
DIY SOS starts work to end disabled teen's three-year hospital stay
DIY SOS is a long-running TV series that features a team of builders and volunteers coming together to help families in need by renovating their homes. Daniel father said welcoming his son home would "mean the world" to the family, which has been travelling to and from Manchester for years. Daniel, now 16, went to a GP in October 2022 with flu-like symptoms and a sore throat, and he was later sent to Blackpool Victoria Hospital for tests, including a CT scan.The family were told Daniel had a mass on his brain that was probably a tumour, a diagnosis that was later confirmed at the Royal Manchester Children's Hospital.He had a stroke during a 12-hour emergency operation to save his life, which left him unresponsive and in intensive care for three months.
Mr Flemen said the DIY SOS team will have a "huge job" converting the house for his return. He said: "Extensions are required, more accommodation for the family, landscaping to make the drive, the front and the rear of the house accessible.
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The Sun
9 minutes ago
- The Sun
My son, 5, died after a milk mix-up at school – we want to make sure it never happens again
THE sister of five-year-old Benedict Blythe, who died after an allergic reaction at school, has delivered a petition to Downing Street calling for new laws for schools. Etta Blythe, 6, was joined by five other primary school students who took placards and the letter to Whitehall. 8 8 They called for Benedict's Law to be implemented across the country to end the "postcode lottery" of allergy safeguards in schools. Benedict died after accidental exposure to cow's milk protein at Barnack Primary School, between Stamford and Peterborough, in December 2021. Etta and friends joined other children affected by allergies to stand in front of No 10 and knocked on the door to hand over the petition signed by more than 13,000 people. It comes following last month's jury inquest into Benedict's death at Peterborough Town Hall, which found that the school did not follow all the measures in place to prevent the fatal anaphylactic reaction. It also found there were risks of contamination and delays in administering the adrenaline pen. Benedict's mother, Helen Blythe, 38, said: "I think it's important that today it's the children that are bringing this to Downing Street. "It's their lives that we're talking about and it feels like a really proud moment that we can bring them here and give them the opportunity to have their voices heard. "We started the campaign almost three years ago. "Benedict's Law calls for greater safeguards and protection for children with allergies, specifically for there to be an allergy policy in every school, allergy training for all school staff and spare allergy pens in every school. "And it's something that we'd like to see implemented as soon as possible." Allergist explains the difference between allergies and anaphylaxis Benedict had asthma and several allergies, including eggs, nuts, kiwi fruit and milk. His parents had worked with the school to put together an allergy action plan in case of a reaction. The school was responsible for storing oat milk in the staff fridge, which was labelled with the child's name, and pouring it into Benedict's cup in the classroom before handing it directly to him. However, the jury inquest found that, on the day of his death, that process was not followed because his milk had been poured in the staff room rather than the classroom. Mrs Blythe said: "A month ago we had my son's inquest where the findings showed that had the measures that we're calling for now been in place, he almost certainly would have survived. "So I think that's a big change in terms of what we've learned through this process and a real reason why the Government should implement these measures. "Benedict was incredibly bright. He was curious as well, and incredibly kind. 8 8 8 "So one of the things that we see in terms of the legacy is how fitting it would be to have legislation that protects other children, because he really looked out for others. "And so to find something that keeps other children safe, that would be really fitting. "It's a really big, momentous moment being able to take this through after all the work that we've done and also the huge amount of support that we've had." Mrs Blythe says she has been in touch with a whole host of children and families who have different experiences in relation to their allergies. 'We are hopeful' Among those are both positive testimonies and "heartbreaking" incidents. She said: "We hear stories every day about children who are experiencing all types of reactions at school, of teachers who are left without support or any training, and it's heartbreaking to hear all of these coming through to us. "We should say that there's also stories that are really positive, where schools are having really good initiatives that keep children with allergies safe, but there shouldn't be a postcode lottery, and that's why these measures are so important. "The reception has been really good recently, we met with the Department of Education twice in the last couple of weeks and it does feel like there's a bit of a change in terms of their appetite for making this legislation happen. "So we are hopeful, I think at this point that there will be measures in place to protect children right across the country." In response to the petition, the Department for Education told the BBC: "We do not believe the School Allergy Safety Bill is necessary because in the autumn we plan to bring forward proposals for supporting pupils with medical conditions, including allergies. "The measures to support children with allergies envisioned in the Schools (Allergy Safety) Bill could be achieved without requiring primary legislation. "We will consider how we might take them forward as part of this consultation. "The proposal for all schools to hold in-date Adrenaline Auto-Injectors would have important implications for the NHS. We will work with DHSC and NHS England to consider this further." 8 8 8 The signs of an allergic reaction and anaphylaxis + what to do SYMPTOMS of an allergy usually occur within minutes of contact with the offending food or trigger, but they can also come on up to one hour later. Most allergic reactions are mild but they can also be moderate or severe. Anaphylaxis is the most severe form of allergic reaction which can be life threatening. In some cases, anaphylaxis symptoms lead to collapse and unconsciousness and, on rare occasions, can be fatal so it's important to know how to recognise them and act quickly. Mild to moderate symptoms include: Itchy mouth, tongue and throat Swelling of lips, around the eyes or face Red raised itchy rash (often called nettle rash, hives or urticaria) Vomiting, nausea, abdominal pain and diarrhoea Runny nose and sneezing Severe symptoms of anaphylaxis include: Swelling of your throat and tongue Difficulty breathing or breathing very fast Difficulty swallowing, tightness in your throat or a hoarse voice Wheezing, coughing or noisy breathing Feeling tired or confused Feeling faint, dizzy or fainting Skin that feels cold to the touch Blue, grey or pale skin, lips or tongue – if you have brown or black skin, this may be easier to see on the palms of your hands or soles of your feet Anaphylaxis and its symptoms should be treated as a medical emergency. Follow these steps if you think you or someone you're with is having an anaphylactic reaction: Use an adrenaline auto-injector (such as an EpiPen) if you have one – instructions are included on the side of the injector. Call 999 for an ambulance and say that you think you're having an anaphylactic reaction. Lie down – you can raise your legs, and if you're struggling to breathe, raise your shoulders or sit up slowly (if you're pregnant, lie on your left side). If you have been stung by an insect, try to remove the sting if it's still in the skin. If your symptoms have not improved after 5 minutes, use a second adrenaline auto-injector. Do not stand or walk at any time, even if you feel better. Sources: Allergy UK, NHS


BreakingNews.ie
40 minutes ago
- BreakingNews.ie
What your nails are trying to tell you about your overall health
Your nails might seem like a small and rather insignificant detail in your overall appearance, but they can reveal more than you think – especially when it comes to your health. Although nail changes are usually not cause for serious concern, subtle colour changes to unexpected ridges or texture can sometimes offer clues about what is going on beneath the surface. Advertisement Paying closer attention to their natural state can help spot early signs of nutritional deficiencies, stress or underlying health issues. Take a closer look at your natural nails (Alamy/PA) We got in touch with Dr Miriam Mikicki, GP and functional medicine practitioner at , who has shared some valuable insights about what your nails might be trying to tell you, and when you might need to flag the issue with a doctor. Pale nails One of the things to look out for when thinking about your nail health is changes to the colour of your nails. If your nails are consistently pale or white, it's worth mentioning to your GP, as it could be indicative of an underlying health condition such as an iron deficiency. Advertisement 'Pale nails may be a sign of anaemia, iron deficiency or other conditions such as heart failure, liver disease or malnutrition,' highlights Mikicki. 'If your nails consistently appear pale or white and you also feel tired, dizzy or short of breath, it's advisable to speak to your GP. 'They may recommend a blood test to check for anaemia or assess liver and kidney function. Changes that affect multiple nails or are accompanied by other symptoms should always be evaluated to rule out underlying systemic health issues.' White nails with dark edges Blood tests might be needed to check for serious issues like kidney failure if you have multiple nails with dark edges, which are accompanied by other symptoms such as fatigue or swelling. 'Nails that are mostly white with darker edges, sometimes called 'Terry's nails', can be a sign of serious health conditions such as liver disease, kidney failure, diabetes or even congestive heart failure,' says Mikicki. 'This occurs when there is a reduction in blood flow to the nail bed. If you notice this change across several nails, particularly alongside fatigue, swelling, or other systemic symptoms, you should consult a doctor promptly. Advertisement 'Blood tests and clinical assessment can help determine whether further investigations are necessary.' Yellow nails If you suspect a fungal infection or underlying medical condition, consult a doctor (Alamy/PA) Fungal infections are a frequent cause of yellowing, thickening, and even crumbling of nails. 'Yellow nails are often caused by fungal infections, especially if they are thickened and crumbly,' says Mikicki. 'However, persistent yellowing may also indicate more serious issues such as chronic respiratory conditions, lymphoedema or even diabetes. 'If you notice your nails turning yellow and the change doesn't resolve with basic hygiene or anti-fungal treatments, or if you have other symptoms like swelling or breathing difficulties, see your GP. They can examine your nails, rule out infection and consider systemic causes if appropriate.' Advertisement Bluish nails Blue or purple nail beds or nails are a common sign of cyanosis. 'Bluish nails, also known as cyanosis, may suggest a lack of oxygen in the blood,' says Mikicki. 'This can be a sign of circulatory or respiratory conditions such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), asthma, or even congenital heart defects. 'If this is a persistent or sudden change, especially if accompanied by breathlessness, chest pain, or fatigue, this requires urgent medical evaluation. In some cases, it may indicate a medical emergency. Even if symptoms are mild, it's best to consult a GP for further assessment and, if needed, oxygen saturation testing or referral to a specialist.' Cracked or split nails Cracked nails, also known as brittle nails, can be caused by a variety of factors (Alamy/PA) Brittle nails are pretty common, but don't dismiss them if they are split vertically. Advertisement 'Cracked or split nails are often due to environmental damage (e.g., frequent handwashing or exposure to chemicals) or nutritional deficiencies, particularly low iron, biotin or zinc,' says Mikicki. 'However, if the nails split vertically and consistently across multiple fingers, or if there are accompanying symptoms like fatigue, hair thinning, or skin changes, you should consult your GP. 'They may recommend dietary advice, blood tests, or further investigation to check for conditions such as hypothyroidism, anaemia or other metabolic issues.'


Daily Mail
40 minutes ago
- Daily Mail
I tried the viral gummies users say help them 'feel focused' - but does a medical expert think they're worth it?
Daily Mail journalists select and curate the products that feature on our site. If you make a purchase via links on this page we will earn commission - learn more Looking to include adaptogens into your daily life but unsure where to start? TRIP has recently released new Lion's Mane Gummies – and I put them to the test to see if they could supercharge my focus. Hailed as a got-to wellness ingredient with over 44 million posts dedicated to it on TikTok, Lion's Mane is packed with essential nutrients - and many people have shared their experiences online. The TRIP Raspberry Lion's Mane Gummies are tasty, high-strength raspberry-flavoured gummies designed to be taken every day – and the brand says they're ideal as a 'pick-me-up'. Each two-gummy serving contains 2000mg of Lion's Mane extract. Lion's Mane is a popular ingredient in nootropic supplements, and some users have shared that they notice improved focus after taking them. 'Another great tasting product from TRIP as expected,' raved one impressed reviewer. 'My brain fog is clearing and I feel more focused.' Another added: 'Great taste, and a definite feeling of clarity. 5 Stars from me.' But what do we really know about Lion's Mane? I spoke to Dr Suzanne Wylie, GP and medical adviser for IQdoctor, who told me that while there is fairly minimal evidence on the neurological benefits of Lion's Mane, there is still some research that shows some impressive potential benefits. 'Some research suggests that Lion's Mane may support nerve regeneration and brain health, potentially improving memory, focus, and symptoms of mild cognitive impairment,' Dr Suzanne told Daily Mail. 'It has also been linked to reduced inflammation and support for mood, with some studies indicating it may have mild antidepressant or anxiolytic effects. However, these findings should be interpreted with caution, as larger, high-quality clinical trials are lacking.' Whether I'm in the office or working from home, I'm no stranger to the post-lunch slump, which leaves me feeling unfocused and sleepy. Thus, I've been after something to give me a bit of focus and pep during working days – and these TRIP gummies certainly performed for me. Coming in the form of little pink duds, the gummies look just like your run-of-the-mill sweets – and taste like them, too, surprisingly delicious with their sweet raspberry flavour. Let's just say that when I'm hungry, it's hard to resist popping a few more… alas, the serving size is two gummies a day – and this serving size certainly suffices. After popping two, within about an hour, I genuinely do start to feel more switched-on. My work starts to feel far more manageable and, as a writer, words come to me much faster. In short, my focus feels honed – and I can only credit that to these little gummies. And while I wondered at first if it was just me, the rave reviews from other shoppers proved that was certainly not the case. 'I love taking these Lion's Mane gummies when I need a little cognitive boost, especially as an afternoon pick me up,' one raved. 'The raspberry flavour really comes through and they're so easy to take along with me anywhere, in my bag, for example.' Another added: 'I definitely feel a bit more focused after taking the gummies. Another great Trip product.'