Latest news with #McFadden
Yahoo
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
‘Death is not a mystery': what happens to your body when you're dying?
'Who would like to hear about what happens when you're dying?' In the final episode of the FX series Dying for Sex, a hospice nurse with an oddly comforting sense of enthusiasm explains to a patient what to expect as she dies. 'Death is not a mystery. It is not a medical disaster. It is a bodily process, like giving birth or like going to the bathroom or coughing,' she continues. 'Your body knows what to do.' She'll eat and drink less, for example, and sleep a lot more; she won't get out of bed and might become delirious. Eventually, her breathing will slow down until the death rattles take over. She might even experience 'the rally', the nurse says, or a burst of energy and mental clarity days before her last breath. The scene is based on real events in the life of Molly Kochan, who received a terminal breast cancer diagnosis in 2015 and embarked on a sexual journey until her death four years later. Kochan, who died at age 46, documented her experiences in a podcast with her best friend, Nikki Boyer, which inspired the TV series. Related: I'm a death expert. I designed eight questions to help you think about dying 'There's this assumption, understandably, that dying isn't something an audience wants to look at. It feels too scary or sad,' says Kim Rosenstock, the show's co-creator, writer and executive producer. 'So we felt like we had an opportunity to depict death in a different way. And in doing so, to hopefully make death feel even a tiny bit less mysterious and scary.' To some extent, each death is unique because it depends on a person's age, health status and reason for dying, says Julie McFadden, a hospice nurse and online educator in Los Angeles, California. But for those unaffected by a traumatic event, such as a car accident, most people will experience certain stages and symptoms. Experts say that knowing more about death – which they call 'death literacy' – can actually help quell fears of dying. Here's what they said about the science and psychology of the death process. Months before death, the transition phase begins, says McFadden. This entails spending more time in bed, eating and drinking less, and needing more help with daily tasks such as getting dressed and going to the bathroom. During this time, it can be hard to keep up with conversations and sleep will take up most of the day. This stage can be particularly difficult to notice in people who have conditions such as dementia or Parkinson's disease, adds McFadden, because the signs mirror those of their illness. The transition phase could also involve a 'detachment from the world' in a way that makes time feel non-existent, says Cole Imperi, a certified thanatologist, a specialist who studies death, dying, grief and loss. Senses will begin to dull as well, she says, so sight, hearing, taste, smell and touch won't be as intense. When we die, our bodies get less efficient at running like clockwork Due to a lower food and beverage intake, at this point it's possible to enter ketosis, a state in which the body burns fat for energy instead of glucose. Imperi says some people may experience pain relief or euphoria as a result, but it's not entirely clear why. Some research suggests the neurotransmitter Gaba increases during ketosis, which makes you feel calm, while cortisol, the stress hormone, decreases, says Imperi. All these symptoms will worsen until the last stage of life, called 'active dying', says McFadden. This can begin a few days or hours before death. For the most part, a person is unconscious, she says, and breathing and heart rate can become irregular. If respiration or heart rate becomes too erratic and causes discomfort, hospice workers can bring in a music-thanatologist to help stabilize vitals and ease anxiety, says Imperi. These trained professionals play the harp and use their voice at bedside. 'When we die, our bodies get less efficient at running like clockwork,' says Imperi, 'so when music-thanatologists come in, the body sort of tethers itself to the pattern of their music.' Related: I'm a death expert. I designed eight questions to help you think about dying This stage is also when 'the rally' happens. About a third of dying people undergo this sudden rush of mental clarity shortly before they die, according to McFadden. For a brief couple of days, hours or even minutes, personalities return, loved ones' names are remembered and favorite foods are craved yet again. 'There's not a definitive scientific reason why this happens,' says Imperi. 'But I will say that it is a beautiful, beautiful gift.' It's also very common, at any point during active dying, to experience hallucinations or visions that typically involve loved ones who have passed. Imperi says dying people often talk about needing to pack their suitcase or waiting to be picked up at an airport. The last thing that happens before death is a change in breathing pattern called Cheyne-Stokes respiration, says Imperi. Like a fish out of water, a person experiences a series of rapid breaths followed by long periods of no breathing. As a result, one can't swallow mucus or saliva, so it thickens and builds up in the back of the throat, making each breath sound a bit gurgly, says Imperi. These noises are called terminal secretions, commonly referred to as the 'death rattle'. Although it sounds painful, Cheyne-Stokes breathing doesn't hurt – just like most of the active dying process, says McFadden, who says she can tell based on patients' non-verbal cues. 'A dying person is like a baby,' McFadden says. 'Babies can't say they're hungry or teething, but you can tell something is wrong by how they're acting. Dying people are the same.' 'In American culture, death is largely feared and seen as this disaster to avoid at all costs,' says Rosenstock. 'It was important to us to convey the dying process in a truthful way.' It's normal to be scared of death because it's in our nature to survive, says Imperi, but the best way to quash a fear of dying is to educate yourself. Several studies show that the more we learn about and contemplate death, the less anxiety we have about experiencing it. Death literacy can be especially helpful for people who are already dying, McFadden says. Related: Dying for Sex review – Michelle Williams' erotic journey is revolutionary TV 'Most people are not comfortable talking about it, so everyone skirts around the issue. But at the end of the day, they do want answers, and generally speaking, we have some,' McFadden says. 'We don't know exactly what it's going to be like after you're gone, but we know enough about what you can expect [during the process], and in most cases, my patients and their families sigh with relief once they learn more about it.' That's because one of the hardest parts about dying is losing control, says Imperi, and death education can help put the ball back in your court. On the other hand, some people might find a sense of control by refusing to learn more about what's happening to them or their loved one, adds Imperi, which can be equally as therapeutic. 'Supporting that resistance is sometimes more important,' says Imperi, because that might be what a person needs at that point in their journey. Above all, 'we are built for death just like we're built for birth', says McFadden. 'The more we understand that, the better we will live – and the more peaceful we will die.'
Irish Independent
20-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Irish Independent
Vogue Williams knew she'd ‘made a mistake' on the morning she married Brian McFadden
The 39-year-old host of numerous podcasts, including My Therapist Ghosted Me and Never Live it Down, married McFadden, 45, in Florence, Italy in 2012. The pair split three years later and she married Made in Chelsea star Spencer Matthews in 2018. Writing in her new autobiography, Big Mouth, Williams said that McFadden wasn't 'marriage material' despite him being 'good fun to be around' the majority of the time. 'The morning of the wedding I felt very stressed and so anxious because deep down I knew I had made a mistake,' she explained. 'After the wedding I tried to make things work.' Williams added: 'The relationship wasn't all terrible, we did have some great times too, and for the most part he was good fun to be around. But he was not husband material. 'It was me who called it in the end. I couldn't keep trying, it felt pointless… I'm not here to throw anyone under the bus but there are things that went on in our relationship that will never be forgiven.' It comes after Williams told Bryony Gordon on her The Life of Briony podcast earlier this week that she felt like her 'life was over' after divorcing the Westlife singer. 'I remember being divorced at 31 and thinking, I've ruined my life. I am never going to have kids, I am never going to do what I always wanted to do,' she said. 'Then you see how your life actually starts to unfold – that's why it feels exciting to move into your forties.' Williams and Matthews share three children: Theodore, six, Gigi, four, and Otto, three, who they welcomed in April 2022. 'We are so happy to announce that our beautiful boy arrived safely on Monday evening,' she announced at the time. 'Bursting with love he is the perfect addition to our family.'
Western Telegraph
17-05-2025
- Business
- Western Telegraph
Martin Lewis Winter Fuel Allowance cabinet interview
While hosting Good Morning Britain, he seized the opportunity to grill senior cabinet minister Pat McFadden. "While you're on, one final thing," said the Money Saving Expert, in true Columbo style. "We know you're very close to the prime minister, who last week, said there'd be no change on Winter Fuel Payments. "Now I know many people talk about increasing the threshold from the very low £11,800, which is what you need to be earning less than to get Pension Credit, which is what gets you Winter Fuel Payments. More Stories "I would like to see that threshold raised, but let's ignore that." 'I'm flabbergasted. You linked Winter Fuel Payments eligibility to Pension Credit which we know is a flawed system. You're sitting here saying we know there's a flawed means test in Pension Credit so why the hell did you link Winter Fuel Payments to a flawed means test?'… — Martin Lewis (@MartinSLewis) May 14, 2025 He then pointed out the statistics which show the flaws in the current system: "When you came in there were 800,000 people who were eligible for Pension Credit not claiming, therefore earning less than that £11,800 threshold who aren't claiming Pension Credit, so don't get Winter Fuel Payment. "There are now 700,000 - is that something you find acceptable? 700,000 of the most vulnerable that acceptable?" Mr McFadden replied: "Well, we made quite an effort on this, and there's been a sort of long term problem of people not always claiming the things to which they are entitled. And then the run up to Christmas, you know, we really went out there, we employed extra people to to do. "We encouraged people to apply, even if they applied and they they were turned down, they didn't really have anything to lose by applying. But, you know, it's been a long term issue that the entitlement to Pension Credit hasn't been taken up by some of the people that are entitled to..." Martin interrupted to say: "I'm flabbergasted. I've been campaigning on getting people to be eligible for Pension Credit for getting on for a decade, but you linked Winter Fuel Payments to Pension Credit, which you know is is flawed system. "You're just sitting here saying 'we know there's a flawed means test to Pension Credit'. So why the hell did you link Winter Fuel Payment to a flawed means test? What you're saying makes it worse." Undeterred, Mr McFadden, the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster and MP for Wolverhampton South East, continued: "I don't think it makes it worse. We chose that level because that was a level where people get are entitled to extra help claim it. Will we encourage them to claim it as much as we possibly can. That was the level where we thought people the need was greatest, that sort of level of income. But of course, we always want people to claim the benefits to which they are entitled. Some people just don't want to claim." The benefit was previously available to almost everyone in the UK who was of state pension age to help cover their heating costs. But from last winter only those on Pension Credit or means-tested benefits will get the Winter Fuel Payment - £200 or £300 for people aged over 80. Recommended reading: Winter Fuel Payment debate has boosted petitions calling for change The local elections debate has also boosted petition calling for the government to rethink changes to the Winter Fuel Payments, which has now been signed by more than 150,000 people The petition was started by pensioner Carole Webb, and can still be signed on the Change site. It says: "I am a pensioner who will be critically impacted by the decision to revoke the winter fuel payments. The abrupt loss of £500 per year will burden me with the necessity to work additional hours, despite being 68 years old, in order to make ends meet. "Like me, countless pensioners throughout the UK were relying upon these payments to help manage the cost of living during the colder months. As per the latest statistics from Age UK, over 12 million people, which constitutes around one in five people in the UK are aged 65 and above (Age UK, 2020). "This policy change therefore, negatively impacts a significant part of the community resulting in undue stress and hardship. The reinstatement of winter fuel payments for pensioners should be considered a priority - not just for me, but for the millions of others whose health and well-being depends on it. "We firmly urge the government to review and rectify this decision. Your support through a signature can drive this change."
South Wales Guardian
15-05-2025
- Business
- South Wales Guardian
Martin Lewis Winter Fuel Allowance cabinet interview
While hosting Good Morning Britain, he seized the opportunity to grill senior cabinet minister Pat McFadden. "While you're on, one final thing," said the Money Saving Expert, in true Columbo style. "We know you're very close to the prime minister, who last week, said there'd be no change on Winter Fuel Payments. "Now I know many people talk about increasing the threshold from the very low £11,800, which is what you need to be earning less than to get Pension Credit, which is what gets you Winter Fuel Payments. "I would like to see that threshold raised, but let's ignore that." 'I'm flabbergasted. You linked Winter Fuel Payments eligibility to Pension Credit which we know is a flawed system. You're sitting here saying we know there's a flawed means test in Pension Credit so why the hell did you link Winter Fuel Payments to a flawed means test?'… He then pointed out the statistics which show the flaws in the current system: "When you came in there were 800,000 people who were eligible for Pension Credit not claiming, therefore earning less than that £11,800 threshold who aren't claiming Pension Credit, so don't get Winter Fuel Payment. "There are now 700,000 - is that something you find acceptable? 700,000 of the most vulnerable that acceptable?" Mr McFadden replied: "Well, we made quite an effort on this, and there's been a sort of long term problem of people not always claiming the things to which they are entitled. And then the run up to Christmas, you know, we really went out there, we employed extra people to to do. "We encouraged people to apply, even if they applied and they they were turned down, they didn't really have anything to lose by applying. But, you know, it's been a long term issue that the entitlement to Pension Credit hasn't been taken up by some of the people that are entitled to..." Martin interrupted to say: "I'm flabbergasted. I've been campaigning on getting people to be eligible for Pension Credit for getting on for a decade, but you linked Winter Fuel Payments to Pension Credit, which you know is is flawed system. "You're just sitting here saying 'we know there's a flawed means test to Pension Credit'. So why the hell did you link Winter Fuel Payment to a flawed means test? What you're saying makes it worse." Undeterred, Mr McFadden, the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster and MP for Wolverhampton South East, continued: "I don't think it makes it worse. We chose that level because that was a level where people get are entitled to extra help claim it. Will we encourage them to claim it as much as we possibly can. That was the level where we thought people the need was greatest, that sort of level of income. But of course, we always want people to claim the benefits to which they are entitled. Some people just don't want to claim." The benefit was previously available to almost everyone in the UK who was of state pension age to help cover their heating costs. But from last winter only those on Pension Credit or means-tested benefits will get the Winter Fuel Payment - £200 or £300 for people aged over 80. Recommended reading: The local elections debate has also boosted petition calling for the government to rethink changes to the Winter Fuel Payments, which has now been signed by more than 150,000 people The petition was started by pensioner Carole Webb, and can still be signed on the Change site. It says: "I am a pensioner who will be critically impacted by the decision to revoke the winter fuel payments. The abrupt loss of £500 per year will burden me with the necessity to work additional hours, despite being 68 years old, in order to make ends meet. "Like me, countless pensioners throughout the UK were relying upon these payments to help manage the cost of living during the colder months. As per the latest statistics from Age UK, over 12 million people, which constitutes around one in five people in the UK are aged 65 and above (Age UK, 2020). "This policy change therefore, negatively impacts a significant part of the community resulting in undue stress and hardship. The reinstatement of winter fuel payments for pensioners should be considered a priority - not just for me, but for the millions of others whose health and well-being depends on it. "We firmly urge the government to review and rectify this decision. Your support through a signature can drive this change."
South Wales Argus
15-05-2025
- Business
- South Wales Argus
Martin Lewis Winter Fuel Allowance cabinet interview
While hosting Good Morning Britain, he seized the opportunity to grill senior cabinet minister Pat McFadden. "While you're on, one final thing," said the Money Saving Expert, in true Columbo style. "We know you're very close to the prime minister, who last week, said there'd be no change on Winter Fuel Payments. "Now I know many people talk about increasing the threshold from the very low £11,800, which is what you need to be earning less than to get Pension Credit, which is what gets you Winter Fuel Payments. "I would like to see that threshold raised, but let's ignore that." 'I'm flabbergasted. You linked Winter Fuel Payments eligibility to Pension Credit which we know is a flawed system. You're sitting here saying we know there's a flawed means test in Pension Credit so why the hell did you link Winter Fuel Payments to a flawed means test?'… — Martin Lewis (@MartinSLewis) May 14, 2025 He then pointed out the statistics which show the flaws in the current system: "When you came in there were 800,000 people who were eligible for Pension Credit not claiming, therefore earning less than that £11,800 threshold who aren't claiming Pension Credit, so don't get Winter Fuel Payment. "There are now 700,000 - is that something you find acceptable? 700,000 of the most vulnerable that acceptable?" Mr McFadden replied: "Well, we made quite an effort on this, and there's been a sort of long term problem of people not always claiming the things to which they are entitled. And then the run up to Christmas, you know, we really went out there, we employed extra people to to do. "We encouraged people to apply, even if they applied and they they were turned down, they didn't really have anything to lose by applying. But, you know, it's been a long term issue that the entitlement to Pension Credit hasn't been taken up by some of the people that are entitled to..." Martin interrupted to say: "I'm flabbergasted. I've been campaigning on getting people to be eligible for Pension Credit for getting on for a decade, but you linked Winter Fuel Payments to Pension Credit, which you know is is flawed system. "You're just sitting here saying 'we know there's a flawed means test to Pension Credit'. So why the hell did you link Winter Fuel Payment to a flawed means test? What you're saying makes it worse." Undeterred, Mr McFadden, the Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster and MP for Wolverhampton South East, continued: "I don't think it makes it worse. We chose that level because that was a level where people get are entitled to extra help claim it. Will we encourage them to claim it as much as we possibly can. That was the level where we thought people the need was greatest, that sort of level of income. But of course, we always want people to claim the benefits to which they are entitled. Some people just don't want to claim." The benefit was previously available to almost everyone in the UK who was of state pension age to help cover their heating costs. But from last winter only those on Pension Credit or means-tested benefits will get the Winter Fuel Payment - £200 or £300 for people aged over 80. Recommended reading: Winter Fuel Payment debate has boosted petitions calling for change The local elections debate has also boosted petition calling for the government to rethink changes to the Winter Fuel Payments, which has now been signed by more than 150,000 people The petition was started by pensioner Carole Webb, and can still be signed on the Change site. It says: "I am a pensioner who will be critically impacted by the decision to revoke the winter fuel payments. The abrupt loss of £500 per year will burden me with the necessity to work additional hours, despite being 68 years old, in order to make ends meet. "Like me, countless pensioners throughout the UK were relying upon these payments to help manage the cost of living during the colder months. As per the latest statistics from Age UK, over 12 million people, which constitutes around one in five people in the UK are aged 65 and above (Age UK, 2020). "This policy change therefore, negatively impacts a significant part of the community resulting in undue stress and hardship. The reinstatement of winter fuel payments for pensioners should be considered a priority - not just for me, but for the millions of others whose health and well-being depends on it. "We firmly urge the government to review and rectify this decision. Your support through a signature can drive this change."
