Search

Placeholder Content Image

Prince William shares deeply personal message over fallen war hero

<p>Prince William has shared a deeply personal message in remembrance of John 'Paddy' Hemingway, the last surviving pilot from the Battle of Britain, who passed away on St Patrick's Day at the age of 105.</p> <p>The Prince of Wales, a former Royal Air Force (RAF) pilot himself, took to social media on Tuesday to express his condolences and gratitude for Hemingway’s service.</p> <p>"I was sad to hear about the passing of John 'Paddy' Hemingway this morning, the last of 'The Few'," the 42-year-old royal wrote on X, the platform formerly known as Twitter. "We owe so much to Paddy and his generation for our freedoms today. Their bravery and sacrifice will always be remembered. We shall never forget them."</p> <p>Hemingway, born in Dublin, Ireland, in 1919, joined the RAF as a teenager and became one of the young airmen who defended Britain during the pivotal 1940 Battle of Britain. These pilots, immortalised as "The Few" following a famous speech by then-Prime Minister Winston Churchill, played a crucial role in thwarting the German air offensive during World War II.</p> <p>Churchill’s words – "Never in the field of human conflict was so much owed by so many to so few" – have since become a testament to the bravery and sacrifice of Hemingway and his fellow pilots.</p> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> <p dir="ltr" lang="en">I was sad to hear about the passing of John ‘Paddy’ Hemingway this morning, the last of “The Few”. We owe so much to Paddy and his generation for our freedoms today. Their bravery and sacrifice will always be remembered. We shall never forget them. W</p> <p>— The Prince and Princess of Wales (@KensingtonRoyal) <a href="https://twitter.com/KensingtonRoyal/status/1901914010863202506?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 18, 2025</a></p></blockquote> <p>Current Prime Minister Keir Starmer also paid tribute to Hemingway, acknowledging his extraordinary courage and contribution to securing the nation's freedom.</p> <p>"Very sad to hear of the passing of Group Captain John 'Paddy' Hemingway, the last known Battle of Britain pilot," Starmer wrote on X. "His courage, and that of all RAF pilots, helped end WWII and secure our freedom. We will never forget their bravery and service. Thank you, John 'Paddy' Hemingway."</p> <p>King Charles has yet to make a public statement, but RAF Air Chief Marshal Sir Rich Knighton honoured Hemingway’s remarkable legacy, remembering him as "an amazing character" who carried the spirit of camaraderie and bravery throughout his life.</p> <p>"Paddy always had a twinkle in his eyes as he recalled the fun times with colleagues in France and London," the RAF said in a statement announcing his passing.</p> <p>Hemingway’s passing marks the end of an era, but his service and sacrifice will live on in history. As the last of 'The Few', he leaves behind a legacy of courage that will continue to inspire generations to come.</p> <p><em>Images: Instagram \ Royal Airforce</em></p>

Caring

Placeholder Content Image

From sunscreen to essential oils, why some personal care products could be harmful to your health

<div class="theconversation-article-body"><em><a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/asit-kumar-mishra-1458839">Asit Kumar Mishra</a>, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/university-college-cork-1321">University College Cork</a></em></p> <p>Each time you apply sunscreen to your face, you may inhale somewhere between <a href="https://www.mdpi.com/1660-4601/20/11/5944">10 to 30 milligrams of ethanol</a>, the type of alcohol used in alcoholic drinks. While the ethanol in sunscreen may not give you a buzz, it could make you think about what other chemicals you might be exposed to from personal care products.</p> <p>Products that are applied to the face, like sunscreen, can increase the inhalation of some chemicals by ten times or more than you would inhale from your <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34816489/">home air in the entire day</a>.</p> <p>The levels of ethanol in cosmetics and skincare products may be reasonably safe – although it can still dry out the skin, causing pain, redness and swelling, and <a href="https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/ethanol-properties-uses-and-incident-management/ethanol-general-information">irritate the eyes</a>, causing tears, burning and stinging – but personal care products such as shampoos, skin creams, deodorants, cosmetics and perfumes contain fragrances and other volatile organic compounds (VOCs), which can be inhaled, absorbed through skin or ingested and some are more toxic than others.</p> <p>Unfortunately, manufacturers of personal care products <a href="https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s11869-015-0327-6">do not have to disclose</a> every fragrance compound used. This is concerning when you consider the potential effects of toxic compounds that <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34816489/">have been detected</a> in the air from personal care products. For example, hair-smoothing products have released formaldehyde, a toxic chemical that can cause <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK597627/">a range of symptoms</a> from dermatitis to low sperm count. Some perfumes and deodorants have generated monoterpenes, chemicals which <a href="https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8912113/#sec1-molecules-27-01716">can prove toxic</a> for some users.</p> <figure><iframe src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/cfloNXKeyX8?wmode=transparent&amp;start=0" width="440" height="260" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe></figure> <p>Some of the VOCs found in personal care products <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36976159/">may trigger</a> skin irritation, headaches – and difficulty breathing, which can develop into an asthma attack in some users. The highest or peak concentration of these VOCs are likely to <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/22406137/">occur within ten minutes</a> of application. But these concentrations may take up to <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34816489/">two hours to decrease to background levels</a>, depending on your home’s ventilation.</p> <h2>Natural doesn’t mean risk free</h2> <p>But even if the levels of <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/20659630/">VOCs in personal care products</a> are kept <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/22406137/">within safe limits</a>, they can still cause discomfort and a variety of health issues, including irritation of the eyes and airways, migraines and asthmatic reactions, in those who’re <a href="https://enveurope.springeropen.com/articles/10.1186/s12302-020-00311-y">fragrance sensitive</a>. In the UK, <a href="https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s11869-018-00655-8">27% of the population</a> self reports as fragrance sensitive.</p> <p>It makes sense then that some people attempt to avoid potentially toxic synthetic chemicals in cosmetics by opting for “natural” or “clean” personal care products. But, <a href="https://enveurope.springeropen.com/articles/10.1186/s12302-020-00311-y">natural does not mean safer</a>.</p> <p>For instance, essential oils are often used in “natural” personal care products as fragrance. Essential oils, though, are a source of terpenes, some of which can be <a href="https://www.lung.org/blog/essential-oils-harmful-or-helpful">toxic if absorbed, inhaled or swallowed</a>.</p> <p>Indoor concentration of terpenes are often at levels where you can smell them but not high enough to cause <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28126407/">eye or respiratory tract irritation</a>. However, the terpenes from essential oils can react with other chemicals, such as ozone from outdoor air, producing <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32162221/">byproducts like formaldehyde, a known carcinogen</a> and <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/22250748/">allergens</a>.</p> <h2>Beauty salon safety</h2> <p>Beauty salons can be particularly risky environments for exposure to VOCs. <a href="https://www.mdpi.com/1660-4601/19/7/4176">Studies have found</a> contaminants such as formaldehyde, ammonia and <a href="https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/toluene-properties-incident-management-and-toxicology/toluene-toxicological-overview">toluene</a>, a potentially harmful ingredient used in many personal care products, at high levels in salons, putting staff who work there at the highest risk.</p> <p>Formaldehyde levels in some salons have reached <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31321727/">above safety limits</a>. <a href="https://www.dcceew.gov.au/environment/protection/npi/substances/fact-sheets/methyl-methacrylate#tabs-2">Methyl methacrylate</a>, which can cause skin irritation, allergic reactions and potential <a href="https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3072694/">respiratory issues</a> has been <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30276513/">detected in the air of nail salons</a>.</p> <figure><iframe src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/ydRklqO01fE?wmode=transparent&amp;start=0" width="440" height="260" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe></figure> <p>These contaminants are not necessarily limited to the places in a salon <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23765035/">where a certain product is being used</a>. Beauty salons with poor ventilation are likely to expose workers and customers to <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29494285/">much higher levels of contaminants</a>. Some of the components of personal care products are known, harmful contaminants and carcinogens.</p> <p>Regulations specifically related to ventilation in environments where large volumes of these products are used do reduce exposures. For instance, studies show that after ventilation regulations came into effect in Boston, US in 2011, the <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31622145/">air quality inside nail salons improved</a>.</p> <p>When visiting your nail salon or hair stylist, check with them about their ventilation system and other steps they are taking to reduce exposure to VOCs.</p> <p>To limit exposure to potential VOCs at home when using personal care products, try to open windows and use extractor fans in wet rooms. Be especially careful when applying products to the face or when using a high temperature application – <a href="https://occup-med.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s12995-018-0213-x">high temperatures can increase emissions</a>.<!-- Below is The Conversation's page counter tag. Please DO NOT REMOVE. --><img style="border: none !important; box-shadow: none !important; margin: 0 !important; max-height: 1px !important; max-width: 1px !important; min-height: 1px !important; min-width: 1px !important; opacity: 0 !important; outline: none !important; padding: 0 !important;" src="https://counter.theconversation.com/content/248273/count.gif?distributor=republish-lightbox-basic" alt="The Conversation" width="1" height="1" /><!-- End of code. If you don't see any code above, please get new code from the Advanced tab after you click the republish button. The page counter does not collect any personal data. More info: https://theconversation.com/republishing-guidelines --></p> <p><a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/asit-kumar-mishra-1458839"><em>Asit Kumar Mishra</em></a><em>, Research Fellow in School of Public of Health, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/university-college-cork-1321">University College Cork</a></em></p> <p><em>Image credits: Shutterstock </em></p> <p><em>This article is republished from <a href="https://theconversation.com">The Conversation</a> under a Creative Commons license. Read the <a href="https://theconversation.com/from-sunscreen-to-essential-oils-why-some-personal-care-products-could-be-harmful-to-your-health-248273">original article</a>.</em></p> </div>

Body

Placeholder Content Image

Barry Humphries' personal collection fetches millions at auction

<p>A collection of Barry Humphries' personal items has fetched $9 million at a London auction. </p> <p>Just one pair of Barry Humphries’ Dame Edna Everage glasses sold for more than 25 times their pre-sale high estimate, with the yellow-lacquered Possum spectacles fetching a whopping £37,800 ($75,185 AUD).</p> <p>His personal collection totalled £4,627,224 ($9.2 million AUD) at auction, including buyer’s premium, according to Christie’s auction house, which welcomed bidders from 41 countries to the sale.</p> <p>The top price of the sale was lot 42, Charles Conder’s painting Sand dunes, Ambleteuse, which sold for £239,400 ($476,170 AUD).</p> <p>Among the star’s costumes up for sale was a scarlet chiffon evening gown, worn by Humphries as Dame Edna when he surprised the then Prince Charles and Duchess of Cornwall in the royal box at the Royal Variety Show in 2013, which sold for £21,420, or $42,604 AUD.</p> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> <p dir="ltr" lang="en"><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/SpotlightSaturday?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#SpotlightSaturday</a> Christie’s is delighted to present six lots in Barry Humphries: The Personal Collection sale being sold to benefit the Royal Variety Charity (Registered Charity No.206451) on 13 February. Explore more here: <a href="https://t.co/fwfXGUOe9k">https://t.co/fwfXGUOe9k</a> <a href="https://t.co/fFsl6Gh7gC">pic.twitter.com/fFsl6Gh7gC</a></p> <p>— Christie's (@ChristiesInc) <a href="https://twitter.com/ChristiesInc/status/1888196325801676946?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 8, 2025</a></p></blockquote> <p>“These fantastic results are a testament to Barry’s unique vision and lifelong passion for collecting,” said Benedict Winter, head of sale, private and iconic collections, Christie’s London.</p> <p>“Extraordinary prices were achieved for Symbolist art, works on paper, books and of course Dame Edna’s ‘face furniture’ and dresses."</p> <p>“Christie’s is incredibly proud to have offered this iconic collection at auction, with the results paying a fitting tribute to Barry Humphries and his remarkable legacy.”</p> <p>The Australian star, who was known for his satirical characters including the high camp of Dame Edna and the offensive cultural attache Sir Les Patterson, died in April 2023 at the age of 89.</p> <p><em>Image credits: Getty Images </em></p> <div id="div-gpt-inline-02-inner" style="box-sizing: border-box; border: 0px solid; --tw-border-spacing-x: 0; --tw-border-spacing-y: 0; --tw-translate-x: 0; --tw-translate-y: 0; --tw-rotate: 0; --tw-skew-x: 0; --tw-skew-y: 0; --tw-scale-x: 1; --tw-scale-y: 1; --tw-scroll-snap-strictness: proximity; --tw-ring-offset-width: 0px; --tw-ring-offset-color: #fff; --tw-ring-color: rgba(59,130,246,0.5); --tw-ring-offset-shadow: 0 0 #0000; --tw-ring-shadow: 0 0 #0000; --tw-shadow: 0 0 #0000; --tw-shadow-colored: 0 0 #0000;" data-google-query-id="CKbj15KqyYsDFQQLigMdumYUIw"></div>

Money & Banking

Placeholder Content Image

More details shared in search for missing young mother

<p>As the desperate search for Tayla Spies, a young mum who has been <a href="https://www.oversixty.com.au/travel/travel-trouble/desperate-search-for-missing-young-mother" target="_blank" rel="noopener">missing in western Queensland</a> for almost two weeks continues, police have released CCTV footage in hopes of helping locate her.</p> <p>The 29-year-old mum was last seen leaving  a hotel in Dalby about 8am on Sunday February 2.</p> <p>“We have grave concerns about the health and safety of Tayla,” Detective Chief Inspector Garry Watts told the <em>ABC</em>.</p> <p>“She had a birthday just recently, she didn’t make any contact with family, which is really out of character.”</p> <p>Tayla turned 29 just six days after she went missing. </p> <p>CCTV footage showed her carrying a large bag into her her white Toyota HiLux, before she travelled towards Surat, a small town in the state's south west. </p> <p>Her vehicle, with the plate number 559 GJ7 and a distinctive black bumper bar and blacked-out wheels, was seen at the intersection of Burrowes Street and Cordelia Street in Surat at 11.10am.</p> <p>Tayla was last seen wearing a fluorescent pink long sleeve shirt and light-coloured shorts, according to police.</p> <p>However, in a social media update, her sister Rebecca said she might now be wearing different clothes. </p> <p>“She did end up changing into a white shirt with purple writing on it and a Mimco shoulder bag in the afternoon on Sunday,” she wrote.</p> <p>Her family have also appealed to the public for any information on the missing mum. </p> <p>“Please, if anyone has seen Tayla or her car, report it asap! We just want to know she’s okay and safe!”</p> <p>Police are urging anyone who was travelling between Dalby, Surat and surrounding areas, between the hours of 10.30am and 12.30pm on Sunday February 2, to check their dashcam footage. </p> <p><em>Image: Queensland Police Service/ Yahoo</em></p> <p> </p>

Caring

Placeholder Content Image

Restless legs syndrome is incurable – here’s how to manage the symptoms

<div class="theconversation-article-body"><em><a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/adam-taylor-283950">Adam Taylor</a>, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/lancaster-university-1176">Lancaster University</a></em></p> <p>Restless legs syndrome (RLS), also known as <a href="https://www.ninds.nih.gov/health-information/disorders/restless-legs-syndrome#toc-what-is-restless-legs-syndrome-rls-">Willis-Ekbom Disease</a>, is a neurological condition that affects <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38843039/">about 7%</a> of people.</p> <p>Typical symptoms include an irresistible urge to move your legs, alongside sensations of aching, crawling, creeping, itching, pulling or throbbing. Until the age of 35, the condition is <a href="https://cks.nice.org.uk/topics/restless-legs-syndrome/background-information/prevalence/">equally common</a> in men and women, but after that age, RLS affects <a href="https://www.racgp.org.au/getattachment/87576673-c695-48f6-a806-065da7e5fcc7/Restless-legs-syndrome.aspx">twice the number</a> of women than men.</p> <p>Each person’s condition is categorised as mild, moderate, severe or very severe according to the <a href="https://biolincc.nhlbi.nih.gov/media/studies/masm/IRLS.pdf?link_time=2019-07-07_21:09:19.282153">international rating scale</a>, which measures the effects of RLS on limb discomfort and sleep disruption, as well as frequency of symptoms.</p> <p>RLS symptoms have a 24-hour cycle known as a <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0301008205001371">circadian rhythm</a>. Symptoms tend to peak at night, coinciding with the body’s <a href="https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1002/ana.10843">increase in melatonin release</a>. Melatonin reduces dopamine – the brain chemical that affects movement and mood – to help us sleep but, because dopamine helps control muscles, low dopamine levels can cause involuntary movements.</p> <p>There is <a href="https://cks.nice.org.uk/topics/restless-legs-syndrome/diagnosis/investigations/">no test for RLS</a>. Diagnosis is based on symptoms and medical history. Primary RLS runs in families – there are <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/12764067/">genetic</a> links to a <a href="https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC2653903/">number of chromosomes</a>. RLS has an autosomal dominant inheritance pattern, meaning you only need one “defective” copy to present with symptoms. Some cases, however, develop with no known cause.</p> <p>Other people may develop “secondary” RLS as a result of other conditions, such as <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34732752/">iron deficiency anaemia</a>, <a href="https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6464953/">chronic kidney disease</a>, <a href="https://www.thelancet.com/journals/eclinm/article/PIIS2589-5370(22)00087-6/fulltext">diabetes</a>, <a href="https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3900617/">Parkinson’s disease</a>, <a href="https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/1756-185X.14710">rheumatoid arthritis</a>, <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32483857/">underactive thyroid gland</a>, and <a href="https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC2952743/">fibromyalgia</a>. While primary RLS is more common than secondary, the latter is usually <a href="https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6073788/">more severe and progresses more rapidly</a>.</p> <figure><iframe src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/hnTKtp5PZGo?wmode=transparent&amp;start=0" width="440" height="260" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe></figure> <h2>Risk factors</h2> <p>Age seems to be a risk factor for RLS. In 2000, <a href="https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamainternalmedicine/fullarticle/485413">a study found</a> that 10% of adults aged 30 to 79 have RLS, increasing to 19% of those over the age of 80. However, understanding of the condition has improved since that study was conducted, so it’s likely these figures are higher – particularly in children, where <a href="https://mecp.springeropen.com/articles/10.1186/s43045-022-00226-9">some RLS symptoms</a> have been confused with “growing pains” or ADHD in the past.</p> <p>Women have an increased chance of developing RLS. Approximately <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29169861/">one in five women</a> will suffer from restless legs at some point, and some studies suggest as many as <a href="https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC5562408/">one in three women</a> are affected. <a href="https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4478054/">Women are</a> <a href="https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9176156/">more likely</a> to suffer from <a href="https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4478054/">other comorbidities</a> that affect the central nervous system, such as <a href="https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10982394/">anxiety, depression</a> and <a href="https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8634649/">migraine</a>, which may be linked to the development of RLS.</p> <p>Pregnancy is another risk factor. The further you are through the trimesters, the higher your chance of being affected BY RLS – with 8%, 16% and 22% of women suffering through their respective first, second and third trimesters. Multiple pregnancies increase the <a href="https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC5562408/">risk of pregnancy-related RLS</a>, and research has found that women who’ve given birth may have a <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1389945709001890">higher incidence of RLS</a> in later life, compared with women of the same age who haven’t given birth.</p> <p><a href="https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4751426/">Obesity</a> is also considered a risk factor for RLS. One study showed that each 5kg/m² increase in body mass index increased the likelihood of developing RLS <a href="https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC2677487/">by 31%</a>.</p> <h2>Triggers and treatments</h2> <p>Research has shown smoking and alcohol consumption seem to <a href="https://jcsm.aasm.org/doi/10.5664/jcsm.11390">make RLS worse</a>, so <a href="https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4751426/">lifestyle changes</a> such as stopping smoking and drinking alcohol can help manage symptoms.</p> <figure><iframe src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/x1hizeYdBFk?wmode=transparent&amp;start=0" width="440" height="260" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe></figure> <p><a href="https://movementdisorders.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1002/mdc3.13833">Research has also found</a> that exercise and stretching is beneficial for symptom relief or reduction – although <a href="https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/jsr.13980">study participants</a> suggest that morning exercise is more effective for improving symptoms, while evening exercise can make restless legs worse. Patients with secondary forms of RLS, lower BMI and less severe cases of the condition <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1389945724005409">may benefit the most</a> from lifestyle changes to manage symptoms.</p> <p>Also, treatment of underlying issues can also alleviate or reduce some of the symptoms. For instance, iron deficiency anaemia <a href="https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC5434142/">reduces</a> dopamine levels, which can lead to restless legs. Iron supplements <a href="https://jcsm.aasm.org/doi/10.5664/jcsm.7810">may benefit</a> some sufferers – but <a href="https://academic.oup.com/sleep/article/47/7/zsae022/7585953">the evidence</a> is mixed so supplements won’t help everyone.</p> <p>In terms of medication, research has found that neurological therapies, such as the anticonvulsant Gabapentin – usually prescribed as a treatment for epilepsy – can improve <a href="https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC2878254/">symptoms</a> and overall <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27067343/">quality of life</a> for those suffering with restless legs. <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26456872/">These therapies</a> target <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/B9780123745309000073">nerve cells</a> in the brain, <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/B9780123745309000073">reducing</a> <a href="https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3349794/">their activity</a>.</p> <p>Other medicines – known as dopamine agonists – <a href="https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3543080/">activate dopamine receptors in the brain</a> to control movement. They are primarily used as a <a href="https://www.parkinsons.org.uk/information-and-support/dopamine-agonists-pramipexole-ropinirole">treatment</a> for Parkinson’s disease and are effective in <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38761607/">managing</a> <a href="https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8908466/">symptoms</a> of RLS. However, they can disturb your sleep pattern and may <a href="https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC5762774/">increase impulse control disorders</a>, and are not <a href="https://cks.nice.org.uk/topics/restless-legs-syndrome/management/management/">recommended during pregnancy</a> or breastfeeding as they can <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK551686/">inhibit lactation</a>.</p> <p>While there may not be a cure for RLS, there is hope for sufferers – and options for managing and reducing symptoms.<!-- Below is The Conversation's page counter tag. Please DO NOT REMOVE. --><img style="border: none !important; box-shadow: none !important; margin: 0 !important; max-height: 1px !important; max-width: 1px !important; min-height: 1px !important; min-width: 1px !important; opacity: 0 !important; outline: none !important; padding: 0 !important;" src="https://counter.theconversation.com/content/248169/count.gif?distributor=republish-lightbox-basic" alt="The Conversation" width="1" height="1" /><!-- End of code. If you don't see any code above, please get new code from the Advanced tab after you click the republish button. The page counter does not collect any personal data. More info: https://theconversation.com/republishing-guidelines --></p> <p><a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/adam-taylor-283950"><em>Adam Taylor</em></a><em>, Professor of Anatomy, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/lancaster-university-1176">Lancaster University</a></em></p> <p><em>Image credits: Shutterstock</em></p> <p><em>This article is republished from <a href="https://theconversation.com">The Conversation</a> under a Creative Commons license. Read the <a href="https://theconversation.com/restless-legs-syndrome-is-incurable-heres-how-to-manage-the-symptoms-248169">original article</a>.</em></p> </div>

Body

Placeholder Content Image

"My favourite person": NRL star announces engagement

<p>Penrith Panthers star Liam Martin has shared the exciting news of his engagement to his partner Chelsea Leary. </p> <p>The 27-year-old NRL player took to Instagram to reveal the news, sharing pictures of himself and his new fiancée smiling and showing off her diamond ring while at a secluded beach.</p> <p>"My favourite person 🤍," Martin captioned his post, receiving messages of congratulations from his fellow sports stars and fans.</p> <p>"Yes Martini," NRL star and Sydney Roosters player Angus Crichton commented, while fellow Penrith Panthers star Nathan Cleary added: "Congrats guys <3."</p> <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-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/DDOwtcbT1G3/?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/DDOwtcbT1G3/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank" rel="noopener">A post shared by Liam Martin (@marto_97)</a></p> </div> </blockquote> <p>The couple first went public with their relationship in 2019 when they attended the Merv Cartwright Medal together, sharing photos of them dressed up for the event. </p> <p>"Merv Cartwright Medal with his stunner," Martin wrote at the time.</p> <p>The sports star, who hails from Temora in NSW, and made his NRL debut back in 2019.</p> <p>He also plays for the Australian national rugby league team, the Kangaroos and has played for NSW in the State of Origin.</p> <p>After making his debut in the NRL for the Panthers, he wrote in one Instagram post, "Such a surreal moment it was making my NRL debut on Saturday night."</p> <p>"Incredibly proud to be panther no. 584 and couldn't think of a better bunch of blokes to play alongside. Certainly not the result we wanted but want to say a massive thank you to all the fans, family and friends for the messages."</p> <p><em>Image credits: Instagram </em></p> <p> </p>

Relationships

Placeholder Content Image

Remains of missing couple found 44 years later

<p>US police believe they have located the remains of Charles and Catherine Romer, a couple who went missing more than four decades ago. </p> <p>Human remains were found submerged in a Georgia pond, inside a Lincoln Continental, a vehicle similar to the one that belonged to the New York couple who disappeared in 1980. </p> <p>“The vehicle is similar to the description of a vehicle that Charles and Catherine Romer were believed to be driving when reported missing in April 1980,” police said.</p> <p>A human bone was found in the submerged vehicle that was located in a pond between the Royal Inn Hotel and Interstate 95, police said.</p> <p>The car was found by a sonar team from Florida, and is being drained to determine if there are additional remains. </p> <p>The Glynn County Police department is collaborating with the Georgia Bureau of Investigation. </p> <p>Retired oil executive Charles Romer, 73, and his wife Catherine, 75, vanished while travelling home from Miami Beach, Florida in 1980. </p> <p>At the time, police expressed concerns about potential foul play as Catherine was wearing about $81,000 worth of jewellery.</p> <p><em>Image: Facebook</em></p> <p> </p>

Legal

Placeholder Content Image

Rebel Wilson reveals personal tragedy

<p>Rebel Wilson has been struck with personal tragedy, just days after celebrating Thanksgiving with her growing family. </p> <p>On Saturday, the actress took to Instagram to share that her beloved grandfather has died aged 97. </p> <p>"RIP Poppy – 97 years young. The best grandpa!" she wrote on her Instagram story over the weeked, alongside a photo of herself with her beloved Poppy. </p> <p>It comes just days after the <em>Pitch Perfect</em> star shared a glimpse at her family Thanksgiving with wife Ramona and two-year-old daughter Royce in an Instagram post. </p> <p> "Happy Thanksgiving everyone 🥰 so grateful and lucky to have such an awesome family! Love you all so much 😘," she wrote. </p> <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/DC7WYi4ycVn/?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/DC7WYi4ycVn/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank" rel="noopener">A post shared by Rebel Wilson (@rebelwilson)</a></p> </div> </blockquote> <p>In one photo, Rebel and Ramona cuddled up aboard a yacht, while another image showed the actress happily helping her daughter walk along a picturesque beach. </p> <p>In another playful photo, Rebel posed with family and friends in front of a stunning view. </p> <p>The post also included a photo of Wilson and Royce during their <a href="https://www.oversixty.com.au/lifestyle/relationships/first-look-at-rebel-wilson-s-italian-wedding" target="_blank" rel="noopener">lavish wedding</a> in September.</p> <p>It's been a busy year for the actress, who not only got married this year, but celebrated her daughter's second birthday with a trip to Disneyland, California. </p> <p>"Can't believe our little Royce Lillian is already 2! We took her to Disneyland, her first ride was DUMBO, when she saw the big castle she just said 'cool!'," Wilson shared at the time. </p> <p>She also released her memoir, <em>Rebel Rising</em>, and debuted the first film she directed, <em>The Deb</em>, at the 2024 Toronto International Film Festival in September.</p> <p><em>Images: Instagram</em></p> <p> </p>

Caring

Placeholder Content Image

Desperate search after Aussie man swept out to sea while saving swimmer

<p>A desperate search is underway for an Australian man who got swept out to sea while saving a tourist from drowning on a Bali beach. </p> <p>Craig Laidley, 56, was walking along Balian Beach about 4.15pm on Wednesday when he heard 29-year-old Micro Stalla calling out for help.</p> <p>The Perth man rushed into the water to save the German tourist, but unfortunately Laidley never made it back to shore after being swept out to sea by an "extreme" wave. </p> <p>Laidley, who reportedly lives in Bali, was last seen “drifting back out to the ocean”.</p> <p>He was reported missing to police about three hours later, and they immediately launched a search, with  with Denpasar Search and Rescue Office head Nyoman Sidakarya confirming the search is still ongoing. </p> <p>“[On Wednesday] night our team tried to search for victims using land searches and today the Denpasar Search and Rescue Office dispatched 10 people with land and sea SRU divisions,” Sidakarya said. </p> <p>“Information from the team at the location is that the wave conditions are extreme," he added. </p> <p>Rescue teams used rubber boats to search for Laidley within a 10km radius of where he was last seen and also scoured the coastline on foot.</p> <p>Police have also conducted interviews with witnesses as part of their ongoing search. </p> <p>One witness said that there were no warning signs around the beach, despite the dangers. </p> <p>“Incidents like this happen often here,” he told the ABC.</p> <p>“About four months ago, a foreigner went missing. He was found dead 4 hours later. In the last five years, there have been five incidents like this.”</p> <p>Laidley's family have appealed to the public to help find him. </p> <p>“Hello, our family is seeking assistance from the public in Bali,” Craig’s nephew posted on Facebook.</p> <p>“Craig was last seen helping a male that was reportedly drowning in the ocean between Tebing Balian rocks near Balian Beach.</p> <p>“He was then seen drifting back out to the ocean after saving this man’s life.”</p> <p>The search is set to continue on Friday morning. </p> <p>The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) said it is providing consular assistance to the family of an Australian reported missing in Indonesia.</p> <p><em><strong>Editors Update: </strong></em></p> <p>Craig Laidley’s body has been found on the beach on Friday morning by searchers. His two brothers, Bruce and Glenn, arrived in Bali overnight to join the search. </p> <p>His family are  still coming to terms with the loss, but have told <em>7News </em>that they are proud of his heroic rescue and glad that his brothers were there to bring him home.</p> <p><em>Images: Denpasar Search and Rescue Agency/ Facebook</em></p>

Caring

Placeholder Content Image

Mother and son reunited after rigid aged care rules divided them

<p>An elderly woman and her disabled son are celebrating after they successfully beat a bureaucratic blockage that threatened to <a href="https://oversixty.com.au/lifestyle/family-pets/red-tape-threatens-to-remove-a-man-with-down-s-syndrome-from-his-elderly-mother" target="_blank" rel="noopener">split</a> them up for good. </p> <p>Anne Deans, 81, and her 56-year-old son, Mark, who suffers from Down's syndrome, were hoping to live together in Anne's aged care facility, but the pair were met with countless hurdles when trying to get Mark a room of his own. </p> <p>Now, Mark's sister Sharon shared the happy news that the mother and son are to be reunited.</p> <p>"We're very happy today. We've got a great result," Sharon told <a href="https://9now.nine.com.au/a-current-affair/melbourne-mum-and-son-living-with-downs-syndrome-reunited-in-aged-care-facility/ff023844-be2d-4ab8-be95-75bf91f17b4a" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><em>A Current Affair</em></a>.</p> <p>"I'm so grateful that people understood and they listened. That's all I ever wanted through this whole thing, was someone to listen."</p> <p>The problems began when authorities originally refused Mark's request to move into Anne's aged care facility, with federal government policy saying that aged care is "not appropriate for people under 65".</p> <p>But Mark's relatives argued that given the life expectancy of people living with Down's syndrome is 60 years, an exception should be made.</p> <p>A new assessment was done and Mark has been granted a place at the same nursing home as his mother, as Mark's other sister Michelle said, "We got what we wanted. Everything worked out perfectly, the way it's supposed to."</p> <p>After Anne received the exciting news, she said, "I'm feeling great. He's staying with Mum!"</p> <p>Sharon and Michelle hope that their experience will assist other families with unique circumstances.</p> <p>"My advice is to keep pushing," Sharon said. "Only you know your family and you have to be their voice.</p> <p>"There's a lot of difference out there and a lot of people who are individuals [and] they need to be looked at individually."</p> <p><em>Image credits: A Current Affair </em></p>

Legal

Placeholder Content Image

Joel Creasey announces exciting personal news on air

<p>Radio host Joel Creasey has shared the exciting news that he and his partner are now engaged after being together for seven years.</p> <p>Creasey announced the news on his Instagram, also sharing the news with his co-hosts of the <em>Ricki-Lee, Tim and Joel radio show</em> on Nova, recalling how his boyfriend, Jack Stratton-Smith, had surprised him with the proposal on their final night in Monopoli, southern Italy.</p> <p>“Well, you asked what happened on my trip to Italy … I did get engaged to the love of my life after seven and a half years,” Creasey told his co-hosts and listeners on Monday.</p> <p>“He finally popped the question! It was very last-minute, it was the day before we left, actually … It was just on a little rooftop and we had a couple of friends there, and I had no idea. I genuinely had no idea.”</p> <p>He added, “We had many a drink that night and it was very special.”</p> <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/DAiEIlBBnRf/?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/DAiEIlBBnRf/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank" rel="noopener">A post shared by Joel Creasey (@joelcreasey)</a></p> </div> </blockquote> <p>The engagement ring reportedly took a year and a half to make, and was inspired by Creasey's favourite musical Wicked.</p> <p>Creasey explained that the news of his engagement had surprised many people for an unexpected reason.</p> <p>He said, “We’ve been together for ages, a lot of people were like, ‘I thought you were already married!’”</p> <p>Joel and Jack started dating in 2017 after they met at an Adele concert.</p> <p><em>Image credits: Instagram </em></p>

Relationships

Placeholder Content Image

Red tape threatens to remove a man with Down's syndrome from his elderly mother

<p>An elderly mother and her disabled son are at risk of being separated over the woman's aged care home's red tape. </p> <p>Anne Deans, 81, moved into an aged care facility in July and hoped that she would be able to bring her son, Mark, who suffers from Down's syndrome with her. </p> <p>Mark, 56, has always lived with his mother, and despite his disability, has lived a full life and has dabbled in acting, appearing on Aussie TV hit <em>Blue Heelers</em>.</p> <p>But now, the mother and son have been left in limbo by a bureaucratic battle. </p> <p>Despite the family's history and Mark's disability, the government refuses to fund a place for Mark at Anne's aged care home, stating that aged care is "not an appropriate service for people aged under 65".</p> <p>"People with Down's syndrome have a life expectancy of 60 years. That's if we're lucky. So Mark is experiencing all of the age issues that my Mum is," Mark's sister Sharon said.</p> <p>Sharon and her sister Michelle have been lobbying on Mark's behalf, with Michelle saying, "I don't know why it's so hard. There's so much red tape."</p> <p>"There's so many hills to jump, just to have a mum and a son together. It doesn't make any sense."</p> <p>Anne is digging in and appealing to the Minister for Aged Care Anika Wells for help. </p> <p>"I brought him up all these years, and all of a sudden someone's going to walk in and take him out," Anne told <a href="https://9now.nine.com.au/a-current-affair/victoria-red-tape-threatens-to-tear-man-with-disability-from-his-mum/df4ef75b-6df1-4507-8a73-dfae0b258e08" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><em>A Current Affair</em></a>.</p> <p>"It is damn ridiculous. They should open up their eyes and see what it's doing. He's not going anywhere. I don't know how I'm going to stop it, but I will."</p> <p>In a statement, Ms Wells said, "While Aged Care is generally not suitable for people under the age of 65, we recognise there are exceptional circumstances where people may need to enter aged care before this age, including when there is no suitable accommodation for them."</p> <p>"The New Aged care Act includes exceptional circumstances for people to enter Aged Care before they turn 65, including when they would otherwise be at risk of homelessness."</p> <p>"There are processes in place to support people to explore their options and ensure they have safe and appropriate accommodation."</p> <p>"We encourage Mark to continue to work with Ability First Australia and the Aged Care Assessment Teams to explore all the options."</p> <p><em>Image credits: A Current Affair </em></p>

Family & Pets

Placeholder Content Image

Abducted boy found after 73 years

<p>In a remarkable and heartwarming conclusion to a decades-long mystery, Luis Armando Albino, who was abducted 73 years ago, has been found alive and well, bringing joy and closure to a family that never gave up hope.</p> <p>Albino, who was born in Puerto Rico, was just six years old when he was abducted from Jefferson Square Park in West Oakland, California, in February 1951. On that fateful day, he had been playing with his brother Roger when he was lured away. His disappearance left his family devastated, and the case went cold for decades. His mother, who passed away in 2005, carried a newspaper clipping about her son’s kidnapping in her wallet until her death, refusing to give up on her belief that he was alive.</p> <p>This long-lost boy, now 79, was found after his niece, Alida Alequin, 63, took a DNA test in 2020. The results matched her with a man who turned out to be Albino, now living on the east coast of the US.</p> <p>Alequin, determined to find her uncle, sought the help of the FBI and the Department of Justice to track him down. A DNA sample confirmed his identity, finally solving the mystery that had haunted their family for over seven decades.</p> <p>Albino, a retired firefighter and Marine Corps veteran, had been raised by a couple who took him in as their son after his abduction. His niece said he had faint memories of being taken but had never been able to piece together the truth. Despite the astonishing discovery, Albino has chosen to keep a low profile and has declined to speak with the media.</p> <p>When Alequin shared the news of the discovery, the emotion was palpable. "She always had hope that he would come home," Alequin said of her grandmother. “She always felt he was alive. She took that with her to her grave.” The family had never stopped thinking about him. Pictures of Luis Armando hung in their home, and stories of his disappearance were passed down through the years, keeping his memory alive.</p> <p>Albino's reunion with his family was bittersweet. He reconnected with his brother Roger, but sadly, Roger passed away shortly afterward. Despite this, the family remains overjoyed to have found their beloved Luis after so many years of uncertainty. The missing persons report on Albino has since been removed from the California Department of Justice website, a poignant symbol of the long-awaited resolution to this case.</p> <p>For Alequin and the rest of the family, finding their lost relative after 73 years was nothing short of miraculous. "The outcome of this story is what we strive for," a police spokesperson said of the rare but incredible closure that comes from never giving up on hope.</p> <p><em>Images: <span style="font-family: -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, 'Segoe UI', Roboto, Oxygen, Ubuntu, Cantarell, 'Open Sans', 'Helvetica Neue', sans-serif;">Alida Alequin</span></em></p>

Legal

Placeholder Content Image

Grandmother's body found 800km from home

<p>Police have revealed the body of a Queensland grandmother has been found 800km from home in bushland near a main tourist area. </p> <p>Wendy Hansen, 63, was last seen at an ATM in her hometown Monto - about 170km west of Bundaberg, Queensland - on February 29 this year. </p> <p>She was reported missing when she didn't return home, with police finding CCTV footage of her driving 400km south on Queensland's main highway on February 29. </p> <p>Queensland Police continued their public push for information in the months that followed, but on Thursday,  NSW police revealed that they found her body half buried in bushland near Jordan Esplanade in Coffs Harbour on June 18. </p> <p>NSW homicide detectives are now looking for her vehicle, a silver 2007 two-door Mitsubishi Pajero with Queensland registration plates 645TCZ.</p> <p>In a statement on Thursday, NSW detectives appealed to the public for help with finding her car. </p> <p>"As investigations continue detectives are appealing to the public for any information, CCTV or dashcam footage that may assist the investigation to contact NSW Police or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000," they said.</p> <p>"Detectives are specifically interested in the location of Wendy’s car which has not yet been located and are urging anyone with dashcam vision of the car to contact police immediately."</p> <p><em>Images: NSW Police</em></p>

Caring

Placeholder Content Image

Readers response: Who’s the most interesting person you’ve met while travelling?

<p>One of the best parts of travelling is the people you met along the way. </p> <p>Whether it's as part of a tour group or an interesting character you meet by chance, interacting with interesting people in interesting places can bring a lot to your travel experience. </p> <p>We asked our readers to tell us about the most interesting person they've encountered on their travels and the response was overwhelming. Here's what they said. </p> <p><strong>Diana Jason</strong> - Cargo Holly Harrison. He walked 15000 miles from the bottom of South America to the top of Alaska. A truly fascinating man.</p> <p><strong>Margie Buckingham</strong> - While caravanning around Oz, every night we would meet interesting ppl enjoying pre-dinner drinks &amp; nibbles around the campfire. We all had personal stories to tell or the best places to camp.</p> <p><strong>Ann Smith</strong> - Myself. Travelled to the UK and found my independence and confidence, two and a bit years after I lost love of my life to cancer.</p> <p><strong>Pamela Cari</strong> - We met the lady who played the mother of Apollonia Vitelli in The Godfather when we were in Savoca.</p> <p><strong>Rosalie Busch</strong> - A couple who grew up behind the wall in East Berlin. </p> <p><strong>Sue Velvin</strong> - Shaquille O'Neal when my daughter and I had a holiday in the states a few years ago! Awesome man.</p> <p><strong>Wendy Farnham</strong> - A Buddhist Nun in Cambodia who lost her husband and 6 of her 7 children to starvation under Pol Pot’s regime.</p> <p><strong>Lyn Schuemaker</strong> - Everybody. They all have stories to tell.</p> <p><em>Image credits: Shutterstock </em></p>

International Travel

Placeholder Content Image

Brittany Higgins' sad personal news

<p>Brittany Higgins has revealed that she has lost a close family member just weeks after announcing her first <a href="https://www.oversixty.com.au/lifestyle/family-pets/beyond-excited-brittany-higgins-announces-pregnancy" target="_blank" rel="noopener">pregnancy</a> with husband David Sharaz.</p> <p>In a post shared to Instagram, Higgins announced that her grandmother had passed away, with friends and loved ones sharing their condolences to the grieving mum-to-be. </p> <p>“Processing the loss of the strongest woman I have ever known. I love and already miss you grandma x," she wrote alongside a gallery of images of moments she shared with her grandmother throughout the years. </p> <p>In one of the photos a teen Higgins can be seen cuddling up to her grandmother, while in another her grandmother held her as a baby. </p> <p>Higgins’ mother, Kelly, replied to the post with a heartfelt message.</p> <p>“She loved you, and was so proud of you,” she wrote.</p> <p>“It was so special she got to celebrate your wedding and be excited about the news of great-grandchild. She was a remarkable woman who taught us truth strength. I love you beautiful.”</p> <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/C-Z3n8dM9Fu/?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/C-Z3n8dM9Fu/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank" rel="noopener">A post shared by Brittany Higgins (@brittanyhiggins___)</a></p> </div> </blockquote> <p>"So sorry Brittany: sending condolences. Your grandmother would be so proud of you," wrote appearance activist Carly Findlay with a red heart emoji. </p> <p>"I'll bet that you were the strongest woman she's ever known. Sorry for your loss, Brittany. Keep her alive in your heart forever x" one follower wrote. </p> <p>"And you are the strongest woman so many of us know. Sorry for your loss x," added another. </p> <p>"I am sorry for your loss and all the pain you are enduring. Strength and luck to you," commented a third. </p> <p><em>Images: Instagram</em></p>

Caring

Placeholder Content Image

Second person dies during Legionnaires outbreak

<p>A man in his 60s has become the second person to die from Legionnaires amidst the outbreak in Victoria. </p> <p>The man became unwell on July 27th and was admitted to hospital, where he died on August 1st.</p> <p>His death comes just days after a woman in her 90s also died from the disease. </p> <p>Victoria's Chief Health Officer Clare Looker confirmed that the state is now grappling with 77 confirmed cases, including two in the past 24 hours and another seven suspected cases.</p> <p>Most people with the disease are over 40 years of age and are believed to have been exposed between July 5th and July 20th. </p> <p>Despite the worrying case number, Looker confirmed that authorities have seen a reduction in cases and believe the situation is stabilising. </p> <p>The source of the outbreak is being linked to a cooling tower in the Laverton North and Derrimut area of Melbourne, after more than 50 sites have been inspected. </p> <p>Authorities believe there is a high likelihood they have already tested and treated the source, while sharing that weather patterns could explain the extent of the outbreak. </p> <p>They have contacted another 1000 businesses across Melbourne, telling them to self-test and report to the Department of Health, Looker said.</p> <p>Legionnaires’ disease is caused by the legionella bacteria, which is found in natural bodies of water as well as spas, warm water systems, potting mix and artificial systems that use water for cooling.</p> <p>Symptoms usually include a chest infection, aches, headache, fever, cough and chills.</p> <p><em>Image credits: 7News</em></p>

Caring

Placeholder Content Image

Life after the kids leave: Navigating changes and embracing empty nest syndrome

<p>As your children grow up and go to college, you dread the day they will leave your nest. When they finally leave, it is natural to feel empty and miss the familiar echoes of laughter around the dinner table. While feeling a sense of loss is natural for every parent, it shouldn’t linger. When the feeling lingers, it becomes the empty nest syndrome.</p> <h2>What Is Empty Nest Syndrome?</h2> <p>Empty nest syndrome is an emotional phase and a sense of loss that parents experience when children leave home. Your children becoming adults and leaving your nest symbolises the end of active parenting responsibilities. Since you are uncertain about what to do with the free time on your hands, you may experience a loss of identity and purpose. You have fewer chores and miss your children.</p> <p>When you have empty nest syndrome, you experience a mix of emotions. You may feel lonely and sad in an empty house. The feeling lasts a few days or weeks, but for others, it is intense and may stir up anxiety. If you have empty nest syndrome, you may feel a sense of redundancy and persistent sadness. With no more school runs and daily involvement in your kids’ lives, it’s easy to feel redundant in their lives, leaving you with a lingering sadness and restlessness.</p> <h2>How to Deal with Empty Nest Syndrome</h2> <p>If you are experiencing empty nest syndrome, you can take the following steps to live a fulfilling life:</p> <p><strong>Set New Goals</strong></p> <p>The sudden quietness that comes with children leaving the house can be jarring. However, in the silence awaits a new chapter of your life that starts with you setting new goals. Think about what you want to learn or try out, and write down the steps you need to get there. Whether it is travelling the world or picking up a new hobby, you can achieve self-fulfilment.</p> <p><strong>Identify New Ways to Strengthen Family Bonds</strong></p> <p>You need to redefine your relationships with your children and partner. Your parenting role takes centre stage in your life. As the nest empties, you have a chance to nurture the bond with your partner. Discover each other's aspirations and dreams. You can travel the world together or find new hobbies as a couple. You also need to redefine your bond with your children. Understand that the relationship with your adult children is evolving. Stay connected to your kids, but ensure they have their independence.</p> <p><strong>Adapt Your Cooking Style for Two</strong></p> <p>When you have children at home, you cook for a large family, and you are always excited to prepare the next meal. As your children move out, you have to transition to cooking in a smaller household. Downsizing meals can be challenging when you are used to preparing a large pot of food. Portioning meals to avoid cooking excess food will be challenging at first. However, you can find meal kits from meal delivery services, such as <a href="https://www.hellofresh.com.au/" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">HelloFresh</a>, that offer meal kits for two. Most meal delivery services send pre-portioned ingredients to prevent food waste.</p> <h2>Discovering New Hobbies to Bring Joy and Fulfilment</h2> <p>Reduce your empty nest symptoms by finding new, exciting activities. Having new hobbies gives you a sense of fulfilment and takes up your time. Consider learning new hobbies like gardening, writing or volunteering. Join a club in the community or volunteer programs. It’s a great way to meet new people and fill up your free time with rewarding experiences.</p> <p>Empty nest syndrome is a period of transformation, and it’s important to maintain a positive attitude during this period. You can rediscover yourself and redefine your priorities. If there is a dream you had put on hold, you can pick it up.</p> <p><em>Image: Becca Tapert / Unsplash</em></p> <p><em>This is a sponsored article produced in partnership with HelloFresh.</em></p>

Family & Pets

Placeholder Content Image

Fourth person arrested over alleged murders of Perth brothers

<p>A fourth person has been arrested over the alleged murders of Perth brothers Jake and Callum Robinson, who went missing in Mexico earlier this year. </p> <p>The brothers were on a surf trip and were camping in the Baja California region of Mexico, near Ensenada, along with their American friend Jack Rhoad, when they disappeared on April 27. </p> <p>They were found weeks later near their remote campsite and three people were arrested soon after, with one of the suspects carrying a mobile phone belonging to one of the victims.  </p> <p>It is believed that the brothers were  shot dead in a "robbery gone wrong".</p> <p>Now, another man has been arrested in connection to their alleged murders, just one month after the brothers' bodies were found 10 metres down a well. </p> <p>According to 9News, authorities have not yet provided any further details or the identity of the man. </p> <p>The Robinson brothers were <a href="https://www.oversixty.com.au/health/caring/love-harder-perth-brothers-farewelled-at-emotional-memorial-service" target="_blank" rel="noopener">laid to rest</a> earlier this month, with hundreds grieving friends and family watching the memorial service at Perth's Sacred Heart College, where the brothers attended high school. </p> <p>Debra Robinson paid tribute to her sons, along with her husband Martin during the service. </p> <p>“We loved that Jake was curious, kind and happy and never judgmental,” Mrs Robinson said at the time. </p> <p>“Callum always made a conscious decision to wake up and be positive every day. He saw so much fun in life. We miss you beyond description, Callum and Jakey boy, please shine on us.”</p> <p><em>Image: Instagram</em></p>

Legal

Placeholder Content Image

"Felt like a criminal": Mother and disabled son "kicked out" of Pink concert

<p>A distraught mother has taken to social media to recall the moment her and her seven-year-old son, who has Down syndrome, were asked to leave a concert venue. </p> <p>Vanessa Vasey, 48, spent over $1,000 to take her son Jesse to see Pink in London during her UK stadium tour, but when the pair arrived at the venue, things took a turn. </p> <p>Jesse struggled to stay still in his seat and was soon surrounded by "six security guards" who ordered the disabled boy to sit down, otherwise they would have to leave.</p> <p>She said she tried to explain her son’s condition to the guards but they ended up being “escorted from the premises” just as Pink took to the stage.</p> <p>On Facebook, Vasey wrote in detail about what happened, saying her son had been “robbed” of a special experience.</p> <p>“Music is his life and Pink is one of his absolute favourites,” she wrote.</p> <p>“We successfully saw her perform at BST Hyde Park last year and were thrilled to learn of her return again this year.”</p> <p>Vasey said she purchased more expensive “hospitality tickets” allowing people to move between bars and food outlets during the night “so that Jesse wouldn’t be pressured into remaining in one seat all night, as he gets overwhelmed in busy environments and finds it hard to sit still.”</p> <p>“We spent some time in the bar leading up to the main act, and Jesse was having a wonderful time, until about 45 minutes before Pink was due to come on, they suddenly shut all the blinds, obstructing us from seeing anything,” she wrote.</p> <p>“I tried to consult with the hospitality managers over this, and explained Jesse’s needs, but they wouldn’t budge on it. So not wanting Jesse to stare at a blind all night, we attempted to go into the seating zone."</p> <p>“We couldn’t get him to sit in his seat, but he was happy dancing and singing at the front railings, and even interacting with some of the other guests."</p> <p>“Doing no harm to anyone, or obstructing anyone’s view. This seemed OK for about half an hour or so. Then ... just as Pink dropped from the sky in her opening number, we had six security guards come into the zone and ask us to leave or sit in our seats.”</p> <p>Vasey said the security guards were “abrupt, intimidating and unpleasant”, as they "tried to force us to take Jesse to a sensory room which was soundproof, and watch Pink on a screen.” </p> <div> </div> <p>“Something we could do at home, robbing us of the whole experience, as if my son was some sort of inconvenience, and better off shut in a room out of sight.”</p> <p>When Vasey complained to venue staff, she claims that more security guards appeared and they had no choice but to leave. </p> <p>“We were escorted out of the building like criminals and saw no more of the Pink show. Jesse was utterly devastated, and they showed absolutely zero care or understanding."</p> <p>“Shame on you Tottenham Stadium,” she concluded. “My poor boy deserved so much better than this!”</p> <p>After UK media picked up Vasey's story, Tottenham Stadium released a statement explaining their actions. </p> <p>“Following further investigation, we can confirm that Ms Vasey was offered assistance by our Safeguarding and Welfare teams throughout the night to provide Jesse with a comfortable viewing experience, including access to our dedicated Sensory Room,” the statement read.</p> <p>“The offers of assistance were declined by Ms Vasey and the party chose to leave the event.”</p> <p>Vasey was soon set upon by online trolls who condemned her choice to take Jesse to the concert in the first place, to which she issues a lengthy statement about inclusivity and not singling people out for their disabilities. </p> <p>“Why do we take them [to events]? Because, as parents, we have the same dreams and aspirations for our children as any other parent,” she wrote.</p> <p>“We have the same desires to see our children’s faces light up, as any other parent would. Our children are exposed to the same world as other children, and they enjoy the same things."</p> <p>“They have the same likes and desires. The only thing that’s different is their needs, their abilities and their way of accessing their dreams."</p> <p>“Why should these things deny them of fulfilling these dreams and passions? This is meant to be a world of inclusion. So let’s start including!"</p> <p>“That means adapting, understanding, supporting and most importantly; changing the way we deliver these privileges so that they are privileges for all of us, and not just some of us.”</p> <p><em>Image credits: Facebook/Richard Isaac/Shutterstock Editorial </em></p> <div class="hide-print ad-no-notice css-qyun7f-StyledAdUnitWrapper ezkyf1c0" style="box-sizing: border-box; caret-color: #292a33; color: #292a33; font-family: HeyWow, Montserrat, 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px;"> </div>

Caring

Our Partners

© Copyright 2025 OverSixty.All Rights Reserved.