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Heart disease:- Not just an old man’s game
A staggering
155 people will die prematurely every day in the UK from heart and
circulatory disease, according to shock figures from the British
Heart Foundation (BHF), – shattering a widely held belief that it’s
just the older generation who are at risk.
The BHF is working towards a future where families are no longer
devastated by heart disease and this June is running its Help a
Heart campaign to raise £1.5million to invest in life-saving heart
research. By supporting the campaign in Merseyside, you too can be
part of the solution.
Between 2003 and 2005 2,250 people under the age of 65 died of heart
or circulatory disease in the North West.
Actress Imelda Staunton who is backing the campaign says:- “By
supporting the BHF’s Help a Heart campaign you’ll be doing your bit
to help beat heart disease. The money raised this June will go
towards funding lifesaving research - making a vital investment in
the future heart health of the nation. By giving what you can
you could be saving families from the pain of losing a loved one to
heart disease.”
Throughout June, there will be a variety of fundraising activity
across Merseyside and there are many ways to get involved. Whether
you take part in a house to house collection or simply buy a Heart
Button from your local BHF shop you know you’ll be doing your bit to
help heart patients across the UK.
Ken Fretwell, BHF Fundraising and Volunteer Manager for Merseyside,
said:- “British Heart Foundation research has helped save so
many lives.
This June we need your help to raise vital funds so we
can continue to invest in groundbreaking research.
Whether it’s time or money, please
give generously and help a heart this June. Heart
disease can affect everyone and it’s only with your support that we
can beat heart disease together.”
To find out more about how an hour of your time can help a heart in
Manchester, please contact Ken Fretwell on 0151 6782646,
email or visit bhf.org.uk/helpaheart.
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MAN
FLU OR MENINGITIS?
MEN
are notoriously reluctant to take their health seriously and are
much less likely than women to consult their doctor. With National
Men's Health Week this week, 9 June to 15 June 2008, the Meningitis Trust
is encouraging men to learn the signs and symptoms of meningitis.
1 in 10 men admit to avoiding seeking help from a health
professional because they are scared it might end in a hospital
visit. An additional ten per cent would rather stick their head in
the sand to avoid the embarrassment of discussing their health
issues with a doctor. There is no room for complacency with
regards to meningitis as the symptoms are so similar to flu - even a
hangover!
Although men are known to be just as likely as women to contract
meningitis, figures from the Meningitis Trust show that they are
much less likely than women to take up the support services
available to them. Men currently account for just 15% of all
those accessing the Trust's 24 hour Freephone nurse-led helpline and
counselling service.
The Meningitis Trust's Education and Services Director, Bridie
Taylor, says;- "The stiff upper lip dies hard among British
males. When faced with bereavement or the disabling after-effects of
meningitis, women will instinctively seek counselling and support. Men, on the other hand, can find themselves isolated and unable to
share their emotions, they may try and cope alone with depression,
anger and bewilderment."
As many as 500,000 people living in the UK have had either viral or
bacterial meningitis.
Signs and symptoms can include:-
► Fever
►Headache
► Stiff neck
► Dislike of bright lights
► Vomiting and diarrhoea
► Confusion
► Aching joints and muscles
The symptoms can appear in any order and some may not appear at all. If meningitis has had a lasting effect on you or someone close to
you, or if you would like information on signs and symptoms, the
Meningitis Trust is here to help. You can call the 24 hour nurse-led
helpline on 0800 028 1828. |
