WE are often drawn to supplements to “fix our health”.
But, unless we are deficient in certain nutrients, then lifestyle changes are more likely to bring about noticeable changes.
Most of us should get all the nutrients we need from eating a balanced diet.
But we sometimes need a little extra help.
For example, vegetarians and especially vegans should consider supplementing with vitamin B12, and possibly calcium, iron and zinc.
Irritable bowel syndrome patients might find a probiotic is helpful to alleviate symptoms, and people with sleep issues may want to try magnesium.
The only supplement the NHS recommends for all adults is vitamin D, which our bodies create in response to sufficient sunlight.
The advice is to take it between October and April, but some people are advised to take it all year round, including people who have dark skin and those who are not often outdoors, for example, if they are in a care home.
Here’s a selection of what readers have asked this week.
Q) AS soon as I relax in bed, I get a crawling sensation under my skin in my legs.
Lately, it seems to be getting worse, affecting my arms. I am an 82-year-old lady and have suffered from restless legs syndrome for many years.
My GP first prescribed pramipexole, which didn’t help, then ropinirole, which doesn’t work on its own, so I have to take co-codamol.
I worry I will have to take these for the rest of my life. My doctor won’t increase the ropinirole because of the side-effects.
I’ve been told there is nothing else that can be done. I have tried exercising, a warm bath, a massage, but nothing helps.
A) Restless legs syndrome (RLS) is a neurological disorder characterised by an irresistible urge to move the limbs accompanied by uncomfortable sensations.
While it most commonly affects only the legs, the arms are occasionally affected, too. Symptoms tend to be worse at night and this often affects sleep.
It’s not understood why people get it and there’s no known cure unless it’s linked to an underlying, reversible condition.
Iron deficiency or low iron levels can cause it, so it’s worth your GP checking these if they haven’t already.
It can also be caused by certain medications, including some anti-nausea drugs, antidepressants, antipsychotics and antihistamines – so again, if you take any other meds, it’s worth checking if there could be a link.
Ropinirole used to be recommended as a first-line treatment, but the guidelines have changed and now gabapentin (and similar drugs) are advised.
Some people are unable to take this due to potential interactions. Some people have side-effects, especially older adults.
So your GP might have opted away from this, but it is worth asking them. You can always download the NICE guidelines yourself or attach the link in an e-consult request for them to consider.
Just search “NICE” and “restless legs syndrome” and you’ll reach the right webpage.
It may also help if you reduce caffeine and alcohol, don’t smoke, sleep well and be physically active.
To relieve an attack, relaxation, stretching, walking or massage can help.
RLS-UK (rls-uk.org) has useful advice and resources.
Q) FOR about a year, I have been dealing with a frozen shoulder.
My doctor said it was pointless having an X-ray, but I have had corticosteroid injections, which did nothing to ease the pain.
I am a 63-year-old type 2 diabetic, and I have also been having physiotherapy, which has noticeably improved my range of movement.
My physiotherapist is not entirely convinced that it IS a frozen shoulder, though, and has suggested it could potentially be a form of arthritis or another condition.
He has written to my doctor recommending that X-rays be carried out.
I have started experiencing upper back pain, too. I am unsure whether this is connected. How do I approach my doctor on this?
A) Frozen shoulder (adhesive capsulitis) is a condition that causes pain, stiffness and reduced range of movement of the shoulder joint.
The symptoms are caused by the formation of adhesive or scar tissue in the joint.
Studies indicate that people with diabetes may be two to four times more likely to develop frozen shoulder. Diagnosis is clinical, meaning it is based on the symptoms and examination findings rather than X-rays or scans.
The main diagnostic test is whether you can do passive external rotation of the shoulder. This means that the doctor supports the patient’s arm in a bent position (imagine holding a kettle) and tries to move the arm to the side.
Inability to do this movement is highly suggestive of frozen shoulder.
If an X-ray is obtained, it should demonstrate a normal shoulder joint.
Most patients get physiotherapy, which can be supplemented by steroid joint injections.
It usually resolves on its own over a year or two, although some individuals may experience longer recovery times.
Physios see frozen shoulder quite frequently, so if yours is experienced and believes that other causes should be considered, then your GP is likely to take that advice.
Rotator cuff injuries, bursitis, osteoarthritis and shoulder impingement are examples of conditions that can be mistaken for frozen shoulder due to overlapping symptoms.
Q) I AM a 63-year-old female who has always been healthy and active until having a mobility issue with my right leg for the last 13 years. It has led to foot drop.
It is easy to trip and fall. It was suggested I must have had a one-off viral attack which damaged an area of my spinal cord.
I am so angry and frustrated.
This has taken a huge toll on me mentally, and my body has responded by going into overdrive.
I am overwhelmed with tiredness, but cannot sleep, and have no appetite. I am unable to relax.
My body has become my enemy. Please could you advise, before I collapse?
A) It sounds like the “fight or flight” part of your nervous system may be in overdrive and also that you have a lot of negative thoughts and emotions surrounding what has happened to your body.
This statement, “my body has become my enemy”, is a clue that you are most likely to benefit from cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), which is available on the NHS.
CBT could help you rebuild the relationship with your body.
Please don’t delay – self-refer on the NHS talking therapies webpage, or explore insurance or private options if these are available to you.
Regarding the foot drop, in addition to physio and orthotics (which help prevent tripping and dragging of the toes), you should ask about whether electrical nerve stimulation would be an option for you.
A device sends small electrical impulses to stimulate nerves that lift the foot and is sometimes used if the foot drop is caused by damage to the brain or spinal cord (eg from stroke or MS – multiple sclerosis).
Research is ongoing into using stem cells or nerve growth factors to regenerate damaged nerves that cause foot drop.
See if any trials are recruiting by asking your specialist team, exploring the NIHR Be Part of Research webpage, or by visiting nhs.uk/tests-and-treatments/clinical-trials.
I ADVISE everybody with hay fever to use a nasal spray, which delivers effective protection by helping to rinse the nose of pollen every day and ease congestion.
There are a few types of nasal sprays, including steroid, so if you are unsure which is best for you, ask your pharmacist for help.
Unlock even more award-winning articles as The Sun launches brand new membership programme – Sun Club.
A DUBLIN Lotto player has described a EuroDreams win as a “life-enhancing prize” – and also revealed how they intend to spend their newly-acquired wealth.
The lucky player recently visited the National Lottery HQ in the capital to claim the dream win of €2,000 a month for the next five years.
The prize was bagged after matching six numbers in the EuroDreams draw on Thursday, March 20.
The winning Quick Pick ticket was purchased from the Maxol Garage, Turvey, Donabate, Co Dublin.
Speaking on the win, the Dubliner said: “This is a life-enhancing prize for me and I’m really looking forward to being able to plan some of those once in a lifetime bucket list items that I’ve always wanted to – including travelling to some of the world’s wonders and perhaps sky diving.”
This is the latest Irish player to snag the second tier prize on the new National Lottery game, which launched in 2023.
So far, there have been 22 winners of the top prize worth €20,000 a month for 30 years, while there have been 95 winners of the Tier 2 prize worth €2,000 a month for 5 years.
National Lottery spokesperson Darragh O’Dwyer said: “Since the game began in November 2023, there have been five Irish winners of the €2,000 a month for five years prize, that included three special events.
“Four players in Dublin – two online and two retail – and one player in Cork have already taken home this life-enhancing prize.
“It’s great to see our latest winner collecting their annuity prize, which will make a huge difference to their lives for the next five years”.
Speaking back in March, when the Donabate location of the winning EuroDreams ticket was first revealed, store manager Patrick Pnadwskna said: “The team at Maxol, Turvey, Donabate are thrilled with the announcement that our store has sold Ireland’s first high tier EuroDreams winning tickets of 2025.
“I’d like to thank our amazing team here at Maxol, Turvey, Donabate, for their dedication and hard work serving our loyal customers.
“We wish the very best for the winner and hope it brings them every happiness and success in the future!”
EuroDreams launched in Ireland in 2023, and unlike other draw-based games, the annuity top prize, which is worth €7.2 million, will be paid in monthly tax-free payments of €20,000 spread over 30 years.
Similarly, the Tier 2 prize will be paid in monthly tax-free payments of €2,000 spread over 5 years.
HERE's all the Irish EuroMillions jackpot winners to date.
1. July 2005: Dolores McNamara from Limerick, was Ireland’s first and biggest EuroMillions winner scooping over €115 million.
2. July 2008: A lucky player from Co. Tipperary won a €15 million jackpot with a ticket bought in Carrick-on-Suir in Co Tipperary.
3. June 2009: A family syndicate shared the jackpot with a British winner, taking home over €29.4 million with a ticket they purchased in Dublin.
4. June 2013: A winning ticket sold in Beaumount, Dublin, shared a EuroMillions jackpot worth over €187 million. A Dublin player earned half of the jackpot and picked up over €93 million.
5. September 2013: A young man from the South East shared a jackpot of over €25 million with a player in Spain, taking home over €12.8 million.
6. April 2014: A jackpot prize worth €15 million was claimed on a ticket sold in Castlebar, Co Mayo.
7. September 2014: An €86.7 million jackpot was won by a syndicate from Dublin. The ticket was sold in Centra, Ballybrack, Co. Dublin.
8. January 2016: A syndicate of friends won over €66 million, splitting the jackpot of €132,376,632. The ticket was sold in Eason’s store, Fairgreen Shopping Centre, Carlow.
9. July 2016: 22 colleagues from Dublin Bus won the €23.8 million. The ticket was sold in O’Hanlon’s Portarlington.
10. January 2017: A Dublin work syndicate claimed the €88.5 million EuroMillions jackpot. The winning ticket was sold at the Applegreen Service Station on the M1 Northbound in Lusk, Co Dublin.
11. July 2017: A syndicate from the West of Ireland won a €29 million EuroMillions jackpot. The ticket was sold in Garryduff XL Store on Pound Road, Castlebar in Co Mayo.
12. December 2017: A small family syndicate from Dublin won €38.9 million on a ticket purchased in The Village Shop in Malahide Shopping Centre.
13. June 2018: 32 colleagues from Stakelums Hardware store in Thurles Co.Tipperary share a €17 million EuroMillions jackpot with a ticket they purchased at Eason’s Store in Thurles Shopping Centre in Co. Tipperary.
14. February 2019: The Naul Family Syndicate won €175.4 million on a ticket sold in Reilly’s Daybreak in Naul, Co Dublin.
15. February 2020: A Co Mayo family shared the €17 million jackpot with a ticket they purchased at Mulroy’s Londis Store in Castlebar.
16. July 2020: An online player in Dublin won a €49.5 million jackpot which they won with a €2.50 normal play ticket.
17. February 2022: Mid-West ticket holder scoops €30.9 million jackpot with Quick Pick ticket they purchased at Larkin’s Gala Service Station in Ballina, Co Tipperary.
The game is played in eight countries, namely Ireland, Austria, Belgium, France, Luxembourg, Portugal, Spain and Switzerland, with draws taking place every Monday and Thursday evening at usual National Lottery agents nationwide.
Meanwhile, a different Irish Lotto punter was left celebrating over the weekend after bagging a huge six-figure win.
The player won a whopping €259,089 on Saturday’s Lotto draw, but narrowly missed on the eye-watering €6.5m jackpot after matching five numbers along with the bonus.
The numbers in the draw were: 5, 7, 22, 23, 36 and 47. The bonus number drawn was 19.
Багато господарок, незважаючи на те, що вони із завидною регулярністю приділяють час наведенню порядку, махнули рукою на такий елемент кухні, як решітки, встановлені на газовій плиті. Якщо ви також втомилися боротися із забрудненнями на решітках, спробуйте позбутися їх за допомогою одного дієвого методу. Подробиці Його головна перевага полягає в тому, що вам не знадобляться якісь […]
LOVE Island is back for the summer on ITV2 and ITVX and one of its brand new contestants has already managed to annoy viewers.
Shakira Khan, 22, entered the villa first alongside Meg Moore, 25, and the two ladies wasted no time getting to know each other.
Trying to learn what they both did for a living, Shakira set about telling Megan that she was “too glamorous for a 9-5” and must do something more exciting for a job.
Meg quickly set her straight revealing she was in fact a payroll specialist, with Shakira squealing that she was a “corporate girlie”.
Why the comment might have sounded innocent to some, viewers at home were not impressed.
One user wrote: “not too glamorous for a 9-5, oh dear”. Another person asked: “what does “too glamorous to do a 9-5 even mean?”.
Someone else agreed, also wondering: “Too gorgeous to do a 9-5??? What does that mean?”
In a shock move, one singleton has already been booted out of the villa – and viewers are convinced they know who it is due to a big clue.
The girl was told to grab her case and go after the arrival of bombshell Antonia Laites – who will be known as Toni in the show.
In scenes yet to be aired, Toni – who is American – will make her dramatic entrance after all the islanders are coupled up.
She is told to get to know the boys before choosing one to couple up with – leaving his girl being handed a one-way ticket back to the UK.
A BRITISH teenager jailed in Dubai over a holiday fling has begged for mercy.
Marcus Fakana, 19, has submitted a plea for clemency to the country’s ruler.
He was sentenced to a year in prison for having consensual sex with a 17-year-old British girl.
Both Marcus and his young lover had met while on holiday with their families.
Marcus, who was 18 at the time, has been held for months in the harsh Al Awir prison.
He has now pinned his hopes on a pardon from Dubai’s leader, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum.
Radha Stirling, founder of Detained in Dubai, which is supporting the teen’s family, said: “This has been the most traumatic and life-altering experience imaginable for Marcus.
“He is barely an adult himself and never intended to break any law.
“What happened was legal in the UK and consensual.
“But now he is facing permanent damage to his mental health and future prospects.”
Prison conditions are reportedly taking a toll on Marcus, who is said to have only limited contact with his family.
His parents, from Tottenham, North London, have made repeated appeals to Foreign Secretary David Lammy MP.
They have also asked the British Embassy in Dubai to help secure his release.
Ms Stirling added: “Marcus has shown remorse and fully respects the laws of the UAE.
“He only hopes the government will show compassion and allow him to return home to rebuild his life.
“We implore Sheikh Mohammed to hear his pleas.”
