Author Archives: Amber Tennant

EJCAP spring issue now available to view online

ejcap blog imageThe spring issue of the European Journal of Companion Animal Practice (EJCAP) is available to view online.

Published four times a year by the Federation of European Companion Animal Veterinary Associations (FECAVA), the journal is accessible to veterinary practitioners, students and nurses in Europe and beyond. This issue focuses on companion animal rehabilitation as well as interactive papers on hypertension in cats with chronic kidney disease, prognostic variables in dogs with GDV and the link between pulmonary hypertension and congestive heart failure.

For further details visit the EJCAP website.

 

 

Health and Fitness Tip of the Week: Teeth

Did you know that in primary schools in the UK, 8 or 9 children in every class will have tooth decay? That equates to approximately 3.3 million children between the ages of 0-14 years old.

What can we do to improve dental health in our children?

  • Brush your teeth for 2 minutes every day using a fluoride toothpaste
  • Have a balanced diet with limited sugary foods and drinks
  • Visit the dentist regularly

This problem is not isolated to children. It is estimated that over 80% of the population have at least one filling, 31% of adults have tooth decay and 6% of the population do not have any of their natural teeth.

How can we avoid tooth decay? As well as brushing your teeth twice a day, use floss or interdental brushes to get to the plaque between your teeth, avoid snacks between meals and chew sugar-free gum for up to 20 minutes after a meal. Chewing gum produces more saliva which helps cancel out any acid that attacks your tooth enamel.

Don’t forget to visit your dentist as regularly as they recommend.

References
http://www.nationalsmilemonth.org/facts-figures/
https://www.dentalhealth.org/tell-me-about/topic/mouth-conditions/dental-decay
https://www.dentalhealth.org/our-work/dental-buddy

5% annual renewal fee rise for veterinary surgeons and veterinary nurses

Annual renewal fees for veterinary surgeons and veterinary nurses will increase by 5% for 2017-2018. The increase follows a six-year renewal fee freeze for veterinary surgeons and veterinary nurses, which have remained at £299 (for UK-practising vets) and £61 respectively.

This increase will change the renewal fees for the registration categories as follows:

  • UK-practicing vets: £314
  • Practicing outside the UK: £157
  • Non-practicing: £51
  • Veterinary nurses: £64

For further information, visit the RCVS website.

Remember to vote in the RCVS and VN Councils elections!

The Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons (RCVS) is encouraging veterinary surgeons and veterinary nurses to, not only, vote, in this year’s RCVS and VN Councils elections, but to vote online. The elections will feature both a new voting platform and regular personalised email reminders from Electorial Reform Services (ERS) Ltd which will make it easier to vote online. These emails will include a unique link to the voting platform and the ability to log in securely straight away, without having to remember where you left your ballot paper in order to find your security codes.

Ballot papers and candidates details will be posted on Wednesday 22 March 2017 to all veterinary surgeons and veterinary nurses eligible to vote, and online voting will open on Friday 24 March 2017. All votes must be cast, either online or by post, by 5pm on Friday 28 April 2017.

If you are a veterinary surgeon and have not received your ballot papers by Friday 31 March, please contact Luke Bishop on l.bishop@rcvs.org.uk. If you are a veterinary nurse and have not received your ballot papers by Friday 31 March, please contact Annette Amato on a.amato@rcvs.org.uk Further information can be found on the RCVS website.

World down's syndrome day logo

World Down’s Syndrome Day (21 March)

Down’s Syndrome is a genetic condition that typically causes some level of learning disability and characteristic physical features; around 775 babies are born with the condition each year in England and Wales, and approximately 6,000 in the US; making Down’s Syndrome one of the most common chromosomal conditions. Children and adults with Down Syndrome have mild to moderate impairments and experience developmental delays, however they also have many talents and World Down’s Syndrome Day is about celebrating the contribution that people with Down’s Syndrome make to society, and understand how we can better help people with Down’s Syndrome integrate into every-day life. Below are some facts about Down’s Syndrome…

  • The exact cause of the extra chromosome that triggers Down syndrome is unknown.
  • In 1983, the average life expectancy of a person with Down syndrome was a mere 25-years-old. Today, it’s 60.
  • Children and adults with Down syndrome share some common features, but naturally the individuals will more closely resemble their immediate family members.
  • Since the 1970s, public schools are required by law to provide a free and appropriate education to children with Down syndrome.
  • The likelihood of giving birth to a child with Down syndrome increases with maternal age, however, 80% of babies with Down syndrome are born to women under 35 years of age because this age group gives birth most frequently.
  • While behavior, mental ability, and physical development varies from person to person, many individuals with Down syndrome grow up to hold jobs, live independently, and enjoy normal recreational activities.

Further information about Down’s Syndrome can be found on the NHS website.

RCVS launches new CPD pilot

The Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons (RCVS) hosted two continuing professional development (CPD) pilot days on 28 February and 1 March 2017, training volunteers to trial a proposed new outcomes-based system of measuring and recording learning and development.

This trial is the result of a six-week consultation held by the College in June 2016, asking for the profession’s views on a proposed new system of CPD – one that concentrates less on hours logged and more on interactive, reflective learning and measuring the impact that CPD has on the individual’s practice and patient health outcomes.

 

Further information can be found on the RCVS website.

Health and Fitness Tip of the Week: Managing Stress

 

Everybody knows what it is like to feel stressed. Stress can be a useful drive that can help us to be more productive and feel more energised*, however chronic stress that becomes overwhelming over time can, not only, make existing mental health problems worse, but contribute to the development of mental health problems too.* If you’re feeling like you’re struggling to cope with your stress, consider the following…

  1. Take control

Confronting the source of the problem is empowering. Passive thinking like “I can’t do anything” will only make your stress worse. The first step to feeling better is to identify the cause of your stress and then think about how to find a solution.

  1. Be active

Two hours of moderate-intense aerobic activity per week (such as fast walking or cycling) will improve your self-esteem and wellbeing.

  1. Connect

Reach out to people around you—family, friends and  colleagues. This allows us to share feelings and support others. The more you give, the happier you will feel. Even the smallest act can count, like a smile or a “thank you;” or larger ones such as volunteering in the local community. Doing something kind stimulates the reward area of the brain, creating positive feelings.

  1. Keep learning

Gaining new skills by setting targets and hitting them can inspire a sense of achievement and confidence.  Challenge yourself, whether at work or in your personal life.

  1. Be Mindful

Be aware of your thoughts and feelings, and when your thoughts take over the present moment. Remember these are simply thoughts that do not need to control us. Be aware, even as you about your daily routine, by appreciating the journey to work or taking a lunch time walk.

  1. Work smarter

Rather than working harder, prioritise your activities and leave the least important task for last. You may need to accept that your inbox will never read “zero” at the end of the day.

http://www.mind.org.uk/information-support/tips-for-everyday-living/stress/what-is-stress/?o=6278#.WMFPX5MpWcw

animal careers blog post image

Always wanted to work with animals? Come and find out how!

If you love animals, at some point in your life you may have considered working with them, but what options are there and where do you start? There’s no better place to find out than our annual Careers With Animals Day!

Running at our education and training centre in Godmanchester on Saturday 25 March, the event offers the ideal opportunity to learn more about training opportunities and employment prospects within the animal and veterinary sector. What’s more, entry is completely free of charge!

Whether you’re a school leaver working out what your next move is going to be, an adult looking for a career change, or unemployed and looking to get back to work – everyone is welcome. Come along and speak to exhibitors from some of the leading animal welfare organisations, and leave with ideas and information that will help you launch a new career.

A series of talks will be held throughout the day covering different career options; ranging from veterinary nursing and dog grooming, to veterinary medicine and wildlife conservation. Another great line up of exhibitors has been confirmed for this year, including African Conservation Experience, Royal Veterinary College, The Donkey Sanctuary, British Horse Society, Shepreth Wildlife Park – and many more!

The event will be held at The College of Animal Welfare in Godmanchester, near Huntingdon, Cambridgeshire (PE29 2BQ). Doors are open from 10am until 3pm and entry is completely free of charge! For more information please visit www.careerswithanimals.co.uk or call the College on 01480 422060.

Always wanted to work with animals? Come and find out how!

If you love animals, at some point in your life you may have considered working with them, but what options are there and where do you start? There’s no better place to find out than The College of Animal Welfare’s annual Careers With Animals Day!

Running at the College’s education and training centre in Godmanchester on Saturday 25 March, the event offers the ideal opportunity to learn more about training opportunities and employment prospects within the animal and veterinary sector. What’s more, entry is completely free of charge!

Whether you’re a school leaver working out what your next move is going to be, an adult looking for a career change, or unemployed and looking to get back to work – everyone is welcome. Come along and speak to exhibitors from some of the leading animal welfare organisations, and leave with ideas and information that will help you launch a new career.

A series of talks will be held throughout the day covering different career options; ranging from veterinary nursing and dog grooming, to veterinary medicine and wildlife conservation. Another great line up of exhibitors has been confirmed for this year, including African Conservation Experience, Royal Veterinary College, The Donkey Sanctuary, British Horse Society, Shepreth Wildlife Park – and many more!

Leslie Heaton-Smith, Marketing and Development Director at The College of Animal Welfare, said: “Careers With Animals Day has always been one of the highlights of our annual calendar. Each year we see people of all ages and backgrounds coming together to speak to the professionals about how they can turn their passion for animals into a rewarding career. We have another excellent set of exhibitors lined up for this year, and are looking forward to, what is set to be, another fantastic day.”

The event will be held at The College of Animal Welfare in Godmanchester, near Huntingdon, Cambridgeshire (PE29 2BQ). Doors are open from 10am until 3pm and entry is completely free of charge! For more information please visit www.careerswithanimals.co.uk or call the College on 01480 422060.

– Ends –

For more information please contact:
Alison German RVN
Marketing Executive
The College of Animal Welfare
Tel: 01480 422060
Email: agerman@caw.ac.uk

Notes to editors:

The College of Animal Welfare is delighted to invite you to join them at Careers With Animals Day on Saturday 25 March 2017.

The College of Animal Welfare is one of the UK’s leading providers of veterinary nurse and animal care training and education; operating from four training centres around the UK.

The College has a well-earned reputation for excellence and has created a number of unique achievements that have created new opportunities for learning.

For more information about The College of Animal Welfare please visit www.caw.ac.uk

 

Health and Fitness Tip of the Week: Sleep

Did you know?

  • There are over 80 different sleep problems and insomnia is the most common affecting around 20% of us.

A solid night’s sleep is essential for a healthy, long life and on average people need around 8 good hours of sleep a night. However one in three people struggle with poor sleep which over time can take a toll not only on mental well-being but also physical well-being.

Follow these top tips for a better night’s sleep:

  • Stick to regular sleep hours
  • Create a peaceful and comfortable sleeping environment
  • Exercise regularly
  • Avoid caffeine, alcohol and nicotine which are stimulants
  • Do something to make you relax before bed

For further information follow the links below:

http://www.nhs.uk/Livewell/tiredness-and-fatigue/Pages/lack-of-sleep-health-risks.aspx

http://www.mentalhealth.org.uk/a-to-z/s/sleep