Latest news with #EpiPen
Metro
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Metro
Robert closes in on deadly John truth in Emmerdale as he makes two discoveries
Robert Sugden (Ryan Hawley) has made two discoveries about John Sugden (Oliver Farnworth) in Emmerdale. Last week, after getting word that Owen Michaels (Simon Haines) had confessed to Nate Robinson's (Jurell Carter) murder, Robert learnt that his brother visited Owen right before he ended his life. Smelling a rat, Robert then contacted Owen's brother Steve, who confirmed the siblings were in Hull the day Nate died, which meant Owen did not kill him. Unfortunately, his attempt at telling the police didn't work due to Steve lying to them about where he was. It looked as though Robert wasn't being honest, so DC Cole sent him on his way after wasting police time. In the pub, as he enjoyed a drink with Victoria (Isabel Hodgins), he discovered the time Jacob Gallagher (Joe-Warren Plant) suffered an allergic reaction to nut milk, and how John saved him. It was a very brief moment so in this evening's episode, Robert began more digging. In the shop, Eric Pollard (Chris Chittell) said that Jacob is typically very careful with his nut allergy, and always has EpiPens dotted around in case something happens. As Robert listened, he learnt that there was one specific time that Jacob drank the wrong coffee and also didn't have a pen near him. Conveniently, John was on hand in that exact moment to help Jacob. He used an EpiPen on him, saving his life. Robert was incredibly suspicious, and even more so when Eric then told him about the time John saved Chas Dingle's (Lucy Pargeter) life after being spiked. Want to be the first to hear shocking EastEnders spoilers? Who's leaving Coronation Street? The latest gossip from Emmerdale? Join 10,000 soaps fans on Metro's WhatsApp Soaps community and get access to spoiler galleries, must-watch videos, and exclusive interviews. Simply click on this link, select 'Join Chat' and you're in! Don't forget to turn on notifications so you can see when we've just dropped the latest spoilers! To Eric and the rest of the villagers, it's simply just a case of John being there at the right time – constantly. More Trending However, it was all a bit weird for Robert and if he wants to really embrace Sherlock Holmes this week, he needs to remember that the iconic puzzle solving detective doesn't believe in coincidences. Will Robert get to the bottom of why John has saved so many people since he arrived? View More » If you've got a soap or TV story, video or pictures get in touch by emailing us soaps@ – we'd love to hear from you. MORE: Killer John seeks unexpected help in new Emmerdale spoiler video in shock plan to get rid of Robert MORE: All Emmerdale spoiler videos for next week as legend 'saves the day' MORE: Emmerdale fans blow holes in Owen and John 'suicide' twist
NZ Herald
6 days ago
- Entertainment
- NZ Herald
Will Barbie and Ken ever have offspring? Wyn Drabble
Apparently there is also a Wheelchair Barbie. I'm assuming here that access ramps are included. There might even be a Divorced Barbie who comes with half of Ken's stuff. Barbie's waist is, of course, anatomically impossible so in 2016 Mattel introduced a new range of body shapes for Barbie: tall, petite or curvy. Curvy Barbie even made the cover of Time Magazine, something a lot of toys don't manage. And so to Ken, who first appeared in 1961? His many iterations have included barista, businessman, golfer, lifeguard and pizza chef. I'm guessing that, if you touch Businessman Ken's mouth, his pre-recorded voice says: 'Changes in resource allocation will be mission-critical going forward.' Whether Ken and Barbie are an item is open to debate. It's hard to keep track of the off-on relationship. For example, Mattel released a press statement in 2004 saying Barbie and Ken had decided to split up but that was followed in 2006 by a statement that they were hoping to rekindle their relationship. The couple officially reunited on Valentine's Day 2011 but there could currently be struggles alongside Barbie's onerous task of managing her diabetes. According to some scholarly studies, Ken is also anatomically impossible. The main finding of the researchers (who probably need to get out more) was that his chest is about 27.5% too large for a human male. There has also been controversy about Ken's seeming lack of genitalia though I can't possibly probe that issue in a family newspaper. As you can probably imagine, my active mind has started to think up other manifestations of Ken and Barbie, ideas which I am willing to sell to Mattel for vast amounts of cash. These may exist already but, if they do, please don't write in. My first thought was Investment Portfolio Ken with an optional bitcoin app, then I realised how sexist that was so the investment portfolio will now be going to Barbie. And how about Shoe Fetish Barbie? That could become a great little earner if, say, 3000 pairs of shoes were made available. Each pair would be an extra individual purchase (Paywave fee applies). But, whoa! Again, that's sexist too so the shoe fetish might need to go to Ken. Or what about Anaphylactic Ken with a handsome EpiPen clipped to his belt. Diabetic Ken? But his affliction would be the far more common Type 2 so he would come just with a packet of Metformin tablets. Maybe, further down the line and if the on-off relationship settles, Mattel could produce Barbie and Ken's offspring. This, of course, would require some, shall we say, developments in Ken.
The Irish Sun
23-07-2025
- Health
- The Irish Sun
Major UK supermarket urgently recalls curry ready meals and warns ‘do NOT eat' over lethal health risk
AN urgent recall has been issued by a major supermarket as customers are warned "do not eat". The recall affects a popular ready meal from Waitrose. Advertisement 2 The Waitrose Indian Takeaway for 2 has been urgently recalled It could pose an allergy risk as some packs have been misplaced and could contain undeclared allergens. The Waitrose Indian Takeaway for 2 was recalled because "some packs have been mispacked with spring rolls, which contain sesame and soya, which are not mentioned on the label" the FSA announcement said. This poses a health risk to anyone with sesame or soya allergies. The recall affects the following products: Advertisement Read more News Waitrose Indian Takeaway for 2 Pack size: 1412g Use by: 25 July 2025 Customers have been urged not to consume the product. Waitrose' recall notice instructs customers: "Do not consume. Package up item. Return the product to your local Waitrose and Partners Branch for a refund." It can be returned to your local Waitrose and Partners branch for a full refund. Most read in The Sun Customers can also contact Waitrose Customer Care on 0800 188 844, option 4, for more information. Advertisement The signs of an allergic reaction and anaphylaxis + what to do SYMPTOMS of an allergy usually occur within minutes of contact with 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 2 Customers can return the product for a full refund Credit: Alamy
Scottish Sun
23-07-2025
- Health
- Scottish Sun
Major UK supermarket urgently recalls curry ready meals and warns ‘do NOT eat' over lethal health risk
Find out what you should do if you have a recalled product TOTAL RECALL Major UK supermarket urgently recalls curry ready meals and warns 'do NOT eat' over lethal health risk Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) AN urgent recall has been issued by a major supermarket as customers are warned "do not eat". The recall affects a popular ready meal from Waitrose. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 2 The Waitrose Indian Takeaway for 2 has been urgently recalled It could pose an allergy risk as some packs have been misplaced and could contain undeclared allergens. The Waitrose Indian Takeaway for 2 was recalled because "some packs have been mispacked with spring rolls, which contain sesame and soya, which are not mentioned on the label" the FSA announcement said. This poses a health risk to anyone with sesame or soya allergies. The recall affects the following products: Read more News GAME IS APP Crackdown on illegal migrants working as govt strikes deal with delivery firms Waitrose Indian Takeaway for 2 Pack size: 1412g Use by: 25 July 2025 Customers have been urged not to consume the product. Waitrose' recall notice instructs customers: "Do not consume. Package up item. Return the product to your local Waitrose and Partners Branch for a refund." It can be returned to your local Waitrose and Partners branch for a full refund. Customers can also contact Waitrose Customer Care on 0800 188 844, option 4, for more information. The signs of an allergic reaction and anaphylaxis + what to do SYMPTOMS of an allergy usually occur within minutes of contact with 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
CNA
18-07-2025
- Health
- CNA
'Playing Russian roulette every time I eat': What living with allergies is like in Singapore
In February this year, a typical day for Ms Teo Ying Ying turned into a distressing hospital visit and a confronting new chapter of her life. The 27 - year-old music teacher had enjoyed her favourite Indian rojak for both lunch and dinner, ending the day with a bowl of her mother's herbal soup. It wasn't long before her eyes started to itch and water uncomfortably. Then, she began sneezing uncontrollably, broke out in hives and struggled to breathe. She had never experienced an episode like this. She was rushed to the hospital, where doctors found that her oxygen levels had fallen to 93 per cent, a level where medical evaluation is advised. She was given an injection of epinephrine, administered steroids and placed on oxygen to stabilise her condition. Epinephrine, also known as adrenaline, is the first-line emergency treatment for severe and immediate allergic reactions such as anaphylaxis, which can affect breathing and blood circulation. Doctors told Ms Teo that she was most likely having an allergic reaction, but they were unsure of what caused it and advised her to carry an EpiPen until she could be tested for the condition. An EpiPen is an emergency injection that delivers adrenaline to stop a severe allergic reaction. Ms Teo said that in those initial months before she was tested, she was filled with anxiety and uncertainty, sticking to eating food she knew would not trigger a reaction. She said she carried her EpiPen with her, even if she was just going to buy food near her housing block. Beyond the fear of what might trigger another reaction, what unsettled her most was the sheer unpredictability of it all. "Suddenly, I'm allergic to something. It feels a bit unfair. All my life, I've been eating all these food items … and I was perfectly fine, and suddenly it decides to happen." Allergy tests later revealed that Ms Teo was allergic to storage mites, a type of microscopic insect commonly found in dried foods such as grains, flour and spices. She was told to wash rice thoroughly and avoid consuming food that has been left out too long, as a way to minimise the risk. "It's definitely great knowing what I'm allergic to, but I can't control (what gets into the food) when eating out," she said. Unlike a seafood allergy, where she could ask for ingredients to be omitted, storage mites are harder to avoid or detect. They could be present anywhere, whether in flour or food that has been left out for a while, making it nearly impossible to eliminate from her diet. Ms Teo is not alone in developing an allergy later in life. Ms Tan Hui San, 32, discovered she was suddenly allergic to nuts seven years ago, despite having eaten peanut butter regularly without any problems. It was not the public relations professional's first encounter with a food allergy. Years earlier, as a teenager, she had a reaction to chicken rice that contained salted fish, which led to the discovery of her shellfish allergy. "In 2018, I ate some cashew nuts and I started to feel an area of my tongue at the back of my throat starting to swell," she recalled. Ms Tan also has asthma, so she often feels a tightness in her chest that usually takes a few days or up to two weeks to subside whenever she has a reaction. Over the years, her nut allergy has worsened, she observed. At first, she avoided only tree nuts; now, she cannot eat chocolate that might contain trace amounts of nuts. "It's strange because it never used to be so bad. I used to be able to eat, for example, a brand of chocolates and I never had issues with them before. A couple of months ago, I ate some chocolates I always eat and suddenly, I needed my inhaler," she said. "It feels like a very small thing and it might not seem severe, but living with it is stressful. "There is this sense of the unknown. Sometimes you eat certain things and you feel like you're okay – and then you're not okay." As a precaution, Ms Tan carries around her inhaler and doctor-prescribed antihistamines, which are stronger than over-the-counter ones but leave her feeling lethargic. "I feel like people just don't realise the mental, emotional impact of it (living with allergies)." DOCTORS REPORT RISE IN ALLERGY INQUIRIES Doctors from both private and public healthcare clinics told CNA TODAY that they have noticed a steady increase in allergy-related consultations. The majority of allergy cases in Singapore continue to involve children, but there doctors have noted a growing number of adults developing new allergies as well, although there is very little public data on the trend. Dr Phang Kee Fong, consultant at the division of rheumatology and allergy at the National University Hospital (NUH), said he has seen "an increasing number of referrals to the adult allergy clinic". "We are also seeing patients who do develop new food allergies in adulthood, most commonly to shellfish such as prawns and crab," Dr Phang added, noting that studies in adults with allergies are lacking. "The nature of allergic diseases in adults may be different from what is seen in young children; hence, extrapolating paediatric management to the care of adult patients may not be entirely appropriate." Dr Tan Wei Jie, a general practitioner (GP) at DTAP@Orchard clinic, sees around two to three patients a week who ask for allergy tests and treatment. He said that the numbers have gone up over the past two years. His patients are mostly children and teenagers, but there are adults as well. Many of these cases are mild, but he has observed a broader range of conditions, from skin rashes to more severe allergic reactions, particularly among children. At KK Women's and Children's Hospital (KKH), Dr Chong Kok Wee, head of its paediatric allergy service, noted a rise in the incidence of food allergies among children, with the prevalence at 5 per cent. Between 2015 and 2022, the hospital's emergency department saw nearly 2.5 times more visits for food-induced anaphylaxis, he said. He added that the growing number of cases was "likely due to a true rise in disease prevalence", which was compounded by heightened awareness and improved diagnostic tools. Dr Chong is the co-investigator of a new clinical study announced last month that aims to answer questions about the prevalence and impact of food allergies among children in Singapore. The four-year study is being led by NUH and the National University of Singapore (NUS) Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, in collaboration with KKH, National University Polyclinics (NUP) and NUS Saw Swee Hock School of Public Health. Named the Singapore Food Allergy Story, it is the first and largest study to provide a holistic overview of the burden of food allergies in Singapore, a media release by the health institutions stated. ALLERGIES CAN OCCUR ANY TIME OF YOUR LIFE Although allergies are often associated with childhood, doctors who spoke to CNA TODAY said that these can develop later in life and sometimes in response to substances previously tolerated. "There are cases where individuals may develop an allergy to a product that they have used for a period of time," Dr Tan the GP said, adding that this could include familiar foods, skincare products or pets. He also said that many people wrongly assume long-term exposure guarantees safety, but this is not so because the immune system can suddenly change its response. Dr Phang, who sees patients at Alexandra Hospital and NUH, said: "A patient could have been exposed to a substance without issue for years, but a combined effect of environmental factors, infections and genetic factors can cause the immune system to now recognise it as a threat." Dr Uma Alagappan of TDC The Dermatology Clinic said that for patients with severe eczema, a skin condition, they may develop more allergies over time. This may occur later in life and treating the eczema will help to reduce the number of allergies. She also said that shellfish and avocado allergies usually develop due to cross-reactions. Cross-reaction (or cross-reactivity) in allergies happens when the immune system mistakenly identifies one allergen as another because their proteins share a similar structure. This can cause allergic reactions to substances even without exposure, simply because they are biochemically similar to the one already causing an allergy for the patient, Dr Uma explained. Dr Chong from KKH said that the cause of food allergies is likely multi-factorial and a result of the complex interplay of genetic, environmental and lifestyle factors during early childhood. He said allergic conditions tend to follow a progression known as the "atopic march", where eczema in infancy may give way to food allergies and eventually, to respiratory conditions such as allergic rhinitis, a type of inflammation in the nose, or asthma. Dr Lee Hwee Chyen, a dermatologist in private practice at Epi Dermatology & Laser Specialist Clinic, said that urban living, changes in dietary habits and reduced exposure to natural environments in early childhood may play a role in increasing allergy sensitivity. Agreeing, Dr Chong said one key theory that might explain the rise in food allergies in Singapore is the "hygiene hypothesis". "Our modern and cleaner urban lives have reduced our early exposure to microbes that are crucial for training a child's immune system," he added. "Ironically, a more sterile environment may inadvertently be increasing our allergy risks by not allowing the immune system to learn what are harmless or harmful." LIVING WITH ALLERGIES IN FOOD-OBSESSED SINGAPORE Although 29-year-old civil servant Rae Teo has lived with allergies since childhood, she said her allergies escalated rapidly in adulthood. She had been allergic to nuts, shellfish and bananas from birth, but she began developing new allergies during her university years, including reactions to mushrooms, brinjal, parmesan cheese, most fruits, as well as dust and storage mites. She makes it a point to avoid cuisines that are likely to contain allergens, but dining out can be challenging because not all workers at eateries are equipped to manage food allergies. She recalled an incident when she was dining out with colleagues and had asked a staff member to confirm that a pasta dish did not contain mushrooms due to her allergy. Despite assurances from the restaurant, including a check with its head office, the dish was served with mushrooms that are clearly seen. When she pointed this out, the staff member insisted that it was mushroom-free, much to her frustration. "It's kind of like playing Russian roulette every time I eat," she said. "Sometimes, I worry I'll wake up tomorrow and I'm suddenly allergic to something that I like. "I used to really not enjoy eating in general, because it was such a stressor. The uncertainty is quite burdensome, but I've also learnt to live with it." Mr Joshua Shih, 34, who has a gluten and dairy intolerance, said looking for food options in Singapore can be an ordeal. Gluten intolerance is a sensitivity to foods containing wheat, barley or rye, including sauces such as soy or oyster sauce used in Asian cooking. "I went to Raffles City shopping centre because I know most gluten-free options tend to be in the central region, especially around City Hall," the administrative executive said. "But it was so frustrating, I went from Basement 1 to Level 5, checking menus non-stop. I was exhausted. I just wanted a simple meal, but I couldn't find anything that was purely gluten-free. Eventually, I broke down in public." Beyond the physical toll, having allergies in Singapore can result in social and cultural isolation. Human resources director Julie Lee, 54, said there were times at previous workplaces where she felt left out and "not welcome" because of her allergies. Ms Lee has eczema that is exacerbated by various allergens, including beef, prawns, dairy, alcohol and nuts. "One of them (a colleague) said to me: 'It's hard to include you because of the kind of food you want to eat. You're so different and we have to cater to you'." When travelling for work, Ms Lee often informs organisers about her food allergies in advance of group dinners. However, her dietary requirements are sometimes oversimplified or ignored, and they simply order vegetarian food for her. "But I'm not a vegetarian. I can eat pork, chicken or fish. I just need them to understand my specific allergies," she said. For those living with allergies, there are times when even loved ones fail to recognise the seriousness of their condition. Ms Teo said that her godmother once tried to sneak in peanut oil in one of the dishes she was cooking, hoping that gradual exposure might cause the allergy to go away. "I remember feeling extremely hurt," Ms Teo said, likening it to how some people would often dismiss mental health conditions by not taking them seriously. However, not all allergy sufferers face negative experiences. One standout experience for Mr Shih was at Jumbo Seafood restaurant, known for its iconic chilli crab, a favourite dish of his. While the dish typically contains gluten, a staff member offered to make it gluten-free for him, because the chef was well-versed in preparing dishes for customers on gluten-free diets. "It was awesome. I got to enjoy the dish with my friends. It was a really pleasant experience." Ms Ainul Razib, in her late 20s and who works in the technology sector, has a peanut allergy and eczema. She said she initially felt left out because she couldn't enjoy dishes central to her cultural identity, such as nasi lemak and satay, due to the risk of cross-contamination or the use of peanut oil in cooking. "From a cultural perspective, when you're not able to eat foods that are quintessential of your cultural identity, it feels like you can't relate." All her family members love satay and they now make it a point to double-check whether it has been prepared with peanut oil, as a show of support and care. "I hope people will be more open to those of us who have allergies, and to know that we have to avoid things that you might love not because we want to offend you, but simply because we cannot eat those items," she added. Ms Rae Teo the civil servant said that some of her close friends take her allergies seriously, maintaining a list of "Rae-friendly" eateries and proactively shortlisting places where she can dine, relieving her of the constant burden of deciding where to eat. "It's already difficult enough, having to think about every meal in such a way," she added. "So if you could take some of the mental burden away, or also assure your friends with allergies, that it is not a burden, it's just another form of care. I think that's something that I will appreciate, or I think people with allergies will appreciate."
