Month: April 2025

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As the world grieves, the Pope’s closest associates have shared the truth about his last hours, including his heartfelt farewell gesture and the words he decided to leave behind. c Pope Francis died on Easter Monday, April 21, 2025, at the age of 88 at his residence in the Vatican’s Casa Santa Marta. pic.twitter.com/jUIkbplVi2 — Vatican News (@VaticanNews) April 21, 2025 Moments earlier, he had whispered nine poignant words, his last known sentence — “Thank you for bringing me back to the Square.” Those words were addressed to Massimiliano Strappetti, the nurse who had become a central figure in the Pope’s final years. The man who once recommended colon surgery to save the Pope’s life was Strappetti, who was more than just a caregiver. In 2022, he was named Pope Francis’ personal healthcare assistant for his unwavering commitment. Strappetti was by the Pope’s side during his last hospital stay in Gemelli Hospital in Rome and afterwards at Casa Santa Marta, where he kept constant watch. Strappetti accompanied Pope Francis on Easter Sunday during the Urbi et Orbi blessing, which would be his final public appearance. The previous day, they had gone over the route he would take to reach St. Peter’s Basilica’s Central Loggia. Source: Wikipedia Pope Francis had intended to ride in the popemobile following the blessing in order to surprise the 50,000 worshippers assembled in the square. But he paused and said, “Do you think I can manage it?” to get advice from his assistant. He did. On Sunday, he went back to the square, embracing the people there and giving the kids extra attention. It was the last voyage he would take in a popemobile and the first after he was released from the hospital. Tired yet content, he turned to Strappetti and said, “Thank you for bringing me back to the Square.” In that moment, he revealed the depth of his desire to be close to the people, a principle that had defined his papacy from the start. Ezoic He went to bed and had a peaceful meal later that day. He started exhibiting symptoms of an unexpected illness about 5:30 a.m. the following day. The medical staff acted right away, but Pope Francis fell into a coma around an hour later. He waved his hand to Strappetti as a last gesture before passing out when he was laying in bed on the second level of Casa Santa Marta. Ezoic He did not suffer, according to those who were there. Given the Pope’s reticent attitude on his health, the death was unexpected and covert. When Pope Francis was elected on March 13, 2013, he made a commitment to walk “together” with God’s people. With humility, warmth, and grace, he fulfilled that vow in his final hours. Ezoic A stroke, followed by a coma and permanent cardiocirculatory collapse, was determined to be the cause of death. Vatican City State’s Directorate of Health and Hygiene, led by Dr. Andrea Arcangeli, officially certified the facility. The Holy See Press Office published a report outlining the Pope’s medical history, which included multiple bronchiectases, high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, and acute respiratory failure from multimicrobial bilateral pneumonia. By using electrocardiographic thanatography, his death was verified. Ezoic In a different, subtly poignant moment, Vice President JD Vance, who was among the last world leaders to meet with Pope Francis, said three last words to the Pope during his recent visit to the Vatican. These remarks now have more significance given the Pope’s passing. Vance, a convert to Catholicism, met Pope Francis on Easter Sunday, April 20, 2025, at the Domus Santa Marta in Vatican City. Video footage published by the Vatican showed the Pope sitting in a wheelchair, looking weak and reportedly hardly able to be heard. As Vance entered the room, he bent down and gently grasped the pontiff’s hand. “Hello,” he said. “So good to see you.” The Pope did not respond audibly. A priest acting as a translator spoke in his stead. Still, Vance, visibly moved by the moment, offered words of comfort. “I know you’ve not been feeling great, but it’s good to see you in better health,” he said. Vance stood to the Pope’s right in the photo after a short conversation, and the vice president’s final parting words were, “God bless you.” These were the final three words Vance spoke to Pope Francis; they were respectful remarks made just before the Pope’s death. Despite its briefness, the meeting was quite important. On issues like the Trump administration’s immigration policies and deportation strategies, Vance and Pope Francis had openly clashed. Despite their divergent ideologies, the Easter Sunday assembly was courteous and friendly. The Vatican said the guys had met to welcome each other on Easter. Vance’s convoy was only on Vatican property for seventeen minutes. His workplace acknowledged the encounter but provided no further details. The day before their meeting, on Saturday, Vance met with top Vatican officials to talk about issues including immigration and international war, which dominated many of Pope Francis’ public remarks. The Pope presented presents for the vice president’s family during the meeting. A priest gave Vance a plate of rosaries and a Vatican tie, along with chocolate eggs, through his interpreter. “These are for your children,” the priest said. Vance accepted the tie and replied, “Thank you. So beautiful.” The vice president and his family went to the Basilica of St. Paul Outside the Walls for Easter liturgy following the conference. They also paid a visit to the apostle Paul’s tomb. Following the Pope’s passing, Vance posted a tribute on X, expressing his sorrow and reflecting on the significance of their final meeting. “I just learned of the passing of Pope Francis. My heart goes out to the millions of Christians all over the world who loved him,” he wrote.The post continued, “I was happy to see him yesterday, though he was obviously very ill. But I’ll always remember him for the below homily he gave in the very early days of COVID. It was really quite beautiful. May … Read more

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Some 63 percent of men are more likely to be in danger of health concern if they are not active in the sheets If you aren’t having sex frequently, it could be having a negative impact on your health. c Men over 50s who aren’t having frequent sex face more negative health impacts than those who are (Getty stock) Meanwhile, participants who stated that they were less inclined to get physical with a partner had a 33 percent higher risk of being diagnosed with coronary heart disease at baseline, compared to those that maintained a high sex drive. A low sex drive, or at least a decline in the frequency in which participants were having sex, resulted in a 41 percent higher risk of developing an incident limiting long-term sickness, with a worrying 63 percent increased chance of incident cancer. It concluded that a past-year decline in your sex drive, and how many times you act on it, as well as the ability to maintain an erection, was linked to a number of negative health impacts. Meanwhile, a recent study in Japan has revealed a potential connection between having a lack of interest in sex and how long you live. If you want your parents to live a while more, maybe book them a romantic trip away for Mother’s Day! (Getty stock) A study of 20,969 people in Japan looked at the link between sexual interest as an indicator of ‘positive sexual relationships and sexual function’ and how these have been ‘recognized as important indicators of good health and quality of life‘. Titled, Association between lack of sexual interest and all-cause mortality in a Japanese general population: The Yamagata prospective observational study was published in Journals. It reflected on the results of previous studies showing positive psychological factors aid living longer (longevity) and ‘decrease the risks of cardiovascular disease and cancer‘. The study resolved: “Lack of sexual interest is suggested to be a risk factor for all-cause mortality in Japanese males over 40 years old. This finding has implications for the importance of sexual interest in increasing longevity in this population.”

Strokes are a medical emergency that require immediate attention, but did you know that your body often sends warning signs weeks before one occurs? Recognizing these symptoms early could mean the difference between life and death. In this article, we’ll break down what a stroke is, its different types, and the 10 crucial warning signs you should never ignore. c A stroke occurs when blood flow to the brain is interrupted, cutting off oxygen supply to brain cells. This can cause permanent damage, disability, or even death. There are three main types of strokes: Ischemic Stroke: The most common type, caused by a blocked artery due to a blood clot or cholesterol buildup. Hemorrhagic Stroke: Caused by bleeding in the brain due to a ruptured blood vessel, aneurysm, or head injury. Transient Ischemic Attack (TIA): Often called a “mini-stroke,” it’s a temporary blockage that resolves itself, but it serves as a major warning sign of a future stroke. The symptoms of a stroke depend on which part of the brain is affected, but some warning signs can appear weeks or even months before a full stroke occurs. Let’s explore these crucial symptoms. 10 Warning Signs of a Stroke You Shouldn’t Ignore 1. Sudden Exhaustion Feeling unusually tired or experiencing extreme fatigue without explanation? This could be a sign that your brain is struggling with reduced blood flow. If exhaustion persists despite rest, it’s time to consult a doctor. Seeing flashes of light, hearing strange sounds, or smelling things that aren’t there could indicate a neurological issue. If these symptoms appear suddenly and without reason, they may be a precursor to a stroke. 3. Facial Paralysis or Numbness One of the most recognizable signs of an impending stroke is sudden numbness or paralysis, usually on one side of the face. If you notice an uneven smile or a drooping eyelid, seek medical attention immediately. 4. Tunnel Vision or Sudden Vision Loss Losing peripheral vision or experiencing blurred sight can signal reduced blood flow to the brain. If your vision suddenly changes in one or both eyes, don’t ignore it—it could be an early warning sign of a stroke. 5. Loss of Coordination and Balance Are you suddenly stumbling, feeling dizzy, or struggling to maintain your balance? If these issues persist, it could indicate a problem with blood circulation in the brain. 6. Speech Difficulties Slurred speech, trouble finding words, or difficulty understanding others can be an early symptom of an impending stroke. If communication becomes challenging, don’t wait—seek medical advice immediately. 7. Unexplained Severe Headaches Frequent headaches that feel different from your usual migraines—especially if they are sudden and intense—may indicate a stroke in progress. If pain medication doesn’t help, this is a red flag. 8. Sudden Mood Swings or Memory Loss Uncharacteristic irritability, confusion, or forgetfulness can be signs that the brain isn’t functioning properly. Small memory lapses may seem harmless, but they could be early indicators of an impending stroke. 9. Shortness of Breath or Chest Pain A stroke doesn’t just affect the brain—it can also impact the heart. If you experience sudden shortness of breath, chest discomfort, or an irregular heartbeat, this may suggest an increased risk of stroke. 10. Unexplained High Blood Pressure Spikes Frequent and sudden increases in blood pressure can damage arteries, leading to a stroke. If your blood pressure is significantly higher than normal, consult a doctor to manage the risk. How to Reduce Your Risk of Stroke Now that you know the warning signs, here are a few proactive steps to lower your stroke risk: ✅ Adopt a Healthy Diet: Eat more fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins while reducing salt and unhealthy fats. ✅ Exercise Regularly: Even 30 minutes of moderate physical activity can significantly reduce your risk. ✅ Monitor Your Blood Pressure: High blood pressure is a leading cause of strokes. Keep it under control with lifestyle changes and medication if necessary. ✅ Limit Alcohol and Avoid Smoking: Excessive drinking and smoking damage blood vessels, increasing your stroke risk. ✅ Stay Hydrated: Dehydration can thicken the blood, making clot formation more likely. ✅ Manage Stress: Chronic stress can lead to high blood pressure and heart issues. Practice mindfulness, deep breathing, or meditation. Conclusion: Early Detection Saves Lives A stroke can strike suddenly, but your body often provides warning signs well in advance. Recognizing symptoms like extreme fatigue, facial paralysis, speech difficulties, or high blood pressure spikes can be life-saving. If you or someone you know experiences these symptoms, don’t hesitate—seek medical help immediately. Prevention is key, so take proactive steps to maintain a healthy lifestyle and reduce your risk.

Penny went on to say she and Jake have a ‘very healthy sex life’, adding to The Sun: “For me, it isn’t just about the penetration and climax of sex, but the foreplay and everything that leads up to that. c

The question is: does how it’s done make a difference, too? A chief doctor has weighed in on studies suggesting it’s ‘possible’ that ejaculating helps prevent prostate cancer. c