Latest news with #ChristabelAkinola
Scottish Sun
21-07-2025
- Automotive
- Scottish Sun
Drivers are forgetting to turn off ‘hidden' button in car that ‘could make you drowsy' while sat in traffic
Read on to find out which button to avoid AUTO KNOW Drivers are forgetting to turn off 'hidden' button in car that 'could make you drowsy' while sat in traffic Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) DRIVERS risk their health as they forget to turn off an overlooked button in their car. The hidden button can make you drowsy which could lead to accidents. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 1 The hidden button can only be turned on for a short period of time Credit: Getty With temperatures rising outside, you might be blasting your car's air con. However, watch out for one air con setting which could cause sleepiness on the road. Look for a button marked with a little arrow pointing back on itself, often accompanied by a car symbol. Recirculate air This "recirculate air" button is designed to cool down your vehicle's interior even when the air con is off. Rather than drawing in hot air from outside, this button recirculates the air already inside the car. The button can be useful if you're stuck in traffic behind a car spewing out fumes. Since it doesn't draw air from outside, you can avoid unpleasant smells, dust and other pollutants. You also won't overwork your AC to continuously cool down hot air from outside which could save you money. Health risks However, the "recirculate air" button is not meant to be used for longer than 20 minutes, according to one study. Although it helps to save on fuel and cools down your motor faster, it could also cause drowsiness, fatigue and headaches. All UK car dealerships will STOP selling 10,000s of iconic brand's used models impacted by lethal airbag flaw When left turned on for an extended period, the "recirculate air" will increase carbon dioxide levels in your vehicle. As CO2 from your breath builds up in your car, there will be less oxygen for the air con to circulate. This could make drivers lose concentration and impair their reaction times. To maintain CO2 concentrations below 2500 ppm for longer commutes or when driving with several passengers, RC ventilation should be periodically turned off. Dr Christabel Akinola has warned drivers about the dangers of the button on her Instagram account. In a post, she wrote: "This is one of the reasons drivers fall asleep and don't know why or how, leading to accidents. "Please, before you ride in any car and during the trip, make sure you check the dashboard to ensure it's turned off, especially if you have kids."
Scottish Sun
25-04-2025
- Health
- Scottish Sun
Warning over ‘dangerous' method most use to reduce a child's fever after mum's ‘mistake' almost cost her son's life
A sudden temperature contrast 'can trigger a seizure or even collapse the cardiovascular system,' a doctor said HOT TAKE Warning over 'dangerous' method most use to reduce a child's fever after mum's 'mistake' almost cost her son's life WHEN your child has a fever, reaching for a cold flannel might seem like an obvious fix. However, doctors generally advise against it, as it can sometimes make the fever worse or trigger serious complications. Advertisement 3 The parent sponged his chest, back, neck and head, the doctor explained in a social media post Credit: Getty "If a child is suddenly cooled too rapidly, particularly if they already have a high fever, this can sometimes lead to a rapid shift in body temperature," Dr Suzanne Wylie, GP and medical adviser for IQdoctor, told Sun Health. "In rare cases, this can increase the risk of a febrile seizure - especially in young children who are already susceptible." And although these types of seizures are generally brief and not harmful in the long term, they can be very frightening for parents. "It's much safer to reduce temperature gently and gradually," she adds. Advertisement The warning comes after Dr Christabel Akinola shared a tale on Instagram about a mum who sponged her child with cold water from the fridge when she noticed he was burning up. The parent sponged his chest, back, neck and head, the doctor explained in a social media post. The boy then shivered violently and stopped moving – he was then rushed to hospital. 'Do you know that you should not use cold water for tepid sponging during a fever?' Dr Akinola, said. Advertisement She said the sudden temperature contrast 'can trigger a seizure or even collapse the cardiovascular system'. This is because applying something cold to the skin causes the blood vessels near the surface to constrict, in a process called vasoconstriction, Dr Suzanne explained. A Guide to Common Childhood Illnesses and Treatments "This response reduces heat loss through the skin and can trap heat deeper in the body, potentially making the fever worse," she said. This level of stress on the body can also impact the heart and circulatory system. Advertisement "In extreme cases, this could lead to serious complications, such as a heart attack or shock, especially in vulnerable people, like young children," Dr Suzanne added. On top of this, sudden exposure to cold can be uncomfortable for the child and may lead to shivering, "which in turn can increase the body's temperature," she added. Instead of using a flannel, the best thing you can do for a child suffering from a fever is to keep them cool, not cold. 3 Dr Christabel Akinola shared a tale on Instagram about a mum who sponged her child with cold water Credit: Instagram/@drbelswellness Advertisement 3 The boy then shivered violently and stopped moving – he was then rushed to hospital Credit: Instagram/@drbelswellness "Dress them in light clothing," Professor Franklin Joseph, consultant physician and head of Dr Frank's Clinic, also told Sun health. "Keep the room at a moderate temperature, and ensure they're well hydrated," he added. "You can also give age-appropriate doses of paracetamol or ibuprofen to help bring the fever down." Advertisement Let a fever run That said, it is sometimes important to let a fever run its course. 'Fever is a natural and important part of the body's immune response," Prof Franklin said. "When the body detects an infection, it raises its internal temperature because many bacteria and viruses cannot survive at higher temperatures," he added. "In other words, the fever is a defence mechanism, helping the body fight off infection more effectively.' Advertisement 'Automatically suppressing every fever can sometimes prolong illness by interfering with this natural response." When to call for help According to the NHS, parents should seek medical attention if their child is under three months old with a temperature over 38°C - or if the fever lasts more than five days. "Other red flags include difficulty breathing, a rash that doesn't fade under pressure, seizures, unusual drowsiness, persistent vomiting," Prof Franklin said. "Also look out for signs of dehydration such as a dry mouth and no wet nappies. Advertisement "If in doubt, trust your instincts and speak to a doctor.'
