Latest news with #medicalconditions
Yahoo
a day ago
- Health
- Yahoo
My Son And I Were Turned Away From Ikea's Play Area For 1 Disturbing Reason. Here's What They Don't Understand.
In late June, a few days before Disability Pride Month began, I took my 7-year-old child on an outing to an Ikea store. As I filled out a waiver so he could enter the store's small play area, I noticed I was the only parent present. It turned out that parents typically drop off their children while they shop, but that wasn't an option for me. My son has a rare, severe form of epilepsy called Dravet syndrome, among other medical conditions, and he can't be without a grown-up carrying his seizure rescue medication, as I was. The scary reality is that around one in five children with Dravet syndrome die in childhood because the seizures can be so severe. There is currently no cure. I explained this to a staff member and told her that I'd need to be in the room with my child. She informed me that no parents were allowed into the play area. 'But isn't there a policy for kids with disabilities?' I asked. She told me a service dog could accompany a child, but a parent could not. I stopped signing the form. I said to the staff member, 'That's discrimination against kids with disabilities.' She didn't respond. I hadn't known about the store's play area before this visit, and I had been happy to see that it wasn't a playground ― just a space with toys like a train set and dart board. Since my son had a seizure at an indoor playground a year ago, I'd stopped taking him to them. But now, even this play space was not an option for him. My child and I were both upset. He loves going to Ikea to walk through the showroom and eat in the cafeteria ― a place open enough that it was the only indoor restaurant he ate in during our four years of masking during the COVID-19 pandemic. We have several Ikea furniture items, including bunk beds, a coat/shoe cubby and a toy chest. He helped us build them all. Since his severe seizures began about two years ago, he's had to change his life in significant ways. Heat, sports, just running around to play, illness and excitement have all become triggers for him. Summer is especially hard — on hot days, he can't be outside. In fact, we had driven the hour to Ikea in traffic just so he could walk and have a change of scenery in a large, air-conditioned space because the temperature outside was dangerous for him. I told him, 'This isn't OK.' He said, 'We should talk to someone.' I was proud of him. After talking to a few staff members, we spoke with a manager, who said he wasn't familiar with the policy, and he'd get back to me the next day. He didn't. Later, I looked online, and there was a section on the Ikea website directing caretakers of children with disabilities to start a conversation with the Ikea store manager about how the child can best have their needs accommodated in the play area. I was hopeful that when we went in the future, we could show the policy to the staff. However, that doesn't undo the pain my child felt after hearing that he wasn't welcome in that play space because of his disabilities. During the hour-long car ride home afterward, we talked a lot about discrimination. I reinforced that what happened wasn't OK, and that the more than 3 million kids with disabilities in our country deserve to be included. I told him about my older sister, his late aunt, who had microcephaly and faced various barriers to equal access too, like having to sit on the sidelines of playgrounds in her wheelchair. It upset me. When I was 10 in 1993, I read about new accessible playgrounds in an issue of Scholastic News, and I hoped we could build one for her. Sadly, she died a few weeks later, but in her memory, my family and I worked with the Cincinnati Parks Department to build an accessible playground. My son thought that was cool. I also explained that many groups of people face discrimination for reasons such as gender, race, sexual orientation, immigration status and more, and we need to be allies and stand up against all forms of discrimination. I also told him that one way to help is to make disabilities more visible and raise awareness, as we have done in his school class for the past three years. This June, for Dravet Syndrome Awareness Month, he and I held a neighborhood lemonade and cupcake fundraiser and donated money to the Dravet Syndrome Foundation, which helps fund the kind of critical epilepsy research that the Trump administration has recently cut. After our experience at Ikea, as one of his bedtime books, we re-read the picture book 'All the Way to the Top,' about a child who protested and helped advocate for the Americans with Disabilities Act, which passed 35 years ago. Afterward, I told him about children with disabilities who went to Congress this summer, asking their leaders not to make it harder for them to go to the doctor and get the medicine and treatment they need. Unfortunately, President Donald Trump's domestic policy billhas since passed, and many people, including children with disabilities, will be harmed as a result. Two days after the bill passed, my child woke up and said, 'I want to make a sign about disabilities.' He asked for my help with spelling before writing the words 'People with disabilities are important' in pencil and then tracing over them with marker. He stood by our Disability Pride yard sign, and then, since the temperature was cooler out, he walked down our street and held it up for cars passing by. He said that when he grows up, he wants to be an 'activist' and 'protester.' I told him that he already is. [Editor's Note: HuffPost reached out for a response, and Ikea US issued the following statement: 'At IKEA, we strive to offer a safe and inclusive environment for children to play while in our stores. Our Småland policies are in place to keep children safe when they are in our space. Regarding this family's recent experience in our College Park, MD store, we are incredibly sensitive to feelings of exclusion, and so we have shared information with the family about our accommodations process, so that they may have a more positive experience at IKEA. We are constantly working to improve how we create an inclusive space while maintaining policies that keep all children safe.'] Do you have a compelling personal story you'd like to see published on HuffPost? Find out what we're looking for here and send us a pitch at pitch@
CTV News
6 days ago
- Health
- CTV News
Canadian who died in ICE custody had health issues before his death: agency report
A Canadian man who died while in U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) custody last month had a history of serious medical conditions, according to a newly released ICE agency report. Johnny Noviello, 49, was found unresponsive just before 1 p.m. on June 23 at a federal detention centre in Miami. Shortly after, he was declared deceased by the Miami Fire Rescue Department. A detainee death report released by ICE on Wednesday states Noviello had been diagnosed with several pre-existing conditions, including hypertension and seizure disorder, slightly elevated blood pressure and high body mass index. In the weeks following his initial detention, Noviello's physical and mental health showed signs of decline, according to the internal ICE review. On May 19, a behavioural health provider (BHP) reviewed Noviello's case and suggested that he first undergo a medical evaluation, which would determine whether a formal health referral was necessary. That same day, Noviello was transferred to the Miami federal detention centre. By the end of the May, Noviello began refusing care. On June 8, after requests from both a unit officer and a health services administrator, a provider evaluated Noviello again. During this encounter, Noviello reported feeling 'sad and depressed,' refusing to attend a medical clinic for a full evaluation. A mental health referral was requested as a result. The following day, a provider visited Noviello again at the request of a BHP. The report noted poor personal hygiene and that Noviello had not eaten 'in a while.' While his vital signs remained within normal limits, the providers ordered further lab work and discussed with Noviello 'the importance of self-hygiene and proper diet,' according to the report. ICE said the Canadian entered the U.S. with a visa on Jan. 2, 1988. He became a permanent resident more than three years later. Last May, he was arrested by ICE at a probations office and charged with removal for violating U.S. drug laws. In October 2023, he was convicted in eastern Florida for racketeering and drug trafficking and sentenced to 12 months in prison. Noviello's former lawyer, Dan Leising, said in June that Noviello's only known family member is his father, Angelo, who was 'distraught' to hear about his son's death. According to Foreign Affairs Minister Anita, there are approximately 55 Canadians who are still detained by ICE. ICE data revealed that seven other people have died in 2025 while in ICE's custody. With files from Luca Caruso-Moro, Lynn Chaya, and CTV National News Correspondent Kamil Karamali
The Sun
12-07-2025
- Health
- The Sun
Six unexpected medical conditions that could push up the cost of YOUR travel insurance this summer
IF you're heading abroad this summer, you'll likely want to invest in travel insurance to protect yourself in case anything goes wrong. Certain factors can impact how much you pay for travel cover - particularly any medical conditions you may have. 'Pre-existing conditions may increase the likelihood of needing medical treatment abroad or cancelling a trip, which can affect the cost of your policy,' MoneySuperMarket travel insurance expert Alicia Hempsted says. While those with serious conditions, such as cancer or heart disease, may find it more difficult to get insured, common health diagnoses can also affect your cover. We've outlined six medical conditions which you may not have realised could drive up the cost of your travel insurance this summer. Asthma Asthma is considered a pre-existing medical condition when it comes to buying travel insurance. You should tell your insurance provider if you have been diagnosed with the condition. If you don't, you risk any claims being refused or not being paid in full. According to insurance company Admiral, the cost of travel insurance is 'likely to be higher' for people with asthma. However, this will depend on where you're travelling to, how long you're going for, what you'll be doing on your trip, and the severity of your condition. ADHD and autism Disorders such as ADHD and autism can also impact the cost of your travel insurance. An estimated 2.6 million people in the UK have ADHD, while 700,000 people are thought to have autism. "Neurodevelopmental such as ADHD and autism may also influence pricing depending on the circumstances and how well the condition is managed," Hempsted says. Thousands of holidaymakers face summer travel chaos & major disruption at Scots airport THIS MONTH Insurers will consider any medication you're taking for autism and ADHD, as well as the severity of your diagnosis. Diabetes Diabetes is one of the conditions that is more likely to "significantly impact" the cost of travel insurance, Hempsted says. Insurers will look at the severity of your diabetes and any medication you're taking, as well as other factors like your age, where you're going and for how long. However, although having diabetes may push up the cost of your insurance, it's always safer to disclose your diagnosis to your insurer. "The golden rule is that honesty is the best policy when it comes to pre-existing conditions," says Hempsted. "It's better to pay a bit more for travel insurance so you can relax on your holiday, safe in the knowledge you're fully covered." If you have diabetes and you're concerned about getting cover, there are directories of specialist firms that provide travel insurance to people with medical conditions that are considered more serious. One of these is the MoneyHelper directory, provided by the Money and Pensions service. High cholesterol High cholesterol is considered a pre-existing medical condition by most insurers, meaning it could push up the cost of your cover. "If you've been diagnosed with high cholesterol (including if this is only controlled by diet)... you should tell your current travel insurer immediately (regardless of whether you have any trips booked)," Admiral says. The insurance company also advises anyone with the condition to inform their doctor before travelling to make sure they don't have any concerns. High blood pressure If you've been diagnosed with high blood pressure, your travel insurance is likely going to cost you more. Like diabetes, it's considered a more serious pre-existing condition that can significantly drive up the cost of your cover. Around 30 per cent of adults in the UK suffer from hypertension (consistently high blood pressure), with 13 per cent untreated, according to the NHS. As well as informing your insurer about the details of your condition and any medication you're on, Hempsted warns travellers they must also disclose any recent GP appointments they've had. "You should also disclose any recent doctor visits, diagnoses, or treatments from at least the past two years, as well as any assessments you're awaiting results for," she says. This applies to people with all medical conditions, not just those with high blood pressure. Depression and anxiety Many people may not be aware that common conditions such as depression and anxiety can drive up the cost of your travel insurance. "Mental health conditions, such as depression, anxiety, and bipolar disorder may influence pricing," Hempsted adds. Like ADHD and autism, this will depend on the circumstances and how well the condition is managed. While these are considered pre-existing conditions, it's still possible to get cover from a standard travel insurance provider if you have depression and anxiety. What should you look for in a good travel insurance policy? TRAVEL insurance policies can vary a great deal, but here are some "must have Medical expenses - A good policy will give cover of £1million or more for travel in Europe and £2million or more for the USA Repatriation service - The costs of getting you back to the UK for medical reasons should be covered automatically by your policy Cancellation and curtailment - A good policy will cover you for £2,000 or more if you have to cancel or shorten your holiday Missed departure - Covers additional accommodation costs and travel expenses up to £500 or more if you miss your flight due to circumstances out of your control Delay - You'll usually be covered for £250 or more if your travel plans are delayed due to circumstances out of your control Baggage cover - Covers you if your baggage is lost, damaged or stolen. Look for policies that have cover of £1,500 or more. .
CNET
26-06-2025
- Health
- CNET
Your Blood Type Can Mean You're More Prone to Heart Disease. Here's What to Know
Knowing your blood type is important information that can come in handy during a medical emergency. It can also tell you more about which medical conditions you're more at risk for, such as heart disease and type 2 diabetes. In fact, your blood type may be more connected to your heart health than you realize. This is what you should know about your blood type and how it could potentially connect to heart disease. Also, learn more about what lifestyle changes you can make for better heart health. How Healthy is Your Heart, Really? 5 Ways to Tell at Home How Healthy is Your Heart, Really? 5 Ways to Tell at Home Click to unmute Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Skip Backward Skip Forward Next playlist item Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration 3:59 Loaded : 9.96% 0:00 Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 3:59 Share Fullscreen 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 Opacity Opaque Semi-Transparent Text Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Opacity Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Caption Area Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Opacity Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Drop shadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Close Modal Dialog This is a modal window. This modal can be closed by pressing the Escape key or activating the close button. Close Modal Dialog This is a modal window. This modal can be closed by pressing the Escape key or activating the close button. How Healthy is Your Heart, Really? 5 Ways to Tell at Home What does your blood type mean for your body? The letters A, B and O represent various forms of the ABO gene, which program our blood cells differently to form the different blood groups. If you have type AB blood, for example, your body is programmed to produce A and B antigens on red blood cells. A person with type O blood doesn't produce any antigens. Blood is said to be "positive" or "negative" based on whether there are proteins on the red blood cells. If your blood has proteins, you're Rhesus, or Rh, positive. The ABO system is the best known way of classifying blood types. Ekachai Lohacamonchai/EyeEm/Getty Images People with type O-negative blood are considered "universal donors" because their blood doesn't have any antigens or proteins, meaning anyone's body will be able to accept it in an emergency. But why are there different blood types? Researchers don't fully know, but factors such as where someone's ancestors are from and past infections that spurred protective mutations in the blood may have contributed to the diversity, according to Dr. Douglas Guggenheim, a hematologist with Penn Medicine. People with type O blood may get sicker with cholera, for example, while people with type A or B blood may be more likely to experience blood clotting issues. While our blood can't keep up with the different biological or viral threats going around in real-time, it may reflect what's happened in the past. "In short, it's almost like the body has evolved around its environment in order to protect it as best as possible," Guggenheim said. People with type O blood may have a lower risk of cardiovascular events. Arctic-Images/Getty Images The blood types most at risk for heart disease People with type A, type B or type AB blood are more likely than people with type O to have a heart attack or experience heart failure, according to the American Heart Association. While the increased risk is small (types A or B had a combined 8% higher risk of heart attack and 10% increased risk of heart failure, according to one large study) the difference in blood clotting rates is much higher, per the AHA. People in the same study with type A and B blood were 51% more likely to develop deep vein thrombosis and 47% more likely to develop a pulmonary embolism, which are severe blood clotting disorders that can also increase the risk of heart failure. According to Guggenheim, a reason for this increased risk might be inflammation in the bodies of people with type A, type B or type AB blood. The proteins present in type A and type B blood may cause more "blockage" or "thickening" in the veins and arteries, leading to an increased risk of clotting and heart disease. Guggenheim also thinks this may describe the anecdotal decrease in risk of severe COVID-19 disease in people with type O blood. (Note: Since this article was first published, more research has added to the notion that people with type A blood may have a higher risk of infection. This is because the COVID-19 virus binds to cells slightly differently based on blood type.) There are four main blood groups (types of blood): A, B, AB and consequences of blood type People with type O blood enjoy a slightly lower risk of heart disease and blood clotting, but they may be more susceptible to hemorrhaging or bleeding disorders. This may be especially true after childbirth, according to a study on postpartum blood loss, which found an increased risk in women with type O blood. People with type O blood may also fare worse after a traumatic injury due to increased blood loss, according to a study published in Critical Care. Other research has found people with type AB blood might be at an increased risk for cognitive impairment when compared to people with type O. Cognitive impairment includes things like trouble remembering, focusing or making decisions. Read more: Mediterranean Diet for Heart Health: Foods to Eat and How to Get Started Should you change your lifestyle based on your blood type? While research available now shows that blood type can tip the scale in terms of someone's risk of developing heart disease, big factors such as diet, exercise or even the level of pollution you're exposed to in your community are the major players in determining heart health. Guggenheim says that for patients trying to keep their heart healthy, there's no special recommendation that he'd make other than a good heart-healthy diet that lowers inflammation, regardless of someone's blood type. Lean proteins, healthy fats, fruits, vegetables and whole grains are all part of a heart-healthy diet. Lina Darjan/500px/Getty Images But, he notes, future research could offer more definitive ways doctors treat patients based on their blood type. All factors considered equally, a patient with healthy cholesterol levels and type A blood may benefit from taking aspirin each day whereas it might not be necessary for a person in the same boat with type O blood. "A well-balanced, heart-healthy diet in general is going to be what any physician is going to recommend, and I would say that ABO doesn't change that," Guggenheim said. "I don't think there's a protective benefit from just having type O blood that contributes to being scot-free," he added.
CTV News
19-06-2025
- Health
- CTV News
Sault family flooded with support for little girl
An update to a story earlier this week, there has been an outpouring of to help a 6-year-old girl from Sault Ste. Marie with extensive medical conditions.
