EngageYour FREE magazine from your local NHS Issue Six: March 2016

PLUS! ALLERGY AWARENESS / QUIZ CORNER / RECIPE / GARDENING / BOOK REVIEW / SPORTS & HEALTH...

Bouncing Back Meet two Leeds

cancer survivors

Mood Lifting Tunes

Christine Talbot’s

stress busting

music

KEEP THE MOTOR RUNNINGSpring driving tips

Putting a spring back in your step

Contents

Intro / Contents02

If you’ve been affected by the Boxing Day floods or one of the winter storms we know you’ll be looking forward to calm spring weather. We all know that spring can be unpredictable but we think it’s one of the more pleasant seasons heralding a change to warmer conditions. But not everyone will welcome the darling buds of May.

That’s because spring means a return of our favourite picnic companions – wasps and bees. For anyone who has an allergy to stings these spring time arrivals can spell danger. Also as trees and flowers awaken from their winter slumber the pollen count will increase which brings seasonal allergies such as hay fever. But FEAR not, we’ve got a breakdown of the different types of allergies and how to recognise the symptoms of an allergic reaction.

Spring is all about new beginnings. We’ve been speaking to two local cancer survivors, Kathryn Mitchell and Sarah Donaghey, who tell us about their renewed optimism for life after winning their battles. They share their stories about how they felt when they were first diagnosed and the emotion of being told they are cancer free.

Spring is a time for the traditional clean and this could be a good time to get your finances back in order after a winter of excess (for some!). We’ve got some tips to help you.

We’re pleased to have another young reader submitting a review of one of their favourite things. This time Rebecca Nutter, a pupil from Morley Academy, gives us the low down on Eye of Minds written by James Dashner, author of The Maze Runner series.

We’ve been out on the streets to do what some people might call ‘proper journalism’. We’ve paid a visit to Headingley to find out what locals thought about the area. Take a look and let us know whether you agree or disagree.

Finally we’ve been thinking about music and how it can help improve your mood. To help us with this we’ve asked Christine Talbot, ITV Calendar News presenter, to pick out the top 10 tracks that lift her spirits. We’d love to know what you think and see what would make your top ten.

We hope you enjoy the latest edition of Engage, do get in touch if you want to see something in our next edition or if you have an idea for a story: commsleedswestccg@nhs.net.

The Editing Team NHS Leeds West Clinical Commissioning Group

Welcome to the latest edition of Engage

03 Be allergy aware this springKeep the allergies at bay this spring and find out how recognising FEAR could save a life

04 Winning the cancer battleTwo cancer survivors from Leeds share their stories and talk about the moment they were told they were clear of the disease

06 Spring clean your financesAdvice on how you can save money and where to go for help if you’re struggling with debts

07 Driving tips for warmer weatherMotoring advice to keep your car in top condition this spring

08 Spotlight on HeadingleyHeadingley may be the home of rugby or cricket for some but find out what locals like best about the area

09 Hidden Gem… Bramley FallsWith an abundance of history and nature this hidden gem is a must to explore

10 Uplifting music Local news presenter Christine Talbot reveals her top ten tracks to raise her spirits

11 Pupils quiz retired GPPupils from Morley Academy turn the tables on a retired GP and cheese aficionado

12 Health campaigns this spring Find out how taking a test for bowel cancer is as easy as 1,2,3 and find out more about a condition that affects around 4 million people in the UK

13 Gardening guruOur green fingered expert shares his to do list and tells us how a study from the Land Trust has put a price on fresh air

14 RecipesTry our cumin inspired recipe and find out more about the spice which is still as popular today as it was in Ancient Greece

15 Quiz cornerExercise your brain with sudoku and a wordsearch

16 Sports and healthClimb to fitness with the Leeds Wall or go on your very own modern day treasure hunt

If you'd like to receive a regular copy of 'Engage', please let

us know by emailing... commsleedswestccg@nhs.net

or calling 0113 84 35470

Be allergy aware 03

Be allergy aware this springRing a ring of roses, a popular nursery rhyme that some people claim is linked to the great plague. We’re not here to check the facts on that or to create a new nursery rhyme for allergies. One thing we do know is that allergies can have a profound effect on the health of people and sadly sometimes they can lead to death. So we want you to be allergy aware this spring.

What is an allergy?An allergy is a reaction that the body has to a particular food or substance (source: NHS Choices).

Types of allergyThere are a number of common allergies and many of these are more likely to affect people over the warmer months. This includes those with hay fever as the pollen count gets higher, as well as people at risk of anaphylactic shock after a wasp or bee sting.

Staying with the theme of spring, as days get longer and the sun becomes brighter there are some people who are allergic to the sun.

If you have asthma or any other respiratory condition you’ll know that the warmer weather can play havoc with your health.

As part of your spring clean don’t forget to bite the dust (not literally). A good clean around the house could get rid of things that can cause people with an allergy to fall ill such as dust or animal hairs/skin. Although if you have a rubber latex allergy you might want to consider the types of gloves you wear.

Other allergies that people need to be aware of include food allergies ranging from well known ones such as nuts through to less common ones such as kiwi fruit! And if you’ve been prescribed any medication it’s important to let your healthcare professional know if you’ve had a reaction to any treatment. You may be allergic to ibuprofen, aspirin and some antibiotics such as penicillin.

Recognise the symptoms, recognise the FEARAllergy UK has put together a simple guide to help you recognise the symptoms of an allergic reaction. If you recognise the FEAR

you could end up saving someone’s life.

Find out moreAllergy UK is the leading national charity dedicated to supporting the estimated 21 million allergy sufferers in the UK. You can call Allergy UK’s dedicated helpline on 01322 619898 or visit: www.allergyuk.org – the website includes an online forum.

Don’t forget you can also speak to a healthcare professional for advice and support such as your GP or pharmacist.

FACEIs their face

/ are their lips swollen?

Have they gone pale?

Are they lightheaded?

EYESIs there a look of

fear in their eyes?

Are they red, watery and

puffy?

AIRWAYSAre they wheezing /

uncontrollably coughing?

Do they have a shortness of breath?

Are they unable to talk?

Are they making a strange sound?

RASHIs there a red,

raised, itchy rash anywhere on

their body especially their face or neck?

EF A R

If a combination of these symptoms are visible CALL 999

Engage interviews...04

How did you first find out you had breast cancer? I was on holiday with my two boys in August 2013, we were playing with the beach ball in the pool; when the ball hit my breast it really hurt. I touched my breast and I thought I felt a lump but I ignored it as I thought it would be nothing. When I got back from my holiday, my friend advised me to go and see my GP.

My GP referred me to the breast clinic at St James’s Hospital to be assessed. I went back a week later with my best friend and saw the consultant who told me the results came back positive. I had breast cancer. I was in utter devastation, disbelief and felt like I had been hit by a truck.

My consultant explained that the breast wouldn’t need to be removed, they would do a lumpectomy [surgery to remove the tumour and some surrounding

tissue]. They would also take lymph nodes from under my armpit as well to see if the cancer had spread. After my surgery, which was on 21 December 2013, I went back for my results. I was told the cancer had not spread. This was a huge relief for me although they told me that I would now need to have chemotherapy and radiotherapy.

How did you feel after your first chemotherapy? I felt terrible, I was throwing up and didn’t feel well at all. When I lost all my hair it was apparent what was happening to me. I was scared of seeing people as I didn’t know what their reaction would be, but I wasn’t going to let cancer beat me so I decided not to wear hats when I went outside.

When you were diagnosed with breast cancer what was the hardest thing for you? Telling my family I had breast cancer was the hardest part,

especially my two boys. My mum and dad were absolutely devastated, they couldn’t believe it as there was no family history of cancer.

Did you know where to go for further information or support for breast cancer? My chemotherapy nurse recommended me to go to the Haven in Leeds which is a breast cancer support centre. They developed a programme for me to help me through my treatment. Meeting other women who were in the same position as me was hugely comforting.

What was it like to be told you were free of breast cancer? Utter euphoria and relief. I wouldn’t have been able to go through my treatment without the support of my family, friends, staff at St James’s Hospital and the Haven. So I’d like to say a huge thank you to them.

Local cancer survivors share their stories

We caught up with two local cancer

survivors, Kathryn Mitchell and Sarah

Donaghey, who shared their story of battling

cancer with us.

Kathryn, 45 was diagnosed with breast cancer at 43 years old. She tells us about her difficult journey during her treatment for breast cancer.

Engage interviews... 05

Signs and symptoms of breast cancerSome of the signs and symptoms of breast cancer include:

• a lump in the breast

• a change in the size or shape of the breast

• dimpling of the skin or thickening in the breast tissue

• a nipple that’s turned in (inverted)

• a rash (like eczema) on the nipple

• discharge from the nipple

• swelling or a lump in the armpit

If you experience any of the above please see your GP as soon as possible. For further information on breast cancer visit www.macmillan.org.uk

Symptoms of cervical cancerIn the early stages of cervical cancer there are usually no symptoms. However, there are recognised symptoms that are linked with cervical cancer. These are:

• abnormal bleeding: during or after sexual intercourse, or between periods

• post menopausal bleeding, if you’re on hormone replacement treatment (HRT) or have stopped it for six weeks

• unusual and/or unpleasant vaginal discharge

• discomfort or pain during sex

• lower back pain

If you experience any or all of the above symptoms, or concerned about any new symptom it’s important that you make an appointment to see your GP as soon as possible. To find out more about the cervical cancer screening programme please visit: www.nhs.uk/cervicalcancer

For further information on cervical cancer, visit Jo’s Cervical Cancer Trust website: www.jostrust.org.uk. You can also call Jo’s Cervical Cancer Trust’s helpline for information and support on 0808 802 8000.

Did you have any symptoms of cervical cancer before you were diagnosed with the disease? I wasn’t aware of the symptoms for cervical cancer and it didn’t even cross my mind that I would have the disease. I had my first cervical screening at 25, it had come back clear but then I started bleeding quite heavily after sexual intercourse. I had a number of appointments with my GP and one GP said they couldn’t really see anything due to thick mucus. This could have easily been interpreted by my first GP as simply discharge but it was a symptom of cervical cancer.

My GP then referred me to a gynaecologist and I was asked to go to the oncology department where I underwent a biopsy. Two weeks after my biopsy I was told I had cervical cancer.

I would encourage women to find out more about the symptoms of cervical cancer so you know what to look out for. And if you have any concerns you should see your GP or nurse.

What was your immediate reaction when you were told you had cervical cancer? I was in complete shock and speechless. I thought to myself why wasn’t this picked up in my cervical screening? I was told it was high up in the cervix which is why it wasn’t picked up.

What advice would you give to women who are putting off their cervical screening? Even though my cervical cancer wasn’t picked up in the actual screening, I know how important it is to have the test, and I would urge women to take up their invitation. The test can be a life saver for you and it will take no more than 15 minutes of your time. If you’re worried or have any concerns about the test speak to your GP or nurse.

I hope my experience encourages other women to take up their cervical screening and know the symptoms of cervical cancer. I’ve also set up an informal support group called ‘Do Not Fear the Smear’ on Facebook – you just have to send a request to join the group.

Sarah is now enjoying life with her fiancé and stepdaughter Lola. She has frozen her own embryos in the hope to have children of her own in the future.

Sarah, 29 was diagnosed with cervical cancer at the age of 25 in 2011, and had to have a hysterectomy which means she is unable to have children. She tells us why a 15 minute cervical screening (smear test) appointment could save your life.

I hope my experience encourages

other women to take up their

cervical screening and know the symptoms of

cervical cancer.

Cancel your old direct debitsIt’s a good time to go through your monthly statements and check if you’ve cancelled your old direct debits, as unnecessary payments could be going out of your account.

Start paying off your debtsStruggling to pay off your debts? If you’re worried about money, in debt, struggling to pay bills, or thinking of taking out a loan then the Money Information Centre can help.

The Leeds Money Information Centre helps people get on top of their finances. The website lists independent organisations and charities in Leeds that can help you, with many offering free support.

Don’t get bitten by a loan shark!Turning to a loan shark won’t help you clear your debts. Loan sharks are illegal lenders who often target low income and desperate families. Here are some risks attached to borrowing from loan sharks:

• some have attempted to charge interest rates as high as 719,000%

• you may be harassed if you get behind your repayments

• you’re often pressured into borrowing more money to repay one debt with another

Source: The Money Advice Service

Save money on your energy billsEnergy bills can be very expensive. Figures suggest around 10% of your annual income will be spent on paying energy bills. Follow the tips below to see where you could make savings.

• Switch – changing your energy supplier could save you up to £200 a year

• Pay by direct debit – it’s usually cheaper and means you won’t have to worry about missing payments

• Use less – the less energy you use the lower your bills will be. Remember to switch off lights and any other equipment, such as TVs, when you’re not using them

• Make your home more eco-friendly – there are lots of options out there which could help you save up to £250 a year such as better insulation

Source: The Money Advice Service

Finances06

Time to spring clean your financesIt’s that time of the year where many of us give our homes a thorough spring clean, but it’s also a great time to give your finances a tidy up too.

We’ve put together a few handy tips to help you save money

For more advice visit the Money Information Centre website www.leedsmic.org.uk.

Advice 07

Consumer Advice: Driving tips for warmer weather

With the wet, and at times icy, winter months becoming a distant memory you might be forgiven for thinking all your driving hazards have gone too.

This means it’s easy to assume the only preparations needed for a change in seasons is a top up of sun cream supplies and a new wardrobe. However, there are other preparations you need to bear in mind. As you plan more trips out in the car you need to make sure your vehicle is ready for summer too.

Just following the simple tips on this page will protect your pride and joy as well as your bank balance. Don’t let car troubles get in the way of quality time with friends and family this spring.

Tyres Any existing damage to your tyres can be made worse by higher temperatures; under inflation can make things worse. Make sure you check the condition and pressure of your tyres to avoid unnecessary punctures or blowouts. If you’re carrying any extra luggage, or you’ve got a car full of family or friends, then you should look to increase your tyre pressure so that it’s appropriate for the load. You can find the right tyre pressure for your car by looking at the owner’s handbook or by speaking to your local garage.

Cooling SystemIt’s not just you that needs help to keep cool, your engine does too! Check your engine coolant levels regularly to avoid your car overheating and breaking down. Low levels may also be the result of leaking hoses, so check those too.

It’s important to check the radiator and ensure the cap seal is in good condition and there is no corrosion elsewhere. Country driving can result in bugs and debris getting caught so be sure to check everything is clean.

Air ConditioningThose with the luxury of air conditioning probably don’t give a second thought to servicing it. A quick service involves refreshed coolant being added and a check of the system for leaks. This could prevent you from the nightmare scenario of being stuck in a traffic jam on a hot day when the air conditioning lets you down.

Don’t forget the sunA pair of sunglasses is an essential, not only to protect our eyes but they also fight off the glare of the sun whilst driving. Please ask your optician for advice for the most appropriate ones for you. Spring cleaning your windscreen inside and out will also ensure clear visibility and give your car a new lease of life.

For more information on how to prepare your car for warmer weather and other driving advice visit www.rac.co.uk/advice and www.theaa.com/motoring_advice/seasonal. If you’re unsure of anything please speak to a trained mechanic.

08 Spotlight on... Headingley

We’d love to hear your thoughts, email us at

commsleedswestccg@nhs.net

Rachel Berry“Probably the nightlife, lots of bars that

we’ve gone to for work nights out.”

Ryan Iredale“It’s got all the shops and bars that I need

so I don’t need to go into town to get things after work. It’s also got the Otley run so you can have a full night out in Headingley. This means you can have a good night out without heading into

the city centre at the end.”

Maria Moreno “The best thing about Headingley is that my GP is there, the coffee shop and the supermarket. So for students

it’s a very good place.”

Gordon Painter“I find the place has a buzz about it but the downside to that it can be noisy at

times. I certainly find the best times of the year is when the students are about and again it can be quite lifeless when they’re

gone. So it has its ups and downs.”

Richard Shepherd“I don’t actually live in Headingley but I go

to university there. I’d say the best thing about it is that it’s very small and compact

with a lot of history.”

Russ White“Well I work in Headingley as well so it’s great for going out at dinner time to get some food. Then constantly every Friday and Saturday night it’s really busy and

a great night out.”

Spotlight on HEADINGLEY

Agree or disagree?

We hit the streets of Headingley to find out what people thought

was the best thing about the place, here’s what they told us…

Bramley Falls

Wander along Leeds Bradford Road and you will stumble across one of the entrances to Bramley Falls Woods. Five minutes walking along the secluded paths and you could be anywhere. A network of tracks allows you to explore the woods and lead you down to the Leeds to Liverpool canal.

The canal was an important trading route in the 18th and 19th century. It linked the east and the west of the country at a time when industry was flourishing. The decision to build the canal was made in a pub in Bradford – they knew how to hold meetings in those days!

The canal was used to transport millstone grit from Newlay quarry. This sandstone was used to build Leeds Town Hall and the Corn Exchange in Leeds city centre. So when you take a trip down to the canal from Bramley Falls you can reflect on how it has helped play a role in giving our city two of its most recognisable buildings.

09Hidden gem

Bramley has changed in recent times as a result of modern redevelopment but it remains a place of historical significance. Impressive churches and the wonderful Bramley Baths give the place real character. This personality is reflected in Bramley’s most famous export, the brilliant Ernie Wise.

Hidden gem…

Transport by canal has long since ceased and these days the canal is known for rural walks, noteworthy heritage and peaceful boating. The area is now an important corridor for wildlife with local residents including badgers, kingfishers and grass snakes. If you’re really lucky you might even spot an endangered water vole.

Bramley Falls is a great place for exercising and you’ll find static gym equipment dotted around the area. The falls is also a hub for annual activities for children and Newlay locks is the perfect spot for picnics. All you need is the right weather… over to you Ernie – “bring me sunshine…”

10 Top 10 / Book review

MOOD LIFTING MUSIC

We wanted to find out more about music that can lift your mood but we know everyone’s tastes are different. So we thought we’d ask our friend and ITV Calendar News presenter CHRISTINE TALBOT for her top 10 tracks that gee her up if she’s feeling down. Here’s her response (in no particular order)…

What do you think of Christine’s list? Or why not tell us what gets you buzzing again? Get in touch with your favourite tunes for busting those blues (unless you like ‘the blues’): commsleedswestccg@nhs.net

Jerusalem

American Pie

Pacobel's Canon

Hoots Mon

Lifted Lighthouse Family

Last Christmas Wham

Thank you for the Music Abba

Wonderful World Louis Armstrong

Honky Tonk Women Rolling Stones

Let's Stick Together Bryan Ferry

Don McLean

Lord Rockingham’s XI

Book review…Eye of Minds by James Dashner

My verdict 4/5

Reviewed by Rebecca Nutter (16) Morley Academy High School

The story:Michael is a gamer and a hacker in a new virtual reality called VirtNet. Like other gamers the VirtNet can make all your dreams come true and the better you are at hacking, the more fun is to be had. However, some rules were made for a reason. Another gamer has begun capturing people in VirtNet who’s only escape is suicide in the real world. To catch this rogue gamer Michael and his friends begin to track them down but the risk is enormous.

Verdict:This book is exciting from the get go and you never know what is going to happen next. The plot is easy to follow and the characters are easy to root for. However some of the language used in the book can be quite hard to get to grips with at first but you slowly understand once you’ve started reading the book. Furthermore it does have some content that may upset some of the younger readers so I would mainly recommend this for people over the age of 13.

Have you ever wanted to read an action-packed book? Then I recommend Eye of Minds by James Dashner. The book is the first of the Mortality

Doctrine series. It’s set in a world of advanced technology, cyberterrorists and gaming that goes beyond your wildest dreams but can also be your worst nightmare.

Pupils from Carr Manor High School turned the tables and asked questions to Dr Steve Ledger a retired GP and lay member at our CCG (and cheese fan, judging by the final question!)

Q. What was it like being a doctor? A. I can honestly say it was really enjoyable, really satisfying and very rewarding. It was also pretty stressful as I saw between 40 to 50 patients a day. I also did around 20 telephone consultations each day, as well as the usual tasks such as dealing with hospital letters and patient’s test results, making referrals and signing prescriptions. You also had to keep yourself up to date by reading journals and going to educational events.

Q. What made you want to become a GP? A. When I was your age we had a very good family friend who was a doctor in a very rural area and he knew all his patients so well. I loved the idea of having that level of contact and trust and having the capacity to help people in a way that meant you were looking at the whole person.

Q. What do you think of weekend working? A. When I first started in Practice in 1984, well before all you were born, that’s what we did. We looked after our own patients 7 days a week, in rota with our partners. Because there weren’t mobile phones back then my wife couldn’t leave the house, she was answering patient calls on the home phone whilst I was out visiting patients. All junior hospital doctors work shifts over weekends in hospitals providing mainly emergency cover and GP’s in our CCG are increasingly providing weekend appointments and early morning and late evening appointments during the week, which is great for patients.

Q. How did you deal with the stress of the job? A. Outside of work my biggest relaxation is sport. I’m still pretty fit, go the gym, play golf and I run the Medics and Dentists Football Club in Leeds. During work I tried not to bottle anything up, tried to understand my limitations and discussed difficult patient problems with my colleagues. People forget that mental health is just as important as physical health – and that goes for doctors too!

Q. Who would you say was your inspiration? A. It’d have to be the GP family friend who I mentioned earlier but the other one is a friend who was a surgeon from South Africa. The stories he told about being a black doctor in South Africa during Apartheid and the unfair obstacles he had to overcome (he was eventually Professor of Surgery in Leeds) were truly inspiring.

Q. What is your favourite cheese? A. Have you heard of a cheese called Roquefort? It’s a really smelly but beautiful blue cheese from France and I love it!

Christmas cards / GP interview 11

Just before Christmas we ran a competition which saw us, with the help of BML Creative, turn three children’s designs into Christmas cards. These cards were then packed together and sold to raise money for Leeds Children’s Hospital Appeal.

Thank you to everyone who bought a pack and those that were kind enough to help sell them at various venues.

MONEY RAISED FOR LOCAL CHILDREN’S HOSPITAL

Thanks to your generosity we raised a whopping:

The three winning children with their Christmas card designs. [L to R, Rosa Carr, 8; Matilda Rutter, 6; Cara Hughes, 12].

£925Local pupils interview retired GP

Over 41,500 people are diagnosed with bowel cancer every year and the figures for people under 50 being diagnosed are now slowly rising.

Some people may have the disease, or be at risk of developing the disease, before any symptoms appear and screening aims to find and treat these people. If you’re registered with a GP in England and aged between 60-74 you will receive a home testing kit through the post.

It’s really important that you complete the test, spotting the condition early gives us a better chance of treating it. And doing the test is as easy as 1,2,3.

If you notice any unusual changes in your bowel habits you should speak to your GP.

WORLD HEALTH DAY World Health Day is marked every April. This year the focus is on diabetes. Find out more about this serious health condition effecting millions of lives in the UKThere are just under four million people diagnosed with diabetes in the UK and an estimated 549,000 people who have the condition but don’t know it.

Diabetes is a lifelong condition that causes blood sugar levels to become too high and there are two main types of diabetes, these are type 1 and type 2. Over time high blood sugar can seriously damage all organs in the body.

Type 1 diabetesIn type 1 diabetes, the body’s immune system attacks and destroys the cells that produce insulin. As no insulin is produced, your glucose levels increase, which can seriously damage the body’s organs. Type 1 diabetes is less common than type 2 diabetes. In the UK, it affects about 10% of all adults with diabetes.

Type 2 diabetesType 2 diabetes is where the body doesn’t produce enough insulin, or the body’s cells don’t react to insulin. This is known as insulin resistance.

If you’re diagnosed with type 2 diabetes, you may be able to control your symptoms simply by eating a healthy diet, exercising regularly, and monitoring your blood glucose levels.

Around 90% of all adults with diabetes have type 2, however eating a healthy diet and staying active can reduce the risk of developing type 2 diabetes.

If you have any symptoms of diabetes you should speak to your GP.

12 Beating bowel cancer / World health day

Beating bowel cancer

Bowel cancer is the fourth most common cancer in the UK behind breast, lung and prostate cancer, but it’s the second most common cause of cancer death in the UK. If diagnosed early enough bowel cancer is very treatable.

For more information on signs and symptoms of bowel cancer go to: www.bowelcanceruk.org.uk

Symptom checker:• Feeling thirsty

• Passing urine more than usual

• Feeling very tired

• Blurred vision

• Cuts or wounds that heal slowly

For more information visit www.diabetes.org.uk

13Gardening guru

It’s always strange writing an article in February that will be published in March. So much will have changed by the time you read what I pen today. So far it’s been a record breaking wet and mild winter which could spell disaster for us gardeners.

Many garden critters will be rubbing their antennae with glee at the prospect of continued warm weather. For gardeners the forecast is gloomy with a 90% chance of heavy pests. I’ve just been asked by our editor to mention that the weather is still cold enough to affect people with existing health conditions. Do remember to wrap up warm if you’re spending any length of time outdoors.

Those of us lucky enough to have gardens will be acutely aware of the benefits of outside space and now is the time it comes into its own. There’s lots to do in spring but don’t forget to take time to sit back and take it all in.

On a brighter note, by the time you read this, spring will be well on its way and we’ll all be spending more time in the garden. The recent wet weather will have prevented many of us from getting outside and I for one am ready for getting my hands dirty again. You simply can’t put a price on fresh air and exercise.

And yet, in Warrington, the Land Trust has put a price on fresh air and exercise. Their Value of our Green Spaces report published last year found that ‘Every pound invested in parks and nature reserves contributes £30 towards health and wellbeing benefits and £23 towards crime reduction and community safety’.

I love reading things like this because it justifies every penny we spend on maintaining our local natural habitat. It is very clear that investing in our green spaces is going to be an essential part of promoting health and wellbeing in the future.

Gardening guru

If you do one thing now it should be weeding. Taking out weeds by the root in spring will save you loads of work later in the year.

Most people don’t know how easy it is to divide perennials. It’s a great way to get free plants. Dig them up and pull off a large clump with roots attached. Bingo… you have a free plant.

Watch out for pests. Collect slugs on damp evenings and set them free in the local woods.

Jobs for spring:

CUMIN scores

7/10

Spice review / Recipe14

Cumin has been used in dishes worldwide and is even mentioned in the Bible. Ancient Greeks and Romans loved using cumin in their cooking and the Egyptians even used it in the mummification process. It was also very popular in Europe in the Middle Ages where it could be used as a substitute for black pepper, which was much rarer and more expensive.

Nowadays, cumin is very common in Mexican cooking and often used together with chilli powder.

The spice that keeps you ‘cumin’ back for more!

Cooking:• Pre heat oven to 180 degrees or gas mark 4

• Heat oil in a pan

• Brown the diced chicken before placing in an ovenproof dish

• Add the red onions to the pan and cook until soft then add to chicken

• Cook the mange tout, courgette, garlic, cumin and peppers in the pan, when softened add to mixture in the ovenproof dish

• Pour tinned tomatoes and chicken stock in the ovenproof dish

• Add salt and pepper

• Put in oven and cook for 25 – 30 minutes or until the chicken is tender

Ingredients:• 4 boneless, skinless chicken

breasts cut into small pieces

• 2 x 400g tins of tomatoes

• 155g of mange tout chopped

• 2 courgettes quartered lengthways and chopped

• 1 crushed garlic

• 1 teaspoon of ground cumin powder

• 2 red peppers, deseeded and cut lengthways

• 1 yellow pepper, deseeded and cut lengthways

• 2 red onions

• ¼ pint of chicken stock

• Salt & pepper to season

• Oil for frying pan

Why not try the spice in your next recipe and send us a photograph?

Chicken and pepper casserole recipe

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NHS Leeds West Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG) is

made up of 37 GP practices in the west and parts of outer north west and south west Leeds.

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ALLERGY

BRAMLEY FALLS

CERVICAL

CRITTERS

CUMIN

DASHNER

DIABETES

DRIVING

GEOCACHING

HAYFEVER

HEADINGLEY

LAND TRUST

LEEDS WALL

ROQUEFORT

SPRING

TALBOT

U S T L W C U M I N X A U E TJ L Q L S E T E B A I D D Y DA L T A G G Z C R I T T E R SL A S W L L M Z H D F L S D JL F U S Y Q O W J C G C R R DE Y R D T D Y K I N C G G I AR E T E Y S D U I E N M E V SG L D E I Q J D R I H I O I HY M N L H T A V R O A S C N NR A A J O E I P H D Y S A G EI R L B H C S N E T F N C X RH B L Y A M P M E A E F H A UJ A C L R G W G W Z V A I C XT K O U P K Z O J X E O N K RT R O F E U Q O R I R S G D K

6 3 4 2

7 2

2 9 6 3 8

4 1

7 8 3 9 4

9 2

2 1 7 8 5

5 6

5 2 3 7

SUDOKU

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The modern day treasure huntGeocaching has grown in popularity over the past ten years and is very much the modern day treasure hunt, well apart from the pirates. The aim is to find hidden objects, called geocaches, using GPS (Global Positioning System) coordinates.

It’s simple to do; all you really need to take part is a GPS device or a smart phone and some walking shoes.

Geocaches can be hidden by anyone and its location is logged and registered onto the Geocaching website below. To find one of these you enter the coordinates onto your GPS device or smart phone and off you go.

Once you find the hidden object there will be a log book inside to record your name and date – not forgetting to log it on the website too. Some caches are bigger than others and include items that you can swap but it’s important to leave something for the next person.

It’s a great hobby to get involved in because:

• The whole family can get involved

• Teaches children to use coordinates

• It’s a great way to explore

• Gets you out walking in the fresh air

• And is so much fun.

For more information and to get started head over to www.geocaching.com to start your adventure.

Game tip: The big secret of the game is to avoid looking

like you’re searching for something as non geocachers (known as muggles) aren’t supposed to find out what you’re doing.

Safety tip: Please be aware of your surroundings when using expensive electronic equipment such as your phone or GPS device outdoors especially in unfamiliar surroundings.

SPORTS & Health

A WALL, IN LEEDS – DOESN’T SEEM TO BE THE MOST INSPIRING STORY. BUT THIS IS NO ORDINARY WALL, THIS IS ‘THE LEEDS WALL’ DESIGNED TO GET YOU FIT AND ACTIVE.

Looking for a new challenge or wanting to exercise your mind and body? Then pop down to the Leeds Wall to give your body an adrenaline rush by taking on rock climbing indoors.

Rock climbing caters for people of all ages, fitness levels and abilities, including mental and physical impairments.

At Leeds Wall they’ve dedicated wall areas for beginners to help you with your confidence and techniques. If you’re an experienced climber you can take advantage of the many top roped and lead climbing routes that are available.

You don’t need to be super-fit to rock climb! Here are some of the advantages to taking it up:

• Climbing uses muscles both in upper and lower part of your body

• Regular climbing can improve stamina as well as muscle strength

• Regular rock climbing can help develop concentration, determination and problem solving skills

Climb to fitness with the Leeds Wall

Find out more about the Leeds Wall by visiting www.theleedswall.co.uk or call 0113 234 1554 / 0113 244 2314.