Justin Timberlake says he's been diagnosed with Lyme disease
Timberlake shared the news in a post commemorating his Forget Tomorrow tour, which wrapped in Turkey on Wednesday, adding that the disease 'can be relentlessly debilitating, both mentally and physically'.
The SexyBack singer, who described himself as a private person, wrote that he considered ending the tour when he was diagnosed, but wrote that he 'decided the joy that performing brings me far outweighs the fleeting stress my body was feeling. I'm so glad I kept going'.
Lyme disease is transmitted by Ixodes ticks, also known as deer ticks. It can cause flu-like conditions, neurological problems, joint pain and other symptoms. In the vast majority of cases, Lyme disease is successfully treated with antibiotics.
'I honestly don't know what my future is onstage, but I'll always cherish this run! And all of them before! It's been the stuff of legend for me,' Timberlake wrote.
Timberlake cancelled and postponed multiple shows throughout the tour's run, citing health issues including bronchitis and laryngitis.
Six of his US shows were postponed from October and November to February, the singer announced on Instagram.
Timberlake ultimately cancelled the final show of the American leg of the tour in Ohio due to the flu in February.
Justin Timberlake performed at the Isle of Wight festival (David Rutherford/Isle of Wight Festival/PA)
Representatives for Timberlake did not immediately respond to The Associated Press's request for comment.
Timberlake pleaded guilty to driving while impaired in New York's Hamptons in 2024. As part of his plea deal, the singer gave a public safety announcement in September, urging drivers not to get behind the wheel after drinking.
The 10-time Grammy winner ended the post thanking his wife, Jessica Biel, and their two sons, Silas and Phin, saying 'nothing is more powerful than your unconditional love. You are my heart and my home. I'm on my way'.
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Irish Examiner
2 hours ago
- Irish Examiner
Dozens killed seeking aid in Gaza as Israel considers further military action
At least 38 Palestinians were killed overnight and into Wednesday in the Gaza Strip while seeking aid from United Nations convoys and sites run by an Israeli-backed American contractor, according to local health officials. The Israeli military said it had fired warning shots when crowds approached its forces. The latest deaths came as Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu was expected to announce further military action – and possibly plans for Israel to fully reoccupy Gaza. Trucks carrying humanitarian aid line up as they wait to enter the Rafah crossing between Egypt and the Gaza Strip (Khaled Elfiqi/AP) Experts say Israel's ongoing military offensive and blockade are already pushing the territory of some two million Palestinians into famine. Another escalation of the nearly 22-month war could put the lives of countless Palestinians and around 20 living Israeli hostages at risk, and would draw fierce opposition both internationally and within Israel. Mr Netanyahu's far-right coalition allies have long called for the war to be expanded, and for Israel to eventually take over Gaza, relocate much of its population and rebuild Jewish settlements there. US President Donald Trump, asked by a reporter on Tuesday whether he supported the reoccupation of Gaza, said he was not aware of the 'suggestion' but that 'it's going to be pretty much up to Israel'. At least 28 Palestinians were killed overnight and into Wednesday in the Morag Corridor, an Israeli military zone in southern Gaza where UN convoys have been repeatedly overwhelmed by looters and desperate crowds in recent days, and where witnesses say Israeli forces have repeatedly opened fire. The Israeli military said troops fired warning shots as Palestinians advanced towards them, and that it was not aware of any casualties. Nasser Hospital, which received the bodies, said another four people were killed in the Teina area, on a route leading to a site in southern Gaza run by the Israeli-backed Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF), an American contractor. The Al-Awda Hospital said it received the bodies of six people killed near a GHF site in central Gaza. People inspect the damage at the Sheikh Radwan al-Taba UNRWA clinic following an Israeli army bombardment in Gaza City (Jehad Alshrafi/AP) Another 12 people were killed in Israeli air strikes, according to the two hospitals. The GHF said there were no violent incidents at or near its sites. The military says it tries to avoid harming civilians and blames their deaths on Hamas because its militants are entrenched in heavily populated areas. Israel facilitated the establishment of four GHF sites in May after blocking the entry of all food, medicine and other goods for two-and-a-half months. Israeli and US officials said a new system was needed to prevent Hamas from siphoning off humanitarian aid. The United Nations, which has delivered aid to hundreds of distribution points across Gaza throughout the war when conditions allow, has rejected the new system, saying it forces Palestinians to travel long distances and risk their lives for food, and that it allows Israel to control who gets aid, potentially using it to advance plans for further mass displacement. The UN human rights office said last week that some 1,400 Palestinians have been killed seeking aid since May, mostly near GHF sites but also along UN convoy routes where trucks have been overwhelmed by crowds. It says nearly all were killed by Israeli fire. Humanitarian aid is airdropped to Palestinians over Deir al-Balah, central Gaza Strip (Abdel Kareem Hana/AP) This week, a group of UN special rapporteurs and independent human rights experts called for the GHF to be disbanded, saying it is 'an utterly disturbing example of how humanitarian relief can be exploited for covert military and geopolitical agendas in serious breach of international law'. The experts work with the UN but do not represent the world body. The GHF called their statement 'disgraceful', and urged the UN and other aid groups to work with it 'to maximise the amount of aid being securely delivered to the Palestinian people in Gaza'. The Israeli military says it has only fired warning shots when crowds threatened its forces, and the GHF says its armed contractors have only used pepper spray and fired into the air on some occasions to prevent deadly crowding at its sites. Israel's blockade and military offensive have made it nearly impossible for anyone to safely deliver aid, and aid groups say recent Israeli measures to facilitate more assistance are far from sufficient. Hospitals recorded four more malnutrition-related deaths over the last 24 hours, bringing the total to 193 people, including 96 children, since the war began in October 2023, according to the Gaza Health Ministry. Jordan said Israeli settlers blocked roads and hurled stones at a convoy of four trucks carrying aid bound for Gaza after they drove across the border into the Israeli-occupied West Bank. Israeli far-right activists have repeatedly sought to halt aid from entering Gaza. Palestinians at Shifa Hospital in Gaza City mourn their relative who was killed while trying to reach aid trucks entering the northern Gaza Strip through the Zikim crossing with Israel (Jehad Alshrafi/AP) Jordanian government spokesperson Mohammed al-Momani condemned the attack, which he said had shattered the windscreens of the trucks, according to the Jordanian state-run Petra News Agency. The Israeli military said security forces went to the scene to disperse the gathering and accompanied the trucks to their destination. Hamas-led militants killed some 1,200 people, mostly civilians, in the October 7 attack and abducted another 251. Most of the hostages have been released in ceasefires or other deals. Of the 50 still held in Gaza, around 20 are believed to be alive. Israel's retaliatory offensive has killed more than 61,000 Palestinians, according to Gaza's Health Ministry, which does not say how many were fighters or civilians but says around half were women and children. It is part of the now largely defunct Hamas-run government and staffed by medical professionals. The UN and independent experts consider it the most reliable source for the number of war casualties.
The Irish Sun
7 hours ago
- The Irish Sun
Danielle Lloyd back in hospital for new cancer op as she hits out at stars who spread misinformation over SPF
DANIELLE Lloyd revealed she was back in hospital to remove another mole after her recent skin cancer battle. The model, 41, was diagnosed with melanoma in February and had the suspicious mole near her collarbone removed earlier this year. 7 Danielle Lloyd revealed she was back in hospital to have a suspicious mole biopsied Credit: Instagram 7 The model shared a photo of the changing mole Credit: Instagram 7 Danielle documented the procedure from her hospital bed Credit: Instagram 7 The mum-of-five posted a picture of the mole before the minor procedure Credit: Instagram 7 The TV personality then shared a snap of the scar after the op Credit: Instagram Danielle, who is now cancer-free, was not taking any chances and had a biopsy on another unusual mole on her stomach on Tuesday. The star shared a photo of the mole in question and snaps of her on the bed ahead of the minor surgery procedure. She wrote: "It only looks small but it's definitely changed in colour and size." Documenting her time in hospital, she said: "I was a little bit apprehensive when I was waiting but then I was absolutely fine going in.' She then shared a picture of the mole following the op with stitches in place. Danielle continued: "When I got home I was a little bit sore and a little bit swollen but overall I'm just looking forward to getting some positive results." The mum-of-five described the experience as quick and painless but said she would now have a two month wait until she gets the results. She then urged her followers to beware of their changing moles and to continue to protect yourself with SPF. She added: "Trigger Warning. Today I had another surgery to remove another mole — this time on my stomach. "We're hoping it's just a precaution, but I'll be waiting 8–10 weeks for results. 'My world fell apart' Danielle Lloyd bravely opens up on 'living nightmare' cancer battle "Please don't ignore any changes to your skin. I never thought this would happen to me… until it did. "Early detection saves lives — skin cancer is highly treatable when caught early. "If something doesn't look or feel right, see a doctor. "Protect your skin: Use high SPF. Cover up. Say no to sunbeds. Look after yourself and those around you." Danielle's sunscreen warning comes after ex Towie star Sam Faiers sparked outrage after she revealed her kids never use sunscreen. Samantha was forced to fit back and said she is not a medical expert but said she believes SPF is 'pretty harmful and full of toxic ingredients', adding that her family has 'built a tolerance' to the sun. Her response baffled followers and experts alike. One follower responded: 'You need to delete your story about not wearing sunscreen, I don't think you understand the damage you can do to your followers by promoting this.' Meanwhile, Bruce Green, chartered chemist, scientist and founder of SOS Serum Skincare, says there is 'no such thing as 'building tolerance' to UV rays'. 'Skin damage from UV exposure is cumulative and largely irreversible,' he stressed. SCARY ORDEAL In May, Danielle told The Sun: " Being a mum, I was trying to put a brave face on for everyone, but inside I've been crumbling. "I was worried every single day that I was going to die." In February Danielle shared graphic photos alongside a candid health update to raise awareness of skin cancer - admitting her own patch was smaller than a 5p coin. She had an operation to remove a cancerous patch from just above her collarbone, after spotting a change in a small freckle. She admitted she rarely wore sunscreen with a high SPF, saying: "Honestly, if I did, it was very low factor as I go so brown very quickly. I never thought my skin tone could get skin cancer and if I did anyone can". The mum also said she had ditched sunbeds for the first time in her life. Danielle previously explained she only noticed the difference after looking back at old holiday photos, where the mark appeared noticeably darker and had changed in shape. The TV personality said she was "really shocked" to receive the news and would need to have an operation to determine if it has spread. What is melanoma, what are the symptoms and how can you prevent it? Melanoma is the most serious type of skin cancer that has a tendency to spread around the body. It is diagnosed 16,000 times per year, and tragically takes the lives of 2,340 people per year. The number of people being diagnosed with melanoma is increasing, and it is the 5th most common cancer in the UK. But it is also one of the most preventable cancers, with 86 per cent of cases in the UK avoidable. The best way to protect yourself from melanoma is to be sun safe - wear SPF every day, wear a hat and sunglasses and keep out of the sun in the hottest hours. It is also advised to avoid sunbeds. People who are fair-skinned, have blue or green eyes, blonde or red hair and a large number of freckles or moles are more likely to get skin cancer. Surgery is the main treatment for melanoma, particularly if it is found early. This will involve removing the affected tissue in the skin. Radiotherapy, medicines and chemotherapy are also sometimes used to try and stop the cancer from growing. Treatment depends on the severity of the disease. What are the symptoms? The key thing to look out for are changes to an existing mole, or a new mole on your skin. Most experts recommend using the simple 'ABCDE' rule to look for symptoms of melanoma skin cancer, which can appear anywhere on the body. There are five letters/words to remember: Asymmetrical – melanomas usually have two very different halves and are an irregular shape Border – melanomas usually have a notched or ragged border Colours – melanomas will usually be a mix of two or more colours Diameter – most melanomas are usually larger than 6mm in diameter Enlargement or elevation – a mole that changes size over time is more likely to be a melanoma A mole that changes size, shape or colour may be a melanoma. But other signs to look out for include moles that are: Swollen and sore Bleeding Itchy Crusty How deadly is it? Melanoma is a deadly form of skin cancer. The outlook of a person's disease depends on the stage of the cancer when it was diagnosed. Survival is better for women than it is for men. 'We don't know exactly why this is. It may be because women are more likely to see a doctor about their melanoma at an earlier stage,' says Cancer Research UK. The charity says that generally, statistics show that in England, more than 85 out of every 100 people (more than 85 per cent) will survive their melanoma for 10 years or more after they are diagnosed. Around 100 per cent in England diagnosed with melanoma at stage 1 - when the cancer cells are only in the top layer of skin - will survive for five years or more after drops to 80 per cent for stage 2. Some 70 per cent live for a further five years when they are diagnosed in stage 3, which is when the cancer has started to spread to nearby lymph nodes. At stage 4, when the melanoma has spread elsewhere in the body, almost 30 per cent survive their cancer for 5 years or more. Cancer Research says the stage 4 data does not account for age differences. Age can affect outlook and younger people have a better prognosis than older people. Age can affect outlook and younger people have a better prognosis than older people. What is melanoma? Melanocytes are cells in the skin that give us the colour of our skin because they produce a pigment, known as melanin. When you sit in the sun, melanocytes produce more pigment (a sun tan), which spreads to other skin cells to protect them from the sun's rays. But melanocytes are also where cancer starts. Too much UV causes sunburn, and this is a sign of damage to the skin's DNA. The UV triggers changes in the melanocytes, which makes the genetic material become faulty and cause abnormal cell growth. People who burn easily are more at risk of skin cancer because their cells do not produce as much pigment to protect their skin. Those with albinism are at the most risk because their skin produces no pigment at all. Danielle said the Macmillan nurses at the hospital had "really supported" her after being "shocked" by the health news. She added: "Just honestly, not what I expected today. And I suppose not what anyone expects. "But please guys look after your skin. Stay off sunbeds, wear factor 50. Just look after yourself because honestly you never know what's going to happen." The appearance of a lump or discoloured patch on the skin that continues to persist after a few weeks can be a sign of a form of skin cancer according to the NHS website. A new mole or a change in an existing mole may also be signs of skin cancer. Danielle rose to prominence as a beauty queen who was crowned Miss England 2004 and later Miss Great Britain 2006. 7 Danielle said the procedure was painless but she has a two month wait for the results Credit: Instagram
The Journal
14 hours ago
- The Journal
US Health Secretary RFK Jr halts funding for vaccines to fight Covid-19 and flu
THE US DEPARTMENT of Health and Human Services is to cancel contracts and pull funding for some vaccines that are being developed to fight respiratory viruses like Covid-19 and the flu. Robert F Kennedy Jr announced that 22 projects, totalling $500m (€432m), to develop vaccines using mRNA technology will be halted. This is despite infectious disease experts deeming the vaccines safe and effective. 'We're shifting that funding toward safer, broader vaccine platforms that remain effective even as viruses mutate,' Kennedy said in a statement. 'Let me be absolutely clear: HHS supports safe, effective vaccines for every American who wants them. 'That's why we're moving beyond the limitations of mRNA and investing in better solutions.' Kennedy's decision to terminate the projects is the latest in a string of decisions that have put the long-time vaccine critic's doubts about jabs into full effect at the nation's health department. Since taking office, Kennedy, who spent two decades sowing misinformation around immunisation, has overseen a major overhaul of US health policy – firing, for example, a panel of vaccine experts that advise the government and replacing them with his own appointees. In its first meeting, the new panel promptly voted to ban a longstanding vaccine preservative targeted by the anti-vaccine movement, despite its strong safety record. He has also ordered a sweeping new study on the long-debunked link between vaccines and autism. Last month, he told a meeting of the Vaccine Alliance Gavi that the US would be pulling funding from the organisation indefinitely until the global health organisation has 're-earned the public trust'. Though in development for decades, mRNA vaccines were propelled from lab benches to widespread use through US President Donald Trump's Operation Warp Speed – a public-private partnership led by BARDA that poured billions into companies to accelerate development. The technology's pioneers, Katalin Kariko and Drew Weissman, were awarded the 2023 Nobel Prize in Medicine for their work contributing 'to the unprecedented rate of vaccine development during one of the greatest threats to human health in modern times. RFK criticised mRNA vaccines in a video on his social media accounts, explaining the decision to cancel projects being led by the nation's leading pharmaceutical companies, including Pfizer and Moderna, that offer protection against viruses like the flu, Covid-19 and H5N1. Advertisement 'To replace the troubled mRNA programs, we're prioritising the development of safer, broader vaccine strategies, like whole-virus vaccines and novel platforms that don't collapse when viruses mutate,' Kennedy said in the video. 'Dangerous decision' Infectious disease experts say the mRNA technology used in vaccines is safe, and they credit its development during the first Trump administration with slowing the 2020 coronavirus pandemic. Future pandemics will be harder to stop without the help of mRNA. 'I don't think I've seen a more dangerous decision in public health in my 50 years in the business,' said Mike Osterholm, a University of Minnesota expert on infectious diseases and pandemic preparations. He noted mRNA technology offers potential advantages of rapid production, crucial in the event of a new pandemic that requires a new vaccine. The shelving of the mRNA projects is short-sighted as concerns about a bird flu pandemic continue to loom, said Dr Paul Offit, a vaccine expert at Children's Hospital of Philadelphia. 'It's certainly saved millions of lives,' Offit said of the existing mRNA vaccines. Scientists are using mRNA for more than infectious disease vaccines, with researchers around the world exploring its use for cancer immunotherapies. At the White House earlier this year, billionaire tech entrepreneur Larry Ellison praised mRNA for its potential to treat cancer. Traditionally, vaccines have required growing pieces of viruses, often in chicken eggs or giant vats of cells, then purifying that material. The mRNA approach starts with a snippet of genetic code that carries instructions for making proteins. Scientists pick the protein to target, inject that blueprint and the body makes just enough to trigger immune protection — producing its own vaccine dose. In a statement yesterday, the health department said 'other uses of mRNA technology within the department are not impacted by this announcement'. The mRNA technology is used in approved Covid-19 and RSV jabs, but has not yet been approved for a flu jab. Moderna, which was studying a combination Covid-19 and flu mRNA vaccines, had said it believed mRNA could speed up production of flu jabs compared with traditional vaccines. The abandoned mRNA projects signal a 'shift in vaccine development priorities', the health department said in its statement, adding that it will start 'investing in better solutions'. Additional reporting by AFP
