Health
'Best Christmas gift' ever as kids with missing limbs receive bionic arms: 'Amazing'
Three children are feeling pure joy this December about “the best Christmas present in the world.”
Ettie Baker, age 8, Zoey Hampton-Pigeon, age 8, and Finn Jarvis, age 11, were all given “life-changing” bionic arms this week courtesy of The Big Hero 3 campaign.
Launched by a mom named Sarah Lockey whose own daughter faced physical challenges, the campaign helps families of children with missing limbs fundraise for bionic arms, news agency SWNS reported.
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Ettie Baker’s mother, Alyse, said her daughter “screamed” when she found out about her new arm for Christmas this year.
“Ettie has always shown so much love for her difference and loves celebrating differences,” said mom Alyse Baker about her daughter.
Ettie Baker, left, is shown with her new Hero Arm from Open Bionics. (SWNS)
But as the child gets older, “she is becoming increasingly aware of just how different she is,” said the mom.
“She’s becoming more conscious of the stares when [she’s] out [among people] and is sometimes frustrated that she can’t do things the same [way] as everyone else, so having the opportunity to receive a Hero Arm is life-changing for Ettie in so many ways.”
The Hero Arm is for people living with a below-elbow limb difference.
The mom said her daughter is thrilled she’ll be able to ride a bike, tie her shoes, even do handstands.
“As parents, we are excited about these things, too, but also all the other ways the Hero Arm will change Ettie’s life.”
Ettie Baker, Finn Jarvis and Zoey Pidgeon-Hampton, left to right, with their new bionic arms received for Christmas this year. (SWNS)
Added the mom, “We are absolutely over the moon to be working together” with other families and their children.
The Open Bionics Foundation — which provides financial support to people who need multi-grip upper limb prosthetics — as well as The Worshipful Company of The Glovers, Foresight Group and an anonymous donor have all contributed over $50,000 toward the children’s new bionic arms, SWNS reported.
It’s considered “the world’s most affordable advanced multi-grip prosthetic arm.”
The Hero Arm is for people living with a below-elbow limb difference, the Open Bionics Foundation indicates on its website.
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The device is considered “the world’s most affordable advanced multi-grip prosthetic arm, with multi-grip functionality and empowering esthetics,” the foundation also notes.
“Engineered and manufactured in Britain, the Hero Arm is a custom lightweight and affordable myoelectric prosthesis, now available in over 801 locations across the U.S. for below-elbow amputee adults and children aged 8 and above.”
A father described the opportunity for his daughter to receive the bionic arm as “amazing.” (SWNS)
A big chunk of the money raised so far came about because the three families worked together on it.
Thomas, the father of Zoey Hampton-Pigeon, age 8, said his daughter was so excited when she heard the news about her new arm that she was “jumping up and down squealing.”
He described the opportunity for her as “amazing.”
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The family found out their daughter would be born with a limb difference at her 20-week scan.
Said the dad, “It was a very scary and emotional time not knowing what to expect … When Zoey was born, she saw several specialists, but there are no answers about why this happened … It’s just one of those things.”
“I want to support others who are going through the same thing.”
He described his daughter today as a “very happy, caring, confident and adventurous little girl.”
She is “always on the go,” he said. She’s a member of a gymnastics club, takes swimming lessons and loves trampolining, he noted.
With her new arm, she’s looking forward to being able to use a jump rope, her dad said.
Zoey Pidgeon-Hampton, age 8, is shown receiving her new bionic arm. (SWNS)
He also said that she “does struggle with everyday tasks such as tying her laces, using a knife and fork,” and more — and that the new bionic arm “will make such a massive difference to her independence.”
Mom Sarah Lockey was originally inspired to set up the campaign, now in its fourth run, after her daughter lost her hand to meningitis at just 15 months old.
“It turned my world around,” she told SWNS, “and I promised one day I would get Tilly her hand back. She now wears two hero arms daily – so I want to support others who are going through the same thing.”
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Lockey said the campaign helps remove some of the stress of crowdfunding for families.
“It is just incredible for three children to benefit and for their families all to meet and fundraise together,” she said.
With this opportunity, “the possibilities for him to excel are endless,” said the dad of young Finn Jarvis, age 11, shown above. (SWNS)
Finn Jarvis, the third child who is receiving a bionic arm, has been described by his loved ones as “the boss of the family.”
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He was born without one hand, the result apparently of a car accident his mother was involved in before his birth.
Dad Ben Jarvis said, “Finn is a happy-go-lucky boy. He is kind, fearless and extremely switched on. He is now 11 … With this opportunity of a Big Hero Arm, the possibilities for him to excel are endless,” as SWNS reported.
Lockey also said the campaign “is her ‘favorite thing’ to do — and it has been a delight for the children to meet and receive such a life-changing opportunity.”
Just days after the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) issued a new order that all raw (unpasteurized) milk must be tested for bird flu, reports have emerged of animals dying of the virus.
In Los Angeles County, the public health department is investigating the deaths of two cats that reportedly consumed recalled raw milk.
After drinking the milk, the felines displayed symptoms that included lack of appetite, fever and neurologic issues, according to a press release from the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health.
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“The infected cats died after severe worsening of their illness, and subsequently tested positive for influenza A, a rare result in cats,” the release stated.
Reports have emerged of animals dying of bird flu in various parts of the U.S. (not pictured). The USDA recently issued a new order that all raw (unpasteurized) milk must be tested for the virus. (iStock)
Health officials are considering these “suspected H5 bird flu cases” and confirmatory testing is underway.
Cats can contract bird flu by consuming infected birds or other animals or drinking raw milk from infected cows, according to health officials.
Although it is possible for cats to transmit influenza strains to humans, there have been no reports of it happening with the current H5 bird flu outbreak.
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“The risk of H5 bird flu remains low in Los Angeles County, but this suspected case of the virus in a pet cat that consumed raw milk is a reminder that consuming raw dairy products can lead to severe illness in cats,” said Dr. Barbara Ferrer, director of the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health, in the release.
“To avoid the spread of disease, including H5 bird flu, we strongly encourage residents and their pets to avoid raw dairy and undercooked meat products, limit contact with sick or dead animals, report sick or dead birds, and keep pets or poultry away from wild animals and birds.”
Fox News Digital reached out to the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health for additional comment.
Two cats in Los Angeles (not pictured) reportedly died from bird flu after consuming raw milk. (iStock)
Meanwhile, at the Wildlife World Zoo in Maricopa County, Arizona, a few resident animals have reportedly died after becoming infected with bird flu.
Local reports stated that a cheetah, a mountain lion, a swamphen, an Indian goose and a kookaburra died as a result of bird flu, according to a zoo official.
A white tiger also was confirmed to be infected but “appeared to be responding to treatment,” per the report.
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“Maricopa County Department of Public Health (MCDPH) is working closely with state and federal partners to respond to detection of avian influenza in a small number of animals that are part of a zoo collection in Litchfield Park,” health officials stated in a press release this week.
“Overall risk to the public and zoo visitors remains low.”
A zoo representative provided an update to Fox News Digital on Friday.
“Fortunately, we are nine days out without anymore positive cases,” a zoo representative told Fox News Digital. “We also have not had any positive cases with any of our employees or volunteers as a result of avian influenza.” (iStock)
“Fortunately, we are nine days out without anymore positive cases,” the spokesperson said. “We also have not had any positive cases with any of our employees or volunteers as a result of avian influenza.”
“We are all devastated by the loss of five cherished animals, but with over 6,000 animals, we are grateful that the impact was limited thanks to our swift response and robust protocols.”
“We are all devastated by the loss of five cherished animals.”
Continued outbreaks have also been reported among dairy cattle, poultry, waterfowl and wild birds in multiple U.S. states.
Sam Scarpino, PhD, director of AI and life sciences at Northeastern University in Boston, said the animal deaths are “continued signs” that the situation with H5N1 in the U.S. is “getting worse, not better.”
Continued outbreaks have also been reported among dairy cattle, poultry, waterfowl and wild birds in multiple U.S. states. (iStock)
“The reported infections in humans and now domestic cats due to their consumption of raw milk also highlights how dangerous it is for people to consume raw milk,” he told Fox News Digital.
“It’s important that we take steps to better control the transmission of H5N1 in dairy cows and better understand how it’s spreading between states in the U.S.”
“Studies indicate that even a single mutation could significantly enhance its infectivity in humans.”
Dr. Jacob Glanville, CEO of Centivax, a San Francisco biotechnology company, warned that H5N1 has been found in “relatively high concentrations” in raw milk.
“Without pasteurizing it, the virus remains viable in the milk and could potentially infect someone who drinks it,” he told Fox News Digital.
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“It’s not that common of an occurrence, as we’ve not seen a rash of H5N1 infections from raw milk drinkers, but the virus is mutating and is therefore a potential risk.”
Although most cows have only had mild infection, Glanville noted that the strain has been “highly virulent” in birds, ferrets and primates.
“The reported infections in humans and now domestic cats due to their consumption of raw milk also highlights how dangerous it is for people to consume raw milk,” an expert told Fox News Digital. (iStock)
“Studies indicate that even a single mutation could significantly enhance its infectivity in humans,” he said.
“Given the virus’ ability to persist in milk and infect mucosal membranes, along with the potential for a pandemic, avoiding raw milk is strongly recommended,” Glanville added.
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The expert also emphasized that it’s critical to only drink pasteurized milk to prevent the spread of harmful pathogens commonly found in raw milk.
The rise of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) continues to pose threats.
The prevalence of one uncurable STI in particular – genital herpes simplex virus (HSV) type 1 and 2 – is at a global high, according to a new study published in the BMJ Journals Sexually Transmitted Infections.
Approximately 846 million people between 15 and 49 years old (more than one in five) were living with a genital herpes infection as of 2020.
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The World Health Organization (WHO) confirmed that at least one person each second, amounting to 42 million people annually, is estimated to acquire the infection.
While HSV-2 is slowly declining, genital HSV-1 is increasing, although it does not cause as much burden, one expert said. (iStock)
The researchers at Weill Cornell Medicine, Qatar, noted that both types of HSV infections are lifelong and can cause symptomatic genital ulcer disease (GUC).
HSV-2 “almost always” causes sexually transmitted genital infection, the researchers said, while HSV-1 mainly causes oral infection, like cold sores, but can be sexually transmitted to cause a genital infection.
The infection can lead to painful genital sores and blisters that typically recur in random episodes throughout life. In 2020, more than 200 million people in the same age group suffered at least one painful symptomatic episode, data shows.
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Not every case of HSV is symptomatic, which makes transmission more likely.
The researchers concluded that the “high incidence and prevalence” of HSV worldwide requires new prevention and treatment measures, such as vaccines, to control the spread and reduce the disease burden.
Approximately 846 million people between 15 and 49 years old are living with a genital herpes infection as of 2020. (iStock)
Study co-author Laith Abu-Raddad, a health care policy and research professor at Weill Cornell Medical College in Qatar, emphasized the scale of HSV’s impact.
“Symptomatic genital herpes imposes a substantial global burden, affecting 200 million people annually and incurring significant economic costs, estimated at $35 billion per year due to health care expenditures and productivity loss,” he wrote in a statement to Fox News Digital.
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“Addressing this pressing health challenge requires a fundamental solution,” Abu-Raddad went on.
“Developing a vaccine capable of protecting against HSV-1 and HSV-2, the viruses responsible for genital herpes, represents a pivotal step toward controlling this infection on a global scale.”
Curing the incurable
There is currently no cure for HSV, although there are treatments to help manage symptoms.
The STI can also lead to more serious complications like neonatal herpes, which can be transmitted from a mother to her baby during childbirth.
HSV-2 accounts for 90% of symptomatic episodes and is linked to a significantly higher risk of contracting HIV, according to the WHO.
HSV can cause painful sores and blisters that can occur in periodic episodes, according to experts. (iStock)
Dr. Gabe Gaviola, senior medical director at Everlywell in New York — an at-home STD testing and treatment platform — shared his concern about increased exposure.
“HSV is highly contagious and often asymptomatic, which means many people may unknowingly transmit the virus,” Gaviola, who was not involved in the study, told Fox News Digital. “This makes prevention and early diagnosis more difficult.”
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“There’s also a persistent stigma associated with genital herpes, which may discourage individuals from seeking treatment or disclosing their herpes status to partners, leading to further spread.”
Gaviola reiterated how HSV infection can increase the risk of contracting other STIs due to the “sores and compromised skin barrier,” which makes it “even more crucial to seek proper testing and treatment.”
“New data in this study highlight just how widespread HSV-2 and HSV-1 are, with millions of new and existing cases each year,” one doctor said. (iStock)
“High prevalence rates, especially in individuals aged 15 to 49 years old, are driven by a lack of public awareness, prevention efforts, and access to testing and treatment,” he said.
For those experiencing symptoms, Gaviola recommends getting regular screenings and being open with sexual partners to reduce the spread.
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“Safer sex practices, including condom use and antiviral treatments for those who have HSV, can help reduce the transmission of HSV,” he added.
While HSV outbreaks can be controlled and potentially become less frequently or severely over time, flare-ups can occur during times of stress or illness, according to Gaviola.
Experts explain that the nature of HSV make it difficult to pinpoint a cure. (iStock)
HSV remains dormant in nerve cells after initial infection, which makes it “extremely difficult to completely eradicate from the body,” he said.
“It can reactivate at any time, often without warning,” he warned. “This dormancy also allows the virus to evade the immune system, which prevents the body from eliminating the infection.”
“It can reactivate at any time, often without warning.”
“While there are no cures yet, progress in vaccine development and antiviral therapies is promising,” he said.
“Public health measures to reduce transmission and improve treatment are critical in managing the global burden of HSV.”
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Anna Wald, M.D., professor of medicine, laboratory medicine and epidemiology at the University of Washington, noted that the nature of the herpes virus, much like chickenpox and shingles, makes the development of a cure difficult – although early, preclinical trials are underway.
According to Wald, there have also been some attempts to develop a preventative HSV vaccine that have failed. (iStock)
“[A] cure is likely to require gene therapy, which is a potentially risky approach for a non-lethal disease,” Wald, who was not involved in the research, told Fox News Digital. “So progress is slow as a result.”
There have also been some attempts to develop a prophylactic vaccine that have failed, according to the doctor.
“Testing vaccines for prevention is very expensive, but there are some new candidate vaccines that will hopefully be in trials in the next few years,” she shared.
“In my opinion, a preventative vaccine would be an optimal approach, but we don’t yet know how to make one that will work – and testing them is a lengthy and costly process.”
The top gifts this holiday season might not be the best fit for everyone, especially those who have Alzheimer’s disease.
There are seven million Americans living with the disease, according to the Alzheimer’s Association – and some gifts might not be appropriate depending on a person’s stage of dementia.
“Family members and friends may have to rethink their gift-giving strategies when shopping for someone living with dementia,” Elizabeth Edgerly, Ph.D., senior director of Community Programs and Services at the Alzheimer’s Association in Chicago, said in a press release statement.
Not all gifts are appropriate for people with Alzheimer’s, the association noted. (iStock)
“Gifts that may have made you a holiday hero in the past may no longer be a good fit,” she went on.
“You want to start by considering where the person is cognitively, so you can choose a gift they are able to use and enjoy.”
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The Alzheimer’s Association released the following list of gifts that are suitable for people at every stage of the disease.
Gift for early-stage Alzheimer’s
Incorporating old photos with familiar faces into gifts can be helpful and thoughtful. (iStock)
1. Dry-erase calendars and white boards with colorful markers are a bright way to jot things down.
2. Label makers can help someone with memory issues to stay organized and keep track of household items.
3. Gift cards for ride-share services or favorite activities can keep your loved one engaged.
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4. GPS trackers, in the form of watches, bracelets or key rings, can offer an individual their independence while keeping them safe.
5. “Memory” calendars can be filled with family photos and pre-marked with important dates.
Gifts for middle to late stages
The Alzheimer’s Association recommends soothing gifts like blankets for those who are in the later stages of dementia. (iStock)
6. Music playlists can be compiled with your loved one’s favorite artists and songs.
7. Comfy, loose-fitting clothing, like sweat suits, slip-on shirts, night gowns, bathrobes and lace-free shoes, are easy to throw on, remove and wash.
8. Framed photos or collages with the names of people present will help with identification.
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9. Soothing gifts like a soft blanket or handheld massage ball can help relieve stress and anxiety.
10. “Adaptive” dining accessories — like no-spill cups, plate guards and silverware with handles — encourage independence at the dinner table.
Gifts for engagement
Mentally stimulating gifts like puzzles and activity books can be great for keeping the mind alert. (iStock)
11. A memory phone can store photos with names and contact information.
12. Puzzles and activity books stimulate the brain and promote cognitive sharpness.
13. Card games and board games encourage engagement with others while also keeping the mind sharp.
14. An outing to a movie, concert, sporting event or museum can keep the recipient involved and entertained.
15. DIY crafts, like scrap-booking or ornament painting, promote at-home engagement.
Things to consider while shopping
When shopping for someone living with dementia, Edgerly recommends considering two things about the recipient: What does this person like and what can this person do?
“It is important to adapt your gift to where the person is in the disease.”
“Lifelong passions, including hobbies and favorite activities, don’t necessarily dissipate with a dementia diagnosis,” she told Fox News Digital. “However, it is important to adapt your gift to where the person is in the disease.”
“For example, someone who was an avid golfer may not be able to play anymore, but a picture book featuring golf courses or players may be a perfect fit.”
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Edgerly suggested thinking about “what brings them joy,” such as photos of family members or past pets that can be made into a custom gift.
“Create a mug, ornament or special notebook with those photos on the cover,” she recommended. “Do they have a favorite song list? Create a playlist for devices like Amazon [Alexa] or Google Home. Pick a gift that caters to these interests, but in a way that is cognitively appropriate.”
One of the best gifts for someone with dementia, according to an expert, is the gift of your time. (iStock)
Gifts that help support the person living with dementia in a fun way are good options, the expert noted, as well as items that bring comfort.
“The best gift I bought for my mom after she developed dementia was a giant box of individually wrapped whoopie pies (a dessert cake),” Edgerly shared.
“The adage that the best things in life are free is true.”
“She was able to hand them out to all her friends and the staff at the assisted living facility. I made sure she had plenty to give out. She had the biggest smile on her face handing those out to everyone.”
But one of the best gifts you can give to someone with dementia, according to Edgerly, is the gift of your time.
“Make plans to spend time with the person doing the things they like,” she advised. “It can be playing a game, looking at old pictures, watching a favorite movie or going out to eat.”
“The adage that the best things in life are free is true. Spending time and engaging the person in meaningful ways can be the best gift of all.”
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