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Richard Dreyfuss reveals grim health news

<p>Beloved <em>Jaws</em> actor Richard Dreyfuss has left fans heartbroken after announcing he was forced to cancel a public appearance due to illness.</p> <p>The 77-year-old Oscar winner was slated to attend SharkCon in Florida – a much-anticipated event for fans of the iconic 1975 thriller — but revealed in an emotional Instagram video that he has been diagnosed with viral bronchitis and has been advised not to travel.</p> <p>“I've been diagnosed with viral... what is it?” Dreyfuss asked his wife, Svetlana Erokhin, in the video, visibly struggling and leaning on her support. “I've been diagnosed with viral bronchitis and I've been told by my doctors that I cannot fly.”</p> <p>With deep regret in his voice, he told fans, “I'm terribly sorry because I had planned to be there and have been looking forward to it… I don’t want to get anyone else sick, and I don’t want to get sicker myself.”</p> <p>Dreyfuss, who rose to international fame for his role as Matt Hooper in <em>Jaws</em>, appeared genuinely crushed about missing the chance to connect with fans. “I feel terrible,” he said. “But I would feel even worse if I exposed you to this.”</p> <p>Fighting through the disappointment with a touch of trademark humour, he added, “I want you all to feel very sorry for me. And very sorry for yourselves.”</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/reel/DL_Jm_5R9Qq/?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/reel/DL_Jm_5R9Qq/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank" rel="noopener">A post shared by SharkCon (@shark_con)</a></p> </div> </blockquote> <p>Despite the setback, Dreyfuss promised to make it up to his fans, saying he will “show up” at future events when his health improves. “That has to come first,” he said. “My health. And I feel very good about having the time and enough health [to recover].”</p> <p>The video was shared in a joint post by SharkCon and Field and Screen. In a follow-up message, SharkCon confirmed that all prepaid autograph and photo op purchases would be automatically refunded within 5–10 business days.</p> <p>Fans have flooded social media with messages of love and support for the veteran actor, many expressing hope that he gets the rest he needs and returns stronger soon.</p> <p>SharkCon won’t be the same without him – but the ocean waits.</p> <p><em>Images: Instagram</em></p>

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What happens the moment you give up alcohol

<div class="theconversation-article-body"> <p>Alcohol has many negative effects on our health, some of which may surprise you. These include short-term impacts such as waking up with a <a href="https://www.niaaa.nih.gov/publications/brochures-and-fact-sheets/hangovers">pounding head</a> or <a href="https://theconversation.com/why-do-i-get-so-anxious-after-drinking-heres-the-science-behind-hangxiety-240991">anxiety</a>, to <a href="https://www.health.gov.au/topics/alcohol/about-alcohol/what-are-the-effects-of-alcohol#longterm-effects">long-term</a> effects including <a href="https://www.who.int/europe/news/item/04-01-2023-no-level-of-alcohol-consumption-is-safe-for-our-health">cancer</a>.</p> <p>If you are thinking about taking some time off alcohol, you’ll find many quick wins and long-term gains for your health.</p> <p>How long will you have to wait to feel the benefits?</p> <p>We’ve made a timeline – based on scientific research – that shows what you might feel in the first days, weeks, months and years after taking a break from alcohol.</p> <p>Some benefits start immediately, so every day without alcohol is a win for your health.</p> <p><iframe id="tc-infographic-1187" class="tc-infographic" style="border: none;" src="https://cdn.theconversation.com/infographics/1187/3a7f432af336224429f29c110db908db78417797/site/index.html" width="100%" height="400px" frameborder="0"></iframe></p> <h2>After one day</h2> <p>Alcohol takes <a href="https://www.healthline.com/health/how-long-does-alcohol-stay-in-your-system">around 24 hours</a> to completely leave your body, so you may start noticing improvements after just one day.</p> <p>Alcohol makes you <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/20497950">need to urinate more often</a>, causing dehydration. But your body can absorb a glass of water <a href="https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3351614">almost immediately</a>, so once alcohol is out of your system alcohol dehydration is reduced, improving digestion, brain function and energy levels.</p> <p>Alcohol also reduces the liver’s ability to <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK573079">regulate blood sugar</a>. Once alcohol leaves the system, blood sugar begins to normalise.</p> <p>If you are a daily drinker you may <a href="https://www.healthline.com/health/alcoholism/withdrawal#symptoms">feel a bit worse</a> to start with while your body adjusts to not having alcohol in its system all the time. You may initially notice disrupted sleep, mood changes, sweating or tremors. Most symptoms usually resolve in about a week without alcohol.</p> <h2>After one week</h2> <p>Even though alcohol can make you feel sleepy at first, it <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/B9780444626196000240">disrupts your sleep cycle</a>. By the end of an alcohol-free week, you may notice you are <a href="https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/08870446.2020.1743840">more energetic</a> in the mornings as a result of getting better quality sleep.</p> <p>As the body’s filter, the liver does much of the heavy lifting in processing alcohol and can be easily damaged even with <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0002916523233262">moderate drinking</a>.</p> <p>The liver is important for cleaning blood, processing nutrients and producing bile that helps with digestion.</p> <p>But it can also regenerate quickly. If you have only mild damage in the liver, <a href="https://britishlivertrust.org.uk/lyl-alcohol-and-the-liver/#:%7E:text=Because%20the%20liver%20is%20able,weeks%20after%20giving%20up%20alcohol">seven days may be enough</a> to reduce liver fat and heal mild scarring and tissue damage.</p> <p>Even small amounts of alcohol can <a href="https://www.bmj.com/content/357/bmj.j2353">impair brain functioning</a>. So quitting can help <a href="https://www.bmj.com/content/357/bmj.j2353">improve brain health</a> within a few days in light to moderate drinkers and <a href="https://movendi.ngo/science-digest/quitting-alcohol-can-improve-cognitive-function-for-people-experiencing-severe-alcohol-use-disorder-in-just-18-days/">within a month</a> even for very heavy dependent drinkers.</p> <h2>After one month</h2> <p>Alcohol can make <a href="https://www.beyondblue.org.au/mental-health/alcohol-and-mental-health">managing mood</a> harder and worsen symptoms of anxiety and depression. After a few weeks, most people start to <a href="https://www.mentalhealth.org.uk/explore-mental-health/a-z-topics/alcohol-and-mental-health#:%7E:text=Regular%20heavy%20drinking%20is%20linked,few%20weeks%20of%20stopping%20drinking.">feel better</a>. Even very heavy drinkers report better mood after <a href="https://www.webmd.com/mental-health/addiction/what-to-expect-when-you-quit-drinking">one to two months</a>.</p> <p>As your sleep and mood improve you may also notice <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32216557/">more energy and greater wellbeing</a>.</p> <p>After a month of abstinence regular drinkers also report <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32216557/">feeling more confident</a> about making changes to how they drink.</p> <p>You may <a href="https://bmjopen.bmj.com/content/8/5/e020673">lose weight</a> and body fat. Alcohol contains a lot of <a href="https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/healthyliving/Alcohol-and-weight-gain">kilojules</a> and can trigger hunger reward systems, making us overeat or choose less healthy foods when drinking.</p> <p>Even your skin will thank you. Alcohol can make you look <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31531169/">older</a> through <a href="https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/alcoholic-skin#summary">dehydration and inflammation</a>, which can be reversed when you quit.</p> <p>Alcohol <a href="https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC5513683">irritates the gut</a> and disrupts <a href="https://www.bmj.com/content/341/bmj.c6731">normal stomach functioning</a>, causing bloating, indigestion, heartburn and diarrhoea. These symptoms usually <a href="https://publications.aap.org/pediatricsinreview/article-abstract/18/8/282/36760/Alcoholic-Gastritis">start to resolve</a> within <a href="https://arcr.niaaa.nih.gov/media/671/download">four weeks</a>.</p> <p>One month of abstinence, <a href="https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/obesity/multimedia/vid-20536756">insulin resistance</a> – which can lead to high blood sugar – <a href="https://bmjopen.bmj.com/content/8/5/e020673">significantly</a> reduces by 25%. <a href="https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/conditionsandtreatments/blood-pressure">Blood pressure</a> also reduces (by 6%) and <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/neuroscience/cancer-growth-factor">cancer-related growth factors</a> declines, lowering your risk of cancer.</p> <h2>After six months</h2> <p>The liver <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33868869/">starts to repair</a> within weeks. For moderate drinkers, damage to your liver could be <a href="https://britishlivertrust.org.uk/lyl-alcohol-and-the-liver">fully reversed</a> by six months.</p> <p>At this point, even heavy drinkers may notice they’re better at <a href="https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4590616">fighting infections</a> and feel healthier overall.</p> <h2>After one year or more</h2> <p>Alcohol contributes to or causes a large number of <a href="https://www.cdc.gov/alcohol/about-alcohol-use/index.html#:%7E:text=Other%20chronic%20diseases,your%20chances%20of%20getting%20sick">chronic diseases</a>, including heart disease, stroke, type 2 diabetes, and seven different types of cancer, as well as mental health issues. All of these risks can be reduced by quitting or cutting back on alcohol.</p> <p>Alcohol increases <a href="https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/high-blood-pressure/expert-answers/blood-pressure/faq-20058254">blood pressure</a>. High blood pressure (hypertension) is the <a href="https://world-heart-federation.org/what-we-do/hypertension/">top risk factor</a> for death in the world. A small <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/12493255/">2mmHg increase in blood pressure</a> above the normal range (120mmHG) increases death from stroke by 10% and from coronary artery disease by 7%.</p> <p>Cutting back on alcohol to less than two drinks a day can <a href="https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/high-blood-pressure/expert-answers/blood-pressure/faq-20058254">reduce blood pressure significantly</a>, reducing risk of stroke and heart disease. Reducing blood pressure also <a href="https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/high-blood-pressure/in-depth/high-blood-pressure/art-20045868">reduces risk</a> of kidney disease, eye problems and even erectile dysfunction.</p> <p>With sustained abstinence, your risk of getting any type of cancer drops. <a href="https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamanetworkopen/fullarticle/2795595">One study</a> looked at cancer risk for more than 4 million adults over three to seven years and found the risk of alcohol-related cancer dropped by 4%, even for light drinkers who quit. Reducing from heavy to moderate drinking reduced alcohol-related cancer risk by 9%.</p> <h2>Making a change</h2> <p>Any reduction in drinking will have some noticeable and immediate benefits to your brain and general health. The less you drink and the longer you go between drinks, the healthier you will be.</p> <p>Whether you aim to cut back or quit entirely, there are <a href="https://theconversation.com/trying-to-cut-back-on-alcohol-heres-what-works-179664">some simple things</a> you can do to help you stick with it:</p> <ul> <li> <p>set clear goals plus the smaller steps you need to take to get there</p> </li> <li> <p>pay attention to the benefits you notice from quitting</p> </li> <li> <p>monitor your progress with a <a href="https://hellosundaymorning.org/drink-tracker/">Drink Tracker</a></p> </li> <li> <p>get support from others, for example Hello Sunday Morning’s anonymous <a href="https://hellosundaymorning.org/daybreak-app/">Daybreak app</a>, <a href="https://smartrecoveryaustralia.com.au">SMART Recovery</a>, <a href="https://www.counsellingonline.org.au">CounsellingOnline</a> or <a href="https://www.soberinthecountry.org">Sober in the Country</a>.</p> </li> </ul> <p>If you are still wondering about whether to make changes or not you can check your drinking risk <a href="https://hellosundaymorning.org/nib_alcohol_self-assessment/">here</a>.</p> <p>If you have tried to cut back and found it difficult you may need professional help. Call the National Alcohol and other Drug Hotline on 1800 250 015 and they will put you in touch with services in your area that can help. You can also talk to your GP.</p> <p><em>We would like to thank Dr Hannah MacRae for assistance in identifying the research used in this article.</em><!-- 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/249272/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><em>By <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/nicole-lee-81635">Nicole Lee</a>, Adjunct Professor at the National Drug Research Institute (Melbourne based), <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/curtin-university-873">Curtin University</a> and <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/katinka-van-de-ven-159873">Katinka van de Ven</a>, Alcohol and other drug specialist, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/unsw-sydney-1414">UNSW Sydney</a></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/even-a-day-off-alcohol-makes-a-difference-our-timeline-maps-the-health-benefits-when-you-stop-drinking-249272">original article</a>.</em></p> <p><em>Pexels / </em><em>Helena Lopes</em></p> </div>

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"Enough is enough": MasterChef star opens up on career scandals

<p>Celebrity chef and former <em>MasterChef Australia</em> judge George Calombaris has revealed the full extent of the personal and professional toll a series of scandals took on his life, including a $3 million hit to his business and a private struggle with alcohol addiction.</p> <p>In a candid interview on the <a href="https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/ouzo-talk/id1590955229" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Ouzo Talk podcast</a>, the once high-flying restaurateur said the fallout from multiple controversies and the pandemic left him at rock bottom.</p> <p>“After Covid hit, I’m suddenly sitting in Melbourne, which is shut for now two years, sitting with my pyjamas on … looking at my phone going there’s no emails, there’s nothing to do (and I) start drinking daily,” Calombaris said.</p> <p>“I’ll never forget three months down the track I lost it one night. I got in my car, drove down the road, I don’t know where [I was]. My brother found me pissed as a fart.</p> <p>“And that was a moment, he really slapped it out of me and went enough is enough.”</p> <p>Calombaris rose to fame as a judge on <em>MasterChef Australia</em> in 2009, quickly becoming a fan favourite and building a multimillion-dollar hospitality empire. But by 2017, his reputation began to unravel after a string of public scandals.</p> <p>That year, he was caught on camera shoving a 19-year-old football fan at the A-League grand final. The incident led to an assault charge, which was eventually overturned in 2018 on appeal. Calombaris was placed on a 12-month good behaviour bond and the conviction was struck from his record.</p> <p>“It was six months of pain you know, I had to go in and out of court three times, hire one of the best KC’s of the time,” he said. “I reckon it cost around 3 million bucks that, in loss of endorsements … Ridiculous, stupid, I would have rather taken that $3 million and given it to charity.”</p> <p>In 2019, Calombaris and his hospitality group, Made Establishment, admitted to underpaying roughly 500 current and former staff members $7.8 million over six years. The revelation sent shockwaves through the industry and the public.</p> <p>“We love in Australia [to] never let the truth get in the way of a good story,” Calombaris said. “The truth of the matter is that we overpaid and underpaid 51 per cent of our crew and 49 per cent of them, we had 550 team members and we found the problem.”</p> <p>“We went to Fair Work, we owned up and we paid.”</p> <p>The company repaid staff wages and superannuation and was fined a $200,000 “contrition payment” by the Fair Work Ombudsman.</p> <p>Later that year, Calombaris and fellow judges Matt Preston and Gary Mehigan left <em>MasterChef</em> after a breakdown in contract negotiations. Then came the pandemic.</p> <p>Alone, unemployed, and with Melbourne in lockdown, Calombaris spiralled, until a wake-up call from his brother forced him to confront his drinking and begin to rebuild his life.</p> <p>His story now serves as a sobering look at the cost of fame, failure and, ultimately, recovery.</p> <p><em>Images: Instagram</em></p>

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Julie Goodwin delivers a stern message to the body shamers

<p>Julie Goodwin has always known her way around a kitchen – and now, it turns out, she’s just as adept at roasting unsolicited opinions.</p> <p>The beloved <em>MasterChef Australia</em> winner has issued a spicy statement on Instagram after receiving a barrage of comments about her appearance, particularly her recent weight loss. And while she’s known for dishing out hearty meals, this time she served something else: a well-seasoned helping of boundaries.</p> <p>“Thanks to all who have expressed concern about my health. I am well and I am within the healthy weight range. My doctor concurs,” Goodwin wrote, putting the matter to rest with the kind of authority only a GP – and a fed-up woman with a public profile – can provide.</p> <p>But Julie didn’t stop at a health update. She made it clear that she’s not interested in being your weight-loss coach, thank you very much.</p> <p>“For those who have asked me for advice or tips, I am not qualified to provide this. It’s advice that should be sought from your trusted health professionals, not from me. I’m a TV cook,” she said. A gentle reminder that just because someone can whip up a soufflé doesn’t mean they should be your personal trainer.</p> <p>And as for the chorus of couch critics dissecting her figure?</p> <p>“For those who want to comment on the shape and condition of my body please, do it on your own page because I’m tired of reading it,” she wrote, announcing she’d be turning off comments. “For all of us can we please find something more interesting to talk about. Can we please model kindness to our kids and grandkids and can we please leave this obsession with people’s looks back in the 1980s. Peace and love.”</p> <p>It’s not the first time Goodwin’s appearance has prompted public chatter. In 2016, she told <em>Women’s Weekly</em> she’d “accidentally” lost 20kg amid the chaos of running a business, saying it was hardly a lifestyle to emulate.</p> <p>“It’s not that I’ve gone on some stupid, sad diet and dropped a whole heap of weight in a hurry... I’m running a business and running around like a mad thing, and sometimes I forget to eat, none of which is healthy,” she said at the time.</p> <p>Julie, who first won Australia’s heart in 2009 when she beat Poh Ling Yeow to take the <em>MasterChef</em> crown, has since built a rich career as a cookbook author, columnist and TV regular. But she’s also been candid about the toll fame has taken on her mental health.</p> <p>In a deeply personal episode of the Head Game podcast, she described spiralling into severe depression, at one point believing her family would be better off without her.</p> <p>“I just had nothing left. It’s a sickness, right, severe depression is a serious illness,” she said, adding that she turned to alcohol as a coping mechanism: “The only way I could shut off my brain late at night, was to drink wine... So I was self-medicating, and that’s a terrible, terrible way to sleep.”</p> <p>Thankfully, Goodwin says she’s now in a better place — but acknowledges that wellness is a work in progress.</p> <p>“I’m good, I really am. But it’s a concentrated effort to remain good, you know,” she recently told Nine Honey.</p> <p>So next time you’re tempted to weigh in on someone else’s body, maybe take Julie’s advice: leave it in the 1980s, pop on some Madonna, and focus on something kinder – like her lemon curd recipe. Peace, love, and perhaps a little less commentary.</p> <p><em>Images: Instagram</em></p>

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Hollywood star sings to her mother in hospital during cancer battle

<p>Kate Beckinsale has shared an emotional video of herself singing to her mother, Judy Loe, as the 77-year-old remains in hospital while bravely battling stage four cancer.</p> <p>The tender moment, posted to Instagram, shows the <em>Underworld</em> actress gently serenading her mum with the Everly Brothers’ 1958 song Bye, Bye Love, revealing the choice had a deeply personal meaning. “When my mum was 14, she was in a harmony group with her best friends Mary, Sylvia (known as Fuzzy to this day because of an unfortunate perm decades ago), and Chris,” Beckinsale wrote. “I am a very poor substitute not being a very good singer but I want my mum’s dearest and oldest friends in her hospital room with her.”</p> <p>Beckinsale, 51, thanked her mother’s friends and signed off the post with love and humour, saying, “Love you all but most especially my mum. X and apologise to anybody in the hospital subject to my dreadful singing 🤍.”</p> <p>While the cause of Loe’s current hospital stay is unclear, the actress and her mother have been enduring wave after wave of heartbreak. Earlier this year, the family lost Roy Battersby, Loe’s husband and Beckinsale’s stepfather, who passed away at 87. He was a renowned British television director and a guiding presence in their lives.</p> <p>In a previous post, Beckinsale opened up about the compounding grief that’s taken a severe toll on her health. “I watched my stepfather die quite shockingly, my mother has stage 4 cancer, and I lost a lot of weight from stress and grief, quite quickly,” she wrote.</p> <p>She went on to reveal that the emotional strain had physical consequences. “I was in hospital for six weeks because the grief had burned a hole in my oesophagus which made me vomit copious amounts of blood, and I found eating very hard.”</p> <p>Support has poured in for Beckinsale online, with many followers sending kind messages. One wrote: “Bless you, darling Kate. I wish we could hold our mums’ hands and hearts forever and ever.”</p> <p>As she continues to care for her mother through unimaginable pain, Beckinsale’s heartfelt video stands as a raw and powerful reminder of the depth of love and the quiet ways we try to ease each other’s suffering.</p> <p><em>Images: Instagram</em></p>

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Couple's heartfelt plea after both losing their right legs

<p>A Perth couple who both lost their right legs in a horrific motorbike crash have opened up about their long, painful road to recovery – and the staggering new challenges they now face.</p> <p>Dean and Sharon English, both seasoned motorcyclists, were enjoying a ride through WA’s Wheatbelt in September when tragedy struck. As they rounded a bend on Great Eastern Highway near Meckering, about 130km east of Perth, their bike collided with an oncoming vehicle towing a caravan. Dean had been riding, with Sharon on the back.</p> <p>The collision was so severe that both were airlifted to Royal Perth Hospital in critical condition. Placed in induced comas and undergoing multiple surgeries, the couple awoke to find they had both lost their right legs, Dean’s amputated at the hip, and Sharon’s below the knee.</p> <p>Their bodies broken and their lives changed forever, the couple spent nearly five months recovering side by side in hospital.</p> <p>“Some days it’s really, really difficult,” <a href="https://7news.com.au/news/perth-couple-who-lost-legs-in-bike-crash-reveal-costly-new-challenge-c-19303575" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Dean told 7NEWS</a>. “We have our private moments where we sit there and have a cry. If I didn’t have Sharon with me, I’d be absolutely wrecked.”</p> <p>Their fight to rebuild their lives is now twofold: physical recovery and financial survival. While Sharon, as a passenger, qualifies for third-party compensation, Dean does not. Despite 33 years of service as a prison officer, he had no private health insurance and now faces the daunting task of proving he wasn’t at fault to receive any support from the Insurance Commission.</p> <p>To do that, he’ll need to pay tens of thousands of dollars for a private investigator – money the couple simply doesn’t have, especially now that Dean’s paid leave has run out and he’s on leave without pay.</p> <p>As Dean continues intense rehab at Fiona Stanley Hospital, trying to learn to walk again on a prosthetic while coping with a shattered hand and missing finger, Sharon has returned home in a wheelchair. She too hopes to one day walk again with a prosthetic, though doctors warn she may require further surgery first.</p> <p>Despite everything, their gratitude and determination remain remarkable. <a href="https://www.gofundme.com/f/donate-fir-dean-english" target="_blank" rel="noopener">On their GoFundMe page</a> – which has raised nearly $45,000 – they shared a heartfelt message: “We would like to thank each and every one of you for your support and generosity. It is a very humbling experience and we truly thank you from the bottom of our hearts.”</p> <p>Dean also praised his long-time workplace, revealing the prison commissioner has promised him a job when he’s well enough to return.</p> <p>“I want to get back to normal,” he said. “This isn’t normal. It’s not what I was like.”</p> <p>The couple are using their experience to warn others about road safety. Dean urged all riders to wear proper protective equipment, which he believes saved their lives. “We wear the best of equipment all the time, and I would urge anyone who rides a motorbike to make sure they wear proper PPE,” he said.</p> <p>WA’s road toll is at a decade high, and for Dean and Sharon, the cost is deeply personal. But in the face of unimaginable loss, they are refusing to give up – leaning on each other, on the kindness of strangers and on hope for a future where “normal” may look different, but is still within reach.</p> <p><em>Images: GoFundMe</em></p>

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Why women live longer than men

<p>It turns out the real survival champions of history weren’t the sword-wielding warriors or the swashbuckling adventurers – they were women. Yes, even during famines, plagues and periods of mass human awfulness (see: enslavement and measles), women have been quietly outliving men like it’s just another Tuesday.</p> <p>That’s the conclusion of researchers who dove deep into history’s most miserable moments, including the Irish Potato Famine, enslavement in Trinidad and Icelandic measles outbreaks, only to find that female bodies just won’t quit.</p> <p>According to a study led by demographer Virginia Zarulli, even newborn girls during these crises had better survival rates than their male counterparts. That’s right; baby girls basically stared down famine and disease and said, “Not today”.</p> <p>So, what gives? According to science – and a new CNN-backed book titled <em>The Stronger Sex</em> – the female body is a marvel of survival engineering. Despite monthly bleeding, pregnancy (aka growing a human from scratch) and the general rollercoaster of hormones, women consistently outlive men. It’s like Mother Nature looked at the assignment and went “build to last”.</p> <p>Part of the secret lies in the chromosomes. Women are rocking two X chromosomes (which are loaded with immune-boosting genes) while men are stuck with a lonely Y that brings little to the survival party. According to evolutionary biologist Dr Sharon Moalem, this gives women a sort of immunological superpower. As he put it, “Women have immunologically evolved to out-mutate men.” Translation: their immune systems are like Swiss Army knives. Men's? More like... rusty butter knives.</p> <p>And hormones help too – specifically oestrogen, which acts like a biological bodyguard, boosting immune responses, upping antibody production and improving long-term disease resistance. Meanwhile, testosterone (the male hormone known for encouraging risky behaviour and unnecessary purchases of motorcycles) appears to weaken the immune system. In fact, early animal experiments showed that removing testosterone improved immunity. (No word on whether the animals also started asking for directions.)</p> <p>It gets better. Recent research has found that women’s small intestines are longer – which may not sound sexy, but is biologically brilliant. More intestine means more nutrients absorbed, which means better odds of surviving when calories are scarce. Essentially, women can squeeze more nutritional value out of a potato than a man can out of a steak.</p> <p>Add all that to the fact that women typically engage in fewer risky behaviours (looking at you, lawnmower-beer-balancing stunts), and you’ve got a recipe for a longer life. Even when women adopt some of the same bad habits as men (like smoking) they still tend to outlive them. Because of course they do.</p> <p>To be fair, there is a catch: women’s superhero immune systems can sometimes turn on them, leading to more autoimmune diseases and chronic conditions. But even then, women often live with those conditions longer than men would.</p> <p>So, what’s the takeaway here? For one, the next time someone calls women the “weaker sex”, feel free to laugh out loud. And second, it’s about time medicine caught up. Researchers argue that understanding these biological differences can help create more personalised healthcare – for all genders.</p> <p>In short: female bodies aren’t just built different. They’re built better, tougher and, according to science, longer-lasting; kind of like the biological version of a Toyota Hilux.</p> <p>Move over, Superman. It’s Superwoman who’s still standing.</p> <p><em>Image: Pexels / Chelsi Peter</em></p>

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Does eating cheese before bed really give you nightmares?

<div class="theconversation-article-body"> <p>Have you heard people say eating cheese before bed will cause you to have vivid dreams or nightmares?</p> <p>It’s a relatively common idea. And this week, a <a href="https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/psychology/articles/10.3389/fpsyg.2025.1544475/full">new study</a> has landed this suggestion <a href="https://www.canberratimes.com.au/story/9005656/are-cheese-dreams-real-new-study-reveals-how-diet-affects-sleep/">back in the spotlight</a>.</p> <p>But is it true? Let’s unpack the evidence.</p> <h2>A gouda night’s sleep?</h2> <p>Canadian researchers recently <a href="https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/psychology/articles/10.3389/fpsyg.2025.1544475/full#h3">investigated this idea</a> in a sample of 1,082 undergraduate psychology students. The students completed a survey, which included questions about how they perceived their diet influenced their sleep and dreams.</p> <p>Some 40% of participants reported certain foods impacted their sleep, with 25% of the whole sample claiming certain foods worsened their sleep, and 20% reporting certain foods improved their sleep.</p> <p>Only 5.5% of respondents believed what they ate affected the nature of their dreams. But many of these people thought sweets or dairy products (such as cheese) made their dreams more strange or disturbing and worsened their sleep.</p> <p>In contrast, participants reported fruits, vegetables and herbal teas led to better sleep.</p> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> <p dir="ltr" lang="en">Snacking on cheese late at night may haunt your dreams, Canadian study finds<a href="https://t.co/ne5poEo7N7">https://t.co/ne5poEo7N7</a> <a href="https://t.co/rMpSbzoGzk">pic.twitter.com/rMpSbzoGzk</a></p> <p>— Edmonton Journal (@edmontonjournal) <a href="https://twitter.com/edmontonjournal/status/1940531062615990327?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 2, 2025</a></p></blockquote> <p>This study used self-reporting, meaning the results rely on the participants recalling and reporting information about their sleep and dreams accurately. This could have affected the results.</p> <p>It’s also possible participants were already familiar with the notion that cheese causes nightmares, especially given they were psychology students, many of whom may have studied sleep and dreaming.</p> <p>This awareness could have made them more likely to notice or perceive their sleep was disrupted after eating dairy. In other words, the idea cheese leads to nightmares may have acted like a self-fulfilling prophecy and results may overestimate the actual likelihood of strange dreams.</p> <p>Nonetheless, these findings show some people perceive a connection between what they eat and how they dream.</p> <p>While there’s no evidence to prove cheese <em>causes</em> nightmares, there is evidence that does explain a link.</p> <h2>The science behind cheese and nightmares</h2> <p>Humans are diurnal creatures, meaning our body is primed to be asleep at night and awake during the day. Eating cheese before bed means we’re challenging the body with food at a time when it really doesn’t want to be eating.</p> <p>At night, our physiological systems <a href="https://doi.org/10.1016/j.smrv.2024.101953">are not primed to digest food</a>. For example, it takes longer for food to move through our <a href="https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1440-1681.2009.05254.x">digestive tract</a> at night compared with during the day.</p> <p>If we eat close to going to sleep, our body has to process and digest the food while we’re sleeping. This is a bit like running through mud – we can do it, but it’s slow and inefficient.</p> <p>Cheese can be particularly challenging to digest at night because of <a href="https://doi.org/10.1016/j.idairyj.2006.11.006">high concentrations of fat and protein</a>, which <a href="https://doi.org/10.1113/jphysiol.1997.sp021881">slows down our digestion</a>.</p> <p>If your body is processing and digesting food instead of focusing all its resources on sleep, this can affect your shut-eye. Research has shown eating close to bedtime <a href="https://doi.org/10.3945/an.116.012336">reduces our sleep quality</a>, particularly our time spent in rapid eye movement (REM) sleep, which is the stage of sleep associated with <a href="https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tics.2009.12.001">vivid dreams</a>.</p> <p>People will have an even harder time digesting cheese at night if they’re lactose intolerant, which might mean they experience even greater impacts on their sleep. This follows what the Canadian researchers found in their study, with lactose intolerant participants reporting poorer sleep quality and more nightmares.</p> <p>It’s important to note we might actually have vivid dreams or nightmares every night – what could change is whether we’re aware of the dreams and can remember them when we wake up.</p> <p>Poor sleep quality often means we wake up more during the night. If we wake up during REM sleep, <a href="https://doi.org/10.1126/science.1063530">research shows</a> we’re more likely to report vivid dreams or nightmares that we mightn’t even remember if we hadn’t woken up during them.</p> <p>This is very relevant for the cheese and nightmares question. Put simply, eating before bed impacts our sleep quality, so we’re more likely to wake up during our nightmares and remember them.</p> <h2>Can I still have brie before bedtime?</h2> <p>Don’t panic – I’m not here to tell you to give up your cheesy evenings. But what we eat before bed can make a real difference to how well we sleep, so timing matters.</p> <p>General <a href="https://www.sleephealthfoundation.org.au/sleep-topics/sleep-hygiene-good-sleep-habits">sleep hygiene guidelines</a> suggest avoiding meals at least two hours before bed. So even if you’re eating a very cheese-heavy meal, you have a window of time before bed to digest the meal and drift off to a nice peaceful sleep.</p> <h2>How about other dairy products?</h2> <p>Cheese isn’t the only dairy product which may influence our sleep. Most of us have heard about the benefits of having a warm glass of milk before bed.</p> <p>Milk can be easier to digest than cheese. In fact, milk is a good choice in the evening, as <a href="https://doi.org/10.3390/nu12040936">it contains tryptophan</a>, an amino acid that helps promote sleep.</p> <p>Nonetheless, we still don’t want to be challenging our body with too much dairy before bed. Participants in the Canadian study did report nightmares after dairy, and milk close to bed might have contributed to this.</p> <p>While it’s wise to steer clear of food (especially cheese) in the two hours before lights out, there’s no need to avoid cheese altogether. Enjoy that cheesy pasta or cheese board, just give your body time to digest before heading off to sleep. If you’re having a late night cheese craving, opt for something small. Your sleep (and your dreams) will thank you.<!-- 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/260205/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><em><a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/charlotte-gupta-347235">Charlotte Gupta</a>, Senior Postdoctoral Research Fellow, Appleton Institute, HealthWise Research Group, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/cquniversity-australia-2140">CQUniversity Australia</a></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/does-eating-cheese-before-bed-really-give-you-nightmares-heres-what-the-science-says-260205">original article</a>.</em></p> <p><em>Image: Pexels / </em><em>Ivan Oboleninov</em></p> </div>

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"Devastated": Football star dies at 28, just days after wedding

<p>Liverpool and Portugal football star Diogo Jota has died in a tragic car crash in Spain, just days after celebrating his wedding to long-time partner Rute Cardoso.</p> <p>The 28-year-old forward was killed alongside his younger brother, 26-year-old Andre Silva, in the early hours of Thursday morning near Zamora in north-western Spain. Authorities confirmed the pair died at the scene after their Lamborghini suffered a tyre blowout while overtaking, veered off the road, and burst into flames.</p> <p>The heartbreaking accident comes less than two weeks after Jota married Rute in Portugal on June 22. The couple, who shared three children, had posted a joyful photo from their wedding day with the caption: “Yes to forever.”</p> <p>Now, that forever has been cruelly cut short.</p> <p>Jota had only recently capped off one of the most successful periods of his career. In May, he helped Liverpool clinch the English Premier League title, contributing six goals across the season. He also featured for Portugal in their dramatic UEFA Nations League final win over Spain last month, coming off the bench in extra time before his team triumphed in a penalty shootout.</p> <p>In a statement, Liverpool FC expressed their devastation:</p> <p>“Liverpool Football Club are devastated by the tragic passing of Diogo Jota,” it read. “We will be making no further comment at this time and request privacy for the family, friends, teammates, and club staff as they try to come to terms with an unimaginable loss.”</p> <p>Portuguese football is also in mourning. Pedro Proenca, President of the Portuguese Football Federation, paid tribute to both brothers, describing Jota as “much more than a fantastic player... an extraordinary person, respected by all.”</p> <p>“We have lost two champions,” he added. “The passing of Diogo and Andre Jota represents an irreparable loss for Portuguese football and we will do everything we can to honour their legacy.”</p> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> <p dir="ltr" lang="en">Everyone at the Premier League is shocked and devastated to learn of the tragic passing of Diogo Jota and his brother Andre. Our sincerest condolences go to Diogo’s family, friends, Liverpool FC, and all their supporters at this heartbreaking time. Football has lost a champion… <a href="https://t.co/KG4coUHY1P">pic.twitter.com/KG4coUHY1P</a></p> <p>— Premier League (@premierleague) <a href="https://twitter.com/premierleague/status/1940707922608054436?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 3, 2025</a></p></blockquote> <p>Jota made almost 50 appearances for the national team and was known as much for his spirited play as for his humility and positivity off the pitch. A minute’s silence was held ahead of Portugal’s Women’s Euros match against Spain on Thursday, following a request from the federation.</p> <p>Jota’s career began at Paços de Ferreira in Portugal, before moving to Atletico Madrid in 2016. He was loaned to Porto and then moved to England, joining Wolverhampton Wanderers in 2017. His performances at Wolves were electric, helping the club earn promotion and firmly establish themselves in the Premier League.</p> <p>Wolves, where Jota is still adored by fans, released a heartfelt statement: “We are heartbroken. Diogo was adored by our fans, loved by his teammates and cherished by everyone who worked with him. The memories he created will never be forgotten.”</p> <p>He joined Liverpool in 2018, quickly becoming a vital part of Jurgen Klopp’s side. In the 2021-22 season, he played key roles in Liverpool’s FA Cup and League Cup victories, scoring in both final shootouts against Chelsea.</p> <p>Off the field, Jota was a dedicated family man, sharing a quiet life away from the spotlight with Rute and their three young children.</p> <p>The world of football – and the families of both men – are reeling from the loss. </p> <p>Jota was 28. Andre Silva was 26.</p> <p><em>Images: X (Formerly Twitter)</em></p>

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Iconic Hollywood star found dead at 67

<p>Michael Madsen, the gravel-voiced Hollywood tough guy who made his mark in Quentin Tarantino's blood-soaked cinematic universe, has died. He was 67.</p> <p>The veteran actor was found unresponsive at his Malibu home on Thursday morning and later pronounced dead, authorities confirmed. His manager, Ron Smith, said the cause of death was cardiac arrest.</p> <p>Known for portraying menacing antiheroes and morally ambiguous outlaws, Madsen built a career playing unforgettable characters on the fringes of society – from the ear-slicing Mr. Blonde in <em>Reservoir Dogs</em> to the washed-up hitman Budd in <em>Kill Bill: Vol. 2</em>.</p> <p>“In the last two years Michael Madsen has been doing some incredible work with independent film... and was really looking forward to this next chapter in his life,” his team – managers Ron Smith and Susan Ferris, along with publicist Liz Rodriguez – said in a joint statement. “He was one of Hollywood’s most iconic actors, who will be missed by many.”</p> <p>Over a career spanning four decades, Madsen became a cult figure, equally at home in gritty crime thrillers, indie dramas, and blockbuster fare. His smouldering screen presence, weary stare, and distinctive voice earned him dozens of roles — many of them dangerous, unpredictable, and unforgettable.</p> <p>Born in Chicago on September 25, 1957, Madsen was the son of a firefighter and a filmmaker. His sister, Virginia Madsen, is an Oscar-nominated actor. He got his start on stage at Chicago’s renowned Steppenwolf Theatre, where he apprenticed under John Malkovich – an experience that shaped his early work in films like <em>WarGames </em>and <em>The Natural</em>.</p> <p>But it was 1992’s<em> Reservoir Dogs</em> that turned Madsen into a cinematic icon. As Mr. Blonde, the sadistic criminal who danced gleefully to “Stuck in the Middle With You” while torturing a cop, he etched one of the most disturbing, charismatic villains in film history. His performance earned praise from critic Roger Ebert, who wrote, “Madsen… emerges with the kind of really menacing screen presence only a few actors achieve.”</p> <p>He was originally cast to play Vincent Vega in <em>Pulp Fiction</em>, a role that eventually went to John Travolta after Madsen opted instead for Wyatt Earp – a decision he later said he regretted.</p> <p>Still, his collaborations with Tarantino remained a defining element of his career. Beyond <em>Reservoir Dogs</em> and <em>Kill Bill</em>, Madsen appeared in <em>The Hateful Eight</em> and <em>Once Upon a Time in Hollywood</em>, helping bring the director’s stylised worlds to life with quiet intensity and simmering menace.</p> <p>Outside of Tarantino’s orbit, Madsen racked up credits in films like <em>The Doors</em>, <em>Donnie Brasco</em>, <em>Thelma & Louise</em>, <em>Sin City</em>, and even the James Bond adventure <em>Die Another Day</em>. He also lent his voice to video games including Grand Theft Auto III and Dishonored, and published poetry and photography that revealed a softer, more introspective side.</p> <p>Though his name became synonymous with grit and danger, Madsen's passion for art in all forms endured. His independent film work remained prolific until the end, with several projects – <em>Resurrection Road</em>, <em>Concessions</em>, and <em>Cookbook for Southern Housewives</em> – still on the horizon.</p> <p>Madsen was married three times, most recently to DeAnna Morgan. He is survived by four children, including actor Christian Madsen. His son Hudson tragically died in 2022, a loss that friends say weighed heavily on him.</p> <p>Michael Madsen may have spent much of his screen life on the edge, but behind the gruff exterior was a fiercely devoted artist who never stopped working, creating or chasing the next role. He leaves behind a legacy of fearless performances, an indelible mark on American cinema – as well as a generation of fans who will never hear “Stuck in the Middle With You” the same way again.</p> <p><em>Images: X (Formerly Twitter)</em></p>

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‘It feels like I am being forced to harm a child’: Why Aussie teachers are burning out

<div class="theconversation-article-body">Australia is in the grip of a <a href="https://www.education.gov.au/national-teacher-workforce-action-plan">teacher shortage</a>. Teachers are <a href="https://theconversation.com/i-am-exhausted-australian-teachers-speak-about-how-compassion-fatigue-is-harming-them-and-their-work-244519#:%7E:text=I%20found%2073.9%25%20of%20respondents,Victorian%20teachers%20reported%20similar%20rates.">burning out</a>, warning the job is no longer sustainable and leaving the profession.</p> <p>We know this is due to <a href="https://theconversation.com/this-is-like-banging-our-heads-against-the-wall-why-a-move-to-outsource-lesson-planning-has-nsw-teachers-hopping-mad-188081">excessive workloads</a>, <a href="https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/abs/10.1177/00049441221086654">stress</a> and <a href="https://theconversation.com/make-me-a-sandwich-our-surveys-disturbing-picture-of-how-some-boys-treat-their-teachers-228891">abuse</a>. But research suggests there is another element at play: some teachers are also experiencing moral injury.</p> <p>Moral injury occurs when teachers are forced to act against their values – leaving them feeling disillusioned and complicit in harm. In <a href="https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/00131911.2025.2504523">my study</a> of 57 Australian teachers, many shared emotionally-charged accounts of being put in impossible situations at work.</p> <h2>What is moral injury?</h2> <p>Moral injury is when professionals cannot act in line with their values due to external demands.</p> <p>It differs from burnout or compassion fatigue: <a href="https://www.researchgate.net/publication/303817089_Understanding_the_burnout_experience_Recent_research_and_its_implications_for_psychiatry">burnout</a> stems from chronic stress and <a href="https://www.psychologytoday.com/au/basics/compassion-fatigue">compassion fatigue</a> comes from emotional overload.</p> <p>Moral injury was initially developed in <a href="https://moralinjuryproject.syr.edu/about-moral-injury/">military psychology</a> but has since been applied to <a href="https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/full/10.1177/0969733020966776">healthcare</a> and <a href="https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/03057240.2023.2237202#abstract">education</a> – professions where high-stakes ethical decision-making and institutional failures often collide.</p> <p>Previous studies on <a href="https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.3102/0002831219848690">moral injury in schools</a> have shown how rigid disciplinary policies, high-stakes testing regimes and chronic underfunding often force teachers to act in ways that contradict their professional judgement. This can lead to frustration, guilt and professional disillusionment.</p> <p>Recent studies have <a href="https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/03057240.2023.2237202">reframed moral injury as a systemic issue</a> rather than an individual psychological condition. This is because institutional constraints – such as inflexible accountability measures and bureaucratic inefficiencies – prevent teachers from fulfilling their ethical responsibilities.</p> <h2>My new study</h2> <p>This research stems from an <a href="https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s13384-024-00755-8">initial study</a>, which looked at burnout in Australian teachers.</p> <p>The initial study included a national sample of 2,000 educators. This <a href="https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/00131911.2025.2504523">new study</a> is a subset of 57 teachers who participated in follow-up surveys and focus groups. The teachers were a mix of primary and secondary teachers and some also held leadership positions within their schools.</p> <p>While the original study focused on compassion fatigue and burnout, a striking pattern emerged: teachers repeatedly described moral conflicts in their work.</p> <h2>‘It feels like I’m being forced to harm a child’</h2> <p>A key theme of the new research was teachers having to enforce school or departmental policies they believed were harmful. This was particularly the case when it came to discipline. As one teacher described:</p> <blockquote> <p>The policy says I should suspend a student for attendance issues, but their home life is falling apart. How does that help? It feels like I’m being forced to harm a child instead of helping them.</p> </blockquote> <p>Others talked about having to focus on standardised tests (for example, NAPLAN), rather than using their professional judgement to meet children’s individual needs. This is a <a href="https://www.theeducatoronline.com/k12/news/opinion-the-fundamental-flaws-of-standardised-testing/273711">contentious issue for teachers</a>.</p> <p>As one high school teacher told us:</p> <blockquote> <p>We’re asked to push students through the curriculum even when we know they haven’t grasped the basics […] but we’re the ones who carry the guilt.</p> </blockquote> <p>A primary teacher similarly noted:</p> <blockquote> <p>Teaching to the test means leaving so many kids behind. It’s not what education should be.</p> </blockquote> <h2>‘It’s heartbreaking’</h2> <p>Teachers also spoke about teaching in environments that were not adequately resourced. In some schools, teacher shortages were so severe that unqualified staff were delivering classes:</p> <blockquote> <p>We’ve got classes being taught by teacher aides […] but that’s because we don’t have enough staff.</p> </blockquote> <p>Or in other classes, students were not getting the help they needed.</p> <blockquote> <p>Larger class sizes and fewer staff mean that the kids who need the most attention are getting the least. It’s heartbreaking.</p> </blockquote> <p>The emotional impact was profound, as one high school teacher told us:</p> <blockquote> <p>At some point, you stop fighting. You realise that no matter how many times you raise concerns, nothing changes. It’s like the system is designed to wear you down until you just comply.</p> </blockquote> <h2>What can schools do to prevent moral injury?</h2> <p>While these findings are confronting, teachers also gave positive examples of what can buffer against moral injury in the workplace. This involved listening to teachers and including them in policies and decisions.</p> <p>One primary teacher told us how their school had changed their disciplinary approach:</p> <blockquote> <p>Our school’s push for restorative justice instead of punitive measures has been a game changer. It lets us address the root causes of issues instead of just punishing kids.</p> </blockquote> <p>Others talked about being asked to collaborate with school leadership to address discipline issues. As one primary teacher said:</p> <blockquote> <p>We helped create a new behaviour management framework. Having a say in the process made all the difference.</p> </blockquote> <h2>What now?</h2> <p>My research indicates when teachers are consistently asked to compromise their ethics, they don’t just burn out, they question the integrity of the entire system.</p> <p>This suggests if we want to keep teachers in classrooms, we need to do more than lighten their workloads. We need to make sure they are no longer placed in positions where doing their job means going against their professional values.</p> <p>This means teachers need to feel heard, respected and empowered in classrooms and schools.<!-- 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/258821/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><em>By <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/glenys-oberg-1334483">Glenys Oberg</a>, PhD candidate in education and trauma, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/the-university-of-queensland-805">The University of Queensland</a></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/it-feels-like-i-am-being-forced-to-harm-a-child-research-shows-how-teachers-are-suffering-moral-injury-258821">original article</a>.</em></p> <p><em>Image: Pexels / </em><em>Andrea Piacquadio</em></p> </div>

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Play School icon passes away at 86

<p>Australia is mourning the loss of one of its most cherished performers, with the passing of actor and playwright Donald Macdonald, aged 86.</p> <p>The former <em>Play School</em> presenter and prolific stage and screen actor died following a battle with cancer. News of his death was shared on Monday by entertainment reporter Craig Bennett, who described him as “one of our showbiz greats”.</p> <p>Macdonald’s contributions to Australian entertainment stretched across more than four decades. He began his television career in the 1960s, notably appearing on <em>Play School</em> between 1966 and 1969, captivating a generation of young viewers with his warmth and charisma.</p> <p>Beyond the children’s show, Macdonald carved out a distinguished career on the stage and screen. He wrote the hit play <em>Caravan</em>, dazzled on London’s West End, and brought joy to audiences through roles in iconic Australian series including <em>Certain Women</em>, <em>The Box</em>, <em>Cop Shop</em>, <em>Skyways</em>, and <em>A Country Practice</em>. His film appearances included <em>Superman Returns</em>, while his stage credits also included <em>Is Australia Really Necessary</em>, <em>A Cup of Tea</em>, <em>a Bex and a Good Lie Down</em>, and more.</p> <p>Bennett, who had spent time with Macdonald in his final days, paid tribute with a touching post on social media. “Donald Macdonald was a stalwart of stage and screen,” he wrote. “Donald was a dapper delight and always great company.”</p> <p>In a poignant detail, Bennett recalled turning Macdonald’s hospital room into a celebration just days before his passing, joined by his cousins Paula Duncan and Amelia Barrett. “On Saturday we turned his hospital room into a party, laughs and smiles a-plenty, as Donald enjoyed some bubbly and lemon meringue pie,” Bennett wrote.</p> <p>“Blue was always his colour, even in a hospital gown! He gave his permission to post his last photo, saying ‘what the heck!’ Vale to a true gentleman.”</p> <p>Fans and colleagues have taken to social media to share their grief and memories. One wrote, “We were VERY LUCKY to meet Donald… What a lovely gentleman.” Another added, “A very good man… was honoured to be part of the first national tour of Caravan. Some wonderful memories.”</p> <p>In a heartfelt message, one fan wrote: “A sad day for those left behind who loved this dear gentleman… May he rest in peace.”</p> <p>Donald Macdonald is remembered not just for the roles he played, but for the kindness, humour and generosity he brought to every stage he graced and every person he met.</p> <p><em>Images: Supplied</em></p>

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Unusual use of nicotine patches or gum to fight brain fog

<div class="theconversation-article-body"> <p>Some people with long COVID are turning to an unlikely remedy: nicotine gum and patches. Though typically used to quit smoking, nicotine is now being explored as a possible way to ease symptoms such as brain fog and fatigue.</p> <p>One such case, detailed in a recent <a href="https://slate.com/technology/2025/06/nicotine-gum-patch-cigarettes-cognitive-benefits-research.html">article in Slate</a>, describes a woman who found significant relief from debilitating brain fog after trying low-dose nicotine gum. Her experience, while anecdotal, aligns with findings from a small but interesting study from Germany.</p> <p>The <a href="https://bioelecmed.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s42234-023-00104-7">study</a> involved four participants suffering from symptoms related to long COVID. The researcher administered low-dose nicotine patches once daily and noticed marked improvements in the participants’ symptoms. Tiredness, weakness, shortness of breath and trouble with exercise rapidly improved – by day six at the latest.</p> <p>For those who had lost their sense of taste or smell, it took longer, but these senses came back fully within 16 days. Although it’s not possible to draw definitive conclusions on cause and effect from such a small study, the results could pave the way for larger studies.</p> <p>While some people slowly recover from COVID, others remain unwell for years, especially those who became sick before vaccines were available. Between <a href="https://www.ox.ac.uk/news/2024-08-01-new-study-highlights-scale-and-impact-long-covid">3% and 5%</a> of people continue to experience symptoms months, and sometimes even years, after the initial infection. In the UK, long COVID affects around <a href="https://www.ons.gov.uk/peoplepopulationandcommunity/healthandsocialcare/conditionsanddiseases/bulletins/prevalenceofongoingsymptomsfollowingcoronaviruscovid19infectionintheuk/4august2022">2.8% of the population</a>.</p> <p>Brain fog and other neurological symptoms of long COVID are thought to result from a combination of factors – including inflammation, reduced oxygen to the brain, vascular damage and disruption to the <a href="https://www.cidrap.umn.edu/covid-19/researchers-identify-mechanism-behind-brain-fog-long-covid">blood-brain barrier</a>. Research continues as there is still a lot we don’t know about this condition.</p> <p>The researcher in the German study thinks that long COVID symptoms, such as fatigue, brain fog and mood changes, might partly be due to problems with a brain chemical called acetylcholine, a neurotransmitter. This chemical is important for many functions in the body, including memory, attention and regulating mood.</p> <p>Normally, acetylcholine works by attaching to special “docking sites” on cells called nicotinic acetylcholine receptors, which help send signals in the brain and nervous system. But the COVID virus may interfere with these receptors, either by blocking them or disrupting how they work. When this happens, the brain may not be able to send signals properly, which could contribute to the mental and physical symptoms seen in long COVID.</p> <p>So why would nicotine potentially be useful? Nicotine binds to the same receptors and might help restore normal signalling, but the idea that it displaces the virus directly is still speculative.</p> <p>Nicotine is available in different forms, such as patches, gum, lozenges and sprays. Using nicotine through the skin, for example, with a patch, keeps the amount in the blood steady without big spikes. Because of this, people in the study didn’t seem to develop a dependence on it.</p> <p>Chewing nicotine gum or using a lozenge can cause spikes in nicotine levels, since the nicotine is absorbed gradually through the lining of the mouth. But unlike a patch, which delivers a steady dose, the user has more control over how much nicotine they take in when using gum or lozenges.</p> <p>There are mixed <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33899218/">results</a> on the effectiveness of nicotine on cognitive functions such as memory and concentration. But most <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36736944/">studies</a> agree that it can enhance attention. Larger studies are needed to gauge the effectiveness of nicotine specifically for long COVID symptoms.</p> <h2>Not without risks</h2> <p>Despite its benefits, nicotine is <a href="https://www.verywellmind.com/nicotine-addiction-101-2825018">not without risks</a>. Even in gum or patch form, it can cause side-effects like nausea, dizziness, increased heart rate and higher blood pressure.</p> <p>Some of these stimulant effects on heart rate may be useful for people with long COVID symptoms such as exercise intolerance. But this needs to be closely monitored. Long-term use may also affect heart health. For non-smokers, the risk of developing a nicotine dependency is a serious concern.</p> <p>So are there any options to treat long COVID symptoms?</p> <p>There are some <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2667257X22001000">studies</a> looking at guanfacine in combination with N-acetylcysteine, which have shown improvement in brain fog in small groups of people. There has been at least <a href="https://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT02720445">one clinical trial</a> exploring nicotine for mild cognitive impairment in older adults, though not in the context of long COVID. Given that anecdotal reports and small studies continue to draw attention, it is likely that targeted trials are in development.</p> <p>The main <a href="https://www.nhsinform.scot/long-term-effects-of-covid-19-long-covid/signs-and-symptoms/long-covid-brain-fog/">recommendations</a> by experts are to implement lifestyle measures. Slowly increasing exercise, having a healthy diet, avoiding alcohol, drugs and smoking, sleeping enough, practising mindfulness and doing things that stimulate the brain are all thought to help brain fog.</p> <p>For those grappling with long COVID or persistent brain fog, the idea of using nicotine patches or gum might be tempting. But experts caution against self-medicating with nicotine. The lack of standardised dosing and the potential for addiction and unknown long-term effects make it a risky experiment.</p> <p>While nicotine isn’t a cure and may carry real risks, its potential to ease long COVID symptoms warrants careful study. For now, those battling brain fog should approach it with caution – and always under medical supervision. What’s clear, though, is the urgent need for more research into safe, effective treatments for the lingering effects of COVID.<!-- 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/259093/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><em>By <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/dipa-kamdar-1485027">Dipa Kamdar</a>, Senior Lecturer in Pharmacy Practice, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/kingston-university-949">Kingston University</a></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/some-people-are-turning-to-nicotine-gum-and-patches-to-treat-long-covid-brain-fog-259093">original article</a>.</em></p> <p><em>Image: Wikimedia Commons </em></p> </div>

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Millions warned to prepare for "bomb cyclone"

<p>Eastern New South Wales is on high alert as a rapidly forming weather system threatens to bring dangerous conditions to a vast stretch of the state’s coast – including the heaviest rainfall Sydney has seen in years.</p> <p>The Bureau of Meteorology has warned of a potential east coast low – possibly a “bomb cyclone” – developing off the coastline. The intense system is already impacting the Mid North Coast today and is expected to deliver its most severe weather to Sydney on Tuesday.</p> <p>Hazardous wind and surf warnings have been issued for large sections of the NSW coast, and an initial flood watch is in place for the Hawkesbury-Nepean, Georges, Cooks, Sydney Coast and Illawarra Coast catchments.</p> <p>A “bomb cyclone” is a rapidly intensifying weather system that can form in just a matter of days and bring destructive conditions. If it continues to strengthen, this could be the first east coast low to directly strike Sydney since 2022.</p> <p>Rain and strong winds are forecast to escalate over the next 24 hours, with up to 90mm of rain predicted to fall over Sydney tomorrow. The Bureau is forecasting sustained winds of 45km/h, with gusts reaching a dangerous 125km/h.</p> <p>The NSW State Emergency Service has issued a broad warning to residents from Bega to Coffs Harbour, urging millions to prepare for cyclonic conditions.</p> <p>“We are urging the public to take this threat seriously,” an SES spokesperson said on Monday morning. “Now is the time to secure outdoor items, check on neighbours, and have a plan in case of flash flooding.”</p> <p>Authorities are closely monitoring the system, which is continuing to develop off the coast and could rapidly intensify overnight.</p> <p><em>Image: Weatherzone</em></p>

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Lung cancer screening is about to start. Here's what you need to know

<div class="theconversation-article-body"> <p>From July, eligible Australians will be screened for <a href="https://www.health.gov.au/our-work/nlcsp">lung cancer</a> as part of the nation’s first new <a href="https://www.health.gov.au/topics/cancer/screening-for-cancer">cancer screening</a> program for almost 20 years.</p> <p>The program aims to detect lung cancer early, before symptoms emerge and cancer spreads. This early detection and treatment is predicted to <a href="https://www.nejm.org/doi/10.1056/NEJMoa1911793?url_ver=Z39.88-2003&amp;rfr_id=ori:rid:crossref.org&amp;rfr_dat=cr_pub%20%200pubmed">save lives</a>.</p> <h2>Why lung cancer?</h2> <p><a href="https://www.canceraustralia.gov.au/sites/default/files/migrated-files/publications/report-lung-cancer-screening-enquiry/pdf/report_on_the_lung_cancer_screening_enquiry_0.pdf">Lung cancer</a> is Australia’s fifth most diagnosed cancer but causes the greatest number of cancer deaths.</p> <p>It’s <a href="https://www.canceraustralia.gov.au/sites/default/files/migrated-files/publications/report-lung-cancer-screening-enquiry/pdf/report_on_the_lung_cancer_screening_enquiry_0.pdf">more common</a> in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, rural and remote Australians, and lower income groups than in the general population.</p> <p><a href="https://www.canceraustralia.gov.au/sites/default/files/migrated-files/publications/report-lung-cancer-screening-enquiry/pdf/report_on_the_lung_cancer_screening_enquiry_0.pdf">Overall</a>, less than one in five patients with lung cancer will survive five years. But for those diagnosed when the cancer is small and has not spread, two-thirds of people survive five years.</p> <h2>Who is eligible?</h2> <p>The lung cancer screening program only targets people at higher risk of lung cancer, based on their smoking history and their age. This is different to a population-wide screening program, such as screening for bowel cancer, which is based on age alone.</p> <p>The lung cancer program <a href="https://www.health.gov.au/our-work/nlcsp">screens people</a> 50-70 years old with no signs or symptoms of lung cancer such as breathlessness, a persisting cough, coughing up blood, chest pain, becoming very tired or losing weight.</p> <p>To be eligible, current smokers must also have a history of at least 30 “<a href="https://www.cancer.gov/publications/dictionaries/cancer-terms/def/pack-year">pack years</a>”. To calculate this you multiply the number of packets (of 20 cigarettes) you smoke a day by the number of years you’ve been smoking them.</p> <p>For instance, if you smoke one packet (20 cigarettes) a day for a year that is one pack year. Smoking two packets a day for six months (half a year) is also a pack year.</p> <p>People who have quit smoking in the past ten years but have accumulated 30 or more pack years before quitting are also eligible.</p> <h2>What does screening involve?</h2> <p>Ask your GP or health worker if you are eligible. If you are, you will be referred for a low-dose computed tomography (CT) scan. This uses much lower doses of x-rays than a regular CT but is enough to find nodules in the lung. These are small lumps which could be clumps of cancer cells, inflammatory cells or scarring from old infections.</p> <p>Imaging involves lying on a table for 10-15 minutes while the scanner takes images of your chest. So people must also be able to lie flat in a scanner to be part of the program.</p> <p>After the scan, the results are sent to you, your GP and the <a href="https://www.ncsr.gov.au/">National Cancer Screening Register</a>. You’ll be contacted if the scan is normal and will then be reminded in two years’ time to screen again.</p> <p>If your scan has findings that need to be followed, you will be sent back to your GP who may arrange a further scan in <a href="https://www.health.gov.au/our-work/nlcsp/about#the-screening-pathway">three to 12 months</a>.</p> <p>If lung cancer is suspected, you will be referred to a lung specialist for further tests.</p> <h2>What are the benefits and risks?</h2> <p><a href="https://www.nejm.org/doi/full/10.1056/NEJMoa1911793">International</a> <a href="https://www.thelancet.com/journals/lanonc/article/PIIS1470-2045(25)00082-8/fulltext">trials</a> show screening people at high risk of lung cancer reduces their chance of dying prematurely from it, and the benefits outweigh any harm.</p> <p>The aim is to <a href="https://www.nejm.org/doi/10.1056/NEJMoa1911793?url_ver=Z39.88-2003&amp;rfr_id=ori:rid:crossref.org&amp;rfr_dat=cr_pub%20%200pubmed">save lives</a> by <a href="https://www.health.gov.au/our-work/nlcsp/about#why-screening-is-important">increasing the detection</a> of <a href="https://www.cancercouncil.com.au/lung-cancer/diagnosis/staging-prognosis/">stage 1 disease</a> (a small cancer, 4 centimetres or less, confined to the lung), which has a greater chance of being treated successfully.</p> <p>The risks of radiation exposure are minimised by using low-dose CT screening.</p> <p>The other greatest risk is a false positive. This is where the imaging suggests cancer, but further tests rule it out. This varies across studies from almost <a href="https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jama/fullarticle/2777242">one in ten to one in two</a> of those having their first scan. If imaging suggests cancer, this usually requires a repeat scan. But about <a href="https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jama/fullarticle/2777242">one in 100</a> of those whose imaging suggests cancer but were later found not to have it have invasive biopsies. This involves taking a sample of the nodule to see if it contains cancerous cells.</p> <p>Some people will be diagnosed with a cancer that will never cause a problem in their lifetime, for instance because it is slow growing or they are likely to die of other illnesses first. This so-called overdiagnosis varies from <a href="https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jama/fullarticle/2777242">none to two-thirds of lung cancers diagnosed</a>, depending on the study.</p> <h2>How much will it cost?</h2> <p>The Australian government <a href="https://lungfoundation.com.au/advocacy/national-lung-cancer-screening-program/">has earmarked</a> A$264 million over four years to screen for lung cancer, and $101 million a year after that.</p> <p>The initial GP consultation will be free if your GP bulk bills, or if not you may be charged an out-of-pocket fee for the consultation. This may be a barrier to the uptake of screening. Subsequent investigations and consultations will be billed as usual.</p> <p>There will be no cost for the low-dose CT scans.</p> <h2>What should I do?</h2> <p>If you are 50-70 and a heavy smoker see your GP about screening for lung cancer. But the <a href="https://www.ilcn.org/smoking-cessation-in-lung-cancer-screening-the-latest-randomized-controlled-trial-evidence/">greater gain</a> in terms of reducing your risk of lung cancer is to also give up smoking.</p> <p>If you’ve already given up smoking, you’ve already reduced your risk of lung cancer. However, since lung cancer can take several years to develop or show on a CT scan, see your GP if you were once a heavy smoker but have quit in the past ten years to see if you are eligible for screening.</p> <p><em>By <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/ian-olver-1047">Ian Olver</a>, Adjunct Professsor, School of Psychology, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/university-of-adelaide-1119">University of Adelaide</a></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/lung-cancer-screening-is-about-to-start-what-you-need-to-know-if-you-smoke-or-have-quit-253227">original article</a>.</em></p> <p><em>Image: Pexels / </em><em>Towfiqu barbhuiya</em></p> </div>

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"I’ve had nine melanomas - now I help others detect skin cancer before it’s too late"

<p>You never know when a moment could change your life. Just ask Melissa Bates.</p> <p>At 43, Melissa was rundown and exhausted, focused solely on caring for her sick daughter. But during a routine GP visit, the doctor noticed something unusual – not in her child, but in Melissa.</p> <p>"You don’t sound too great either – mind if I listen to your chest?" the GP asked. What followed was a chance discovery of a suspicious spot on her back and a suggestion she never expected: get it checked.</p> <p>Melissa admits she didn’t rush. "It took me six months to get a biopsy and it turned out to be melanoma."</p> <p>That was just the beginning. Over the next seven years, Melissa had nine melanomas removed – from her back, left leg and left arm. But here's the surprising part: Melissa had always played it safe in the sun.</p> <p>"I don’t tan. I don’t lie in the sun. I’ve never touched a solarium in my life. I’ve always worn sunscreen and hats." Growing up with a GP stepdad who drilled in sun safety, Melissa followed all the rules. "Don’t go out between 11 and 2,” he’d say.</p> <p>Even so, her fair skin, blonde hair and blue eyes made her high-risk. "I played sports outdoors constantly as a kid – tennis, surfing, little athletics, horse riding. Even with all the caution, my skin’s always been high-risk."</p> <p>The good news? Melissa’s melanomas were all caught early. "I feel very fortunate they were melanoma in situ, and I only had to have 9 biopsies and 10 operations without chemotherapy or radiation because they were detected early."</p> <p>Today, at 49, Melissa lives on 130 acres with 20 head of cattle, raising two teenage daughters – and she’s passionate about encouraging others to stay vigilant. "I have a mission to help others catch skin cancers early."</p> <p>Leading dermatologist <a href="https://www.getmoshy.com.au/?utm_source=paid-search&utm_medium=adwords&utm_campaign=Moshy_Cross_Search_Brand&utm_content=150994372969&utm_term=get%20moshy&hsa_acc=9605530456&hsa_cam=19998630651&hsa_grp=150994372969&hsa_ad=690117752345&hsa_src=g&hsa_tgt=kwd-2273660214860&hsa_kw=get%20moshy&hsa_mt=b&hsa_net=adwords&hsa_ver=3&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=19998630651&gbraid=0AAAAApT1_CN5CSXJEVhBexqHMmCQF3We2&gclid=CjwKCAjwvO7CBhAqEiwA9q2YJUsDL3T-6Mwc8iq0OJi6CBWpC2YlJaV_dUCWiU5AW4kz2zhkc542NhoCqS4QAvD_BwE" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Moshy</a>'s Dr Ludi Ge agrees that year-round protection is key. She warns that even in winter, UV levels can reach 3 or higher – high enough to damage skin. And while most people remember sunscreen in summer, winter is just as important.</p> <p>Making a skin check part of your yearly routine might just save your life – just like it did for Melissa.</p> <p><em>Images: Supplied</em></p>

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Shock after true extent of Princess Kate's cancer battle revealed

<p>Shocking new revelations have shed light on the true severity of Catherine, Princess of Wales’ private health battle, with reports now claiming the royal is “fortunate to even be speaking of recovery” following an intense and harrowing cancer fight throughout 2024.</p> <p>In June last year, the princess appeared poised and radiant at Trooping the Colour – waving to crowds and smiling with trademark composure. But hidden beneath her Jenny Packham dress was a semi-permanent port embedded in her chest, a small but vital medical device delivering life-saving chemotherapy.</p> <p>At the time, the extent of her illness remained entirely unknown to the public. Kensington Palace has never confirmed what type of cancer Kate was battling, nor offered a timeline beyond a brief video statement in March. But now, a deeply personal report by the Daily Mail’s royal editor Rebecca English has detailed just how critical her condition was – and the lengths the future queen went to maintain a sense of normalcy.</p> <p>English writes that the princess had already been “seriously unwell” before undergoing major abdominal surgery in January. Post-operative testing revealed cancer, prompting immediate chemotherapy and the insertion of the port – a direct line for potent treatment into a vein near the heart. “It was a literal lifeline,” English reported, “which offers no cast-iron guarantee of success, even if you are a royal.”</p> <p>Kate’s courage to appear publicly – even as she endured punishing side effects – was reportedly accompanied by deeply private suffering. Aides have since revealed she endured “months of hell” with multiple hospital visits conducted in secrecy, entering through side doors at London’s Royal Marsden Hospital.</p> <p>The new information arrives in the wake of a last-minute cancellation at Royal Ascot earlier this month, where palace insiders reportedly reacted with alarm after the princess withdrew just 30 minutes before her expected arrival. Rumours briefly swirled that she required urgent medical attention, a sign that her recovery remains fragile.</p> <p>Sources say the ordeal has prompted Kate to “recalibrate her entire life”, with royal duties to be dramatically scaled back for the rest of the year. She is still expected to attend Wimbledon and join the French state visit in July, but a broader return to public life appears uncertain. An overseas tour remains unlikely, and Prince William is expected to travel alone to Brazil in November for the Earthshot Prize.</p> <p>As one palace insider put it, the recent upheaval is “a good reminder that she was really seriously ill last year and underwent a significant period of chemo… It can take years [to recover].”</p> <p>While Kate is now said to be through treatment, the question of when – or if – she will return to a full royal workload remains unanswered.</p> <p>As English wrote earlier this year: “The Princess of Wales has been to hell and back.” Now, it’s clear just how far she had to travel – and how much strength it took to return.</p> <p><em>Images: Instagram</em></p>

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Why women turn to illegal cannabis despite rising medical demand

<div class="theconversation-article-body"> <p>The number of women using medicinal cannabis is growing in New Zealand and overseas. They use cannabis treatment for general conditions such as <a href="https://www.liebertpub.com/doi/pdf/10.1089/jwh.2020.8437">pain, anxiety, inflammation and nausea</a>, as well as gynaecological conditions, including <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40445778/">endometriosis</a>, <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39766334/">pelvic floor conditions</a>, and <a href="https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10314536/">menopause</a>.</p> <p>However, their experiences with medicinal cannabis remain under-explored in research and overlooked in policy and regulation. As our work shows, they face several gender-specific barriers to accessing medicinal cannabis. Some of these hurdles lead women to seeking cannabis from illegal markets.</p> <p>New Zealand introduced the <a href="https://www.health.govt.nz/regulation-legislation/medicinal-cannabis/about-the-medicinal-cannabis-scheme">medicinal cannabis scheme</a> five years ago to enable access to legal, safe and quality-controlled cannabis products for any condition a doctor would deem suitable for a prescription.</p> <p>A <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39418607/">recent analysis</a> found the number of medicinal cannabis products dispensed has increased more than 14-fold since 2020, with more than 160,000 prescriptions administered during 2023/2024.</p> <p>In the first two years of the scheme, women were the primary recipients of medicinal cannabis prescriptions. Between 2022 and 2023, the number of prescriptions issued to female patients <a href="https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/the-regions-age-groups-and-ethnicities-using-the-most-medicinal-cannabis/LNG7NHEDI5GYJMG6SCER7B3HKQ/">doubled to 47,633</a>.</p> <p>Our findings from a <a href="https://nzdrugtrends.co.nz/">large-scale national survey</a> show that although women perceive physicians as supportive of prescribing medicinal cannabis, they were less likely to have prescriptions than men. This is similar to <a href="https://harmreductionjournal.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s12954-024-00992-1">findings from Australia</a>.</p> <p>Potential reasons include the <a href="https://www.health.govt.nz/publication/annual-update-key-results-2022-23-new-zealand-health-survey">cost of visiting health professionals</a>, unpaid care-giving duties, lower workforce participation and a <a href="https://www.women.govt.nz/women-and-work/gender-pay-gap">pay disparity</a> – all creating barriers to accessing health services.</p> <p>Women were also more likely not to disclose their medicinal cannabis use to others, citing it would be less accepted by society because of their gender.</p> <h2>Gendered risks in illegal cannabis markets</h2> <p>Our <a href="https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/09687637.2025.2481297?src=#d1e531">latest study</a> aligned with <a href="https://www.mdpi.com/1660-4601/19/3/1536">Australia</a> in finding that women often seek cannabis from illegal sources because of perceived lower prices. Many could not financially sustain accessing legal prescriptions because medicinal cannabis is not funded by New Zealand’s drug-buying agency Pharmac.</p> <p>Study participants discussed the health risks of accessing illegal cannabis such as consuming products without knowing how strong they are or whether they have been <a href="https://www.tga.gov.au/news/news/tga-warns-consumers-about-potential-harm-unlawfully-supplied-medicinal-cannabis">contaminated</a> with harmful substances.</p> <p>They also characterised illegal cannabis markets as unsafe and intimidating for women, with little legal protection and the presence of predatory male sellers. Some even described gender-specific experiences of physical assault, intimidation and sexual harassment, particularly when cannabis buying occurred in drug houses or locations controlled by the seller.</p> <p>Women accessing medicinal cannabis in illegal markets increasingly relied on female suppliers, viewing them as safer and more reliable. Some also helped connect others to these suppliers and used social media to warn other women of unsafe male suppliers. This created informal women-led support networks for access.</p> <h2>Accessing legal prescriptions</h2> <figure class="align-right "><figcaption></figcaption></figure> <p>One of our <a href="https://doi.org/10.1080/09687637.2025.2476989">recent studies</a> found many women begin their journeys with medicinal cannabis online via social media, often leading them to <a href="https://doi.org/10.1186/s12913-022-09021-y">cannabis clinics</a> with a strong digital presence. Women are now a growing demographic for specialised medicinal cannabis clinics in <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32019776/">New Zealand</a> and in <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0965229921000819">other countries</a>.</p> <p>Cannabis clinics have a reputation among medicinal cannabis consumers for being more knowledgeable and positive about treatments than general practitioners and other health providers. Women have been encouraged by positive online testimonies from other women using cannabis treatments for gynaecological and other conditions.</p> <p>Female medicinal cannabis patients also described the financial burden of accessing a prescription, including consultation fees and the costs of products as barriers to access.</p> <p>Their relationships with their GPs strongly influenced their decision to seek a prescription. Those with prior experiences of having their pain underestimated or misdiagnosed in mainstream care were more likely to source legal medicinal cannabis from cannabis clinics.</p> <h2>Policy and practice</h2> <p>The current scientific evidence for using medicinal cannabis for gynaecological conditions is still emerging. Clinical trials are under way in Australia to evaluate cannabis treatment for <a href="https://www.westernsydney.edu.au/nicmhri/research/research_projects/medicinal_cannabis_and_endometriosis">endometriosis and period pain</a>.</p> <p>Women’s reliance on online sources and personal recommendations to learn about medicinal cannabis highlights a gap in public awareness and government education about the legal prescription scheme. <a href="https://www.publish.csiro.au/hc/HC22122">Hesitance to discuss and recommend cannabis</a> treatment among GPs also persists as a barrier to access.</p> <p>Online peer networks on social media platforms are promoting women’s agency and informing their decision making around medicinal cannabis, but also raise the risks of misinformation.</p> <p>Although marketing of medicinal cannabis to women may improve their engagement with the prescription scheme, it may also put them in a vulnerable position where they are encouraged to pursue expensive treatment options which may not be effective.</p> <p>The collective findings from our studies indicate complex financial, social and systemic factors affecting safe and equitable access to medicinal cannabis for women. To improve women’s engagement with New Zealand’s medicinal cannabis scheme, we suggest GPs should have informed and non-stigmatising discussions with female patients to explore when medicinal cannabis might be an appropriate treatment option.</p> <p>Better access to good official consumer information about medicinal cannabis and greater investment in clinical trials for gynaecological conditions would also improve and support women’s decision making about their health.<!-- 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/258797/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><em>By <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/vinuli-withanarachchie-1278697">Vinuli Withanarachchie</a>, PhD candidate, College of Health, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/te-kunenga-ki-purehuroa-massey-university-806">Te Kunenga ki Pūrehuroa – Massey University</a>; <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/chris-wilkins-1110463">Chris Wilkins</a>, Professor of Policy and Health, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/te-kunenga-ki-purehuroa-massey-university-806">Te Kunenga ki Pūrehuroa – Massey University</a>, and <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/marta-rychert-1108013">Marta Rychert</a>, Associate Professor in Drug Policy and Health Law, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/te-kunenga-ki-purehuroa-massey-university-806">Te Kunenga ki Pūrehuroa – Massey University</a></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/more-women-are-using-medical-cannabis-but-new-research-shows-barriers-push-some-into-illegal-markets-258797">original article</a>.</em></p> <p><em>Image: Pexels / Binoid CBD and </em><em>Alesia Kozik</em></p> </div>

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Cricket icon dies just days after receiving King's Birthday award

<p>The cricket world is in mourning following the death of David “Syd” Lawrence, the pioneering fast bowler who became the first British-born Black cricketer to play for the national side. Lawrence, 61, passed away after a brave battle with motor neurone disease, a diagnosis he received just last year.</p> <p>The former Gloucestershire star, remembered as much for his generosity and spirit as for his fearsome pace, was recently awarded an MBE in the King’s Birthday Honours. It was recognition that filled him with pride in his final months. “It is not something I ever thought would sit after my name,” he said just last week. “I am absolutely delighted that it will do so for however long I am here and will be a part of my legacy when I am gone.”</p> <p>Lawrence’s family confirmed his passing in a statement filled with love and sorrow. “’Syd’ was an inspirational figure on and off the cricket field and no more so than to his family who were with him when he passed,” they said.</p> <p>Tributes have poured in from across the cricketing world. The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) described Lawrence as a “trailblazer” and a man who made an “indelible mark” on the sport. ECB chair Richard Thompson reflected on his extraordinary legacy: “David ‘Syd’ Lawrence was a true trailblazer of English cricket and a man of immense courage, character, and compassion. His impact on the game extended far beyond the boundary ropes... Even in the face of his illness, David showed extraordinary strength and dignity, continuing to uplift others with his resilience and spirit. He leaves behind a legacy that will endure in the hearts of all who love cricket. Our thoughts are with his family, friends, and the entire cricketing community at this time.”</p> <p>Lawrence’s international career, which promised so much, was cruelly cut short by a devastating knee injury during England’s 1992 tour of New Zealand. He played five Tests but left an unforgettable impression, not least for his fiery pace and unrelenting passion.</p> <p>His beloved Gloucestershire Cricket Club, where he played 280 matches over 16 years and later served as president, expressed their devastation. “Gloucestershire Cricket is devastated to learn of the passing of former player and Club President, David ‘Syd’ Lawrence MBE, aged 61. Everyone at Gloucestershire Cricket would like to send their best wishes to David’s family during this terribly sad time.”</p> <p>Before England’s clash with India at Headingley, the cricketing world paused to remember Lawrence, with stars including Ben Stokes joining in a minute’s applause – a small gesture to honour a giant of the game whose courage, charisma and kindness touched so many.</p> <p>Lawrence’s loss leaves a hole in the heart of English cricket – a reminder of a player who not only broke barriers but inspired generations.</p> <p><em>Images: England and Wales Cricket Board / X (formerly Twitter)</em></p>

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“So many flaws”: Post-menopausal bone-strengthening exercise under scrutiny

<p>A study claiming that the OsteoStrong exercise program helps strengthen bones in post-menopausal women has come under heavy criticism from international experts, with some calling for the research to be retracted.</p> <p>Published earlier this year in the Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism (JCEM), <a href="https://academic.oup.com/jcem/advance-article/doi/10.1210/clinem/dgaf077/8004985?login=false" target="_blank" rel="noopener">the study</a> was initially celebrated by OsteoStrong, a commercial franchise offering brief, high-intensity weekly sessions designed to improve bone density. The company described its publication as a “monumental step” in validating the program as a science-backed option for managing osteoporosis.</p> <p>However, scientists say the research suffers from major flaws in design, data analysis and ethical oversight – with some arguing it should never have passed peer review.</p> <p>“We really questioned the editor on how this paper got through the peer-review process,” said Professor Robin Daly, an expert in exercise and ageing at Deakin University. “It had so many flaws and so many holes in it… There’s no way that you can make a claim that it’s an effective program.”</p> <p>The study followed 147 post-menopausal women over 12 months, dividing them into groups that either participated in OsteoStrong or did not. The researchers claimed participants who did the program saw bone density gains, particularly those who also took bone-strengthening medication. But critics say these conclusions are unsupported.</p> <p>“The claims are totally misleading,” said Professor Daly. “The whole paper is extremely difficult to interpret.”</p> <p>Among the concerns are the lack of a pre-defined statistical plan, failure to minimise bias, no ethical approval, and no registration of the trial – a standard practice designed to ensure transparency and guard against selective reporting.</p> <p>Lora Giangregorio, a bone researcher at the University of Waterloo, co-authored a letter calling for the study’s retraction. She said the study’s statistical analysis “doesn’t make any sense” and that its claims were “not appropriate.”</p> <p>Other experts, including Professor Chris Maher from the University of Sydney, agreed the study was too flawed to offer credible evidence. “It does not conform to the Declaration of Helsinki, so it has no standing in medical science and should never have been published,” Maher said.</p> <p>The Endocrine Society, which publishes JCEM, <a href="https://www.abc.net.au/news/health/2025-06-20/osteostrong-bone-density-health-study-retraction-health-research/105225286" target="_blank" rel="noopener">acknowledged to the ABC</a> that “shortcomings in the research’s design and analyses” and said the authors are submitting a revised version.</p> <p>Despite these criticisms, the concept behind OsteoStrong – that placing load on bones can help strengthen them – is considered physiologically plausible. Yet experts stress that rigorous evidence is needed.</p> <p>“The idea of osteogenic loading makes sense,” said Dr Shoshana Sztal-Mazer, an endocrinologist at Alfred Health. “But a 10-minute-a-week quick fix needs to be proven by rigorous studies.”</p> <p>OsteoStrong did not address the criticisms directly but pointed to unpublished, company-sponsored research it says supports its program’s benefits.</p> <p>Health authorities, including Osteoporosis Canada and Healthy Bones Australia, continue to recommend exercise as part of a comprehensive approach to bone health – but caution that no short-cut solution has yet been proven to replace established treatments.</p> <p>“Exercise is important as part of holistic care for osteoporosis,” Dr Sztal-Mazer said. “But claims of dramatic benefits from minimal effort need solid evidence before they can be endorsed.”</p> <p><em>Image: OsteoStrong</em></p>

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