New research has revealed the extent to which the West Midlands are frightened by the effects of dementia on them and their loved ones.

In a survey by Asda Pharmacy, half (49%) said that a loved one being diagnosed with dementia and taken into care is their worst fear. Whilst more than a third said the possibility of being diagnosed with dementia themselves is a greater concern than suffering from a terminal illness, losing mobility, or losing financial security.

However, despite this fear of the condition, people are often reluctant to seek help. Of those suffering from any early indicators that something is wrong, many are hesitant to confide in anyone about it, whether that be a family member or a health professional. Over half of the region (53%) said they would wait some time before speaking to a GP about memory loss. More than one in 10 (11%) said that they would only consider seeing a GP about it as a last resort through fear of wasting the GP’s time.

A quarter (25%) of the West Midlands would also avoid speaking to a loved one about memory health concerns until they had discussed with a Doctor first. However, people’s hesitancy to speak to a GP means many are missing out on early diagnoses, something which is essential to treat the condition effectively. Dementia is the UK’s biggest killer*, but the survey showed that only 12% of the region knew this, instead believing that cancer (50%) and heart attacks (28%) were the most common fatal causes.

In fact, there is an assumption amongst a significant number of the region (60%) that memory loss is just ‘part and parcel’ of growing old. Whilst forgetfulness is a natural occurrence, there is a thin line between this and dementia.

Maq Din, Healthcare Clinical Services Manager at Asda Pharmacy, says:

“Those experiencing age related memory loss will more often than not recall what they have forgotten in time, however dementia sufferers lose their memory much more permanently.”

Asda Pharmacy are training all pharmacy employees to recognise the early signs of dementia to ensure that they are able to spot when patients may be developing the condition. The move is to assist more dementia sufferers in getting the all-important early diagnosis as soon as possible.

As Maq explains:

“Early diagnosis of Alzheimer’s and dementia is absolutely essential to treat the conditions effectively, which is why at Asda Pharmacy we are training all staff to recognise the symptoms. Quite simply, the sooner a diagnosis is made the more informed and resourced the sufferer and their loved ones can be. By planning carefully for the future and taking the correct medication in good time, you can have far better control over the progression of the illness.”

There are steps and exercises that can be undertaken to give the brain the best chance of avoiding dementia and having an active mind is highly important. However only 29% of the region are currently opting to use such techniques.

Jennie Bond, Television Presenter, has personal experience with dementia as her mother is currently in the advanced stages.  She says:

"She doesn’t know who I am, or who she is. To some extent she has passed beyond the point where she is constantly frightened. She's generally in a calmer, more peaceful frame of mind.”

“We were too late in seeking help for Mother. Perhaps she could have had some medical support if we had asked for a diagnosis sooner.  It's a condition that follows a clear pattern so I'd encourage people to get help as soon as possible and face up to the illness. But it's important to act sensitively and keep in mind quite how frightening it is for the sufferer.”

Summer is finally here and the UK is awash with BBQ’s, long light evenings and plenty of outdoor adventures for the whole family, dogs and all. There may be lots of walkies and adventures ahead but Lintbells, manufacturers of premium natural pet supplements have put together some summer essentials to make sure you look after your dog’s wellbeing during these sunny months.

• Doggie hayfever

• Summer skin care

• Be BBQ savvy

• Stress-free Summer

John Davies, co-founder of Lintbells, said “We know how much fun these summer months can be for both owners and their dogs, but we are also passionate about ensuring dogs are kept well. We hope these top summer essential tips help dog owners across the UK to get their furry friends summer ready, and can enjoy the seasons safely.”

Parents and carers are being encouraged to become superheroes this summer – by taking simple steps to keep little ones safe.

With the six-week school summer holidays approaching, longer nights upon us and more warm weather forecast, health chiefs are offering top tips to help adults protect younger members of the family.

Councillor Paul Sweet, the City of Wolverhampton Council's Cabinet Member for Public Health and Wellbeing, said: "Parents, grandparents, aunts and uncles all know that you can’t stop children having bumps and scrapes, but you can be their summer superhero by knowing how to come to their rescue.

“These top tips can give you the super powers you need when they think it’s the end of the world."

The superlative seven include:

• First aid kit; the first rule of superhero school is always be prepared, so make sure your first aid kit is fully stocked and medicines are in date. A basic first aid kit should include plasters, dressings, a crepe bandage, safety pins, antiseptic cream, bite cream, antihistamine, scissors, and pain relief such as paracetamol, ibuprofen or infant painkillers.
• Sun cream; don’t just save them, but protect them from danger in the first place. SPF 50 will provide the best protection. Reapply regularly, especially if children are playing in water or swimming. Wear sun hats and stay out of the sun between 11am and 3pm if possible.
• Hydration; avoid heat exhaustion or heatstroke by making sure the family stay hydrated on hot days. Offer water or diluted squash or fruit juice to make sure they have plenty of fluids. If children do become dehydrated, rehydration fluids are available from local pharmacies.
• Bumps; most bumps are minor and can be treated with hugs, a cold compress and suitable pain relief. If the child suffers any dizziness, unconsciousness, repeated vomiting or a headache which is getting worse, seek advice by calling NHS 111.
• Cuts and scrapes; many cuts and scrapes can be treated easily with the first aid kit. Wash cuts with clean water, stop the bleeding and apply a plaster or dressing. Seek immediate medical attention if the bleeding is uncontrollable.
• Burns; minor burns can be treated at home by running cool or lukewarm water over the affected area (do not use ice cold water), and removing clothing close to the burn. If anything is stuck to the burn, avoid pulling it off. Cover the wound in plastic food wrap as it offers protection. Seek immediate medical attention for any burns that are particularly large, deep or that have caused charred or white skin.
• Strains and sprains; most strains and sprains can be treated with ice, compression and elevation. Seek advice if you are concerned the sprain could be something more serious.

Chancellor of Birmingham City University, Sir Lenny Henry, has launched a new networking group for the institution in London.

‘BCU in London’ is open to graduates of the University – from senior leaders and up and coming professionals – who are based or have business-interests in the capital.

Sir Lenny Henry addressed some 100 distinguished guests and alumni gathered at the launch, and said: “We want this launch to form the basis of a strong and enduring network where graduates and friends of BCU can come together to forge professional links that recognise what you have in common and the expertise you have in your various disciplines.

Both online and in person, the aim of BCU in London is to bring our alumni together in a formidable network of professionals whose careers have been impacted by our University.”

Joining the Dudley-born actor, writer, comedian and charitable campaigner at the Institute of Directors in Pall Mall were notable figures including the Rt Hon Baroness Elizabeth Butler-Sloss, Lord Bruce Grocott, MP for Ladywood Shabana Mahmood and former MP for Edgbaston, Gisela Stuart.

Senior alumni representatives from organisations such as the BBC, EY, IBM, Sport England and Universal Music Group were also present at the event.

Praise the University’s positive impact on Birmingham, Sir Lenny said: “Birmingham City University has transformed the Eastside region of the city; its new Conservatoire, about to open in September on the City Centre Campus – the first in a generation for the UK; and its City South campus in Edgbaston, with fantastic new sports and health science facilities, is also set to open before the end of the year.

Add to that the wider changes to that have literally transformed the city over the past decade and its small wonder we want to shout about it.

In fact, one of the reasons we wanted to hold this event here in the capital is to show London that despite what’s happening in the West Midlands at the moment we don’t necessarily think the world revolves around Birmingham – some cool things come out of London too!”

Sir Lenny was installed as Chancellor of Birmingham City University in November 2016 when he stressed that “education is a right, not an accident of birth” in his inaugural speech.

With more than 24,000 students from 80 countries, Birmingham City University is a large, diverse and increasingly popular place to study – putting them at the heart of everything it does, giving them the best opportunities for future success.

The new walkthrough is home to four different species of lemur. Critically endangered Alaotran gentle lemurs and black-and white-ruffed lemurs and endangered crowned lemurs and ring-tailed lemurs are joined in the exhibit by a new species for Marwell – two endangered green peafowl.

Guests will enjoy sharing the beautifully landscaped habitat of these engaging animals in a new, themed exhibit at the giraffe house, focussing on the evolution of the species. The new experience, with both indoor and outdoor sections, will immerse visitors into a densely planted lemur environment.

The Madagascan creatures have spent the past few weeks settling into their new environment, which aims to closely resemble their natural habitat, encouraging them to leap, climb and sunbathe freely as people walk alongside them. Animal Collection Manager Ross Brown said: “We've designed the enclosure in a way that promotes natural behaviours, which is a key part of it”.

Ross and team have also been taking a close look at the lemurs' diets as the different sub-species have distinct requirements. Alongside this the groups have also gradually been getting used to sharing their space with people, with members of staff spending increasing amounts of time in their enclosures to 'test the waters'.

Zoo staff will be on hand every day until 4pm to teach groups about the loveable lemur troop and their habitats in the 'Evolution Hub'; from learning about the story of lemur evolution and diversity, to taking part in observation and skills-based activities.

Visitors to Marwell Zoo can already meander among marsupials in the Wallaby Walkthrough and enjoy close-up views of diverse birdlife in the walkthrough aviary.

James Cretney is Chief Executive Officer at Marwell: “We are thrilled to open this fantastic new exhibit, which is part of a £17 million ten-year investment programme for the zoo. The programme will create new and improved habitats for the animals and offer more immersive experiences for our guests.

“I'm looking forward to seeing lots of guests, young and old, enjoying the unique encounters in the Lemur Loop over the summer and beyond.”

Although the IAAF World Championships in London will be the focus for everyone this weekend, in just eight months’ time Birmingham will be staging its own world championships, when the IAAF World Indoor Championships returns to the city from 1 to 4 March.

It has been a busy few months for the organising team, which is mainly made up of representatives from Birmingham City Council and British Athletics, as in recent weeks the Championships timetable was unveiled, the official website was launched and tickets went on sale to priority groups - including athletics fans, clubs and members of the British Athletics Supporters Club, who between them snapped up 8,000 tickets in the first few hours.

As part of the timetable announcement it was confirmed that there will be six sessions for the Championships, with the IAAF Council approving an opening session on Thursday 1 March. It was also revealed that the women’s 3000m final, an event which saw Laura Muir take gold in the European Indoor Championships earlier this year, will now be part of the opening night, alongside both the men’s and the women’s high jump finals.

Tickets for the event, which will be held at Arena Birmingham*, start at just £5 for concessions and the event is fantastic value for families, as Championships Director Joan Durose explains: “We want to ensure that this event, which will see some of the world’s best athletes compete for world titles,  is accessible for local people and athletics fans across the country, so we’ve made sure that a family of four, with two adults and two children, can attend some sessions of the Championships for just £50.”

This week the official mascot for the Championships, Ruby the Red Panda, was launched. Ruby made her first ever appearance at the Birmingham Wildlife Conservation Park, which is just a few miles from Arena Birmingham.

The park was chosen as the ideal setting for Ruby’s unveiling, as they participate in a red panda breeding programme, to protect this endangered species, and have done since 2005, when one of the new arrivals, Babu, famously went missing. He was found four days later and returned to his enclosure. Babu was later named ‘Brummie of The Year’.

By having a red panda as the mascot, the organising team for the IAAF World Indoor Championships, hopes to raise awareness of the work that the Birmingham Wildlife Conservation Park does to help protect this endangered species. The mascot is named Ruby because of her sparkling personality and as a nod to the city’s famous Jewellery Quarter.