Latest news with #ALSIceBucketChallenge
Time of India
30-05-2025
- Health
- Time of India
Mangaluru doctor part of Guinness World Record for peripheral neuropathy awareness
Mangaluru: Dr Rahul M Rao, a neuropsychiatrist at Mangaluru Psychiatry Centre and assistant professor at Father Muller Medical College Hospital, is among 5,684 participants whose efforts earned a place in the Guinness World Records. The record, for the largest online video album of people holding ice, was achieved by Team Synergy of Sun Pharma Laboratories in Nov last year as part of a nationwide campaign to raise awareness about peripheral neuropathy. The acceptance and issuance of certificates happened recently. Inspired by the ALS Ice Bucket Challenge, the initiative involved doctors across India holding ice in their hands while delivering brief messages about peripheral neuropathy, a neurological condition characterised by severe pain, tingling, and burning sensations, usually in the hands and feet. "Peripheral neuropathy often affects people with diabetes or chronic alcohol dependence. The pain can be extremely intense and disabling. Patients struggle with basic tasks; they cannot walk properly, touch hot or cold objects, or even write," Dr Rao explained. In Mangaluru, Dr Rao noted, cases of peripheral neuropathy are on the rise, especially among alcohol-dependent patients and long-term diabetics. "Toxic neuropathy is a real concern. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Adidas Three Shorts With 60% Discount, Limited Stock Available Original Adidas Shop Now Undo The area around the hands and feet is where the pain is often concentrated. In patients who have been diabetic for over 15 years, and whose sugar levels are uncontrolled, burning, tingling sensations are common," he said. Dr. Rao stressed the need for greater awareness and said that while complications of alcohol use are often associated with liver damage, and diabetes with kidney, cardiac, or eye issues, nerve damage is an equally debilitating but lesser-known consequence. "Chronic high blood sugar or prolonged alcohol exposure damages small nerves. Patients wake up with pain every day, and this can lead to mental health issues such as depression, anxeity and insomnia. Sometimes, pain-related sleep disturbances are what bring them to a psychiatrist," he said. He stressed that peripheral neuropathy is a treatable condition. "With the right medications and awareness, we can significantly improve patients' quality of life," he added.
Daily Mirror
27-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mirror
Rory McIlroy's complex love life from cancelled wedding to divorce U-turn
Rory McIlroy's love life has seen its fair share of drama - from a called-off wedding to tennis star Caroline Wozniacki to a surprise U-turn on his recent divorce plans Away from the the golf course, Rory McIlroy's love life has been far from smooth sailing, marked by high-profile romances, heartbreaks, and speculation. The Northern Irish golf ace, 35, may be one of Europe's most successful players, but off the course, his romantic history has been a rollercoaster. Over the years, he's been linked to several women in the spotlight - and most recently, eyebrows were raised again following an "awkward" post-match interview with CBS Sports presenter Amanda Balionis. The pair were once rumoured to be romantically involved during a rocky patch in Rory's marriage to Erica Stoll - a relationship he appeared ready to end before making a dramatic U-turn on divorce proceedings. Fresh from his first career win at Pebble Beach, Rory's on-camera moment with Amanda reignited chatter about their alleged past, leaving viewers both intrigued and stunned. "To win at one of the cathedrals of golf is really really cool. I knew today was gonna be tough, it was gonna be exciting, there were so many guys around the lead," he told Amanda. The clip was shared on X in February, with one writing: "This is EMBARRASSING to watch these two after the debacle last year off-course." Another wrote: "Sure didn't waste anytime getting that interview up. Wonder why?" A third simply shared: "Awkward" with a grimacing emoji. Here, the Mirror looks back at Rory's rollercoaster love life. Meghan Markle rumours Long before Meghan Markle found happiness with Prince Harry, the Duchess of Sussex was linked to Rory. Back in the summer of 2014, Meghan - who was at the height of her Suits fame - struck up an unexpected friendship with the golf star. Romance rumours came after he nominated her to do the Ice Bucket Challenge for the ALS Association. The viral trend saw those taking part throw ice-cold water over themselves and post a video of it on social media to raise awareness of ALS, a type of motor neurone disease. Meghan accepted the nomination on one condition - Rory threw the ice-cold water over her himself. After the video was posted on social media, it was reported the pair enjoyed drinks and dinner in New York. Shortly afterwards, Meghan gushed about her pal on her former blog, The Tig, calling him the "real deal". She wrote: "Ah yes. Rory McIlroy. THE Rory McIlroy. Whispered (and shouted) to be the foremost golfer in the world, loved by Tiger, respected by Palmer, and dumper of frigid water on to my lone head for the ALS Ice Bucket Challenge. That Rory McIlroy. "'He is a force who has the propensity to actually work hard and play hard - relishing intense practices to substantiate his title, embracing nights of sipping Opus One (his bold and impressive choice of wine) and indulging in group dinners at Cipriani - for the balance, of course. "And yet, beyond his work/play ethic, the most endearing quality of this man is his character - as real and honest as they come, appreciating a simple smile, never shunning a fan photo, enjoying a plate of pasta with veal ragu, and expressing a love for his parents that is rarely seen in men his age. Or at any age, to be honest. He is not just the real deal… he is real. And perhaps that is what makes him even more cherished." Dating rumours intensified when several months later, in October 2014, they were spotted having dinner together at the trendy Dublin restaurant Fade Street Social. But despite speculation, the pair were never more than friends. In fact, Meghan was said to be dating chef Cory Vitiello. Brutal break-up When Rory and Caroline Wozniacki, the former world number one tennis star, announced their engagement in December 2013, it looked like they were on their way to becoming a sporting power couple. The pair had been dating for three years and frequently attended each other's events, with the swimsuit model even occasionally acting as her partner's caddy. However, just months after getting down on one knee on New Year's Eve, Rory suddenly called it off - reportedly even after the wedding invites had been sent out. According to The Times, Rory phoned his fiancée to inform her of his intentions with a three-minute call that the Dane initially thought was a joke. His comments about the break-up proved the start of a bitter war of words between the estranged pair. Speaking to the Irish Independent in 2017, he said: "I thought at the time that being with someone that was in a similar position to you was the obvious answer. But it isn't, because you can never get away from it. You can never detach yourself and try to come back to the real world." Divorce U-turn Rory moved on months after breaking off the engagement and found love with Erica, whom he first met in 2012 while she was working for the PGA in America. In 2017, the couple walked down the aisle in Ashworth Castle, one of Ireland's top hotels. The star-studded guest list included Chris Martin from Coldplay and One Direction's Niall Horan, while there were also performances from Stevie Wonder and Ed Sheeran. In August 2020, the couple welcomed their daughter, Poppy Kennedy McIlroy. Speaking to the Irish Independent, the sportsman opened up about Erica's admirable lack of "judgement" - and appeared to take a dig at his ex once more. He said: "We met when she was working for the PGA of America, and renting a condo in Palm Beach, and I found it refreshing being with someone who was living a normal life rather than, 'Oh! My jet is 30 minutes late!' "I could speak to her about anything, we ended up spending a bit of time together and realised that there was something more there. I love that she knows everything about me, and there was no judgement there. There was no judgement from day one, which is huge, because that's very hard to find for someone in my position." But their happy marriage appeared to come to an end when the shock news that Rory filed for divorce after seven years made headlines. The petition was filed in Palm Beach County State Court in Florida on Monday, May 13, 2024. "Rory McIlroy's communications team confirmed today that a divorce has been filed," a statement from the 35-year-old's team read. "They stressed Rory's desire to ensure this difficult time is as respectful and amicable as possible. He will not be making any further comment." However just a month later, Rory scrapped his divorce plan, as reported DailyMail. The paper reported that Erica failed to respond or even register an attorney by the June 2 deadline. Just two days before the opening round of the US Open, Rory addressed the speculation, confirming they were indeed back together. Releasing a statement to the Guardian, he said: "There have been rumours about my personal life recently, which is unfortunate. Responding to each rumour is a fool's game. Over the past weeks, Erica and I have realized that our best future was as a family together. Thankfully, we have resolved our differences and look forward to a new beginning." At the time of their reconciliation, Rory had been linked to CBS Sports reporter Amanda Balionis, 38, after the pair were seen hugging following an interview at the RBC Canadian Open at Hamilton Golf and Country Club in Hamilton, Ontario. Balionis is married to football coach Bryn Renner, but had been spotted without wearing her wedding ring and reverted back to her maiden name. The couple has yet to comment on speculation that they have separated. Neither she nor Mcllroy addressed the affair rumours, but an unnamed source told Us Weekly they weren't dating. It appears Rory wants to put the speculation behind him as towards the end of last year, his family were there to congratulate him after he made his way off the course at the DP World Tour Championship. McIlroy was able to give his young daughter a big hug in celebration, before embracing with Stoll as the pair shared a kiss. He then returned to the 18th green a while later for the post-tournament presentation and paid tribute to his family, telling Erica and Poppy: "I love you," during his victory speech. In the immediate aftermath, an emotional McIlroy revealed what he had been through in the past year. "Yeah It means a lot," he declared. "I've been through a lot this year professionally, personally. It feels like the fitting end to 2024. You know, yeah, look, I've persevered this year a lot. Had close calls. Wasn't able to get it done... Really pleased with the way I finished and thankfully I hung on on a tough day and got it done."
New York Post
24-05-2025
- Entertainment
- New York Post
Clueless dog owners slammed by irate animal rights activists over ‘cruel' new trend: ‘An appalling betrayal'
These influencers should be put in the doghouse. A disturbing new TikTok trend — where clueless owners dump buckets of ice water on their unsuspecting pups — is drawing widespread outrage from animal lovers, who are barking mad over what they call a 'cruel' and 'appalling' stunt. The so-called '#barkyourmindchallenge' is a twisted take on the recently-revived ALS Ice Bucket Challenge that first soaked the internet a decade ago, raising awareness for a neurodegenerative disease. Advertisement But instead of chilling themselves for a good cause, some brain-frozen pet owners are drenching their dogs — all for the sake of a few likes. 'Dousing an unsuspecting dog with water is an appalling betrayal of their trust that undoubtedly leaves them confused and terrified, and it's every bit as egregiously cruel as it would be if it were a child being harassed and antagonised,' Jason Baker of animal rights group Peta told 'Peta encourages animal guardians to use common sense, think about these senseless social media stunts from the animal's perspective, and always put their companion animal's well-being first.' Advertisement 4 Instead of taking the icy hit themselves, some pet owners are soaking their dogs — all to score a few cheap likes. TIkTok/@chrisheern But common sense seems to be on ice. 'This is an upsetting trend where you can see the animals are visibly confused by the human's behaviour in these videos,' Ryan Neile, head of behavior at UK pet charity Blue Cross said in a statement, as per The Independent. 'Pets are not toys to be exploited, humiliated or objectified for our own entertainment.' Advertisement 4 The so-called '#barkyourmindchallenge' is a mangy twist on the once-heroic ALS Ice Bucket Challenge — now drenching dogs instead of raising awareness. TikTok/@maggiemaewaddle The frosty fad comes hot on the heels of another stomach-churning trend previously reported on by The Post, in which pet owners filmed themselves spinning their cats, dogs — even rabbits — by the front legs like rag dolls. 'This puts unnecessary strain on your pet's joints/muscles and can make them feel dizzy and nauseous, all for the sake of a few views,' warned Jade, a registered veterinary nurse and popular TikTokker known as Jade The Vet Nurse last month. 'Let's be responsible pet owners and get rid of this trend.' Jade, who has three dogs and three tortoises of her own, didn't mince words when she saw people hoisting their pets like circus props. Advertisement 4 The frosty fad (above) follows another gut-churning craze The Post covered — where pet owners spun their cats, dogs, even rabbits by the front legs like limp rag dolls. TikTok/@maggiemaewaddle 'You can cause [them] to feel really dizzy and nauseous,' she said. 'I've literally seen people try and do this trend with large dogs, and I have seen people drop their dogs, which can cause injury.' The UK's People's Dispensary for Sick Animals echoed Jade's concerns, warning that the spinning — and likely the ice baths too — could result in lasting damage. 'Limping and stiffness can be caused by several different conditions, the most common being minor injuries and arthritis,' the group said. 4 Animal rights watchdogs like Peta (above) have ripped both trends — whether it's dousing dogs with ice water or spinning them like furry fidget spinners for TikTok clout. PETA 'It is important to take your dog to the vets even if their problem appears minor – some dogs are very good at hiding pain from their owner.' In other words, stop using your pet as clickbait. Because no amount of clout is worth chilling — or spinning — your best friend into a vet visit.
Yahoo
13-05-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Remember the Ice Bucket Challenge? It's back.
More than a decade after the viral trend first got its start, thousands of people are dusting off their buckets and dumping ice water on their heads all over again—but this time, for mental health. The viral 2014 Ice Bucket Challenge raised $115 million in six weeks for what was, at the time, a severely neglected disease—amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), which degrades nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord over time, leading to loss of muscle control and, ultimately, the ability to talk, move, eat, and breathe. But the global social media phenomenon did more than that. It forever changed the trajectory of ALS, leading to the discovery of disease-specific genes and treatments, greater scientific collaborations, and technology that improved patients' quality of life. (A decade later: How the ALS Ice Bucket Challenge made a lasting impact.) But how did those close to the original challenge feel about the revamped version—and what progress has been made since? We spoke with Patrick Quinn, father of the late Pat Quinn, one of the original Ice Bucket Challenge's three co-founders, as well as Brian Frederick, chief marketing and communications officer for the ALS Association (ALSA), to find out. After losing friends to suicide, Wade Jefferson, a student at the University of South Carolina, wanted to work towards squashing stigmas around mental health. He started the college's Mental Illness Needs Discussion (MIND) club, and thought a reimagined ice bucket challenge could breathe new life into mental health advocacy. Thus, the recent #SpeakYourMIND Challenge was born. The campaign, which launched March 31, has raised nearly $420,000 for Active Minds—the largest nonprofit in the United States that's working to change mental health norms among teens and young adults. It has even attracted some high-profile attention, including from former NFL quarterback Peyton Manning and TODAY show host Jenna Bush Hager. While the campaign began to pick up some steam, some feared the revamped social media trend might take away from spotlighting the challenges associated with ALS. At the same time, people on social media were tagging the ALSA in their videos, connecting the original driving factor behind the trend with mental health. Shortly after, the ALSA and Active Minds joined forces to raise awareness for both causes, using the challenge to bring attention to the fact that ALS doesn't just affect people physically, but emotionally as well—a reality that isn't often discussed. 'Even in ALS support groups, mental health is something that was never brought up,' says Quinn. 'It was always physical. But when you really peel back each of one of those negatives, how much mental impact does that have?' Also known as Lou Gehrig's disease, ALS affects roughly 30,000 people in the U.S., and most live only two to five years after symptoms develop. Because much more progress is needed to address patients' debilitating loss of function, Quinn feels like the mental health of these patients has been put on the back burner. Even though ALS was first identified more than 150 years ago, few studies have analyzed how the disease impacts mental health and vice versa. At least one questionnaire found that as physical impairment worsens among those with ALS, so does depression. Other self-reported surveys show that up to 64 percent of ALS patients feel depressed and 88 percent feel anxious. A 2019 study even found that poorer emotional well-being was associated with faster disease progression. Quinn, who watched his son battle ALS for seven-and-a-half years, said it can be difficult to recognize how people with the disease feel, especially once they lose the ability to speak, and even more so 'because they have a funny way of hiding it to avoid being a burden on their families.' (9 simple ways to boost your mental health, according to science.) But hope is on the horizon for ALS patients and their families. A study published in January found that Qalsody—the first gene-based therapy for ALS approved by the FDA in 2023—not only slows the progression of a rare form of the disease, but also helps restore patients' function. Companies are also leveraging AI tools to search through massive datasets to pinpoint biological targets that can help accelerate drug discovery and development, says Frederick. And advancements in technology are continuing to help ALS patients who have lost the ability to speak to communicate with others. 'There are many more things now that make it easier for them to not just give up,' says Quinn, adding that he's grateful that the #SpeakYourMIND Challenge has opened his and others' eyes to the importance of mental health for ALS patients. 'ALS doesn't have a face until it comes into your house' he says. 'One of Pat's big things before he passed is, no matter how bad things get, find a reason to find your smile—and just keep going.'
National Geographic
13-05-2025
- Health
- National Geographic
Remember the Ice Bucket Challenge? It's back.
People participate in the "Ice Bucket Challenge" in Gloucester, MA during the last annual "Plunge 4 Pete" on Dec. 28, 2019, what would have been Pete Frates' 35th birthday. The fundraiser started in 2012 after Frates' diagnosis of ALS, and eventually helped popularize the Ice Bucket Challenge. Photograph by Jessica Rinaldi, TheThe 2014 social media trend put the spotlight on unanswered questions and needed treatments for ALS. Will its return help? We asked the father of one of the original Ice Bucket Challenge founders. More than a decade after the viral trend first got its start, thousands of people are dusting off their buckets and dumping ice water on their heads all over again—but this time, for mental health. The viral 2014 Ice Bucket Challenge raised $115 million in six weeks for what was, at the time, a severely neglected disease—amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), which degrades nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord over time, leading to loss of muscle control and, ultimately, the ability to talk, move, eat, and breathe. But the global social media phenomenon did more than that. It forever changed the trajectory of ALS, leading to the discovery of disease-specific genes and treatments, greater scientific collaborations, and technology that improved patients' quality of life. (A decade later: How the ALS Ice Bucket Challenge made a lasting impact.) But how did those close to the original challenge feel about the revamped version—and what progress has been made since? We spoke with Patrick Quinn, father of the late Pat Quinn, one of the original Ice Bucket Challenge's three co-founders, as well as Brian Frederick, chief marketing and communications officer for the ALS Association (ALSA), to find out. A revamped social media challenge After losing friends to suicide, Wade Jefferson, a student at the University of South Carolina, wanted to work towards squashing stigmas around mental health. He started the college's Mental Illness Needs Discussion (MIND) club, and thought a reimagined ice bucket challenge could breathe new life into mental health advocacy. Thus, the recent #SpeakYourMIND Challenge was born. The campaign, which launched March 31, has raised nearly $420,000 for Active Minds—the largest nonprofit in the United States that's working to change mental health norms among teens and young adults. It has even attracted some high-profile attention, including from former NFL quarterback Peyton Manning and TODAY show host Jenna Bush Hager. While the campaign began to pick up some steam, some feared the revamped social media trend might take away from spotlighting the challenges associated with ALS. At the same time, people on social media were tagging the ALSA in their videos, connecting the original driving factor behind the trend with mental health. Shortly after, the ALSA and Active Minds joined forces to raise awareness for both causes, using the challenge to bring attention to the fact that ALS doesn't just affect people physically, but emotionally as well—a reality that isn't often discussed. 'Even in ALS support groups, mental health is something that was never brought up,' says Quinn. 'It was always physical. But when you really peel back each of one of those negatives, how much mental impact does that have?' What we know about mental health in ALS patients Also known as Lou Gehrig's disease, ALS affects roughly 30,000 people in the U.S., and most live only two to five years after symptoms develop. Because much more progress is needed to address patients' debilitating loss of function, Quinn feels like the mental health of these patients has been put on the back burner. Even though ALS was first identified more than 150 years ago, few studies have analyzed how the disease impacts mental health and vice versa. At least one questionnaire found that as physical impairment worsens among those with ALS, so does depression. Other self-reported surveys show that up to 64 percent of ALS patients feel depressed and 88 percent feel anxious. A 2019 study even found that poorer emotional well-being was associated with faster disease progression. Ice Bucket Challenge co-founders Pat Quinn (left), Pete Frates (center), and Pete's wife Julie and daughter Lucy, along with Red Sox players and staff, take part in the relaunch of the Ice Bucket Challenge on July 31, 2015 at Fenway Park. Photograph by Arthur Pollock, MediaNews Group/Quinn, who watched his son battle ALS for seven-and-a-half years, said it can be difficult to recognize how people with the disease feel, especially once they lose the ability to speak, and even more so 'because they have a funny way of hiding it to avoid being a burden on their families.' (9 simple ways to boost your mental health, according to science.) New technology advancing ALS treatments But hope is on the horizon for ALS patients and their families. A study published in January found that Qalsody—the first gene-based therapy for ALS approved by the FDA in 2023—not only slows the progression of a rare form of the disease, but also helps restore patients' function. Companies are also leveraging AI tools to search through massive datasets to pinpoint biological targets that can help accelerate drug discovery and development, says Frederick. And advancements in technology are continuing to help ALS patients who have lost the ability to speak to communicate with others. 'There are many more things now that make it easier for them to not just give up,' says Quinn, adding that he's grateful that the #SpeakYourMIND Challenge has opened his and others' eyes to the importance of mental health for ALS patients. 'ALS doesn't have a face until it comes into your house' he says. 'One of Pat's big things before he passed is, no matter how bad things get, find a reason to find your smile—and just keep going.'
