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Doting dad sells everything he owns to develop cure for son's "incurable" condition

<p>A dedicated father has drained his life savings to help find a cure for his son's "incurable" disorder. </p> <p>Terry Pirovolakis, a 44-year-old IT director, was hellbent on finding a cure for his six-year-old son Michael after he was diagnosed with Spastic paraplegia 50 (SPG50): a degenerative neurological condition that affects less than 100 people worldwide. </p> <p>SPG50 affects children's development, leading to cognitive impairment, muscle weakness, and paralysis over the course several years, often ending in death usually before a patient reaches the age of 30.</p> <p>"They said he'd never walk or talk, and would need support for the rest of his life," he recalled of the 2018 diagnosis. </p> <p>"They told us to just go home and love him - and said he would be paralysed from the waist down by age 10, and quadriplegic by age 20," he continued. </p> <p>Determined to save his son, Terry drained his life savings to start researching potential cures rooted in gene therapy, after reading countless journals on the subject and meeting with experts around the world. </p> <p>Terry said, "We then liquidated our life savings, refinanced our home and paid a team at the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center to create a proof of concept to start Michael's gene therapy."</p> <p>The father soon signed a contract to start a gene therapy program, consisting of injecting cerebral spinal fluid into the patient's back, and after years of lab work, the treatment started to take, and on December 30th 2021, the government <a id="mol-70453400-6948-11ef-9b54-1d20db350cbd" href="https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/canada/index.html" target="_self"></a>moved it forward.</p> <p>"On March 24, 2022, my son was the first person to ever get treated with gene therapy at SickKids in Toronto," Pirovolakis, a father of three, told <em>Fox News</em> in detailing his medical odyssey.</p> <p>Michael was the first to receive his father's one-time treatment, after Pirovolakis quit his job and started a nonprofit in California to devote himself to the cause.</p> <p>The company, named Elpida Therapeutics, after the Greek word for 'hope', now has five employees and 20 consultants, with Michael now on the mend.</p> <p>Since being treated, the youngster's condition seems to have stabilised, and he is now able to use a device to communicate with his family and caregivers.</p> <p>Another three children who were able to receive the remaining doses from Pirovolakis' first batch, as the drug still costs about $1million to make for each child, are also seeing positive results. </p> <p>"When I heard that no one was going to do anything about it, I had to - I couldn't let them die," Pirovolakis said. "We decided that we had to help other kids."</p> <p>Despite it being approved, big pharmaceutical companies have been slow to manufacture the drug, with several firms rejecting the prospect when proposed, Pirovolakis said</p> <p>"No investor is going to give you money to treat a disease that is not going to make money," he said. "That's the dilemma we're in."</p> <p>Pirovolakis said that when his son was diagnosed, he was told the boy would be paralysed from the waist down by the age of ten and quadriplegic by the age of 20, forcing the father to do everything he can.</p> <p>"We were told he would never speak or walk, and that he will have severe developmental delays. I just couldn't accept that fate for my child," he said.</p> <p>"The technology to cure our children is already here. I hope that someone with immense wealth - and more importantly, the vision and influence - will step in."</p> <p><em>Image credits: Facebook</em></p>

Money & Banking

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Gold medallist sleeps in Paris park to protest "disappointing" Olympic village conditions

<p>A gold medallist has been spotted sleeping in a Paris park in protest of the conditions in the Olympic village. </p> <p>Italian swimmer Thomas Ceccon was captured sleeping atop a white towel in a park located inside the Olympic village by Saudi rower Husein Alireza. </p> <p>Alireza posted the photo to Instagram with the caption, "Rest today, conquer tomorrow."</p> <p>The Italian swimmer, who won gold in the 100m backstroke, had already complained publicly about the accommodations in the Olympic Village, after he failed to reach the 200m backstroke final on Wednesday.</p> <p>Since the commencement of the Paris Games, many athletes have spoken out about the conditions in the Olympic village, saying the beds are uncomfortable, the rooms are poorly air conditioned and the food is poor quality. </p> <p>“There is no air-conditioning in the village, it’s hot, the food is bad,” Ceccon said, according to <a href="https://www.thesun.co.uk/sport/29673636/thomas-ceccon-sleeping-park-conditions-olympic-village-paris/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><em>The Sun</em>. </a></p> <p>“Many athletes move for this reason: it’s not an alibi or an excuse, it’s the reality of what perhaps not everybody knows."</p> <p>“I’m disappointed that I didn’t make the final, but I was too tired. It’s hard to sleep both at night and in the afternoon. Here, I really struggle between the heat and the noise.”</p> <p>Andy Anson, the chief of the British Olympic Association, also voiced concerns about how the quality of the village is affecting athletes, telling <em>The Times of London</em>, “There are not enough of certain foods: eggs, chicken, certain carbohydrates.”</p> <p>“And then there is the quality of the food, with raw meat being served to athletes.”</p> <p>A number of athletes, including the entire US women’s tennis team (with the exception of Coco Gauff) have left the village and searched for alternate accommodation for the duration of the Games. </p> <p><em>Image credits: Instagram/Panoramic/SIPA/SIPA/Shutterstock Editorial </em></p>

Travel Trouble

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Popular TV host diagnosed with same condition as Bruce Willis

<p>Popular American TV host Wendy Williams has shared her diagnosis after being plagued by "hurtful rumours". </p> <p>The 59-year-old's medical team announced in a lengthy statement that she has been diagnosed with aphasia and frontotemporal dementia: the same conditions actor Bruce Willis is battling.</p> <p>The news comes after Williams' family confirmed she had checked in to a facility to treat cognitive issues.</p> <p>“Questions have been raised at times about Wendy’s ability to process information and many have speculated about Wendy’s condition, particularly when she began to lose words, act erratically at times, and have difficulty understanding financial transactions,” her medical team said.</p> <p>They said Williams' symptoms first began in 2023, and was diagnosed with the neurological conditions just weeks later after undergoing a series of tests. </p> <p>Her team said both conditions have “already presented significant hurdles in Wendy’s life”.</p> <p>“Wendy would not have received confirmation of these diagnoses were it not for the diligence of her current care team, who she chose, and the extraordinary work of the specialists at Weill Cornell Medicine,” they said.</p> <p>“Receiving a diagnosis has enabled Wendy to receive the medical care she requires.”</p> <p>Williams chose to share the news to “advocate for understanding” and to “raise awareness” for the difficult conditions. </p> <p>“Unfortunately, many individuals diagnosed with aphasia and frontotemporal dementia face stigma and misunderstanding, particularly when they begin to exhibit behavioural changes but have not yet received a diagnosis,” her team said.</p> <p>“There is hope that with early detection and far more empathy, the stigma associated with dementia will be eliminated, and those affected will receive the understanding, support, and care they deserve and need."</p> <p>“Wendy is still able to do many things for herself. Most importantly she maintains her trademark sense of humour and is receiving the care she requires to make sure she is protected and that her needs are addressed."</p> <p>“She is appreciative of the many kind thoughts and good wishes being sent her way.”</p> <p>The TV presenter has previously been open with her medical battle with Graves’ disease and lymphedema, as well as other significant challenges related to her health.</p> <p><em>Image credits: Getty Images</em></p>

Caring

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More than a third of people with dementia don’t know they have it – what to do if you suspect your partner has the condition

<p><em><a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/kate-irving-1493654">Kate Irving</a>, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/dublin-city-university-1528">Dublin City University</a></em></p> <p>Around <a href="https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-67613465">36% of people</a> in England with dementia are unaware they have the condition, according to a new report from the Dementia Commission.</p> <p><a href="https://chamberuk.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/231127-Dementia-Commission-Report-Embargoed.pdf">The report</a> suggests things health and care professionals can do to improve spotting early signs of dementia. But what can you do if you think your partner has the condition? And how can you broach the topic with them?</p> <p>If you are worried about your partner having dementia, here are some useful things to know.</p> <p>Dementia is a term for a range of diseases (for example, Alzheimer’s) which develop over time (months and years) and cause problems with memory and reasoning, communication, changes in personality and a reduction in a person’s ability to carry out daily activities, such as shopping, washing, paying bills or cooking.</p> <p>Dementia can present very differently in each person, so it’s about knowing what’s normal for your loved one. A person who has always been conscientious and organised starting to unravel is very different from a scatterbrained person just being slightly more scatterbrained.</p> <p>Grief and stress can affect memory yet not be the start of dementia. But they can also mask the start of dementia: we call this “diagnostic over-shadowing”.</p> <p>There are also age-related changes to cognition. For example, we take longer to learn when we get older. But a one-off event – no matter how dramatic – is not necessarily dementia. It’s about looking for a pattern of decline.</p> <p>If you see these changes happen in a short space of time (weeks or days) it is unlikely to be dementia and could be something more serious. This requires urgent investigation by a doctor.</p> <h2>Greatest fear</h2> <p>Dementia is one of the greatest fears of our age. The horror of perceived loss of self can cause people to avoid discussing the issue, discussing it in an unhelpful way (such as criticising or inadvertently humiliating) or discussing it with other relatives, but not the person they are noticing changes in.</p> <p>Over time, this can cause a lack of trust to develop. Discussing memory problems openly with the person at the point of a memory failure or if they raise the concern is best. Of course, it takes courage and makes us face our own vulnerability.</p> <p>Sometimes the person will be in denial or lack insight into the memory problems (this can be a symptom of dementia, but isn’t always). If someone raises a concern about their memory issues, I would urge you not to minimise this, as it probably took courage to admit their concerns.</p> <p>I heard a relative say to my mother: “Oh, you left the pot on the stove. I lost the car in the multistory the other day.” My mother had dementia – the relative did not.</p> <p>If they are adamant that they do not have concerns, this is harder to deal with. One approach is to say: “I know you are not concerned, but I am concerned and I wonder if you would see a doctor to ease my worries?”</p> <p>Also explaining that memory problems can at least to some extent have reversible causes means a visit to the doctor to at least rule these out is an important step. It may also be encouraging to say to the person: “If there is something with your memory that will get worse over time, would you want to know?” (Most people <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2408568/">answer yes</a> to this).</p> <h2>Seeing a GP</h2> <p>If your partner agrees to visit a GP, it is helpful to prepare by filling in a diary for a week with the kind of memory (or other) problems experienced, what was happening at the time and the effect of the memory failure. This can be shared with a GP to help them to understand the issues.</p> <p>When people hear even the suggestion of the word dementia, they are faced with the uncertainties of what will become of them, of what they will lose, what they can keep up and where they will end up. These uncertainties are often shared with family members. But research shows that positive aspects of timely diagnosis <a href="https://www.scie.org.uk/dementia/symptoms/diagnosis/early-diagnosis.asp">outweigh fears</a> over time.</p> <p>At the same time, there are often ongoing stresses to do with memory impairments or confusion. With these stresses, everyday life can be troublesome, family relationships can suffer, and people can find it difficult to be supportive of each other.</p> <p>Being honest and open is the best policy. Stating that we are in this together, I want to help, let’s meet whatever happens head on, can help. If a person becomes resistant, it may be there is another family member who might better assist the person.<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/219172/count.gif?distributor=republish-lightbox-basic" alt="The Conversation" width="1" height="1" /></p> <p><a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/kate-irving-1493654"><em>Kate Irving</em></a><em>, Professor of Clinical Nursing, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/dublin-city-university-1528">Dublin City University</a></em></p> <p><em>Image credits: Getty Images</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-than-a-third-of-people-with-dementia-dont-know-they-have-it-what-to-do-if-you-suspect-your-partner-has-the-condition-219172">original article</a>.</em></p>

Mind

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Name that rash: 6 common skin conditions (and how to treat them)

<p><strong>Psoriasis</strong></p> <p><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><em>What psoriasis is like:</em></span> Psoriasis is made of red, scaly plaques that can be itchy and painful. It can show up anywhere but is most commonly found on the scalp, as well as the outside of the elbows and knees. It usually starts between age 10 and 30 and tends to be a chronic condition. “It’s a stubborn disease that waxes and wanes, so people have it for their whole lives,” says dermatologist Paul Cohen.</p> <p><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><em>What causes psoriasis:</em></span> This skin rash is the result of your immune system attacking the skin’s cells, and creating new ones too quickly, which then build up into the plaques. There’s no one single cause, but the condition runs in families. Stress, obesity, smoking and having many infections (particularly strep throat) increase your risk.</p> <p><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><em>How to treat psoriasis:</em></span> The first step is generally topical steroids, which can be used for a week or two at a time to clear up the plaques. For ongoing treatment, people use a synthetic form of vitamin D (which slows skin growth), medicated shampoos and retinoids (a topical version of vitamin A). Daily exposure to sunlight also seems to help, as does moisturising well. For more serious cases, options include oral medications that suppress the immune system and phototherapy done in a doctor’s office with a special light. (Discover more applications of light therapy.)</p> <p><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><em>Possible red flag:</em></span> Serious cases can involve the joints, a condition called psoriatic arthritis. Also, psoriasis increases your chances of having some other diseases, including type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease and autoimmune conditions such as Crohn’s – all of which are, like psoriasis, linked to inflammation.</p> <p><strong>Hives</strong></p> <p><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><em>What hives are like:</em></span> Hives are itchy, raised welts that often have a red ring around them. Their most salient characteristic is that they disappear after about a day, only to show up later in a different location. They come in two forms: acute, which lasts six weeks or less, and chronic.</p> <p><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><em>What causes hives:</em></span> Hives are often the result of the body releasing histamine as part of an allergic reaction to drugs, food or some other irritant. They also commonly appear after a viral illness, as a side effect of your immune system revving up to battle the disease. “There are a number of potential triggers,” says dermatologist Katie Beleznay. In most cases, she adds, the specific origin is never determined.</p> <p><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><em>How to treat hives:</em></span> Since hives are a histamine reaction, over-the-counter antihistamines are the first line of defence. If that doesn’t clear them up, ask a doctor if you should use a stronger antihistamine or oral prednisone, an anti-inflammatory medication.</p> <p><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><em>Possible red flag:</em></span> Rarely, people suffer from ongoing outbreaks of hives almost daily for six weeks or more, a condition called chronic idiopathic urticaria (CIU). The treatment for CIU is the same as for regular hives, but in some cases, it can also be a sign of an underlying thyroid disease or cancer.</p> <p><strong>Eczema</strong></p> <p><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><em>What eczema is like:</em></span> Eczema presents as patches of red, scaly skin that are extremely itchy, especially at night. These rashes often appear on the inside of your elbows and knees. If it’s more serious, the skin might blister or look thickened and white in those areas.</p> <p><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><em>What causes eczema:</em></span> Eczema is the result of having a weakened skin barrier, which can lead to inflammation and an overreaction from your immune system. Most people are born with it, and your genes are partly to blame. “You’re more predisposed to eczema if you have a family history of asthma, hay fever or the condition itself,” says Lisa Kellett, a dermatologist in Toronto. Some research also suggests that it might be a reaction to pollution, or to not being exposed to enough germs in childhood. (Kids who have dogs, for example, are less likely to have eczema.)</p> <p><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><em>How to treat eczema:</em></span> For general maintenance, apply a thick, hypoallergenic moisturizer to affected areas immediately after a bath or shower and at night. More serious flares will need topical prescription steroid creams or non-steroid immunosuppressant creams. People with stubborn eczema might also try phototherapy, which uses UVB light to help calm your immune system and reduce itchiness.</p> <p><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><em>Possible red flag:</em></span> Rarely, what looks like eczema is actually skin cancer, as both can appear red and scaly. “The difference with skin cancer is that it doesn’t go away if you use a steroid,” says Kellett.</p> <p><strong>Contact Dermatitis</strong></p> <p><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><em>What contact dermatitis is like:</em></span> Contact dermatitis is a variation of eczema, and it looks similar – red, itchy patches on your skin. But unlike that chronic condition, this skin rash is a reaction to something specific and appears only where the offending object has made contact. “Poison ivy, for instance, will show up as a streak where the branch touched the skin,” says Beleznay.</p> <p><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><em>What causes contact dermatitis:</em></span> Besides poison ivy, other common culprits that can cause the immune system to go into overdrive are face cream, jewellery or fragrances. You can also develop a new intolerance to something you’ve used for a long time, such as Polysporin. If it’s not clear what caused it, your dermatologist can do a patch test, putting small amounts of suspected substances on your skin to see if you react.</p> <p><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><em>How to treat contact dermatitis:</em></span> Contact dermatitis is treated with topical steroids, or a stronger oral one, to calm down your immune system and stop the reaction.</p> <p><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><em>Possible red flag:</em></span> Like eczema, the red and scaly presentation of contact dermatitis could be confused for skin cancer, which is another reason to visit your doctor if you’re not sure what caused it.</p> <p><strong>Rosacea</strong></p> <p><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><em>What rosacea is like:</em></span> As rosacea is a dilation of the blood vessels in your cheeks and nose, it often presents as red, sensitive skin in those places. Another form of the condition also includes bumps that resemble acne. For some people, the skin on their nose thickens, making it appear larger.</p> <p><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><em>What causes rosacea:</em></span> We don’t know what brings rosacea on, but, as with eczema, you’re more likely to have it if others in your family do, too. You’re also prone to acquire the condition if you have sun-damaged skin. “Rosacea usually begins around the age of 35 and gets worse with time,” says Kellett. People often find their flare-ups come after eating or drinking specific things.</p> <p><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><em>How to treat rosacea:</em></span> For many, preventing activation of their rosacea is as simple as avoiding triggers – but that’s easier than it sounds and can be a serious test of a sufferer’s willpower. “Those are often the good things in life,” says Beleznay, citing coffee, spicy foods and alcohol as common aggravators. Some women find that everyday makeup is enough to cover up the cosmetic impact of the condition, while others use prescription creams or laser or light therapy to constrict the blood vessels in the cheeks and reduce redness. For those whose rosacea includes bumps, topical creams or oral antibiotics often get rid of them.</p> <p><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><em>Possible red flag:</em></span> Rarely, what looks like rosacea can be confused for the butterfly rash that’s a symptom of lupus, a serious autoimmune disease. The butterfly rash is named as such because of the shape it makes on the nose and both cheeks.</p> <p><strong>Shingles</strong></p> <p><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><em>What shingles is like:</em></span> Shingles normally starts out as a tingly, numb or bruised feeling in a small area, most commonly a patch on the abdomen. A few days later, a painful skin rash with blisters appears over those places. As the condition follows the path of a nerve, the rash eventually presents as a stripe that lasts from two to six weeks.</p> <p><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><em>What causes shingles:</em></span> This one’s easy: chicken pox. Even once you have fully recovered from that virus, your body never totally beats it; it simply retreats and lies dormant in your nerve cells, where, decades later, it can re-erupt as shingles. You’re more likely to get them if you’re immunocompromised or over 50, the age at which most public health agencies recommend you get the vaccine.</p> <p><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><em>How to treat shingles:</em></span> If you suspect you have shingles, see your doctor immediately. “You have to go right away because studies show that people do much better if the antiviral pills are started within 72 hours of the rash onset,” says Cohen. Additionally, sufferers are often given medication, like a local anaesthetic or codeine, to help control the pain.</p> <p><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><em>Possible red flag:</em></span> The real worry with shingles is that for some people, if it is not contained quickly, the virus can lead to longer-term pain lasting over three months and in some cases over a year. If the skin rash appears on the face, it can even cause blindness.</p> <p><em>Image credits: Getty Images</em></p> <p><em>This article originally appeared on <a href="https://www.readersdigest.co.nz/healthsmart/name-that-rash-6-common-skin-conditions-and-how-to-treat-them" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Reader's Digest</a>. </em></p>

Body

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Insider spills on Liza Minnelli's condition

<p>After spending years in the limelight entertaining people, Liza Minnelli now lives her life secluded, according to an insider. </p> <p>The 77-year-old is receiving round the clock care while she's living alone at home surrounded by her dogs, favourite movies, and the memories of her stardom. </p> <p>The actress, known for her role as Sally Bowles in the movie <em>Cabaret,</em> reportedly doesn't leave home much because her condition has deteriorated. </p> <p>"Liza doesn't leave home much anymore," an insider told the <em>National Enquirer</em>. </p> <p>"She's surrounded by her dogs, her favourite movies and her memories.</p> <p>"She has spent a lifetime making other people happy, now it's time to focus on herself."</p> <p>However, there is still some hope that the actress might return to the stage for one last goodbye. </p> <p>"She does have plans to return to the stage one more time to say goodbye, even if it's in a wheelchair," the same insider said.</p> <p>Minelli has dementia which is reportedly getting worse, and in 2000 she was diagnosed with viral encephalitis, which is an inflammation of the brain which causes weakness or loss of movement in parts of the body, difficulty speaking, confusion or disorientation, among other things. </p> <p>She hasn't been seen in public for nearly a year. </p> <p>"Liza often fidgets, her hands shake, and she looks look horrible," a source said about the star's condition to  <em>RadarOnline.com </em>at the time. "She sometimes doesn’t know who she’s talking to and has a hard time focusing."</p> <p><em>Images: Getty</em></p>

Caring

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"I'm really worried": Broadcasting icon reveals incurable condition

<p>British broadcasting legend Alistair Stewart has shared the details of his devastating diagnosis, just after announcing his retirement.</p> <p>The 71-year-old shared that after suffering a series of strokes, he was diagnosed with vascular dementia. </p> <p>The news comes after he announced his retirement, after a 50-year career in the media that saw him in prominent roles with both <em>ITV News</em> and <em>GB News</em>. </p> <p>In an interview on <em>GB News</em>, Stewart explained that he first began feeling "discombobulated" six to nine months ago, which left him fearing he had "early onset dementia."</p> <p>He told his <em>GB News</em> colleague Camilla Tominey, "I wasn't forgetful but things like doing your shoelaces up properly, making sure your tie was straight, remembering the call time for your program is four o'clock not five o'clock – not turning up early or late – and stuff like that."</p> <p>"And I then decided I might have something wrong up here." </p> <p>He went on to explain he went to his GP to explain his symptoms, to which his GP recommended he have a scan to determine the diagnosis. </p> <p>When his scan results came back, he was told he'd had a series of minor strokes.</p> <p>"And it was like a scene from Casualty or Emergency Ward 10 because the results came back and I had indeed had a series of minor strokes – that are called infract strokes." </p> <p>"Not the big one where your face falls down and your arm goes doolally. But it's like pepper shots and the cumulative effect of that is that I had a diagnosis of early onset vascular dementia."</p> <p>His condition is "incurable" however Stewart says he is following doctor's advice to try and slow the progression of the condition.</p> <p>Since receiving his diagnosis, Stewart has retired from his role at <em>GB News</em> after more than 50 years as a journalist and broadcaster.</p> <p>He shared in a statement, "I'm nearly 71 and I still get the most tremendous lift from live television – it's the best job in the world."</p> <p>"However, the rigours of preparing for two live interview shows a week, and commuting from Hampshire to London for them, are considerable. I want to reduce my commitment while I'm still ahead as an old broadcaster, rather than an ancient one."</p> <p><em>Image credits: Getty Images</em></p>

Caring

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"A night in hospital and a trip to the burns unit later”: Concerned mum's warning against popular fruit

<p><em><strong>Warning: This article contains images that some readers may find distressing.</strong></em></p> <p>An Aussie mum has taken to the internet and shared photos of her son’s severe burns that came as a result of him playing with a popular fruit. “A night in hospital and a trip to the burns unit later.” She began in her Facebook post.</p> <p>Her son Otis was playing happily outside with a lime in the sunshine, but the next day horror ensued.</p> <p>“It wasn’t until the next day that we noticed a rash appeared.” The mother said.</p> <p>The parents had assumed the rash must’ve been an allergic reaction to the lime juice, however, the rash quickly developed into a “horrific burn,” she added.</p> <p>The parents took Otis to the hospital where they were informed their son was suffering from a condition called phytophotodermatitis.</p> <blockquote class="instagram-media" style="background: #FFF; border: 0; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: 0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width: 540px; min-width: 326px; padding: 0; width: calc(100% - 2px);" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/Cku5QH2thxE/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="14"> <div style="padding: 16px;"> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"> </div> </div> </div> <div style="padding: 19% 0;"> </div> <div style="display: block; height: 50px; margin: 0 auto 12px; width: 50px;"> </div> <div style="padding-top: 8px;"> <div style="color: #3897f0; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: 550; line-height: 18px;">View this post on Instagram</div> </div> <div style="padding: 12.5% 0;"> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; margin-bottom: 14px; align-items: center;"> <div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(0px) translateY(7px);"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; height: 12.5px; transform: rotate(-45deg) translateX(3px) translateY(1px); width: 12.5px; flex-grow: 0; margin-right: 14px; margin-left: 2px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(9px) translateY(-18px);"> </div> </div> <div style="margin-left: 8px;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 20px; width: 20px;"> </div> <div style="width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 2px solid transparent; border-left: 6px solid #f4f4f4; border-bottom: 2px solid transparent; transform: translateX(16px) translateY(-4px) rotate(30deg);"> </div> </div> <div style="margin-left: auto;"> <div style="width: 0px; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-right: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(16px);"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; flex-grow: 0; height: 12px; width: 16px; transform: translateY(-4px);"> </div> <div style="width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-left: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(-4px) translateX(8px);"> </div> </div> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center; margin-bottom: 24px;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 224px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 144px;"> </div> </div> <p style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; padding: 8px 0 7px; text-align: center; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;"><a style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none;" href="https://www.instagram.com/p/Cku5QH2thxE/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank" rel="noopener">A post shared by Tiny Hearts (@tinyheartseducation)</a></p> </div> </blockquote> <p>Phytophotodermatitis, more commonly known as margarita burn, is a little-known condition which causes burns to the skin when a chemical called furocoumarin reacts to sunlight.</p> <p>The chemical is found in limes, citrus fruit and some plants.</p> <p>“The small lime he had been innocently playing with - had now burnt his skin horrifically!“ The mum said. “If our story can help raise awareness into phytophotodermatitis at least something good has come out of our horrific experience!”</p> <p>The woman has urged parents to be on the lookout for this little-known skin condition.</p> <p>To minimise the risks of phytophotodermatitis, <a href="https://www.healthline.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Healthline</a> suggests washing hands and other exposed parts of the skin immediately after being outdoors, wearing gloves when gardening, putting on sunscreen before going outdoors and wearing long-sleeved tops and pants in wooded areas.</p> <p>Photo credit: Getty</p>

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This common condition could be the cause of your heel pain

<p>When it comes to our feet, heel pain is one of the most common complaints. According to a 2017 report by podiatry groups My Foot Dr and Balance Podiatry, almost half of people wake up with heel and foot pain at least once a week.</p> <p>If you’re one of them, you’re probably wondering why you’re in so much pain. You might think it’s bruising, but the most common cause of chronic heel pain is actually a condition known as plantar fasciitis.</p> <p>Characterised by a sharp pain that feels like a pencil poking your heels, plantar fasciitis occurs when the fibrous tissue of the foot has been over-stretched, causing inflammation and pain.</p> <p>“Too many cases of heel pain are passed off as bruising or wrongly attributed to heel spurs or Achilles tendonitis,” Sydney-based podiatrist Dr Brenden Brown, founder of A Step Ahead Foot + Ankle Care, explains. “Addressing heel pain really does start with getting the right diagnosis.</p> <p>“Many people suffering from heel pain ignore their condition – hoping rest and time will cure it. Every day I see patients who have put up with their heel pain for months, years even. Unfortunately the ‘zero action approach’ will just prolong the pain.”</p> <p>So, how is plantar fasciitis treated? Well, there’s a number of treatment methods.</p> <p>First, avoid the temptation to go barefoot. “Walking around without shoes puts additional strain on the plantar fascia (the fibrous ligament that runs along the bottom of the foot, from the heel bone to the toes) – particularly first thing in the morning, when the muscles and tissues are tight.”</p> <p>The same goes for thongs, fashionable footwear and other unsupportive shoes, which may only make the issue worse. Instead, Dr Brown recommends “a shoe with a firm shell and a small amount of structured cushioning”. Additionally, the shoe should never bend in the middle.</p> <p>Next, you need to focus on strengthening rather than stretching, which may worsen your pain. “There’s an increasing body of evidence to support strengthening exercises and isometric holds,” Dr Brown says. “These are relatively easy to perform; they don’t require fancy equipment but they help strengthen the plantar.”</p> <p style="text-align: center;"><iframe src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/D8ApCyO9gGc" width="560" height="315" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe></p> <p>Ultimately, if you’re experiencing any type of foot pain, it’s essential to seek help.</p> <p>“Choose a practitioner who understands heel pain and is open to new approaches,” Dr Brown recommends. “Ask the right questions to find out whether they’re experienced in dealing with this particular type of foot pain. You can ask: Is this something you treat often? How many patients do you see a day with heel pain? What’s your success rate?”</p> <p><em>Images: Getty</em></p>

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Bindi Irwin breaks down on camera about health condition

<p>Bindi Irwin has shown her vulnerable side in an emotional new video shared with fans about a personal ordeal.</p> <p>The 24-year-old spoke candidly to the camera for 15 minutes with guest appearances from husband Chandler Powell and their daughter Grace Warrior.</p> <p>In the video, Irwin recalled the “insurmountable” pain she experienced due to endometriosis before finally <a href="https://www.oversixty.co.nz/health/caring/how-did-you-live-with-this-much-pain-bindi-irwin-hospitalised" target="_blank" rel="noopener">undergoing surgery</a>.</p> <p>The wildlife warrior announced her diagnosis in March 2023, but the new video explains her symptoms - which started when she was just 14 - that left her with “extreme fatigue, nausea and pain”.</p> <p>“I had pain every single day of my life. No matter where we went, where we were going, I would be falling asleep. I felt like I constantly had the flu,” she said.</p> <p>The conservationist confessed she tried everything to solve the issue, undergoing CT scans, MRIs and ultrasounds.</p> <p>“I was always in pain. We tried for a year, and finally a doctor told me it was just part of being a woman.”</p> <p>Irwin said it was that comment from a doctor that led her to suffer in silence.</p> <p>However, after giving birth to her daughter in 2021, the pain “magnified” to a point where it was “out of this world”.</p> <p>“I remember countless times of Grace needing me, and me crawling to her cot at night,” she revealed, becoming emotional.</p> <p>“I can remember being with Grace and lying on the floor in agony. I had a stabbing pain in my side, I couldn’t get up or I would throw up, and I was scared I would pass out.</p> <p>“I was so scared because I was worried if I was alone with Grace, something would happen to me, and she would be on her own.”</p> <p>Irwin dubbed the pain “insurmountable” and something that “would knock me over”.</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/Cr31hQDANTp/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;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/Cr31hQDANTp/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank" rel="noopener">A post shared by Bindi Irwin (@bindisueirwin)</a></p> </div> </blockquote> <p>She said that after returning to new doctors, she was diagnosed with irritable bowel syndrome and chronic fatigue.</p> <p>It was not until she spoke to a friend, Leslie Mosier, who recently had endometriosis surgery that she realised they shared similar symptoms.</p> <p>“Leslie said the only way to diagnose for sure is through exploratory surgery.”</p> <p>Irwin said she decided to undergo surgery in the US as her daughter would have Powell’s parents, who live in Florida, nearby for support while she recovered.</p> <p>At this point in her video, Grace woke up and joined her mum on camera.</p> <p>“Mama went for surgery and they found 37 lesions and a chocolate cyst on my ovary,” she said in a child-like tone for the sake of her daughter.</p> <p>“Ovary!” Grace chirped.</p> <p>“After surgery mama feels a lot better hey? I had to recover for quite a while, and mama feels so much better, and she can run around with you!”</p> <p>Irwin went on to share what she has learned being a part of the endometriosis community.</p> <p>She revealed that excision surgery is considered the “gold standard” for the disease, where lesions and cysts are removed.</p> <p>“Everyone says we need to educate the public, but there also needs to be a shift in health care. Doctors need more information because endometriosis has myriad symptoms. Doctors need the right tools to diagnose.”</p> <p>She explained that her own endometriosis has been classified as severe, which means she may have to undergo more surgeries in the future to keep symptoms at bay.</p> <p>“I feel like. I got a second chance at life... I feel like a new woman.”</p> <p>In a final message of encouragement, Irwin said, “If you’re in pain, it’s so hard to get up every day and forge ahead.</p> <p>“Keep searching for those answers and never give up on you.”</p> <p><em>Image credit: Instagram</em></p>

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Beloved singing star reveals condition that may force early retirement

<p>Scottish singer and songwriter Lewis Capaldi has opened up about his battle with Tourette’s syndrome, admitting it could lead him into early retirement.</p> <p>The <em>Before You Go</em> singer, 26, has shared details of his condition with fans in the past, making light of it online, even going viral on TikTok for how he handles his on-stage tics.</p> <p>Speaking to The Sun, the 26-year-old revealed it is a “very real possibility” he will have to put the mic down if his condition deteriorates.</p> <p>"It's triggered by stress, anxiety, and excitement. Basically, any strong emotion, you're f—ed," Capaldi, who was diagnosed with Tourette’s in 2022, said.</p> <p>"There are times it has been really bad and I've wondered whether I can continue to do this with the stress, anxiety, and Tourette's. It all comes as a direct result of doing this job.”</p> <p>Capaldi, renowned online for his self-deprecating sense of humour and cheeky commentary, said he has worried that the crowd may mistake his tics for drug use.</p> <p>He also revealed he may have to stop making music and performing if the condition progresses.</p> <p>"This isn't drugs, and I've had that accusation on nights out. People have asked me directly, 'Are you on drugs, is it cocaine?'" He explained.</p> <p>"If it got to a point where my quality of life was drastically diminished, I'd just have to quit.”</p> <p>Capaldi’s powerhouse voice has thrown him into the mix with UK greats including Sir Elton John and Ed Sheeran.</p> <p>He said that John has been a pillar of support during his struggles with anxiety, telling The Sun that the <em>Rocket Man</em> singer emails him regularly.</p> <p>In early 2023, a clip from Capaldi’s concert made waves online after fans helped him finish the song as he experienced a tic attack on stage.</p> <p>Capaldi was singing his perhaps most famous song, Someone You Loved, at a concert in Germany on February 21.</p> <p>Audience members were quick to notice the singer struggling, so they continued the song from where he left off, with him holding onto the microphone in an attempt to compose himself.</p> <p>In 2022, Capaldi shared his diagnosis with fans on Instagram.</p> <p>"I do the shoulder twitch a lot. And you see underneath every TikTok and stuff, people are like, 'Why is he twitching?', which is fine. Curiosity is fine. I get it," he said.</p> <p>"I haven't really learned much about it. I'm learning. I've got Botox on my shoulder to stop it moving. It worked for a bit," he said.</p> <p>"The worst thing about it is when I'm excited, I get it; when I'm stressed, I get it; when I'm happy, I get it. It happens all the time.</p> <p>"Some days it's more painful than others and some days it's less painful. It looks a lot worse than it is. Sometimes it's quite uncomfortable … but it comes and goes."</p> <p><em>Image credit: Getty</em></p>

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Love Actually star's "crippling" health condition

<p>Martine McCutcheon has opened up about her struggle with the "crippling" symptoms of perimenopause. </p> <p>The actress, who shot to stardom for her role as Natalie in <em>Love Actually</em>, has shared a candid post about the issue affecting many women, and how the anxiety of perimenopause made her feel like she was losing her mind. </p> <p>"Perimenopause symptoms… Such fun!" she wrote on Instagram.</p> <p>"I have the hot flushes, the insomnia, the brain fog and fatigue … The list goes on doesn't it?!"</p> <blockquote class="instagram-media" style="background: #FFF; border: 0; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: 0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width: 540px; min-width: 326px; padding: 0; width: calc(100% - 2px);" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/CqQvDExsOOd/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="14"> <div style="padding: 16px;"> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"> </div> </div> </div> <div style="padding: 19% 0;"> </div> <div style="display: block; height: 50px; margin: 0 auto 12px; width: 50px;"> </div> <div style="padding-top: 8px;"> <div style="color: #3897f0; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: 550; line-height: 18px;">View this post on Instagram</div> </div> <div style="padding: 12.5% 0;"> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; margin-bottom: 14px; align-items: center;"> <div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(0px) translateY(7px);"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; height: 12.5px; transform: rotate(-45deg) translateX(3px) translateY(1px); width: 12.5px; flex-grow: 0; margin-right: 14px; margin-left: 2px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(9px) translateY(-18px);"> </div> </div> <div style="margin-left: 8px;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 20px; width: 20px;"> </div> <div style="width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 2px solid transparent; border-left: 6px solid #f4f4f4; border-bottom: 2px solid transparent; transform: translateX(16px) translateY(-4px) rotate(30deg);"> </div> </div> <div style="margin-left: auto;"> <div style="width: 0px; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-right: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(16px);"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; flex-grow: 0; height: 12px; width: 16px; transform: translateY(-4px);"> </div> <div style="width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-left: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(-4px) translateX(8px);"> </div> </div> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center; margin-bottom: 24px;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 224px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 144px;"> </div> </div> <p style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; padding: 8px 0 7px; text-align: center; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;"><a style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none;" href="https://www.instagram.com/p/CqQvDExsOOd/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank" rel="noopener">A post shared by Martine McCutcheon (@martinemccutcheon)</a></p> </div> </blockquote> <p>The actress went on to explain how her symptoms were exacerbated by her previous struggles with Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, also known as ME/CFS, which Martine has struggled with since her 20s. </p> <p>Sharing her experience with perimenopause,  McCutcheon said she wanted to raise awareness of the "crippling anxiety" which is a common symptom many women experience.</p> <p>"[It's a] kind of irrational anxiety that makes no sense whatsoever! You feel like you've lost your own damn mind!" she wrote.</p> <p>"Maybe it's just me, but I don't seem to hear about this side of it as much. I wanted to share this, just in case any of you out there feel the same and feel scared or worried – You aren't alone!" she added.</p> <p>McCutcheon revealed she went through "a phase of not even feeling confident enough to drive" which was very unlike her, but is now feeling better.</p> <p>Plenty of her followers have reached out in support of her honest post. </p> <p>Actress Selma Blair was one of the first to comment, writing, "I had a tough one. A tough menopause for three years. Early. From chemo. And the fog was very really tough. Anything goes. It's real and I'm sorry to anyone feeling alone and cranky and dizzy or whatever the case."</p> <p>Another grateful fan wrote, "Sending you all the strength. It's a crazy rollercoaster and thank you for sharing your experiences because it will help so many."</p> <p><em>Image credits: Getty Images</em></p>

Caring

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Prince Harry accuses royal family of conditioning

<p>Prince Harry has revealed new detail into his experience with royal life while giving testimony in a surprise court appearance at London’s High Court. </p> <p>Harry was there for the second day of a preliminary hearing along with other high-profile individuals - who were alleged victims of phone hacking, privacy breaches, and the misuse of their private information - as they sought to sue Associated Newspapers Ltd [ANL].</p> <p>However, ANL want to discuss the claims without trial, having described them to be “preposterous smears.” </p> <p>And during his witness statement, the Duke of Sussex has taken aim at the royal family over where the blame lies for taking legal action against ANL, explaining that he has had “an uneasy relationship with the press” in the years after his mother Diana’s death. He went on to add that it was policy to “never complain, [and] never explain”, and this was exactly what he’d been taught.</p> <p>“Following the death of my mother in 1997 when I was 12 years old and her treatment at the hands of the press, I have always had an uneasy relationship with the press,” his witness statement read.</p> <p>“However, as a member of the Institution the policy was to ‘never complain, never explain.’</p> <p>“There was no alternative; I was conditioned to accept it. For the most part, I accepted the interest in my performing [of] my public functions.”</p> <p>According to Harry, the difficulties intensified when he began his relationship with now-wife Meghan Markle. The 38-year-old prince’s concerns over his family’s lack of action only grew, with Harry even telling the court he became “increasingly troubled by the approach of not taking action against the press in the wake of persistent attacks on, harassment of and intrusive, sometimes racist articles concerning Meghan.” </p> <p>He then explained that things had only gotten worse when the couple were expecting their first child, Prince Archie. </p> <p>And when it came to the News of the World phone hacking scandal, Harry claimed he was never so much as invited to a royal meeting. </p> <p>The Institution, he said, had “without a doubt [been] withholding information”, while making it “clear that we did not need to know anything about phone hacking”. He added that it had become clear to him that “the royal family did not sit in the witness box because that could open up a can of worms”, and that through pursuing his own legal advice, the “bubble had burst in terms of what I knew in 2020 when I moved out of the United Kingdom.” </p> <p>“There is this misconception,” he noted, “that we are all in constant communication with one another. </p> <p>“But that is not true.” </p> <p>As for why Harry was bringing his claims forward - including those that ANL even hired a private investigator to hack his friends’ phones and dig up information on his then-partner - he said that it was out of love for his country, and his mounting concerns over “the unchecked power, influence and criminality of Associated.</p> <p>“The evidence I have seen shows that Associated’s journalists are criminals with journalistic powers which should concern every single one of us. </p> <p>“The British public deserve to know the full extent of this cover up and I feel it is my duty to expose it.”</p> <p><em>Images: Getty</em></p>

Legal

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“I haven’t been able to move": Home and Away star's debilitating condition

<p dir="ltr">Former <em>Home and Away </em>actress Sophie Dillman has opened up about the debilitating pain she suffers as she battles with endometriosis.</p> <p dir="ltr">The star took to Instagram to share the realities of her condition with two drastically different photos.</p> <p dir="ltr">“Endometriosis can look like this or this depending on the day,” her caption began.</p> <p dir="ltr">In one photo, the actress can be seen smiling and posing for photos at an event. In the second photo, Dillman is pictured lying on the floor with a hot water bottle on her stomach.</p> <p dir="ltr">“I haven’t been able to move from the floor this morning because it’s too painful to even walk around the house,” she said.</p> <p dir="ltr">“But then some days it doesn’t affect me at all. I don’t know when the pain or swelling or nausea will start or end,” she wrote.</p> <p dir="ltr">She then goes on to share that “the unknown is heartbreaking,” and gives a shout out to those who support their loved ones on the days they can’t get up.</p> <p dir="ltr">“We need more research, funding and answers. F***. Endo,” she ended her caption tagging <a href="https://www.endometriosisaustralia.org/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Endometriosis Australia</a>.</p> <blockquote class="instagram-media" style="background: #FFF; border: 0; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: 0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width: 540px; min-width: 326px; padding: 0; width: calc(100% - 2px);" data-instgrm-captioned="" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/CqP_7wyIqYn/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="14"> <div style="padding: 16px;"> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"> </div> </div> </div> <div style="padding: 19% 0;"> </div> <div style="display: block; height: 50px; margin: 0 auto 12px; width: 50px;"> </div> <div style="padding-top: 8px;"> <div style="color: #3897f0; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: 550; line-height: 18px;">View this post on Instagram</div> </div> <div style="padding: 12.5% 0;"> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; margin-bottom: 14px; align-items: center;"> <div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(0px) translateY(7px);"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; height: 12.5px; transform: rotate(-45deg) translateX(3px) translateY(1px); width: 12.5px; flex-grow: 0; margin-right: 14px; margin-left: 2px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(9px) translateY(-18px);"> </div> </div> <div style="margin-left: 8px;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 20px; width: 20px;"> </div> <div style="width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 2px solid transparent; border-left: 6px solid #f4f4f4; border-bottom: 2px solid transparent; transform: translateX(16px) translateY(-4px) rotate(30deg);"> </div> </div> <div style="margin-left: auto;"> <div style="width: 0px; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-right: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(16px);"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; flex-grow: 0; height: 12px; width: 16px; transform: translateY(-4px);"> </div> <div style="width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-left: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(-4px) translateX(8px);"> </div> </div> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center; margin-bottom: 24px;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 224px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 144px;"> </div> </div> <p style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; padding: 8px 0 7px; text-align: center; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;"><a style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none;" href="https://www.instagram.com/p/CqP_7wyIqYn/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank" rel="noopener">A post shared by Sophie Dillman (@sophiedillman)</a></p> </div> </blockquote> <p dir="ltr">Dillman is one of nine women who suffer from endometriosis, which is when tissue similar to the lining of the uterus grows outside the womb, and it’s a chronic disease without a known cure.</p> <p dir="ltr">One option to reduce the pain is a laparoscopy- where a tiny camera is sent into the pelvic region to investigate and “remove any of the tissue that’s causing pain”.</p> <p dir="ltr">Dillman has said that she’s undergone three of these surgeries and said that she has “a lot of tissue that they can’t remove because it’s in the lining of my various organs”.</p> <p dir="ltr">“It’s exhausting and painful and ... sometimes awkward and it sucks,” she said, adding that the surgery does not address her situation.</p> <p dir="ltr">“So it seems that it will be something I will have to continuously do throughout my life,” she added.</p> <p dir="ltr">Bindi Irwin is another woman who suffered from endometriosis, and just this month she opened up about <a href="https://www.oversixty.co.nz/health/caring/how-did-you-live-with-this-much-pain-bindi-irwin-hospitalised" target="_blank" rel="noopener">her experience and the surgery</a> she undertook.</p> <p dir="ltr">Dillman hopes to raise awareness around the stigmas surrounding the condition that stops women talking about it or seeking help.</p> <p dir="ltr">The actress hopes that she can use her platform with almost 300,000 followers, and her role as an ambassador for Endometriosis Australia to continue educating others.</p> <p><em>Image: Getty</em></p> <p> </p>

Body

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Friendships may help protect women from health conditions in older age

<p dir="ltr">Human connection may, in fact, help protect women from chronic health conditions in older age, according to a Queensland-led study. </p> <p dir="ltr">The University of Queensland researchers tracked more than 7,600 Australian women aged between 45 and 50 for two decades as part of the Australian Longitudinal Study on Women's Health.</p> <p dir="ltr">The study went as follows: Every three years, women filled out a questionnaire, rating their levels of satisfaction with a range of relationships, including partners, family, friends, work colleagues and any other social connections.</p> <p dir="ltr">Data also collected if they had been diagnosed with two or more of 11 chronic health conditions.</p> <ul> <li dir="ltr" role="presentation">High blood pressure</li> <li dir="ltr" role="presentation">Heart disease</li> <li dir="ltr" role="presentation">Stroke </li> <li dir="ltr" role="presentation">Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease </li> <li dir="ltr" role="presentation">Asthma </li> <li dir="ltr" role="presentation">Arthritis</li> <li dir="ltr" role="presentation">Cancer</li> <li dir="ltr" role="presentation">Depression</li> <li dir="ltr" role="presentation">Anxiety </li> <li dir="ltr" role="presentation">Osteoporosis</li> <li dir="ltr" role="presentation">Diabetes</li> </ul> <p dir="ltr">The researchers found 58.3 per cent of the women had developed more than one chronic disease during the 20 years of monitoring, from 1996 to 2016.</p> <p dir="ltr">Those with the lowest relationship satisfaction scores had the highest odds of having multiple chronic diseases.</p> <p dir="ltr">So, make friends and keep them around because it may just prevent a serious illness.</p> <p><span id="docs-internal-guid-4f8bbe2a-7fff-fc6b-fccb-0ad9a3a01ee3"></span></p> <p dir="ltr"><em>Image credit: Shutterstock</em></p>

Body

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Tragic update on Tom Sizemore’s health condition

<p>Actor Tom Sizemore’s family have shared a tragic update surrounding his health condition, 10 days after he was rushed to hospital after suffering a brain aneurysm.</p> <p>In a statement issued to Variety, Sizemore’s manager, Charles Lago, revealed that there is “no further hope” for the actor and his family are in the midst of “deciding end of life matters”.</p> <p>The actor, best known for his roles in films such as <em>Saving Private Ryan</em>, <em>Black Hawk Down</em> and <em>Pearl Harbor</em>, suffered an aneurysm at his home in Los Angeles on February 18 and was hospitalised in critical condition.</p> <p>“Doctors informed his family that there is no further hope and have recommended end of life decision. The family is now deciding end of life matters and a further statement will be issued on Wednesday,” Lago said in a statement updating the media on the 61-year-old star’s condition.</p> <p>“We are asking for privacy for his family during this difficult time and they wish to thank everyone for the hundreds of messages of support, and prayers that have been received. This has been a difficult time for them.”</p> <p>The US Sun reported that an unknown person found Sizemore lying in his house and called 911, where emergency services then transported him to a local hospital.</p> <p>Sizemore rose to fame in the 1990s with a string of supporting roles in successful action and war roles, including distinguished roles in the heist film <em>Heat</em>, an award-nominated turn in the comedy <em>Heart and Souls</em>, and an acclaimed role in what turned out to be his most successful film, <em>Saving Private Ryan</em>.</p> <p>However, personal scandals eclipsed his acting career in the 2000s, with substance abuse, legal issues and allegations of on-set sexual abuse.</p> <p><em>Image credit: Getty</em></p>

Caring

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Saving Private Ryan star in critical condition

<p>Tom Sizemore has been hospitalised and is in intensive care after suffering a brain aneurysm, his spokesperson, Charles Lago, told CNN.</p> <p>Sizemore is in critical condition and is in a “wait and see situation,” said Lago. </p> <p>"His family is aware and waiting for updates," Lago told the outlet. "There is no further update at this time.”</p> <p>At 61 years of age, the Saving Private Ryan star hails from Detroit and has appeared in several hit crime and war movies in the ‘90s and 2000s, including the films Heat, Natural Born Killers, Pearl Harbor and Black Hawk Down.</p> <p>Often portraying a tough guy, he is likely best known for playing Sergeant Mike Horvath in the World War II movie Saving Private Ryan. </p> <p>Sizemore was nominated for a Golden Globe Award in 2000 for Best Performance by an Actor in a Miniseries or Motion Picture Made for Television for his role in Witness Protection. </p> <p>More recently, the actor appeared in episodes of Cobra Kai and Twin Peaks.</p> <p>Sizemore has long struggled with drug addiction and has had a catalogue of legal issues during his career.</p> <p>In 2003 he was convicted on domestic violence charges stemming from his relationship with former fiancée Heidi Fleiss. In 2006 he pleaded no contest to using methamphetamine outside a motel. He was then arrested in Los Angeles in 2009 for suspected battery of a former spouse and then again in 2011 for the same offence. </p> <p>Speaking to Larry King on CNN in a 2010 interview, Sizemore revealed he had been addicted to cocaine, heroin and meth. He also participated in the 2010 season of the reality show Celebrity Rehab with Dr Drew.  </p> <p>Image credit: Getty</p>

Caring

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You’re wasting your money if you’re buying these 13 things in brand-new condition

<p><strong>Exercise equipment</strong></p> <p>There’s a good chance exercise equipment like treadmills, ellipticals, and dumbbells, are still in good condition.</p> <p>“Many people buy these items with the intentions of starting a regimen but fall off quickly and then try to unload these bulky goods that take up too much room,” says consumer and money-saving expert Andrea Woroch.</p> <p>Just make sure to research the brand and test the equipment before you buy, she says. In addition to the usual spots like garage sales, a local gym that’s getting renovated might be selling old equipment at killer prices, says Woroch.</p> <p><strong>Hand tools</strong></p> <p>There are so many used hand tools like hammers and wrenches on the market that there’s no reason to buy new, says Shelton.</p> <p>If you’re on the market, he recommends checking out a surprising spot.</p> <p>“Pawnshops are a great place for used tools,” says Shelton.</p> <p>“A lot of times they’re coming from trade because people change jobs.”</p> <p><strong>Gift cards</strong></p> <p>“Buying gift cards used may seem like an unusual idea, but it’s actually becoming more mainstream as a unique way to save money,” says Woroch. </p> <p>You can save 10 to 30 percent on store credit at your go-to shops, or gift cards to give as presents, she says.</p> <p><strong>Tech gadgets</strong></p> <p>At the rate new technology comes out, a used phone or laptop from five years ago probably isn’t worth the buy.</p> <p>But last year’s model could be a great value without making you feel like a dinosaur.</p> <p>For instance, Apple sells certified refurbished laptops and computers with limited warranties.</p> <p>Head to a big-box store or phone carrier for a refurbished smartphone, which are usually good quality, says Shelton.</p> <p>Beware of buying used tech from companies you don’t know though.</p> <p>“It’s already an off-brand, cheaply made product,” he says.</p> <p>“If it’s been refurbished, it’s already had an issue, so there’s a pretty good chance it won’t last very long.”</p> <p><strong>Sports gear</strong></p> <p>Equipment for specific sports, like skis or golf clubs, are also a good idea to pick up used, says Shelton.</p> <p>Beginners often buy the items but don’t stick with the sport, meaning the gear is still in great condition.</p> <p>And if you don’t want to be that person shelling out hundreds on a sport you or your kid doesn’t love, you won’t lose much on a used version.</p> <p>“If you find out you don’t like it, you could sell it to someone else and save money in the process,” says Shelton.</p> <p><strong>Vehicles</strong></p> <p>“New cars lose considerable value as soon as they leave the dealership’s lot, so it’s always best to buy used,” says Woroch.</p> <p>Find a model that’s a year old and doesn’t have many miles for a like-new ride that costs way less.</p> <p>You can even find cars on sites like Gumtree or eBay, but don’t take the price at face value.</p> <p>Always negotiate with the seller.</p> <p><strong>Furniture</strong></p> <p>You can save tons of cash on furniture by buying preowned instead of new, especially if you shop at the right time.</p> <p>Tax season, spring-cleaning time, and the holidays usually have the best prices and most options because people are often trying to downsize or sell those big-ticket items, says Shelton.</p> <p><strong>Clothing</strong></p> <p>Thrifting your clothes can save you up to 90 percent on everything from jeans to tuxedos, says Woroch. Baby clothes are especially good to buy used.</p> <p>“They’re going to outgrow it so fast,” says Shelton.</p> <p>There’s a good chance the original buyers over-bought or received the outfits as gifts, so items are often like-new or even unworn.</p> <p>Low price tags make consignment shops a good way to test-run trends that you’re not sure you’ll stick with, says Shelton.</p> <p>Even if you get sick of that pair of jeans by next year, you won’t waste much money.</p> <p>Footwear is the one exception.</p> <p>Shoes tend to wear around a person’s specific foot shape, so a used pair probably won’t be too comfy, says Shelton.</p> <p>Cleaning antique clothing is an exercise in avoiding modern con­veniences, which are generally too harsh for fragile fabrics.</p> <p><strong>Musical instruments</strong></p> <p>Older models of musical instruments might actually be better quality than the ones you’ll find new on the shelf.</p> <p>“Corporations find ways to cut corners and use plastic vs. metal,” says Shelton.</p> <p>“Newer technology doesn’t have the same kind of tonal quality and build.”</p> <p>Do a bit of research before you buy, and test the instrument if you can.</p> <p><strong>Large appliances</strong></p> <p>Ask the sellers how long they’ve been using it, and test it to make sure it works before you put any money down.</p> <p>You could also head to an appliance repair shop to see if they’re selling refurbished items.</p> <p>“That’s a good buy if it’s a good price, because it’s been looked over by a technician who knows what they’re doing and can make sure it will work for you,” says Shelton.</p> <p>As a bonus, those shops will probably take your old one off your hands when they deliver the new-to-you one, so you don’t have a bulky appliance lying around.</p> <p><strong>Textbooks</strong></p> <p>“The unwritten rule is never buy textbooks new,” says Shelton.</p> <p>“Sometimes you find nice little gems in there, like people highlighted things on your test or let good notes.”</p> <p>Buying used textbooks used to be a wild race, but with eBooks surging, it’s easier to find what you want, he says.</p> <p><strong>Bikes</strong></p> <p>A new bicycle can cost hundreds of dollars, but a used one will cost a fraction of the price.</p> <p>You can even buy just the frame, and beef it up with more expensive parts from another seller, she says.</p> <p><em>Image credits: Getty Images</em></p> <p><em>This article originally appeared on <a href="https://www.readersdigest.co.nz/money/youre-wasting-your-money-if-youre-buying-these-13-things-brand-new-condition?pages=1" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Reader's Digest</a>. </em></p>

Home & Garden

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You’re wasting your money if you’re buying these 13 things in brand-new condition

<p>Used items can be the same great quality at a fraction of the price. Let someone else do all the hard work breaking these things in.</p> <p><strong>Exercise equipment</strong></p> <p>There’s a good chance exercise equipment like treadmills, ellipticals, and dumbbells, are still in good condition.</p> <p>“Many people buy these items with the intentions of starting a regimen but fall off quickly and then try to unload these bulky goods that take up too much room,” says consumer and money-saving expert Andrea Woroch.</p> <p>Just make sure to research the brand and test the equipment before you buy, she says. In addition to the usual spots like garage sales, a local gym that’s getting renovated might be selling old equipment at killer prices, says Woroch.</p> <p><strong>Hand tools</strong></p> <p>There are so many used hand tools like hammers and wrenches on the market that there’s no reason to buy new, says Shelton.</p> <p>If you’re on the market, he recommends checking out a surprising spot.</p> <p>“Pawnshops are a great place for used tools,” says Shelton.</p> <p>“A lot of times they’re coming from trade because people change jobs.”</p> <p><strong>Gift cards</strong></p> <p>“Buying gift cards used may seem like an unusual idea, but it’s actually becoming more mainstream as a unique way to save money,” says Woroch. You can save 10 to 30 percent on store credit at your go-to shops, or gift cards to give as presents, she says.</p> <p><strong>Tech gadgets</strong></p> <p>At the rate new technology comes out, a used phone or laptop from five years ago probably isn’t worth the buy.</p> <p>But last year’s model could be a great value without making you feel like a dinosaur.</p> <p>For instance, Apple sells certified refurbished laptops and computers with limited warranties.</p> <p>Head to a big-box store or phone carrier for a refurbished smartphone, which are usually good quality, says Shelton.</p> <p>Beware of buying used tech from companies you don’t know though.</p> <p>“It’s already an off-brand, cheaply made product,” he says.</p> <p>“If it’s been refurbished, it’s already had an issue, so there’s a pretty good chance it won’t last very long.”</p> <p><strong>Sports gear</strong></p> <p>Equipment for specific sports, like skis or golf clubs, are also a good idea to pick up used, says Shelton.</p> <p>Beginners often buy the items but don’t stick with the sport, meaning the gear is still in great condition.</p> <p>And if you don’t want to be that person shelling out hundreds on a sport you or your kid doesn’t love, you won’t lose much on a used version.</p> <p>“If you find out you don’t like it, you could sell it to someone else and save money in the process,” says Shelton.</p> <p><strong>Vehicles</strong></p> <p>“New cars lose considerable value as soon as they leave the dealership’s lot, so it’s always best to buy used,” says Woroch.</p> <p>Find a model that’s a year old and doesn’t have many miles for a like-new ride that costs way less.</p> <p>You can even find cars on sites like Gumtree or eBay, but don’t take the price at face value.</p> <p>Always negotiate with the seller.</p> <p><strong>Furniture</strong></p> <p>You can save tons of cash on furniture by buying preowned instead of new, especially if you shop at the right time.</p> <p>Tax season, spring-cleaning time, and the holidays usually have the best prices and most options because people are often trying to downsize or sell those big-ticket items, says Shelton.</p> <p>Even if your buy doesn’t look the right colour at first, you can easily treat and stain it.</p> <p><strong>Clothing</strong></p> <p>Thrifting your clothes can save you up to 90 percent on everything from jeans to tuxedos, says Woroch. Baby clothes are especially good to buy used.</p> <p>“They’re going to outgrow it so fast,” says Shelton.</p> <p>There’s a good chance the original buyers over-bought or received the outfits as gifts, so items are often like-new or even unworn.</p> <p>Low price tags make consignment shops a good way to test-run trends that you’re not sure you’ll stick with, says Shelton.</p> <p>Even if you get sick of that pair of jeans by next year, you won’t waste much money.</p> <p>Footwear is the one exception.</p> <p>Shoes tend to wear around a person’s specific foot shape, so a used pair probably won’t be too comfy, says Shelton.</p> <p>Cleaning antique clothing is an exercise in avoiding modern con­veniences, which are generally too harsh for fragile fabrics.</p> <p><strong>Musical instruments</strong></p> <p>Older models of musical instruments might actually be better quality than the ones you’ll find new on the shelf.</p> <p>“Corporations find ways to cut corners and use plastic vs. metal,” says Shelton.</p> <p>“Newer technology doesn’t have the same kind of tonal quality and build.”</p> <p>Do a bit of research before you buy, and test the instrument if you can.</p> <p><strong>Large appliances</strong></p> <p>Ask the sellers how long they’ve been using it, and test it to make sure it works before you put any money down.</p> <p>You could also head to an appliance repair shop to see if they’re selling refurbished items.</p> <p>“That’s a good buy if it’s a good price, because it’s been looked over by a technician who knows what they’re doing and can make sure it will work for you,” says Shelton.</p> <p>As a bonus, those shops will probably take your old one off your hands when they deliver the new-to-you one, so you don’t have a bulky appliance lying around.</p> <p><strong>Textbooks</strong></p> <p>“The unwritten rule is never buy textbooks new,” says Shelton.</p> <p>“Sometimes you find nice little gems in there, like people highlighted things on your test or let good notes.”</p> <p>Buying used textbooks used to be a wild race, but with eBooks surging, it’s easier to find what you want, he says.</p> <p><strong>Bikes</strong></p> <p>A new bicycle can cost hundreds of dollars, but a used one will cost a fraction of the price.</p> <p>You can even buy just the frame, and beef it up with more expensive parts from another seller, she says.</p> <p><em><span id="docs-internal-guid-e5703e99-7fff-6440-d47d-6cf00dc79d0b">Written by Marissa Laliberte. This article first appeared in <a href="https://www.readersdigest.co.nz/money/youre-wasting-your-money-if-youre-buying-these-13-things-brand-new-condition" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Reader’s Digest</a>. For more of what you love from the world’s best-loved magazine, <a href="http://readersdigest.innovations.co.nz/c/readersdigestemailsubscribe?utm_source=over60&amp;utm_medium=articles&amp;utm_campaign=RDSUB&amp;keycode=WRA87V" target="_blank" rel="noopener">here’s our best subscription offer.</a></span></em></p> <p><em>Image: Getty Images</em></p>

Money & Banking

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Jamie Oliver shares details about wife's "deeply scary" health condition

<p>Celebrity chef Jamie Oliver has opened up about his wife’s “deeply scary” experience with long Covid, as the illness remains uncharted territory with fresh data still being uncovered.</p> <p>Jools Oliver has been fighting the illness for the past two years.</p> <p>“She’s had bad COVID and long COVID, so she’s been really affected by it, sadly,” Oliver, 47, shared.</p> <p>“She’s OK, but still not what she wants to be.”</p> <p>“It’s been two years. She finds it deeply scary.”</p> <p>Her condition has left doctors stumped, with long Covid affecting 10-20% of people with ongoing Covid symptoms, according to the World Health Organisation.</p> <p>The popular chef explained they had seen specialist medical professionals but have been unable to cure her symptoms as the condition is still being learnt about.</p> <p>“We’re all over Harley Street like a rash, but no one really knows anything,” Oliver went on, referring to the street in London, known for being home to a large amount of private medical specialists.</p> <p>Despite her condition, Oliver says his wife continues to remain positive and keep her spirits up. The couple share five children together and have been married for 22 years.</p> <p>Oliver's new cookbook is being released on September 1 and, of course, is dedicated to his wife Jools. </p> <p style="box-sizing: inherit; margin: 0px 0px 5px; padding: 0px; border: 0px; font-size: 14px; vertical-align: baseline; outline: none !important;"> </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/tv/CftLf9LDs7P/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;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/tv/CftLf9LDs7P/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank" rel="noopener">A post shared by Jamie Oliver (@jamieoliver)</a></p> </div> </blockquote> <p><em>Image: Instagram</em></p>

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