DAKAR, Senegal (AP) — The Congolese health minister announced the opening of three treatment centers in the eastern Ituri region as the country grapples with an outbreak of a rare variant of Ebola virus that has no approved therapeutics or vaccines.

“We know that the hospitals are already under stress because of the patients,” Samuel Roger Kamba said during a visit to Bunia, the capital and largest city in Ituri, on Sunday. “But we are preparing to have treatment centers at all three sites in order to be able to expand our capabilities.”

The World Health Organization declared the Ebola disease outbreak a public health emergency of international concern, after more than 300 suspected cases and 88 deaths in Congo and two in neighboring Uganda. Although the outbreak is centered in Ituri, cases have been reported in the capital, Kinshasa, and in Goma, the largest city in eastern Congo.

The WHO Regional Office for Africa said on X that a team of 35 experts from the WHO and the Congolese Ministry of Health had arrived in Bunia, the capital of Ituri province, along with 7 tons of emergency medical supplies and equipment.

An unusual strain

Ebola is highly contagious and can be contracted via bodily fluids such as vomit, blood, or semen. The disease it causes is rare, but severe and often fatal.

Health authorities say the current outbreak, first confirmed on Friday, is caused by the Bundibugyo virus, a rare variant of the Ebola disease that has no approved therapeutics or vaccines. Although more than 20 Ebola outbreaks have taken place in Congo and Uganda, this is only the third time that the Bundibugyo virus has been detected.

Dr. Gabriel Nsakala, a professor of public health who has been involved in past Ebola outbreak responses in Congo, said treatments for viral infections like Ebola are often directed at symptoms.

He said Congo has extensive experience managing Ebola outbreaks, but response efforts could be complicated by the unusual strain.

The Bundibugyo virus was first detected in Uganda’s Bundibugyo district during a 2007-2008 outbreak that infected 149 people and killed 37. The second time was in 2012, in an outbreak in Isiro, Congo, where 57 cases and 29 deaths were reported.

The outbreak started in a remote locality already grappling with a humanitarian crisis

The Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention said the first cases were reported in Mongwalu health zone, a high-traffic mining area in Ituri.

Ituri is in a remote eastern part of Congo, with poor road networks, and is more than 1,000 kilometers (620 miles) from the nation’s capital, Kinshasa. Eastern Congo has been grappling with a humanitarian crisis even before the new outbreak has been confirmed.

The agency said there’s also a risk of further spread due to intense population movement and attacks by armed groups that have killed dozens and displaced thousands in parts of Ituri in the past year.

“The outbreak is currently occurring in provinces marred by crisis including insecurity, presence of armed actors or de facto authorities with large displacement, weak health systems and insufficient availability of services,” the WHO said on Monday. It added that since January 2025, there have been 44 attacks on health care facilities in Congo and 742 incidents affecting humanitarian workers.

Health officials are in ‘panic mode’ due to lack of medicines and vaccines

The WHO’s emergency declaration is meant to spur donor agencies and countries into action. By the agency’s standards, it shows the event is serious, there is a risk of international spread and it requires a coordinated international response.

Jean Kaseya, director-general of the Africa CDC, told Sky News on Sunday that he is in “panic mode” due to a lack of medicines and vaccines as deaths rise, but there are some candidate treatments anticipated in the coming weeks.

Rwanda closed its land border with Congo on Sunday, the U.S. State Department said on social media. Associated Press reporters tried to cross the border on Sunday and Monday morning, but were informed it was closed except for holders of international flight tickets. Rwandan authorities have not replied to a request for comment.

The East African Community a regional bloc that includes Congo, said Monday that the new Ebola outbreak underscores the importance of regional solidarity and preparedness. Andrea Aguer Ariik Malueth, the deputy secretary-general, said that given the high level of movement of people and goods across the region, coordinated preparedness and rapid information sharing are essential to preventing cross-border transmission.

He added in a statement that the bloc is committed to helping its members strengthen surveillance, laboratory diagnosis, infection prevention and control and other efforts, particularly in border areas.

Other celebrities spotted on Monday included Dame Joanna Lumley, X Factor winner Alexandra Burke, Rugby player Chris Robshaw, artist Grayson Perry, Lady Amelia Windsor, broadcaster Piers Morgan, reality TV stars Spencer Matthews and Vogue Williams, and singer Will Young.

This is the moment a ‘hero’ jumps between three teenagers fighting with machetes in front of families in a south London park.

Dramatic footage shows one of the teens being pushed to the ground in Burgess Park as the other two close in with blades, before a man runs between them to break up the fight.

He can be heard shouting: ‘What are you doing? Stop it,’ as he puts his own safety at risk during the incident in Burgess Park, Southwark, on Sunday.

Families were picnicking nearby while children played football when the incident unfolded at about 12.30pm. 

A crowd could be seen gathering to watch the fight unfold. At that point, a man runs at the two attackers and forces them to flee while the man on the ground runs to make a getaway on an electric scooter. 

The footage, which is under 30 seconds long, has been posted on social media, and viewers have heaped praise on the man who stopped the fight.

A witness who saw the incident unfold said the man who intervened had ‘saved a life’. 

He wrote: ‘This happened in Burgess Park, southeast London, where I play football every Sunday. 

‘The knife crime in London is alarming. The man that separated those boys deserves a medal. He saved a life.’

Another told Metro: ‘What that bloke did is heroic. He came out of nowhere to ride his like to de-escalate a vicious fight. He was amazing.’

Four boys, aged 16 and 17, were arrested on suspicion of offences including affray, causing grievous bodily harm and possession of an offensive weapon.

Three boys were arrested near the scene, while a fourth was arrested later on Sunday evening.

All four boys remain in police custody. Two suffered minor injuries. 

Following the incident a mum to social media to express their fears that the park was no longer safe for children. 

She said: ‘Burgess Park is somewhere children and teenagers should be able to safely enjoy.

‘But there seem to be constant incidents in and around this park lately. Our children walk through here, ride their bikes through here and meet friends here. It is becoming genuinely frightening. 

‘Parents, please stop assuming your children are safe just because they are going to the park. 

‘No child should have to witness people running around with knives. No child should have to worry if their child is coming home safely from the park.’

A Met Police spokesperson said: ‘Police were called at around 12:30hrs on Sunday, 17 May to reports of an altercation in Burgess Park, Camberwell.

‘Officers attended and searched the area with the assistance of the police helicopter. Four boys, aged 16 and 17, were arrested on suspicion of offences including affray, causing grievous bodily harm and possession of an offensive weapon.

‘Three boys were arrested near the scene, while a fourth was arrested later on Sunday evening. All four boys remain in police custody.

‘Two of the boys who were arrested were reported to have suffered injuries in the incident, which were not life-threatening or life-changing.

‘One, a 17-year-old boy, self-presented at hospital for treatment to wounds and was discharged later that afternoon, following which he was arrested at a property in Southwark.

‘The second boy, a 16-year-old, was taken to hospital by police and was later discharged.

‘Anyone with information is asked to contact police on 101, quoting CAD 3298/17MAY or to remain anonymous Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.’

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Martin O’Neill has hit out at critics of Celtic’s pitch invasion after their title-clinching win against Hearts at Parkhead, branding the reaction ‘nonsense’ in a heated talkSPORT exchange with Jim White

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Martin O’Neill has become embroiled in a heated on-air exchange with Jim White, dismissing criticism of the pitch invasion following Celtic’s title-clinching victory over Hearts at Parkhead as ‘nonsense’.

The interim Celtic manager also faced strong challenge from the talkSPORT presenter after downplaying reports of attacks on Hearts players amid the chaotic scenes.

Following substitute Callum Osmand’s strike to seal a 3-1 triumph at Parkhead on Saturday, hundreds of Celtic fans flooded onto the playing surface to begin premature celebrations, despite suggestions that stoppage time remained.

Hearts skipper Lawrence Shankland required stewarding assistance to leave the field after reportedly being assaulted, while other Tynecastle players were also allegedly subjected to similar incidents.

The SPFL subsequently confirmed the fixture had not been called off, while both clubs have condemned the events that unfolded after Celtic’s third goal, with the Hoops issuing an official apology.

However, O’Neill adopted a defiant stance when questioned about the purported attacks on opposing players, escalating matters during a tense discussion with White on talkSPORT on Monday, after the broadcaster suggested the chaotic pitch scenes had overshadowed Celtic’s championship success.

This immediately triggered a passionate response from O’Neill. The exchange unfolded as follows…

White: “There is a suggestion that this shows a lack of class, that it’s tainted the image…” O’Neill: “I’m sorry, I totally disagree with that. I don’t know about the confrontations in terms of the Hearts players, and there’s a lot of hyperbole about that, let’s find out the real picture.

“The fact is that when we scored the third goal, the game was essentially over, there were about eight seconds left, or whatever the case may be. The referee has claimed that he had blown the final whistle at the end. And then there’s obvious excitement, we have scored to win the league…”

White: “Yeah, but they shouldn’t have come on the pitch, Martin, should they?”

O’Neill: Well, start telling that to every single football club…

White: “Well, hang on a second Martin, Hearts called it an embarrassment to Scottish football, do you agree this was?”

O’Neill: “As they might do. Well, I don’t believe that, I just don’t believe it, I think it’s nonsense.”

White: “How’s it nonsense though, Martin, when some fans are up confronting Hearts players?”

O’Neill: “I assumed that the final whistle had gone at exactly the same moment that we put the ball in the net for the third goal. It’s a home game and we’d just won the league, and the fans have come onto the field, alright? Okay, so they should stay put then?”

White: “Have you spoken to Derek McInnes since winning it?”

O’Neill: “No. We’ve shaken hands and I have given him praise, which he has deserved.” White: “At the end of the day though, Martin, again, I can’t let this go. It seems that in certain quarters within the stadium, all discipline was lost, and some fans just… it was a free for all.”

O’Neill: “What do you mean, a free for all?”

White: “If you fancied going on the pitch, you could go on the pitch. Those who fancied going on, went on.”

O’Neill: “Was there not a scene at Ibrox where both sets of fans came onto the pitch?”

White: “And we called that out as well, Martin.”

O’Neill: “Yeah, alright, well done. Well, I’ll tell you what I’ll do. Let me have a look at the picture, let me have a look as if I’m the judge and jury of these particular things. Let me see the scene at the end of the day, and then I’ll come back to you, okay?”

White: “That’s fair enough, Martin, that’s fair enough.”

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A striking UK destination used as a movie set, with 27,000 acres of ancient woodland and a meandering river passing through, has been named one of the ‘best places in the world’

Some of the world’s most spectacular places are right on our doorstep, and there’s one in the heart of an enchanting UK woodland.

Nestled between the Rivers Wye and Severn in Gloucestershire, straddling the Welsh border, lies the ancient Forest of Dean, with 27,000 acres of towering, majestic trees. It’s one of England’s largest ancient woodlands and stands as a celebrated haven of outstanding natural beauty.

It attracts visitors from far and wide to admire and explore its otherworldly woodland, rustic bridges, snowdrops, and spiralling rivers. But there’s one particular spot in the Forest of Dean that has been deemed the ‘best place in the world’.

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Speaking to the Mirror, forest ranger for Forest Holidays, Gerry O’Brien, said: “I love the Forest of Dean, it’s obviously an area very close to my heart, it’s rich in history, heritage and wildlife. I know it really well, inside out, I guess, now. There are a lot of hidden gems around the forest that I love to go and explore, but Symonds Yat Rock is one of my favourite places in the world. It’s an incredible place to go, and I love it.”

Symonds Yat Rock offers breathtaking views across the winding River Wye, which is towered over by limestone cliffs and sprawling acres of ancient woodland. It’s a haven for birdwatching, with goshawks, buzzards, and sparrowhawks sweeping over the viewpoint, and it has ample walking trails to soak up the picturesque vistas and explore the nearby forest.

Gerry further shared about Symonds Yat Rock: “It’s incredible, it’s an old Iron Age Hill Fort, it’s almost right on the Hertfordshire border, looking out over the countryside. You could imagine, like 2,500 years ago, people were living on that rock, which is hard to believe.

“There are peregrine falcons that nest in the cliff face along the edge, so you can often see them coming up. There’s also a woodland, and if you’re looking down from Symonds Yat Rock, with the River Wye below you, you can look out over Copper Hill and on the other side, it’s the woodland where Harry Potter was filmed.”

Sharing a closer insight into the area and its renowned connections, Gerry added: “If you go to Symonds Yat East, it’s a little hamlet by the river, it’s beautiful and really picturesque. But you walk right past the house that was used in the Netflix series, Sex Education.

“It’s the red house, so all of that was filmed in and along the Wye Valley. There are a lot of hidden gems around the Forest of Dean. They’ve done alot of movies and TV work around the forest.”

Another highlight in the Forest of Dean’s otherworldly scenes is the beautiful Puzzlewood with 14 acres of twisted, moss-draped trees, ancient wooden bridges and snowdrops scattered across the rugged terrain. Alongside Gerry’s favourite place in the world, Puzzlewood is frequently hailed as one of the region’s most picturesque locations.

It even secured a place on Big 7 Travel’s ’50 Most Beautiful Places in the UK’ list for 2025 and again this year. This fantastical atmosphere has also attracted Hollywood attention, serving as a backdrop for productions such as Star Wars: The Force Awakens, The Secret Garden, The Huntsman: Winter’s War, Doctor Who, Merlin, Netflix’s Our Planet and BBC’s Atlantis.

Elsewhere in the Forest of Dean, Gerry recommended King Arthur’s Cave and the nearby Little Doward Hill Fort, an Iron Age fort situated in the Wye Valley. But one lesser-known landmark he applauded is the Darkhill Ironworks.

“It’s an old industrial ruin, and it’s really atmospheric where nature has reclaimed around it”, Gerry shared. “You can do a little walk around the Ironworks, which is a nice nature walk, and you can see the ruins.”

To explore some of Gerry’s recommendations in the Forest of Dean, you can book a stay with Forest Holidays, which offers a collection of lodges, cabins and treehouses, some with outdoor hot tubs to soak under the towering trees. Meanwhile, the likes of Sykes Holiday Cottages and Holidaycottages.co.uk also offer a range of stays in the region.

Do you have a travel story to share? Email webtravel@reachplc.com

FIRST-time parenting is exhausting – but Cherelle Mukoko, from south London, was crippled by anxiety and dark doubts about whether she had made a mistake with her firstborn.

Her once active life felt so far away as she cared for baby Zuri at home alone while her husband worked, saying: “It felt like I was constantly running on empty.”

It wasn’t until she started taking a daily pill that her whole outlook changed, after it finally gave her the much needed sleep she’d been missing.

Cherelle’s experience is not unique, says Well pharmacist Wendy Lee, but that doesn’t mean new parents need to suffer.

“The transition into becoming a new mum places an extraordinary load on both the body and mind,” says Wendy.

“Sleep deprivation alone is one of the biggest factors that impact mood regulation, concentration, and emotional resilience.

“When a mother is waking multiple times a night, often for months, the brain doesn’t get the chance to properly reset, which over time can lead to heightened anxiety, irritability, and a sense of overwhelm.”

Cherelle started taking magnesium on the advice of a medical professional and noticed a change overnight.

“The results were phenomenal,” she says.

“I slept the best I’ve slept for years, solidly and deeply all night long.” 

Research published in the journal BMC Complementary Medicine and Therapies found that when insomnia sufferers took magnesium supplements they fell asleep an average of 17 minutes quicker.

And a study of 4,000 adults, published in the journal Sleep, linked an increased intake of magnesium to better sleep quality and duration.

It’s not all that magnesium is good for – in fact, it’s involved in “over 300 enzymatic reactions in the body”, Dr Carrie Ruxton, dietitian from the Health & Food Supplements Information Service (HSIS), tells Sun Health.

But millions of us are deficient, she claims; One in five Brits in their 20s have low levels, as do half of women aged 11 to 18.

The NHS says that adult men need 300mg of magnesium per day and adult women need 270mg. 

Although the NHS says most people should be able to get magnesium from food – such as green leafy veg, nuts and wholegrains – there are some groups who may benefit more than others from taking a magnesium supplement.

This includes people with gut conditions like Crohn’s disease and IBS, and people taking medications like diuretics and antibiotics.

Dr Ruxton says “people with high stress levels, those who consume excessive amounts of alcohol or sugar, and those with a diet low in leafy greens, beans and pulses, nuts and seeds tend to be more at risk of inadequate magnesium levels”.

According to Dr Ruxton, in the early stages of magnesium deficiency someone might experience loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, fatigue or weakness. 

“As things get worse, numbness, tingling, muscle contractions and cramps, seizures, personality changes, abnormal heart rhythms and heart spasms could set in,” she says.

Sleep saviour

Cherelle was experiencing insomnia as a new mum but felt she was pushed beyond her physical and emotional limits.

Before kids, Cherelle had been incredibly active – waking at 6am to travel an hour just to run in Hyde Park. 

But once she became the primary care-giver for her little one, Cherelle says: “I felt completely drained. 

“The lack of sleep was overwhelming. I would wake up already exhausted, dreading the day because I just didn’t have the energy.

“I was constantly on edge, always thinking about what I had to do next.

“My nervous system just wouldn’t switch off. Some nights I didn’t get any sleep at all.

“I was constantly on high alert, sleeping with one eye open to make sure nothing was going wrong.

“I started questioning everything, all my life decisions. Was I truly cut out to be a mum? Had I made a terrible mistake?

“I’d wanted children for as long as I could remember, but I was on my knees, absolutely exhausted.

“I remember messaging him [her husband] saying I needed to get away. I was at my absolute worst.”

The relentless cycle of exhaustion and anxiety pushed Cherelle to her limits and she went on a weekend health retreat without her family. 

She says: “One of the practitioners at the retreat recommended I try magnesium, as a spray to start with, to help with my feelings of anxiety and the sleeplessness.” 

When Cherelle had such incredible results from the magnesium, she wondered if it were simply because she was away from her normal life.

Back home, she bought Be Well Magnesium 375mg (£7.49, or 4p per daily capsule), taking one every night.

Cherelle says things have “shifted in a noticeable way” after being able to get better rest, which she credits the magnesium for.

Now a mum-of-two, currently caring for her six-month old, Zaire, at home, Cherelle says: “I can go for a walk with my baby, and I even have the energy to go to the gym. That feeling alone is huge.

“It feels like I have a part of myself back – I feel more capable, more present, and more in control of my day.”

Wendy says: “It is believed that magnesium can help individuals experiencing tiredness and fatigue as it supports energy release.

“It can help with sleep by promoting relaxation and calming the nervous system, improving both sleep onset and sleep quality.”

Dr Ruxton says: “Magnesium helps regulate the sleep hormone melatonin, which has the job of maintaining our circadian rhythm – or body clock – and sleep-wake cycles. 

“Magnesium also binds to GABA receptors in the brain, which has calming effects and reduces the excitability of neurons, which can help us fall asleep.”

Sleep is sometimes poor if you are stressed, thanks to a stress hormone called cortisol.

“Magnesium helps temper the effects of stress by regulating what’s known as the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis and reducing cortisol levels,” says Dr Ruxton.

For all the benefits of magnesium – from more energy to less intense PMS and all-round better heart health – experts reveal why a magnesium supplement could be your secret saviour…

1. Blood sugar levels 

When you eat, the sugar in your food enters the bloodstream and travels to cells, where it gives them energy.

If this process is faulty – for example, if you have diabetes or are at risk of the condition – then you may have too much sugar in your blood.

This can be dangerous, leading to nerve damage, eye problems and diabetic ketoacidosis. 

Keeping blood sugar levels stable can be beneficial for anyone, though – not just diabetics.

It can help you to maintain consistent energy, a clear mind and regulate your appetite. 

“One of magnesium’s jobs in the body relates to managing insulin and glucose control,” says Dr Ruxton. 

This can help your body respond more efficiently to sugar, potentially reducing the size and frequency of blood sugar spikes.

With fewer blood sugar spikes, your energy should be more consistent.

Research published in the journal Diabetes Care suggests that people who consume magnesium could also have a 22 per cent lower risk of type 2 diabetes. 

A separate study by Harvard School of Public Health found that healthy women with higher magnesium intakes have lower fasting insulin levels, meaning they are less sensitive to insulin in their bodies and have a reduced risk of developing type 2 diabetes. 

Dr Ruxton says: “People with type 2 diabetes and insulin resistance lose more magnesium in their urine than the general population, so they should also consider a daily supplement.”

2. Energy and muscles

Whether you’re a regular at gym classes, love running or spend your weekends on a bike, a magnesium supplement could support your fitness goals.

“Magnesium is essential for making energy in the body, which is particularly important for someone who is physically active,” says Dr Ruxton. 

“We also need magnesium to ensure our muscles function properly. 

“Working alongside calcium, magnesium is essential for healthy muscle contraction as well as relaxation.”

Emily adds: “Magnesium supports muscle health by reducing soreness and helping with regeneration too.”

A study published in the Journal of Sports Science found that when professional male cyclists took 400mg of magnesium every day for three weeks, they experienced improvements in muscle recovery after a tough race. 

This was compared to cyclists taking a placebo.

Dr Ruxton says: “When we exercise and sweat, we lose magnesium, as well as other minerals like sodium, potassium and chloride. 

“Topping up our magnesium is therefore important in maintaining healthy hydration and avoiding fatigue due to dehydration.” 

Your heart is also a muscle and needs nutrients to keep it ticking. 

Research in the journal Frontiers in Neurology linked high magnesium intake to a lower risk of heart disease, high blood pressure and stroke. 

3. Brain support 

Want to reduce your chances of cognitive diseases, including Alzheimer’s and depression? A magnesium supplement could help. 

“A lack of magnesium is linked to oxidative stress and increased markers of inflammation in the brain,” says Dr Ruxton.

“Both of these factors contribute to declining brain health and diseases like Alzheimer’s – the most common form of dementia.

“Researchers have found a link between higher magnesium intake from our diet and better brain health in the general population. 

“Interestingly, this was especially the case among women.”

A study by Kyushu University that followed 1,000 middle-aged adults for 17 years found that those taking the highest levels of magnesium had a 37 per cent lower risk of developing dementia than participants taking the least amount. 

Those who consumed more than 550mg per day also had ‘brain ages’ nearly one year younger by the age of 55 than those taking 350mg, which is about average, in a study published in the European Journal of Nutrition. 

The results were more pronounced in women – especially those post-menopause – than men.

Lead author Dr Khawlah Alateeq, from Australian National University, said: “Our study shows a 41 per cent increase in magnesium intake could lead to less age-related brain shrinkage, which is associated with better cognitive function and a decreased risk or delayed onset of dementia in later life.

“This means people of all ages should be paying closer attention to their magnesium intake.”

Brain health also covers mental health. 

Magnesium and stress – which can increase the risk of depression – are connected. 

A research review published in the journal Nutrients suggests that stress can deplete magnesium. But on the flipside, magnesium deficiency could enhance the body’s susceptibility to stress. 

In a small eight-week study by Shahid Sadoughi University of Medical Sciences, supplementing with 500mg of magnesium daily improved symptoms of depression in people who had a magnesium deficiency. 

Another study published in the journal PLOS One found an even lower dose of 248mg of magnesium per day decreased symptoms of depression and anxiety. 

4. PMS

For women, monthly headaches, cramps and mood swings can really get in the way of life.

But magnesium could help to minimise some symptoms of premenstrual syndrome (PMS), according to research in the journal Magnesium Research.

“While further well-designed clinical studies are needed to fully determine the effects of magnesium on PMS symptoms, it is known to help with tiredness and fatigue often experienced during menstruation,” says Emily. 

If you suffer from PMS migraines, magnesium could offer some relief as it may help to control the release of brain chemicals such as glutamate while keeping nerve cells stable, Emily says.

“This can then prevent the overactive nerve signals that cause migraines,” she adds. 

“Research published in the journal Biomedicine & Pharmacotherapy shows that those who suffer from migraines often have low levels of magnesium.”  

5. Bones and teeth

Worried about falls, especially as you’re getting older? 

Strong bones not only help to improve your posture and reduce your risk of falls, but they’ll also be less likely to fracture or break if you do take a tumble.

It’s perhaps unsurprising, as 50 to 60 per cent of the body’s magnesium is found in the bones. 

Emily says: “Magnesium plays an important role in building and maintaining strong bones and teeth by supporting their structure and strength. 

“It also helps the body use calcium and vitamin D effectively, which are both key for healthy bone development.” 

According to the Royal Osteoporosis Society, it’s not yet clear whether low magnesium levels increase your risk of breaking a bone, but it is thought to be a risk factor for osteoporosis – a condition that weakens the bones, making them more susceptible to fractures.

A study published in the British Journal of Nutrition found that women with the highest magnesium intake reduced their risk of fractures by 62 per cent, while the risk reduction in men was 53 per cent. 

Women who met the recommended intake were 27 per cent less likely to suffer a fracture. 

Some research has also shown that magnesium might help lower the risk of arthritis.

A study by Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine found that  women who had ‘normal’ levels of magnesium in their diets – between 181 and 446mg per day – were less likely to get rheumatoid arthritis, but any less or more was linked to an increased risk. 

Types of magnesium 

There are different types of magnesium, so picking the ‘right’ one can feel like a minefield.

The most common types include:

• Magnesium citrate
• Magnesium oxide
• Magnesium chloride
• Magnesium lactate 
• Magnesium malate
• Magnesium taurate
• Magnesium L-threonate
• Magnesium sulfate
• Magnesium glycinate
• Magnesium orotate 

Magnesium glycinate is more easily absorbed by the body than other types.

“Additionally, due to the addition of the amino acid glycine, it’s known for its calming effects,” says Dr Ruxton.

Magnesium citrate is one of the more common supplement formulations, though it sometimes has a mild laxative effect.

“It can potentially help with easing constipation and is usually best taken earlier in the day,” the expert adds.

Magnesium L-threonate, meanwhile, “has potentially beneficial effects on brain and nervous system health”, Dr Ruxton says. 

Scientists at Nanjing Medical University say it could help manage brain disorders like depression, Alzheimer’s and age-related memory loss. 

Animal research suggests it may be the most effective type of increasing magnesium concentration in brain cells, but further studies are needed. 

Magnesium supplements are available from most high street pharmacies and supermarkets, and range widely in price.

You can buy budget-friendly pills from as little as 6p per tablet in Boots (£3.30 for a bottle of 60), but some other varieties, like Heights, can cost more than £20 for a month’s supply.

Check the box of any supplements you buy to see what it is most recommended for. You can also speak to a pharmacist or your GP about specific formulations. 

Watch your intake too. Taking high doses of magnesium (more than 400mg) for a short time can cause diarrhoea.

While rare, it is possible to overdose on the mineral.

Symptoms include digestive issues, nausea, muscle weakness, low blood pressure, urine retention and respiratory distress, according to the Office of Dietary Supplements.

Cardiac arrest – when the heart suddenly stops beating – is also possible.

The Harmony Youth Project, based on Bradshawgate in Bolton, has launched its new “Sharper Choices” initiative, which centres around a specially converted intervention van that replicates a prison cell environment.

The project aims to educate young people about the consequences of carrying knives and becoming involved in violence, with the van set to visit schools, youth groups and community events.

Harmony Youth Project founder Charlie Barrett said the organisation has seen a worrying rise in incidents involving young people and knife crime in recent years.

“We’ve been doing this for 25 years, but we’re dealing with things now that we never had to 10 years ago. It’s scary stuff,” he said.

Mr Barrett, who lost his nephew last year in a drug-related incident, said violence and crime often escalate from smaller issues and that early intervention is vital.

“One thing leads to another and another,” he said.

“Bolton is not as bad as the major cities, Manchester and London, but we’re definitely going down the same road and we want to try and educate people about knife crime before it gets worse.”

Inside the Mobile Prison Van (Image: Harmony Youth Project)

He stressed the initiative is not designed to frighten young people, but instead to encourage positive choices.

“It’s not about using fear tactics, it’s about creating positive awareness,” he said.

“Most people who pick up a knife don’t intend to hurt people, but there’s a ripple effect that impacts communities, schools, friends and families of victims.

“It’s about trying to make positive choices.”

Mr Barrett also raised concerns about the influence of harmful content and misinformation online.

“The influences young people have on their phones, fake news and social media – we need to change the views of parents as well,” he said.

“When parents think their children are safe in bed, they may actually be looking at harmful content online.

“It’s so important. Even if we save one life, that could save thousands more because the effects ripple through communities.”

The official launch of the “Sharper Choices” initiative will take place at Westhoughton Hub on Tuesday, May 19.

The community event will bring together partner organisations, local groups and guest speakers who have supported the project.

Members of the Blackout Crew will also make a special appearance to help engage young people and raise awareness of the campaign.

Residents will be able to tour the mobile prison van, speak to organisers and learn more about the project’s work tackling youth violence across the region.

Hywel Dda Health Board executives will face questioning from Pembrokeshire councillors over changes to emergency general surgery at Withybush Hospital

Health Board representatives are set to face questioning from Pembrokeshire councillors next month regarding alterations to services at Withybush Hospital.

During a meeting of Pembrokeshire Council, an urgent motion tabled by the authority’s 11-member Conservative group called for the Welsh Government to immediately reverse the decision to end emergency general surgery at Withybush Hospital. Last year, Hywel Dda University Health Board carried out a public consultation on proposed changes across critical care, dermatology, emergency general surgery, endoscopy, ophthalmology, orthopaedics, stroke, radiology and urology services.

Following a two-day meeting earlier this year, the board approved modifications to emergency general surgery provision, meaning emergency surgery procedures will no longer be performed at Withybush, though same-day emergency care (SDEC) will be enhanced. Read the biggest stories in Wales first by signing up to our daily newsletter here.

During the March council meeting, the Conservative group, headed by Cllr Di Clements, put forward a motion stating: “This council requests that the Labour Welsh Government intervenes in Hywel Dda University Health Board’s recent decision to cease emergency general surgery at Withybush hospital and immediately reverses their decision.

“We believe removing this service critically undermines the sustainability of Withybush hospital’s A&E department.

“Also, the decision by the health board does not take into account the impact and potential serious risks it will have on Pembrokeshire residents.”

Councillor Clements’ supporting statement, which included a call for the-then Leader Jon Harvey to write to the First Minister and Welsh Government, said Pembrokeshire residents “have seen continual downgrading of services over the years, and this has been detrimental to all residents,” adding: “We believe this recent decision is life threatening to those who need emergency surgery and a matter of resident’s safety.”

During the meeting, councillor Michael John remarked that “there had been an erosion of services for many years,” backing Cllr Clements’ call, while proposing the addition of a request for the health board to meet with councillors.

In response to councillor Clements’ request, Leader Jon Harvey agreed to any letter writing, stating he had “fought long and hard to return services to Withybush”.

Members endorsed Cllr Clements’ motion, with Cllr John’s amendment incorporated. Subsequently, an update was presented at the 14 May meeting of Pembrokeshire County Council.

A report submitted to members stated that, following the March meeting, councillor Harvey wrote to the-then First Minister Eluned Morgan on 10 March, with Chief Executive Will Bramble also writing to the chief executive of Hywel Dda University Health Board advising him of council’s decision on the same date, requesting his and the Board chair’s attendance at the May council meeting.

Since then, Health Board Chair Dr Neil Wooding and Chief Executive Professor Phil Kloer have agreed to appear at an Extraordinary Meeting of the council on 15 June to brief the council on service changes and specifically the issue of emergency general surgery, with members having the opportunity to ask questions on the presentation.

Members agreed to note the report ahead of the special June meeting.

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