
Abba's Agnetha Fältskog returns with solo song: 'I didn't know if I could do this'
In a rare interview, she discusses new music and the "strange" experience of watching her 3D avatar.
2023-08-31 15:57

Sickle Cell Awareness Month: What is sickle cell disease and how do you know if you have it?
Almost 300 babies are born in the UK with sickle cells every year, according to the Sickle Cell Society, and the effects of sickle cell disease are believed to impact thousands. Yet, many people may not even know what sickle cells are or what living with the condition means. What is sickle cell disease? In most people, red blood cells are disc shaped and move easily through the blood vessels. But if you have sickle cell disease, your red blood cells are shaped like a sickle (similar to a crescent moon). This stops them moving with ease through the body and blood flow becomes restricted. Sickle cell disease isn’t actually one specific disease – it refers to a group of conditions affecting people with sickle cells, which range in severity.The conditions are inherited and predominantly affect people from African and Caribbean family backgrounds. What are the symptoms of sickle cell disease? Symptoms begin early in childhood and can sometimes be debilitating. How each individual is affected may vary, but the main symptoms are anaemia, an increased risk of infections, and pain. This includes extremely painful episodes called ‘sickle cell crisis’, which happens when blood flow to certain parts of the body become blocked. According to the NHS, these episodes can last for days and require hospitalisation. Other issues are associated with the condition too, including problems with the lungs, delayed growth in childhood, higher risk of stroke, leg ulcers and sight/vision problems.How is it diagnosed? Sickle cell disease is usually picked up during pregnancy or shortly after birth, although a blood test can be given at any time to see if someone has the condition or carries sickle cell genes. In parts of the country, pregnant people will be offered a test to see what the chances are of their child having sickle cells. Infants can be checked for the cells through a heel prick test.How do you treat it? Treating sickle cell disease is usually a lifelong process to help people with pain and to stay as healthy as possible. Treatment takes place in specific sickle cell centres and those living with it are encouraged to take care of their health, no matter the severity of their symptoms. Managing pain is a huge part of treating sickle cell disease. Staying hydrated can be helpful, as well as avoiding sudden temperature changes, like getting into a cold shower or diving into water. According to the NHS, Hydroxycarbamide (hydroxyurea) may be recommended, which is taken as a pill once a day. This can lower the quantity of other blood cells and requires careful monitoring, however. Some people may also be able to have a medicine called crizanlizumab, either on its own or alongside hydroxycarbamide, usually injected into a vein every four weeks. To prevent infections, many people with sickle cell disease will take daily antibiotics. Read More Charity boss speaks out over ‘traumatic’ encounter with royal aide Ukraine war’s heaviest fight rages in east - follow live TikTok has gone wild for adult gymnastics – here’s what you should know Man explains why he swapped veganism for raw meat diet: ‘I feel great’ Rugby star Ugo Monye: Boarding school shaped my career and my personality
2023-08-31 14:55

Five rail workers killed in Italy after being hit by train
The train driver was treated by an ambulance at the scene for shock, but was physically unharmed.
2023-08-31 14:26

52 dead in central Johannesburg apartment block fire
South African authorities say it is unclear what sparked the blaze at the five-storey building.
2023-08-31 14:16

Riverdance stars inspire Ukrainian refugees
Young Irish dancers in Dublin hope to follow in the footsteps of the professional dancers.
2023-08-31 13:45

Country Garden: Debt crisis-hit China property giant in record loss
Country Garden reported a record $6.7bn loss for the first six months of the year.
2023-08-31 11:29

Mother of suspended Spanish soccer chief Rubiales hospitalized after church hunger strike
The mother of beleaguered Spanish soccer chief Luis Rubiales, who went on hunger strike in support of her son earlier this week, has been taken to a hospital after becoming "anguished and dizzy," according to a local priest.
2023-08-31 11:19

US health department recommends looser restrictions on cannabis
The US health department has called on drug enforcement officials to reclassify cannabis as lower risk.
2023-08-31 10:22

Gabon coup: Why military takeovers are all the rage
Gabon is the latest African state to be hit by a coup, raising fears about the future of democracy.
2023-08-31 09:49

Coins and medal found in mysterious West Point time capsule from 1820s
The military academy first thought the 200-year-old box was empty. Closer study revealed otherwise.
2023-08-31 09:18

Gabon coup leaders name General Brice Oligui Nguema as new leader
Brice Oligui Nguema is named transitional leader after the overthrow of President Ali Bongo.
2023-08-31 08:54

2 Trump co-defendants ask judge to break apart Georgia election interference case and hold separate trials
Two Trump co-defendants in Georgia who requested speedy trials asked a judge Wednesday to formally separate their cases from the sprawling overall indictment, a move that would undercut Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis' attempt to hold one massive trial for all 19 defendants in the election interference case.
2023-08-31 08:20