Latest news with #Marfan
Hamilton Spectator
a day ago
- Entertainment
- Hamilton Spectator
From ‘World of Warcraft' to wedding vows: Community rallies to help Toronto man with terminal illness tie the knot
When Steve Capalbo first met Crystal Soto in 2005, it was in Menethil Harbor — a virtual port town in 'World of Warcraft.' He had simply set out to give away some of the in-game flowers he'd collected. She happened to be the one who asked. At just 17, Capalbo, born and raised in Toronto, had no idea that the New York girl he met would become his best friend and true love for the next 20 years. She stood by him through a series of health challenges caused by Marfan syndrome and two open-heart surgeries. In June, when Capalbo — who had been given just two years to live by his doctors — learned he would need a third heart surgery, he proposed to Soto by his hospital bed, and she said yes. Marking their 20th anniversary since meeting online, Capalbo and Soto exchanged vows at Woodbine Heights Baptist Church on Sunday. This time, Soto carried a bridal bouquet of real flowers, including purple coneflowers and phlox. Initially, due to financial constraints, they had planned for a modest ceremony, but several posts in Facebook community groups sparked an outpouring of generosity that transformed their wedding beyond their expectations. Strangers and neighbours — many of whom had never met the couple — rallied together to provide a wedding dress, sandwiches, a cake, professional makeup, a long table filled with dishes and treats and even wedding rings, which were handed to the pastor mere minutes before the ceremony began. 'I would have been happy with just this small ceremony, but the community has made this something truly astounding. I'm immensely grateful,' said the six-foot-10 Capalbo, wearing a black vest and blue shirt. Capalbo said he had always wanted to marry Soto but was waiting until they had saved more money. Eventually, the couple realized they needed nothing more than each other. Initially, due to financial constraints, Steven Capalbo had planned for a modest ceremony, but several posts in Facebook community groups sparked an outpouring of generosity that transformed their wedding beyond imagination. The Monday before the ceremony, Capalbo caught his mom, Ann Cordingley, off-guard by saying he wanted to get married on Sunday. 'He said we're just gonna have cake, and the people from church,' Cordingley said. 'You gotta have something more than that, some sort of lunch, so I'll see what I can do.' Cordingley, facing financial difficulties, posted on Facebook asking friends and family for help. Her post was spotted by friend Cindy Monk-Fuller, and founder of the non-profit group Community Angels Toronto, who then shared it across several other Facebook communities. Within a few days, word spread quickly in the community: Monk-Fuller got busy updating the couple with their latest schedules, with appointments for hair, beard trimming, makeup and fittings. Someone even donated their points to get the couple a hotel for the night to celebrate. 'I never expected the outpouring, I just put the word out,' she said. David Brown, owner of the restaurant Fearless Meat, said he didn't hesitate when he received a call for help Friday morning and donated 40 specialty bacon sandwiches for the couple. 'I hope this will be an inspiration to other people out there to help,' he said. 'There are so many people out there right now that are struggling, and anything we could do to help them out is a blessing.' Christina Hotton, the owner of Celebrations Bakeshop, saw Monk-Fuller's Facebook post on Friday afternoon and immediately decided to pitch in by making a vanilla cake with chocolate ganache inside. 'I just feel very strong moral responsibility to share what we have with other people,' Hotton said. 'Even though we live independently, we have to be very aware of our community, and we can't take anything ever for granted.' At the ceremony, Pastor Bob Paterson-Watt — who first met Capalbo in 2009 — delivered a heartfelt blessing, laced with game-themed jokes that nodded to the couple's unique journey. 'Some couples call for a far more formal experience … that was not what they wanted or needed. They needed to feel just the lightness and the delight of being together with people who love them,' Paterson-Watt said. Steven Capalbo and Crystal Soto at their wedding party on Sunday. Soto, 36, who travelled to Canada several times every year to visit Capalbo, said she is 'completely overwhelmed' and moved by the kindness of the community and Capalbo's family. 'They just wanted to make this day so special. It really is. I'm never gonna forget it,' she said, wearing a white dress adorned with floral lace sleeves. Watching her son lock eyes with his bride and hold her hand tight, Cordingley said she was thrilled to see Capalbo become the first of her three sons to get married. 'I just love that he's happy and they love each other. She loves him just as much as he loves her.' Error! Sorry, there was an error processing your request. There was a problem with the recaptcha. Please try again. You may unsubscribe at any time. By signing up, you agree to our terms of use and privacy policy . This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google privacy policy and terms of service apply. Want more of the latest from us? Sign up for more at our newsletter page .
Toronto Star
a day ago
- Entertainment
- Toronto Star
From ‘World of Warcraft' to wedding vows: Community rallies to help Toronto man with terminal illness tie the knot
When Steve Capalbo first met Crystal Soto in 2005, it was in Menethil Harbor — a virtual port town in 'World of Warcraft.' He had simply set out to give away some of the in-game flowers he'd collected. She happened to be the one who asked. At just 17, Capalbo, born and raised in Toronto, had no idea that the New York girl he met would become his best friend and true love for the next 20 years. She stood by him through a series of health challenges caused by Marfan syndrome and two open-heart surgeries.
Daily Mirror
04-07-2025
- Health
- Daily Mirror
DWP PIP benefit pays £749 every month if you have muscle or joint condition
Personal Independence Payment (PIP) is a benefit designed for people who need extra help with everyday tasks due to an illness, disability or mental health condition. It is worth up to £749.80 every four weeks and is paid by the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP). PIP is not an out of work benefit, so you may be eligible for PIP if you are currently in working. How much you could get in PIP all depends on how your condition your health condition or disability affects your life. There is no set list of conditions that make you eligible for PIP. According to DWP data, there are more than one million adults who receive PIP for musculoskeletal conditions, out of the 3.7million who claim PIP overall. Musculoskeletal conditions are injuries and disorders that affect the body's movement or musculoskeletal system such as muscles, tendons, ligaments, nerves, discs and blood vessels PIP is made up of two components - a daily living rate and a mobility rate - and you can be entitled to both or just one of these. If you are eligible for both the enhanced rate of the daily living allowance and the mobility allowance, you would receive £749.80 a month. Daily Living Standard rate: £73.90 a week Enhanced rate: £110.40 a week Mobility Standard rate: £29.20 a week Enhanced rate: £77.05 a week List of 87 musculoskeletal conditions which could get you PIP General conditions Osteoarthritis Osteoarthritis of Hip Osteoarthritis of Knee Osteoarthritis of other single joint Primary generalised Osteoarthritis Chronic pain syndrome Chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) Fibromyalgia Pain syndromes - Chronic - Other / type not known Inflammatory arthritis Ankylosing spondylitis Arthritis - Psoriatic Arthritis - Reactive Inflammatory arthritis - Other / type not known Juvenile chronic arthritis (Still's disease) Rheumatoid arthritis Crystal deposition disorders Crystal deposition disorders - Other / type not known Gout Pseudogout Osteonecrosis and osteochondritis Osteochondritis Osteonecrosis Metabolic and endocrine disorders Osteomalacia Osteoporosis Other metabolic and endocrine disorders of musculoskeletal system Paget's disease Rickets Genetic disorders, dysplasias and malformations Achondroplasia Epiphyseal dysplasia - multiple Genetic disorders, dysplasias and malformations - Other / type not known Hereditary multiple exostosis (diaphyseal aclasis) Hypermobility syndrome Marfan's syndrome Osteogenesis imperfecta Benign tumours of bone Tumours of bone - benign Fracture complications Compartment syndrome (Volkmann's ischaemia) Fracture complications - Other / type not known Sudek's atrophy Other generalised musculoskeletal conditions Generalised musculoskeletal disease - Other / type not known Regional conditions Shoulder disorders Adhesive capsulitis (frozen shoulder) Rotator cuff disorder Shoulder disorders - Other / type not known Shoulder instability Elbow disorders Elbow disorders - Other / type not known Golfers elbow (medial epicondylitis) Tennis elbow (lateral epicondylitis) Wrist and hand disorders Carpal tunnel syndrome Dupuytren's contracture Tendon lesions Tenosynovitis Wrist and hand disorders - Other / type not known Neck disorders Cervical disc lesion Cervical spondylosis Neck disorders - Other / type not known Whiplash injury Non specific back pain Back pain - Non specific (mechanical) Specific back pain Back pain - Specific - Other / type not known Kyphosis Lumbar disc lesion Lumbar spondylosis (OA spine) Schuermann's disease Scoliosis Spinal stenosis Spondylolisthesis Hip disorders Dislocation of the hip - congenital Hip disorders - Other / type not known Perthes disease Slipped upper femoral epiphysis Knee disorders Bursitis Chondromalacia patellae Knee disorders - Other / type not known Ligamentous instability of knee Meniscal lesions Osgood schlatters disease Osteochondritis dissecans Patellar dislocation - Recurrent Ankle and foot disorders Ankle and foot disorders - Other / type not known Club foot (talipes) Fore foot pain (Metatarsalgia) Hallux valgus /rigidus Amputations Amputation - Lower limb(s) Amputation - Upper limb(s) Amputations - Upper & Lower limb/s Injuries/fracture/Dislocation Abdomen - Injuries/Fracture/Dislocation of Lower limb - Injuries/Fracture/Dislocation of Multiple - Injuries/Fracture/Dislocation Pelvis - Injuries/Fracture/Dislocation of Spine - Injuries/Fracture/Dislocation of Thorax - Injury/Fracture/Dislocation of Upper limb - Injury/Fracture/Dislocation of Other regional musculoskeletal disease Musculoskeletal disease - Regional / Localised - Other / type not known
Time of India
15-06-2025
- Health
- Time of India
Hibiscus tea vs green tea: Which has more antioxidants and is healthier
Hibiscus and green tea, both celebrated for their health benefits, offer unique advantages. Green tea, rich in catechins, excels in promoting general wellness, metabolic function, and cognitive clarity, while hibiscus tea shines in managing blood pressure and cholesterol levels. Choosing between them depends on individual health goals, as both are suitable for daily consumption. They say there's nothing a cup of tea can't fix, and it's true to some extent, especially when the tea in question is hibiscus tea or green tea. Both hailed as healthy beverages, hibiscus tea and green tea are known for their vibrant flavours and various health benefits. But which one is better? Hibiscus tea or green tea, when it comes to antioxidants and other benefits. Let's take a look. Hibiscus tea Hibiscus tea is made from the bright coloured flowers of the hibiscus plant. The Hibiscus genus encompasses a wide variety of flowers, with blooms that differ in size and color. Some are red-orange, pink, yellow, and even white. Dried blooms are used in tea. The Roselle variety, or Hibiscus sabdariffa, is also used to make tea. It has antispastic, diuretic, and antifebrile properties, and hence the blooms are used to make tea, and the leaves are edible, with their sepals rich in organic acids, sugars, vitamins, and nutrients. Hibiscus is rich in anthocyanins and flavonoids. Research shows that hibiscus has a total phenolic content ranging from 6-20 mg/g, with anthocyanins contributing to its vibrant red hue and antioxidant capacity. A 2020 study found that hibiscus can improve the immune response and reduce inflammation in rainbow trout, thus supporting the health of the fish after it is exposed to the toxic influence of ammonia. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Вот что поза во сне говорит о вашем характере! Удивительные Новости Undo Hibiscus is rich in antioxidants, compounds that combat oxidative stress and reduce the risk of chronic diseases like heart disease and cancer. A 2016 study in people with Marfan syndrome, a disorder that affects connective tissue, found that an infusion of hibiscus extract reduced oxidative stress and increased antioxidant levels in the blood. Covid Scare Over! Sonakshi Sinha Confirms Negative Test With A Smile Hibiscus tea has shown promise in managing blood pressure and cholesterol. It also reduces LDL cholesterol and triglycerides. Its diuretic properties may also support kidney health. Green tea Green tea has long been known to have health benefits. It is made from the leaves of the Camellia sinensis plant. These leaves are harvested, then steamed, pan-fried, or heated in a unique way to stop oxidation. Its rich in polyphenols, particularly catechins like epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG). Studies indicate green tea contains 20-45% polyphenols by weight, with EGCG being a potent antioxidant linked to anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer properties. The catechins in green tea are linked to improved cardiovascular health, weight management, and cognitive function. A 2020 review of 11 studies found that green tea can help reduce body weight, body mass index (BMI), and belly fat in people with type 2 diabetes. A 2022 study in people with a cluster of heart disease risk factors has shown that consuming green tea extract for four weeks can reduce blood sugar levels and improve gut health by lowering inflammation and decreasing leaky gut. Green tea is also linked with reduced LDL cholesterol and blood pressure. The L-theanine in green tea promotes relaxation without drowsiness, and also supports mental clarity. Which is better? The healthier choice really depends on individual needs. Green tea is known to have a broader antioxidant profile and bioavailability compared to Hibiscus tea. It is often useful for general wellness, particularly for metabolic and cognitive benefits. Green tea also has anti-cancer properties. Hibiscus tea, on the other hand, may be best to target blood pressure or cholesterol management. As both of them are low-calorie, caffeine-free (hibiscus) or low-caffeine (green tea) options, it's suitable for daily consumption. NB: This information is based on internet research and is intended for general knowledge only. It should not be considered a substitute for professional medical advice. One step to a healthier you—join Times Health+ Yoga and feel the change
The Star
29-05-2025
- Business
- The Star
24 Malaysian OKUs to showcase their skills at MAB's Entrepreneurs Day event
Blind crafter Saravanan Velayuthan is adept at weaving and basic woodworking, and has been using his crafting skills to eke out a living for the last 25 years. The 54-year old's specialty lies in making nylon-woven footstools, stools and tables. "Weaving isn't difficult. Anything is easy if you have the interest," says the affable Saravanan during an interview at the Malaysian Association for the Blind (MAB) in Brickfields, Kuala Lumpur recently. Despite being blind and living with Marfan syndrome, Saravanan has spent 25 years perfecting his craft. Photo: The Star/Sheela Chandran There, he was completing a few woven stools, all of which will be displayed at MAB's Entrepreneurs Day, taking place from May 31 - June 1 (10.30am - 4.30pm) at MAB, KL. The objectives of the event include enhancing entrepreneurship and employability among persons with disabilities (OKU) and boosting their confidence to compete in the open market. A total of 24 entrepreneurs – from the visually impaired, physically disabled, deaf and those with intellectual disabilities – will be taking part in the event. Many items will be on sale, including handcrafted and homemade products made by the OKU individuals such as handicrafts, food, beverages, snacks, light meals, accessories and personal care products. And let's not forget Saravanan's woven stools, made using different weaving techniques like checkered weave, diagonal weave and honeycomb weave. Events like these mean a lot to the disabled community as they offer a chance to showcase their talents and earn some extra income. Often, this group of individuals isn't given the opportunity to shine due to a lack of support or exposure. Saravanan's stools are reasonably priced, ranging from RM130 to RM160 each. It takes him about two days to weave the design and make a stool. "About 98% of the work is handmade. Everything is done by my hands except for the thermo-treated meranti wood. This wood undergoes a heating process, making it stronger. I live in Shah Alam, and my son has to drive me to Kajang, Selangor to buy the wood from a sawmill factory," says Johor-born Saravanan, adding that one roll of nylon thread costs about RM15. Each handcrafted stool takes Saravanan two days to complete, using different weaving techniques. Photo: The Star/Sheela Chandran Yet some of his customers complain that the stools are too expensive. "Many people tend to bargain and ask for a cheaper price. It takes time to make the stool and complete the weaving, and I am blind," says Saravanan, who uses counting methods and his tactile skills to guide him through the weaving process. Saravanan also has Marfan syndrome, a genetic disorder that affects connective tissues. The disorder caused him to have problems with his eyes, which eventually led to blindness in his late 20s. Prior to that, he worked as a lorry driver, and he says he is blessed to have been able to see the face of his youngest daughter until she was five. After becoming blind, he signed up for a crafting course offered by MAB. From there, he eventually worked as a woodworking trainer for MAB for several years until MAB closed down its woodworking workshops due to low response from the blind. Today, Saravanan works from his flat in Taman Alam Megah. In a month, he can make five to 10 stools, earning between RM650 and RM1,600. It is not much but he's grateful three of his four grown-up children are already independent and earning an income. A pillar of support, Devayani (right) assists her father with his work, from painting stools to handling logistics. His eldest daughter Devayani, 25, works as a Braille publishing clerk with MAB. His kids assist him with his work, from painting stools to handling logistics. "When the kids were younger, it was very difficult to make ends meet as I was the sole breadwinner. Thankfully the Social Welfare Department gives me some money each month," he says. After mastering the art of nylon weaving, Saravanan now hopes to create opportunities for other visually impaired crafters. It is his dream to eventually have a small space where he can make his goods, and eventually train more blind people to weave. He is keen on Brickfields because it is easy for him to travel by train there, and that's the place where many from the blind community are based. "I dream of opening a workshop where I can teach and give jobs to other blind crafters so they, too, can earn an income. But without a proper space and with so few orders, how can I help them? "I'd love to explore weaving different surfaces like shoe racks. I can also weave traditional Indian beds called charpai. "But I live in a flat - there's no room to work. It's always difficult to craft these things at home, with my neighbours complaining whenever I do drilling work. "Hopefully my dreams will come true one day," he says.
