Hundreds honour children's hospice pioneer Eddie Farwell
Their vision was to ensure no family in the South West would have to travel more than 90 minutes for hospice support.It led to the creation of three hospices: Little Bridge House in Barnstaple, Charlton Farm in Wraxall, near Bristol and Little Harbour in St Austell.The service featured heartfelt tributes from Mr Farwell's daughter, Lizzy Farwell, and CHSW's new chief executive, Phil Morris."It is fitting that during Children's Hospice Week, we are bringing people together at Eddie's memorial service, where we will reflect on and celebrate all he achieved," Mr Morris said.As requested by Mr Farwell, the Mousehole Male Voice Choir performed during the service.CHSW now supports more than 500 children and families across the region.
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The Guardian
27 minutes ago
- The Guardian
‘Exactly what a union should be doing': doctors in Manchester defend strike action
Outside Manchester Royal Infirmary, car horns beep as striking medics wave orange placards demanding 'Pay Restoration for Doctors.' Most are decked out in matching British Medical Association-branded tangerine baseball caps and bucket hats. Some carry homemade cardboard signs: 'Overworked, Underpaid, Undervalued', or 'Wes: Stop (S)Treating Us Like [poo emoji]'. They have gone out on strike for five days from Friday after talks with the health secretary, Wes Streeting, broke down last week. Doctors say that in real terms their pay has decreased by 21% since 2008, and they are demanding an uplift in salaries for resident doctors. Many graduate from medical school with student debt of £100,000 or more, they say, with the cost of ongoing training such as exams also placing a heavy financial burden on new doctors who, the BMA says, earn just £18.62 a hour. In Manchester, public support for the strike is evident; there is a raised fist or a beeping horn from almost every second vehicle that drives past. It is not the first time doctors have gone on strike – there were 11 separate walkouts during 2023 and 2024 alone. But the doctors here say they had hoped a change of government would see an end to the long-running pay dispute. Last September, doctors voted by 66% to accept a government pay deal, with Streeting promising a 'journey' to pay restoration. But now they have walked out again, saying progress has been too slow and this year's pay increase from the government is not what they had expected. 'We're out on strike today because no doctor today is worth 21% less than they were in 2008,' Mohammed Kamora said. 'We're asking for the government to restore our pay. We're not even asking for that to happen in one go. We're asking for a journey to make that happen. We don't think that's unreasonable. 'We were hopeful when the government came to an agreement last year about this pay uplift. Wes Streeting used the term a journey to pay restoration as well.' But, Kamora added: 'If we continue on the current trajectory, it's going to take us well over a decade to reach pay restoration. Think of how many doctors we're going to lose in the interim if we continue.' Shanu Datta, a co-chair of the BMA's consultant committee, is not involved in the strike, which does not include consultants, but had come down to the picket line to support resident colleagues. 'We had a very cordial meeting with the secretary of state in December. We thought that could be the basis of conversations going forward,' he said. 'Our hope was that we would have a sense of conversation around restoring our pay over time, and that's what Wes Streeting was saying in opposition, and the deal that we thought we'd made, or we had made, last year was going to be the basis, a foundation for more discussion, more conversation going forward, and that's what's not happening.' Datta added: 'These are some of the brightest young people. I've been talking now to some of them. Some of them want to be cancer specialists, some of them want to be emergency medicine specialists, some of them want to be psychiatrists. 'If we can't get these people to stay in this country and the NHS specifically, then the NHS is doomed, frankly.' Sign up to Headlines UK Get the day's headlines and highlights emailed direct to you every morning after newsletter promotion Dr Ross Nieuwoudt, a BMA resident doctors committee co-chair who has been among those leading the industrial action, joined the Manchester picket line. 'We're not asking for everything all at once,' he said. 'All we want is for Wes Streeting to keep his promise of restoring our pay as a journey. The 0.9% increase above inflation that was given this year is not an adequate step in that journey. So that's why we're out today. 'I must be honest, I'm very disappointed, I expected more. I think when [Streeting] initially came in, there were lots of grand words about settling the strikes and this journey to restoring our pay, but when the time came to deliver on the second step he couldn't do it.' Nieuwoudt also pointed out that when resident doctors – then known as junior doctors – walked out under the Conservative government, Streeting was a vocal backer of the striking medics and called on the then health secretary to take action to bring about an end to the dispute. 'I'm wondering where that man is now,' Nieuwoudt said. 'He was making some good points.' He also hit back at claims from Streeting that the strike would undermine the trade union movement, saying that the health secretary's comments were 'a very strange thing to say'. 'I think when doctors are leaving the country, when doctors are struggling with pay and conditions, and genuinely are losing hope that the NHS will be a place worth working in, I don't think representing our members and taking them out on strike action is undermining the trade union movement in any way,' Nieuwoudt said. 'If the membership has voted to do this action, and we're representing our membership, then that seems exactly what a union should be doing.'
Telegraph
28 minutes ago
- Telegraph
The health benefits of old-fashioned castor oil
The internet is rife with self-proclaimed health experts who insist they have the answers to life's ailments – from taping your mouth shut for better sleep, to juice cleanses, and intermittent fasting for weight loss. Now, traditional remedies are back in vogue. Castor oil may not have the most glamorous reputation, but it's the hottest new trend on TikTok – with influencers touting its supposed stomach-flattening effects. The method? Rubbing castor oil into the belly button, in a process known as 'navel pulling'. In a TikTok video which now has over 7.5m views, Miranda Wilson, an aesthetic nurse practitioner, says she 'started doing castor oil navel pulling to help with digestion', and claims her stomach 'has never been so flat '. It's the latest in a long line of health claims linked to castor oil. Whilst it was used traditionally as a laxative, the humble plant oil has since undergone a renaissance and can supposedly strengthen hair, moisturise skin, and lengthen eyelashes. So, is navel pulling the cure to bloating – and which castor oil trends actually work? What is castor oil? Castor oil is a plant-based oil extracted from the seeds of the Ricinus communis plant, explains Dr Dev Patel, skin doctor and founder of Perfect Skin Solutions. It is thick and a pale yellow colour. For centuries, it has been used in traditional medicine, and today appears in a variety of products. Its main active component is ricinoleic acid, a monounsaturated fatty acid, which gives castor oil its anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial powers. It can be bought in pure liquid form, in a pack (which can be applied to the skin), and in a variety of hair and skincare products. @ IYKYK #castoroil #navelpulling #digestion #tips #viral #fyp ♬ dźwięk oryginalny - Does navel pulling work? Dr Patel explains that applying castor oil to the navel is inspired by an ancient Ayurvedic belief that the belly button is a central energy point in the body, connected to multiple organs via nerve pathways. Social media users claim it helps digestion, reduces bloating, and can even alleviate period pain. However, navel pulling enthusiasts, look away now. Both our medical and nutritional experts agree this trend is a fictional fad. 'Putting castor oil into your navel seems like just another odd health myth based on no clinical evidence,' says Dr Frankie Phillips, registered dietitian and spokesperson for the British Dietetic Association. Whilst it's unlikely to do any harm, she says it seems to be, 'entirely pointless with no physiological benefits'. Dr Patel agrees. He says there is no robust scientific evidence to suggest that placing castor oil in the belly button has a direct effect on digestion. 'However, the act of massaging oil into the abdomen may indirectly support digestion by stimulating the vagus nerve, enhancing parasympathetic activity, or simply encouraging relaxation and awareness of the digestive tract,' he adds. So while it may have value as part of a self-care routine, the claimed digestive benefits remain anecdotal rather than evidence-based. Is castor oil an effective moisturiser? Castor oil is an excellent occlusive, Dr Patel says, which means it helps to lock moisture into the skin by forming a barrier. Its high viscosity can help those with very dry or cracked skin, whilst the ricinoleic acid has anti-inflammatory properties which may help to soothe irritation. However, he warns those with acne-prone or oily skin to beware. Due to its thick texture, it can block hair follicles which could lead to more spots or – in extreme cases – folliculitis (infection of the follicles). Dr Patel says it's best used as part of a moisturising blend or for targeting dry areas, such as heels or elbows. Dr Sharon Wong, consultant dermatologist and hair specialist, agrees – and advises people not to apply pure castor oil directly to the skin as it can cause irritation and breakouts. A 2023 clinical trial involving 22 people found that creams containing castor oil appeared to reduce dark under-eye circles – suggesting it could be an effective alternative treatment. However, due to the limited sample size, the researchers said further trials were needed to confirm their findings. Does castor oil improve hair health? Many have claimed that castor oil is the key to hair growth, however there is no scientific evidence to suggest this is true, says Dr Wong. It's not all bad news for those who have been coating their locks, though, as she says the rich proteins and fatty acids in castor oil can moisturise and strengthen the body of hair. Dr Wong warns those using castor oil on their hair not to overdo it as excessive use, combined with infrequent washing, can result in scalp acne, hair follicles becoming clogged, and the worsening of issues such as dandruff and eczema. In rare cases, overuse of castor oil can lead to sudden matting of the hair, known as hair felting. She suggests using a thin coating of castor oil once a week as a conditioning and moisturising agent. 'Focus on application from the mid lengths to the tips of the hair and not the scalp', she says. Can castor oil lengthen eyelashes? This is a very popular claim, Dr Patel says, however unfortunately there's no strong clinical evidence to suggest that castor oil directly promotes eyelash or eyebrow growth. However, there are still some potential benefits for those who have been coating their eyelashes in oily serum. Dr Patel says 'it can improve the appearance and condition of lashes by coating them and reducing breakage due to dryness or environmental damage'. It's best to view castor oil as a conditioning agent, rather than a hair-growth stimulant, he concludes. Is castor oil a useful laxative? In one of its most popular and traditional uses, castor oil is a popular laxative, historically used for short-term constipation relief. The ricinoleic acid is 'released in the small intestine and stimulates intestinal muscle contractions, typically resulting in a bowel movement within two to six hours,' Dr Patel says. In the US, castor oil is approved by the FDA as an over-the-counter stimulant laxative for occasional use, however this is not the case in the UK. The MHRA (UK's equivalent to the FDA) can only approve medicine and medical devices if they are marketed as such. However, in the UK, castor oil is typically sold and labelled as a cosmetic or massage oil – not a medicinal product – meaning people use it informally for its laxative effects, Dr Patel explains. It's perfectly safe for most people to take castor oil by mouth for constipation relief, says Dr Tony Fincham, a GP at Benenden Hospital. Adults can take a single dose of one to four tablespoons a day, but it should only be used for short-term relief. It's not suitable for everyone though, Dr Patel warns. Pregnant women, children under 12, people with inflammatory bowel disease, and individuals on certain medications such as steroids, should not use it without consulting a medical professional. Can castor oil heal wounds? In its role as a wound healer, castor oil has traditionally thrived. Ricinoleic acid has strong anti-inflammatory properties and castor oil-based ointments, often made in combination with other ingredients, have been used over the years to improve healing and reduce pain, Dr Patel says. A 2020 study in the Pharmacognosy Magazine highlighted castor oil's anti-inflammatory potential, as well as its natural antibacterial and antifungal properties. However, Dr Fincham says that whilst some plasters used to contain castor oil, this is no longer the case as there was found to be a risk of irritation or allergic reaction. Therefore castor oil should only be used to treat wounds if recommended by a doctor, and under professional guidance. Expert verdict: What's the best use for castor oil? Dr Fincham and Dr Patel both agree that castor oil is best used for moisturising and conditioning – 'particularly for dry skin, brittle lashes, eyebrows, or hair'. It's also a great choice for cuticles, dry heels, and patchy rough areas, Dr Patel says. But he urges those with sensitive or acne-prone skin to use with caution or in a diluted form. 'As a natural, multi-purpose ingredient, it can be a valuable addition to your skincare cabinet,' he concludes, 'But it's not a miracle oil, and I would say its effects are mostly supportive rather than transformative.'
Daily Mail
29 minutes ago
- Daily Mail
Dad who lost 7 stone on Mounjaro reveals how he deals with loose skin after rapid weight loss
There's an unavoidable side effect of rapidly losing a lot of weight—you're often left with a lot of loose, sagging skin—and a man who shed seven stone in a year has opened up about the realities of living with it. Many people in his situation undergo painful plastic surgery procedures, known as full body lifts, to tighten their redundant pouches and folds of flesh, trusting surgeons slice off excess bits of skin to give them a sleeker silhouette. But super slimmer Jon, who shares his experiences taking weight loss jab Mounjaro on social media, has decided to do the opposite. Jon, who boasts over 21,000 followers on his TikTok page @jonboys_losingit, revealed that he's happy with his new shape, even if it might seem unsightly to other people. In a video, he poses confidently in front of the mirror pinching the skin on his abdomen and hips. He added in the caption: 'Biggest question I get asked… I can deal this with this.' His followers loved his attitude, with one man commenting: 'I'd be happy with that. What was your skin routine through your weight loss journey?' Jon explained that he hadn't followed anything in particular, but was keen to start lifting weights. Another follower said: 'The loose skin is my struggle, not quite ready to embrace it yet but well done you'. Showing a different attitude altogether, another follower said: 'I see the loose skin as a battle scar, it's there to remind me everyday of what I've achieved.' Jon previously told his followers how he came to lose seven stone in just 12 months, sharing his five top tips for success. After starting on Mounjaro on June 25 2024, he has maintained a calorie deficit, using a Total Daily Energy Expenditure (TDEE) Calculator to find out his basic calorie needs. He explained: 'All you'll simply do is put your height, your weight, your age in. It'll work out what your specific calories need to be each day. 'I definitely recommend in your first few months of starting Mounjaro, that you start tracking calories. 'That's going to make sure that you're not going above your calorie deficit, but also, again, more importantly, that you are eating enough. 'It's good to make sure that you have actually enough, because you are going to feel crap if you don't eat enough calories.' Jon says he is often asked about loose skin, but he can 'deal with it' His second tip was also related to nutrition, urging his followers to make sure they are hitting their daily protein goals. 'That's going to prevent muscle loss, and it's also going to make you feel fuller for longer as well,' he said, adding that the TDEE calculator can also work out your macros so you can make sure you're getting all the nutrients you need. Tip number three was to make sure you stay hydrated, and number four was to avoid comparisons with people's extreme before and after photos, and to stay focused on maintaining a calorie deficit. His final tip was to not get caught up in the pros and cons of different jab sites—users can inject in any fleshy area in the thighs, stomach or backs of their arms—and just go with what is comfortable for you. Mounjaro, also known as tirzepatide, is a weekly jab that can help patients shed up to a fifth of their body weight in a year. It will reportedly be offered to around 220,000 people over the next three years under new NHS prescribing rules. GPs can now prescribe the drug to patients with a BMI over 40 – classed as severely obese – and at least four obesity-related health conditions, such as type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure or sleep apnoea.
