List of All Articles with Tag 'health '

A man diagnosed with a brain tumour after seizures he blamed on “drinking too much coffee” has made a full recovery – and is cycling 85 miles in May and 141 miles in June to celebrate the end of his chemotherapy treatment. Steve Biggin, 51, a sales assistant at Morrisons who lives in Sheffield with his wife, Anna, 47, and has three children, Lauren, 28, Mya, 24, and Evan, 21, began having “out of body experiences” at work in September 2021. He said they felt like “looking through someone else’s eyes” but later found out he had been having seizures. After two months of regular seizures, Steve had a severe thunderclap headache and after going to A&E was dealt the “huge shock” of a brain tumour diagnosis. He cycled every single day after he got the diagnosis, which he thinks made him “even stronger” and helped him make a good recovery after having the tumour removed successfully. He is now planning to cycle through the Scottish highlands on May 14 and from Morecambe to Scarborough in June to “prove” he can do it. “Cycling has helped me through the hardest of times and I think it helped me recover from the operation, emotionally and physically, and I want to prove to myself that after all this, I can complete the race,” Steve said. “I think when I cross the finish line, I’ll just have a big smile on my face. I’ll honestly be quite proud of myself.” Steve said the seizures did not leave him “fitting on the floor or anything like that” – though he did feel disconnected from the world. He said: “I couldn’t explain how I felt. They were almost like out of body experiences looking through someone else’s eyes. “I could still communicate and co-ordinate, it just felt so weird. It would happen at work when I was at the checkouts. “I just put it down as drinking too much coffee so I didn’t really think much of it.” Steve continued having seizures up to once a week until, in November 2021, he had a severe and sudden thunderclap headache at home that, little did he know, was another warning sign of cancer. He said: “The headache lasted for about seven minutes. I was being a typical bloke and played it down a bit. “I was sat in the living room with my family and told them and Maya, my daughter, said I needed to go to A&E.” To put his family’s mind at rest, Steve went to hospital, where doctors insisted he should have MRI and CT scans and kept him in the hospital for monitoring. After being in Sheffield’s Northern General Hospital for three days, on November 17 everything seemed normal; his wife went to visit him and they were both under the impression there was nothing serious going on. But then, as soon as Anna left, a doctor went to Steve’s bedside with devastating news. “The doctor came over and threw the curtains around. He said he had some bad news for me and I have a tumour,” he said. It was a huge shock to the system but I’m a very optimistic person Steve Biggin “I asked if it was cancerous and the doctor said it was. “It was a huge shock to the system but I’m a very optimistic person; I don’t know if I took it on board fully. “I remember there was a gentleman opposite me in the ward and he asked if he could pray for me, which I thought was beautiful, but I was definitely in shock.” Steve decided to tell his family his diagnosis the same evening but waited for Anna to get home because he did not want to tell her the news while she was driving, in fear she might crash. He said: “I rang Anna and she was having a glass of wine with the kids. They were all laughing and joking in the background so I decided to tell them the following day. “I didn’t have the heart to tell them when they were so happy. “It was a very lonely, sad night for me. “I told them over the phone and they came to see me the next day. They had tears in their eyes. “I was feeling positive when I saw them, though. “I was determined to beat it.” Steve was discharged from the hospital on November 19 and told Tesco he wanted to continue because he wanted to keep life as normal as possible. A few weeks later, he had a meeting with a consultant, who revealed his tumour was at stage two. Steve felt he was coping well and continued to be optimistic until he had a week off work to celebrate his wife’s birthday. He said: “We woke up on Anna’s birthday and we just both cried, not knowing how serious it was and what I was gonna lose. “I think that was the worst part. “But then, after that day, we got into the roll of things and got a date for the operation.” After Steve had a date for the surgery, he wanted to get as fit as possible and cycled every day, which he said “got (him) through his mental struggles”. On January 17 2022, Steve successfully had the tumour surgically removed. Steve said: “It was mixed emotions, I suppose. I was worried it was going to come back but I was overjoyed because they got rid of 99.9% of the tumour.” I’m strong-willed anyway but cycling made me even stronger Steve Biggin Throughout Steve’s recovery, he continued to cycle and stay as positive as possible. He said: “I think my fitness played a massive part in the recovery and, seven weeks after the operation, I did 35 miles on the bike on the road with my friend. “I’m strong-willed anyway but cycling made me even stronger.” One week later, Steve began having radiotherapy for six weeks, five times a week, followed by chemotherapy, in tablet form, for five days in a row, with 23 days off, for 12 months. He said: “I just got into a routine with it and I was just thankful to be getting over it.” Steve’s chemotherapy ended at the end of March 2023. He said: “I was just massively relieved and so was my family. “My tumour took a bigger toll on them than it did me and Anna, my wife, was my absolute rock.” To celebrate the end of chemotherapy, Steve is taking part in Etape Caledonia on May 14 and hopes to complete it in just five-and-a-half hours. “I’m so excited for it. It’ll be great to celebrate the end of treatment with something I truly love doing – and cycling really got me through the tough times,” he said. Steve is also planning on cycling 141 miles coast to coast, from Morecambe to Scarborough, over three days at the end of June. Looking back on the last few years, Steve said he thinks the experience has changed his perspective on life, saying: “I carry a little bit on my shoulder thinking it could come back. “But, hey, I’m 51, have a fantastic family… I’ve had a fantastic life so far. “Having cancer has brought a more meaningful touch to my life, for sure.” To donate to Steve’s fundraiser, for The Brain Tumour Charity, visit www.justgiving.com/page/stephen-biggin-1679513324479. Read More Four ‘red flag’ bowel cancer symptoms that can show two years before diagnosis Couple go viral after sharing ‘uncomfortable’ age gap romance: ‘That’s some Leo DiCaprio stuff’ Tom Holland reveals he’s been sober for over a year

About one in five people may be suffering with obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA), a condition that often makes individuals snore loudly, according to a new study. People with the condition often wake up several times in the middle of the night as their breathing starts and stops during sleep. Researchers said OSA can cause people to feel tired and may also increase their risk of high blood pressure, stroke, heart disease and type 2 diabetes. While some treatments and lifestyle changes have been proven to help people with the condition, the new study published recently in the journal ERJ Open Research, suggested that only a small proportion of people with OSA have been diagnosed and are receiving help. In the study, scientists, including those from the University of Paris-Cité in France, assessed data on over 20,100 French adults. They assessed how many of the participants had been diagnosed with the condition and analysed how many of them may have undiagnosed OSA, using a questionnaire. They then used the data to calculate the proportion of the French population likely to be affected by OSA. The study found about one in five, or just over 20 per cent of the participants, were highly likely to have the condition. Scientists, however, said only 3.5 per cent of the participants were being treated for the condition. OSA was found to be more common in men and among people who were older, had cardiovascular disease, lower socioeconomic status or were less physically active. The condition was also more prevalent among smokers and in people with symptoms of depression. Women are also at a higher risk of going undiagnosed with OSA, said scientists. “We know that OSA is a major health hazard but if patients are diagnosed with the condition, they can be given treatments and advice to mitigate the risks,” study lead author Pauline Balagny said in a statement. “Our study suggests that OSA is common, but the majority of those affected do not know they have the condition. Our findings are in line with research in other countries which suggest that OSA is becoming more common,” Dr Balagny said. Citing one of the limitations of the study, scientists said the analysis relied on a questionnaire to gauge the likelihood of OSA instead of testing participants in a sleep clinic. However, the strength of the research lies in assessing data from a large group of people representative of the French population, they said. The findings highlighted that many people with OSA are not aware that their snoring and sleepiness are signs of deeper problems. “We need to raise awareness of OSA because once people are diagnosed, they can be given treatment and advice to help lower their risk of other serious conditions such as stroke, heart disease and diabetes,” said Winfried Randerath, a sleep disorder expert from the European Respiratory Society, who was not involved in the study. “Although OSA is more common in men, this study indicates that we also need to get better at spotting the condition in women,” Dr Randerath said. Read More Study reveals why it may not be a good idea to take lengthy naps New blood test could bring in law for minimum hours sleep needed to drive Lack of evidence on antidepressants for chronic pain, say experts Mother shares horrifying moment she found ticks living in her daughter’s ear Hilary Duff admits she ‘sometimes’ follows Gwyneth Paltrow’s controversial diet Ice-T reveals his and Coco Austin’s 7-year-old daughter still sleeps in their bed

Hilary Duff has revealed that she often follows Gwyneth Paltrow’s controversial coffee-only diet in the morning. The 35-year-old actor recently appeared on the Lipstick on the Rim podcast, where she spoke about her beauty secrets and makeup regimen. While sharing details about her daily routine, the Lizzie McGuire star admitted that she tends to follow Goop founder’s morning ritual. “I wake up really hungry,” Duff told podcast host Molly Sims on Tuesday 9 May. “Sometimes I try to – you know, Gwyneth’s in trouble for saying this – but sometimes I try to just drink coffee in the morning and starve off my hunger.” The 50-year-old lifestyle guru recently turned heads when she detailed her wellness routine, which included drinking coffee or “celery juice with lemon or lemon water” in the mornings so that she won’t “spike [her] blood sugar”. Paltrow recently sparked backlash when she described her daily eating habits during a March episode of The Art of Being Well with Dr Will Cole podcast. The Oscar winner began by explaining that she usually eats dinner “early in the evening” so that she’s “really done eating by 7pm.” “And then I do a nice intermittent fast until I usually eat something at about 12pm,” Paltrow continued. Then, she tends to have coffee, or “celery juice with lemon or lemon water” in the mornings, as she doesn’t want something that will “spike [her] blood sugar” before exercising with one hour of pilates or walking. Her afternoon meals consist of “bone broth for lunch a lot of the days,” while she eats “according to paleo” for dinner. Paltrow’s daily routine sparked considerable criticism, as many dieticians claimed it resembled disordered eating habits. The Iron Man star later clarified her podcast remarks, noting that she has been working with her doctor. @dearmedia #gwynethpaltrow shares her daily wellness routine on The Art Of Being Well, listen now 🎧 #wellnessroutine #healthandwellness #healthylifestyle #routines #goop #podcastclips ♬ Aesthetic - Tollan Kim “This is a person I’ve been working with for over two years now to deal with some chronic stuff,” Paltrow explained in a post on her Instagram Story, adding that she’s been experiencing post-Covid symptoms. “The way it manifests for me is very high levels of inflammation over time, so I’ve been working with Dr Cole to really focus on foods that aren’t inflammatory.” “This was a transparent conversation with me and my doctor,” she said. “It’s not meant to be advice for anyone else. It really just works for me, and it’s been very powerful and very positive.” Paltrow also informed critics that the foods she mentioned on the podcast are not what she eats every day, adding: “And by the way, I eat far more than bone broth and vegetables. I eat full meals, and I also have a lot of days of eating whatever I want. And eating, you know, French fries and whatever.” Despite sometimes following Paltrow’s morning routine, Duff admitted on the Lipstick on the Rim podcast that she still eats “lots of calories” when packing school lunch for her three children. The former child star shares daughters Banks, four, and Mae, two with husband Matthew Koma. She also shares 11-year-old son Luca with ex-husband Mike Comrie. “If we’re being honest, yeah, I eat a chicken nugget in the morning while I’m packing lunches and there’s one left over,” she confessed. “Pop it down the hatch!” In addition to the occasional chicken nugget, some of the How I Met Your Father star’s favourite foods included “cauliflower rounds” in the air fryer, topped with an avocado, fried egg, or vegan sausage. As for her fitness routine, Duff shared that she works out with a trainer and focuses on high-intensity interval training (HIIT) workouts. Read More Dietitians attack Gwyneth Paltrow’s wellness diet: ’Not enough food’ Gwyneth Paltrow responds to backlash over viral wellness routine and diet: ‘I eat full meals’ Fans defend Hilary Duff after news outlet says she’s ‘still looking great’: ‘Is 35 supposed to be old?’ Mother shares horrifying moment she found ticks living in her daughter’s ear Ice-T reveals his and Coco Austin’s 7-year-old daughter still sleeps in their bed ‘Queen of the mommy bloggers’ Heather Armstrong dies aged 47

Ice-T has revealed that his seven-year-old daughter, who he shares with wife Coco Austin, still sleeps in the same bed as her parents. On Tuesday’s episode ofThat Moment with Daymond John podcast, the 65-year-old opened up about his relationship with his child, Chanel, while making the revelation about her sleeping habits. “I was there when Coco was pregnant, I went to the hospital and Chanel still sleeps in the bed with,” Ice-T, whose real name is Tracy Lauren Marrow, said. “So I’m so much more connected to her than my other kids. But it’s been a beautiful thing.” He also spoke candidly about his two older children, Letesha, 47, and Tracy Jr, 31, whom he welcomed with previous partners. He explained how he’s more present in Chanel’s life than he was in Letesha’s since he was so young when he first became a parent. “I think the difference with Chanel and my other kids is I’m very conscious of this baby,” he said. “I had my daughter when I was in high school, I was ripping and running. So it was presents over presence. I wasn’t there.” The musician confessed that when he welcomed his son, he was extremely focused on his career. “My son Ice happened right when I was becoming Ice-T, I’d never been famous before, this was a whole new thing, so I’m distracted by that,” he said. “Chanel, I’m comfortable, I’m in a cruise pattern.” The hip hop artist also acknowledged how welcoming Chanel changed his perspective on everyday life and made him “want to live forever”. “It made me create new goals. ‘Cause you got bread, you could start slowing down. But nah, not that new baby,” he said. “It’s the best gift I could ever get.” His comments come two months after he talked about becoming a parent for the third time during an interview with E! News in March. Ice-T explained how he’s been encouraged to stay healthy because of Chanel. “When Chanel was born, all of a sudden I got more healthy, I’m in shape. Because you can start to slow down—I can’t start to slow down,” he said. “I’ve got grown kids. Now I’ve got a new daughter and I’m so focused with her. It’s just amazing. It’s a great thing. And you’ve gotta have a reason for living, you’ve gotta have motivation. Chanel is my new motivation.” Ice-T’s parenting comments come months after his wife was hit with online backlash over her parenting habits. In September 2022, fans criticised a video on Austin’s Instagram in which Chanel took a bath in a sink. At the time, Austin took to Twitter to address the criticism, writing: “Wow just Wow! Here we go again! Giving my lil girl a bath in the sink went Viral? SMH! People,you gotta know by now that I’m an unconventional mother. I do what works and is easier on me. Some may want to take some pointers rather than rag on me!” Ice-T isn’t the first celebrity to open up about his children’s sleeping habits. In July 2022, Clueless star Alicia Silverstone revealed that her 11–year-old son, Bear, still sleeps in her bed. That same month, Kristen Bell said that her and Dax Shepard’s children had “graduated” and started sleeping in their own rooms, after previously sharing a bedroom with their parents. Read More Billie Eilish reveals she slept in same bed as brother and parents until she was 11 due to separation anxiety Actress Alicia Silverstone reveals she still sleeps in same bed as her 11-year-old son Kristen Bell says she no longer shares bedroom with her two children: ‘They now sleep in their room’ Mother shares horrifying moment she found ticks living in her daughter’s ear Apple Martin hilariously reacts to Gwyneth Paltrow’s candid dating confessions Heidi Klum faces backlash for lingerie photoshoot with 18-year-old daughter Leni

A mother has spoken out about the horrifying moment that she discovered ticks inside her daughter’s ear. The parent, Jessic Loach, took to TikTok this week to share a photo montage about the experience. Loach’s video started off with a picture of her daughter’s ear, which appeared to have a black mark inside it. “I went to wash my daughter’s ears during bath time, and it looked like she had shoved something in her ear,” she wrote in the text over the photo. She went on to share another photo of her daughter, Averie, itching her ear and explained what she did next. “Immediately called her doctor and they said bring her in ASAP,” she wrote. Loach also included a photo of her child at the doctor’s office, sharing that her daughter “acted fine, except for when someone messed with or wanted to look in her ear”. She went on to share another photo of her daughter’s ear, which was red on the inside and appeared to have a scab in it. She addressed her fears over the situation, adding: “I had no idea what to expect and was so scared for our baby girl.” Loach then posted a picture of one of the ticks that the doctor “pulled” out of her daughter’s ear. She noted how the tick could have gotten in there, adding: “We had been working in the yard the day before…Our poor baby girl.” She concluded her photo montage with one last picture of Averie’s ear as it was healing. She said the child was doing better before urging fellow parents to be on the look out for ticks. “Her ear about five hours later,” she wrote in the text over the photo. “It bruised for about three days, but Averie is doing just fine now. Be sure and check your babies’ ears after playing outside. Ticks can crawl inside!!! Gross!!!” After Loach’s video quickly went viral, with more than 2.1m views so far, the mother spoke to People about the experience. “The removal process was very traumatising as you have to hold the child still to remove items safely,” she explains. “A two-year-old just doesn’t understand what the doctor is trying to do.” She added: “I had no idea it was a tick until the doctor started removing it from her ear.” The mother also said Averie has fully recovered one month after the incident occured. “I’m just glad she didn’t have any after effects,” she said. Since posting the video, Loach said that many parents told her about their experiences where ticks crawled onto their children. “I’ve learned it happens more than I could have ever imagined,” she added. According to the National Institutes of Health (NIH), it’s important to properly remove a tick when found on one’s body. “There is a lot of folklore about how to take a tick out of your skin. Some people even talk about having a lighted cigarette close by, things like that,” said José Ribeiro, who is the chief of the Vector Biology Section of the Laboratory of Malaria and Vector Research in NIAID’s Division of Intramural Research. “The most important thing is just to use appropriate forceps such as tweezers. Grab the whole tick and pull it out.” The publication also noted that the best way to prevent ticks is by wearing clothes that cover ones’ arms and legs, when outside. People could also opt to tuck their pants into their socks to ensure that their bodies are completely covered, especially when in the woods or on a hiking trail. It’s also best to remove the tick as quickly as possible, as it takes about 36 hours for Lyme disease to be transmitted from a tick. Per NIH, this bacterial infection, which people can get from “the bite of an infection tick,” usually starts with symptoms like a rash, fever, or headache. If not treated early, the infection can impact a person’s heart and nervous system. The Independent has contacted Loach for comment. Read More A woman secretly recorded her husband at home. Now she’s divorcing him Watch: Mother ‘can barely move her hands’ after years of gel nails Mother claims using a miraculous eye cream has taken years off her in just weeks How has Camilla’s style evolved since she became Queen Consort? A woman secretly filmed her husband at home. Then she left him Mother shows off her glowing skin after using miraculous eye cream

Heather Armstrong – an influencer and original “mommy blogger” known by the name “Dooce” – has died aged 47, her social media confirmed. A post on her Instagram account appeared to confirm her passing on 9 May. “Heather Brooke Hamilton aka Heather B Armstrong aka dooce aka love of my life. July 19, 1975 - May 9, 2023,” the caption read. “‘It takes an ocean not to break.’ Hold your loved ones close and love everyone else.” No further details on her cause of death have been revealed. Armstrong, who lived in Salt Lake City, Utah, rose to internet fame in the early 2000s with her popular blog, Dooce.com. The mother of two, often hailed as the “queen of the mommy bloggers” wrote candidly about parenthood, her struggles with sobriety and depression, and why she left the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, according to Vox. She was named one of Forbes’ top 30 most influential women in media in 2009, and went on to author many books, including Things I Learned About My Dad: In Therapy,It Sucked Then I Cried, and The Valedictorian of Death. More follows… Read More Mother shares horrifying moment she found ticks living in her daughter’s ear Jennifer Garner recalls her shocked reaction after learning about vaginal collapse Jennifer Lopez ‘understands’ why her 15-year-old twins ‘don’t want to talk’ to her

Jennifer Lopez has shared some thoughts about motherhood and explained why her 15-year-old twins, Max and Emme, “don’t want to talk” to her anymore. The 53-year-old singer talked about how her children, who she shares with ex-husband Marc Anthony, are in the midst of their teenage years during a recent appearance on The View. She noted that when raising her children with husband Ben Affleck, she’s been more of the “bad cop” instead of the good one. “I remember my mom saying to me, ‘I’m always the bad guy, I got to discipline you,’” she said about her mother, Guadalupe Rodríguez. “And there is some truth to that. You get a little bit of the brunt of it.” After tying the knot in 2022, Lopez blended her family with Affleck’s, who shares three children with his ex-wife, Jennfier Garner: Violet, 17, Seraphina, 14, and Samuel, 11. During her appearance on The View, the Shotgun Wedding star noted how her mother’s wisdom about parenting stayed with her, as her twins have started to spend less time with her. “I’m experiencing this now, you know we all experience it for the first time with our own kids,” Lopez explained. “And you’re just like, ‘Oh, this is what she was talking about.’ This is the time where your kids don’t want to talk to you. And they’re kind of individuating from you.” She continued: “And it’s all necessary. And intellectually, I understand it, but my heart, my heart hurts.” When TV host Sunny Hostin poked fun at how teenagers sometimes stay “locked up in their rooms,” Lopez agreed. She explained how she encourages her twins to come out of their rooms, as she exclaimed: “Let’s hang out. I miss you!” This isn’t the first time that Lopez has opened up about her relationship with her twins. During an appearance on The Ellen DeGeneres Show in February 2022, the Marry Me star discussed how her children feel about having a famous mother. “They love it and they don’t. I think they’re very proud. They love me, I love them,” she said. “The three of us are like super, super close. But I think it’s a thing that people know who their mom is. They’re navigating that. They’re teenagers now. Their friends know things.” Earlier this year, Lopez took to Instagram to share a video tribute to Max and Emme in honour of their 15th birthday. Affleck also makes an appearance in the video, as he was seen hugging Max in one short clip, while another photo showed him posing at a table with his wife and her two children. “Happy birthday to my beautiful, brilliant coconuts,” the “On the Floor” singer wrote in the caption. “I am so proud of you both in every single way. You bring so much joy and happiness to my heart and soul. I love you beyond forever.” Read More Jennifer Lopez’s mom says she ‘prayed for 20 years’ that her daughter and Ben Affleck would reunite Jennifer Lopez praises Ben Affleck for being the ‘best dad’ to her children Jennifer Garner says she ‘works really hard’ to avoid seeing stories about ex-husband Ben Affleck in the press Met Gala video shows Jennifer Lopez revealing her secret to perfect red carpet photos Jennifer Lopez praises Ben Affleck for being the ‘best dad’ to her children Jennifer Lopez’s mom ‘prayed’ that her daughter and Ben Affleck would reunite

Chickenpox is extremely common and spreads easily among children – resulting in that telltale itchy red rash. So it’s no surprise that many parents at some point find themselves asking: can I go to work if my child has chickenpox? What do parents need to know? We talked to healthcare professionals to find out. Can I go to work if my child has chickenpox? General NHS advice is anyone with chickenpox should stay off school or work until no longer contagious (when the spots have all scabbed over). But if it’s only your child who has chickenpox and not you, what then? “Parents can go to work if their child has chickenpox, as long as their child has appropriate care in place,” says Dr Zulqarnain Shah, medical director at SSP Health and GP at SSP Health practice Colne Road Surgery. “Chickenpox is a highly contagious viral infection that can spread easily to others who have not had the illness or been vaccinated against it. Isolating a contact [eg. the parent of an infected child] is not necessary with chickenpox, as it is so common.” However, there may be times when extra caution is sensible. Most of the time, chickenpox is unpleasant but not serious – but it can cause complications in certain cases, such as for newborn babies, and people who are pregnant or have a weakened immune system. So if you are unsure whether you might have contracted the virus from your child and there is a chance of spreading it to somebody potentially vulnerable, it might be a good idea to seek advice. How long does chickenpox usually last? “Chickenpox typically lasts for two weeks,” says Dr Yiannis Ioannou, consultant paediatrician at The Portland Hospital (part of HCA Healthcare UK). “During the first few days of infection, new spots can appear all over the body. However, these should dry up after around five to 10 days. Scabs will form and eventually fall off. You may notice new spots appearing as older ones are healing. This is normal and nothing to worry about, as it can take around two weeks for all spots to dry up. “Unfortunately, it can be spread very easily. Someone infected with chickenpox can spread the disease to others two days before spots appear. Chickenpox can also be passed on through pregnancy. This can pose a threat to your unborn child,” Ioannou adds. “If you begin to suffer from any symptoms related to chickenpox [while pregnant], consult with your doctor as soon as possible.” Shah also suggests checking in with your GP if you are pregnant and your child gets chickenpox, but you’ve never had it before. How do you treat chickenpox? Chickenpox should clear up on its own eventually, so treatment is mostly about easing symptoms and preventing complications. Shah says: “Parents can give their child paracetamol to help reduce fever and relieve pain. Ibuprofen is not recommended, as it can cause a reactive rash. It is also important to keep the skin clean and dry to prevent infection of the blisters. Avoid using aspirin as it may increase the risk of Reye’s syndrome, a rare but serious illness that can occur in children with chickenpox.” Chickenpox can be very itchy. Ioannou says applying calamine can help. “You can often buy this over the counter at your local pharmacy. Dab the lotion directly onto the spots to provide relief.” Keeping babies’ and toddlers’ nails trimmed and clean is also helpful, plus gloves and mittens can help prevent scratching. Are there times when chickenpox requires medical advice for children? Shah suggests chickenpox in children is usually mild. “However, there are certain signs that may indicate a need to speak to a doctor and get additional advice,” he adds. “These include a high fever that lasts more than four days, severe coughing or trouble breathing, severe skin rash, or if the child seems very sick or weak. Parents should also seek medical attention if their child has a weakened immune system.” Ioannou says it’s important to be mindful of dehydration in babies and younger tots too. He adds: “If you are worried about your baby or child it is always important to seek medical advice.” Read More Charity boss speaks out over ‘traumatic’ encounter with royal aide Ukraine war’s heaviest fight rages in east - follow live What is mitochondrial donation treatment and who can get it? Pensioner, 85, shares the simple switch that’s helped him to do 650,000 press-ups Angelina Jolie shares tribute to late mum and urges women with family cancer history to get checked

An 85-year-old whose life changed when he adopted a vegan diet in his 60s and then started to exercise in his 80s is now challenging himself to complete one million press-ups before his 90th birthday and 100 ultramarathons before his 100th birthday entirely “fuelled by plants”. Paul Youd, who lives with his wife Teresa, 75, in Taunton, Somerset, decided to take up running in his 40s, but gave up after six weeks as his knees were “so sore” due to his arthritis – he said “everything was painful” and he “couldn’t shake hands, change gears, pull up the duvet or hold a kettle”. The grandfather-of-five then bought a bicycle to reduce the strain on his joints, but it was not until he decided to eliminate meat in his 60s to “avoid mad cow disease” and later try a completely vegan diet that he said he noticed incredible health benefits, including reduced inflammation. Paul, a keen animal rights activist who formerly worked in the RAF and Royal Australian Air Force and later became a bread maker, teaching at local schools and launching his own blog called No Bread Is An Island, said he initially eliminated meat and cheese from his diet, before giving up all animal products. He then decided he wanted to learn how to do a press-up aged 80, and has since set himself a target of doing one million before he turns 90, completing more than 650,000 so far. Now, aged 85, he is on a mission to take part in 100 ultramarathons before his 100th birthday and is raising money for the vegan campaigning charity Viva!. “You don’t know what you’re capable of until you actually try it,” Paul said. “Try something and get outside of that comfort zone, otherwise it’s stultifying. “I’m living my best life – who’d have thought it? “I’m now 85 and I’m living my best life, I really am.” Paul worked in communications in the RAF and Royal Australian Air Force and as a radio officer in the Government Communications Headquarters – otherwise known as GCHQ – before taking early retirement in 1993. He then decided to train as a teacher, specifically to fulfil his passion for bread making, which he said is “a tool for family learning”, and ended up teaching until the Covid pandemic. It was at this point, aged 80, that Paul’s fitness journey began. “I looked at home exercises and started doing lots of those, but mainly press-ups, and I’ve been doing press-ups ever since really,” Paul explained. “I’ve got this challenge to do a million press-ups between the ages of 80 and 90.” Prior to the first lockdown, Paul could not perform one press-up – but he now does 1,000 every three days while listening to the news or a podcast, and has done more than 650,000 so far. After previously failing to take up running in his 40s owing to the pain caused by his arthritis – the common condition that causes pain and inflammation in a joint – he decided to try again in his 80s as he said his vegan diet, which he adopted in his 60s, had “changed (his) life”. A vegan diet is based on plants, such as vegetables, grains, nuts and fruits, the NHS says. Vegans do not eat foods that come from animals, including dairy products and eggs, and Paul said his mantra at the time was: “I don’t want another animal to die so that I can live.” Paul realised he was no longer in pain while chasing one of his grandsons around the dining room table, and this prompted him to start running around his garden. Soon enough, Paul improved his stamina and after three months he said he felt “confident to do a 10k every day, for 10 days, to raise money”. “I thought that I was going to get more tired as the week went on, but I didn’t,” Paul explained. “I got stronger and in the end I did 110k rather than the 100k I’d set myself.” The father-of-two said he quickly became “addicted” to running and wanted to “keep up this level of fitness”, so he was advised to look into ultramarathons – endurance running races or treks beyond the standard marathon distance of 26.2 miles (42.2km). Paul then completed his first ultramarathon in July 2021 – the Devon Coast to Coast, which is approximately 100km long – and said he has been “hooked” ever since. He said he loves “the euphoria” and “freedom” he experiences while running. “I just thought, I can do this,” Paul said. “I realise I should have been a runner all along because I just fell into it, I love it. “It’s a feeling of freedom and it’s a feeling of accomplishment – I’ve gone out and done this. “I’ve never ever regretted going out and training … and sometimes you get to that state of mind where you think, gosh, I could run forever, and it’s a good feeling.” Paul has completed nine ultramarathons so far and has a collection of medals on display in his home, but wants to do 91 more before turning 100 – all supported by his family and wife Teresa, who says he is “determined”. Being a vegan and animal rights activist, he said his motivation to keep going is “the desire to see animals not hurt or tortured”. He added: “If I can do anything to mitigate or alleviate that, then I will.” Some of Paul’s ultramarathon races will be virtual, where he will cover the full distance using an app, while the others will be at a specified location. He completed a 250km simulated trip from Russia to Lapland before Christmas last year using the exercise tracking app Strava to measure his distance. To maintain his fitness levels, Paul runs or walks every weekday, covering a distance of 60km per week on average, and uses a kettlebell for strength and conditioning exercises. He said he takes no medication and wants to maintain his health for as long as possible, as he does not want to “bother the NHS or the care system”. He follows a strictly vegan diet and will usually have a fruit smoothie every day – comprising kale, spinach, dates, blueberries and bananas – along with flax seeds, nuts and “lots of leafy green vegetables, beans, lentils and legumes”. He also takes beetroot juice as a performance enhancer. Paul, who still bakes bread in his spare time, said he has realised “ultramarathons are within his comfort zone” – something he never thought he would say – and he would encourage anyone else to take up running or try a vegan diet as the results for him have been “remarkable”. “We can all do much more than we think we can,” Paul said. “If I’d have recognised the fact that we can all do more than we think we can many years ago, if I’d have done that, who knows what would have happened? “But I got there in the end.” Read More Robert De Niro reveals he’s welcomed seventh child at 79-years-old Woman flew 900 miles in wrong direction due to last-minute gate change Four ‘red flag’ bowel cancer symptoms that can show two years before diagnosis Charity boss speaks out over ‘traumatic’ encounter with royal aide Ukraine war’s heaviest fight rages in east - follow live

Nick Cannon has shared ex-wife Mariah Carey’s reaction to his large, extended family during a recent podcast appearance. Cannon, who has 12 children with six different women, shares twins Monroe and Moroccan, 11, with the “Hero” singer. In an episode of The Jason Lee Podcast released on Tuesday (9 May), the Masked Singer host said Carey is “high frequency” about him having so many children. The 42-year-old added: “She always asks me, ‘You aight? You good? How you doing? You handling it all?’” Cannon and Carey were married from 2008 until 2014, when they filed for divorce Explaining how Carey feels about Cannon fathering so many children, he said: “She’s like, as long as you don’t bring none of that bulls*** to the Manor of Carey. “Like, she lives in her own world, nothing can infiltrate that stuff. When we talk daily, she’s just checking on my spirit,” Cannon continued. Last month, Cannon said fatherhood is “my number one and first priority” and that providing for his children is his “goal in life”. He told People: “I understand that my lifestyle isn’t typical to society and can be viewed as unorthodox in some ways. But my goal in life is just to love my kids and be there for my kids and provide for them.’ During a new interview with the Los Angeles Times, Cannon defended himself against claims he’s a “deadbeat dad”, explaining he makes over $100m a year to provide for them. He said: “Right now the narrative is, ‘He has a bunch of kids,’ But I’m really at a place now where I don’t care what people know. I’d rather just operate. “It’s more about really being a good person instead of telling people you’re a good person,” Cannon added. Cannon recently sparked backlash after saying he would be “all in” to have a baby with Taylor Swift, during an appearance on The Howard Stern Show. In addition to co-parenting Monroe and Moroccan with Carey, Cannon shares sons Golden Sagon, six, and Rise Messiah Cannon, six months, and daughter Powerful Queen, two, with Brittany Bell. He has twins Zion Mixolydian and Zillion Heir, 21 months, and daughter Beautiful Zeppelin, four months, with Abby De La Rosa. Cannon has a son, Legendary Love, eight months, with Bre Tiesi. He has a five-month-old daughter Onyx Ice Cole with LaNisha Cole. He’s also father to two children with Alyssa Scott, son Zen, who died at five months old in December 2021 after being diagnosed with brain cancer, and daughter Halo Marie, three months. Read More Viral coronation song: No, the choir did not sing ‘I love vagina, Camilla’ Robert De Niro becomes father to seventh child aged 79 Tom Holland reveals he’s been sober for over a year

Angelina Jolie has urged women with a history of cancer in their family to “look after” themselves and “take mamograms, blood tests and ultrasounds”. The actor posted a touching tribute to her late mum on Instagram for what would have been her 73rd birthday. Marcia Lynne ‘Marcheline’ Bertrand – also an actor – died of ovarian cancer in 2007, after also being diagnosed with breast cancer. Jolie underwent a prophylactic double mastectomy in 2013, because she carries a gene called BRCA1 that significantly increases the odds of developing breast or ovarian cancer. The 47-year-old posted: “[My mother] passed away 15 years ago after a long struggle with breast and ovarian cancer”. “In June, I will be a month away from the age when she was diagnosed. I have had preventive surgeries to try to lessen the chances but I continue to have check ups. “My mom loved Hendrix. And would always sign her letters Kiss the Sky. It took on new meaning after she passed. “Sending my love to those who have also lost loved ones and strength to those who are fighting at this very moment for their lives and the lives of those they love. “And to other women, please take the time to look after yourself and go for your mammograms and blood tests or ultrasounds, particularly if you have a family history of cancer.” What the experts say Ovarian cancer affects the two ovaries that store eggs. Its symptoms are often overlooked. According to Target Ovarian Cancer, the four main symptoms are persistent bloating; pelvic or abdominal pain; feeling full or a loss of appetite and an increased need to urinate. “The term bloating is often used to describe a feeling of fullness in the tummy, which can often be associated with the lower abdomen looking swollen,” said Dr Susanna Unsworth, women’s health expert and in-house gynaecology expert for Intimina. “Bloating is often a consequence of bowel issues, but it is also recognised as one of the potential symptoms of ovarian cancer. “Ovarian cancer has been described as a ‘silent killer’ as the symptoms can often be mild and may go unnoticed in the early stages of the disease,” she added. “By the time someone consults with a doctor, the cancer may have already become quite widespread. Research done in 2021 by CoppaFeel! found that one in seven women in the UK will be affected by breast cancer in their lifetime, and one in nine in Ireland. According to the NHS website, you should see your GP if you find a new lump, thickened skin, a change in the size or shape of your breasts, nipple fluid or discharge, lumps or swelling in your armpits, a change in skin texture or nipple appearance or a rash like eczema. Read More Charity boss speaks out over ‘traumatic’ encounter with royal aide Ukraine war’s heaviest fight rages in east - follow live Georgia Toffolo on Jungle exit: ‘You can show your acne and be beautiful at the same time’ Eurovision: Liverpool’s trendsetting musical icons 14 clever ways to make small rooms look bigger

A 25-year-old who has been mostly bed bound by a painful condition that is causing her brain to slip down her spine is pleading for help to raise funds for lifesaving treatment in the US to stabilise her skeleton. Desperate to raise the £200,000 she needs, Emily Balfour, from London, said she will eventually face permanent disability and is at risk of paralysis if she does not receive PICL, a procedure that injects stem cells into the spine through the back of the mouth. An ice-skating accident at the age of 14 flagged the alarming conditions that cause Emily to now live with “relentless levels of pain”. She was diagnosed with Ehlers-Danlos syndromes (EDS), a collection of rare conditions affecting the connective tissues that make her joints unstable and prone to dislocation, as well as craniocervical instability (CCI), meaning the area where her skull and spine meet is dangerously unstable. Emily also has Chiari malformation, which means the lower part of her brain has herniated and is pushing down through the top of her spinal column. “My health is continuing to deteriorate but I still haven’t managed to raise enough money to get the treatment I need in America,” Emily said. “It would be lifesaving for me and, unless I get the treatment, my life is on pause and stagnated, I’ve become largely bed bound. “And this issue doesn’t just affect me, there are so many people with this condition who are struggling to get funds for treatment abroad. Money is the barrier for us being able to live our lives.” In 2011, Emily was first diagnosed with EDS after an ice-skating accident resulted in a trip to the doctors. I want to keep my sense of agency but it’s getting more and more difficult. Emily Balfour Once a sporty and active teen, Emily is now confined to her bed most days. Due to Chiari malformation, Emily’s brain is pushing down through the top of her spinal column and she said medical specialists have informed her that some of her brain is no longer in her skull. Emily once had dreams of working in film, but she is unable to complete her degree and is also not able to work while she struggles with her health. She said: “I’m not able to participate in life, I’m unable to work and I keep having to delay the completion of my degree. “I have limited vision, I can’t see out of my left eye and I have recently dealt with limb paralysis.” Earlier this year, Emily was rushed to hospital after her left arm became paralysed and swollen. She said: “It looked like a dead person’s arm, I feared I’d never regain mobility of it. “It turned out I was struggling with blood flow to the arm, and I’ve regained limited use of my arm, but I’m high risk of it happening again. “I’ve seen people with these conditions lose function of their arms completely and that obviously concerns me because I live by myself. “I want to keep my sense of agency but it’s getting more and more difficult.” Emily said her brainstem has been damaged to the point where her body is not functioning and she suffers daily from extreme fatigue, periods of paralysis, and loss of vision. It’s incredibly frustrating and I have to accept that I can’t live the life I thought I would. Emily Balfour As a result, Emily now finds herself largely bed bound, is regularly in and out of hospital and suffers from excruciating symptoms which threaten irreversible physical disability and potentially death. Innovative treatment in the US to stabilise her skeleton will be life-changing for Emily, but it comes at a cost. She hopes to raise £200,000 for multiple stem cell treatments, medical care and accommodation in Colorado, USA, where she will undergo a procedure known as PICL to repair and strengthen the ligaments that keep her skull stable. She said: “I’m in relentless levels of pain and, the more activity I do where I’m moving my neck, the worse the pain is. “If I don’t get treatment then it’s looking likely that eventually I will lose the use of one or both of my arms. “The longer it goes on, I’m losing more and more years of my life.” Before her diagnosis, Emily had dreams of working in film, having attended the BFI Film Academy as a teen. She also had plans to travel after finishing her English degree, which is currently on hold. Emily said: “It’s incredibly frustrating and I have to accept that I can’t live the life I thought I would. “I’m seeing other people my age having fun and building their careers but until I get the PICL procedure, I’m stuck. “There are other people who are also in my situation and it’s not an easy journey but I just hope that these treatments will be easier to access closer to home so we can get back to living.” I just want to be able to complete my degree and have a normal life and not be stuck in this living hell. Emily Balfour Emily hopes more research into EDS will result in more treatment options becoming available. For Emily, she says the procedure will be a lifeline and enable her to start living again. “Getting treatment will change everything,” she said. “I wanted to write and make films, but I am now more interested in medicine and want to get a psychotherapy qualification and work in that field. “I used to be so passionate about movies and reading, but because of my brain and vision issues, I’m restricted to audiobooks now. I can’t even do basic things like watching TV, that once brought me so much joy. “I just want to be able to complete my degree and have a normal life and not be stuck in this living hell.” To donate to Emily’s fundraiser, visit: www.gofundme.com/f/urgent-treatment-for-emily. Read More Four ‘red flag’ bowel cancer symptoms that can show two years before diagnosis Mother left ‘looking like Freddy Krueger’ reveals first skin cancer warning sign Woman ‘can barely move her hands’ after years of gel nails Charity boss speaks out over ‘traumatic’ encounter with royal aide Ukraine war’s heaviest fight rages in east - follow live