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South Wales Guardian
20 hours ago
- Business
- South Wales Guardian
Pontardawe Inn crowned Welsh Pub of the Year at awards
Pontardawe Inn on Herbert Street attended the Prestige Awards on July 17 at Ashton Gate Stadium in Bristol and received the accolade for the third consecutive year. The pub, which is run by couple Sion Partridge and Michelle Solomon, is also a finalist for Best Pub For Entertainment in the Great British Pub Awards 2025 on September 24. Michelle and Sion with Emma Doyle from Sweet Williams - another business in Pontardawe that won Gift Shop of the Year. (Image: Sion Partridge) Co-owner of Pontardawe Inn, Sion Partridge said: 'It's great. We have been nominated for quite a few awards. We have owned the pub for the last three years after I previously worked here as an employee. 'It just goes to show the hard work all the team has put in. At the end of the day, you don't know how something is going to go unless you try. 'People visit us because they like our drinks, but because of the entertainment we offer and to see us too. We always have a bit of banter with our customers, and we are not your run of the mill pub. 'A lot of our customers come from loyalty. We have people who visit us day in and day out. You can't buy that.' The pub hosted a pride event for the community. (Image: Sion Partridge) Sion and Michelle have both worked in the hospitality industry for many years. Michelle has experience with hotels whereas Sion has previously worked at nightclubs and pubs around Cardiff. Since taking over the pub, the couple has had a two-way relationship with their customers, helping each other out during tough times. A 'Dartathon' was held to raise money for the British Heart Foundation. (Image: Sion Partridge) Sion continued: 'When there's been power blackouts and people had no electricity; we allowed locals to come here to charge their phones. 'Similarly, when we had problems with flooding in the past, the outpour from locals to help us was amazing. It's a lovely community.' Pontardawe Inn has won Welsh Pub of the Year for the last three years. (Image: Sion Partridge) Pontardawe Inn is renowned for hosting events and on September 13, a Folk & Ale festival will be held at the pub. 'We have previously held pride events, and we were the only pub in the area to do it. The town came together and really enjoyed it. Running a pub is all about people management. 'The pub itself is the hub of our community, and we have given back by raising over £10,000 for various charities like Dementia UK, Prostate Cancer as well as funds for our local foodbank.' A Pontardawe Folk & Ale Festival will take place at the pub on September 13. (Image: Sion Partridge) As a work couple, Sion admits that every decision for the pub is made jointly with Michelle. 'We live in a world where everyone assumes the man is in charge, but Michelle often says she can answer customer queries rather than them always being referred to me. We work hard to make this all work.'
Scottish Sun
a day ago
- Health
- Scottish Sun
Zapping the brain could improve fitness without having to do any exercise
The findings also indicate out-of-shape people could work up to regular activity with the gadget's help HEART FIX Zapping the brain could improve fitness without having to do any exercise Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) ZAPPING the brain could improve fitness without people having to lift a finger, research suggests. Electrical stimulation for just 30 minutes a day for a week was found to boost heart and lung performance in tests. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up In the trial on 28 people, a device on the ear was used to stimulate the vagus nerve. It helps to control bodily processes such as the heartbeat, breathing and digestion. After a week, participants saw increases in their oxygen uptake. It also boosted the maximum breathing rate by an average of four breaths per minute, and maximum heart rate by four beats per minute during exercise. Blood tests also suggested lower levels of harmful inflammation. The findings also indicate out-of-shape people could work up to regular activity with the gadget's help. Study author Prof Gareth Ackland of Queen Mary University said: 'Increased vagus nerve activity can improve fitness and reduce inflammation.' The trial in London was funded by the British Heart Foundation. Its chief scientific and medical officer Prof Bryan Williams added: 'This may one day be used to improve well-being for people with heart failure.' GP-approved tips to really lose weight safely - and keep it off 1 Zapping the brain could improve fitness without having to do any exercise Unlock even more award-winning articles as The Sun launches brand new membership programme - Sun Club.
Daily Mirror
4 days ago
- Health
- Daily Mirror
High cholesterol warning sign you can feel in your hands
High cholesterol is a common condition that can have serious consequences if left untreated, including an increased risk of heart disease. One of the symptoms may impact your knees High cholesterol is a silent threat to heart health, often showing no symptoms and leading to serious conditions like heart disease or stroke if left unchecked. Certain individuals are more susceptible to high cholesterol, including men, those over 50, and people of South Asian or sub-Saharan African descent. Lifestyle factors such as consuming fatty foods, being overweight, smoking, and alcohol consumption can also contribute to high cholesterol levels. Familial hypercholesterolaemia, a genetic condition where the liver fails to properly process cholesterol, resulting in elevated blood cholesterol levels, can also be a cause. Those with familial hypercholesterolaemia may notice certain symptoms, one of which affects the knees. Tendon xanthomata, swellings composed of cholesterol, can form on your knees, knuckles, or Achilles tendon. Other signs include small, yellow cholesterol deposits near the inner corner of your eye, known as xanthelasmas, or a pale, white ring around your iris, referred to as corneal arcus, reports Surrey Live. It's crucial to have your cholesterol levels checked regularly, either at your GP surgery or some pharmacies. The NHS recommends requesting a test from your GP if you're over 40, overweight, or have a family history of high cholesterol or heart problems and haven't had a test before. To keep your cholesterol levels in check, the British Heart Foundation suggests being more active. They explain that physical activity helps shift bad cholesterol to your liver, where it can be expelled from your body. But don't worry, you won't need to start training for a marathon. Simple activities like taking the stairs, practising yoga or Pilates, or going for a brisk walk can make a significant difference. According to the BHF, one of the "best things" you can do for your cholesterol and overall health is to quit smoking. They assure that within days your health will start to improve, "and within a year, your risk of heart disease will be halved". Your diet also plays a crucial role in managing cholesterol levels. You should aim to reduce your intake of foods such as meat pies, sausages, butter, cream, hard cheese, cakes, biscuits, and anything containing coconut oil or palm oil. The NHS recommends incorporating more oily fish, olive oil, brown bread, wholegrain bread, whole-wheat pasta, nuts and seeds, and fruits and vegetables into your diet. It's also vital to moderate your alcohol consumption, according to the NHS. They advise not exceeding 14 units of alcohol per week and avoiding binge drinking. If you're struggling to cut down, your GP can provide helpful advice.
The National
4 days ago
- Health
- The National
Pictures of the week: From an aid ship leaving Abu Dhabi for Gaza to an equestrian stunt in Kyrgyzstan
It is among the greatest health debates of our time; splashed across newspapers with contradicting headlines - is coffee good for you or not? Depending on what you read, it is either a cancer-causing, sleep-depriving, stomach ulcer-inducing black death or the secret to long life, cutting the chance of stroke, diabetes and cancer. The latest research - a study of 8,412 people across the UK who each underwent an MRI heart scan - is intended to put to bed (caffeine allowing) conflicting reports of the pros and cons of consumption. The study, funded by the British Heart Foundation, contradicted previous findings that it stiffens arteries, putting pressure on the heart and increasing the likelihood of a heart attack or stroke, leading to warnings to cut down. Numerous studies have recognised the benefits of coffee in cutting oral and esophageal cancer, the risk of a stroke and cirrhosis of the liver. The benefits are often linked to biologically active compounds including caffeine, flavonoids, lignans, and other polyphenols, which benefit the body. These and othetr coffee compounds regulate genes involved in DNA repair, have anti-inflammatory properties and are associated with lower risk of insulin resistance, which is linked to type-2 diabetes. But as doctors warn, too much of anything is inadvisable. The British Heart Foundation found the heaviest coffee drinkers in the study were most likely to be men who smoked and drank alcohol regularly. Excessive amounts of coffee also unsettle the stomach causing or contributing to stomach ulcers. It also stains the teeth over time, hampers absorption of minerals and vitamins like zinc and iron. It also raises blood pressure, which is largely problematic for people with existing conditions. So the heaviest drinkers of the black stuff - some in the study had up to 25 cups per day - may want to rein it in. Rory Reynolds
The Sun
4 days ago
- Health
- The Sun
‘Ripped' man, 38, with six-pack who was ‘a picture of health' drops dead at work in terrifying sudden tragedy
ROBBIE Bassett was the picture of health, described by his family as being "ripped" with a six-pack. But his loved ones have been left devastated after his sudden death. 2 The 38-year-old from Wales helped maintain Newport's docks in the area of the city for work. During his shift on Thursday 17th July, Robbie was working away from his colleagues who had grown concerned they hadn't seen him for some time. They began searching the docks area beside the River Usk where they then found him dead. It soon transpired Robbie had suffered from a cardiac arrest - when your heart suddenly stops pumping blood around your body. Cardiac arrest can happen to anyone, regardless of age, fitness level, or pre-existing heart conditions. His family said Robbie was a fit man and would cycle every day to work. His cousin Callum Thomas said: 'He was young, fit, always at the gym, always on his bike. "Robbie was ripped, he had a great six-pack. You'd never think anything was wrong.' He added: 'He loved the outdoors and would always go looking for bits washed up down the docks like driftwood to make things out of. 'He loved family get-togethers and would always be doing David Attenborough impressions. Sudden cardiac death "He was a massive fan of David Attenborough. This has come as a massive shock to everyone.' To help Robbie's close family with funeral arrangements, a fundraiser has been set up, which you can visit here. Callum and the family are now urging others to be vigilant about their heart health, especially if they have relatives that have suffered heart-related conditions. 'Our grandad had the same thing happen to him, so we're now all going to get checked,' he explained. 2 Why does cardiac arrest occur? A cardiac arrest is when your heart suddenly stops pumping blood around your body. It is caused by a dangerous abnormal heart rhythm (arrhythmia), which happens when the electrical system in the heart isn't working properly, the British Heart Foundation says. "Not all abnormal heart rhythms are life-threatening, but some mean that the heart cannot pump blood around the body," the charity explains. Ventricular fibrillation (VF) is an example of a dangerous heart rhythm that can lead to a cardiac arrest. This is when the heart quivers or 'fibrillates' instead of pumps. Some conditions can cause abnormal heart rhythms and in turn, a cardiac arrest if they're severe or left untreated: cardiomyopathies (disease of the heart muscle) and inherited heart conditions which affect the electrical system of the heart, such as Brugada syndrome congenital heart disease – a heart condition or defect you get before you're born heart valve disease – when one or more of your heart valves don't work properly severe or untreated myocarditis - inflammation of the heart muscle. Other causes of cardiac arrest include a heart attack, a severe haemorrhage (losing a large amount of blood), a drop in oxygen levels or a drug overdose. Source: British Heart Foundation Many people who experience cardiac arrest have no prior history of heart problems, but several factors can increase your risk. These include pre-existing heart conditions like heart disease, heart attack, or heart failure, as well as conditions like high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and diabetes. Lifestyle factors such as smoking, excessive alcohol consumption, obesity, and a sedentary lifestyle also contribute to increased risk. Additionally, certain medications, electrolyte imbalances (low potassium or magnesium), and even severe emotional stress can trigger cardiac arrest. What are the signs of cardiac arrest? Cardiac arrests can happen without warning. A person having one will usually collapse suddenly, will be unconscious, unresponsive, and not breathing or not breathing normally. Without immediate treatment, the person will die, so if you see someone having a cardiac arrest, you should phone 999 immediately and start CPR. It's important to note a cardiac arrest is different to a heart attack. A heart attack is when the blood supply to the heart muscle is cut off, often due to a clot in one of the coronary arteries.
