I hope that the news last week, about the gradual lifting of lockdown restrictions, has given you renewed hope that we are not far away from some form of normality resuming in our lives. Until then, I hope you are still doing all you can to support yourself and those around you at what remains a difficult time.
On 8 March, it’s International Women’s Day and this year, we are celebrating the women in our work lives. To coincide with this, we want you (both women and men) to support yourselves and the women in your lives in relation to all thing’s health.
Did you know?
- Women are three times more likely than men to experience common mental health problems
- Women are more than three times as likely to experience eating disorders than men
- Rates of self-harm among young women have tripled since 1993
- Women are twice as likely as men to get multiple sclerosis, rheumatoid arthritis, migraines, and irritable bowel syndrome
- 80% of hip fractures each year occur in women
- 44% of women are unaware of perimenopause until they start to have symptoms
Your Health Matters – Factsheet
Regularly taking time for self-care checks is one of the easiest ways to keep on top of your health. Find out how to correctly carry out some self-checks and the symptoms linked to health-related issues in this factsheet.
Have your smear!
There are around 3,200 new cervical cancer cases in the UK every year – that’s more than 8 every day. You can do something about this. If you are a woman aged between 25 and 49 and are registered with a GP, you are invited for screening every three years and every five years over the age of 50. Make sure you attend this appointment. 99.8% of cervical cancer cases are preventable – ten minutes of discomfort could potentially save your life.
Walk in her name step challenge
Every year, 295,000 women around the world are diagnosed with ovarian cancer. Approximately only half of the women diagnosed will survive beyond five years. You can help change this.
Join the Ovarian Cancer step challenge and take 295,000 steps to fund life-saving research for Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month. Together we can help more women survive ovarian cancer.
Photo Competition – be in it to win it!
Celebrate yourself. Send us a picture of you looking after yourself – whether that’s a walk in your local area, meditation, nutrition or something else – send your picture to colleague.communication@greencore.com to win a prize.
Peer-to-peer support – Talk2Us
Have you got a worry, a problem or an issue that remains unresolved? Do you want someone to talk to? Whether you’re working in our factories, from home, or supporting the business on furlough, you can get access to the emotional and social support you need. Chat in confidence with our volunteer colleagues about whatever might be on your mind. Call 01246 385290 or email Talk2Us@greencore.com Monday to Friday, 8.30am – 4.30pm.
Help and support with Grocery Aid
Do you need advice with emotional, financial, or health problems? GroceryAid are here for you. Get the help you need, when you need it through Grocery Aid’s free, confidential 24/7 helpline: 08088 021 122 or go to www.groceryaid.org.uk for a list of all the services they provide.
Take time to invest in yourself.
