Latest news with #YouTubeKids
Sky News AU
3 days ago
- Politics
- Sky News AU
Labor's YouTube ban would face backlash from parents as overwhelming majority say it helps kids learn
Parents overwhelmingly consider YouTube to be a valuable learning resource, with new research revealing just how unpopular Labor' social media ban for children would be. It comes after a growing group of lawmakers expressed frustration that the government backflipped on its previous exemption for YouTube in the under-16 social media ban laws. Labor has considered breaking its promise and dragging YouTube into the ban after being lobbied by Chinese-owned platform TikTok. eSafety Commissioner Julie Inman Grant has also pressured Labor to break its pledge and ban the video sharing platform. YouTube has since released new research by Oxford Economics which found 72 per cent of parents think the video sharing platform 'helps their children learn'. Head of YouTube Australia Ed Miles said families took advantage of sophisticated parental controls and safety features to make the platform appropriate for learning. 'This new research from Oxford Economics demonstrates that Australian parents not only trust YouTube as a valuable learning resource, but also feel confident in guiding their children to use YouTube responsibly,' he said. 'This reflects parents' active involvement and their comfort in navigating YouTube alongside their children, using our safety features and parental controls.' The research also found: 72 per cent of parents who use YouTube agree that YouTube (or YouTube Kids) helps their children learn. 79 per cent of parents who use YouTube agree that YouTube (or YouTube Kids) provides quality content for their children's learning and/or entertainment. 74 per cent of parents who use YouTube feel confident in their ability to guide their child on how to use YouTube (or YouTube Kids) responsibly. The figures come after revealed Ms Inman Grant misled Labor by suggesting YouTube was an algorithmically dangerous platform, falsely suggesting her comments were based on evidence. "I don't make determinations or write recommendations to the minister based on whether I keep the public onside. I follow the evidence," she said, at the National Press Club in June. "My main concern with these platforms is that harms are happening, but I talked about the pervasive design features. "YouTube has mastered those. Opaque algorithms driving users down rabbit holes they're powerless to fight against." Both Labor and eSafety refused to share this research until lodged a Freedom of Information request. Once obtained the research it was clear the findings had been misrepresented. In fact, it found that YouTube was one of the safest platforms for key risk concerns such as grooming, sexual harassment and bullying. Children are more likely to be bullied via text messages than on YouTube. The percentage of teenagers who reported being groomed on YouTube was three per cent, the same percentage as teenagers who reported grooming via text messages. On Snapchat the figure was seven times higher at 23 per cent. On Instagram it was five times higher at 17 per cent. There was no recommendation from Ms Inman Grant to ban text messages for teenagers. Users need to be at least 13-years-old to create a YouTube account, meaning eSafety's proposed ban would only impact teenagers. Sky News Digital Editor Jack Houghton, host of The Media Show, told his audience the survey was a "flawed" way to research the issue as it was based on the perceptions of young children who were being asked to self-identify 'harmful content'.
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 Sun
3 days ago
- Health
- The 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. 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 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. WEEKEND WARRIOR WIN 4 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. 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.
Sydney Morning Herald
5 days ago
- Entertainment
- Sydney Morning Herald
The screen queens building Brisbane's answer to Pixar
Five of the films take place in the same cinematic universe. 'Sanctuary City' is a seaside utopia inhabited by animals from every continent, but dominated by Australian ones, voiced by the likes of Deborah Mailman, Sam Neill, Angourie Rice, Thomas Weatherall and David Wenham. 'What's so impressive about their work is that they are championing Australian talent,' says Australian Cinémathèque associate curator Rosie Hays, who has programmed the Like A Photon Creative back catalogue for a Saturday screening series at GOMA. 'They're Brisbane-based. They're doing all of the things that many in the film industry say are not possible. I love that they're women-led, and I love that they just get on with making great stories.' On a cold Wednesday morning in a nondescript office block in West End, Bates and Souvlis are getting on with the storymaking business. Both graduates of the Bachelor of Creative Industries at QUT, the two met while working on children's TV at Channel 10 on Mount Coot-tha and decided to start out on their own. 'The industry was changing. YouTube Kids was just coming about, so I was looking at the media landscape for kids and thinking that we had something to offer,' Souvlis says. 'We were really dedicated and passionate about quality children's content that had kindness and representation at its heart.' Despite having experience in live action only they quickly became the first female Australians to be commissioned to make an animation for Sesame Street (titled 1 to 10 Hoedown). At the same time Disney commissioned them to make a 26-episode preschool series, Balloon Barnyard, about two balloon donkeys who solve problems and mysteries. The third string to their bow was a reading app for children called Kindergo, which rose to be the number one kids' app in over 30 countries. That's when Universal Pictures came knocking. 'Universal said, 'would you be interested in doing theatrical releases in Australia for Australian audiences? Can you create us a movie?'' Bates, a former teacher and children's book publisher, recalls. 'And we said, 'what if we created you a Marvel-esque universe whereby we had six to 10 films, and all of those stories wove into each other. Wouldn't that be better?' And they said, 'yeah, actually that would be better.'' The first cab off the rank in was The Wishmas Tree, both a cautionary environmental tale and a smart dive into the yuletide film market. Despite an unlikeable protagonist and a curtailed cinema release due to COVID, it got them off to a strong start. The film that followed, superhero story Combat Wombat starring Mailman, taught them a major lesson in what makes a character relatable. 'A 40-year-old, reluctant female superhero – you couldn't possibly tell where that idea came from,' Souvlis laughs. 'In the beginning, I was like, 'kids won't relate to this',' Bates says. 'But you find the heart of that hero. I mean, look at [2009 Pixar film] Up: you've got your older character and your younger character, and you feel just as strongly for the old character.' Occupying a pleasing middle ground between Hollywood and Studio Ghibli, the Sanctuary City movies are both earthily comedic ('You've gotta make 'em laugh,' Bates says) and emotionally affecting. Amid the knockabout action, Daisy Quokka portrays a child finding her own path and a parent reconciling with his estranged daughter. The Lost Tiger tackles First Nations identity in the story of a thylacine adopted by kangaroos as a baby who reconnects with his mob. Then there's The Sloth Lane – an anti-fast food quasi-zombie movie that is also a heartfelt celebration of family. With its cast including Latino and American actors, the 2024 film played on 1000 screens in both North and South America. Bates says that they feel a responsibility to tell stories about kindness, empathy and compassion. 'That there are consequences to actions. That you have responsibilities within a family or community unit. They're inherent in all of the stories that we do.' They also decided early on that continuity of work was crucial. 'We're not project-by-project; we are a pipeline,' Souvlis says. 'Our staff are the most important people that are ever going to come through our building.' They have nurtured directors including Murray, Tania Vincent and Ricard Cussó. Cussó now co-runs Cosmic Dino, the studio tasked with production on the Bluey movie for Ludo, the BBC and Disney. Bates points out that the first four animated movies to be directed by women in Australia are all theirs – and all three of the filmmakers were pregnant during production. 'Being able to offer the opportunity for women to work in the industry in the way that men take for granted is really important to us.' Nor is it insignificant that their first six movies all have female protagonists. Several hissworthy villains are women too, ranging from Judith Lucy's scheming PR-agent koala in Combat Wombat to Celeste Barber's greedy archeologist in The Lost Tiger. Launching a movie business during COVID followed by a crisis in the streaming business has made them resilient, Souvlis says. 'We didn't have a lot of luck on our side when we started out, and that has made us better business people.' Loading Crucial to their success has been support from Screen Queensland through the Screen Finance Fund and the Post, Digital and Visual Effects (PDV) Incentive. Its chief creative officer, Dr Belinda Burns, says companies such as Like a Photon Creative are putting Queensland on the map for animation. 'Nadine and Kristen have built a dynamic production company with a unique slate of characters and films, while also amplifying diverse voices,' she says. Any parent who has despaired at the hold that YouTube Kids has on young viewers should rejoice that children's screen entertainment still has passionate advocates. Yet it's a rapidly shrinking genre, internationally and locally. 'There are no buyers in Australia, really, because we don't have any quotas,' Souvlis laments. Nevertheless, the Photons are poised for greater success. Their next film, Pout-Pout Fish: The Movie, is in the can. Based on a New York Times best-selling picture book, and nearly double the budget of any previous LAPC film, its voice cast includes Nick Offerman, Amy Sedaris, Jordin Sparks and Miranda Otto. It's being made in collaboration with another female-owned production house, New York-based MIMO Studios. So is another film based on a major children's book, Maggie and Abby's Neverending Pillow Fort, currently in production for a 2026 release under director Allison Brownmore. Just like Daisy Quokka, creative people in Brisbane are used to being underestimated and overlooked. But Bates believes it's precisely this that has given them the drive to succeed. 'It's because we are underdogs, right? Because we aren't having opportunities handed to us,' she says. 'We have been called 'regional filmmakers' before,' Souvlis laughs. 'People come here and go, 'Oh! There's a city here!''
