Latest news with #StAndrews
Daily Mail
13 hours ago
- Business
- Daily Mail
The mask slips… it only took a day! SNP minister admits: I'm 'happy' for welfare bill to skyrocket
A senior SNP minister has said she is 'happy' for Scotland's benefits bill to continue to skyrocket. Shirley-Anne Somerville was accused of being 'detached' from the priorities of ordinary Scots after she rejected concerns about the soaring cost of welfare payments. It came just a day after her government unveiled a £2.6billion cuts drive which will consider changes to the current 'light-touch' approach to adult disability payment appeals in order to bring down costs. Experts say spending cuts or tax rises will be needed to pay for the rising cost of devolved benefits, which is forecast to soar to more than £9billion a year. Scottish Conservative social security spokesman Alexander Stewart said: 'This sums up how detached SNP ministers are from Scots priorities. Hard-pressed taxpayers are desperate for them to tackle Scotland's benefits bill. However, this answer makes it clear the Nationalists are content to squander their money rather than accepting their failure to get a grip on the costs of their benefits system. 'If they don't get a grip of this situation, it will mean further cuts to essential services or yet more tax rises for hard-pressed Scots, who are already sick of paying more and getting less.' The Social Security Secretary's comments came during an appearance on the BBC's Question Time programme from St Andrews, after she condemned Labour's welfare reforms. Asked if she was happy to see the welfare bill increase, she said that there needs to be a 'robust' social security system which supports people when they need it. She said: 'I will not support cuts if it takes away from the vulnerable.' Pressed on whether she was happy that the bill will increase, she said: 'I am happy that we have a government that has the backs of disabled people, unlike Labour, and we will not walk away from them up here in Scotland.' Presenter Fiona Bruce said: 'Just to be clear, as the welfare bill is increased in Scotland you are happy with that?' Ms Somerville replied: 'We know that we have responsibilities as a government to meet that budget, so I'm happy with the fact that we are supporting people, yes.' During the programme, filmed as details about the UK Government's partial U-turn on welfare reform began to emerge, Scottish Labour leader Anas Sarwar highlighted that the SNP was reviewing its approach to adult disability payment assessments, and 'recognise that the sustainability of it is in question'. The Fraser of Allander Institute has previously said the number of people receiving devolved disability benefits is forecast to rise to over 1.13million by 2029/30. While it said the caseload for disability benefits is growing across the UK, 'it is rising more rapidly in Scotland', where a 'light-touch review process' has been introduced, 'where claimants can confirm their condition remains the same without needing to provide extensive new evidence'. The Scottish Government's fiscal sustainability delivery planb acknowledged that there has been 'a lower rate of adult disability benefit awards being ended or decreased at review than previously forecast'. Ms Somerville also admitted that Scotland's NHS has 'challenges' when confronted with concerns about cancer care delays. Mr Sarwar said: 'Put bluntly, I don't believe the NHS will survive a third decade of John Swinney and the SNP.'
CTV News
3 days ago
- Business
- CTV News
St. Andrews Soccer Association in search of new field after getting the boot
Youth soccer teams in St. Andrews are getting kicked off their pitches and their association said they have no fields to land on. Since 2009, the St. Andrews Soccer Association has been allowed to host games for kids at a location in the middle of the St. Andrews Airport. But in March, the airport, which is owned by the RM, said it needs the space to expand, and told the association 2026 would be the last season it could use the fields for soccer and their 320 players. Association director Adam Praznik called the decision mind-blowing. 'To receive the boot because of politics between the airport and the RM, just not right,' said Praznik. In a statement, airport Executive Director Zachary Holden said the airport is the ninth busiest in Canada based on movements and it needs the expansion for aviation purposes. He says the area is not zoned for recreation and soccer was always a temporary use. 'The decision was made to delay the development of that area for two years to allow ample time for soccer to find a new home,' said Holden. Praznik is calling on St. Andrew's council to help them because he claims the RM failed to move ahead with plans to build public soccer fields. 'We need a permanent solution or at the bare minimum, an extension of our airport lease so that we have certainty going into next season that we're not going off a cliff and community soccer will be dying,' said Praznik. Mayor Joy Sul said there is a solution. A private business is spending more than $4 million on soccer fields nearby and there is a deal in place for public access once they open. 'Council ensured that there is in the lease agreement with them that 20 per cent of the time be allowed for residents of St. Andrews, and we fully support the kids,' said Sul. Praznik says that's not enough to meet their demands. 'It's also a business, they run programming the same times as us over the same season. You physically can not have two soccer games happening on the same pitches at the same time,' said Praznik.
Yahoo
4 days ago
- Health
- Yahoo
Which drink is best for hydration? Hint: It isn't water
When you're thirsty and in need of a drink, which beverages are best at keeping you hydrated? Sure, you can always reach for a glass of water — but plain H20 isn't the most hydrating beverage around, according to a study from Scotland's St. Andrews University that compared the hydration responses of several different drinks. The researchers found that while water — both still and sparkling — does a pretty good job of quickly hydrating the body, beverages with a little bit of sugar, fat or protein do an even better job of keeping us hydrated for longer. The reason has to do with how our bodies respond to beverages, according to Ronald Maughan, a professor at St. Andrews' School of Medicine and the study's author. One factor is the volume of a given drink: The more you drink, the faster the drink empties from your stomach and gets absorbed into the bloodstream, where it can dilute the body's fluids and hydrate you. The other factor affecting how well a beverage hydrates relates to a drink's nutrient composition. For example, milk was found to be even more hydrating than plain water because it contains the sugar lactose, some protein and some fat, all of which help to slow the emptying of fluid from the stomach and keep hydration happening over a longer period. Milk also has sodium, which acts like a sponge and holds onto water in the body and results in less urine produced. The same can be said for oral rehydration solutions that are used to treat diarrhea. Those contain small amounts of sugar, as well as sodium and potassium, which can also help promote water retention in the body. 'This study tells us much of what we already knew: Electrolytes — like sodium and potassium — contribute to better hydration, while calories in beverages result in slower gastric emptying and therefore slower release of urination,' said Melissa Majumdar, a registered dietitian, personal trainer and spokeswoman for the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics who was not involved in the study. But here's where it gets tricky: Beverages with more concentrated sugars, such as fruit juices or colas, are not necessarily as hydrating as their lower-sugar cousins. They may spend a little more time in the stomach and empty more slowly compared to plain water, but once these beverages enter the small intestine their high concentration of sugars gets diluted during a physiological process called osmosis. This process in effect 'pulls' water from the body into the small intestine to dilute the sugars these beverages contain. And technically, anything inside the intestine is outside your body. Juice and soda are not only less hydrating, but offer extra sugars and calories that won't fill us up as much as solid foods, explained Majumdar. If the choice is between soda and water for hydration, go with water every time. After all, our kidneys and liver depend on water to get rid of toxins in our bodies, and water also plays a key role in maintaining skin's elasticity and suppleness. It's the cheapest moisturizer you'll find. While staying hydrated is important — doing so keeps our joints lubricated, helps prevent infections, and carries nutrients to our cells — in most situations people don't need to worry too much about how hydrating their beverages are. 'If you're thirsty, your body will tell you to drink more,' Maughan said. But for athletes training seriously in warm conditions with high sweat losses, or for someone whose cognitive function may be negatively impacted by working long hours without beverage breaks, hydration becomes a critical issue. Alcohol acts as a diuretic, which causes you to pass more urine, so when it comes to alcoholic beverages hydration will depend on a beverage's total volume. 'Beer would result in less water loss than whiskey, because you are ingesting more fluid with beer,' Maughan said. 'Strong alcoholic drinks will dehydrate, dilute alcoholic drinks will not.' When it comes to coffee, how well your java hydrates you will depend on the amount of caffeine you consume. A regular coffee with about 80 milligrams of caffeine — roughtly what you would find in 12 oz. of Folgers' house blend – would be pretty much as hydrating as water, according to Maughan's research. Consuming more than 300mg of caffeine, or about 2-4 cups of coffee, could cause you to lose excess fluid as the caffeine causes a mild, short-term diuretic effect. This is more likely to happen with someone who doesn't typically consume caffeine, and it could be offset by adding a tablespoon or two of milk to your cup of joe. Lisa Drayer is a nutritionist, an author and a CNN health and nutrition story was original published in September 2019. It has been up for CNN's Fitness, But Better newsletter series. Our seven-part guide will help you ease into a healthy routine, backed by experts.
CTV News
4 days ago
- Health
- CTV News
Which drink is best for hydration? Hint: It isn't water
Milk was found to be even more hydrating than plain water because it contains the sugar lactose, some protein and some fat. Photo Illustration/Shutterstock via CNN Newsource When you're thirsty and in need of a drink, which beverages are best at keeping you hydrated? Sure, you can always reach for a glass of water — but plain H20 isn't the most hydrating beverage around, according to a study from Scotland's St. Andrews University that compared the hydration responses of several different drinks. The researchers found that while water — both still and sparkling — does a pretty good job of quickly hydrating the body, beverages with a little bit of sugar, fat or protein do an even better job of keeping us hydrated for longer. The reason has to do with how our bodies respond to beverages, according to Ronald Maughan, a professor at St. Andrews' School of Medicine and the study's author. One factor is the volume of a given drink: The more you drink, the faster the drink empties from your stomach and gets absorbed into the bloodstream, where it can dilute the body's fluids and hydrate you. Milk is more hydrating than water The other factor affecting how well a beverage hydrates relates to a drink's nutrient composition. For example, milk was found to be even more hydrating than plain water because it contains the sugar lactose, some protein and some fat, all of which help to slow the emptying of fluid from the stomach and keep hydration happening over a longer period. Milk also has sodium, which acts like a sponge and holds onto water in the body and results in less urine produced. The same can be said for oral rehydration solutions that are used to treat diarrhea. Those contain small amounts of sugar, as well as sodium and potassium, which can also help promote water retention in the body. 'This study tells us much of what we already knew: Electrolytes — like sodium and potassium — contribute to better hydration, while calories in beverages result in slower gastric emptying and therefore slower release of urination,' said Melissa Majumdar, a registered dietitian, personal trainer and spokeswoman for the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics who was not involved in the study. Sugar in moderation But here's where it gets tricky: Beverages with more concentrated sugars, such as fruit juices or colas, are not necessarily as hydrating as their lower-sugar cousins. They may spend a little more time in the stomach and empty more slowly compared to plain water, but once these beverages enter the small intestine their high concentration of sugars gets diluted during a physiological process called osmosis. This process in effect 'pulls' water from the body into the small intestine to dilute the sugars these beverages contain. And technically, anything inside the intestine is outside your body. Juice and soda are not only less hydrating, but offer extra sugars and calories that won't fill us up as much as solid foods, explained Majumdar. If the choice is between soda and water for hydration, go with water every time. After all, our kidneys and liver depend on water to get rid of toxins in our bodies, and water also plays a key role in maintaining skin's elasticity and suppleness. It's the cheapest moisturizer you'll find. While staying hydrated is important — doing so keeps our joints lubricated, helps prevent infections, and carries nutrients to our cells — in most situations people don't need to worry too much about how hydrating their beverages are. 'If you're thirsty, your body will tell you to drink more,' Maughan said. But for athletes training seriously in warm conditions with high sweat losses, or for someone whose cognitive function may be negatively impacted by working long hours without beverage breaks, hydration becomes a critical issue. Can beer and lattes keep me hydrated? Alcohol acts as a diuretic, which causes you to pass more urine, so when it comes to alcoholic beverages hydration will depend on a beverage's total volume. 'Beer would result in less water loss than whiskey, because you are ingesting more fluid with beer,' Maughan said. 'Strong alcoholic drinks will dehydrate, dilute alcoholic drinks will not.' When it comes to coffee, how well your java hydrates you will depend on the amount of caffeine you consume. A regular coffee with about 80 milligrams of caffeine — roughtly what you would find in 12 oz. of Folgers' house blend – would be pretty much as hydrating as water, according to Maughan's research. Consuming more than 300mg of caffeine, or about 2-4 cups of coffee, could cause you to lose excess fluid as the caffeine causes a mild, short-term diuretic effect. This is more likely to happen with someone who doesn't typically consume caffeine, and it could be offset by adding a tablespoon or two of milk to your cup of joe. Lisa Drayer, CNN
The Herald
4 days ago
- Sport
- The Herald
Oli Johns shines for St Andrew's in hard win over Dale
Skilful flyhalf Oli Johns proved to be the catalyst as St Andrew's took control of their schools rugby match against Dale College in Qonce on Saturday to set up a 33-21 win after they trailed 8-7 at halftime. With nothing between the sides after the first 35 minutes, Johns set up a brilliant try by flank Luca Nigrini and then sliced through the defence for a score of his own to take the visitors out to a 26-11 lead with 20 minutes remaining. Though Dale hit back in the final stages of the game with unconverted tries by Azola Sodlaka and Mahle Mehlomane, St Andrew's added a fourth second-half try by wing Qhawe Madikizela to secure a hard-earned victory against perennially tough opponents. St Andrew's were the aggressors from the start, camping in the Dale 22 and testing the home defence to the full. The Dalians stood up well to this examination, but eventually the gaps showed and in the 14th minute St Andrew's centre Aphindile Ngcuka went through a gap for a try which Johns converted. Dale came back with a penalty by Soso Dyani and then they took the lead in the 26th minute when an attacking move by St Andrew's ended up at the opposite end of the field as fullback Inga Mafanga snaffled an intercept and sprinted away untouched for a try. Johns, though, was quick to put St Andrew's ahead early in the second half. Receiving the ball near his own 22, he beat some defenders and then sent the ball to the left where Nigrini took the final pass to scorch his way 60 metres downfield for a thrilling try. A little more than 10 minutes later, Johns was again in the thick of things and this time his nimble footwork saw him thread his way through the Dale defence for another converted try. While Dale showed courage to hit back late in the game, St Andrew's had built up enough of a cushion to maintain their winning form this season. In Graaff-Reinet, Union High produced one of their best performances of the season to defeat Graeme College 19-14 after leading 5-0 at the break. Though the visitors hit back strongly after halftime to score two tries for a 14-5 lead, Union High kept their composure and crossed the line twice more to secure a memorable victory. — Additional reporting by The Herald
