Latest news with #OliviaWest
The Irish Sun
3 days ago
- Health
- The Irish Sun
Dr Zoe shares the red-flag warning signs your headache is serious – and needs medical attention
WITH the holidays upon us, it can be a challenging time for parents to juggle the stresses of work and childcare while trying to keep the family active and healthy. Physical activity is essential for children, not just for their health but for their development, happiness and self-esteem. Advertisement 4 Sun columnist Dr Zoe answers your health concerns Credit: Olivia West Recent data shows that 53 per cent of It's called 'Activate' and it is a fun, accessible new animated series, backed by the Government, to help address childhood inactivity. Each five-minute episode offers bursts of energy, fun and movement that can be enjoyed at home or on the go. Advertisement READ MORE FROM DR ZOE View it free on YouTube Kids. One of the best ways to inspire children to be active, now and in the future, is to be active yourself. We are children's most important role models. Here is a selection of what readers have asked this week . . . Advertisement Most read in Health Exclusive Mum dies after going to A&E with a 'sudden headache' IS HEAD PAIN CANCER? Q: I HAVE been getting severe headaches for a few months now. My doctor prescribed codeine, but even that does not help. If l press the back of my neck and my temples, it alleviates the pain for a while. Please can you advise me what to do as l am very worried? Advertisement A: Tension headaches, the most common Applying pressure to these areas can sometimes help and the best painkillers for Activities to help you relax, such as exercise, yoga and massage, can be beneficial. Stress, dehydration, lack of sleep, poor posture and eye strain can cause tension headaches, too. Advertisement Another possible cause that can be alleviated with pressure is cervicogenic headaches, which originate from issues in the cervical spine (neck), such as arthritis or muscle tension. Pain starts in the neck and spreads to the head, often worsening with certain neck movements. It could be that you are performing 'acupressure' while pressing your neck and temples. Acupressure works by applying pressure to specific points on the body, to relieve pain, muscle tension and promote wellbeing. Advertisement It's a manual therapy technique rooted in Chinese medicine, similar to acupuncture but without needles. So even if the pain in your head isn't directly linked to these sites, pressing can help, as you have found. In people over the age of 50 who develop severe headaches, pain or tenderness at the temples, sometimes with scalp tenderness or jaw pain when chewing, we must rule out an inflammatory condition called temporal arteritis, which can lead to vision loss or stroke if untreated. Another red flag is Advertisement Other symptoms that cause concern include headaches accompanied by fever, stiff neck or confusion (suggesting meningitis); headaches with neurological symptoms like vision changes or weakness; headaches after head trauma; and headaches that progressively worsen or don't respond to treatment. Sick of feeling always off balance Q: ABOUT two years ago I suffered a bout of blurred vision and sickness. I was diagnosed with 4 Dr Zoe helps a reader who has vestibular neuritis Credit: Getty Advertisement I've been told I would have this for life. Is there any way I could be cured of this and be able to walk without fear of falling over? It is ruining my life. A: I'm sorry to hear how much this diagnosis has impacted your quality of life. Advertisement Long-term dizziness and instability from vestibular neuritis can be deeply distressing but it's important to know there are still options that may help you regain stability – many people see significant improvement even if the condition is described as 'incurable'. Vestibular neuritis means inflammation of the vestibular nerve. This is the nerve that takes messages from the balance organ within the inner ear to the brain. It's most commonly caused by a viral infection of the nerve. Advertisement It tends to cause sudden and severe dizziness, nausea and issues with balance for a week or two. In most cases, things resolve fully after two to three months, but in a small number of cases, such as yours, symptoms persist. There's currently no way to reverse permanent nerve damage in the vestibular system. However, it's not inevitable for symptoms to persist for life. Many people achieve substantial recovery of their balance and reduction of dizziness through specialised therapies even years after their initial illness. Advertisement You could ask to be referred for vestibular rehabilitation therapy. This treatment uses physical and occupational therapy techniques to treat vertigo and balance disorders, designed to help your brain 'recalibrate' to the changed signals from your balance system. Chronic dizziness can also take a toll on your mental health, so seeking talking therapy might also help your recovery. TIP OF THE WEEK WHEN lifting something, particularly if it is big, heavy or from floor level, always remember the mantra: 'Legs, not back'. Bend your knees and keep your back straight while you use your leg muscles to raise the weight. This may help to prevent back injury. WEEKEND WARRIOR WIN 4 Exercising only at the weekend can be enough to slash your risk of dying young Credit: Getty Advertisement EXERCISING only at the weekend can be enough to slash your risk of dying young, a study found. Researchers at Harvard University, USA, said 'weekend warriors' with diabetes get as much benefit as people who work out every day. Cramming physical activity into Saturday and Sunday is common as many of us struggle to make time in our daily lives. It might seem like less exercise but a study showed the heart benefits can be just as great. Advertisement Data from 52,000 Americans with diabetes showed that weekend warriors had a 21 per cent lower risk of dying young compared to those who didn't exercise. Their risk of dying from heart disease was 33 per cent lower, study authors wrote in the journal Annals of Internal Medicine. The key was simply to hit the NHS target of at least two and a half hours of moderate activity over the two days. Commenting on the study, Professor Ronald Sigal of the University of Calgary, said: 'Regular physical activity is recommended for most people with or without diabetes. Advertisement 'On the whole, these findings are encouraging. 'They provide evidence that protective effects of physical activity against cardiovascular and overall mortality could be achieved through one or two weekly physical activity sessions.' Sport England figures show adults trying to get fit is on the rise, with 30million people – 64 per cent of adults – hitting the NHS exercise target last year. CALL TO HAVE HPV JAB HUNDREDS of thousands of young adults will be contacted by the NHS in an HPV vaccine catch-up campaign. Advertisement The jab is given at schools and is targeting the elimination of cervical cancer in the UK in the next 15 years. More than 418,000 people have left school unvaccinated in the past three years and many more people under the age of 26 are unprotected. NHS England is contacting young adults who have not had the vaccine to prevent infection with the sexually transmitted HPV virus. Many strains are harmless but a few cause cervical cancer, and cancers of the mouth, throat, penis, vagina and anus. Advertisement The NHS wants to use the one-dose vaccine to wipe out cervical cancer in England by 2040. Dr Amanda Doyle at NHS England said: 'This vaccine is hugely important but it isn't just for girls and women. "It's also vital for boys and men to get vaccinated to protect themselves against cancers of the mouth, throat or genitals, while preventing spreading the HPV infection to partners. 'Encouraging progress has been made but we know there is much more to do.' Advertisement Public health minister Ashley Dalton added: 'If you missed your vaccination at school, it's not too late to get vaccinated. 'Don't hesitate to make an appointment with your GP – one jab could save your life.' Eligible patients should get a letter, email, text or NHS app notification. Patients can call their GP practice if they think they need any vaccinations. Advertisement Q: I AM a pensioner and I need an RSV [respiratory syncytial virus] vaccine. I have had this illness twice, last time I lost 2st. I have begged my doctor for the jab but they say I can't have it because they have a limit on the people they can give it to – and at 83 years old, I am outside their limit. 4 Dr Zoe helps a reader who needs the RSV [respiratory syncytial virus] vaccine Credit: Getty Advertisement I was born with cysts on my lungs, I have COPD, asthma, bronchiectasis and am having tests for a lump on my lung. I asked the lung specialist for help but my GP still refuses. A : Thank you for writing in and I hear your frustrations. Unfortunately, I cannot give you the news that you want to hear but I can at least explain why your GP is not allowed to give you the RSV vaccine. Advertisement In September 2024, the NHS introduced an RSV vaccine programme, which is currently only offered to people aged 75 to 79 (or for those who turned 80 after September 1, 2024, who are eligible until August 31, 2025). So you are not eligible to receive the RSV vaccine on the NHS and it is not down to your GP's choice or discretion, unfortunately. Your NHS respiratory doctor cannot override this either, as the age-based rules do not currently allow for clinical discretion or prioritisation based on chronic illness alone. Advertisement The decision to limit the programme to those under 80 comes from clinical trial evidence and national guidelines, as studies did not provide enough data on vaccine effectiveness and safety in the 80+ age group. The eligibility criteria may change in the future, depending on new evidence or updates to UK vaccination policy. If you still wish to be vaccinated, it may be possible to access the vaccine privately. Or, you can discuss other RSV preventive measures with your GP. Advertisement I'm sorry it's not the answer you wanted, but hopefully understanding that it is out of your GP's hands will alleviate some of your frustration, and help you to maintain a good, trusted, doctor-patient relationship. Unlock even more award-winning articles as The Sun launches brand new membership programme - Sun Club.
Scottish Sun
3 days ago
- Health
- Scottish Sun
Dr Zoe shares the red-flag warning signs your headache is serious – and needs medical attention
Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) WITH the holidays upon us, it can be a challenging time for parents to juggle the stresses of work and childcare while trying to keep the family active and healthy. Physical activity is essential for children, not just for their health but for their development, happiness and self-esteem. 4 Sun columnist Dr Zoe answers your health concerns Credit: Olivia West Recent data shows that 53 per cent of children are not getting the 60 minutes of physical activity they need per day to be healthy. Joe Wicks's latest initiative is fantastic. It's called 'Activate' and it is a fun, accessible new animated series, backed by the Government, to help address childhood inactivity. Each five-minute episode offers bursts of energy, fun and movement that can be enjoyed at home or on the go. View it free on YouTube Kids. One of the best ways to inspire children to be active, now and in the future, is to be active yourself. We are children's most important role models. Here is a selection of what readers have asked this week . . . Mum dies after going to A&E with a 'sudden headache' IS HEAD PAIN CANCER? Q: I HAVE been getting severe headaches for a few months now. My doctor prescribed codeine, but even that does not help. If l press the back of my neck and my temples, it alleviates the pain for a while. Please can you advise me what to do as l am very worried? A: Tension headaches, the most common type of headache, often involve pain or pressure in the temples, forehead or back of the neck. Applying pressure to these areas can sometimes help and the best painkillers for tension headaches are paracetamol, aspirin or ibuprofen. Activities to help you relax, such as exercise, yoga and massage, can be beneficial. Stress, dehydration, lack of sleep, poor posture and eye strain can cause tension headaches, too. Another possible cause that can be alleviated with pressure is cervicogenic headaches, which originate from issues in the cervical spine (neck), such as arthritis or muscle tension. Pain starts in the neck and spreads to the head, often worsening with certain neck movements. It could be that you are performing 'acupressure' while pressing your neck and temples. Acupressure works by applying pressure to specific points on the body, to relieve pain, muscle tension and promote wellbeing. It's a manual therapy technique rooted in Chinese medicine, similar to acupuncture but without needles. So even if the pain in your head isn't directly linked to these sites, pressing can help, as you have found. In people over the age of 50 who develop severe headaches, pain or tenderness at the temples, sometimes with scalp tenderness or jaw pain when chewing, we must rule out an inflammatory condition called temporal arteritis, which can lead to vision loss or stroke if untreated. Another red flag is 'thunderclap' headaches, which are sudden onset and severe, reaching maximum intensity within five minutes, and which can indicate a bleed within the brain. Other symptoms that cause concern include headaches accompanied by fever, stiff neck or confusion (suggesting meningitis); headaches with neurological symptoms like vision changes or weakness; headaches after head trauma; and headaches that progressively worsen or don't respond to treatment. Sick of feeling always off balance Q: ABOUT two years ago I suffered a bout of blurred vision and sickness. I was diagnosed with vertigo before being told I had vestibular neuritis which, owing to damage it had done to the nerves in my ear, could not be cured. 4 Dr Zoe helps a reader who has vestibular neuritis Credit: Getty I've been told I would have this for life. Is there any way I could be cured of this and be able to walk without fear of falling over? It is ruining my life. A: I'm sorry to hear how much this diagnosis has impacted your quality of life. Long-term dizziness and instability from vestibular neuritis can be deeply distressing but it's important to know there are still options that may help you regain stability – many people see significant improvement even if the condition is described as 'incurable'. Vestibular neuritis means inflammation of the vestibular nerve. This is the nerve that takes messages from the balance organ within the inner ear to the brain. It's most commonly caused by a viral infection of the nerve. It tends to cause sudden and severe dizziness, nausea and issues with balance for a week or two. In most cases, things resolve fully after two to three months, but in a small number of cases, such as yours, symptoms persist. There's currently no way to reverse permanent nerve damage in the vestibular system. However, it's not inevitable for symptoms to persist for life. Many people achieve substantial recovery of their balance and reduction of dizziness through specialised therapies even years after their initial illness. You could ask to be referred for vestibular rehabilitation therapy. This treatment uses physical and occupational therapy techniques to treat vertigo and balance disorders, designed to help your brain 'recalibrate' to the changed signals from your balance system. Chronic dizziness can also take a toll on your mental health, so seeking talking therapy might also help your recovery. TIP OF THE WEEK WHEN lifting something, particularly if it is big, heavy or from floor level, always remember the mantra: 'Legs, not back'. Bend your knees and keep your back straight while you use your leg muscles to raise the weight. This may help to prevent back injury. WEEKEND WARRIOR WIN 4 Exercising only at the weekend can be enough to slash your risk of dying young Credit: Getty EXERCISING only at the weekend can be enough to slash your risk of dying young, a study found. Researchers at Harvard University, USA, said 'weekend warriors' with diabetes get as much benefit as people who work out every day. Cramming physical activity into Saturday and Sunday is common as many of us struggle to make time in our daily lives. It might seem like less exercise but a study showed the heart benefits can be just as great. Data from 52,000 Americans with diabetes showed that weekend warriors had a 21 per cent lower risk of dying young compared to those who didn't exercise. Their risk of dying from heart disease was 33 per cent lower, study authors wrote in the journal Annals of Internal Medicine. The key was simply to hit the NHS target of at least two and a half hours of moderate activity over the two days. Commenting on the study, Professor Ronald Sigal of the University of Calgary, said: 'Regular physical activity is recommended for most people with or without diabetes. 'On the whole, these findings are encouraging. 'They provide evidence that protective effects of physical activity against cardiovascular and overall mortality could be achieved through one or two weekly physical activity sessions.' Sport England figures show adults trying to get fit is on the rise, with 30million people – 64 per cent of adults – hitting the NHS exercise target last year. CALL TO HAVE HPV JAB HUNDREDS of thousands of young adults will be contacted by the NHS in an HPV vaccine catch-up campaign. The jab is given at schools and is targeting the elimination of cervical cancer in the UK in the next 15 years. More than 418,000 people have left school unvaccinated in the past three years and many more people under the age of 26 are unprotected. NHS England is contacting young adults who have not had the vaccine to prevent infection with the sexually transmitted HPV virus. Many strains are harmless but a few cause cervical cancer, and cancers of the mouth, throat, penis, vagina and anus. The NHS wants to use the one-dose vaccine to wipe out cervical cancer in England by 2040. Dr Amanda Doyle at NHS England said: 'This vaccine is hugely important but it isn't just for girls and women. "It's also vital for boys and men to get vaccinated to protect themselves against cancers of the mouth, throat or genitals, while preventing spreading the HPV infection to partners. 'Encouraging progress has been made but we know there is much more to do.' Public health minister Ashley Dalton added: 'If you missed your vaccination at school, it's not too late to get vaccinated. 'Don't hesitate to make an appointment with your GP – one jab could save your life.' Eligible patients should get a letter, email, text or NHS app notification. Patients can call their GP practice if they think they need any vaccinations. Q: I AM a pensioner and I need an RSV [respiratory syncytial virus] vaccine. I have had this illness twice, last time I lost 2st. I have begged my doctor for the jab but they say I can't have it because they have a limit on the people they can give it to – and at 83 years old, I am outside their limit. 4 Dr Zoe helps a reader who needs the RSV [respiratory syncytial virus] vaccine Credit: Getty I was born with cysts on my lungs, I have COPD, asthma, bronchiectasis and am having tests for a lump on my lung. I asked the lung specialist for help but my GP still refuses. A: Thank you for writing in and I hear your frustrations. Unfortunately, I cannot give you the news that you want to hear but I can at least explain why your GP is not allowed to give you the RSV vaccine. RSV is a common cause of coughs and colds, which usually get better by themselves, but can sometimes be serious for babies and older adults. In September 2024, the NHS introduced an RSV vaccine programme, which is currently only offered to people aged 75 to 79 (or for those who turned 80 after September 1, 2024, who are eligible until August 31, 2025). So you are not eligible to receive the RSV vaccine on the NHS and it is not down to your GP's choice or discretion, unfortunately. Your NHS respiratory doctor cannot override this either, as the age-based rules do not currently allow for clinical discretion or prioritisation based on chronic illness alone. The decision to limit the programme to those under 80 comes from clinical trial evidence and national guidelines, as studies did not provide enough data on vaccine effectiveness and safety in the 80+ age group. The eligibility criteria may change in the future, depending on new evidence or updates to UK vaccination policy. If you still wish to be vaccinated, it may be possible to access the vaccine privately. Or, you can discuss other RSV preventive measures with your GP. I'm sorry it's not the answer you wanted, but hopefully understanding that it is out of your GP's hands will alleviate some of your frustration, and help you to maintain a good, trusted, doctor-patient relationship. Unlock even more award-winning articles as The Sun launches brand new membership programme - Sun Club.
The Irish Sun
14-07-2025
- Health
- The Irish Sun
I've been left with excess fluid in my ankle and foot after bad bout of cellulitis – help!
AS summer gets into full swing, there's no better time to focus on your health. Whether you're embracing the sunshine (and the vitamin D that comes with it), planning holidays (a boost to wellbeing), or exercising outdoors, I find this season filled with energy and opportunity. 3 Sun columnist Dr Zoe answers your health concerns Credit: Olivia West This column is YOUR space to ask questions, so I can help you live as healthy a life as possible. Whether it's understanding a new treatment, managing a long-term condition, or simply wondering about the best way to stay fit while living with a chronic condition. Perhaps you or a loved one has been worried about a symptom you've been experiencing, and you need some reassurance, have been feeling down and unsure what to do, or you're curious about how to make healthier choices. Or perhaps you are reconsidering the health goals you made at the start of the year, and whether you still have time to make changes. READ MORE FROM DR ZOE I answer three questions a week on a Tuesday, and one on Sunday. Email me at health@ Here's a selection of what readers have asked this week . . . Cellulitis legacy is causing concern 3 A reader is suffering following a bad bout of cellulitis Credit: Wikipedia Q: I HAD a bad bout of cellulitis in my left leg four years ago. Most read in Health Since then I have had a few recurrences but have managed to get antibiotics quickly and before the cellulitis gets as bad. I have been left with a red mark on my lower left calf, almost like a bruise, which does get worse from time to time. I also have excess fluid in my left ankle and foot, which swells during the day. Can I do anything about either of these? I try to be as active as I can and elevate my feet. Katie Piper reveals she's on the mend after suffering Preseptal Cellulitis infection A: A severe case of cellulitis can cause persistent changes to the skin and tissue, even years later. These can be permanent, but there may be ways to improve things, which I will explain. Your swelling and red mark may be due to long-term damage or changes to the lymphatic and skin tissue caused by the infection and inflammation. Cellulitis can damage the lymphatic vessels, which are responsible for draining fluid from tissues. If these vessels are scarred or weakened the fluid may accumulate, causing chronic swelling, and the area can become more vulnerable to future infections. It may improve slightly over time, but if the lymphatic damage is significant, some degree of chronic swelling may remain. Compression therapy (e.g. compression stockings), leg elevation and physiotherapy can help manage it. The red mark could be post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, which is when skin is left darker or more red by the healing process or it could be scarring in the area where the infection was worst. In some people, this never fully fades, though it may lighten slowly. It is important to be vigilant about future infections. Signs to look out for are any increase in redness, pain or warmth. And also worsening swelling or hardening of the skin. Look after the skin by moisturising with an emollient, treating fungal infections, avoiding cuts or other injuries to the skin. In need of a diagnosis Q: MY neurologist believes I may have AL amyloidosis due to my various medical issues. I have peripheral neuropathy and was recently diagnosed with orthostatic hypotension, which my cardiac consultant has said is neurogenic. I have been on fludrocortisone for five weeks with no improvement and my GP has said to stop them as they could also be affecting my Stage 3 CKD. I also have NAFLD, laryngeal obstruction, gallstones and osteoarthritis. My neurologist said getting a diagnosis will take some time and I'm worried about this disease requiring urgent diagnosis to facilitate treatment. A: Amyloidosis is a general term for a group of diseases where abnormal proteins called amyloid build up in the body's tissues. As you rightly pointed out, delays in diagnosing AL amyloidosis, a variant of the disease where the bone marrow is affected, can significantly affect prognosis, especially if the heart is involved. NHS trusts should have mechanisms to expedite diagnosis, especially when organ damage is suspected, though it doesn't fall under a formal two-week cancer pathway. AL amyloidosis, or primary amyloidosis, is caused by abnormal light chain proteins produced by plasma cells in the bone marrow. These misfold into amyloid deposits, which can affect organs such as the kidneys, heart, nerves, liver and digestive system. If a diagnosis is made, treatment typically involves multidisciplinary care led by haematology specialists and other teams depending on organ involvement. Tests aiding diagnosis include blood and urine analysis, imaging like ECG, echocardiogram or MRI, biopsies to detect amyloid deposits, SAP scans to locate amyloid and genetic testing. In England, patients suspected of having amyloidosis should be referred to the National Amyloidosis Centre, located at the Royal Free Hospital, London. Referrals can be made by hospital consultants or your GP, with appointments often arranged within two weeks if cardiac involvement is suspected. This is the NAC website – – which you can share with your GP. TIP OF THE WEEK SKIN can be a window to your health. Yellowing can signal liver problems, dry, flaky skin can be a symptom of abnormal thyroid function. Dark, rubbery patches are a symptom of type 2 diabetes. And don't forget that meningitis or sepsis, which need urgent treatment, can cause a rash or mottled skin. Risk in recurring migraines 3 New or unusual headaches in people over 50 are always taken seriously Credit: Getty Q: I AM an 83 year old man and have recently started having occasional migraines which last for around 15 to 30 minutes. It's been about 40 years since I had one. I have little headache but vivid auras. Should I be concerned? A: New or unusual While you've had migraines in the past, the recurrence after decades – particularly with changes in aura or frequency – should be treated as a 'new' headache and investigated as such. Sudden visual disturbances such as zig-zags, flashing lights, or blind spots may be caused by migraine aura. But they could also indicate a transient ischaemic attack (TIA) or mini-stroke, particularly if they come on quickly and resolve within an hour. Other potential causes include retinal issues, certain types of seizures, vascular problems, or, in rare cases, brain tumours. These possibilities make it essential to seek medical advice promptly. I recommend booking an urgent GP appointment and keeping a detailed diary of your symptoms in the meantime. Record the description of the aura, its duration, any accompanying headache or other symptoms, and whether you feel unwell afterwards. Identifying patterns can be helpful for your doctor. While your symptoms may indeed be benign migraine auras, their recurrence after 40 years – and at your age of 83 – necessitates thorough evaluation to rule out more serious conditions. Early investigation is crucial, even if your symptoms turn out to be harmless.
The Irish Sun
13-07-2025
- Entertainment
- The Irish Sun
Women expect me to be a stallion in bed because I'm fit & sporty… but I've never lasted longer than a MINUTE during sex
AN ex of mine had an unusual tactic for helping him last longer in the sack. While at first I wasn't sure, I have to hand it to him - there was method to his madness. 5 Sun Sexpert Georgie Culley will be answering your biggest sex dilemmas Credit: Olivia West 5 Georgie Culley tells how an ex lover used to play classical music to last longer in bed Credit: Olivia West Did he use the technique of edging? Did he douse his member in men's climax delay spray? While all those are great ways to last longer in the sack, the answer is no - he actually listened to classical music to hit my, ahem, high notes. In my new no holds barred series, I'll be answering YOUR biggest This week one reader opens up about how Got a sex dilemma of your own? Pop your question in the form above and I'll answer it. Q. I'm a 23 year old man and I've never lasted longer than a minute in bed. As I'm sporty and fit, women always expect me to have tons of stamina and in reality I'm a total flop. I recently made the mistake of confiding in my mates and they now call me 'One Minute Dan'. I laugh it off in the pub but it's actually destroying every aspect of my life. Is there anything I can do to last longer between the sheets? It's ruined every relationship I've had. Georgie says: It's no surprise this is causing you huge distress, in and out of the bedroom. Georgie answers your sex questions - Tips for tiny Peckers You're fit, sporty, and women are expecting you to be a stallion between the sheets. The pressure can be immense. That "One Minute Dan" nickname? Not helpful. Banter aside, it's chipped away at your confidence, and that kind of Don't panic. PE is very common in younger men and often caused by psychological issues and performance anxiety. It doesn't define your worth or what you can offer in a relationship but I understand you want to last longer. Here are some steps you can take to tackle the issue... Rule out any medical issues If you're experiencing any problems in the bedroom then it's always a good idea to consult a GP first and just rule out any underlying medical issues. Sometimes erectile dysfunction can be caused by an underlying condition, or Focus on foreplay I've said it before and I'll say it again: good sex isn't just about penetrative sex. We need to forget that outdated notion. If you ask most women what makes them orgasm, it isn't intercourse. Most women need clitoral stimulation to climax, so spend about 15 minutes on foreplay, as most women need about 14 minutes of sexual stimulation to orgasm. Sex toys aren't cheating Some men get a little offended when women bring sex toys into the bedroom - but it's time to ditch the ridiculous idea that toys equal a "cheating orgasm". They don't. What they do offer is a brilliant way to help women reach climax. Think of them as a helping hand during foreplay or sex - not a replacement, but a teammate. Ditch boozing 5 Sun Sexpert Georgie Culley says alcohol can wreak havoc down below Credit: Olivia West It's no secret that too much booze can wreak havoc between the sheets - especially when it comes to lift off. Men who are dependent on alcohol have a 60 to 70 per cent chance of suffering from erectile dysfunction, with premature ejaculation and a To stay harder than a Sunday Times crossword, ditch drinking before getting busy in the bedroom. Edging This is a brilliant technique to help guys suffering from PE and help them last longer than a Bridgerton boxset. During masturbation or sex, stop stimulation just before ejaculation. Wait until the urge to climax fades, then start again. Repeat this three to four times before orgasm and it will help you last longer after time. Without the pressure to climax quickly, edging can remove performance anxiety, creating a more relaxed and enjoyable experience in the bedroom. Top tip: edging isn't just for men — women can seriously benefit from it, too. By getting close to orgasm, then backing off before going all the way, you can build up even more intense pleasure. Personally, if I'm after a longer, stronger climax, I'll use edging during sex as well. Use the squeezing technique 5 Georgie recommends speaking to your GP to rule out any underlying issues that could be causing premature ejaculation Credit: Getty This technique is simple but seriously effective. When close to climax, gently squeeze the base of the penis for a few seconds. This can delay ejaculation by reducing arousal. It works better with a partner's cooperation, so don't be afraid to talk about what you're going to do beforehand to stop any awkward moments later. After all, communication is the key to great sex. Wear desensitising condoms Not only are condoms great for practising safe sex but if you're suffering from PE they're a great way to reduce sensation. Opt for thicker ones and ones with numbing agents (benzocaine or lidocaine) to help you last longer. Try Boots Ultra Endurance Condoms - a 12-pack costs £8.99. Try a delay spray These days there's a sex aid for just about everything in the bedroom - and I'm all for using them. One of my ex-lovers swore by delay spray and had zero shame about it. Around 10 minutes before sex he'd get me to spray him down, and we actually made it part of our foreplay routine, usually after a sensual massage. It became less of a performance tool and more of a turn-on for both of us. Try Lovehoney's Tauro Extra Strong Delay Spray for Men (£16.99). Make a sex playlist While music can't directly stop PE, it can help distract from performance anxiety. Listening to your favourite tunes can boost mood, reduce stress and anxiety, and potentially increase endurance. One of my exes - who could last for hours between the sheets - used to swear by a bit of Beethoven. He said it helped him last longer than one of his symphonies, and he didn't just help me hit the high notes - he composed a masterpiece. For more sex advice follow Georgie on Instagram 5 Georgie Culley says edging can be a brilliant way for guys to last longer in bed Credit: Olivia West Meet our sexpert In her eight years at The Sun, there's not much our Georgie hasn't seen - or done - and she's loved every outrageous minute. "People often ask how I became a sexpert," she says. "Well, I've been fascinated by sex and relationships for as long as I can remember. "As a teen, I devoured women's mags full of scandalous confessions and steamy tips - and I was obsessed with Sex and the City . "Maybe I was manifesting my inner Carrie Bradshaw from day one. "I'd always dreamed of working at The Sun - and when I finally landed the job, I found my niche fast: going to sex parties and oversharing about my frequently chaotic love life. "Over the years, I've built real trust within the kink and swinging community and I've interviewed hundreds of people about their sex lives. "Add to that my own, um, 'field research,' and let's just say I know what makes good sex great." Georgie says being a sexpert is about having life experience, curiosity, a sense of humour - and plenty of adventures along the way. "There's not much that shocks me these days," she continues. "Except maybe a man who doesn't believe in foreplay. "But nothing makes me happier than hearing a reader say my advice helped them feel more confident (and satisfied) in bed. "Now I'll be answering your burning sex questions - and dishing out practical advice to help get you back in the saddle."
The Irish Sun
28-06-2025
- Health
- The Irish Sun
I had a stroke two years ago and STILL can't swallow – help!
OUR resident specialist and NHS GP, Dr Zoe Williams, shares her expert advice. Today, 2 Dr Zoe Williams helps Sun readers with their health concerns Credit: Olivia West 2 This week a reader still does not have the ability to swallow following a stroke two years ago Q) FOLLOWING a stroke two years ago at the age of 69, I have total dysphagia and have been peg tube fed since. Everything else is back to normal except the ability to swallow but despite doing all the exercises, given by the Speech and Language Therapy team, nothing has worked. Neuromuscular electrical stimulation therapy is private and expensive. Is there any other treatment available? A) Dysphagia is the inability to swallow, which is why you have been fed via a tube into the stomach. READ MORE FROM DR ZOE I'm sorry to hear that you haven't seen improvement despite support from SALT. NMES aims to retrain the nerves and muscles, and SALT exercises increase effectiveness. But it lacks sufficient robust evidence at the moment to be rolled out. However, it can be used as part of clinical trials or audits. A newer NHS-supported treatment, pharyngeal electrical stimulation, targets the throat's pharynx region. It aims to 'rewire' nerve pathways. Clinical trials (eg, the PHADER study) show it improves swallowing safety and reduces aspiration risk in stroke patients. The NHS is also currently investigating transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) aimed to reactivate swallowing centres in the brain. Most read in Health Other therapies include Botox if muscle stiffness is an issue and surgery to dilate the oesophagus. Do request a multidisciplinary reassessment (neurologist and SALT) to explore your options. And do ask about NHS trials. Send your questions for Dr Zoe to: health@ The 8 subtle signs of lingering 'holiday heart syndrome' - and when you risk blood clots and stroke
