Menopause awareness has come a long way in recent years – especially in the workplace. This stands to reason, as nearly 80% of menopause-age women in the UK are in work, according to the Faculty of Occupational Medicine (FOM). In fact, according to ONS figures, menopausal women are the fastest-growing demographic in the workforce. While menopause isn’t challenging for everyone, around three-quarters going through it will experience symptoms – such as brain fog, impaired sleep, hot flushes, anxiety and mood changes – and for one in four women, the impact is severe. Celebrities like Davina McCall have worked hard to tackle taboos and open up conversations around menopause, and a lot has been going on behind the scenes to improve things across healthcare and the workplace. As World Menopause Day 2023 (October 18) approaches, three key figures in the field share their thoughts on the progress so far, and what needs to happen next… Louise Minchin, TV presenter, author and journalist “Progress has definitely been made in respect of people feeling able to speak up. Even if they don’t yet have the answers, people know they can ask the questions – the conversation is no longer taboo, which is brilliant,” says Minchin, who has been at the forefront of menopause conversations in the media. “There’s so much more in the public domain on menopause now, and this enables people to have more of a handle on the topic, and a much better idea where to find help.” In terms of what needs to happen next, she adds: “Employers should be much clearer on how to access training, advice and signposting services that will help their employees work through menopause. Guidelines are all well and good, but [people] need clarity – they need action plans, access to expert trainers and well-informed educators to help them understand and meet their responsibilities and obligations. “It’s important to change the culture, as only when this happens can people open up about what’s happening to them. If you have a supportive and open culture, people feel able to continue in their jobs with the changes that might be needed,” says Minchin – adding that it’s also important to remember “not everyone wants to share or will feel comfortable talking about their situation or their symptoms”, and that needs to be respected too. “We must keep going until we reach the point where we don’t even have to have a conversation about what employers are doing to support colleagues through menopause – because they just are.” Deborah Garlick, CEO of Henpicked: Menopause In The Workplace “In terms of progress, we’ve seen a significant increase in the number of employers taking menopause in the workplace seriously. Seven years ago, no employers had a menopause policy or guidance document. “Today, research suggests around half do, and we have hundreds of employers working towards The Menopause Friendly Accreditation to prove and demonstrate the remarkable, positive impact they’re making for their colleagues,” says Garlick, referencing a scheme set up to show employers ‘have a clear understanding of how menopause can have an effect at work’ and that they ‘care about the wellbeing’ of women at work. “Next we need to see every employer commit to being menopause friendly by putting their menopause policy into action. This is urgent, important and critical for organisational success, particularly with the double threat of our ageing population and the shrinking talent pool,” adds Garlick. “Employers who fail to look after people working through menopause will fall behind.” Rt Hon Caroline Nokes MP, Chair of the Women and Equalities Committee “We’ve made progress on the taboo and stigma, but we need healthcare to up its game. Too many women are still being told they’re too young, it’s depression, you can manage without HRT,” says Nokes, who heads up the cross-party committee set up in 2015 to scrutinise government work and spending around issues impacting women. HRT shortages also need to be tackled, Nokes adds: “You can’t be at your awesome best if you’re anxious about whether your next prescription will be filled – and that is in itself a workplace issue. If we are worried about productivity as a nation, then we need to give menopausal and perimenopausal women the tools to be as productive as possible.” Read More Online apps recommended to manage lower back pain From choppy bobs to fox red, 5 celebrity-approved hair trends for autumn The UK’s first dedicated male breast cancer organisation has launched How Taylor Swift’s style has evolved over the years Model Emily Ratajkowski unveils latest fashion campaign 10 ways to cosy-up your home for an autumnal vibe

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Defender Steph Catley has signed a new deal with Arsenal, the Women’s Super League club have announced. The 29-year-old has made 74 appearances for the north London side since making her August 2020 debut as a substitute in Arsenal’s Champions League quarter-final with Paris St Germain. Catley scored one goal and provided four assists across 32 appearances for Jonas Eidevall’s side this season and is a centurion for Australia having represented the Matildas at two World Cups and two Olympics. She said: “It feels amazing – this feels like home. I’ve made some incredible friendships here and when the offer came around I knew exactly what I wanted to do and exactly where I wanted to be. “I’ve never been happier playing football and I feel like this team is very special – we’re building something special and in the future we’re capable of achieving anything.” Catley joins Lia Walti and Frida Maanum on a growing list of Arsenal players who have chosen to extend their stay. Head coach Eidevall said: “I’m delighted Steph has signed a new contract with us. Steph is one of the best defenders in the game and brings so much to this group both on and off the pitch. “She’s a model professional and has delivered time and again when called upon throughout my time here, so we’re all pleased to say Steph will continue to be a part of Arsenal for years to come.” Head of women’s football Clare Wheatley added: “It’s great news that Steph has signed a new deal here at Arsenal. Steph is one of the top players in the world in her position and has been such a consistent performer in the time she has been here. She is a key part of this team and we’re delighted to say she will continue to wear the Arsenal colours moving forward.”

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Island Boys, who went viral in 2021 for their catchy TikTok song, have said their make-out session is "really not disgusting" and not "that big of a deal" because they're twins. It comes after the pair shared a disturbing clip of them kissing last month to mark the arrival of their OnlyFans account. The pair, Kodiyakredd (Franky Venegas) and Flyysoulja (Alex Venegas), have now appeared on Adam22's podcast where they discussed the backlash. Adam asked whether the pair were disgusted by the idea, before sharing that the thought of kissing his friend is really unappealing to him. "We're twin brothers, we came out of the womb together, we grew up together. It's not really disgusting if it's twins," Kodiyakredd responded. "Your friend, you don't really know him like that." Sign up for our free Indy100 weekly newsletter They continued: "We kind of just made out or whatever, we kissed and then we just like look the other way for a few minutes and couldn't like, look at each other, but it wasn't that big of a deal – just a kiss." The clip was inundated with comments from Instagram users, with one writing: "Florida does not claim or associate with this in any shape way or form…" "Instagram needs a dislike button asap," another added, while a third commented: "Clout is one hell of a drug is all ima say…" Meanwhile, one person penned: "This is what happens when attention and clout becomes more important than anything else to people, they’ll literally do anything to try and maintain the spotlight. If they hadn’t done that Adam wouldn’t even be interviewing them right now." He went on to say "We're still heterosexual," despite Flyysoulja "coming out" during a TikTok Live. According to Dexerto, the viral star turned to TikTok Live where he said: "I’m a top, I’m never a bottom, I’m a top you understand what I’m saying?" "I’m like that, for real. You gotta support me because you feel me: I like men and it is what it is. I’m a top, but I’m a top at the end of the day that’s just what’s going on." "You guys support me, because you feel me," he continued. "I like men. It is what it is. I’m a top. I’m a top at the end of the day. That’s what’s going on." Have your say in our news democracy. Click the upvote icon at the top of the page to help raise this article through the indy100 rankings.

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Rob Edwards admitted it would be an “incredible story” for Luton midfielder Pelly-Ruddock Mpanzu to reach the Premier League having been at the club since they were in the National League. Mpanzu joined from West Ham in 2014 when Luton were languishing in the fifth tier of English football and a win on Saturday in the Sky Bet Championship play-off final against Coventry would be his fourth promotion in 10 seasons. Over 300 appearances and nine years later, the 29-year-old is potentially 90 minutes away from reaching the top-flight and facing off with his former side next season. “It would be (a great achievement). I need to stress that it would be an incredible story,” Edwards said. “I know people have gone from the National League to do incredible things but to do it with one club would be a great story and if we are able to do it there’s not one person I would be more happy for than Pelly. “He is such an important person around the place and an incredible man, he deserves it but it doesn’t mean we are going to do it, we have to make it happen but it would be great for him. “He’s the heartbeat of the group because he’s been here so long, an honest guy, very hard-working and he’s just stepped up. To do one more level would be incredible.” He's the heartbeat of the group because he's been here so long, an honest guy, very hard-working and he's just stepped up Rob Edwards on Pelly-Ruddock Mpanzu Mpanzu felt his transfer to Luton was a risk but since praised the club’s mentality and belief as a key factor to their stark success over the last decade. And Luton’s current longest serving player believed he would one day return to the Premier League. “It has been a risk but here we are moments away from the Premier League, it’s been a good experience and I don’t want it to end on Saturday,” Mpanzu added. “I knew my ability would get me back there (Premier League), obviously you have got to have a great team around you and support, but when you have belief and know you can rise back to the top, Luton have done that in a short space of time. “Going from non-league to the Premier League with one club would be crazy.” Defender Dan Potts played with Mpanzu at West Ham before rejoining his former team-mate at Kenilworth Road in 2015. Mpanzu looked back at the pair’s comeback story since leaving the Hammers, saying: “He followed me here and he told me he was signing. “I told him the team is going places and he’s been a good signing. He’s stuck with me through thick and thin. “It’s mad we were both at West Ham and now one game away from the Premiership so it’s been a real journey with him also.”

REDWOOD CITY, Calif. & LUQUE, Paraguay--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Jun 7, 2023--

What the papers say Chelsea will make a second bid for Brighton midfielder Moises Caicedo, adding £10million and add-ons to their first offer of £70million, the Daily Mail said. Liverpool’s quest for a younger midfield will come at a hefty cost with Crystal Palace valuing Cheick Doucoure at £70million, the Daily Mail reports. Liverpool have already added Alexis Mac Allister and Dominik Szoboszlai to their midfield this summer. The Guardian says Chelsea are also thinking of making a bid for Marc Guehi, who they sold to Crystal Palace two years ago. Chelsea are trying to fill the void in defence that will be left by Wesley Fofana who had surgery on a serious knee injury. Newcastle are on the verge of selling Allan Saint-Maximin to Saudi Pro League club Al-Ahli for around £30million, as they look to bring in Leicester’s Harvey Barnes, according to the Telegraph. Social media round-up Players to watch Pedro: Tottenham are interested in signing the 26-year-old Brazilian striker who plays for Flamengo, the Independent said. Ivan Fresneda: Bournemouth look likely to beat Barcelona, Real Madrid and Borussia Dortmund to the signing of the 18-year-old Valladolid defender with a bid of £15million, according to Football Insider. Read More Charity boss speaks out over ‘traumatic’ encounter with royal aide Ukraine war’s heaviest fight rages in east - follow live