in garden/york-gate-garden Adel. Created by the Spencer UK’s only charity dedicated family during the second half of to helping people working in the twentieth century, York Gate horticulture. The charity helps is a beautifully stylish series of support gardeners when times small gardens divided by yew get tough, providing free advice, and beech hedges. Despite its support and financial assistance small size it’s easy to get lost in to people of all ages working in a labyrinth of paths which lead or retired from horticulture. to a continuous succession of vistas and focal points. Each garden has its own character from formal garden rooms to earthy ferneries shaded by trees. There are places to hide too; seats at the end of paths where you can sit in peace and enjoy the silence.

The garden is an adventure for children and adults alike Local life... 09 Top Kevin makes tweets friends in hospital Using social media is a great way to keep up to date with your friends and family but you could also use it to find out more about your local NHS. Here’s a selection of tweets from our account @NHSLeedsWest. If you’ve an event or some info that you think we should be sharing, get in touch with us and don’t forget to follow us. We are also on Facebook: facebook.com/ nhsleedswestccg

------NHS Leeds West CCG @NHSLeedsWest It’s #BowelCancer Awareness Month ths April – get involved and help to raise awareness @Bowel_Cancer_UK @leedswellweb ------Time to Change Leeds @changeleeds RT Suicidal thoughts? It’s ok to talk about it, and ok to seek help. We used feedback from local Emma Marshall, Play Specialist Team Help eliminate the stigma associated youngsters about their time Leader at Leeds Teaching Hospitals with suicide #timetotalk at Leeds Children’s Hospital to NHS Trust, said: “Children are highly ------create a cartoon to show that intuitive and adaptable so by giving Stroke Association hospitals aren’t scary places them a better idea of what staying at @TheStrokeAssoc after all! We were really pleased hospital will be like will children will Just a little stroke, a #ministroke to welcome Amy Garcia, presenter be more relaxed and settle quicker. is a medical emergency. The FAST for BBC Look North, to launch “We know that there are a lot of test can help you recognise the the animated tales. stories and myths when it comes symptoms #FastFWD A new NHS cartoon to help ease to staying in hospitals which is why ------the nerves of children who are going we want to separate the fiction from Christine Talbot to hospital was officially launched the truth. Hospitals can be scary and @christinetalbot by BBC Look North presenter Amy children won’t enjoy certain aspects Supporting #WorldCancerDay Garcia at Leeds Children’s Hospital. of it but they also have fun, play @CR_UK with #WeWillUnite The animated tales are based on games and make some life-long Unity Bands @DuncanWoodITV the experiences of local children friends with the other children @n_embo @itvcalendar #beatcancer who used artwork to feedback on the ward.” their thoughts on being cared for DVD copies of the cartoon have at the Hospital. They also helped been distributed to children edit the final version of the animation outpatient clinics, GP practices to ensure it was child friendly. and children’s centres. Amy Garcia, an ex-children’s TV The cartoon is available on NHS presenter, attended the premiere Leeds West CCG’s YouTube channel ------of the cartoon and met children youtube.com/nhsleedswestccg NHS Leeds West CCG currently being cared for at the Copies in DVD format can @NHSLeedsWest hospital. be requested by emailing Leeds will host the finale of the first One in 11 children will be referred [email protected] ever Tour de Yorkshire on 3 May – to a hospital outpatient clinic in a or calling 0113 843 5528. find out more @SportLeeds typical year. The cartoon will be @LSSportsCentre used by healthcare staff to show “children will be hospitals are not as scary as some young people might think. more relaxed and settle quicker”

10 Top tweets / Making friends in hospital KEEPING YOUR CHILD SAFE ONLINE Making sure our children are safe Talking to your child is one of the when using the internet is every best ways to keep them safe. parent’s nightmare, especially Talking improves your bond with them, those of us who aren’t internet and encourages them to listen to you. 60 seconds with... savvy, but it needn’t be. By taking It helps them to form relationships, a few simple steps you can build self-esteem and recognise help keep your child safe online inappropriate behaviours. Natasha without stopping them exploring all the wonderful stuff the internet You can also use parental controls has to offer. on social networks, online games and Mort browsers and on both hardware and Supporting Organisations Manager Why and how do children software that can filter or monitor at Voluntary Action Leeds use the internet? what your child can see. Children and young people spend a lot It’s important to have conversations Natasha has management of time online these days. Whether it’s responsibility for the Supporting social media, online gaming or shopping, that help your child understand how to stay safe and what to do if they Organisations Departments within the internet is a great way to get Voluntary Action Leeds. These include connected. It helps children and young ever feel scared or uncomfortable when they are online. business support programme, group people to socialise, learn and capture development, communications and share memories. Your child might and marketing and volunteering. use the internet to: By taking a few She also has added operational • search for information or content on responsibility for strategic volunteering search engines like Google and Bing; simple steps you development within the city. This • share images and watch videos can help keep your includes running the Leeds Volunteer through websites or mobile apps Managers Network including the like Instagram, Pinterest, Vine child safe online Volunteering Kitemark and she and YouTube; leads on the Involvement Strategy • use social networking websites Tips to keep your child safe for Leeds Volunteering Section. like Facebook and Twitter; 1. Have the conversation early and often • write or reply to messages on 2. Explore online together Three words that best describe forums and message boards; 3. Know who your child is talking you... Passionate, community- • play games alone or with others to online minded and busy! through websites, apps or game 4. Set rules and agree boundaries What are you most passionate consoles; or 5. Make sure that content is age- about? Volunteering and • chat with other people through online appropriate community action and helping games, BBM (Blackberry Messenger), 6. Use parental controls to filter, Third Sector organisations game consoles, webcams, social restrict, monitor or report content develop their skills. Also my networks and apps like Whatsapp. 7. Check they know how to use family, friends and good books privacy settings and reporting tools What are the risks? What has been your greatest There are of course some risks when The NSPCC has a great website that achievement? Finding a job going online and it is important for can guide you through this sensitive parents to understand these so that that I am passionate about. topic and has launched a really And my daughter they can support their children to surf informative campaign called share the internet safely. The dangers include: aware: www.nspcc.org.uk When you were a child what • inappropriate content, including did you want to become? pornography; The Leeds Safeguarding Children Board Ballet dancer (that stopped is another good place to get information • ignoring age restrictions; when the teacher gently and find out about local support groups. • friending or communicating They have recently launched an internet explained to my mother that with people they don’t know; safety campaign, find out more: I had the grace of a hippo!) • grooming and sexual abuse; www.leedslscb.org.uk What song always gets you on • sharing personal information; and the dance floor? Love will Tear • gambling or running up debts. Us Apart by Joy Division (my husband and I had this as our first dance at our wedding)

Online child safety / 60 seconds with... 11 Be clear on BOWEL CANCER April is bowel cancer awareness month and here at NHS Leeds West CCG we want to do all we can to raise awareness about the condition. Bowel cancer – What should I Bowel cancer is the key facts look out for? the second biggest Bowel cancer affects the colon or Symptoms of bowel cancer vary but large intestine. It is estimated that the most common symptoms are: cancer killer over 250,000 men and women • A persistent change in bowel Screening – currently live with bowel cancer habit, especially going more your poo can save you in the UK. Bowel cancer is one of often or looser stools the most common types of cancer In Leeds we have a campaign and is responsible for the death of • Bleeding from the bottom called ‘your poo can save you’ 16,000 people every year making • Abdominal pain, especially to highlight the importance of it the second biggest cancer killer if severe completing and returning your bowel cancer testing kit. People after lung cancer. As you grow older • A lump in your tummy you are at greater risk of developing aged 60-74 are sent out a free bowel cancer with more than 8 in • Unexplained weight loss bowel cancer testing kit by the NHS. 10 cases of bowel cancer occurring or tiredness If you or someone you know has in people aged 60 or over. That’s Most of these symptoms will not been sent one please make you sure why it is important that people be cancer. Anyone experiencing you use it, it really could save your aged 60-74 complete and return one or more of these symptoms life or the life of a loved one. their bowel cancer testing kit. for three weeks or more should Find out more: go and see their GP. www.nhs.uk/bowelcancer

If you would like Did you know that 81% of adults in to find out about Be a quitter England don’t smoke? Of course we’d clinics in your like that figure to be a 100%, if you’re a smoker you can help us towards this area, simply: this year goal. There’s lots of Leeds NHS Stop Smoking sessions taking place. It is • Phone us on: easy to join a session and you will find 0800 169 4219 or We wouldn’t often there’s probably a group near to where 0113 843 4533 say quitting is the you live or work. For some people one of the reasons • Text: best option but when that can put you off being a quitter is it comes to smoking it the fear of gaining weight. If this is a SMOKEFREE to concern for you, the Leeds NHS Stop 60066 really is. You save lots Smoking Service can help you access of money, look better support through a Healthy Lifestyle • Email: Practitioner giving you tailored diet [email protected] and smell better. And and exercise advice. Or visit our website for more your lungs will be Join the growing number of quitters information and to see a list in Leeds, last year the service helped thanking you too. of sessions in your area: 2,540 people successfully quit smoking www.leedscommunity this year you could be one of them! healthcare.nhs.uk/smoking 12 Bowel cancer / Quit smoking Gardening guru Hold onto your hats – it’s all about to kick off in the garden Can you believe it’s This kind of community enterprise has so much to spring already? The offer local people. The health winter has flown by and social care opportunities and the garden is are almost endless. That’s one of the reasons why NHS Leeds Top tips for spring bursting with potential. West CCG has commissioned There’s no better time to a project that links GP practices The list of jobs seems get growing and you don’t with community organisations. endless at this time of even need to have a garden. The Patient Empowerment year, so focus on one I’m serious, there are loads Project supports GPs to or two tasks at a time. of opportunities to get involved refer patients into projects in local community initiatives provided by community-based Now’s the time to prune and they don’t come much organisations like Kirkstall that butterfly bush better than Kirkstall Community Community Garden and (Buddleja). Cut it right Garden. Hollybush Conservation Centre. back to a low framework Kirkstall Community Garden It’s already been a great success and you can read more about – don’t be shy. You is non-profit organisation can do the same with which provides local people it here: www.bit.ly/1CaskCi the opportunity to meet, learn You don’t need to wait for a dogwood (Cornus). and grow. The food produced referral though. Why not pop Another job to do is given away free to the local along to the next gardening now is to divide your community and the project session and get growing. transforms unused derelict land www.kirkstallgarden.btck.co.uk perennials. Don’t pay a into aesthetic growing spaces. fortune for new plants, just dig them up and split them with a spade. It’s really simple to do and you’ll end up with loads of new plants you can share with your friends. Try it with hosta, sedum and daisies (Aster).

Until next time… happy gardening!

Gardening guru 13 Spice review: it’s a ginger thing GINGER

When you think of ginger spice you and inflammation and protection risk of bleeding so it scores could be forgiven for thinking of the against certain cancers, stroke and might be best to speak 9/10 dress wearing pop star Alzheimer’s Disease. to your doctor before from mid-90s pop band However, it’s not all positive as ginger increasing or adding but unsurprisingly you’d be wrong can interact with some medications ginger regularly to your as we look at the health benefits including the anticoagulant drug diet. Yet its versatility, taste and of the actual ginger spice. warfarin which is popular with those reported health benefits contribute Ginger is said to strengthen the that have had a heart attack and to this spice getting a massive immune system which is why it is those with conditions such as atrial 9 out of 10. Visit our Facebook a common folk remedy for colds fibrillation and deep vein thrombosis. page for the full review: facebook.com/nhsleedswestccg and flus. Other benefits include Ginger can also cause heartburn, it being said to help reduce pain bloating, gas, nausea and raises the

Why not try some of these ginger based recipes

Method: 6. Leave to firm up for a couple Ginger bread 1. Preheat oven 190’C/Gas mark 5 of minutes before placing on 2. Put the flour, ginger and soda a wire rack to cook biscuits into a bowl and rub in the butter 7. Once cooled, decorate with icing Ingredients (serves 8+) 3. Add sugar and stir in the syrup • 350g plain flour and egg to make a firm dough • 2 tsp ginger, ground 4. Roll out to about 5mm thick and cut out your gingerbread shapes • 1 tsp bicarbonate of soda 5. Put a sheet of baking paper on • 100g butter a tray and evenly space out the • 175g soft light brown sugar biscuits, bake for 10-15 minutes • 1 egg until golden brown • 4 tbsp golden syrup

Method: Carrot and 1. Cook onion in a large saucepan If you’ve tried one of these in oil over low heat for 5 minutes recipes we’d love to see Ginger Soup 2. Add carrots and ginger. Sauté your pictures. Send them Ingredients for an additional 5 minutes to commsleedswestccg@ • 1 tablespoon olive oil 3. Pour in stock and simmer nhs.net and we’ll post all for 10 minutes or until carrots • 1 onion (finely chopped) those sent on our Facebook are tender • 1 (10cm) piece root ginger 4. Liquidise soup to required page at facebook.com/ (peeled and finely chopped) thickness nhsleedswestccg • 750g carrots (peeled and sliced) • 1 litre vegetable stock

A LITTLE MORE CONVERSATION CHILDREN HELP DEVELOP TO IMPROVE MENTAL HEALTH HAND WASHING CAMPAIGN NEWS The CCG encouraged people in DURING TAKEOVER DAYS Leeds to spend five minutes on Fifteen pupils aged between IN BRIEF Thursday 5 February 2015 to talk 10-11, from Fieldhead Carr and Keep up to date about mental health as part of Time Iveson Primary Schools visited the to Talk Day. Time to Talk, run by Time CCG over two as part of the national with the latest news to Change, is a national campaign Children’s Commissioner’s Takeover from the CCG... aimed at getting people to break Day. They worked with staff in a variety the silence around mental health. of professions, including learning the importance of hand washing. During their time they developed a campaign and designed a poster to promote hand hygiene.

14 Recipes / News in brief Quiz corner SUDUKO WORDSEARCH 9 6 7 N A V K N K N Z Q T G B W G T G Q E Q T N Q N U N B O W E L 1 4 8 K C S L R D P G I B M I B H Y B A P I M Q E K T E N S I P D 8 4 3 9 Q N E F S J O Y T P K P N O R 4 3 9 6 2 B C R R M M E Y E A H R T L N X E Z X S Z Y G R R O I E L B Y R D X M L H I S K N N R E I K W O O D L A N D Q G G N N J 2 5 1 3 7 G C Y W D D Y G D S K Q E E W 1 3 7 4 Z A A N D D F E K B O D T W K H H R R B E E R J Y N A I N J 8 6 5 Z L V C E I V L V K G B J C Q W G O W I E E Z B G A R D E N 4 5 9 Z M N Q O A R X B E L L Y L X BOWEL INTERNET CANCER PARK CAREER POLLEN GARCIA QUITTERS GARDEN SMOKING GINGER SPRING HAYFEVER VESPER HONGKONG WOODLAND

Get in touch with us

We are your local NHS and we want Call us on to hear from you so that we can make 0113 8435 470 sure that we can help plan and fund Drop us an email the best possible services. [email protected] If you have an idea, suggestion or Visit us online would like to feedback your experience www.leedswestccg.nhs.uk of using local NHS or NHS-funded services do get in touch with us. Tweet us @NHSLeedsWest Write to us at NHS Leeds West Find us on Facebook Facebook.com/NHSLeedsWestCCG Clinical Commissioning Group NHS Leeds West Clinical Suite 2-4 See our latest videos Commissioning Group (CCG) WIRA House YouTube.com/NHSLeedsWestCCG is made up of 38 GP practices in West Park Ring Road the west and parts of outer north Leeds west and south west Leeds. LS16 6EB

Quiz corner 15 SPORTS round up Regular exercise brings benefits Left to right: Ade Akinbiyi, David Morrissey, Kenney Jones and Errol McKellar

Leeds Let’s Get Active (LLGA) has teamed up with local fitness centres That is why Men in Leeds to provide gym goers the United starts opportunity to get involved in a number Men of activities absolutely free of charge. with friendship As well as free swimming sessions, Whatever you do together, you’ll LLGA offer new members with a United be helping us push for real change, free gym induction and as a registered from more effective testing to better MEN UNITED HAS BEEN DEVELOPED member the privileges don’t stop treatments. We’ve made some good BY NATIONAL CHARITY PROSTATE strides towards addressing the injustice there. Once the induction process is CANCER UK. IT IS A MOVEMENT around prostate cancer, but with one complete, a free water bottle and towel FOR EVERYONE WHO BELIEVES man an hour still dying of the disease, will be provided. What more could you MEN ARE WORTH FIGHTING FOR. ask for! This workout routine is the there is a long way to go. By joining Men United you’ll ideal solution for anyone who wants Men United. Keeping friendships get to see your mates more, alive. Find out more: to maintain a healthy lifestyle and by do something great together menunited.prostatecanceruk.org keeping fit through regular exercise and help beat prostate cancer. this can help reduce the risk of heart PROSTATE CANCER STATISTICS Whether it’s big or small, signing a disease by 35 percent. FOR YORKSHIRE AND THE HUMBER: petition or running a marathon, doing A regular workout can reinforce it together is what really matters. We • On average over 3,300 men are muscular function and improve your know what starts with a quick ‘hello’ diagnosed with prostate cancer a chat in the pub or a barbecue with every year in Yorkshire and the body’s ability to take in and use oxygen Humber area. in a more effective way. This means mates can end with a nationwide movement of men – ready to fight • On average nearly 900 men die that regular exercise will enable for their friends, themselves and of prostate cancer every year in you to complete tasks with little men everywhere. Yorkshire and the Humber area. to no exhaustion. For further information Mark Foster, retired Olympic swimmer on LLGA membership visit “One in eight men will develop prostate cancer and if we’re going to beat it we www.leedsletsgetactive.co.uk need a massive team effort. There are some things you can’t take on alone, as a swimmer I know this, so invite your mates to sign for Men United and spend or call 0113 3950 160 more time together.” Here are some suggested activities Sessions take place every turning up. Registration is • A brisk five minute walk can reduce Leeds Saturday at 9 am! As a free, quick and simple. Once the risk of cardiovascular disease member you can sprint you complete the registration • A cardio workout can ease Park Run (or jog) and connect with online, a barcode will be stress and help with a better like-minded people. provided. Please remember If your idea of fun involves to bring a printed document nights rest Running can strengthen running, then you’re in for of that barcode, as this will • Regular exercise can reduce bones and promote positive a treat. Leeds Park Run is enable you to participate your blood pressure mental health. The workout giving runners the opportunity in the run. is beneficial to adults as it Participation in sport encourages to take part in a fantastic reduces the rate in bone positive mental health and wellbeing. running session. This workout density mass and encourages Find out more on: regime will keep your heart Find out more: a positive mind-set. Be sure www.parkrun.org.uk/ feeling healthy. www.nhs.uk/livewell/fitness to register your place before leeds