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"You made me enjoy the game": Federer's emotional retirement letter to Nadal

Roger Federer has penned an emotional tribute to Rafael Nadal ahead of his retirement, reflecting on their stellar careers together. Nadal’s career officially came to an end when Spain was defeated 2-1 by the Netherlands in the Davis Cup quarter-final in Malaga on Wednesday morning, with Nadal in tears as he stepped onto the court for the final time. Thousands of tributes poured in for Nadal as his retirement officially began, but Federer's tribute quickly went viral for his emotional words. “As you get ready to graduate from tennis, I’ve got a few things to share before I maybe get emotional,” Federer said. “Let’s start with the obvious: you beat me - a lot. More than I managed to beat you. You challenged me in ways no one else could. On clay, it felt like I was stepping into your backyard, and you made me work harder than I ever thought I could just to hold my ground." “You made me reimagine my game - even going so far as to change the size of my racquet head, hoping for any edge. I’m not a very superstitious person, but you took it to the next level. Your whole process. All those rituals." “Assembling your water bottles like toy soldiers in formation, fixing your hair, adjusting your underwear … All of it with the highest intensity. Secretly, I kind of loved the whole thing. Because it was so unique - it was so you." “And you know what, Rafa, you made me enjoy the game even more. OK, maybe not at first. After the 2004 Australian Open, I achieved the No. 1 ranking for the first time. I thought I was on top of the world. And I was - until two months later, when you walked on the court in Miami in your red sleeveless shirt, showing off those biceps, and you beat me convincingly." "All that buzz I’d been hearing about you - about this amazing young player from Mallorca, a generational talent, probably going to win a major someday - it wasn’t just hype." “We were both at the start of our journey and it’s one we ended up taking together. Twenty years later, Rafa, I have to say: What an incredible run you’ve had. Including 14 French Opens - historic! You made Spain proud … you made the whole tennis world proud." “And then there was London – the Laver Cup in 2022. My final match. It meant everything to me that you were there by my side – not as my rival but as my doubles partner." “Sharing the court with you that night, and sharing those tears, will forever be one of the most special moments of my career.” Federer signed off the 585-word tribute from “your fan Roger”. Image credits: ANDY RAIN/EPA-EFE/Shutterstock Editorial

Retirement Life

Why do organisations still struggle to protect our data? We asked 50 professionals on the privacy front line

<div class="theconversation-article-body"> <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/jane-andrew-10314">Jane Andrew</a>, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/university-of-sydney-841">University of Sydney</a>; <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/dr-penelope-bowyer-pont-1550191">Dr Penelope Bowyer-Pont</a>, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/university-of-sydney-841">University of Sydney</a>, and <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/max-baker-25553">Max Baker</a>, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/university-of-sydney-841">University of Sydney</a> More of our personal data is now collected and stored online than ever before in history. The rise of data breaches should unsettle us all. At an individual level, data breaches can compromise our privacy, cause harm to our finances and mental health, and even enable identity theft. For organisations, the repercussions can be equally severe, often resulting in major financial losses and brand damage. Despite the increasing importance of protecting our personal information, doing so remains fraught with challenges. As part of a <a href="http://www.doi.org/10.25910/psq3-q365">comprehensive study</a> of data breach notification practices, we interviewed 50 senior personnel working in information security and privacy. Here’s what they told us about the multifaceted challenges they face. <h2>What does the law actually say?</h2> Data breaches occur whenever personal information is accessed or disclosed without authorisation, or even lost altogether. <a href="https://www.abc.net.au/news/2024-06-20/optus-hack/104002682">Optus</a>, <a href="https://www.abc.net.au/news/2022-11-09/medibank-data-release-dark-web-hackers/101632088">Medibank</a> and <a href="https://www.afr.com/technology/canva-criticised-after-data-breach-exposed-139m-user-details-20190526-p51r8i">Canva</a> have all experienced high-profile incidents in recent years. Under Australia’s <a href="https://www8.austlii.edu.au/cgi-bin/viewdb/au/legis/cth/consol_act/pa1988108/">privacy laws</a>, organisations aren’t allowed to sweep major cyber attacks under the rug. They have to notify both the regulator – the Office of the Australian Information Commissioner (OAIC) – and any affected individuals of breaches that are likely to result in “<a href="https://www8.austlii.edu.au/cgi-bin/viewdb/au/legis/cth/consol_act/pa1988108/#:%7E:text=Whether%20access%20or%20disclosure%20would%20be%20likely%2C%20or%20would%20not%20be%20likely%2C%20to%20result%20in%20serious%20harm%2D%2Drelevant%20matters%20%C2%A0">serious harm</a>”. But according to the organisational leaders we interviewed, this poses a tricky question. How do you define serious harm? Interpretations of what “serious harm” actually means – and how likely it is to occur – vary significantly. This inconsistency can make it impossible to predict the specific impact of a data breach on an individual. Victims of domestic violence, for example, may be at increased risk when personal information is exposed, creating harms that are difficult to foresee or mitigate. <h2>Enforcing the rules</h2> Interviewees also had concerns about how well the regulator could provide guidance and enforce data protection measures. Many expressed a belief the OAIC is underfunded and lacks the authority to impose and enforce fines properly. The consensus was that the challenge of protecting our data has now outgrown the power and resources of the regulator. As one chief information security officer at a publicly listed company put it: <blockquote> What’s the point of having speeding signs and cameras if you don’t give anyone a ticket? </blockquote> A lack of enforcement can undermine the incentive for organisations to invest in robust data protection. <h2>Only the tip of the iceberg</h2> Data breaches are also underreported, particularly in the corporate sector. One senior cybersecurity consultant from a major multinational company told us there is a strong incentive for companies to minimise or cover up breaches, to avoid embarrassment. This culture means many breaches that should be reported simply aren’t. One senior public servant estimated only about 10% of reportable breaches end up actually being disclosed. Without this basic transparency, the regulator and affected individuals can’t take necessary steps to protect themselves. <h2>Third-party breaches</h2> Sometimes, when we give our personal information to one organisation, it can end up in the hands of another one we might not expect. This is because key tasks – especially managing databases – are often outsourced to third parties. Outsourcing tasks might be a more efficient option for an organisation, but it can make protecting personal data even more complicated. Interviewees told us breaches were more likely when engaging third-party providers, because it limited the control they had over security measures. Between July and December 2023 in Australia, there was an increase of <a href="https://www.oaic.gov.au/privacy/notifiable-data-breaches/notifiable-data-breaches-publications/notifiable-data-breaches-report-july-to-december-2023">more than 300%</a> in third-party data breaches compared to the six months prior. There have been some highly publicised examples. In May this year, many Clubs NSW customers had their personal information potentially <a href="https://www.rimpa.com.au/resource/more-than-a-million-australian-data-records-potentially-exposed-in-nsw-club-and-pub-data-breach.html#:%7E:text=Outabox%2C%20the%20IT%20services%20provider,and%20has%20notified%20law%20enforcement">breached</a> through an attack on third-party software provider Outabox. Bunnings suffered a <a href="https://australiancybersecuritymagazine.com.au/bunnings-customer-data-compromised/">similar breach</a> in late 2021, via an attack on scheduling software provider FlexBooker. <h2>Getting the basics right</h2> Some organisations are still struggling with the basics. Our research found many data breaches occur because outdated or “legacy” data systems are still in use. These systems are old or inactive databases, often containing huge amounts of personal information about all the individuals who’ve previously interacted with them. Organisations tend to hold onto personal data longer than is legally required. This can come down to confusion about data-retention requirements, but also the high cost and complexity of safely decommissioning old systems. One chief privacy officer of a large financial services institution told us: <blockquote> In an organisation like ours where we have over 2,000 legacy systems […] the systems don’t speak to each other. They don’t come with big red delete buttons. </blockquote> Other interviewees flagged that risky data testing practices are widespread. Software developers and tech teams often use “production data” – real customer data – to test new products. This is often quicker and cheaper than creating test datasets. However, this practice exposes real customer information to insecure testing environments, making it more vulnerable. A senior cybersecurity specialist told us: <blockquote> I’ve seen it so much in every industry […] It’s literally live, real information going into systems that are not live and real and have low security. </blockquote> <h2>What needs to be done?</h2> Drawing insights from professionals at the coalface, our study highlights just how complex data protection has become in Australia, and how quickly the landscape is evolving. Addressing these issues will require a multi-pronged approach, including clearer legislative guidelines, better enforcement, greater transparency and robust security practices for the use of third-party providers. As the digital world continues to evolve, so too must our strategies for protecting ourselves and our data.<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/236681/count.gif?distributor=republish-lightbox-basic" alt="The Conversation" width="1" height="1" /> <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/jane-andrew-10314">Jane Andrew</a>, Professor, Head of the Discipline of Accounting, Governance and Regulation, University of Sydney Business School, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/university-of-sydney-841">University of Sydney</a>; <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/dr-penelope-bowyer-pont-1550191">Dr Penelope Bowyer-Pont</a>, Researcher, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/university-of-sydney-841">University of Sydney</a>, and <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/max-baker-25553">Max Baker</a>, Associate professor, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/university-of-sydney-841">University of Sydney</a> Image credits: Shutterstock 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/why-do-organisations-still-struggle-to-protect-our-data-we-asked-50-professionals-on-the-privacy-front-line-236681">original article</a>. </div>

Legal

Is there anything good about menopause? Yep, here are 4 things to look forward to

<div class="theconversation-article-body"><a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/yvonne-middlewick-1395795">Yvonne Middlewick</a>, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/edith-cowan-university-720">Edith Cowan University</a> Menopause is having a bit of <a href="https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/full/10.1177/13675494231159562">a moment</a>, with less stigma and more awareness about the changes it can bring. A recent senate inquiry <a href="https://www.aph.gov.au/Parliamentary_Business/Committees/Senate/Community_Affairs/Menopause/Report">recommended</a> public education about perimenopause and menopause, more affordable treatments and flexible work arrangements. But like many things in life the experiences of menopause are on a continuum. While some women find it challenging and require support, others experience some physical and emotional benefits. These are rarely reported – but we can learn from the research available and, importantly, from people’s lived experiences. Here are four changes to look forward to once you reach menopause. <h2>1. No more periods or related issues</h2> <a href="https://theconversation.com/what-are-the-most-common-symptoms-of-menopause-and-which-can-hormone-therapy-treat-225174">Menopause</a> is considered “complete” 12 months after the final period of a woman (or person assigned female at birth) who previously menstruated. Perhaps unsurprisingly, the benefit at the top of the list is no more periods (unless you are taking hormone therapy and still have your womb). This can be particularly beneficial for women who have had to manage <a href="https://www.mdpi.com/1660-4601/18/4/1951">erratic, unpredictable and heavy bleeding</a>. At last, you don’t need to keep sanitary protection in every bag “just in case”. No more planning where the bathroom is or having to take extra clothes. And you’ll save money by not purchasing sanitary products. There is also good news for women who have had heavy bleeding due to uterine fibroids – common benign gynaecological tumours that affect up to 80% of women. The evidence <a href="https://journals.lww.com/menopausejournal/abstract/2020/02000/uterine_fibroids_in_menopause_and_perimenopause.17.aspx">suggests</a> hormonal changes (for women not taking hormone therapy) can lead to a reduction in the size of fibroids and relieve symptoms. Women who suffer from menstrual migraine may experience an improvement in migraines post-menopause as their hormonal fluctuations begin to settle – but the timeframe for this <a href="https://www.maturitas.org/article/S0378-5122(20)30329-7/abstract">remains unclear</a>. For some women, no more periods also means more participation in social activities from which they may have been excluded due to periods. For example, <a href="https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/08952841.2014.954502">religious activities or food preparation</a> in some cultures. <h2>2. Getting your body and your groove back</h2> Throughout their reproductive lives, women in heterosexual relationships are usually the ones expected to be <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6115298/">proactive about preventing pregnancy</a>. Some post-menopausal women <a href="https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/08952841.2018.1396783">describe</a> a re-emergence of their sexuality and a sense of sexual freedom that they had not previously experienced (despite contraceptive availability) as there is no longer a risk of pregnancy. A participant in my research <a href="https://eprints.soton.ac.uk/451254/">into women’s experiences of menopause</a> described the joy of no longer being child-bearing age: <blockquote> I’ve got a body back for me, you know, coz I can’t get pregnant, not that I haven’t enjoyed having [children] and things like that and it was a decision to get pregnant but I feel like, ooh my body isn’t for anybody now but me, people, you know? </blockquote> For women who have chosen to be child-free there may also be a sense of freedom from social expectations. People will likely stop asking them when they are planning to have children. <h2>3. A new chapter and a time to focus on yourself</h2> Another participant <a href="https://eprints.soton.ac.uk/451254/">described</a> menopause as an unexpected “acceleration point” for change. Women told us they were more accepting of themselves and their needs rather than being focused on the needs of other people. Researchers have previously <a href="https://sk.sagepub.com/books/individualization">tracked this shift</a> from “living for others” to “a life of one’s own”. Some women find the strength of emotions at this time a challenge, whereas others find their potency can <a href="https://doi.org/10.1145/3290605.3300710">facilitate liberation</a> – enabling them to speak their minds or be more assertive than at any other time in their lives. <h2>4. Increased self-confidence</h2> A new sense of liberation can fuel increased self-confidence at menopause. This has been <a href="https://doi.org/10.1145/3290605.3300710">reported</a> in studies based on in-depth <a href="https://doi.org/10.1080/0167482X.2016.1270937">interviews with women</a>. Confidence boosts can coincide with <a href="https://eprints.soton.ac.uk/451254/">changes in career and sometimes in relationships</a> as priorities and self-advocacy transform. <h2>Life on the other side</h2> It can be hard to think about what is good about menopause, particularly if you are having challenges during perimenopause – but these can get better with time. In <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6910086/">cultures where women are valued as they become older</a>, women describe themselves as positively contributing to the community. They find they gain power and respect as they age. We need to work towards more positive societal attitudes on this front. Our bodies change across the lifespan and are remarkable at every stage, including menopause.<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/239725/count.gif?distributor=republish-lightbox-basic" alt="The Conversation" width="1" height="1" /> <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/yvonne-middlewick-1395795">Yvonne Middlewick</a>, Nurse, Lecturer & Director of Post-graduate Studies in the School of Nursing and Midwifery, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/edith-cowan-university-720">Edith Cowan University</a> Image credits: Shutterstock 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/is-there-anything-good-about-menopause-yep-here-are-4-things-to-look-forward-to-239725">original article</a>. </div>

Body

"Not much of me left": Elton John's grim health confession

Elton John has made a blunt admission about his health battles. The 77-year-old singer opened up about his many health issues in a speech at the screening of his new documentary Elton John: Never Too Late, at the New York Film Festival on Tuesday. “To be honest with you, there’s not much of me left,” Elton told the audience. “I don’t have tonsils, adenoids or an appendix,” he continued, according to <a href="https://people.com/elton-john-jokes-not-much-of-me-left-listing-missing-organs-documentary-premiere-8721741" target="_blank" rel="noopener">People</a> magazine. “I don’t have a prostate. I don’t have a right hip or a left knee or a right knee. In fact, the only thing left to me is my left hip. “But I’m still here,” Elton continued. “And I can’t thank you [enough], you’re the people that made me.” The documentary is directed by his husband David Furnish, and American filmmaker R.J. Cutler. Throughout the years Elton has struggled with his health, and just last month he revealed he was recovering from a "severe eye infection" that affected his vision. This occured after he underwent knee and hip replacement surgery. The I'm Still Standing singer also got a pacemaker fitted in back in the 90s, and was hospitalised for influenza and a bacterial infection in 2009. In 2013 he had an abscess on his appendix, and three years later he had suffered from "gastric flu". In addition to all of these health woes he has dealt with hearing loss caused by years of touring. The singer also talked about his retirement from touring at the premiere of his new documentary, following a successful five years of performances and more than 300 shows worldwide. “As you know, I decided to stop touring because I’m 77 years of age,” he said. “I’ve done all there is to do, to play. I’ve succeeded. I’ve been there and I’ve done it.” The documentary explores his 50-year career leading up to his final North American show at Dodger Stadium in 2022. It is set to stream on Disney+ in the US on December 13. ADAM VAUGHAN/EPA-EFE/ Shutterstock Editorial

Caring

Pay-by-weight airfares are an ethical minefield. We asked travellers what they actually think

<div class="theconversation-article-body"> <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/denis-tolkach-11345">Denis Tolkach</a>, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/james-cook-university-1167">James Cook University</a> and <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/stephen-pratt-335188">Stephen Pratt</a>, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/university-of-central-florida-1925">University of Central Florida</a> Imagine checking in for a flight with your two teenage children. At the counter, you are told that your youngest teenager’s suitcase is two kilograms over the limit. You get slapped with a $75 penalty for their excess luggage. This penalty feels arbitrary and unfair. The youngest weighs about 45 kg, and their luggage weighs 25 kg, making their total payload on the flight 70 kg. Their older sibling, on the other hand, weighs 65 kg, and has brought 23 kg of luggage to check in. Their total weight is higher – 88 kg – yet they receive no penalty. Obviously, things aren’t that simple. Charging passengers based on their weight is highly controversial for many reasons. But that hasn’t stopped some airlines <a href="https://theweek.com/articles/466035/should-airlines-charge-passengers-by-weight">experimenting</a> with such policies. Imagine checking in for your flight only to have the staff tell you to <a href="https://edition.cnn.com/travel/article/plus-size-travelers-slam-airline-seat-policies/index.html">purchase an extra seat</a> as you are a plus-size passenger. You feel discriminated against because you are using the same service as other passengers and your weight is beyond your control. But despite the lived experience of many and hot debate in the media, there has not been a formal study into what passengers themselves think about this matter. Our recently published <a href="https://doi.org/10.1002/jtr.2691">research</a> examined air passengers’ views on alternative airfare policies to understand whether the public finds them acceptable and what ethical considerations determine their views. Though we found a range of ethical contradictions, most travellers were guided by self-interest. <h2>A controversial but important topic</h2> The issue of whether airlines should weigh passengers is an ethical minefield with no easy answers. Despite its sensitivity, the aviation industry can’t ignore passenger weight. Airlines intermittently undertake <a href="https://www.forbes.com/sites/marisagarcia/2024/02/11/despite-backlash-heres-why-airlines-need-to-weigh-passengers/?sh=5f07623e1bfa">passenger weight surveys</a> as they need to accurately calculate payload to ensure flight safety and estimate fuel consumption. The evidence shows passengers are <a href="https://www.forbes.com/sites/marisagarcia/2024/02/11/despite-backlash-heres-why-airlines-need-to-weigh-passengers/?sh=5f07623e1bfa">getting heavier</a>. Airlines including the now-defunct <a href="https://theweek.com/articles/466035/should-airlines-charge-passengers-by-weight">Samoa Air</a> and <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2016/oct/23/hawaiian-airlines-american-samoa-weight-passengers">Hawaiian Airlines</a> have taken things one step further and experimented with weighing passengers regularly. Samoa Air, for example, became the first airline to introduce a “pay-as-you-weigh” policy, where the cost of your ticket was directly proportional to the combined weight of you and your luggage. In contrast, Canada has now long had a “<a href="https://otc-cta.gc.ca/eng/publication/additional-seating-and-one-person-one-fare-requirement-domestic-travel-a-guide">one person, one fare</a>” policy. It is prohibited and deemed discriminatory to force passengers living with a disability to purchase a second seat for themselves if they require one, including those with functional disability due to obesity. To complicate matters further, the issue of passenger and luggage weight is not only ethical and financial, but also environmental. More weight on an aircraft leads to more jet fuel being burned and more carbon emissions. About <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41467-021-24091-y">5%</a> of human-driven climate change can be attributed to aviation, and the industry faces enormous pressure to reduce fuel consumption while it waits for low carbon substitutes to become available. <h2>What do passengers actually think?</h2> To get a better sense of how the public actually feels about this issue, we surveyed 1,012 US travellers of different weights, presenting them with three alternatives: <ul> <li>standard policy – currently the most widely used policy with passengers paying a standard price, irrespective of their weight</li> <li>threshold policy – passengers are penalised if they are over a threshold weight</li> <li>unit of body weight policy – passengers pay a personalised price based on their own body weight, per each pound.</li> </ul> The standard policy was the most acceptable for participants of differing weight, although the heavier the passenger, the more they preferred the standard policy. This can be partially explained by status quo bias. Generally, people are likely to choose a familiar answer. The threshold policy was the least acceptable. This policy was seen to violate established social norms and be generally less fair. The unit of body weight policy was preferred to the threshold policy, although participants raised concerns about whether it would be accepted by society. Perhaps unsurprisingly, we found that self-interest played a clear role in determining whether respondents considered a policy acceptable. Younger, male, financially well-off travellers with lower personal weight generally found the alternative policies more acceptable. <h2>An ethical conflict</h2> Alternative airfare policies that are based on passenger weight bring environmental and ethical concerns into conflict. Obviously, the effect isn’t from any one traveller, in particular, but averages over the entire industry. Interestingly, respondents that were more concerned about the environment – “ecocentric” – preferred air fare policies that would reduce the carbon emissions. This made them more open to the controversial alternatives. While the threshold policy was clearly rejected by many respondents as discriminatory, environmental concern played a role in the level of acceptance of the unit of body weight policy. It’s important to apply a critical lens here. These ecocentric travellers were also generally younger and had lower personal weights, so many would benefit from the alternative policies financially. For policymakers overall, our study suggests when it comes to controversial ticketing policies, the public is more likely to be swayed by self-interest than anything else.<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/237856/count.gif?distributor=republish-lightbox-basic" alt="The Conversation" width="1" height="1" /> <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/denis-tolkach-11345">Denis Tolkach</a>, Senior Lecturer, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/james-cook-university-1167">James Cook University</a> and <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/stephen-pratt-335188">Stephen Pratt</a>, Professor, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/university-of-central-florida-1925">University of Central Florida</a> Image credits: Shutterstock 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/pay-by-weight-airfares-are-an-ethical-minefield-we-asked-travellers-what-they-actually-think-237856">original article</a>. </div>

Travel Trouble

Thinking of trying a new diet? 4 questions to ask yourself before you do

<div class="theconversation-article-body"><a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/melissa-eaton-1522868">Melissa Eaton</a>, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/university-of-wollongong-711">University of Wollongong</a>; <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/verena-vaiciurgis-1647095">Verena Vaiciurgis</a>, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/university-of-wollongong-711">University of Wollongong</a>, and <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/yasmine-probst-235268">Yasmine Probst</a>, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/university-of-wollongong-711">University of Wollongong</a> We live in a society that glorifies dieting, with around <a href="https://doi.org/10.1111%2Fobr.12466">42% of adults globally</a> having tried to lose weight. Messages about <a href="https://doi.org/10.2196/38245">dieting and weight loss</a> are amplified on social media, with a never-ending cycle of weight loss fads and diet trends. Amid often conflicting messages and misinformation, if you’re looking for diet advice online, it’s easy to become confused and overwhelmed. So before diving into the latest weight loss trend or extreme diet, consider these four questions to help you make a more informed decision. <h2>1. Is the diet realistic?</h2> Have you considered the financial cost of maintaining the diet or lifestyle, and the time and resources that would be required? For example, do you need to purchase specific products, supplements, or follow a rigid meal plan? If the diet is coming from someone who is trying to sell you something – such as a particular weight-loss product you need in order to follow the diet – this could be a particular red flag. Many extreme diet recommendations come from a place of privilege and overlook food access, affordability, cooking skills, where you live, or even your culture and ethics. If the diet has these sorts of issues it can lead to <a href="https://doi.org/10.1017/S1368980024000132">frustration, stress, stigmatisation</a> and feelings of failure for the person trying to adhere to the diet. But the problem may be with the diet itself – not with you. <h2>2. Is there evidence to support this diet?</h2> Self-proclaimed “experts” online will often make claims focused on specific groups, known as <a href="https://doi.org/10.4103%2F0972-6748.77642">target populations</a>. This might be 30- to 50-year-old men with diabetes, for example. In some cases, evidence for claims made may come from animal studies, which might not be applicable to humans at all. So be aware that if research findings are for a group that doesn’t match your profile, then the results might not be relevant to you. It takes time and a lot of high-quality studies to tell us a “diet” is safe and effective, not just one study. Ask yourself, is it supported by multiple studies in humans? Be critical and question the claims before you accept them. For accurate information look for government websites, or ask your GP or dietitian. <h2>3. How will this diet affect my life?</h2> Food is much more than calories and nutrients. It plays many roles in our lives, and likewise diets can influence our lives in ways we often overlook. Socially and culturally, food can be a point of <a href="https://doi.org/10.1017/S1368980024000132">connection and celebration</a>. It can be a source of enjoyment, a <a href="https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jbusres.2018.12.024">source of</a> comfort, or even a way to explore new parts of the world. So when you’re considering a new diet, think about how it might affect meaningful moments for you. For example, if you’re going travelling, will your diet influence the food choices you make? Will you feel that you can’t sample the local cuisine? Or would you be deterred from going out for dinner with friends because of their choice of restaurant? <h2>4. Will this diet make me feel guilty or affect my mental health?</h2> What is your favourite meal? Does this diet “allow” you to eat it? Imagine visiting your mum who has prepared your favourite childhood meal. How will the diet affect your feelings about these special foods? Will it cause you to feel stressed or guilty about enjoying a birthday cake or a meal cooked by a loved one? Studies have shown that dieting can negatively impact our <a href="https://doi.org/10.1007%2FBF03405201">mental health</a>, and skipping meals can increase symptoms of <a href="https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jagp.2020.01.160">depression and anxiety</a>. Many diets fail to consider the psychological aspects of eating, even though our mental health is just as important as physical health. Eating should not make you feel stressed, anxious, or guilty. So before starting another diet, consider how it might affect your mental health. <h2>Moving away from a dieting mindset</h2> We’re frequently told that weight loss is the path to better health. Whereas, we can prioritise our health without focusing on our weight. Constant messages about the need to lose weight can also be harmful to mental health, and not necessarily helpful for <a href="https://doi.org/10.1152/ajpregu.00755.2010">physical health</a>. Our research has found eating in a way that prioritises health over weight loss is linked to a range of <a href="https://doi.org/10.1016/j.appet.2024.107361">positive outcomes</a> for our health and wellbeing. These include a more <a href="https://books.google.com.au/books?hl=en&lr=&id=IuZzDgAAQBAJ&oi=fnd&pg=PT9&dq=%22relationship+with+food%22&ots=e-NxLzUIFF&sig=s7p6_SijfgZE6Odx7ztV4xXPGp8&redir_esc=y#v=onepage&q=%22relationship%20with%20food%22&f=false">positive relationship</a> with food, and less guilt and stress. Our research also indicates <a href="https://doi.org/10.1016/j.appet.2024.107361">mindful and intuitive eating</a> practices – which focus on internal cues, body trust, and being present and mindful when eating – are related to lower levels of depression and stress, and greater body image and self-compassion. But like anything, it takes practice and time to build a positive relationship with food. Be kind to yourself, seek out <a href="https://www.sizeinclusivehealth.org.au/find-a-provider">weight-inclusive</a> health-care professionals, and the changes will come. Finally, remember you’re allowed to find joy in food.<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/237766/count.gif?distributor=republish-lightbox-basic" alt="The Conversation" width="1" height="1" /> <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/melissa-eaton-1522868">Melissa Eaton</a>, Accredited Practising Dietitian; PhD Candidate, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/university-of-wollongong-711">University of Wollongong</a>; <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/verena-vaiciurgis-1647095">Verena Vaiciurgis</a>, Accredited Practising Dietitian; PhD Candidate, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/university-of-wollongong-711">University of Wollongong</a>, and <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/yasmine-probst-235268">Yasmine Probst</a>, Associate Professor, School of Medical, Indigenous and Health Sciences, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/university-of-wollongong-711">University of Wollongong</a> Image credits: Shutterstock 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/thinking-of-trying-a-new-diet-4-questions-to-ask-yourself-before-you-do-237766">original article</a>. </div>

Body

I’m iron deficient. Which supplements will work best for me and how should I take them?

<div class="theconversation-article-body"><a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/alannah-mckay-1548258">Alannah McKay</a>, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/australian-catholic-university-747">Australian Catholic University</a> Iron deficiency is common and can be debilitating. It mainly affects women. One in three premenopausal women <a href="https://static1.squarespace.com/static/57bfc0498419c24a01318ae2/t/607fc2e06ace2f22d5ca9a43/1618985699483/20210421+-+IDC+-+economic+impact+of+iron+deficiency+-+FINAL.pdf">are low in iron</a> compared to just 5% of Australian men. Iron deficiency particularly affects teenage girls, women who do a lot of exercise and those who are pregnant. The <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/11160590/">body needs iron</a> to make new red blood cells, and to support energy production, the immune system and cognitive function. If you’re low, you may experience a range of symptoms including fatigue, weakness, shortness of breath, headache, irregular heartbeat and reduced concentration. If a blood test shows you’re iron deficient, your doctor may recommend you start taking an oral iron supplement. But should you take a tablet or a liquid? With food or not? And when is the best time of day? Here are some tips to help you work out how, when and what iron supplement to take. <h2>How do I pick the right iron supplement?</h2> The iron in your body is called “elemental iron”. Choosing the right oral supplement and dose will depend on how much elemental iron it has – your doctor will advise exactly how much you need. The sweet spot is between <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0098299720300364?via%3Dihub">60-120 mg of elemental iron</a>. Any less and the supplement won’t be effective in topping up your iron levels. Any higher and you risk gastrointestinal symptoms such as diarrhoea, cramping and stomach pain. In Australia, iron salts are the most common oral supplements because they are cheap, effective and come in different delivery methods (tablets, capsules, liquid formulas). <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK557376/">The iron salts</a> you are most likely to find in your local chemist are ferrous sulfate (~20% elemental iron), ferrous gluconate (~12%) and ferrous fumarate (~33%). These formulations <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3867244/">all work similarly</a>, so your choice should come down to dose and cost. Many multivitamins may look like an iron supplement, but it’s important to note they usually have too little iron – usually less than 20 mg – to correct an iron deficiency. <h2>Should I take tablets or liquid formulas?</h2> Iron contained within a tablet is <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3867244/">just as well absorbed</a> as iron found in a liquid supplement. Choosing the right one usually comes down to personal preference. The main difference is that liquid formulas tend to contain less iron than tablets. That means you might need to take more of the product to get the right dose, so using a liquid supplement could work out to be more expensive in the long term. <h2>What should I eat with my iron supplement?</h2> Research <a href="https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/epdf/10.1002/ajh.26987">has shown</a> you will absorb more of the iron in your supplement if you take it on an empty stomach. But this can cause more gastrointestinal issues, so might not be practical for everyone. If you do take your supplement with meals, it’s important to think about what types of food will boost – rather than limit – iron absorption. For example, taking the supplement alongside vitamin C improves your body’s ability to absorb it. Some supplements already contain vitamin C. Otherwise you could take the supplement along with a glass of orange juice, or other <a href="https://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/VitaminC-HealthProfessional/">vitamin C-rich foods</a>. On the other hand, tea, coffee and calcium all <a href="https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/epdf/10.1002/ajh.26987">decrease the body’s ability to absorb iron</a>. So you should try to limit these close to the time you take your supplement. <h2>Should I take my supplement in the morning or evening?</h2> The best time of day to take your supplement is in the morning. The body can <a href="https://journals.lww.com/acsm-msse/fulltext/2019/10000/the_impact_of_morning_versus_afternoon_exercise_on.20.aspx">absorb significantly more</a> iron earlier in the day, when concentrations of hepcidin (the main hormone that regulates iron) are at their lowest. Exercise also affects the hormone that regulates iron. That means taking your iron supplement after exercising can <a href="https://journals.humankinetics.com/view/journals/ijsnem/32/5/article-p359.xml">limit your ability to absorb it</a>. Taking your supplement in the hours following exercise will mean significantly poorer absorption, especially if you take it between two and five hours after you stop. <a href="https://journals.lww.com/acsm-msse/fulltext/2024/01000/iron_absorption_in_highly_trained_male_runners_.14.aspx">Our research</a> has shown if you exercise every day, the best time to take your supplement is in the morning before training, or immediately after (within 30 minutes). <h2>My supplements are upsetting my stomach. What should I do?</h2> If you experience gastrointestinal side effects such as diarrhoea or cramps when you take iron supplements, you may want to consider taking your supplement every second day, rather than daily. Taking a supplement every day is still the fastest way to restore your iron levels. But a recent study <a href="https://www.thelancet.com/journals/eclinm/article/PIIS2589-5370(23)00463-7/fulltext#%20">has shown</a> taking the same total dose can be just as effective when it’s taken on alternate days. For example, taking a supplement every day for three months works as well as every second day for six months. This results in fewer side effects. Oral iron supplements can be a cheap and easy way to correct an iron deficiency. But ensuring you are taking the right product, under the right conditions, is crucial for their success. It’s also important to check your iron levels prior to commencing iron supplementation and do so only under medical advice. In large amounts, <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK430862/">iron can be toxic</a>, so you don’t want to be consuming additional iron if your body doesn’t need it. If you think you may be low on iron, talk to your GP to find out your best options.<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/235315/count.gif?distributor=republish-lightbox-basic" alt="The Conversation" width="1" height="1" /> <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/alannah-mckay-1548258">Alannah McKay</a>, Postdoctoral Research Fellow, Sports Nutrition, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/australian-catholic-university-747">Australian Catholic University</a> Image credits: Shutterstock 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/im-iron-deficient-which-supplements-will-work-best-for-me-and-how-should-i-take-them-235315">original article</a>. </div>

Body

Bride slammed for asking wedding photographer to commit fraud

A bride-to-be has been slammed online over a “dodgy” email she sent to her wedding photographer, in which she asked him to commit a crime to lower the wedding cost. The young woman, who works in event planning, was shocked when she realised the cost of her wedding photographer, and was worried the cost didn’t fit in her budget. She came up with a plan to lower the cost, not knowing that she was asking her photographer to commit fraud. In an email to the photographer, the woman pitched an idea to charge her business some of the wedding costs to lower the overall price of her big day. “We are so excited to have you as a wedding photographer. Hard to believe it's only a few months away,” the email began. “I wasn't sure how to approach this with you, but the budget has been rapidly expanding as we go through this process. I'm sure that happens with a lot of weddings and you've dealt with it many times.” “I was wondering if we could work something out. I work in the events department at [a company], and I'm wondering if I could hire you to photograph some events there, and you could overcharge them, and whatever you overcharge you could take off our remaining balance.” “What do you think? Do you have any other ideas?” The shocking email saw the “unhinged” bride labelled as “tacky” and “criminal”, with many people urging the photographer to report the bride-to-be to her place of work. “Is this person also telling the florist, the caterer, or any other vendor this?” one asked. “Stop expecting to bargain with creatives like photographers. If you can't pay for a professional photographer, ask a relative or friend to get a few shots. This is so tacky.” Many couldn't believe the bride would stoop so low, as one woman suggested, “Just write back, 'I respectfully decline because I don't want to go to jail'.” Another person added, “I beg your finest pardon? I thought she was going to ask for an extension or a payment plan - not fraud!” Image credits: Shutterstock

Legal

Is white rice bad for me? Can I make it lower GI or healthier?

<div class="theconversation-article-body"> <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/emma-beckett-22673">Emma Beckett</a>, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/unsw-sydney-1414">UNSW Sydney</a> Rice is a <a href="http://www.ipni.net/publication/bci.nsf/0/42A2EA40E95CBD1385257BBA006531E9/$FILE/Better%20Crops%20International%202002-3%20p03.pdf">culinary staple</a> in Australia and around the world. It might seem like a given that brown rice is healthier than white and official <a href="https://www.eatforhealth.gov.au/eating-well/healthy-recipes/recipe-modification-tips">public health resources</a> often recommend brown rice instead of white as a “healthy swap”. But <a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34441728/">Australians definitely prefer white rice</a> over brown. So, what’s the difference, and what do we need to know when choosing rice? <h2>What makes rice white or brown?</h2> Rice “grains” are technically seeds. A complete, whole rice seed is called a “paddy”, which has <a href="https://www.fao.org/4/t0567e/t0567e07.htm">multiple parts</a>: <ol> <li>the “hull” is the hard outer layer which protects the seed</li> <li>the “bran”, which is a softer protective layer containing the seed coat</li> <li>the “germ” or the embryo, which is the part of the seed that would develop into a new plant if was germinated</li> <li>the “endosperm”, which makes up most of the seed and is essentially the store of nutrients that feeds the developing plant as a seed grows into a plant.</li> </ol> Rice needs to be <a href="https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/pdf/10.1080/87559128509540778">processed</a> for humans to eat it. Along with cleaning and drying, the hard hulls are removed since we can’t digest them. This is how <a href="https://ift.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1111/1541-4337.12449">brown rice is made</a>, with the other three parts of the rice remaining intact. This means brown rice is regarded as a “wholegrain”. White rice, however, is a “refined” grain, as it is <a href="https://ift.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1111/1541-4337.12449">further polished</a> to remove the bran and germ, leaving just the endosperm. This is a mechanical and not a chemical process. <h2>What’s the difference, nutritionally?</h2> Keeping the bran and the germ means <a href="https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1002/cche.10322">brown rice has more</a> magnesium, phosphorus, potassium B vitamins (niacin, folate, riboflavin and pyridoxine), iron, zinc and fibre. The germ and the bran also contain more bioactives (compounds in foods that aren’t essential nutrients but have health benefits), like <a href="https://www.mdpi.com/1420-3049/28/2/532#:%7E:text=Brown%20rice%20(BR)%20is%20obtained,and%20phenolic%20compounds%20%5B3%5D.">oryzanols and phenolic compounds</a> which have antioxidant effects. But that doesn’t mean white rice is just empty calories. It <a href="https://www.glnc.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2011/04/GLNC_Rice-factsheet_WEB.pdf">still contains</a> vitamins, minerals and some fibre, and is low in fat and salt, and is naturally gluten-free. White and brown rice actually have <a href="https://ift.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1111/1541-4337.12449">similar</a> amounts of calories (or kilojoules) and total carbohydrates. There are studies that show eating more white rice is linked to <a href="https://diabetesjournals.org/care/article/43/11/2625/35820/A-Global-Perspective-on-White-Rice-Consumption-and">a higher risk</a> of type 2 diabetes. But it is difficult to know if this is down to the rice itself, or other related factors such as socioeconomic variables or other dietary patterns. <h2>What about the glycaemic index?</h2> The higher fibre means brown rice has a <a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0002916523314862">lower glycaemic index</a> (GI), meaning it raises blood sugar levels more slowly. But this is highly variable between different rices within the white and brown categories. The <a href="https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/healthyliving/carbohydrates-and-the-glycaemic-index#:%7E:text=The%20glycaemic%20index%20(GI)%20is,simple'%20or%20'complex'.">GI system</a> uses low (less than 55), medium (55–70) and high (above 70) categories. <a href="https://glycemicindex.com/gi-search/?food_name=rice&product_category=&country=&gi=&gi_filter=&serving_size_(g)=&serving_size_(g)_filter=&carbs_per_serve_(g)=&carbs_per_serve_(g)_filter=&gl=&gl_filter=">Brown rices</a> fall into the low and medium categories. <a href="https://glycemicindex.com/gi-search/?food_name=rice&product_category=&country=&gi=&gi_filter=&serving_size_(g)=&serving_size_(g)_filter=&carbs_per_serve_(g)=&carbs_per_serve_(g)_filter=&gl=&gl_filter=">White rices</a> fall in the medium and high. There are specific <a href="https://www.gisymbol.com/low-gi-products/sunrice-doongara-low-gi-white-clever-rice-1kg/">low-GI types available</a> for both white and brown types. You can also lower the GI of rice by <a href="https://pubs.acs.org/doi/abs/10.1021/jf503203r">heating and then cooling it</a>. This process converts some of the “available carbohydrates” into “resistant starch”, which then functions like dietary fibre. <h2>Are there any benefits to white rice?</h2> The <a href="https://www.realsimple.com/brown-rice-vs-white-rice-8417468#:%7E:text=The%20eating%20experience%20between%20these,chewier%20texture%20and%20nuttier%20flavor.">taste and textural qualities</a> of white and brown rices differ. White rice tends to have a softer texture and more mild or neutral flavour. Brown rice has a chewier texture and nuttier flavour. So, while you can technically substitute brown rice into most recipes, the experience will be different. Or other ingredients may need to be added or changed to create the desired texture. Removing more of the outer layers may also reduce the levels of <a href="https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC10375490/">contaminants</a> such as pesticides. <h2>We don’t just eat rice</h2> Comparing white and brown rice seems like an easy way to boost nutritional value. But just because one food (brown rice) is more nutrient-dense doesn’t make the other food (white rice) “bad”. Ultimately, it’s not often that we eat just rice, so we don’t need the rice we choose to be the perfect one. Rice is typically the staple base of a more complex dish. So, it’s probably more important to think about what we eat with rice. Adding vegetables and lean proteins to rice-based dishes can easily add the micronutrients, bioactives and fibre that white rice is comparatively lacking, and this can likely do more to contribute to diet quality than eating brown rice instead.<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/236767/count.gif?distributor=republish-lightbox-basic" alt="The Conversation" width="1" height="1" /> <a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/emma-beckett-22673">Emma Beckett</a>, Adjunct Senior Lecturer, Nutrition, Dietetics & Food Innovation - School of Health Sciences, <a href="https://theconversation.com/institutions/unsw-sydney-1414">UNSW Sydney</a> Image credits: Shutterstock 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/is-white-rice-bad-for-me-can-i-make-it-lower-gi-or-healthier-236767">original article</a>. </div>

Food & Wine

"I really thought he would kill me": Erin Molan opens up about abusive relationship

Warning: This article contains discussions of domestic violence which some readers may find confronting Radio and TV presenter Erin Molan has opened up for the first time about horrific abuse she endured at the hands of an ex-partner. Speaking candidly to the <a href="https://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/news/nsw/exclusive-interview-erin-molan-opens-up-about-horrific-abuse-she-suffered-from-a-man-she-dated/news-story/d2921145ef5010a413bab6c9a830f3bc" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Sunday Telegraph</a>, the 40-year-old presenter recalled many of her "worst" moments with her former boyfriend, sharing how she feared for her life when he became physically abusive. '“He came in drunk and dragged me out of bed and started stamping his foot into my head over and over and over,” she told the publication. “I was lying on the floor screaming and normally if I screamed really loudly he would stop because neighbours would hear. But that time he just kept going and going and it felt like my skull was going to crack open.” She said the relentless physical violence became a pattern of behaviour, and she would regularly be brutally injured. “One time he smashed a bottle over my head,” she says. “Another time I was terrified he’d throw me off a balcony. Once I ran to hide in my car and he got a rubbish bin and started smashing it against the windscreen and I feared I would be killed by glass shattering over me. “Another time he covered my face with a pillow so I couldn’t breathe. I was crying for my mum. I really thought he would kill me.” Molan said she chose not publicly discuss the abuse while her beloved dad, Senator Jim Molan, was alive because she didn’t want to break his heart, but now she wants others to know what she went through. In sharing her heartbreaking story, she also hopes she can give other victims of domestic violence the courage to come forward. “I’m not sharing my story because I want to. My preference would be for this part of my life to never be shared but with every single death I see in this space, a part of me wonders whether I could have made a difference,” she says. “Could my experience have made these beautiful, innocent women feel less alone, less ashamed, less scared and could that have been the tiny thing that may have empowered them to ask for help, the thing that might have helped to save their lives?” Molan added that while it’s confronting for her to speak out, she wants things to change, not just for her generation but for her daughter’s. As she says, “I want to worry about my daughter’s first boyfriend breaking her heart, not her bones.” Image credits: for AWAPAC/Shutterstock Editorial

Caring

"They lied": Kerri-Anne Kennerley blasts I’m A Celeb

Kerri-Anne Kennerley has opened up on her dramatic appearance on I’m A Celebrity … Get Me Out Of Here! last year, claiming that she was "lied to" ahead of her decision to sign up. Speaking to Tammin Sursok on her podcast, The Sh*t Show, Kennerly alleged that Network Ten made promises they couldn't keep. “[Ten] came to me and promised me this, this and this … and I had nothing else to do at the time,” the TV veteran claimed. “I got promised a bunch of stuff and they lied. And so instead of being in there, the three weeks I committed to, I got out in three days. They lied.” Sursok asked her to elaborate on the promises they made, but Kennerley refused. “I don’t want to go into it now. History. And I’m even dumbfounded that I said to myself after I’ve gone, oh my God. I avoided exactly what happened for 10 years. “ … If I had thought about it for one more nanosecond and the things that were said to me were not said to me, I wouldn’t have done it in a heartbeat.” Kennerley tearfully quit I'm A Celebrity last year after clashing with MAFS star Domenica Calarco, who she claimed called her "the most self-centred b***h” she’d ever met during an eating challenge. The TV veteran added that going on the show was the "dumbest" decision she has ever made. “Comes out as absolutely number one dumb and as backed by several of my friends – especially straight after [I left IAC], them going, ‘You didn’t tell us, we would’ve locked you in a room if you had said you were going’,” she admitted. “But I don’t know … I’ve always thought I was pretty bulletproof, and then you get wounded and move on. But no … dumb, dumb, dumb – and lies. That’s what I put it down to.” Images: Ten

"You guys can't touch me": Djokovic slams Wimbledon crowd

Novak Djokovic has launched into a staggering tirade after emerging from the Wimbledon courts victorious, after claiming the crowd was being "disrespectful" by booing him. The Serbian tennis champ accused the audience after his 6-3, 6-4, 6-2 victory over Danish player Holger Rune, calling out the behaviour during his winning speech. “To all the fans that have had respect and stayed here tonight, I thank you from the bottom of my heart and I appreciate it,” he said. “And to all those people that have chosen to disrespect the player, in this case me, have a goooood night." “Goooood night, goooood night, have a good night,” he continued. The on-court interviewer suggested that the crowd was chanting “Rooooon” and was not in fact booing, but Djokovic was determined. “I’m hoping they were just commenting on Rune and they weren’t disrespecting you,” the courtside interviewer said, as Djokovic responded, “They were, they were, they were, they were.” “I am not accepting it. No, no, no. I know they were cheering for Rune but that’s an excuse to also boo." “Listen, I have been on the tour for more than 20 years." “I know all the tricks. I focus on the respectful people that pay for the ticket, and love tennis and appreciate the players." “I have played in much more hostile environments, trust me ... you guys can’t touch me.” He then headed for the Centre Court exit to initial applause before further chants of "Ruuuuuuune" followed. Image credits: ADAM VAUGHAN/EPA-EFE/Shutterstock Editorial

Travel Trouble

"Terrifies me": Tracy Grimshaw reveals her biggest fears around ageing

Tracy Grimshaw has headed back to TV alongside alongside Dr Nick Coatsworth in a new medical series Do You Want To Live Forever? In an interview with 9Entertainment, the journalist explained why she chose to return to TV, after standing down from A Current Affair in 2022 following 17 years on the show. She explained that what pulled her to the medical series was "the extreme end of longevity." "People who shake the tree always fascinate me, particularly if they're putting their bodies on the line," she said. "It's so new, some of this stuff... that's probably what brought me in, but we're not just going to be at that end of the whole longevity discussion. "We're talking to people on how they can improve their quality of life and address issues that might lead to a premature death." In the interview she also revealed her own fears on ageing, especially what she finds most terrifying about it. "I'm not too scared about the passage of time," she began. "The only thing that scares me about getting older is becoming feeble." "Alzheimer's terrifies me. My brain has always been I think the best part of me, and it would be really sad to lose that." The show itself follows four pairs of everyday Aussies, including sisters from The Block, Eliza and Liberty, husband and wife, Enver and Eliana, partners Luke and Taylor, and father and son duo Duncan and Tom, as they undergo medically supervised trials and health interventions that may provide clues to help us live longer. Image: Channel 9

"Do not cry for me": Teacher announces own death

A teacher and mum-of-two who chronicled her breast cancer journey online has announced her own death, through a social media post written before her passing. "If you're reading this, it means I have died," Kate Rackham, 45, shared on her Teacher With Cancer X account. "But do not cry for me. I have lived my life on my own terms, the way I have wanted to." The mum told her followers that she joined X, formerly Twitter, as she "needed an outlet", but "what I got was so much more". "You made me feel validated in my feelings and much less alone. Thank you." <blockquote class="twitter-tweet"> If you’re reading this, it means I have died. But do not cry for me. I have lived my life on my own terms, the way I have wanted to. I joined X because I needed an outlet, what I got was so much more. You made me feel validated in my feelings and much less alone. Thank you ❤️ — Teacher with Cancer (@kate_rackham) <a href="https://twitter.com/kate_rackham/status/1801137648146243756?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 13, 2024</a></blockquote> The British mum was only 39 when she was diagnosed with incurable oestrogen-receptive breast cancer and spent the past six years fighting the disease. She began documenting her journey online, and explained that she had no obvious risk factors leading to the disease. Just before her passing, she was admitted into hospital and was told by doctors that "there is nothing more we can do" and that she "needed a bit of time" to process the news. "I'm now home, where I want to be. With Mark and the girls. Surrounded by love, family and friends," she shared at the time. "Everyone is rallying around and I have so much support. Despite everything I feel blessed." Many have shared their condolences, including friends and those who are also battling breast cancer. "When my time comes, I can but hope I display the dignity and strength of character you did. Much love and condolences to your family and friends," one wrote. "I hope you are free from the pain. You still live in your children your husband. Your legacy," another said. "Thank you for sharing your journey with grace and dignity," a third added. "I hope wherever you are you are no longer in pain. Sending love and thoughts to your family." Rackham is survived by her husband Mark and their two daughters Ruby and Nancy. Images: X/ Nine

Caring

“He tried to kill me": Shock claims against former TV presenter

Former Channel Seven presenter Liam David Cox has appeared via audiovisual link in Sydney Downing Centre Local Court on Monday, following claims that he forcefully strangled a woman during a domestic dispute. The woman told police that Cox had wrestled her to the ground, straddled her, and proceeded to forcefully strangle her until she lost consciousness. “He tried to kill me,” she told police. The court heard that police found the woman bleeding from her nose and coughing up blood, when they attended the scene. They also found blood splattered on the bedsheets and pillows, and on tissues in the toilet. She was treated by paramedics before being hospitalised for her injuries. The alleged incident occurred at a house in Vaucluse, in Sydney’s eastern suburbs, on the night of May 4, and Cox was arrested at a hotel in Bondi Beach the following day. Cox has spent nearly a month behind bars, and was applying for bail during the court hearing on Monday. The court heard that the altercation occurred after he had attended a charity fundraiser with the woman where he had a few drinks before they became embroiled in a heated argument. Magistrate Greg Grogin said the facts stated that the woman had been “the instigator” and “quite aggressive”, adding that he wasn't "victim blaming" but adding context to the “extremely serious allegations” where Cox allegedly lashed out after an “ongoing” argument. Cox's lawyer Ben Barrack told the court the couple had clashed three times that night, and the woman had punched and kicked him in the lead up to the alleged assault. The former TV presenter also claimed that he was acting in self-defence, but admitted that he had not used reasonable force. His lawyer added that the woman’s allegations were “highly problematic” and emphasised she had not yet provided a statement to police about the alleged assault. Police prosecutor Nellia Ng argued that Cox should not be granted bail because there was a risk that he would further endangered the alleged victim commit further offences, or fail to appear in court. However, the Magistrate determined that the risks could be mitigated if Cox resided in Queensland and was barred from contacting his alleged victim. He granted bail with strict conditions including having to surrender his passport, report to police, and abstain from contacting the woman. “Domestic violence should not occur anywhere at any time with anybody for any reason,” Magistrate Grogin said. “Any temptation to contact (the woman) will be a short-course way to come back before the court via AVL wearing green. You don’t need to do that.” Image: YouTube

Legal

“Too chaotic for me”: Bride and groom slammed for “unreasonable” wedding rules

A bride and groom has been slammed online for giving their wedding guests an extensive list of rules they must abide by on their big day. The list of 15 demands was shared on Reddit, where social media users tore the newlyweds to shreds with their “unreasonable” rules. The post racked up thousands of comments on the Wedding Shamers subreddit, with one person writing, 'If someone sent this to me, I would simply just not go.' The rules included that guests needed to remember their opinions on the wedding are “irrelevant” while also banning attendees from “sitting down all night” or making their own big announcements. The first rule urged guests to remember that this was the bride and groom's big day, “not yours”, while also telling guests, “Do not get in the photographer's way.” They also made a strict dress code, writing, “the attire is BLACK and/or GOLD not red, blue, green and definitely NO WHITE!” “Do not rearrange the seats, we have a seating chart for a reason.” The rules continued, “If you didn't put out any money for the wedding, keep your "should've, could've, would've" to yourself. Your opinion is irrelevant.” But the couple did not stop there as they also urged guests to pace themselves when drinking and banned “big announcements or proposals.” Next up, it read, “If you can't handle or dislike the music being played, simply go home. This is a celebration, not a funeral.” The lovebirds then instructed their friends and family to use their own personalised hashtag when posting photos on social media. Rounding out the demands, the final five read, “Do not sit down all night. No outside liquor. If caught, you will be escorted out.” “Refer back to rule number one. The bride and groom said what they said! Turn ALL the way up!” The post was soon flooded with comments with many insisting that the couple had taken it too far. One person wrote, “What kind of list is this? Too chaotic for me.” Another person added, “Yeah, I would not be going to that wedding. Sounds like too much drama.” On the other hand, there were a few commenters who understood the need for issuing such strict guidelines and defended the couple. One person wrote, “They're not asking for anything out of order. They're just stating what should be obvious, but they probably have seen from their family and friends past behaviour, that it NEEDS to be addressed.” “Is it a little tacky? Yes, but the only people that will be bothered by any of it are the ones that would have been an issue.” Image credits: Reddit / Shutterstock

Relationships

“Never seen anything like it”: Man runs into inferno to save pet dogs

A Perth man has faced danger head on after running back into his burning house to save his pet dogs. He and his mum escaped from the fire at their Winthrop home about 5.30pm on Tuesday. When they realised their two beloved dogs were still inside, the man ran back towards danger and emerged not long after with a dog in each arm. The fire started in the garage and spread throughout the whole house within minutes. “I’ve never seen anything like it before, it went up so quickly,” Winthrop resident Phoebe told 7NEWS. “Everybody was very sombre because it was very sad.” Now, the family has lost a lifetime of memories on top of an accident the mother faced just four months ago after she was run over by a car. “She’s a really lovely lady and she just came out of hospital,” neighbour Grace said. “She just wanted to come back, relax in her house and start her life again and then this happened.” Firefighters had managed to stop the fire from spreading to neighbouring homes, although the cause is yet to be determined. “Due to the ferocity of the fire the houses on either side were at risk so the firefighters did a fantastic job to contain it,” fire investigator Stuart Parks said. Image: 7NEWS

Family & Pets

10 questions you must ask before booking a tour

A tour can be a memorable experience, for the right and wrong reasons. Here are 10 questions you must ask yourself before booking one on your next holiday. 1. Are there minimum or maximum group sizes? This applies for two reasons. Firstly, you need to decide how many people you’d like to travel with. Small group tours will have no more than a dozen or so while larger tours could be up to 50. The size will drastically impact your tour experience, affecting everything from the mode of transport to the type of meals. Secondly, you need to know if there’s a minimum group size needed for the tour to run. If you’re the only one who books you may find it cancelled. 2. What is your cancellation/refund policy? As a rule of thumb, you should ask this question about any kind of travel you book before you hand over your cash. With a tour, make sure you find out their policies around inclement weather, too few passengers or if you need to cancel. And as always, travel insurance is your best friend. 3. Are you available for support throughout? One of the good things about travelling with a tour is that you’ll have the services of at least one guide. It’s also good to know if the tour office itself is available for assistance when you’re on the road. This comes in handy if you have to make changes, get sick or are unhappy with the experience. 4. Do you have any reviews I can read? If you can’t find the tour company on TripAdvisor or a similar review site, ask the company if they have any testimonials from previous customers. Before you make your final decision, it’s nice to know what other people have said about the tour and its style. 5. What experience/qualifications do the guides have? Many tour companies now pride themselves on using locals or people who have lived in a country for many years to guide tours. You don’t want to be stuck with someone who just reads from a guidebook – you can do that yourself for half the price. Find out what they know before you go. 6. How active is it? There is a huge spectrum when it comes to tours, ranging from coach journeys with very little walking to active treks where you cover hard ground every day. Make sure you find out exactly what will be involved and if that suits your abilities and fitness level. And be realistic – you and the tour group will suffer otherwise. 7. What is the demographic? You don’t want to get stuck on a tour with a bunch of 25 year olds who are just looking for the pub. Most people prefer to travel with people around their own age and in similar demographics (such as solo travellers, seniors, families etc), so make sure you find out who is likely to be in your group before you book. 8. Is everything included or will I have to pay for extras? You should be able to get a detailed break down of exactly what is – and what isn’t – included in the price. What looked like a good deal can quickly become very expensive if you have to pay for day excursions, admission fees, alcohol or other surprises. 9. How much time do you spend in each place? Are you looking to tick many famous sites off your list or do you want to have the time to immerse yourself in a destination? When you’re looking at an itinerary, ask questions about how long you will actually be spending at each place to ensure that you get enough time to really enjoy it. 10. Will I get any free time on my own? After many days as part of a group, it’s nice to have some time on your own. You can explore sites that aren’t on your itinerary, try a new restaurant or just have a well deserved nap. Find out how rigid the schedules are and if there will be some time to do your own thing. Image credits: Shutterstock

Travel Tips

5 questions to ask before becoming a carer

Thinking about becoming a caregiver? Deciding to step up and provide care for a loved one is a huge responsibility. Make sure you’re prepared and ask these five vital questions first. Do I need to hire help? Just because you’re taking on caregiving duties doesn’t mean you have to be super human. It’s perfectly okay to ask for help, whether it’s in the form of a cleaner or someone to take on tasks that you would prefer to outsource. According to Health.com, 40 per cent of caregivers say dealing with incontinence is one of their most difficult task, while 30 per cent say helping relatives bathe is hard as well. What is my Plan B? If something should happen to you and your schedule or demands change, it’s important to discuss a back-up plan. As the primary carer, a lot of responsibility will rest on you so make sure you have a Plan B before you need one. Should I be compensated? A survey found that 60 per cent of careers adjust their work schedule to look after others, which means either cutting back hours or taking a leave of absence. While you might not want to accept money to care for loved ones, it’s a good idea to have an open discussion with close friends and family about how the responsibilities might impact your life and earning capacity, so that all parties agree on a fair solution. What is Power of Attorney? If you are looking after someone with memory loss, you may need to look into a legal document called power of attorney. Talk to family about who should have this responsibilities, and how you will navigate legal issues that could arise. Who is my support group? Roughly one in three carers don’t receive any help. Having a strong support network of people you can turn to, even just for a chat, can make a huge difference. You might be surprised by how many people you know are also caregivers. Image credits: Getty Images

Caring

Insider spills on Robert Irwin's plans for I'm a Celeb

Robert Irwin received rave reviews for his co-hosting skills alongside Julia Morris on this year's I'm a Celebrity...Get Me Out of Here, but an insider has claimed that he won't be returning for another season. "His easygoing and faultless live TV skills have won over the nation. But his career at Ten will only be short-lived, and he is heading back to Seven," a source told Woman's Day. The negotiation is believed to have been orchestrated by the ultimate "mumager" Terri Irwin. "The Irwins are very smart when it comes to negotiations," the insider added. The source also claimed that Robert's decision to join I'm a Celebrity was seen as a one-off opportunity to elevate his television profile - which he has achieved after bringing fresh energy into the show. Channel Seven is reportedly keen to welcome Robert back with a massive deal, according to the source. "Seven want Robert back and have thrown a king's ransom at him," they said. If the deal goes through, Julia Morris will have to find a new partner to head to the jungle with. Many fans have praised Robert for bringing some fun into the jungle. "I have not ever been keen on watching this show but Robert you have brought some class and good honest fun to the jungle. Thank you," one fan wrote under a clip of the show's grand finale that Robert posted on his Instagram. "How awesome was Robert? This gig was like it was made for him. What a natural," another added. "Best year of I'm a Celebrity, and it was because you added something to the show as Co-Host. Brilliant job for somebody with no experience but with a lot to give," commented a third. Images: Instagram

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"You guys can't touch me": Djokovic slams Wimbledon crowd

"Terrifies me": Tracy Grimshaw reveals her biggest fears around ageing

"Do not cry for me": Teacher announces own death

“He tried to kill me": Shock claims against former TV presenter

“Too chaotic for me”: Bride and groom slammed for “unreasonable” wedding rules

“Never seen anything like it”: Man runs into inferno to save pet dogs

10 questions you must ask before booking a tour

5 questions to ask before becoming a carer

Insider spills on Robert Irwin's plans for I'm a Celeb

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