A father-of-two has had limb-lengthening surgery to increase his height from 6ft to almost 6ft 7in after deciding his legs were “too short” for his body, and hopes to feel “on top of the world” once the £86,000 (USD $106,000) procedure has fully healed. Brian Sanchez, 33, a mortgage broker who lives in Georgia in the United States with his wife, Nidia, 30, and their daughters, Kaisley, two, and Kairi, six, felt in January 2022 that his body was “out of proportion” and he looked like “like a huge thumb”. After some research, he discovered he could have limb-lengthening surgery in Turkey to become his ideal height and as soon as he saw it he thought: “OK, I guess this is what I’m doing.” Brian’s main reasons for wanting the surgery were not only for his physical appearance but also to improve his weightlifting goals in the gym and be around nine inches taller than his wife so they will no longer be at “almost eye level”. When he told his loved ones about his plans, they thought it was “typical of (him)” as just because “something is crazy it never means that (he) won’t do it”. Brian had his first operation in December 2022, which involved breaking his tibia and fibula, putting a rod inside the bones, and fastening it with screws. He underwent a second procedure in March 2023 to extend his femur. To recover, Brian had to be in a wheelchair and turn the screws with an Allen wrench four times a day, but when he is fully recovered he thinks the pain will have been “worth it” as he will be able to “enjoy being taller”. “My wife is pretty tall – we were only about three inches apart – but once I’m fully recovered it’ll be a nine-and-a-half-inch difference,” he said. “It’s going to be really nice just to be able to hug her and have her all the way down there on my chest instead of being almost eye level. “One of the things that I’ll enjoy the most is being able to work out again and put some weight on my legs and have my body look a little bit more how I want it to.” In January 2022, Brian suddenly realised his legs didn’t match his “torso proportions”. He said: “I realised that my legs were always looking weird, and I didn’t know what it was, until one day I was sitting next to my brother-in-law who is almost 6ft 6in, and I was actually a little taller than he was. “I thought that was weird, because I knew he was taller than I am by a lot, and we stood up, and all of a sudden, I started looking and realised my legs were too short for my body. “I’m broad, have long arms, and I’m wide, but my short legs make me look different – I almost look like a huge thumb, like those thumb men from Spy Kids.” After the realisation, Brian, who had never previously had cosmetic surgery, started to “not like (his) aesthetics” and decided to research ways to make himself taller. He said: “I thought I can either find a new hobby, and give up lifting weights, or I can fix the issue. “I started Googling and ran into the procedure from there – as soon as I saw it, I thought ‘OK, I guess this is what I’m doing’.” Brian set himself a goal of becoming at least 6ft 6in tall and said of his loved ones’ reaction when he told them about his idea: “It was a combination of disbelief, but they also said that it is typical of me. “I know this is a very crazy thing, it’s extremely expensive, time-consuming, difficult, painful and even risky in some respects.” In December 2022, he had his first operation in a clinic called Live Life Taller in Turkey, which cost him £30,000. The first procedure involved lengthening the tibia and fibula together. “In the first surgery, they broke my tibia and fibula and hollowed out the inside of the tibia, taking out the bone marrow,” he said. “They then put a rod inside the bone and fastened it with screws and attached the bone segments via pins to external fixators – so you have this piece of steel on the outside of your legs and have these constant open wounds that won’t close until you remove all the hardware.”. His recovery involved being in a wheelchair and using an Allen wrench to turn a bolt on the fixators four times a day at 90 degrees to separate the bone segments a little at a time. Brian continued to do this every day for two months, saying of his painful recovery: “The hardest part of the whole thing was the lack of sleep, but I think the pain will be worth it – once it’s all finished I’ll just be able to enjoy being taller, and hopefully feel on top of the world.” In February 2023, the external fixators on his tibia were removed and he was around three inches taller. In March 2023, he had the second operation, which cost him an additional £56,000, to carry out the same procedure on his femur. He said: “I actually felt great after my femur procedure, and there was almost no pain throughout the entire process, only from lengthening from actually stretching my legs.” Now, Brian is just over an additional three-and-a-half inches taller – making him just under 6ft 7in – but is still in a wheelchair and is waiting for it to be completely healed. He joked: “When it’s fully healed, I’m trying to not have expectations because I don’t want to be disappointed but it’s hard to imagine that I’m not going to enjoy it. “From the few times that I’ve already stood up, it is bizarre to see people that used to be my height come up to under my nose – it’s really weird, and it’s a lot of fun just seeing the world in a slightly different perspective. “I can see above the fridge more easily – not that it’s that important, but it’s cool. I’ll be able to see other people’s bald spots, everything will be just different.” Looking back on his decision to undergo the surgery, Brian said: “I didn’t need to do this procedure, but I really wanted to, and I didn’t know how hard it would be. “So, when I made the decision to do it, I kind of over-estimated how easy it would be and under-estimated how much pain and how much difficulty would be involved. “I don’t regret my decision, and I hope that I’m going to be really happy with the results.” Read More The worst day of the week for heart attacks revealed Husband of non-smoker, 24, who died two weeks after lung cancer diagnosis reveals single telltale sign A Place In The Sun’s Jonnie Irwin admitted to hospital amid terminal diagnosis Triathlete shares race photo where she bled through swimsuit while on her period The telltale sign of lung cancer everyone should know A Place In The Sun’s Jonnie Irwin admitted to hospital amid terminal diagnosis

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TikTok personality Holly Reardon has gone viral after sharing a video showing the treasures she found while digging through her mother’s closet. As she showed off the ‘90s pieces she discovered, Reardon made an emphatic plea to parents everywhere to save their old clothes, so that their children may inherit them someday. In the viral video, the 26-year-old content creator told viewers that her mom “kept all her clothes from when she was a teenager,” which means that Reardon is now able to reap the benefits. The TikTokker then proceeded to show off her discoveries, including an Abercrombie & Fitch denim mini dress that she described as “freakin’ cute”. Reardon also confessed that she “didn’t even know Abercrombie was around in the 90s”. Viewers were quick to point out in the comments section that Abercrombie & Fitch has been around for more than a century. Many millennials also sounded off in the comments section, admitting that Reardon’s comments about the brand made them feel like dinosaurs. In her caption, Reardon urged parents to “do it for [their] daughters”. But not all were keen on the idea, as one user commented that they were already enough of a “borderline hoarder” as it is, while another wrote: “I became an adult with Marie Kondo and I can’t keep anything that doesn’t spark joy.” @hollyjreardon Do it for your daughter haha ♬ original sound - Holly While there may be a few naysayers, Reardon isn’t the only TikToker urging parents to keep their clothes for their children. Months before the content creator posted her viral video, a teenager named Ava Marie went viral after revealing that she’d re-worn her mom’s 1994 prom dress to her own senior prom. In 2022, The Cut interviewed different people about why they enjoy shopping in the closets of their parents, and many had varying answers. An operations analyst named Laura, 30, said: “It’s just so much more fun when I can go home and be like: ‘Oh my God, this skirt is fabulous. And my mom’s like: ‘Take it.’” Meanwhile, 26-year-old project manager Jeovanna said that breathing new life into clothes passed down to her was a “true representation” of herself, believing it to combine her ancestry with what she now likes, “meshing the future and the past together”. While the New York Times proclaimed that “the golden age of thrifting” was over, data from Vestiare Collective suggests otherwise: interest in secondhand vintage and shopping will not stop with Gen-Z and millenials. Rather, it’s only beginning. Gen-Z and Zillenials are notorious for loving vintage looks and those who don’t have the option to peruse the closets of their parents aren’t afraid to pay a pretty penny for what they deem as “quality pieces,” according to Vogue Business, which notes that the trend doesn’t look like it will be slowing down anytime soon. In an interview with second-hand fashion site, ThredUp, Vogue Business learned “the global secondhand mark is expected to surge at three times the rate of the overall global apparel market up to 2027”. It’s not only ThredUp seeing success in the Gen-Z market, according to The Wall Street Journal, which reported that, of the 15 million users on the second-hand fashion platform Depop, 90 per cent were under the age of 26. Analysts at Deloitte theorised that Gen-Z’s predilection for retro clothes may have to do with the fact that they entered adolescence during and after the 2007-2009 recession. After undergoing such a formative period during financial hardship, it’s likely that it has had a long-lasting effect on their choices as consumers. Read More Depop reseller defends her business after being accused of ‘greed’ Woman finds $300 and note in Coach purse she bought for $7 at thrift store: ‘Be a Martha’ Schoolboy almost dies from swallowing magnets for TikTok challenge Woman shares honest review of New York City apartment TikTok mom slammed after making 5-year-old son run in 104 degree heat

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From creamy mashed potato and sweetcorn smothered in butter to rich tomato soup and miso-glazed aubergine, cooked veggies can be incredibly tasty. But did you know that, in some cases, munching raw vegetables can be better for your health? “When veggies are cooked, some of the heat-sensitive nutrients, such as vitamin C, can become depleted,” says functional nutritionist Pauline Cox, author of Hungry Woman: Eating For Good Health, Happiness And Hormones. “Beneficial enzymes within raw veg can also be lost to roasting and cooking.” Fresh veg can be especially appealing in summer when you’re craving filling salads and crunchy snacks. “Adding more raw to your daily dish will liven up your palate and upgrade your dinner plate,” Cox says. As with any raw ingredient, it’s important to prepare veg properly. “Whether you’re eating vegetables raw or cooked, always wash them well before consuming to help reduce pesticide residue or harmful bacteria,” suggests Maz Packham, nutritional therapist and founder of Nourishful Nutrition. Here, experts talk through eight vegetables that are delicious raw… 1. Sweet potato “Sweet potato, often associated with oven baked, roasted or mashed, can actually be consumed raw,” says Cox. But you’ll want to grate the flesh first to make it more palatable: “Grated into a slaw, sweet potatoes are a super source of beta carotene, vitamin C and fibre.” 2. Kale Baked kale chips have become very trendy in recent years as health-conscious individuals look for new ways to consume the vitamin-rich leaves. “Many individuals find it easier to digest kale once it’s been sauteed or steamed,” says registered nutritionist Jenna Hope. “However, massaging raw kale with olive oil instead can also help to aid digestion whilst preserving the vitamin C. “Additionally, adding olive oil can help to increase the absorption of fat-soluble vitamins such as vitamin K, which is also present in kale.” 3. Sugar snap peas Unlike some types of peas, there’s no need to shell sugar snaps, which are high in vitamins C and K. “Vitamin C is a powerhouse antioxidant we need to consume through foods for collagen production, to support iron absorption, and for a healthy functioning immune system,” says Packham. “Sugar snap peas are also a good source of vitamin K and folate which are abundant in green vegetables, and they’re a great source of fibre helping to support beneficial bacteria in the gut and good digestive health.” They make a delicious snack on their own or dipped in hummus. “You may want to break off the ends and remove the outer string that runs along the side; you may not even notice it,” Packham continues. “Cut the pods into smaller segments and mix into salads for extra texture and crunch.” 4. Celeriac “Rich in vitamin K, celeriac may have bone-health boosting properties, as higher intake of vitamin K is associated with a lower risk of fractures,” suggests Cox. Cut off the tough outer peel before grating, slicing ribbons with a vegetable peeler or chopping into small pieces. “Delicate in flavour but packed with goodness, celeriac makes a great addition to any salad,” Cox. “Thinly sliced into matchstick-sized strips and tossed with a dollop of olive oil, mayonnaise and a little mustard, celeriac can liven up any meal as a side dish.” 5. Cauliflower Cauliflower cheese may be a culinary classic, but you don’t have to bake this cruciferous veg to reap the health rewards. “Cauli is bursting with vitamin C, vitamin K and dietary fibre,” says Cox. She recommends: “Raw cauliflower makes a great dunker for a delicious guacamole or hummus.” However, if you have any digestive health issues you should be cautious with cruciferous vegetables like cauliflower. “They can cause excess gas as they contain an indigestible fibre called raffinose,” says Rob Hobson, registered consultant nutritionist at Healthspan. “Bacteria try and break this down in the large intestine and in the process produce gas. This could be an issue for people suffering from irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) as it can exacerbate symptoms.” 6. Baby corn While full-size corn cobs are way too tough to consume whole, baby corn (harvested before the stalks mature) is soft enough to munch whole. “Despite its size, baby corn is nutritionally rich containing vitamins A and C as well as folate and potassium,” says Packham. “The high fibre content helps support a healthy gut while also helping you to feel fuller for longer.” You can slice the stalks to add to salads or serve them as crudites, Packham suggests: “Baby corn is a great snack option and can be left whole – it tastes delicious dipped into hummus or guacamole.” 7. Courgette “Courgettes are rich in vitamin C and B6, which can also be degraded by high heat,” says Hope, and because it’s got a semi-firm texture it’s easy to adapt for raw dishes. Hope adds: “Try slicing up your courgettes and using them as an alternative to cucumber in salads, or sliced up and dipped into hummus or guacamole.” 8. Brussels sprouts Not a fan of the classic Christmas dinner side dish? “Trying them raw might just see you developing a newfound love for the humble Brussels sprout,” says Cox, recommending the brassica as a rich source of vitamins C and K. “Thinly sliced and treated like shredded lettuce, glug on a generous dose of avocado oil or olive oil and a few chopped pecans or walnuts and finish with some fresh, grilled goat’s cheese – this combo may well win you over!” As Brussels sprouts are cruciferous, the same warning applies to cauliflower for people with IBS. Hobson adds: “They contain compounds called glucosinolates which can reduce the absorption of iodine which could interfere with thyroid function. “People with underactive thyroid may want to limit their intake of these compounds. Cooking them lowers the levels of glucosinolates.” Read More Brain’s appetite control centre different in overweight or obese people – study Study reveals how muscle cells deteriorate with age, hampering injury recovery Is it heat exhaustion or are you just tired? Charity boss speaks out over ‘traumatic’ encounter with royal aide Ukraine war’s heaviest fight rages in east - follow live

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Supermodel Naomi Campbell has shared a glimpse of the new collection she’s designed for Pretty Little Thing. The 53-year-old shared a black and white close-up shot of herself wearing a black leather jacket on Instagram, with “Pretty Little Thing designed by Naomi Campbell” written over it. The collection will drop on September 5 – just a few days before the start of New York Fashion Week, it might be launched with a star-studded catwalk show. Pretty Little Thing first announced the collaboration in June, and the new collection will be “paying homage to Naomi’s legacy and iconic signature style”, according to the brand. “The muse, the supermodel, the moment,” is how Campbell is described on the Pretty Little Thing website, where customers can sign up to find out when the collection drops. It also said: “A supermodel amongst supermodels, Naomi’s cultural impact within the industry is unrivalled. This is the iconic collaboration you won’t want to miss.” September is set to be a big month for Campbell, as it coincides with fashion month and the release of new Apple TV+ docuseries, The Super Models. The documentary will track the rise of models Campbell, Cindy Crawford, Linda Evangelista and Christy Turlington in the 1980s, in a four-part series released on September 20. The four fashion icons featured on the September 2023 cover of British and American Vogue. Talking about the bond they formed, Campbell told British Vogue: “There was a sisterhood there, defined by caring and loyalty: when one is down you pick the other one up.” While there is little indication of what Campbell’s Pretty Little Thing designs will look like, they could channel Nineties minimalism – an aesthetic she helped popularise. This might mean mini dresses, strappy tops and simple silhouettes – or it could channel her more recent style obsession for chic tailoring. Campbell has modelled for the likes of Prada, Yves Saint Laurent and Burberry, and recently announced the birth of her second child, a baby boy. She’s not the first celebrity to collaborate with Pretty Little Thing. Love Island star Molly-Mae Hague has designed collections for the brand – earlier this year stepping down from the role of creative director – as have musicians Teyana Taylor, Lil Kim and Doja Cat. Read More Charity boss speaks out over ‘traumatic’ encounter with royal aide Ukraine war’s heaviest fight rages in east - follow live Taking adult education classes may lower risk of dementia, study suggests Indiyah Polack: I didn’t want to go on Love Island because of my acne Everything you need to know about the UK’s first womb transplant

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Former F1 world champion Jacques Villeneuve married his partner in the Las Vegas Grand Prix paddock on Thursday night (16 November). The official F1 Las Vegas X/Twitter account confirmed the news on 17 November, sharing photos of the couple, with the caption: “Married in Vegas: F1 style.” A few days before the wedding, F1 also released a short clip of the chapel created inside the circuit featuring the slogan “Race to the Altar”. Couples and race fans can now say “I do” at the chapel through a special wedding package. The space is embellished with racing-themed decorations and the couples that do get a chance to get married there will be presented with a bouquet of roses inspired by racing cars. “Love in the fast lane. Introducing the first-ever #F1 wedding chapel.” the caption in the post said. In another post featured on F1 Las Vegas’s Instagram stories, Villeneuve’s partner Giulia is seen dazzling her guests wearing a classic white gown as she walks down the aisle. The short video also shows the happy couple posing for photos with friends and family members. Former Williams engineer, Jock Clear, was reportedly Villeneuve’s best man for the occasion and the newlyweds enjoyed their moment together as an Elvis impersonator sang ‘Here Comes The Bride.’ Villeneuve won the Formula One World Championship with Williams in 1997. According to Planet F1, the champion made his comeback earlier this year - 17 years on from his final race. Speaking to Planet F1 in an exclusive interview back in February, the champion said: “I’ve never been retired!” “So it’s not even semi-retirement. I know a lot of people think that I haven’t been racing. After F1, I moved to North America to focus on that. “Ever since, I’ve been doing just piecemeal races – never full championships. Ice racing in France, V8 Supercars in Australia, Nascar, I did some Formula E, EuroNascar, the Indy 500… so I actually never retired, it was just very complicated to get full-time race seats, mostly because I was busy building up a family,” he added. Villeneuve’s wedding came hours before a chaotic first practice session was abandoned and the second session delayed due to Carlos Sainz striking a manhole cover which destroyed the bottom of his car - and resulted in him getting a ten-place grid penalty for Sunday’s race. Detailing what had gone wrong an FIA spokesman said: “Following inspection, it was the concrete frame around a manhole cover that has failed. We now need to check all of the other manhole covers which will take some time – we will be discussing with the local circuit engineering team about the length of time it will take to resolve.” The on-track action eventually resumed two-and-a-half hours late and finished up at 4am local time - after fans had been told to leave at 1:30am in what was an all-round disaster of an opening night. Read More F1 enters new Las Vegas dawn with disaster on opening night Watch: Sparks fly as Sainz’s Ferrari hits drain cover on Las Vegas F1 circuit Empty grandstands at Las Vegas GP as chaotic practice session takes place at 3am Carlos Sainz handed ‘ridiculous’ penalty after drain cover crash at Las Vegas GP Las Vegas GP resumes in front of empty stands as fans sent home at 1:30am Ferrari team boss fumes over damage to Sainz car: ‘Just unacceptable’