Tuesday, 10 September 2019

Obesity & Healthy Nutrition




Obesity

Obesity can be as defined as abnormal or excessive fat accumulation that presents a risk to health. A crude population measure of obesity is the body mass index (BMI), a person’s weight (in kilograms) divided by the square of his or her height (in metres). A person with a BMI of 30 or more is generally considered obese. A person with a BMI equal to or more than 25 is considered overweight.

Obesity is a major risk factor for a number of chronic diseases, including diabetes, cardiovascular diseases and cancer. Once considered a problem only in income-high countries, obesity is now dramatically on the rise in low- and middle-income countries, particularly in urban settings.

A Healthy Diet
A good diet is important for our health and can help us feel our best - but what is a good diet? Apart from breastmilk as food for babies, no single food contains all the essential nutrients the body needs to stay healthy and work properly. For this reason, our diets should contain a variety of different foods, to help us get a wide range of nutrients that our bodies need. This is illustrated by the UK’s healthy eating model – the Eatwell Guide.


A healthy diet should provide us with the right amount of energy (calories or kilojoules), from foods and drinks to maintain energy balance. Energy balance is where the calories taken in from the diet are equal to the calories used by the body. We need these calories to carry out everyday tasks such as walking and moving about, but also for all the functions of the body we may not even think about. Processes like breathing, pumping blood around the body and thinking also require calories.
So, foods and drinks provide the calories we need to go about our daily lives, but consuming more calories than we need over a period of time will cause weight gain. This is because, any extra calories we consume but we don’t use, will just be stored as fat.
Over 50% of adults in the UK are overweight or obese. There is also a huge concern about childhood obesity, where 1 in 3 children aged 4-5, and 1 in 5 children aged 10-11, are overweight or obese.
Eating only as many calories as you need will help to maintain a healthy weight. However, the foods and drinks you choose need to be the right ones, and in the right proportions to stay healthy.

source: www.nutrition.org.uk


DLS - Obesity & Healthy Nutrition Workshop Information

Date: THURSDAY 12TH SEPTEMBER 2019

Time: 11:00AM - 1:30PM
Venue: Edmonton Green Library ( 1st floor), 36-44 South Mall, N9 0TN

Speaker: Jane (British Obesity Society)

All our workshops include:
  • Free Refreshments
  • Free Blood Pressure Checks
  • Networking Opportunities 


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Tuesday, 27 August 2019

Community Healthy Living Champion


Community Healthy Living Champion

Here at Diversity Living Services, we are pleased to announce that we will be organising a 2 Day training course giving you the opportunity to become a Community Healthy Living Champion.

The training will take place at Edmonton Green Library in the Large Community Room on Friday 11th October 2019 and Friday 18th October 2019 from 10:00 AM to 4:30PM. 

Course Facilitator:
This two-day intensive training will be delivered by Harman, a Registered Nutritionist with a medical background who has experience working in the NHS, health charities and private health organisations.  Her main areas of expertise cover early years nutrition and weight management. She has a passion for making a positive change in people’s lives and to help individuals achieving their health goals by applying evidence-based nutrition advice. Harman also owns a  Nutrition Consultancy business called Nutrificient Life.
Training Objectives: 
Community Healthy Living Champions are people who will have the ability to transform health and well-being in their communities,  families and workplaces

With the increased knowledge, awareness, support and training gained through this course participants will be empowered and motivated to get involved in healthy social activities, create groups to meet local needs and signpost people to relevant support and services. They will also be empowered to help others to enjoy healthier lives by raising awareness of health and healthy choices, sharing health messages, removing barriers and creating supportive networks and environments. Champions are also influencing and shaping local services, increasing public participation, initiating community development opportunities and gaining skills to move into further training, volunteering roles and employment.

What are the benefits of this course?
  • Enhances your CV to apply for jobs in health and care services such as GPs, Pharmacies, etc.
  • Opportunity for you to develop your career
  • Provides a networking opportunity
  • Progression to further education and training in health and social care
  • Increased confidence to look after your own health including those around you. 
We have limited spaces, to register for this training or for more information please email us at healthinfo@diversityliving.orgor call us on 0208 803 6161. 

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Stand Up Against Youth Violence


Stand Up Against Youth Violence

Diversity Living Services ( DLS) is inviting young people to join its project about effective ways of ending serious youth violence in London
WHO ARE INVOLVED IN THE PROJECT?
Young people (13-25 yrs old) supported by experienced researchers, will take the lead on researching, interviewing, recording views and solutions as well as effective ways to combat youth violence in Enfield
HOW WILL YOU BENEFIT FROM THIS PROJECT?
• You will gain skills in research (e.g. interviews and in using research equipment)
• You will increase your academic and employability skills and prospects
• You will gain a certificate for your voluntary work.
HOW WILL YOU BE SUPPORTED?
• Support, guidance and training will be provided by experts about how to carry out the research, analysis, interviews, summarising and transcription of interviews.
• Expenses will be provided including reimbursements of transport fees and lunch.
WHERE THE RESEARCH WILL TAKE PLACE
The project takes place in Edmonton Green. Places are limited, call or email to register your interest in participating in this exciting project.
This project is funded by GLA Citizen Led Engagement Programme.
FOR MORE INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT:
Diversity Living Services
54 – 56 The Market Square
First Floor, The Artzone
Edmonton Green, London
N9 0TZ
Tel: 0208 803 6161
Email: info.diversity@diversityliving.org
Website. www.diversityliving.org
_____________________________________________________________________________________________
BAME (Black, Asian Minority Ethnic) Community Needs Survey
DLS is pleased to invite you to participate in the following community survey that will take less than five minutes.
All the answers of this survey will be used by Diversity Living Services to better respond to the needs of BAME communities. We want your views to help us provide the best possible services and support for disadvantaged people in our communities.


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Thursday, 13 June 2019

10 Tips and tricks for Better Diabetes Management


10 Tips and Tricks for Better Diabetes Management


It is currently Diabetes Week and our goal for this year is to make diabetics more aware of their condition by improving the understanding around diabetes and how it can be managed.
In this article we will be looking at Type 2 Diabetes and ways to manage it. For a long period of time it has been believed that type 2 diabetes is a progressive disease which becomes worse over time. However, ground-breaking research has shown that several strategies can be used to prevent the onset of type 2 diabetes and reduce the risk of further complications.
As a diabetic, the one question that has perhaps come up in your head over and over again may often be “What diet should I follow?”. There is nothing more controversial, confusing or stressful than this question since there are numerous amounts of diet books, dietary opinions and articles out there, throwing all kinds of information towards you left, right and center. However, in reality, no single “diet” trumps them all. All approaches to manage type 2 diabetes or in fact any chronic disease come with their pros and cons, whether we’re talking about health effects such as blood glucose and blood pressure control or taste, cost effectiveness and convenience. So instead of thinking about following a strict “diet,” try to think about eating in terms of general strategies, or what this article is calling “tips and tricks”.  

After talking to various health professionals, diabetics and reading research, I came across some strategies that seem to keep blood sugar levels in range, provide a decent of energy, budget friendly, convenient and easy to adjust to different eating environments. That being said, I understand that eating habits and preferences are personal and so therefore these strategies may not apply or work for everyone. One should also remember to consult a health care provider before introducing changes to one’s diet, whether they’re big or small.

Where to begin? Brainstorming Your Eating strategies


1.    Test your blood sugar levels at least 90 minutes after a meal, if it is at its best (ideally 8.5mmol/l and under), begin jotting down what and how you ate? when and where you ate it and how did you go about managing your diabetes around these times?

2.    if your blood sugar levels are higher than the ideal values 90 minutes after a meal, again think about what and how you ate? when and where you ate it and how did you go about managing your diabetes around these times?

Once you start looking at your answers, can you identify any patterns or themes? If you find a pattern, then start looking at small guidelines or rules you can follow for making better choices at meal time.


Struggling to find a pattern or theme? Then take a few days out to record the foods that you’re eating and the blood sugar level readings taken before and 90 minutes after a meal. To make this easier, go ahead to the app store and download mySugr or One Drop (both apps are available on Apple and Android). Our main goal is to produce a list with a bunch of realistic eating guidelines that help you keep your blood glucose levels regular and give you enough energy throughout the day. Below is a brainstorm produced by a diabetic which you can use as sample or even follow it word-for-word. 

10 tips to follow every day to regulate your blood sugar levels:

1.    Try to limit your Carbohydrate intake to no more than 35 grams in one sitting. Although this is a super controversial tip within the Nutrition and Dietetics field, every individuals body is different and therefore before adjusting your Carbohydrate intake consult with your health care provider.
2.    Eat more vegetables. 
3.    Opt for whole foods more often.
4.    Cook your meals from scratch so you know exactly what is going into your food.
5.    Avoid Sugary and fatty foods such as pastries, biscuits, crisps, cakes and anything fried.
6.    Snack on seeds and nuts, they’re heart healthy and full of nutrients. You can eat fruits but remember to spread the portions throughout the day.
7.    Eat Lean sources of proteins, remove skin of poultry and fat off meat.
8.    Drink water or unsweetened tea.
9.    Eat a filling breakfast (Protein, Fiber) and ideally nothing within 90 minutes of bedtime.
10. Check my blood sugar 90-120 minutes after eating or wear CGM or Flash Glucose Monitoring if possible financially.
This list may look tough to follow considering our modern food environment, but once you start introducing these small changes into your lifestyle, you’ll begin to see better post-meal blood sugar levels and therefore, reducing the risk of hypoglycemia, which every diabetic wants to avoid!
Since this article seems to be lengthening out, I have decided to split the information I share in two separate parts, I will write a follow-up article focusing on the everyday challenges that may occur whilst following these principles and how to overcome them. I hope this article has been very informative and that you are able to come up with your own principles and guidelines. 

Resources:
Diabetes Care 2004 Sep; 27(9): 2266-2271.https://doi.org/10.2337/diacare.27.9.2266


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Our Vision and Services

Our vision is of a society where no one should experience discrimination on the grounds of their mental health.

Mental health problems are extremely common across society, with one in four of us experiencing them in any year. Despite being so common, people from all communities will still experience discriminatory attitudes and behaviours that can prevent people from speaking out, seeking support and playing full and active roles in our communities. The impact of mental health stigma and discrimination will vary between communities as mental health has a cultural context that affects the way communities talk about the subject and engage with people who have mental health problems. In some cultures depression, for example, doesn't exist and in others an experience of a mental health problem can be attached to a sense of shame.

For the African and Caribbean communities a key issue is the overrepresentation of young African and Caribbean men in mental health services. Misconceptions and stereotypes have led to a perception that this group is more likely to pose a risk of violent behaviour and, as a result, they are more likely to be treated as inpatients and sectioned when compared to other groups. It is well documented that this has led to a fear of talking about mental health issues more openly and a fear of using mental health services. Research by the Race Equality Foundation (2011) also highlighted fears that discrimination against Black & Minority Ethnic (BME) communities and migrant service users will increase in the austerity climate and whilst commissioning arrangements change.

Our Services

· Provide information, advice, advocacy

· Represent diversity communities in Health Care services, policies and strategies

· Organise training in health and social care in collaboration with local colleges

· Provide human resources ( including interpreters) who are suitable to the diversity communities especially to break language and cultural barriers

· Provides domiciliary care and support

· Provide services such specialised support for people with mental health needs, including people who suffer from short-term memory problems, Dementia and Alzheimer’s Disease.

· Provide visits to elderly people and help them with outings and home services

· Participate in local authority and NHS consultations , research events and programmes to voice the needs of diversity communities.

· Increase access to services and rights for disadvantaged people and the most vulnerable of our society

· Help and support unemployed people to look for work, including training and job preparation

· Provide legal advice in a range of issues from on Immigration and Asylum , welfare benefits, housing, health, education, community care, and training, employment, etc.

· Provide advice and guidance, information and practical help so that our service users can access opportunities they are entitled to

· Organise training and other community learning opportunities that provide new skills, increase confidence and motivation

· Support our service users to overcome barriers to learning, employment and training

· Provide support for young people with their education, training, confidence building, employment and social needs.

Objectives of our Diversity Living Programme:

· To promote the inclusion and participation of diversity communities* in integrated care.

· To inform policy, locally and nationally, and assisting in the formulation of effective policies, strategies and good practices in integrated care in order to contribute to improved health outcomes for the people from the diversity communities (e.g. Black and minority ethnic communities) and to ensure health services are able to meet their specific needs.

· To improve the quality of life for diversity people with disability, mental health problems and their families and carers through integrated care by providing inclusive advocacy and information.

· To provide service that enable diversity groups and individuals with disability /elderly and their carers to make the right choice for themselves and have an influence on decisions made about their future.

· To promote the rights of diversity people with disability, their families and carers and make sure their rights are safe and protected.

· To promoting access to information regarding healthcare issues and to raise awareness of the needs of diversity disabled children, young people, older people and their families.

· To promote the rights of older and disabled diversity people, helping them overcome and enable them to participate in decisions about their future

· To provide support and information to those suffering the isolation and loneliness that can be associated with disability and old age

· To fight against mental health stigma in refugee, black and minority ethnic communities and ensure no one should experience discrimination on the grounds of their mental health or disability.

*Diversity communities are older people, disabled people, Black, Asian, refugees, migrants, asylum seekers and other ethnic minorities.