Latest news with #NicholasClark
News.com.au
04-08-2025
- General
- News.com.au
Pilot failed to contact authorities as plane vanishes over Bass Strait
The pilot whose plane disappeared over the Bass Strait failed to contact authorities before departing on Saturday. Police are on the second day of their search for a couple – a pilot aged in his 70s, his partner, aged in her 60s, and their pet dog – whose light plane disappeared over the Bass Strait on Saturday. The plane took off from George Town Airport in Tasmania's northeast on Saturday afternoon and was expected to arrive at Hillston Airport in western NSW. The couple were planning to spend time with their family. However, after the plane failed to arrive after 5pm the same day, the family raised the alarm. The Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA) confirmed the search for the missing couple and their dog would continue on Monday morning. While it is not known what model the plane is, it has been described as bright green in colour. Speaking to reporters on Sunday, Tasmania Police Inspector Nicholas Clark said the pilot was believed to be 'very experienced'. 'The pilot was heavily involved with the aero club here at George Town,' he said. However, he added the plane was 'new to (the pilot)', as he had only purchased it three or months before the disappearance. He said the pilot made no contact with authorities while travelling over Bass Strait. The search resumed on Monday morning, with four aircraft, including the AMSA Challenger jet, a Tasmania Police helicopter and two aeroplanes taking part. The search also involves the Maritime Safety Authority, which is spanning a specific area of the Bass Strait near northern Tasmania. Speaking to the ABC, George Town flight instructor Eugene Reid said pilots were required to make 'scheduled reporting' when flying over Bass Strait, adding the pilot 'should have called up air services' upon leaving the coast. While pilots were supposed to inform traffic controllers of their movements, pilots of small planes such as this one were not legally required to have tracking services installed, he added. 'You can take off in an aircraft and fly across Bass Strait, making your radio calls and the only thing you have to carry is an EPIRB (emergency beacon) like they have on a boat,' Mr Reid told the outlet. The beacon sends off an emergency signal to nearby satellites. 'But you have to turn that on,' he said. 'It doesn't activate itself.'
Perth Now
04-08-2025
- General
- Perth Now
Wild detail after pilot's disappearance
The pilot whose plane disappeared over the Bass Strait failed to contact authorities before departing on Saturday. The search for the missing couple and their dog continues. Tasmania Police Credit: News Corp Australia The plane took off from George Town Airport in Tasmania's northeast on Saturday afternoon and was expected to arrive at Hillston Airport in western NSW. The couple were planning to spend time with their family. However, after the plane failed to arrive after 5pm the same day, the family raised the alarm. The Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA) confirmed the search for the missing couple and their dog would continue on Monday morning. AMSA's rescue jet searches for the missing plane in the Bass Strait. FlightRadar24 Credit: News Corp Australia While it is not known what model the plane is, it has been described as bright green in colour. Speaking to reporters on Sunday, Tasmania Police Inspector Nicholas Clark said the pilot was believed to be 'very experienced'. 'The pilot was heavily involved with the aero club here at George Town,' he said. However, he added the plane was 'new to (the pilot)', as he had only purchased it three or months before the disappearance. The pilot failed to contact authorities as the plane flew over Bass Strait, authorities said. Tasmania Police Credit: Supplied He said the pilot made no contact with authorities while travelling over Bass Strait. The search resumed on Monday morning, with four aircraft, including the AMSA Challenger jet, a Tasmania Police helicopter and two aeroplanes taking part. The search also involves the Maritime Safety Authority, which is spanning a specific area of the Bass Strait near northern Tasmania. Tasmania Police and Victoria Police are working to locate the missing plane. Tasmania Police Credit: Supplied Speaking to the ABC, George Town flight instructor Eugene Reid said pilots were required to make 'scheduled reporting' when flying over Bass Strait, adding the pilot 'should have called up air services' upon leaving the coast. While pilots were supposed to inform traffic controllers of their movements, pilots of small planes such as this one were not legally required to have tracking services installed, he added. 'You can take off in an aircraft and fly across Bass Strait, making your radio calls and the only thing you have to carry is an EPIRB (emergency beacon) like they have on a boat,' Mr Reid told the outlet. The beacon sends off an emergency signal to nearby satellites. 'But you have to turn that on,' he said. 'It doesn't activate itself.' NewsWire has contacted the Civil Aviation Safety Authority for comment.
Yahoo
27-07-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Spine Surgeon: These Uncommon Exercises Will Fix Neck and Upper-Back Pain for Men Over 40
Spine Surgeon: These Uncommon Exercises Will Fix Neck and Upper-Back Pain for Men Over 40 originally appeared on Men's Fitness. Getting older means more wisdom, along with a whole lot more neck and upper-back pain. Nicholas Clark, M.D., an orthopedic spine surgeon for HSS at NCH, says that while many guys prioritize building their chest, arms, or legs, they often ignore the muscles in the neck and upper back—leaving them prone to pain and limited movement. "The neck and trapezius muscles are your body's unsung heroes, stabilizing your head and shoulders during every lift, run or even desk session. Neglecting them can lead to chronic pain, reduced mobility and even spinal issues down the line," Clark tells Men's Fitness. In his work as a spine surgeon, he's treated countless men in their 40s and 50s dealing with chronic neck and trap pain—issues that could often be prevented or improved with the right exercises. Below, Clark shares four underrated exercises—ones you've probably never done—that target the neck and traps to help reduce pain, improve posture, and keep you strong and mobile well into middle and Trapezius Exercises for Pain Relief Directions "Start with two to three sessions per week, and pair them with your existing routine. Over time, you'll notice less stiffness, better posture and a stronger, more balanced upper body," Clark says. Cervical Retraction with Resistance Band Sets: 3 Reps: 12-15 How to do it: Anchor a light resistance band to a sturdy object at chest height. Hold the band with both hands, standing about 2 feet away, and keep your arms relaxed. Gently tuck your chin toward your neck (think of making a double chin) while pulling the band slightly toward your face, keeping your head level. Hold for 3 seconds, then release. Tip: Focus on keeping your shoulders relaxed to avoid tensing the traps. If you feel strain, use a lighter band or no band at all until you master the movement. By 40, many men develop forward flex head posture from the impacts of daily life—like prolonged sitting or smartphone use. In turn, this strains the cervical spine and trapezius. "This exercise strengthens the deep neck flexors and posterior neck muscles, counteracting that slouch while relieving tension in the upper traps," Clark says. Scapular Wall Slides Sets: 2-3 Reps: 10-12 How to do it: Stand with your back against a wall, feet about 6 inches away. Press your lower back, upper back, and head lightly against the wall. Bend your elbows to 90 degrees, with your forearms and hands touching the wall (like a 'W' shape). Slowly slide your arms upward to form a 'Y,' keeping your elbows, forearms, and hands in contact with the wall. Lower back to the starting position. Tip: If your arms don't reach the 'Y' position without losing wall contact, don't force it. Work within your range and progress as mobility improves. "Tight traps often stem from poor scapular mobility, which is common in men who lift weights or sit for long periods. This exercise improves scapular movement and strengthens the lower trapezius, reducing upper trap dominance and neck strain," he says. Prone Trapezius Raise Sets: 3 Reps: 12-15 How to do it: Lie facedown on a bench or the floor with a light dumbbell (2–5 pounds) in each hand. Let your arms hang straight down, palms facing each other. Keeping your arms straight, lift them out to the sides to form a 'T,' squeezing your shoulder blades together. Your thumbs should point upward at the top of the movement. Lower slowly. Tip: If you feel your upper traps taking over, reduce the weight or do the exercise without weights. Focus on initiating the movement from your mid-back. "The middle and lower trapezius muscles are critical for stabilizing the shoulder blades and supporting the neck, but they're often neglected in favor of upper trap-focused exercises like shrugs. This move isolates the mid and lower traps, reducing neck stiffness and improving posture," Clark explains. Isometric Neck Bridge Sets: 2 Reps: 10-12 How to do it: Lie on your back with your knees bent and feet flat on the floor. Place a folded towel (about 2 inches thick) under your head for slight elevation. Gently press the back of your head into the towel, engaging your neck muscles without lifting your head. Hold for 5 to 10 seconds, then relax. Tip: To target the traps more, slightly shrug your shoulders toward your ears during the hold, but keep the movement subtle to avoid strain. "Unlike traditional neck bridges used by wrestlers, this gentler isometric version builds neck stability without excessive strain, making it ideal for men over 40. It strengthens the cervical muscles and traps, improving resilience against daily stressors like heavy lifting or poor posture," he Surgeon: These Uncommon Exercises Will Fix Neck and Upper-Back Pain for Men Over 40 first appeared on Men's Fitness on Jul 20, 2025 This story was originally reported by Men's Fitness on Jul 20, 2025, where it first appeared. Solve the daily Crossword
New York Post
08-07-2025
- Health
- New York Post
6 surprising things that are hurting your back — they may seem minor but can cause irreversible damage
It's quite disc-ouraging, really. Most Americans will experience back pain at some point — and many times it's not a result of injury or illness. Seemingly simple, everyday tasks can cause or exacerbate back pain by placing undue stress on the spine and surrounding muscles. 'We are seeing many patients present with pain after/during activities because of common spinal mistakes,' orthopedic spine surgeon Nicholas Clark of the Hospital for Special Surgery at NCH, which opened last month in Naples, Florida, told The Post. 7 Orthopedic spine surgeon Nicholas Clark of the Hospital for Special Surgery at NCH reveals six common causes of back pain. 'While these issues may seem harmless,' he added, 'significant issues can arise over time.' Clark shares six surprisingly subtle habits to break — before they break you. Slouching while sitting 'Many people don't notice their posture until pain emerges, as slouching feels comfortable initially,' Clark said. 'Prolonged sitting, especially without ergonomic chairs or conscious effort, makes it a default habit.' The spine has natural curves in the neck, mid-back and lower back that help distribute the impact from activities like running and jumping, maintain balance, allow for flexible movement like bending and twisting and protect the spinal cord. 7 Slouching and hunching may come naturally, but it's not doing your spine any favors. dvulikaia – Slouching or hunching forward while sitting — which often happens while working at a desk, gaming or using a phone — can increase pressure on spinal discs and overwork supporting muscles and ligaments. 'Consistent poor posture can cause conditions like forward head posture, kyphosis (irregular forward tilting of the upper back) or herniated discs,' Clark explained. 'It also sets the stage for injury during sudden movements, as weakened muscles can't stabilize the spine effectively.' While exercise strengthens core and back muscles, Clark notes that even 'active' people can experience back pain because poor posture during routine activities is still stressful to the body. Using a phone or tablet too much 'Device use is so ingrained that people don't notice their posture or the hours spent looking down,' Clark said. 'Many assume only prolonged computer use is harmful, not realizing phones and tablets are equally, if not more, damaging.' 7 Put the phone and tablet down to prevent the dreaded 'tech neck.' Sunshine – Clark cautions that even using a phone for short amounts of time 'adds up, making this a sneaky contributor to back issues for all ages.' When your head tilts forward to read an electronic device, a move known as 'tech neck,' the muscles and ligaments in the neck have to work harder to support the weight of the head. Over time, this stress can lead to chronic back pain, cervical disc degeneration, stiffness, headaches and long-term changes in spinal alignment. 'It also increases injury risk by weakening neck and back muscles over time,' Clark shared. 'This can lead to a herniated disc in the neck, which may lead to severe neck and arm pain, numbness and tingling or weakness.' Carrying heavy objects incorrectly 'People often underestimate the cumulative weight of daily items (laptops, books, water bottles) or carry bags out of habit without considering posture,' Clark said. 'Single-shoulder carrying is convenient, so the harm goes unnoticed until pain appears.' The weight of a heavy backpack or purse on one shoulder creates an uneven load. 7 Do you really need all that stuff? Carrying a bag on one shoulder can lead to long-term pain and damage to the body. Alex – The trapezius, rhomboids and lumbar muscles on that side of the body work harder and potentially become stronger than the muscles on the other side. 'Persistent uneven loading can lead to muscle imbalances, which may lead to scoliosis-like spinal curvature or chronic shoulder and back pain,' Clark said. 'It also heightens injury risk, including herniated discs, during lifting or twisting motions.' Clark warns that bags that weigh just 5 or 10 pounds can cause damage over time, especially among children and commuters. Lifting items improperly And before you grab that bowling bag or bulging carry-on, consider your form. Clark recommends squatting, keeping the back straight and using leg strength to lift the item. 7 This is definitely the wrong way to lift stuff. Check your load before you wreck your back. Kay A/ – 'Bending at the waist to lift objects, even light ones, places excessive force on the lower back's muscles, ligaments and discs,' he said. 'This can strain the lumbar spine or cause acute injuries like disc herniations, especially if twisting is involved.' Small, frequent lifts of your young child can be as damaging as heavy lifts if done incorrectly, Clark advised. Improper technique can weaken the outer layer of intervertebral discs and the bones of the vertebrae, potentially leading to stress fractures and other debilitating injuries that may require surgery to fix. 'The harm feels minor until a serious injury occurs, such as a herniated disc, which can lead to severe back and leg pain,' Clark said. Ignoring core strength 'The core muscles — abdominals, obliques and lower back — act as a natural internal back brace or corset, stabilizing the spine during movement,' Clark said. 'Weak core muscles force the spine to take on more load, straining discs, ligaments and facet joints,' he added. 'This is especially problematic during bending, lifting or sudden twists.' 7 Try strengthening your core with planks, which engage muscles in the abdomen, lower back and hips. undrey – Core strength is vital for even simple activities like standing or walking, so it's important to train the core to protect the back. Crunches, planks and bridges are a few examples of these strengthening exercises. Clark reasoned that some people skip these moves because they associate them with six-pack abs instead of spinal health, while high-achieving athletes and even military personnel may think their daily routines suffice. 'A recent study showed that fighter pilots who performed dedicated physical therapy focusing on core strengthening had significantly less low back pain,' Clark said. 'If it works for remarkably fit fighter pilots, most patients can likely benefit!' Dismissing minor discomfort as 'normal' or temporary 'Mild back pain or stiffness often signals early issues like muscle strain, poor posture or disc stress,' Clark said. 7 Don't neglect mild or severe back pain. Early intervention can help you in the long run. doucefleur – 'Ignoring these allows inflammation or minor damage to worsen,' he continued, 'potentially escalating into serious conditions like herniated discs or worsening of arthritic changes.' Occasional soreness that seems manageable may be the first sign of serious spinal problems, Clark noted. Don't try to 'push through the pain' — see a medical provider to prevent it from becoming a disruption to your daily routine or irreversible damage, such as disc degeneration or chronic arthritic conditions. 'It is never too early to confirm that your minor pain is not a more serious issue,' he said.
