Latest news with #RLS
Daily Mirror
5 days ago
- Business
- Daily Mirror
Couples on State Pension given £1,600 warning over retirement risk
The Pensions and Lifetime Savings Association (PLSA) has put the annual cost of a comfortable retirement for a couple at £60,600 The cost of a comfortable retirement for a couple has rocketed to an astonishing £60,600 a year. This post-tax income number has gone up by £1,600 from the previous year, reveals new research by the Pensions and Lifetime Savings Association (PLSA). For a more modest lifestyle after retirement, couples now face an annual post-tax increase of £800, with costs hitting £43,900. Conversely, those aiming for just the basics in later life will find themselves spending £800 less, as figures drop to £21,600 per annum for couples. In an effort to set clear expectations for retirement spending, the PLSA's Retirement Living Standards (RLS) were formed together with Loughborough University's Centre for Research in Social Policy, based on thorough conversations with Britons about their anticipated retirement lifestyles, reports the Express. Through this study, they've laid out their guidelines for living comfortably after work ends: Comfortable Standard of Living Annual income: £60,600 (couple) Greater financial freedom Includes regular overseas holidays, generous home improvements, and extensive social/leisure activities Moderate Standard of Living Annual income: £43,900 (couple) More financial security and flexibility Includes a car, a few holidays a year, and more frequent leisure activities Minimum Standard of Living Annual income: £21,600 (couple) Covers basic needs with some leftover for occasional treats Includes a week-long UK holiday, dining out once a month No budget for a car; relies on public transport Zoe Alexander, PLSA's Director of Policy and Advocacy, noted: "We're not just seeing changes in costs, we're seeing changes in how retirees live." She added: "Retirement isn't a one-size-fits-all experience. The Standards recognise that retirees can share costs, often with a partner, and that can make a huge difference to affordability in later life." The latest research underscores the critical role of the State Pension, particularly for those on the minimum level. By 2025/26, a couple receiving the full new State Pension, which amounts to £11,973 per person or £23,946 combined, would be able to cover the costs associated with the minimum standard of living. The Pensions and Lifetime Savings Association (PLSA) is urging people to utilise its findings as a guide for future planning, adapting the information to fit personal lifestyles and mixing elements from various living standards. Notably, the data indicates that to achieve a comfortable joint annual income after tax of £60,600, supplementing the State Pension, each partner in a couple would need a private pension pot ranging between £300,000 and £460,000 to purchase an annuity – a lifetime income. For a moderate lifestyle in retirement, it's estimated that each individual would require a private pension savings of £165,000 to £250,000 to secure an annuity that would top up their State Pension. Professor Matt Padley, Co-director of the Centre for Research in Social Policy at Loughborough University, commented: "Our research on what the public agree is needed in retirement at these three different levels continues to track changes in expectations, shaped by the broader economic, social and political context." He also noted: "The consequences of the cost-of-living challenges over the past few years are still being felt, and we've seen some subtle changes in public consensus about minimum living standards in retirement, resulting in a small fall in the expenditure needed to reach this standard." Zoe Alexander stated: "For many, retirement is about maintaining the life they already have, not living more extravagantly or cutting back to the bare essentials. The Standards are designed to help people picture that future and plan in a way that works for them." Tom Selby, AJ Bell's Director of Public Policy, noted that the required size of private pension pots "might feel intimidating". He advised: "The key is to focus on saving as much as you can afford from as early as possible, taking advantage of incentives like employer contributions, tax relief and tax-free investment growth." At present, the minimum pension contributions are 8% of incomes; however, this falls short of the necessary amount, he warned. "The big danger here is that, without a scaling up of minimum contributions, millions of people will sleepwalk into a retirement shock and be forced to choose between working longer or living on less money in their later years," he said.
Medscape
30-05-2025
- Health
- Medscape
Iron Over Dopamine? Restless Legs Syndrome Guidelines Revamp
To reduce the risk for complications, the use of dopaminergic agonists in the treatment of severe restless legs syndrome (RLS) has become less common. RLS is characterized by an irresistible urge to move the legs, often accompanied by unpleasant sensations such as itching, tingling, or electric paresthesia, which typically affect the lower limbs. It affects 8% of the French population, predominantly women. New guidelines from the American Academy of Sleep Medicine (AASM) no longer recommend the use of these drugs as first-line treatments. During the recent French Language Neurology Days in Montpellier, France, Sofiène Chenini, PhD, a researcher at the Sleep-Wake Disorders Unit, Department of Neurology, Gui-de-Chauliac Hospital, reviewed the current treatment approaches for RLS and highlighted non-dopaminergic alternatives. He cautioned that dopaminergic agonists could lead to the augmentation and worsening of symptoms over time. In France, RLS is guided by the 2019 recommendations of the French Society for Sleep Research and Medicine (SFRMS), which still supports the use of dopaminergic agonists for the most severe cases of RLS. 'For now, we have not updated the guidelines, but we are considering it,' said Chenini, referring to the new American recommendations. Iron as First Line According to the new AASM guidelines, intravenous iron supplementation is the preferred first-line treatment for severe RLS. In some cases, second-line antiepileptic drugs are considered a first-line treatment option in French recommendations when the severity is low. These sensations of restlessness typically occur in the evening or at night during periods of rest or inactivity and are temporarily relieved by movement, such as walking and stretching. The condition often leads to repeated leg movements during sleep and difficulty falling asleep due to increased brain activity. RLS is not fully understood but is often linked to problems with iron regulation. MRI studies have shown iron deficiency in the brains of patients with RLS. This suggests a disruption in iron transport across the blood-brain barrier and into neurons, possibly due to a decrease in the transferrin receptor. This disruption in iron regulation, believed to have a primarily genetic origin, induces an increase in the synthesis of dopamine and glutamate, which is likely the cause of the symptoms. In RLS, changes in the dopaminergic system are linked to risk factors such as aging and the use of certain medications. Five Clinical Criteria According to a 2016 consensus from the SFRMS, RLS diagnosis is based on five clinical criteria: An intense and irresistible urge to move the lower limbs accompanied by unpleasant sensations Worsening symptoms at rest, the patient is unable to stay still Relief of symptoms through movement such as walking or stretching Increased severity of symptoms in the evening and at night The absence of other causes, such as myalgia, fibromyalgia, osteoarthritis, venous insufficiency, and obliterative arteriopathy of the lower limbs Once diagnosed, iron assessment is required to check for iron deficiency. The analysis includes measuring C-reactive protein to ensure there is no inflammation, 'which reduces iron bioavailability,' Chenini explained. Therefore, polysomnography remains optional in such cases. If ferritin levels are below 75 µg/L, iron supplementation is recommended. Treatment also involves addressing factors that worsen symptoms, such as caffeine and alcohol consumption and smoking. It is advisable to stop or switch medications that may aggravate symptoms, such as antidepressants and antihistamines. The antidepressants involved are serotonergic, particularly serotonin reuptake inhibitors, with a long half-life. 'If stopping treatment is not possible, switching to antidepressants with a short half-life, such as venlafaxine or duloxetine taken in the morning, is recommended,' he said. Lifestyle For mild RLS cases, lifestyle changes may be sufficient to ease symptoms. These include avoiding coffee, alcohol, and tobacco; maintaining regular sleep and wake times; engaging in physical activity early in the day; and performing stretching exercises before sleeping. If ferritin levels remain low after 3 months of iron supplementation, switching to intravenous treatment is recommended. Options included a single dose of ferric carboxymaltose (500-1000 mg) or multiple sessions of 200 mg ferric hydroxide-sucrose. If symptoms persist, a mild opioid is recommended as needed, starting with opium powder, codeine (such as paracetamol-codeine 500/30 mg, up to 60 mg of codeine or more), and tramadol (starting at 50 mg and increasing to 100 mg if necessary). If the improvement remains insufficient, specific treatment should be considered on the basis of the severity of RLS assessed using the International Restless Legs Syndrome Severity Scale (IRLS) score. Background treatment is recommended for very severe cases (IRLS score above 30), which are linked to the risks for depression and even suicide, as noted by Chenini. It is also advised in cases of severe insomnia or when the quality of life is significantly affected. A recent study by Chenini and colleagues found a 10-fold higher risk for depressive symptoms in patients with RLS, particularly in young women with insomnia. The study also reported a threefold increase in suicidal thoughts. Dose and Misuse According to the French guidelines, very severe cases of RLS require treatment with low-dose dopamine agonists, such as pramipexole, rotigotine, or ropinirole. These drugs may also help reduce motor inhibition in patients with depression. Dopamine agonists are the only approved treatment for this indication. 'It is essential to respect the maximum dosages,' Chenini emphasized. The recommended maximum doses are 3 mg for rotigotine, 0.54 mg for pramipexole, and 4 mg for ropinirole. Second-line treatments include alpha-2 delta ligand antiepileptics, such as gabapentin and pregabalin, especially in cases of severe insomnia. For less severe cases, these antiepileptics are preferred as first-line treatment. Gabapentin may be favored over pregabalin because it causes less sedation. The major risk associated with dopamine agonists is worsening symptoms after prolonged use, known as augmentation syndrome, which is particularly higher in patients with iron deficiency, older age, and those prescribed high doses of antagonists. Concerns about this complication led the AASM to remove dopamine agonists from the recommendations for RLS management. In 2016, American guidelines similar to the current French recommendations for dopamine agonists were the first-line treatment alongside antiepileptics in the treatment of severe forms of the disease. The new recommendations now place intravenous iron supplementation as the first-line treatment, while antiepileptics are the second line. Chenini highlighted that this change is due to the misuse of dopamine agonists in RLS. A registry of 670,000 patients with RLS in the United States showed that 60% were treated with dopamine agonists, and 20% received doses exceeding the recommended limits. The registry shows that neurologists prescribe higher doses of dopamine agonists for RLS than general practitioners. This is likely because these drugs are also used to treat Parkinson's disease, where the doses are approximately 10 times higher than those used for RLS. Chenini reported having no conflicts of interest.
Mid East Info
22-05-2025
- Automotive
- Mid East Info
Ultra-rugged Fischer UltiMate™ Series now features USB-C connector with Ratchet Locking System for maximum vibration and shock resistance
Fischer Connectors, the global leader in high-performance connectivity solutions, has brought its world-renowned Swiss engineering expertise to the universal USB-C standard. The Fischer UltiMate™ Series, the company's flagship range for harsh environments, now includes a pre-cabled USB-C connector equipped with Fischer Connectors' new Ratchet Locking System (RLS). This connector provides unmatched resistance to vibration and shock, ensuring safe connections for high-speed data transfer under extreme operating conditions in sectors such as defense, mining, construction, motorsports and railways. The newly released Fischer UltiMate USB-C connector with the Ratchet Locking System (RLS) combines high-speed data transmission with the robust mechanical performance Fischer Connectors is known for. Leveraging its core competencies in ruggedization, sealing, miniaturization, and data transmission, Fischer Connectors designed the connector to provide optimal reliability in mission-critical environments, ensuring safe and stable connections in demanding applications and markets, such as defense armored vehicles, UAVs, and UGVs, mining, heavy machinery at construction sites, motorsports, and railways. These environments are characterized by high levels of vibration and shock. The Fischer UltiMate™ USB-C connector featuring the Ratchet Locking System (RLS) is ideal for high vibration applications such as armored vehicles, UAVs, UGVs, railways, and motorsports. Ratchet Locking System (RLS) designed to resist high vibration and shock At the heart of this innovation is the new Ratchet Locking System (RLS). Its fastening mechanism uses an asymmetrical tooth profile to securely lock under load and resist loosening under high vibration. Key benefits include exceptional vibration resistance (by maintaining lock under high-frequency vibration), tool-free operation (easy mating and unmating in the field, even with gloves), and durability with high rates of mating cycles. Logically, Fischer Connectors has introduced the RLS to its most robust product line, UltiMate. In the Fischer UltiMate's classical size 15 contact block (with up to 27 pins and 25.8-mm receptacle diameter), the RLS system achieves the best vibration and shock resistance in the entire Fischer Connectors product portfolio, withstanding 37.8 Grms of random vibration and 300 g of shock amplitude. Ruggedized USB-C connector for harsh environments The new UltiMate USB-C connector with RLS has been independently validated to withstand 5.35 Grms of random vibration (50–2000 Hz, 3×1.5 hrs, no discontinuity >1 μs), 10 g of sinus vibration (10–500 Hz, 3×3 hrs, no discontinuity >1 μs), and shock up to 100 g (half sine pulse, 6 ms, no discontinuity >1 μs). Additional features include an IP68 sealing for the plug; hermeticity for the receptacle (<10⁻⁸ mbar l/s); an operating temperature range of -30 °C to +80 °C; corrosion resistance of 350 hours of salt mist; 3,000 mating cycles; and 360° EMC shielding. 'Our new USB-C RLS connector offers environmental and mechanical performance in compliance with IEC and MIL-STD norms,' says Alexandra Monchâtre, Head of Product Management at Fischer Connectors. 'This new product truly offers the best of both worlds: the ultra-standard and the ultra-rugged.' The Fischer UltiMate™ USB-C RLS connector is available as pre-cabled plugs and receptacles. As part of a versatile portfolio of rugged, compact and high-speed connectors With its new USB-C interface supporting high-speed data, video, and power transmission over a compact connector footprint, the new Fischer UltiMate USB-C RLS connector complements Fischer Connectors' existing range of rugged, high-speed data transmission solutions designed for signal integrity, mechanical endurance, and space-constrained environments. The UltiMate USB-C RLS is available as a pre-cabled plug and receptacle (28 mm diameter) with a flex PCB. This all-in-one solution provides robust connectivity and flexibility in various design configurations for modern electronic devices, especially in applications where space, speed, and reliability are critical. It offers a compact design and supports USB 3.2 Gen 1×2 transmission with data rates up to 10 Gbit/s. The new USB-C RLS connector expands Fischer Connectors' offerings across its high-speed Core, MiniMax, and UltiMate series, which support data protocols such as USB 3.2, Ethernet up to 10 Gbit/s, Audio/UHD Video up to 18 Gbit/s (HDMI 2.0 type), and Single Pair Ethernet (SPE). 'As part of our technology and innovation strategy, our Group R&D team offers engineers designing applications in extreme environments a versatile technology platform with various standards and connector types,' explains Alvaro Goncalves, Technology Director at the Conextivity Group, of which Fischer Connectors is a part. 'This new USB-C connector with RLS is a good example of how we combine our technology 'bricks' – high-density miniaturization, high-speed data, and ruggedness – to increase integration capability, compatibility, and interoperability across customer markets. Conextivity has the innovation, agility, and precision skills needed to meet the most stringent requirements in demanding environments.' The RLS fastening mechanism uses an asymmetrical tooth profile to securely lock under load and resist loosening under high vibration.
Buzz Feed
12-05-2025
- Health
- Buzz Feed
15 Doctors Share Bad Habits That Are Ruining Your Sleep
We recently asked medical professionals of the BuzzFeed Community to tell us the sleep mistakes people have no idea they're making, and they revealed what's actually ruining your sleep as well as tips to get better rest. Here's what they had to say: "If you can't fall asleep after 20–30 minutes, you should get up and move to another room to do something calming until you feel tired again. Lying in bed awake trains your brain that the bed is not for sleep and makes it more difficult to fall asleep in the long run." "If you can't fall asleep after 30 minutes, DON'T stay in bed. Get up, move to another room, and do something calming." "Reading something exciting before bed can get the brain and body activated, making it harder to fall asleep or stay asleep." "Working until exhaustion can be harmful if you don't give your brain and body time to wind down. This can lead to nightmares or even panic attacks while sleeping." "I'm a clinical psychologist, and I've learned that for some individuals, hot showers right before bed can actually increase blood pressure and/or heart rate, making it difficult to fall asleep." "It's common for people to have awakenings through the night. Hopefully, they are brief, and you fall back asleep quickly. But for many, waking at about 3 a.m. may be a problem because you have already slept for a period of time, and your body is starting to gear up for the day. You need a greater degree of relaxation at that time. So, avoid any stimulation at that time, and avoid looking at the clock, if possible. On the other hand, if you start to worry about not sleeping, you will be in trouble." "Sleep apnea. I've seen patients come in with pretty bad heart failure after never using their CPAP machine at night. People have no idea how much strain being unable to breathe at night affects their hearts. Use your CPAP machine!" "[If your mind is busy at night, and you have issues falling asleep], I suggest that you start a worry journal in the evening — set aside 15 minutes before you go to bed. Write down your negative thoughts and then close the book, allowing you to go to bed with those thoughts on the page, not in your head." "A hot bath before bed has been shown to increase deep non-REM sleep. Some medications, like antidepressants, can reduce REM sleep." "ECU RN for seven years here. When you sleep on your side, you keep the weight of your core off your lungs and organ systems. If you are suffering organ damage from an accident, this is the best way to sleep." "If you experience restless leg syndrome, ask your doctor to check your iron levels. There are a number of very good medications for RLS that your doctor can prescribe for you to tackle this. Massaging your legs before bed can help, and doing activities that are mentally engrossing can also reduce RLS symptoms, but this is typically not what we recommend right before bedtime!" "[Not getting enough sleep is serious.] Very few people can succeed and be healthy on less than seven hours of sleep per night. Insufficient sleep, due to inadequate or mistimed sleep, contributes to the risk for several of today's health epidemics, including cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and obesity. Simply missing one night of sleep can lead to decreased cognitive function, trouble concentrating, headaches, and general moodiness." "When you take a nap, set your alarm for just 10–15 minutes from the time you lie down; that way, you don't wake from a deeper stage of sleep and end up groggy." "If you find it easier to fall asleep during the daytime than at night, there can be various reasons. For some, it may be a disorder of the natural rhythm or the circadian rhythm of sleep; if your natural rhythm doesn't mesh with your lifestyle, it may be helpful to consider shifting the rhythm. Often, a combination of properly timed bright lights and melatonin may be beneficial." "If you have sleep apnea, making sure you are of a healthy weight and avoiding sleeping on your back to keep your nasal passages clear can be helpful. Other options are oral appliances custom-fabricated by a dentist." And finally... "There is an ideal number of hours to sleep at night, which varies for each person. To find out how much you need, try to go to bed when you are tired and wake up spontaneously when refreshed for a while — that will help determine your needs. This bedtime calculator could also serve as a guide." Fellow medical professionals, what are some other sleep mistakes people should avoid? Tell us in the comments, or use this anonymous form below.
Yahoo
05-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Windstream Wholesale and Ciena Complete WL6e Trial to Advance 800G Service Adoption
LITTLE ROCK, Ark., May 05, 2025--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Windstream Wholesale, a leader in optical technology and advanced network solutions, is proud to announce the successful completion of a groundbreaking industry-first trial of Ciena's (NYSE: CIEN) WaveLogic 6 Extreme (WL6e) 2x1.2Tb with 3x800G Wave services. This milestone, achieved in collaboration with Ciena, represents a significant leap forward in optical network innovation. The trial took place over a 1,590-kilometer route from Virginia Beach to Jacksonville, Fla., utilizing Ciena's state-of-the-art Reconfigurable Line System (RLS) deployed on Windstream Wholesale's unique high-capacity Beach Route. Windstream Wholesale is the first in the industry to trial 3x 800G services over mated WL6e wavelengths. This pioneering initiative showcased the ultra-long-haul and high client-side bandwidth capabilities of Ciena's WL6e technology to support multiple 800G Wave services beyond 1,590 kilometers without regeneration, offering transformative benefits for ultra-long-haul applications. This technological advancement is poised to meet the requirements of forthcoming multiple 800G service demands, on top of the existing large demands for Nx400G services. Customer Benefits The successful deployment of Ciena's WL6e technology promises several advantages for Windstream Wholesale's customers, including enhanced connectivity solutions with greater scalability, flexibility, and reliability. This innovation is particularly beneficial for high-bandwidth applications, supporting emerging business needs and driving future sales of Nx800G services. "We are thrilled to have completed this groundbreaking trial with Ciena, demonstrating our commitment to pushing the boundaries of optical networking technology," said Joe Scattareggia, president of Windstream Wholesale. "This achievement reflects our dedication to delivering innovative solutions that meet our customers' needs and paves the way for future advancements." Windstream Wholesale plans to begin selling 800G Wave services in the second half of 2025 over its Intelligent Converged Optical Network backbone. "Our successful collaboration with Windstream Wholesale showcases our shared vision to lead the industry in optical network advancements. The completion of the WL6e trial is a testament to our dedication to empowering network operators to thrive in the digital age," said Brodie Gage, senior vice president, Global Products and Supply Chain, Ciena. Windstream Wholesale and Ciena are proud to be at the forefront of technological innovation, and the completion of this trial represents a significant step forward in redefining the possibilities of optical networking. Both companies will be sharing the success of the trial during the International Telecoms Week, opening today in National Harbor and continuing through May 7. To view the complete nationwide Windstream Wholesale network, visit About Windstream Wholesale Windstream Wholesale is an innovative optical technology leader that delivers fast, flexible, and customized wavelength and dark fiber solutions to carriers, content providers, and hyperscalers in the U.S. and Canada. Windstream Wholesale is one of three brands managed by Windstream. The company's quality-first approach connects customers to new opportunities and possibilities by delivering a full suite of advanced communications services. Windstream also offers fiber-based broadband to residential and small business customers in 18 states as well as managed cloud communications and security services to mid-to-large enterprises and government entities across the U.S. Windstream is a privately held company headquartered in Little Rock, Ark. Additional information about Windstream Wholesale is available at Follow us on X (Twitter) @Windstream and LinkedIn at @Windstream. Category: Wholesale View source version on Contacts Media Contact: Scott Morris, Sign in to access your portfolio
