YOU

Are you getting your forty winks?

According to a recent study, more than a third of Britons have problems getting to sleep at least once a week. But insomnia doesn't only mean not being able to get to sleep. It includes waking up during the night for long periods, early morning waking, or having un-refreshing sleep.

It's a serious problem, not least because drowsiness is a major cause of accidents. The Sleep Research Centre at Loughborough University found that drivers dozing off at the wheel cause 16 per cent of road accidents.

Many factors can contribute to insomnia, such as stress, alcohol, a partner snoring, jet lag, depression or anxiety. Here are a few tips on how to get enough sound sleep:

* Keep to a routine – go to bed at the same time every night and get up at the same time
* Stop smoking, and avoid tea and coffee in the evenings
* Take regular exercise
*   Don't take naps during the day
* Write down any worries to deal with the next day. This reduces the risk that they will re-surface in the early hours and keep you awake.
* Some over-the-counter medicines maybe be helpful for the occasional bout of insomnia, but if you are taking other medication check with a pharmacist or your doctor before taking such remedies.
*   If you can't sleep, get up and read in a dim light until you feel sleepy. This is better than lying in bed worrying about not sleeping!

Restless Legs Syndrome

This is the medical terms for discomfort in the legs that only occurs at rest and is relieved by movement. Stretching, walking or massaging the affected leg may help. The condition is quite common and, if it persists, warrants a visit to your GP.

Cleanliness is next to godliness, but...

Antibacterial kitchen cleaners have become a popular alternative to plain detergents.  But perhaps British shoppers might heed the warnings of consumer agencies in Sweden, Finland and Germany that such products may cause bacteria to become resistant to antibiotics and antiseptics.

Campaigners in these countries also warn that the products contain some chemicals, such as the antiseptic triclosan (also used in some toothpastes) which accumulate in the body and the environment.  A senior pollution campaigner at Friends of the Earth UK says: “Triclosan is designed to have a toxic effect on bacteria, so it probably has a toxic effect on us.”

Why NOT count your chickens?

If you like fresh eggs, why not consider keeping some chickens?  You don't need acres of ground, and you don't need to live in the country.    If your garden is more than 10 square metres, then you'll be fine.  Just make sure that there are no local council restrictions.

The first thing to do is to choose the right housing and the right breed.

Choose one of the quieter breed:  Bantams, Silkies and Pekins are suitable for town gardens.  The good news is that you don't need a cockerel for hens to lay eggs.  For more details of breeds, ring The Poultry Club on 01205 724801.

Housing: Build it or buy it, you need to allow a minimum floor area of 0.09 sq m per bird plus run space.  It must have a secure run to keep out foxes.  Keep your chicken house and run scrupulously clean so that it doesn't attract rats and mice.  It also needs to be well ventilated, waterproof and portable.  Various houses, some with built-in runs can be bought from:

Handyhen 01508 550267
Forsham Cottage Arks 01885 410300
SPR 01243 542815

Food:  hens cannot lay on household scraps alone, so feed with pellets that include minerals and grit.  These can be bought at most large pet shop or farm stores.

So there you are: contented, quiet hens in a clean chicken run with plenty of good food.  Now just hope they lay some eggs for you!

Make use of those spare hours – become a volunteer

Are you sometimes at a loose end? With the odd morning or afternoon you could spare to help somebody?  Then why not join the thousands of people all over the country who work as volunteers?

Here are some facts and figures to help you think the matter through:

1.  Across the UK, volunteers give something like a massive 85 million hours per week in total.  That's a lot of help!
2.  Men and women are equally likely to volunteer to help in their community.  Most are also in paid employment.  There has been a large decrease in volunteers among the unemployed – due, it is believed, to the reforms in the benefits system.
3.  Reasons for volunteering are varied.
Older people cite free time as the main reason.
Young people cite a desire to learn new skills and gain experience.

4.  Types of voluntary work available are incredibly diverse.
Women are more likely to help in schools, social welfare groups and fund-raising.
Men tend to get involved in sports groups and on committees.

Things to consider if you are thinking of becoming a volunteer:
* are you able to choose the type of work you do for the organisation?
* can you work flexibly to suit your other commitments?
* will any expenses you incur be reimbursed?
* will you get support?
* will you get training?
* what if you don't like what you are doing?

Remember

* to choose something you really enjoy
* don't be afraid to ask to help and support if you need it
* make sure the hours and your place of work are appropriate for you
* obtain a contact name and phone number you can use if you have problems.

The rewards of being a volunteer in different aspects of your community's life are great.  Volunteers are – or should be! - valued members of any community.

To find out more, contact your local Volunteer Bureau.  Or ring The National Centre for Volunteers on 0207 520 8900.

Go to Next Page

Go to Previous Page

Go to Index Page

Go to Home Page