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Irish dad-of-two dies suddenly after falling ill on holiday with wife in Portugal amid tributes for ‘genuine gentleman’

AN IRISHMAN has passed away suddenly in Portugal after taking ill while holidaying with his wife.

Dad-of-two Padraic Staunton, 67, is believed to have fallen ill on Thursday January 16 while cycling with his wife Brenda during the break away.

Family members travelled over to the sun spot to be by Brenda’s side earlier this week as arrangements were made to bring Padraic’s remains home, according to the Meath Chronicle.

It has been confirmed that the retired pharmacist, who was living in Athboy in Co Meath but originally hailed from Louisburgh in Mayo, will be laid to rest next week.

A notice online said Padraic died “unexpectedly while in Portugal“.

It added: “Loving son of the late Joe and Breege and beloved brother of the late Anne O’Donnell, and son-in-law of the late Paddy Clifford.

“Sadly missed and remembered with love by his loving wife Brenda (née Clifford, Sligo), son Colm and his wife Aoife, daughter Emer and her husband Jono, brothers Tom, Joseph, and John, sisters Mary, Mairead, and Therese, mother-in-law Kitty Clifford, uncles Paddy, John, & Joe and aunts Margaret & Claire.”

The notice added that Padraic would be lovingly missed and remembered by his “brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, nephews, nieces, cousins, the extended Clifford, Staunton and Mc Myler families, colleagues, neighbours, and a wide circle of friends.”

Padraic will rest in repose at Mullen’s Funeral Home on O’Growney St in Athboy on Sunday from 6pm until 9pm.

And he will continue in repose at Sweeney’s Funeral Home in his native Louisburgh on Monday from 5pm to 8pm.

The funeral will arrive to St Patrick’s Church in Louisburgh at 11:30am on Tuesday for a service at 12 noon, with private cremation to follow.

Mourners flocked to pay tribute to Padraic since his sudden death earlier this month, with pals and former customers remembering him as a “genuine gentleman” who was “always there” for others.

A neighbour said: “We were privileged to have Padraic as a neighbour.

“A kind, gentle, solid, reliable man with a caring strength who appeared for us as a family in our own dark days.

“He always had a smile and words of reassurance. He will be greatly missed and our heart goes out to Brenda, the children and the extended family.”

Another mourner said: “Heartbroken on the untimely passing of Padraic. He was the pillar of Athboy community. Always a smile and willing to help. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam.”

He was a friend to so many people that came through the door.”

Mourner

A third added: “Padraic was a gentleman whose kindness knew no bounds. I know he will be deeply missed by all who knew him.”

One person told how the sheer number of condolences left for the beloved family man “is a testament to his popularity”.

Another mourner admitted that it was a “great shock” to get the news of Padraic’s passing.

They said: “A really true gentleman and always a pleasure to meet Padraic either on land, pier or sea.

“He will be missed by many but the memories we have of Padraic will always bring a smile to us.”

A former colleague described Padraic as “an absolute gentleman”, adding: “He had a quick wit and his knowledge on so many things taught me so much in my time there and I have some great memories.

“He was a friend to so many people that came through the door and always took the time to help and offer advice.

“He really made a mark on the town of Athboy and surrounding areas and will be sadly missed by so many people.”

Portrait of Padraic Staunton.
Padraic Staunton sadly passed away earlier this month

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I was jailed for stealing £20k from a man with Alzheimer’s – I’m sorry but prison was ‘like Butlins’ with TV & a salon

A WOMAN who was jailed for stealing £20,000 from an old man with Alzheimer’s has revealed just what it was like in prison.

Jodie was put behind bars after nicking the cash from the bank she worked in to fund her gambling problem.

Woman in a black shirt, looking pensive.
@2025wannabecreator/Tik Tok
Jodie was jailed for stealing £20,000 from an old man with Alzheimer’s[/caption]
Woman holding up a finger, showing a picture of a prison cell.
This is a typical double cell like the one Jodie had during her time at HMP Peterborough
@2025wannabecreator/Tik Tok
Woman showing a picture of her prison cell; the cell is painted pink and has a bed, desk, and chair.
While there were also single cells, like this “enhanced” one
@2025wannabecreator/Tik Tok

But she insisted she didn’t know that the account she was taking it from belonged to an “an elderly gentleman who has Alzheimer’s”.

“I didn’t know that until I was arrested,” she said in a video on her TikTok page.

However, she also added: “Would it have changed me doing it? I don’t know. I was desperate.”

In another video, Jodie opened up about life in Peterborough prison, as she went through a typical day, which began at 7am when they were woken up, before breakfast.

Medication is up next, followed by exercise, when they were given “10 minutes to walk around a 4×4 courtyard”.

“This is also a good time to catch up any prison gossip that you may have missed, or anything you want to know,” she added.

Then everyone starts to prepare for “movement”.

“Movement is when the whole prison move around at once,” she continued.

“Everyone will gather at the gate and you will then go to either education or your job if you have a job.

“Or healthcare if you have an appointment at the doctor’s or something like that.

“You wait at the gate and then they will radio down and say they’re ready for movement.

“You will all congregate into one area. There will be doors that are locked behind you.

“Everyone is in one place at one time. The door is then unlocked and you move all together.

“Then you are locked and unlocked into each part.

“They radio through to make sure the doors are shut.

“There’s never a door open, you’re always locked in somewhere and let through once they radio down to let you know it’s safe to move.”

Assaults in women's prisons

Women’s prisons in the UK are now the most violent they have ever been, with assaults tripling in a decade.

In the year to September, the 3600 strong women’s prison state saw a total of 1630 assaults.

This is much higher than the rate in men’s prisons, which is 40% lower.

Although serious violence has historically been much worse in men’s prisons, it is now almost identical, with 39 of last year’s 110 assaults directed at prison staff.

Source: PA

Jodie’s job was to “empty milk cartons” and wash them out ready for recycling.

Once “movement” is over, the inmates all go back to their cells, before it’s lunchtime.

“You order your lunch on the app so usually it is just a sandwich or something like that,” she said.

“Believe it or not you actually get Walker’s crisps but unfortunately you don’t often get to pick your flavour.”

She had the option of eating in the wing with everyone or eating in her room alongside her cellmate, after which they were locked up from 1 to 2pm.

“They will come and unlock you around 1.45 if you have a visit to which you will then be taken down to visitation,” she explained.

“The time you have from being locked up to being picked up from a visit. you can get ready.

“You can use straighteners, hairdryer, you have make-up so you can make yourself look presentable for your loved ones.”

If you didn’t have a visit, work or education, you could just “watch TV or do as you please in your own cell”.

“Then after you’ve done your full day at work or education you get paid £1.20 into your pod and you go back to your cell for dinner time,” Jodie said.

“Again you collect your plate and you line up for what you ordered about a week ago which is usually some sort of s**tty slop.

After dinner, it’s “association time”, where they had the opportunity to do what they want.

“If you want to shower you can get a shower, if you want to bath you can go ask the officer for a plug,” she said.

“You have to give your card in to with your ID on to get the plug and then you once you get the plug back you get your ID back.

“I was on the open wing so my doors were never really locked so I could just go out when I felt like it and we also had a basketball court and net in our courtyard.”

At 7pm, the inmates are locked in their cells ready for “roll count”.

“You also have a tv in your room and a telephone so you can use this time to call loved ones or watch EastEnders. you know whoever floats your boat.”

“TV and phones in prison … seriously?” one person commented on the video.

To which Jodie replied: “Hairdressers and nail salons too!”

“Three meals a day and a warm cell…where do I sign up?” another joked.

“So a bit like Butlins then?” a third said.

“Like Butlins!” someone else agreed.

“No red coats unfortunately!” Jodie laughed.

“Sorry, were you in prison or in a hotel?” another asked.

“Don’t sound that bad! What category was it?” someone else asked.

With Jodie replying: “C I believe!”

“Sorry but this is so embarrassing for your partner and kids – why would you do this to the world?” another slammed.

To which Jodie said: “I asked my children and partner’s opinion before I started talking online and they think it’s great.

“What’s the point in hiding from it? I’m open about it!”

Jodie made her regret over her crime clear as she uses the hashtag #sorry in many of her videos.

Close-up of a woman looking at the camera.
@2025wannabecreator/Tik Tok
She’s now doing her best to be “open” about her time behind bars in a bid to help others[/caption]

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Man Utd legend Gary Neville accuses Mikel Arteta of influencing Arsenal fans to slam ‘corrupt and cheating’ referees

GARY NEVILLE has sensationally claimed Mikel Arteta is partly to blame for fuelling Arsenal fan’s stinging criticism of referees.

Following the Gunners’ clash against Wolves, it was revealed that match official Michael Oliver had been subjected to vile death threats and abuse online.

Gary Neville at the Labour Party conference.
AFP
Gary Neville has accused Mikel Arteta of stirring up fans against referees[/caption]
Mikel Arteta, Arsenal manager, arguing with a referee.
Reuters
Mikel Arteta blasted the abuse sent to Michael Oliver following Arsenal’s 1-0 win over Wolves[/caption]

Oliver, 39, had been at the centre of the controversial decision to send off Myles Lewis-Skelly for a cynical foul following a trip against Matt Doherty on the edge of the Wolves penalty area.

The Premier League had said the teenager had been sent off for “serious foul play”, but the suspension was later rescinded.

However, Oliver was subjected to vile abuse on social media after the game, which was won 1-0 by Arsenal.

A PGMOL statement at the time said: “We are appalled by the threats and abuse directed at Michael Oliver following the Wolverhampton Wanderers v Arsenal fixture.”

In the following days, Arteta, 42, blasted the attack on Oliver and urged governing bodies to kick “hatred” out of football.

But ex-Manchester United star Neville, 49, has accused the Gunners boss of being one of the main architects of riling up the abusers.

Speaking on the Stick to Football podcast, brought to you by Sky Bet, he said: “They [Arsenal fans] use language like corruption, which means they think he’s getting paid and bought off – which is obviously not the case.

“We [at Manchester United] lived in a club which created a siege mentality about the referees.

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“Arsenal are doing a bit of that as well – there’s no doubt that what Arsenal do is inflame the situation after the game rather than calm it down, they’ve done that for 12 months – but we can’t say that’s wrong having played in the dressing room that we did.

“The difference is now with social media, when we were playing back in the day and doing similar things with referees, we weren’t inflaming what would be a cause of corruption on social media. 

“Now you have a sway of Arsenal’s anger, which comes from the players and from Mikel Arteta, and prominent fans. 

“You now have a social media wave now which goes towards [allegations of] corruption and cheating. 

“In our day, we couldn’t have that much influence – everyone was at home without a phone, and didn’t have Twitter.”

Arteta’s full comments on the abuse saw him say: “Regardless of whether it is a player or a coach, a referee — it does not matter.

“We shouldn’t be here with this hatred, these things we see, because they affect everyone and in the end, they take away the joy of this sport.

“We have to really work harder to try to eradicate that part of the game that brings nothing but bad stuff, bad taste and it makes people’s lives more difficult. Let’s get it out, let’s kick it out.

“For everyone in football. You should not be permitted [to do that]. We don’t want it, we don’t need it and it certainly damages our sport.

“We are talking about it, but no one seems to be moving strongly enough because it’s just unacceptable. Why haven’t we done it?

MARK HALSEY: Questions have to be asked of VAR after Lewis-Skelly sending off... here's what SHOULD have happened

By Mark Halsey

VAR Darren England should have recommended a review as soon as referee Michael Oliver showed Arsenal’s Myles Lewis-Skelly a straight red card for his challenge on Wolves’ Matt Doherty.

An official must decide whether the challenge was careless or reckless—a careless challenge results in only a free kick, a reckless challenge warrants a yellow card—or worthy of a red card.

When a player lunges at an opponent with one or two feet from the front, side, or back, endangering the player’s safety with excessive force or brutality, it must be sanctioned with a red card.

I saw it as a reckless challenge worthy of a yellow, not a red.

So why did Darren not recommend a review? Once the red card was shown, the VAR should have intervened.

If Michael had the opportunity to review the challenge, I’m sure he would have changed his mind, rescinded the red card, and issued a yellow.

As for Arsenal fans’ views that Michael is biased against them, I’m not buying into that. You can never question the integrity of a match official and Michael is one of our best referees.

Officials cannot get everything right and that is why we have VAR to help. So questions have to be asked of Darren.

With the second yellow for Joao Gomes after catching Jurrien Timber on the ankle, you could argue that was a worse challenge than the Lewis-Skelly one

“We’re always putting a lot of emphasis on where football is going in the next five, ten years; on the rules, and all that sort of thing.

“But the most important thing we can do is create an environment that’s much better at a social level: one that’s healthier, that’s nicer.

“Reward things that are not only winning, that when people make mistakes they have the chance to make amends.”

Despite the shocking abuse, Oliver made an immediate return to action as he whistled Barcelona‘s Champions League clash against Atalanta.

Oliver is down to return to action in the Premier League next weekend to officiate Ipswich vs Southampton.

He has also been chosen as the referee to take charge of the final Goodison Park Merseyside derby on February 12.

That comes despite former PGMOL chief, Keith Hackett, suggesting Oliver should take a step back for a while to let the situation cool down.

Hackett said: “I’d be admitting this morning that this is a major error, that you don’t expect the alleged number one referee to make.

“He’s on top of the incident. I think he’s too close and so I think he requires operational advice.

“I’d be saying to Michael Oliver, I think you need a rest and I think you’re not going to see another game in the Premier League for a couple of weeks.”

TRANSFER NEWS LIVE: STAY UP TO DATE WITH ALL THE LATEST MOVES FROM THE JANUARY WINDOW

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Our ‘cuckoo land’ Labour council spent £3M banning drivers from main road but didn’t tell ANYONE – we’ll ignore it

A “CUCKOO-LAND” council has been slammed for implementing a bizarre road rule without telling any of the residents.

Southampton locals are baffled at their Labour-run city council’s £3million pound scheme which prevents them from using a main road during rush hour.

Motorists ignoring new traffic restrictions on Portswood Road.
Southampton City Council introduced a new road restriction on Portswood Road
Solent
Woman on street in Southampton, UK, commenting on a new car ban.
Alison Curtis, 60, wasn’t even aware the change had been made and branded the rule as ‘awful’
Solent
Portrait of Tyler Jones, owner of Flagship Coffee, discussing a new city council scheme that bans cars from Portswood Road during rush hour.
Coffee shop owner Tyler Jones, 24, has been watching drivers struggle with the rule
Solent

The popular Portswood Road is supposedly restricted from 7am to 10am and 4pm to 7pm, but locals seemingly decided the best way to deal with the rule is to ignore it.

Driver Alison Curtis, 60, was donating some clothes to a nearby charity shop and wasn’t even aware that the regulation was put in place on January 27.

She thought the “awful” rule was going leave a lot of Southampton residents disgruntled.

The business consultant said: “Oh my god that is awful, this is a main through street from town to the motorway.

“If you hadn’t pointed it out to me I would not have noticed.

“Where is the communication, the communication needs to be really overt, there are going to be a lot of unhappy people.”

She raised concerns about how the businesses along the road would affected and was adamant there must be a better to encourage people to use alternative transport.

“What is the purpose,” she added.

“There must be a different and better way.”

After dropping off her items at the charity shop, Alison drove off through the restricted area.

Residents are stumped at how they were expected to spot Southampton City Council’s sign that changes the road rules they’ve been following for years.

The scheme was intended to help tackle congestion along Portswood Road at peak times but the multi-million pound program been branded “ridiculous” and a “waste of money.”

Tyler Jones, owner of the popular Flagship Coffee is one of the businesses the scheme is designed to help.

The 24 year old said he was in favour of the scheme if done properly but wasn’t impressed with the the lack of advertising from the the council.

He and suggested that workers should manage the traffic flow in-person rather than a single sign.

Observing from his shop, he said it’s at least been entertaining seeing road users struggle with the scheme.

“It has been funny watching it – how many people can’t read signs,” he laughed.

“There hasn’t been enough publicity about it going on, not enough councillors or the people that wanted it managing it, they could be out there in hi-vis managing it, making sure people follow the rules.

“They could have done it in summer when we have got higher footfall, that would have drawn more customers to local business.”

Tyler was told by a councillor that the first time you break the rule you’ll just get a letter warning rather than a fine – something that will come in handy for oblivious motorists.

Construction worker Chris Page was renovating a shop next to Flagship Coffee and now is facing a slew of diversions to carry on his business.

He was infuriated and argued that his work would be made a lot more difficult now that he is forced to go around the road to unload building materials.

The owner of CMP Building said: “You are going to use more petrol and emissions going down the back roads.

“We have to go all the way around the back roads, it is more people going round residential areas, it just makes work harder.”

Aside from general “hassle” he hit out at the lack of warning, claiming the road signs were not sufficient to bring about a complete road change.

The controversial program is currently under a six-month trial and has already caused havoc amongst drivers.

Only buses, cyclists and authorised vehicles are allowed to use the route at rush hour, leaving many motorists in meltdown.

Retired NHS manager Jenny said it was a “lose-lose situation” for businesses and couldn’t believe that the £3 million wasn’t spent on road improvements.

She said: “I don’t think this will improve the area, according to the council this will make it easier and more attractive, it is the total opposite.

“They have ANPR cameras, they are giving a week of grace and then people will get fines for going through it.

“I can’t see how it is going to benefit the shop owners, it is a lose lose situation, they are going to lose money.”

Jenny was concerned that locals, who were used to going up and down these roads would just be on “autopilot” so any unadvertised changes would most likely go under the radar.

She argued there was “no logic” to the new enforcements.

“There is no physical barrier or flashing lights like for a train crossing,” Jenny continued.

“I do not see how it is going to improve Portswood, the city planners are living in cloud cuckoo land.”

“There is no logic to it.”

The Sun has reached out to Southampton City Council for a comment.

How to Appeal Council Road Changes

Understand the Plans
Review the council’s proposals and any supporting documents, such as traffic or environmental reports.

Submit Feedback
Take part in public consultations and share your concerns clearly and constructively, making sure your feedback is researched and polite.

Contact Your Councillor
Reach out to your local councillor to raise your concerns and seek their support.

Gather Support
Organise petitions or community meetings to show this is a collective issue.

Request a Review
If changes are already in place, submit a formal complaint or request a review with alternative suggestions.

It’s always best to keep your feedback polite, concise, and evidence-based for the best results.

Cars ignoring new traffic restrictions on Portswood Road.
The £3million scheme prevents drivers from using the road during rush hour
Solent
A woman on a city street comments on a new traffic scheme.
Jenny, 79, slammed city planners and said they live in ‘cuckoo-land’
Solent
Photo of a street scene with a sign indicating restrictions on vehicle access during certain hours.
The scheme is under a six-month trial period and only allows buses, cycles, and authorised vehicles to use the road at peak times
Solent
Man in CMP Build LTD jacket on Portswood Road, Southampton.
Construction worker Chris Page, 55, said it’ll make his work a lot harder
Solent

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‘Dunnes Stores have upped clothing game SO MUCH’ – I tried basic top that should be in ‘every’ wardrobe and it’s only €6

DUNNES Stores fans are scrambling to get their hands on staple tops for just €6 – and they come in three gorgeous colours.

The Scoop Neck Polyamide Vest has landed in stores across the country and is also available to buy online.

Woman wearing a black square-neck bodysuit and black jeans.
Shoppers can’t get enough of these basic tops in Dunnes Stores
dunnesstores.com
Woman wearing a light beige tank top and black pants.
The sleek tops come in three colours
dunnesstores.com
Woman in black tank top.
A Dunnes Stores fan rated the top on TikTok
TikTok

The cute tops are available in black, grey or a neutral stone shade.

Dunnes Stores chiefs said the top has a fitted shape.

They said: “An essential in any wardrobe, this polyamide vest is half-lined to under the bust, and is created in soft, stretch fabric with a scoop neck.

“In a fitted shape, this is perfect for layering or wearing alone.”

The sleek tops are a bargain €6 and range in sizes XS to XXL.

Ellen, who posts under @ellen_porterr, took to TikTok to rate the must-have basic.

She showed off the scoop neck vest in black.

Ellen said: “I don’t know what Dunnes have done lately, but they have upped their game so much, it’s unbelievable.

“I got this top last weekend in Dunnes for €6 and it is genuinely such a good basic piece to have in your wardrobe. I’m obsessed with it.”

The style lover told how there’s a selection of the tops in stores.

She said: “I love the material. They also have different styles. They have long-sleeved ones as well. I picked up a few of them.”

The TikToker urged people to run to Dunnes Stores before the tops sell out.

She added: “I’m a size extra small. But if you’re looking for good basics, I think it’s time that you guys go to Dunnes. Like, right now.”

Dunnes Stores bosses have also released the ultimate jacket for spring.

Lauren, who posts under @laurenegerton, took to TikTok to show off her “pretty” find.

She said: “A great little find from Dunnes Stores! I absolutely adore the colour khaki so it had my name written all over it. These are still currently in Dunnes Stores.”

The Boucle Biker Jacket has landed in Dunnes Stores across the country and is also available online.

Lauren continued: “I am addicted to the colour khaki, and the one thing I will never do is apologise for it.

“Okay, some people like to buy chocolate. I like to buy khaki green. Have you seen this in Dunnes?”

Screenshot of a young woman pointing to her chest.
The TikToker bagged the top in different colours
TikTok
the outside of a store called dunnes stores
The tops are available in stores and online
Garrett White - Commissioned by The Sun Dublin

Why police were called to first Dunnes Stores opening

BETWEEN the weekly food shops and bargain fashion - Dunnes Stores is a staple retailer in Irish households.

But this wasn’t always the case, and when the initial branch of the shop opened its doors in 1944 it caused quite the stir 

On March 31 of the year, Ben Dunne opened the first ever Dunnes Stores on St Patrick’s Street in Co Cork

Locals quickly learned of the grand opening and flooded into the store in what the retailer’s archives recall as a “shopping frenzy.”

The bargain clothing on sale inside the new store at “pre-war prices” was one of the factors cited for the buzz. 

During the chaos a window was forced in and Gardai were called to the scene. 

Cops worked to deal with the eager crowds and keep shoppers calm and safe before they made it into the store for their first Dunnes experience.

Fast forward some 80 years, the business now employs over 18,000 people and although an opening of a Dunnes branch hasn’t caused quite as much stir since the very first one, it has cemented its place as one of the nation’s leading retailers

Dunnes Stores now has 138 stores across Europe:

  • 118 in the Republic of Ireland,
  • 15 in Northern Ireland
  • Five stores in Spain

Read More »

Scientists Warn Wildfire Smoke Could Cause “Really Bad Neurological Health”



The destruction caused by the recent Palisades, Eaton, and Hughes Fires in Los Angeles County is hard to put into words. Together, they have burned nearly 50,000 acres, destroyed more than 16,000 structures, and killed at least 29 people, according to reports from NBC News. Even though these fires are mostly now contained, those affected have a long, difficult journey ahead.

In addition to rebuilding, dealing with insurance claims, and seeking emotional support, there is also the issue of air quality, which may be more pressing than anyone realized. According to a recent study published in the journal JAMA Neurology, fine particulate matter from wildfire smoke may be linked to dementia.

RELATED: If You're Over 45, These Are the Biggest Dementia Risk Factors, Study Finds.

How wildfire smoke could lead to a dementia diagnosis:

For the study, which was published in November before the recent spate of fires, researchers analyzed the electronic health records of 1.2 million Kaiser Permanente Southern California (KPSC) patients between 2009 and 2018. (KPSC serves 4.7 million people across 10 California counties, including Los Angeles, where wildfires are common.) The patients were age 60 or older and did not have a prior dementia diagnosis.

More than 80,000 people were diagnosed with dementia by the conclusion of the study, supporting the hypothesis that those exposed long-term to wildfire-generated fine particulate matter (PM2.5) had an increased incidence of cognitive decline.

It should be noted that PM2.5 refers to the size of the particulate matter—in this case, 2.5 microns or less in diameter, according to the California Air Resources Board (CARB). These harmful particles typically make their way into outdoor air via car emissions and the combustion of gasoline, oil, diesel fuel, or wood in factories.

However, the JAMA study found that PM2.5 particles generated from wildfires are particularly dangerous, as those exposed to PM2.5 from other origins had a much lower increase in their dementia risk.

"We have this aging population, and we have strengthening climate change, and those may converge for really bad neurological health outcomes," said Joan Casey, the study's lead author and an associate professor of environmental and occupational health sciences at the University of Washington, in speaking with The Washington Post.

CARB explains that once inhaled, particulate matter can be "deposited on the lung surface," which can "induce tissue damage and lung inflammation." But this new research shows how air pollution can also affect the brain.

Jacques Reis, a neurologist and professor of environmental medicine at the University of Strasbourg who was not involved in the study, told The Washington Post that air particles can cause inflammation in the brain as well as neuron and DNA damage.

"[Particulates] will trigger a lot of modification at the cellular level and it’s why this is a risk factor for neurodegenerative disease," he explained.

Other researchers have made similar claims. For example, a 2015 study published in Environmental Health Perspectives found that long-term exposure to PM2.5 led to increased diagnoses of dementia, Alzheimer’s disease, and Parkinson’s.

RELATED: Your Blood Pressure Reading Could Predict Your Risk of Cognitive Decline, New Study Finds.

How you can protect yourself from wildfire smoke:

The bad news is that, according to a 2024 report produced by the nonprofit Resources for the Future (RFF), "Wildfire smoke frequently causes particulate matter pollution to exceed federal standards, and these smoke impacts are expected to grow over the century as the climate warms."

But the good news is that there are steps you can take to protect yourself from the harmful and residual effects of wildfire smoke.

Following the L.A. fires earlier this month, Cedars-Sinai recommended that those in the area wear masks outdoors for several weeks, even if their phones don't classify the air as "unhealthy." Weather data doesn't measure tiny particles, and shifting wind patterns can quickly change the air quality.

"People may think, 'Well, I don’t see or smell smoke anymore, and it looks sunny like it normally does in Southern California,' and be lulled into thinking everything is fine," said pulmonologist Jeremy Falk, MD, an associate professor of Medicine at Cedars-Sinai. "But much of what can harm us in situations like this doesn’t have an odor. The Air Quality Index system was developed for everyday pollution, and not necessarily to warn us about particles that are not typically in the air because of wildfires."

Falk says an N95 mask if your best line of defense: "What makes the air pollution associated with fires so dangerous is that the particles that seem to do the most damage are much smaller than even the microscopic droplets we saw with COVID-19. Because the particles are so tiny, they can fit between the fibers of a simple paper mask or cloth mask and get far down into our airways, causing damage."

Other ways to stay safe include keeping your home's window closed and ensuring your air filtration systems (both in the home and car) are up to date.


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5 “секретів”, які не дадуть картоплю перетворити на «кашу»

Хитрощі дозволять приготувати рум’яні, пружні картопляні брусочки, які всередині дуже м’які та смачні. Є п’ять нюансів, на які слід звернути увагу при приготуванні смаженої картоплі, якщо кулінар не хоче, щоб її творіння перетворилося на «кашу». Інгредієнт Найголовніший інгредієнт – картопля. Найкраща страва виходить із молодої картоплі, яку буквально недавно викопали із землі. Волога Нарізані шматочки […]

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