Latest news with #PaulHenderson
Otago Daily Times
2 days ago
- Business
- Otago Daily Times
Alcohol policy expected to be delayed
A review of Dunedin's local alcohol plan is expected to be pushed into next year following concerns of "insufficient engagement", the city council says. Consideration of a draft replacement of the Dunedin City Council's local alcohol policy (Lap) began in late November last year. Proposed changes included amending the hours off-licence premises could sell alcohol to between 7am and 9pm, as opposed to 7am to 10pm, prohibiting the promotion of alcohol on the exterior of premises and a temporary freeze on new off-licence premises in an area north of the Octagon. The Lap came into force in February 2019 and the council is required to review it within six years of taking effect. But a report tabled to councillors at a meeting last week said an update would be presented at another meeting this month to propose the policy be consulted upon again early next year. Hearings committee chairman Cr Jim O'Malley said submitters during the public hearings proposed changes the committee felt were "too big a step to make" without putting the plan out for consultation again. The policy had been in the hands of the administrative side of the council since February. Consultation should have been under way again by now and, even if it were to start next year, could take at least six months before coming back before the council to be ratified, he said. "This seems to be still carrying on and we really need to get on, write a new one, one that's properly consulted, and it needs to be done as quickly as possible." Council's corporate services acting general manager Paul Henderson said staff had undertaken "substantial work" since late February. This included reviewing and updating evidence that supported the Lapposition, so it reflected the latest available data, and reviewing other Lap adoption processes from across the country to consider best practice. The committee resolved in February to report back to the full council recommending a revised consultation document be prepared and consulted on. It also recommended the tri-agencies — police, the medical officer of health and the council's licensing inspectors — and other affected parties were "actively engaged throughout the process including the preparation of the revised consultation document". "The hearings committee was concerned there was insufficient engagement in the first pre-consultation phase, so it is important the next round of pre-consultation is thorough and robust," Mr Henderson said. Staff intended to complete all preparatory work before the local body elections, so the incoming council could consider the policy "from start to finish". The committee's recommendation would be reported back to council on August 26, he said. The policy review also has implications for decisions by the district licensing committee. In June, an off-licence renewal application for Leith Liquorland was opposed by the medical officer of health delegate, who requested the store close an hour earlier. The sale of alcohol in glass containers was also questioned. In its decision, committee secretary Kevin Mechen said they agreed a 9pm closing time could be beneficial for all off-licensed premises. "We will leave the matter of closing times and the sale of products in glass to the council during the review of the Lap. "If the trading hours are changed at the end of that process, all licences will be reissued with the new condition so a 'level playing field' is implemented." Legal opinion obtained by the council was the Lap was still valid until the conclusion of the review, Mr Mechen said. The licence was renewed.
Telegraph
5 days ago
- Health
- Telegraph
The tears came thick and fast after an MRI. We knew in our hearts this was prostate cancer
In June this year, Paul Henderson received test results showing elevated PSA levels. In this weekly diary, he will be sharing what life is like in the weeks that follow: the tests, the scans, the fear and what it's like when you have to sit down with your loved ones to discuss the possibility of cancer. After the urgent letter telling me that I may have cancer, two long weeks of worrying followed. Worrying alongside many emotional conversations with my wife, Marilyn, and practical discussions on what a diagnosis might mean. It's not all doom and gloom, but we're both anxious about what the future might hold. Like many families, over the years we've felt the effects of cancer at first hand – most recently when Marilyn's mum lost her battle with the disease last year – so we know how bad things can get. But we keep reminding ourselves that we aren't there yet. We've decided to hold off telling our children until we have a better idea about what we're dealing with. In all honesty, it's a relief to put that off – for a few weeks at least. Instead, we talk about the practicalities. If it is cancer, will I be able to keep working? Where can we get help if we need it? Who are the friends and family we can count on for love and support? We try, however, not to get carried away. At this point, my cancer is suspected, not confirmed. It's comforting because when it comes to PSA (prostate-specific antigen) blood tests, a higher than normal level does not automatically mean you have cancer. Although it can indicate the presence of disease, it may be that other prostate problems have caused your PSA score to rise, such as having an enlarged benign prostate or prostatitis. In the days following my own abnormal result, information like this gave me some comfort and a sense of perspective.
Telegraph
29-07-2025
- Health
- Telegraph
I asked for a PSA test on a whim, then found out I had prostate cancer
Paul Henderson received his official diagnosis of Stage 2 prostate cancer on June 17. In this weekly diary, he will be sharing what life is like after diagnosis: the tests, the scans, the fear, and what it's like when you have to sit down with your loved ones to tell them that you have cancer. I got the call that changed my life at 3:04pm on Tuesday April 15. It was a short two-minute conversation with my doctor. The next day I received a copy of my referral letter. It read: Urgent Suspected Cancer. My contribution to that phone call was minimal. A sequence of the words 'OK', 'Right', 'Oh…' and 'Thanks for calling'. As my doctor explained my test results, what hit me was a mixture of surprise, shock and fear. I understood what she was saying. But as I sat at my desk and stared blankly out of my office window, I simply couldn't process the information. The news was bad, I got that, but just how bad was it? My mind raced with all the possible outcomes then slowly I tried to get things in perspective. 'Don't panic,' I told myself. 'Maybe it's not as terrible as you think it is.' I didn't know it then, but within three months that quick chat would become a formal diagnosis of stage 2 prostate cancer and then me on an operating table having life-changing surgery. Time flies when you aren't having fun, right? As a 56-year-old journalist who has worked in the media for over 30 years covering a variety of subjects, including health, I like to think that not much fazes me. As the associate editor for British GQ, I've ridden motorbikes with Keanu Reeves, swapped recipes with Robert De Niro, sung an impromptu duet with Mike Tyson and advised Dwayne 'The Rock' Johnson to get into politics, all without batting an eyelid. But cancer blindsided me. When I went to see my doctor early in 2025, it wasn't for anything specific. For a few months – perhaps more months than I realised – I hadn't been feeling myself. I was tired, lacking in energy and had started suffering from back pain. I had slightly high cholesterol and blood pressure, but I also felt like something wasn't quite right, as though I'd lost a little of my mojo. Welcome to your mid-50s, I thought. But my wife Marilyn viewed me differently. Not only had she noticed my general malaise, she was also starting to worry that I was getting worse. I was becoming irritable, impatient and generally out of sorts. So she encouraged me to make an appointment at my local health centre. And like all good husbands, I did as I was told. On the surface there was nothing much to worry about. I don't smoke, don't drink much, my weight is average and I work out a couple of times a week, so I'm pretty fit (if a little boring). My wife and I walk our mini-dachshund, Ziggy Pup, every morning, so I always get my 10,000 steps in. We try to cook healthy food, we socialise and recently celebrated our 26th wedding anniversary. As a freelance journalist with my own creative media agency, I had plenty to keep me busy. And although our kids still live at home, they are both old enough (Nyah is 22 and Fox is 20) to look after themselves (most of the time). And after a routine examination everything seemed to be OK. However, just as I was about to leave I asked my GP if perhaps I should have a PSA (prostate-specific antigen) test. I didn't have any specific symptoms (no frequent trips to the toilet at night, no problems with erections etc) and there was no history of prostate cancer in my family. It certainly wasn't something I was worried about – it just seemed like a good idea at the time. She readily agreed and I made the necessary arrangements for a blood test. Then simply got on with my life. It was a couple of weeks later when I got the call that changed everything. 'We've had the results back from your PSA test and they have come back elevated,' Dr Mahmood told me. I was stunned. The word that stuck in my head was 'elevated'. What did that mean? Was it slightly too high? Way too high? Does that mean I have cancer? I'd like to tell you that these were the questions I asked. They weren't. I just dropped in a few polite affirmations to convey that I was listening and waited for her to finish. 'So I am going to refer you to the urology department at Whipps Cross Hospital and then we will have a better idea,' she told me. 'But just to let you know, the letter might sound worrying, but that is just NHS protocol to ensure you are seen within two weeks.' And that was it. When Marilyn came home from work, I told her about the phone call. I had to watch as she tried to absorb what I was saying. Not only was it the first time I had had to tell someone I loved that I might have cancer, she is the most important person in my life. The words stuck in my throat (it would not be the last time) and we were both in tears. After I had explained what happened, the first question she asked was what the PSA score had been. I didn't know. Not only that, I didn't even know what to ask. I felt almost comically hopeless and we laughed. The next day I called the surgery and asked for a copy of the test result. My PSA was 18.1. It should be less than 3. And that's when I became a case of Urgent Suspected Cancer. I was in the system. I was also scared. Frequently asked questions How should I ask my GP for a PSA test? The PSA blood test is available free to men who request it, and you can book an appointment with your GP to discuss the potential pros and cons of the test. However, the PSA test isn't suitable for everyone, so GPs will use their clinical judgement and may advise against it. For example, GPs are unlikely to recommend a PSA blood test if your general health means you wouldn't be fit enough for treatment, or if treatment is unlikely to help you live longer.
IOL News
04-06-2025
- Entertainment
- IOL News
On this day: All Blacks annihilate Japan in record-breaking rout
Ireland's Eric Elwood slotted the winning penalty in their 24-23 win over Wales on this day at the Rugby World Cup 1995. Photo: AFP Image: AFP If the previous day saw the Battle of Boet Erasmus in Gqeberha between the Springboks and Canada, then June 4 witnessed the "Massacre of Free State Stadium". Japan, competing in their third World Cup in 1995, were not expected to trouble New Zealand in their Pool C clash in Bloemfontein, despite given a good account of themselves in a 50–28 loss to Ireland in their previous match. Nonetheless, no one expected the destruction that would be unleashed on them in a result that still holds several records today. Rugby World Cup 1995 | In retrospective Image: Independent Media Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Next Stay Close ✕ Remarkably, it was very much an All Blacks B-team, captained by flanker Paul Henderson, selected to face the Brave Blossoms on a sunny winter's day in the Free State. Of the starting XV that would contest the final on 24 June, only prop Craig Dowd, brothers Robin and Zinzan Brooke, and outside backs Jeff Wilson and Glen Osborne featured in the match. What followed was a 21-try, 145–17 rout, with the match described as more of a training run for the Kiwis than a proper Test. It remains the highest aggregate points scored (162), the most total tries (23), and the most conversions (22) – not only in Rugby World Cup history but in any Test match. The 145 points scored by the All Blacks remains the most by a team in a Test. Surprisingly, the game does not hold the record for the biggest winning margin – that unwanted distinction belongs to Uruguay, who lost 142–0 to Australia eight years later. New Zealand fly-half Simon Culhane's 45-point haul – consisting of one try and 20 conversions – remains the highest individual total in a Test match and the most points scored on international debut. The six tries scored by centre Marc Ellis also remain the most in a Rugby World Cup match. The result was a significant setback for Japanese rugby, stalling their development for several years. It would take nearly two decades – culminating in the 'Miracle in Brighton' when they beat South Africa in 2015 – to erase the memory of this horror show. For the All Blacks, it only enhanced their aura and solidified their status as favourites to lift the Webb Ellis Cup.
