Latest news with #positiveoutlook
BBC News
3 days ago
- Health
- BBC News
Hereford man living with MS to take part in triathlon challenge
A man living with multiple sclerosis (MS) who is preparing for a triathlon has said he tries to "keep a positive outlook and make the most of every opportunity."Richard Rudd, from Hereford, was diagnosed with MS at the age of 21, when he was working as a machine driver in Birmingham, with dreams of becoming a had always been "very hands on", his carers said, with hobbies including fishing, clay pigeon shooting, motorbikes and greyhound racing – but he still enjoys laser clay shooting and Rudd, 54, has written on his fundraising page how MS could make daily life unpredictable and physically challenging. He now takes part in laser clay shooting because it is more accessible, and he goes fishing at Andy's Fishing Lake, near Hereford, with his carer – he said he liked the ambience there. On Saturday, he will take part in the Superhero Series Triathlon at Dorney Lake in Windsor, an event designed for people of all abilities, including a swim stage, bike stage and a push or run Superhero Series was founded by Paralympian Sophia Warner in 2016 so everyone could be active and take part in a large-scale sporting event has no cut-off times or equipment restrictions and people can team up with family and friends and do as much or as little as they wish. Mr Rudd is raising money for the Oxygen and Wellness Therapy Centre which he attends in supports people living with long-term health will take part in the challenge with the help of carer Wendy Wait, her daughter Emma and Samantha Stacey from the centre, and has been training for a year to prepare. Ms Wait said they had trained on gym equipment twice a week to prepare for the challenge, and Mr Rudd had been taking part in dance activities to keep Rudd, who uses a wheelchair, said the dance sessions were "groovy" and kept him "out of trouble".In his appeal for donations, he wrote: "Thank you for reading my story, and for cheering me on - every bit of encouragement helps. I'll do my very best to make you proud." Follow BBC Hereford & Worcester on BBC Sounds, Facebook, X and Instagram.
The Independent
19-06-2025
- Health
- The Independent
Avoiding memory decline could be as simple as a positive attitude
A 16-year study involving over 10,000 individuals aged 50 and above found a significant link between maintaining a positive outlook and better memory function. Researchers observed that participants reporting higher levels of well-being consistently achieved superior scores on memory tests throughout the study period. The study indicated that a positive disposition was also associated with an increased sense of personal agency, including feelings of control and independence. While the connection between positivity and cognitive health was modest in scale, its statistical significance suggests a tangible relationship between psychological state and memory preservation as people age. Experts from Alzheimer's Research UK noted that this observational study highlights the importance of mental wellbeing for overall brain health, though further research is needed to understand the full connection. The hidden health benefit of staying positive in your middle age
