Amid rumors that they might decline, the Philadelphia Eagles reportedly plan to visit the White House in the offseason following their Super Bowl victory. Adam Schefter reported on Monday that a source indicated to them that a White House visit is imminent. “To those wondering: Eagles sources say the team is planning on visiting the […]
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Anaheim Ducks star Trevor Zegras has been punished for his questionable hit on Michael Rasmussen in Sunday’s overtime loss to the Detroit Red Wings. Zegras has received a three-game suspension, NHL Player Safety announced on Monday afternoon. Rasmussen was coming into the neutral zone with the puck and already passed it before Zegras clearly lined […]
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BEAUTY fans have been left raving over a supermarket’s own brand shampoo that leaves hair “lightweight and moisturised”.
Marks and Spencer has recently launched its new £3 hair products on the shelves.
The shampoo and conditioners are sulphate and silicon-free, and are vegan-friendly.
They also come in two versions – an orchid and waterlily volumising option, or nourishing sea salt and green bergamot.
Supermarket bosses promise the products will “rebalance the scalp” thanks to micro algae extract, and also result in “weightless hydration”.
So it’s unsurprising that the shampoo and conditioner has gone viral on social media.
Showing them off on TikTok, staff at the M&S Braehead store, near Glasgow, said: “Have you tried our £3 shampoo & conditioner?
“It leaves your hair lightweight & silky soft, get yours now at M&S Braehead.”
And countless beauty fans, including hairdressers, have also taken to the platform to rave about the £3 buys.
One gushed: “Literally the best shampoo and conditioner I’ve tried.”
A second wrote: “I’ve used a lot of professional brands over the years being a hairdresser but these are 10/10.
“My hair feels so lightweight and moisturised and everytime I turn my head I can smell the most gorgeous smell.”
“This stuff smells UNREAL I’m obsessed”, echoed a third.
Someone else insisted: “My hair has never been so soft.”
A fifth added: “Hair extension girlies, run to M&S. Silicone and sulphate free.”
Meanwhile, a sixth chimed in: “These are soooo good. Especially as a blonde – mine is SHINING.”
But not everyone is completely sold, with some shoppers all having the same complaint.
“Love it…but bottles are nightmare”, sighed one person.
Somebody else agreed: “It’s great but sooooo hard to get out of the bottle.”
And a third added: “Love it but given up using it so difficult to get out of the bottle.”
NIGHT shift workers can reduce their cancer risk by taking the sleep hormone melatonin, suggests a new study.
Melatonin supplements offset cancer-causing DNA damage linked to shift work, according to scientists.
Known as the sleep hormone, melatonin is produced by the brain in response to darkness to help regulate sleep and wake cycles.
The findings of the small clinical trial also suggest it boosts the body’s ability to repair any damage.
Canadian researchers say the trial suggests larger studies looking at different doses and the potential long term effects of melatonin supplementation are now needed.
Previous research has shown normal night-time production of melatonin is suppressed in night shift workers.
Study author Dr Parveen Bhatti explained the suppression compromises the body’s ability to repair oxidative DNA damage, the by-product of normal cellular processes, which heightens the risk of certain cancers in shift workers.
The research team wanted to find out if melatonin supplementation might help offset any damage by enhancing DNA repair in 40 night shift workers.
Half the participants were randomly assigned to a daily 3mg melatonin pill taken with food and an hour before going to sleep during the day for four consecutive weeks.
The other half were randomly assigned to a 3mg dummy pill following the same schedule.
All the participants worked a minimum of two consecutive night shifts every week for at least six months – each shift lasted at least seven hours per night
None had any sleep disorders or long term conditions.
Urine specimens were collected during the second of two subsequent day sleep and night shift periods, once before starting the trial and once near the end of the four weeks.
Participants wore activity trackers to measure how long they slept during the day.
Levels of 8-OHdG, an indicator of DNA damage repair capacity, were measured in all urine passed during periods of daytime sleep and the subsequent night shift.
The findings, published online by the journal Occupational and Environmental Medicine, showed urinary levels of 8-OH-dG were 80 per cent higher during daytime sleep – indicating better repair – among those taking the melatonin supplement than those taking the dummy pill.
But there was no significant difference in urinary 8-OH-dG levels during the subsequent night shift.
Dr Bhatti said: “Increased oxidative DNA damage due to diminished DNA repair capacity is a compelling mechanism that may contribute to the carcinogenicity of night shift work.
“Our randomised placebo-controlled trial suggested melatonin supplementation may improve oxidative DNA damage repair capacity among night shift workers.
“Our findings warrant future larger-scale studies that examine varying doses of melatonin supplements and longer-term impacts of melatonin use.
“Pending the outcome of such studies, melatonin supplementation may prove to be a viable intervention strategy to reduce the burden of cancer among night shift workers.”
He added: “Assessing long-term efficacy is critical since those who work night shifts for many years would need to consistently consume melatonin supplements over that time frame to maximise the potential cancer prevention benefits.”
Melatonin is available in the UK, but only with a prescription.
It’s not suitable for some people to take, so your doctor will check if you:
Below are some over ways night shift workers can stay healthy…
THE Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends getting regular health checkups and practising good health behaviours.
You should tell your doctor if you experience any of these symptoms during night shift work:
Good health behaviours include:
YOU may see new NHS adverts urging you to attend your breast- cancer screening.
It’s the first time the NHS has done such a campaign.
Breast cancer screening has reached 70 per cent uptake for the first time in five years, which is great news.
But there is always room for improvement – had 80 per cent been met, an estimated 2,029 additional breast cancers would have been found, says the charity Breast Cancer Now.
It appears those invited for the first time are among the least likely to attend.
Women are automatically invited for breast screening between the ages of 50 and 53, and then every three years until the age of 71.
So look out for your invitation and make sure you attend, because it could be the difference between getting an early diagnosis – when you are more treatable – and not.
Here’s a selection of what readers have asked me this week . . .
Q) MY height has reduced significantly, by up to three inches.
I used to be able to close the window but now I need a stool.
My body easily aches and I suffer pains, but I’m only 60. It makes me worry about the future of my health.
A) A small amount of height loss is normal past the age of 40.
But it’s only expected that people lose about half an inch every ten years before acceleration after age 70.
Weaker muscles can affect posture, while the flattening of foot arches and loss of cartilage can also mean we become shorter. But loss of bone is an important cause of height loss that must be addressed.
I’m talking about osteoporosis, which would be the most likely reason a woman of your age could be losing significant height.
Osteoporosis is a bone disease that causes them to become fragile.
It develops slowly over time and there may not be any symptoms until a bone breaks, for example the hip or wrist when falling.
But as well as this, osteoporosis can cause the spinal bones (vertebrae) to collapse on themselves, a bit like a cardboard box with too much weight put on it, and this causes loss of height.
It tends to also be associated with developing a hunched-over appearance of the upper spine – and it can cause pain, but not always.
If you think this might be your problem, it’s important to be assessed for osteoporosis because it can be treated to prevent the spine from shortening any further and to protect you from other fractures.
Menopause is a major cause of osteoporosis.
A healthy diet and muscle-strengthening exercises can go some way towards protecting us from osteoporosis.
Q) I am 78 and have been plagued by itchy skin for nearly three months.
It’s not healing and is worse at night. How can I break the cycle?
I am seeing my GP again in two weeks’ time and am waiting for a blood test.
If there is no real improvement by then, should I request a dermatology referral?
I am using eczema creams and only take tamsulosin (an alpha blocker, for enlarged prostate, prostatitis and kidney stones) every other day.
A) Itching of the skin (pruritus) can be a very distressing symptom, so much so that some people would choose pain over itch.
When itching is widespread it is important to check for systemic illness, hence the blood tests.
Diseases that can cause pruritus include those of the liver, kidneys and thyroid, as well as diabetes, multiple sclerosis and certain cancers.
A skin disease could be to blame too – you can be diagnosed with conditions like eczema at any age.
Eczema, a term that covers many conditions that cause inflammation to the skin, is sometimes described as “the itch that rashes” because it starts with an itch and scratching creates the rash.
You haven’t described a rash or shown any pictures, but the distribution of a rash can also give clues to the diagnosis.
For example, atopic eczema tends to affect the insides of the elbows and knees, and places like the neck, while contact eczema tends to affect areas of skin that have been in contact with a certain substance that is causing an allergic reation (allergen).
Asteatotic eczema is more common in older adults and occurs as a result of dry skin.
It’s not uncommon for an itch to be more bothersome at night as this is when we have fewer distractions and our body produces fewer natural steroid hormones, which can dampen down allergy-type symptoms.
It’s worth mentioning that tamsulosin can cause skin reactions as a side effect, which would be important to consider if the start of the itch problem coincided with commencing this medication.
If your GP is unable to suggest anything that provides relief then a referral to dermatology should be the next step.
Q) FOR years, I have been on lansoprazole for acid reflux.
About 18 months ago, I developed different symptoms – gnawing pain in the upper abdomen, feeling sick and tightness under the breasts.
I felt better when I ate for a short time. Famotidine helped, but only for a few months. It is starting to really get me down.
As I had no “red flag” symptoms, I was refused an endoscopy. The GP referred me again.
I’m waiting on a Cytosponge, but it will be about six months.
A) Upper abdominal pain that is alleviated by eating is most commonly associated with a peptic ulcer, which can either be in the stomach or the first part of the small intestine (duodenum).
When food enters the stomach, it can temporarily neutralise the stomach acid, and this is why there can be a short-lived improvement of symptoms in some people.
In others, eating aggravates the pain and they experience their worst symptoms in the few hours that follow.
Your description of “gnawing pain” and nausea would also fit, and the fact that famotidine (which reduces acid in the stomach) improved things for a while would also support this diagnosis.
A common cause is H. pylori infection – have you been tested by your GP? The other common cause is using medications such as ibuprofen, naproxen, aspirin and SSRI antidepressants.
Smoking, alcohol consumption and stress may also contribute to the development of peptic ulcer disease.
NICE guidelines state that endoscopy is not required unless there are certain warning signs, such as evidence of bleeding or a mass.
The guidelines are different for adults over 55. A referral should be made here if there is weight loss, anaemia, high platelets or symptoms do not respond to treatment.
The Cytosponge primarily samples cells from the oesophagus.
It does test for peptic ulcers as well as a condition called Barrett’s oesophagus, caused by reflux.
It’s a good idea to have a blood test to check full blood count and rule out liver or pancreas disease, and consider trying a PPI medication to reduce stomach acid production.
IF you are feeling stressed, perhaps watching television in the evening isn’t the best way for you to unwind.
Try reading a relaxing book or magazine in a quiet place or indulging in a scented, candle-lit bath.
Taking an evening yoga class might also help to improve your mood.
BREAST cancer deaths and cases will surge by 2050, experts predict.
The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), which is part of the World Health Organization, analysed future breast cancer rates in more than 50 countries worldwide.
The findings estimate cases will rise by 21 per cent in the UK, from 58,756 per year in 2022 to 71,006 per year in 2050.
It predicts deaths in the UK will rise by 42 per cent, from 12,122 a year to 17,261. Researchers suggest rising and ageing populations are to blame.
Getting older is the major risk factor for any type of cancer, largely caused by cell DNA damage accumulating over time.
Around 23 per cent of breast cancer cases in the UK are thought to be preventable.
Eight per cent of cases are caused by obesity and eight per cent by drinking too much alcohol, Cancer Research UK says.
The study, published in Nature Medicine, found that, on average, one in 20 women worldwide will be diagnosed with breast cancer in their lifetime and one in 70 will die from it.
Dr Joanne Kim, one of the report authors, said countries needed to work on preventing cancer as well as investing in early cancer detection and treatment.
She said: “Every minute, four women are diagnosed with breast cancer worldwide and one woman dies from the disease, and these statistics are worsening.”
NIGHT shift workers can reduce their cancer risk by taking melatonin, scientists say.
The sleep hormone occurs naturally to help the body prepare for sleep.
But previous research has shown that its night-time production is suppressed in people who work night shifts, which may have health implications.
The Canadian study involved 40 workers who had been doing night shifts for at least six months.
Half were given a 3mg melatonin pill to take daily before their daytime sleep, while the other half took a placebo.
Urine samples were collected to measure levels of 8-OHdG, a marker of DNA repair capacity, before and after the four-week trial.
The results, published in Occupational and Environmental Medicine, showed that those taking melatonin saw an 80 per cent increase in 8-OHdG levels during daytime sleep, indicating better DNA repair.
However, there was no significant difference in DNA repair during their subsequent night shifts.
Melatonin plays a key role in repairing oxidative DNA damage – without proper repair, this damage can increase the risk of certain cancers.
Study author Dr Parveen Bhatti said: “Our randomised placebo-controlled trial suggested melatonin supplementation may improve oxidative DNA damage repair capacity among night shift workers.”
LIVERPOOL legend Jamie Carragher branded Manchester United great Rio Ferdinand a “clown” amid a heated row following the former’s comments regarding the Africa Cup of Nations.
Carragher, 47, spoke on Sky Sports after his former team’s 2-0 win at Manchester City and suggested playing at Afcon worked against the Reds star Mohamed Salah’s case of being recognised as the best.
The legendary centre-back hinted that the Egypt international is at a disadvantage compared to Real Madrid superstars and Ballon d’Or rivals Kylian Mbappe and Vinicius Jr.
Carragher said on Sky Sports: “I think the problem [is] the fact he’s with Egypt, and he’s probably not playing in the major tournament as such or maybe got a great chance of winning, I think it’s either the Champions League or the major tournament [that influences who wins the Ballon d’Or].
“Normally, the player who excels in that, like Vini Jr and Mbappe right now, Real Madrid looking really good going for the Champions League.
“Liverpool will be in that conversation, but right now [Real] is certainly the front runner.”
But fellow pundits Micah Richards and Daniel Sturridge chimed in to correct Carragher by insisting Afcon is a major tournament.
Richards said: “Just to say, AFCON is a major tournament because a lot of people are at home saying, ‘They aren’t taking it seriously’. AFCON is a major tournament, just so you know.”
Carragher asked the Man City hero if he thought Egypt had a chance of winning the World Cup.
Richards replied: “No, but AFCON is big, isn’t it? You remember when he and [Sadio] Mane were going for it and…”
And Carragher interrupted the former defender by complaining:”Oh God.”
Sturridge jumped in by stating it’s a “fact” that Afcon is at the same level as the Euros or Copa America.
The ex-Liverpool star said: “It’s a fact. It’s a fact. It’s a fact. If you win the Euros or if you win Copa America it’s deemed to be big so the AFCON is at the same level.”
Ferdinand, 46, caught wind of Carragher’s statement and argued that sort of thought process is “ignorant”.
The Man Utd legend claimed he understood what his ex-England team-mate was trying to say but insists Fifa need to work on promoting Afcon exactly like the Euros and Copa America.
Ferdinand said on his Rio Presents podcast: “I think that comment is representative of the majority of the people out there. But I don’t think that’s right. That’s ignorant.
“If you go to Didier Drogba, Abedi Pele, Samuel Eto’o, Riyad Mahrez, Mo Salah or Sadio Mane, they’ll tell you, ‘We have to win this’ – it’s a demand in their countries to win this.
“Yes, it doesn’t get backed resources wise like the Euros etc. but that doesn’t mean you have to devalue it. It’s a continent of huge power. A continent that contributes to European football though players massively. It should be respected more than it is.
“I understand what Jamie’s saying but I don’t agree with it. That’s the majority’s fault, if we’re honest, and its not right.
“I think the federations like FIFA need to make sure they implement a way of thinking and language around Afcon so it equals the Euros and the Copa America.
“Jamie is right in what he is saying because that is what happens. If Mo Salah won Afcon that would have no bearing on anyone when they vote for the Ballon d’Or, which is absolutely wrong.”
Carragher heard what Ferdinand had to say on Instagram and hit back with a fiery response on the comments’ section.
The Liverpool great branded his fellow Premier League hero a “clown” as he insisted his words were taken out of context.
Carragher responded: “I didn’t say that you clown. Stop playing to the gallery like you always do.”
The former centre-back tried to set the record straight with a lengthy post on Twitter.
Carragher tweeted: “The point I was trying to make yesterday was that Mo Salah is at a disadvantage playing for Egypt in terms of him winning the Balon D’or.
“If Salah had an average season at LFC but won the AFCON & was MVP I don’t think he would win the Balon d’Or. Because I don’t think AFCON carries the weight of other tournaments.
“But if Mbappe had an average season at Real Madrid but won the World Cup/Euros he would still have a great opportunity.
“It’s not just about certain tournaments, [Andriy] Shevchenko (Ukraine), [Robert] Lewandowski (Poland) were never going to win the WC/Euros to help their case for the prize. I don’t think it’s controversial at all really it’s just a fact.
“I know Mane came 2nd a few years back after winning the tournament but that alone wouldn’t have got him to that position, it was LFC being two games away from a quadruple that played a big role also.
“It’s not disrespectful if I feel the WC/Euros/CP are better tournaments it’s just my opinion when I watch them. Saying it wasn’t a major competition was clumsy but I think most people watching could understand the point I was trying to make.
“The face I pulled when Micah interjected was nothing to do with the merits of the tournament, I just knew as soon as he did what the reaction was going to be! I get a lot people didn’t like what I said & that’s fine.
“I don’t normally respond to things on here with posts like this but
I decided to tweet in the end after seeing so many phoneys jumping on the bandwagon & playing to the gallery when they knew what I meant. Good luck MO you little dancer.”
USC football catapulted to the top of the 2026 recruiting rankings on Sunday. Now the Trojans are ready to boost their No. 1 recruiting class even higher, by adding a powerful 6-foot-7 prospect. USC is predicted to land tackle Malakai Lee of Honolulu. The star of Kamehameha Secondary School is trending towards USC, per Steve […]
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The Los Angeles Lakers are rolling as of late, going 8-2 in their last 10 games and proving they could be a legitimate title contender after acquiring Luka Doncic via trade. Luka is finding his footing with his new squad and has already shown phenomenal chemistry with LeBron James. On Saturday, the Lakers hammered the […]
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Ah, another year, another attempt to ban the Philadelphia Eagles’ signature play, the tush push. That’s right, after riding the play all the way to the Super Bowl, one of the teams Philadelphia concerned, the Green Bay Packers, took that personally and have requested the NFL make the play illegal heading into the 2025 NFL […]
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As a name frequently mentioned among the top prospects of the 2025 NFL Draft, quarterback Shedeur Sanders announced he wouldn’t throw at the NFL Scouting Combine, deferring to throw at Colorado’s Pro Day later in the offseason. However, this decision by Sanders’ camp has ESPN’s Matt Miller a bit dumbfounded. “It’s not a huge surprise […]
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