Connect with us
DAPA Banner
DAPA Coin
DAPA
COIN PAYMENT ASSET
PRIVACY · BLOCKDAG · HOMOMORPHIC ENCRYPTION · RUST
ElGamal Encrypted MINE DAPA
🚫 GENESIS SOLD OUT
DAPAPAY COMING

NewsBeat

I was an exhausted new mum crippled by dark thoughts

Published

on

I was an exhausted new mum crippled by dark thoughts

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.”

Cherelle Mukoko felt like she was constantly running on empty while caring for her newborn baby Zuri Credit: Supplied
A cheap daily pill was a gamechanger Credit: Supplied

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.

Advertisement

“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.

Advertisement

“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.

Advertisement

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.

Advertisement

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.

Advertisement

Sleep saviour

Cherelle started taking magnesium on the advice of a medical professional Credit: Supplied

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.

Advertisement

“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?

Advertisement

“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.” 

Advertisement

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.

Advertisement

“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. 

Advertisement

“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…

Advertisement

1. Blood sugar levels 

Magnesium may help reduce blood sugar spikes Credit: Getty

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.

Advertisement

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.

Advertisement

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

Magnesium can help keep your muscles strong and healthy Credit: Getty

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.

Advertisement

“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.”

Advertisement

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.” 

Advertisement

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 

Magnesium deficiency has been linked to stress, depression and Alzheimer’s Credit: Getty

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.

Advertisement

“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.”

The 9 supplements to take in each decade of life

Advertisement

By Katrina Turrill, Health News Editor

SUPPLEMENTS are a great way to make sure you’re getting enough essential nutrients.

But with so many to choose from, it can be hard to know which ones are best to take.

IN YOUR 20S

Advertisement
  • Ashwagandha – Known for its adaptogenic properties, ashwagandha may help support mental well-being and reduce anxiety by managing cortisol (stress hormone) levels. It’s a go-to for stress relief and better sleep.
  • Iron – For women who menstruate, iron helps replenish red blood cells, which are especially important for energy and focus.
  • Vitamin B complex – Supports energy production and can be especially beneficial for those following vegetarian or vegan diets. 

IN YOUR 30S

  • Folic acid – Essential for women considering pregnancy, folic acid is recommended for fetal development. Intake is generally advised even if you’re not actively trying to conceive, as it supports overall cellular health by helping the body produce and maintain new cells, particularly red blood cells.
  • Calcium and vitamin D – These work together to support bone health, a foundation for the years to come. Women begin losing bone density as early as their mid-30s, so it’s important to ensure adequate intake.

IN YOUR 40S

  • Magnesium – Known as ‘nature’s relaxant’, magnesium helps regulate mood and can ease symptoms like irritability, muscle tension, and sleep disturbances. Magnesium glycinate, in particular, is gentle on the stomach and can be helpful for better sleep.
  • Omega-3 fatty acids – These support heart health and may also help with mood regulation, given their anti-inflammatory properties. Omega-3s are beneficial in combating hormonal changes that can impact mood. 

IN YOUR 50S

  • Vitamin E: Known to help reduce hot flashes and support skin elasticity, vitamin E may offer relief from some common menopausal symptoms. 
  • Calcium and vitamin K2: These support bone density as vitamin K2 works synergistically with calcium to guide the mineral to bones rather than arteries. While bone density decreases for most people with age, women are at a higher risk of developing osteoporosis compared to men due to hormonal changes during menopause that impact bone density. 

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.

Advertisement

“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. 

Advertisement

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

Magnesium may be able to help minimise PMS symptoms Credit: Getty

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.

Advertisement

“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.”  

Advertisement

5. Bones and teeth

Magnesium help keep bones and teeth strong Credit: Getty

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. 

Advertisement

“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. 

Advertisement

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 

It’s possible to take too much magnesium so be mindful of your doses Credit: Getty

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

The most common types include:

Advertisement
  • 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. 

Advertisement

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.

Advertisement

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.

Advertisement

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

Source link

Continue Reading
Click to comment

You must be logged in to post a comment Login

Leave a Reply

NewsBeat

Woman airlifted to hospital with ‘potentially life-changing injuries’ after three-car crash

Published

on

Cambridgeshire Live

A man in his 40s was arrested at the scene

A woman has been left with potentially life-changing or life-threatening injuries following a three-car crash near the Cambridgeshire border. The crash happened at around 10.53am on Sunday, May 17, on the A47 near Terrington St John in Norfolk.

The crash involved a grey Audi, which was travelling in the direction of Wisbech, a grey VW Tayron, and a red Vauxhall Corsa, that were travelling in the same direction. The driver of the Tayron, a woman in her 50s was taken to hospital by air ambulance with potentially life-changing or life-threatening injuries. The drivers of the other two vehicles had minor injuries.

A road closure was put in place on the slip road at Terrington St John while emergency services attended to the scene. A man in his 40s, who was driving the grey Audi, was arrested on suspicion of causing serious injury by dangerous driving. He was taken to King’s Lynn Police Investigation Centre. He was bailed to return to the police on Monday, May 25.

Advertisement

Norfolk Police would like to speak to anyone who witnessed the collision or has information about the manner of driving before the incident as well as anyone with dashcam footage. You can contact the police via the force website quoting the reference NC-17052026-141.

You can also call 101. If you want to report anything anonymously, you can call Crimestoppers on 0800555111.

To get more news and top stories delivered directly to your phone, join our new WhatsApp community. Click this link to receive your daily dose of CambridgeshireLive content.

We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don’t like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you’re curious, you can read our Privacy Notice .

Advertisement

Source link

Continue Reading

NewsBeat

UK business news today: What went wrong with HS2

Published

on

Transport Secretary mulls running HS2 trains at slower speed to keep costs down

Britain is expected to edge closer to inking in a long-anticipated free trade agreement with the oil-rich Gulf nations. The six Gulf Cooperation Council states – Saudi Arabia, UAE, Qatar, Bahrain, Oman and Kuwait – are on the verge of signing the deal after two years of talks with the British government. Jasem al-Budaiwi, secretary-general of the GCC, in London this week, is likely to finalise the remaining detail before returning to brief the members ahead of a formal signing. It will be seized upon by both sides as a welcome boost. Here, Sir Keir Starmer’s regime is under pressure, while the GCC members are having to contend with the US-Israeli war against Iran, drone and missile strikes and disruption to oil and gas shipments, and harm to their previously booming economies. UK principal beneficiaries are likely to be luxury cars, financial services, industrial goods, food and drink.

Source link

Continue Reading

NewsBeat

Man stabbed motorist over parking dispute on New Year’s Eve

Published

on

Cambridgeshire Live

The victim was found on the ground with a wound to his neck

A man stabbed another motorist over a parking dispute on New Year’s Eve. Jameel Ali, 24, was approached by a man at about 4pm on December 31, 2023, in Windmill Street in Peterborough.

Advertisement

When the man, who is in his 30s, asked Ali to move his car forward so another vehicle could park on the street, the pair argued. Ali then headbutted the man and stabbed his neck with what the victim described as a knife. The 24-year-old ran off and police were called.

According to Cambridgeshire Police, officers found the victim on the ground with a wound to his neck, described as consistent with a stab wound. He was taken to Peterborough City Hospital for treatment, before being transferred to Addenbrookes’ Hospital, in Cambridge, for specialist assessment.

Ali’s vehicle was identified and he was arrested two days later. He denied assault causing grievous bodily harm with intent but was found guilty following a trial at Cambridge Crown Court in January. Ali, of St Pauls Road in Peterborough, was sentenced to six years in prison on Friday, May 15 at the same court.

DC Lloyd Davis said: “This incident could have been much, much, worse. It is only luck that the victim was not more seriously injured. I’m pleased Ali was identified, apprehended and has now received a significant custodial sentence for his actions. I also hope the conclusion of the court proceedings will enable the victim to put this experience behind him.”

Advertisement

Source link

Continue Reading

NewsBeat

HMRC urges families to act now or risk losing Child Benefit money

Published

on

HMRC urges families to act now or risk losing Child Benefit money

New figures from HM Revenue and Customs reveal that more than 30% of parents fail to claim Child Benefit during their baby’s first year.

That means huge numbers of families could be losing out on vital support at a time when household bills, childcare costs and everyday expenses are soaring.

HMRC is now urging parents who welcomed a baby this spring to act quickly and submit a claim online or through the HMRC app.

Advertisement

The warning comes as more than 6.8 million families across the UK already receive the payments – worth up to £1,406.60 a year for a first child.

Parents can also receive £930.80 a year for each additional child, with no limit on how many children can be included in a claim.

But there is a catch many families do not know about.

Child Benefit can only be backdated for three months, meaning parents who delay too long could permanently lose money they were entitled to.

Advertisement

Myrtle Lloyd, HMRC’s Chief Customer Officer, said: “Spring is a wonderful time to welcome a baby and claiming Child Benefit as soon as possible means your family can benefit from much-needed financial support.

“It is quick and easy to claim Child Benefit via the HMRC app at a time that suits you.”

Parents can apply just 48 hours after registering their baby’s birth.

To make a claim, families need their child’s birth or adoption certificate, bank details and National Insurance numbers.

Advertisement

Experts say many parents wrongly assume Child Benefit is only for low-income households – but millions still qualify even if one parent earns over £60,000.

Although higher earners may have to repay some of the money through the High Income Child Benefit Charge, claiming is still considered important because it protects National Insurance credits linked to the State Pension.

Failing to claim could also affect future entitlements.

Parents who claim Child Benefit automatically ensure their child receives a National Insurance number at age 16, while the award notice can also help families access other benefits and support.

Advertisement

Recommended reading:


HMRC says most payments are made automatically every four weeks directly into a bank account once a claim has been approved.

The team has also released guidance videos online explaining how parents can apply digitally in minutes.

For many families struggling with rising living costs, experts say checking eligibility now could make a significant difference before valuable payments are lost for good.

Advertisement

Source link

Continue Reading

NewsBeat

Thorngate celebrates official opening of Compigne Court supported living for older people

Published

on

Thorngate celebrates official opening of Compigne Court supported living for older people

More than 80 residents, supporters and staff celebrated the official opening this week of Compigne Court, Thorngate Churcher Trust’s state-of-the-art independent living development of 30 retirement apartments in Grove Road, Gosport which is now home to 36 local people.

Source link

Continue Reading

NewsBeat

MJK Smith: Former Warwickshire and England captain dies aged 92

Published

on

A portrait of Mike Smith taken while chairman of Warwickshire County Cricket Club in 1996

Born in Leicestershire and educated at Stamford School, Smith represented his home county and Oxford University before joining Warwickshire.

He captained the Bears from 1957 to 1967 and scored 39,832 first-class runs in 637 matches during his county career, the 18th-highest total of all time.

Smith still holds the Warwickshire record for most runs in a single season after scoring 2,417 runs in 1959 and was named a Wisden Cricketer of the Year in 1960.

He remained involved with cricket after his retirement as a player, as chairman of Warwickshire and also as an ICC match referee, officiating in four Tests and 17 ODIs.

Advertisement

A dual international, Smith played rugby union for Oxford University and Leicester and won a cap for England against Wales in January 1956.

Source link

Continue Reading

NewsBeat

Tube strikes live: Strike off as TfL ‘shifts position’ but new dates revealed

Published

on

Daily Mirror

The industrial action, called by the Rail, Maritime and Transport (RMT) union, is related to a dispute over plans to introduce a voluntary four-day working week, which would condense Tube drivers’ weekly hours.

The RMT union has called the plan “fake” and said it raised “serious concerns from our members about shift length and resulting fatigue impacting safety”.

RMT General Secretary Eddie Dempsey said union members had “approached negotiations with Transport for London (TfL) in good faith” but “TfL seem unwilling to make any concessions”.

Advertisement

Claire Mann, TfL’s chief operating officer, defended the proposal, saying it would allow drivers an extra day off and bring the Underground “in line with the working patterns of other train operating companies”.

“The changes would be voluntary,” she said. “There would be no reduction in contractual hours and those who wish to continue a five-day working week pattern would be able to do so.”

Source link

Advertisement
Continue Reading

NewsBeat

Preston Davey trial LIVE as foster carer denies defendant’s claim – updates

Published

on

Manchester Evening News

Mr Kennedy KC is now asking about the hospital attendance on May 25, 2023, when Preston was ‘floppy’ with ‘possible seizure activity’.

Medical notes said Preston had shortness of breath, increased work of breathing, was floppy, unresponsive and had a nosebleed, the jury is told. Shaking limbs and stiffness were also noted.

Preston was treated with seizure medication, the jury is told.

Advertisement

Two days afterwards, Mr Varley messaged a group chat with Preston’s former foster parents, saying the baby had been really poorly with a nosebleed and had a seizure in hospital, the court hears. He reported a chest X-ray came back with a bad infection, and blood tests showed low sodium.

Mr Kennedy asks Dr Gifford to confirm that low sodium is found in febrile seizures. Dr Gifford confirms when small children have a temperature spike it can cause this type of seizure.

This is not epilepsy – it only occurs when children have a fever, she says. A third of children will only have one febrile seizure, but others will go on to have further episodes, Dr Gifford adds.

The seizure is not a response to the fever, but parents are encouraged to undress the child to their nappy and give paracetamol to bring the child’s temperature down, she adds.

Advertisement

Source link

Continue Reading

NewsBeat

Five divers found dead afterMaldives 160ft cave diving accident

Published

on

Daily Record

They are believed to have died while exploring a cave around 160ft underwater in Vaavu Atoll, according to Italy’s Foreign Ministry

The remains of four Italian divers who vanished during a scuba-diving incident in the Maldives have been discovered.

Giorgia Sommacal, Monica Montefalcone, Gianluca Benedetti, Muriel Oddenino and Federico Gualtieri are thought to have perished while investigating a cave approximately 160ft beneath the surface in Vaavu Atoll on Thursday, as stated by Italy’s Foreign Ministry. The permitted recreational diving depth in the Maldives stands at 98ft.

Advertisement

Recovery operations recommenced on Monday having been halted following the tragic death of a local military diver, Mohamed Mahudhee, during a perilous mission attempting to locate them.

The tragedy is understood to be the most devastating single diving catastrophe in the Indian Ocean nation’s history. Four of the Italian divers belonged to a University of Genoa expedition, comprising ecology professor Monica Montefalcone, her daughter and two research colleagues.

Mr Benedetti’s body, a boat operations manager and diving instructor, was discovered earlier beyond the cave entrance, reports the Mirror.

Advertisement

Three Finnish divers touched down in the Maldives on Sunday to devise a fresh approach for retrieving the bodies of the remaining four divers, who were thought to be trapped within the cave network. Italy’s Foreign Ministry confirmed on Monday that all four bodies had subsequently been located.

Maldives presidential spokesman Mohamed Hussain Shareef stated the search had been paused after Mr Mahudhee, a member of the Maldivian National Defence Force, succumbed to decompression sickness following his transfer to a hospital in the capital on Saturday.

Mr Shareef revealed that the Finnish divers, experts in deep-water and cave exploration, had teamed up with the Maldives coastguard to devise a fresh search strategy. Challenging weather conditions had consistently disrupted rescue attempts.

Advertisement

Previous search parties had successfully located and flagged the cave system entrance where the Italians vanished. The circumstances surrounding their deaths are still being examined.

Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani expressed his sympathies: “These days of grief for Italy are compounded by the news that one of your brave soldiers… died while attempting to dive to reach the bodies of our fellow Italians.

“This tragedy unites Italy and the Maldives in grief and respect for the victims,” he added.

Advertisement

Ensure our latest stories always appear at the top of your Google Search by making us a Preferred Source. Click here to activate or add us as your Preferred Source in your Google search settings.

Source link

Continue Reading

NewsBeat

Life sentence for man after fatal assault of male model who was ‘light in this world’

Published

on

Daily Record

Bhekisani Matabiswana launched the attack on Luke Harden at a working men’s club in Lancaster

A man has been sentenced to life after he was found guilty of savagely beating a male model to death. The incident happened in Stacksteads, Lancashire, where Bhekisani Matabiswana, 27, attacked Luke Harden, 37, at a working men’s club last year.

On October 31, Luke, represented by Nemesis Model Agency in Manchester, and others were booked to DJ at a Halloween fancy dress party. Matabiswana, who attended the same event with his friends, launched a ‘frenzied and cowardly attack’ on Luke as he lay defenceless on the ground shortly after both men had left the venue.

Advertisement

His killer then attempted to portray himself as a Good Samaritan who had simply tried to help after ‘coming across an injured stranger on the ground’, Manchester Evening News reports. Luke died as a result of blunt force trauma to head and neck following an assault.

Matabiswana, of St James Street, Bacup, was found guilty of murder after the judge accepted a majority verdict. He was sentenced at the same court today to a life sentence with a minimum of 16 years and six months in jail.

Luke’s girlfriend said: “You have ruined not only Luke’s life but mine too. He was the light in this world taken far too soon and I will forever miss him.

“He will always be my boy and I’ll love him forever.”

As Matabiswana was jailed for life for murder, he was told the minimum term he must serve before he can apply for release is 16 years and six months. Due to time spent on remand in custody, this will be reduced to 15 years and 353 days.

Judge Robert Altham told Matabiswana that Luke’s life was ‘full of promise and hope and you brought that life to an end’ during sentencing

He adds: “His sister was told what had occurred by the very person who killed him.”

Advertisement

During the trial, the jury had been shown footage at the working men’s club which showed Matabiswana shaking hands with Luke. Matabiswana had taken ketamine and cannabinoids.

The judge says: “I cannot be sure, having seen Luke’s conduct and him tripping over that sign, that he didn’t try to engage in some unwanted conversation with you or Miss Chadwick. I can’t rule out the possibility of him reaching for one or either of you.

“However I am sure that your account is wholly untrue. I do not accept that he repeatedly punched you.

“I am satisfied that in anger at his unwanted approach you lost your temper. You took him to the ground, he was defenceless, you stamped hard on his face, causing injuries to the back of his head as you stamped him into the pavement.

Advertisement

“You broke his nose and fractured his upper jaw in two places.”

The Judge added: “I cannot be sure that you intended to kill however you intended to cause serious bodily harm. Natalie Chadwick screamed in terror at what you had done.

“You had left Luke. A hurried plan was then formed. You returned and falsely said you had found him on the ground. That was a wicked lie.

“You weren’t concerned about Luke; only yourselves. You rifled through Luke’s pockets and found his phone and called the last dialled number. There is no good explanation for your failure to call the emergency services save that you feared detection.

Advertisement

“When paramedics arrived you lied. You were arrested at the scene and later released. You attempted to flee and made arrangements to get a flight to South Africa.

“You gave a wholly untrue account to your mother and girlfriend. You were arrested at the departure gate. I reject your account that you intended to return.”

Ensure our latest stories always appear at the top of your Google Search by making us a Preferred Source. Click here to activate or add us as your Preferred Source in your Google search settings.

Source link

Advertisement
Continue Reading

Trending

Copyright © 2025