Latest news with #Fitzpatrick
USA Today
2 days ago
- Sport
- USA Today
Blue-chip CB names Texas in top five schools
Blue-chip CB names Texas in top five schools Texas has eight commitments in its 2026 recruiting class. They have one cornerback in four-star Hayward Howard Jr. who committed earlier this month. The Longhorns are also heavily in play for another cornerback in four-star Justice Fitzpatrick as he named them in his top five schools this week. Fitzpatrick plays at powerhouse St. Thomas Aquinas in Fort Lauderdale, Florida and has 43 total offers. He's the nation's No. 62 overall player and the No. 7 cornerback per On3's industry rankings. They have him as the No. 11 prospect in the state of Florida as well. It was a very productive junior campaign for Fitzpatrick in 2024. He racked up 34 tackles, two interceptions, and seven pass breakups as he aided St. Thomas Aquinas when the Florida 5A state championship. He also received Junior All-American honors from MaxPreps. Fitzpatrick hasn't spent a lot time in Austin with just an unofficial visit taken this April. However, he has an official visit locked in for June 13, which gives the Longhorns and opportunity to separate themselves from the pack. Contact/Follow us @LonghornsWire on X (Twitter) and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Florida State news, notes and opinions. You can also follow Matthew on X @StarConscience
Hamilton Spectator
2 days ago
- Health
- Hamilton Spectator
There are more treatments than ever for hair loss in women. Experts weigh in
There's nothing quite like a good hair day, with that waterfall of shine befitting a Pantene commercial. But for the up to 40 per cent of females who experience thinning by age 50, those good hair days are harder to come by as we get older. A bit of shedding every day is part of a normal hair cycle, but if you start to see an increase in the amount of hair caught in your hairbrush, or you have a widening part, recessed temples or bald patches, it might be worth making an appointment. 'Most patients don't present to their doctor until they've lost about 50 per cent of their hair,' says Dr. Michael Brandt, a facial plastic surgeon and hair restoration specialist at Form Face + Body . 'They just don't notice it.' A dermatologist, specialized doctor or certified trichologist can help you find the cause of your loss and provide treatment options, usually topicals and medications followed by in-clinic therapies as necessary. Unfortunately, there is an element of trial and error with many hair loss treatments. 'Things like PRP and low-level laser therapy (LLLT) are second- or third-line options,' notes Caroline Ruggiero, IAT-certified trichologist and CEO of Truly You Hair & Scalp Clinic . 'Maybe they'll work, maybe they won't.' That's because the research on non-medical therapies often isn't as rigorous and may be funded by the companies creating the technology. Plus, they aren't subsidized by insurance. Many dermatology and trichology clinics still offer these solutions, though, because they can be very effective for some patients. Another issue with hair loss treatments is the lack of research in women compared to men — especially women with darker skin tones. 'I'm tired of companies studying their devices with Fitzpatrick skin types I to IV,' says dermatologist Dr. Rénee A. Beach, founder of DermAtelier on Avenue. 'Basically, they test on white people and maybe some East Asian people, not brown and Black people.' Despite these ongoing issues in the industry, there are a wide range of treatment options — if you're willing to commit. 'There are easily 20 types of female hair loss, each with subtypes,' says Beach, noting that different types have different causes. Generally speaking, these types of alopecia (the medical term for hair loss) are grouped into two categories: non-scarring and scarring. In non-scarring hair loss, the follicles are not destroyed and can potentially regrow hair: There are also several types of scarring alopecia, where the hair follicles are destroyed and replaced with scar tissue that prevents regrowth. The cause isn't always clear, but an autoimmune condition is often a factor. There are different types of scarring alopecia, in total affecting around three per cent of people with hair loss . Yes, in many cases — especially if you catch it early. But an accurate diagnosis is key. 'I guarantee that there are people walking around with very complex disorders who think they have telogen effluvium or female pattern hair loss,' says Ruggiero. 'Without knowing what's happening, you don't know which treatments will work.' To get a proper diagnosis, see a dermatologist or certified trichologist. Trichologists are not doctors, so they will have to work with your primary-care physician to order blood work or prescribe medications. Still, they can offer educated recommendations and may be easier to book than a dermatologist. According to new research , only 38 per cent of Ontario dermatologists are accepting OHIP referrals for hair loss. Once you have your diagnosis, it's best to try just one treatment at a time. That way, you'll be able to pinpoint what's behind any improvements or, in some cases, side effects. Keep in mind that most treatments take six months to show results (be wary of so-called quick fixes!) and may require lifelong upkeep. 'That's probably one of the most disappointing things that people hear when they come to see me,' says Beach. 'If you find something that works for you, expect to continue it indefinitely.' Often, medications are the first-line response for female pattern hair loss, because they're backed by robust research (albeit primarily in men), help to retain existing hair and are often affordable. Minoxidil, whether in a topical like Rogaine or in prescription pill form, is a popular treatment that dilates the blood vessels, allowing more blood to reach the hair follicles. The pill is cheaper than the topical version and, for many people, is more convenient than rubbing Rogaine on the scalp twice per day. There's also a category of medications called 5-alpha reductase inhibitors. They help to block a hormone called DHT from shrinking the hair follicles, which is a significant factor in female pattern hair loss and can be a problem for women with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome. These medications work for many people, but can come with side effects (breast tenderness, headaches and decreased sex drive) and are contraindicated for anyone who has had breast cancer or a first-degree relative (mom or sister) who has had breast cancer. They may also impact egg quality, so it's rare to prescribe this medication to premenopausal women who hope to conceive. In this age group, a hormone blocker like spironolactone may be an option. For alopecia areata, one of the most effective treatments is a class of medications called JAK inhibitors, which can help to reduce inflammation. However, it has side effects and isn't typically covered by insurance. The exorbitant cost? Around $20,000 per year. Procedures like PRP, microneedling, light therapy and transplants are commonly used as adjunct therapies to oral medication. However, if someone doesn't want to risk the side effects of medication or has a contraindication, they may be the first approach. What it is: Commonly used for androgenetic alopecia and telogen effluvium, platelet-rich plasma (PRP) and platelet-rich fibrin (PRF) can be injected into the scalp to stimulate hair follicles with growth factors spun from your own blood. Scalp Botox — yes, the wrinkle-freezer — is also a newer option for treating these types of hair loss by reducing inflammation and oil production while stimulating blood flow to the follicles. What's involved in treatment: For PRP or PRF, your provider will first draw a small amount of blood from your arm and place it in a centrifuge to separate out the plasma and/or fibrin, then draw that substance up into a syringe. Numbing cream can be used before injecting PRP, PRF or Botox to reduce discomfort, which can feel like a sharp pressure. You may experience bruising, itching, redness or swelling that lasts for a few days. How many treatments are needed: For PRP and PRF, three treatments spaced four to six weeks apart, then maintenance treatments every three or four months; for scalp Botox, just like getting it in your forehead or around your eyes — about every three to four months. How much does it cost: $600 to $1,200 per session (though there are often discounts for packages). What it is: This hair loss treatment involves puncturing the scalp with tiny needles to create microchannels, which attracts oxygenated blood to the surface. These pathways allow growth-enhancing topicals like PRP, exosomes (derived from stem cells or placenta cells), or customized serums to better penetrate. There is also new regenerative technology out of Canada's own Acorn Biolabs that uses stem cells processed from 50 of your hair follicles to create a personalized secretome serum for application after microneedling. For all types of microneedling, the provider will apply an anesthetic cream to numb the area, then they'll create micro-injuries in the scalp with a dermaroller or dermapen — hand-held devices with tiny needles. You may experience some mild discomfort. Next, it's time for the chosen topical treatment, which will need to stay on for 12 or more hours. You'll be able to resume normal activities in a day or two, and may experience some redness and swelling for a couple days. How many treatments are needed: Three treatments spaced four to six weeks apart, then maintenance treatments every three or four months. How much does it cost: $500 to $1,000 per session with discounts on packages. For microneedling with a secretome serum, there's also a one-time cost of about $5,000 for stem cell collection and the production of 12 vials of serum. What it is: A device like the Alma TED uses ultrasound waves and air pressure to improve blood flow and absorption of a hair serum containing growth factors and peptides. What's involved in treatment: Your provider will apply the serum to your scalp, then will move a hand-held device over your head. It's painless and with no downtime but you'll have to leave the serum on your head for 24 hours. How many treatments are needed: Four treatments spaced one month apart, then maintenance treatments every four to six months. How much does it cost: $800 to $1,200 per session with discounts on packages. What it is: The most common laser for hair loss right now is low-level laser therapy (LLLT). It uses diffused red and near-infrared light to increase blood flow and stimulate the hair follicles. Some people — typically with short, straight hair — have good results, while others don't see a difference. On the more aggressive side of the laser spectrum, Health Canada recently cleared a non-ablative fractional laser called FoLix . It promises to stimulate hair growth by creating micro-wounds in the scalp with its tiny beams of energy, though its adoption into Canadian clinics hasn't picked up steam yet. What's involved in treatment: LLLT and FoLix each take about 30 minutes per treatment and are generally pain-free with no downtime. For LLLT, you sit with a helmet on your head and can read a book or scroll your phone. For FoLix, you lie down and your provider moves a hand-held device over your scalp, using the laser to target thinning areas. How many treatments are needed: Two to three weekly LLLT treatments for four to six weeks, then maintenance treatments every week; monthly FoLix treatments for four to six months. How much does it cost: $70 to $150 per LLLT treatment, with discounts on packages (some people choose to buy their own device [$1,500 to $5,000] if LLLT works for them); expect FoLix to ring in significantly higher per treatment. What it is: A hair transplant removes follicles from one area of the scalp (often the back of the head where hair is thicker or hair loss is less noticeable) and implants them in another. 'If there's global thinning, a hair transplant is not the answer,' notes Brandt. For candidates that have enough transplantable hair for the procedure, the follicles are traditionally harvested and implanted manually, but new technology is changing the process — and results. For example, the Artas iXi Robotic Hair Restoration system uses a robotic arm, multiple high-tech cameras and AI to improve the rate of successful transfer from 80 per cent in skilled human hands to more than 90 per cent. What's involved in treatment: Small strips of your hair are shaved at the back of your head so that the robot (or your provider) can access the follicles in the area. For women with long hair, these strips usually can't be noticed. As you lie face down, the follicles are then grafted with a scalpel, needle, or the Artas iXi, which acts kind of like a hole punch to harvest the follicles over the course of three hours. After a short break, the grafts are reinserted into the scalp's thinned-out areas, one by one. Altogether, the procedure takes six to 10 hours and nerve blocks and Ativan are used to manage pain and anxiety. After two weeks, the donor area should be fully healed, but it takes at least a year to see the full results. How many treatments are needed: One, in most cases (however, hair loss tends to be progressive and will likely continue with age). How much does it cost: $8,000 to $15,000 on average, depending on how many follicles are harvested. Recently, there's been a scalp-care boom, popularizing new serums, shampoos and conditioners designed to hydrate the scalp and strengthen hair roots to help minimize shedding. Some lean on peptides and antioxidants like you'd find in skin care, while others use ingredients like Aminexil, which is chemically similar to the tried-and-true minoxidil. You've likely also spotted caffeine-spiked serums and scalp massage tools, both designed to stimulate blood flow to hair follicles. For Ruggeiro and Beach, these products are fine complements to a treatment plan, but the pros note that there's a lack of third-party research to support the effectiveness. 'I don't think there's anything wrong with treating scalp care like skin care, but if you have a serious condition, disorder of the scalp, progressive form of hair loss or autoimmune form of hair loss, you need proper diagnosis and treatment,' says Ruggeiro. Maintaining existing hair is easier than growing new hair, so it's always a good idea to take care of your mane — just don't expect a miracle shampoo to overdeliver, says Beach. 'I don't have a problem with people using shampoos that they think are helpful, but how long do you leave your shampoo on your head? A minuscule amount of time. I have Afro-textured hair and wash it once a week. How am I going to expect a shampoo alone to stop hair thinning? The math doesn't math.' Maintenance is crucial for good long-term results. That means that the best hair restoration treatment is the one you can afford and are willing to stick with forever. 'If you have unlimited time and money, you could probably layer all of these treatments,' says Ruggiero. 'But if you can't spend $20,000 or $30,000 on your hair every year, then don't start.' Instead, pick one or two therapies — say, oral medication and PRF injections three times per year — and stick with them. For female pattern hair loss, you'll often want to start with topicals and medications. Then, if you're not satisfied with your results or don't want to take medication, you might consider PRP with or without microneedling as the next step. If you have telogen effluvium, finding and resolving the trigger is essential. That may mean changing your diet, working to minimize stress, correcting thyroid concerns or waiting out the postpartum period. To jump-start the hair growth phase, you can try PRP, microneedling, ultrasound or lasers — but you first need to treat the underlying cause of your hair loss or you're wasting your time and money.
USA Today
2 days ago
- Sport
- USA Today
Minkah Fitzpatrick's brother names narrows his college football options down to five
Minkah Fitzpatrick's brother names narrows his college football options down to five Georgia is closer to recruiting the brother of an NFL player. Four-star cornerback Justice Fitzpatrick, the brother of three-time NFL first-team All-Pro safety Minkah Fitzpatrick, listed Georgia among his top five schools, according to Hayes Fawcett. Fitzpatrick will choose among Georgia, Florida, Ohio State, Texas or Miami. He didn't include Alabama, where his brother played college football, in his top schools list. Fitzpatrick is a four-star cornerback in the class of 2026. The 6-foot, 185-pound cornerback plays football for St. Thomas Aquinas High School in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. The Bulldogs previously added an elite recruit from St. Thomas Aquinas, when four-star wide receiver Marcus Rosmary-Jacksaint committed to Georgia in 2019. According to 247Sports, Fitzpatrick has 50 total tackles, five interceptions, two pass breakups, and a fumble recovery through three seasons in high school. He also runs track and field, with times of 10.76 seconds in the 100-meter dash, 21.97 seconds in the 200-meter dash and 53.63 seconds in the 400-meter dash. In 2025, Fitzpatrick played in the Polynesian Bowl along with Georgia Bulldogs commit Zech Fort. Fitzpatrick is the No. 3 ranked cornerback and No. 47 ranked prospect in the nation. Georgia hosted Fitzpatrick for an official visit on May 30. After that, the Miami Hurricanes and Texas Longhorns will host him for official visits in June. He already had unofficial visits with Texas, Miami, Ohio State and Florida. The Bulldogs have already secured commitments in the secondary from four-star safeties Zech Fort and Jordan Smith, along with three-star safety Kealan Jones.
USA Today
6 days ago
- Sport
- USA Today
Longhorns assistant coach hits the road to visit cornerback Justice Fitzpatrick
Longhorns assistant coach hits the road to visit cornerback Justice Fitzpatrick Longhorns go the extra mile to connect with cornerback Justice Fitzpatrick Justice Fitzpatrick, brother of NFL Safety Minkah Fitzpatrick is going to be one to WATCH👀 — Rivals (@Rivals) September 14, 2024 With recruiting season heating up, programs nationwide are doing what they can to form relationships with potential future stars. That includes the Longhorns who are having their coaches hit the road. Assistant Coach Mark Orphey visited cornerback Justice Fitzpatrick last week, according to On3 Recruits. Fitzpatrick is ranked as the eighth-best cornerback in the country and the 87th-best overall recruit in the 2026 class by 247sports. He is also being pursued by Florida and Georgia. Having Fitzpatrick in the secondary would be a major boost for any of programs still in the mix. While playing for St. Thomas Aquinas High School, Fitzpatrick has made headlines with his speed. The Florida native also shows a remarkable ability to read plays and react to what is happening around him. That will be key at the next level and in a conference like the SEC. Unlike some of the other recruits in his class, Fitzpatrick can rely on his brother Minkah, who has become a star in the NFL, for advice. After winning two National Championships at Alabama, he also knows what it takes to succeed at the college level. His brother is now looking to follow in his footsteps. In less than two weeks, Fitzpatrick will be at Forty Acres to visit Texas on June 13th. It will mark his second trip to campus after taking an unofficial visit on April 22nd. The Longhorns will look to build on their relationship with the talented cornerback. As the recruitment process continues, Fitzpatrick will be a player to watch. After his visits in June, a decision could be on the horizon regarding which school he will call home. Follow us on X (formerly Twitter) at @LonghornsWire.
Belfast Telegraph
6 days ago
- Business
- Belfast Telegraph
Electric air taxi company founded by Belfast man completes landmark flight
Vertical Aerospace, the electric air taxi company founded by Belfast man Stephen Fitzpatrick, has completed what it says is the first piloted flight of such an aircraft in European open airspace. It makes a landmark step for the company, which has endured a tumultuous few years that saw it undergo a major restructuring as it continued development of its aircraft. Vertical is one of a number of firms developing vertical take-off and landing electric air taxis that they are hoping will become major green transport modes in busy cities across the world. The company was founded by Stephen Fitzpatrick – also the founder of Ovo Energy – and was heavily backed by Dublin-based jet lessor Avolon. Mr Fitzpatrick stepped down as Vertical's CEO in 2023. Dómhnal Slattery, CEO of Avolon until 2022, stepped down as Vertical's chairman in 2023, before being reappointed to the role this year. The landmark flight of the VX4 prototype in the UK on Tuesday, piloted by chief test pilot Si Davies, saw the aircraft take off, fly and land like a conventional aircraft, with lift generated by the wing. In phase three testing – wingborne flight – the VX4 operates like a conventional aircraft using lift generated by its wings, rather than relying solely on rotor thrust. This low-power, quiet mode of flight is key to making electric air travel practical, scalable and economically viable, according to Vertical Aerospace. The UK Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) approved the flight through open airspace at Cotswold Airport by extending Vertical's permit to fly. 'Achieving piloted wingborne flight in open airspace under the oversight of the UK CAA is an important moment in our certification journey,' said Vertical Aerospace CEO Stuart Simpson. 'Operating under the UK's rigorous regulatory framework means we share the burden of safety with our regulator – every step must be approved, and that's by design. It amounts to a mini-certification of our prototype and gives us a clearer, faster path to type certification.' Last year, Vertical Aerospace sued a British company that was involved in the development and manufacture of major components for its prototype aircraft. Vertical Aerospace floated in New York in 2021, valuing it at $2.2bn. The company's market capitalisation slumped to as low as $162m last year, but has since risen to $455m.
