Brits taking statins should be warned about a rare but serious side effect, health chiefs have said.

Seven types of the cholesterol-busting pills, including all five dished out in the UK, have been linked to myasthenia gravis — a long-term muscle-weakening condition that can be life-threatening in severe cases. 

Patients taking the once-a-day pill should watch out for symptoms including droopy eyelids, double vision and difficulty swallowing, the medicines watchdog warned.

Atorvastatin, sold under the brand name Lipitor, pravastatin (Lipostat) and lovastatin (Mevacor) — taken by millions and proven to cut the risk of heart attacks and strokes— are among the varieties affected. 

Cases of myasthenia gravis were also detected among patients taking fluvastatin (Lescol), simvastatin (Zocor), rosuvastatin (Crestor) and pitavastatin (Livalo).

The fresh advice from the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) states that a ‘very small number’ of myasthenia gravis cases have been linked to statin use.

Around 9.5million Brits take statins, which usually must be taken for life to keep cholesterol low. 

It is thought the complication is ‘very infrequent’, the MHRA said.

Just 10 cases have been reported to the MHRA in the last three decades. Sufferers were in their 60s, on average. 

Symptoms began between a few day and three months of taking statins. No cases were fatal.

Most patients who suffered the side effect recovered after they stopped taking the medication but a minority continued to suffer from symptoms.

Some of those who restarted their medication or tried a different type of statin reported that their symptoms came back.

The MHRA told medics to refer patients suffering new-onset myasthenia gravis after starting statins to a neurology specialist. 

And patients who already have the condition should monitor whether their symptoms worsen while taking the drugs, it said.

Patients may need to stop taking statins depending on their individual benefits and risks, the watchdog said.

The warning comes after the European Medicines Agency in January ordered drug makers behind the seven types of statins to amend their in-pack leaflet to include a warning about myasthenia gravis.

The MHRA said this review was considered by one of its sub-committees, which agreed with the recommendations.

It said statin drug makers will have to explain that there is a risk of myasthenia gravis but that it is ‘not known’ how common it is.

Statins work by lowering the levels of ‘bad’ low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol produced by the liver. 

Too much LDL cholesterol can lead to atherosclerosis — when the arteries harden and narrow — heart attacks, strokes and heart disease.

Brits diagnosed with a form of cardiovascular disease or those who have a family history of the condition may be recommended the medication.

Headaches, nausea and diarrhoea are well-known mild side effects from taking statins. But the MHRA warning adds myasthenia gravis to the list.

The condition weakens muscles, most commonly those that control the eyes, eyelids, facial expressions, chewing, swallowing and speaking. 

Difficulties making facial expressions, slurred speech weak shortness of breath are among the common symptoms.

Triggers, such as stress, tiredness and excess exercise, can worsen symptoms, as well as medicines, including antibiotics and beta-blockers. 

Medicine to boost muscle strength and surgery to remove a small gland in the chest that has been linked to myasthenia gravis may be offered to ease symptoms. 

While the condition doesn’t affect life expectancy for most people, it can be life-threatening if weakens the muscles needed for breathing.

Experts have warned dogwalkers to be on the lookout for a toxic algae that looks like ‘green mashed potato’ which can be fatal if ingested. 

Blue-green algae spreads in ‘blooms’ over lakes and rivers, transforming the water into a vibrant green colour and giving it an earthy or musty smell. 

But the substance contains toxins that stop a dog’s liver from functioning, potentially resulting in death within just one hour. 

One woman tragically lost her beloved two-year-old pooch after he came into contact with the lethal substance at a lake in Somerset. 

One badly affected freshwater lake – Lough Neagh in Northern Ireland – is being devastated by the algae, which has formed uncontrollable blooms over the summer. 

It comes as environmentalists at Lough Neagh stage a ‘wake’ to mark what they say is the death of the famous lake due to the substance, officially known as cyanobacteria. 

Lough Neagh, the biggest freshwater lake in the UK or Ireland, supplies 40 per cent of Northern Ireland’s drinking water and sustains a major eel fishing industry. 

While ingestion of the cyanobacteria is not known to be fatal to humans, it can cause us severe illness. 

‘The state of the loch at the moment is simply appalling,’ environmental scientist Dr Leslie Gornall told BBC Radio 4 on Thursday. 

‘At the end of the loch there is a green mashed potato-looking crust which is a minimum of six inches deep and possibly 18 inches deep. 

‘If you put the oar of a boat into it the full blade of the oar can scoop up and act like a shovel…it smells disgusting.’

Blue-green algae contains toxins that can kill livestock, wild animals and domestic pets – both cats and dogs. 

‘If you drop your dog in there to chase a ball it will come out, lick it’s coat and then it’ll be dead in 24 hours,’ Dr Gornall said. 

‘It does need immediate action otherwise we’re going to lose not only the loch but the Lough Neagh eel will become extinct…we will lose tourism as well.’ 

Blue-green algae is not unique to Lough Neagh by any means, and the substance has been recently sighted in Lake Windermere in Cumbria, Highams Park Lake in London, Jubilee River in Berkshire and Wimbleball Lake in Somerset. 

An interactive map shows locations of the cyanobacteria in UK waters, as reported by members of the public. 

Blooms make waters look like pea soup or spilled green paint, but they can also look like more solid clumps or foams, especially near the shorelines. 

Some councils have erected signs that warn of the dangers if a lake is poisoned by the blooms, but this is not always the case.

Dogs that run away from their owners while off the lead could enter an affected river or lake before the owner has even realised it. 

A spokesperson at the Blue Cross said there is no antidote for the toxins produced by the blue-green algae.

‘If caught early enough, your vet will likely try to make your dog sick and attempt to flush the toxins from the body before they take hold,’ they said.

‘Sadly, blue-green algae poisoning often eventually causes fatal liver failure.’

In humans, contact with blue-green algae can cause skin rashes, sickness, stomach pains, fever and headaches.

There have been some reports of more serious illnesses including liver and brain damage, according to the Blue Cross, but there are no confirmed human deaths. 

Children are at greater risk than adults of developing problems because of their comparative lower body weight. 

Due to the health risks, anglers are being urged not to eat anything they catch from waters that they suspect might be affected. 

Although the cyanobacteria is not a new species, growth has been fuelled in the past few months by summer heat. 

A combination of warm temperatures, sunlight, and nutrient-rich waters is what causes blue-green algae to reproduce rapidly, or ‘bloom’. 

Nitrogen and phosphorus from agricultural fertiliser running off fields is believed to be another major factor  

The spread of the invasive Zebra mussel species is also understood to have played a role, as they have made the water clearer, allowing more sunlight to penetrate, stimulating photosynthesis. 

Soaring temperatures in the UK pose a ‘serious health risk’, experts have warned amid fears heatwave-related injuries and illnesses will pile pressure on the already overstretched NHS.

Britain could enjoy the hottest day of the year so far today as temperatures are expected to soar to 33C (91F) after some areas entered an official heatwave for the first time since June.

But health experts fear great swathes of the population, especially the elderly and those with dementia, will be hit by heat-related sickness — increasing demand for NHS services.

NHS buildings are already ‘ill-equipped’ to deal with the mercury rising to levels normally reserved for the early summer months, with hospitals frequently experiencing overheating incidents, with some even being forced to cancel operations or shut wards when temperatures soar. 

The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has upgraded its heat health alert to amber across every region of England apart from the North East, where a yellow alert is in place.

The six-day alert, which began yesterday and will run until Sunday night, warns of higher death rates and ‘significant impacts’ on vulnerable people and the NHS.

Dr Adrian Boyle, president of the Royal College of Emergency Medicine, told MailOnline: ‘We know that climate change is making our summers hotter, and society needs to acknowledge and be alive to the serious health risk that extreme heat presents.

‘Last summer we saw temperatures in excess of 40 degrees Celsius and there were more than 3,000 excess deaths associated with the heat.

‘Hot weather is of particular risk to people who are frail or suffering from dementia who may be less able to respond to their body’s own warning signs.

‘People experiencing mental ill health – especially those taking anti-psychotic medication – are also disproportionately affected, similarly people experiencing homelessness who may not be able to find shelter or easy access to water.’

He added: ‘Our advice would be to ensure that people check on anyone who is older, has existing health problems or frailties.

‘Try to stay out of the heat as much as possible and keep hydrated by drinking lots of non-alcoholic fluids.’

Dr Layla McCay, director of policy at the NHS Confederation, said: ‘Extreme weather can put added pressure on the NHS in terms of demand and affect the health of some people. 

‘Extreme heat or cold can also put additional pressure on often antiquated and ill-equipped NHS buildings and estates.

‘Temperatures this summer have not yet reached extremes, but health leaders would still encourage the public to stay safe in the sun and keep hydrated during the current warm weather.’

One major concern, heat exhaustion is triggered by the body being unable to cool itself down.

It can cause dizziness, excessive sweating and lead to potentially fatal heat stroke. 

The Met Office said areas in West Yorkshire, Cornwall, Devon and Wales hit heatwave criteria yesterday, with more regions expected to be added to that list today.

While the hottest UK temperature recorded yesterday was 30.7C (87.3F) in West Sussex, forecasters said a new record is likely either today or tomorrow.

Some 13 weather stations have now marked this period as an official heatwave, which is at least three days in a row with daily maximum temperatures meeting or exceeding the heatwave temperature threshold — a figure which varies by region.

It has seen autumn begin in an unseasonably warm fashion after a disappointing summer when Britain endured its sixth wettest July since records began. 

A spokesperson for UKHSA also told MailOnline today: ‘We may begin to see some health impacts across the wider population, and an increase in risk to health for individuals aged over 65 years or those with pre-existing health conditions, including respiratory and cardiovascular diseases.

‘The UKHSA Adverse Weather and Health Plan has guidance for the NHS and care home managers or those who look after vulnerable people. 

‘It outlines the key areas where the public sector, independent sector, voluntary sector, health and social care organisations and local communities can work together to maintain and improve planning and response during spells of hot weather.’

Dr Agostinho Sousa, head of extreme events and health protection at UKHSA, added: ‘Many of us will welcome the hot weather over the coming days, but it is important to take sensible precautions while enjoying the sun and look out for those who are more vulnerable to the effects of heat.

‘We advise you to check on older family members, friends, or neighbours and those with heart or lung conditions.

‘Staying hydrated and keeping cool is crucial for everyone during hot weather, while enjoying the sun.’

If the hottest day of 2023 is achieved this week, it would be the first time since 2016 — and before that the 1950s — that the UK’s warmest day of the year has happened in September.

In addition, the highest temperature of the year has happened in September in just four years over the last century.

It comes as the Alzheimer’s Society also issued its own warning this morning of the effects of hot weather on people living with dementia. 

For those living with dementia and memory problems, dehydration is a ‘common challenge’, the charity said and advised families and carers could help by leaving glasses or jugs of water within easy reach.

Sharing a drink with the person, leaving reminders to drink and providing high water content foods, were among other key aids suggested. 

Jelly Drops, or ‘water sweets’ are another alternative way to help stay hydrated and help boost daily water intake. 

The colourful sweets, supported by Alzheimer’s Society, are bite-sized, sugar-free sweets containing 95 per cent water and added electrolytes.

Anna Smith, head of involvement at Alzheimer’s Society, said: ‘People should absolutely enjoy the nice weather we’re finally having, but it’s important to note that high temperatures can lead to severe health problems for people with dementia unless they take special precautions to keep cool and well-hydrated.

‘People with dementia may forget to drink enough fluids and wear suitable clothing. As the temperatures rise this week, we are urging families and carers to check in on people with dementia to make sure they are staying hydrated, wearing light clothes and keeping out of direct sun.

‘Popping round to check on a neighbour, friend or family member with dementia can help keep them safe during the hot weather.’

White House goes to war with Marjorie Taylor Greene for warning she won’t vote to avoid a government shutdown until Joe is impeached over any links to son Hunter’s business deals

• MTG on Thursday listed her demands for helping avoid a government shutdown
• They included an impeachment inquiry into President Joe Biden
• The White House hit back at ‘extreme House members’ and a ‘hardcore fringe’

By Rob Crilly, Senior U.S. Political Reporter For Dailymail.Com

Updated: 09:49 EDT, 1 September 2023

UEFA president Aleksander Ceferin has come under fire for warning Lionesses manager Sarina Wiegman that her Coach of the Year trophy was ‘heavy’.

It was the second time Wiegman has been awarded the UEFA trophy and she dedicated it to the Spain side that beat England in the World Cup final.

However, when Ceferin passed over the award at the event in Monaco he said to Wiegman: ‘Be careful, it’s heavy.’

Social media users were quick to slam the UEFA president for the comment.

One wrote: ‘Absolutely no way the president of Uefa said to Sarina Weigman “be careful it’s heavy” when handing her coach of the year. Honestly mate…after the last two weeks you wanna condescend?’ 

Another posted: ‘What’s up with men telling women to be careful the trophy they’re about to receive is heavy? Just happened again.’

A third added: ‘Why are men in football so cringey with the women involved in the sport??’

It has been less than two weeks since England’s agonising 1-0 defeat to Spain in the final in Sydney.

However, Spain’s glory has been overshadowed by the ‘Kissgate’ scandal which saw Spanish FA president Luis Rubiales bizarrely kiss star Jenni Hermoso.

Wiegman received the prize from Ceferin after guiding the Lionesses to victory at Euro 2022 last year, as well as the World Cup final this month.

The England boss took the time to blast the Spanish FA and Rubiales during the UEFA ceremony, which was also being held for the Champions League draw.

‘Can I send a message, please?’ Wiegman said after answering the host’s initial questions about her successful year.

‘Well, first of all, thanks everyone for voting, especially of course colleagues, it’s really special, I’m very honoured.

‘Also thanks to everyone who’s involved with the Lionesses, of course the team, the incredible team, players and staff and the support from the FA.

‘But it also feels a little different. We all know the issues around the Spanish team, it really hurts me as a coach, as a mother of two daughters, as a wife, and as a human being, it shows the game has grown so much but there’s also still a long way to go in women’s football and in society.

‘I would like to dedicate this award to the Spanish team, the team that played at the World Cup such great football that everyone enjoyed.

‘This team deserves to be celebrated and deserves to be listened to. I’m going to give them a big applause and I hope you will join me.’  

Later on stage World Cup winner Aitana Bonmati collected her UEFA Women’s Player of the Year award before also addressing the Rubiales situation.

‘I appreciate the words of Sarina Wiegman,’ she began.

‘These are not good times for Spanish football. The World Cup has not been held as it should be and I would not like to let the page turn.

‘As a society, we must not allow abuses of power in work relations and a lack of respect. I am with my colleagues and with Jenni Hermoso.’

Mail Sport previously reported that FIFA will push for Rubiales to be banned from all football for 15 years after the disgraced Spanish FA president’s own federation dramatically withdrew their support for him.

Spanish FA chiefs asked Rubiales, 46, to resign with immediate effect, saying his ‘unacceptable’ behaviour had caused ‘grave harm to the image of Spanish football’.

The U-turn followed a threat from FIFA to ban Spain’s national teams and elite clubs from international competition if the Spanish FA refused to accept their punishment of him.

Rubiales was last week given a 90-day interim suspension by FIFA, and had previously retained the backing of the Spanish FA, pending the outcome of an internal investigation into his extraordinary behaviour in kissing Hermoso.

Following a five-hour meeting on Monday, the Spanish FA confirmed they had now asked him to step down.

Rubiales has defiantly refused to quit until this point, and he sent FIFA a copy of newly released footage showing the women’s football team celebrating and joking about his infamous kiss.

Hermoso has denied claims that the kiss was consensual.

EU health chiefs have warned studies on ultra-processed foods claiming they can be seriously damaging your health, should be ‘considered with caution’.

There are ‘uncertainties’ over the data in the studies and the ‘usefulness’ of the term ultra-processed foods, the EU-funded European Food Information Council said.

The warning was issued following two studies published this week linking ultra-processed foods, which are those containing preservatives, sweeteners and artificial colours, to an increased risk of heart attacks and strokes. 

But British dieticians said the term ultra-processed is being ‘demonised’, ‘overused’ and ‘not explained well’, causing unnecessary confusion and worry among members of the public.

They told MailOnline they want UK health chiefs to issue a similar clarification to soothe public fears.

One, Dr Duane Mellor, said the recent hyper-focus on ultra-processed food (UPFs) was unhelpful and British health authorities should step-in to clear the confusion.  

‘They need to explain carefully and clearly that the term Ultra Processed Foods, is getting a lot of attention at the minute, but it is possibly being overused, and not explained well,’ he said.

While he acknowledged the food industry needed to use processing methods that produced healthier food, the panic over UPFs wasn’t helping. 

‘We need a food system which supports our health, but by getting consumers to worry or not worry about UPF is not tackling that issue,’ he said. 

He added that avoiding ultra-processed foods is not helpful for some people, for example, those with poor appetite or illness who need to consume nutritional supplements while they recover.

Instead, he suggested providing advice on what we should be eating more of such as fruit, vegetables, nuts and seeds which have been consistently shown to be associated with a decreased risk of heart disease.

Dr Mellor also stressed that we need to understand what we are eating so we ‘don’t falsely demonise all food ingredients’.

For example, although he admitted sweeteners may have ‘a modest effect on how are bodies work’, they can be used as a way of reducing sugar intake, which can help people avoid problems like obesity and diabetes. 

Other chemicals used in ultra-processed foods such as emulsifiers can change gut health.

Dr Mellor said: ‘Emulsifiers are a wide range of compounds from synthetic compounds such as polysorbate-80 which has been linked to alterations in gut health through to lecithin which contains choline which has been shown in some circumstances to be beneficial to health.

‘We need an open conversation about additives and understand that about these effects.’

Another expert, Professor Gunter Kuhnle, does not think we need a warning against ultra-processed foods, instead he wants to see more research.

The food scientist, based at Reading University, said there is currently no reason to worry people over ultra-processed food.

He explained that some ultra-processed foods such as soft drinks are associated with increased risks, but with other foods such as massed produced wholegrain bread, it shows a reduced risk for some diseases.

He said: ‘Such a warning would achieve little but create uncertainty among consumers – there is already confusion about the distinction between processed and ultra-processed foods.

‘The additives have been assessed by many different agencies and found to be safe in the amount consumed.

‘If there are data that suggest otherwise and have not been reviewed, they should be sent to EFSA and FSA so they can assess them.’

However, some doctors are calling for warning labels to be slapped on ultra-processed foods due to the dangers it poses to our health.

Dr Chris van Tulleken told MailOnline the new studies added weight to calls for a warning label system in the UK to ward people away from eating them. 

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By Live Commentary

Published: 02:51 EDT, 22 August 2023 | Updated: 06:45 EDT, 22 August 2023

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The NHS is working with Morrisons to put health warnings in the supermarket’s underwear about potential warnings of breast and testicular cancer

Labels in the Nutmeg brand, initially in boxer shorts and crop-top bras, will offer advice on what to look for.

The products will be available in 240 shops around England in the coming months.

Its packaging will also contain a QR code linking to the NHS website for more detailed information on breast and testicular cancer.

Every year, around 55,400 Brits are diagnosed with breast cancer — the most common type of the disease — while 2,300 men are told they have testicular cancer.

Dame Cally Palmer, NHS England’s national director for cancer, said: ‘This is the first time the whole of the NHS has worked with a national supermarket brand to put health messaging on clothing.’

She hopes it will encourage thousands more people to be ‘body aware’ so that they can spot new or unexplained changes that might be cancer symptoms.

Dame Cally said: ‘Cancer survival is at an all-time high.

‘Survival for both breast and testicular cancers have improved significantly over the last 50 years and we’re seeing more people than ever before diagnosed at an early stage.

‘This partnership with Morrisons is just one of the many ways we are ensuring people are aware of potential cancer symptoms.

‘I want to urge everyone to be aware of their own bodies — please look out for lumps and bumps or anything else that is unusual for you — and get checked out early, it could save your life.’

A lump or area of thickened tissue is usually the first sign of breast cancer, which around one in seven woman are diagnosed with in their lifetime. Men can also be affected, with around 400 affected each year. 

A change in the size or shape of one or both breasts, discharge from the nipples, a lump or swelling in the armpits, dimpling on the skin of the breast and a rash around the nipple are all tell-tale signs of the disease.

Most cases are among women aged 50 and over. Age, a family history of breast cancer and being overweight are known risk factors.

At least nine in 10 women survive for at least five years if the cancer is spotted in stage one or two. But this figure falls dramatically to 25 per cent among patients diagnosed with stage four. 

Meanwhile, testicular cancer is one of the least common caners in the UK, accounting of just one per cent of all cancers that occur in men. It usually affects those aged 15 to 49. 

A painless swelling, lump or change in the shape or texture of the testicles are typical symptoms.

Having undescended testicles and a family history of the cancer are risk factors.

Nine in 10 men diagnosed with any stage of testicular cancer survive for 10 years or more, meaning it has one of the best outlooks of all cancers. 

Treatment for both types of cancer usually includes a combination of surgery, chemotherapy and radiotherapy. 

Natalie Robinson, from Essex, is going through cancer treatment and has been pictured as part of Morrisons’ campaign.

The 35-year-old said: ‘I’m passionate about raising awareness of the signs and symptoms of breast cancer and supporting this amazing partnership from the NHS and Morrisons seemed like the perfect opportunity. 

‘The labels carry such a vital message and I want to help encourage as many people as possible to contact their GP practice if they see any unusual changes to their breasts, it could save their life.’

Edward Solly, 35, a cancer survivor from Kent, is also backing the campaign. 

He said: ‘Boxers that aren’t just comfy and look great, but also highlight a really important health message to ensure we are all checking our bodies.’

He added: ‘I know that a daily reminder to be body aware really could save your life … who knew a pair of undies could hold so much power?

‘Getting diagnosed early really can make all the difference, so remember, if something in your body doesn’t feel right, contact your GP.’

Dozens of Brits holidaying in Mexico have caught a serious stomach illness that triggers explosive diarrhoea, health officials warned today.

At least 74 people are known to have fallen ill with cyclosporiasis since May, with more than half of these having returned from the country. 

Most were traced back to all-inclusive hotels in the Riviera Maya and Cancún regions, where thousands of Brits flock to every year.

The unpleasant illness, which can also cause stomach cramps and flatulence, is caused by consuming food or drink contaminated with cyclospora, a microscopic parasite. 

The sickness can last for more than a month but most cases resolve within a few days.

Although usually mild, it can be life-threatening in immunocompromised patients. 

UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) officials revealed all 74 cases seen in the past three months were reported in England, Scotland and Wales. 

Just over half of were female, with the average age of patients being 44. Travel information was known in 52 of the cases. 

Forty-eight had been to Mexico. Of them, 42 stayed in different hotels in the Riviera Maya and Cancún regions, on the Caribbean coastline.

Most reported eating a wide variety of different food and drink within their hotel as part of an all-inclusive holiday package, UKHSA chiefs said. 

Cyclospora most often occurs in tropical and subtropical regions of the world including South and Central America, South and South East Asia, the Middle East and Africa. 

Seasonal outbreaks of cyclosporiasis in UK travellers returning from Mexico have been reported annually since 2015 — excluding 2020 and 2021 — with the number of cases fluctuating each year.

Some 79 instances were recorded in the first year, with this rising to 359 in 2016. Last year, just 36 cases were logged. 

More than half a million Brits travel to the country every year.  

Health officials warned those travelling to Mexico today to maintain good food and water hygiene at all times even if staying in high-end all-inclusive resorts.

They advised tourists choose freshly prepared food that is thoroughly cooked and served piping hot. 

Certain foods, including fresh uncooked berries and herbs, unpeeled fruit and salad items should be avoided, as these can be difficult to clean, they noted. 

The stomach infection is diagnosed by testing of stool samples, and although most cases resolve on their own, antibiotics can be given to treat severe or prolonged infections. 

It comes after one family launched legal action against holiday giant TUI last year after they were struck down with the illness during their five-star luxury break to Mexico.

They reported seeing flies, cats, birds and raccoons around the food, some of which was not chilled and was served with dirty cutlery.

The family also claimed they were bed-bound for three days and still suffered symptoms following their return to the UK.

Warning over new WhatsApp update that allows friends to see EVERYTHING on your screen

• WhatsApp have introduced a popular video call feature called Screen Share
• The function, already offered by some video platforms, will be rolled out soon
• But be careful before clicking ‘Share’ as your pals will be able to see everything 

By Jessica Hamilton

Published: 10:05 EDT, 13 August 2023 | Updated: 15:55 EDT, 13 August 2023