SHJ Issue 1: Hope for the New Year!

Page 1

JOURNAL

SHJ

FEB 2019 EDITION 1

HOPE VIRGO

HOPE FOR THE NEW YEAR…

DON’T

DETOX POUNDLAND vs

PARACETAMOL

INDEPENDENTLY

YOU


FEATURES

04

04

Poundland vs Paracetamol: Campaigning to Save Lives Community psychiatric nurse, Sarah tells us how a phone call inspired her to take on high street giant Poundland.

08

Hope for the New Year Hope developed anorexia when she was 13 years old – but she’s refused to let it define her. Read her inspirational story.

10

One Million People Rae talks to us about some of the underlying truths linking the LGBT+ community to mental health issues.

14

Independently You Getting old may be inevitable, but losing your independence doesn’t have to be. Building your confidence and finding ways to remain independent can make a massive difference to your everyday life.

08 2

SHJ MAGAZINE

14

16

18


WELCOME

CONTENTS 02

Contents

03

Welcome

04

Poundland vs Paracetamol:

Campaigning to Save Lives.

06

Under the skin of... Nathan Clifford

07

The Doctor Will See You Now...

Norma-Jane Beckwith

08

Hope for the New Year

10

One Million People

12

How to De-stress

14

Independently You

16

Let’s Exercise!

17

Take a Break

18

Don’t Detox?

N

ew Year, new look…welcome to the first edition of our magazine, SHJ! What better way to kick off the year than with inspirational stories from our patients and colleagues across the Trust. The SHJ team have been working hard to create a magazine that features real people talking honestly and frankly to raise awareness of issues that our colleagues and patients may face every day. Psychiatric nurse, Sarah Olley starts the year by taking on high street giant Poundland! (Page 04). Need some hope and motivation for the New Year? Hope Virgo, a mental health campaigner, tells us about her relationship with anorexia and how she refused to let the illness define her. (Page 08).

Independently you! The SHJ team take part in one of the Trust’s simple but effective balance classes to find out how anyone, no matter what age, can remain independent this year. (Page 14). Do you have any resolutions for the New Year? Why not grab a cup of something hot and share them with your family, friends and colleagues. Talking is good and friends can be wonderful therapy! Happy reading! The SHJ team.

GOT SOMETHING TO SHOUT ABOUT? We’d love to hear from you contact us at: communications@southernhealth.nhs.uk

MEET THE TEAM!

10 EDITOR: Amy Donelan

EDITOR: Jessica Reading

EDITOR: Paula Quigley

Mother of Elvis, aspiring surfer and Master Chef wannabe.

Resident expert on all things video, coffee connoisseur and queen of banter.

Lady who’d like to lunch (given half a chance!), taxi driver for two teenagers and foster mum to kittens.

Jenny Renyard

Alisha Hepworth

ILLUSTRATOR: Emily Powell

Girl boss, Bake Off contestant 2019 (please!) and Yorkshire tea drinker.

Spreadsheet superwoman and total gym bunny with a seriously sweet tooth!

Artist, amateur photographer and bean counter.

Everyone’s experience of coming out and living openly as part of the LGBT+ community is different. Read Rae’s story on page 10. Front cover photograph: John Nguyen/JNVisuals

SHJ MAGAZINE

3


As part of my role, I receive phone calls from patients. They can range from people needing friendly reassurance, urgent advice and in some cases people who have reached a situation where they want to end their life. All calls leave a lasting impression, but some more than others. I was on duty when I had a call from a distressed young patient. Immediately, being a mother as well as nurse, I reflected on how I would feel if it was my child. Caring is at the centre of everything I do and sometimes it can be difficult to remain detached from patients- especially when they are so young and in crisis. I was told that the caller had developed a headache and went into a Poundland store to buy some paracetamol. They were met by staff who refused to sell a single packet but instead encouraged them to buy their multi-pack offer as they would be out of pocket if they didn’t –- also splitting the pack wouldn’t work for their stock levels. What most people don’t realise is that paracetamol can leave lasting damage when taking more than the safe amount; anything from liver damage to extremes like liver failure and even death. Selling any drugs, let alone dangerous amounts to potentially vulnerable people, can have hugely detrimental effects.

It is this fact that I’m interested in challenging. I believe that if it was not for Poundland providing more than the required amount of tablets, I wouldn’t have received the call in the first place. And more importantly, the caller wouldn’t have had the means to end their life when they were at their lowest.” According to NHS guidelines, the largest pack of paracetamol a shop can sell over the counter is 16 tablets, with pharmacies able to sell 32. Furthermore, research has shown that limiting the number of tablets sold in packets has led to a 43 per cent reduction in the number of paracetamol poisoning-related deaths. These facts speak for themselves – it’s a matter of life and death for people in their moment of crisis. So I have contacted Poundland with this information. The ultimate goal would be to altogether restrict the amount sold. I understand that this won’t be easy – but it’s certainly not going to stop me campaigning!” “The lack of response is not going to deter me. The ultimate goal would be to altogether restrict the amount sold. I understand that this won’t be easy – but it’s certainly not going to stop me campaigning!”

POUNDLAND PARACETAMOL:Vs Campaigning to save lives.

Community psychiatric nurse, Sarah tells SHJ how a phone call inspired her to take on high street giant Poundland.

4

SHJ MAGAZINE


Sarah is hoping with the backing of the Trust, along with MPs and fellow clinical experts, she can persuade Poundland to give customers the right to refuse multi-pack offers or, ideally, ensure that Poundland follows the same regulations that other high street retailers follow when selling paracetamol. This includes an automated message appearing on a screen prompting staff to check the age of the customer and restricting multiple packets being sold at once for reasons of safety.

Paracetamol can leave lasting damage when taking more than the safe amount; anything from liver damage to extremes like liver failure and even death.

Thankfully the caller did not overdose on this occasion, largely thanks to the incredible work that Sarah and her team do. But we can’t help but think, how many calls is it going to take before someone in crisis risks their life with a Poundland purchase?

If you would like more information and would like to support Sarah’s campaign please visit: www.southernhealth.nhs.uk/news/poundland-campaign SHJ MAGAZINE

5


UNDER THE SKIN OF...

NATHAN CLIFFORD AKA... EXPERT BY EXPERIENCE...

I truly love my job. Working for the Trust as an Expert by Experience could be one of the best things I have ever done.

W

e spoke to the Transformation Team’s newest recruit, Nathan Clifford, to find out what it’s like to join one of the most exciting projects in the Trust…

Our team brings together people - staff, patients and carers - from our various sites to make really positive changes for patients and staff alike. Our progress so far has been incredible!

helps me to ensure patient voices are heard in a meaningful way. It’s one of the best parts of my role, supporting others to use their own lived experiences to effect genuine change.

“Hello, my name is Nathan.

My role encompasses three aspects. The first is called Quality Improvement Methodology training. I know, it sounds a bit of a mouthful but actually it’s quite simple. It involves using a set of tools and concepts and applying them to a current project. By doing this, you can spot inefficiencies and then start to change out-dated processes, streamlining what you do. The idea is to help teams to develop a clear understanding of where they want to get to, by encouraging them to take a step back and look at the bigger picture. By understanding how and why they do things a certain way now, we can help them plan for how they want to work in the future.

Finally, I am also championing patient and carer engagement, by supporting the involvement of service users and carers right at the start of a project and ensuring they’re involved throughout the whole process. In the past, this has only really been done on a more superficial level by Southern Health, arguably a ‘tick-box’ exercise rather than using people’s experiences meaningfully. But now, I can see a real commitment to making a change, which is exciting.

I’m a service user. I’m told I have ‘schizoaffective’ disorder. I’ve been through trauma. I sometimes experience psychosis. I’ve been detained. I get paranoid. I hear voices. But now, according to my job title, I can also add ‘I’m an Expert by Experience’! This is a role I never expected. I’ve been a peer support worker, but I’m now working with the Transformation Team - a supportive and inspiring group of people creating real and lasting change through co-production.

6

SHJ MAGAZINE

The second aspect of my role involves using my own lived experience. I feel that this

Working for the Trust as an Expert by Experience could be one of the best things I have ever done. I can honestly say that I love my job!”


THE DOCTOR WILL

SEE YOU NOW Norma-Jane Beckwith Hello Norma-Jane, let’s talk about your role at Southern Health...

I

’m a Senior Stop Smoking Adviser running a telephone clinic to support those quitting smoking; I phone clients after they finish work or have been out, to talk about their progress and feelings. I support the other advisers and work in marketing, engaging others within the health sector to work in partnership with me. And how long have you been in this role? 12 years, I am addicted to helping people! A true hero…If you were a superhero, what would be your power? Hmm, teleportation.

I used to be a personal fitness trainer, where I quickly realised that smokers were at a higher risk of heart attacks, fits, strokes and seizures when they were active. I love seeing how quickly my clients’ lives change as they seize control of their addiction. Being a part of this change is a real privilege. I enjoy using my skills to help them become stronger to face the hurdles of becoming smoke free.

Get support...

Let’s say you could teleport, where would you go and why? The Great Barrier Reef to scuba dive and enjoy the weather! Amazing, I would love to visit one day. What is one thing on your “bucket” list?

What is your favourite season of the year? All seasons – I love change. If you could trade lives with someone for a day, who would it be and why? Probably the Prime Minister to showcase the public health sector and give it a well needed cash injection. Very admirable. What advice would you give your younger self? Never believe anyone who says you can’t do something. What is your favourite flavour ice cream? Mint chocolate chip. Great choice! Thanks for your time Norma-Jane, it’s been a pleasure. Thank you, take care.

I would love to go skydiving; I don’t have much time for high adrenaline activities.

...a smoker is 4 times more likely to quit with the right support!

Reflect on past quit attempts - what worked? What hurdles did you face?

Plan your breaks carefully.

You have nothing to lose and everything to gain…so go for it!

Save up your smoking money- and use this to reward yourself! Plan your rewards.

For more information and support visit: www.quit4life.nhs.uk.

SHJ MAGAZINE

7


HOPE FOR

THE NEW YEAR Hope developed anorexia when she was 13 years old – but she’s refused to let it define her... “When I was 13, anorexia became my everything. She was exactly what I thought I needed and became my best friend, someone I could totally rely on. I longed to please her and I knew exactly how to trick my family and friends. As the deceitfulness grew, anorexia was even happier with me.

L

ittle did I know that, four years after this friendship developed, I’d be admitted to a mental health hospital with yellowing skin and a failing heart. I’d hit rock bottom and what followed was the hardest year of my life. A year of crying, shouting and so much frustration as I did all that I could to conquer that anorexic voice in my head. As my weight went up, my mind couldn’t keep up. I longed for the day when I would just know what to eat, when I wouldn’t look in the mirror and feel a fat failure. After a year in hospital I returned home. I’d realised that all the lies anorexia had told me were just my thoughts and not reality. Anorexia had put me in hospital - she hadn’t made me invincible and she wasn’t my friend. Talking really helped my recovery – sounds simple but it wasn’t. I had to eat and then tell people how I felt, and I had to accept that my brain wasn’t going to change as quickly as my body. It panicked me beyond belief but over time it started to work. After my discharge, I made an effort over the next six years to do the things I wanted to with my life. I travelled, ran marathons and really started living. I also decided I needed to do something to help others in a similar position. My experiences aren’t a weakness – they’ve made me resilient and strong and I want to use my story to help others who are struggling. I’d wasted so many years calorie counting and obsessing over exercise and my weight, but I’d also learnt a few important things along the way. Eating disorders aren’t just about weight loss, it’s not that simple. Anorexia is a battle of the mind,

8

SHJ MAGAZINE

not the just the body and you need supportive family and friends around you who understand this. You also need to continue investing time in your recovery – even when you feel well. I have coping mechanisms in place, but I also know that anorexia can start to shrink lives again if you let her. She’ll start slowly “don’t put spread on your toast,” “you don’t need that sauce” and then, over time, the circle round you will shrink and shrink. So I challenge myself. I make myself pick something scary off a menu, I make myself not be so focused on portion control - it’s daunting but it becomes normal. Recovery is no walk in the park. It’s hard work but it’s also totally worth fighting for and 100% possible. Take each step, each meal, each mouthful at a time.” Now 28, Hope remains in recovery and is a mental health campaigner, an author and an ambassador for the Shaw Mind Foundation. Her book ‘Stand Tall Little Girl’ shares her harrowing yet inspiring journey through a series of her letters and diary entries as her younger self successfully battled anorexia. To order her book, visit: hopevirgo.com or visit www.triggerpublishing.com/ catalogue for Hope’s book as well as a range of other fantastic mental health reads.

Does Hope’s battle sound familiar to you? If you think you or a loved one might need help, speak to your GP to begin the conversation and your journey towards hope…


Anorexia is a battle of the mind, not the just the body and you need supportive family and friends around you who understand this.

© Photographer Name here

Surviving Christmas with an eating disorder: “Christmas can be absolutely terrifying for people with eating disorders. The food, the intense time sitting around, and the fear of what people might say about your appearance or what you’re eating. And the aftermath of Christmas is probably just as hard, when we’re bombarded with adverts and dieting tips. What I remind myself is that dieting never made me happy, so why weigh myself in January? It’s important in these really tough times of year, to know

they are tough, acknowledge it and don’t be ashamed. Just make sure you plan for it. Have a chat with your mum or dad about what food is available or how the diet industry’s marketing is making you feel. This should help you feel more in control and helps the whole December/ January time of year feel more manageable. After Christmas, factor in a few nice things, some self-care activities, maybe a trip somewhere or day trips out. This certainly helps me stay on track and reminds me why I want to stay well.” SHJ MAGAZINE

9


ONE

PEOPLE million

“Coming out was scary and anxiety-provoking; fear of rejection and further isolation, fear of discrimination and stigma, but I’ve never regretted it!”

A

n honest perspective from Rae, reflecting on a journey of depression, anxiety and coming out as a non-binary lesbian. Rae talked to us about some of the underlying truths linking the LGBT+ community to mental health issues... “Everyone’s experience of coming out and living openly as part of the LGBT+ community is different. Some have experienced much support and acceptance; however, others have not been so lucky. I came out as gay at 16, but I have known I was different to my friends for as long as I can remember. In my adult years, I have continued to faced discrimination and stigma both inside and outside of work, but over the years I have learned to challenge this. It was only in adulthood that I came out as non-binary, and it felt as scary as it did as a teenager, and for the same reasons!” Stonewall completed a health survey of 5000 LGBT people which shows that one in two people within the LGBT community have experienced a mental health issue compared to one in four of the general public, 46 per cent of transgender people have considered suicide and 41 per cent of non-binary people have harmed themselves in the last year. “For someone who identifies as LGBT+, coming out is not a one-off experience, but is often repeated

10

SHJ MAGAZINE

throughout their life. It can be very positive, or it can lead to many invasive and inappropriate questions. When was the last time a heterosexual was asked “when and how did you know you were straight?” or “what made you choose to be heterosexual/or the gender that matches your sex?” I look forward to the day that we can all live openly without fear of discrimination, interrogation, stigma and hate crime. I have experienced periods of depression and anxiety as a teenager related to repressed sexuality and gender. I have continued to experience periods of anxiety some as a result of stigma. Despite this, I sought support with my mental health with good outcome.” One million people in the United Kingdom identify as LGBT+ and a large proportion of this community are struggling. As people, we can continue to look past it or we can come together and support those who are most vulnerable around us. “By sharing my experience I hope to be a voice for LGBT+ people and encourage my LGBT+ siblings to speak out and seek support for their mental health. I ask colleagues to be aware of the impact of our experiences, with the aim that one day, these sad statistics may decrease.” Moving forward, let’s all aim to come together, embrace diversity and develop and promote inclusivity for all!


By sharing my experience I hope to be a voice for LGBT+ people and encourage my LGBT+ siblings to speak out and seek support for their mental health.

SHJ MAGAZINE

11


HOW TO

DE-STRESS Worrying can be good. The fact our brains can imagine the different ways a situation might turn out is a valuable skill.

I

t means we can take practical steps and prepare ourselves emotionally. But when you’re as prepared as you can be, but you’re still awake at night thinking about what might happen, that’s a sign your ‘fight or flight’ response has taken over. That adrenaline kick is great for getting us out of physical danger, but isn’t so helpful when it comes to work pressures, disagreements, or money worries. These things are better faced with a cool, calm head – not with a racing heart, sweaty palms and tensed up muscles.

12

SHJ MAGAZINE

So we’d like to share two relaxation techniques to help you feel more like yourself. Start by getting comfortable – somewhere you won’t be disturbed. Some people have told us they do this in the shower, in the car, or in bed before they go to sleep. Remember, there is no set time for taking time out and using these techniques but if you can only spare five minutes then that’s better than what you were doing before!


Controlled

BREATHING:

1 2 3 4 5

When you’re ready, bring your attention to your breath Breathe in gently and evenly, over a count of three Hold your breath for a count of three Breath out steadily for a count of four Then repeat for as long as you feel comfortable.

Muscle

RELAXATION:

1 2 3 4 5

When you’re ready, bring your attention to how your body feels Focus on the muscles in your fingers Tense the muscles and hold it for a count of five and notice how tight the muscles feel Release the tension, and notice how relaxed they feel now Repeat with each of the muscles in your body, from top to bottom: eyes, face, jaw, shoulders, stomach, hips, knees, ankles, toes.

6 WAYS TO DE-STRESS YOURSELF Take Control

Avoid Unhealthy Habits

There’s a solution to any problem. Remaining passive and thinking you can’t do anything about your problem will only make your stress worse. Taking control is empowering, and it’s a crucial part of finding a solution that can help beat your stress.

Don’t rely on alcohol, smoking and caffeine as your ways of coping. A healthy diet isn’t just good for your physical health.

Get Some Exercise Moving your body is important to combat stressful reactions, and prevent them from arising in the future. When you keep your body in peak condition, you feel lighter and more energized, leaving you prepared to manage life’s stresses.

Connect With People A good support network of colleagues, friends and family can help you see things in a different way. Activities and time spent with friends help us relax. We often have a good laugh with them, which is an excellent stress reliever!

Smile please! Research has found that even a fake smile can help you handle stress.

Get Some ‘Me’ Time Did you know the UK works the longest hours in Europe? Try setting aside a couple of nights a week or time at the weekend for some quality “me time” away from work.

Need some extra help or someone to talk to? italk is a FREE service for people suffering from depression and anxiety. Visit www.italk.org.uk or get in touch by calling 023 8038 3920. SHJ MAGAZINE

13


YOU

INDEPENDENTLY

Getting old may be inevitable, but losing your independence doesn’t have to be. Sometimes it can feel like old age gets the best of us; the ground seems further away and everything is that little bit slower. Building

your confidence and finding ways to remain independent can make a massive difference to your everyday life. Here are some practical things you can

B

eing independent, in its most basic form, means to have complete control over one’s own life. It sounds simple, doesn’t it? But we know being independent can be quite scary when you don’t feel like you can do all the things you used to, in the same way that you used to. Feeling well supported and making small changes to your environment; as well working on your strength and balance can help you stay independent and give you the confidence to enjoy life to the full. With over 300,000 people aged 65 or over having been admitted to hospital due to falling between 2016 and 2017*, loss of strength and balance is a huge factor affecting older people’s independence every day. “I was getting to the stage where I wouldn’t go out because I thought I’m going to fall over” said Ann Snowdon, who enjoys one of our balance classes. “Falling isn’t a part of the normal ageing process” Joshua Hammond, Practitioner in Frailty, told us. “Falling is one of five frailty syndromes and may be a cause for investigation. If you have fallen over, contact your GP or Integrated Care Team and get advice about what services can support you.” Relying on others to fill up your cupboards or to hold on to when you’re feeling a little unsteady can make you feel dependant, and that you can’t look after yourself. “I kept falling and that’s why I came to this class” said Joan Lills, who is supported at home by her husband. “The classes have helped; they have given me a bit more confidence. I feel like I can still be independent.” Small positive changes every day can help you to live independently for longer and have confidence in your own ability, “I actually feel better. I don’t know if this is due to my increase in confidence, but I feel much better.” said Anne, another balance class attendee.

14

SHJ MAGAZINE

do every day that will help you to stay independently you... 1. Stay standing in the kitchen while the kettle boils – you could even try walking on the spot! 2. When your family offers to do your food shopping for you, kindly ask if they will take you with them, so you can walk around the shops and pick up the bits you need. 3. Find ways to keep doing what you love. Whether it’s gardening or playing with the grandchildren, adapt your surroundings to make this easier for you.


NEED

HELP? Do you think you could benefit from support to help you live more independently? Here are some ways you can get some assistance. • If you are struggling in your home to manage, you may consider making some alterations to suit your needs. Advice and help on making adaptations to your home is available from your local council’s housing department. Find out more information here www.connecttosupporthampshire.org. uk/s4s/WhereILive/ • Southern Health NHS Balance classes your GP may refer you to a class if you are having issues with mobility, balance and falling • Steady and strong classes, provided by Hampshire County Council, can improve your strength and balance, helping you to live independently for longer. Visit their website today as you are able to self-refer to these community led classes. www.hants.gov.uk/socialcareandhealth/adultsocialcare/olderpeople/balanceclasses • STEER classes (Safety Through Education and Exercise for Resilience) are available to people in Hampshire, which aim to keep older people happy and safe in their own homes whilst building confidence and reducing the risk of falling. Find out more here www.hantsfire.gov.uk/about-us/fha/ prevention/steer * Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents 2016-2017

Feeling well supported and making small changes to your environment can help you stay independent and give you the confidence to enjoy life to the full. SHJ MAGAZINE

15


LET’S

ONE LEG STAND – HOLD SUPPORT

EXERCISE!

• Stand up tall beside a bench or a chair. • Hold on and look ahead. • Stand on one leg. • Try to hold this position for 10 seconds (or as much as you’re able). • Place foot down and repeat on the other side.

Exercise has many health benefits for muscles, joints, confidence and wellbeing. Strength and balance exercises at least twice a week, can reduce the risk of having a fall. Here are a few handy exercises you can do at home but please make sure you are in a clear space before undertaking activities.

SIDEWAYS WALKING • Stand up tall and place your hands on your hips. • Take 10 side steps to the right. • Take 10 side steps to the left. • Repeat (as much as you’re able).

ANKLE MOVEMENTS • Either stand or sit. • Point your foot down then pull the foot back towards you. • Repeat 10 times for each foot (or as much as you’re able). .

SIT TO STAND – TWO HANDS • You could do this exercise while you watch TV. • Sit on a chair which is not too low. • Place your feet behind your knees. • Lean forward over your knees. • Push off with both hands to stand up. • Repeat 5 times (or as much as you’re able).

16

SHJ MAGAZINE


*HINT* all our answers can be found in the magazine!

SPOT THE DIFFERENCE

In December we asked our service users to take part in a Christmas card competition judged by our Chief Executive, Dr Nick Broughton and our Trust Chair Lynne Hunt. Here’s one of the designs, can you find the 5 differences between each image?

3 1 2

4

5

7

8

9

CLUES:

ACROSS

DOWN

2 Southern Health Journal.

1 SHJ Headquarters.

4 Nathan Clifford’s role in the Trust.

2 Top tip to de-stress yourself.

6 What is the main objective of Quit4life?

3 What advice is given by our Dietician Grace Allmark? 5 What high street shop sells more than the regulated amount of paracetamol?

7 What does it mean to have control over your life and to be able to do things for yourself? (page 14).

Put your feet up and have a go at these brain teasers

6

TAKE A BREAK

CROSSWORD

8 One million people in the UK identify as _ _ _ _+. 9 Our cover story experienced this mental illness at the age of 13.

HOW DO YOU

TAKE A

BREAK? We asked our People Development team how they take a break.

‘It’s important to look after ourselves and so we make sure we take our break every day. Taking a break helps the team get away from our desks and helps us to refresh- ready for the afternoon. We try to go for a walk around the Tatchbury site as much as possible. Not only does it increase our step count for the day (helpful for meeting those Fitbit targets!), it aids our posture, and also helps us to bond as a team and be the best that we can be. ‘ Does your team have an ingenious way to take a break? Let us know at communications@southernhealth.nhs.uk

SHJ MAGAZINE

17

Crossword: Down: 1 Tatchbury Mount, 2 Smile please, 3 Don’t detox, 5 Poundland. Across: 2 SHJ, 4 Expert by Experience, 6 Stop Smoking, 7 Independent, 8 LGBT, 9 Anorexia. Spot the Difference: Missing bird, Missing mushroom, Missing wing, Missing bracelets and M ­ issing petal o­ n body.


DON’T

DETOX? Most of us can feel pressure to ‘detox’ after the festive season...

... whether it’s the copious amounts of roast potatoes or the vast array of Christmas chocolates consumed, it’s safe to say we can feel a little more ‘full’ after the holidays.

D

etox diets can promise a ‘quick fix’ to those wanting to lose weight or remove those unwanted toxins from the body. But can they promise sustainable healthy weight loss?

By Grace Allmark, Dietician

18

SHJ MAGAZINE

No, typically the weight loss is water, not fat. So when normal eating is resumed the weight will be regained. There is little evidence to support the use of detox diets and they can be very restrictive, so you may become deficient in important nutrients if you follow the diet for a long period of time.

What if I told you there is no need to ‘detox diet? Surprise! Your body is designed to do this anyway; it removes toxins and other waste products daily. If you are feeling sluggish and thinking you might have overdone it during the Christmas period, the best option is to follow the Eatwell Guide* and healthy eating principles. Include carbohydrates, protein, fats, fruit and vegetables and dairy products or dairy alternatives so you can provide the body with everything it needs to ‘detox’ every day. - Just don’t forget to consider your portion sizes!

Eatwell guide: www.nhs.uk/live-well/eat-well/the-eatwell-guide

*


Here’s a recipe for a healthy winter warmer.

SOYA BEAN

SOUP

For the soup:

Method:

30g butter

1. Melt the butter in a medium sauce pan, add the onion and sautĂŠ over a low heat

/2 onion, chopped

1

2 sprigs of fresh thyme leaves 300g edamame beans, podded 300ml milk (or milk alternative fortified with calcium and vitamin B12) /2 vegetable stock cube

1

2. Add the thyme, edamame beans, milk and stock cube. Bring to the boil. Reduce heat and simmer for 10 minutes. Once cooled, blend in a food processor. 3. Serve with 1tbsp of Greek style yoghurt (optional)

salt and pepper Sprigs of mint to garnish

For the full step by step guide visit BBC Good Food. www.bbc.com/food/recipes/saucysoyabeansoupwit_87378 SHJ MAGAZINE

19


To find out more, visit our recruitment page: www.southernhealth.nhs.uk/work-for-us/current-vacancies

CONTACT DETAILS

Got some news you’d like to share? Contact us at:

Southern Health NHS Foundation Trust, 1-3 Sterne, Tatchbury Mount, Calmore, Southampton SO40 2RZ Telephone: 023 8087 4666 Email: communications@southernhealth.nhs.uk

@SouthernHealthNHS

@Southern_NHSFT

SouthernHealth.nhs.uk

@SouthernHealth_NHSFT

SHJ is published by Southern Health NHS Foundation Trust and produced by the communications team, Southern Health NHS Foundation Trust, 1-3 Sterne, Tatchbury Mount, Calmore, Southampton SO40 2RZ T: 023 8087 4666 E: communications@southernhealth.nhs.uk W: southernhealth.nhs.uk. SHJ is available in other formats on request. This publication was printed on sustainable paper. Please help us save the trees and pass to others to read and recycle.


Issuu converts static files into: digital portfolios, online yearbooks, online catalogs, digital photo albums and more. Sign up and create your flipbook.