Latest news with #DavidNolan
Sunday World
4 days ago
- Health
- Sunday World
More than third of women playing football and camogie experience urinary leakage
Urinary leakage – a form of incontinence – remains a hidden struggle for many female athletes More than one third of women playing Gaelic football and camogie experience urinary leakage during training and match play, research has found. Urinary leakage – a form of incontinence – remains a hidden struggle for many female athletes, largely due to embarrassment and stigma, a report found. Dublin City University's research, published in Science and Medicine in Football, explores how menstrual cycle-related symptoms, hormonal contraceptive use, and indicators of pelvic floor dysfunction affect players of ladies Gaelic football and camogie. Among players not using hormonal contraceptives, 97.7% reported menstrual cycle–related symptoms, most commonly abdominal cramping (84%) and fatigue (82.2%). Around 85% believe their menstrual cycle affects onfield performance, with 59% indicating a negative impact. Dr David Nolan (DCU/PA) Approximately 37% of athletes experienced urinary leakage during training or matches, suggesting potential pelvic floor concerns. A high proportion also experience urinary urgency (47.8%) and genital pain (43.4%). Dr David Nolan, assistant professor of Sport and Exercise Sciences at the DCU School of Health and Human Performance, said urinary leakage is a current taboo in women's sports. He said: 'There's more and more data being gathered, more studies coming out showing that active young sports women are experiencing urinary leakage at a significant rate, very high prevalence in gymnastics, in strength sports. 'But now in field sports, you get more data that it's affecting up to one third of our players. 'From working in female sport myself, I knew there was a prevalence of it, but I didn't expect it to be that high. This is probably the issue of why it's not spoken about more, and why players probably don't speak about it as much as they themselves probably don't realise that it's as commonplace. 'If they think that it's something that's not affecting their teammates as much as them, they're probably less likely to speak because they don't know how common it actually is.' He added: 'The common symptoms are the urinary leakage, then urinary urgency, so the strong desire to go to the bathroom. You can have prolapse within the vagina, and then you can have anal incontinence linked to it. 'The most common symptoms, though, would be the urine leakage and the urinary urgency. The sad and frustrating thing about them suffering in silence is with physiotherapy and just exercise interventions, we can significantly reduce those symptoms.' He said the effects can lead to women dropping out of their sport. He added: 'We do have evidence to show that it's linked to drop out in sport and again, because there can be potential shame or stigma around it and a source of embarrassment. 'So players might, in extreme cases, drop out of sports, or be less motivated to train. It can occur mostly in high impact, high kind of stress sports and performance – so they might be hesitant to push themselves hard or to engage in intense activities for fear of of this embarrassment.' The new peer-reviewed study of ladies' Gaelic footballers and camogie players in Ireland has thrown new light on the issue. Some 455 female Gaelic games athletes across both club and inter-county level were surveyed. The study asked players about their menstrual cycles, use of hormonal contraceptives, like the contraceptive pill, and any pelvic floor dysfunction symptoms. Firstly, the survey confirmed that menstrual-related symptoms are highly prevalent. Among players not using hormonal contraceptives, 97.7% reported at least one menstrual-related symptom each month. The most common complaints were abdominal cramping (experienced by 84% of players) and fatigue or low energy (82%). Perhaps not surprisingly, a large proportion – about 59% perceived a mostly negative impact on how they play, citing issues like pain, heavy bleeding, or sluggishness during certain cycle phases. The study also looked at hormonal contraceptives. Just over half of the Gaelic players (51.7%) were on some form of hormonal contraception, with the pill by far the most popular choice (used by about 69%). Some 62% of the athletes using hormonal contraceptives reported side effects, including fatigue (37.2%) and experiencing mood swings or low mood (35.0%). About one in three contraceptive-users (31.6%) even felt that their contraception was impacting their athletic performance. However, issues around the pelvic floor is an aspect of women's health that athletes and coaches rarely discuss, the research found. 'Pelvic floor dysfunction' is an umbrella term for problems like urinary incontinence (leakage), urgency (sudden intense need to go), or pelvic organ prolapse. The stereotype is that these issues only impact older women or those who have had children. In this research, the average age of players surveyed was just 23.6 years old, and most had likely never given birth as the average first-time mother in Ireland is 31.5. Despite this, a considerable number of these young athletes reported troubling pelvic floor symptoms. The authors behind the report recommend enhanced education and support for athletes, coaches, and support staff on menstrual health, contraceptives, and pelvic floor health – as well as individualised symptom management strategies, integrating physiological monitoring with athlete feedback.
Irish Examiner
08-08-2025
- Health
- Irish Examiner
Many women playing camogie and Gaelic football 'suffer in silence' with pelvic floor issues
More than one third of camogie and ladies' Gaelic football players suffer urine leakage due to pelvic floor problems while playing but are 'suffering in silence' without treatment as this taboo topic is rarely discussed. Some 455 intercounty and club ladies' footballers and camogie players, with an average age of 23.6 years, were surveyed for this groundbreaking Irish analysis. Symptoms caused by pelvic floor dysfunction were common with 47.8% of the women regularly having an urgent need to pee and 44.3% reporting genital pain. In addition 36.8% suffer with urinary leakage. This is the "current taboo" in players' health according to David Nolan, assistant professor of sport and exercise science at Dublin City University. He said: It's frustrating and upsetting on one level, because most of these women are suffering in silence when there are plenty of practitioners and resources there that can help them. 'You don't need to suffer in silence, there are people there to help you.' He stressed: 'our research is in line with what we see internationally and in other sports, so it's not just a fluke finding. It's what we see and it is the reality for sports women.' He added: 'I was surprised by the urinary leakage prevalence", saying: "it's not a common part of our strength and conditioning programmes". Urine leakage is more often associated with pregnancy or ageing for women. It is not clear if these problems contribute to women giving up sport earlier than they otherwise might. 'The reasons people drop out of sport are complex," he said. "But if every time you go to play sport you are having urine leakage or an urgent need to go to the bathroom and you think you are abnormal or strange you are not going to voice that concern." Training and medical support needed He suggested if younger women knew how common these symptoms are, they might be more likely to get help. Training for coaches is needed, he urged and also encouraged players to engage with health workers. However, he said: 'if we look at every male intercounty football or hurling team, they have a team doctor. When I was involved with intercounty women's football, we didn't have a team doctor — you don't have a team doctor for every (women's) team. 'So they are not getting the same resources as their male counterparts are getting. So it's about education and better access to resources.' They also asked players about their menstrual symptoms and use of contraception. • The survey — Menstrual cycle, hormonal contraceptives, and pelvic floor dysfunction in ladies Gaelic football and Camogie — is published in the journal Science and Medicine in Football.
Yahoo
26-06-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Equus Claims Management approved as Lloyd's DCA
Equus Claims Management, a company specialising in equine insurance, has secured Lloyd's Delegated Claims Administrator (DCA) status. The accreditation follows sponsorship from insurance group Canopius. The company, led by co-founders Mark Pilkington and David Nolan, is known for its expertise in the equine field, particularly within bloodstock, sports and recreational horse industries. Equus is also involved in adjusting claims for several UK equestrian associations. Pilkington and Nolan commented: 'Becoming a Lloyd's DCA is testament to our relationship with the Canopius team and shall only add to Equus' ability to be on-hand for clients in their hour of need.' Equus services include first notification of loss, third party administration, and claim handling from initiation to resolution. The company also offers investigative services and facilitates direct access to external equine experts for its clients. Canopius Equine & Livestock head Jeremy Chappell said: 'Having had the pleasure of working with Dave and Mark for several years, we are delighted to help facilitate Equus' path to Lloyd's DCA status whilst providing additional reassurance to our customer base in the event of an accident.' In April, Canopius engaged Global Parametrics, a CelsiusPro company, as a coverholder for its Lloyd's Syndicate 4444. Global Parametrics has entered into a binding authority agreement, enabling it to underwrite insurance products with an initial emphasis on natural disaster perils such as tropical cyclones, earthquakes, floods and excess rainfall. It is expected to contribute to the development of Canopius' portfolio in the area of natural catastrophe risks. "Equus Claims Management approved as Lloyd's DCA " was originally created and published by Life Insurance International, a GlobalData owned brand. The information on this site has been included in good faith for general informational purposes only. It is not intended to amount to advice on which you should rely, and we give no representation, warranty or guarantee, whether express or implied as to its accuracy or completeness. You must obtain professional or specialist advice before taking, or refraining from, any action on the basis of the content on our site.
BBC News
25-06-2025
- BBC News
East Yorkshire councillors to look at school parking cameras idea
CCTV cameras could be installed at schools across East Yorkshire in hopes it will stop people parking Riding of Yorkshire Council (ERYC) will discuss a proposal later after claims drivers in some areas have ignored permit restrictions, road markings and leave their vehicles in dangerous positions.A similar scheme has been in force in North East Lincolnshire since 2022, which has seen motorists issued with fines up to £ BBC has contacted ERYC for comment. Councillor David Nolan, who is proposing the idea, said the cameras would not be a "money spinner" for the authority and would "improve road safety and protect children".He said: "No matter what signs you put up there will always be a minority of selfish and thoughtless people who want to drive up to the school gates. The current system isn't working. "This is about prevention. We can't let something horrific happen outside a school and then say we should have done more."The costs of the cameras would be covered by the fines that are generated. We're not in the business of fining people, we want to educate people and hopefully change behaviours."In February, people living near Westfield Primary School, Cottingham, claimed their lives had been made a "nightmare" by people doing the school Police has previously posted patrols at Welton Primary School after reports of inconsiderate and dangerous parking there. If the latest motion is passed by ERYC, cameras would be installed at several sites on a trial Winthorpe Road, Hessle, a permit scheme is already in force to restrict vehicles using the street to drop off and pick up children from Penshurst School. Residents said they would welcome the introduction of cameras as an "extra deterrent".Holly, who has lived in the street for two years, said she had noticed issues with parking since she moved said: "It's not a massive problem until people are blocking driveways or parking on corners - that's when it gets annoying."I think I would be in favour of the cameras. It would stop a lot of idiots ignoring the rules. We just want people to be considerate and think about safety." Daniel, who works as a photographer, was also enthusiastic about the idea of using technology to help bring an end to parking said: "It's awful. We have passes but nobody enforces it. I've applied to have a drive in front of my house because the street parking is so bad at school times."I'd be absolutely in favour of bringing cameras in." But Sophie, who was parked in Winthorpe Road but lived in a neighbouring street, branded the idea of CCTV cameras "stupid"."The situation isn't great, it can be absolutely horrendous but I don't agree with bringing in cameras. The traffic clears quickly enough so we should all just get on with it."The motion will be looked at by ERYC at a full council meeting later. Listen to highlights from Hull and East Yorkshire on BBC Sounds, watch the latest episode of Look North or tell us about a story you think we should be covering here.
Yahoo
19-05-2025
- Science
- Yahoo
Scientists studying gravity waves in Des Moines
DES MOINES, Iowa — A team of atmospheric scientists is launching a cutting-edge research campaign from Des Moines as part of the Convective Gravity Waves in the Stratosphere (CGWaveS) project, aimed at better understanding gravity waves—atmospheric ripples that influence weather and climate systems. 'These waves are essential to how energy moves through the atmosphere,' said David Nolan, a professor of atmospheric sciences and principal investigator from the Rosenstiel School. 'Understanding them will improve long-range weather prediction and climate models.' Why has it been so windy in Iowa? Gravity waves can be created by air flowing over and around things like mountains and thunderstorms, moving away from these obstacles and potentially affecting weather many miles away. They behave like ripples moving across a pond after a stone is thrown into the water. Led by researchers from the University of Miami Rosenstiel School of Marine, Atmospheric, and Earth Science and GATS Inc., and funded by the U.S. National Science Foundation (NSF), the project will use a specially equipped HIAPER Gulfstream V research aircraft. WHO 13 Meteorologist Jason Parkin in the seat of NCAR's Gulfstream V. Operated by the NSF National Center for Atmospheric Research (NCAR), the aircraft will carry 2 advanced lidar instruments to measure temperature and wind patterns in the lower and middle atmosphere. CGWaveS is funded by the U.S. National Science Foundation and supported by the NSF National Center for Atmospheric Research, a major facility managed by the University Corporation for Atmospheric Research. The project's goal is to improve understanding of how gravity waves impact atmospheric processes and forecasting systems. You can learn more information about CGWaveS on their website. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
