Latest news with #DrMichaelMosley
Irish Times
05-08-2025
- Health
- Irish Times
Do You Have ADHD? ‘It feels like there's always a swarm of bees in my brain'
There has been a surge in cases of attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder, or ADHD , with much of the awareness about the condition driven by influencers on TikTok and Instagram. But has incidence of ADHD truly increased, or are we simply more alert to the symptoms than we used to be? That question is considered, though never satisfactorily answered, by Dr Karan Rajan, a British surgeon, in his enjoyable Do You Have ADHD? (Channel 4, Tuesday, 8pm). Rajan doesn't pretend to be a definitive expert on the subject, and he's upfront that the documentary is an introduction rather than a deep dive. He goes out on the street to talk to people with ADHD about their experiences. 'My brain feels as if there are all these particles firing,' one of them, Ellie, says. 'It feels like there is always a swarm of bees in my brain trying to fight each other,' another, Milly, explains. There is also a guinea pig of sorts in Dr Clare Bailey Mosley, widow of Dr Michael Mosley (a relatively obscure figure in Ireland but a national treasure in Britain), who believes that both she and her late husband had undiagnosed ADHD. READ MORE She puts that theory to the test by going for a professional diagnosis; Rajan advises those in a similar situation to first complete an ADHD screening questionnaire devised by the World Health Organisation. He is at pains to point out that the questionnaire is not itself a diagnostic tool. Still, it could indicate whether it might be helpful to seek a professional assessment. That's sufficient for Bailey Mosley, who answers 'yes' to a question about having trouble wrapping up the final details of a project. 'I do kind of fade towards the end,' she says. Is a diagnosis recommended in every case? It depends, according to the ADHD researcher Val Harpin. For children, the answer is always yes: 'There are no downsides.' For adults, the question can be more nuanced. 'Older people have different responses. The biggest is relief,' she says – ''Yeah, that explains it'' – but 'sometimes it makes them feel resentful: 'My life could have been different if I'd known.'' Rajan acknowledges that there's an element of faddishness to some of the online conversation about ADHD. He points to TikTokers who diagnose 'T-rex arm' – which is to say holding your arms close to your body, with your wrists limp – as a trait. 'Be mindful,' he warns, 'of internet diagnosis.' That said, ADHD is not at all uncommon. It seems to affect about 5 per cent of people – more than epilepsy or autism, at 1 per cent each – according to Prof Stephen Scott. But experiencing symptoms doesn't mean you need professional assistance, as Bailey Mosley discovers. She goes for an assessment but 'falls' at the final hurdle after it's concluded that she doesn't experience any 'impairment' in her day-to-day life. She sounds relieved rather than disappointed – though others believe ADHD is, in the round, a benefit. A journalist with the Ladbible website says the condition has given him the ability to 'hyperfocus' at work. The point is taken up by the daredevil George King, who was jailed after scaling the Shard skyscraper in London. He says his ADHD played a huge part in his climb. 'When I have something that means something to me, all those [out of control] thoughts get compressed,' he says. 'The universe gets out of the way.'
The Independent
30-06-2025
- Climate
- The Independent
Everything travellers to Europe need to know about heatwave safety and your holiday rights
A series of heatwaves are currently sizzling countries in Europe, and with temperatures exceeding 40C in some tourist destinations, holidaymakers may be questioning the safety of taking off this summer during extreme heat. As global temperatures rise with climate change and wildfires frequently blaze through popular holiday areas, heat-related health risks have increased for travellers. In 2024, British TV presenter Dr Michael Mosley, two Dutch tourists, a French tourist and one American man died in separate incidents in Greece during blistering temperatures recorded last June. Between 2000 and 2019, approximately 489,000 heat-related deaths occurred each year – over 70,000 of these deaths people who died during the 2003 heatwave in Europe – reports the World Health Organisation (WHO). With peak travel season and the summer holidays fast approaching, how can tourists stay safe while holidaying in heatwave hot spots? Which European countries are most likely to experience extreme heat? Severe heat has gripped parts of Italy, Spain, Greece, France, Germany and Portugal so far this summer, with temperature highs near 40C felt across Europe. On Sunday, the Italian health ministry placed 21 out of 27 monitored cities under its highest heat alert, including top holiday destinations like Rome, Milan and Naples. Greece is on high wildfire alert because of extreme weather, with a large wildfire blazing near Athens forcing evacuations and road closures last week. Last Friday, Met Office spokesperson Stephen Dixon warned that southern and western Europe was experiencing a heatwave that was extending into southeastern parts of the continent. He said: 'Temperatures are expected to be 5-10C above normal fairly widely in Europe, with the potential for a few locations to reach around 40C in the southeast, and possibly even higher across parts of Iberia from Friday, likely challenging some June records.' What is government advice on heatwaves? According to general advice from the UK Foreign Office (FCDO), 'intense heat can be dangerous'. It reminds travellers, that risks associated with heatwaves include dehydration, overheating and heatstroke. TravelHealthPro (NaTHNaC) says that climate change is 'likely to see the number and intensity of heatwaves increase'. However, if tourists take 'sensible precautions' most of the health risks that come with hot weather can be minimised. 'Travellers should be aware that heatwaves may place local health services under additional pressure as, for example, the demand for care may increase or there may be disruption to power and water supplies,' it adds. What are the symptoms of heat stroke? The World Health Organisation says severe symptoms of heat stroke include swelling in the lower limbs, heat rash on the neck, cramps, headache, irritability, lethargy and weakness. Additionally, heat can cause severe dehydration, acute cerebrovascular accidents and contribute to blood clots, says WHO. How can holidaymakers reduce heat related health risks? The NaTHNaC advise holidaymakers in hot destinations to: Carry cool water and drink plenty of fluids Wear light, loose-fitting clothes and sun hats Apply sunscreen frequently Try to keep out of the direct sun between 11am to 3pm Never leave anyone in a closed car or vehicle Be aware of the signs of heat exhaustion and Heatstroke – including tiredness, feeling faint, dizziness and intense thirst Seek medical help if symptoms do not resolve Which travellers are most at risk during heatwaves? Elderly travellers, babies and young children are most at risk during high temperatures as they are 'less able to regulate their body temperature', says the NaTHNaC. Those with underlying health conditions, on multiple medications and pregnant women are also vulnerable in hot weather, according to the health authority. It adds: 'Hot weather can increase the risk of heart attack, stroke, lung problems and other diseases.' What does the NHS say? The NHS reminds UK travellers that during heatwaves, 'more people than usual get seriously ill or die'. It recommends avoiding alcohol, caffeine and hot drinks and taking cool showers during temperature spikes. Can I cancel a holiday due to heat wave safety concerns? While the Foreign Office has general extreme weather warnings in place for several European countries, the UK government has so far stopped short of issuing 'don't travel' advice amid the heatwave. 'As a result, there is no automatic right for families to curtail, cancel or change planned trips, and holiday companies and airlines say normal terms and conditions will apply,' said Simon Calder, Travel Correspondent at The Independent. Holidaymakers with a travel insurance policy in which a pre-existing health condition has been declared may have grounds to claim for a cancellation if they receive specific medical advice against travel to a very hot location.
The Independent
06-06-2025
- Health
- The Independent
Family of Michael Mosley pay tribute to TV doctor on anniversary of his death
Dr Michael Mosley, a TV doctor and nutritionist, died on the Greek island of Symi last year, prompting a heartfelt tribute from his family on the one-year anniversary of his death. Dr Clare Bailey Mosley, his widow, shared memories of his warmth, laughter, curiosity, and love for his family, noting the past year has been the hardest of their lives. Dr Mosley went missing after setting off for a walk on 5 June, 2024, from St Nicholas beach, without his phone, intending to meet friends at their villa. A four-day rescue operation ensued, and his body was found on 9 June, a few hundred metres from Agia Marina beach bar. Investigations revealed that Dr. Mosley missed his turn-off, fell down a rocky mountain path, and died two hours after leaving his wife.
