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Powys County Times
5 days ago
- Sport
- Powys County Times
Keep active this summer by joining a Powys sports club
We all know that it's good for us to be active and keep moving and, in Powys, there are so many fun ways to do just that this summer. If you'd like to try something new, then you're in luck because Sport Powys has designed the Let's Go Powys website to help you find ways to be active. Let's Go Powys/ Amdani Powys is designed to make it easier for people to find sports and activity opportunities across the county. It is a website which offers plenty of inspiration for adults of all ages and abilities. And with the warmer months one of the most popular times to try a fun new activity, we've put together a guide to getting active in Powys this summer. ARCHERY If you fancy the idea of shooting arrows until the sun sets, then look no further than the county's archery clubs. Cambrian Archers in Llanwrtyd Wells meets every Sunday with 'have a go sessions' for non-members taking place once a month. No experience or equipment needed – just turn up and have some fun. Likewise, Hafren Foresters Archery Club outside Newtown welcomes people of all ages and abilities. It works hard to encourage those with mobility issues and disabilities with inclusive equipment and expert instruction on hand. Give archery a go and you'll be in excellent company as Powys' own Megan Costall represents Great Britain and is aiming squarely towards the LA Olympic Games in 2028. ATHLETICS If you want to tick off some goals this summer and maybe set a new PB, then why not go along to your local athletics club? There are friendly clubs at Brecon, Newtown and Welshpool that will all offer a warm welcome to newbies. Don't feel you need the skills and speed of Colin Jackson or Jess Ennis, there are plenty of opportunities to take things at your own pace. BOWLING Make the most of summer evenings and join your local bowling club. Sol Jones is a member of Kerry Bowling Club. He said: 'Bowling is a very enjoyable sport, it's challenging and you can play in a team so it's sociable. Clubs right across Powys will welcome new members with open arms. No-one expects you be to be an expert at the start and you can often borrow a set of bowls to have a go and there's always someone on hand to help. Ask your local club about events for new members too.' Budding bowlers are spoilt for choice with clubs in Powys. Clubs include Brecon, Carno, Crickhowell, Hay on Wye, Kerry, Knighton, Llandrindod and Newtown. CRICKET Is there anything more summery than hearing the sound of leather on willow? We're already in the middle of cricket season with long, sunny days stretching out at clubs across Powys. Cricket's a brilliant sport for your health. It's a great physical workout but it's also a really good way to be part of your local community, which benefits your mental health. Former Glamorgan player Mark Frost, and Cricket Wales' Partnership manager, said: "2025 is a great year to get involved or reacquainted with cricket. There's no age - or stage - that prevents anyone getting involved in the game as it has so many options and ways to get involved, whether you are five or 65. 'The numbers of women and girls taking up the game has soared. Many women have come to cricket through their children or partner, taking up the game well into their adult years. 55% of clubs in Wales now have a women's team.' There are clubs up and down Powys which include Glangrwyney Llangenny & Gilwern Cricket Club near Abergavenny, Welshpool, Newtown and Llanidloes. CROQUET Looking for something a little different? You could try your hand at croquet. And don't think this is just the stuff of period dramas like Downton Abbey. Head over to Llanidloes Croquet Club which provides friendly, social and competitive croquet for all ages and abilities. Coaches are available to help you improve your game; perfect for a croquet beginner. CYCLING You don't have to make like Geraint Thomas in the Tour de France to get some fitness goals ticked off on your bike. Cycling is a great way to explore the county in the summer months – and if you're looking for some extra motivation or a spot of company on your rides, maybe it's time to try a cycling club. Just head to Lets' Go Powys to find one near you. If you like your cycling with a good dose of adrenalin, then head to Revolution Bike Park. Based in Llangynog near Oswestry, it is a family run, dedicated downhill mountain bike park with a pre-bookable uplift service. Open at weekends, just grab a full-face helmet and knee pads which are compulsory when hitting the trails here. GOLF In Powys, we are totally spoilt for choice when it comes to golf courses. From charming nine-holes at Newtown, Lakeside and Machynlleth to 18-hole courses at Welshpool and Builth Wells, expect beautiful scenic backdrops, friendly communities and great golfing experiences. Clubs are always on the lookout for new members – particularly more females and more juniors – so keep an eye out for social and beginners golf classes. HORSE-RIDING AND PONY TREKKING If you're looking to mix things up a bit, why not try horse riding or pony trekking in the heart of Mid Wales? Powys, with its rolling hills, quiet bridleways, and breathtaking views, is the perfect place to saddle up and explore. Whether you're a complete beginner or just a bit rusty, there's something truly special about seeing the world from horseback. Bryngwyn Riding Centre – which also runs Bryngwyn RDA (Riding for the Disabled Association) – is a small, friendly riding stables on the Powys-Herefordshire border. Or head to the family-run Ellesmere Riding Centre near Llangorse. PICKLEBALL Join the trendsetters and have a go at pickleball. It's a paddle sport that combines elements of tennis, badminton and table tennis – and it's really taking off in popularity! Pickleball clubs in Powys include Llanfair Pickleball, North Powys Pickleball and Tawe Pickleball Club. Traditional tennis clubs and local leisure centres also often offer pickleball. Berriew Tennis Club, for example, suggests popping along to a session to give pickleball a try while Maldwyn Leisure Centre offers sessions on Wednesday evenings. TENNIS From Brecon to Berriew and Llandrindod to Llanidloes, you don't have to look far to find a tennis club in Powys. Most clubs will offer a free taster session and it's worth looking out for open days as we approach peak tennis season. Becoming a member of a club helps motivate you to keep playing. By playing with and against others, the sense of accountability helps you commit to turning up week after week. TRIATHLON If you really want a challenge this summer, then how about triathlon? Cerist Triathlon Club near Machynlleth is sounding the klaxon for new members – and they are spelling out that you don't need to do a full triathlon to get stuck in. If you just want to bike a bit, run a bit or swim a bit, you are more than welcome. The club offers regular sessions, competitions and social runs and bike rides. WALKING Summer's a perfect time to get outside, especially if you head out early before the sun gets too hot. Walking is of course brilliant for your physical and mental health. And that's why, Mid & North Powys Mind offer walk and talk groups in Llandrindod, Builth, Newtown and Welshpool to help boost your endorphins and to combat loneliness and anxiety. You can also put your best foot forward with Rhayader Walkers. Meanwhile, if you're a practical type and would like to make walking more accessible, why not join Walking Newtown which is a group of volunteers that meet to clear paths, replace gates and stiles and build bridges in the area. If you're a bit bored of your usual routes, Rail Rambles offer guided walks starting and finishing from a railway station in Wales or the borders. You can expect a six-to-ten-mile stomp before catching the train home. Simply head to the website, select a walk and buy a return train ticket – and then it's full steam ahead for some great exploring! Or simply, make it your mission to head out of your front door for a walk, increasing your steps over time. WATERSPORTS There's no better time than summer to cool down and dip into a watersport. From canoeing and sailing to kayaking and paddleboarding, there are plenty of clubs and opportunities to make a safe splash across Powys. Take Brecon Canoe Club Brecon Canoe Club which is a community club for beginners who want a spot of fun and fitness on the water to those who want to be competitive. Clywedog Sailing and Paddlesports Club offer weekly sessions in paddlesports and sailing. Its well equipped clubhouse has everything you need to get started so don't about equipment – or experience, for that matter, as instructors are on hand. It's recognised as a disabled sailing centre, with full access to the water with hoist and fully accessible jetty. Head to the beautiful Llangorse Lake in the Brecon Beacons and you'll find Llangorse Sailing Club. You can try your hand here at dinghy sailing here, with instructors on hand to improve your skills. General boat hire is also available at Llangorse – just head towards the boat hire hut on the jetty to find rowing boats, pelican boats, canoes, kayaks, rafts and paddleboards. Kevin Hughes from Llanwrtyd Wells had always fancied paddleboarding and kayaking and joined open taster sessions at the Paddle Club run by The Boathouse at Llandrindod Wells with his children, Isla and Charlie. 'They gave me the opportunity to have a go and I have paddled regularly ever since,' he said. 'I get to spend time with my children doing something we all enjoy. It's great for my wellbeing, particularly after a difficult day's work. It can be very calming and brings you close to nature.' Standup paddleboarding courses are also available at Long Mountain Paddleboarding where you can enjoy being active on a stretch of the River Severn. Tawe Kayak Club in Ystradgynlais is always welcoming new members, whatever their ability, and you can try white water kayaking, canoe polo, surf kayaking and sea kayaking. Welshpool Canoe Club offers outdoor and pool sessions of kayaking, canoeing and paddleboarding. And if you're female, this club is part of She Paddles Cymru which is encouraging more women and girls to give paddlesports a go.
Yomiuri Shimbun
22-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Yomiuri Shimbun
PokéPark KANTO to Open in Spring 2026 Inside Japan's Yomiuriland; Pokémon Forest, Sedge Town Areas to House Over 600 Pokémon
Yomiuri Land Co. and The Yomiuri Shimbun announced on Tuesday that 'PokéPark KANTO,' an outdoor facility to be built within the Yomiuriland amusement park, will open in spring 2026. It will be the first permanent outdoor facility themed around Pokémon. It will be operated by PokéPark KANTO LLC, an enterprise jointly established between The Pokémon Company, Yomiuri Land Co., and The Yomiuri Shimbun. Yomiuriland straddles Inagi, Tokyo, and Kawasaki in the lush green Tama Hills. PokéPark KANTO, which is to be accessed through Yomiuriland, will cover an area of about 2.6 hectares and contain 'Pokémon Forest,' an area which makes use of the surrounding natural environment, and 'Sedge Town,' where visitors will be able to enjoy activities including meet-and-greets with Pokémon and Forest will have walking trails spanning 500 meters where visitors can observe the expressions and movements of Pokémon living there up close. Sedge Town will feature two attractions and give fans, both from around Japan and overseas, opportunities to gather and interact with each other. Yomiuri group companies and The Pokémon Company have already collaborated in various fields. The Yomiuri Shimbun began running an educational column for children titled 'Pokémon to Issho ni Oboeyo! Kotowaza Daihyakka' (Let's memorize a proverb encyclopedia with Pokémon!) in its morning edition in 2009. 'The Pokémon Ryuosen' — a Pokémon gaming event named after the Ryuo, the most prestigious championship in shogi — was held for the first time in 2014. Tickets for the new facility are scheduled to go on sale around autumn, and further details will be announced at a later date. ©2025 Pokémon. ©1995-2025 Nintendo/Creatures Inc./GAME FREAK ®, and character names are trademarks of Nintendo.
Time of India
18-07-2025
- Health
- Time of India
US health experts to reassess hormone replacement therapy risks
Washington: US health authorities are set Thursday to reassess Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT), a treatment used by menopausal women around the world but long clouded by debate over its risks. HRT is taken to replace estrogen the body stops producing after menopause -- when periods end permanently -- and helps relieve symptoms such as hot flashes and vaginal discomfort. But its use has plummeted in recent years amid concerns over rare side effects, including a potential link to invasive breast cancer. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) chief Marty Makary, who convened Thursday's meeting of outside experts, has long advocated for HRT, saying its risks have been overstated. "For decades, hormone replacement therapy for women -- that is estrogen or estrogen plus progesterone -- has helped women alleviate the symptoms of menopause, including hot flashes, dryness, mood swings, weight gain and poor sleep quality, to name a few," he said in a video. He added that when initiated within a decade of the onset of the transitional period before menopause, HRT may even reduce cognitive decline, the risk of Alzheimer's, and prevent osteoporosis and cardiovascular disease. Makary blamed the drop in HRT use on a landmark clinical trial, the Women's Health Initiative, which was halted in the early 2000s after it flagged increased risks of breast cancer and stroke. But he said subsequent studies had not replicated the findings on breast cancer. Critics of the trial argue it was flawed because the participants were too far from menopause, and that the formulations used are now outdated. Still, the issue remains divisive within the medical community. The FDA's own warning label for HRT -- which can be administered through various means including orally, through skin patches, or vaginally -- cites risks including endometrial cancer, breast cancer, and life-threatening blood clots. This week, the American Journal of Physicians published an editorial that found limited benefits and significant harms associated with HRT. "Menopause is a positive life experience for many women and should not be medicalized," the authors concluded. The nature of the FDA expert meeting is also unusual. Unlike standard practice before the Trump administration, no agenda was publicly posted. Several of the named panelists have ties to companies offering menopause treatments or who belong to the advocacy group "Let's Talk Menopause," which receives funding from pharmaceutical companies and campaigns to revise the FDA warning label.
News18
13-07-2025
- Health
- News18
The Porn Trap: Can Too Much Porn Lower Your Libido And Raise Expectations?
Last Updated: Regular and repeated exposure to pornographic material can sometimes desensitise the brain's natural response to sexual stimuli Sex may permeate our popular culture, but conversations about it are still associated with stigma and shame in Indian households. As a result, most individuals dealing with sexual health issues or trying to find information about sex often resort to unverified online sources or follow the unscientific advice of their friends. To address the widespread misinformation about sex, is running this weekly sex column, titled 'Let's Talk Sex'. We hope to initiate conversations about sex through this column and address sexual health issues with scientific insight and nuance. In this article, we will explain 'The Porn Trap" and how easy access to porn can affect arousal, intimacy, and expectations. In today's digital age, the widespread presence of pornography poses intriguing questions about its impact on personal relationships and sexual health. The 'Porn Trap" is a term that encapsulates the potential pitfalls associated with excessive consumption of pornography. This phenomenon is characterized by a range of psychological and physiological effects that can ensnare individuals in a cycle of dependency. At its core, the Porn Trap suggests that habitual engagement with explicit content may alter one's perception of sexual relationships and decrease real-life sexual satisfaction. One significant concern with the Porn Trap is its potential impact on libido. Regular and repeated exposure to pornographic material can sometimes desensitise the brain's natural response to sexual stimuli. This desensitisation can lead to a reduction in sexual desire, as the brain becomes conditioned to expect the heightened stimulation that pornography provides. Over time, real-life intimate encounters might seem less exciting, causing a decline in libido and affecting personal relationships. This phenomenon underscores the necessity of recognising and addressing the imbalance in sexual perceptions that can arise from excessive porn consumption. Neurological Impact: The relationship between pornography consumption and libido is deeply rooted in the neurological pathways of the brain. When you engage with pornographic material, your brain releases dopamine, a neurotransmitter responsible for feelings of pleasure and reward. Initially, this can enhance sexual excitement; however, excessive consumption often leads to a phenomenon known as dopamine desensitization. In simple terms, your brain starts to require more intense stimulation to achieve the same level of arousal. Habitual Consumption: For some, what begins as casual viewing can evolve into a habitual pattern, with potentially diminishing returns. Over time, this habit may lead to a decreased interest in real-world sexual interactions, as the brain becomes conditioned to the hyper-stimulating effects of pornography. Scientific studies suggest that excessive pornographic consumption can result in less arousal during intimate encounters due to unrealistic expectations and a reliance on artificial stimuli. Signs You Might Be Caught in the Porn Trap Changes in Sexual Response: The first sign that you might be ensnared in the porn trap is a noticeable shift in how your body responds to sexual stimuli. You might find that real-life encounters no longer elicit the same excitement or arousal as they once did. This is because frequent exposure to porn can lead to desensitization, making it challenging to achieve arousal without the exaggerated scenarios often depicted in adult films. If you find yourself needing more extreme content to feel the same level of excitement, it might be time to reconsider your consumption habits. Unrealistic Expectations: Another telltale sign of being trapped by porn is the development of unrealistic expectations in sexual relationships. Pornography often portrays idealized images and scenarios that are far from reality. This can lead you to expect the same from your partner or yourself, causing dissatisfaction and tension in your relationships. It's important to remember that intimacy and connection are complex, and real-life experiences often lack the polished perfection found on screen. Decreased Libido: Finally, a significant indicator of being caught in the porn trap is a decline in your libido or sexual desire. This might seem counterintuitive, but excessive porn consumption can lead to a reduced interest in actual sexual activity. The constant stimulation from digital content can override the natural arousal processes, leaving you feeling less inclined to engage in sex with your partner. If you notice a waning interest in physical intimacy, it may be worth evaluating whether porn is affecting your libido. Strategies for Regaining Control and Enhancing Relationships Understand the 'Why' Behind the Habit: To regain control over porn, start by identifying why you turn to it. Is it boredom, loneliness, stress relief, or emotional escape? Understanding the root cause helps break the cycle of automatic behaviour. Set Realistic and Achievable Goals: Trying to quit cold turkey without preparation can lead to frustration. Instead, define what control looks like for you—whether it's reducing usage, quitting completely, or consuming more consciously. Break your goal into smaller steps to maintain consistency and motivation. Replace the Habit with Healthy Alternatives: It's not just about removing porn—it's about replacing it with something more fulfilling. Channel your energy into exercise, creative hobbies, meditation, or spending time with others. When your day is full of meaningful activities, the urge to indulge often fades. Use Technology to Protect Yourself: Make it harder to access triggering content by using porn-blocking apps and website filters. Tools like Covenant Eyes, Cold Turkey, or BlockSite can create digital boundaries, especially during vulnerable times like late at night or when alone. Practice Mindfulness and Urge Surfing: Urges are temporary, and learning to sit with them without reacting builds your inner strength. When the impulse arises, pause, breathe, and let it pass without judgment. Mindfulness practices train you to observe rather than act on compulsions. Heal Your Relationship with Intimacy: Frequent porn use can sometimes numb real emotional and physical intimacy. Work on rebuilding deeper connections—with your partner or with yourself. Explore open conversations, emotional closeness, and mindful intimacy to reconnect with authentic desire. In navigating the complex landscape of pornography consumption, it is crucial to maintain awareness of its potential effects on your libido and expectations. As you consider the balance between healthy exploration and excessive reliance, reflect on how these habits align with your personal values and relationships. By approaching this subject with mindfulness and openness, you equip yourself to make informed decisions that honour your well-being. Ultimately, the power to shape your sexual health and expectations lies within your hands, empowering you to foster a more fulfilling and authentic connection with yourself and others. About the Author Prof (Dr) Saransh Jain Prof (Dr) Saransh Jain is the winner of the Swasth Bharat Rattan Award and is a Certified and Licensed Sexologist by the American Board of Sexology. He is currently a Senior Consultant at Dr SK Jain's More The News18 Lifestyle section brings you the latest on health, fashion, travel, food, and culture — with wellness tips, celebrity style, travel inspiration, and recipes. Also Download the News18 App to stay updated! view comments First Published: Disclaimer: Comments reflect users' views, not News18's. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
Yahoo
11-07-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Southern Door County resort and marina sold to new owner who plans upgrades
A popular, longstanding resort and marina in Southern Door County is under new ownership who say they are planning significant upgrades to the place. Wave Pointe Marina & Resort was sold for $2.15 million to a company listed as 3600 County Hwy CC Sturgeon Bay, LLC, according to the real estate transaction record on the Wisconsin Department of Revenue website. A news release from Marcus & Millichap, the commercial real estate brokerage firm that handled the sale, said the new owner, whose address is in Oshkosh, plans to be more actively involved in the resort than its previous owner, Ohio-based The Cadle Company II, Inc., with updates and changes in the works for the 25-year-old property on the shore of Little Sturgeon Bay on the west side of the Door Peninsula. Wave Pointe's new manager is Nancy Bartz, an experienced manager of other Door County resorts, who also said in a video interview on the Let's Go Door County Facebook page that improvements are on the way. 'This was a rare chance to acquire a high-quality waterfront asset from an institutional absentee owner in the highly desirable Door County market,' Jon Ruzicka, managing director investments for Marcus & Millichap, said in the news release. 'Properties of this caliber seldom come to market, making it a particularly notable acquisition. With more engaged ownership now in place, the property is poised for thoughtful updates that will enhance the guest experience and optimize operations.' Perhaps the most immediate and obvious change is in the resort's restaurant. The former Gilmo's Bar & Bistro is now Harbor House Waterfront Bar & Grill, and Wave Pointe's Facebook page says a new menu is on the horizon. Located at 3600 County CC, Sturgeon Bay (town of Gardner), Wave Pointe features 24 one- and two-bedroom suites with full kitchens, fireplaces, whirlpool tubs and private balconies, along with a 124-slip marina. Resort amenities include a heated outdoor pool, renovated indoor hot tub and sauna, boater's lounge, onsite restaurant and bar, and retail shop. For more information, call 920-824-5440 or visit This article originally appeared on Green Bay Press-Gazette: Door County waterfront resort sold to new owner who plans upgrades
