SAFFRON BARKER was unanimously voted off Strictly Come Dancing last night and thanked her partner AJ Pritchard for taking her out of my shell.

The 19-year-old YouTube star had been in the dance-off against CBBC presenter Karim Zeroual with his partner Amy Dowden.

Saffron told Strictlys Tess Daly: Its been amazing. Id like to thank AJ so much. When I look at what I was like on week one I was so embarrassed and shy.

Hes really taken me out of my shell. Thank you so much for everything.

AJ praised Saffrons positive mental attitude, adding: Youve inspired so many on your own social media too.

Their elimination came after the pair finished joint last on the leaderboard in Saturday nights show, alongside Alex Scott and Neil Jones.

Earlier in the series, Saffron and AJ reigned supreme at the top of the leaderboard and were considered among the favourites to win. But after performing their samba again, the judges told them it was time to leave.

Karim and Amy were praised for having the best dance by Craig Revel Horwood. His fellow judge Bruno Tonioli said they had proven to be the strongest both technically and artistically when compared to AJ and Saffron. Amy and Karim are in the final five, against Alex and Neil, Chris Ramsey and Karen Hauer, Kelvin Fletcher and Oti Mabuse and Emma Barton and Anton Du Beke.

Next Saturdays musical special airs at 7.10pm on BBC One.

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Vlogging off! Saffron Barker exits Strictly Come Dancing with a tribute to AJ Pritchard - Metro Newspaper UK

After a recent death in the family, a friend asked me, Would you rather die from a physical cause such as a heart attack, or face a mental decline with Alzheimers Disease? It was an awful decision to make, and it dawned on me, does it have to be either one?

There is a great deal of focus in the wellness world on physical fitness, but still very little on mental fitness. As someone who is in perfect health, but has a family history of neurodegenerative disorders on both sides, this is an area I am passionate about researching. In my job as a Director of Spa and Wellness, Im also passionate about sharing what I learn with guests. The Rancho Valencia Wellness Collective is based on the science of epigenetics (the study of biological mechanisms that will switch genes on and off), and I love the feeling of empowerment this science creates, just knowing that potentially 95 percent of disease is preventable through lifestyle.

The latest research shows that it is possible to grow and strengthen your brain through exercises, creating cognitive fitness. After all, humans have both a physical age and a mental age. The goal of these exercises is to improve longevity, and decelerate mental aging. The brain has an amazing ability to change and adapt based on the exercises it is given.

Ive been profoundly inspired by a wonderful book called Boost Your Brain, by Majid Fotuhi, M.D. Ph.D. In the book, he talks about the Core Four ways to grow your brain: Build synapses, bolster the brains highways, nourish and grow blood vessels, and promote the development of neurons. Fotuhi discusses how a bigger brain is critical to peak mental fitness in three main ways: improving memory, clarity and creativity.

Cognitive stimulation helps the hippocampus (which plays a major role in learning and emotions) grow, and increases levels of BDNF (brain-derived neurotrophic factor), a critical protein in the formation of long-term memory.

A larger network of connectivity (synapses, neural highways, blood vessels and neurons) in the brain improves creativity, and the ability to solve abstract problems in the cortex, the area of the brain where higher cognition takes place.

Our Wellness Collective is based on the most impactful lifestyle factors for preventing disease, and I was overjoyed in my research to learn how beneficial they are to preventing cognitive decline as well. Here are some key microsteps that we use in my own work, and how you can adapt them at home to improve your own cognitive fitness:

Exercise

Exercise has many preventative benefits, from increasing BDNF to improving blood and oxygen flow to the brain.

Myelin is an insulating sheath around the axon of the neuron, which increases the speed at which messages are conducted. Oxygen is essential to the helper cells which keep the myelin intact. Physical exercise boosts oxygen flow to the brain and optimizes these highways.

Exercise also helps create new mitochondria, which help fuel the growth of new cells, synapses and small blood vessels.

To experience the benefits yourself, strive to get at least 30 minutes of blood-pumping cardio five days per week, and five to fifteen minutes of strength training three days per week. You can also get the benefits of cognitive exercise by playing puzzles such as Sudoku, crosswords, and board games involving strategy.

Building community

Fotuhi likens social interaction combined with exercise to cross-training, since it doubles the cognitive stimulation benefits. At Rancho Valencia, our goal is to create a community feel, with ample occasions for social connections. We do that with activities like pickleball, group fitness classes, social gatherings, wellness workshops, and other group activities. I get most excited when I see the added cognitive fitness bonus of someone making a new connection while also experiencing something new, like a crystal grounding grid, or yoga with sound healing! Learning a new activity and challenging the brain creates new synapses and neural pathways.

In your own life, focus on building community to experience the same brain benefits. Invite neighbors over for a potluck, frequent your local farmers market, bake more than you think your own family will need and share with neighbors, or try volunteering. I also love Meetup.com for both meeting new people and trying new things.

Get perspective

In my work, we invite our guests to pause and intentionally bring joy into each day. Thats something everyone can benefit from. This simple practice can alter brain activity, and create an automatic positive response to life challenges. Studies show that just thinking about happy times boosts serotonin levels in the brain. Serotonin is essential for the proper functioning of your prefrontal cortex, which governs self-reflection and the regulation of emotions, helping it to override old negative patterns.

Try this yourself. Put life in perspective by focusing on what you can control rather than dwelling on what you cannot. By practicing choosing a positive reaction, it will become your natural response. Focus on having an open mind and an attitude of curiosity about the world.

Sleep

Sleep is prime time not only for the repair processes of the body, but also for memory consolidation. Poor sleep shrinks the hippocampus and leads to unhealthy decisions in other areas such as choosing junk food and skipping a workout. Sleep-deprived people also tend to have higher stress levels and tense relationships. Are you seeing how this is all interrelated?

To improve your own sleep quality, keep your bedroom dark and cool. Unplug an hour before bed, as bright light is one of the biggest triggers to our brains that its time to be awake and alert. And practice deep breathing exercises such as Pranayama to balance the autonomic nervous system and calm the mind.

Nurture your body with quality nutrition

Plant-based foods may help slow cognitive decline. To boost your brain, choose foods rich in vitamin K, lutein, folate and beta carotenes, such as spinach, carrots, sweet potatoes, and leafy greens.

Foods containing flavonoids, such as berries and apples increase blood flow to the brain, boost BDNF, and create new nerve cells.

Omega-3s, ideally from fatty fish or flaxseed oil, have been linked to lower blood levels of beta-amyloid, the toxic protein that creates synapse-damaging results in the brains of people with Alzheimers Disease.

Nuts such as walnuts and pistachios are rich in omega-3s as well. Pecans and pistachios also contain choline, which increases the memory-related neurotransmitter acetylcholine.

At Rancho Valencia, we focus on what we can do more of instead of deprivation. I think thats a very important nutrition principle. If you slowly incorporate the foods above into your diet, you will be surprised at how easily this simple change can inspire other healthy actions.

Practice meditation

When we are stressed, our adrenal glands release cortisol, which is a natural response as part of the fight-or-flight mechanism. Persistent elevated brain cortisol level interferes with memory, raises blood pressure, and makes it more difficult to sleep. Chronic stress also causes neurons in the prefrontal cortex to shrink and lose connections and reduced BDNF levels.

Meditation can help, and its easy to get started. This practice strengthens the neural highways, creates more synapses, improves blood flow to the brain, increases the size of the hippocampus, and boosts BDNF.

Remember that your genetic makeup does not have to define your destiny. Even if a person inherits the APOE 4, a risk-factor gene, it does not mean that a person will absolutely develop Alzheimers Disease. Simple, sustainable changes to your daily lifestyle and improved cognitive fitness can lead to optimal physical and mental performance. I remind myself of that often empowerment is the key to a life well lived.

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How to Improve Your Cognitive Fitness - Thrive Global

BUDAPEST, Hungary It was the one wed all been waiting for: a straight fight between and for victory. A five-time world champion, arguably the greatest driver of the modern era, versus the man who will spend the next decade chasing down his records.

Up until now they have been the two star drivers of the 2019 season, albeit separated by a significant car advantage for Hamilton. But in Hungary, the track suited the rapidly improving Red Bull, and we finally saw the two best drivers in F1 go head to head. Needless to say, it didnt disappoint.

So what can we learn from the encounter? Is Max a genuine threat to Hamilton, and will Red Bull have the car to match his talent after the summer break?

On the face of it, Mercedes decision to pit Hamilton on lap 49 won him the race. From that point onward, he pushed flat out on fresh tyres, found the time he needed to catch Verstappen and executed a fairly straightforward overtaking move on lap 67 of 70. On the face of it, it looked like Red Bull had simply been caught napping, but deeper analysis showed Mercedes forced their rivals into a Catch 22 situation.

The roots of the strategy were based in Mercedes decision to leave Hamilton out as long as possible in the first stint. It initially cost Hamilton time (he was 1.3 seconds behind when Verstappen pitted on lap 25 and 5.9 seconds behind when he emerged from his own pit stop on lap 32) but the extra six laps of tyre life gave him a stronger hand in the second half of the race.

Initially, Mercedes plan was to pass Verstappen on track. Hamilton had a pace advantage of between 0.3s and 0.5s when he reemerged after his first pit stop, but as we saw on lap 39, that kind of advantage wasnt quite enough to force an overtake. It did, however, result in some great racing as Hamilton put Verstappen out of position in Turns 1, 2 and 3 before braving a move around the outside of Turn 4. But when Verstappen covered him off and the overtaking move came to nothing in the run-off area, the realities of modern F1 set in and Hamilton was forced to back off with overheating brakes.

Max Verstappen vs. Lewis Hamilton was a battle defined on the track and in the pits and is one we are likely to see a lot more of in the future.Charles Coates/Getty Images

Although largely overlooked at the end of the race, the brake issues were a key factor in dictating how Sundays race panned out. Traditionally, the Hungaroring is not a circuit where brakes are a concern, but the threat from Red Bull over the weekend was so great that Mercedes had to push every element of car setup to the limit.

In a fight like this with other cars, youre always trying to optimise the aerodynamic package and close up as much as you can, and the brakes are part of that, Mercedes team boss Toto Wolff explained after the race. Thats why you will sometimes have races which are outliers where you have 70 laps on the gearbox of another car where brakes and various engine components can overheat.

I was thinking about it in the race; maybe we should have opened up the brakes a bit and lost 10 milliseconds in qualifying and be less compromised in the race. But if you lose out in qualifying by 10 milliseconds, you will kick yourself. So that is the strategy we took, and we know that sometimes we can run into difficulties like we did.

At first it seemed as though the overheating brakes had brought an end to one of the most exciting duels of the season, but some quick thinking from Mercedes pushed the race into a new, equally compelling phase.

Saunders:

Mercedes strategists realised that the medium tyre had been good for 30 laps of respectable pace in the opening stint if managed correctly, meaning it could probably take 20 laps of abuse at the end of the race once fuel loads had come down and reduced the strain. But with only 20 laps to make the difference, Hamilton would have to find a second per lap and overtake Verstappen to make the difference.

Considering he had only been between 0.3s to 0.5s when pushing hard on like-for-like tyres just after his first pit stop, Mercedes was relying on the mediums to offer 0.5s to 0.7s of pace advantage throughout the final stint.

It took a degree of bravery from the pit wall to commit to the strategy not least because it was only a week since the strategy calls at the German Grand Prix saw the team throw away a victory. Crunching the numbers was chief strategist James Vowles, who could see the pace the car had while stuck behind Verstappen and ultimately made the decision to bring his driver in on lap 49.

It was a brilliant execution by the strategy team, Wolff said. We had discussed all variations in the morning, and the two-stop seemed uncompetitive. But then they reacted in the right way and all the learnings we took from Hockenheim with the radio discipline and the protocol that the strategists in the background came up with James Vowles was evaluating it all.

Initially it looked like Lewis could overtake Max on the hard tyre, but we were too marginal on the brakes, and we couldnt continue to follow him in that way. So the only option to avoid finishing second was to take a risk in the hope that the medium tyre would create an offset. At first it didnt seem very good, but from the moment Lewis sniffed the opportunity, there was no going back.

Hamilton celebrated with his Mercedes team members immediately after his win. It was their strategy that set the platform for Hamilton to win.ANDREJ ISAKOVIC/AFP/Getty Images

The huge gap to the Ferraris in third and fourth was key to the strategy, allowing Hamilton to pit without losing second position. Had and been more competitive, the strategy wouldnt have worked, as Hamilton would have gotten stuck behind the Ferraris. But the relentless pace of the front two drivers earlier in the race had presented him with the opportunity to find some clear air and unlock the true pace of his Mercedes. What followed was a race by proxy as Hamilton was set the target of lapping a second faster than Verstappen for the remaining 20 laps.

At this point, its important to look at Verstappens strategy options. The Red Bull pit wall had identified Mercedes strategy before it happened but believed a counterstrategy i.e., pitting Verstappen just before or just after Hamilton would not work.

It was all to lose, Red Bull team principal Christian Horner explained. Because if we had stopped before and they had done the opposite, they had what looked like more of a pace advantage as they had six-lap fresher [hard] tyres, so I dont think we would have caught Lewis at the pace that he caught us.

Its frustrating there were no other drivers in the mix, because if he had dropped behind a Ferrari or even his teammate, it wouldnt have been an option open to him. But with the two cars so far ahead of the rest of the field, and the pace they had in the Mercedes, strategically it was the obvious thing for them to do to roll the dice.

Reacting with a pit stop on the following lap was also off the agenda. After Hamilton made his switch to medium tyres, Verstappen needed at least a 20-second advantage to do the same, but by the time he was back at the pit entrance on lap 50, the gap between the two was already 19.2s, meaning he would come out behind the Mercedes.

They had a good pit stop, and halfway round his outlap, Hamilton was already neck and neck [with Verstappens pit stop window], and by the end of the lap, he was ahead, so we didnt have the ability to cover on the next lap because it would have conceded track position, Horner added.

So at that point, your bed is made to get to the end of the race, and that meant Max started to use the tyre harder than he would have liked.

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Possibly more than at any other point this year, the underwhelming performance of Verstappens teammate came into focus. Had Gasly been in touch with the front two even by as much as 20 seconds he could have acted as a blocker for Hamiltons strategy and helped protect Verstappens lead. It was a factor not lost on Horner after the race.

The problem is he is not in the mix at all, so its not like if Lewis pitted he was going to come out behind him or anything like that, Horner conceded. But today, both Mercedes and Red Bull had one-legged races with the teammates out of contention.

Obviously not having two cars running at the front does hurt us, particularly in the constructors championship where we scored the same amount of points as Ferrari today on a track where we should have taken more out of them.

At first, it looked like Verstappen had the pace to hold Hamilton off. He was lapping in the high 1:19s as Hamilton was only managing middling 1:19s.

We were very much in doubt [that the strategy would work] because we knew we had to catch up a second a lap, Wolff said. There was a stage when Max was turning up the engine and he was matching Lewis pace and you could almost hear the disbelief in Lewis voice why we did the second stop.

Even though the numbers werent stacking up, Hamiltons race engineer Peter Bonnington kept telling his driver it was possible. There was a degree of hope that Verstappen would run out of tyres and drop off, but there was no guarantee. Mercedes had no real idea how fast Hamilton could go if he really pushed, but after seven years working together, they knew misleading their driver about the gap could make all the difference.

Somehow Lewis put himself back in the right frame of mind and probably we motivated him over the radio, Wolff said. One thing Lewis father once said to me is that theres just one sentence you need: You can do it.

Even though the plan said we were running out of laps, we thought that by telling him he was catching him we could help. And thats exactly what happened.

From lap 58 onward there was a steep change in Hamiltons lap times as he suddenly started lapping in the mid 1:18s. At the same time, Verstappen started to run out of tyres, and the gap went from 13 seconds to one in the space of just eight laps.

I had to put all doubt and all question marks out of my mind and go for the best laps I could do every single lap consistently and not drop any time whatsoever, Hamilton explained. I had one of the most consistent period of laps that Id had I dont know if he had traffic or mistakes or whatever, but the gap started to chop down quite quickly.

I think with four or five laps to go I had him four seconds ahead, and I could see him in my sights, so maybe he was struggling with his tyres. So after that I was like, OK, weve got a serious race on here.

It felt like the steepest wall to climb when you come out that far behind, but the team had relaxed faith that we would do it, and Im grateful for their hard work and the decision.

The result was Hamiltons 81st career win and an insight into the mental attitude of the greatest drivers of a generation.

For Max Verstappen and Red Bull, attention is already turning towards building for 2020.Marco Canoniero/LightRocket via Getty Images

Hamiltons victory has all but secured his sixth world championship at the midway point of the season, as he now leads teammate Valtteri Bottas by 62 points. Verstappen is a further seven points behind Bottas with 239 left to play for and, even though the Red Bull has come on strong at recent rounds, it is not yet in a position to challenge for wins at every round.

I think Lewis is now over 70 points ahead [sic], which is close to a three-race advantage with nine to go, Horner said on Sunday night. So basically Lewis would have to not turn up for three races, if his cough comes back or something, or he gets athletes foot, but its hugely unlikely.

They would have to f up by gargantuan proportions not to win this championship. But our target for the rest of the year is to close that gap at races, and as we get more performance on the car and Honda make progress, this is very much a building year as we go to 2020.

But championship math aside, the progress made by Red Bull has been impressive at recent rounds. The advantage Mercedes held at the start of the year on tracks with low-speed corners has been whittled away by the team from Milton Keynes, while Ferrari is still likely to be a threat to Mercedes at high-speed circuits.

Red Bulls improvement has accelerated since an update package at the Austrian Grand Prix, and in that same period Verstappen has outscored Hamilton by 18 points. Part of that is down to the nature of the circuits and the conditions at the races favouring Red Bull, but there is little doubt that the team has made a breakthrough since the start of the season.

I think that the regulation change over the winter definitely hurt us with the way we work the front wing, Horner added. I think as the team has gained more understanding and been able to use these regulations better, we have managed to recover the balance and characteristics of the car.

And of course, the regulations change was combined with a tyre construction change as well, and those two elements hit us quite hard on the chassis side over the winter. But I think we have made really good progress over the last few months and hopefully in the second half of the year we have got a good vein of development that should continue to help with that.

As a result, Red Bull is targeting Ferrari in the constructors championship rather than Hamilton in the drivers. Yet with Gasly continuing to underperform, the 44-point gap to the Italian team wont be easy to overhaul.

I think this track doesnt play to their strength, Horner added. When we are sitting down in Spa and Monza it will be different. The next two tracks coming up look like Ferrari territory, which is what makes today frustrating. At one point, Sebastian was the next car to be lapped by Max, so it was frustrating not to have outscored them by more points in the constructors.

But while the championship may be all but over, after four thrilling races in a row there is hope of more exciting races to come in the second half of the year. Whats more, with the Honda engine in the back of the Red Bull improving at a rapid rate, there is hope that 2020 could finally see what the Hungarian Grand Prix teased: a genuine title battle between Verstappen and Hamilton.

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Hamilton vs. Verstappen lived up to the billing - Denton Daily

Strictly Come Dancing returned to BBC One with the results show and hosts Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman were back at the helm. Following an incredible performance by Andrea Bocelli, the presenters emerged to introduce the show, but those watching at home were distracted by what they were wearing and took to Twitter to comment.

Tess and Claudia are known for their daring and brave fashion choices, in the past they have donned luminous heels and sparkly floor length dresses, but tonight, fans were not convinced with their dresses of choice.

One said: I don't get how the dancers look so amazing, and then Tess and Claudia wear the oddest things... #Strictly.

Fab-u-lous but what is Claudia wearing?? #Strictly, someone else remarked.

A third added: Claudia looks like a sack of tatties #Strictly.

READ MORE:Strictly Come Dancing 2019: Karim Zerouals exit sealed?

Claudia and Tess looking hideous in those dresses #Strictly, another commented while a fifth wrote: why does Claudia look like shes dressed for bed? #Strictly.

While one tweet read: Can someone tell Tess and Claudia Halloween week has gone, them dresses are b****y awful #Strictly.

Tess dress reminds of a quality street wrapper, one viewer pointed out while someone else added: What does Tess have against dresses with two shoulders/sleeves? #Strictly.

Nevertheless, their outfits didn't hinder them from delivering the resultand it was Saffron who had to hang up her dancing shoes.

After facing the dance off against Karim Zeroual and Amy Dowden, she failed to impress the judges enough to make it through to week eleven.

Upon her exit she burst into tears and said: Ive had the absolute time of my life and its all down to him. Its been amazing.

Id like to thank AJ so much, when I look at what I was like on week one I was so embarrassed and shy. Hes really taken me out of my shell. Thank you so much for everything.

Her partner AJ added: Every single week youve approached it with a positive mental attitude and youve inspired so many on your own social media too.

DON'T MISS... Strictly 2019: Kelvin Fletcher and Oti wont win because of curse? [INSIGHT]Strictly 2019: Kelvin Fletcher suffers disaster ahead of live show [INTERVIEW]Strictly Come Dancing 2019: Karim Zeroual's win sealed over Kelvin?[DATA]

As a non-dancer starting from day one Im not going to lie I was a bit scared but performing those fantastic dances has been amazing. Ill never ever ever forget that dance. Thank you. The best partner. Thank you.

However, many viewers were surprised to see the CBBC star in the bottom two considering he topped the leaderboard last night with 38 points.

Alex Scott on the other hand was joint bottom with Saffron and she escaped the dance off.

Because of this, fans were furious and branded the show a 'fix'.

STRICTLY COME DANCING WINNERS: A TIMELINE

2004 winner: Natasha Kaplinsky

Newsreader Natasha Kaplinsky was the first celebrity to win the BBC dancing series, which originally aired in July of 2004. She was partnered with Brendan Cole. They finished 39 points ahead of competitor Christopher Parker.

2004 winner: Jill Halfpenny

Jill Halfpenny was the second star to impress the judges with her dancing skills. Partnered with Darren Bennett, the pair beat off competition from Julian Clary and Denise Lewis in December of 2004.

2005 winner: Darren Gough

Cricketer Darren Gough won the third series of Strictly. He and partner Lilia Kopylova wowed audiences but never once finished at the top of the leaderboard.

2006 winner: Mark Ramprakash

Mark Ramprakash was the fourth star to lift the Glitterball Trophy. He was partnered with Karen Hardy and they were the first couple to restart a routine after their initial attempt saw Marks mic get caught in Karens dress.

2007 winner: Alesha Dixon

Before becoming a Strictly judge, Alesha Dixon won the nations hearts and the Glitterball Trophy during the fifth series. She was partnered with professional dancer Matthew Cutler.

2008 winner: Tom Chambers

Holby City star Tom Chambers was partnered with Camilla Dallerup when he won the sixth series. He performed the Foxtrot and Salsa in the final week.

2009 winner: Chris Hollins

BBC Breakfast presenter Chris Hollins and his professional partner Ola Jordan surprised viewers when they beat Ricky Whittle and his partner Natalie Lowe in the final. They wowed with the Foxtrot, Charleston, Lindy Hop and Showdance.

2010 winner: Kara Tointon

Kara Tointon was the eighth celebrity to win Strictly. She danced with Artem Chigvintsev and failed to receive 40 points throughout her time on the show.

2011 winner: Harry Judd

Former McFly star Harry Judd was the ninth star to lift the Glitterball Trophy. He didnt top the leaderboard until week seven but then scored 40 points twice in the final.

2012 winner: Louis Smith

The tenth series of the BBC show was won by Olympian Louis Smith. He danced his way to victory with professional partner Flavia Cacace. He faced competition from Kimberley Walsh, Denise Van Outen and Danni Harmer in the series finale.

2013 winner: Abbey Clancy

Model Abbey Clancy won series eleven of Strictly alongside partner Alijaz Skorjanec. She was called a spectacular dancer with wonderful posture by former head judge Len Goodman.

2014 winner: Caroline Flack

Love Island host Caroline Flack took to the dance floor in series 12 where she scooped the Glitterball Trophy with Pasha Kovalev.

2015 winner: Jay McGuiness

Jay McGuiness surprised viewers when he won the thirteenth series of the BBC dancing competition with Aliona Vilani. When he learned hed won, he told host Tess Daly: I feel spaced out - its really weird.

2016 winner: Ore Oduba

Ore Oduba won the thirteenth series of the BBC dancing competition with Joanne Clifton.

The sports presenter broke down in tears after beating Danny Mac and Louise Redknapp.

2017 winner: Joe McFadden

Joe McFadden was victorious with professional dance partner Katya Jones. The Holby City star beat off competition from fan favourite Debbie McGee, Gemma Atkinson and Alexandra Burke.

2018 winner: Stacey Dooley

Documentary-maker Stacey fought off competition to make it to the Grand Final of Strictly Come Dancing with professional dance partner Kevin Clifton last year. When they won, Kevin described her as the most wonderful person".

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Strictly 2019: Tess Daly and Claudia leave viewers distracted with opening - did you see? - Express

The NFL is revealing the 100 greatest players and 10 greatest coaches in NFL history. Every Friday night at 8 ET through Dec. 27, NFL Network will announce the latest members of the All-Time Team during a one-hour special hosted by Rich Eisen and featuring Bill Belichick and Cris Collinsworth.

Below are the 12 running backs and two of the 10 coaches on the All-Time Team, as revealed Friday on NFL Network, along with comments from Belichick, Collinsworth and RBs from the All-Time Team:

1971 Pro Football Hall of Fame Inductee... 1964 NFL Champion... Three-time NFL MVP... Eight-time NFL rushing champion... Eight-time All-NFL... Nine-time Pro Bowler... Career marks: 12,312 rush yards, 262 receptions, 15,459 combined scrimmage yards, 756 points scored... 1957 Rookie of the Year... Selected No. 6 overall by the Cleveland Browns in the 1957 NFL Draft... 1956 All-American at Syracuse University... Born February 17, 1936, in St. Simons, GA.

Bill Belichick: Jim, I've admired you for my entire life. When I was head coach of the Cleveland Browns, it was such a blessing to get to know you. ... You were certainly the greatest player. You could've played anything and did. There's nobody other than you that should be the first person in this group. ... I'd put him in there right now on third-and-1.

Cris Collinsworth: If this show was called the NFL 1, we might have the same guest. ... It looks like a dad playing in the backyard with his kids and the kids are wrapped around his legs and you're sort of dragging them and you don't want to hurt the poor little kids. That's what it looked like, like a different sort of being was playing football with some kids out there on the field. ... It didn't matter who he was playing against, he would've been the best in the history of the game.

1991 Pro Football Hall of Fame Inductee... Three-time consecutive Player of the Year, NFL rushing champion, All-Pro and Pro Bowl selection... Career-high 1,934 rush yards, including four games with 200 rush yards... Career stats: 9,407 rush yards, 74 rush TD, 121 receptions, 806 receiving yards... Selected No. 1 overall by the Houston Oilers in the 1978 NFL Draft... 1977 Heisman Trophy winner... Two-time All-American at the University of Texas-Austin... Born March 29, 1955, in Tyler, TX.

Belichick: You had to get him before he got going, because once he got going, he was like a truck ... and fast. This guy was one of the toughest football players who ever played.

1963 Pro Football Hall of Fame Inductee... 1935 NFL Champion... Three-time NFL scoring champion... Named All-NFL in six of seven seasons... Scored 354 points on 42 TDs, 72 PATs, 10 FGs... NFL's last dropkicking specialist... Player-coach final two seasons... Born October 11, 1906 in Fowler, CO.

Belichick: Dutch was one of the great two-way players and one of the most versatile players to ever play the game. ... He was a very elusive runner and could also run with power. A hard guy to tackle.

1999 Pro Football Hall of Fame Inductee... Five-time All-Pro... Six-time Pro Bowlers... Led league in rushing three times with Rams, once with Colts... Rushed for NFL-record 2,105 yards in 1984... Gained 1,800+ rush yards in three of his first four season... Retired as the 2nd all-time leading rusher with 13,259 yards on 2,996 carries... Selected No. 2 overall by the Los Angeles Rams in the 1983 NFL Draft... Born September 2, 1960, in Sealy, TX.

Emmitt Smith: I could never run as pretty as Eric, I could never fall as gracefully as Eric but I loved watching him run.

1975 Pro Football Hall of Fame Inductee... Two-time NFL Champion... Seven-time Pro Bowler... five-time All-Pro... Named NFL Player of the Year and Comeback Player of Year in 1964... Amassed 12,451 scrimmage yards, 5,174 rush yards, 363 receptions for 6,039 yards... Scored 113 TDs, 678 points... Scored touchdowns in record 18 straight games from 1963-1965... 1956 Rookie of the Year... Selected No. 9 overall by the Baltimore Colts in the 1956 NFL Draft... Born November 25, 1933, in Reading, PA.

Belichick: The versatility of this player is just remarkable. He's the only player in the NFL in the 40-40 club: 48 touchdowns receiving, 63 touchdowns rushing. ... He could've played in any era at either spot (RB or WR). ... Nobody catches this guy. I wouldn't call him a power runner but he runs with good power. ... I think he's a little bit underrated.

1968 Pro Football Hall of Fame Inductee... Four-time AAFC Champion... NFL Champion... Two-time All-Pro... 1951 Pro Bowl selection... 1950 All-NFL selection... All-time AAFC rushing champion... 1950 NFL rushing champion... Career record: 828 carries, 4,720 rush yards... Caught 85 passes and scored 234 points in nine seasons... Also played linebacker early in career... Born June 5, 1920, in Leesburg, GA.

Collinsworth: The tape is so stunning. It looked like somebody messed up and put a guard in the backfield. ... There were people finding a reason not to go tackle this big guy.

Belichick: Motley was a very unselfish player. He started as atwo-way player. Defensively, he played linebacker. Offensively, he was a blocker as much as he was a runner.

1993 Pro Football Hall of Fame Inductee... Super Bowl XX Champion... 1977 NFL MVP... Nine-time Pro Bowler... Seven-time All-Pro... Retired as all-time leader in rushing, combined scrimmage yards (including kick/punt returns)... Career stats: 16,726 rush yards, 110 rush TDs; 492 receptions for 4,538 yards; 21,803 combined scrimmage yards; 125 touchdowns... Held single-game rushing record of 275 yards... Had 77 games over 100 rush yards... Selected No. 4 overall by the Chicago Bears in the 1975 NFL Draft... Born July 25, 1954, in Columbia, Mississippi.

Jim Brown: The first time I saw him on television, I almost jumped out of my seat because I saw the greatness in his play. ... I always said no one had a bigger heart than Walter.

Smith: Work ethic was paramount for him. He was definitely driven. he wanted to work out everybody and anybody. ... His heart was as big as the Grand Canyon.

Barry Sanders: For a lot of my great games against the Bears, you can blame Walter Payton because it was such great motivation for me.

2004 Pro Football Hall of Fame Inductee... 1997 NFL MVP... 10-time Pro Bowler... Six-time All-Pro... Career rushing record: 15,269 yards, 99 rush TDs... First player to rush for 1,000 yards his first 10 seasons... Led NFL in rushing four times... Gained 2,053 yards, including record 14 straight 100-yard games in 1997... First or second-team All-NFL each of his 10 seasons... Selected No. 3 overall by the Detroit Lions in the 1989 NFL Draft... Born July 16, 1968, in Wichita, KS.

Belichick: When Barry Sanders gets the ball, everyone's at the point of the attack ... because he could hit every spot on the field. I don't care where he started. That didn't mean anything either. When he got there, you better be ready to tackle.

Collinsworth: Out of my entire experience, the one guy who led the league in "Oooooo", that sound, right? It just comes out of you. I don't know what it is. When you're in an NFL room, and somebody does something that's just off the charts, you start hearing guys go, "Oooooo." It just comes. Barry Sanders led the league in that sound.

Smith: If this guy had not retired, he probably would've been the first 20,000-yard running back in the National Football League.

1977 Pro Football Hall of Fame Inductee... Four-time Pro Bowler... Three-time Pro Bowl Player of the Game... Five-time All-NFL... Named All-Time NFL Halfback in 1969... Career totals: 9,435 combined scrimmage yards, 4,956 rush yards, 336 points... Led NFL rushers in 1966 and 1969... NFL lifetime leader in kickoff return yard average (30.6)... Scored rookie record 22 TDs, 132 points in 1965... In 1965, was selected No. 4 overall by the Chicago Bears in the NFL Draft and No. 5 overall by the Kansas City Chiefs in the AFL Draft... Born May 30, 1943, in Wichita, KS.

Collinsworth: Out of all the running backs on the pretty list, it may well be Gale Sayers that struck you first.

Sanders: To me, he seems like one of those guys that we often say is before his time, the kind of athlete he was, the cuts he made. ... It's almost like ballet because it's so graceful the way it catches your eye.

1985 Pro Football Hall of Fame Inductee... Six-time Pro Bowler... 1973 Pro Bowl Player of the Game... Five-time unanimous All-Pro from 1972-1976, topping 1,000 rush yards... Won four NFL rushing titles... Career record: 11,236 rush yards, 203 receptions, 990 kickoff return yards, 14,368 combined scrimmage yards... Career highlighted by 2,003 rush yards in 1973... Selected No. 1 overall in the 1969 AFL-NFL Common Draft... 1968 Heisman Trophy winner... Born July 9, 1947, in San Francisco, CA.

Collinsworth: He was America's hero. He was on all the commercials, he was the guy that was front-and-center for the National Football League, but this was a pretty stunning fall from grace. But I'm going to talk just about football for a minute. His 2,000 yards in a 14-game season is off the charts, and in my mind there was really only one player that you could compare to. Someone that size with that amount of wiggle, with those moves and that speed, and it's Jim Brown.

2010 Pro Football Hall of Fame Inductee... Three-time Super Bowl Champion (XXVII, XXVIII, XXX)... 1993 NFL and Super Bowl XXVIII MVP... Won NFL rushing crowns in 1991, 1992, 1993, 1995... Led NFL in rush TDs 3 times... Named first-team All-Pro 1992-1995... 11 straight 1,000-yard rushing seasons... Became NFL's all-time rushing leader in 2002... Career totals: 18,355 rush yards and 164 rush TDs; also had 515 receptions... Selected No. 17 overall by the Dallas Cowboys in the 1990 NFL Draft... Born May 15, 1969, in Pensacola, FL.

Belichick: I'm just absolutely flabbergasted at the way you consistently can run the ball for positive yards. I've never seen so many people take so many two-yard gains and turn them into eight-yard plays. ... I'm completely enamored by the way you can set a block and run the football on such a consistent basis.

Brown: This guy's a warrior, man. That attitude, that mental attitude that you must have to be really great, he was the epitome of that. ... He's always got a move, some kind of a move to continue the play.

1965 Pro Football Hall of Fame Inductee... Two-time NFL Champion... All-NFL six straight seasons... Won NFL rushing title four times... Surpassed 1,000 yards in rushing twice... Scored only TD in 7-0 NFL Championship game in 1948... Career mark: 5,860 rush yards, 464 points scored... 1944 punt return, 1945 kickoff return champion... Rushed for then-record 196 yards in 1949 finale... Selected No. 5 overall by the Philadelphia Eagles in the 1944 NFL Draft... Born December 28, 1920, in La Ceiba, Honduras.

Belichick: Steve Van Buren was another versatile player. ... This guy was hard to tackle. He ran with a lot of power. These outside plays, he'd start them outside but once there was some daylight he could turn up. ... Good straight-ahead inside runner. Ran with good pad level. He was a mudder. ... As soon as there's room to turn up, he'd turn up. I don't think you'd want to play against Steve Van Buren.

Six-time Super Bowl Champion... Won more Super Bowls than anyone in NFL history, also appearing in more Super Bowls (9) than any head coach... Three-time NFL Coach of the Year (2003, 2007, 2010)... Overall record of 292-134-0, including playoffs (entering 2019 season)... 31 wins in postseason, most in NFL history... Ranks 3rd all-time in coaching wins... Has posted winning seasons in every year since 2001... Born April 16, 1952, in Nashville, TN.

Belichick: It's an incredible honor. It's incredibly flattering. ... We know this is the ultimate team sport, and I've had the great fortune to coach so many great players and have so many great coaches and scouts, it's really an honor to all the people that I've worked with and been able to coach. ... I really believe there is a way to win and you just have to figure it out. ... Fundamentally, it really comes back to, you can go back to a few 100 years B.C., Sun Tzu, The Art of War. Attack weaknesses, utilize strengths and figure out what the strengths are on your team. There are some things you have to protect, find the weaknesses of your opponent and attack. You can't win a war by digging a hole. You have to attack.

1967 Pro Football Hall of Fame Inductee... Organized Cleveland Browns in AAFC in 1946... Built Cleveland dynasty with 222-112-9 record (including playoffs), four AAFC titles, three NFL crowns, only one losing season in 17 years... Exceptionally successful coach at all levels of football. A revolutionary innovator with many coaching "firsts" to his credit... Born September 7, 1908 in Norwalk, OH.

Belichick: He's the greatest coach in the history of professional football, clear and simple. Everything that we do today, everything that I do today, Paul Brown did. It all started with Paul Brown. He took football from being a sport to being a profession.

More here:
NFL 100 All-Time Team running backs revealed - NFL.com

Youre so young, why do you need therapy? was Tulika Bhattacharjees boss reaction when she finally decided to open up about suffering from anxiety. Back then, she was just 24, straight out of college, and had jumped into the workplace a space with people she didnt know but with whom she had to spend a major part of her day.

Bhattacharjees condition is fairly common. As of today, at least, 38 million Indians suffer from diagnosed anxiety, which is characterized by feelings of worry or fear strong enough to interfere with ones daily activities. Yet, talking about it or accepting someone elses condition positively is something Indian culture is still coming to terms with.

Im an introvert, so for a long time, I didnt tell anyone that I was stressed and feeling overburdened with work and that was adding to my anxiety. It took me a lot of courage to get to that point when I felt the need to tell someone about it, Bhattacharjee said. I remember it was when my anxiety started manifesting physically I had headaches, severe migraines, and gastrointestinal problems that I thought to myself, how do I report to work with all this?'

Fearing the same dismissive reaction, many people like Bhattacharjee dont open up about their mental health problems at their workplace.

Take S.J., a 28-year-old media professional, for instance: My anti-depressants can cause insomnia and other side effects that might hamper or impede my work. I had to let someone know about it, S.J. said. So, he decided to tell his immediate senior about his depression first. Although she was very understanding, she asked me not to tell anyone else or our boss about it because it couldve impacted their impression of me or my work. She said they could even use it against me by citing it as a reason for my poor performance and reducing my chances of promotions. So, till date, my boss doesnt know I suffer from depression.

The Mental Healthcare Act, 2017, states that no employees shall be discriminated against for suffering from a mental health condition. It has even made it mandatory for all insurance companies to offer provisions for the treatment of mental health-related illnesses.

But in the same year that Indias mental health law was enacted, a study published in the Indian Journal of Medical Research exploring workplace attitudes toward mental health across 35 countries, including India. It stated that, about two-thirds of employees who had suffered from depression either faced discrimination at work or while applying for new jobs.

Another study conducted by the World Health Organization found that for every dollar invested in an employees mental health, theres a four times return for employers.

But, according to Optum Health International, a health services company, only 4,500 multinational companies and 10% of the 1.7 million companies registered in India run a formal mental health support program, Amber Alam, its vice-president and head of business in the Asia-Pacific region, told LiveMint.

Related on The Swaddle:

New Mental Health Insurance May Come With Old Loopholes

Such programs are sponsored by an employer to help employees and their families deal with emotional, behavioral and well-being needs that impact work and life.

But Sakshi Mishra, an HR professional at a Mumbai-based media house, says the truth about employer-sponsored mental health programs in India is that although many companies offer them, in many cases, either these programs are implemented poorly or dont end up reaching the employees who need them. Employees themselves hesitate to open up about their mental health because of the stigma associated with it. Or even if they do, not all managers are aware of or know how to respond to an employees mental health problem to be able to refer them to an employers program, Mishra said. Sometimes, the HR [professionals] themselves are unaware of the program or dont consider it as serious as other tasks they are responsible for.

In companies like hers, where the supportive program is active, not only has HR initiated a process to cover treatments related to psychiatric and psychosomatic illnesses but also implemented a 24/7 confidential helpline and anonymous surveys to gauge the mental health status of staff. Mishras company also has a list of experts to whom employees can reach out for consultations or treatment. In addition, the company also has regular mental health sensitization programs to help all its staff understand various illnesses and conditions and guide staff on how they can be of help to a struggling coworker.

Since implementing the program, weve seen a lot more employees talk about mental health, and they have told us that understanding colleagues and managers have helped them manage work and life better. And thats our real success. No numbers or profits can match an employees happiness, Mishra said.

But many companies dont adopt such programs for various reasons. They may instead offer other activities such as team-building exercises and games to help employees de-stress, but nothing targeted at mental health per se. This may be because, While it may seem well-intentioned to monitor the mental health of your employees with their best interests in mind, it raises multiple legal and ethical questions. It is after all the feelings and emotions of an individual that the employer would be monitoring in the workplace. Such data would be accessible by the employer and possible third-party service providers and can be easily misused, Sourya Banerjee, a lawyer, told The Health Collective.

For instance, should an HR manager, or an individuals direct manager, know about the mental health condition of their employee, it might raise chances of unfair treatment, including reduced prospects of promotion, them becoming a target of gossip or facing rejection or being ostracized in the workplace.

Although these risks associated with disclosing ones mental health condition might be true, there are some benefits of going ahead and talking what an employee is suffering from too, says Mishra.

These include the potential to reach enabling compromises with an employer such as flexible working hours or changes in the nature and scope of ones work. Most importantly, sharing ones mental health state may help explain a behavior pattern that might otherwise be misinterpreted by colleagues, according to Mishra.

Related on The Swaddle:

Its Time for a More Humane Approach to Mental Health Care

Take IKs case for example.

Recently at drinks with coworkers after a meeting, I told my boss that I had an anxiety disorder, and I went to therapy for the same. He was very respectful, said IK, a graphic designer based out of Mumbai. Actually, I even had an appointment rescheduled once after a particularly rough weekend, which would mean Id either have to leave for an hour during my workday or book another next week which would not be ideal. I let my boss know and he was more than happy to let me go to my appointment. He saw I was stressed out and that was very reassuring.

In banking professional MKs case, after opening up about his anxiety, initially his boss was hesitant to give him time off to go to therapy during work hours. But later, he became very considerate about it and said he had seen a difference in productivity when he allowed him to take breaks when he wanted and helped him in whatever way hed asked for.

I wont lie, but the first thought that struck me when MK confessed it was how itll affect work, productivity and how itll ultimately end up affecting us in meeting our targets, said M.K.s boss. But not being understanding and accommodative of someones mental health is as good as being inconsiderate of a person suffering from any physical ailment. Can someone deny anyone a sick leave when they have a fever or dengue? Why cant mental health be taken that seriously?

Assuming that mental health is an issue that is spoken about a lot more nowadays and hence more people know about it, the above should be a common and natural reaction from any boss when it comes to their employees and their well-being. Therefore, consultant psychiatrist Dr. Natasha Kate, with Mumbais Masina Hospital, says she always encourages her patients to talk about their condition with their bosses but the change in attitude regarding mental health has been a slow process.

In so many years of my practice, I have seen more patients talk about it than before but not as many bosses or managers have been understanding or accommodating of their employees disclosure, she says. Theres a lot of stigma associated with it and this is the case when it comes to mental health even outside of the workplace. But in offices especially, the first thing bosses think is how a mental health condition will affect their employees performance rather than thinking that being supportive of it will actually end up in better results.

Itll be long before all of Indias workplaces adopt measures such as sensitizing and training its staff regarding issues about mental health that will end the stigma associated with it in a manner that it doesnt cross the fine line between offering support and ensuring that knowing an employees mental health condition will not be used against them.

Meanwhile, employees who do choose to share their mental health conditions with employers are leading the way for a conversation with an employer that needs to be addressed even if they may not want to. In doing so, not only are they ensuring their own well-being, but also of the companys because a better state of mental health does impact productivity and focus. And also in doing so, they are enabling others to open up about it.

Revealing a mental health condition, for one, might end up relieving you from stress that comes from hiding it, it might also end up improving your relationship with the manager, says Dr. Kate. In addition to making workplace adjustment like flexible hours or allowing work from home, managers might also temporarily re-allocate tasks that an employee is finding stressful or difficult reducing overall stress. They might also guide you to get some mentoring.

This has been true at least in MK and his bosss case.

My boss has been extremely supportive and a large part of my anxiety has been taken care of after I spoke up about it because there was no more lying about absenteeism, or why a certain task was not done on time, says MK. But I ensure that I dont use it as an excuse to get out of a certain task or for not finishing an assignment. If my boss has trusted me enough to give me support and be understanding, there is no way Im going to take advantage of it. In fact, I think his support has pushed me to work harder so I can become a role model of sorts, for others to see that Im not being excluded out of assignments or discriminated in any way, he adds.

The rest is here:
Should You Tell Your Boss About Your Mental Health Struggles? - The Swaddle

Sarah Hyland has never been shy about sharing health updates with the world. In 2017, the Modern Family star revealed to fans that she had to undergo a kidney transplant as she was born with kidney dysplasia, a chronic health condition caused when the kidneys fail to develop fully in the womb. However, the actress is now sharing another part of her wellness journey: her fight against insecurity.

"To my fellow #invisibleillness warriors. Its ok to be insecure about your body," Hyland shared in a new Instagram post alongside a paparazzi shot of her leaving the gym. "Just remember to check in with yourself at least once a day and say thank you. Our bodies have endured unfathomable feats that our minds barely have time to comprehend what has actually happened."

Hyland went on to explain, "With inflammation, excess water gain, and medications, my skin has a hard time bouncing back. I saw this picture and HATED it but quickly readjusted my attitude and decided to celebrate it. Love yourself and be patient. We are all stronger than we think we are."

Just a few months ago, Hyland shared another snap to the social media platform in an effort to openly discuss her body issues. In the older post, Hyland wrote in part, "And a final thank you to my ever-changing self-confidence for making the decision to not wear Spanx and let my KUPA (kidney upper pussy area) shine like the badass bitch she is."

Indeed, the term KUPA has become a favorite one of both Hyland and her fans. In the comments of her most recent post, one follower wrote, "Thank you for reminding me this. Also thank you for making up the term KUPA (Kidney Upper Pussy Area) I will now always refer to my lower right abdomen as that." Another added, "Yes! Real bodies that battle everyday are beautiful. Love that you posted this."

Long story short, keep the body positivity posts coming, Hyland, because every body is here for it.

More on Sarah Hyland:

Now check out other celebrities who are open about their mental health:

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Read more from the original source:
Sarah Hyland Shares Body-Positive Message for 'Fellow Invisible Illness Warriors' - Allure

Why it matters: The latest deep dive by Britains leading political historian examines Theresa Mays time as prime minister and details how her attitude and approach to the NHS changed during her time in Number 10.

Theresa May didnt understand what had gone wrong [on the NHS] or how to put it right when she entered Number 10, according to Sir Anthony Seldon.

She was instinctively anti-reform because she knew previous attempts had backfired, while at the same time hyper-sensitive to the possibility of a winter crisis.

Sir Anthony also claims she did want to see increased funding for the NHS, something that will surprise those senior NHS figures who met with her at this time.

Indeed, her first budget in 2017 only produced a 2.8bn increase for the NHS, despite the PMs own policy unit and NHS England chief executive Simon Stevens arguing for 4bn.

Sir Anthony quotes Mrs May as saying: The problem with conceding to what Simon Stevens is always demanding is that we end up putting the money into short-term solutions like reducing waiting lists rather than systematic improvement, or into preventative medicine or mental health.

Then health secretary Jeremy Hunt apparently agreed with the PM.

The settlement ended up riling the NHS rather than pleasing them recalls special adviser Alex Dawson.

However, towards the end of the year, Mrs Mays attitudes had begun to change.

The PM felt the Conservatives had got into a ridiculous position on the NHS as a result of being banned from discussing it by campaign guru Lynton Crosby during the 2015 and 2017 elections.

NHS performance was continuing to worsen, Mr Stevens was again growing vocal and House of Commons health select committee chair Sarah Wollaston began to call for a Royal Commission, which scared No10 and No11 witless.

On 7 February 2018, Mrs May was shown polling by Mr Dawson which demonstrated that people were prepared to pay extra taxes to fund improvements to the NHS.

Sir Anthony becomes a little too credulous at this point, taking at face value statements like the PM started to think that the NHS leadership needed to be treated in the same way as the police: it needed reform to become much more biddable.

There had been a plan to announce an inquiry into the NHS at the end of 2016, similar to the one conducted into higher education, but this had been overruled by the Treasury, says Sir Anthony.

Now the idea was reheated as a 10-year NHS Plan.

This would apparently enable Number 10 to hold the NHS to account for delivery.

The truth as most HSJ readers will know is that by 2018 the government had little choice but to significantly increase NHS funding or face a total service melt-down and the resulting political backlash. Chancellor Philip Hammond tried to hold out for a three-year settlement, but finally accepted it had to be five.

The NHS plan full of good ideas as it is was still sophisticated window dressing for dragging the NHS out of the traditional public sector spending round to be given a 70th birthday present. A fact instantly recognised by savvy commentators like Spectator editor Fraser Nelson, who was both admiring of the conjuring trick pulled off by Mr Stevens and Mr Hunt and, irritated that the spoilt NHS could get even more cash.

From the start of Mrs Mays premiership, Sir Anthony says mental health was an area in which she was prepared to take risks. He claims Mrs May won an 18-month battle from 2012 with Mr Hunt to get David Camerons government to take mental health more seriously.

Mrs May arranged for Sir Simon Wessely, former president of the Royal College of Psychiatrists, and Poppy Jaman, founder of Mental Health First Aid, to address Cabinet for 45 minutes.

Most ministers were attentive, apart from foreign secretary Boris Johnson who gave the impression that he thought it was all nanny-state stuff and made sotto voce asides throughout.

No surprise then that, according to Sir Anthony, those working on a subsequent project to improve black, Asian and minority ethnic mental health did their best to make it Boris proof.

Sir Simon is glowing in his praise for Mrs Mays interest in and support for the most intractable aspect of mental health, one in which there were the fewest votes: severe mental illness. Nobody since Stephen Dorrell, Conservative health secretary between 1995 and 1997, had taken such a real interest in the most difficult part of the whole spectrum, the former Royal College of Psychiatristspresident tells Sir Anthony.

Perhaps the most illuminating section of the book is the one on the disaster which befell Mrs Mays proposed social care reforms in 2017.

Here was an issue on which according to Number 10 deputy chief of policy Will Tanner Mrs May believed people felt let down by politicians and that it was her duty to act.

Her senior communications adviser Fiona Hill told the PM it was a mistake, but Sir Anthony quotes Mrs May as saying: I know Ill have to use up some of my political capital, but this is the time to do it.

As Ms Hill rowed with Mrs Mays other chief adviser Nick Timothy, the PM with tears in her eyes banged the desk and said: Were going to do this.

When as Ms Hill predicted the negative media coverage of the social care proposals provoked widespread panic among Tory MPs, Mrs May did nothing to calm the storm.

Sir Anthony notes she simply could have said: Nobody would lose their homes during their lifetime and they would be left with at least 100,000. But she didnt and, as Sir Anthony remarks later in the book, as far as Mrs May was concerned social care was dead in the water.

One intriguing side note was that the first draft of the 2017 Conservative manifesto contained a proposal to introduce social insurance. Mrs May vetoed it, saying over my dead body.

The section on the January 2018s botched reshuffle confirms Mrs May had intended to replace Mr Hunt with the solid Greg Clark to calm things down after the junior doctors strike. However, Sir Anthony has also discovered that Mr Hunt had spoken to No10 before the general election about wanting to be moved, and that rumours swirled in the corridors of power that he wanted the job of deputy prime minister.

As that possibility receded, Mr Hunt began to change his mind, without notifying Number 10. He was, recounts May at 10, increasingly keen on becoming the longest-serving health secretary in history something, of course, he achieved in due course.

If there is any political or influential figure you would likeHSJto interview, please emailalastair.mclellan@wilmingtonhealthcare.com.

The past five Bedpans

Will Hutton

Cardiac Arrest and Bodies writer Jed Mercurio

The Grenfell Tower fire

Margaret Thatcher and the birth of the internal market

Doctors for Extinction Rebellion

You can read all 44 Bedpanshere

Read more:
The Bedpan: 'The problem with conceding to Simon Stevens' - Health Service Journal

KANSAS -- it was a historic season last year as Tri-County finished 29-6 and in fourth place in the Class 1A state girls' basketball tournament. The 29 wins were the most in Tri-County, Oakland-Kansas or Oakland history and it was the first time any of the three had made it to state.

Tri-County is in its sixth year of a co-op with Oakland, Kansas, and Shiloh. Shiloh went to the state tournament five times, including 2010-11 and have had seasons of 29 wins or more on six occasions.

Five players, including four starters, are gone from the Little Okaw Valley Conference Southeast Division regular season and tournament champions as well as LOVC overall tourney champs. However, six returning letter winners are back for coach Joe Morrisey's team.

"We have been focusing on replacing the four starters from last year and developing team chemistry," said Morrisey, who is in his 11th season. "Girls who were complimentary players last year are having to step up and take on different roles. The six returning letter winners are going to play different places."

Among the returners is 5-6 guard Tayler Barry, who was on the JG-TC All-Area team after averaging a team-high 15.8 points per game. She also made a team-leading 65 three-pointers and averaged 2.2 rebounds 2.4 assists and 4.5 steals per game.

Also returning is second team all-LOVC SE player Bella Dudley, a 5-7 sophomore, who averaged eight points per game.

Junior Melia Eskew along with sophomore Caroline Smith and seniors Izzy Carroll and Lillie Cox are the other returning letter winners.

"We are going to be long and quick so that will allow us to play pressure defense," said Morrisey, whose team allowed 36 points per game last season.

Morrisey said the team which will play a junior varsity schedule, is also looking for freshmen/sophomore games as they have a total of 26 in the program.

"We went to five shootouts and worked on different players accepting different roles and developing a defensive mindset," said Morrisey of the summer.

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The reason for different roles is the loss of five players, including JG-TC All-Area player Harley Barry, an honorable mention Associated Press Class 1A player like her sister Tayler. First team all-SE Division players Maiya Eskew and Kiersten Price-Wilson along with second team player Grace Burnside also graduated.

Another Barry, who is sisters to Tayler and Harley is on the team in freshman Thaylee Barry, while other seniors on the team are Cailynne Phillips, Sammi Skinner, Emily Barrow, Gwen Morris, and Madison Barrow as the Lady Titans have seven seniors.

"We are inexperienced, athletic, quick and willing to learn," said Morrisey when asked to describe his team.

As far as leadership goes Morrisey said, "It is still in progress. We have a variety of candidates who are stepping up at this time."

Tri-County was at Tuscola Thursday and will be in the Oakwood Comet Classic starting Saturday.

Tri-County averaged 61.6 points per game but lost 56 percent of the scoring.

"We want to improve every day, have new faces replace the ones that we lost and defend our Oakwood Thanksgiving title, compete at the Charleston Holiday Tournament, win the first Lincoln Prairie Conference Tournament and compete in the postseason."

Morrisey said all 15 varsity players can contribute to the team.

"We are looking forward to another fun and exciting season," said Morrisey, who is assisted by Alyssa Childress. "Hopefully the hard work and a tough mental attitude we can accomplish our goals."

Contact Mike Monahan at (217)-238-6854. Follow him on Twiter: @monahanmike

Continued here:
Athletic and quick Tri-County girls' basketball team returns six from four place team - Journal Gazette and Times-Courier

Not all narcissists are equal.

Narcissists, like sharks, get a bad press. Both are generally seen as menacing, negative forces to be feared and avoided.

But as any biologist will tell you, sharks play a vital role in the marine ecosystem. And it may be that narcissists also have a necessary part to play in human society.

This, of course, goes against the widely accepted perception of personality traits that it is good to be agreeable and outgoing and bad to be narcissistic.

After all, narcissistic people engage in risky behavior, hold an unrealistic superior view of themselves, are overconfident, show little empathy for others, and have little shame or guilt. But if narcissism is so socially toxic, why does it persist and why is it said to be on the rise in modern societies?

The answer is that human nature is complex. And while narcissism is often associated with dark traits like psychopathy and sadism, it also has aspects which are widely considered to be positive, such as extroversion and confidence.

In saying this, I do not mean to defend or excuse the worst examples of narcissistic behavior. Instead, I want to highlight the potentially beneficial elements which could then enable society to harness the positive potential of dark personalities while also curtailing their potential for harm.

There are two main types of narcissism: grandiose and vulnerable. Vulnerable narcissists are likely to be more defensive and view the behavior of others as hostile, whereas grandiose narcissists usually have an over inflated sense of importance and a preoccupation with status and power.

The results from our studies (on the personality trait of sub-clinical narcissism, not narcissistic personality disorder) show that grandiose narcissism correlates with highly positive components of mental toughness. These include confidence and a focus on achieving goals, which help protect against symptoms of depression and stress.

The association between narcissism and mental toughness may help to explain the variation in symptoms of depression in society. If a person is more mentally tough, they are likely to embrace challenges head on, rather than viewing them as a hurdle.

So while not all dimensions of narcissism are good, certain aspects can lead to positive outcomes. And a little bit of narcissism can be a useful tool when faced with stressful situations, providing that extra bit of mental toughness we need to get through.

Its a bit like having the ability to run when walking is not enough. The idea is that people need to be flexible. They need to walk when thats all that is required, but run when thats whats necessary. Likewise, the ability to call on a little bit of narcissism when faced with a challenge, socially or professionally, is a useful skill.

Recent research from our lab suggests that narcissism may act as a bridge connecting the dark (anti-social) and light (pro-social) sides of the human personality. Put simply, individuals can cross that bridge to use their dark traits when facing a challenge, and pro-social characteristics when in a safe environment.

Our work suggests that instead of perceiving human personality as a dichotomy (narcissistic versus agreeable), we should treat it as a constantly changing spectrum.

It is not about promoting grandiosity over healthy self-esteem and modesty. Instead it is about promoting diversity of people and ideas by advocating that dark traits, such as narcissism, should not be seen as either good or bad. They are products of evolution, and expressions of human nature that may be beneficial or harmful depending on the context.

This may help to reduce the marginalization of individuals that score high on dark traits, and work out how best to cultivate some manifestations of these traits, while discouraging others, for the collective good.

It is too simplistic to say that personality traits like narcissism, which help individual empowerment, are socially toxic. People are trying to adapt, survive, and succeed in a social, political, and economic environment that promotes the self-made man or woman, and if they exhibit antagonistic traits such as narcissism, they receive negative attention. Yet grandiose narcissism may be the key to protecting individuals from such needless pressure.

Nor do I think there are individuals who live without narcissism. In common with other psychological traits, it exists on a spectrum, with some individuals scoring higher than others.

Elsewhere in the natural world, a human fear and distrust of sharks has led to a widespread attitude of us versus them. After the movie Jaws was released, according to one conservationist there was a collective testosterone rush which led to thousands of anglers targeting and killing sharks off the American coast.

Shark numbers have dropped dramatically (by up to 92%) in the past half century. So just as we are starting to understand the importance of sharks for the marine ecosystem, we have run out of sharks to study.

We should not let narcissists be similarly marginalized just because we dont understand them. Instead of demonizing parts of our personality, we need to celebrate all of its aspects and work out how best to use them, for our own benefit and the benefit of society.

This article was originally published on The Conversation by Kostas Papageorgiou. Read the original article here.

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Psychologists say there are 2 types of narcissists: Which one are you? - Inverse