We often take our health and wellbeing for granted without stopping to think of how life could feel if we were to become ill. While we may exercise more and eat better to benefit our physical health it is often our mental health that is neglected.
 
With 1 in 4 people being affected by mental ill health at some point in their lives, it is more important than ever that we treat mental and physical health equally, providing education, training and support in the workplace.
 
Would it surprise you to know that that the most common cause of long term absence from work is Mental ill heath at a whopping 56% in 2018. *With the top cause of stress-related absence being workloads and/or volume of work.
 
While technology has helped make working quicker, easier and more efficient it also seems it is having a long term effect on stress and mental ill health in our lives.
 
In 2017, The Government recognised that there is a growing crisis and commissioned Lord Stevenson and Paul Farmer (Chief Executive of Mind) to independently review the role employers can play to better support mental health conditions in the workplace. The “Thriving at Work” report sets out a framework called “Core Standards” that should be put into place. These standards are to help employers improve the mental health of their organisation and enable individuals with mental health conditions to feel supported.
 
Organisations are being encouraged to establish new health and wellbeing policy to address the workplace standards for their people, with one of these initiatives being the introduction of regulated First Aid for Mental Health courses. The benefits of investing in health and wellbeing have shown better employee morale and engagement (44%), a healthy more inclusive culture (35%) and lower sick absences (31%).1
 
These courses aim to raise awareness, knowledge and qualifications for individuals in the workplace. Qualifications include OFQUAL regulated Level 2 qualifications in First Aid for Mental Health, similar to the First Aider’s role within the workplace.
 
Health and Wellbeing is a topic we are very passionate about here at Topaz Health Training and have undertaken instructor training qualifications to offer the following courses from Mar 2019:
​

• Level 1 Award in Awareness of First Aid for Mental Health (RQF)
• Level 2 Award in First Aid for Mental Health (RQF)
• Level 3 Award in Supervising First Aid for Mental Health (RQF)

 
To find out more about upcoming courses and how you can help improve mental health in your organisation contact us today.
 
Source *:  Health and Well-being at Work Survey 2018.  www.cipd.co.uk/healthandwellbeing2018

Did you know that in January 2017 the new Health and Safety Executive (HSE) requirements for Emergency First Aid at Work (EFAW) and First Aid at Work (FAW) now include training on the use of Automated External Defibrillation (AED) devices?

As a specialist exercise instructor working with higher risk clients it is recommended you up-skill to ensure you are equipped with the knowledge and skills to assist in emergency first aid situations.

At Topaz Health Training we offer courses in First Aid at Work which meet the new HSE requirements and form part of the Qualifications and Credit Framework (QCF) for continuing professional development.

Our First Aid Training is designed around the potential risks for exercisers and those working in gyms, leisure centres and outdoor environments. Our tutors have extensive training and experience of delivering first aid tailored to your needs. 

Whether you are an instructor or company looking to up-skill your employees, please contact us to find out more about our courses.  

Useful links:

• NUCO
• First Aid Awards
• HSE

 
Have any questions about our First Aid at Work courses? We are happy to answer any queries you may have.

Some years ago a dear friend and life coach asked me: “Why do you choose to feel that way?". After my initial thoughts of how dare you, I do not choose to feel this way, the situation is out of my control. I took a moment to reflect and thought maybe there is another way.

This was the start of a fascinating, challenging and rewarding journey of self-discovery, undertaking training in motivational interviewing, coaching and culminating in a master practitioner’s qualification in neuro linguistics techniques to help others learn and develop to be the best version of themselves.

So how often do you hear yourself say, I’m not very good at that, I’m not fit enough, slim enough, smart enough, clever enough?  My favourite limiting belief is I don’t understand social media, as I struggle with this new technology, social media and the World Wide Web.  Hey, there wasn’t even the internet when I did my degree!

We are often limited by our inner beliefs and yet why do we feel and think this way; is there really any evidence that we cannot achieve our dreams or potential. Surely, if we think differently, seek out the resources and training anything is possible – we are only limited by what we allow ourselves to believe.

Famous People Who Overcame Huge Obstacles | Wise Founder

• Bill Gates could not make any money.
• Steven Spielberg got rejected three times from film school.
• Simon Cowell record company went bust.
• Albert Einstein didn't speak until he was four years old. 
• Jim Carrey used to be homeless.

 
And what if we never achieve the dream, surely we’ve been more fulfilled making a positive journey in the right direction rather than listening to negative self-doubts.

If you have the desire to challenge those limiting beliefs then start today with “I can” and contact us for free career’s advice on how to develop a rewarding and fulfilling career in the health and fitness industry. 

My dear friend and life coach is Bevis Moynan of Magenta Coaching Solutions:

Bevis Moynan
Magenta Coaching Solutions
Email: Bevis@magentacs.co.uk
Tel:: 07764758460
Web: www.magentacs.co.uk

Well as one of those middle aged people Public Health England (PHE) are referring too, I thought I better take a look at how health behaviours are affecting my generation, customers, friends and family.

The information from the Health Survey for England is quite alarming, 69.5 percent of the population aged 40-60 (men and women combined) are at risk of serious health conditions due to being overweight or obese.

As part of the PHE’s One You campaign – you can undertake a 'How Are You?' quiz to see how your lifestyle behaviours may be impacting on your health.  Some of my clients, family and friends who have taken the quiz have been a little surprised with their own health score and are now preparing to make changes to improve their health.
​
The figures provided below represent the prevalence of people aged 40-60 who drink over the Chief Medical Officers' guidelines, who are inactive (less than 30 minutes of moderate exercise per week) and those being overweight or obese.

Worryingly the survey data also suggested 83 percent of people have at least one risk factor with more than a third having two or more risk factors.
​
As fitness professionals, we know how difficult it can be for our clients to change habits of a lifetime. My hope is this campaign can be used by all health, exercise and fitness professionals to help their clients honestly look at their lifestyle and habits and with our support choose to make a change for a healthy future.

Like us, do you fit in to the middle age bracket? Are you trying to change some or all of you habits of a lifetime? What are you struggling with most? Leave your comments below for some motivational support.