HealthWatch Volume 6 Issue 2 July 2017 Volume 6 Issue 2 July 2017 Britannia Health Watch 1 This is the second part of the Britannia Health Watch round up of the ‘Top 10 ‘ medical conditions that we encounter when speaking with ship owners and their manning agents at Britannia seminars and also when analysing the claims that are handled by the Club. Our aim is to provide people with a reminder of some of the more common conditions, together with some simple ways to keep healthy and feeling well. Lifestyle changes can improve your wellbeing Diet & Exercise Weight & BMIMalaria Mental Health Back Pain UNDERWEIGHT BELOW 18.5 OBESE ABOVE 30 HEALTHY WEIGHT 18.5 - 25 OVERWEIGHT 25 - 30 In the first part which came out in April (www.britanniapandi. com/publications/health-watch) we looked at diabetes, hypertension, kidney stones, cancer and digestive problems. In this edition we focus on mental health issues, weight and body mass index (BMI), diet and exercise, back pain and malaria. As well as giving some basic facts about what symptoms to watch out for, we also offer guidance on some simple steps that you can take – such as adopting a balanced and healthy diet and making sure that you exercise regularly – that can help to reduce the risk of suffering from these conditions. When considering weight and BMI concerns, it is not necessary to make drastic changes to your lifestyle to see an improvement. Even if a few simple steps are followed, with small changes to diet and adding some exercise into daily routines, you will quickly feel the benefits. This will not only make the working environment seem easier, but will also have a very positive impact on home life and leisure activities. There are many ways to enjoy a more varied and healthy diet, even within the confines of a ship’s galley, and there is a growing awareness that the food we eat has a direct link to our health and wellbeing. With mental health, there is a much greater awareness of the issues and an improved understanding that such conditions can be very serious if left undiagnosed or untreated. However, it is still hard for many people to admit that they may have a mental health problem and it is important for all members of the ship’s team to look out for their fellow crew. Social interaction and group activities have been proven to help lessen the feelings of depression and isolation which many experience when on board ship. We hope you find this summary issue of Health Watch both interesting and informative. Please do not hesitate to contact us if you have any questions or suggestions on other topics that you would like to see included in future editions of Health Watch. 2 Britannia Health Watch Volume 6 Issue 2 July 2017 Mental Health Long periods of time away from home can leave many seafarers feeling stressed, lonely and even depressed. Check your colleagues for indicators and symptoms of stress or depression. It may be that you feel just a little low but depression can be a serious problem and it is important that you seek help quickly. As well as feeling continuously low or sad, hopeless and helpless, it can have physical effects on your body. Moving or speaking more slowly than usual Change in appetite or weight (usually decreased but sometimes increased) Symptoms include: Beating stress and depression People and organisations who can help: Port chaplains – are trained to offer support and comfort, whether you simply feel homesick or are experiencing a personal crisis. Seafa