Mental health can be boosted through healthy diet.

World Mental Health Day is commemorated on 10th October globally every year, with an intention to promote awareness regarding the importance of mental health and address related health issues. The theme for 2020 is Mental Health for All: Greater Investment - Greater Access.

Mental health is an essential constituent of our health. A good health does not refer to merely the absence of any disease but it revolves around complete physical, social and mental well-being. As stated by WHO statistics, around 450 million people suffer from mental disorders worldwide and they are one of the primary causes of poor health.

This year due to the coronavirus pandemic, our lives have changed considerably. People are experiencing stressful work conditions, no social life, children are unable to meet their teachers, friends, many people lost their jobs, their loved ones without even getting a chance to say last goodbye. We all are anxious about our future and all these circumstances indicate that the need to make provisions for good mental health is of utmost importance.

On the basis of the symptoms exhibited by the person, mental health problems are categorised as neurotic or psychotic. Neurotic mental issues are primarily associated with emotional disturbances, anxiety, depression, stress and panic. On the other hand, people with psychotic health issues often find it difficult to judge the reality. They either hallucinate or smell, see and feel things which others can't. Both can be diagnosed by a doctor under expert supervision. People with such issues need both medical and emotional support, rather than hiding from others.

This year WHO (World Health Organisation) has collaborated with MHIN (Mental Health Innovation Network) to come up with specific interventions in order to promote mental well-being and provide psychological support. The aim is to bring the theme into reality with a greater investment in mental health to bring a long lasting positive outcome across the world. World Federation for Mental Health (WFMH) along with WHO are also campaigning various webinars, summits and conferences in order to engage more and more people with an aim to extend the awareness.

Some of the ways which can significantly contribute in promoting mental health are specific programmes for children and early childhood support, women empowerment, social support to elderly and specific targeted groups who are more vulnerable to mental health issues like disaster victims, migrants, minorities, etc. Schools, universities and offices should come up stress reducing activities and events. In addition, nutrition also plays a significant role in promoting cognitive health and overall mental well-being.

(Also Read:World Mental Health Day 2020: Foods To Eat And Diet Tips From Experts)

Eat healthy diet for sound mental health.

Let us discuss some of the nutrients which play a key role in keeping our mental health strong.

1.Omega 3 Fatty Acids - Omega 3 fats are considered as one of the best nutrients which are required to strengthen cognitive functioning. Omega 3 fats possess powerful anti-inflammatory properties in the form of ALA, DHA and EPA. Studies have shown that low levels of DHA in our body are associated with an increased of depression and anxiety. Hence, diet should be rich in foods like sardine, salmon, anchovies, walnuts, tuna, chia seeds, flaxseeds and soybean. Opting for a certified fish oil supplement is also a great alternative.

2.Vitamin D - Vitamin D is another critically required nutrient for our brain health. Vitamin D is needed for the proper functioning of various neurotransmitters like serotonin, which affects our mood and brain development. Hence, adequate exposure to sunlight and foods rich in vitamin D like milk, cheese, mushrooms and fortified cereals should be preferred. Vitamin D3 supplements are also a safe and effective choice to maintain the levels and prevent deficiency.

3. Vitamin B12 - Vitamin B12 is needed for the adequate functioning of nerve cells and transmission of nerve impulses. Vitamin B12 is required for the formation of myelin sheaths and lack of vitamin B12 might lead to multiple neurological disorders. Some of the good sources of vitamin B12 are eggs, fish, chicken, fortified foods, milk and milk products.

4. 4. Selenium - In addition to vitamins, minerals are also requisite to promote mental health. Selenium is one such mineral which acts as a powerful antioxidant. It protects brain cells from free radical damage and minimises the risk of various neurological degenerative disorders like Alzheimer's and Parkinson's disease. Brazil nuts, pumpkin seeds, fish, eggs, chicken, spinach, sunflower seeds, and lentils are some of the selenium containing foods.

5. 5. Zinc - We need zinc for the formation of neural tube and brain cells. Evidence of brain malformations among new born children and zinc deficiency during pregnancy under some studies; have provided sufficient evidence that zinc is involved in the synthesis of brain cells, spinal cord, DNA and RNA. Therefore, focus should be given on zinc rich foods like meat, fish, legumes, seeds, nuts, eggs and whole grains.

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To conclude, both diet and psychological support influences our mental health and well-being. Unfortunately, mental health issues are still a stigma in our society due to which people usually refrain from sharing their problems and feel uncomfortable in talking about the same. This year, let us consider this World Mental Health Day as an opportunity to voice ourselves in busting the stigma and extend help to those who need. As it is wisely said that a small action can not only create a big difference in our lives, but others as well and may help in regaining the self-esteem of a person living with mental health needs.

The opinions expressed within this article are the personal opinions of the author. NDTV is not responsible for the accuracy, completeness, suitability, or validity of any information on this article. All information is provided on an as-is basis. The information, facts or opinions appearing in the article do not reflect the views of NDTV and NDTV does not assume any responsibility or liability for the same.

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World Mental Health Day 2020: Nutrients That May Promote Mental Well-Being - Expert's Suggestions - NDTV Food

Scottish Labour has demanded action on aspects of next years exam diet after National 5 testing was cancelled.

Education Secretary John Swinney announced on Wednesday these exams will not go ahead in 2021, while Higher and Advanced Highers will be pushed back until May 13 to allow pupils to catch up on time missed due to the pandemic.

The decision was made based on recommendations from Professor Mark Priestley of Stirling University, who was asked to conduct a rapid review of next years exam diet.

However, Labour education spokesman Iain Gray has written to the Education Secretary to raise issues with the changes.

He highlights five points, including a request that coursework will have primacy, ensuring a review of the appeals process involves the Childrens Commissioner, and improving transparency within the Scottish Qualifications Authority (SQA).

Mr Gray also urges clarity on what will replace exams, as well as on when Higher and Advanced Higher exams will take place. Mr Swinney has said they will be delayed until May 13, with regular check points up until February to assess if they also need to be cancelled.

Mr Gray said: The Priestley report unveiled a litany of failures on behalf of the Education Secretary and the SQA.

We cannot risk a repeat of the catastrophic SQA results fiasco next year.

The Scottish Government must provide clarity urgently over how the upcoming National 5 and Higher qualifications will be awarded, ensure that course work has primacy, involve the Childrens Commissioner in the process to avoid a repeat of the infringement of pupils rights, and overhaul the culture of intransigence in the SQA.

We simply cannot afford to gamble with the future of our young people or allow the scandal of this summer to be repeated. It is time for John Swinney to take action over these concerns and get Scotlands education system back on track.

In August, the Scottish Government was criticised after exam results grades were based on a computer model, and 124,564 pupils were downgraded.

Ministers later changed their mind and original estimates of teachers were allowed to stand for those who were downgraded.

A spokesman for the Scottish Government said: In an already disrupted school year, the alternative approach to certification for National 5 candidates year will free up teachers and school leaders capacity to provide effective support to learners and to capture their achievements.

The Deputy First Minister set out in his statement to Parliament that the alternative approach for National 5s will be based on teacher judgment, supported by assessment resources.

The statement also set out that the SQA will provide further guidance by subject, and will work up contingency plans for Higher and Advanced Higher exams.

The Scottish Government has made clear in its response to the findings of the Priestley review that we are serious about learning the lessons from awarding in 2020, and will take action on the recommendations of the report with an important role for stakeholders, including the Children and Young Peoples Commissioner.

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Education Secretary urged to clarify plans for exam diet after National 5s axed - Aberdeen Evening Express

CLEVELAND, Ohio Over the years, people have talked to me about their drinking and/or drug problems.

I begin telling them about Alcoholics Anonymous, Celebrate Recovery and some other programs that are available for free.

I know that, they often say.

Then comes the discussion of how they tried it. I was in the room with a bunch of drunks and drug addicts."

OK.

Or they didnt like the person running the session. Or the meetings were too far away...

Or too long...

Or too something...

THE BIG QUESTION

Do you want to get well? I sometimes ask them.

They stare at me as if I didnt hear a word theyd said.

But its an important question. Its exactly what Jesus asked a man who couldnt walk and had been an invalid for 38 years. The story is in John, Chapter 5.

Its something a friend asked me about 25 years ago. It was when I weighed about 20 more pounds than I do now.

I was drinking gallons of regular Pepsi, eating lots of fried food...

And feeling like a slug.

Do you want to feel better?" he asked me.

That led to a discussion of my diet, of cutting the Pepsi, most of the sugar and fried food.

Lean protein, fish and side dishes that werent french fries was a good place to start.

THE EVIL INNER VOICE

I had to ask myself: Do I want to get well?

Immediately, a voice whispered, Thats too hard. Besides, you dont smoke or drink, you deserve your Pepsi and french fries.

Thats how it works...we find lame justifications for not making the changes to get well.

Jesus asked the man that question...and the man had an excuse about people not helping him.

Then Jesus said: Get up! Pick up your mat and walk!

My version of getting up and walking was talking to my wife Roberta about a new diet. It was reading about what to eat...then actually eating it, at least most of the time.

And it was about changing workouts...and doing it the new (and a more painful) way. That was especially true after I had some back problems.

I HATE STRETCHING!

But I hate back problems even more, and stretching worked for me.

WHAT DO WE WANT?

In 20 years of weekly jail ministry, Ive heard many addiction stories.

We have places for guys to go when they get out. Soon come the excuses for why those suggestions wont work.

If you looked as hard for a good meeting or church as you did for drugs and that woman, youd get there," I often say.

Most of the time, silence was the answer.

I read a blog from Dr. Michelle Bengston, who is a neuropsychologist treating anxiety, depression and many other mental health issues.

She wrote how early in her career, she wondered why Jesus asked the man, Do you want to get well?

But over the years, I realize...some people are more comfortable in their known discomfort than they are willing to risk the discomfort of the unknown.

ABOUT THE FROGS

When I have talked to people about attending meetings or even changing their diet, they tend to say something like Maybe later.

Many years ago, I heard about a sermon called Another night with the frogs. You can Google the phrase and find lots of material with that title.

It comes from Exodus Chapter 8, the plagues of Egypt. Its where Moses confronts the Pharaoh about letting my people go."

Lots of stuff happens, but Egypt is over-run by frogs. Pharaoh asks Moses to pray to get rid of the nasty critters.

I leave to you the honor of setting the time for me to pray for you, Moses said.

Tomorrow," said Pharaoh.

Think about it. Tomorrow? Why tomorrow?

Most of us would say, Get rid of those bad boys RIGHT NOW!

But its so easy to say, Ill start being more patient with people...tomorrow.

Or Ill call or text that person who needs to hear from me...tomorrow.

Ill go to the doctor...go to the gym...make that change...

Tomorrow.

Pharaoh should have demanded Moses pray right now for the power to deal with problem. Its the same thing we should do with our own frogs, assuming we really do want to get well.

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Another night with the frogs: Do I really want to get well? Terrys Plutos Faith & You - cleveland.com

When you embark on a weight loss journey, you realise that it does not happen overnight and you have to work really hard. When 32-year Nilofar, who is a nurse by profession, realised that she needed to lose weight to get healthy, she completely devoted herself to the journey. In a span of just 2.5 months, she lost a whopping 9.5 kilos. Here is her inspiring weight loss journey. Name: Nilofar Keshvani SutarOccupation: NurseAge: 32 years

Height: 5 feet 8 inches

City: London

Highest weight recorded: 68 kg

Weight lost: 9.5 kg

Current weight: 57.3 kg

Duration it took me to lose weight: 2.5 monthsThe turning point: While I wasn't unhappy or even remotely upset with the way I looked or with my weight, I did realise that if I gained a few more kilos, then I would be considered obese. Also, unwanted and unsolicited rude comments about my weight really affected me. However, it was only for the sake of my health that I decided to lose weight and get back in shape. I did not look back since the day I decided to lose weight!

My breakfast: I used to have a high-fiber and high protein breakfast like oats, moong dal chilla, poha or besan chilla. I also had a cup of tea but without sugar with my breakfast.

My lunch: A small bowl of curry, 1 chapatti and 1 small bowl of rice.

My dinner: I used to choose between salads, soups, quinoa khichdi, buckwheat pula, dal and boiled moong and chana.

Pre-workout meal: A glass of lukewarm water with two teaspoons of apple cider vinegar.

Post-workout meal: I had my breakfast as I worked out in the morning. I indulge in: Definitely pizza and handmade chicken biryani! In desserts, I prefer cakes.

My workout: My workout routine consisted of the following exercises:

1. Walking

2.Squats

3.Mountain climbers

4.Zoomba classes

5.Yoga

6.Jumping jacks

Low-calorie recipes I swear by: Quinoa khichdi

Fitness secrets I unveiled: I have learnt that keeping a tab on how much you are eating (the portion of the food) is very important. I always take care of the same. Also, I believe that sipping on green tea has helped in improving my metabolism. How do I stay motivated? Undoubtedly, my husband was my greatest motivator and mentor during my weight loss journey. He was the one who pushed me to lose weight and get back in shape. He told me that I did not have to do it for looks but for good health in the longer term. Also, when I started seeing visible results of my hard work, it further motivated me to lose more weight.

How do you ensure you dont lose focus? I used the weighing machine as my source of motivation and focus during my weight loss journey. Whats the most difficult part of being overweight? It was definitely the body-shaming I faced. People had started commenting rudely like, "Oh, you have put on so much of weight!" or asking questions like, "Are you planning for a second child?" after looking at my tummy. It was very disturbing for me.

What shape do you see yourself 10 years down the line? I want to lose more weight in the coming years and become thinner.

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Weight loss story: 'I lost 9.5 kilos in just 2.5 months and my husband was my biggest supporter!' - Times of India

By Gina Cousineau

Every time Im in a situation where people find out Im a nutritionist, they want to ask me very specific questions about differing diet approaches. Last week was no different.

As I was preparing for elbow surgery, from overuse, the pre-op nurse asked me about a diet regimen a doctor was using. He is an ultra-athlete and does something called intermittent fasting paired with fat adaptation. He tells her how great he feels, making her then wonder if she should be doing the same thing.

When the anesthesiologist arrived, he immediately asked me about my thoughts regarding low-carbohydrate diets, though he assured me he was a moderation type of guy.

My responses start with my own questions. What is your goal? How is your current diet plan working for you? And regardless of the question(s) posed, my answer will be based on science, evidence and experiences with hundreds of clients over the years.

So, let me share once again my perspective on diet and lifestyle strategies. And since autumn is upon us, perhaps now is the time that you make the move to treat your body with self-respect and improve your health by altering these four areas in your life:

Food/Nutrition

While there are individual foods that are incredibly nutrient-dense, there is no one particular superfood that will save you on its own.

It is best to incorporate a large variety of wholesome foods daily, including wholegrains and legumes; lean proteins (both animal and plant); fruits and vegetables; low-fat and non-fat dairy (including non-dairy sources); healthy fats (including nuts and seeds); and dried/fresh herbs and spices.

My recommendations regarding foods to avoid completely or severely limit:

1. Soda and other sweetened drinks (including diet versions);

2. All non-nutritive sweeteners (including saccharin, NutraSweet, Splenda, Stevia, etc.); and

3. Highly processed foods that can live on a shelf for years on end.

Fitness/Exercise

No one is asking you to join a gym or run a marathon, but we are simply asking that you move your body most days of the week for about 30 minutes. For most individuals, this can happen by simply walking out of your front door.

This advice comes from every major health organization around the world, and can be a game-changer in terms of improving your health and aiding in weight loss.

Sleep/Relaxation

The consensus on how much sleep is acceptable ranges somewhere between six to eight hours a night. If you continue to find yourself lacking in sleep, it would behoove you to see a medical professional to discuss options to improve sleep, which can add years to your life.

It is also imperative that you find time for rest and relaxation throughout the course of your day and week. Whether its reading a few pages in your favorite book, watching a show, or chatting with a friend, all promote rest and relaxation in your life.

Joy/Happiness

Many people lack joy and happiness due to their extremely busy schedules. Finding pleasure could be as simple as eating a lovely meal at the kitchen table with your family.

While this requires some planning, there is no reason, as a family, not to set your week up for success by penciling in these activities.

Starting with a weekly meal plan, setting bedtimes, taking advantage of exercise that can happen in your community, and participating in these activities with friends and family, will help improve both your health and that of your family.

Gina Cousineau sees clients virtually and in person out of her San Clemente office. Her extensive education with a BS in dietetics and MS in integrative and functional nutrition, chef training, and 30-plus years as a fitness professional, allow her to help clients lose weight and improve their health. You can reach her at mamag@mamagslifestyle.com, 949.842.9975, and on Instagram and Facebook @mamagslifestyle.

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Health and Nutrition 101: A Fresh Start This Fall - San Clemente Times

Alison Tierney recently opened Wholesome in downtown Oconomowoc.(Photo: Submitted)

Alison Tierney started WholesomeLLCfive years ago as a hobby. Now, Tierney, a registered dietitian, has turned that hobby into a full-time business in downtown Oconomowoc.

Wholesome, 106A N. Main St., educates clientson how nutrition can prevent, treat and/or manage many chronic illnesses, Tierney said.

"It started to grow into people really looking for help and not being able to find it," Tierney said. "I started offering nutrition services, and it started to grow in demand."

Tierney, a Pewaukee native who now lives in Oconomowoc, worked out of her home with Wholesome for the last five years before moving into her new space.

"With a toddler and a baby on the way, I thought, 'As much as I love being home and having my family there, I kind of need a space where I can work and see clients in person, as well,'" Tierney said.

Besides meeting with people in person, Tierney offers virtual coaching, which became a norm with the pandemic.

"Even through COVID, I already had a virtual setup," Tierney said. "I work with a lot of local clients, but I also work virtually across the country."

Tierney recently moved into her Oconomowoc location, but hasn't had an in-person client yet because of the pandemic. She said she will offer that option as soon as it's safe to do so.

"The location seemed perfect, being in the downtown area that has grown a lot and has a lot to offer," Tierney said.

Tierney said she works with "a lot of cancer patients as they are going through the course of treatment and also after treatment into survivorship to help improve their nutrition to help reduce their risk of developing recurrence."

Tierney also works with people with autoimmune diseases, heart disease, diabetes, hypertension or people whoare looking to improve their nutrition andlifestyle.

She also focuses on aplant-based diet.

"However, that doesn't mean that I'm only seeing people that are seeking a 100% plant-based nutrition," Tierney said. "I really like using the approach of a plant-forward diet."

For more information, visit @wholesomellc on Instagram and Facebook orwholesomellc.com.

ContactEvan Frank at (262) 361-9138or evan.frank@jrn.com. Follow him on Twitter at @Evanfrank_LCP.

Our subscribers make this reporting possible. Please consider supporting local journalism by subscribing to the Journal Sentinel at jsonline.com/deal.

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An Oconomowoc dietitian is using her coaching business to show how nutrition can help with chronic illnesses - Milwaukee Journal Sentinel

BRYAN, TX The month of October is dedicated to bringing awareness to breast cancer, the most common cancer in women worldwide.

Bryan resident, Doris Light, is a breast cancer survivor.

I will never forget the sounds of those words - you have cancer. It seems like it was yesterday, but it was 14 and a half years ago. April 3rd, 2006, I got diagnosed with breast cancer, she says.

In 2006, Doris felt a lump in her breast which alerted her to go to the doctor. She was later diagnosed with stage one breast cancer. She and her team of doctors decided to treat aggressively.

I treated with first of all a lumpectomy, get cancer out, get it out of you, and then I had six rounds of chemo, and I had 32 rounds of radiation, says Doris.

According to oncologists, breast cancer can be detected earliest through routine mammograms.

Mammograms are tremendous in catching early, early breast cancers that you would not otherwise feel or know are there, and those can be very easily treated and cured before it gets too far along, Radiation Oncologist Jamie Pawlowski.

As she explained it, life happened - and Doris had let a year gone by from her last schedule routine mammogram.

Unfortunately, I was about 18 months late in getting that mammogram, says Doris.

Doctors say there are ways to lessen the risk of any cancer, from lifestyle choices to diet to staying active and exercise.

Even if you do everything right, cancer can happen, but these lifestyle changes you can do: diet, exercise, and lifestyle are huge to make an impact on your risk in developing breast cancer, says Dr. Pawlowski.

This is exactly what Doris has committed to do since her diagnosis.

One of the things I am focused on personally, is exercising and taking care of myself as much as I can, says Doris.

Were trying to achieve resiliency, so we can keep that cancer away and exercise and working is the way to do it. There's only positive effects from it, says Doris trainer Ashlye Bergen. Youve got lymphatic flow which is when the muscles contract, they are pushing fluid through the body and getting rid of the bad stuff. Youre oxygenating every cell in your body. You are strengthening muscles and building muscles which in turn is going to build bone density which we know is a problem after chemo and radiation.

With knowing the importance of early detection, Doris is dedicated to supporting women in their fight and educating women of all ages

You know, I feel like God allowed me to be a survivor for a purpose, and I kind of have taken that ball run with it. I want to be there for the next person. I want to show them that it is not a death sentence, that you can survive this, says Doris.

Dorris's story is just one of thousands across Texas. Every year, breast cancer goes unchecked for many women in the state. In fact, the numbers are enough to make you think twice about getting a breast cancer screening.

Health officials with the Texas Health and Human Services department say that one in eight women born today will be diagnosed with breast cancer.

Just last year, more than 3,200 women died from the disease in Texas with over 200,000 survivors in Texas right now.

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Breast cancer survivors share the importance of early detection and exercise - KXXV News Channel 25

Working from home during COVID-19? Here are 5 lifestyle tips to keep your liver healthy  |  Photo Credit: iStock Images

New Delhi: Your liver may not be something that you think much about, although its a powerhouse of an organ that plays a key role in your bodys digestive system. The liver, which is the largest and heaviest internal organ of the human body, is often ignored in our healthcare plan. This one single organ impacts all aspects of our health.

The liver, which is located under the lower rib cage on the right side, performs several crucial functions like removing harmful chemicals that your body makes and producing a liquid called bile that helps in breaking down fat in food. It also stores glucose to jump start your system with an energy boost when required.

While the liver can be resilient in some circumstances, the sudden lifestyle change all of us have been forced into amidst the coronavirus pandemic can have harmful ramifications. The work from home drill has been difficult on the routine - given the increase in stress, working hours, changes in eating and exercise habits. For many of us, fried and ready-to-eat food has become a part of lifestyle and physical activity has reduced due to staying home round the clock. The subtle changes that continue to persist even as we struggle to retain our normal lives impact our health - particularly the liver.

Keeping your liver in good shape is one of the best things you can do for your overall health. Here, Dr Vikas C Reddy, Gen Laparoscopic Bariatric Surgeon at Apollo Spectra Hospital, Koramangala, Bangalore shares some effective and easy-to-follow tips to maintain your liver health while working from home during the pandemic:

Experts dont have enough data yet to show how deadly is the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) for people with liver conditions. However, they believe that individuals with a pre-existing condition such as liver disease have a higher risk for more serious COVID-19 illness and death. COVID-19 is a new disease for which there is no vaccine or proven treatment. You may be very worried about the impact of this dreaded virus if you or your loved one has a liver condition or have had a liver transplant. Whether or not you have a liver problem, you need to take good care of your liver, the largest and heaviest internal organ of the human body.

In a time when we are all combating a health crisis, its imperative that all of us take the necessary steps to take precautions and maintain good health. The liver is an organ that gets easily sidelined as not many of us are aware of its relevance in our digestive system. Usually, by the time we pay attention to the symptoms, liver diseases have progressed and need advanced medical treatments. Hence, as we all continue to work from home for a few more months, let's take these steps to ensure the liver is protected.

Disclaimer: Tips and suggestions mentioned in the article are for general information purpose only and should not be construed as professional medical advice. Always consult your doctor or a dietician before starting any fitness programme or making any changes to your diet.

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Working from home during COVID-19? Here are 5 lifestyle tips to keep your liver healthy - Times Now

National 5 exams will be cancelled in 2021 and replaced by grades based on alternative assessment and teacher judgment.

Education secretary John Swinney also announced that the start of Higher and Advanced Higher exams will be pushed back by two weeks to May 13.

In a statement to Holyrood, Mr Swinney said: The virus is still with us, so we cannot plan for business as usual. That is simply not possible.

Due to the level of disruption already caused by Covid, and due to the likely disruption faced by some or all pupils and students this academic year, a full exam diet is simply too big a risk.

It would not be fair.

During todays statement, deputy first minister Mr Swinney again admitted the Scottish Government did not get it right for all young people this year.

Mr Swinney survived a vote of no confidence after pupils from poorer backgrounds protested that their results were unfairly downgraded in the 2020 results.

The fiasco resulted in an apology from First Minister Nicola Sturgeon and repeated calls from opposition parties for Mr Swinney to resign.

After surviving the no-confidence vote, the education secretary bowed to pressure and performed a U-turn that resulted in tens of thousands of pupils having their marks upgraded.

To avoid a similar muddle this year, Mr Swinney said that the SQA will today publish broad guidance on its evidence gathering and estimation for 2021s results.

This will be followed after the October holidays by subject-specific guidance on the key pieces of work young people will need to complete.

Mr Swinney said:First and foremost, awards will not be given or taken away on the basis of a statistical model nor on the basis of a schools past performance.

There will be no algorithm.

Work towards the following years exams usually begins in May but as schools were still closed, pupils lost out on at least two weeks of study.

The later start date for Higher and Advanced Higher exams is designed to compensate for this.

Replacing National 5 exams was recommended by Professor Mark Priestley in an independent review into the events following the cancellation of exams in 2020.

Mr Swinney said: By replacing National 5 exams, we can hold an exam diet for Highers and Advanced Highers if public health guidance allows these are the qualifications most pupils leave schools with that determine paths into work, college, or university.

None of us can predict the coming weeks and months, so clear contingency plans are being developed should, for public health reasons, the exams have to be replaced.

Opposition parties at Holyrood are not convinced that National 5 exams should be cancelled for 2021.

Scottish Conservative education spokesman Jamie Greene said: A full exam diet could and should take place next year.

The onus was on the education secretary to make that happen or instead justify why that cannot be achieved under his watch.

Im not convinced that full justification has been offered. It feels like the towel has been thrown in already.

Labours Iain Gray added: The truth is this statement is very, very late.

Teachers are months into teaching courses without knowing exactly what they should be teaching, how pupils will be assessed and what evidence they should have been gathering.

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'A full exam diet is simply too big a risk to take', education secretary John Swinney cancels 2021's National 5 exams - Press and Journal

Cancel is the word of the year, and not just in the social-shunning sense.

My long-anticipated outing to watch the new version of Noel Cowards Blithe Spirit, starring Judi Dench and a crowded cast of British character actors at the Regal Cinema with a medium bucket of popcorn, extra butter? Canceled. The East Hampton Village Centennial Parade, which was going to blissfully shut down Main Street to automobile traffic for an entire day in September? Canceled. Our family trip to the Clan Rattray Gathering and the Blairgowrie and Rattray Highland Games in Blairgowrie and Rattray, Perthshire, Scotland? Canceled. My plan to take up yoga again, after 15 years? Canceled. My intention of potentially thinking about internet dating? Canceled. Or dating at all? Canceled.

Before lockdown, actually, I had grand plans to create a podcast about trying to get a date, specifically, with the alt-country singer-songwriter Steve Earle. You know, Copperhead Road?

Its a long and somewhat convoluted story, but a year ago, I became an evening student before Covid-19 canceled the classes in the Podcast Fellowship program at Stony Brook Southampton. We fellows learned to use recording equipment, and to conceive of and launch our very own professional podcasts. Mine was going to be about womens sense of self-worth versus how society values us plus celebrity-stalking, aging, and romance. The listener was going to travel along as I tried to get an actual date on my mom crush. The podcast was going to be called either that, Mom Crush, or Mr. Earl (after the song by the Cadillacs).

I realize the subject sounds semi-bananas, but, believe me, it was going to be hilarious. I have never met Steve Earle, but we have one or two mutual friends and he once stared me in the eyes so long while he was performing on stage and I was sitting in the front row that other audience members turned around to point and whisper.

How could Steve refuse me, when my podcast became a hit?

Coronavirus gave me three perfect excuses not to push the Steve Earle project beyond my rough-cut recordings for episodes one and two: A) It was an inappropriately absurdist subject to pursue when the pandemic was at its height. B) Sadly, I never finished the semester, because I had to stop being an editor and start a new career as a contact tracer, in order to support my family, and my work life in lockdown actually became frantically busy, between the contact-tracing during the day and moonlighting at night with the East Hampton Village Ambulance Association. C) And this part isnt funny Steve Earles son died this summer. Not of Covid-19, but something else. So, the whole thing was off. It wasnt going to work. My podcast was definitely, indefinitely canceled.

But, really, it should not have taken me a podcast course to start thinking about online dating and the pursuit of romance. Ive been dragging my feet for four or five years, to be honest. Ooof! Thats a really long time, I think to myself with concern as I write this. The clock is ticking. Time stops for no divorced woman.

Maybe Ill date again after I go on a diet. (That was my mothers suggestion. Thanks, Mom!)

Maybe Ill date again after I get a haircut.

The deeper problem isnt the unavailability of Steve Earle, its that I am a bit socially phobic. I have excellent interpersonal skills I didnt work for Vogue magazine for 18 years for nothing but when it comes to the banal chitchat and small talk of striking up new acquaintance, I get mentally tangled up in the artificiality of it all, my thoughts wander off into another, private zone, and I stand there like a scarecrow, staring awkwardly at the horizon. (One day Ill tell you about the time I was introduced at a cocktail party to one of my favorite actors, Ray Liotta of Goodfellas fame, and stood there, frozen, with mouth actually agape while he gazed down at me with a pained expression and a lowball glass sweating in his hand.)

I didnt properly realize this about myself this social anxiety thing until, one time, in my late 30s, when I got a friend to give me a single Xanax pill from her stash so I wouldnt have a panic attack on an airplane flight, and, that evening after landing at J.F.K., I went to Joe Allen, the Broadway restaurant, with a theater-world friend and her brother, and let me tell you, Ive never been more charming. It turns out I am absolutely beguiling over Caesar salad with the glamorous crowd if and when Ive had a Xanax to overcome my social anxiety. But I have no intention of becoming a pill-popper a Xanax habit? not for me so I just mentally filed this experience under Oh! Duh, and went back to not wanting to make small-talk with anyone, least of all with attractive men.

Number-two word of the year for 2020: excuses.

Word of year for 2021: boyfriend.

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The Shipwreck Rose: Things I Didn't Do - East Hampton Star