The jury at Manchester Crown Court found Neonatal Nurse Lucy Letby guilty of murdering seven babies and trying to kill six others at the Countess of Chester Hospital between June 2015 and June 2016. At over 10 months, the murder trial was the longest and one of the most complex in British history.

Whole Life Order

Mr Justice Goss sentenced Letby to 14 whole life orders on Monday, August 21, 2023. A whole life order is the most severe sentence available in the UK and means that Letby will never be eligible for parole.

Why did Lucy Letby do it?

The prosecution argued that Letby enjoyed “playing God” and she targeted the most vulnerable babies. Driving her desire to kill was getting the “personal attention” of a male doctor who would respond when the babies she harmed deteriorated. The defence argued that Letby was innocent and that the babies had died of natural causes.

Lucy Letby’s Sentence

The jury rejected the defence’s arguments and found Letby guilty of fourteen of the twenty-two charges against her. Each and every offence that the jury found her guilty of resulted in a whole life order. Mr Justice Goss said that “Because the seriousness of your offences is exceptionally high… you will spend the rest of your life in prison.”

Lucy Letby’s Parents

Letby’s parents, John and Susan Letby, have not spoken publicly about their daughter’s conviction or sentence. However, they attended every day of the trial and Susan Letby sobbed in the courtroom when the jury found her daughter guilty. They did not attend for her sentencing, and Letby herself also refused to appear in court.

The Trial of Lucy Letby

It is not clear why Lucy Letby committed these crimes. The prosecution argued that she got “a thrill out of…the grief and despair.” The defence argued that the prosecution was “founded on guesswork” but the jury rejected this argument.

The whole life orders mean that the prison will never release Lucy Letby. She will die behind bars. Letby maintains her innocence.

Safety of Babies in Hospitals

This case has shocked us, and it raises questions about the safety of babies in hospitals. The Countess of Chester Hospital, rated as requires improvement by the CQC (and inadequate for maternity services) following its inspection in June 2022, has apologised to the families of the victims. The Government has ordered an independent enquiry into the circumstances behind the murders and attempted murders to help ensure that families get the answers that they need.

Singer Celine Dion recently announced that doctors had diagnosed her with the condition called Stiff Person Syndrome (SPS). The symptoms of SPS forced Dion to cancel her upcoming world tour. Symptoms of SPS include muscle stiffness and spasms.

Dion’s announcement has raised awareness of SPS, a rare neurological disorder that affects only about one or two people per million. The condition is an autoimmune disorder, meaning that the body’s immune system mistakenly attacks healthy cells. In the case of SPS, the immune system attacks cells that produce gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), a neurotransmitter that helps control muscle movement.

The symptoms of SPS can vary from person to person, but they typically include muscle stiffness, spasms, and pain. A variety of things can trigger symptoms, including sudden movement, cold temperature, or loud noises.

There is no cure for SPS. Treatments, however, can help to manage the symptoms. Medications such as gabapentin and baclofen can help to reduce muscle stiffness and spasms. Physical therapy can also help to improve range of motion and flexibility.

Dion’s announcement has helped to raise awareness of SPS, and the challenges faced by people with the condition. Hopefully her story will help to encourage more people to seek diagnosis and treatment for SPS.

In addition to Dion’s announcement:

• recent studies on the condition have helped to improve our understanding of its causes and treatment.
• there has been an increase in the number of support groups and online forums for people with SPS, which has helped to connect patients and their families.
• there has been a growing awareness of rare diseases in general, which has led to more research and funding for conditions like SPS.

Staying motivated and overcoming obstacles on your fitness journey can be challenging, but with the right approach and mindset, you can achieve your goals. Here are some tips to help you stay on track:

Set Clear Goals:

Define your fitness goals clearly. Whether it’s losing weight, building muscle, improving endurance, or something else, having specific goals will give you a sense of direction and purpose.

Start Small:

Don’t overwhelm yourself with drastic changes. Begin with small, manageable steps. Gradually increase the intensity and complexity of your workouts and dietary changes.

Create a Routine:

Establish a consistent workout schedule and stick to it. Consistency is key to seeing progress and forming healthy habits.

Mix It Up:

Variety prevents boredom and plateaus. Incorporate different types of exercises and activities to keep things interesting and challenge your body in new ways.

Find Enjoyable Activities:

Choose workouts and activities you genuinely enjoy. Whether it’s dancing, swimming, hiking, or playing a sport, doing something you love increases your chances of sticking with it.

Track Your Progress:

Keep a record of your workouts, diet, and measurements. Seeing your progress over time can be incredibly motivating.

Celebrate Achievements:

Celebrate your milestones, no matter how small. Treat yourself to something you enjoy (that doesn’t undo your hard work), like a new workout outfit or a relaxing day off.

Accountability Partner:

Partner up with a friend, family member, or a personal trainer. Having someone to share your journey with can boost motivation and provide support.

Visualise Success:

Imagine yourself achieving your goals. Visualising success can help keep you focused and motivated, especially during challenging times.

Overcoming Obstacles:

Time Management:

Plan your workouts in advance and prioritise them. Even short workouts are better than none.

Lack of Motivation:

Remember your reasons for starting and envision the benefits of reaching your goals.

Plateaus:

Plateaus are normal. Reevaluate your routine, adjust your goals if needed, and consider trying new workouts.

Injuries:

Listen to your body and don’t push through pain. Consult a professional if you’re injured and need guidance.

Unrealistic Expectations:

Be patient and realistic about your progress. Sustainable changes take time.

Self-Care:

Get enough sleep, manage stress, and take care of your mental well-being. A healthy mind supports a healthy body.

Nutrition:

Fuel your body with balanced, nutritious meals. Avoid extreme diets and focus on long-term, sustainable eating habits.

Rest and Recovery:

Allow your body time to recover. Rest is essential for muscle growth and overall well-being.

A crucial aspect of maintaining a healthy diet is portion control. Here are a variety of nutrition tips to help you manage your portion sizes effectively:

Use Smaller Plates and Bowls:

Using smaller plates and bowls can trick your mind into thinking you’re eating more than you are, helping you feel satisfied with smaller portions.

Listen to Your Body:

Pay attention to your body’s hunger and fullness cues. Eat when you’re hungry. Stop when you feel comfortably satisfied, rather than continuing to eat until you’re overly full.

Divide Your Plate:

Use the “plate method” as a guide. Fill half your plate with vegetables, one-quarter with lean protein (like chicken, fish, tofu, or legumes), and one-quarter with whole grains (like brown rice, quinoa, or whole wheat pasta).

Pre-Portion Snacks:

If you have snacks like nuts or chips, portion them out into smaller containers or baggies. This prevents mindless overeating from a large container.

Be Mindful of Liquid Calories:

Beverages like sugary fizzy drinks, fruit juices, and creamy coffee drinks can add up quickly in terms of calories. Opt for water, herbal tea, or other low-calorie drinks.

Limit Restaurant Portions:

Restaurant portions are often larger than what you need. Consider sharing a dish or asking for a to-go container to split the meal in half before you even start eating.

Pack Leftovers Right Away:

When cooking at home, portion out your plate and then pack up leftovers to prevent going back for seconds out of habit.

Use Your Hand as a Guide:

Your hand can be a helpful tool for estimating portion sizes. For example, a palm-sized portion is roughly equivalent to a serving of protein, a fist is about a serving of vegetables, a cupped hand is around a serving of carbohydrates, and your thumb is approximately a serving of fats or condiments.

Read Nutrition Labels:

Nutrition labels provide information about serving sizes and calorie content. Pay attention to these details to avoid underestimating portion sizes.

Practice Mindful Eating:

Eat slowly and savour each bite. This gives your brain time to recognise when you’re full and prevents overeating.

Plan:

Plan your meals and snacks ahead of time. This can help you avoid making impulsive choices based on hunger.

Be Aware of Emotional Eating:

Sometimes we eat not out of physical hunger, but due to stress, boredom, or other emotions. Learn to differentiate between physical hunger and emotional triggers.

Angus Cloud died on Monday, July 31, 2023, at the age of 25. He was best known for his role as drug dealer Fezco O’Neill on the HBO series Euphoria. Cloud’s death was announced by his family in a statement. It said that he had “intensely struggled” since the death of his father in May.

There has been widespread sadness and grief about Cloud’s death from fans and colleagues. HBO said in a statement that they were “incredibly saddened” by his death, calling him “immensely talented” and “a beloved part of the HBO and Euphoria family.”

Although the statement did not confirm the cause of death, the news of Cloud’s death has also sparked a conversation about mental health and the importance of seeking help if you are struggling. Cloud’s family said about mental health in their statement that they hoped his death could be a “reminder to others that they are not alone and should not fight this on their own in silence.”

If you or someone you know is struggling with mental health, please reach out for help. There are various resources available, including the Samaritans (call 116 123 in the UK) and the 988 Lifeline (call 988 in the US).

There are a wide variety of diet plans, each with its own approach and emphasis on specific types of foods. Here are the most popular diet plans:

Mediterranean Diet:

This diet is inspired by the traditional eating habits of people living around the Mediterranean Sea. It emphasises fruits, vegetables, whole grains, legumes, nuts, seeds, olive oil, and moderate consumption of fish and poultry. Red meat and processed foods are limited.

Paleo Diet:

Also known as the “caveman” diet, this plan focuses on foods that our ancestors might have eaten during the Palaeolithic era. It typically includes lean meats, fish, fruits, vegetables, nuts, and seeds while excluding dairy, grains, legumes, and processed foods.

Ketogenic Diet (Keto):

The ketogenic diet is a low-carbohydrate, high-fat diet. It aims to put the body into a state of ketosis. The body burns fat for fuel when it is in a state of ketosis, instead of the usual carbohydrates. This diet includes foods like meat, fatty fish, eggs, avocados, nuts, and healthy oils while limiting carbohydrates and sugars.

Atkins Diet:

Like the ketogenic diet, the Atkins diet is a low-carbohydrate diet that encourages high protein and fat intake. It consists of four phases, gradually increasing carbohydrate intake as you progress.

Vegan Diet:

The vegan diet excludes all animal products. Animal product foods includes meat, dairy, eggs, and honey. It focuses on plant-based foods like fruits, vegetables, legumes, nuts, and seeds.

Vegetarian Diet:

Unlike vegans, vegetarians avoid meat but may include dairy and eggs in their diets. There are different types of vegetarians. One example are lacto-ovo vegetarians who consume dairy and eggs. Another example are lacto vegetarians who consume dairy but no eggs.

Flexitarian Diet:

This is a semi-vegetarian diet that encourages plant-based foods while occasionally incorporating meat and animal products.

DASH Diet:

The Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH) diet is designed to prevent and lower high blood pressure. It emphasises fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and low-fat dairy products while limiting sodium and sweets.

Weight Watchers (WW):

This program assigns a point value to each food and promotes healthy eating habits and portion control.

Intermittent Fasting:

The eating pattern involves moving between periods of eating and fasting. There are different approaches, such as the 16/8 method (16 hours fasting, 8-hour eating window) or the 5:2 method (five days of regular eating, two days of restricted calorie intake).

It’s essential to remember that everyone’s nutritional needs and health goals are unique. Before starting any diet plan, it’s advisable to consult with a healthcare professional or registered dietitian to ensure it aligns with your specific needs and health conditions.

George Alagiah OBE, the BBC newsreader, died on Monday, July 24, 2023, at the age of 67. He had been battling bowel cancer for nine years. People are mourning his loss and paying tribute to his life and career.

Alagiah was born in Sri Lanka in 1955 and grew up in Ghana and the UK. He joined the BBC in 1989 and worked as a foreign correspondent for decades, reporting on major news events from around the world. He was also a presenter on BBC News at Six and of GMT on BBC World News.

Alagiah was a popular and respected figure on British television. He was known for his calm and informative presenting style, and he was always able to connect with viewers. He was also an enthusiastic advocate for cancer charities, and he raised awareness of the disease through his own experiences.

Alagiah’s death is a sad loss for the BBC and for the UK. He was a talented journalist and a wonderful presenter, and people will remember his warmth, his wit, and his commitment to public service.

Tributes

Here are three of the tributes paid to George Alagiah.

• George was ” that rare thing – a first-rate journalist and an all-round lovely human being” – Fiona Bruce, BBC News presenter
• “Tributes will rightly be paid to a fantastic journalist and brilliant broadcaster – but George was the most decent, principled, kindest, most honourable man I have ever worked with. What a loss.” – Jon Sopel, former BBC correspondent
• “George was one of the best and bravest journalists of his generation who reported fearlessly from across the world as well as presenting the news flawlessly. He was more than just an outstanding journalist, audiences could sense his kindness, empathy and wonderful humanity. He was loved by all and we will miss him enormously.” – Tim Davie, Director-General of the BBC

All thoughts are with George Alagiah’s family and friends at this difficult time.