Category Entertainment News

David attributes one choice to saving his life.

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After discovering a lump weeks after his 50th birthday, a BBC presenter has urged people to ignore the signs of cancer. David Cowan, a journalist for TV, claims that choosing to see a general practitioner saved his life.

David said: “It’s far better to know whether you’ve got cancer or not, you need to not delay and get it checked out.” In late 2017, TV reporter David, from Edinburgh, noticed a small, hard, painless lump in his neck just weeks after his 50th birthday. After checking the NHS website, he booked a GP appointment, a decision he now credits with saving his life.

“My knowledge of mouth cancer was largely very, very superficial,” David said. I was aware of its existence. It never occurred to me that the dentists would check you when they examined you to see if there were any signs of it.

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In a significant number of cases, I was also blissfully unaware that the human papillomavirus (HPV) is implicated in mouth cancer. I had no idea of the risks it might entail and was very ignorant of what it might entail. I noticed a lump in my neck about the size of a piece of wine gum a few weeks after my 50th birthday. It appeared to be hard, just beneath my jawline, and it wasn’t sore either.

That seems strange to me. For a few days, I didn’t do anything about it. I initially assumed it would go away before I decided to look up my symptoms on the NHS website, where it was very clear that you should contact your GP practice if you have a painful, hard lump in your neck that won’t go away.

They recommended specialists to me right away. Later, my GP informed me that she was immediately concerned about the possibility of cancer. About a month later, a doctor noticed the lump on my neck and determined that it was cancer when I was taken to an NHS Lothian clinic in Edinburgh for tests.

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“I was informed that there was a 90% chance of the treatment being successful because it had been discovered early. I lost two stones during the treatment, and I had to take a five-month break from work, but it was well worth it because I’m still here.

My consultant had already warned me about mouth cancer, but it’s not pleasant to treat it. They explained what would happen, and I recall thinking, “They did warn me this would happen,” as I remember during treatment.

“The NHS website directed me to check out my symptom, and I’m very glad I did,” I said. “I had no real hesitation in doing so. Although it’s frightening to think that you might have cancer, it’s much better to be aware than to wait in the dark and wait to have your symptoms evaluated.

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I had a fantastic experience the entire time, and I felt like I was being embraced by the NHS’s experts. I felt the NHS fought my cancer for me, and I just continued to enjoy the ride. Although there are many talks about fighting cancer, I don’t. My family, friends, and coworkers all gave me incredibly helpful advice. They encouraged me to approach the entire experience in a positive way, which the doctors determined was crucial.

In June 2018, I received my all-clear. A lot of people enjoyed it. If I hadn’t recovered from my cancer in its entirety with the aid of the NHS, there have been many wonderful things that have occurred in the seven years since I started getting sick. I’m now attempting to appreciate life’s smaller details more and to reflect on my place of blessing.

“Having cancer changed my life, but now I can live well and enjoy life with my family and our dog.”

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In order to raise awareness and raise awareness of Mouth Cancer Action Month in November, David was asked to share his story and the advantages of early detection. “Mental cancer needs to be made more widely known. My mouth cancer, according to what I was told, was getting more prevalent. It was only relatively uncommon. I’m delighted to see that both boys and girls are now receiving human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccinations in their classrooms to prevent this from occurring.

No matter where the cancer is located, a more effective treatment is available if it is discovered early. The key to treating cancer is getting as soon as you can, which means that anyone who is concerned about something must seek medical attention regardless of how terrifying it may be.

“It’s very fortunate to be here,” I said. This Mouth Cancer Action Month, the Be the Early Bird campaign’s goal is to encourage people to go check out if they are concerned about something, regardless of whether they have reservations about going.

GK Barry, the co-host of Influencer and I’m A Celeb, faced a lot of criticism after making a number of X-rated remarks during the Women’s League Cup draw, but her co-host has come out in force to defend her.

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Influencer GK Barry found herself in hot water this week after furious fans slammed her ‘chaotic’ Women’s League Cup draw stunt, but now her Loose Women co-star has rushed to her defence.

The Women’s Super League were forced to apologise after complaints flooded in over Barry’s “unprofessional” behaviour during the live-streamed draw. The 26-year-old, who also appeared on I’m A Celebrity last year, was chosen to host the event with partner Ella Rutherford, a midfielder for Portsmouth, in the hope she could encourage some new viewers for the games with her huge online social media following.

What was meant to be a fun and lighthearted TikTok performance by Barry, whose real name is Grace Keeling, quickly descended into chaos. Her humor failed to appeal to viewers, and there were technical difficulties during the drawing, which also didn’t have any on-screen graphics. Barry, who is well-known for her crude banter, has recently received a lot of negative online comments, with some calling her “insulting” and “unprofessional.”

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At the start of the draw, GK Barry jokedly into her backside, “I’m going to give it a shake and a spank for luck, a bit of fun.” She then made a joke about “lesbians handling balls” and concluded the conversation by saying, “Even if you’re a lesbian, get a footlong.”

But it was the joke about Tottenham that had casued the most backlash, where she said “what do we think of Tottenham?” – an anti-Spurs chant popularised by Arsenal fans. She then drew Tottenham’s ball out of the bag before putting it back in and saying: “Am I allowed to do that? I’ve done it now, it’s too late. Oh I picked up the same ball.”

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The criticism for her jokes came quickly, with people calling it an ‘insult’ to women’s football – but with over 4.1 million followers on TikTok and 1.3 million on Instagram, it’s clear GK Barry still has a huge amount of support online.

One person who quickly jumped to her defense after the scrutiny was her fellow Loose Women co-star Denise Welch. Replying to a clip posted on Instagram by ITV news about the backlash Barry and her partner were facing, Welch commented: “For goodness sake!!! Don’t book Grace then!!! It’s exactly what she does. She’s never going to be a regular football pundit!! It’s like booking Alan Carr and complaining he was too camp!!!”

WSL Football has since apologized to Tottenham, and video clips of the draw have since gone viral online, leaving many women’s football fans speechless. Who on earth believed that a “social media influencer” and her girlfriend would be doing the drawing? One user wrote on X as an insult to female footballers of all ages and their organizations. While another person declared, “This is illogical. I find it hard to believe this is even real.

Since she was 13 years old, the radio host has made this significant decision.

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Amanda Holden has claimed her one major diet choice, followed by millions around the world, has given her great health for the last 40 years. Adopting this popular diet may have slashed the star’s risk of serious chronic conditions and kept her looking and feeling younger as a result.

As reported in Women’s Health, Amanda has previously said that she believes her vegetarian diet has kept her ‘healthy by default’. The star has been following the lifestyle since she was 13 years old.

Now, at 54, the mum-of-two has committed to the way of life for over four decades. Her mostly plant-based approach includes some firm favourites like “avocado, chickpeas and quinoa salads”. Amanda’s choice to turn vegetarian was down to her concerns about animal welfare, having previously said: “The best thing you can do for animals is to just leave them off your plate”.

Women’s Health added to its report that, on social media, Amanda has shared that she enjoys hard-boiled eggs with a drizzle of Marmite. She urged fans to try the odd combo, and said: “I don’t understand why everyone thinks this is a gross thing to do. This is my favourite thing to do.”

The Britain’s Got Talent judge and Heart radio presenter has claimed in the past that she does occasionally eat fish, technically making her pescatarian rather than a full vegetarian. However, the rich volume of healthy fruits, vegetables and other plant-based ingredients leads to an overall healthy approach to nutrition, although the busy mum does claim that she won’t restrict anything that gives her pleasure.

What varieties of vegetarianism are there?

A vegetarian is someone who avoids eating any kind of meat, poultry, fish, or seafood. Their typical diet consists of a wide range of grains, pulses, nuts, seeds, fruits, and vegetables.

Some people (lacto-vegetarians) may include dairy products in their diet depending on their beliefs or preferences. Others may opt to become more vegetarian, such as flexitarians who primarily consume plant-based foods but occasionally switch to meat or fish, and pescatarians who still consume fish.

Alternately, people may adopt a much stricter diet, or veganism. This prohibition includes all animal products, as well as items for daily life like avoiding particular cosmetics, cleaning supplies, and clothing items.

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What advantages does going vegetarian have for your health?

When done in a secure and consistent manner, removing fish and meat from your diet may provide a range of health advantages. With fewer reported cases of obesity, studies suggest that eating primarily plant-based may be healthier.

It can also affect how you feel on the inside, aside from how you look. People who live a vegetarian lifestyle are less likely to develop type 2 diabetes, according to research.

Higher dietary intakes of vegetarian foods are associated with better skin health, according to research. These foods contain a number of plant-protection compounds called polyphenols, as well as skin-supporting nutrients like vitamins C and E, which may contribute to skin conditions like acne, psoriasis, and atopic dermatitis.

Shoppers can get their hands on a candle, body wash, and a Christmas stocking that can’t be purchased thanks to Jo Malone’s Black Friday deals, which include some seriously freebies.

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Jo Malone approaches saving differently this Black Friday. Instead of cutting costs by using a discount code or a site-wide saving, it’s giving customers the option to pick up some incredible free items instead of picking up their favorite products.

The free items include a candle, a hand and body wash, and the pièce de résistance; a festive Christmas stocking that can’t be bought anywhere. The three freebies can be picked up when you shop anything on the Jo Malone website or in-store, with a minimum spend threshold having to be reached before the free items are added to your cart.

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Customers must spend more than £140 at Jo Malone to receive the free full-size Body &amp, Hand Wash, valued at £35. You can get this low price with items like the Cypress &amp, Grapevine Cologne Intense ($164 for 100ml), and the Twelve Days of Christmas Ornament Collection ($80).

You can, of course, combine items like body lotions, candles, and other fragrances until you’ve reached the £140 mark. However, you’ll also be able to receive a number of other freebies if you spend just £50 more.

You’ll also receive a free travel candle, which costs £28 for a 65g candle, as well as a limited edition, limited edition Christmas stocking that cannot be purchased. The stocking is not available separately, but it features Jo Malone’s signature black and white diamond print.

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That means the only way to get your hands on it is as part of the brand’s Black Friday offer, with the £190 spend getting you all three items added into your basket. To make sure you don’t miss out on either of the offers, you’ll need to use the discount code MERRY at checkout, and is only valid until Wednesday December 3, so you’ll need to be quick to take advantage of it.

Other beauty retailers have also created their own Black Friday promotions, with LookFantastic offering up to 30% off most items and an additional 5% off when you use the discount code SAVE5. This is a great time to buy those Christmas presents because you can also save up to 50% on perfumes and fragrances.

Brands like Gucci, Armani, and Ralph Lauren are all available on The Perfume Shop’s website, which means 20% off everything. Some products are also eligible for a “WOW” discount, which reduces prices 50%.

Jessie J, the singer and The Voice star, is best known for her long-running, impressive musical career, but it seems like she is considering pursuing a career in something else.

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Jessie J, a singer, has a brand-new opportunity to shine in a challenging role. The pop singer is the most recent celebrity to sign up for CBeebies Bedtime Story.

The mum-of-one will be reading a story to viewers on CBeebies and BBC iPlayer. She will be reading an inspiring story which is about hope and being resilient.

Jana Curll’s book My Path is read by Jessie as she reads it. A little snail navigates life’s twists and turns in the story. Even when their future seems uncertain, the book encourages young readers to accept challenges and persevere even when their future is uncertain.

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Jessie said in a statement about her CBeebies appearance that she “follows our very own special path, which can lead us in many directions. I’ve come to this CBeebies Bedtime Story, where my path led me.

We might encounter bumps along the way and some significant mountains, but I tell myself, “keep going Jess!” and I hope that’s what children and adults alike take from “My Path.”

At the conclusion of her appearance, she continued to leave a sweet message. Every path is unique, so choose yours, and keep going, she said. A big, beautiful adventure is what life is all about. Choose a fulfilling life, make the most of magic, and live your best life.

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CBeebies and BBC iPlayer air CBeebies Bedtime Stories every weekday at 6:50 pm. The program assists families in managing their daily bedtime routine and inspires the entire country to read together.

Jessie’s most recent employment comes after she has made breast cancer-related claims openly. The singer, 37, had surgery earlier this year and is awaiting a second round.

While Jessie waits for a second operation later this year, she has delayed her No Secrets UK and European tour until 2026. She remarked about her diagnosis, “I’m just grateful for the lessons and, honestly, I’m grateful for the connectivity that has given me with so many cancer patients.”

“I wouldn’t have had the lovely conversations I have had,” she said. Additionally, I’ve grown up better as a parent and a better person. I’ve never given a damn about the little things.

She continued, “Some things don’t stress me out anymore because you just need to sit the f*** down when life turns into something you feel like you can’t control.” After having a mastectomy and discovering a lump in her breast in March, Jessica was diagnosed with cancer. She remarked, “I had my surgery with little downtime.”

She described it as a “weird time” and continued, “When I had cancer and no one knew.” One orange is now hiding under a bedsheet, and the other is after the baby.

It’s still funny, but it’s not. However, it’s also quite funny. But I’m actually appreciative that I made it through. And I almost have to turn around, and I still have a little work to do. However, we all will experience or have experienced a very difficult situation that we feel we must carry on our own.

Tony Christie, 82, a singer from Arlington, was given a dementia diagnosis in 2023. The Yorkshireman discusses the power of music to “unlock memories you think you’ve lost” in a moving manner.

Tony Christie, the renowned singer behind the hit song “Is This The Way To Amarillo,” was diagnosed with dementia two years ago. Tony, 82, has recently been working on a tour and an album, and despite receiving a diagnosis, he continues to perform and record.

The singer, who spoke exclusively to the Mirror, discusses how music can be used as a tool to support those closest to him who is diagnosed with dementia and how you can do the same.

“Christmas has always been about music in my family. The carols, the records playing in the background, the songs that remind you of people you love. But since my dementia diagnosis in 2023, I’ve learned something important: the music is still there, but getting to it isn’t always easy.

I’m one of the lucky ones. I still get to sing almost every day – performing keeps me connected to the songs that have been part of my life for decades. But when it comes to just sitting down and listening to music?

My wife Sue and my granddaughter Deià enter that area. Deià assists with the technology while Sue suggests the songs. They jointly operate it.

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Deià recently purchased The Ink Spots, which my father used to play when I was a child. Hearing that song once more gave me a profound sense of emotion. When dementia is present, music serves that purpose.

It brings back memories that you initially lost. It provides instantaneous connection. When anxiety starts to creep in, it brings calm. And most importantly, it makes you remember who you are.

But most people with dementia can’t access their music as easily as I can. Not because the music isn’t there, but because modern technology has left them behind. Music for Dementia’s research found that only three in ten family carers can stream music with their loved one.

Age UK found that six in ten internet users over 65 never use the internet to stream music or videos. I’m 82 so this does not surprise me! The generation that grew up with The Beatles, Elvis, Motown, rock and roll – are now locked out of it. That’s a tragedy.

A new Christmas ad called Give the Music Back was just released this Christmas by Music for Dementia, which highlights how technology is lulling older people.

The gift of music, which instantly brings connection and joy to the family, is the gift of a six-year-old granddaughter. I urge you to watch it. I’m more emotionally invested in it than any big-budget retail campaign.

The ad promotes the charity’s m4dRADIO station – an invaluable resource for families impacted by dementia. It plays non-stop music without ads, presenters or news across six channels, from the 1940s through to the 1980s and a Mix channel. It’s completely free and it’s well worth a listen. You may even hear the playlist that Deià and I created together!

Families gather at Christmas, and music is all over. However, they are left on the sidelines of their own Christmas if their parents can’t access the songs that mean something to them.

I’ve seen the potential of music. It brings back memories that have been lost and strengthens my family’s bonds over time. There is no need to invest a lot. The newest technology is not necessary. What you need is something straightforward, accessible, and made for older people.

Give someone who has dementia access to their music if they are your friend. Listen while you sit together. Create a playlist. Install a voice-activated speaker, as Deià did for me. or tune into m4dRADIO.

Music is more than just entertainment. It is memory. It has its identity. Everyone should be able to access that. particularly at Christmas.”

Tony Christie is an ambassador for Music for Dementia. To request a free Yoto kit, visit musicfordementia.org.uk/yoto.*