Health Matters: White lies to boss hide toll of stress

A study by leading mental health charity Mind, released to coincide with Stress Awareness Day today, finds that talking about workplace pressures remains a huge taboo.

Stress has forced one in five workers (19 per cent) to call in sick, yet the vast majority of these (93 per cent) say they have lied to their boss about the real reason for not turning up, citing everything from stomach upsets, housing problems and the illness of a loved one as reasons for their absence.

However, few employees actually want to hide their stress levels from their bosses – 70 per cent wanted to be able to discuss stress with their employers, and one-third want their boss to make the first move and approach them directly when they are showing signs of strain.

NHS takes on a weighty issue

A NEW NHS weight management service launched in Sheffield, offers an alternative to people who are significantly overweight or obese and have been unsuccessful in managing their weight either alone or through commercial weight loss groups.

The free service, called Weigh Ahead will provide an alternative to the more drastic measure of surgery.

Through an intensive 12-week weight management programme, it will help people make long lasting changes to their lifestyle with the aim of reducing or maintaining their weight.

The programme delivered by a range of experienced, qualified health professionals from Sheffield Primary Care Trust provides personalised support that is tailored to each individual.

Friendly personal or group sessions can be arranged with dietitians, physiotherapists and a psychologist, to help overweight people make far-reaching changes to their diet and physical activity to achieve their weight loss goal.

Keep fit, help to keep a cold away

Taking regular exercise almost halves the risk of colds, according to researchers.

A study of 1,000 adults up to the age of 85 found those who were most physically active had fewer and milder symptoms.

Previous research has suggested exercise increases levels of leukocytes, a type of white blood cell that helps fight infection.

Dr David Nieman said: "Bouts of exercise spark a temporary rise in the immune system cells circulating around the body."