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World's oldest practicing doctor shares his secrets to a long life

While most people slow down with age, Dr Howard Tucker has spent more than a century proving that passion and purpose are the best medicine. At 102 years old, the American neurologist has lived a life so extraordinary it earned him a Guinness World Record as the oldest practicing doctor – an honour he received just before turning 99. Though he officially hung up his white coat at 100, Tucker remains as active and engaged as ever. Today, he lectures future physicians at Case Western Reserve University in Cleveland, Ohio, and consults on medico-legal cases – work made possible by a law degree he earned at 67. His message? Retirement is not a requirement. “Retirement, I think, is the enemy of longevity,” Dr Tucker recently told Al Roker on NBC’s Today. “You have to have some purpose in life and get up in the morning and know what you’re about.” Even after the hospital where he worked shut its doors in 2022, ending his medical practice at 100, Tucker hasn’t ruled out returning to clinical work. “If it wasn’t for the closure, I’d absolutely still be seeing patients,” he told People. “Nobody wants me at my age – but I’ll keep trying.” His enthusiasm for life has captured the public imagination, especially through What’s Next, a documentary about his life produced by his grandson. The film has gone viral on TikTok, turning the centenarian into an unexpected social media sensation. Dr Tucker credits his longevity not just to good genes – his parents lived to 84 and 96 – but to lifestyle choices. “Heredity and family history of longevity is a healthy start,” he wrote in his Guinness World Record submission. “However, it must be supported by moderation of nutrition, alcohol and happiness.” His daily routine reflects that philosophy. He snowshoes in the winter, walks on the treadmill for at least four kilometres a day, and eats a mostly clean diet – fruit and cereal in the morning, fish and vegetables at night. Lunch is often skipped to maintain mental clarity. Dessert, however, is a staple – typically fruit or ice-cream, enjoyed with his wife of over 70 years. And while he rarely drinks, he allows himself the occasional martini. One thing he’s always avoided: cigarettes. Dr Tucker also says its important to keep the brain stimulated. “If they retire from their work, they should at least do something as a hobby,” he told Today. “You need a stimulus for the brain daily.” Science backs him up. Research shows that ongoing learning, social connection, and a sense of purpose contribute to mental acuity and longevity. Tucker’s life is a blueprint for all three. He remains close to his four children and 10 grandchildren and is an avid sports fan. Despite a fall in his late 80s that ended his skiing days with a broken neck, Tucker hasn’t let injury slow him down. Instead, he’s adapted, always finding new ways to stay active. With his 103rd birthday on the horizon in July, Dr Tucker says he isn’t concerned about the end. “I never think of death,” he said. “To be alive is to know that you’re going to die because life is a fatal disease. And so I live it.” For a man who’s devoted his life to healing others, Dr Howard Tucker’s greatest lesson might be how to truly live. Images: Instagram

Caring

Dr Charlie Teo's plea to have Aussie ban lifted

Famed neurosurgeon Dr Charlie Teo has formally asked the Medical Council of New South Wales to lift the restrictions that have effectively barred him from performing complex brain surgeries in Australia for the past two years. In a letter submitted by his legal team, Dr Teo requested the removal of conditions requiring him to obtain written support from a Council-approved neurosurgeon before operating on patients with recurring malignant brain tumours or brain stem gliomas – some of the most challenging and high-risk cases in neurosurgery. These conditions were imposed following a Health Care Complaints Commission (HCCC) inquiry that found Dr Teo had recommended surgeries in two cases where the risks were deemed to outweigh the potential benefits. The inquiry also criticised the consent process for being “too optimistic”. Since the restrictions came into effect, Dr Teo has continued operating abroad, performing more than 230 surgeries in countries including China, Spain, Germany, India, Switzerland, Peru and South Africa. According to a submission provided to the Medical Board, of these 236 cases, 202 were classified as having "excellent" outcomes, 28 as "good", four as "fair", with two mortalities and none listed as "poor." “I’ve done exactly what was asked of me in Australia, albeit abroad and not by choice but by necessity,” Dr Teo <a href="https://www.news.com.au/lifestyle/health/can-only-hope-neurosurgeon-charlie-teo-requests-end-to-aussie-operating-ban/news-story/85b9d25f40db864bac9d1a03a859a1d0" target="_blank" rel="noopener">told news.com.au</a>. “The supervising neurosurgeons have been extremely impressed with my results, and I guess I have even surprised myself.” Dr Teo said he was proud of maintaining his high standards under intense scrutiny. “Now that I have been able to focus on the real enemy – brain cancer – and not be stressed by potential vilification and persecution is a Godsend.” One of the many Australian patients who travelled overseas to receive treatment from Dr Teo is Tanya Miles, a mother of six who was diagnosed with recurrent glioblastoma, the most aggressive form of brain cancer. After undergoing surgery abroad, she said she is now optimistic about having more time with her children. “I’m angry that I couldn’t make the same choice in my own country,” Ms Miles said. “But I’m so relieved I listened to my gut. Now I have the best possible chance of spending years, not weeks, with my children.” Dr Teo said his push to have the restrictions lifted is not just about regaining the right to operate in Australia but about a broader principle of patient choice and access. “I may not necessarily get a job back here, which would be a real shame for Australian brain cancer and brain tumour patients,” he said. “But I am hopeful that one day some of my fellow neurosurgeons will put patient care above politics. Having the restrictions lifted may be the catalyst.” Dr Teo remains active in brain cancer advocacy and fundraising and will appear at the Rebel Ball in Sydney on May 31, an event expected to draw many of his patients, including Ms Miles. The Medical Council of NSW has not yet responded to Dr Teo’s request. Image: News.com.au

Caring

Federal Budget 2025: The short, sharp and – sort of – sweet version

The federal budget is always a massive, jargon-filled beast, but don’t worry – we’ve got your back. Here’s a quick and easy rundown of the key numbers, economic forecasts and big-ticket promises (without making your head spin). Whether it’s tax cuts, energy bill relief, or debt figures that sound like someone’s phone number, this summary gives you the essentials in plain English. THE BIG PICTURE: WHERE THE MONEY’S GOING (AND COMING FROM) Economic Growth: The economy is expected to grow by 1.5% in 2024-25, which isn’t exactly fireworks but at least it’s moving in the right direction. Unemployment Rate: The jobless rate is set to rise to 4.25%, meaning more people might be dusting off their résumés. Inflation: The cost of living squeeze is easing slightly, with inflation forecast to drop to 2.5%, finally giving our wallets a breather. Wages Growth: Paychecks are expected to grow by 3%, so while you won’t be rolling in cash, you might afford an extra coffee per week. Living Standards: Household disposable income is expected to rise a bit faster than planned, so that’s a small win for the grocery bill. Migration: Net overseas migration is slowing down, dropping from 435,000 in 2023-24 to 225,000 by 2026-27, as the government tweaks immigration settings. The Big One: Budget Deficit: The country will be $27.6 billion in the red this year, which sounds bad, but hey, it’s better than some past years. Commonwealth Debt: The nation’s credit card balance will hit $940 billion in 2024-25 before cracking $1 trillion the year after, making it one of the biggest IOUs in Aussie history. Net Debt: The government’s net debt will rise to $556 billion, proving once again that we’re all experts at spending more than we have. WHAT’S IN IT FOR YOU (IF LABOR STAYS IN POWER)? If Labor wins the next election, they’ve got a shopping list of goodies lined up. From tax cuts and cheaper meds to more affordable childcare and a crackdown on dodgy workplace contracts, here’s what they’re promising in order to make life a little easier (or at least a little less expensive). Tax Cuts: Everyone gets a tiny tax break worth about $10 a week, starting in July 2026 – not enough for a holiday, but maybe an extra beer, depending on where you buy your drinks. Energy Bill Relief: Households and small businesses will get $150 off their power bills, because, let’s face it, electricity prices are still a killer. Cheaper Medicines: Prescription drugs will be capped at $25 per script, meaning fewer nasty surprises at the pharmacy checkout. Healthcare Boost: More bulk-billing, 50 new urgent care clinics, and extra funding for nurses and GPs, costing a whopping $9 billion over four years – great news if you hate long waits at the doctor. Childcare Help: Families earning up to $500,000 (yes, you read that right) will get at least three days of subsidised childcare, costing $427 million over five years. First Home Buyer Support: The Help to Buy scheme will get a boost, making it a bit easier for first-home buyers to get into the market (assuming they can still afford avocado toast). Workplace Shake-Up: Banning non-compete clauses for low- and middle-income workers could boost wages by $2,500 a year – so no more weird contracts stopping you from getting a better job. HECS Debt Slash: A 20% cut to student loan debt, wiping $16 billion from the books – a rare win for anyone still haunted by their HECS balance. Disaster Recovery: $1.2 billion is going towards helping communities in southeast Queensland and northern NSW recover from ex-Tropical Cyclone Alfred – because Mother Nature isn’t playing nice. Big Infrastructure Plans: Expect major upgrades like $7.2 billion for Queensland’s Bruce Highway, $2 billion for a new rail hub in Melbourne, and $1 billion for Sydney’s southwest rail corridor – so maybe, just maybe, your commute will be a little less torturous. Defence Spending: A fast-tracked $1 billion investment in guided weapons, submarines and frigates, because apparently, we’re getting serious about military hardware. And that’s the budget in a nutshell! More spending, some relief for households, and a debt number that’ll make your calculator cry. Images: WikiCommons

Money & Banking

Australia's number one biscuit revealed

Australia's favourite biscuit has been revealed. Arnott's sold more than 300 million packets of biscuits this year, and they have been tracking what has been sold the most. Now they have revealed the 10 most popular biscuits in their range - and it is not surprising that Tim Tam Original was the most popular biscuit in 2024. Despite previous complaint's of the price increase this year, the biscuit is still well-loved by Australians. The popular snack was followed by Barbecue Shapes, Chicken Crimpy Shapes, Pizza Shapes, and Jatz. In the last year, more than 13.4 million packets of Barbecue Shapes and more than 5.5 million gluten free biscuits were bought. While the original Tim Tam's took the number one spot, the double coat Tim Tam also went up in popularity taking the sixth spot, up from the eighth spot in 2023. Salada Original took the seventh spot, followed by Mint Slice, Scotch Finger, and Monte Carlo. “There’s nothing like a fresh bikkie debate to start the week and everyone hoping their favourites will make the top 10," Ranita Cowled, Business Director for Treating at Arnott’s told news.com.au. “Whether it be our iconic bikkies like Monte Carlo and Scotch Finger, or crowd favourites Jatz and Barbecue Shapes, it’s clear Aussies love a mix of classic, sweet, and savoury in 2024. “It’s fitting to see that as we close out the 60th birthday year for Tim Tam that the Original flavour has taken out the coveted #1 spot!” Images: Alex Cimbal / Shutterstock.com

Food & Wine

"Alive and well": Fans confused over Dr Harry Cooper death announcement

Dr Harry Cooper and Channel Seven have been forced to clarify that the famous TV vet is alive and kicking after his Wikipedia page stated he had died. According to Cooper's Wiki page, the TV personality died at the age of 80 on November 16th 2024. However, Ben Fordham and his 2GB team have confirmed that this is not the case. "[Dr. Harry] has had a bit of a shock this week, courtesy of something that appeared online," explained Fordham on his popular radio show. "This week we were contacted by a listener, they alerted us to the fact that according to Google and Wikipedia, Dr. Harry Cooper was no longer with us!" Fordham explained that he had done his own investigations of the claims and observed the Wikipedia page in question, which read that "Dr. Harry Cooper OAM, more commonly known as Dr. Harry, an Australian vet and TV personality best known for his media appearances, born February 20, 1943, died November 16, 2024." The unofficial death notice prompted several listeners to reach out to the team at 2GB, asking if they'd heard any news about Dr. Harry's alleged death. "A fan of Dr. Harry Cooper got in touch w us a couple of days ago and said, 'Did you know that Dr. Harry had died?," shared Fordham. "And we all looked at each other and said, 'No?' "And then we got another message, 'Can you confirm that Dr. Harry has passed away?' Again, we were looking online, and he was in New Idea at the start of the year celebrating his 80th birthday." "And the most recent story about Dr. Harry was from September, when he visited a camel farm." In order to confirm once and for all, Fordham reached out to the Seven Network, who provided a statement revealing the good news that, "Harry is alive and well." "After tipping off Seven, the reference to his death has been removed from Wikipedia," Fordham added. "So, its another reminder – you can't believe everything you read." Image credits: Allison Voight/Shutterstock Editorial

Caring

Dr Chris Brown's new show revealed

Beloved TV personality Dr Chris Brown is returning to Aussie screens with a brand new show. Following his departure from Network Ten last year, the TV vet has joined Seven and now his latest project with the broadcaster has been revealed. Brown is set to join some other well-known Aussies including Mick Molloy, Amanda Keller, Kate Ritchie and Matt Preston, who will be his untrained and unqualified veterinary assistants on the show Once In A Lifetime. In the upcoming show the beloved vet will embark on global wildlife journeys with the other entertainers, as they help iconic animals while navigating unpredictable situations. From saving endangered species to facing wild dangers, the stars will be at the forefront to experience the best of what nature has to offer. Brown is already a big hit for Seven, after the success of his show Dream Home last year. He left Network Ten in February 2023, after a 15-year career at the network. His departure was a blow for Ten, as the popular TV presenter hosted multiple programs over the years. It is understood that he is on a two-year contract with Seven, which is believed to be worth more than $1 million a year. Some of the other upcoming series that will be making a return to air on Seven next year include: Farmer Wants A Wife, Australian Idol, My Kitchen Rules, The Voice, Dancing With The Stars and The 1% Club. Images: news.com.au

Aussies outraged over price of staple snack

Australians have expressed outrage over the price of Tim Tams, after one Reddit user spotted the staple snack being sold in stores and online for $6 per pack. “I (remember) when a double pack used to only be about $4.50. F**k this shit,” the user who posted the photo stated. Others blasted the price hike as excessive and "un-Australian". One commenter pointed out that the iconic Australian biscuit was potentially cheaper overseas, despite the import taxes. “That’s in Australia? They’re half that in Canada and they have to import them from Australia,” one said. “Like many other shrunken and quality reduced products I can live without them," another added. Arnott's traditional flavours are currently listed at $6 in Coles and Woolworths, while a family packet will set buyers back $7. An Arnott's spokesperson told the Daily Mail that the price hike was due to increased input costs. “Like most Australian manufacturers, we are experiencing a significant increase in our input costs, including the surging price of cocoa," the spokesperson said. “This has led us to make the difficult decision to increase the price of our Tim Tam biscuits. “We continue to invest in promotional programs with our retailers year-round, to ensure consumers can buy our products at great value prices. ‘The changes are necessary for Arnott’s to remain competitive as an Australian manufacturer and to continue to make the delicious products Australians know and love.” Image: Reddit

Money & Banking

Dr Chris Brown to reunite with Amanda Keller on new show

Dr Chris Brown and Amanda Keller will be reunited on screen for the first time in two years. Keller confirmed on her WSFM breakfast show that she will reunite with Brown for his new series Once in a Lifetime, and will be travelling across the globe to film the show. “It’s a show called Once in a Lifetime, and Chris Brown is hosting this," she told listeners on Tuesday morning. “And this is a show I know that he’s wanted to do for years … I do know which country I’m going to, but I’m not allowed to say. It’s in Africa. “It’s Chris’s show. He and I are hanging out, and I’m going to be having experiences. “My nature is to over-research things and there’s nothing I can do. I can’t do that. So it’s a TV show where I can go into it floating, I can get on a plane and not have to be anxious about having to prepare something. “It’s a real gift for me, so I’m excited. But I have arranged for people to come in and play with you while I’m away.” Once in a Lifetime will air on Channel 7, and was announced last year. It is an animal adventure series starring Brown, where he will be "pushed to his limits in the pursuit of the ultimate animal encounter," according to a Channel 7 spokesperson. “But he will not be travelling to the furthest corners of the globe alone. In the most delicious twist, Chris will be taking the country’s most intriguing and entertaining personalities along … as his veterinary assistant," they added. This is the first time the duo are reuniting on screen after working on The Living Room together for a decade before it was axed in 2022. Images: Ten

Doctor shares his top tips for tackling jet lag

Dr Nick Coatsworth has shared his fool-proof hacks to tackle jet lag on your next international flight. The TV host and doctor often travels around the world for work, and as a result, knows a thing or two about feeling jet lagged. "I hate jet lag. I suffer from it a lot," he told <a href="https://travel.nine.com.au/latest/flight-tips-how-to-avoid-jet-lag-dr-nick-coatsworth/37872af3-ff61-48c1-810d-4b20f4d2bde2">9Travel</a>. Despite being prone to jet lag, Coatsworth has honed his own tips for tackling the dreaded side effect of travelling across time zones. "Stay awake for as long as you possibly can to try and reset your body clock," he advises. Another go-to hack to overcome jet lag is a simple change you can make as soon as you board the plane. "As soon as I get on the plane I change my watch to the destination time," he said. While there are many tips and tricks floating around that people use to beat the dreaded jet lag, Dr Nick said all you can do is try to adjust to a new time zone as soon as possible. "Ultimately you've just got to push through the fatigue and try and resync yourself as quickly as possible," he says. Image credits: Nine / Shutterstock

Travel Tips

Dr Charlie Teo's surprising next move after Aussie surgery restrictions

One year after being slapped with restrictions that effectively stopped him from operating in Australia, Dr Charlie Teo is restarting his career overseas. The neurosurgeon was investigated by Australia’s Health Care Complaints Commission, who last year placed restrictions on the surgeon after they discovered he had been operating on tumours that had been deemed "inoperable". Now, one of China’s most respected neurosurgeons has thanked Australia for imposing such restrictions because it has allowed her country to benefit from the controversial surgeon’s ability to remove high-risk brain tumours. Dr Teo has been operating regularly in China including on high profile VIPs, and at least eight other countries around the world, according to reports from the Sunday Telegraph. An investigation has found Dr Teo has operated on 150 patients, with many of them being from Australia, in China, Spain, Germany, India, Switzerland, Brazil, Peru, South Africa, and Nepal since the restrictions effectively stopped him from operating in Australia. In an interview from Beijing, Professor Ling Feng, Deputy Director of the China International Neuroscience Institute, said she is “not worried” about the restrictions imposed on Dr Teo a year ago for unsatisfactory conduct. “I took a careful look into what happened over there. I don’t think it should be imputed to Charlie’s neglect of care and passion for the patients,” Professor Ling told the Sunday Telegraph. “It is just a different view of the indications for surgery. Similar cases occur across the world. Instead, I ‘thank’ Australia for the restrictions on Charlie, which gave me the opportunity to work with him.” In the past year, patients have travelled from Australia, Romania, Britain, Saudi Arabia, France, Indonesia, and Singapore to have Dr Teo operate. Of those surgeries Dr Teo’s logbook documents one death, one “poor” outcome, three “fair outcomes”, 20 “good outcomes” and 145 cases have been documented as “excellent”. Dr Teo says his results are better than ever and he feels terrible for patients in his own country that he can’t help, but hopes that he may one day be able to return to Australian operating rooms to help patients. “All it would take is one sensible and brave person in one hospital somewhere in Australia to change the status quo,” Dr Teo said. “Just one person to sit back and go ‘okay he might be an a**hole, he might be into money, he might be a bit of a cowboy, he might be all the things the media have said he might be, but the fact is that patients, Australian patients, some need him and he does operations that other people don’t do and most of those outcomes are good so what about we just drop the politics and allow him to operate in Australia?" “That’s all it would take … some common sense for the greater good, not for his sake but for the sake of patients.” Image credits: Instagram

Caring

Dr Chris Brown's hilarious dig at Channel 10

The new season of Dancing With The Stars premiered on Sunday night with Chris Brown presenting alongside longtime host Sonia Kruger for the very first time. The former Bondi Vet star left Channel 10 to join Seven a year ago, and while things reportedly ended amicably between them, he couldn't help but take a dig at his former employer on Dancing With The Stars. At the beginning of the episode, Sonia explained that all contestants were safe and “no one’s going home tonight”. Chris feigned relief that he was also "safe" and couldn't be fired on the first night of his new gig, to which Sonia quipped that only the dancers could be voted off and that she and Chris were "as safe as anyone can be in entertainment”. “Shout out to Channel 10,” he quickly remarked, eliciting laughter from the audience. The comment could be in reference to Channel 10 axing a handful of shows over the past few months, leaving several high-profile TV personalities out of work. Yahoo Lifestyle reported that the reboot of Gladiators had been cancelled after one season, and the network confirmed in May that both The Bachelor and The Masked Singer won't be returning this year. In another part of DWTS, Chris also joked abut how his previous role on Channel 10’s The Living Room made him “rivals” with Better Homes and Gardens presenter Adam Dovile. “Now Adam, we do need to address the elephant in the room,” he said. “We were TV rivals for many, many years in the cutthroat vicious world of Friday night lifestyle television. “It’s hard to even look you in the eye, the fury is so deep. But I can’t stay angry at you, look at that smile!” Images: Channel 10

Dr Michael Mosley's wife shares heart-breaking tribute to her late husband

Dr Michael Mosley's widow has shared a heart-breaking tribute to her late husband just weeks after his untimely death. Mosley first went missing while holidaying with his wife, Dr Clare Bailey, on the island of Symi on June 4th, and was tragically found dead five days later. Taking to Instagram on Saturday, Dr Bailey thanked the public for the “wonderfully supportive messages” and revealed that her family misses the father of four “so much.” “The outpouring of love from so many people has meant a huge amount to me and my family,” she wrote alongside a photo of her late husband. “I’m going to be quiet for a while. I’m sure you will understand. But I will be back here soon." Sharing her plans for the future, she added, “I very much want to continue with the work that gave Michael and myself so much joy and such a sense of purpose.” “Once more thank you so much for respecting my family’s privacy so kindly. Michael was an amazing man. Thank you for seeing that too. We miss him so much.” Dr Mosley was a popular TV talking head in the UK and in Australia, who regularly appeared on chat shows and presented documentaries about diet and exercise. Michael and Clare married in 1987 and share four adult children – sons, Dan, Alex and Jack, and daughter, Kate. Image credits: Instagram

Caring

Dr Michael Mosley's heartbreaking final interview

One of Dr Michael Mosley's heartbreaking last interviews has resurfaced, as he discussed his wishes to grow old just weeks before his untimely death. The body of the 67-year-old health expert and TV personality was found in Greece four days after he was reported missing, with his wife sharing the news of his death on Sunday. Mosley had vanished after embarking on a walk while on holiday on the island of Symi, and after taking a wrong turn, succumbed to the challenging hike in extreme temperatures, with his <a href="https://oversixty.com.au/health/caring/michael-mosley-s-cause-of-death-revealed-in-autopsy" target="_blank" rel="noopener">autopsy</a> declaring he died of natural causes. Now, a conversation that the father-of-four had with The Telegraph on April 30th has resurfaced, in which Mosley talked about how eager he was to live a long and healthy life after being diagnosed with type 2 diabetes aged 55, having lost his father Bill from complications related to diabetes at 74. “I had seen what happened to my father,” Mosley told the UK publication. “He hadn’t seen his grandkids grow up. I thought, that’s not a road I want to go down.” Elsewhere in the interview, Dr Mosley, who has three adult sons and an adult daughter, was optimistic about his future, saying he had no intentions of slowing down. “I’m 67 and a lot of my mates are now retired,” he said. “Neither I nor Clare have any intention of giving up work. Why would you give up? Now in my mid-to-late 60s, I am quite happy to go on writing and giving public speeches and making telly and podcasts.” Dr Mosley was a respected and beloved figure in the medical and television community. Known for his insightful health advice and engaging personality, he had a significant impact on many lives. His adventurous spirit and dedication to promoting health and well-being will be remembered fondly by all who knew him. Image credits: Ken McKay/ITV/Shutterstock Editorial

Caring

"No trace": Desperate search continues for Dr Michael Mosley

The search for Dr Michael Mosley has ramped up after he disappeared while on holiday in the Greek islands. The British health expert, known for popularising intermittent fasting for weight loss, was on holiday with his family on the island of Symi when he seemingly vanished without a trace on Wednesday. Mosley, 67, set off on a hike along St Nicholas Beach on the island in the early afternoon but failed to return and was reported missing by his wife Dr Clare Bailey. The search for the doctor has now expanded, as Channel 7 reporter Mylee Hogan explained on Sunrise on Friday. “This morning the search has now expanded — they have called in crews from other islands to help,” Hogan said. “Those crews have come in on helicopter, they have drones, and dogs as well, to try to locate him." Authorities believe he may have been affected by the heat during his walk, as Hogan said, “They are working on the theory he may have been impacted by the heat and fallen.” “The area they’re searching where he was walking is only a 3km distance, but it is quite rugged, so they are trying to focus on that area (the walking track).” According to a report in the <a href="https://metro.co.uk/2024/06/06/tv-dr-michael-mosley-goes-missing-symi-greece-search-launched-20984105/?ico=top-stories_home_top" target="_blank" rel="noopener" data-link-type="article-inline">UK’s Metro</a> news outlet, a resident claimed it was “impossible” to get lost on the island. Symi Mayor Eleftherios Papakalodoukas reinforced the sentiment, telling BBC News, “It is a very small, controlled area, full of people. So if something happened to him there, we would have found him by now.” Senior police spokesperson Constantina Dimoglidou previously told the <a href="https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-13499989/Mail-columnist-Michael-Mosley-missing-Greece-Symi.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener" data-link-type="article-inline">Daily Mail</a> that ongoing searches had so far been unsuccessful. “We have now asked the fire brigade to assist in the operation in case he may have slipped, tripped, fallen, or even bitten by a snake, remaining injured somewhere,” he said. “There is just no trace of him. None whatsoever and that means that for us at least, every potential scenario is being investigated.” Image credits: Ken McKay/ITV/Shutterstock Editorial

News

Today show star and veteran doctor dies at age 69

A veteran doctor and regular guest on the Today show Dr Ric Gordon has passed away at the age of 69 from pancreatic cancer. Known for sharing his expertise as an obstetrician and fertility specialist, Dr Gordon became a household name after he delivered the first baby on Australian television. Upon hearing of his death, veteran radio host and beloved Australian author Wendy Harmer revealed Dr Gordon delivered both her babies even after she and her partner dropped out of IVF. In a post on X, she wrote, “He was a pioneer in IVF in Australia and gave hope to so many... and was kind and caring professional. Vale.” Nine News confirmed the “sad news” of Dr Gordon’s passing from pancreatic cancer on Saturday, as presenter Georgie Gardner said “he will be deeply missed”. Professionally known as Dr Ric Porter, he had previously hosted Nine’s long-running lifestyle hit Good Medicine, which ran for nine years in the 1990s. Dr Gordon was a part of the team of doctors who delivered the first IVF birth in NSW in 1983, and during his career, he delivered more than 5000 babies, including in 2003 when he safely delivered a baby live on the Today show. Reflecting on the moment in 2022, Dr Gordon told Today viewers it was an extraordinary moment in television. “It went so well, it was a great morning and a good outcome,” he said. “The baby cried when it was meant to cry, mum and dad were happy." The well-known doctor also drew some controversy over his career, including an offensive analogy where he used the Holocaust to explain weight loss on the same breakfast TV program in 2015. Despite apologising for saying “there were no overweight people in the concentration camps”, his apology was dismissed by many for being “insufficient” and “unsatisfactory”. Dr Gordon said at the time, “I’m very sorry it upset those people. It was never my intention.” He added that he had “done a lot of study” on the Holocaust and his comments were merely “used as a medical example”. Image credits: Today

Caring

Dr Chris Brown recalls "dramatic" personal renovation disaster

Dream Home host Dr Chris Brown has revealed his own renovation fail on the latest episode of the show. The vet turned TV star has taken on a new role where he guides six teams of aspiring renovators through the joys — and pitfalls — of house remodelling in the new Channel 7 reality show. Speaking to 7NEWS, the star recalled the terrifying moment his home nearly fell in on itself when he was trying to build a garage. “On my first renovation, I decided I needed a garage underneath my house,” he said, adding that he had council approval for the renovation. “With a couple of tradies, we went about digging out the garage underneath the house, in the sand. “We just kept on digging, digging, digging, until a rather large sound indicated the house was about to fall into the hole! “So that’s about as dramatic as it as it gets. “To have your house sort of falling in on itself, that was a pretty big learning curve.” He said that the problem was solved "very quickly" with a lot of underpinning and structural support. “A lot of those steel support posts that you can sort of wind up and down, they went in, and thankfully the house didn’t fold in half,” he said, laughing at the situation. He added that unexpected situations like this are what make renovation shows so appealing as "there’s so much natural drama, you don’t have to fake anything." “Choices have to be made, and it’s either the right way or the wrong way, and you only really discover that as you go along," he added. “Sometimes it’s too late to turn back once you realise you’ve made a terrible mistake.” Chris added that his role on the show is almost as a"coach" to the pairs, supporting them through the renovation challenges, and helping them get to the finish line. “What these couples are going through, and just how much they put on the line to get these renovations done, is quite inspiring and quite uplifting and but also thoroughly entertaining,” he said. Image: Seven

Real Estate

Tim Tam Jatz: How an April Fool's joke became a real product line

Snack enthusiasts have been left both bewildered and ecstatic as Arnott’s has announced the release of the long-awaited Tim Tam Jatz – a fusion biscuit that promises to revolutionise the sweet and salty game. What started as a mere April Fool’s prank has now escalated into a reality stranger than fiction. For years, brands like Arnott’s and Macca’s have toyed with our taste buds, teasing us with tantalising new product announcements on April 1st, only to dash our hopes with the cold reality of jest. But Arnott’s, oh Arnott’s, they decided to take it one step further. Last year, amid the chaos of April Fool’s 2023, they dropped the bombshell: Tim Tam Jatz was on its way. The internet erupted in a cacophony of disbelief and desire. Comments flooded in, ranging from desperate pleas to joyous declarations of snack nirvana. Fast forward to the present, and Arnott’s has delivered the unthinkable. The Tim Tam Jatz is no longer a figment of our collective imagination but a tangible delight that will soon grace the shelves of Coles, bringing joy to snack enthusiasts everywhere. Combining the decadent chocolatey goodness of a Tim Tam with the unmistakable crunch of a salty Jatz cracker, this biscuit is poised to redefine the very essence of snack time. <blockquote class="instagram-media" style="background: #FFF; border: 0; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: 0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width: 540px; min-width: 326px; padding: 0; width: calc(100% - 2px);" data-instgrm-captioned="" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/C5fBOF1veqy/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="14"> <div style="padding: 16px;"> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"> </div> </div> </div> <div style="padding: 19% 0;"> </div> <div style="display: block; height: 50px; margin: 0 auto 12px; width: 50px;"> </div> <div style="padding-top: 8px;"> <div style="color: #3897f0; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: 550; line-height: 18px;">View this post on Instagram</div> </div> <div style="padding: 12.5% 0;"> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; margin-bottom: 14px; align-items: center;"> <div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(0px) translateY(7px);"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; height: 12.5px; transform: rotate(-45deg) translateX(3px) translateY(1px); width: 12.5px; flex-grow: 0; margin-right: 14px; margin-left: 2px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(9px) translateY(-18px);"> </div> </div> <div style="margin-left: 8px;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 20px; width: 20px;"> </div> <div style="width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 2px solid transparent; border-left: 6px solid #f4f4f4; border-bottom: 2px solid transparent; transform: translateX(16px) translateY(-4px) rotate(30deg);"> </div> </div> <div style="margin-left: auto;"> <div style="width: 0px; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-right: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(16px);"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; flex-grow: 0; height: 12px; width: 16px; transform: translateY(-4px);"> </div> <div style="width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-left: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(-4px) translateX(8px);"> </div> </div> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center; margin-bottom: 24px;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 224px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 144px;"> </div> </div> <p style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; padding: 8px 0 7px; text-align: center; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;"><a style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none;" href="https://www.instagram.com/p/C5fBOF1veqy/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank" rel="noopener">A post shared by Arnott's Biscuits (@arnottsbiscuits)</a> </div> </blockquote> Rebecca Chan, the mastermind behind this stroke of genius and Tim Tam’s marketing manager, expressed her delight at bringing this unconventional creation to life. “We love getting behind an April Fool’s prank, and dreaming up new ways to tap into Australia’s love of Tim Tam,” she wrote. “But following the overwhelming number of comments and requests, we knew we had to bring Tim Tam inspired by Jatz to the shelf and make it available for every Aussie to enjoy. "We can’t wait to share the latest Tim Tam creation, where consumers can expect something a little bit sweet, and a little bit salty in every bite.” The announcement sent shockwaves across social media, with food bloggers and snack enthusiasts alike losing their collective minds over the prospect of this culinary marvel. As word spread like wildfire, social media erupted in a frenzy of anticipation. “My sister is obsessed with Tim Tams and Jatz, so she will love this,” proclaimed one user, already envisioning the delight on their sibling’s face. “OMG I need it immediately,” cried another, echoing the sentiments of snack lovers everywhere. But amidst the jubilation, there were voices of caution. “Ooh, I will be trying, but I seem to only ever buy a new Tim Tam once and then run straight back to my beloved double coat,” confessed a hesitant fan, torn between loyalty and curiosity. Only time will tell if Tim Tam Jatz will live up to the hype, but one thing is for certain: Arnott’s has unleashed a culinary juggernaut that is sure to leave a lasting impression on snack history. So brace yourselves; the sweet and salty revolution is upon us, and there’s no turning back. Image: Arnott's

Food & Wine

Why we need to stop being so judgemental – and the 4 steps to do it

As a society, we've become increasingly judgmental. We tend to judge not only others but ourselves as well. From a person's physical appearance to their actions, we criticise and judge everything. Everyone is too fat, too thin, too old, or too young, creating an environment where nothing seems to be good enough. This constant pattern of judgment is now harming our mental, emotional, and physical well-being. When we judge, we compare ourselves to others, leaving us emotionally vulnerable. Through this judgement, we seek to establish a sense of security and control over our lives and surroundings, often without even realising it. However, by increasing our emotional resilience and sense of control, we become consciously aware of this behaviour and can take steps to change it. So, is it possible to become less judgemental? As an educator and researcher, I developed an Emotional Resilience language (ER). It introduces simple changes that can reduce judgment, foster empathy, compassion, and personal responsibility, and bolster emotional intelligence and resilience when integrated into everyday life. Using a driving metaphor, ER simplifies the intricate world of emotions, providing an innovative way to integrate emotional vocabulary into daily life. It enhances understanding and establishes new neural pathways and healthier thought patterns. The following outlines the initial steps of ER, which can effectively manage judgement towards yourself and others. Though the changes may appear simplistic, they are instrumental in establishing lasting transformation. 1. Removing judgement towards how you or others may feel: Instead of labelling emotions as good or bad, view them as rough or smooth emotional roads. Just as roads serve different purposes, so do emotions. Rough emotions build resilience, while smooth emotions promote well-being, removing the need to lift everyone off a rough road. This makes it easier to recognise and accept emotions without feeling like a failure when things aren't going smoothly. You don’t know why someone is on a rough road, so resist the temptation to judge them. 2: The metaphorical steering wheel in ER represents emotional control and the power of choice in navigating life's challenges. As in a car, you should be the only one controlling your emotional steering wheel. Rather than judging yourself and others, this logical approach empowers you to regain control over your focus, emotions, and destination. Just because someone else is on a rough road doesn’t mean you must join them, fostering resilience and responsibility. 3. Shifting judgement and blame to responsibility involves removing phrases such as "You are making me angry, " which inadvertently hands your emotional steering wheel to others. Replace it with, "I am choosing to feel angry in response to this situation." This subtle alteration, substituting "making" with "choosing," helps reclaim ownership of your steering wheel rather than relinquishing control to external factors. Assigning blame—"It's your fault, it's the government's fault, it's my partner’s fault"— leaves you feeling like a victim, and you then resort to judgement and retaliation to regain control. 4. The importance of taking control: Understanding that judgement cannot be contained nor emotional resilience built when you are out of control on either road is crucial. Out-of-control scenarios activate the amygdala, the brain's fight, flight or freeze mode, disabling the prefrontal cortex, which is responsible for thinking and creativity. It is only possible to discuss a situation once the involved parties have regained control and can access the thinking part of their brain. Therefore, regaining control is essential for reducing judgement, as then you can have productive discussions that help maintain emotional well-being. This includes your conversations with yourself, which can often be the harshest! ER helps reduce judgement by developing your emotional resilience. Awareness of the emotional state of yourself and others fosters emotional intelligence, while learning to regain control builds resilience. Recognising that navigating rough emotions is crucial for growth alleviates the pressure from always needing to be on a smooth road and judging yourself and others if they aren’t. It shifts focus from dwelling on challenges and comparing yourself to others to being able to understand and manage your responses. Incorporating language changes into daily life builds new neural pathways, creating new thought patterns that reduce judgment and blame. By avoiding the tendency to judge yourself or others, you take back control of your reactions to people and circumstances. This leads to better mental and emotional well-being and fosters positive relationships with yourself and others. Does this mean you will never judge again? Of course not. You’re human. It’s what you do with the judgment that can make all the difference. Dr Jane Foster is a leading educator, researcher, presenter and author of It’s In Your Hands; Your Steering Wheel, Your Choice. Combining her educational skills with neuroscience and positive psychology, Jane equips people with strategies to help build emotional resilience and manage their daily stresses, successfully changing perspective and creating new neural pathways. For more information, visit <a href="https://www.emotionalresiliencetraining.com.au/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">www.emotionalresiliencetraining.com.au</a> Image: Getty

Mind

"I was angry": Julia Morris comes clean about Dr Chris Brown's departure

We are all well aware that Dr Chris Brown, beloved former co-host of the jungle rollercoaster known as I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out Of Here!, bid farewell to the show last year. Host Julia Morris, renowned for her vivacious wit and boundless charm, recently shed some light on her inner turmoil when her long-time partner in jungle antics decided to hop over to rival network Seven. The departure of Chris, after nine glorious seasons of quips and critters, left Julia in a state of bewilderment. "I was shocked," Morris <a href="https://au.lifestyle.yahoo.com/julia-morris-admits-she-was-angry-when-chris-brown-quit-im-a-celebrity-004322904.html" target="_blank" rel="noopener">told Yahoo! News</a>. "I was angry, but I was also fine because it's what my friend needed to do. It was a super confusing time." Morris then faced the daunting prospect of finding a new partner-in-crime; enter Robert Irwin, the youthful wildlife enthusiast and heir to the Crocodile Hunter legacy. After a rigorous audition process involving around six Aussie personalities, Robert emerged as the chosen one. Julia described the moment as if the clouds parted, and a celestial spotlight shone down on young Irwin. "Everybody dissolved immediately and everybody knew it," Julia recounted. Now, the burning question on everyone's minds: Will Julia be just as flirtatious with the sprightly 20-year-old Irwin as she was with Chris? On that matter, Julia has remained coy: "I don't know how and why it's already working so beautifully." she teased. Julia also reassures us that she and Robert have already formed a bond akin to that of two koalas clinging to the same eucalyptus tree. "Now we have fun. I'm learning along the way from Robert, which is fantastic," she gushed. And thus, a new era dawns in the jungle, where critters roam, celebrities squirm and Julia Morris reigns supreme as the queen of quips and camaraderie. Image: Network 10

'Australia's Forrest Gump' reaches major milestone

The man dubbed Australia's Forrest Gump has arrived back Down Under to complete the final leg of a mammoth journey. Tim Franklin has long dreamed of becoming the fastest person to run from one end of the world to the other, and has already completed most of his journey. The 40-year-old has run over 19,000 kilometres through 17 countries across five continents, setting off on his epic adventure in December 2022. With a world record in his sights, has been averaging more than a marathon a day for the past 427 days, as he battled floods, snow, exhaustion and injury on his travels. The worst of his hurdles came when his father was dying, as he decided to pause his journey to come home and say his goodbyes to the man he describes as "my hero, my mentor". "That message he gave me of 'go out and finish that damn run' was the last thing he said to me before he passed away," Franklin told <a href="https://www.9news.com.au/national/australias-forrest-gump-tim-franklin-lands-australia-final-leg-tim-runs-the-world/c3dac7d4-8c71-4fc5-84e2-4fbd2fb5af61" target="_blank" rel="noopener">9News</a>. The pause in proceedings knocked him out of world record pace but it didn't derail his dream and only further fuelling the fire for him to achieve his goals. In order to "officially" run around the world, certain kilometres need to completed in each continent. Franklin started his journey in New Zealand, before heading coast to coast across the US, then South America, and across from Spain through Europe to the Black Sea. After a short stint in Asia he decided to head back to Australia, landing in Perth to a surprise greeting from his siblings. Now, it's the beginning of the end as Franklin makes his way from Perth to Brisbane, via Adelaide, Melbourne and Sydney. "[I'm] really excited to be back here in Aus for the last leg of my run." When he finally reaches Queensland, his friends and family will be waiting but there's one thing the 40-year-old is looking forward to most. "I just wanna give my mum a hug to be honest," he said. Image credits: 9News

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