Sepsis warning for children on waiting lists for dentists
WHEN IT, is shared, false information can take on a life of its own and have some serious consequences.
It can lead to health scares, false accusations and potentially damaging hoax stories. Recently there has been a lot of this kind of false information about coronavirus.
It’s not always easy to spot, so use this checklist to cut through the chatter.
Rely on official sources for medical and safety information. Check the facts about coronavirus on official websites.
Headlines don’t always tell the full story. Always read to the end before you share articles about coronavirus.
Analyse the facts. If something sounds unbelievable, it very well might be. Independent fact-checking services are correcting false information about coronavirus every day.
They have become a rare and welcome visitor to our doors during l o c k d own and Scotland’s posties are winning acclaim for their tireless work.
Among the unsung heroes keeping the country’s wheels turning as we stay at home, postmen and women are coping with heavy sacks and unions warn the post is “busier than Christmas” as around 130 million packages are being sent across Britain.
The number of parcels and packets sent through the Royal Mail has increased by almost 50% compared to previous years and Craig Anderson, regional secretary for the Communication Workers Union in Scotland, said: “There has been a huge increase in demand. We estimate, at a minimum, there has been about a 45% increase in parcels and packets being sent, above what we would normally expect at this time of year, which is probably due to a lot of people having to shop online.
“Although that’s an estimate, and we believe the figures are actually higher – demand is higher than Christmas levels. We usually take on a lot of agency staff just to cope at Christmas, so it’s really, really busy.”
He added: “Christmas usually lasts for a two- week period. We are now into our seventh week of the lockdown and there’s at least another couple of weeks to go, probably more to be perfectly honest. So, sustaining that level of pressure is very demanding on the workforce.”
As part of research compiled for its Covid- 19 and the Consumer Report, online magazine and reporting centre Internetretailing found online shopping rates are growing 129% week- on- week in the UK and Europe while more Scots appear to be sending letters, cards and gifts to keep in touch during lockdown.
In response to the growing challenge, the Royal Mail has launched a new campaign, # Thumbsupforyourpostie, to encourage the public to show their appreciation for their delivery workers. Households are being asked to give their postie a “big thumbs up” from two metres away – about the height of a postbox – or place a colourful poster in their window to say thanks.
And it’s not just sorting offices and depots that are seeing a rise in everyday workload. Post Offices are also experiencing unprecedented levels of use, with many Scots turning to community counters
A leading psychiatrist has warned a fall in the number of children being referred for specialist help during lockdown could have a devastating impact on their mental health.
Justin Williams, who is vice- chairman of the Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS) faculty at the Royal College of Psychiatrists in Scotland, said the absence of support from teachers and other care professionals could result in early warning signs being missed and mean a surge in demand for services once the quarantine ends.
The Aberdeen University lecturer said self-isolation and social- distancing were already having an impact on young people struggling with issues such as anxiety and depression.
“I think we’re going to see problems emerging when lockdown ends, as kids are not currently getting access to social services,” said Dr Williams. “We have seen a drop in referrals, and I think that’s because kids are not going to school or reporting their experiences, and taking them to see the GP may currently be considered low priority. It is important to stress we are open for business.”
A report this week by Young Scot and the Scottish Youth Parliament, called Lockdown Lowdown, found almost twofifths of young people felt moderately or extremely concerned about their own mental wellbeing. And a separate report from Youthlink Scotland showed the youth- work sector was facing a mental health crisis due to projected budget cuts.
Dr Williams said it was normal to feel worried about the Covid- 19 pandemic but stressed sudden change in daily life could be damaging.
He said: “For young people who already have difficulties with leaving the house, when lockdown is lifted we are going to find it hard to get them back to school or go out and socialise.
“Many kids who find formal education difficult currently have a reprieve, so it may become even more difficult to leave their bedrooms.”
He added: “There are lots of families where the behaviour of the young people is challenging, and being all shut up together mean these problems become magnified.”
According to government agency Public Health Scotland, the majority of mental health issues arise before the age of 24, with 50% of children’s difficulties established by age 14.
In February, the Scottish Government announced plans to guarantee access to support for young people dealing with mental health issues.
As a result, health boards have been issued with CAMHS guidance, outlining what young Scots can expect when referred for help, and £5 billion had been promised for investment in mental health services over the life of the current Parliament.
However, the pandemic’s impact on young people’s mental health and the support available remains uncertain.
According to a new survey by the Fawcett Society, 43% of UK parents with young children are struggling to make ends meet and admit they have nearly run out of money.
And Dr Williams agrees parental financial stress could be starting to take its toll.
He said: “Whether it is because of a lack of money or feeling increasingly depressed because we are not allowed to see friends or engage in social activities, people are stressed. It’s okay for a few weeks but, as time goes on, you begin to get more and more affected.
“I would expect the longer this goes on, more problems are going to develop and more challenges are going to arise – whether after the lockdown or as lockdown progresses.”
Parents Kristina and Graham Currie with daughter Clemence at their home in