Herald - Issue 403

Page 36 • The HERALD • 11th March 2021 v SUPPORTING YOUR LOCAL BUSINESSES v Yours Faithfully... Families who have memorials at crematoria run by the Westerleigh Group are being o ered an extra year free of charge. e goodwill gesture recognises the fact that restrictions placed on people because of the COVID-19 pandemic have meant people have been unable to visit the memorials to their loved ones for many months. In Hampshire, the o er is available at Test Valley and Wessex Vale crematoria. Roger Mclaughlan, Chief Executive O cer of the Westerleigh Group, said: “Throughout all the lockdown restrictions, our dedicated grounds teams have continued to maintain our gardens to the highest standards. But we know that, during the pandemic, the government restrictions have meant that many people have been unable to visit memorials of their loved ones as they would have wished to. “Not being able to mark an important date or anniversary by visiting the resting place would have been upsetting for many people. Through providing an additional year to the length of existing memorial dedications at our crematorium, we are aiming to extend the precious opportunity of remembering a loved one. We hope that this will provide some comfort to the families we support, and we very much look forward to welcoming them back to our gardens as soon as they’re ready to do so.” Anyone interested in nding out more about the o er should contact their local Westerleigh Group crematorium o ce. Westerleigh Group is the UK’s largest independent owner and operator of crematoria, with 35 sites nationwide. The offer excludes Stirlingshire Crematorium and Sirhowy Valley Crematorium. CHRONIC KIDNEY DISEASE Written by Chemistry, Biology and Psychology Student George Lee in Collaboration with Brockenhurst College The annual campaign, World Kidney Day (11th March), aims to raise awareness of the kidneys’ function and inform people of issues that may develop with the kidneys. One condition, often under-discussed, is Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD). This condition is prevalent and thought to affect around 10% of the UK population. Kidneys remove waste and water from the blood and into the urine. CKD means the kidneys cannot clean the blood as e ciently as healthy kidneys, meaning waste and water build up in the body. Experts believe the body can cope with reduced kidney function, and so generally there is little noticeable di erence for people with early stages of CKD. is means that around 1 million people in the UK do not know they have the disease. Symptoms of the later stages include blood in urine, weight loss and a loss of appetite. Tiredness, itchy skin, and headaches are also common symptoms. CKD can potentially cause other conditions, like heart disease. e build-up of water can lead to the swelling of the ankles, hands, and feet. CKD is thought to occur when the kidneys become damaged over time. Various factors may cause this damage. ese include high blood pressure (by putting strain on blood vessels in the kidney), diabetes (excess glucose in the blood can damage the lters in the kidney) and high cholesterol (which can lead to the accumulation of fatty deposits in blood vessels supplying the kidneys). is is not an exhaustive list, however. e primary test for CKD is a blood test that measures a waste product called creatinine in the blood. High levels of creatinine could indicate less e cient kidneys. Other tests may also be used. Treatments usually identify possible causes to prevent them from exacerbating CKD. ese may include lifestyle changes like eating more healthily to keep blood pressure and cholesterol at healthy levels. Medication to tackle high blood pressure may also be recommended. Dialysis and kidney transplants may be necessary for later stages of the disease, or if the kidneys fail. If this article has interested you, I will encourage you to do more research and tell others about World Kidney Day and CKD. is series aims to raise awareness and understanding of medical conditions in the hope of making su erers feel more accepted and encouraging a better understanding of our bodies. Sources: www.kidneycareuk.org/about-kidney- health/conditions/ckd, worldkidneyday.co.uk , www. nhs.uk/conditions/kidney-disease Still the Pandemic continues although by the time this goes to print Boris will have outlined the plans to perhaps start easing restrictions. However, at Waterside Cancer Support Centre (WCSC) they need to abide by the lockdown rules which means, sadly, they are unable to open. You can be assured, that once circumstances allow, their doors will be ung open again for all. However, the Centre team remain busy and active and if you have been a ected by any type of cancer in any way, support is available throughout these di cult times for a patient, family members, carers or anyone bereaved through cancer. e trained team understand it can be an enormous step to get in touch and want to reassure you that your call will be dealt with in con dence and with sensitivity. If you are feeling alone, isolated, frightened, anxious, they can o er support and care without judgement and in complete con dence via telephone, e-mail, Zoom or via Facebook. Please telephone: 023 8178 0409 for information. Due to current COVID-19 restrictions, it is necessary for their much valued Man Group, to follow the policy of Wessex Cancer Trust and has temporarily suspended any face-to-face meetings. Optimistically the group will resume at the earliest opportunity. is should not preclude anyone interested in joining the Men’s Group though – please reach out and call the above number to speak to Pete or George who can provide a friendly ear. WCSC continue to be very grateful to Sue, the “Sing for Life” leader, for their weekly Zoom sing-along sessions which give so much joy and fun, the groups ‘Happy Hour’! As the vaccine continues to be rolled out the team are hopeful and optimistic for the future and very much look forward to being able to welcome clients to the WCSC once again. Wishing everyone good health, keep safe. Extra Help for Families to Remember Lost Loved Ones Waterside Cancer Support Centre – By Your Side by Slimming World Consultant, Tracy Hickson With over 25 stone lost between them, we are proud to introduce the latest Waterside, Slimming World Target members. ese ladies have been regular members at their local groups throughout lockdowns, home schooling and Christmas - and February 2021 was the month they achieved their dream weight! “We are so proud of each and every one of our members but achieving your dream weight is a life changing moment, it is what all our members are aiming for” said Slimming World’s Team Developer PJ Putt. “All of our members have been doing so well during such trying times. At Slimming World, we know how hard weight loss can be at the best of times but throw in all the uncertainty of the last 12 months and our members have totally smashed it!” We have Slimming World groups in the Waterside every day, Monday to Saturday and we are ready and waiting to welcome new and returning members with open arms. We offer not only a first class, generous eating plan, but also 50 years’ experience in the psychology of weight loss, there really is no better place to lose weight.” Slimming World is currently supporting all members via the ‘Safe at Home’ service until Government Guidance allows them to return to their venues in Hythe, Dibden Purlieu, Butts Ash and Marchwood. For more details on group locations and times please visit: www.slimmingworld.co.uk TARGET WEIGHT SMASHED!