Latest news with #RachelWard
BBC News
23-07-2025
- Politics
- BBC News
Reading council accused of 'hostile' takeover consultation
A council has been accused of a "hostile act" for asking people living in five West Berkshire villages how they would feel about coming under its Pangbourne, Calcot, Purley-on-Thames and Tilehurst all currently sit under the umbrella of West Berkshire Reading Borough Council says it wants to take responsibility for them instead, and has launched a is a move opposed by West Berkshire Council, but Reading says it would never have suggested it had its neighbour not announced it wanted to merge with two Oxfordshire authorities. Reading will now consult with the 32,000 or so people living in the five villages on its western will ask what they think of its plan to absorb them into what it is increasingly keen on calling Greater Reading. At a meeting to discuss its next moves, Reading councillor Adele Barnett-Ward said they had never planned to be in this position."I just find it bizarre - West Berkshire started it. We've just commented on it," she fellow councillor Rachel Ward said: "I don't think any of us in a million years would have suggested this proposal if it hadn't been for Ridgeway Council being created out of the ether."No matter how we got here, the people living in these villages now find themselves in the middle of a war of words between the two the next few months the people living in the villages at the heart of this political row can expect to be hit by a blizzard of councils will be eager to hear their views and get their points across, no doubt be couched in neutral with the leader of West Berkshire Council having already accused Reading of trying to pull off a "land grab" and a "hostile act", and Reading councillors calling its neighbour's behaviour "bizarre", neutrality does not appear to be the order of the day. You can follow BBC Berkshire on Facebook, X (Twitter), or Instagram.
Daily Mail
24-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
Kmart sends shoppers running over new $5 must-have item: 'I'm dying over these'
Kmart has launched a charming $5 mug that's capturing hearts and turning heads in homeware aisles across Australia. The new ceramic strawberry mug, part of the retailer's growing line-up of whimsical kitchen pieces, features a soft pink glaze, rounded silhouette, and delicate 3D strawberry details. Each mug is uniquely finished, with subtle variations in texture and glaze, giving it the feel of a handcrafted boutique find, without the boutique price tag. As temperatures drop and shoppers seek comfort in their morning routines, this latest release has quickly become a winter favourite. The mug has already made waves on social media after being shared by content creator Rachel Ward for its nostalgic, almost cottagecore appeal, and is being styled alongside Kmart's popular pastel tableware and seasonal kitchen decor. With its playful design and under-$10 price point, the strawberry mug taps into Kmart's tried-and-true formula: accessible trend pieces that feel both affordable and elevated. It follows in the footsteps of other viral homewares from the retailer, like the now-sold-out mushroom lamp and the boucle vanity stool, which both became cult favourites almost overnight. An anonymous shopper told FEMAIL: 'I walked past it and literally gasped. It looks like something you'd buy from a cute ceramic store, not Kmart. I want two - one for me and one for my sister, who collects mugs. She's going to scream.' While the mug is yet to be formally included in Kmart's upcoming August Living range, its early arrival appears to be a soft launch of the new season's focus on charm, texture, and individuality in everyday items. The piece is already drawing comparisons to vintage European crockery and handmade pottery, with its soft pastel tone and curved handle designed to nestle perfectly in the hand. It's lightweight but sturdy - ideal for morning tea, cosy hot chocolates, or simply sitting pretty on a kitchen shelf. In a homewares landscape increasingly driven by minimalist neutrals or high-end statement pieces, Kmart's mug offers something different: warmth, playfulness, and a gentle nod to nostalgia. And while it may seem like a small thing - just a $5 mug - shoppers say these little touches make a big difference. Kmart has not confirmed how long the mug will remain in stores, but given the speed at which similar items have sold out in the past, fans are being encouraged to act quickly. The mug is already flying off the shelves. It's proof yet again that when it comes to trendy, affordable homeware, Kmart knows exactly what Australians want - and it delivers.
Scottish Sun
14-06-2025
- Health
- Scottish Sun
The 9 life-saving questions to ask your partner, dad or brother NOW – without being accused of nagging
Read on for tips for navigating a defensive partner MAN ALIVE The 9 life-saving questions to ask your partner, dad or brother NOW – without being accused of nagging Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) FATHER'S Day is all about appreciating the men in our lives, whether they're husbands, dads or grandads. And the best present you can give them? 4 We have nine life-saving questions to ask the man in your life To talk about their health. Men are notorious for avoiding the GP – almost half feel under pressure to 'tough it out' when it comes to health worries, and one in three feel that speaking about their health issues threatens to make them look weak, according to the Office for National Statistics' Health Insight Survey of 1,000 men. But women can help nudge them. 'We get a lot of men saying they're coming in because their partner's told them to,' says Dr Rachel Ward, GP at Woodlands Medical Centre in Didcot. So, this Father's Day, take our quiz with your loved one to help turn their health around. 1. Are you exercising? Regular exercise is one of the best things you can do for your health – physically and mentally. 'People underestimate how much healthier you feel,' says Dr Ward. It can also improve sleep, eating habits and your sex life. WHAT NEXT? The NHS says you should do 150 minutes of moderate, or 75 minutes of vigorous, exercise a week. How women can give their man a health MOT Don't know where to start? 'A half-hour afternoon walk will transform your day,' says Dr Ward, who recommends doing this five times a week. 2. Have you checked your vitals? 'High blood pressure or cholesterol predisposes you to heart attack and stroke, but it is a silent disease – frequently, you won't have symptoms,' says Dr Ward. 'It's important to get blood pressure and cholesterol checked, because they can be doing damage, even though you're oblivious.' 4 It's important to keep your blood pressure in check WHAT NEXT? 'Pharmacists offer free blood pressure tests, and from age 40, you can have the NHS Health Check, which checks blood pressure and cholesterol, and for diabetes,' says Dr Ward 3. Have you had any ongoing pain? We all have a little pain here and there. 'If you had knee pain and you were older with some arthritis, it's less concerning,' says Dr Ward. 'But chronic pain is not good and affects mobility and mood. "You shouldn't just soldier on. Certain pains could relate to an underlying cancer.' For example, abdominal pain could be caused by pancreatic or bowel cancer. WHAT NEXT? If you have a new pain that's not going away, get it checked out by a GP. 4. Have you thought about stopping smoking? Newsflash – smoking is really bad for you. 'It's a huge risk factor for multiple cancers, but also heart disease and stroke,' says Dr Ward. It is bad for every organ system and it can kill you.' 4 Smoking is a huge risk factor for multiple cancers, but also heart disease and stroke WHAT NEXT? 'It's a really difficult thing to give up,' Dr Ward says. 'But you've got a much higher chance of being successful if you get help.' Local free NHS stop-smoking services are a great starting point. 5. Who do you talk to when you're overwhelmed? 'Men, especially older generations, are still not great at admitting to themselves when they're feeling overwhelmed,' says Dr Ward. 'Men are less likely to talk about it with mates than women are.' But it's vital that they do get talking – 75% of those who die by suicide in the UK are male.* WHAT NEXT? 'Thinking: 'Who is a person I can trust?' is a healthy conversation to have, even if you are feeling well,' says Dr Ward. Visit which runs free mental health sessions, and Samaritans are available 24/7 on 116 123. 6. Have you weighed yourself recently? Obesity is a key driver of diabetes and heart disease, according to the World Health Organisation. 'But people don't realise how much of a predisposing factor it is for cancer,' says Dr Ward. 'It has a massive impact on every aspect of health.' WHAT NEXT? Suggest the whole family look at creating healthier habits, such as daily walks or preparing meals together from scratch. GPs may be able to refer you to free NHS weight services. 7. Do you pee easily? While getting up in the night to wee, hesitancy, reduced flow and dribbling are associated with ageing, Dr Ward warns: 'They can also be symptoms of prostate cancer,' which is the most common cancer in men in the UK. Other symptoms are feeling like the bladder has not fully emptied and blood in urine or semen. However, many men do not have symptoms, especially in the early stages of disease, so it is vital to be aware of the risk, which increases with age. 'If you have a family history and if you are black, you have increased risk,' says Dr Ward. Thankfully, caught early, the disease is manageable. WHAT NEXT? 'New or worsening symptoms should be a trigger to speak to your GP and get your prostate checked,' says Dr Ward, who adds that men should not feel embarrassed. 'Urinary and bowel symptoms are bread and butter for us.' Use the risk checker at Prostatecancer or talk to your GP. 8. How are things in the bedroom? Admittedly, this is probably one to ask your partner, rather than your dad! But sexual dysfunction is not something to be brushed off. 4 Sexual dysfunction can be a sign of prostate cancer, diabetes, or mental health problems 'It can be a sign of prostate cancer, diabetes, mental health problems and relationship issues,' says Dr Ward. It can also warn of heart health issues. WHAT NEXT? Men should always speak to their GP about erectile dysfunction. It can be caused by other medications, so a GP can consider alternatives, while Viagra is available over the counter in pharmacies. 9. How much are you drinking? There are huge health repercussions from excess drinking, says Dr Ward. 'It increases the risk of cancer, liver disease, cognitive impairment, mood and more.' The NHS-recommended limit is up to 14 units spread over one week, the equivalent of around six pints of average-strength beer. WHAT NEXT? If you are worried about a loved one's drinking, start with a chat about it. Avoid judgement and instead express concern, care and support. Encourage them to use resources such as the DrinkControl: Alcohol Tracker app, Alcohol Change UK, or to see their GP. Don't be a nag (but do get results) Sex therapist and head of clinical practice at Relate, Ammanda Major, shares her tips for navigating a defensive partner. Skip the guilt trip. 'Try speaking from a caring position instead,' says Ammanda. 'Avoid negative statements like: 'You never go to the doctor.'' Instead, invite conversation with caring language. 'Say: 'I really love you and I feel a bit concerned. "I wondered whether it'd be an idea to see the doctor. What do you think?' "Don't blame, and be curious about the responses.' Find a quiet moment to address the issue. 'Don't bring it up mid-row,' says Ammanda. Unlock even more award-winning articles as The Sun launches brand new membership programme - Sun Club.
The Irish Sun
14-06-2025
- Health
- The Irish Sun
The 9 life-saving questions to ask your partner, dad or brother NOW – without being accused of nagging
FATHER'S Day is all about appreciating the men in our lives, whether they're husbands, dads or grandads. And the best present you can give them? Advertisement 4 We have nine life-saving questions to ask the man in your life To talk about their health. Men are notorious for avoiding the GP – almost half feel under pressure to 'tough it out' when it comes to health worries, and one in three feel that speaking about their health issues threatens to make them look weak, according to the Office for National Statistics' Health Insight Survey of 1,000 men. But women can help nudge them. 'We get a lot of men saying they're coming in because their partner's told them to,' says Dr Rachel Ward, GP at Woodlands Medical Centre in Didcot. Advertisement READ MORE HEALTH NEWS So, this Father's Day, take our quiz with your loved one to help turn their health around. 1. Are you exercising? Regular exercise is one of the best things you can do for your health – physically and mentally. 'People underestimate how much healthier you feel,' says Dr Ward. It can also improve sleep, eating habits and your sex life. Advertisement Most read in Men's Health Exclusive WHAT NEXT? The NHS says you should do 150 minutes of moderate, or 75 minutes of vigorous, exercise a week. How women can give their man a health MOT Don't know where to start? 'A 2. Have you checked your vitals? ' Advertisement 'It's important to get blood pressure and 4 It's important to keep your blood pressure in check WHAT NEXT? 'Pharmacists offer free blood pressure tests, and from age 40, you can have the NHS Health Check, which checks blood pressure and cholesterol, and for diabetes,' says Dr Ward 3. Have you had any ongoing pain? We all have a little pain here and there. Advertisement 'If you had knee pain and you were older with some 'But chronic pain is not good and affects mobility and mood. "You shouldn't just soldier on. Certain pains could relate to an underlying cancer.' For example, abdominal pain could be caused by pancreatic or bowel cancer. Advertisement WHAT NEXT? If you have a new pain that's not going away, get it checked out by a GP. 4. Have you thought about stopping smoking? Newsflash – smoking is really bad for you. 'It's a huge risk factor for multiple cancers, but also heart disease and stroke,' says Dr Ward. It is bad for every organ system and it can kill you.' 4 Smoking is a huge risk factor for multiple cancers, but also heart disease and stroke Advertisement WHAT NEXT? 'It's a really difficult thing to give up,' Dr Ward says. 'But you've got a much higher chance of being successful if you get help.' Local free NHS stop-smoking services are a great starting point. 5. Who do you talk to when you're overwhelmed? 'Men, especially older generations, are still not great at admitting to themselves when they're feeling overwhelmed,' says Dr Ward. Advertisement 'Men are less likely to talk about it with mates than women are.' But it's vital that they do get talking – 75% of those who die by suicide in the UK are male.* WHAT NEXT? 'Thinking: 'Who is a person I can trust?' is a healthy conversation to have, even if you are feeling well,' says Dr Ward. Visit which runs free mental health sessions, and Samaritans are available 24/7 on 116 123. Advertisement 6. Have you weighed yourself recently? Obesity is a key driver of diabetes and heart disease, according to the World Health Organisation. 'But people don't realise how much of a predisposing factor it is for cancer,' says Dr Ward. 'It has a massive impact on every aspect of health.' WHAT NEXT? Suggest the whole family look at creating healthier habits, such as daily walks or preparing meals together from scratch. Advertisement GPs may be able to refer you to free NHS weight services. 7. Do you pee easily? While Other symptoms are feeling like the bladder has not fully emptied and blood in urine or semen. However, many men do not have symptoms, especially in the early stages of disease, so it is vital to be aware of the risk, which increases with age. Advertisement 'If you have a family history and if you are black, you have increased risk,' says Dr Ward. Thankfully, caught early, the disease is manageable. WHAT NEXT? 'New or worsening symptoms should be a trigger to speak to your GP and get your prostate checked,' says Dr Ward, who adds that men should not feel embarrassed. 'Urinary and bowel symptoms are bread and butter for us.' Advertisement Use the risk checker at Prostatecancer or talk to your GP. 8. How are things in the bedroom? Admittedly, this is probably one to ask your partner, rather than your dad! But sexual dysfunction is not something to be brushed off. 4 Sexual dysfunction can be a sign of prostate cancer, diabetes, or mental health problems Advertisement 'It can be a sign of prostate cancer, diabetes, mental health problems and relationship issues,' says Dr Ward. It can also warn of heart health issues. WHAT NEXT? Men should always speak to their GP about erectile dysfunction. It can be caused by other medications, so a GP can consider alternatives, while Advertisement 9. How much are you drinking? There are huge health repercussions from excess drinking, says Dr Ward. 'It increases the risk of cancer, liver disease, cognitive impairment, mood and more.' The WHAT NEXT? If you are worried about a loved one's drinking, start with a chat about it. Advertisement Avoid judgement and instead express concern, care and support. Encourage them to use resources such as the DrinkControl: Alcohol Tracker app, Alcohol Change UK, or to see their GP. Don't be a nag (but do get results) Sex therapist and head of clinical practice at Relate, Ammanda Major, shares her tips for navigating a defensive partner. Skip the guilt trip. 'Try speaking from a caring position instead,' says Ammanda. Advertisement 'Avoid negative statements like: 'You never go to the doctor.'' Instead, invite conversation with caring language. 'Say: 'I really love you and I feel a bit concerned. "I wondered whether it'd be an idea to see the doctor. What do you think?' "Don't blame, and be curious about the responses.' Advertisement Find a quiet moment to address the issue. 'Don't bring it up mid-row,' says Ammanda. Unlock even more award-winning articles as The Sun launches brand new membership programme - Sun Club.
Yahoo
29-05-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Woman charged with neglect after elderly man found dead in Cobb home
A woman is being held without bond after police say they found a man dead inside a home. Cobb County police say they were called to a home on Stoneridge Drive around 4:30 a.m. on Wednesday morning for an unresponsive man. [DOWNLOAD: Free WSB-TV News app for alerts as news breaks] When they got there, they found a man dead. His identity has not been released. Investigators say they believe foul play was involved. Rachel Ward, 62, has been arrested and charged with neglect of an elderly person. TRENDING STORIES: 'Life doesn't feel real:' Family mourns GA 9-year-old found shot in car Marietta hotel fined women hundreds for smoking, but they say other activities tripped sensors Warrant: R&B singer Jaheim had animal control called on him 3 times before Atlanta arrest She is being held in the Cobb County Detention Center. Channel 2 Action News is working to learn more details on what led up to Ward's arrest. [SIGN UP: WSB-TV Daily Headlines Newsletter]
