Jana Kramer has revealed one of her unlikely triggers for morning sickness. During the 21 August episode of her podcast, Whine Down, the singer explained that toothpaste has made her nauseous throughout her pregnancy. “This is gross but, like, the water and mint [of toothpaste] made me want to vomit in the first trimester, so I couldn’t brush my teeth,” she said. “Like, I just used [Colgate] wisps,” she explained, referring to single-use toothbrushes meant to be used on-the-go, as they don’t require toothpaste. Instead, the toothbrushes have a built-in “freshening bead” that dissolves as you brush. The singer explained that she tried to regularly brush her teeth on multiple occasions, before resorting to her other method. “I would try and then I would gag and then I’d puke and so, it just wasn’t worth the extra puke of the day,” Kramer added. During the podcast, she discussed how nervous she was when the time finally came to go to the dentist, after spending three months not brushing her teeth. Luckily, it appeared to have worked in her favour, as her dentist let her know that she “did a really good job for not brushing your teeth in three months.” “He goes, ‘Everything looks good. Where you’re saying the pain is under a cavity, it’s a cavity tooth,’” the One Tree Hill alum said. “So, he’s like, ‘Nothing looks like it’s cracked or seeping or anything.’ He’s like, ‘I can’t do anything anyway ‘cause your pregnant. But a lot of women - when they’re hormonal - it hurts more, your teeth.’” Kramer also shared in her podcast that she recently discovered cavities can be genetic, and that people can end up with poor teeth despite how well they take care of them. “It makes sense now ‘cause my daughter has two cavities - she’s seven - on her adult teeth,” Kramer explained. “So, I’m like, ‘Oh, I gave it to my daughter.’” She shares daughter Jolie, seven, and son Jace, four, with ex-husband Mike Caussin. In June, Kramer announced she and her fiancé, Allan Russell, are expecting their first child together. “We’ve been keeping another secret from you guys (I promise this is the last announcement... at least for a little while) but I’m pregnant!!!!” she captioned an Instagram post. “Beyond blessed and grateful for this baby to be a part of our story. I never thought I would see the word pregnant again on a test, but I’m thankful for @clearblue for making it as clear as ever,” Kramer added. On her podcast, she revealed that they were expecting a boy. In addition to her aversion to toothpaste, the singer also revealed some of her other pregnancy symptoms in an Instagram Story post on 20 August, per US Weekly. “In the first trimester, I couldn’t really stomach anything but a bagel and cream cheese and now the thought of a bagel and cream cheese makes me want to vomit,” she wrote. “I can’t eat any sweets or my stomach hurts. I’m still nauseous throughout the day but it’s worse at night and in the morning.” Read More Jana Kramer claims her ex-husband cheated on her with ‘more’ than 13 women Jana Kramer clarifies Chris Evans ‘bathroom ghosting’ incident Jana Kramer says brief relationship with Chris Evans ended after ‘mortifying’ bathroom incident

Rumer Willis has hit back at online criticism over a photo of herself breastfeeding her daughter, Louetta. The actress took to Instagram on Friday to share a post in honour of her 35th birthday, which featured the selfie of her breastfeeding her daughter, who she welcomed in April with boyfriend Derek Richard Thomas. In the comments, many of her followers criticised her for sharing the photo, with questions about “why” she posted it on social media. However, Willis - the daughter of Bruce Willis and Demi Moore - didn’t hesitate to hit back at the criticism, as she started off by simply responding to the “why?” question with: “Cause I want to.” Another Instagram user also alleged that Willis posted the photo “for attention,” with claims that “nursing a baby is very private and should not be displayed like a circus event”. In response, Willis expressed how she viewed the ability to feed her daughter as a “privilege,” and accused the critic of holding “a limited view of” breastfeeding. She continued her comment by defending her decision to post the photo, and explaining how she wanted it to lessen the “shame” that women face. “I think it’s incredibly important to share because there is an incredible amount of shame that comes with being born into a female body,” Willis wrote. “And I want to lead by example in teaching my daughter that she doesn’t have to be ashamed of her body ever and that she can decide how she wants to share it.” When a third critic on Instagram claimed that the Sorority Row star was a “narcissistic” and “insecure”, she responded by telling them that she “really couldn’t care less about [their] opinion,” or about what they “think [she’s] doing,” since she knows what her “intentions” are. After claiming that she “pitied” the critic, she went on to emphasise that being able to breasfeed, in addition to being a mother, is a “privilege”. “[It’s one] I definitely don’t take for granted,” she wrote. “So I will celebrate every sec of this journey because this is my first time doing all of this and I honour and have the deepest reverence for all of the women who have walked this path before me.” She concluded: “I’m sharing because things like breastfeeding need to be honoured instead of shamed. I feel so sorry for you. I am the happiest I have ever been in my life.” Earlier this year, Willis took to Instagram to announce the birth of her daughter with Thomas. “Louetta Isley Thomas Willis. You are pure magic,” she wrote in the caption, alongside a snap of her then-newborn. “Born at home on Tuesday April 18th. You are more than we ever dreamed of.” Willis’ response to critics over her breastfeeding photo also comes days after she celebrated her body on Instagram. As she shared a nude photo of herself, she wrote that, although her body “feels a little different,” she’s “truly in awe everyday” when she looks at her child. She went on to praise her body for how it looked, while acknowledging that her body was “still redjusting” after giving birth. “This body of mine that I spent so many years trying to shape and mold into what I thought was desirable or made me feel good in clothes, is a little softer and rounder and jiggly and different and that’s okay, more than okay, it’s kind of amazing because I grew a person inside of it,” she wrote. “This little being that I love with a fierceness and wonder that reaches new levels everyday. I know my body is still readjusting, but whatever shape it ends up in I am just grateful for all that it did and continues to do.” She also described her breasts as a “gift” to her baby, before detailing the different ways in which she’s used her body to care for her child. “In the ongoing process of transformation, I am grateful for every twist and turn,” Willis continued. “My breasts, might be bigger and perhaps ever so drifting downward but what a gift and privilege that they can feed and provide nourishment for my Lou. They also make a fantastic pillow while we co sleep. My hips and tummy, now softer and rounder, cradle my daughter in safety, warmth, and love.” Read More Rumer Willis says she is ‘grateful’ to her body following birth of daughter Bruce Willis’ daughter Tallulah speaks out about his early signs of dementia before announcing diagnosis Bruce Willis’ wife Emma Heming Willis says she is ‘not good’ amid his ongoing struggle with dementia Rumer Willis says she is ‘grateful’ to her body following birth of daughter Jana Kramer reveals she couldn’t brush her teeth for three months while pregnant Mom documents at-home abortion to destigmatise abortion pills

By Patrick Wingrove and Bhanvi Satija The U.S. Food and Drug Administration on Monday approved Pfizer's respiratory syncytial

An internet-wide debate has resulted from one brave woman’s choice to detail her at-home abortion experience on TikTok. On 20 July, a 24-year-old woman named Monica showed her TikTok followers how she completed her abortion, from the comfort of her home, for the first time at nine weeks pregnant. She began by showing the items she needed to prepare her body: the required prescription drug typically used for terminating early pregnancy, motion sickness medicine, a bottle of water, maxi pads, and Planned Parenthood’s timely instructions. “It is highly recommended to take ibuprofen (with food) and anti-nausea pills 30 minutes before your first dose of abortion pills which I did here,” she said. For her first dose, Monica – who already has one daughter – was required to put four pills in the sides of her mouth and keep them there for 30 minutes. Then, she washed down the tablets with water. Speaking with Newsweek, the woman explained why she decided to share her abortion experience using the medications mifepristone and misoprostol, which are typically prescribed to terminate early stages of pregnancy. “My hope would be that abortion becomes more normalised and seen as what it is - healthcare,” she confessed. “I wanted to create a safe space for women to come forward and share their experiences and stories about their abortions without the fear of being judged or criticised.” The 24-year-old continued: “I’ve noticed that the media tends to ignore the topic of abortion as a whole and I thought, ‘Well, maybe if I come forward and share my own journey, we can finally talk about it.’” Her video showing the side effects of using the “abortion pill” - mifepristone and misoprostol, prescribed by Planned Parenthood - has now reached over 3.1m views. However, it’s received mixed emotions and reactions online. @monicathehuman TW: Abortion Pro-Lifers please dni. This is my personal experience with abortion pills and how I prepared for the day. There is a lot left out so if you have any questions please feel free to ask and I’ll do be my best to go into more detail! Side note: I am a 24 year old mother of one. Overall, the pain was at a 10 for me and I have a very high pain tolerance and personally, it felt like being in labor without an epidural. Just note, this experience is NOT expected for everyone! For others it may just feel like a very bad period and I am someone who luckily doesn’t experience period cramps so this is not a usual thing for me! A special shoutout to @Planned Parenthood for helping my experience run smooth and quickly ❤️ My symptoms the first 12 hours: •Slight Nausea in the first 15 min. •Diarrhea •Dizziness •Fatigue after 10 hours My symptoms the morning after: •Spotting Resources: Need to talk to someone about your abortion experience? Text: 617-749-2948 Or Visit: https://www.mahotline.org/ for any info or support to self-manage a miscarriage or abortion #plannedparenthood #abortion #abortionpill #prochoice #abortionexperience #mifepristone #misoprostol ♬ Chopin Nocturne No. 2 Piano Mono - moshimo sound design While some followers thanked Monica for her vulnerability, others were opposed. “Thank you for posting. I’ve never known how these kind of abortions work,” one woman wrote. “Wtf why is this on TikTok?” another person said. “I definitely felt hesitant about documenting my abortion because I was so worried about the kind of response I would get,” Monica told Newsweek. “It was my attempt to reach out to those who may feel alone or unsupported through such a vulnerable event and to show that there is nothing to hide when it comes to making a choice that is best for you.” “In all honesty, when the negativity did start rolling in, I was just so comfortable with my decision that none of them fazed me. There was nothing anyone could have said that would have changed my mind or made me regret posting my video,” she continued. “I helped so many more people than they ever could have with their hatred and that’s what mattered most to me - helping people.” @monicathehuman Here is my abortion follow-up video for everyone wondering what that looks like! Thank you all again for your support and thank you to everyone who felt safe enough to confide in me about their journeys! ❤️ You’re all so loved and this is your reminder that you are NOT alone and you are supported by SO many despite the stigma. Abortion is Healthcare! 🫶🏼 • • #abortionrights #abortionishealthcare #abortion #abortionjourney #plannedparenthood #prochoice #abortionpill #mifepristone #misoprostol #abortionexperience #aidaccess #plancpills ♬ Chopin Nocturne No. 2 Piano Mono - moshimo sound design Despite the negativity, an overwhelming number of commenters were pleased to see Monica open up about her experience. Many women related to her, and offered their own advice on how to cope emotionally and physically following an abortion. One individual said: “Please priortise your mental health after this process. It could be hard, but you got this. You are strong. You did what was right for you.” “This was so informative. Thanks for sharing your story,” a TikTok user noted, while another added: “Literally saving. Bless you, for showing us the process. I was always terrified of it.” Even commenters from US states such as Texas, Mississippi, and Alabama - where bans or restrictions to abortion access have become increasingly common - encouraged her honesty, despite being located where abortion has now been made illegal and inaccessible. “I think it’s incredibly important for women to share stories like this because in a big way, it helps to destigmatise abortion,” Monica told Newsweek. “Talking to all these women and sharing our stories together also opened my eyes to see just how little support women around the world have when it comes to reproductive health.” @monicathehuman #abortion #abortionrights #abortionishealthcare #abortionjourney #prochoice #abortionexperience ♬ original sound - Moon 🩶 “It’s a right that everyone deserves and a choice that no one should ever make without proper resources and education. It’s heartbreaking when I hear that it’s not available to everyone just anywhere,” the mother said. “In some places, it may even place a danger on people for just talking about it. I felt so powerless with my inability to help them and I can only imagine what they may feel.” She added: “I hope that my video will reach the right people who have had questions about abortion and to hopefully clear the misconceptions and lies surrounding it. It’s not as scary as many people have been taught to believe, and they are not alone.” In 2022, the US Supreme Court officially overturned the decision in Roe v Wade, which protected a woman’s right to an abortion more than 50 years ago. One year later, 13 states have implemented total bans starting from conception, while Georgia has implemented a ban after six weeks. The Independent has reached out to Monica for comment. Read More What the GOP candidates have said about abortion rights Abortion drug case likely headed to Supreme Court after Republican-appointed judges agree to restrict access Are abortions about to be even harder to get? 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

The NHS is working with Morrisons to put health warnings in the supermarket’s underwear about potential signs of breast and testicular cancer. Labels in the Nutmeg brand, initially in boxer shorts and crop-top bras, will offer advice on what to look for. Available in 240 shops around England in the coming months, packaging will also contain a QR code linking to the NHS website for more detailed information on breast and testicular cancer. Dame Cally Palmer, NHS England’s national director for cancer, said: “This is the first time the whole of the NHS has worked with a national supermarket brand to put health messaging on clothing, with the aim of encouraging thousands more people to be body aware, so they can spot new or unexplained changes that might be cancer symptoms early, and contact their GP practice for checks if concerned. “Cancer survival is at an all-time high – survival for both breast and testicular cancers have improved significantly over the last 50 years and we’re seeing more people than ever before diagnosed at an early stage – and this partnership with Morrisons is just one of the many ways we are ensuring people are aware of potential cancer symptoms. “I want to urge everyone to be aware of their own bodies – please look out for lumps and bumps or anything else that is unusual for you – and get checked out early, it could save your life.” Not sure how to properly check for lumps and changes? Here’s how… Breasts and pecs According to the NHS, you should see your GP if you find “a new lump or area of thickened tissue in either breast that was not there before”. Similarly, you should seek help if you see a change in size or shape of one or both breasts, discharge from either of your nipples, a change in the look or feel of your skin, a rash around the nipple, or a change in the appearance of your nipple. When physically checking them, NHS guidance says: “Look at your breasts and feel each breast and armpit, and up to your collarbone. You may find it easiest to do this in the shower or bath, by running a soapy hand over each breast and up under each armpit. “You can also look at your breasts in the mirror. Look with your arms by your side and also with them raised.” All genders have breast tissue, so everyone should get into a regular routine of checking their breasts or pecs. Charity CoppaFeel! runs a text service to remind you to check once a month. Testicles Knowing what is normal for you is vital when regularly checking testicles too. Changes to watch out for include a lump in your testicles, swelling, changes in shape and feel, aching or discomfort that doesn’t go away, or one testicle becoming bigger than the other. See your GP if you notice any of these changes. When physically checking your testicles, Macmillan Cancer Support says: “It can be easier to check the testicles during, or right after, a warm bath or shower when the scrotal skin is relaxed. Hold the scrotum in the palm of your hand. Use your fingers and thumb to examine each testicle.” Read More Charity boss speaks out over ‘traumatic’ encounter with royal aide Ukraine war’s heaviest fight rages in east - follow live What you need to know about menopause, as the UK’s first education programme announced How to create the mermaid eyes beauty look that’s trending on TikTok How to force bulbs to flower at Christmas

Radio presenter Chris Evans has announced live on air that he has been diagnosed with skin cancer. Evans, 57, revealed on his Virgin Radio show on Monday morning (21 August) that his doctors broke the news to him just recently. However, he reassured listeners that the disease was discovered in its early stages and he is hopeful he will have a full recovery after he undergoes treatment next month. Evans said on his breakfast show: “We need to discuss what’s going on with this issue. It is a melanoma. “There’s this phrase called a malignant melanoma – you know once you get something and you find out all about it – that is a redundant phrase because if it is a melanoma, it is malignant.” He added: “But it’s been caught so early, just so you know, that it should be completely treatable.” According to The Sun, the broadcaster said his treatment is settee begin on 14 September. Evans, who is a running enthusiast, joked that he won’t be able to run for “a month afterwards”, adding: “So I’m going to do nothing but run until then. Is that OK?” He previously had a cancer scare in 2019 and revealed at the time he took a skin cancer test after finding unusual marks on his body before Christmas. That year, the radio presenter said: “I went and had a few marks on my body inspected by a skin expert before Christmas and she said. ‘You need to come and see me again, just because of your complexion’. The expert advised him to get checked once a year. Read More Barbie? Ken? Venezuela?: Why baby names won’t be boring for much longer Britney Spears posts heartbroken statement after Sam Asghari split: ‘I couldn’t take the pain anymore’ Geri Halliwell says her ‘sillier self came out’ when she met husband Christian Horner

However big your boobs are, your sports bra could be holding you back from your fitness goals – if it’s uncomfortable, painful or doesn’t offer enough support. So, how can you find the perfect sports bra to help you feel and perform your best? “Finding the perfect sports bra is about enhancing performance and preventing common problems that athletes face,” says Juju Sheikh, founder of Cloud Nine Collective. “A well-designed sports bra can minimise bounce and provide the necessary support to keep you comfortable and focused on your game.” Consider size, support and impact Different-sized boobs will need varying degrees of support – but that’s not the only factor to consider when choosing a sport bra. Breast shape can also influence which bra is the best fit and style for you, as well as the impact level of the activities you’ll be doing. “Finding the right sports bra can be tricky and usually requires you to try a few different sizes and brands,” says Rebecca Carroll, a buyer for Runners Need. “The most important thing is ensuring that it fits you correctly, so that it offers enough comfort and support for your activity. “Sports bras offer three different levels of support: low, medium, and high impact. The type you need depends on your cup size and the type of exercise you do,” Carroll adds. “For those who have bigger busts, look for a sports bra which has supportive seams and underwire, to help maximise support and comfort.” Look at design features Sports bras come with a range of different design features too, which tend to correlate to the level of support they offer. This includes the fabrics, the straps, the cups, as well as how they do up/fasten or whether they’re an over-the-head crop top style. “I recommend looking for features like adjustable straps, underwire support, and breathable fabric,” says Sheikh. “Adjustable straps allow you to customise the fit according to your unique body shape and size. This ensures that the bra stays in place and provides the best support throughout your workout.” The way a bra does up will generally change how supportive it is. “Front zips can be a good thing,” says Martina Jurcova, product line manager for women’s apparel and accessories at ASICS. “They are certainly easier to put on and open again after a strenuous exercise. That said, they must have extremely secure closures and are not recommended for sports or exercises where the wearer is lying face down on an exercise mat.“Race backs are great, as they allow the maximums freedom of movement of the scapula [shoulder blade] and at the same time can give great support to the wearer,” Jurcova adds. “Dual clasp bras have the advantage that the wearer can decide for themselves if they like the feeling of a race back or not.” Match your bra with the activity Remember, the same sports bra may not be suitable for every activity. Even if you have a large bust, there are certain activities where you won’t want the restriction of a very high-impact bra. “Low-medium impact sports bras are good for activities like walking, yoga and strength training. They typically feature a cup-less design and restrict movement by compressing the bust tightly against the chest wall,” says Carroll. “However, for activities like running, you’re going to want a high-impact sports bra. These are made with a defined cup structure to encapsulate and provide high levels of support. Some high-impact bras will use a combination of both encapsulation and compression methods to maximise support.” Protect from chafe and blisters When doing an intense activity, perhaps running long distances or doing high-intensity interval training, it’s not unheard of for women to experience chafing or even blisters around the chest area. “To prevent chafing, you can apply petroleum jelly or chafe balms in areas susceptible to friction. This creates a barrier between your skin and clothing to reduce friction,” Carroll says. “Wearing well-fitting clothing, like your sports bra, will also have a big impact. Look for moisture-wicking materials,” she adds. “Generally, synthetic fabrics such as polyester and nylon can help draw the sweat away from your skin.”

Kaia Gerber has issued some guidance for her elder brother Presley Gerber about taking care of his skin in the sun. Presley, 24, and Kaia, 21, are the children of model Cindy Crawford and Rande Gerber, a businessman. Both siblings followed in their mother’s footsteps and have successful modelling careers, often sharing their work and off-duty looks on social media. On Saturday (19 August), Presley shared photos of himself on a sandy beach while topless. The images show him with a bandana draped around his shoulders. In the caption to the Instagram post, Presley wrote: “Sunscreen’s a myth”. In fact, sun protection provides an essential barrier to harmful UVA and UVB rays. According to the American Cancer Society, UVB rays are responsible for the majority of cases of skin cancer. In disagreement with her brother’s statement, Kaia left a public comment on the post to give him some alternative guidance. “Hi Presley! It’s me, your sister!” she began her message. “Remember me from childhood? We share the same parents [wacky face emoji] I actually wanted to share with you that sunscreen is not a myth!! It is real!! I actually use it myself!!” Fans and followers have jumped in on their exchange, with many leaving laughing emojis at the humorous tone of Kaia’s message. “Absolutely! Sharing is caring @presleygerber!” one fan remarked. “Sis has got your back! You've raised them well @cindycrawford!” Another simply wrote: “Love your brain Kaia!!” Earlier this year, Kaia shared her thoughts on the “nepo baby” debate, which highlights the privilege enjoyed by those in the entertainment and creative industries who have famous parents. Speaking to Elle in January, the model and actor acknowledged the ways that nepotism had helped her career. “I won’t deny the privilege that I have,” she said. “Even if it’s just the fact that I have a really great source of information and someone to give me great advice, that alone I feel very fortunate for.” She also shared a comment that Crawford made about her daughter’s busy modelling career. “My mom always joked, ‘If I could call and book a Chanel campaign, it would be for me and not you,’” Gerber added. “But I also have met amazing people through my mom whom I now get to work with.” Read More Stylist comes to bride-to-be’s rescue after hair is ‘destroyed’ just before wedding Geri Halliwell says she was ‘quite grumpy’ to Christian Horner in their early relationship Prince William criticised for including Charlotte in apology for missing Lionesses final James Blunt claims he changed his age on his Wikipedia page Shirlie Kemp says male doctor told her to ‘get over’ endometriosis Chrissy Teigen posts topless photo to remind fans to get mammograms

James Blunt has claimed that he edited his Wikipedia page so it says he is younger than his real age. The pop singer, who is known for his tongue-in-cheek sense of humour, apparently tinkered with the online encyclopedia so it states he is two years younger than he actually is. “If you look at my Wikipedia page, it will say that I’m 47 – I’m actually 49,” Blunt told the Guardian. “That’s because I changed the entry.” At the time of writing, Blunt’s Wikipedia page stated that he is 49. In the same interview, Blunt looked back on the difficulties of balancing work and raising two children. He married Sofia Wellesley, the daughter of Lord and Lady John Henry Wellesley, in 2014. While speaking at the Oxford Union in 2016, Blunt confirmed that they’d welcomed a son, and have since had a second. In the interview with The Guardian, he spoke about how becoming a father had effected his priorities. “Being hands-on with my kids when I can is important,” he said, before going on to note times in his life when he wasn’t able to be as present. “I am away for long periods. With my second child, I left the day after the birth for nine months. Fatherhood changed my priorities. I was selfish. Now these little people are far more important than me.” Elsewhere in the interview, published on Saturday (19 August), the singer-songwriter spoke about his own experiences of having distance from his parents at a young age. Prior to attending Harrow School, a private school founded in the 16th century, Blunt attended Elstree School in Woolhampton, Berkshire. “I boarded at school from the age of seven,” he noted. “My parents dropped me off and walked away. On day three, I asked the matron, ‘When will I see Mum and Dad again?’ I was told Christmas. This was September. “I never really saw them again until I got famous.” Blunt was also close friends with the actor Carrie Fisher, whom he called his “American mother”. Fisher died in December 2016 of sleep apnoea but also had cocaine, morphine and ecstasy in her system at the time of her death. The singer called the Star Wars actor’s passing his “greatest sadness”, adding: “I was with her the day before she died. Knowing how it happened, I wish I’d been able to do something. Have an impact. “It’s taken me a long time to write a song about her. It’s on this album. It’s about what I wish I could’ve said to her when she was alive. What I wish I could say to her now.” James Blunt’s seventh studio album, Who We Used To Be, will be released on 27 October. Read More Stylist comes to bride-to-be’s rescue after hair is ‘destroyed’ just before wedding Britney Spears shares first statement after ‘shock’ Sam Asghari divorce: ‘I couldn’t take the pain anymore’ Man wins lottery after using same numbers every day for seven years Shirlie Kemp says male doctor told her to ‘get over’ endometriosis Chrissy Teigen posts topless photo to remind fans to get mammograms Influencer Caleb Coffee hospitalised after falling off cliff in Hawaii

James Blunt has looked back on the difficulties of balancing work and raising two children. The “Goodbye My Lover” singer married Sofia Wellesley, the daughter of Lord and Lady John Henry Wellesley, in 2014. While speaking at the Oxford Union in 2016, Blunt confirmed that they’d welcomed a son, and have since had a second. In a new interview, Blunt, 49, spoke about how becoming a father had effected his priorities. “Being hands-on with my kids when I can is important,” he told The Guardian, before going on to note times in his life when he wasn’t able to be as present. “I am away for long periods. With my second child, I left the day after the birth for nine months. Fatherhood changed my priorities. I was selfish. Now these little people are far more important than me.” Elsewhere in the interview, published on Saturday (19 August), the singer-songwriter spoke about his own experiences of having distance from his parents at a young age. Prior to attending Harrow School, a private school founded in the 16th century, Blunt attended Elstree School in Woolhampton, Berkshire. “I boarded at school from the age of seven,” he noted. “My parents dropped me off and walked away. On day three, I asked the matron, ‘When will I see Mum and Dad again?’ I was told Christmas. This was September. “I never really saw them again until I got famous.” Blunt was also close friends with the actor Carrie Fisher, whom he called his “American mother”. Fisher died in December 2016 of sleep apnoea but also had cocaine, morphine and ecstasy in her system at the time of her death. The singer called the Star Wars actor’s passing his “greatest sadness”, adding: “I was with her the day before she died. Knowing how it happened, I wish I’d been able to do something. Have an impact. “It’s taken me a long time to write a song about her. It’s on this album. It’s about what I wish I could’ve said to her when she was alive. What I wish I could say to her now.” James Blunt’s seventh studio album, Who We Used To Be, will be released on 27 October. Read More Stylist comes to bride-to-be’s rescue after hair is ‘destroyed’ just before wedding Britney Spears shares first statement after ‘shock’ Sam Asghari divorce: ‘I couldn’t take the pain anymore’ Man wins lottery after using same numbers every day for seven years Shirlie Kemp says male doctor told her to ‘get over’ endometriosis Chrissy Teigen posts topless photo to remind fans to get mammograms Influencer Caleb Coffee hospitalised after falling off cliff in Hawaii

Shirlie Kemp has revealed that a doctor told her to “get over” her endometriosis, despite it making her periods more painful than childbirth. In a new interview, the Pepsi & Shirlie singer, 61, has discussed her experiences with the medical condition, which made her periods so painful she was “bedridden” as a teenager. Endometriosis is a condition where cells similar to those in the uterus are found elsewhere in the body, leading to inflammation, pain and scar tissue. It affects approximately one in 10 women and people assigned female at birth in the UK. “I could have kissed the doctor who said, ‘You sound like you’ve got endometriosis,’” she told The Times. “From 16 I was bedridden when I had a period. I suffered horrendous pain.” Kemp – who is married to Spandau Ballet musician Martin Kemp – continued: “A male doctor said, ‘What a load of nonsense. She’ll get over it,’ and gave me tablets that made me vomit. I didn’t even know there was a private health system until I was in Wham!. “A private female doctor gave my symptoms a name. When I went into labour I thought, this is not as bad as a period.” When a person has endometriosis, the cells similar to those in the womb follow the menstrual cycle, building up and breaking down. However, the blood has no way to escape, with common symptoms including pelvic pain, painful periods, pain during or after sex, pain when urinating, painful bowel movements, fatigue and difficulty getting pregnant. Kemp says that she was told endometriosis could affect her fertility, saying: “My husband wasn’t ready to have a baby. He was a rock star. “When the doctor told me that endometriosis can affect your fertility, I said, ‘Martin, I’ve got to have a baby. I have a problem with my fertility.’” Kemp’s experience with doctors isn’t uncommon. In March, a study by charity Endometriosis UK found that three in four women and those assigned female at birth would not go to a doctor with potential endometriosis symptoms. Among those who are reluctant to see a doctor, 24 per cent said it was because they think painful periods are part of life, and 23 per cent didn’t think it was serious enough to bother a GP with. Read More Britney Spears shares first statement after ‘shock’ Sam Asghari divorce: ‘I couldn’t take the pain anymore’ Kid Rock spotted drinking Bud Light months after shooting up beer cases during transphobic rant From tofu chicken wings to chickpea bacon – how and why you should be making plant-based meat at home The 20 worst kinds of pain humans can experience Chrissy Teigen posts topless photo to remind fans to get mammograms Influencer Caleb Coffee hospitalised after falling off cliff in Hawaii

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved the 8-mg dose of Regeneron Pharmaceuticals' eye disease drug Eylea, the