Latest news with #JamesHiggins
Irish Times
5 days ago
- Health
- Irish Times
Boy who suffered catastrophic injuries after fall at park settles case with €3.3m interim payment
A boy who suffered 'catastrophic and life-changing' injuries after he fell and hit his head at a Dublin City Council-owned park almost 10 years ago has settled a High Court action against the local authority and a GP with an interim payment of €3.3 million. James Higgins, who is now 12, from East Wall, Dublin 3, requires around-the-clock care, is essentially non-verbal, suffers with epilepsy and will be a wheelchair user for life, the court heard on Friday. The interim settlement agreement was reached following mediation. The case will return to court in six years. The court heard there were complex questions relating to causation and liability in the case. The case had been contested. READ MORE Kevin Higgins brought proceedings on behalf of his son James against Dublin City Council and Dr John Taylor, claiming they acted negligently and in breach of their duties. Jeremy Maher SC, for James, said the boy, when he was two-and-a-half years old, suffered 'catastrophic and life-changing' arising from a fall at May Park, Malahide Road, Dublin 5, on December 1st, 2015. Mr Maher said the boy, while retrieving a football, fell on an all-weather soccer pitch where slush had accumulated and hit the left side of his head. Mr Maher said it was their case the pitch was in dangerous condition and should not have been in use and that the council was in breach of its duty and negligent in its management of the park. James was subsequently brought to Dr Taylor's surgery at Ardlea Road, Artane, Dublin 5, Mr Maher said, where it is alleged the GP was negligent and breached his duty in failing to immediately refer the child to hospital. James was later that evening brought to Children's Health Ireland Temple Street. There it was determined he had suffered a bleed within his skull and he underwent emergency surgery, Mr Maher said. Mr Maher said this surgery was life-saving, but the damage had advanced to such an extent that James was left with devastating injuries. The barrister said James required around-the-clock care, was essentially non-verbal, suffered with epilepsy and would never be able to work or live independently. Mr Maher said James's 'heroic' parents had given up their careers to care for James. Mr Maher said that following mediation, the defendants had agreed the interim settlement of €3.3 million. Mr Justice Paul Coffey approved the settlement, stating that James's case was a reminder of the fragility of life and the limitless nature of parental love. He said it had been 'deeply humbling' to listen to Mr Higgins address the court about James's condition and their experience of his care.
Daily Mirror
16-07-2025
- Climate
- Daily Mirror
UK households urged to spray washing up liquid across their gardens
As temperatures skyrocketed this weekend, Brits were urged take care to spray washing up liquid across their gardens if they want to avoid one vicious insect that is a frequent visitor Wasps are a nightmare whenever temperatures rise as they zip around your garden with their vicious stingers – but experts say washing up liquid can help ward them away. As the UK goes through its third heatwave of the season, many regions across Britain are saw weekend temperatures reach above 30C. Many of us are planning barbecues, outdoor dinner parties and even just some quality time in the garden. But before you pour yourself a glass of prosecco and pull out a good book, beware of the likely insurgency of all sorts of nuisance insects – including wasps. Few bugs inspire the same level of fear in British homes as wasps. Due to their painful stingers, most of us try to avoid the mean-spirited yellow insects as much as possible. Although, it is important to remember that wasps will only sting you if they feel threatened, so it's best to avoid swatting them away. Instead, try to stay calm and still until they pass by. Equally, while there are plenty of chemical wasp-killers on the market, you should avoid those too, as they can be overly harsh and risk wiping out too many insects. Though they may pose a nuisance, wasps are actually beneficial to your garden's eco-system. Like bees and butterflies, they act as pollinators, encouraging flowers and plants to proliferate. Luckily, there is a more gentle (and nice-smelling) solution. James Higgins, a gardening expert at Grass247, says: 'You can use essential oils to also create your own homemade wasp repellent.' He explains: 'Using a spray bottle, mix together a solution of water, a few tablespoons of washing up liquid and a few drops of an essential oil such as peppermint, lavender or clove oil.' Once you've done that, the application is simple. He continues: 'Lightly spritz this across your garden, focusing on any established wasp nests or places you've seen them frequently.' Washing up liquid kills wasps by disrupting the wasp's respiratory system. It creates a coating around their bodies and wings, causing them to suffocate and drown. Meanwhile, using strong-smelling essential oils like peppermint or lavender also helps to deter them from your garden. Wasps primarily rely on their sense of smell to track down food, so oils like these overwhelm their senses. Another helpful tip for keeping wasps at bay is to make sure your home and garden is as clean as possible. That means not leaving food lying out and keeping outdoor bins away from windows.
The Sun
15-07-2025
- General
- The Sun
The £3.99 plant that keeps pesky wasps at bay in your garden and the DIY spray you can make which they hate
SUMMER is great for barbecuing and being outside, but sadly we're often not alone out there. And although we may see some more beloved insects such as bees and butterflies, we're also likely to run into nuisances like wasps too. 3 3 Gardening expert James Higgins at Grass247 has shared three ways to naturally deter wasps so you can still enjoy your time outdoors without any pesky bugs. He said: 'Due to their sting, wasps can cause a panic when you find them flying around you. However, a wasp will only sting if they feel threatened, so try to stay calm and not swat at them when you find them in your garden. 'Wasps are also pollinators, and so they are important for the ecosystem and should be protected where possible, therefore it's important to opt for natural wasp repellent methods to try and keep them away from your space.' Here are his three top tips… 1. Plant some strong smells Planting strong scented plants is a great method when it comes to getting rid of wasps naturally. Wasps are very sensitive to smells, and so plants like lavender, geranium, and eucalyptus will put them off from coming into your garden. Herbs such as rosemary, sage and mint are also perfect ways to keep wasps out of your garden, as these have strong scents. You can also pop these in pots near your window to deter any wasps from accidentally flying into your home. 2. Create a homemade wasp repellent You can use essential oils to also create your own homemade wasp repellent. Using a spray bottle, mix together a solution of water, a few tablespoons of washing up liquid and a few drops of an essential oil such as peppermint, lavender or clove oil. Little known trick to keep wasps away all summer using a 1p coin 3 Lightly spritz this across your garden, focusing on any established wasp nests or places you've seen them frequently. 3. Get rid of any waste Wasps like to eat protein, and they especially love anything sugary, so make sure you get rid of any food waste and keep all outdoor bins closed and as clean as possible. It's also best to keep your outdoor bins as far away from your windows as you can, so that any lingering wasps don't come into your home through an open window. Plant companion plants such as peppermint to repel rats. Place Garden Netting Pest Barrier, over your flowerbeds. Fill open-top containers with beer and place in soil to repel slugs. Spray plants with Neem Oil, to repel ants, flies, and spiders. Dust your flowerbeds with Diatomaceous Earth. Mix 1 tablespoon dish soap, 10 drops peppermint oil, and 4 cups water and spray on flowerbeds. Place eggshells around your plants to protect from slugs and snails.
Daily Mirror
14-07-2025
- General
- Daily Mirror
Keep wasps out of your garden with three-ingredient spray that's all natural
With the UK having enjoyed a scorcher of a weekend, a gardening expert has shared a simple way to keep wasps at bay without resorting to harsh chemicals or traps As the UK gears up for another scorching weekend, many Brits are planning to enjoy their gardens. However, we're seldom alone in our outdoor spaces, and wasps often prove to be unwanted visitors. Online searches for "how to deter wasps from garden" have surged by over 5,000% in the past month, indicating that homeowners are seeking solutions. Luckily, gardening expert James Higgins from Grass247 has revealed a natural and surprisingly potent method to ward off wasps without resorting to harsh chemicals or traps. Higgins points out that despite wasps' reputation for aggressive stinging, they usually only attack if they feel threatened. "Try to stay calm and avoid swatting at them," he advised. "Wasps also act as pollinators and play a crucial role in the ecosystem, so it's preferable to use natural methods to discourage them rather than annihilate them." One such technique is a homemade wasp spray that blends just three common ingredients: water, washing-up liquid, and essential oils, reports the Express. "In a spray bottle, simply mix water with a few tablespoons of washing-up liquid and add a few drops of essential oil," Higgins explained. "Peppermint, lavender, and clove oil are particularly effective, as wasps find their potent aromas overpowering and disagreeable." Once concocted, the mixture can be lightly sprayed around your garden, especially in areas where wasps tend to congregate or construct nests, such as under eaves, near outdoor seating areas, or around bins. The mixture serves as a mild deterrent rather than an exterminator, encouraging the insects to relocate without causing them harm. This spray also doubles up as a deterrent for ants and some types of flies, making it a fantastic all-purpose garden ally. While it may not completely eradicate wasps, this natural method aids in maintaining your garden as a more tranquil space during the summer months. And with temperatures rising above 30°C in parts of the UK this weekend, there's never been a better time to give this environmentally friendly spray a go.
Yahoo
25-06-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Is ‘adult tummy time' the secret to fighting tech neck? How it can ease neck and back pain
No sweat, no sneakers, no standing. The latest wellness craze skips the squats and goes straight to the floor. 'Adult tummy time' is taking the internet by storm, with fans claiming the face-down position helps fix posture and fends off the modern-day menace known as tech neck. The Post spoke with three physical therapists to find out if this trend is a back-saving breakthrough — or just another pain in the neck. Here's everything you need to know before hitting the ground. Turns out all that scrolling, typing and slouching comes at a cost. 'Tech neck is a term used to describe the neck pain, stiffness and discomfort that results from prolonged periods of looking down at electronic devices like smartphones, tablets or laptops,' said Caitlin Reid, clinical director at Spear Physical Therapy. It's often the result of poor posture, when the head leans forward and the neck has to support its weight for an extended period of time, Reid explained. And that's no small task. 'Ten pounds of weight is added to the cervical spine for every inch that the neck is tilted forward,' said Dr. James Higgins, a physical therapist and partner at Integrative Physical Therapy of NYC. He said more patients are coming into his practice with symptoms of tech neck, especially office workers. While it's tough to pin down exactly how many Americans are affected, studies indicate that 73% of university students and 65% of people who work from home have neck or back pain. 'If left unaddressed, tech neck can lead to chronic neck pain, headaches, muscle imbalances, nerve compression and disc degeneration,' Reid warned. If you've ever spent time with a baby, you've probably seen this move in action. ''Tummy time' for infants is a critical activity that supports several key physical and cognitive milestones,' Reid said. It helps strengthen neck, core and upper body muscles, prevents flat head syndrome and supports hand-eye coordination and motor skills, she explained. For adults, the move is all about counteracting poor posture. ''Adult tummy time' requires the participant to extend the neck and lower back, reversing the poor postural position of a flexed neck and lower back,' Higgins explained. 'The reversal decreases pain and provides relief to the neck and lower back joints.' 'As a physical therapist, I see value in this position because it helps counteract forward head and rounded posture by stretching the front of the body, improving spinal extension and strengthening the muscles that support the shoulders and neck,' said Dr. Morgan Severe, an orthopedic clinical specialist at the Hospital for Special Surgery at Naples Comprehensive Health. Reid said even 10 minutes a day can help prevent tech neck — and ease the aches that come with it. ''Tummy time' can relieve neck and lower back pain for patients who are suffering from postural syndromes, strain and cervical or lumbar disc displacement injuries such as herniations and protrusions,' Higgins added. While 'adult tummy time' is a widely accessible move, it's not for everyone. ''Tummy time' would not be appropriate for individuals diagnosed with cervical or lumbar stenosis, spondylosis and osteoarthritis,' Higgins warned. 'In these cases, extension-based movements such as 'tummy time' would most likely exacerbate their symptoms,' he continued. Reid said others should be cautious too, such as those with serious back or neck pain, recent abdominal or cardiac surgeries, severe breathing problems and women near the end of their pregnancy. 'It's important that the position feels comfortable and doesn't cause pain, such as in the lower back,' Severe said. 'If it does, I recommend speaking with a licensed healthcare provider for modifications.' To do the move, find a firm spot such as the floor or a yoga mat. Avoid soft surfaces like beds or couches. 'For proper positioning, lay face down on your elbows,' Higgins said. 'Make sure your elbows are positioned directly underneath your shoulders. Look straight ahead and relax your lower back.' Begin with five to 10 minutes in the position. Stop immediately if you experience sharp or shooting pain in your neck, shoulders or back, feel lightheaded, have difficulty breathing, notice numbness or tingling in your hands or arms or cannot maintain proper posture, Higgins said. If you're not ready to hit the carpet, there are plenty of other moves you can try to tackle tech neck. 'Commonly used strategies for addressing tech neck and poor posture include strengthening of the postural muscles in the neck, shoulders and upper back as well as stretching of the tight muscles in the shoulders, chest and back of neck caused by poor posture,' Reid shared. Think neck and shoulder rolls, arm circles, wall push-ups and yoga poses like downward dog or cat-cow. Higgins agreed. 'When we slouch our shoulders forward, our neck will tilt forward as well,' he said. 'Through strengthening our upper back/scapular muscles, we keep our shoulders retracted and, in return, our neck stays in a neutral, pain-free position.' The most important part of all is simple — move. 'Ultimately, our bodies aren't designed to stay in one position for too long,' Severe said. 'Frequent movement breaks and posture changes throughout the day, alongside an active lifestyle, are key to long-term musculoskeletal health.'
