Latest news with #Jeni
Yahoo
15-05-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
AgapéCare Cradle aids grieving parents after child loss
WICHITA, Kan. (KSNW) – One in four pregnancies ends in a loss of some sort. It's an experience that many families don't know how to process until it happens to them. AgapéCare Cradle provides guidance, resources, and support to parents who are experiencing the crisis of losing a child. ReUse It Center's mission is to help the planet grow into much more Shawn and Jeni Lehecka's lives changed in a matter of minutes. 'We're having all these conversations, like, oh, three girls, and like what are we gonna do?' Shawn said. After 20 weeks of waiting to learn their baby's gender, both were blindsided. 'They came in, told us she had anencephaly,' Shawn said. It is a neural tube defect where a baby is born with a missing or underdeveloped brain, skull, and scalp. 'Part of her brain wasn't fully there, and so we didn't know like what to expect of how, like how long we would have with her,' Jeni said. The following five months were a different kind of pregnancy. 'You know, not getting our nursery ready, not getting our baby things back out, but also picking out, like, what is the one thing we want her to wear, to be, to be buried in,' Jeni said. AgapéCare Cradle stepped in and walked the Leheckas through the steps of planning a funeral. 'Having that resource was huge, just to know that you can go through with any type of questions and never be a burden. They were always right there for us,' Shawn said. Youth Horizons provides safe homes for Kansas foster youth The nonprofit supports families as they grieve the what-ifs. 'When you walk down the road and you see a 3-year-old, and you think, well, my baby would have been 3, and then, you wonder what that would have been like,' Lissa Nemitz, executive director of AgapeCaré Cradle, said. Empowering them to make decisions for their baby, like other parents would. 'Naming your child or choosing what outfit your child wears, or when you're able to be a part of that, choosing how your baby's life is honored that, that fills a hole,' Nemitiz said. In September, the Leheckas welcomed Charlotte to the world. 'As I was holding her, just the fact that she was alive, just embracing every moment of that,' Shawn said. Every moment for 84 priceless minutes. 'We were able to read books to her and sing with her and just be close with her,' Jeni said. It is a blessing they will cherish forever. AgapéCare offers a monthly support group for moms on the third Thursday of every month. Find details on AgapéCare Cradle by clicking here. If you would like to nominate a nonprofit for our Here For You Spotlight, fill out our online contact form. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
The Irish Sun
07-05-2025
- Lifestyle
- The Irish Sun
Green-fingered Brits are racing to snap up a 50p buy to transform their gardens – and it sells for £3 elsewhere
WITH different tools required, mulch, soil and pots, gardening - though relaxing - can oftentimes be quite expensive. Luckily, if you're on a mission to Advertisement 2 Green-fingered Brits have spotted an epic 50p buy that will transform your garden in seconds Credit: Getty 2 Farmfoods are selling gorgeous plans for just 50p - or £3 for six Credit: ExtremeCouponingAndBargainsUK Cash-savvy Brits are racing to a One green-fingered gardening enthusiast, Jeni Herriman, took to Facebook to inform fellow shoppers about the epic deal. According to the woman - one of the 2.6million members of the She wrote in Advertisement read more on gardening ''These can cost between £2/£3 for one at While Farmfoods are selling a six-pack of stunning Saxifraga blooms for just £3 in total - which works out to be 50p per pot - the same flowers will set you back £3 for just one pot elsewhere. Ideal as gap fillers or neatly arranged in a hanging pot, these vibrant blossoms are perfect for injecting a dose of colour into your outdoor space. What's more, some green-fingered Brits have noted, these plants will also come back year after year - making them a truly wonderful option. Advertisement Most read in Fabulous Thanks to their hardy nature, Saxifraga plants can be grown directly outside on arrival, whether that's into the border or in a pot. They prefer dappled shade and can survive well in a rockery display, explained The £14.50 Wickes buy people are swearing by to get rid of weeds on their driveway for GOOD What's more, Saxifraga isn't often bothered by They are hardy plants and will withstand harsh winters without the need for lifting - it truly is a win-win. Advertisement Since being shared online, the news has already taken the platform by storm, winning Jeni 120 likes and over a dozen of comments. One gardening super fan said: ''I bought mine about 2 weeks ago from Farmfoods. They are doing great in the ground.'' Garden features that add the most value to a house A well-kept garden can add anywhere between 5-20% to the value of a property. And the experts revealed the garden feature which adds the most value to a property is a shed. Shed - 82% Patio or paving - 76% Secure fencing, walls or gates - 72% Outdoor lighting - 66% Sturdy decking - 62% Water features eg. fountain or pond - 58% Modern garden furniture - 54% Artificial lawn/grass - 40% ''I love these plants, bought a few of them at B&Q 2 years ago and they're so pretty and good gap fillers,'' another chimed in. ''I'll take a look to see if our store has them,'' someone else thanked Jeni for flagging the deal. Advertisement Farmfoods is a Scottish family business that's been running for the past 60 years . While they specialise in "Our whole business and culture is focused on bringing our customers the best value on their shopping and because we are a private, family owned business you can trust that we want to be doing this for many years to come and therefore have all of our efforts focused on it," they added on their website. To check if you have a Farmfoods near you, visit the Store Finder Advertisement
Scottish Sun
07-05-2025
- Lifestyle
- Scottish Sun
Green-fingered Brits are racing to snap up a 50p buy to transform their gardens – and it sells for £3 elsewhere
All recommendations within this article are informed by expert editorial opinion. If you click on a link in this story we may earn affiliate revenue. Plus, eight garden features that add the most value to a house FLOWER POWER Green-fingered Brits are racing to snap up a 50p buy to transform their gardens – and it sells for £3 elsewhere WITH different tools required, mulch, soil and pots, gardening - though relaxing - can oftentimes be quite expensive. Luckily, if you're on a mission to transform your outside space on the cheap, you've come to the right place. Advertisement 2 Green-fingered Brits have spotted an epic 50p buy that will transform your garden in seconds Credit: Getty 2 Farmfoods are selling gorgeous plans for just 50p - or £3 for six Credit: ExtremeCouponingAndBargainsUK Cash-savvy Brits are racing to a lesser-known discount store after spotting a buy that can take your garden from drab to fab for just 50p - and it's six times more expensive elsewhere. One green-fingered gardening enthusiast, Jeni Herriman, took to Facebook to inform fellow shoppers about the epic deal. According to the woman - one of the 2.6million members of the Extreme Couponing and Bargains UK group - a mega discount store is flogging gorgeous blooms for a jaw-dropping price that's too good to miss. She wrote in her post: ''Cracking bargain from farmfoods! Didn't know they'd starting selling plants. Advertisement ''These can cost between £2/£3 for one at garden centres so well chuffed.'' While Farmfoods are selling a six-pack of stunning Saxifraga blooms for just £3 in total - which works out to be 50p per pot - the same flowers will set you back £3 for just one pot elsewhere. Ideal as gap fillers or neatly arranged in a hanging pot, these vibrant blossoms are perfect for injecting a dose of colour into your outdoor space. What's more, some green-fingered Brits have noted, these plants will also come back year after year - making them a truly wonderful option. Advertisement Thanks to their hardy nature, Saxifraga plants can be grown directly outside on arrival, whether that's into the border or in a pot. They prefer dappled shade and can survive well in a rockery display, explained the experts at J. Parker's. The £14.50 Wickes buy people are swearing by to get rid of weeds on their driveway for GOOD What's more, Saxifraga isn't often bothered by pests and diseases. They are hardy plants and will withstand harsh winters without the need for lifting - it truly is a win-win. Advertisement Since being shared online, the news has already taken the platform by storm, winning Jeni 120 likes and over a dozen of comments. One gardening super fan said: ''I bought mine about 2 weeks ago from Farmfoods. They are doing great in the ground.'' Garden features that add the most value to a house A well-kept garden can add anywhere between 5-20% to the value of a property. carried out a study and consulted 36 estate agents, garden designers and property professionals from across the UK. And the experts revealed the garden feature which adds the most value to a property is a shed. Shed - 82% Patio or paving - 76% Secure fencing, walls or gates - 72% Outdoor lighting - 66% Sturdy decking - 62% Water features eg. fountain or pond - 58% Modern garden furniture - 54% Artificial lawn/grass - 40% ''I love these plants, bought a few of them at B&Q 2 years ago and they're so pretty and good gap fillers,'' another chimed in. ''I'll take a look to see if our store has them,'' someone else thanked Jeni for flagging the deal. Advertisement Farmfoods is a Scottish family business that's been running for the past 60 years. While they specialise in frozen food, they also sell "groceries, chilled foods, bread, milk, fresh fruit and vegetables along with a range of household items". "Our whole business and culture is focused on bringing our customers the best value on their shopping and because we are a private, family owned business you can trust that we want to be doing this for many years to come and therefore have all of our efforts focused on it," they added on their website. To check if you have a Farmfoods near you, visit the Store Finder here.
Yahoo
30-03-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Avoid sugary soda, play pickleball, eat peanut butter and jelly — plus 10 more health tips to help you have a great week
Hello, Yahoo Life readers! My name is Kaitlin Reilly, and I'm here to share the best health and wellness tips on the internet. Groceries are more expensive than ever, and it can be hard to figure out where you can cut back. One way some people are saving money and eating healthier in the process is by starting their own vegetable gardens. With produce products expected to increase this year, it's an easy way to make sure you're still getting nutrient-rich veggies — and since you only have to harvest what you're eating, you may reduce food waste too. Another way to save money doesn't involve a green thumb. Purchase pantry items like dried beans and lentils, which pack protein and fiber and can be bought in bulk, so you can save even more per serving. Mix them with pasta, rice or even just tomato sauce for a quick, filling meal. Take a peek at your local weather forecast and check out your horoscope if you're so inclined. Then, review the small steps you can take this week to make your week even more awesome. Skip ahead: Eat more whole foodsTop ice cream with cacao nibsEat sourdoughMake a peanut butter and jelly sandwich Party onAvoid sugary sodaGive your eyes a breakBlink if you can read thisBe mindful of marijuana usePlay pickleballGet creative with spinachReconsider sucraloseWorkout for a brain boost Want to age gracefully? Consider what's on your plate — and what you're leaving off of it. A long-term study found that certain eating patterns support healthy aging: Adults who ate mostly plant-based foods, some healthy animal-based foods like fish and dairy and avoided ultra-processed foods (aka packaged cookies, chips and baked goods) were more likely to reach age 70 with good physical, mental and cognitive health. Try it yourself: Focus on incorporating more fruits, vegetables, whole grains and healthy fats into your meals, such as salmon with veggies, black bean chili and chia pudding with berries. If there's one thing I love, it's a new ice cream trend. I've drizzled olive oil on top of vanilla and even taste-tested Jeni's Everything Bagel flavor. Now, I have an ice cream tip all my own that just so happens to have major health benefits: Top your ice cream with roasted cacao nibs. Cacao nibs are having a moment in smoothies these days, but adding them to ice cream? Total texture game changer. These bits of crushed cacao beans are packed with chocolate-y flavor, as well as antioxidants, fiber and magnesium, which many Americans lack in their diets. Plus, they kind of remind me of the crunchies in the middle of a Carvel cake. (If you know, you know.) Want to be extra virtuous? Instead of ice cream, add cacao nibs to Greek yogurt or skyr for a protein boost. April 1 is National Sourdough Day, but there's good reason to enjoy this type of bread year-round. Sourdough's natural fermentation process makes it easier to digest, lowers its impact on blood sugar and boosts gut-friendly probiotics. Use the bread to make quick and easy meals: Toast it and add ricotta, avocado or almond butter, or add it to a side of veggie-rich soup. Peanut butter and jelly is one of my comfort meals, and April 2 is National Peanut Butter and Jelly Day, which honors the lunchbox favorite. And why not? Peanut butter has healthy fats and protein, which can help keep you full, and using whole-grain bread can give you an extra fiber boost. Save yourself some added sugar by choosing natural peanut butter and mashing up fruit like strawberries, blueberries or raspberries in place of jelly. Have a nut allergy? You can make a similar sandwich with sunflower butter or, my personal favorite, granola butter. (I love the unique flavors from Oat Haus.) I recently spoke to the world's first 'party coach,' Evan Cudworth, about the importance of socializing — and since April 3 is World Party Day, it's a great time to plan your next friend-filled event. More and more Americans are seeking connections outside of screens, and research shows that the stronger your social ties are, the better it is for your well-being. Dancing, a key element of many parties, has also been linked to physical and mental health benefits. Not into loud music or crowded places? 'Party' your way — host a potluck at your house or grab a few friends for a yoga class followed by a leisurely chat. One more reason to put down that can of Coke: A University of Washington study found that women who drink at least one full-sugar soda per day are about five times more likely to develop oral cavity cancer than those who drink less than one per month. That's not the only reason to reconsider a soda habit: Sugar-filled soda has also been linked to type 2 diabetes and heart disease, and even the diet variety may increase the risk of metabolic disorders. Want to cut back? Try squeezing some fresh fruit like oranges or limes into water or adding fresh herbs. You can also go for iced tea instead: green tea has numerous health benefits, like improving brain health and reducing your risk of breast and colorectal cancer. This year, I've dealt with itchy, dry and yet somehow still teary eyes. It's a huge pain, and apparently, I'm hardly alone: Millions of Americans suffer from dry eye issues. One recommendation from my ophthalmologist, however, is providing serious relief: resting with a warmed eye mask. Doing so helps by unclogging blocked oil glands in the eyelids, which improves tear quality to moisten your peepers. It also gives a 20-minute couch nap major spa vibes. I like to add in some calming breathing exercises for the full zen effect. Speaking of eye health, research published in JAMA Network Open shows that increased screen time is linked to a higher risk of developing nearsightedness, with just one extra hour of daily screen use raising the risk by 21%. The study also found that excessive screen time contributes to dry eye disease and eyestrain, which can lead to headaches and blurred vision. Fortunately, there are some ways to combat it, even if your work involves lots of time staring at the computer. In addition to taking breaks from your phone and laptop as often as possible, make an effort to blink more: doing so can help keep your eyes lubricated, which reduces dryness and discomfort. Do you smoke marijuana regularly? If so, you may want to consider how it could impact your heart. A new study linked marijuana use to an increase in the risk of heart attack — by more than six times in people under 50 — along with a higher likelihood of stroke, heart failure and cardiovascular-related death. More research needs to be done, but if you are a regular marijuana user, you should talk to your doctor about your overall cardiovascular health, as they can provide guidance on whether you should scale back. April is National Pickleball Month — and with the weather warming up, it's a great excuse to take your activity outside. Research has shown that playing pickleball outdoors is a mood booster, and the gameplay may improve your hand-eye coordination, which can benefit your overall brain health. Plus, since you need four people on a court, you can use it as an excuse to socialize — an added bonus since improving your social fitness is linked to longevity. Brunch after ball, anyone? It should come as no surprise that spinach is good for you: It's packed with iron, magnesium and fiber, as well as vitamins A and C. It may even prevent chronic health issues like fatty liver disease and heart problems. It's also super versatile. Not so into salads? Throw a fistful into a smoothie instead — you won't taste much of the leafy green, especially if it's alongside flavorful fruits like banana. The same goes for pasta sauces: Finely chop or blend spinach into marinara sauce for a veggie boost even your kids won't know is in there. Sucralose, a zero-calorie artificial sweetener commonly found in diet sodas, sugar-free snacks and packaged foods, may have unexpected effects on the brain. New research from the University of Southern California shows that consuming sucralose increases activity in the hypothalamus, the brain region that regulates hunger and body weight. However, unlike sugar, it does not trigger hormones that signal fullness, potentially leading to increased hunger, cravings and a higher risk of overeating and weight gain. Consider swapping sucralose-rich snacks for naturally sweet options like fruit. To help stabilize blood sugar and keep you full longer, pair fruit with a protein-rich food, such as a handful of blueberries on top of Greek yogurt. Working out isn't just good for your body — it's also great for your brain, a study from the University of South Australia found. According to the research, any type of exercise, including low-intensity movement like yoga and walking, can significantly improve brain function and memory for people of all ages. Children and teens saw the biggest memory boosts, while people with ADHD experienced better focus and decision-making, with activities like tai chi, yoga and active video games showing the greatest cognitive benefits overall. As this work shows, exercise is important, no matter who you are — so sneak it in whenever you can. Go for a lunchtime stroll around the block, hit a yoga class or just toss around the ball with your dog.
The Independent
08-03-2025
- Politics
- The Independent
The easy answer to those who ask why we need International Women's Day
Last summer, the Taliban introduced a new set of 'vice and virtue' laws, one of which banned women not only from showing their faces, but also from speaking outside their homes. If anyone ever questions the need for an International Women's Day, the answer is right there in Afghanistan. Don't get me wrong: there were a few important milestones reached and glass ceilings shattered in 2024. Women now occupy nearly 45 per cent of board positions in the FTSE 100 for example, and Kemi Badenoch became the first black woman to lead a major UK political party. But look across the world – in Afghanistan, Iran, Pakistan (I could go on) – and women are being denied the most basic rights. So as this International Women's Day approaches, I wanted to pay tribute to some of the women who have used their voices to demand a better world. Gisèle Pelicot refused to be silenced by 'shame' after being drugged and raped by her husband Dominique and dozens of other men he'd recruited over a period of a decade. Her decision to waive her anonymity and her call for shame to 'change sides' resonated across the world, empowering countless other survivors of sexual abuse. I witnessed the same sort of bravery when I spoke to the victims of the Reverend David Fletcher. He was the man who instigated the Church of England's decades-long cover-up of John Smyth's barbaric abuse. No one knew that he too was accused of abuse, until three women came forward to tell their stories to me earlier this year. Jeni, Caroline and Ali had stayed silent for nearly half a century but, with the Church facing a day of reckoning over how it's handled abuse allegations, they plucked up the courage to speak out. I saw fearlessness too in the Bishop of Newcastle Helen-Ann Hartley's refusal to toe the line and protect the establishment, instead breaking ranks with her fellow bishops to challenge the two men at the top of the Church – Archbishops Justin Welby and Stephen Cottrell – who have both been accused of failing to to do enough to stop abuse over many years. Welby became the first Archbishop of Canterbury in history to be forced to resign. But since calling for his resignation in the autumn, Bishop Helen-Ann has been ostracised by other senior Church figures. That same determination to use a public platform to call for change was what motivated Love Island star Cally Jane Beech to talk about becoming a victim of an AI deepfake; a photograph of her was taken without her permission, then 'nudified' and shared on the internet. I met her in the aftermath of Channel 4 News 's own investigation, during which my colleagues discovered I'd been deepfaked, too. Cally Jane has campaigned brilliantly to ensure the government acts to make the creation of sexually explicit deepfakes – not just the sharing of such images – a criminal offence. It's the likes of Gisèle, Jeni, Caroline and Ali, Bishop Helen-Ann and Cally Jane who speak for us all in trying to make the world a more hospitable place for women.
