Category: Days & Weeks around the Year

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Finnish Independence Day 6.12.

What is Independence Day?

Independence Day is celebrated in honor of Finland’s independence in 1917. Finland has been under Swedish rule and joined the Russian Empire in 1809. When the Russian emperor fell down in November 1917, Finland’s independence began to progress. Finland’s declaration of independence was approved by the parliament in 1917. Independence Day is a serious celebration in its background, which related to commemorating the war and those who fell in the war. Independence Day is celebrated on December 6. annually, which is a public holiday that is observed as a paid day off nationwide. In 2023, independent Finland will turn 106 years old.

How is Independence Day celebrated?

Since the time of the first president of Finland, the tradition has been the Independence Day Reception at the Presidential Palace, the parade of the Finnish Defense Forces and torchlight processions, such as the parade of scouts and high school students. Other Independence Day traditions include the Independence Day service, the raising the flag of Finland at Tähtitorninmäki, the children’s Independence Day party, showing of the movie Unknown Soldier, a visit to the hero’s graves and the cemetery, and the lighting of two candles. In terms of music, the national anthem, the Porilainen march, the Finlandia anthem and the veterans’ evening shout are essential to Independence Day.

Independence Day celebrations in Satakunta:

Pori

– 5.12. Patriotic concert at 18-19.30 pm, Central Pori Church

– 6.12. Ice show, 12-14 pm, Enersense Arena

– 6.12. Independence Day celebration, 13.00-15.00 pm, Promenade Hall

Kankaanpää

– 6.12 Independence Day celebration, 10-14 am, Kankaanpää Church, Kankaanpää Hall

Nakkila

– 6.12. Independence Day concert, 10-12.30 am, Nakkila church

Harjavalta

– 6.12 Independence Day celebration, 10-13.45 am, Harjavalta Church

What does an independent Finland mean for us in Soteekki?

For us, independent Finland means freedom, pride in our own country, having our own language and culture. The safety of walking outside. Freedom of choice, democracy. We can be our own country and we do not have to be under control by any other country. And of course, a paid day off or a double paid working day.

Writers: Hagmann Anna & Kaisla Vilma

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World Parkinson Day – 11th April 

Written by Italian Physiotherapy student Sara Giovanardi

April 11th is the birthday of Dr. James Parkinson, the first physician to recognise Parkinson’s as a medical condition. 

In 2005 the tulip was adopted as the official symbol of Parkinson’s during the 9th World Parkinson’s disease day conference. However, the flower had been informally associated with the disease for more than 20 years prior to that. 

In fact in 1980, a Dutch horticulturalist named J. W. S Van del Wereld, who was living with Parkinson’s, developed a new red and white variant of the tulip and he named it the dr. James Parkinson tulip, in honour of the doctor. 

Today wearing the red tulip raises awareness and shows support for people living with Parkinson’s and their family globally. 

About Parkinson’s disease 

It’s a progressive disorder that affects the nervous system and causes unintended or uncontrollable movements. Symptoms usually begin gradually and they may be barely noticeable but they worsen over time.  

Anyone could be at risk for developing Parkinson’s but some research suggest this disease affects more men than women even though it’s unclear why. 

One clear risk is age: most people with Parkinson’s develop the first symptoms after age 60, about 5-10% experience onset before age 50. 

Early-onset of Parkinson’s are often inherited and some forms are linked to specific genes alterations. 

Many researchers now believe that Parkinson’s results from a combination of genetic and environmental factors. 

Common symptoms 

Certain nerve cells (neurons) in the brain gradually break down or die. Many of the symptoms are due to a loss of neurons that produce a chemical messenger in our brain called dopamine. When the dopamine levels decrease, it causes atypical brain activity, leading to impaired movement and other symptoms of Parkinson’s disease. 

Early symptoms of this disease are subtle and occur gradually. They are usually divide in Motor and Non-Motor symptoms. 

  • Tremor in hands, arms, legs, jaw, or head 
  • Muscle stiffness, where muscle remains contracted for a long time 
  • Slowness of movement 
  • Impaired balance and coordination, sometimes leading to falls 
  • Depression and other emotional changes 
  • Difficulty swallowing, chewing, and speaking 
  • Urinary problems or constipation  
  • Skin problems 

An interesting fact is that many people with Parkinson’s desease notes that prior to experience all this symptoms they had problem sleeping, constipation and loss of smell! 

Although there is no cure for Parkinson’s disease, medicine, surgical treatment and other therapies can often relieve some symptoms, and if the symptoms improve after starting to take the medication, it’s a very solid indicator that the person has Parkinson’s. The most common medicine is Levodopa, it helps the brain cells to release dopamine. 

For the people who do not respond well to medication, one surgical treatment that was found to be very successful is deep brain stimulation. A doctor implant electrodes into part of the brain and connects them to a small electrical device implanted in the chest. The device stimulates specific areas in the brain that control movement in a way that may help stop many of the movement-related symptoms of Parkinson’s. 

Prevention and interesting facts 

Because the cause of Parkinson’s is unknown, there are no proven ways to prevent the disease. 

Some research has shown that people who consume caffeine – which is found in coffee, tea and cola – get Parkinson disease less often than those who don’t drink it. Green tea is also related to a reduced risk of developing Parkinson’s disease. However, it is still not known whether caffeine protects against getting Parkinson’s or is related in some other way. Currently there is not enough evidence to suggest that drinking caffeinated beverages protects against Parkinson’s. 

It is however possible to have a good to great quality of life with PD. You have to work with your doctor to create a plan to stay healthy. This might include a referral to a neurologist, care from an occupational therapist, physical therapist or speech therapist, meeting with a medical social worker to talk about how Parkinson’s will affect your life, start a regular exercise program to delay further symptoms! Another very important thing to do is talk with family and friends who can provide you with the psychological and emotional support you need. 

A story about Parkinson  

Mags’s diagnosis coincided with the life-changing events of relocating, retirement and her mum passing away. 

“Looking back, I almost felt worse before I found out about Parkinson’s than I did afterwards,” says Mags. “I was definitely not very buoyant at points - that’s probably the best way to put it.” 

Since then, Mags has been quietly determined. “I’ve achieved more than I expected and Parkinson’s has almost been irrelevant in that. 

“Of course, a day without it would be quite nice to experience,” she concedes. “I’m stiffer than I used to be – I used to skip over stiles, but I now take things a bit more slowly and steady. 

“I also don’t sleep as well as I did. Although lots of people I know don’t sleep too well, so that may just be an age thing! 

“But my family is a huge support and I have some lovely friends I’ve made through the running community – all people I never knew 10 years ago. 

“My aim has always been to keep control of the condition. For me, when it comes to Parkinson’s, there are no barriers.” 

https://www.parkinsons.org.uk/information-and-support/your-magazine/stories/when-it-comes-parkinsons-there-are-no-barriers

https://www.nia.nih.gov/health/parkinsons-disease

https://www.nia.nih.gov/health/parkinsons-disease

https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/parkinsons-disease/symptoms-causes/syc-20376055

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World Water Day – 22nd March


The world water day has been declared in 1992, over 30 years ago, to draw attention to economic and social effects of clean waters availability to populations and its impacts on health, well-being, equality and economy. Nevertheless a third of the global population remains to live without proper drinking water and half of the population without proper sanitation services. Thus we too, chose to write about this topic to remind of this important topic. Luckily remarkable improvement has been made since the beginning of the millennium, 1,8 billion people have reached access to clean drinking water and an increase of 2,1 billion people have reached toilet facilities. For universal clean water coverage in 2030 this progress needs to quadruple. 

97,5% of Earths water is salty and the rest is fresh water, most of this fresh water is frozen, an estimate of 1% of the worlds water resources are accessible for humans to use. Climate change affects the water resources, by intensifying droughts and rains. In 2016 an estimate of 4 billion people annually suffer from a seasonal water deficit that lasts a minimum of 1 month. Undeniably man made pollution is the largest threat to water resources, an estimate of 80% of global industrial and municipal wastewater is lead back into the environment without any cleaning or waste water management. This is a disaster considering the basic need for clean drinking water to maintain health. Clean and available water enables the practice of hygiene which is a central issue in preventing diarrhea, respiratory infections and many tropical diseases. Diarrhea is very preventable by washing hands and access to non contaminated drinking water, over 800 000 deaths could be prevented yearly by these means. The risks are remarkably higher when clean water is lacking in health care facilities. 

In addition to massive effects on health, fetching water consumes time and is often left for the females to do. This limits girls ability to participate in education and draws resources away from labor, causing inequality and restricting overall economic potential contributing to poverty in water-stressed countries.


The UN has estimated that a necessity for humane living is to have 50-100 liters of clean water available daily for drinking, cooking and washing needs. In Finland we use an average of 155 liters of water daily per capita. How can I save water? Shop sustainably! Producing a pair of jeans uses 10,000 liters of water. Consider your diet! Production of food always requires water, however it is possible to consider how much water is consumed in this process. Switching meat to plant based meals, according to some studies a meat eaters diet consumes up to 14 times more water than a vegetarians diet. Additionally, for example it takes approximately 3000 to 5000 liters of water to produce one kilogram of rice and 500 liters to produce one kilogram of potatoes. Discuss! The world water day also provides an excellent chance to discuss waters importance to health, education and global economy. 


Sources: https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/drinking-water , https://www.peta.org.uk/blog/10-shocking-stats-about-water-and-meat-eating/ , https://www.ykliitto.fi/tapahtumat/yk-paivat/maailman-vesipaiva , https://www.un.org/sustainabledevelopment/the-lazy-persons-guide-to-saving-water/ , https://www.sanitationandwaterforall.org/about/about-us/water-sanitation-hygiene/why-sdg-6-matters 

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Down Syndrome Day – 21st March

“With us not for us”

About Down syndrome

Down syndrome or Trysomy 21 is a condition in which a person has an extra 21st chromosome in each body cell.

A very small percentage of people with Down syndrome have an extra copy of chromosome 21 in only some of the body’s cells and this particular condition is called mosaic Down syndrome.

Chromosome are “packages” of genes and information contained in all the body cells. They carry information, DNA, that controls what you look like and how your body and brain work and develop.

Around 1 in 700/800 babies are born with this syndrome; it occurs naturally, there is no known cause, it is a random event. Although women of any age can have a child with Down syndrome, one factor that is known to increase the risk is the age of the mother. In fact, women ages 35 and older are more likely to have a baby with Down syndrome.

Down syndrome usually causes varying degrees of intellectual and physical disability and associated medical issues, the symptoms are different in each person, and they may have different problems at different times in their lives.

People with Down syndrome often have a characteristic facial appearance that includes a flattened appearance to the face, outside corners of the eyes that point upward (upslanting palpebral fissures), small ears, a short neck, and a tongue that tends to stick out of the mouth. Many have small hands and feet and a single crease across the palms of the hands. About half of all affected children are born with a heart defect.

Their speech and language develop later and more slowly than in children without Down syndrome. Additionally, speech may be also difficult to understand.

Behavioral issues can include attention problems, obsessive/compulsive behavior, and stubbornness or tantrums. A small percentage of people with Down syndrome are also diagnosed with developmental conditions called autism spectrum disorders, which affect communication and social interaction. In addition, they often experience a gradual decline in thinking ability (cognition) as they age, usually starting around age 50. In fact down syndrome is associated with an increased risk of developing Alzheimer disease, a brain disorder that results in a gradual loss of memory, judgment, and ability to function. Approximately half of adults with Down syndrome develop Alzheimer disease.

What is World Down Syndrome Day – WDSD

World Down syndrome Day (WDSD) is a global awareness day which has been officially observed by the United Nations since 2012. The date for WDSD being the 21st day of the 3rd month, was selected to signify the uniqueness of the triplication (trisomy) of the 21st chromosome which causes Down syndrome.

The message of this year campaign “With Us Not For Us” is key to Human rights-based approach to disability. The campaign is committed to moving on from the outdated charity model of disability, where people were treated as objects of charity, deserving of pity and relying on others for support. This approach views people with disabilities as having the right to be treated fairly and have the same opportunities as everyone else, working WITH others to improve their lives.

The United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities calls for full and effective participation of persons with disabilities but many organisations still exclude people with Down syndrome from taking part in their work. They take decisions For them not With them. All around the world, people with Down syndrome are treated badly. They are denied education, good health care, the chance to work and earn their own money and they are not allowed to make decisions about their own lives: their voices are not heard!

So on the 21st of March this organisation tries to create a single global voice advocating for the rights, inclusion and well being of people with Down Syndrome.

The Lots Of Socks Campaign

People around the world since 2013 are wearing colourful or striking mismatched socks to raise awareness for World Down Syndrome Day on the 21st of March. On this day, two different socks are worn to celebrate human uniqueness. Socks were selected because it’s an easy way to get people involved.

The aim of the challenge is to spread awareness about Down Syndrome, sparking a conversation with people who don’t know about this particular day and asks about the socks.

The acceptance of people with Down Syndrome by society and their opportunity to be able to meaningfully partecipate in decision-making issues affecting their lives is still not a matter of course. It is thanks to sharing information and a positive example from personal experience that each of us can break down prejudices, help others become equal members of society, and realise their dreams – to live a full life.

All you have to do is put on two mismatched socks on 21st March, take a photo, and share it on your social media with the hashtag #SockChallenge.

In this way we can spread understanding and respect for diversity together.

Please share your photos and videos on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and TikTok using the official WDSD hashtags in your social media posts to help spread awareness this World Down Syndrome Day– #LotsOfSocks#WorldDownSyndromeDay #WithUsNotForUs #WDSD2023 #ShareTheJourney

There is also a film called “chromosomes R us” which is a short film by actors with Down syndrome explaining how trisomy 21 occurs if anyone is interested to know more about it!

https://medlineplus.gov/genetics/condition/down-syndrome/#frequency

https://www.worlddownsyndromeday.org/what-is-down-syndrome

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32029743/

https://medlineplus.gov/genetics/condition/down-syndrome/#description

https://sockschallenge.com

https://www.foxnews.com/lifestyle/world-down-syndrome-day-sock-tradition

https://www.awarenessdays.com/awareness-days-calendar/world-down-syndrome-day-2023/

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Human Rights Day – 10th December – Fundamental and Human Rights

Written by nursing student Hanna Rauvola

International Human Rights Day is celebrated tomorrow 10.12.2022. After the 2nd world war the importance of human rights and world peace emerged and these two things still work as the main goals of the organization. Universal Declaration of Human Rights was accepted in the United Nations General Assembly on 10th of December in 1948 and the purpose of the declaration was to summarize the most important and universal rights that belong to everyone. Since then, the international Human Rights Day has been and still is current, because the human rights are not fully implemented in any country in the world.

Fundamental and human rights

International human rights deal with humanity and values and as a basic idea of human rights work equality and freedom: in human rights no distinction between individuals in made because of gender, nationality, ethnics, skin color, religion, residence, language, political party, age or social, cultural and financial situation. Human rights are worldwide, inviolable, untransferable, unbreakable, detached from each other and touch all people simply because they have been born into this world.

From the point of view of human rights freedom of speech affects every individual, but mutually other people’s opinions and freedom of speech should be respected. Every individual should also be allowed to live without being insulted or threatened. Every individual should be allowed to belong in any religion or believe in anything they want as well as others freedom of religion should be respected. No one should be dominated or forced in any kind of sexual action, and everyone should have the right to love exactly who they want. Everyone should have the right to a home and go to school as well as have the right to be spared from persecution because of religion, sexual orientation or opinions, alternatively the individual should have the right to flee from home country and seek for protection in another.

For National Fundamental Rights to exist, it requires for the International Human Rights to exist first. These mean the rights given to individuals by the state within its borders and are mentioned in constitution. The fundamental rights are fundamental, untransferable basic values, which secure the freedom for every Finnish citizen that any state, municipality or authority has no right to intervene. The fundamental rights include the right to live, the right for immunity and privacy, the right to move freely, assets protection, freedom of speech, securing the equality as well as the right to work, the right for social security and the right for education. However, sometimes all parts of the human rights are not recognized as fundamental rights of the individual.

But who’s responsible for the realization of these rights?

The main responsibility for the realization of these rights is at state. The human rights are secured in international human right treaties and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs is responsible for the international human right politics. In Finland according to the constitution the public authority must secure the fulfillment of human rights and the Finnish constitution protects the inviolability of human dignity, the freedom of an individual and the rights as well as promotes justice in society. The Ministry of Justice, on the other hand prepares the constitution and changes in fundamental rights provisions as well as coordinates fundamental- and human right -politics in the home country. By administrative sector each ministry in responsible for the implementation on their part.

However, each one of us can make an impact on an individual level to help the human rights to be realized by treating people equally and respecting everyone’s rights. 

Each one of us is born free and equal – That’s why we all have the same rights and responsibilities.

Sources:

https://rauhankasvatus.fi/ihmisoikeuksien-paiva/

https://oikeusministerio.fi/perus-ja-ihmisoikeudet

https://mielenihmeet.fi/ihmisoikeudet-ja-perusoikeudet-maaritelma-ja-merkitys/

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wMU6g1NAn48

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Mental Health Week 20th – 27th November 2022 – Mental health of university students

Written by nursing student Hanna Rauvola

On the week 47 (20.11.-27.11.2022) was the celebration of nationwide mental health week. Mental health week has become a national tradition, which has timed on the week 47 since 1974. The week starts yearly with the candle event on Sunday of the week 46. At this event the candles are lighted up in memory of those who have lost their life through suicide. This year the theme was chosen to be hope: “The good will start before the struggles will end”. The point is to remind, that no one needs to be completely intact to also feel the good sides of life, there’s always hope and there’s always someone that understands.

Mental health touches us all and evokes many kinds of thoughts and feelings. When your mental health is in order, you may not think about it actively, but difficulties in mental health can come along in any stage of life regardless of age. Mental health week is here to remind all of us about the importance of our own and others mental well-being, cherishing it and about the right to get help in difficult moments, every day and throughout the year.

Pandemic years, the war in Europe, loneliness, climate anxiety, financial worries…For the last few years, we have faced many challenges affecting to individuals and environment. These challenges have burdened people’s well-being in incredible ways and many of us might have experienced different kinds of difficulties or struggles with mental health especially during these few years, not to mention those who struggle even without these extra challenges.

What is mental health?

Mental health is the main part of overall well-being and health. WHO defines mental health as a state of well-being, where an individual is able to see its own abilities, survive from different kinds of struggles in life, work and take part in community activities. It includes the knowledge of own abilities and bounds, skills to recognize and handle own feelings as well as psychological flexibility in change and problem situations.

Many things affect in mental health and the experience of own mental health is very individual, because every one of us have completely individual and unique lifepath which strongly affects in own recourses.

Factors that protect and weaken mental health

Protection- and risk factors can be divided in internal and external factors. Internal protection factors include physical health and genetics, taking care of own well-being, everyday choices that are good for own well-being, good self-esteem and problem-solving skills, emotional- and interaction skills, ability to create and maintain good relationships as well as acting according to own values. External protection factors include childhood experience and good early relationships, positive family relationships, social support and the experience of being accepted the way you are, educational opportunities, work and subsistence, support received from the working community, being heard and appreciated, opportunities to influence, a safe living environment as well as near and easily accessible assistance services.

Internal risk factors mean individuals genetic risks and predisposition to illness or the illness to become true. External risk factors are independent of the individual and are for example financial difficulties, homelessness, stressful relationships, dangerous living environment, discrimination and minority stress as well as traumatic experiences.

Various forms of support and services

As an important starting point is an individual’s control of everyday life and taking care of healthy lifestyle: enough sleep, high quality and sufficient amount of food as well as exercise. Also social network, good relationships, hobbies and including things that bring you pleasure into your everyday life strengthen and maintain mental health. Different kinds of relaxing and mindfulness -exercises might fit for some people, and you will find these exercises for example from “Suomen mielenterveys ry” -web sites. However, sometimes your own resources are not enough to correct reduced mental health and external support is necessary.

YTHS offers different kinds of services for university students, for example local- and remote receptions. In YTHS services work multiprofessional team that consists of many healthcare professionals from different fields. At first, you need to contact the assessment of the need for treatment either in Selfchat or by phone, where your situation and urgency of treatment will be charted, you will receive self-care instructions and you will be directed to the necessary services or treatment. Alternatively, if you already have a permission to make an appointment, appointment can be booked independently in the Self-online service.

Reception for adults and reception for young people are arranged by Pori basic security (Porin perusturva). Reception for adults is meant for over 23-year-olds and reception for young people is meant for under 23-year-olds. These services are meant for short-term help and support needs, for example in crisis situations of life, relationship issues as well as in situations concerning mental health or substance use. Visits are free of charge and conversations are confidential. You can contact the reception by phone, book an appointment with doctor’s referral or alternatively go to the reception during appointment-free reception time:

  • Reception for adults appointment-free times (over 23-year-olds)
    • Wednesdays at 9-11.30 and 12.30-14.30
    • On Fridays at 8.30-11.00
  • Reception for young people appointment-free times (under 23-year-olds)
    • On Thursdays at 12.00-15.00

Those times are mainly settled but exceptions are possible. By looking from the internet, you will easily find the information about the current opening hours.

The third sector, in other words the organizations also produce different kinds of low threshold services nationwide, for example MIELI ry crisis phone, Sekasin-chat, Sekasin Gaming and Solmussa-chat. In addition, there’s also available different kinds of peer support groups, online therapies and self-care trainings. It’s important that you think the most suitable service for you, which offers the help and support according to your own needs.

  • MIELI ry’s crisis phone serves throughout the year and is available in finnish 24/7 as well as in Swedish, English, Arabic, Ukrainian and Russian on weekdays for a limited time. Calling to the crisis phone is anonymous and confidential. Numbers for crisis phone in different languages you will find by opening the link below:

https://mieli.fi/materiaalit-ja-koulutukset/materiaalit/kriisipuhelin-juliste/

  • Sekasin-chat is meant for 12-29-year-olds. It is nationwide conversation platform, where you get to talk about mind boggling things anonymously and confidentially. On the other side of the chat works the professionals and trained volunteers of the organization. Chat is open every day throughout the year from Monday to Friday at 9-24 as well as on Saturdays and Sundays at 15-24.
  • Sekasin Gaming is a Discord-community for 13-29-year-olds and it shares social support for those who need it: conversation company and peer support in a safe and professionally moderated active platform.
  • Solmussa-chat serves adults regardless of age from Monday to Thursday at 15-19. You can find the chat from Tukinet-web site. The service is free of charge, anonymous and there you can discuss about any mind boggling things or difficult stage of life totally confidential. On the other side of the chat works either well-trained volunteer or a professional of social- and health care.

If you are worried about your own or your loved one’s ability to cope, it is important to have the courage to talk about it despite of the difficult topic. Mental health problems often don’t show visible symptoms but should be treated just like other illnesses, and sometimes the experience of being cared is crucial for an individual. So, let’s remember to take care of ourselves and others!

Sources:

https://www.mtkl.fi/tiedotteet/mielenterveysviikko-starttaa-teemana-on-tana-vuonna-toivo/

https://mieli.fi/vahvista-mielenterveyttasi/mita-mielenterveys-on/mista-mielenterveys-rakentuu/

https://sekasin247.fi

https://www.pori.fi/sosiaali-ja-terveys/mielenterveys-ja-paihdetyo/aikuisten-vastaanotto

https://www.pori.fi/sosiaali-ja-terveys/mielenterveys-ja-paihdetyo/nuorten-vastaanotto

https://tukinet.net/teemat/solmussa-chat-783075200/

https://mieli.fi/vahvista-mielenterveyttasi/harjoitukset/

https://www.punainenristi.fi/hae-apua-ja-tukea/auttavat-puhelimet-ja-palvelut-kotimaassa/

https://terapiatalonoste.fi/tietopankki/?gclid=EAIaIQobChMI1YzH65PU-wIVv0WRBR0cJQwaEAMYASAAEgLjafD_BwE

https://mieli.fi/materiaalit-ja-koulutukset/materiaalit/kriisipuhelin-juliste/

https://tukinet.net/teemat/solmussa-chat-783075200/

https://mieli.fi/materiaalit-ja-koulutukset/materiaalit/kriisipuhelin-juliste/

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A bone-week brings with it important info about Osteoporosis

Written by nursingstudents Roosa Erkkilä, Minttu Marila & Jutta Hautamäki

On last week 17.10-23.10.2022 was the celebration of bone week and it´s every year in October. On this year, the theme of the bone week is” No Sooner Said Than Done – your choices matter”. The meaning of that week is to advance recognizing of osteoporosis and to support advancing of the bone health and self-treatment of osteoporosis. Especially the impacts of nutrition and exercising are brought into relief on this year´s bone week. The international osteoporosis day and the white shirt day are part of the bone week. 

Every year the World Osteoporosis Day (WOD) is being celebrated on 20th of October. It´s dedicated to raising awareness of the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of osteoporosis, as well as metabolic bone disease. Bone fractures from osteoporosis are to be taken seriously. Especially hip- and vertebral fractures leads to spiral of more fractures, that can cause chronic pain, immobility, and permanent disability. The world osteoporosis foundation has been arranging worldwide campaign since 1997. 

What does the osteoporosis then mean? 

 “Osteoporosis means that the bone´s mineral density has decreased and bone´s structure has changed so that the bone´s strength weakens. Then the bone can be fractured from a minor injury. 

The bone tissue ’lives’ entire time, old bones are decaying and new are formed to replace. Until the 30th year of age, bones are being form more than it decays, so the bone strength increases. After that, more bones are decaying than being formed, so when getting older, bone strength slowly decreases. Osteoporosis is clearly more common with women than men.” 

Who can get osteoporosis? 

Although osteoporosis is most common in the elderly, osteoporosis can also occur in women of all ages and in men. 

The greatest risk of developing osteoporosis is in postmenopausal women, because the decrease in estrogen production during menopause increase the loss of bone mass. 

In men, bone decreases more slowly. Osteoporosis can be divided into primary and secondary osteoporosis. 

Primary osteoporosis (no single clear cause) 

  • Postmenopausal osteoporosis 
  • Age-related osteoporosis 
  • Genetic vulnerability 

Secondary osteoporosis (indications of some clear cause) 

  • A disease e.g., hormonal disorder, celiac disease, rheumatism, disease of thyroid and diabetes 
  • Medication e.g., long-term treatment of cortisone and cancer treatments 

Sources: 

https://www.suomenosteoporoosiyhdistys.fi/rakasta-luitasi-turvaa-tulevaisuutesi/

https://luustoliitto.fi/luustoliitto/luustoviikko/

https://www.terveyskirjasto.fi/dlk00053

https://luustoliitto.fi/osteoporoosi/mita-osteoporoosi-on/

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International Week of Happiness at Work 19th – 25th September 2022

This week we celebrate the international Week of Happiness at Work. It was started in 2015 by two Dutch women, Fennande van der Meulen and Maartje Wolff. The purpose of the week is to include happiness in the work environment and in this way improve the well-being of employees.

We found out which things in particular make people feel comfortable and happy at work, and we also wanted to put together tips so that everyone could influence it themselves. It has been studied that well-being and happy employees are more loyal, more cooperative, more productive and more creative.

What things help employees to be happy at work?

Many things can be directly linked to the supervisor’s behavior and way of leading, but every employee also has a big responsibility for their own behavior and for creating the work atmosphere. It must be remembered that each employee values the things that affect his or her comfort at work. For example, for some, a good salary and a permanent employment are more important than other things besides that.

  • Treating every employee equally, regardless of their skills or backgrounds. Here is a good example where both supervisor and employees can influence.
  • Advancement opportunities give employees more motivation to perform their work. Motivation is one of the biggest ways to keep employees interested.
  • A sufficient amount of resources, so that employees feel that they can focus on the work itself, and no energy is spent on sorting through the chaos. By taking this into account, work burnout is also avoided.
  • The versatility of the work increases meaningfulness and gives opportunities to do different tasks. In this way, employees are also able to develop themselves, and do not become passive.
  • Flexibility in the workplace and among employees gives a feeling of appreciation. It can be seen even in small things, such as giving the employee the opportunity to express free wishes, or even the freedom to plan their own working days and weeks.
  • Appreciation of employees and an open conversational atmosphere enables freer discussion, which also makes it easier to resolve conflicts. The mutual appreciation of employees develops slowly, sometimes to progress you may need help from the management.
  • Organizing social events is an excellent way to help employees build friendships with each other. Even if the employees would’t be close friends, good relationships help the open atmosphere mentioned earlier.
  • Good employment benefits, such as sport and culture vouchers, are an excellent way to support the employee’s free time, and give the employee the opportunity to choose the preferred destination for using the vouchers.
  • Being recognized and rewarded for one’s work gives the employee the feeling that the work they do is important.
  • A positive way of communicating increases the reception of information. The supervisor can increase the positive working atmosphere at the workplace, e.g. by walking with a smile and talking constructively.

We wanted to share tips that would help everyone at work improve their well-being and in this way increase their happiness at the workplace.

In addition to good social relationships, nutritious food and enough sleep help you cope at work. Outdoor activities, fresh air and exercise give us more energy than you might think. Many times after a working day you feel tired and the couch is tempting, but we still encourage you to take a little break outside, for example a short walk.

Our own attitude is one of the biggest indicators of the course of our day. The twists and turns in private life and the balance are reflected in everyone’s work self. We can’t influence everything, and not everything always goes the way we want, but we can change our attitude and the way we see things.

The members of Sotekki wish you a happy working week!

Posted on

Food waste week 12.-18.9.2022

This week we are celebrating food waste week for the tenth year in a row. So what is food waste?

It refers to edible food that has, for one reason or another, ended up in the trash. The most common cause for food waste is people’s poor foresight when it comes to food consumption. Either too much food has been bought or plans have changed, and lunch out with a friend is more appealing. Another common reason for food waste is in its preparation and storage. It’s not necessarily know how to use leftover food, or the best before and expiry date markings are mixed up. These biggest causes of food waste can be fixed if we want to!

The amount of household food waste has been studied in Finland, the results of which showed that up to 100 million kilos of food is thrown into the trash per year.

8 tips from members of Soteekki for saving food waste:

  1. Let’s start with the best motivator, saving money!! Imagine how much money will be saved when you only buy the amount of food you know you will eat.
  2. Don’t go to the store hungry! When you’re hungry, it’s easier to buy food that you can think  you can eat at that moment, but in reality, you bought too much food.
  3.  Feel free to try new taste experiences, you might be surprised! We found a salad recipe which idea is to use food, that otherwise would end up as waste, from the cupboard and get a tasty dish!  Torstaisalaatti | Maku (meillakotona.fi) ps. Did you know that most of the food waste is  vegetables?
  4.  Plan the food for the coming week in advance and make a shopping list before going to the store. See what food ingredients you will need at home and what is already in the cupboards.
  5. Are milk cans or meat packages nearing their expiration date? Put them in the freezer and use them at a better time. However, if you don’t warm to the idea of freezing milk, here’s a recipe for the best pancakes in the world! Maailman paras pannukakku – Resepti | Kotikokki.net
  6. In all S-Kauppa’s and many K-Kauppa’s after 21:00 you get a -60% discount on products equipped with -30% labels. When making discoveries like these, remember to freeze the ones you dont use straight away! However, don’t buy unnecessarily just because of the cheap price.
  7. Make larger portions of food so you don’t have to go to the store every day. If eating the same food for many days bothers you, invite your friends to dinner!
  8. There are websites and applications for your phone, which you can use to save food waste at affordable prices! These include for example: fiksuruoka.fi, matsmart.fi and ResQ Club application which you can download to your phone. At the ResQ Club application you can see the day’s waste products from local stores, cafes and restaurants.

Come with us towards a more ecological tomorrow and give your contribution! The earth (and wallet) thanks you!