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Bruce Willis' wife issues amazing reflection on Gene Hackman's passing

<p>As Bruce Willis continues to live with frontotemporal dementia, his wife, Emma Heming Willis, has emerged as a vocal advocate for those who support loved ones with long-term care needs.</p> <p>This week, she reflected on the tragic <a href="https://www.oversixty.com.au/health/caring/gene-hackman-s-cause-of-death-revealed" target="_blank" rel="noopener">deaths of legendary actor Gene Hackman and his wife</a> and caregiver, Betsy Arakawa, in a heartfelt video shared on Instagram.</p> <p>"So this is not something I would normally comment on, but I do really believe that there is some learning in this story," Heming Willis said of Hackman and Arakawa.</p> <p>The couple was found dead in their New Mexico home in late February. According to the New Mexico medical investigator’s office, Arakawa, 65, succumbed to hantavirus, a rare and often fatal disease, while Hackman, 95, passed away days later due to heart disease. Authorities revealed that Hackman had been living with Alzheimer’s disease and may not have realised he was alone after his wife's passing.</p> <p>Heming Willis used the heartbreaking story to highlight a crucial issue: the well-being of caregivers themselves. "It's just made me think of this broader story, and that is that caregivers need care too and that they are vital, and that it is so important that we show up for them so that they can continue to show up for their person," she stated.</p> <p>She further addressed a common misconception about caregivers, saying that many assume they "have it all figured out".</p> <p>"They've got it covered, they're good," she said before clarifying, "I don't subscribe to that. We need to be showing up for them so they can continue to show up for their person."</p> <p>In the caption of her video, Heming Willis reinforced her message: "Caregivers need care too. Period. Full stop. #supportcaregivers."</p> <p>The flood of responses to her post was immediate and heartfelt, as fans and followers shared their experiences for caring for loved ones. "I had the same terrified reaction to Gene Hackman," wrote one reader. "What must he have suffered those last days? And his wife? It’s unfathomable. My father was a dedicated caregiver to my mom. Realising that dementia takes every ounce of patience and energy, my two sisters and I were honoured to take one full day each per week (in addition to afternoon nurses two alternate days) to support my dad’s decision to keep mama at home. She’s been gone three years now and I have never once regretted those special Fridays with her. Your message is so very important."</p> <p>"I’m so glad you said this," wrote another reader. "Because that’s exactly what I was thinking when this happened that his wife was so devoted to him that she didn’t take care of herself and this happens a lot with women a lot! She didn’t have any children, but I’m amazed that no friends checked in on her."</p> <p>Heming Willis speaks from personal experience, having taken on the role of primary caregiver for her husband since his diagnosis. It was announced in 2022 that Bruce Willis would step away from his acting career due to cognitive issues, <a href="https://www.oversixty.com.au/health/caring/cruel-disease-bruce-willis-given-heartbreaking-new-diagnosis" target="_blank" rel="noopener">which were later identified as frontotemporal dementia</a> (FTD), a progressive brain disorder. The couple, who married in 2009, share two daughters, Mabel and Evelyn.</p> <p>Through her platform, Heming Willis remains committed to raising awareness and fostering support for those navigating the complexities of long-term care.</p> <p><em>Images: Instagram</em></p>

Caring

Man who saved the lives of over 2 million babies dies aged 88

<p>James Harrison OAM, the famous Australian blood donor who saved the lives of 2.4 million babies by donating his rare plasma, has died aged 88. </p> <p>Australian Red Cross Lifeblood has confirmed that Harrison died "peacefully" on February 17 at Peninsula Village Nursing Home on the NSW Central Coast. </p> <p>Harrison, also known as the Man with the Golden Arm, began donating in the 1950s became the world's most prolific blood and plasma donor thanks to his rare antibody, Anti-D, which helps mothers who are at risk of passing on deadly antibodies to their babies. </p> <p>Since he started donating at the age of 18, Harrison has donated 1173 times, continuing his kind act up until his retirement in 2018 aged 81. </p> <p>His family have since paid tribute to him, with his daughter Tracey Mellowship, remembering him as a generous soul. </p> <p>"James was a humanitarian at heart, but also very funny," she said. </p> <p>"In his last years, he was immensely proud to become a great grandfather to two beautiful grandchildren, Trey and Addison.</p> <p>"As an Anti-D recipient myself, he has left behind a family that may not have existed without his precious donations."</p> <p>Lifeblood Chief Executive Officer Stephen Cornelissen added that Harrison's impact has made a difference all around the world. </p> <p>"James was a remarkable, stoically kind, and generous person who was committed to a lifetime of giving and he captured the hearts of many people around the world," Cornelissen said.</p> <p>"It was James' belief that his donations were no more important than any other donors', and that everyone can be special in the same way that he was.</p> <p>"James extended his arm to help others and babies he would never know a remarkable 1173 times and expected nothing in return."</p> <p>"He leaves behind an incredible legacy, and it was his hope that one day, someone in Australia would beat his donation record," he added. </p> <p>"On behalf of Lifeblood, and the entire Australian community, we thank James for the incredible life- saving contribution he made and the millions of lives he saved."</p> <p>Harrison's rare blood and plasma may continue to save lives even after his death, with researches hoping they would be able to use his blood to develop lab-grown Anti-D. </p> <p><em>Image: Nine News</em></p>

Caring

Schumacher’s wife issues statement after blackmail furore

<p>Michael Schumacher’s wife has issued a rare statement after three men were found guilty for blackmailing the Formula One legend. </p> <p>Corinna Schumacher says the family has appealed the two-year suspended prison sentence given to the “mastermind” behind the shocking plot.</p> <p>The perpetrators demanded $25 million (AUD) from the family in exchange of not releasing hundreds of private photos and videos of the Schumachers as well as digitised copies of Michael’s medical records.</p> <p>The public prosecutor’s office said 900 pictures and nearly 600 videos of the family and Schumacher’s digitised medical records were confiscated from the perpetrators.</p> <p>A district court in western Germany sentenced the main defendant to three years in prison, while his son received a six-month suspended sentence and a fine of $2,000 (AUD). </p> <p>Another defendant, former security guard for the family Markus Fritsche, received a two-year suspended sentence and a fine of $4,000 (AUD) for aiding and abetting the other two men.</p> <p>In a statement released on behalf of the family, Corinna said, “We have appealed against what we consider to be the far too lenient sentence for Mr. F.”</p> <p>“In my opinion, he was the mastermind behind this. What still shocks me most is the massive breach of trust. He should receive a punishment that deters any potential copycats.”</p> <p>Corinna and her family are considering further action against others allegedly involved in the operation.</p> <p>“We do not share all of the court’s statements, in particular that Mr F. is only accused of aiding and abetting and not of complicity,” the Schumacher family’s lawyer Thilo Damm said.</p> <p>“You can assume that we will exhaust all legal remedies available to us.”</p> <p>The family has shielded Schumacher from public view since his serious skiing accident in December 2013.</p> <p><em>Image credits: Attila Kisbenedek/EPA/Shutterstock Editorial </em></p>

Legal

"People need answers": Police issue statement on anniversary of Samantha Murphy's disappearance

<p>Friends and family of Samantha Murphy have gathered to mark the one year anniversary of her disappearance. </p> <p>The 51-year old mother from Ballarat was last seen on February 4th 2024 when she left her home at 7am to go for a run. </p> <p>When she failed to return home for an event, an investigation into her disappearance was launched.</p> <p>One month after her disappearance, a now 23-year-old man was arrested and charged with one count of murder.</p> <p>Ballarat man Patrick Orren Stephenson has pleaded not guilty to murder over the disappearance of Murphy, electing to fast-track his trial.</p> <p>"I think people need answers," Councillor Samantha McIntosh told <em>9News</em>. "The family need answers. Sam's friends need answers."</p> <p>On Monday, detectives reaffirmed their vow to find Murphy's body following a year of exhaustive searches.</p> <p>Police said the investigation into the location of Murphy's body is still ongoing, with Detective Inspector Dave Dunstan saying the search this year will now widen to the Ballarat area, including new areas tipped off from sources.</p> <p>"Since Samantha's disappearance, police have worked tirelessly to locate her. While nothing can erase their grief and loss, being able to return Samantha to her family has always been incredibly important to us," Detective Dunstan said.</p> <p>"We also know that Samantha's death has had an enormous impact on the Ballarat community, as well as the wider Victorian community."</p> <p>"I want to reaffirm to the community that the Missing Persons Squad remains committed to doing everything we can to locate Samantha – while a year has passed, we still believe we can locate her."</p> <p>"We also ask people who may be using these areas, particularly in the Enfield State Forest, to be aware of their surroundings and if they believe they may have come across Samantha's remains to contact police immediately," he added.</p> <p>"There is nothing we want more than to return Samantha to her family and we remain committed to doing this."</p> <p><em>Image credits: Nine</em></p>

Legal

Warning issued as drivers flout school zone rules

<p>Motorists have confessed to speeding in school zones and using their phones while driving through drop-off areas, a new study has revealed. </p> <p>The study released by insurer AAMI on Wednesday, found that 56 per cent of primary school children in NSW are now driven or accompanied to and from school by an adult.</p> <p>Only 37 per cent of parents allow their children to travel to school independently or with peers, a huge shift compared to previous years, where nearly seven in ten Australians (69 per cent) regularly walked, biked, or scooted to and from school on their own.</p> <p>The main reason for this included dangerous driving behaviours by others, however, some parents have admitted to their own unsafe habits near schools. </p> <p>A quarter of the 1,000 survey respondents admitted speeding through school zones because they didn't notice signs. </p> <p>12 per cent admitted to speeding through school zones when they don't see any children around, and others admitted to being distracted by their phone. </p> <p>A further 12 per cent admitted they do not always follow school 'Drop and Go' zone rules, with over 10 per cent having double parked or stopped in the middle of the road in front of their children's school.</p> <p>As children head back to school next week, AAMI Motor Claims Executive Manager Luisa Rose said the "findings indicate a generational shift" in how children are commuting to and from school. </p> <p>"With this shift in our approach to school travel we need to be aware children may not have road safety skills and awareness, increasing the risk of an accident occurring in a school zone," Rose said.</p> <p>"While understandably not everyone can walk, ride or scoot to school due to distance and time, one thing everyone can do is learn, and follow, is the road rules to ensure our children are safe when arriving at and leaving school."</p> <p>Russell White, chair and founder of the Australian Road Safety Foundation added that deaths among children aged zero to seven years has increased by 54 per cent last year compared to 2023. </p> <p>"This year, we hope to see a decrease in road fatalities especially involving children, and we're calling on the community to help," he added. </p> <p>"AAMI's research findings revealed that Australians are driving recklessly in and around school zones and need to pay attention to speed limits and rules that have been put in place to keep children safe.</p> <p>"Speed signs in school zones have been around for decades, so there is no excuse to be confused by them or to be caught speeding during those designated times."</p> <p><em>Image: Shutterstock</em></p>

Legal

Women spend more of their money on health care than men. And no, it’s not just about 'women’s issues'

<div class="theconversation-article-body"> <p><em><a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/mike-armour-391382">Mike Armour</a>, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/western-sydney-university-1092">Western Sydney University</a>; <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/amelia-mardon-1505419">Amelia Mardon</a>, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/western-sydney-university-1092">Western Sydney University</a>; <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/danielle-howe-1492317">Danielle Howe</a>, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/western-sydney-university-1092">Western Sydney University</a>; <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/hannah-adler-1533549">Hannah Adler</a>, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/griffith-university-828">Griffith University</a>, and <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/michelle-oshea-457947">Michelle O'Shea</a>, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/western-sydney-university-1092">Western Sydney University</a></em></p> <p>Medicare, Australia’s <a href="https://www.health.gov.au/topics/medicare?language=und">universal health insurance scheme</a>, guarantees all Australians access to a wide range of health and hospital services at low or no cost.</p> <p>Although access to the scheme is universal across Australia (regardless of geographic location or socioeconomic status), one analysis suggests <a href="https://grattan.edu.au/news/healthcare-out-of-pocket-costs-an-agenda-for-international-womens-day/">women often spend more</a> out-of-pocket on health services than men.</p> <p>Other research has found men and women spend similar amounts on health care overall, or even that men spend <a href="https://www.publish.csiro.au/ah/pdf/AH18191">a little more</a>. However, it’s clear women spend a <a href="https://www.publish.csiro.au/ah/pdf/AH18191">greater proportion of their overall expenditure</a> on health care than men. They’re also more likely to <a href="https://grattan.edu.au/news/healthcare-out-of-pocket-costs-an-agenda-for-international-womens-day/">skip or delay medical care</a> due to the cost.</p> <p>So why do women often spend more of their money on health care, and how can we address this gap?</p> <h2>Women have more chronic diseases, and access more services</h2> <p>Women are <a href="https://www.abs.gov.au/statistics/health/health-conditions-and-risks/health-conditions-prevalence/latest-release">more likely</a> to have a chronic health condition compared to men. They’re also more likely to report having multiple chronic conditions.</p> <p>While men generally die earlier, women are more likely to spend more of their life <a href="https://www.thelancet.com/journals/lanpub/article/PIIS2468-2667(24)00053-7/fulltext">living with disease</a>. There are also some conditions which affect women more than men, such as <a href="https://theconversation.com/how-biological-differences-between-men-and-women-alter-immune-responses-and-affect-womens-health-208802">autoimmune conditions</a> (for example, multiple sclerosis and rheumatoid arthritis).</p> <p>Further, medical treatments can sometimes be <a href="https://aci.health.nsw.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0007/967984/CIU-Evidence-Brief-Gender-disparity-and-gender-equality-measures-in-health.pdf">less effective for women</a> due to a focus on men in medical research.</p> <p>These disparities are likely significant in understanding why women <a href="https://grattan.edu.au/news/healthcare-out-of-pocket-costs-an-agenda-for-international-womens-day/">access health services</a> more than men.</p> <p>For example, <a href="https://www.aihw.gov.au/reports/men-women/female-health/contents/access-health-care">88% of women</a> saw a GP in 2021–22 compared to <a href="https://www.aihw.gov.au/reports/men-women/male-health/contents/access-health-care">79% of men</a>.</p> <p>As the number of GPs <a href="https://practices.hotdoc.com.au/blog/the-decline-of-bulk-billing-and-its-impact-on-general-practice-in-australia/#:%7E:text=The%20Medicare%20rebate%20for%20patients,to%20ensure%20their%20financial%20sustainability.">offering bulk billing</a> continues to decline, women are likely to need to pay more out-of-pocket, because they <a href="https://www.aihw.gov.au/getmedia/32ea8a7f-50d5-4047-b70b-92dd63d387b8/aihw-phe239-240-factsheet.pdf.aspx">see a GP more often</a>.</p> <p>In 2020–21, <a href="https://www.aihw.gov.au/reports/men-women/female-health/contents/access-health-care">4.3% of women</a> said they had delayed seeing a GP due to cost at least once in the previous 12 months, compared to <a href="https://www.aihw.gov.au/reports/men-women/male-health/contents/access-health-care">2.7% of men</a>.</p> <p>Data from the <a href="https://www.abs.gov.au/statistics/health/health-services/patient-experiences/2020-21">Australian Bureau of Statistics</a> has also shown women are more likely to delay or avoid seeing a mental health professional due to cost.</p> <p>Women are also more likely to need prescription medications, owing at least partly to their increased rates of chronic conditions. This adds further out-of-pocket costs. In 2020–21, <a href="https://grattan.edu.au/news/healthcare-out-of-pocket-costs-an-agenda-for-international-womens-day/">62% of women</a> received a prescription, compared to 37% of men.</p> <p>In the same period, <a href="https://www.aihw.gov.au/reports/men-women/female-health/contents/access-health-care">6.1% of women</a> delayed getting, or did not get prescribed medication because of the cost, compared to <a href="https://www.aihw.gov.au/reports/men-women/male-health/contents/access-health-care">4.9% of men</a>.</p> <h2>Reproductive health conditions</h2> <p>While women are disproportionately affected by chronic health conditions throughout their lifespan, much of the disparity in health-care needs is concentrated between the first period and menopause.</p> <p>Almost <a href="https://www.jeanhailes.org.au/news/impact-of-pelvic-pain-vastly-underestimated">half of women</a> aged over 18 report having experienced chronic pelvic pain in the previous five years. This can be caused by conditions such as endometriosis, dysmenorrhoea (period pain), vulvodynia (vulva pain), and bladder pain.</p> <p><a href="https://www.aihw.gov.au/news-media/media-releases/2023/2023-september/1-in-7-australian-women-aged-44-49-have-endometriosis">One in seven women</a> will have a diagnosis of endometriosis by age 49.</p> <p>Meanwhile, a quarter of all women aged 45–64 <a href="https://www.jeanhailes.org.au/research/womens-health-survey/menopause-in-australian-women">report symptoms</a> related to menopause that are significant enough to disrupt their daily life.</p> <p>All of these conditions can significantly reduce quality of life and increase the need to seek health care, sometimes including surgical treatment.</p> <p>Of course, conditions like endometriosis don’t just affect women. They also impact <a href="https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10501128/">trans men</a>, intersex people, and those who are gender diverse.</p> <h2>Diagnosis can be costly</h2> <p>Women often have to wait <a href="https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9518795/">longer to get a diagnosis</a> for chronic conditions. One <a href="https://www.medrxiv.org/content/10.1101/2023.10.12.23296976v2.full-text">preprint study</a> found women wait an average of 134 days (around 4.5 months) longer than men for a diagnosis of a long-term chronic disease.</p> <p>Delays in diagnosis often result in <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33004965/">needing to see more doctors</a>, again increasing the costs.</p> <p>Despite affecting about as many people as diabetes, it takes an average of between <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33050751/">six-and-a-half</a> to <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33004965/">eight years</a> to diagnose endometriosis in Australia. This can be attributed to a <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35928674/">number of factors</a> including society’s normalisation of women’s pain, poor knowledge about endometriosis among some health professionals, and the lack of affordable, non-invasive methods to accurately diagnose the condition.</p> <p>There have been recent improvements, with the introduction of <a href="https://www.health.gov.au/ministers/the-hon-mark-butler-mp/media/historic-medicare-changes-for-women-battling-endometriosis#:%7E:text=In%20addition%20to%20the%20specialised,with%20complex%20histories%20and%20symptoms.">Medicare rebates for longer GP consultations</a> of up to 60 minutes. While this is not only for women, this extra time will be valuable in diagnosing and managing complex conditions.</p> <p>But gender inequality issues still exist in the Medicare Benefits Schedule. For example, both pelvic and breast ultrasound rebates are <a href="https://womensagenda.com.au/latest/the-gender-medicare-gap-is-seeing-women-pay-more-for-ultrasounds-and-other-health-services/">less than a scan for the scrotum</a>, and <a href="https://www.endozone.com.au/treatment/MRI">no rebate</a> exists for the MRI investigation of a woman’s pelvic pain.</p> <h2>Management can be expensive too</h2> <p>Many chronic conditions, <a href="https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/0167482X.2020.1825374?casa_token=yIlFZg_vJxsAAAAA%3ALwSa5DBMoDDWTiZsU1FC0MLLXkDd_eWBrGa2gr8b6NeRevp4ynlsTD_IMMYV_ek766j2P5C-B4Qy#d1e167">such as endometriosis</a>, which has a wide range of symptoms but no cure, can be very hard to manage. People with endometriosis often use allied health and <a href="https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1111/imj.15494?casa_token=1sc4ZMGvDjIAAAAA%3AIrIY2B-RNVDDnUPMSsHI4axnBiTv-omNDHGlNSpsrm_qbMGY9iQ4htIyco5mj-Qhd7krsp7rfHtcbQ">complementary medicine</a> to help with symptoms.</p> <p>On average, women are more likely than men to use both <a href="https://www.racgp.org.au/afp/2017/may/patterns-of-complementary-and-alternative-medi-2">complementary therapies</a> and <a href="https://www.aihw.gov.au/reports/primary-health-care/general-practice-allied-health-primary-care">allied health</a>.</p> <p>While women with chronic conditions can access a <a href="https://www.servicesaustralia.gov.au/chronic-disease-management-plan?context=20">chronic disease management plan</a>, which provides Medicare-subsidised visits to a range of allied health services (for example, physiotherapist, psychologist, dietitian), this plan only subsidises five sessions per calendar year. And the reimbursement is <a href="https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9346321/">usually around 50% or less</a>, so there are still significant out-of-pocket costs.</p> <p>In the case of chronic pelvic pain, the cost of accessing allied or complementary health services has been found to average <a href="https://link.springer.com/article/10.1186/s12905-022-01618-z">A$480.32 across a two-month period</a> (across both those who have a chronic disease management plan and those who don’t).</p> <h2>More spending, less saving</h2> <p>Womens’ health-care needs can also perpetuate financial strain beyond direct health-care costs. For example, <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/31600241">women with endometriosis</a> and chronic pelvic pain are often caught in a cycle of needing time off from work to attend medical appointments.</p> <p>Our <a href="https://www.researchsquare.com/article/rs-5480104/v1">preliminary research</a> has shown these repeated requests, combined with the common dismissal of symptoms associated with pelvic pain, means women sometimes face discrimination at work. This can lead to lack of career progression, underemployment, and premature retirement.</p> <p>Similarly, with <a href="https://www.superannuation.asn.au/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/ASFAResearch_ImpactofMenopauseOnRetirement_080324.pdf">160,000 women</a> entering menopause each year in Australia (and this number expected to increase with population growth), the <a href="https://www.aph.gov.au/Parliamentary_Business/Committees/Senate/Community_Affairs/Menopause/Report/Chapter_3_-_Impact_on_work_and_the_economic_consequences_of_menopause#:%7E:text=3.1This%20chapter%20explores%20the,on%20partners%20or%20family%20members.">financial impacts</a> are substantial.</p> <p>As many as <a href="https://www.superannuation.asn.au/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/ASFAResearch_ImpactofMenopauseOnRetirement_080324.pdf">one in four women</a> may either shift to part-time work, take time out of the workforce, or retire early due to menopause, therefore earning less and paying less into their super.</p> <h2>How can we close this gap?</h2> <p>Even though women are more prone to chronic conditions, until relatively recently, much of medical research has been <a href="https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8812498/">done on men</a>. We’re only now beginning to realise important differences in how men and women experience certain conditions (such as <a href="https://www.annualreviews.org/content/journals/10.1146/annurev-neuro-092820-105941">chronic pain</a>).</p> <p>Investing in women’s health research will be important to improve treatments so women are less burdened by chronic conditions.</p> <p>In the 2024–25 federal budget, the government committed $160 million towards <a href="https://www.health.gov.au/ministers/the-hon-ged-kearney-mp/media/reforming-the-health-system-to-improve-sexual-and-reproductive-care">a women’s health package</a> to tackle gender bias in the health system (including cost disparities), upskill medical professionals, and improve sexual and reproductive care.</p> <p>While this reform is welcome, continued, long-term investment into women’s health is crucial.<img style="border: none !important; box-shadow: none !important; margin: 0 !important; max-height: 1px !important; max-width: 1px !important; min-height: 1px !important; min-width: 1px !important; opacity: 0 !important; outline: none !important; padding: 0 !important;" src="https://counter.theconversation.com/content/243797/count.gif?distributor=republish-lightbox-basic" alt="The Conversation" width="1" height="1" /></p> <p><a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/mike-armour-391382"><em>Mike Armour</em></a><em>, Associate Professor at NICM Health Research Institute, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/western-sydney-university-1092">Western Sydney University</a>; <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/amelia-mardon-1505419">Amelia Mardon</a>, Postdoctoral Research Fellow in Reproductive Health, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/western-sydney-university-1092">Western Sydney University</a>; <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/danielle-howe-1492317">Danielle Howe</a>, PhD Candidate, NICM Health Research Institute, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/western-sydney-university-1092">Western Sydney University</a>; <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/hannah-adler-1533549">Hannah Adler</a>, PhD Candidate, Health Communication and Health Sociology, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/griffith-university-828">Griffith University</a>, and <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/michelle-oshea-457947">Michelle O'Shea</a>, Senior Lecturer, School of Business, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/western-sydney-university-1092">Western Sydney University</a></em></p> <p><em>Image credits: Shutterstock </em></p> <p><em>This article is republished from <a href="https://theconversation.com">The Conversation</a> under a Creative Commons license. Read the <a href="https://theconversation.com/women-spend-more-of-their-money-on-health-care-than-men-and-no-its-not-just-about-womens-issues-243797">original article</a>.</em></p> </div>

Caring

There are 2 main ways to stretch – the one you should choose depends on what you want your body to do

<div class="theconversation-article-body"> <p><em><a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/hunter-bennett-1053061">Hunter Bennett</a>, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/university-of-south-australia-1180">University of South Australia</a> and <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/lewis-ingram-1427671">Lewis Ingram</a>, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/university-of-south-australia-1180">University of South Australia</a></em></p> <p>Picture this: you’ve just woken up and rolled out of bed. Your feet hit the floor, and your legs buckle. They are in absolute agony – that run yesterday has really come back to haunt you.</p> <p>And then you remember you forgot to stretch before and after your run. Surely that’s the reason you’re so sore today. Or is it?</p> <p>We’ve all heard about the importance of stretching before and after exercise. But does it really make a difference? Here’s what the science says.</p> <h2>What is stretching?</h2> <p>There are many different types of stretching, but the two most common are <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/22319684">static and dynamic stretching</a>.</p> <p>Static stretching involves moving a muscle (or muscles) into a lengthened position and holding this for a <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/15292749/">short period of time</a> – often anywhere between 15 and 90 seconds.</p> <p>A common example of this would be keeping your heels on the ground while leaning forward to touch the ground with a straight knee to stretch your hamstring muscles.</p> <p>Meanwhile, <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/21373870/">dynamic stretching</a> involves actively moving your muscles and joints back and forth through their available range of motion.</p> <p>Common examples include swinging your legs back and forth, from side to side, or swinging your arms in circles.</p> <h2>Stretching before exercise</h2> <p>The main reasons people stretch before exercise are to increase flexibility, improve performance, and reduce the risk of injury.</p> <p>While we know stretching <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29223884/">increases flexibility</a>, its effect on <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/17909411/">performance</a> and <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/18027995/">injury</a> is less clear. But let’s look at what the evidence says for each one.</p> <p><strong>Flexibility</strong></p> <p>Both static and dynamic stretching increase flexibility, although static stretching seems to have a <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2095254623000571">slightly larger effect</a>.</p> <p>Short-term static stretching inhibits your <a href="https://www.healthline.com/health/why-does-stretching-feel-good#:%7E:text=Research%20has%20shown%20that%20static,of%20your%20sympathetic%20nervous%20system.">sympathetic nervous system</a> (your fight or flight system), which reduces the stiffness of your <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2095254624000693#bib0010">muscles and tendons</a>. This makes you more flexible straight after stretching.</p> <p>In the long term, static stretching is thought to make you more flexible by increasing the length of <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37318696/">your muscles and tendons</a> or by simply making you <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28801950/">more tolerant to the discomfort caused by stretching</a>.</p> <p><strong>Performance</strong></p> <p>When it comes to improving performance, this will depend on the type of physical activity you’re doing.</p> <p>If you are about to move your body through large ranges of motion – something like gymnastics or dancing – then the improvements in flexibility following stretching will likely result in better performance.</p> <p>On the flip side, research has shown static stretching may <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26642915/">impair performance</a> by up to 5% in activities that rely on maximum strength and power, such as shotput and powerlifting.</p> <p>This might be because of the reduced nervous system activation we mentioned earlier, making it more challenging for your muscles to produce force.</p> <p>However, significant impairments only seem to occur when stretching for <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26642915/">more than 60 seconds</a>. Stretching for less than 60 seconds appears to impact performance minimally (by around 1%).</p> <p>On the other hand, dynamic stretching increases <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/12762825">muscle temperature</a> and the speed at which your nerves <a href="https://cdnsciencepub.com/doi/10.1139/apnm-2015-0235">send messages to your muscles</a>, which might improve muscle performance.</p> <p>Dynamic stretching has been shown to <a href="https://bmcsportsscimedrehabil.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s13102-023-00703-6">enhance strength and power by a small amount</a>. This might make it a better option before activities that are performed explosively, such as sprinting, jumping, lifting weights or playing team sport.</p> <p><strong>Injury and soreness</strong></p> <p>When it comes to reducing injury, whether stretching before exercise is beneficial remains unclear.</p> <p>Many studies have shown stretching <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/24100287/">doesn’t have an effect</a>. But a lot of these look at the effect of stretching on all types of injuries, which might not show its true effect.</p> <p>For example, a broken arm from a tackle would be grouped with a calf strain, but it seems logical that stretching is more likely to reduce the risk of the calf muscle strain than the broken arm.</p> <p>A <a href="https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s11332-024-01213-9">recent review</a> did explore the effect of stretching on different types of injuries and found static stretching may reduce the risk of muscle, but not tendon, injuries. To date, there’s no evidence to suggest stretching would reduce the risk of broken bones and contact injuries.</p> <p>There’s very little research exploring whether dynamic stretching alone can reduce injury risk. <a href="https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s40279-023-01847-8">One study</a> showed dynamic stretching can improve joint stability, which might reduce the risk of joint injuries (such as ankle sprains). But more research is needed to make any conclusions with confidence.</p> <p>Many people also stretch before exercise to help prevent muscle soreness after exercise. However, <a href="https://www.cochranelibrary.com/cdsr/doi/10.1002/14651858.CD004577.pub3/full">research has shown</a> stretching before exercise has no meaningful impact on muscle soreness after exercise.</p> <h2>Stretching after exercise</h2> <p>The main reason people stretch after exercise is to improve recovery and reduce muscle soreness. The most common approach is static stretching.</p> <p>However, like stretching before exercise, research doesn’t indicate stretching after exercise reduces <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27447321/">muscle damage or soreness</a>.</p> <p>It has also been suggested <a href="https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4831894/">really intense stretching can damage your muscles</a>, which might even make muscle soreness worse. But this isn’t a consistent finding, and may only happen to certain people.</p> <p>However, stretching does <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/21386722/">promote relaxation</a>. So gentle stretching could be a nice way to wind down after an intense exercise session.</p> <h2>So, what should you do?</h2> <p>Maybe a lack of stretching isn’t the reason you were sore after you run after all. Your legs are probably aching because you simply ran further, or harder, than you normally do.</p> <p>But that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t stretch.</p> <p>The available evidence suggests doing some dynamic stretching before exercise will increase flexibility and improve your performance, whether you’re planning to go for a run, play a team sport, or lift weights.</p> <p>Static stretching can be great if you want to increase your flexibility, just don’t do it right before intense exercise. And after exercise, some gentle static stretching can help transition the body to a more relaxed state.<img style="border: none !important; box-shadow: none !important; margin: 0 !important; max-height: 1px !important; max-width: 1px !important; min-height: 1px !important; min-width: 1px !important; opacity: 0 !important; outline: none !important; padding: 0 !important;" src="https://counter.theconversation.com/content/244048/count.gif?distributor=republish-lightbox-basic" alt="The Conversation" width="1" height="1" /></p> <p><em><a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/hunter-bennett-1053061">Hunter Bennett</a>, Lecturer in Exercise Science, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/university-of-south-australia-1180">University of South Australia</a> and <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/lewis-ingram-1427671">Lewis Ingram</a>, Lecturer in Physiotherapy, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/university-of-south-australia-1180">University of South Australia</a></em></p> <p><em>Image credits: Shutterstock </em></p> <p><em>This article is republished from <a href="https://theconversation.com">The Conversation</a> under a Creative Commons license. Read the <a href="https://theconversation.com/there-are-2-main-ways-to-stretch-the-one-you-should-choose-depends-on-what-you-want-your-body-to-do-244048">original article</a>.</em></p> </div>

Body

Can you die from long COVID? The answer is not so simple

<div class="theconversation-article-body"> <p><em><a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/rose-shiqi-luo-1477061">Rose (Shiqi) Luo</a>, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/rmit-university-1063">RMIT University</a>; <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/catherine-itsiopoulos-14246">Catherine Itsiopoulos</a>, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/rmit-university-1063">RMIT University</a>; <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/kate-anderson-1412897">Kate Anderson</a>, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/rmit-university-1063">RMIT University</a>; <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/magdalena-plebanski-1063786">Magdalena Plebanski</a>, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/rmit-university-1063">RMIT University</a>, and <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/zhen-zheng-1321031">Zhen Zheng</a>, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/rmit-university-1063">RMIT University</a></em></p> <p>Nearly five years into the pandemic, COVID is feeling less central to our daily lives.</p> <p>But the virus, SARS-CoV-2, is still around, and for many people the effects of an infection can be long-lasting. When symptoms persist for more than three months after the initial COVID infection, this is generally referred to as <a href="https://www.who.int/europe/news-room/fact-sheets/item/post-covid-19-condition">long COVID</a>.</p> <p>In September, Grammy-winning Brazilian musician <a href="https://www.abc.net.au/news/2024-09-07/brazilian-musician-sergio-mendez-dies-at-83/104323360">Sérgio Mendes</a> died aged 83 after reportedly having long COVID.</p> <p><a href="https://www.abs.gov.au/articles/covid-19-mortality-australia-deaths-registered-until-31-july-2023">Australian data</a> show 196 deaths were due to the long-term effects of COVID from the beginning of the pandemic up to the end of July 2023.</p> <p>In the United States, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported 3,544 <a href="https://www.cdc.gov/nchs/pressroom/nchs_press_releases/2022/20221214.htm">long-COVID-related deaths</a> from the start of the pandemic up to the end of June 2022.</p> <p>The symptoms of <a href="https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/long-covid">long COVID</a> – such as fatigue, shortness of breath and “brain fog” – can be debilitating. But can you die from long COVID? The answer is not so simple.</p> <h2>How could long COVID lead to death?</h2> <p>There’s still a lot we don’t understand about what causes long COVID. A popular theory is that “zombie” <a href="https://www.pnas.org/doi/full/10.1073/pnas.2300644120">virus fragments</a> may linger in the body and cause inflammation even after the virus has gone, resulting in long-term health problems. Recent research suggests a reservoir of <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S1198743X24004324?via%3Dihub">SARS-CoV-2 proteins</a> in the blood might explain why some people experience ongoing symptoms.</p> <p>We know a serious COVID infection can damage <a href="https://covid19.nih.gov/news-and-stories/long-term-effects-sars-cov-2-organs-and-energy#:%7E:text=What%20you%20need%20to%20know,main%20source%20of%20this%20damage">multiple organs</a>. For example, severe COVID can lead to <a href="https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/conditions-and-diseases/coronavirus/covid-long-haulers-long-term-effects-of-covid19">permanent lung dysfunction</a>, persistent heart inflammation, neurological damage and long-term kidney disease.</p> <p>These issues can in some cases lead to death, either immediately or months or years down the track. But is death beyond the acute phase of infection from one of these causes the direct result of COVID, long COVID, or something else? Whether long COVID can <em>directly</em> cause death continues to be a topic of debate.</p> <p>Of the <a href="https://www.cdc.gov/nchs/data/vsrr/vsrr025.pdf">3,544 deaths</a> related to long COVID in the US up to June 2022, the most commonly recorded underlying cause was COVID itself (67.5%). This could mean they died as a result of one of the long-term effects of a COVID infection, such as those mentioned above.</p> <p>COVID infection was followed by heart disease (8.6%), cancer (2.9%), Alzheimer’s disease (2.7%), lung disease (2.5%), diabetes (2%) and stroke (1.8%). Adults aged 75–84 had the highest rate of death related to long COVID (28.8%).</p> <p>These findings suggest many of these people died “with” long COVID, rather than from the condition. In other words, long COVID may not be a direct driver of death, but rather a contributor, likely exacerbating existing conditions.</p> <h2>‘Cause of death’ is difficult to define</h2> <p>Long COVID is a relatively recent phenomenon, so mortality data for people with this condition are limited.</p> <p>However, we can draw some insights from the experiences of people with post-viral conditions that have been studied for longer, such as myalgic encephalomyelitis or chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS).</p> <p>Like long COVID, <a href="https://bmjopen.bmj.com/content/12/5/e058128">ME/CFS</a> is a complex condition which can have significant and varied effects on a person’s physical fitness, nutritional status, social engagement, mental health and quality of life.</p> <p>Some research indicates people with ME/CFS are at <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5218818/">increased risk</a> of dying from causes including heart conditions, infections and suicide, that may be triggered or compounded by the debilitating nature of the syndrome.</p> <p>So what is the emerging data on long COVID telling us about the potential increased risk of death?</p> <p>Research from 2023 has suggested adults in the US with long COVID were at <a href="https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jama-health-forum/fullarticle/2802095">greater risk</a> of developing heart disease, stroke, lung disease and asthma.</p> <p>Research has also found <a href="https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9721155/">long COVID</a> is associated with a higher risk of <a href="https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/21642850.2022.2164498#abstract">suicidal ideation</a> (thinking about or planning suicide). This may reflect common symptoms and consequences of long COVID such as sleep problems, fatigue, chronic pain and emotional distress.</p> <p>But long COVID is more likely to occur in people who have <a href="https://www.aihw.gov.au/reports/covid-19/long-covid-in-australia-a-review-of-the-literature/summary">existing health conditions</a>. This makes it challenging to accurately determine how much long COVID contributes to a person’s death.</p> <p>Research has long revealed <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7302107/">reliability issues</a> in cause-of-death reporting, particularly for people with chronic illness.</p> <h2>So what can we conclude?</h2> <p>Ultimately, long COVID is a <a href="https://www.health.gov.au/topics/chronic-conditions/about-chronic-conditions">chronic condition</a> that can significantly affect quality of life, mental wellbeing and overall health.</p> <p>While long COVID is not usually immediately or directly life-threatening, it’s possible it could exacerbate existing conditions, and play a role in a person’s death in this way.</p> <p>Importantly, many people with long COVID around the world lack access to appropriate support. We need to develop <a href="https://www.mja.com.au/journal/2024/221/9/persistent-symptoms-after-covid-19-australian-stratified-random-health-survey">models of care</a> for the optimal management of people with long COVID with a focus on multidisciplinary care.</p> <p><em>Dr Natalie Jovanovski, Vice Chancellor’s Senior Research Fellow in the School of Health and Biomedical Sciences at RMIT University, contributed to this article.</em><img style="border: none !important; box-shadow: none !important; margin: 0 !important; max-height: 1px !important; max-width: 1px !important; min-height: 1px !important; min-width: 1px !important; opacity: 0 !important; outline: none !important; padding: 0 !important;" src="https://counter.theconversation.com/content/239184/count.gif?distributor=republish-lightbox-basic" alt="The Conversation" width="1" height="1" /></p> <p><a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/rose-shiqi-luo-1477061"><em>Rose (Shiqi) Luo</em></a><em>, Postdoctoral Research Fellow, School of Health and Biomedical Sciences, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/rmit-university-1063">RMIT University</a>; <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/catherine-itsiopoulos-14246">Catherine Itsiopoulos</a>, Professor and Dean, School of Health and Biomedical Sciences, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/rmit-university-1063">RMIT University</a>; <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/kate-anderson-1412897">Kate Anderson</a>, Vice Chancellor's Senior Research Fellow, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/rmit-university-1063">RMIT University</a>; <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/magdalena-plebanski-1063786">Magdalena Plebanski</a>, Professor of Immunology, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/rmit-university-1063">RMIT University</a>, and <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/zhen-zheng-1321031">Zhen Zheng</a>, Associate Professor, STEM | Health and Biomedical Sciences, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/rmit-university-1063">RMIT University</a></em></p> <p><em>Image credits: Shutterstock </em></p> <p><em>This article is republished from <a href="https://theconversation.com">The Conversation</a> under a Creative Commons license. Read the <a href="https://theconversation.com/can-you-die-from-long-covid-the-answer-is-not-so-simple-239184">original article</a>.</em></p> </div>

Body

For type 2 diabetes, focusing on when you eat – not what – can help control blood sugar

<div class="theconversation-article-body"> <p><em><a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/evelyn-parr-441878">Evelyn Parr</a>, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/australian-catholic-university-747">Australian Catholic University</a> and <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/brooke-devlin-2237174">Brooke Devlin</a>, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/the-university-of-queensland-805">The University of Queensland</a></em></p> <p>Type 2 diabetes affects <a href="https://www.aihw.gov.au/reports/diabetes/diabetes/contents/how-common-is-diabetes/type-2-diabetes">1.2 million Australians</a> and accounts for <a href="https://www.diabetesaustralia.com.au/about-diabetes/type-2-diabetes/">85-90%</a> of all diabetes cases. This chronic condition is characterised by high blood glucose (sugar) levels, which carry serious <a href="https://www.thelancet.com/journals/lancet/article/PIIS0140-6736(17)30058-2/abstract">health</a> risks. <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/nrendo.2017.151">Complications</a> include heart disease, kidney failure and vision problems.</p> <p>Diet is an important way people living with type 2 diabetes manage blood glucose, alongside exercise and medication. But while we know individualised, professional dietary advice improves blood glucose, it can be <a href="https://linkinghub.elsevier.com/retrieve/pii/S0168822717317588">complex</a> and is not always <a href="https://www.publish.csiro.au/py/PY13021">accessible</a>.</p> <p><a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0168822724008039">Our new study</a> looked at the impact of time-restricted eating – focusing on when you eat, rather than what or how much – on blood glucose levels.</p> <p>We found it had similar results to individualised advice from an accredited practising dietitian. But there were added benefits, because it was simple, achievable, easy to stick to – and motivated people to make other positive changes.</p> <h2>What is time-restricted eating?</h2> <p>Time-restricted eating, also known as <a href="https://www.annualreviews.org/content/journals/10.1146/annurev-nutr-082018-124320">the 16:8 diet</a>, became popular for weight loss around 2015. Studies have since shown it is also an <a href="https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamanetworkopen/fullarticle/2811116">effective way</a> for people with type 2 diabetes to manage blood glucose.</p> <p>Time-restricted eating involves limiting when you eat each day, rather than focusing on what you eat. You restrict eating to a window during daylight hours, for example between 11am and 7pm, and then fast for the remaining hours. This can sometimes naturally lead to also eating less.</p> <p>Giving your body a break from constantly digesting food in this way helps align eating with natural <a href="https://doi.org/10.1111/jne.12886">circadian rhythms</a>. This <a href="https://doi.org/10.1111/jnc.15246">can help</a> regulate metabolism and improve overall health.</p> <p>For people with type 2 diabetes, there may be specific benefits. They often have their <a href="https://doi.org/10.2337/dc12-2127">highest blood glucose</a> reading in the morning. Delaying breakfast to mid-morning means there is time for physical activity to occur to help reduce glucose levels and prepare the body for the first meal.</p> <h2>How we got here</h2> <p>We ran an <a href="https://www.mdpi.com/2072-6643/12/11/3228">initial study</a> in 2018 to see whether following time-restricted eating was achievable for people with type 2 diabetes. We found participants could easily stick to this eating pattern over four weeks, for an average of five days a week.</p> <p>Importantly, they also had improvements in blood glucose, spending less time with high levels. <a href="https://www.mdpi.com/2072-6643/12/2/505">Our previous research</a> suggests the reduced time between meals may play a role in how the hormone insulin is able to reduce glucose concentrations.</p> <p><a href="https://doi.org/10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2023.39337">Other studies</a> have confirmed these findings, which have <a href="https://doi.org/10.1186/s12986-021-00613-9">also shown</a> notable improvements in HbA1c. This is a <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK304271/">marker</a> in the blood that represents concentrations of blood glucose over an average of three months. It is the <a href="https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.4137/BMI.S38440">primary clinical tool</a> used for diabetes.</p> <p>However, these studies provided intensive support to participants through weekly or fortnightly meetings with researchers.</p> <p>While we know this level of support <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/0802295">increases</a> how likely people are to stick to the plan and improves outcomes, it is not readily available to everyday Australians living with type 2 diabetes.</p> <h2>What we did</h2> <p>In our <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0168822724008039">new study</a>, we compared time-restricted eating directly with advice from an <a href="https://dietitiansaustralia.org.au/working-dietetics/standards-and-scope/role-accredited-practising-dietitian">accredited practising dietitian</a>, to test whether results were similar across six months.</p> <p>We recruited 52 people with type 2 diabetes who were currently managing their diabetes with up to two oral medications. There were 22 women and 30 men, aged between 35 and 65.</p> <p>Participants were randomly divided into two groups: diet and time-restricted eating. In both groups, participants received four consultations across the first four months. During the next two months they managed diet alone, without consultation, and we continued to measure the impact on blood glucose.</p> <p>In the diet group, consultations focused on changing their diet to control blood glucose, including improving diet quality (for example, eating more vegetables and limiting alcohol).</p> <p>In the time-restricted eating group, advice focused on how to limit eating to a nine-hour window between 10am and 7pm.</p> <p>Over six months, we measured each participant’s blood glucose levels every two months using the HbA1c test. Each fortnight, we also asked participants about their experience of making dietary changes (to what or when they ate).</p> <h2>What we found</h2> <p>We found time-restricted eating was as effective as the diet intervention.</p> <p>Both groups had reduced blood glucose levels, with the greatest improvements occurring after the first two months. Although it wasn’t an objective of the study, some participants in each group also lost weight (5-10kg).</p> <p>When surveyed, participants in the time-restricted eating group said they had adjusted well and were able to follow the restricted eating window. Many told us they had family support and enjoyed earlier mealtimes together. Some also found they slept better.</p> <p>After two months, people in the time-restricted group were looking for more dietary advice to further improve their health.</p> <p>Those in the diet group were less likely to stick to their plan. Despite similar health outcomes, time-restricted eating seems to be a simpler initial approach than making complex dietary changes.</p> <h2>Is time-restricted eating achievable?</h2> <p>The main barriers to following time-restricted eating are social occasions, caring for others and work schedules. These factors may prevent people eating within the window.</p> <p>However, there are many benefits. The message is simple, focusing on when to eat as the main diet change. This may make time-restricted eating more translatable to people from a wider variety of socio-cultural backgrounds, as the types of foods they eat don’t need to change, just the timing.</p> <p>Many people don’t have access to more individualised support from a dietitian, and receive nutrition advice from their GP. This makes time-restricted eating an alternative – and equally effective – strategy for people with type 2 diabetes.</p> <p>People should still try to stick to <a href="https://www.eatforhealth.gov.au/guidelines/guidelines">dietary guidelines</a> and prioritise vegetables, fruit, wholegrains, lean meat and healthy fats.</p> <p>But our study showed time-restricted eating may also serve as stepping stone for people with type 2 diabetes to take control of their health, as people became more interested in making diet and other positive changes.</p> <p>Time-restricted eating might not be appropriate for everyone, especially people on medications which don’t recommend fasting. Before trying this dietary change, it’s best speak to the healthcare professional who helps you manage diabetes.<img style="border: none !important; box-shadow: none !important; margin: 0 !important; max-height: 1px !important; max-width: 1px !important; min-height: 1px !important; min-width: 1px !important; opacity: 0 !important; outline: none !important; padding: 0 !important;" src="https://counter.theconversation.com/content/241472/count.gif?distributor=republish-lightbox-basic" alt="The Conversation" width="1" height="1" /></p> <p><em><a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/evelyn-parr-441878">Evelyn Parr</a>, Research Fellow in Exercise Metabolism and Nutrition, Mary MacKillop Institute for Health Research, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/australian-catholic-university-747">Australian Catholic University</a> and <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/brooke-devlin-2237174">Brooke Devlin</a>, Lecturer in Nutrition and Dietetics, School of Human Movement and Nutrition Sciences, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/the-university-of-queensland-805">The University of Queensland</a></em></p> <p><em>Image credits: Shutterstock </em></p> <p><em>This article is republished from <a href="https://theconversation.com">The Conversation</a> under a Creative Commons license. Read the <a href="https://theconversation.com/for-type-2-diabetes-focusing-on-when-you-eat-not-what-can-help-control-blood-sugar-241472">original article</a>.</em></p> </div>

Body

No time for a holiday? A ‘workation’ could be the answer

<div class="theconversation-article-body"> <p><em><a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/mariachiara-barzotto-1449459">Mariachiara Barzotto</a>, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/university-of-bath-1325">University of Bath</a></em></p> <p>Imagine this: you’re lounging on the beach, waves crashing in the background. A laptop sits on the table next to your iced coffee. In between meetings, you dip into the ocean or explore a hiking trail. This is the ideal vision of “workations” – a blend of work and vacation that is <a href="https://www.peoplemanagement.co.uk/article/1882649/rise-workation-hr-encourage-blurring-lines-home-away#:%7E:text=Since%20many%20people%20shifted%20to,having%20to%20take%20annual%20leave.">gaining popularity</a> worldwide.</p> <p>A workation allows employees to work remotely from a holiday spot, and is part of a larger shift towards more flexible working arrangements, accelerated by the COVID pandemic and the rise of digital technology. <a href="https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/16078055.2022.2134199#d1e474">Workations</a> can last from a few days to several weeks.</p> <p>The concept can be appealing to both employees and companies, but there are challenges too. So, understanding its benefits and limitations is important for workers and employers alike.</p> <p>The most obvious benefit for employees is enjoying a new environment while staying productive. The typical work environment can become monotonous, potentially leading to burnout, decreased creativity and dissatisfaction.</p> <p>A workation offers an escape from this day-to-day grind, providing a refreshing change of scenery. It combines the mental break of a vacation with the flexibility of working remotely, allowing workers to balance their professional and personal lives and <a href="https://www.jstage.jst.go.jp/article/abas/20/1/20_0210112a/_pdf">enhance their creativity</a>. This flexibility may be particularly beneficial for those with high workloads or tight schedules, as they no longer need to sacrifice time away from work to relax.</p> <p>And companies can also reap rewards from approving workations among their staff. One of the most significant advantages is employee retention. Flexible work arrangements are among <a href="https://buffer.com/state-of-remote-work/2023">the top priorities</a> for employees in today’s job market, helping to reduce staff turnover.</p> <p>Offering the option of a workation could also make a company more attractive to prospective employees. And workers who are free to work from inspiring locations may return to their tasks less stressed, and more motivated and engaged. Studies show that remote workers often demonstrate <a href="https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/full/10.1177/1529100615593273">increased organisational commitment</a>.</p> <p>Another advantage is the potential for cost savings. With more employees working remotely, companies may reduce their need for large office spaces or the expensive perks offered in corporate environments such as gyms, canteens and the staffing that goes with them.</p> <p>But there can be challenges too. The boundary between work and leisure can become blurred, and some employees may find it <a href="https://tuprints.ulb.tu-darmstadt.de/7578/1/Dissertation_Reinke_Always%20Online%20-%20Boundary%20Management%20and%20Well-being.pdf%20">hard to disconnect from work</a> – defeating the object of travelling to a different workplace. The allure of finishing “just one more task” can prevent employees from truly enjoying their surroundings, potentially leading to exhaustion instead of rejuvenation.</p> <p>Time zone differences can also be a challenge. Juggling meetings and collaborating with colleagues in different time zones can lead to irregular work hours that make it hard to maintain a healthy work-life balance.</p> <p>Distractions are another concern. Beaches, tourist attractions or even the simple novelty of being in a new place can make it difficult to focus on work tasks. Employees need to have a strong sense of discipline to remain productive.</p> <p>For companies, one of the primary challenges is ensuring that employees remain productive. Monitoring performance without feeling intrusive can be a tricky balance for managers to strike.</p> <p>Security is another major concern. Remote work often involves accessing company networks and handling sensitive information. When employees work from unfamiliar locations – particularly in public spaces such as cafes – there may be increased risks related to cybersecurity. Ensuring that employees follow security protocols, use secure wifi and protect sensitive data is crucial.</p> <p>Lastly, workations might not be feasible for all roles. This can lead to disparities in who can take advantage of the opportunity, potentially leading to bad feeling among other staff.</p> <p>For the concept of workations to succeed, both employees and employers should set clear expectations, establish boundaries, and focus on maintaining productivity while allowing time for relaxation. But, if managed properly, they could become a staple of modern work culture. In a world where flexibility and wellbeing are increasingly valued, workations offer a unique opportunity to blend productivity with personal fulfilment, reshaping how we think about work and leisure.</p> <h2>Nine tips for having a successful workation</h2> <p><strong>1. Choose the right destination</strong></p> <p>Opt for a location with reliable internet access and where the time difference between colleagues and clients is manageable.</p> <p><strong>2. Set clear boundaries</strong></p> <p>Establish dividing lines between your work and vacation time, and communicate these boundaries with your employer and colleagues.</p> <p><strong>3. Ensure you have the right tech set-up</strong></p> <p>Bring all the necessary equipment, including noise-cancelling headphones. Double-check that you have remote access to all necessary material before leaving.</p> <p><strong>4. Plan for cybersecurity</strong></p> <p>Use a secure virtual private network (VPN) to protect company data, and follow your company’s cybersecurity policies to the letter.</p> <p><strong>5. Understand your company’s remote work policy</strong></p> <p>Read up on things like flexibility in terms of location, time zones, working hours and refunds for co-working spaces or tech tools.</p> <p><strong>6. Set realistic expectations</strong></p> <p>Don’t expect your workation to feel like a full vacation. Plan your leisure activities around your work schedule. Be prepared to work longer or odd hours if your company operates in a different time zone.</p> <p><strong>7. Consider the local infrastructure</strong></p> <p>Research amenities such as medical services, food delivery and transport. These might be important if you stay in a more remote or unfamiliar area. Have a contingency plan for health emergencies and check visa requirements.</p> <p><strong>8. Prepare for flexibility</strong></p> <p>Be ready for unexpected issues like slow internet or disruptions due to local events. Back-up plans, such as access to a co-working space or alternative accommodation, can save you from unnecessary stress.</p> <p><strong>9. Stay organised</strong></p> <p>Keep a work schedule and a checklist of tasks to ensure that you remain as productive as you are in your regular work environment.<img style="border: none !important; box-shadow: none !important; margin: 0 !important; max-height: 1px !important; max-width: 1px !important; min-height: 1px !important; min-width: 1px !important; opacity: 0 !important; outline: none !important; padding: 0 !important;" src="https://counter.theconversation.com/content/240485/count.gif?distributor=republish-lightbox-basic" alt="The Conversation" width="1" height="1" /></p> <p><em><a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/mariachiara-barzotto-1449459">Mariachiara Barzotto</a>, Senior Lecturer in Management Strategy and Organisation, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/university-of-bath-1325">University of Bath</a></em></p> <p><em>Image credits: Shutterstock</em></p> <p><em>This article is republished from <a href="https://theconversation.com">The Conversation</a> under a Creative Commons license. Read the <a href="https://theconversation.com/no-time-for-a-holiday-a-workation-could-be-the-answer-240485">original article</a>.</em></p> </div>

Travel Tips

Channel 7 star hospitalised over heart issue

<p>Former Brisbane Lions AFLW star Kate McCarthy’s celebrations following the Brisbane Lions men’s AFL grand final victory were cut short after she was hospitalised due to an ongoing heart condition.</p> <p>McCarthy, 31, who played 42 games in the AFLW for the Brisbane Lions, St Kilda and Hawthorn across seven seasons before retiring, has been an active presence in the world of AFL even after stepping off the field. She currently serves as a commentator for Triple M and Channel 7, having provided coverage for Channel 7 during the AFL grand final weekend. McCarthy also co-hosts panel shows <em>Armchair Experts</em> and <em>Talking W</em>.</p> <p>Over the weekend, McCarthy celebrated the Lions’ dominant 60-point grand final win over the Sydney Swans and their AFLW team’s two-point victory over the Adelaide Crows, which pushed the women’s team to second place on the ladder.</p> <p>However, McCarthy took to social media platform X (formerly Twitter) on Tuesday to reveal she had been hospitalised due to a heart-related issue, sharing a light-hearted post about the situation: “When the @brisbanelions & @lionsaflw double over the weekend sends you into ventricular tachycardia."</p> <p>Ventricular tachycardia is a condition where the heart beats faster than 100 beats per minute, causing a rapid and irregular rhythm. This can become life-threatening if left untreated, especially for individuals with underlying heart conditions.</p> <p>McCarthy’s heart issues are particularly dangerous due to her reliance on a pacemaker, which was implanted after she suffered from seizures as a child. At the age of five, McCarthy was diagnosed with an intermittent third-degree heart block, a condition where the electrical signals that control the heart’s rhythm fail to fire properly. After several seizures during her childhood, including a severe episode when she was 12, she underwent emergency surgery to install the pacemaker.</p> <p>Despite these health challenges, McCarthy’s sporting career has been nothing short of remarkable. She represented Queensland in cricket and touch footy and played for Australia in the latter before making her AFLW debut for the Lions in 2017. Her AFLW career highlights include being named an All-Australian and the Lions’ leading goal kicker in their inaugural season.</p> <p>McCarthy’s heart condition appears to be under control, with her pacemaker functioning as intended. While her health scare has been concerning, she reassured her followers that she is on the mend, humorously comparing her pacemaker’s performance to that of the Sydney Swans on grand final day.</p> <p>"On the mend now," McCarthy wrote, "but Monday night review shows pacemaker performing like the Swans on the big stage.”</p> <p><em>Images: Twitter (X)</em></p>

Caring

Julia Morris issues urgent warning after skin cancer scare

<p>Julia Morris has taken to social media with a warning about sun safety after a health scare. </p> <p>The<em> I'm a Celebrity... Get Me Out of Here! </em>host shared a photo of herself lying in a hospital bed with a bandage wrapped around her head to Instagram on Friday. </p> <p>“How is your 50+ working out for you? I wish I had used it more in my life. Another pretty big skin cancer removed this week,” she wrote in the caption. </p> <p>"Going to have to up my eyebrow drawing game," she joked.</p> <p>But jokes aside, she issued an urgent warning about the skin cancer risks associated with sun exposure. </p> <p>"The Aussie sun is no joke and while I lived like a pig on a spit in my 20s, I’m absolutely suffering the consequences now. Please slip slop slap & as always, early detection is the key," she continued.</p> <blockquote class="instagram-media" style="background: #FFF; border: 0; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: 0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width: 540px; min-width: 326px; padding: 0; width: calc(100% - 2px);" data-instgrm-captioned="" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/DAZe1DlTgMD/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="14"> <div style="padding: 16px;"> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"> </div> </div> </div> <div style="padding: 19% 0;"> </div> <div style="display: block; height: 50px; margin: 0 auto 12px; width: 50px;"> </div> <div style="padding-top: 8px;"> <div style="color: #3897f0; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: 550; line-height: 18px;">View this post on Instagram</div> </div> <div style="padding: 12.5% 0;"> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; margin-bottom: 14px; align-items: center;"> <div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(0px) translateY(7px);"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; height: 12.5px; transform: rotate(-45deg) translateX(3px) translateY(1px); width: 12.5px; flex-grow: 0; margin-right: 14px; margin-left: 2px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(9px) translateY(-18px);"> </div> </div> <div style="margin-left: 8px;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 20px; width: 20px;"> </div> <div style="width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 2px solid transparent; border-left: 6px solid #f4f4f4; border-bottom: 2px solid transparent; transform: translateX(16px) translateY(-4px) rotate(30deg);"> </div> </div> <div style="margin-left: auto;"> <div style="width: 0px; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-right: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(16px);"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; flex-grow: 0; height: 12px; width: 16px; transform: translateY(-4px);"> </div> <div style="width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-left: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(-4px) translateX(8px);"> </div> </div> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center; margin-bottom: 24px;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 224px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 144px;"> </div> </div> <p style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; padding: 8px 0 7px; text-align: center; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;"><a style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none;" href="https://www.instagram.com/p/DAZe1DlTgMD/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank" rel="noopener">A post shared by Julia Morris (@ladyjuliamorris)</a></p> </div> </blockquote> <p>She then shared her gratitude for the care and support she received from her medical team. </p> <p>"Big love to Dr Sheridan and the glorious team at Phoenix Dermatology & the Avenue Hospital for all the TLC this week.”</p> <p>The TV personality's friends and fans flooded the comments with their well wishes. </p> <p>"Sending a giant hug from all of us," wrote Bindi Irwin.</p> <p>“I hope you’re doing ok. Plus, you rock a headband. I’m sure it’s fashion somewhere…” her former<em> I’m A Celebrity</em> co-host Chris Brown replied. </p> <p>“Good on you for sending out the message! Get better quick love,” Brittany Hockley wrote. </p> <p>Oh you poor thing - at first I thought you had a Santa hat on,” <em>The Block’s</em> Shaynna Blaze added. “You being all Jolly and all that! Get well and glad you are in the early detection stages!”</p> <p><em>Images: Instagram</em></p>

Caring

"I need answers": Devastated widow vows to stage hunger strike

<p>A woman who lost her husband and son in the devastating crash at a pub in Victoria last year has vowed to stage a protest, just days after the driver of the car was dismissed of all charges. </p> <p>In November 2023, 66-year-old William Swale was behind the wheel of his BMW when he suffered a medical episode, crashing into the beer garden of The Royal Daylesford Hotel, killing five people. </p> <p>Charges against Mr Swale were <a href="https://oversixty.com.au/finance/legal/charges-dropped-over-crash-that-killed-five-people" target="_blank" rel="noopener">dropped</a> on Thursday, after a magistrate ruled the evidence against him was “so weak”.</p> <p>Mr Swale's lawyers successfully argued his actions were not voluntary because he was in a state of severe hypoglycaemia, as he is an insulin-dependent diabetic. </p> <p>After hearing that the charges were dropped, Ruchi Bhatia, whose husband Vivek, their son Vihaan, 11, were killed as a result of the crash, says the ruling is as though she has lost them all over again. </p> <p>Ruchi and her nine-year-old son were also injured in the crash, but survived after spending months in hospital. </p> <p>Speaking for the first time since the deadly incident, Bhatia expressed her pain and said it feels like her life has been torn apart again, recalling the horrifying moment she woke in hospital to learn her husband and eldest son did not make it.</p> <p>“Still today I don’t believe that they are not with me,” she told <a href="https://7news.com.au/news/daylesford-beer-garden-crash-victim-ruchi-bhatia-plans-protest-after-driver-charges-dismissed-c-16164598" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><em>7News</em></a>.</p> <p>“We were just having fun, we were outside, we were all together and the next moment they were gone and I’m never going to see them again.”</p> <p>In court on Thursday, Magistrate Guillaume Bailin found the prosecution case was flawed and decided not to commit Swale to stand criminal trial, as all charges were dropped and Mr Swale walked out of court a free man. </p> <p>Despite the ruling, Bhatia is demanding answers and says her fight for justice is far from over.</p> <p>“He stopped the car in the middle of the road — why did he start his engine again? I need answers for that,” she said.</p> <p>Bhatia and her family are planning to protest, which will include a hunger strike. </p> <p>While Bhatia said she knew the protest wouldn't bring back her family, she said they needed justice to move on from the tragedy. </p> <p><em>Image credits: 7News </em></p>

Family & Pets

Crowds, water guns and protests: could ‘slow tourism’ be the answer to an overtourism backlash?

<div class="theconversation-article-body"><em><a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/amy-errmann-1360032">Amy Errmann</a>, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/auckland-university-of-technology-1137">Auckland University of Technology</a></em></p> <p>With overtourism in the spotlight as the travel industry continues to rebound after the pandemic, popular destinations around the world are feeling the strain.</p> <p>Bali is overwhelmed by <a href="https://thebalisun.com/concerns-increasing-about-impact-of-trash-and-traffic-on-bali-tourists/">waste and traffic</a>, Australia’s sacred sites have suffered <a href="https://www.bbc.com/news/world-australia-50151344">environmental damage</a>, New York is facing rising rents <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2023/oct/23/new-york-airbnb-crackdown-rules-housing">due to short-term rentals</a>, and Singapore’s scenic spots are becoming <a href="https://www.channelnewsasia.com/singapore/overtourism-locals-tourists-sustainable-tourism-stb-focus-4517681">clogged with crowds</a>.</p> <p>Frustrated locals are pushing back – from <a href="https://www.nzherald.co.nz/travel/barcelona-locals-spray-tourists-with-water-guns-during-protest-over-housing-costs/FUFHXKO5X5F5NNPSU6ELNVGSIA/">spraying water at tourists </a> in Barcelona to <a href="https://adventure.com/venice-locals-squatting-against-overtourism-photography/">organising protests in Venice</a>. As the northern hemisphere high season ends, Aotearoa New Zealand is preparing for an influx of visitors ahead of its summer tourism season.</p> <p>And much like those other <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/2024/09/08/world/europe/greece-cruise-ships-tourists-islands.html">tourist hotspots</a>, the government is looking at how to manage the negative effects of tourism on local communities and the environment. This includes tripling the <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/article/2024/sep/04/new-zealand-to-nearly-triple-tourist-tax-for-international-visitors">international tourist tax</a> from NZ$35 to $100.</p> <p>The aim of the increase is to <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2022/aug/11/new-zealand-tourism-minister-makes-pitch-to-the-rich-as-he-spurns-10-a-day-travellers">attract tourists</a> who are more mindful of their impact and willing to contribute to its mitigation, while also <a href="https://theconversation.com/welcome-to-nz-now-pay-up-the-risks-and-rewards-of-raising-the-foreign-tourist-tax-232138">reducing visitor numbers</a> to protect the country’s unique landscapes and cultures.</p> <p>But are there other ways the tourism industry can evolve to ensure benefits for both travellers and the communities they are visiting? So called “slow travel” could be the answer.</p> <h2>Hunting the perfect photo</h2> <p>Overtourism isn’t just about too many people in one place. It’s also about <em>how</em> people travel.</p> <p><a href="https://edition.cnn.com/travel/social-media-tourism-effect-scn-wellness/index.html">Instagram-famous</a> landmarks draw massive crowds, <a href="https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/406195/visitors-ignore-ban-continue-to-visit-mermaid-pools-in-northland-hapu">disrupting local life</a> and sometimes even <a href="https://www.nzherald.co.nz/travel/vermot-town-famous-for-fall-foliage-bans-instagram-tourists-from-streets/BHKEYKKUTNHORFT6QCZ5TW333A/#google_vignette">leading to closures</a>.</p> <p>Travellers often pack their itineraries with as many sights as possible, racing from one place to another in a frenzy to capture the perfect photo. This hurried approach not only creates <a href="https://www.cntraveler.com/galleries/2015-06-19/barcelona-bhutan-places-that-limit-tourist-numbers">congestion</a> but also limits <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41599-024-02859-z">meaningful engagement with the destination</a>.</p> <p>And it’s not just a numbers game. The way tourists behave also plays a critical role.</p> <p>A <a href="https://www.rnz.co.nz/national/programmes/ninetonoon/audio/2018690535/tropical-trash-the-impact-of-holidaying-in-the-pacific">2019 report</a> from the United Nations raised concerns about trash from tourists in developing small island states, including the Pacific Islands. According to the report, a tourist visiting these communities produced about 7kg of waste a day, compared to about 2.5kg produced by a local.</p> <p>The issue is not necessarily about travelling less, but about <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2211973623000284">travelling more responsibly</a>. The tourism industry needs to be encouraging travel habits that allow both visitors and locals to enjoy tourism without compromising the integrity of the destination.</p> <h2>The rise of slow travel</h2> <p>Mindfulness – being fully present in the moment – has gained popularity since the 1970s. The concept has influenced a number of sectors, including <a href="https://slowfoodauckland.co.nz/">slow food</a>, <a href="https://ourwayoflife.co.nz/slow-fashion-101-what-to-buy-and-what-to-avoid-to-reduce-your-clothing-footprint/">slow fashion</a>, and now <a href="https://www.lakewanaka.co.nz/wanaka-stories/how-to-be-a-slow-mindful-traveler-in-wanaka/">slow travel</a>.</p> <p>It’s about <a href="https://link.springer.com/chapter/10.1007/978-3-031-63569-4_44#:%7E:text=Slow%20travel%2C%20mindful%20travel%2C%20or,spiritual%20well%2Dbeing%20of%20people">experiencing destinations</a> at a relaxed pace, focusing on deeper connections with local cultures and sustainability. This often means <a href="https://guestnewzealand.com/about-us/eco-travels-new-zealand/">staying longer in fewer places</a> and choosing eco-friendly transport.</p> <p>Understanding slow travel and mindfulness is important because they create <a href="https://www.forbes.com/sites/rogersands/2024/06/08/the-beauty-of-slow-travel/">richer, more memorable experiences</a>. Fast, <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0261517724000487">hectic travel</a> often leaves little positive impact. Slow immersive travel, on the other hand, fosters lasting memories and reduces overtourism, pollution and cultural damage.</p> <p><a href="https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/00913367.2024.2325144">Research</a> shows when we consciously immerse ourselves in our surroundings we can have more meaningful experiences. Surprisingly, <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0261517724000487">even luxury travel</a> – often dismissed as wasteful – can encourage respect and mindfulness for those who invest financially and mentally in their journey, unlike cheaper, mainstream tourism.</p> <p>Activities such as “<a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2666957921000197">forest bathing</a>”, <a href="https://www.visitutah.com/articles/mindful-hiking">hiking</a> or engaging with <a href="https://www.outofyourcomfortzone.net/a-guide-to-slow-travel-immersing-yourself-in-local-cultures/">local cultures</a> <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6723984/">boost wellbeing and meaning</a>, going beyond just “taking a photo for likes”.</p> <p>This mindful approach can <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0160738321001419">change our behaviour on a personal level</a>. By focusing attention on fewer experiences, <a href="https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/00913367.2024.2325144">travellers can heighten</a> their sense of awe and appreciation, making the travel more memorable.</p> <p>This idea is evident in “<a href="https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/abs/10.1177/002216786200200102?casa_token=PrIQTkCMjx0AAAAA:wtswfg0cuEuQec0zVg-Mbf9MuXYoqhQkWbaQCGdjxWkYUpVOwBu8Op5jC6V4nOghnow3xpwN3fDn">peak experiences</a>”. Disney, for example, creates <a href="https://ideaexchange.uakron.edu/docam/vol9/iss2/6/">emotionally-charged moments</a> that stick in visitors’ minds. Other experiences, such as “<a href="https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/full/10.1177/14614448211072808">digital detoxes</a>” or <a href="https://academic.oup.com/jcr/article-abstract/45/6/1142/4999270">pilgrimages</a> can leave a contemplative impression.</p> <p>By concentrating on a single aspect of a visit, it <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0160738320300797?casa_token=Np4PXLk5RqsAAAAA:Q3440A-lsf-XTAWuboPPbIcnvBAhk8nnIoWyF-gynHkSPmyPaykzfpBhTLbFDBHZEX0bbtZJgQ">becomes special and memorable</a>. Even in busy places like Disneyland, focusing on one unique element can make the experience feel slower and more meaningful.</p> <h2>The sustainability of tourism</h2> <p>In the <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0261517724000487">Faroe Islands</a>, slow travel helps protect local traditions and landscapes by encouraging thoughtful visitor behaviour, such as using local guides to minimise environmental impact.</p> <p>New Zealand can leverage its natural beauty to offer similar immersive experiences. <a href="https://www.nzherald.co.nz/travel/travel-well-what-is-mindful-hiking-walking-for-wellbeing-boost/67MYS6ZSNXC7ZH6OTZ2DLBGFL4/">Tramping</a> (hiking), for example, can promote a mindful connection with the environment.</p> <p>But even here, there needs to be a focus on balancing tourism with preservation. Popular spots, such as the Department of Conservation huts and the Te Araroa Trail, are <a href="https://www.wildernessmag.co.nz/te-araroa-trail-shows-pressure/">already becoming crowded</a>. It is essential to educate visitors on <a href="https://www.mpi.govt.nz/outdoor-activities/tramping-tips-to-prevent-spreading-pests-and-diseases/biosecurity-considerations-walking-and-tramping/">responsible practices</a> – such as cleaning equipment – to ensure they understand their <a href="https://www.doc.govt.nz/heritage-and-visitor-strategy#:%7E:text=The%20natural%2C%20cultural%20and%20historic,wellbeing%2C%20enabling%20communities%20to%20thrive.">role in protecting nature</a>.</p> <p>Travel that fosters a deeper appreciation for local cultures and environments benefits both visitors and the destinations they explore. The challenge is finding the right balance – encouraging meaningful travel experiences while still ensuring accessibility for all.<img style="border: none !important; box-shadow: none !important; margin: 0 !important; max-height: 1px !important; max-width: 1px !important; min-height: 1px !important; min-width: 1px !important; opacity: 0 !important; outline: none !important; padding: 0 !important;" src="https://counter.theconversation.com/content/238316/count.gif?distributor=republish-lightbox-basic" alt="The Conversation" width="1" height="1" /></p> <p><em><a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/amy-errmann-1360032">Amy Errmann</a>, Senior Lecturer, Marketing & International Business, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/auckland-university-of-technology-1137">Auckland University of Technology</a></em></p> <p><em>Image credits: Shutterstock</em></p> <p><em>This article is republished from <a href="https://theconversation.com">The Conversation</a> under a Creative Commons license. Read the <a href="https://theconversation.com/crowds-water-guns-and-protests-could-slow-tourism-be-the-answer-to-an-overtourism-backlash-238316">original article</a>.</em></p> </div>

Travel Trouble

Royals issue public birthday message to Prince Harry amid rift

<p>The Prince and Princess of Wales have shared a public birthday message to the Duke of Sussex amid their family rift. </p> <p>Kate and William wished Prince Harry a happy 40th birthday, with an old photo of him shared on Instagram. </p> <p>“Wishing a Happy 40th Birthday to the Duke of Sussex,” the Prince and Princess of Wales wrote on Sunday morning. </p> <p>The royal family's official Instagram account also marked the occasion, sharing their first public post for Harry since 2021. </p> <p>“Wishing The Duke of Sussex a very happy 40th birthday today!” they wrote in the caption. </p> <p>Many royal fans applauded their decision to acknowledge the occasion and wished the Duke a happy birthday. </p> <p>“The Royals have class & it’s a milestone birthday that’s it. Nothing else should be interpreted into that,” one person wrote on X.</p> <p>“It's great you've done this. Unify & lead, go towards peace, the world will watch & applaud,” another commented. </p> <p>While a few others were "in disbelief" following the tensions created by the release of Prince Harry's memoir, <em>Spare</em> last year. </p> <blockquote class="instagram-media" style="background: #FFF; border: 0; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: 0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width: 540px; min-width: 326px; padding: 0; width: calc(100% - 2px);" data-instgrm-captioned="" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/C_7ey6lMCDE/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="14"> <div style="padding: 16px;"> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"> </div> </div> </div> <div style="padding: 19% 0;"> </div> <div style="display: block; height: 50px; margin: 0 auto 12px; width: 50px;"> </div> <div style="padding-top: 8px;"> <div style="color: #3897f0; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: 550; line-height: 18px;">View this post on Instagram</div> </div> <div style="padding: 12.5% 0;"> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; margin-bottom: 14px; align-items: center;"> <div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(0px) translateY(7px);"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; height: 12.5px; transform: rotate(-45deg) translateX(3px) translateY(1px); width: 12.5px; flex-grow: 0; margin-right: 14px; margin-left: 2px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(9px) translateY(-18px);"> </div> </div> <div style="margin-left: 8px;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 20px; width: 20px;"> </div> <div style="width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 2px solid transparent; border-left: 6px solid #f4f4f4; border-bottom: 2px solid transparent; transform: translateX(16px) translateY(-4px) rotate(30deg);"> </div> </div> <div style="margin-left: auto;"> <div style="width: 0px; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-right: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(16px);"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; flex-grow: 0; height: 12px; width: 16px; transform: translateY(-4px);"> </div> <div style="width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-left: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(-4px) translateX(8px);"> </div> </div> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center; margin-bottom: 24px;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 224px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 144px;"> </div> </div> <p style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; padding: 8px 0 7px; text-align: center; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;"><a style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none;" href="https://www.instagram.com/p/C_7ey6lMCDE/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank" rel="noopener">A post shared by The Royal Family (@theroyalfamily)</a></p> </div> </blockquote> <p>On Monday, <em> Sunrise</em> royal correspondent Rob Jobson spoke about the public message.</p> <p>“I think it is better than nothing. I mean, the fact that they did it … They would have gotten more bother if they hadn’t done it, so by doing it they cover themselves,” Jobson said.</p> <p>“(It would have been nicer) If it had been a bit more brotherly … rather than ‘we wish the Duke of Sussex a good day’, I think he could have been more personal. But it is better than nothing.”</p> <p>Prince Harry, who turned 40 on September 15, is spending the milestone birthday with his wife Meghan and their two kids. He will then reportedly embark on a group trip with a few close friends to an unknown location. </p> <p>In a statement to the BBC ahead of his birthday, the Duke of Sussex said: "I was anxious about 30, I’m excited about 40." </p> <p><em>Image: Instagram</em></p>

Family & Pets

Sir Elton John reveals "severe" health issue

<p>Music icon Sir Elton John has revealed that he is currently suffering from "only limited vision" in one eye after battling a severe eye infection over the summer. The 77-year-old legend shared the news with his fans through an Instagram post, where he also provided an update on his recovery process.</p> <p>"Over the summer, I've been dealing with a severe eye infection that has unfortunately left me with only limited vision in one eye," Sir Elton wrote. He went on to say that while he is healing, the process is slow, and it will take time before he fully regains sight in the affected eye. "I am healing, but it's an extremely slow process, and it will take some time before sight returns to the impacted eye."</p> <p>The singer, who has been a legendary figure in the music industry for decades, expressed his gratitude for the support he has received during this challenging time. "I am so grateful for the excellent team of doctors and nurses and my family, who have taken such good care of me over the last several weeks," he said.</p> <p>Following his announcement, many celebrities and fans have shared their well-wishes for the star. Fashion designer Donatella Versace commented, "Sending you so much love Elton! Feel better soon. Love you." Tennis legend Billie Jean King also expressed her support, writing, "Sending our love and support your way. Feel better soon, friend."</p> <p>Sir Elton John, renowned for timeless hits such as "Your Song", "Rocket Man", and "I'm Still Standing", has sold over 300 million records worldwide. Last year, he played the final UK show of his farewell tour to an audience of approximately 120,000 people at Glastonbury.</p> <p>In addition to Versace and King, other notable figures including radio presenter Bob Harris and actor Layton Williams also extended their well-wishes to Sir Elton. Harris wrote, "Sending you much love Elton," while Versace added, "Take your time and recover, Elton. We’ll be here waiting for your return when you’re healthy and ready."</p> <blockquote class="instagram-media" style="background: #FFF; border: 0; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: 0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width: 540px; min-width: 326px; padding: 0; width: calc(100% - 2px);" data-instgrm-captioned="" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/C_dmxp1iX4P/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="14"> <div style="padding: 16px;"> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"> </div> </div> </div> <div style="padding: 19% 0;"> </div> <div style="display: block; height: 50px; margin: 0 auto 12px; width: 50px;"> </div> <div style="padding-top: 8px;"> <div style="color: #3897f0; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: 550; line-height: 18px;">View this post on Instagram</div> </div> <div style="padding: 12.5% 0;"> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; margin-bottom: 14px; align-items: center;"> <div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(0px) translateY(7px);"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; height: 12.5px; transform: rotate(-45deg) translateX(3px) translateY(1px); width: 12.5px; flex-grow: 0; margin-right: 14px; margin-left: 2px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(9px) translateY(-18px);"> </div> </div> <div style="margin-left: 8px;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 20px; width: 20px;"> </div> <div style="width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 2px solid transparent; border-left: 6px solid #f4f4f4; border-bottom: 2px solid transparent; transform: translateX(16px) translateY(-4px) rotate(30deg);"> </div> </div> <div style="margin-left: auto;"> <div style="width: 0px; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-right: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(16px);"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; flex-grow: 0; height: 12px; width: 16px; transform: translateY(-4px);"> </div> <div style="width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-left: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(-4px) translateX(8px);"> </div> </div> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center; margin-bottom: 24px;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 224px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 144px;"> </div> </div> <p style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; padding: 8px 0 7px; text-align: center; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;"><a style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none;" href="https://www.instagram.com/p/C_dmxp1iX4P/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank" rel="noopener">A post shared by Elton John (@eltonjohn)</a></p> </div> </blockquote> <p>The news comes as anticipation builds for the European premiere of the documentary film <em>Elton John: Never Too Late</em> at this year’s BFI London Film Festival. The film is expected to provide an intimate look at the life and career of the iconic musician.</p> <p><em>Images: Instagram</em></p>

Caring

What is type 1.5 diabetes? It’s a bit like type 1 and a bit like type 2 – but it’s often misdiagnosed

<div class="theconversation-article-body"> <p><em><a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/emily-burch-438717">Emily Burch</a>, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/southern-cross-university-1160">Southern Cross University</a> and <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/lauren-ball-14718">Lauren Ball</a>, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/the-university-of-queensland-805">The University of Queensland</a></em></p> <p>While you’re likely familiar with type 1 and type 2 diabetes, you’ve probably heard less about type 1.5 diabetes.</p> <p>Also known as latent autoimmune diabetes in adults (LADA), type 1.5 diabetes has features of <a href="https://diabetesjournals.org/diabetes/article/69/10/2037/16062/Management-of-Latent-Autoimmune-Diabetes-in-Adults">both type 1 and type 2 diabetes</a>.</p> <p>More people became aware of this condition after <a href="https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0004726/">Lance Bass</a>, best known for his role in the iconic American pop band NSYNC, <a href="https://www.foxnews.com/health/pop-singer-lance-bass-type-1-5-diabetes-know-disease">recently revealed</a> he has it.</p> <p>So, what is type 1.5 diabetes? And how is it diagnosed and treated?</p> <h2>There are several types of diabetes</h2> <p>Diabetes mellitus is a group of conditions that arise when the levels of glucose (sugar) in our blood are higher than normal. There are actually <a href="https://diabetesjournals.org/care/article/37/Supplement_1/S81/37753/Diagnosis-and-Classification-of-Diabetes-Mellitus">more than ten types</a> of diabetes, but the <a href="https://www.thelancet.com/journals/lancet/article/PIIS0140-6736(23)01301-6/fulltext">most common</a> are type 1 and type 2.</p> <p>Type 1 diabetes is an <a href="https://diabetesjournals.org/care/article/44/11/2589/138492/The-Management-of-Type-1-Diabetes-in-Adults-A">autoimmune condition</a> where the body’s immune system attacks and destroys the cells in the pancreas that make the hormone insulin. This leads to very little or no insulin production.</p> <p>Insulin is important for moving glucose from the blood into our cells to be used for energy, which is why people with type 1 diabetes need <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6995794/">insulin medication daily</a>. Type 1 diabetes usually <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41390-024-03107-5">appears</a> in children or young adults.</p> <p>Type 2 diabetes is not an autoimmune condition. Rather, it happens when the body’s cells become resistant to insulin over time, and the pancreas is no longer able to make enough insulin to <a href="https://diabetesjournals.org/care/article/47/Supplement_1/S20/153954/2-Diagnosis-and-Classification-of-Diabetes">overcome this resistance</a>. Unlike type 1 diabetes, people with type 2 diabetes still produce some insulin.</p> <p>Type 2 is more common in adults but is <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S1871402121002733">increasingly</a> seen in children and young people. Management <a href="https://www.racgp.org.au/getattachment/41fee8dc-7f97-4f87-9d90-b7af337af778/Management-of-type-2-diabetes-A-handbook-for-general-practice.aspx">can include</a> behavioural changes such as nutrition and physical activity, as well as oral medications and insulin therapy.</p> <h2>How does type 1.5 diabetes differ from types 1 and 2?</h2> <p>Like type 1 diabetes, type 1.5 occurs when the immune system attacks the pancreas cells that make insulin. But people with type 1.5 often don’t need insulin <a href="https://diabetesjournals.org/diabetes/article/69/10/2037/16062/Management-of-Latent-Autoimmune-Diabetes-in-Adults">immediately</a> because their condition develops more slowly. Most people with type 1.5 diabetes will need to use insulin within <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5111528/">five years</a> of diagnosis, while those with type 1 typically require it from diagnosis.</p> <p>Type 1.5 diabetes is usually diagnosed in people <a href="https://diabetesjournals.org/diabetes/article/69/10/2037/16062/Management-of-Latent-Autoimmune-Diabetes-in-Adults">over 30</a>, likely due to the slow progressing nature of the condition. This is older than the typical age for type 1 diabetes but younger than the usual diagnosis age for type 2.</p> <p>Type 1.5 diabetes shares <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/nrendo.2017.99">genetic and autoimmune risk factors</a> with type 1 diabetes such as specific gene variants. However, evidence has also shown it may be influenced by lifestyle factors such as <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29589073/">obesity</a> and <a href="https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/physiology/articles/10.3389/fphys.2019.00320/full">physical inactivity</a> which are more commonly associated with type 2 diabetes.</p> <h2>What are the symptoms, and how is it treated?</h2> <p>The symptoms of type 1.5 diabetes are highly variable between people. Some have no symptoms at all. But generally, people may experience the following <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK557897/">symptoms</a>:</p> <ul> <li>increased thirst</li> <li>frequent urination</li> <li>fatigue</li> <li>blurred vision</li> <li>unintentional weight loss.</li> </ul> <p>Typically, type 1.5 diabetes is <a href="https://diabetesjournals.org/diabetes/article/69/10/2037/16062/Management-of-Latent-Autoimmune-Diabetes-in-Adults">initially treated</a> with oral medications to keep blood glucose levels in normal range. Depending on their glucose control and the medication they are using, people with type 1.5 diabetes may need to monitor their blood glucose levels regularly throughout the day.</p> <p>When average blood glucose levels increase beyond normal range even with oral medications, treatment may progress to insulin. However, there are <a href="https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/endocrinology/articles/10.3389/fendo.2022.959011/full">no universally accepted</a> management or treatment strategies for type 1.5 diabetes.</p> <h2>Type 1.5 diabetes is often misdiagnosed</h2> <p>Lance Bass said he was initially diagnosed with <a href="https://www.healthline.com/health-news/lance-bass-misdiagnosed-diabetes">type 2 diabetes</a>, but later learned he actually has type 1.5 diabetes. This is <a href="https://journals.lww.com/jaanp/abstract/2009/03000/latent_autoimmune_diabetes_of_adulthood__lada___an.4.aspx">not entirely uncommon</a>. Estimates suggest type 1.5 diabetes is misdiagnosed as type 2 diabetes <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S1043276018301292">5–10% of the time</a>.</p> <p>There are a few possible reasons for this.</p> <p>First, accurately diagnosing type 1.5 diabetes, and distinguishing it from other types of diabetes, requires special <a href="https://journals.lww.com/jaanp/abstract/2009/03000/latent_autoimmune_diabetes_of_adulthood__lada___an.4.aspx">antibody tests</a> (a type of blood test) to detect autoimmune markers. Not all health-care professionals necessarily order these tests routinely, either due to cost concerns or because they may not consider them.</p> <p>Second, type 1.5 diabetes is commonly found in adults, so doctors might wrongly assume a person has developed type 2 diabetes, which is more common in this age group (whereas type 1 diabetes usually affects children and young adults).</p> <p>Third, people with <a href="https://diabetesjournals.org/diabetes/article/69/10/2037/16062/Management-of-Latent-Autoimmune-Diabetes-in-Adults">type 1.5 diabetes</a> often initially make enough insulin in the body to manage their blood glucose levels without needing to start insulin medication. This can make their condition appear like type 2 diabetes, where people also produce some insulin.</p> <p>Finally, because type 1.5 diabetes has <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK557897/">symptoms</a> that are similar to type 2 diabetes, it may initially be treated as type 2.</p> <h2>We’re still learning about type 1.5</h2> <p>Compared with type 1 and type 2 diabetes, there has been much less research on how common type 1.5 diabetes is, especially in <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S1043276018301292">non-European populations</a>. In 2023, it was estimated type 1.5 diabetes represented <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37428296/">8.9%</a> of all diabetes cases, which is similar to type 1. However, we need more research to get accurate numbers.</p> <p>Overall, there has been a limited awareness of type 1.5 diabetes and <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC10683931/">unclear diagnostic criteria</a> which have slowed down our understanding of this condition.</p> <p>A misdiagnosis can be stressful and confusing. For people with type 1.5 diabetes, being misdiagnosed with type 2 diabetes might mean they don’t get the insulin they need in a timely manner. This can lead to worsening health and a greater likelihood of complications down the road.</p> <p>Getting the right diagnosis helps people receive the most appropriate treatment, save money, and reduce <a href="https://diabetesjournals.org/diabetes/article/73/Supplement_1/55-OR/155112/55-OR-Diabetes-Distress-among-Persons-Living-with">diabetes distress</a>. If you’re experiencing symptoms you think may indicate diabetes, or feel unsure about a diagnosis you’ve already received, monitor your symptoms and chat with your doctor.<img style="border: none !important; box-shadow: none !important; margin: 0 !important; max-height: 1px !important; max-width: 1px !important; min-height: 1px !important; min-width: 1px !important; opacity: 0 !important; outline: none !important; padding: 0 !important;" src="https://counter.theconversation.com/content/237041/count.gif?distributor=republish-lightbox-basic" alt="The Conversation" width="1" height="1" /></p> <p><em><a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/emily-burch-438717">Emily Burch</a>, Accredited Practising Dietitian and Lecturer, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/southern-cross-university-1160">Southern Cross University</a> and <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/lauren-ball-14718">Lauren Ball</a>, Professor of Community Health and Wellbeing, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/the-university-of-queensland-805">The University of Queensland</a></em></p> <p><em>Image credits: Shutterstock</em></p> <p><em>This article is republished from <a href="https://theconversation.com">The Conversation</a> under a Creative Commons license. Read the <a href="https://theconversation.com/what-is-type-1-5-diabetes-its-a-bit-like-type-1-and-a-bit-like-type-2-but-its-often-misdiagnosed-237041">original article</a>.</em></p> </div>

Body

Oasis issue urgent warning after scalpers list tickets for $42,000

<p>Oasis have been forced to issue a warning to music fans who are searching for tickets to their highly-anticipated reunion tour, after resale tickets have been listed for thousands of dollars. </p> <p>Tickets to the UK and Irelands reunion show went on sale on Saturday, with tickets to the 17 shows selling out in a matter of hours. </p> <p>Tickets were originally posted on Ticketmaster with prices ranging from $190 AUD to $500 AUD, before prices were bumped up by the ticket merchant as being "in demand", with the cheapest tickets then priced at $475 AUD. </p> <p>Since all shows were officially sold out, some tickets have since been posted on resale sites such as StubHub and Viagogo, with prices ranging from $1,100 AUD to a whopping $42,000 AUD. </p> <p>After all the tickets were sold, ticket scalpers shared their tickets on the resale websites to turn a profit, with music fans sharing photos of the outrageous prices on social media. </p> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> <p dir="ltr" lang="en">The highest price I've seen so far is £22,045. It's ridiculous. I know no one is likely to pay that, but why are these companies allowing it? <a href="https://t.co/uMSt0TS6K9">pic.twitter.com/uMSt0TS6K9</a></p> <p>— Jordan (@grahamjordan_) <a href="https://twitter.com/grahamjordan_/status/1829647325901570230?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 30, 2024</a></p></blockquote> <p>"And it’s begun," one fan wrote alongside a screenshot of the resale websites.</p> <p>"Viagogo and StubHub all trying to rip off Oasis fans, with the highest priced ticket being on StubHub for £6,347 ($12,323 AUD). Hang your heads in shame."</p> <p>The music fan then added another photo of the $42,000 AUD ticket for sale, writing, "The highest price I've seen so far is £22,045. It's ridiculous. I know no one is likely to pay that, but why are these companies allowing it?"</p> <p>Oasis themselves then stepped in to warn fans about paying the extortionate fees for tickets, saying according to the terms and conditions, tickets could only be resold at face value via Ticketmaster and Twickets.</p> <p>"Tickets sold in breach of terms and conditions will be cancelled by the promoters," they wrote in a post to X.</p> <p>Oasis promoters had previously issued a similar warning, telling fans tickets sold through "unauthorised resale platforms" would be in breach of terms and conditions and "may be cancelled".</p> <p><em>Image credits: Instagram/Vuk Valcic/ZUMA Press Wire/Shutterstock Editorial </em></p>

Money & Banking

Does eating ham, bacon and beef really increase your risk of developing type 2 diabetes?

<div class="theconversation-article-body"><em><a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/duane-mellor-136502">Duane Mellor</a>, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/aston-university-1107">Aston University</a></em></p> <p>That lunchtime staple, the humble ham sandwich, has come in for a bashing in the press recently. According to <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/society/article/2024/aug/20/two-slices-of-ham-a-day-can-raise-type-2-diabetes-risk-by-15-research-suggests">many</a> <a href="https://www.dailymail.co.uk/health/article-13761253/Eating-ham-daily-linked-increase-risk-diabetes.html">reports</a>, eating two slices of ham a day can increase your risk of developing type 2 diabetes.</p> <p>But what’s the science behind these headlines?</p> <p>The research offers a more complex picture. <a href="https://www.thelancet.com/journals/landia/article/PIIS2213-8587(24)00179-7/fulltext">A new study</a> from the University of Cambridge highlighted an association between developing type 2 diabetes and eating processed meat like ham and bacon, and red meat such as beef and lamb.</p> <p>This led to headlines suggesting the risk was mainly linked to <a href="https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2024/08/21/ham-sandwich-processed-meat-fresh-risk-link-type-2-diabetes/">ham sandwiches</a>. This seems to have come from the <a href="https://www.cam.ac.uk/research/news/red-and-processed-meat-consumption-associated-with-higher-type-2-diabetes-risk">press release</a>, which used ham as the example to quantify the amount of processed meat associated with a 15% increased risk of developing type 2 diabetes over ten years.</p> <p>The research found that this risk was linked to eating an extra 50g of processed meat every day, which happens to equate to two slices of ham. A useful example thus appears to have been taken up by the media as the main cause, perhaps ignoring some of the key messages coming from the study.</p> <p>So, can processed and red meat really increase your risk of developing type 2 diabetes?</p> <p>The <a href="https://www.diabetes.org.uk/diabetes-the-basics/types-of-diabetes/type-2/diabetes-risk-factors">biggest risk factors</a> linked to developing type 2 diabetes are being over 40, having family members with type 2 diabetes, being of South Asian or African descent, or having a higher body weight – and especially a larger waist.</p> <figure><iframe src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/EsOBcx2bJqU?wmode=transparent&start=0" width="440" height="260" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe></figure> <p>The Cambridge study used data from nearly 2 million people from 31 studies. Participants were followed for an average of ten years. During this time, around one in 20 people developed type 2 diabetes.</p> <p>The research suggested that a 10% increase in the probability of developing type 2 diabetes was associated with every 100g of additional red meat eaten daily. Eating half as much extra processed meat every day was linked to an even greater increased risk of developing the disease.</p> <p>This is not the <a href="https://ajcn.nutrition.org/article/S0002-9165(23)66119-2/abstract">first time</a> that both processed and red meats have been linked with an increased risk of developing type 2 diabetes. However, the key strength of the Cambridge study was that it tried to control for many of the other factors linked to the disease, including smoking, having a higher body weight, dietary intake and exercise.</p> <p>However, the size of the increased risk is modest, considering few people included in the study ate 50g or more processed meat per day – meaning moderate ham consumption is likely to have <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9908545/">no meaningful effect</a> on your risk.</p> <h2>What’s the link?</h2> <p>Processed meat has been linked to increased risk of type 2 diabetes because of its nitrate and salt content – additives that are used to cure many processed meats.</p> <p>Nitrates and salt in processed meats have also <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6893523/">been linked to</a> an increased risk of developing colon cancer. In fact, the World Health Organization classifies the additives as <a href="https://www.who.int/news-room/questions-and-answers/item/cancer-carcinogenicity-of-the-consumption-of-red-meat-and-processed-meat">group 1 carcinogens</a>, which means they can cause a range of cancers.</p> <p>The mechanism linking processed meat to cancer seems to be similar to how it might be linked to type 2 diabetes. During digestion, processed meat produces <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6294997/">N-nitroso chemicals</a>, which can damage cells. This can lead to inflammation and affects how insulin, the hormone that controls blood glucose (sugar), works. This in turn can lead to <a href="https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/diabetes/overview/what-is-diabetes/prediabetes-insulin-resistance">insulin resistance</a>, when cells in your muscles, fat and liver don’t respond well to insulin and can’t easily take up glucose from your blood.</p> <p>Red meat, meanwhile, is <a href="https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/healthy-iron-rich-foods">rich in iron</a>. Research suggests that people with <a href="https://www.diabetes.org.uk/diabetes-the-basics/related-conditions/haemochromatosis-diabetes#:%7E:text=So%20a%20rise%20of%20iron,GP%20as%20soon%20as%20possible.">high levels of iron</a> are more likely to develop type 2 diabetes. However, <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8744124/#:%7E:text=The%20WHO%20has%20recognised%20iron,being%20affected%20with%20this%20condition.">low levels of iron</a> are more of a health concern for the general population.</p> <p>Another potential link regarding red meat could be the way it is cooked.</p> <p><a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5521980/">Previous studies</a> have suggested that charred meat, cooked over an open flame or at high temperature, is also linked to an increased risk of developing <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5911789/">type 2 diabetes</a>. Charring meat leads to formation of toxic chemicals such as <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/pharmacology-toxicology-and-pharmaceutical-science/heterocyclic-amine#:%7E:text=Heterocyclic%20amines%20are%20aromatic%20compounds,of%20reactions%20called%20Maillard%20reactions.">heterocyclic aromatic amines</a> and harmful compounds like <a href="https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/advanced-glycation-end-products">advanced glycation end products</a>, both of which have been linked to <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/21709297/">insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes</a>.</p> <h2>Bye-bye barbecues and bacon butties?</h2> <p>The key message is reduction, rather than avoidance. The UK government nutritional recommendations offer sound advice: limit your combined intake of red and processed meat to no more than <a href="https://www.nhs.uk/live-well/eat-well/food-types/meat-nutrition/#:%7E:text=Red%20meat%20and%20processed%20meat&text=If%20you%20currently%20eat%20more,%2C%20veal%2C%20venison%20and%20goat.">an average of 70g per day</a>.</p> <p>But these guidelines also suggest that red meat can be a valuable source of iron. So, if you decide to stop eating red meat, you should eat alternative sources of iron such as beans, lentils, dark green vegetables and fortified cereals.</p> <p>This needs to be done as part of a carefully planned diet. Non-meat sources of iron are more difficult for our bodies to absorb so should be eaten with a source of vitamin C, found in green vegetables and citrus fruit.</p> <p>The best advice to reduce your risk of developing type 2 diabetes is to maintain a healthy weight – consider losing weight if you have a higher body weight – and be as physically active as possible.</p> <p>A healthy diet should be based on plenty of vegetables, fruit, beans, peas, lentils, nuts and seeds, along with some wholegrain foods, some dairy products, fish and white meat (or vegetarian alternatives) – plus moderate amounts of red meat and minimal processed meat. This will help reduce your risk of type 2 diabetes, <a href="https://www.bhf.org.uk/informationsupport/support/healthy-living/healthy-eating">heart disease</a>, and <a href="https://www.cancerresearchuk.org/about-cancer/causes-of-cancer/diet-and-cancer/does-having-a-healthy-diet-reduce-my-risk-of-cancer">many cancers</a> – as well being more <a href="https://www.bda.uk.com/static/539e2268-7991-4d24-b9ee867c1b2808fc/a1283104-a0dd-476b-bda723452ae93870/one%20blue%20dot%20reference%20guide.pdf">environmentally sustainable</a>.</p> <p>But if you have a penchant for ham sandwiches, rest assured you can continue to indulge as an occasional treat. It’s your overall lifestyle and diet that really matter for your health and risk of developing type 2 diabetes.<img style="border: none !important; box-shadow: none !important; margin: 0 !important; max-height: 1px !important; max-width: 1px !important; min-height: 1px !important; min-width: 1px !important; opacity: 0 !important; outline: none !important; padding: 0 !important;" src="https://counter.theconversation.com/content/237346/count.gif?distributor=republish-lightbox-basic" alt="The Conversation" width="1" height="1" /></p> <p><em><a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/duane-mellor-136502">Duane Mellor</a>, Visiting Academic, Aston Medical School, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/aston-university-1107">Aston University</a></em></p> <p><em>This article is republished from <a href="https://theconversation.com">The Conversation</a> under a Creative Commons license. Read the <a href="https://theconversation.com/does-eating-ham-bacon-and-beef-really-increase-your-risk-of-developing-type-2-diabetes-237346">original article</a>.</em></p> </div>

Body

Police issue AVO to protect Larry Emdur

<p>Larry Emdur has had an Apprehended Violence Order (AVO) taken out to protect him, days after he won the Gold Logie. </p> <p>The order has been taken out by NSW police on behalf of the TV host against a Victorian man, who allegedly attempted to gain access to the Channel Seven office on Central Ave, Eveleigh on Thursday August 22 at around 11.15am. </p> <p>According to the Daily Telegraph, the man "allegedly walked into the Central Ave building, past a security desk and got into a lift before demanding to see the much loved TV host." </p> <p>The publication also reported that police issued the AVO as they were concerned for Emdur's safety. </p> <p>“Officers from South Sydney Police Area Command attended and spoke with a 52-year-old man who had been escorted from the building by security,” NSW Police said in a statement.</p> <p>The man was arrested and taken to hospital for assessment before he was then taken to Surry Hills Police Station. </p> <p>He was charged with trespass and possession of a prohibited drug. </p> <p>The man faced Downing Centre Local Court where he was granted conditional bail and is due to reappear on September 5.</p> <p>His conditions include not entering Central Ave, the suburb of Haymarket, or within 200m of the Channel 7 office. </p> <p>The 52-year-old has also been ordered to report to Redfern Police Station daily. </p> <p>Court records show the AVO protecting Emdur is set to be mentioned in court on September 16. </p> <p>The arrest came just days after Emdur took the top award at the 2024 Logies on August 18. </p> <p><em>Images: Larry Emdur/Instagram</em></p>

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Does eating ham, bacon and beef really increase your risk of developing type 2 diabetes?

Police issue AVO to protect Larry Emdur

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