Health warnings

A POLISH woman has been discovered in a shocking state after allegedly being locked in a tiny room by her parents for nearly three decades.

Mirella, now 42, was just 15-years-old when she vanished from public life in 1998.

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She lived in the city of Świętochłowice, in southern Poland.

Her parents reportedly told neighbours at the time that their teenage daughter had gone missing. For years, no one questioned it.

But this summer, police stumbled upon the horrifying truth.

Officers were called to an apartment block in July after residents heard a disturbance coming from inside.

When they knocked on the door, the elderly landlady, 82, denied anything unusual was going on.

Cops then spoke to Mirella directly. She reassured them that “everything was fine”.

But officers quickly noticed severe injuries on her legs and decided to call and ambulance.

She was rushed to hospital – and doctors determined she was just “days away from death” from infection.

Although Mirella’s discovery took place in July, the shocking case has only now come to light after locals launched a fundraiser to help her recover.

One of the organisers posted online: “Doctors determined that she was only days away from death due to infection.

“She has been in hospital for two months now due to her critical condition.

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“People who knew Mirella thought she left her ‘family’ home almost 30 years ago.

“Unfortunately, the truth turned out to be different.

“Much remains unknown, and several facts cannot be revealed at this stage. One thing is certain: the truth must come to light as to why this young, healthy 15-year-old stopped leaving her home and disappeared without a trace.

“It is unimaginable to spend so much time in one room.

“She herself says that she has never even seen her city develop, that it is behind in everything, that she has missed out on so many things, she has never been to a doctor, never obtained an ID card, never gone for a simple walk or even to the balcony…

“She’s never been to a dentist or a hairdresser.

“Her hair and teeth are in critical condition, even threatening her health, so visits to a private clinic are now necessary.”

Mirella’s nightmare began when she was just a teenager. Her parents allegedly confined her to a small room in their flat and cut her off from the outside world completely.

For 27 years, neighbours believed the couple’s story that their daughter was missing.

Residents assumed only two people lived in the flat: the elderly couple.

Her ordeal only came to an end at the end of July when neighbours heard noises and alerted the emergency services.

When police and paramedics entered the second-floor apartment, they were met with a devastating scene.

Witnesses said Mirella looked “extremely neglected,” and her legs “appeared to be necrotic.”

One neighbour said: “It’s unbelievable. I remember Mirella as a teenager. We used to play in front of the building when I visited my grandmother for the holidays.

“Then she suddenly disappeared under mysterious circumstances.”

After she was rescued, Mirella spent two months in hospital fighting for her life.

Authorities have now launched a criminal investigation.

Prosecutor Agnieszka Kwatera confirmed that the case is being formally investigated.

Junior Asp. Anna Hryniak from the Municipal Police Headquarters in Świętochłowice told Fakt: “After our intervention and transporting the woman to the hospital, the district police officer contacted the Social Welfare Center.

“We are awaiting feedback on this woman’s situation from the Social Welfare Center so we can take further action.”

It is not yet clear what legal consequences Mirella’s parents will face.

The shocking discovery comes just days after a separate case made headlines in Brazil.

A six-year-old girl who had spent her entire life locked inside a room was rescued by police in Sorocaba, São Paulo state.

Authorities were tipped off anonymously and found the child in a state of neglect. She had never been to school, received no vaccinations, and could not speak.

Child protection counsellor Ligia Guerra said: “The girl was very apathetic and dazzled by everything.”

She added that the child’s hair was “tangled” and looked “as if it had never been washed.”

The girl had reportedly eaten nothing that day and survived only on liquids.

She communicated with police and counsellors through sounds rather than words.

The child was immediately taken to hospital for medical checks before being moved to a children’s home.

Both cases have horrified the public and raised questions about how such extreme abuse can go unnoticed for so long.

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VETS have revealed the eight dog breeds they’d never own – warning they may look cute, but each one can lead to “total heartbreak.”

The animal experts, who have treated thousands of pets over the years, said some popular breeds are plagued with painful health problems, short lifespans and sky-high vet bills.

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Dr. Cat is a vet based in the UK with over 35k followers on Instagram.

While Ben the Vet has gained 211k followers on TikTok.

They urged potential owners to think twice before buying certain dogs – no matter how adorable they look – saying love alone isn’t enough to keep them healthy.

The vets have revealed the eight breeds they’d never own themselves – and say fellow vets agree on at least two of them.

German Shepherd

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First up is the German Shepherd.

Loyal and clever, yes — but the vets warned they can also be reactive, suspicious and anxious, making them “really challenging” to handle.

Pugs, bulldogs and boxers

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Flat-faced breeds might look adorable, but these brachycephalic dogs often struggle with breathing problems and other anatomical issues.

They are healthier than others, but they’re prone to a whole host of problems – from spinal issues and skin conditions to eye troubles.

Ben said: “There are specimens of these dogs that are healthier than others, but they are so prone to so many issues.

“Spinal issues, skin problems, eye problems. The fact that over half of them have to have a caesarean to give birth is enough of an ethical issue for me to never want to have one. If you’re OK with that, that’s fine but for me personally it’s not very fair.”  

Border Collie

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Super-smart and bursting with energy, working-line Border Collies need nonstop stimulation.

Without it, they can develop serious behavioural and mental health problems.

Cat said: “I just do not have enough time in my life to put into them to make sure they’re living their best lives with me.”

Shar Pei

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Shar Peis come with a long list of health and behavioural problems.

Their wrinkles can cause skin and eye issues, and being in constant discomfort often makes them grumpy.

Ben said they are also prone to constant “skin problems and have tiny, narrow ear canals.

“Some can get so stressed that they even bite the staff.”

St Bernard

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Saint Bernards might look lovable – but their size comes with messy challenges.

Constant slobber and hygiene issues can make life pretty tricky for owners.

Cat revealed: “Quite honestly, I cannot cope with the slobber. I had a client once tell me that she had slobber on her ceilings.”

Dachshund

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Steer clear of Dachshunds because of the breed’s health issues.

They’re lovely dogs, but one in four develops back problems in their lifetime.

It can range from mild pain to complete paralysis, often requiring spinal surgery.

The recovery is long and Ben added, “there’s too much potential for heartbreak.”

King Charles Spaniel

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The super popular breed of family dog is known for their affection.

But almost all of King Charles Spaniels develop the same heart condition – mitral valve disease.

It means they often spend their final days “struggling to breathe and eventually die of heart failure.”

Chow Chow

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Chow Chows can be tricky to manage and are known for a challenging temperament, especially in clinical settings.

They commonly suffer from “eye problems, they’re often aloof and not very friendly.”

Ben shared: “They’re often very aggressive at the vets, but it’s hard to fit a muzzle on their face.”

A POPULAR dog food has been urgently recalled over fears it contains traces of salmonella.

Pet owners have been advised to avoid feeding the frozen product to their pooches and return it to stores immediately.

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Rhondda Raw’s Beef 80-10-10 has been withdrawn from shelves and the firm is recalling the packages.

The raw frozen dog food is unsafe because salmonella has been found in the product, the Food Standards Agency (FSA) said.

The agency urged customers who brought the meat not to feed it to dogs and instead return it to a store for a full refund.

Affected products have batch codes 040825/BM and 050825/BM.

The packs, which include 454g of meat, are also marked with a best before of August 4, 2026.

The FSA said: “Rhondda Raw Ltd are recalling Beef 80/10/10 raw frozen dog food because Salmonella has been found in the product.

“Salmonella is a bacterium that can cause illness in humans and animals. The product could therefore carry a potential risk.

“Rhondda Raw Ltd is recalling the product. Point of sale notices will be displayed in all retail stores that are selling this product.

“This notice explains to customers why the product is being recalled and tell them what to do if they have bought the product.”

Salmonella is a food bug that can cause illness in both humans and animals.

Owners could be put at risk while handling the pet food or bowls, as well as from animal poo.

Annual data from the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) reveals there has been a significant rise in salmonella infections in England.

Cases hit a record decade high in 2024, soaring by almost a fifth in a single year to over 10,000 cases.

But separate data last month revealed cases in the first quarter of 2025 were even higher than 2024.

Some 1,588 cases were logged between January and March 2025, up on the 1,541 reported over the same period in 2024.

Children under 10 years old were particularly affected, accounting for 21.5 per cent of cases. 

Salmonella can cause a sudden bout of fever, vomiting and explosive diarrhoea, often striking within hours of eating tainted food.

The bacteria attacks the gut lining, damaging cells and stopping the body from soaking up water.

This is what leads to the painful cramps and nonstop diarrhoea as the body flushes out the water it couldn’t absorb.

Most people recover without treatment, but in rare cases it can turn deadly.

Around one in 50 sufferers go on to develop a serious blood infection, according to the World Health Organisation (WHO).

Young children, the elderly and those with weakened immune systems are most at risk of complications.

Salmonella lives in the guts of animals and humans and spreads through contaminated poo.

Food can get tainted if it’s grown in dirty water, handled with grubby hands, or touches surfaces exposed to animal waste.

Last month, an urgent warning was issued over “contaminated tomatoes” which could be the cause of a major salmonella outbreak.

The nasty outbreak has been linked to tomatoes and the UK Heath Security Agency has issued a new warning.

Experts revealed new, rare, strains of salmonella called as Salmonella Strathcona sparked the particularly severe bouts of sickness.

According to the ECDC and the EFSA, nine European countries have reported 29 cases of Salmonella Strathcona since January 2025.

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WITH chillier months fast approaching, Brits will be grappling with the many illnesses that like to circulate at high levels during winter.

One infection in particularly experts are raising alarm bells about is pertussis, or whooping cough, which they are warning can be fatal in young infants.

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Whooping cough is a highly contagious bacterial infection affecting the lungs and airways that causes severe coughing fits, often ending in a ‘whooping’ sound as the person gasps for breath.

According to figures from the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA), cases have been rising since late 2023, with significant increases observed in 2024 and 2025.

This increase is part of a natural, cyclical pattern where cases peak every three to five years – with a peak being overdue after a period of very low numbers during the COVID-19 pandemic.

While in adults and older children the cough can be bothersome and last for months, whooping cough in young children can be life-threatening.

In the UK’s 2024 resurgence, infants under three months of age experienced the highest incidence and risk of severe complications, with 328 cases reported between January and June 2024.

This age group is particularly vulnerable due to their undeveloped immune systems.

In an article published in Pediatrics, experts strongly encourage getting vaccinated to protect against the illness.

According to leading author Caitlin Li, infectious disease specialist at Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children’s Hospital of Chicago and Assistant Professor of Pediatrics at Northwestern University Feinburg School of Medicine, said whooping cough symptoms are different in infants.

Coughing bouts that last for a few minutes and make a ‘whoop’ sound is one of the main symptoms listed by the NHS.

But DrLi said there’s a key symptom to look out for in kids.

She said: “The characteristic whooping cough may be absent, but apnea, or breathing interruption, is common.”

Whooping cough in infants can also present with very high white blood cell count, which paediatricians might mistake for cancer or other non-infectious conditions.

Extremely high white blood cell counts in infants should prompt strong consideration of pertussis, according to the authors.

“Given that infants are at high risk for complications, pertussis vaccination of mothers during pregnancy is critical, as it protects newborns against this potentially fatal illness,” stressed Dr Li.

“Widespread vaccination is also an important tool to protect everyone.”

Babies under 12 months old with whooping cough have an increased chance of having problems such as dehydration, breathing difficulties, pneumonia, and seizures (fits), according to the NHS.

But in the UK, the whooping cough vaccine is routinely given as part of the 6-in-1 vaccine – for babies at eight, 12 and 16 weeks – and the 4-in-1 pre-school booster – for children aged three years four months.

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People who are pregnant are also recommended to have the whooping cough vaccine.

You usually have it when you’re around 20 weeks pregnant to help protect your baby for the first few weeks of their life.

Rapid initiation of antibiotics is recommended for all patients with confirmed or suspected whooping cough.

If given early, this may improve symptoms, while later treatment is unlikely to impact symptoms, although it does reduce transmission.

The NHS also recommends some things you can do to help ease the symptoms of whooping cough – get plenty of rest, drink lots of fluids, and take paracetamol or ibuprofen if you or your child are uncomfortable

But it urges you call 999 or go to A&E if:

• your or your child’s lips, tongue, face or skin suddenly turn blue or grey (on black or brown skin this may be easier to see on the palms of the hands or the soles of the feet)
• you or your child are finding it hard to breathe properly (shallow breathing)
• you or your child have chest pain that’s worse when breathing or coughing – this could be a sign of pneumonia
• your child is having seizures (fits)

THE highstreet discount store is asking shoppers to stop using Harry Potter mugs immediately as they contain ‘unsafe metals’.

TKMaxx is recalling Harry Potter and South Park mugs, because they do not meet the safety standards required for materials that come into contact with food or drink.

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The Harry Potter mug from Blue Sky Designs Limited allowed fans to “create their own Hogwarts” by customising the mug with 13 reusable stickers.

The other mug features characters from hit American cartoon South Park.

People who bought the items with product codes 013167 and 596096 should return the items to any TK Maxx or Homesense store.

The recall on both mugs was triggered when testing revealed that the coating may release levels of heavy metals that exceed safe limits, potentially posing a health risk if used to consume food or drinks.

Heavy metals include arsenic, mercury and lead as well as lesser known ones such as cadmium – but it is unclear what metals the warning includes.

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Therefore TKMaxx is urging anyone who bought either the Harry Potter or South Park mug, sold between May and September 2025 to “stop using it immediately”.

A TK Maxx spokesperson said: “The vendor is recalling these products because they do not meet safety standards for materials intended to come into contact with food.”

“Testing has shown that the coating may release levels of heavy metals that exceed safe limits, which could pose a potential health risk if used with food or beverages.”

Possible side effects of consuming unsafe metals include nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, confusion, and organ damage to the brain, kidneys, and liver.

Chronic exposure, if left untreated can result in serious long-term issues, including anemia, miscarriage, developmental problems in children, and brain damage.

Shoppers are to return the items to any TK Maxx or Homesense store for a full refund or replacement.

Anyone with further questions can call 01923 473561 or email [email protected]. 

This comes only days after the company urgently recalled a kids’ swimming item that “could pose a risk of drowning.”

From April to August, the retailer had sold a range of Children’s Swim Vests that they’ve now said could pose a safety hazard.

TK Maxx says the affected product codes on price ticket and receipt include 819852, 819854, 819856, 819864, 819866, 819868, 819870, 819884, 819886, 819888, 819904, 819906, 819908, 819910, 819911, 819912, 819914.

MILLIONS of Brits who pop pills for heartburn could be at greater risk of a deadly tummy bug, experts warn.

The drugs, called proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) and handed out by GPs and bought over the counter to tackle heartburn and indigestion.

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The latest NHS figures show more than 73 million prescriptions were dished out in England in 2022/23 alone, making them some of the most prescribed drugs in England.

The pills work by reducing the amount of acid in the stomach, easing the burning pain that comes with acid reflux.

And although generally considered safe PPIs, which include omeprazole, lansoprazole and pantoprazole, are not without risks.

Experts have long warned the drugs can increase the chances of Clostridioides difficile, otherwise known as C. diff, a nasty bug that causes severe diarrhoea and can sometimes be fatal.

Last year, the UK saw a spike in cases of the nasty bacteria.

From February 2024 to January 2025, the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) received 19,239 reports of C. diff sufferers. The higest number of cases since 2011/12.

A new study, published in The Journal of Infection in May of this year, checked for the first time if taking higher doses of the pills makes the risk even worse.

Pharmacist Deborah Grayson, dubbed the “godmother of pharmacology” on TikTok, also sounded the alarm in a viral video.

She said: “It can be helpful to have omeprazole if you’ve got gastritis or erosion in your oesophagus, but if you’ve only got simple heartburn-related problems, longer term it can have greater impacts on the body.”

While reflux is uncomfortable, stomach acid is essential for digestion.

It activates pepsin, an enzyme that breaks down proteins in the gut, and helps soften food. 

It also protects against harmful microbes in food. 

“Reduced stomach acid can also compromise the gut’s natural defense barrier, increased susceptibility to infections such as C. diff, campylobacter and small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO),” Deborah added. 

“These can cause further gastrointestinal symptoms and, in some cases, serious complications.”

But researchers behind the new review said that while PPIs are linked to a higher risk of C. diff overall, there was no strong evidence that taking bigger doses raised the danger further.

The team from Karolinska Institutet in Stockholm, Sweden, carried out what’s called a “dose-response meta-analysis”, pooling results from previous trials and studies to see if higher amounts of the drug meant higher risk.

The study confirmed the pills are linked to a higher risk of C. diff, but found no clear proof that bigger doses make things worse.

The experts say it’s still a wake-up call to stop overprescribing and keep patients under review.

Patients should never suddenly stop taking PPIs without medical advice, as this can make acid reflux worse.

Anyone worried about their prescription should speak to their GP.

WHEN Shirley Bartram began suffering severe pain in her left side, coupled with vomiting, a raised heart rate and the inability to pass urine for 12 hours, she rushed to hospital where she was diagnosed with a suspected kidney infection.

But an “antibiotics mistake” led to the gran and mum-of-four’s fingers and toes turning black and suddenly “dropping off”.

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While at hospital, the 69-year-old, from Gravesend, was prescribed intravenous antibiotics to treat her UTI, but was discharged just a few hours later and sent home with oral antibiotics instead.

Shirley’s condition then deteriorated quickly and the gran ended up being placed into an induced coma for four weeks.

It was when she woke up that the tissue in her hands and feet had started to die – as she had developed life-threatening sepsis.

“Before all this happened, I was independent and active,” Shirley, a former carer, said.

“Now I struggle with the simplest things that many people take for granted.

“Holding a pen is impossible and I need help with things I used to do without thinking – buttoning clothes, washing my hair, preparing meals.

“I can’t manage stairs without help.

“Walking is painful and exhausting.

“I wear a brace on my left foot to try and stop it catching, but I still fall over.

“I can just about walk to the local shop aided with a walking stick and also some trips out to the cinema – but I am sometimes limited.”

After Shirley had been discharged from hospital, she was sick through the night

She was then re-admitted the next afternoon in September 2022.

It was then she was diagnosed with sepsis, which is believed to have been caused by her kidney infection.

Sepsis is a serious condition in which the body responds improperly to an infection.

The infection-fighting processes turn on the body, causing the organs to work poorly.

Sepsis may then lead to septic shock, which is a dramatic drop in blood pressure than can dam,age the lungs, kidneys, liver and other organs.

If the damage is severe, it can lead to death.

In total, Shirley spent four weeks in intensive care and nine weeks in hospital.

Now, she only has her fourth and little finger remaining on her right hand, with her index finger and little finger lost on her left.

Her toes are gradually self-amputating and bones in the feet have also changed shape.

‘It’s not just the physical toll, it’s the emotional one too’

Shirley, who lives with her daughter, Kelly, 47, is suffering from repeated swelling in her right hip because of infections and has experienced leaking from a wound in her top right leg.

Metalwork from a previous hip displacement has loosened as a result and it’s a waiting game while doctors try to find a solution.

She said: “It’s not just the physical toll, it’s the emotional one too.

“[…] I feel very self-conscious about my hands.

“I can’t thank Kelly enough for everything she does for me, but it’s upsetting to think about what has happened and how much independence I’ve lost.

“It’s hard to accept.

I just hope that by sharing my story, I can raise awareness of how dangerous sepsis is so others don’t have to go [and] endure what I have

Shirley Bartram

“I’m still concerned whether everything possible was done to prevent what happened to me and the least I feel I deserve is answers.

“However, I just hope that by sharing my story, I can raise awareness of how dangerous sepsis is so others don’t have to go [and] endure what I have.”

Shirley has instructed medical negligence lawyers, Irwin Mitchell, to investigate her care at Darent Valley Hospital.

Josh Beszant, a specialist medical negligence lawyer representing Shirley, said: “The last few years and coming to terms with her life-changing injuries has been incredibly difficult for Shirley.

“She was previously very independent but has now lost this and is more reliant on her family.

“While the Trust has admitted that intravenous antibiotics should have been given, but were not, Shirley firmly believes more should have been done to help and monitor her during her first hospital visit.

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“Nothing can make up for what she’s been through, but we’re determined to secure Shirley with access to the specialist support and therapies she requires.

“We call on the Trust to resolve the remaining issues in this case, allowing Shirley to focus on her rehabilitation.

“In the meantime, we join her in warning of the dangers of sepsis and the need for everyone to be aware of the signs.

“Sepsis is a medical emergency with early detection and appropriate treatment vital to preventing serious injury and even death.”

A spokesperson for Dartford and Gravesham NHS Trust said: “Dartford and Gravesham NHS Trust is very sorry for the distress and complications experienced by Ms. Bartram and her family.

“We recognise how deeply personal and difficult this is for everyone involved.

“While legal proceedings are ongoing, and to respect patient confidentiality, we cannot comment on individual clinical details.

“However, we have acknowledged shortcomings in certain aspects of the care provided, and we are fully cooperating with the legal process that will determine cause and effect.

“We remain committed to learning and strengthening our procedures to ensure the highest standards of safety and care for all our patients.

“We actively support national initiatives to raise awareness of the signs of sepsis.

“Early recognition and prompt treatment are vital, and we remain dedicated to working with our staff and the wider community to promote greater understanding of this serious condition.”

FORMER PM MARGARET THATCHER famously got by on just four hours’ kip, while wartime leader Winston Churchill hit the hay for just a few hours a night.

A study suggests the average person gets just six hours and 50 minutes sleep – and others are getting less than three hours.

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But a good night’s shut-eye doesn’t start with jumping into bed at a reasonable time, it begins the moment you open your eyes in the morning.

Confused? Here, physiologist and sleep expert Dr Nerina Ramlakhan, tells Ella Walker how she gets quality sleep.

4AM – Go back to sleep: Dr Nerina says: “There are two main hormones that govern our kip – the sleep hormone melatonin and cortisol, which is produced when we’re stressed and drives us to get things done.

“Cortisol levels start to increase from around 4am, so many people find they can go into a shallower phase of sleep.

“I wake around then but don’t look at the time. I place weighted yoga eye pillows over my eyes and get another phase of sleep.”

7AM – Wake up the right way: The circadian rhythm – the body’s internal 24-hour biological clock that determines your sleep-wake cycle – is important to Dr Nerina.

She says: “I like to wake up naturally, I don’t like the jangling of an alarm.

“I get some natural daylight, ideally not through glass, even just a few seconds. It helps adjust my circadian rhythms.”

8AM – Breakfast of proteins, fats and carbs: It might be the first meal of the day, but Dr Nerina is already prepping for her sleep.

Something sugary like a croissant can overstimulate the nervous system and ruin sleep later.

So Dr Nerina has full-fat Greek yoghurt with a mixture of chia and flax seeds soaked overnight.

Dr Nerina says: “Protein and fat provides sustained energy, fullness and supports stable blood sugar levels.

“It sets the body on the right metabolic trajectory, increasing the likelihood of optimal melatonin production later.”

9AM – Post-breakfast coffee: Even sleep experts are not afraid of caffeine but they are careful with it.

“I have caffeine either with food or after breakfast,” says Dr Nerina.

“I don’t tend to have more than one caffeinated drink a day, and that’s before midday.

“The half-life of caffeine is about five hours, so if you have a cup of coffee at 3pm, you’ll have half the amount in your blood supply around 8pm.

“It might not make you feel lively, but could impact the quality of sleep.”

11 AM – Mid-morning exercise: Working out too late can also disrupt sleep so Dr Nerina does hers early.

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She says: “I do strength training or go to the river and swim.

“Exercise is really important, otherwise I’m more stressed with too much mental energy.

“I don’t like exercising in the evening.

“It can overstimulate the nervous system and produce hormones like adrenaline and cortisol, which will disrupt sleep.”

1PM – Lunch of eggs and gut-friendly foods: Increasing research is showing the impact of microbiome health on sleep.

Dr Nerina says: “If your gut is healthy, you sleep better.

“Lunch for me is always something that won’t spike blood sugar levels like heavy carbohydrates (which turn into sugar) would. I like an omelette with salad and sauerkraut.”

5PM – Dinner: A healthy meal and fasting window can support better quality sleep and help manage your circadian rhythm.

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Dr Nerina says: “I’ll eat some fish, vegetables and rice. I do like something sweet, so it might be some dark chocolate.

“A few days a week, I try intermittent fasting, having my last meal at 5pm. Other times, I eat no later than 7pm.”

8PM – Turn down the lights: Bright light tells your body to wake up, even in the evening, so turn the main lights off.

Dr Nerina says: “I might watch TV and turn the lamps on instead.

“I go to bed around 9pm, my device is switched off, charging outside my room, and I keep the room as cool as possible.

“I take a magnesium supplement now too, which helps relax the nervous system and muscles.”

10PM – If drifting off is tricky: It should take 15 minutes to fall asleep.

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“If you have any trouble, Dr Nerina says: “I use some box breathing to help me fall asleep.

“If I’m really stressed, I do ten minutes of journaling before I turn the lights out.

“Stress journaling has been shown to reduce the time it takes to fall asleep.”

DINERS who were rushed to hospital after an “excruciating” meal suspect one ingredient was the cause of their torment.

After tucking into a family meal at the Dosa Kingss eaterie in Sale, Manchester, on September 6, 11 diners had to be treated by medics.

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A massive emergency response was sparked by the incident with fire crews, police and paramedics called to the chaotic scene.

Customers inside the restaurant became violently unwell after eating some of the food on offer and have now blamed one ingredient for the disastrous dinner.

The incident sparked a Greater Manchester Police investigation.

Two of the 11 diners suffered severe reactions to the food and had to be hospitalised while several others were treated inside the restaurant.

Police said a number of people were treated for “minor reactions” to the dodgy food.

One of the lines of inquiry being probed blames yams for the diners illness.

Some types of the root vegetable can contain toxins that can be harmful if undercooked.

It is believed to have been part of one of the dishes served from the restaurant’s set menu.

The exact cause of the violent reaction to the food has yet to be confirmed.

One diner, Amrita Kapadia, who was dining with her young son and her family at the restaurant, was among the customers served the food.

She said the Aviyal, which is a thick stew of mixed vegetable, contained yams.

Amrita was one of the two diners to be hospitalised after the meal made her feel like she was “chewing glass.”

She claims the food left her suffering a severe reaction with her mouth and throat burning.

She was unable to speak following the “frightening” ordeal and said it felt as though she had been “stung by bees.”

Amrita told Manchester Evening News: “The table next to us started complaining that something was stinging or spicy in their mouths.

“The restaurant folks brought them water and, while that was going on, two of us at our table of five had the same dish at the same time, which was a mixed vegetable dish called Aviyal.

“As soon as we ate it, we had this stinging sensation in our mouths. It was like chewing glass, it was excruciating. It felt like I had been stung by bees it was just so painful.

“We couldn’t taste anything and our tongues went bizarre. The sensation travelled to our gums, cheek and throats.”

Before her own situation deteriorated further, Amrita instructed her son, who thankfully avoided any serious reaction to the food, to stop eating immediately.

Diners began to call 999 and ask for paramedics to be sent as they began to lose the ability to speak and felt paralysed.

The harrowing ordeal left diners with increased heart rates, dizziness, pain and swelling.

Amrita was hospitalised for four hours after she was given two shots of adrenaline that did nothing to combat her extreme symptoms by paramedics.

She received a form from Trafford Council to complete detailing what each member of the party had consumed.

Police remained at the scene for hours after the incident as their investigation got underway.

The scale of the emergency response sparked fears of a serious gas leak which was quickly ruled out by the probe.

Dosa Kingss posted a brief statement on social media following the chaos.

It reads: “Dear valued customers, due to unforeseen circumstances, we are temporarily closed.

“We sincerely apologise for any inconvenience this may cause and truly appreciate your understanding and support. We look forward to serving you again.”

A spokesperson for GMP previously stated: “At around 12.40pm today (6 September), we received a report of people becoming unwell at a restaurant on Northenden Road, Sale.

“Emergency services quickly attended and several people were treated at the scene for minor reactions. Enquiries into the incident are currently ongoing.”

A MUM who bought a tummy tuck off a Facebook as nearly died after an infection ate her stomach from the inside out.

Soreena O’Malley, from Hull, saved up for years to undergo the knife but was left “crying every single day” and a future in a wheelchair.

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The cosmetic procedure saw her bedridden with a gaping wound across her stomach.

The 34-year-old said she has “no tummy” left after the 360-degree liposuction in Turkey.

Soreena told Hull Live: “It is not very nice having to be bed-bound three months after a surgery that I have paid for because I was so self-conscious about my body.

“I wouldn’t wear bikinis on holiday. It really did take me a long time to save this money because it was something I have wanted since having my child.

“I have no tummy. My whole tummy is gone and it could take well up to two years to heal. It is a massive hole.”

Her husband Declain added: “She nearly died from it.”

Soreena recalled arriving at Turkish hospital and being handed consent forms with no English translation.

She is now warning people against opting for surgery abroad, and buying into dodgy advertisements on social media.

The 34-year-old required a skin graft and specialist care when she returned to the UK.

Her family have set up a GoFundMe to help cover medical fees, and support Soreena’s daughter.

Declain told how donations would help “give my little girl her mum back” after the ordeal tore their family apart.

The couple are desperate for funds to cover corrective surgery, a wheelchair and legal action.

Soreena fears her mobility may never return and says the nightmare has devastated their mental health.

NHS England was contacted for comment but had not responded at the time of publication.

This comes after another woman told how she was left rotting in a dingy hotel and wanted to die after a £15,000 botched tummy tuck.

Sara Platt, 34, is now taking the Turkish doctor who operated on her to court.

Speaking to the Mail, she said: “I was left with three days to live. I suffer with nightmares every night. I’ve got extreme PTSD.

“If somebody touches my stomach straight away, I can feel pain and that’s going to be with me forever.”

As soon as she woke up from the 13-hour operation – which included the tummy tuck, a breast implant and three other procedures – she knew something was catastrophically wrong.

The pain was so severe that she begged her dad to let her die – while her right breast was purple, she claimed.

Over the following days, Sara’s health deteriorated further – as brown liquid began to seep from her body.

She later spent eight weeks at the Welsh Centre for Burns and Plastic Surgery.

Now, the traumatised mum, who claims to be suffering from PTSD, will be forced to return to Turkey for medical examinations – as part of legal proceedings against the surgeon.

Elsewhere, another mum underwent the same horror when she contacted sepsis after a failed tummy tuck abroad.

Mum-of-one Cennet Lo went under the knife within hours of getting off her plane in Turkey with plans to have a tummy tuck, liposuction and Brazilian butt lift.

But the 28-year-old has been left traumatised from the ordeal after she regained consciousness during the invasive procedure.

Once she was under, the mum recalls horrifically waking up and witnessing her own operation.

THE NHS is chucking tens of millions of pounds down the drain by failing to stamp out health tourism.

At a time of sky-high taxes, it’s intolerable that money is being lavished on “free” care for foreign visitors.

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New figures show that hospitals are owed £252million for treatment given to patients from abroad — that’s enough to provide 5,000 extra nurses.

The NHS prides itself on providing medical attention free at the point of use to anyone who needs it, irrespective of their status or wealth.

But it is not a charity and trusts have a duty to safeguard taxpayers’ money.

With 7.4million on waiting lists for routine treatment in England, it is an outrage that bosses are writing off such huge sums.

Brits facing long delays for ops or forced to wait for hours on hospital trolleys will be appalled that this small fortune is not being spent on them and their families.

To make matters worse, one of the main reasons managers do not bother to chase outstanding fees is simply that it makes them feel “uncomfortable”.

Public satisfaction with the NHS — which also spent £1.8million on “staff networks” hosting “woke” events over the past two years — has sunk to a record low.

Three-quarters of hospitals are in debt.

Health Secretary Wes Streeting has warned senior execs there is “nowhere to hide” on “wasteful spenders”.

They’re hiding in plain sight currently.

Petering out

PAINFULLY slowly, the truth about the Peter Mandelson debacle is being dragged out of Number Ten.

After going to ground at the end of last week, Sir Keir Starmer surfaced yesterday to admit he HAD known about emails from Mandelson to the paedophile Jeffrey Epstein when he defended his US ambassador at Prime Minister’s Questions.

Specifically he knew the Foreign Office was investigating what would prove to be a huge scandal, but did not know — or did not ask — precisely what had been written.

This is a prime example of the PM blasting himself in both feet.

First by chaotically backing then sacking Mandelson — and then by taking an age to set out the facts.

Danny ploy

WHILE Labour rips itself apart, Nigel Farage is getting on with making Reform more professional.

MP Danny Kruger — the latest Tory defector to his party — is a serious thinker, with experience of No10.

Putting him in charge of Reform’s preparations for Government is another sign Farage isn’t messing around.

ALL medications, including prescription drugs, over-the-counter medicines, and even herbal remedies, have the potential to cause side effects.

But experts have warned weight loss jab users to pay real attention to any side effects they experience, as they could actually be signalling deadly cancer, as Dawn Clegg tragically found out.

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The 51-year-old, from Morecambe, Lancashire, had been using Mounjaro to treat her diabetes, but in March this year, she began suffering from chest pain, which she initially put down to a side effect of the jabs.

When the pain persisted, she headed to A&E before doctors made a shocking discovery.

After undergoing several X-rays, doctors spotted shadows on her lungs, kidneys and breast, and she was diagnosed with soft-tissue cancer, known as sarcoma.

Dawn was then given the life-shattering news that she had less than a year to live.

Her heartbroken husband, Arron Clegg, 51, is planning to hold a “living wake” in November to celebrate the life of his wife.

He said: “We were devastated on hearing news of cancer in these areas – there is no cure and she is now terminal.”

Weight loss expert at The Lagom Clinic, Dr Jack Ogden, said he has also been made aware of a fat jab user mistaking symptoms of cancer for side effects, though they weren’t linked to the clinic.

He tells Sun Health: “As a clinician, hearing about cases like this is always sobering. It reinforces how easy it is for both patients and healthcare professionals to attribute symptoms to the most obvious cause.

“In this case, weight loss injections, when something more serious may be underlying.”

The fat jab user, a 52-year-old who remains anonymous, began experiencing persistent fatigue, feeling full quickly, and mild nausea while on a GLP-1 weight loss injection.

They initially assumed these symptoms were routine side effects, but they persisted beyond the expected two to three-week adjustment period.

Further investigation by their GP revealed a diagnosis of stage two stomach cancer – which isn’t very common in the UK but can be deadly.

When detected early, stomach cancer has a high chance of being cured.

But it’s often diagnosed at a more advanced stage, which makes it harder to treat and means survival rates can be low.

Dr Ogden said: “It’s important to monitor persistent symptoms, keep a log of side effects, and seek prompt medical advice if anything unusual arises.”

So what cancer symptoms could people mistake for the side effects of fat jabs?

Here, a team of experts offer their life-saving advice…

THE SYMPTOMS YOU MUST NOT IGNORE

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THERE are more than 200 different types of cancer, and they all have different signs and symptoms.

While some affect specific areas of the body, symptoms can be more general and similar to those caused by less serious conditions or medication side effects.

Superintendent pharmacist at pharmica.co.uk, Ana Carolina Goncalves, said symptoms such as persistent indigestion, heartburn and abdominal pain are potential side effects of weight loss injections, but could also be signs of liver, bladder, pancreatic or stomach cancer.

She says: “Thyroid swelling or a lump in the neck might be dismissed as an injection side effect, but it could also indicate thyroid cancer.

“The risk of thyroid swelling has been confirmed as a potential side effect by the manufacturers of both Mounjaro and Wegovy.

“And nausea is another common side effect of weight loss jabs that can also indicate liver, bladder or pancreatic cancer.

“There’s a lot of overlap between the symptoms of different organ cancers (like liver and pancreatic cancer) because they affect similar areas of the body.

“This can make identification of cancer symptoms difficult, especially when side effects of weight loss injections are also present.”

It’s also important to note that while use of the jabs results in weight loss, sudden, unexplained, unintentional, and significant (more than 5 per cent of your body weight in six to 12 months) weight loss could be a red flag for cancer.

HOW TO SPOT THE DIFFERENCE

THERE’S not always an easy way to tell the difference between cancer symptoms and weight loss side effects.

It depends on the symptoms you experience, says Ms Goncalves.

She explains: “High levels of acid reflux or heartburn that persist even after you’ve stopped weight loss injections should definitely be looked into by a doctor or GP.

“Also, a lump in the neck, hoarseness, or difficulty swallowing could indicate thyroid cancer.

“It’s not possible to fully tell on your own, so you should consult your doctor or GP if you experience these symptoms.”

WHAT’S THE RISK?

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KEVIN Joshua, clinical lead at Juniper, an online healthcare provider, says while it’s not very common, confusing symptoms and side effects are a real risk.

He warns: “The danger is that someone may put persistent or worsening symptoms down to the medication, rather than seeing their GP.

“That missed time can make all the difference in cancer treatment and survival.”

Ms Gonclaves adds: “Cancer caught early is far easier to treat. If people assume ongoing pain, nausea or weight loss is just a side effect, they may only get checked once the cancer is more advanced – and that can be life-threatening.

“Given the increasing use of weight loss injections in the UK, the potential for confusion is likely growing, especially for cancer symptoms that overlap with common injection side effects.

“However, there’s currently no large-scale study that estimates how frequently cancer symptoms are misattributed to jabs.

“But it’s important to note the safety of Wegovy and Mounjaro has been proven in clinical trials, and they are licensed by the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) for weight management in the UK.”

WHAT SHOULD YOU DO?

IF you experience any symptoms after starting weight loss jabs, Dr Ogden recommends you do the following:

1. Track your symptoms – keep a daily log noting timing, intensity, and duration.
2. Monitor persistence – common side effects usually settle within two to three weeks.
3. Note severity changes – sudden worsening or new symptoms are red flags.
4. Consult a healthcare professional promptly – don’t wait to see if symptoms pass if they are unusual or severe.
5. Communicate openly – share your symptom log with your GP or specialist for accurate assessment.

Weight loss injections can be safe and effective, but awareness and careful monitoring are essential, added Dr Ogden.

“Early detection of serious issues can save lives and prevent complications.”

The majority of common side effects, such as nausea, diarrhoea, vomiting, skin redness or fatigue, can be managed with adequate hydration, dietary choices, and over‑the‑counter medication.

Ms Goncalves advises: “You can try eating smaller meals, and using herbal teas or oral rehydration salts to alleviate gastrointestinal symptoms.

“You should drink fluids regularly to ensure you are hydrated.”

But you should seek medical help if symptoms are severe, continue for more than a few weeks, or are linked with alarm signs like vomiting blood, blood in stools, jaundice, unexplained weight loss or a lump.

“These should never be written off as ‘just the jab’,” said Mr Joshua.

BLOKES taking sex pills including Viagra have complained of side effects including going deaf, blind and bald.

More than 900 people reported experiencing problems they believed were linked to the medications between 2000 and 2024.

Among them, six men reckoned Viagra-style pills caused them to lose their hearing — just like Hugh Hefner.

The Playboy boss claimed he went deaf from using too much Viagra before he died aged 91 in 2017.

There were also 41 sight problems reported to the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency, including two claims of blindness and another two of blurred vision.

Four men said they suffered cyanopsia — where everything appears to be covered in a blue sheen.

Another user linked the blue pills to getting the hair-loss condition alopecia.

Four people said they caused changes in their sweat glands and six said they caused rashes.

There were 926 reports of side-effects to the MHRA, with three fellas reporting they suffered priapism — a condition that leaves men standing to attention for four or more hours — while two reported suffering fractured manhoods.

One man said his lips started to swell, another complained of a swollen tongue.

Other reports included dizziness, confusion, anxiety and flatulence.

Reports of suspected side effects are recorded under the MHRA’s yellow card scheme which allows health professionals to monitor any potential dangers.

The watchdog logs cases but says not all were definitely caused by the drugs.

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A POPULAR UK supermarket has recalled two of its products over fears they could cause an E.coli outbreak.

Customers have been warned not to eat either of the products after it was discovered they may contain Shiga toxin-producing E.coli (STEC).

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Fears have been sparked that the contaminated products could spark an outbreak of the potentially deadly disease.

Customers could suffer serious symptoms including diarrhoea, abdominal pain and bloody diarrhoea if they consume the product.

The Shiga toxin-producing E.coli could also cause haemolytic uremic syndrome – a serious condition that can lead to kidney failure and can be fatal.

Anyone who has purchased JS Classic Houmous and JS Lemon & Coriander Houmous is being warned not to eat them.

Customers who have bought the contaminated products are asked to return them to the point of sale urgently.

Full refunds will be handed out to customers who bring back the potentially harmful humus.

Sainsbury’s is putting up in store notices to explain the recall to customers.

A notice issued by the The Food Standards Agency reads: “Sainsbury’s has taken the precautionary step of recalling JS Classic Houmous and JS Lemon & Coriander Houmous because these products may contain Shiga toxin-producing E.coli (STEC).

“If you have bought any of the above products do not eat them. Instead, return them to the store from where they were bought for a full refund.”

AS the UK waves goodbye to summer, experts are urging people to take extra precautions to stay healthy.

As winter illnesses start to circulate, one virus parents are being asked to be especially wary of is RSV – as new evidence shows it can be just as risky to healthy babies as those born premature of with underlying health conditions.

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RSV, which stands for respiratory syncytial virus, is a common cause of respiratory infections in young children and accounts for around 245,000 hospital admissions annually in Europe. 

In some cases, it can lead to more severe respiratory issues like bronchiolitis and pneumonia, which can lead to hospitalisation, the need for oxygen or mechanical ventilation, and even death.

Researchers have now analysed data from more than 2.3 million children born in Sweden between 2001 and 2022 to find out who is at greatest risk of suffering serious complications or dying from an RSV infection

Almost all children will get RSV at least once before they’re two years old.

Premature babies and children with chronic diseases are known to be at increased risk of developing severe illness when infected with the virus.

And children under three months of age are also particularly vulnerable – although it hasn’t been entirely clear how common severe disease is among previously healthy children. 

As part of their findings, scientists from Karolinska Institutet in Sweden found the largest group among the children who required intensive care or were hospitalised for a long period of time were under three months of age, previously healthy and born at full term.

“When shaping treatment strategies, it is important to take into account that even healthy infants can be severely affected by RSV,” said the study’s first author, Giulia Dallagiacoma, a physician and doctoral student at the Department of Medical Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Karolinska Institutet.

“The good news is that there is now preventive treatment that can be given to newborns, and a vaccine that can be given to pregnant women.”

The NHS RSV vaccine programme was launched in England on September 1, 2024 offering protection to pregnant women from 28 weeks gestation to protect their baby and to older adults aged 75 to 79.

Several factors were linked to an increased risk of needing intensive care or dying by the researchers.

Children who were born in the winter, or had siblings aged 0–3 years or a twin, had approximately a threefold increased risk, while children who were small at birth had an almost fourfold raised risk.

Children with underlying medical conditions had more than a fourfold increased risk of severe illness or death.

“We know that several underlying diseases increase the risk of severe RSV infection, and it is these children who have so far been targeted for protection with the preventive treatment that has been available,” said the study’s last author, Samuel Rhedin, resident physician at Sachs’ Children and Youth Hospital and associate professor at the Department of Medical Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Karolinska Institutet.

“However, the study highlights that a large proportion of children who require intensive care due to their RSV infection were previously healthy.

“Now that better preventive medicines are available, it is therefore positive that the definition of risk groups is being broadened to offer protection during the RSV season to previously healthy infants as well.”

In the UK, if you’re pregnant, you should be offered the RSV vaccine around the time of your 28-week antenatal appointment.

If you’re aged 75 to 79 (or turned 80 after 1 September 2024) contact your GP surgery to book your RSV vaccination.

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Spotting RSV symptoms is important to help prevent serious complications.

Most people who get an RSV infection will only get cold-like symptoms, according to the NHS, including the five following signs:

• a runny or blocked nose
• a cough
• sneezing
• tiredness
• a high temperature – signs include your back or chest feeling hotter than usual, sweatiness and shivering (chills)

Babies with RSV may also be irritable and feed less than usual.

But if RSV leads to a more serious infection (such as pneumonia or bronchiolitis) it may also cause a worsening cough, shortness of breath, faster breathing, difficulty feeding in babies, wheezing, and confusion in older adults.

It’s important to note cold-like symptoms are very common in babies and children and aren’t usually a sign of anything serious.

They should get better within a few days.

There’s no specific treatment for an RSV infection as it often gets better on its own in one or two weeks.

If you or your child have mild RSV symptoms, there are some things you can do to help ease symptoms at home, including taking paracetamol or ibuprofen if you have a high temperature and are uncomfortable (giving children’s paracetamol or children’s ibuprofen to your child) and drinking lots of fluids.

But children and adults who get a more serious infection may need to be treated in hospital.

WRAPPED around the hoover, blocking the plughole and stuck on the shower wall – it feels like hair gets everywhere.

It’s normal to lose hair every day, but sometimes, the large clump in your hairbrush can feel worrying. But what is ‘normal’, and what could be causing your locks to fall out faster? We reveal the hidden health concerns, and how to fix them to stop the shed.

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Eva Proudman, founder of www.ukhairconsultants.com, consultant trichologist and Fellow of the Institute of Trichologists UK, tells Sun Health: “Everyone is going to see some hair coming out of the head daily; this is part of the normal growing and shedding cycle.

“Around 50-150 hairs can be shed daily.

“If you wash every day, you will see less than if you leave it for three or four days, as the shed hair is held within the hair by a natural static charge that is broken when the hair is washed.”

While some hair loss is a natural part of getting older – for example, women tend to see thinning due to menopause – and genetic predisposition can lead to gradual thinning over time, any sudden changes warrant concern.

Eva, who sees many distressed patients in her clinics, says: “If you are noticing more hair in the brush, shower, on your clothes, or being picked up by your hoover, seek advice from a professional to identify and understand the cause.”

Our hair is not only part of our identity, but is “often said to be a reflection of your general health,” adds Eva.

“In many cases, these symptoms are linked to an underlying medical issue.”

From hormonal issues to autoimmune diseases, here are the causes worth considering…

DIET NOT CUTTING IT

EXCESSIVE hair shedding and thinning from iron and vitamin B12 deficiency is called telogen effluvium – a form of temporary loss.

Telogen effluvium can be triggered by several factors, from stress to viruses and inflammation, which disrupt the hair growth cycle.

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Eva says: “Being deficient in iron and vitamin B12 can also cause fatigue, brain fog, aches and pains, and a general state of feeling unwell.

“This is especially true if you eat a limited diet, whether vegetarian, vegan or you are on GLP-1 ‘weight loss’ jabs, and exclude core food groups such as red meat and animal proteins.”

Trichologists use a blood test to ascertain stored levels before advising on dietary or supplementary changes.

“The results take time to show,” Eva notes. “It’s usually a minimum of four to six months.

“However, the relief as the hair shedding reduces also brings a reduction in stress and anxiety, which is supportive to both hair and general health.”

SLUGGISH GLAND

BOTH types of thyroid disease (overactive and underactive) affect the hair, says Eva.

She adds: “In my clinics, I see clients with excessive hair shedding, thinning and breakage that also present with other recognised signs and symptoms of thyroid disease.

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“It has an impact on female pattern hair loss (FPHL), whether it is hypothyroidism (underactive) or hyperthyroidism (overactive).”
FPHL tends to affect the crown of the head.

An underactive thyroid can also cause brittle and fragile hair, while overactive can cause excessive shedding.

For the former, look out for symptoms such as “severe tiredness, weight gain and feeling cold”, says Eva, and for the latter, “you may find there’s weight loss, a feeling of ‘running on overdrive’, and poor sleep”.

The thyroid is a gland in the neck that produces two hormones (TSH and T4) vital for all the cells in the body to work efficiently.

Both types of thyroid disease, which can occur at any age, are treated with medication for life.

HORMONES GOING HAYWIRE

ONE in ten women have PCOS, a hormonal condition that causes the male hormones to be more dominant.

“PCOS is a very common condition in my clinics, particularly in younger ladies who see me due to hair thinning and loss, as well as a feeling of being able to see more scalp, with slow growth,” explains Eva.

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Other signs and symptoms can include heavy and/or irregular periods, facial hair, weight gain, oily skin and scalp, and acne.

Eva says: “Insulin resistance or pre-diabetes is often seen in my clinics.

“But this is also a common standalone condition in the UK, causing the body to have an ineffective response to insulin.

“The increase of insulin in the bloodstream can stimulate the ovaries to produce more androgens, providing an environment that promotes thinning and shedding and an exacerbation of the FPHL.”

Eva adds: “This health condition should ideally be managed jointly between the trichologist and GP.

“Lifestyle changes definitely help; we work on diet and the uptake and storage of nutrients to give the correct levels for optimum hair health.”

Hair growth treatments, like Minoxidil, or Tricoactiv+, may also be used.

BODY’S BETRAYAL

IN the case of autoimmune conditions, the body attacks its own tissues, such as the hair follicles.

Eva says: “A common – and very distressing – autoimmune condition is frontal fibrosing alopecia (FFA).

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“This causes the hairline to recede with permanent loss, and so it’s important to get an early, accurate diagnosis as there are supportive treatments that can stabilise the condition to help to prevent further hair loss.”

FFA is a type of scarring autoimmune condition, meaning the hair will not grow back.

“It presents with a lack of follicular orifices, usually a smooth area of skin with a paler skin pigmentation,” says Eva.

Alopecia areata is a non-scarring autoimmune condition in which hair loss can come and go.

Eva says: “It causes patchy hair loss, usually in smooth circles.
“In some cases, it develops into total hair loss on the scalp (alopecia totalis) or total hair loss all over the body (alopecia universalis).

“When the condition is active, you see clinical signs such as yellow dots on the scalp, black dots and exclamation hairs. When there are no signs like this, there can then be regrowth and recovery.

“Treatments for this type of condition range from scalp massage, stimulating oils, topical Minoxidil, topical steroids, steroid injections and JAK (Janus kinase) inhibitors.”

SHOCK TO THE SYSTEM

VIRUSES can cause hair and scalp issues, often a diffuse thinning, which is a uniform, widespread loss of density across the scalp.

This is a form of telogen effluvium – temporary hair loss that affects the hair growth cycle.

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Covid-19, for example, can potentially cause hair loss, though it might not appear until months later.

Eva says: “With a virus, it can feel like hair loss but may actually be a disruption to the growing and shedding cycle of the hair, called telogen effluvium.

“This condition can have multiple underlying causes and though alarming at first, it is generally short-lived in most circumstances.”

This type of hair loss tends to resolve on its own, but in more severe or prolonged cases, a doctor may recommend medications to support regrowth.

Eva says: “As with all hair-related problems, the sooner you seek professional advice and have an accurate diagnosis, the sooner you can start to treat and get the hair back to normal.

“Many of the products advertised online or across social media may not be relevant.

“Just because something says it works, doesn’t mean it does or will!

“The cost and stress of trying many different treatments can be avoided just by seeking the right advice.”

IT was 1984 and newly qualified doctor Daniel Drucker was excited to dive into the world of ­scientific research.

Fresh out of the University of Toronto Medical School, the 28-year-old was working at a lab in Boston in the US when his supervisor asked him to carry out a routine experiment — which proved to be anything but.

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For it led to Dr Drucker’s discovery of a previously unknown hormone, sparking a new era in medicine.

What he modestly calls a “happy accident” then kick-started a series of ­discoveries that made today’s game-changing weight loss jabs a reality.

The hormone was called glucagon-like peptide 1 — or GLP-1, as the world now knows it.

And the drugs that have resulted from its discovery have produced amazing effects — with users losing up to a fifth of their body weight.

So far around 50,000 of us have been prescribed jabs on the NHS for weight loss, but it is ­estimated around 1.5million people here are buying them privately — a figure that is expected to rise sharply.

Dr Drucker, now 69, tells The Sun: “I never felt like I was on the brink of something huge.

“It was just a fantastic stroke of luck to be in the right place at the right time and to be part of an ­innovation that could improve the health of hundreds of millions of people all over the world.”

The drugs are now being hailed as a possible cure for a range of other conditions too, including dementia and migraine.

But Dr Drucker warns: “We need to be cautious, respect what we don’t know, and not rush into thinking these medicines are right for everyone.

‘Full of hope’

“There could be side-effects we haven’t seen yet, especially in groups we haven’t properly studied.”

Some studies have also raised concerns about gallbladder problems and in rare cases, even ­suicidal thoughts.

GLP-1 was found to play a key role in regulating the appetite and blood sugar levels, by slowing digestion and signalling a feeling of fullness to the brain.

Fat jabs such as Mounjaro and Wegovy contain synthetic versions of GLP-1, tirzepatide and semaglutide, which mimic the natural hormone with astonishing, fat-busting results.

Originally these drugs — known as GLP-1 agonists — were licensed to treat Type 2 diabetes, due to their ability to stimulate the body’s production of insulin, which cuts high blood glucose levels.

But over the past 15 years, after studies ­confirmed the potential to tackle obesity, pharmaceutical firms have reapplied to have the drugs approved as weight loss treatments.

And now evidence is emerging almost daily to suggest these drugs could help treat and even prevent other chronic and degenerative diseases.

Hundreds of scientific trials are under way, and Dr Drucker is “full of hope”, adding that he would consider taking the drugs himself, to ward off ­Alzheimer’s disease.

He says: “I think the next five years is going to be massive. These drugs won’t fix everything, but if they help even half the ­conditions we are testing them for, we could finally find ­treatments for conditions once thought untreatable.”

Decades after his discovery, Dr Drucker is now a professor of ­medicine at the University of Toronto, and a senior investigator at the affiliated Lunenfeld-Tanenbaum Research Institute, where GLP-1 research now fills his life.

He says: “Every morning I turn on my phone and check what’s happened overnight — what new ­discovery has been made, what could this hormone cure or treat.”

Even so, in May UK health chiefs warned that the jabs must not be taken during pregnancy or in the two months before conception, after studies of animals found that semaglutide can cause ­pregnancy loss and birth defects.

But with human use, no such ­danger has been ­confirmed, Dr Drucker says, and dozens of women have ­conceived while taking them.

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Some scientists even believe GLP-1 drugs may boost ­fertility, and could become a go-to for infertility treatment.

Dr Drucker, listed in Time magazine’s 100 Most Influential People in 2024, says: “It wouldn’t surprise me if five years from now, once we have more clinical trial evidence, if we start recommending these medicines to help people get pregnant, and have safer pregnancies.”

It is exciting stuff, but Dr Drucker admits he also worries about people using the drugs for the wrong ­reasons — such as slim, young women in pursuit of unrealistic beauty ideals on social media.

He says: “If I’ve got a 17-year-old who wants to lose another five per cent of her body weight to look like some celebrity, that’s a real concern.

“We haven’t studied 10,000 teenage girls on these drugs over five years. We don’t know how they affect bones, fertility, mental health or development in the long term.”

Last year model Lottie Moss, sister of supermodel Kate, revealed she had ended up in hospital after a seizure linked to high doses of weight loss drug Ozempic.

I think the next five years will be massive. These drugs won’t fix everything, but if they help even half the conditions we are testing for, we could find treatments for conditions thought untreatable

Dr Daniel Drucker

A nurse told her the dose she had been injecting was meant for someone twice her size.

Dr Drucker warned that older adults, people with eating disorders and those with mental health ­conditions may respond differently to the drugs.

He says: “We’re still ­learning, and just because a medicine works well in one group doesn’t mean it is safe for everyone.”

One of the biggest risks is dehydration, which OnlyFans star Lottie blamed for her seizure.

Dr Drucker says: “Some people experience nausea and vomiting, which can lead to dehydration, and that in itself can be dangerous.”
He also warns that losing weight too quickly can reduce muscle mass and bone density, which is especially risky for older people.

He adds: “This is why it is important people only take these drugs when being monitored by medical professionals, so they can be properly assessed for side-effects and receive the safest, most effective care.”

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So far at least 85 people in the UK have died after taking weight loss jabs, according to reports sent to the Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency watchdog.

While none of the deaths has been definitively linked to the drugs, health bodies noted a “suspicion” that they may have played a role.

Dr Drucker says: “Reports like these can raise flags, but without proper comparison groups they don’t tell the full story.

‘Drugs aren’t candy’

“In fact, large trials show GLP-1 drugs actually reduce death rates in people with Type 2 diabetes and those with obesity and heart disease.

“So far, the evidence looks solid and reassuring.”

With millions of patients treated over the years, GLP-1s have a well-established safety record for diabetes and obesity.

But Dr Drucker warns that for newer uses, such as ­Alzheimer’s, fatty liver disease or sleep apnoea, we need more data.

He says: “I don’t think there are any hidden, terrifying side-effects waiting to be uncovered.

“But that doesn’t mean people should take them lightly. We don’t yet have 20 years of experience ­treating some of these ­conditions.

“We need to approach each new indication with appropriate caution, to really understand the benefits ­versus the potential risks.

“These drugs aren’t candy, they won’t fix everything — and like all medicines they have side-effects.

“I don’t think we should abandon our focus on safety. We need to move carefully and thoughtfully as this field evolves.”

I’m not struggling with Type 2 diabetes or obesity, but I do have a family history of ­Alzheimer’s. I’m watching the trials closely and, depending on the results, I wouldn’t rule out taking them in the future

Dr Daniel Drucker

He continues: “I’m not struggling with Type 2 diabetes or obesity, but I do have a family history of ­Alzheimer’s. I’m watching the trials closely and, depending on the results, I wouldn’t rule out taking them in the future.

“I have friends from college who are already showing early signs of cognitive decline, and there’s hope that in some cases, ­semaglutide might help to slow it.”

Several studies over the years ­support that theory.

A recent study by a US university found that the jabs could prevent Alzheimer’s-related changes in people with Type 2 diabetes.

Separate research from Taiwan found that people on GLP-1 agonist drugs appeared to have a 37 per cent lower risk of dementia.

Dr Drucker now regularly receives messages from people around the world whose lives have been changed by the drugs his lab helped to create.

He says: “I get tons of stories. ­People send me emails and photos, not just showing their weight loss, but how their health has changed in other ways too.”

Some say the jabs have helped their chronic pain, cleared brain fog or improved long-standing health conditions such as ulcerative colitis or arthritis.

Dr Drucker adds: “It’s incredibly heartwarming and I never get tired of hearing these stories.”

But for him there is even deeper meaning attached to his discovery.

His 97-year-old mother Cila, ­originally from Poland, survived the Holocaust, spending months as a child hiding in the family’s attic before they were captured and held in a ghetto, where her mother and sister were later shot dead.

At the end of the war in 1945 she became a refugee in Palestine, then in 1953 she emigrated to Canada, first settling in Montreal then making Toronto her home in the 1990s.

Dr Drucker says his work has helped to ease Cila’s survivor’s guilt which had consumed her for decades.

He says: “She looks at my work and she’s so proud of how many people it could potentially help.”

WHETHER it’s fish and chips, a fry-up or afternoon tea and cake, British diets are pretty calorific.

And all that fat, sugar and salt is having a serious impact on our waistlines, with almost one in three of us considered obese.

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That might seem pretty high, but it’s actually considerably lower than the 43 per cent obesity rate in the United States.

Even Australia trumps the UK at 32 per cent, and these figures don’t even account for the people who are simply overweight. 

Around the world, each country has its own way of eating; some contain lots of processed foods, while others enjoy more vegetables or have a focus on fish and meat. 

Often, these diets have a huge influence on the population’s body mass index (BMI) – a way of measuring if you’re a healthy weight. 

A score between 18.5 and 24.9 is healthy, 25 to 29.9 is overweight, and 30-plus is obese. 

Many of us think of obesity as just being fat, but it’s actually increasingly being recognised as a chronic, complex disease. 

It can have a huge, negative impact on your health, increasing your risk of type 2 diabetes, heart disease, arthritis and even some types of cancer. 

Thankfully, you can tailor your diet to help keep the number on the scales down. 

But which one is best?

Follow in the footsteps of these countries, which all have a lower obesity rate than the UK…

If you can’t face giving up cheese… eat like the French 

Obesity rate: 11 per cent 

CHEESE is big business in France. In fact, the French consume an average of 60lbs (27kg) of the stuff per person every year, according to Statistica. 

Instead of turning to low fat cheeses and spreads to stay slim, eat like the French and go for full fat.

“Fat is what gives a sense of fullness in a meal,” says Lucia Stansbie, registered nutritional therapist.

“When we eat fat, hormones telling the brain to stop eating are released, making a full fat yogurt more satisfying that a zero per cent one, so you end up needing to eat less. 

“Many low fat foods have added sugars and emulsifiers to recreate the same texture of full fat foods, making them ultra processed foods (UPFS).”

Research published in the journal Current Nutrition Reports identified UPFs as being a key driver of obesity.

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In France, all-day grazing is a no-no – so much so, that snack products often contain a warning on the packet which says, “for your health, avoid snacking between meals”. 

“Snacks can be the downfall of all diets as they can be very calorie-dense,” says Lucia.

“And if they’re sugar-rich, they can lead to a sugar high followed by a crash so more snacks are needed to pick yourself up.

“Eating a proper meal that fills you up until your next one is the best strategy.”

Instead of having a plain, low-carb, low-calorie vegetable salad for lunch to manage your weight, enjoy a meal with a source of protein, some carbs and healthy fats to keep you full until dinner time.

“This is better than being really hungry a few hours after lunch and craving a high calorie snack,” says Jess Hillard, nutritionist at Warrior. 

Try some spicy chicken with sweet potato mash, avocado and a vinaigrette.

If you like wine… eat like the Italians

Obesity rate: 22 per cent 

ALTHOUGH alcohol can pack in some serious calories, you don’t have to go teetotal to lose weight. 

Instead, go for quality booze, in moderation, alongside food. 

“In Italy, people don’t drink on an empty stomach,” says Lucia.

“Doing so leads to sugar spikes and then sugar crashes, so we eat quick-release carbs such as crisps or sweets to get our energy back.”

One way to flatten this spike is eating a decent meal. 

The size of serving plates in Italy are also smaller than the standard UK plates so smaller portions are eaten

Lucia StansbieNutritional therapist

Lucia adds: “In Italy, there is a big focus on quality and taste. 

“People don’t drink a cheap bottle of wine to get drunk. Instead, they match a nice glass of wine with the meal they are having. 

“Culturally, getting drunk and excessive drinking are frowned upon. 

“This makes a massive difference in the amount of alcohol that is consumed.”

Italian mealtimes are also leisurely. Rather than wolfing down lunch at a desk while frantically working on a deadline, Italians eat mindfully. 

“Mindful eating leads to eating slower and feeling fuller sooner, while eating while distracted – such as while working or watching TV – will lead to less satisfaction and mindlessly eating bigger amounts of foods or looking for snacks,” says Lucia.

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Don’t forget to add olive oil – the main fat used in Italy – to your meals too.

A study published in the European Journal of Nutrition found that fat loss was approximately 80 per cent higher for participants who included 25ml of extra virgin olive oil in their diet compared to those who didn’t. 

Lucia adds: “The size of serving plates in Italy are also smaller than the standard UK serving plates, so smaller portions are eaten.”

Why not try swapping your dinner plates for side plates or pasta bowls? You’ll be forced to reduce your portion!

If you love carbs… eat like the Japanese 

Obesity rate: 5 per cent 

DESPITE popular belief, carbohydrates are certainly not the devil when it comes to weight loss. 

Not only could they actually help you slim down, they could even help you live longer.

Japan is home to Okinawa – a ‘blue zone’, where many people live to 100 and beyond. 

Their diet? An estimated 10:1 carbohydrate-to-protein ratio, according to a study in the journal Age and Ageing – yes, that’s 10 times as much carbs as protein!

While you definitely shouldn’t turn your back on protein, you shouldn’t fear carbs. 

But Lucia says the type of carbs you choose will make a huge difference.

“Wholegrains have a higher fibre content, which means that the sugar spike won’t be so high, while white carbs are devoid of all fibre,” she adds.

“The body can manage a maximum of 4g of sugar in the blood at a time; the excess will be stored either in the liver as glycogen or as abdominal fat.

“Eat slow release carbs – such as wholegrains – and pair them with fibre (such as vegetables), proteins (such as meat, fish and eggs) and fats (such as avocado, olive oil and nuts) to ensure a slow release of sugar in the blood system for sustained energy and weight management.”

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Tuck into seafood and cut back on red meat.

“Fish and seafood are excellent sources of protein,” says Lucia.

“Just 100g of fish has, on average, the same amount of protein as 100g of meat but fewer calories.

“Oysters are the richest source of zinc. People with diabetes, which is often linked to obesity, tend to have lower zinc levels.  

“Plus, fish and shellfish are sources of iodine, a mineral essential for thyroid function, and suboptimal function can lead to increased weight and fatigue.” 

If you love chocolate… eat like the Swiss

Obesity rate: 14 per cent 

LINDT, Toblerone, Nestlé – some of the best chocolate in the world comes from Switzerland. 

So how can such a chocolate-filled nation remain so slim?

Along with an active lifestyle, Jess says that listening to your body is key. 

“Ignoring cravings makes you want them even more and binge on them eventually,” she says.

“Have a balanced meal before the chocolate you’re craving. 

“If you still want some chocolate, break off a few squares and put the rest of the bar away.” 

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Depriving yourself will only make you want it more and make you more likely to scoff the whole bar! 

The Swiss also love their oily fish.

“Oily fish contains high levels of omega-3 fatty acids EPA and DHA,” Jess says.

“These are excellent for brain health and they’ve been found to reduce the risk of heart disease.

“Aim for two portions of fish per week. One of these should be oily, such as salmon, mackerel or sardines.”

Aim for two fists of vegetables, one palm full of carbohydrates and one palm of protein. Any fats should be thumb-size

Jess HillardNutritionist

Omega-3s have been found to potentially help with fat loss.

In a study published in the Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition, adults given 4g of fish oil per day lost 0.5kg of body fat and built more muscle than those who were not given fish oil.

Plus, research published in The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition found that incorporating fish into one meal a day as part of a weight loss regime was more effective than the regime on its own. 

“Fish’s high oil content keeps you fuller for longer as well as helping to decrease inflammation in the body,” says Jess.

Inflammation can lead to health problems, including chronic inflammation, which can even cause the body to hold onto fat, especially visceral fat which sits around your organs.

If you struggle to eat your five-a-day… eat like the Vietnamese 

Obesity rate: 2 per cent 

NOODLE soups, grilled meats, broths and plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables are the order of the day in Vietnam, which boasts an incredibly low obesity rate.

Most dishes are delicious, yet nutritious – so you don’t even notice how much veg you’ve eaten.

“Vegetables are filled with fibre which will keep you fuller for longer,” says Jess.

“They also contain few calories as well as high levels of vitamins and minerals, particularly non-starchy vegetables such as carrots, broccoli, peas and leafy greens.

“Having a nutrient rich diet won’t just ‘stop cravings’ for high fat and/sugary foods.

“You will feel fuller after meals, meaning you won’t feel the need for these foods as much.”

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She recommends filling half your plate with veg at every meal, and to make sure your veggies retain their nutrients, choose steaming over boiling or frying.

Research published in the journal Nutrition & Food Science found that when steamed, vegetables such as broccoli, spinach and lettuce lose nine to 15 per cent of their vitamin C content.

The Vietnamese way of eating is an easier way to get these veggies into meals – you can buy noodle soup kits in supermarkets to try at home.

Compared to many western countries, Vietnam’s portions are also fairly moderate. 

Practising portion control is simple and can be done using just your hands. 

“Aim for two fists of vegetables, one palm full of carbohydrates and one palm of protein,” says Jess.

“Any fats, such as oils, butter and cheese, should be thumb-size.”

CHICKENPOX has gained a reputation as a ‘harmless’ childhood illness that it’s best to get over with – but it could result in dangerous complications for some and may even prove fatal.

It was announced that children will be given chickenpox vaccines for free on the NHS for the first time from January 2026.

The jab is already used in the US, Canada, Australia and Germany.

One to three-year-olds in the UK will receive the chickenpox vaccine along with the measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) jab.

The combined vaccine will now be dubbed MMRV, as it will protect against the varicella zoster virus.

Responding to news of the chickenpox vaccine rollout in the UK, Dr Gayatri Amirthalingam, from the UK Health Security Agency, said: “For some babies, young children and even adults, chickenpox can be very serious.

“It is excellent news that we will be introducing a vaccine. It could be a lifesaver.”

The news was coupled with warnings from experts that nearly one in five school-starters are not fully protected against preventable diseases – with uptake for the four-in-one diphtheria, tetanus, polio and whooping cough booster and MMR jabs having dropped again.

Chickenpox is a highly contagious infection known for its telltale itchy, spotty rash that blisters and scabs over.

But before these spots appear, the virus can also cause a high temperature, aches and pains, and loss of appetite.

Though it’s mostly known to infect children, adults can also catch chickenpox if they didn’t pick it up in childhood.

These infections tend to be more severe and adults with a varicella infection are more likely to be admitted to hospital.

Most people will recover on their own within a week or two, but the infection can be serious, even life-threatening, for some – especially if they’re very young or old, pregnant or have a weakened immune system.

The illness can result in bacterial skin infections and in rare cases, pneumonia, brain swelling and stroke.

For some, these complications can be fatal.

An average of around 20 people die of chickenpox per year, according to the Vaccine Knowledge Project at the University of Oxford.

This ranges from 17 deaths in 2017, to four in 2020, according to Office for National Statistics data.

Eighty per cent of deaths from chickenpox infections in England and Wales occur in adults, the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) states.

1. Bacterial infections

Chickenpox spots can appear anywhere on the body – including inside the mouth and around the genitals.

They tend to develop into fluid-filled blisters, before bursting and scabbing over, which can take a few days.

The spots tend to be maddeningly itchy, so it can be hard to resist the temptation of scratching them – though soothing creams and cool baths can help.

Sometimes the chickenpox spots can get infected with bacteria – probably from scratching, according to healthcare provider Bupa.

Signs of a bacterial infection include a high temperature and redness and pain around the chickenpox spots.

You should seek urgent medical help if you or your child develop these symptoms.

2. Dehydration

Young children do run the risk of becoming dehydrated due to chickenpox.

For babies and kids, fewer wet nappies and peeing less can be telltale signs of dehydration.

Other signs may include:

• Feeling thirsty
• Dark yellow, strong-smelling pee
• Feeling dizzy or lightheaded
• Feeling tired
• A dry mouth, lips and tongue
• Sunken eyes

Call NHS 111 if you suspect you or your little one are dehydrated from chickenpox.

3. Pneumonia

Some people – especially adults – can develop pneumonia, inflammation of the lungs, after being infected with chickenpox.

Pneumonia is the most common chickenpox complication in adults, according to NICE.

Smokers are particularly at risk.

Symptoms of pneumonia can include:

• A cough with yellow or green mucus
• Shortness of breath
• A high temperature
• Chest pain
• An aching body
• Feeling very tired
• Loss of appetite
• Making wheezing noises when you breathe
• Feeling confused

4. Brain swelling

Infection or swelling of the brain, known as encephalitis, is a rare complication of the chickenpox infection.

Professor Benedict Michael, Institute of Infection, University of Liverpool, said: “Varicella-zoster virus is the second leading cause of brain infection (or ‘encephalitis’) in the UK, which can be life-threatening.

“Early diagnosis and treatment are essential, but prevention through vaccination is the most effective way to protect children and families from this serious complication.”

Dr Ava Easton, Chief Executive of Encephalitis International, added: “By making [the chickenpox vaccine] available to every child, we’re not only reducing the spread of chickenpox but also helping to stop some families from ever facing the devastating impact of encephalitis.

“That’s a powerful step forward for children’s health and for awareness of a condition too few people know about.”

Encephalitis usually starts off with flu-like symptoms, such as a high temperature and headache.

More serious symptoms develop in the next few hours, days or weeks, including:

• Confusion or disorientation
• Seizures or fits
• Changes in personality and behaviour
• Difficulty speaking
• Weakness or loss of movement in some parts of the body
• Loss of consciousness

Dial 999 for an ambulance immediately if you or someone else has these serious symptoms.

5. Stroke

According to the Stroke Association, children who develop chickenpox may have a four times higher risk of stroke in the six months following infection.

“However, stroke in children is still rare and the finding translates into a very small actual increase in their stroke risk,” it noted.

Studies by the organisation also found that adults with shingles – also caused by the varicella zoster virus – may also have an increased risk of stroke up until six months afterwards.

“This is particularly within the first few weeks, and for individuals with shingles around the eye,” Stroke Association said.

“Oral antiviral drugs used to treat shingles may be able to reduce this risk.”

6. Sepsis

In rare cases, chickenpox can result in sepsis – when the body’s immune system overreacts to an infection, attacking its own tissues and organs.

Sepsis can be life threatening and requires immediate medical help.

It can also be hard to spot, as there are lots of possible symptoms.

In adults, remember the SEPSIS acronym:

• Slurred speech or confusion
• Extreme shivering or muscle pain
• Passing no urine (in a day)
• Severe breathlessness
• It feels like you’re going to die
• Skin mottled, discoloured, or cold

Other signs include:

• High or very low body temperature
• Rapid heart rate
• Low blood pressure
• Rapid breathing

In children, look out for: 

• Fast breathing
• Lethargy or difficulty waking up
• Mottled, pale, or bluish skin
• Very cold hands and feet
• Seizures
• A rash that doesn’t fade when pressed ,which is a sign of meningococcal sepsis
• Babies not feeding or vomiting 

YOUNG people being overdiagnosed with mental health conditions has left the state at breaking point, a report warns.

Policy Exchange’s study is backed by Jeremy Hunt, who as Health Secretary in 2012 pushed to give mental health the same importance as physical health.

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He now admits a surge in diagnoses — as parents chased support for kids — had “unintended consequences” by overwhelming the special educational needs (SEND) system.

The report says costs are “unsustainable” and seeks a radical overhaul.

Mr Hunt said: “We seem to have lost sight of the reality that child development is a messy and uneven process.”

He added that in trying to support young people there are “excessive impulses to medicalise and diagnose the routine, which can undercut grit and resilience”.

Earlier in the year, The Sun revealed that nearly one million children and young people were referred for mental health help last year.

Over 958,200 children in England were referred to Children and Young People’s Mental Health Services.

That is equal to eight per cent of England’s population of 12 million children.

And an increase of 10,000 from the previous year, according to research by the Children’s Commissioner. 

Anxiety was the most common reason, followed by neurodevelopmental conditions and autism.

Children’s Commissioner Dame Rachel de Souza called for urgent action to tackle waiting times.

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