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Why do I feel so faint when I start walking? Ask the GP DR MARTIN SCURR

admin — Tue, 26 Sep 2023 07:22:08 +0000

I pass out almost daily. I get up, have a shower and everything is OK, but when I walk I suddenly feel lightheaded and sometimes have loss of vision. My doctor said my blood pressure had risen slightly and prescribed amlodipine (I also take losartan). Do I need a second opinion? I am 82.

Geoffrey Shaw, Hull.

From what you describe, I’d suggest you do need further investigation as soon as possible. But let me add that, once a firm diagnosis is made, I am sure there will be a remedy.

You say in your longer letter that your blood pressure is 120 over 68, which is excellent and suggests your medication is working well.

However, one possibility is that your blood pressure drops while you walk. As a result, blood pools in the legs and less is returned to the heart, causing a lack of blood to the brain, lightheadedness and other symptoms.

Your blood pressure could be dropping while you walk. Blood pools in the legs and less is returned to the heart, causing a lack of blood to the brain and lightheadedness (Stock Image)

IN MY VIEW… Case grows against ultra-processed food

There has been a huge amount of coverage recently about ultra-processed foods, those mass-produced products made using ingredients that bear little or no resemblance to anything you’d find in your kitchen, and which are increasingly linked to obesity and type 2 diabetes.

And now, at last, research is starting to unravel what might make this industrialised food potentially harmful.

Earlier this month, the BMJ published a study from France that looked at emulsifiers, chemicals used to enhance texture and increase shelf- life. This found that the consumption of emulsifiers is associated with an increased risk of heart disease.

While the mechanism is not clear, clearly convenience foods have something to answer for; and healthcare professionals need to focus not just on cholesterol levels, blood pressure, smoking and body weight, but help inform people about food choices.

That doesn’t mean just saying no to all ultra-processed food, that’s unrealistic.

But we need to stress the need to include plenty of vegetables and wholegrains in our diet.

In a word, education.

Certain medications can lower blood pressure further — for instance, tamsulosin is often prescribed to men who have an enlarged prostate. The drug works by relaxing the smooth muscle fibres within the prostate gland, but it has a potential side-effect of lowering blood pressure (as it also relaxes the smooth muscle fibres in artery walls).

Another possibility is that when you start walking, your heart rate drops at the very moment when your muscles demand more oxygen and a greater blood flow.

Your pulse rate (which you say is 49 beats per minute; 52 during exercise) is low for a man of your years. Because it’s low, there may not be sufficient force to pump enough blood around the body when there is this extra demand.

Do ask your GP about having a 24-hour blood pressure monitor, which also gives you a 24-hour recording of your heart tracing (known as an ECG). This will record exactly what is happening when you start your daily strolls.

My sense is that those ‘funny turns’ occur as a result of your blood pressure dropping — exacerbated by your low heart rate.

Is xanthelasma something to worry about? I have them — flat yellow patches under the brow bone — and I’ve read that if you have this condition you’ll develop heart disease or stroke. Is this true? I’m 41 and have developed two in the past three years.

Annie Woods, by email.

Xanthelasmas are common, affecting up to 4 per cent of middle-aged or older adults. Essentially, they’re deposits of cholesterol that form on the skin around and inside the eyelids.

It can be a warning sign of raised cholesterol. But you’re one of the 50 per cent who do not have this — your cholesterol levels are normal, as you say in your longer letter.

Other risk factors include being overweight, heavy tobacco use and high blood pressure.

Some medications can also cause xanthelasmas: most commonly, oestrogen, tamoxifen (a hormone treatment given to breast cancer patients) and prednisone, a steroid.

You mention you had steroids for a running injury in 2020 — and this injury, together with lockdown, led you to put on weight. It may be that the steroid and/or the weight may be the cause of the xanthelasmas in your case.

We’re not sure of the significance of xanthelasmas in people with normal cholesterol levels. However, a small 2015 study, in the journal Clinical and Experimental Dermatology, found that they could be at higher risk of having furred-up arteries than people without xanthelasmas.

Xanthelasmas are common, affecting up to 4 per cent of middle-aged or older adults (Stock Image)

The researchers said this suggests that rather than dermatologists proceeding with treatment for the patches, patients should ‘be fully investigated in order to allow detection and early management of such risk’. Given that your father died of heart disease at 60, this is something to take note of.

I suggest you request an annual review of your cholesterol and blood glucose levels. Buy a blood pressure machine and record your blood pressure monthly. And try to keep your body mass index (BMI) below 30. Also, raise your heart rate with daily exercise in order to regain your former fitness.

Adhering to this regimen will reduce the risk of heart disease and stroke, but the only way to improve the appearance of the xanthelasmas themselves is to have these surgically removed, or removed using cryotherapy — freezing with liquid nitrogen.

Write to Dr Scurr at Good Health, Daily Mail, 9 Derry Street, London, W8 5HY or email: drmartin@dailymail.co.uk. Dr Scurr cannot enter into personal correspondence. Replies should be taken in a general context. Consult your own GP with any health worries.

Feel exhausted during the week? Sleep expert reveals why a weekend lie in won’t help you

admin — Sun, 03 Sep 2023 17:19:01 +0000

Catching up on sleep at the weekend could make you feel more tired, experts say
Sleep expert says not getting sunlight in morning can make you go to bed later

By Rebecca Whittaker For Mailonline

Updated: 08:38 EDT, 3 September 2023

After struggling to get enough sleep Monday to Friday, a lie in over the weekend may seem like the best way to catch up on some much-needed rest.

But an extra few hours in bed on Saturday and Sunday is unlikely to compensate for the sleep debt accumulated during the week, says sleep and circadian rhythm expert Professor Russell Foster.

A swathe of studies show that even sleeping for 10 hours per night over the weekend won’t get your cognitive ability back up to speed.

And actually, it may throw off the body’s internal clock — making it even harder to get to sleep at night.

Here, the Oxford University professor tells MailOnline why sleeping in late is not always the best way to catch up on rest.

Those who regularly feel tired, irritable, impulsive and in need of a sugary or caffeinated drinks probably need more time in bed, according to sleep scientist Professor Foster

Sleeping in at the weekend can have a knock-on effect to your body clock, because if you sleep in until midday you won’t see the morning light. Morning light helps you get up earlier and go to bed earlier and dark light makes you get up later and go to bed later, explains Professor Foster

A person isn’t getting enough sleep if they’re struggling to perform ‘at their peak’ during the day, says Professor Foster.

People need eight hours of sleep a night, on average. But six to ten-and-a-half hours is a ‘healthy range’, he says.

Those who fall within this window and aren’t exhausted during the day don’t need to worry, according to Professor Foster.

But those who regularly feel tired, irritable, impulsive and in need of sugary or caffeinated drinks probably need more time in bed, he says.

However, recouping lost hours of shut-eye over the weekend by sleeping in is not the best way to achieve this, he says.

A few few hours in bed on Saturday and Sunday is unlikely to compensate for the sleep debt accumulated during the week, says sleep and circadian rhythm expert Professor Russell Foster

He suggests that those who are sleep deprived go to sleep earlier in the evening and stick to your regular routine

Professor Foster said: ‘If you are running on empty and you sleep for four or five hours, then you will not get enough sleep with a lie in.

‘Lab studies have shown that if you oversleep on the weekend, even if it is for up to 10 hours, you still by Monday have not caught up.’

But an occasional lie in will not do much harm for those who are only mildly sleep deprived — if you get about 30 minutes less sleep each night— he noted.

However, sleeping in at the weekend can have a knock-on effect to your body clock if it prevents you from getting outdoors in the morning, says Professor Foster.

Exposure to morning light helps the body get into the pattern of waking up earlier and falling asleep earlier, explains Professor Foster.

Professor Foster suggests that those who are sleep deprived go to sleep earlier in the evening and stick to your regular routine.

He added: ‘You can oversleep at the weekends, but make sure you are going to bed earlier rather than staying in bed later.’

Tips on how to get to sleep and sleep better

Insomnia means you regularly have problems sleeping. It can get better by changing your sleeping habits

One in three adults in the UK and almost half of US adults suffer with insomnia, with millions more reporting sleepless nights.

Long-term sleep deprivation can cause obesity, diabetes and cardiovascular disease.

Insomnia can be caused by stress, anxiety, alcohol, caffeine or nicotine, noise, shift work and jet lag.

If you regularly have problems sleeping, there are simple ways to improve your sleep hygiene.

Keep regular sleep hours

Try going to bed when you feel tired and getting up at the same time each day.

Create a restful space

Dark, quiet and cool environments generally make it easier to fall asleep and stay asleep.

Get moving

Exercise is good for your physical health and your mind. It can also help you sleep better. Just don’t do vigorous exercise too close to your bedtime.

Don’t force it

If you find yourself unable to get to sleep, get up and do something relaxing for a bit. Then get back into bed when you feel a bit sleepier.

Write down your worries

If you find your worries keep you up at night, try writing them down before going to bed.

Ease off the caffeine

Alcohol and caffeine can stop you from falling asleep and having a deep sleep. Cutting down on caffeine close to bedtime and alcoholic drinks could help you dose off.

Source NHS

People who feel safe from crime in their area are less likely to die from heart attacks,

admin — Fri, 25 Aug 2023 04:56:43 +0000

People who felt safe were 10% less likely to die from cardiovascular diseases
The study showed people who felt safe were 9% less like to die from all causes

By Louis Goss

Updated: 21:03 EDT, 24 August 2023

People who feel safe from crime in their communities are less likely to die from heart attacks, a new study suggests.

Researchers wanted to see whether living in neighbourhoods with certain characteristics could have an impact on death rates and the risk of heart attacks and strokes.

Academics examined data on almost 36,000 adults from China aged 35 to 70.

People filled out questionnaires about the environment in their neighbourhood, including information on how safe they felt from crime; community satisfaction; the aesthetics of their neighbourhoods including trees, litter and pavements; ease of access to shops and other factors.

Academics also looked at the medical records of people involved with the study.

(Stock Photo) People who feel safe from crime in their communities are less likely to die from heart attacks, a new study suggests

(Stock Photo) People who reported living in areas where they felt safe from crime were 10% less likely to die from cardiovascular diseases

After an average of almost 12 years there were just over 2,000 deaths, including 765 deaths from cardiovascular disease.

There were also 3,000 ‘cardiovascular disease events’ – which includes incidents of heart attacks and strokes.

They found that people who reported living in areas where they felt safe from crime were 9% less likely to die during the follow-up period.

And they were 10% less likely to die from cardiovascular diseases, according to a paper, which has been presented at the ESC Congress in Amsterdam.

A higher neighbourhood environment score was associated with a 6% lower risk of heart attacks and strokes, they said.

‘There is increasing evidence that the neighbourhood we live in affects our health,’ study author Dr Mengya Li, of the National Centre for Cardiovascular Diseases in Beijing, said.

‘This study highlights the importance of many aspects of our surroundings for heart health and longevity, including feeling safe, having shops, transport and parks close by, cleanliness, and feeling that our neighbourhood is a good place to live and to raise children.’

Want to feel thrilled to be alive? Try death meditation: It involves wrapping yourself in

admin — Sun, 13 Aug 2023 13:06:26 +0000

One of the latest wellness trends has people wrapping themselves up as mummies and picturing their dead bodies to imagine and come to terms with their eventual death.

Death meditation, a mindfulness meditation practice centered around thoughts of a person’s death, has taken social media by storm, with 2.5 million views on TikTok and 3,000 posts on Instagram.

Additionally, classes aimed at making practitioners feel at peace about dying have popped up in major cities like New York and Los Angeles.

While the practice seems new, it has ancient roots.

There are several types of death meditation, and some are based on particular Buddhist traditions. One of these is maranasati, or mindfulness of death, which reminds practitioners they could die at any moment and should be prepared.

One death meditation practice involves visualizing the body’s inevitable decay to let go of attachments to the material world. In some more intense sessions, participants wrap themselves in white sheets to make themselves look and feel like mummies

Maranasati teaches that death is not a scary concept, rather it is a natural process, and thinking about it can lead to a more positive outlook.

Another death meditation practice involves visualizing the body’s inevitable decay to let go of attachments to the material world.

In some more intense sessions, participants wrap themselves in white sheets to make themselves look and feel like mummies or they will write their own eulogies to read out loud to a group.

One class was advertised on Instagram as ‘a breath-guided meditation intended to contemplate death in many forms.’

While some methods may be more extreme, death meditation can take a lighter approach, such as imagining details about key moments in your life, such as who was there, how you felt, what it smelled like, and what it sounded like.

‘It’s amazing for people that have anxiety related to death and dying and intrusive thoughts related to it,’ Dr Carolyn Rubenstein, a licensed psychologist in Florida, told DailyMail.com.

This is because death meditation can be a form of exposure therapy, a technique meant to help overcome fears and anxieties by forcing patients to confront them.

What is mindfulness?

Mindfulness is a popular form of meditation in which you focus on being intensely aware of what you’re sensing and feeling in the moment.

The practice involves breathing methods, guided imagery, and other practices to relax the body and mind and help reduce stress.

It is often touted as a universal tool for boosting mental well-being by reducing stress, anxiety and depression.

Mindfulness has become popular in recent years as a way to improve mental and physical well-being.

Celebrities endorsing it include Emma Watson, Davina McCall, Angelina Jolie and Oprah Winfrey.

‘It doesn’t mean that you have no fear or no anxiety, but you’re able to look at [death] through both the lenses of emotion and logic…so that you are able to focus on the present moment and what’s happening right now,’ Dr Rubenstein said.

Research suggests that death anxiety, known as thanatophobia, has become more prevalent since the start of the Covid-19 pandemic.

A study of Lebanese patients published last year in PLOS One found death anxiety was the most common form of fear related to the pandemic.

Additionally, a Chinese study published in March found elderly patients aged anywhere from 60 to 96 were most likely to experience death anxiety during the pandemic.

‘People are more willing to talk about [death anxiety]. People are sharing, whereas I think in the past people were more hesitant to share that fear,’ Dr Rubenstein said.

‘Especially with Covid, spirituality and a sense of connection, especially for yourself, became something that people focused on a lot more.’

Opening a dialogue about these fears helps people learn to acknowledge them.

Another study from the University of Kentucky suggested contemplating death could lead to increased happiness.

‘Thinking about death fosters an orientation toward emotionally pleasant stimuli,’ study authors Dr Nathan DeWall and Dr Roy Baumeister wrote.

Dr Rubenstein does not recommend people with severe depression or suicidal ideation practice death meditation.

‘You don’t want to increase the thoughts related to death and dying and becoming been more comfortable with it for someone who’s already feeling kind of close to that,’ she said.

She does suggest easing into the practice slowly rather than immediately wrapping yourself in a white sheet to look like a mummy. She recommends picturing death as a part of nature’s circle of life or starting with remembering pets who have passed away since their lifespans are shorter.

From there, consider your own death.

‘You recognize that death is a real thing,’ Dr Rubenstein said.

‘We’re not immortal, and having that recognition is important so that you make the most of today.’

Virgin Galactic sends first mother-daughter duo in space who told DailyMail.com they feel

admin — Fri, 11 Aug 2023 00:54:29 +0000

The first mother-daughter duo to go to space have told DailyMail.com that they feel more grounded and connected to Earth after venturing to the final frontier.

Keisha Schahaff, 46 and her daughter Anastatia Mayers, 18, from Antigua, made the comments hours after being part of Virgin Galactic‘s first space tourist flight.

‘This experience has grounded me. Awoken me,’ Mayers said when asked what was next for the crew after the incredible mission.

‘I feel more connected to Earth and motivated to explore and be even more adventurous. For me, in the future, it will just be adventure and searching for the most incredible experiences.’

Schahaff and her daughter won their seats on the rocket-powered space plane, which would normally cost $450,000 per person, in a fundraising drawing.

‘Obviously, nothing will top this,’ Mayers concluded after the flight. Though the teenager, who is now the second youngest person ever to go to space, revealed how she had ‘second thoughts’ about whether she wanted to do it last night.

Keisha Schahaff (right), 46 and her daughter Anastatia Mayers (left), 18, said they feel more grounded and motivated in life after flying to space

The mother and daughter were also joined by Jon Goodwin, 80, who is now the first Olympian and the second person with Parkinson’s in space.

It was a long time coming for Goodwin, who paid $250,000 for his seat back in 2005.

Mayers is in her second year at the University of Aberdeen in Scotland, studying Philosophy and Physics to become an astrobiologist.

She told reporters about her feelings of uncertainty about the spaceflight Wednesday evening.

‘Last night, second thoughts, but then I woke up and felt like I was ready,’ said Mayers.

Schaffaf also felt motivated after the spaceflight.

‘I am going to make a strong impact to motivate younger ones,’ she said reponding to DailyMail.com’s question.

‘This experience has given me this beautiful feeling that if I can do this, I can do anything. I am going to take the next step and see what comes.’

Goodwin also spoke to reporters after the historic mission, sharing how his Parkinson’s has not stopped him from living his life. He was diagnosed in 2014.

The pair was joined by former Jon Goodwin, 80, who is now the first Olympian and the second person with Parkinson’s in space.

The first mother-daughter duo in space told DailyMail.com they feel more connected to the Earth after the mission

‘The nicest thing for me was the acceptance by Virgin Galactic because when I signed up in September 2005, I did not have Parkinson’s.

‘Nine years ago, I thought that was the end of me going to space. They have done various health checks and everything else over the years, which never stopped me from doing what I wanted.

‘I am hoping I instill in people around the world, as well as people with Parkinson’s, that it doesn’t stop you from doing things if you have some illness that has inflicted you.’

Schahaff and her daughter won their seats in a drawing that raised $1.7 million in grants for Space for Humanity, a nonprofit aimed at expanding access to space.

After learning Richard Branson gifted her a seat, she called Mayers on the phone: ‘Now that you’re 18, you are going to space.’

‘It is a childhood dream come true,’ Schahaff told reporters upon landing. ‘I’ve been to space and back with my daughter. And if anyone is wondering, the Earth is round.’

The crew took off from Spaceport America in New Mexico after saying goodbye to friends and family in the crowd

Schahaff is a health and wellness coach specializing in helping women achieve balance through healthy eating, energy work, and a variety of empowering wellness practices, according to her website.

The flight was historic for several reasons. Schahaff and her daughter were the first Antiguans to go to space.

For Virgin Galactic, this is the first time a commercial crew of passengers who were not trained had left the Earth’s atmosphere – an ambition of the Richard Branson-founded company that has been decades in the making.

And Goodwin, a former canoeist, became only the second person in history with Parkinson’s to go to space.

Goodwin, from Newcastle in northern England, secured his seat as the company’s first paying customer 18 years ago.

Goodwin’s son David told DailyMail.com on the runway this morning that his father’s spaceflight has been a long time coming.

And when asked how his father is the first Olympian and second oldest and individual with Parkinson’s, David said: ‘My father likes to tick a lot of boxes.’

Goodwin is a retired slalom canoeist, has been a regular and leading competitor in the Ferrari Hillclimb Championship since 1992, winning in 2000 and 2008, and has more Class wins than any other competitor – as of the end of the 2020 season.

He is married to Pauline, who also competed in the Olympic games in 1972 and 1976. She was in New Mexico cheering her husband, son David, grandson and daughter-in-law Lily.

Pictured is the moment the spaceplane and mothership separated during the spaceflight

Anastatia Mayers takes in the incredible views of space. She soared 50 miles above Earth’s surface with her mother

Goodman’s wife Pauline ran straight to her husband after he put two feet back on the ground

The flight was historic for several reasons. Schahaff and her daughter were the first Antiguans to go to space

The crew took off from Spaceport America in New Mexico at 8:30am MT, strapped inside Virgin Galactic’s spaceplane, Unity, which was attached to the underbelly of the mothership, Eve.

The planes soared to more than 44,000 feet above Earth’s surface, allowing Unity to separate by igniting its thrusters.

Unity took off, climbing to 50 miles above the surface and hovered in place to let the passengers experience zero gravity and see the incredible views of our planet.

Goodwin, from Newcastle, England, described being a passenger on Virgin Galactic’s first space tourism flight as ‘completely surreal’ and ‘very moving.’

‘It was far more dramatic than I imagined it would be. It was the pure acceleration – Mach 3 in eight-and-a-half seconds – (that) was completely surreal, and the re-entry was a lot more dramatic than I imagined.

‘In fact, I would’ve said it was out of control if I didn’t know anything different. But it was a completely surreal experience.

‘The most impressive thing was looking at Earth from space – the pure clarity was very moving. Without a doubt, the most exciting day in my life.’

Goodwin added the flight ‘exceeded [his] wildest dreams’ and hoped it would inspire others with Parkinson’s to do things out of the ordinary.

Schahaff won a place on the flight alongside her daughter.

The pair became the first astronauts from the Caribbean and were part of the first flight dominated by women.

‘I’m still up there, I’m not here yet, and it’s just amazing that you can land so smoothly on the runway coming back from space, Schahaff said:

‘It was so comfortable, it was really the best ride ever, and I would love to do this again.’

She said that sand from her home country of Antigua and Barbuda, the nation’s flag and her favorite shell were among the possessions she took with her on the Virgin Galactic flight.

Mayers took a ring given to her by her boyfriend and pictures of loved ones.

Goodwin reached in his pocket, pulling out jewelry from his wife Pauline, a former Olympian.

Pauline was at Spaceport Thursday to cheer on her husband, her son, grandson and daughter-in-law.

Virgin Galactic’s first private customer flight had been delayed for years, but Thursday’s mission means Richard Branson’s company can now start offering monthly rides, joining Jeff Bezos’ Blue Origin and Elon Musk’s SpaceX in the space tourism business.

Fifteen Airbnbs that feel like they belong on a Wes Anderson set, from the UK to

admin — Sat, 17 Jun 2023 07:26:14 +0000

Film director Wes Anderson is known for his eye-catching symmetry and colour schemes – and now Airbnb has revealed how you can imbue your next getaway with his striking style and recreate your own Wes movie moment.

The rental platform, in collaboration with Universal Pictures UK, has revealed 15 listings that’ll make you feel like you have stepped into one of his iconic film sets, from Moonrise Kingdom to The Grand Budapest Hotel.

Choose between a retro caravan in New Zealand, a ‘Futuro’ styled flying saucer in the UK, or even your very own private island in Norway.

It comes amid a new TikTok trend where people are creating their own versions of Anderson’s aesthetics under the hashtag #wesanderson.

So far, the trend has racked up an astonishing 660million views ahead of his much anticipated new film Asteroid City, set in a fictional desert in the 1950s, which will hit UK cinemas on June 23.

Get ready for the movie by scrolling down to see the Airbnb homes that offer the ideal setting for anyone who wishes to celebrate his style.

RETRO CARAVAN NIGHTS (AUCKLAND, NEW ZEALAND): This award-winning caravan named ‘Claris’ offers guests a ‘unique Kiwiana overnight experience’ on a ‘stunning’ clifftop along the Pohutukawa Coast. The renovated 10.4 Clipper Caravan, typically used in the 50s and 60s, was ‘saved’ from demolition two years ago and has been wowing guests ever since. ‘Such a beautiful caravan,’ one guest said in their review, while another commented: ‘This caravan was a dream.’ Stroll down to the beach for a BBQ or take to the sea in a kayak, provided by the host

‘FUTORO’ STYLED FLYING SAUCER (REDBERTH, UK): What better way to celebrate Wes Anderson’s upcoming film than by staying in your very own UFO? Unlike Asteroid City, where the apparent arrival of an UFO puts a town on lockdown, this spaceship in Redberth, Wales, boasts a highly-rated host with five-star reviews. Embrace the space theme with a game of space invaders or defender from your bed, or escape via the remote controlled emergency hatch and explore the nearby Pembrokeshire coastline

THE COURTYARD SUITE (MARGATE, UK): This ‘fun and colourful’ getaway oozes Wes Anderson charm with a tangerine bathroom, a bright pink circle bed, and a retro kitchen. Commenting on the site, former guest Olivia wrote: ‘It’s just as great as the pictures! We loved the decor, which was the main selling point for us. The peach bedroom was beautiful… The seashell bedroom was star of the show’

CARROL ROCK (CALIFORNIA, USA): Described as a ‘desert oasis’, this entry was built by a husband and wife duo in ‘the most picturesque neighbourhood in Joshua Tree’ – a town in the Californian desert east of Los Angeles – the listing says. Interiors feature a wooden ceiling and red vintage chairs, which would not be out of place on a Wes Anderson set. The exterior boasts a shaded dining table with chaise lounge chairs, and an outdoor bathhouse with claw foot tub and rain shower. There is also a 34ft blue trailer available to rent for an additional fee

MADRID CITY CENTRE (MADRID, SPAIN): This chic apartment could be a secret room in Wes Anderson’s Budapest Hotel. Pictures show the glamourous pad decorated with shimmering dining room chairs, with bright pink walls and splashes of purple in the kitchen. In a review on Airbnb, Hosni wrote: ‘This flat is more than a flat, it’s an experience where you can think of something else other than your daily routine and thoughts. We had an excellent time staying there – comfortable, cosy, clean and stylish, 100 per cent recommend’

CAMP GRITS SOLAR YELLOW CAMPER (TENNESSEE, USA): This bright yellow cabin looks like a place where Sam and Suzy could hide out in Wes Anderson’s Moonlight Kingdom. The Airbnb listing takes things back to basics, offering guests the chance to ‘heat up a can of beans on the fire’ and ‘listen to each other’s voices’ at the device-free dwelling, nestled in a ‘woodsy yard’. Former guest Stephen wrote in their review: ‘Great place. Love it so much! Will be back! So peaceful and quiet. Great get away.’ Another guest, Kaitlyn, said: ‘Love this place. We came for the camper but stayed for the woods’

COLOURFUL APARTMENT OVERLOOKING THE RIO MARIN CANAL (VENICE, ITALY): Decorated with bright colours and bold patterns, this quirky apartment has all the ingredients of a Wes Anderson film set. It is easy to imagine Laura Bishop, played by Frances Mcdormand, sitting on the bright red sofa for a Moonlight Kingdom scene. The stylish apartment overlooks the Rio Marin Canal on one side and ‘lush green plants’ on the other, according to its Airbnb listing. ‘The home is filled with vibrant colours with striking paintings and decorative rugs,’ it adds

SECRET SUITE (ORMOS AMMOUDIOU, GREECE): Another listing filled with Wes Anderson charm is this pink and turquoise beachside escape in Ormos Ammoudiou. Pictures show the property’s pastel interiors, where most rooms are painted pink – including the floors. In a striking contrast, the bathroom is painted a deep lilac colour while the terrace is painted turquoise and boasts a hot tub overlooking the sea

KIND OF BLUE 1959 AIRSTREAM (CALIFORNIA, USA): Airbnb hosts in Joshua Tree appear to be pulling out the stops when it comes to Wes Anderson-themed properties. This second listing situated in the Californian national park shows a newly renovated 1959 Airstream surrounded by desert. It is decorated with ‘found treasures mixed with handmade pieces and light colours’ and is the ‘perfect place to peacefully disconnect’, the listing states. Features include an outdoor hammock and dining area, an outdoor kitchen BBQ grill, and a shared pool and hot tub. Former guest Ella described it as an ‘absolutely beautiful site’ in a review on the site. ‘It is just like the photos, maybe even better! The airstreams have everything you need and are so clean,’ they added

GREEK RETRO DECOR & WES ANDERSON’S MOVIE DESIGN (THESSALONIKI, GREECE): This Airbnb listing goes so far as to include the film director in its name – and it is easy to understand why. The chic apartment is decorated with bright blue tones matched with vintage-style furniture and seventies-style flooring. It is described on Airbnb as ‘a combination of Greek retro decoration and inspiration from Wes Anderson’s films, in the centre of Thessaloniki’. Guests seem to agree, with one review by Petro describing it as ‘one of the most stylish and characterful apartments I have ever visited’

POP ART APARTMENT (PUGLIA, ITALY): This apartment was designed by local artisans and young artists, the Airbnb listing reveals. Guests can enjoy their own private patio and use of a coffee machine at the property. In their reviews, former guest Martin said it was ‘the best place I’ve been so far’ while another guest George said its host Antonio ‘is the greatest host we have ever had on Airbnb’. Reviewer Chiara wrote: ‘If you are looking for a comfortable apartment, equipped with all the comforts, very clean and aesthetically beautiful… then you are in the right place! Antonio’s apartment is amazing’

OFF GRID AND FORTY FEET UP (OREGON, USA): At this wooden tower in Umpqua National Forest you’ll wake up to the sound of birds calling in the trees and bees humming in the meadow that surrounds it, according to the Airbnb listing. Its warm wooden interiors are reminiscent of Wes Anderson’s film Moonlight Kingdom and evoke scenes of Sam and Suzy on their runaway adventure

PALAZZO PANTELLERIA BLUE HOUSE (SICILY, ITALY): Set within a 16th-century Palazzo Pantelleria in the centre of Palermo, this Sicilian apartment boasts decorative tiled floors and colourful painted ceilings, synonymous with a Wes Anderson film. The apartment has been featured in international architecture magazines, according to its listing on Airbnb. In a review of the property, former guest Juliet said: ‘Such a great oasis in the middle of Palermo – highly recommend.’ Another guest, Sarah, wrote: ‘Gaia’s place is in the coolest old building with the cutest little piazza below. We loved our stay. Everything was perfect’

DREAMY VINTAGE TRAILER AT No.9 FARMS (TENNESSEE, USA): This ‘Spartan Blueberry trailer’ is described as ‘the ultimate vintage camper for travellers looking for a little luxury and a whole lot of whimsy in the heart of middle Tennessee’. Designed by farm owner and local musician Brian Oaks, it is said to be ‘adorned with cosy sleeping quarters’. Guests can sip on a cocktail around the fire, snuggle up on the couch with a good book, or draw a bath in the ‘seductively private outdoor claw-foot tub’. The galley-style kitchen is ‘fully loaded’ with a coffee maker, cocktail set, popcorn maker, hot water pot, and more. Guests can also buy items from the organic No.9 Farm

PRIVATE ISLAND IN SUNNY HVALER (HVALER, NORWAY): This small cabin could be another possible hideaway for Wes Anderson’s characters Sam and Suzy in Moonlight Kingdom. Situated on a 10,000-square-metre private island, the property can welcome up to seven guests. Highlights include access to the private island, as well as ‘your own boat, your own cabin, and your own kingdom’, the listing says on Airbnb. Although off-grid, guests can charge phones and iPads via a solar panel. There is no running water but drinking water is available, free of charge, from the local grocery store. In a review, former guest Herman wrote: ‘A unique experience! I will rent again this summer. Fishing from the provided boat was the peak of our trip.’ Another guest, Riaz Jan Kjell, said: ‘How often do you get to live on your own island? Boat around exploring your own idyllic coastline? Swim in your own sea? This is truly an amazing experience’

Wes Anderson’s latest film Asteroid City, set in a fictional desert in the 1950s, will hit UK cinemas on June 23

Researchers find horses have distinct facial expressions when they feel disappointed or

admin — Sat, 10 Jun 2023 00:59:15 +0000

Straight from the horse’s mouth: Researchers find horses have distinct facial expressions when they feel disappointed or frustrated after keeping food from them

Researchers at University of Lincoln put 30 horses through a food-reward task
They found horses have distinct expressions for disappointment and frustration

By Sophie Freeman

Updated: 20:55 EDT, 9 June 2023

Horses have distinct facial expressions for disappointment and frustration, according to a study.

Researchers at the University of Lincoln put 30 horses through a food-reward task, which made them either disappointed or frustrated.

When disappointed, the horses tended to blink a lot, lift their nostrils, stick their tongue out and make chewing movements.

When frustrated, they showed more of the whites of their eyes and rotated their ears backwards.

Dr Claire Ricci-Bonot, lead author of the study, said that horses are ‘are generally gregarious animals, living within a complex social system’.

Horses have distinct facial expressions for disappointment and frustration, according to a study

She added: ‘They are able to communicate with other horses with subtle visual signals such as position of the ears.

‘These signals will play an important role within a group, especially during social interactions.’

The team hope their research will enable riders to better look after the mental health of their animals by understanding their emotions.

Dr Ricchi-Bonot added: ‘It is easier to assess the physical health of a horse. It is, however, more difficult to do it for the mental health.

‘A better recognition and understanding of horses’ emotions thanks to their facial expressions can lead to an improvement in the management of these animals – that is to say to try to remove situations which can generate negative emotions in horses.

‘From the point of view of the riders, to be able to interpret the horses’ facial expressions, would enable to avoid situation which can compromise the safety of the rider e.g recognise that the horse is afraid of something.’

For the study, 30 male – intact and castrated – and female horses were trained by the researchers to follow a task in which they expected a food reward.

A feeder was attached to the outside of their stable, closed with a transparent Perspex panel.

Dr Claire Ricci-Bonot, lead author of the study, said that horses are ‘are generally gregarious animals, living within a complex social system’

A researcher poured food into the feeder, with the horse watching, and after ten seconds, the transparent panel was pulled back for the horse to access the food.

This was repeated so that the horse learned to expect the food after a ten-second wait.

Next, the trials begun. For some of them, the transparent panel stayed in place after the ten seconds, so the horse could see the food but could not access it, prompting frustration.

In the other trials, the transparent panel was removed but an opaque panel remained, so it looked like there was no food at all, prompting disappointment.

The horses were videoed throughout so that the researchers could analyse their facial expressions and behaviours.

The findings were published in the journal Applied Animal Behaviour Science.

Paramedic who boasted on Facebook that he ‘saved someone’s life and managed to cop a feel

admin — Mon, 15 May 2023 10:11:14 +0000

Paramedic who boasted on Facebook that he ‘saved someone’s life and managed to cop a feel of some cracking jubblies’ is found guilty of misconduct

Mark Small posted comment at the end of night shift and deleted it next morning after flatmate complained
Manager told inquiry paramedic said there was ‘flirtatious atmosphere’ at the scene
Paramedic refused to accept his comment was misconduct
Panel has adjourned to consider sanctions against Mr Small

By Daily Mail Reporter

Published: 07:28 EDT, 27 April 2012 | Updated: 15:51 EDT, 27 April 2012

‘Copped a feel’: Paramedic Mark Small appeared at the HPC in Kennington

A paramedic who boasted on Facebook that he groped a patient’s breasts was found guilty of misconduct yesterday.

Following an emergency call-out to a young woman, Mark Small posted: ‘Saved someone’s life and managed to cop a feel of some cracking jubblies.’

He then described his shift as ‘excellent’.

The remarks were left after Small finished a night shift for the Great Western Ambulance Service.

They were removed from the site the following morning after his housemate told him they were inappropriate.

But someone saw them and complained to the service.

Small was immediately suspended from his job following the incident, but returned to his duties after an investigation found he had not touched the patient inappropriately.

However, a Health Professions Council panel yesterday ruled that the inappropriate message amounted to misconduct and that as a result Small’s fitness to practise is impaired.

Small admitted posting the comments on June 28 last year and said in doing so his behaviour had fallen below the standards expected of a paramedic.

But he insisted there had been no inappropriate touching of a patient and the comments related to another woman who had been at the house of the call out.

Shannett Thompson, for the HPC, said the council’s case was that the posting implied Small had ‘touched part of a woman’s anatomy he absolutely should not have’.

‘The term jubblies I’m led to believe relates to a woman’s breast area,’ she added.

She told the panel Small had told his manager there had been a number of women present at the incident who were ‘flirty’ and possibly drunk. He added: ‘There was no inappropriate action. I did like the look of this one female who was on scene.

‘I imagined this comment relating to her.’

He said he ‘honestly didn’t know’ why he had posted the remarks.

A witness said Mark had told her there had been a ‘flirtatious atmosphere’ at the scene

The paramedic, from Bristol, told the hearing he had had an unblemished eight-year career with the ambulance service in Gloucestershire. He also said privacy settings on his Facebook page meant the comments he posted could only have been accessed by 150 ‘friends’.

The panel, however, found Small acted in an ‘irresponsible, immature and highly unprofessional’ manner.

Chairman Christine Mills said his words were demeaning and degrading to women as they showed a ‘lack of respect for female patients’. She told him that by making the comment he had fallen below the standards expected of a paramedic and should have known what the consequences of his actions would be.

‘You must behave with integrity and not damage the public’s confidence in your profession,’ she said.

Miss Mills said that had a member of the public seen his Facebook post they would have reacted in the same manner as the anonymous complainant, who had inferred that Small had behaved inappropriately towards a patient.

The panel could have struck off the paramedic but decided to give him an official caution which will remain on his file for three years.

Following the decision, Small assured the hearing there was no risk of a repeat of his misdemeanour.

He said: ‘I certainly have no intention of finding myself in this type of situation again.’