Health | 25HourNews

Legal Fears and #MeToo: Actress Yael Stone's Allegations Against Geoffrey Rush and Australia's Defamation Laws Australian actress Yael Stone has accused actor Geoffrey Rush of inappropriate behavior during a theatre production in Sydney between 2010 and 2011. Rush, 67, has strongly denied the allegations.Ms. Stone, 33, revealed that she had been hesitant to speak out earlier due to concerns over personal and professional repercussions, reflecting a common fear expressed by women globally since the rise of the #MeToo movement. She also highlighted her apprehension about potential legal consequences, noting that Australia's strict defamation laws often expose individuals or publications making accusations to the threat of legal action.Experts argue that such fears have contributed to the slower progress of the #MeToo movement in Australia compared to other countries. In Australia, the risks of defamation suits have made many victims wary of sharing their stories publicly, creating an additional barrier to holding powerful individuals accountable. These legal challenges have resulted in fewer high-profile cases being brought to light, and many individuals remain hesitant to speak out against alleged misconduct.The impact of these legal concerns underscores the need for broader reforms in Australia’s defamation laws to ensure that victims of harassment and abuse can come forward without the fear of retaliation or legal consequences, in line with the global movement for justice and equality.
"Miss Ida: A One-Woman Play Tackling Black Health Inequality with Humor" A powerful one-woman show is being staged in the West Midlands to shine a light on health disparities within the Black community. The production features the character of Miss Ida, a lively and insightful figure, who tackles serious health concerns through a comedic lens. By weaving humor into the narrative, the play explores the real challenges faced by Black individuals when it comes to health and wellness.To ensure authenticity, the character of Miss Ida was shaped by conversations with elderly members of the African and Caribbean communities in the West Midlands. These invaluable insights allowed the producers to create a character that truly reflects the lived experiences and health-related concerns of older generations within the Black community.The show will be performed at two venues in the West Midlands on Friday—one in Smethwick and another in West Bromwich—following earlier performances in Wolverhampton and Birmingham. The production aims to raise awareness and spark conversations about the critical health issues affecting Black communities, with a unique blend of humor and heartfelt storytelling.Through this one-woman performance, the show seeks to educate, entertain, and ultimately inspire change in how health inequality is addressed within marginalized communities.
Isle of Man Considers Introducing Health Surcharge for Visa Holders The Isle of Man is considering the introduction of a health surcharge for individuals moving to the island on a visa, according to Treasury Minister Alex Allinson MHK. This proposal is part of a broader review of migration incentives and disincentives, following a report debated by Tynwald, the Isle of Man’s parliament. The report highlighted the absence of a healthcare surcharge on the island as an "unintended incentive" that could attract immigrants with significant healthcare needs.The recommendations from the report are expected to be presented in May, with the possibility of adopting a system similar to the UK’s health levy, which currently stands at £1,035 per year for visa holders.Aiming for Fair and Equitable Immigration PoliciesMr. Allinson noted that any healthcare surcharge policy would aim to balance the needs of the Isle of Man with a fair immigration system. He emphasized that introducing such a fee would require careful consideration of both UK and Manx legislation, as well as cooperation with UK counterparts to ensure a seamless system for visa holders.“Mirroring the UK system is complex, and we would need to develop operational and digital frameworks for it to work effectively,” Allinson stated. He further explained that the goal is for any payment collected to be directed to the Isle of Man, though this would require significant development in digital infrastructure.Digitalisation and Systems IntegrationImplementing the surcharge would involve substantial digital upgrades to align the Isle of Man’s systems with those of the UK, ensuring that Isle of Man residents are not disadvantaged when traveling. David Ashford MHK raised questions about the feasibility of using UK systems, to which Allinson responded, noting the “huge amount of work in the digitalisation of immigration processes” and the investment required for system integration.If adopted, the proposed surcharge would be paid annually for the duration of an individual’s visa, mirroring the UK model. The government is still evaluating the logistics of the system, along with potential impacts on the island’s immigration landscape.
Bipolar Pop: Music That Supports Mental Health However, in an industry where these challenges are widespread, artists like Billie Eilish, Demi Lovato, and Lewis Capaldi are breaking that silence, sharing their personal battles to help fans feel understood.Inspired by them, more musicians are opening up to spread the message that it's okay to talk about these issues. Singer Lleo, who creates "bipolar pop," has seen an overwhelming response from fans since she began singing about her own mental health journey. The Cheltenham-born artist, who is bipolar, shared that fans often reach out to tell her how much her music resonates with them, saying, "This song helps me so much."Similarly, Swindon-born singer-songwriter Athena Aperta, 26, is using her "honest lyrics" to inspire hope. Sober for two years, Aperta recalls how her mental health and struggles with alcohol and drugs worsened after she became involved in the London music scene, where substance abuse was rampant. She said moving back to her hometown in 2022 was a "blessing in disguise," helping her overcome her addiction. While substance use still exists in her surroundings, she’s learned to manage it, saying she can now "regulate herself more" in those environments.
Trampoline Therapy: A Boost for Mental and Physical Well-being A patient who sought support from the mental health charity St Andrew’s Healthcare in Northampton has credited trampoline therapy, also known as rebound therapy, for significantly improving both her physical and mental well-being. Simone, who has been attending sessions for the past 18 months, shared that the therapy not only helped her feel physically fitter but also gave her a "safe space" where she could escape stress and mental health struggles.Rebound therapy involves the use of trampolines for therapeutic exercise and has been shown to benefit individuals with a wide range of needs, including physical disabilities, sensory impairments, autism, and learning disabilities. By focusing on gentle, repetitive movements, the therapy aims to improve mobility, muscle strength, and emotional regulation.Simone’s Progress and JourneySimone’s participation in the therapy has transformed her outlook on life. Before beginning the sessions, she described feeling overwhelmed and unsure about her future. Now, she feels more hopeful, crediting rebound therapy as a major factor in her personal development.Reflecting on her progress, Simone said: "I wouldn’t have come this far without rebound therapy. Two years ago, I would have been terrified, but now, rebound has given me hope for the future."How Rebound Therapy WorksThe rebound therapy sessions at St Andrew’s Healthcare, first introduced about three years ago, were developed as part of an initiative to provide both psychological and physical support for patients. Led by sports and exercise therapist Abigail Ralph, the therapy has been met with growing success. Ralph explains, “If you’re going through a hard time or struggling emotionally, getting on the trampoline can help break the mood you’re in while allowing you to interact with others in a fun and therapeutic way."St Andrew’s Healthcare plans to expand the use of rebound therapy across its occupational health teams in the future, aiming to extend the benefits of this innovative therapy to more patients.Positive Results and Patient FeedbackThe benefits of rebound therapy are supported by surveys conducted among patients in the women's mental health services at St Andrew’s. Around 60% of participants reported improvements in their strength and fitness, with some achieving more complex and higher-level movements. Additionally, 95% of patients reported feeling an improvement in their mood following the sessions.Another patient participating in th
Mental Health Fundraiser Completes Grueling 111-Mile Endurance Walk Chris Kendall, a 33-year-old from Heworth, successfully completed an 111-mile (178 km) endurance walk from York Minster to the Lake District to raise money for the mental health charity, Mind. His journey began in his home city of York, and after three days of continuous walking, he arrived in Keswick, raising more than £2,000 in donations along the way.Inspired by Personal ExperienceKendall was inspired to undertake this challenge due to his own experiences with depression and anxiety. Reflecting on his achievement, he expressed a deep sense of fulfillment. "It’s a nice feeling as I know I am going to give a good amount of money to help other people that need the support," he said.Facing Physical and Emotional ChallengesThe endurance walk was not without its hardships. Starting at 2 a.m., Kendall faced painful shin splints that forced him to walk on his tiptoes for portions of the trek. He described his emotions upon reaching the finish line in Keswick: "I was so relieved and exhausted to reach the finishing point. I was really emotional; the floodgates opened."His father played a crucial role in supporting him throughout the journey, meeting him every 10 miles with a campervan to provide tea and snacks. Kendall's dog, Roux, also joined him for some sections, offering companionship during the challenging walk.A Personal Journey Toward HealingKendall's journey was also a personal one. Diagnosed with depression and anxiety two years ago, he has been on a path of recovery, learning to open up to friends and family about his struggles. "Some days still aren’t great as you do bottle stuff up, but I am learning to open up," he shared.He credited the Lake District with playing a significant role in his healing process. His boss introduced him to walking in the fells of the Lake District when he was going through a tough time with his mental health. "I was hooked; the Lakes just relaxed me," he said, adding that the walk represented "a light at the end of the tunnel after a difficult time."A Call to Speak OutKendall emphasized the importance of speaking out about mental health issues. "If you don’t talk, you hold it up, and it gets worse and worse," he said. His endurance walk and the funds raised for Mind serve as a reminder of the importance of opening up and seeking support.Supporting Mental Health Through ActionKendall's journey from York to the Lake District not only raised funds but also awareness about mental health challenges and the significance o
Doctor Offers Free Medical Consultations at Church to Ease Local GP Burden In a unique initiative to support the local community, Lydney Christian Fellowship church in the Forest of Dean has begun offering bi-monthly consultations with a specialist cardiology consultant, Dr. Petse Alexovsky, to help alleviate the strain on local GP surgeries. These sessions, which started in April, provide an opportunity for individuals to discuss their health concerns and receive preliminary check-ups in a welcoming environment.Dr. Alexovsky, who works at Gloucestershire Royal Hospital, cannot prescribe treatments during these church consultations, but he offers invaluable support and advice. "As a Christian, I have always been driven to show love. This is one of the things I can provide and do well," he explained.Providing Reassurance and Support in the CommunityThe initiative began when Dr. Alexovsky and his wife started attending Lydney Christian Fellowship church in July last year. Seeing the need for additional health support in the community, they approached Pastor Ian Sampson with the idea. Pastor Sampson told BBC Radio Gloucestershire that the sessions have already made a significant difference to those attending."To have that conversation to put people's minds at ease has been massively beneficial to those that have attended," Pastor Sampson said, highlighting the importance of having a space where people can speak openly about their health concerns.Health Checks and Referrals to GPsDr. Alexovsky’s sessions are designed to be thorough yet non-invasive. He conducts basic health checks, such as blood pressure measurement, pulse oximetry, and portable ECG readings. "I do a blood pressure measurement, pulse oximetry," he explained. "I have a portable ECG, and all of that is recorded down."During the consultations, Dr. Alexovsky also performs general examinations if the patient is comfortable, listens to their heart and lungs, and reviews any ongoing medication. This approach allows him to prepare a summary report with the patient, which can then be shared with their regular GP."We're not going to replace the GP; that's not the point. This is just a little advice to the GP, and then it's up to them to make the changes," Dr. Alexovsky stated, emphasizing the complementary nature of these sessions rather than replacing primary care providers.A Compassionate Approach to HealthcareDr. Alexovsky’s motivation comes from a place of compassion and faith. "Within primary care, I really feel compassion for them regarding the limit. I'm with them,"
5 Signs You're Running Low On Calcium Calcium is an extremely important component of our body that is responsible for healthy development. If calcium levels drop too low, this means that you have a calcium deficiency. Some symptoms indicate early on that you may be running low on calcium. To get a proper diagnosis, you can get a calcium serum test done as well. Calcium is an extremely important component and is responsible for the development of bones, teeth, heart, muscles, and nerves in our body. Adequate calcium levels also help our body to perform certain tasks well, such as blood clotting, as well as the release of hormones and enzymes in our body. There are a few symptoms and signs that directly indicate that you might have low levels of calcium in your body. It is best to maintain track of your calcium levels by getting the calcium serum test done regularly. This article provides more information about calcium deficiency, its symptoms, and how to treat it. How to Track Calcium Levels? To maintain and track the calcium levels in your body, it is best to get a calcium serum test done. It can also be prescribed by doctors to track your body’s reaction to certain diseases and their treatment. The general required amount of calcium that should be present in the body stands at between 8.6 and 10.2 milligrams per deciliter. It depends more on how much calcium you consume every day, which depends on your age as well as your gender. Adults 19-50 years: 1,000 mg Adult men 51-70 years: 1,000 mg Adult women 51-70 years: 1,200 mg Adults 71 years and older: 1,200 mg The serum calcium test price may defer depending on the city you reside in, where you are getting your test done, if it has been paired with other tests as well, etc. To get a lower rate, it is always best to be on the lookout for discounts and cashback offers that are actively provided by many diagnostic centres. 5 Symptoms of Low Calcium Count Several signs can be a direct indicator of a low calcium count in your body. 5 of these major signs have been listed below for your reference:1. Fatigue: This is one of the most common symptoms that can indicate that you might need to get a calcium serum test done. Fatigue can cause body aches and stiffness, as well as a depressed mood in people. It is a result of your cells and your body not getting enough nutrients. 2. Pain in Your Muscles: Calcium does more than simply strengthen