A football star who has epilepsy and whose father represented the Great Britain deaf team has just secured a dream transfer that could see him take on Lionel Messi.

And he will aim to beat the Argentine superstar, just as he did with the icon's great rival, Cristiano Ronaldo.

3

3

Matt Crooks, 30, was yesterday unveiled as the new signing of MLS side Real Salt Lake, after joining them from Middlesbrough for an undisclosed fee.

The 6ft 1in midfielder leaves Riverside as a firm fan favorite after his two-and-a-half years at the Riverside.

He played 115 games for Boro and scored 23 times, including a famous goal against Manchester United.

The Leeds-born ace grew up supporting the Red Devils, but his equalizer in the FA Cup at Old Trafford secured a fourth-round draw with Boro winning 8-7 after Ronaldo had earlier missed a penalty. .

Crooks wrote an emotional farewell after his departure was confirmed, saying: “Just six months ago I described this place as my home and it will remain so. But life is short and we can only try once, and having the opportunity to experience football and life in another country with my family was one I was eager to take on.

“There were different challenges and many positions under each manager, but they all gave me memories that I will certainly look back on with great pleasure. Reading at home, United away, Spurs at home, Chelsea at home. Fantastic.

“Good luck to everyone involved with the club for the rest of this season. I'm sure the boys and staff will give it their all until the season ends.”

He has played in a variety of positions under different managers at Middlesbrough, but he is looking forward to being deployed as a No. 10 in America – and facing one of the greatest ever in that position too.

FREE BETTS – BEST BETTS & BONUSES FOR NEW CUSTOMERS

Crooks said: “MLS is getting a bigger name and a better reputation.

“Obviously with people like Messi and whatever else you come across, the sport here has really improved. I'm just looking forward to it.

“I wouldn't say I'm a Salt Lake or RSL professor yet, but I'm looking forward to learning more. That's what I come for.

“I think my role will be that of the 10s. I think you'd like me to play that 10 role.

Crooks' journey to America has been incredible both off and on the field.

As a player he started at Huddersfield Town before spells before Boro at Halifax, Hartlepool, Accrington, Rangers, Scunthorpe, Northampton and Rotherham.

Off the field, the popular player with epilepsy overcame the loss of an old football friend and grew up in a family where both his parents were deaf.

Speaking earlier BBChe said: “My father is proud to be deaf, my mother is proud to be deaf, but in a way I think the same about epilepsy.

“It is a dangerous condition and can have serious consequences, but it is part of me and who I am, so I have to embrace it and not live in fear of something happening.”

He is not the only member of his family with an impressive sports career.

His father Dave Great Britain played football at four Olympic Games for the Deaf, amassing a collection of one gold, one silver and one bronze medal.

Crooks said: “My dad never forgets to remind me.

“He did a good job of making the best of what he had, even though it held him back in other parts of his life, he still made sure sport was a big part of his life and that's something I get from him.

“It's classed as a disability but I've never looked at them and thought they're disabled, they're just deaf and it's a different world to the hearing world. It's not something to look down on.”

Crooks is also involved with two charities: the Peter Doody Foundation – which aims to normalize epilepsy – and the Jordan Sinnott Foundation Trust – where he is vice-chairman and trustee, in honor of his late ex-Huddersfield team-mate.

3

Most of us will know someone whose hearing is failing. They repeatedly ask ‘pardon?’ or turn the TV on full blast, despite everyone else’s complaints. It is a major cause of marital conflict, with partners going crazy and repeating themselves.

Furthermore, any suggestion that there is a problem is often denied or met with hostility.

I remember one of my older cousins ​​insisting that the family suddenly started mumbling instead of accepting the fact that he was going deaf. “Speak for God’s sake!” he barked every time someone opened his mouth.

It became clear that he was very good at lip reading because he would never respond unless you looked directly at him.

Naturally, as soon as there was any suggestion that he should get help for his hearing, he became furious and broke down: the problem was with the whisperers.

I’ve also had patients who have sworn that they can hear very well, even though their husbands insisted they couldn’t and begged them for advice.

They stop using the phone, don’t go out and withdraw into themselves instead of accepting that something is wrong.

It’s a strange reaction to something that should be treated like any other medical problem, especially since it’s easily treatable.

And treat it, because according to a groundbreaking study published last week in the Lancet, wearing hearing aids will not only make life easier, but also help you live longer.

The study suggested that the risk of premature death for someone with hearing loss is reduced by 24 percent if they regularly wear an aid, compared to if they never use one. It is thought that this may be, at least in part, because it helps improve mental health and cognition.

But the stark fact is that there is a stigma attached to wearing hearing aids, which is why many people shy away from them.

The gap between someone experiencing the first symptoms of hearing loss and seeking help is typically ten years. A whole decade! This is terrible.

Imagine if people who lost their sight waited so long to get glasses, and instead of seeking help, settled for a life of bumping into things?

It’s ridiculous and we wonder why anyone would tolerate something that is completely manageable and treatable.

But it’s not just a matter of getting your hearing tested and getting an aid – digital hearing aids are available free on the NHS for those who need them – an estimated quarter of people who have the devices don’t use them.

The reasons are complex: many suffer from background noise, but one aspect is of course that hearing aids are associated with old age. It’s not necessarily vanity; the situation deserves our compassion and understanding, because the fear of appearing weak and old is at its root.

Glasses are now a fashion accessory, with designer brands such as Tom Ford and Gucci making frames, while the same has not happened with hearing aids.

It means people are putting their mental health at risk and, according to this study, shortening their lifespan because they delay getting help.

Hearing problems have been linked to increased rates of depression, anxiety, phobias, alcohol use and even suicide.

They are also strongly linked to dementia and yet, interestingly, the rates among those who have an adequate hearing aid are the same as those without hearing loss.

It has been suggested that sensory nerves involved in hearing stop working properly because they are not stimulated and this causes damage in other parts of the brain.

Hearing loss is strongly associated with social isolation and marital discord and can even lead to divorce due to the strain it can place on relationships if left untreated.

It may be all too easy to let frustrations boil over, but encouraging a friend or partner to get help may be the kindest thing you can do for them.

According to the Royal National Institute for Deaf People, 40 percent of people aged 50 and over in Britain have hearing loss, rising to 70 percent in people over 70. But only one in five people whose hearing is poor enough to to justify a hearing aid, actually has one.

A gentle intervention can make a difference, not only to their health, but to their well-being – and yours too.

Beware of scans like Rita’s

Singer Rita Ora has come under fire for promoting a £1,966 MRI scan that reportedly allows early detection of more than 500 cancers and diseases.

Rita, 33, was criticized for being out of reach for most people. My problem is that this type of ‘screening’ is not evidence based and can lead to more problems than it can cure.

Screening someone for a condition is a difficult balancing act between saving lives and not causing harm through unnecessary treatment. General screening in otherwise fit and healthy people can detect incidental problems that pose no real risk to a person’s health.

But because they have been noticed, they need to be investigated – more tests, more procedures, all with added risks. Incidental findings, such as benign growths, sometimes called “incidentalomas,” lead to invasive and dangerous investigations.

The odd serious condition will be picked up by these types of screenings, but I worry about all the myriad associated problems they can bring as well.

The latest series of strikes by junior doctors is coming to an end this week. It marks a record number of days in which medics have downed tools – the longest ever strike in the history of the NHS.

Figures show it has cost taxpayers billions, surgeries and appointments have been canceled and there is evidence it has also resulted in a rise in deaths. Yet we appear to be no closer to resolving the dispute.

I have great sympathy for the doctors in training, but the effect on the public is terrible. I’ve been thinking for a long time about how this could be solved. There are no easy answers. The demand for a 35 percent wage increase seems like wishful thinking.

But I wonder if there aren’t other concessions that could be made that would appease the junior doctors to break the impasse?

The latest figures show that the number of doctors signing up to work abroad will rise to the highest level in a decade by 2023 and will cost £2.8 billion. This does not apply to all those who leave for other professions, such as banking or technology companies.

So yes, give the trainee doctors a pay rise, but couple that with the requirement that they work in the NHS for a certain period of time after completing their training. Say, five years.

Furthermore, providing a grant to future doctors and eliminating their fees would mean no more student loans, and this would also amount to a pay increase.

This is not a final plan, but just an idea of ​​how, with some lateral thinking, a solution can be found.

Garden guru Monty Don has spoken about how his wife almost left because of the impact Seasonal Affective Disorder had on him.

While we readily recognize that caring for someone with a physical disability takes its toll, we rarely do the same for conditions such as depression.

DR MAX PRESCRIBES FOR…

DRINK BREAK

I’m quite a fan of dry January because it gives people a chance to see what life is like without booze. I often advise patients to give it a try to understand the role alcohol plays in their lives.

Yes, it’s already a week of January, but that doesn’t mean you can’t start a little later. It can teach us a lot about our drinking habits in ways that a few sober nights won’t.

An English footballer, who won a bronze medal for Great Britain with her wife, tragically died just days before Christmas.

Gemma Wiseman, 33, helped Britain to a third-place finish at the 2016 World Cup for the Deaf in Italy.

Her body was discovered by a member of the public in woodland near Wilkinson Road in Rackheath, near Norwich, on December 16.

Wiseman is survived by her wife Laura and daughter, three, who are ‘devastated’ by her loss.

Since her death, A GoFundMe page has been set up and has raised £7,500.

A statement on the site said: ‘On December 16, 2023, Gemma sadly committed suicide. Her family and friends are absolutely devastated.

‘Gemma was a kind and caring person with a great sense of humour. She brought laughter and energy everywhere she went and easily made friends with anyone who was lucky enough to meet her.

‘Gemma is survived by her devoted wife Laura and her three-year-old daughter, who are completely lost without her.

‘We are kindly asking for donations to help pay for Gemma’s funeral and give her the send-off she truly deserves. So if you can donate anything at all, it would be greatly appreciated.

‘Laura is extremely grateful for everyone’s help and support during this difficult time.

“It’s okay not to be okay.”

An inquest into her death was opened at Norfolk Coroner’s Court at County Hall on December 28, while an inquest into the official cause of death will take place on July 29.

The medical cause of death was given as ‘narrowing of neck structures’.

Born on January 28, 1990 in Plymouth, Devon, Wiseman had worked as a teaching assistant while continuing to play football for a number of local clubs.

Lucindha Lawson, a teammate of Wiseman, paid an emotional tribute to “one of the most beautiful people” on Instagram, just a few days after her death.

Alongside a series of photos, Lawson wrote: “Gemma Louise Wiseman (Sanders) wasn’t just a teammate and roommate; she was one of the most wonderful people – funny, caring and truly special.

‘As housemates at the 2013 Deaflympics, we shared countless memorable moments, even though we were left out because the other villas were just too far from ours.

‘Plus I’ll never forget the night out in Bristol during the GB training camp where I snuck into the city center with a few girls. She drove us there, I think, and what a wonderful evening it was.

‘We weren’t caught red-handed the next day (everyone knows now, but who cares?!). We traveled together as a team to Bulgaria for the Deaflympics in 2013, Bulgaria for the European Championships in 2014, Thailand for the World Cup in 2015 and Italy for the World Cup in 2016. Our early twenties were filled with unforgettable parties and adventures.

‘I also remember fondly the times she stayed with me and occasionally played with us for Fulham DFC. One time she unfortunately injured her hand during a match, and we laughed about it when she had a bag of pea ice cream on her injured hand at my house. Such a funny memory.

“Gemma, it has been a great privilege to have played alongside you, one of the greatest players I have known, and to know you as a person. I had the honor of attending your beautiful wedding.

“Thank you for having my part in your life; it means a million to me. The memories of those moments will be cherished forever. I deeply regret not doing more for our friendship, but I take comfort in knowing that you are no longer suffering. May you rest in peace without pain.

“I will always be here to support you Laura in any way I can. Fly high and I trust my brother to take care of you on my behalf. I love you, will miss you, and see you later.’

Well-wishers were distraught over Wiseman’s death and left messages of support for her family on her GoFundMe page.

‘So sad to hear this. I didn’t know Gemma, but recognized her from the Deaf Festival. I remember Gemma and Laura taking Allie to the bear clinic to get hearing aids for her bear,” said one commenter.

Another added: ‘I’m so sorry to read this. We worked together for Break in 2014. Gemma had the sweetest, kindest soul. We then saw each other on Sunday mornings while our little girls played soccer together. A cheerful, friendly face that I encountered every now and then. I’m so sorry. Rest in peace, dear lady.’

Another said: “Our thoughts are with you Laura and Allie. Gemma always had such a beautiful smile and bubbly personality whenever we met you around Blofield.’

In 2016, Manchester United legend Gary Neville donated £20,000 to help the men’s and women’s deaf football teams reach the 2017 Deaflympics.

The footballer turned pundit made the donation in response to a tweet from Claire Stancliffe, captain of Team GB Women, when he discovered that neither the FA’s Premier League was providing financial support for Britain’s deaf teams.

“I will if they don’t,” he tweeted in 2016.

For confidential support, call the Samaritans on 116123 or visit a local Samaritans branch, see www.samaritans.org for details

It’s not just that DK Metcalf is learning American Sign Language and using it nationally; it’s also that, even as a recognizable novice, he does it with a level of finesse that shows he just gets it.

“He has the swag with it. And that is sometimes half the battle with signing,” says Sean Forbes, one of the deaf rappers who barriers broken during the halftime show of the Super Bowl two years ago with Eminem, Snoop Dogg and other hip-hop stars. “You have to have the nuances, the atmosphere, the way your hands move and flow has to be there. … He had the rhythm where most rookie signers would be a little more choppy.

Seattle Seahawks wide receiver Metcalf introduced a twist on the typical NFL touchdown celebration this season by drawing one-liners in the end zone in recent games against the Los Angeles Rams and Dallas Cowboys. He joked that the practice could help him avoid fines for nonsense talk, but there is much more to it. In the same way the former All-Pro studies opposing defenses, Metcalf will meet with a coach on Tuesday to hone his signing skills.

DK and the Seahawks get on the board first

: #SEAvsLAR on CBS
: Stream on #NFLPlus pic.twitter.com/byYXgLpJl2

—NFL (@NFL) November 19, 2023

The time he puts into it is noticeable. This doesn’t appear to be the work of someone just Googling how to pronounce specific phrases — a familiar situation for any beginning foreign language learner — said Dr. Kim Kurz, a professor at RIT’s National Technical Institute for the Deaf.

Forbes just wanted to know more about the why and how of it all, and speculated that Metcalf is working with someone to hone his style.

“We all have those questions, but at the same time we’re all like, ‘F— yes!'”

Well, here are the answers.

Metcalf, whose signing first came to light last month, took an ASL summer course in college and started learning the language again early this season. He meets once a week via video call with Darrell Utley, a Tennessee-based instructor Metcalf is connected to through his agency.

Utley said he didn’t know Metcalf was an NFL player when they first started classes. He said in an email that the former Pro Bowler is “a curious and open-minded student” who is “dedicated and committed to learning sign language.”

Metcalf, 25, said he started learning ASL as a way to “exercise his mind” and take it away from football (he previously took acting classes for the same reason and is also pursuing guitar). The potential for trash talk was a secondary thought.

But for the deaf community, it’s more than just the hobby of one popular athlete. For some it’s a cause for celebration, and for others it’s at least a conversation starter.

Kurz, who is deaf, said through an interpreter that Metcalf’s use of sign language has become a “hot topic.”

“Deaf people are, quite frankly, quite tired of others who only want to learn sign language for the sole purpose of learning profanity or swear words,” Kurz explained, noting that Metcalf has not ventured into that area so far. “We would much rather people actually show an interest in learning ASL because they want to communicate with deaf people or learn more about deaf culture and the deaf community.”

Metcalf said he enjoys “just shedding light on the ASL community, the Deaf community, where more people are starting to learn ASL and starting to pay attention to, ‘What’s he going to sign next, or what’s he signing?’ ”

Some have suggested that referees, coaches and other players should simply learn to draw, too, Kurz said. It fits, of course, since football already has sign language roots, including the origin of the herd.

Dr. Joseph Hill, an associate professor at RIT and Black Sign Language researcher, also said that some deaf people are wary “when someone learns a language of a linguistic minority out of self-interest.” That’s because of a long history of hearing people using ASL “for their own benefit” and not for the benefit of the deaf community, Hill wrote in an email.

For that reason, Utley also said it’s important for people interested in learning ASL to gain exposure through Deaf teachers “for authenticity” and to support Deaf businesses.

Forbes finds Metcalf’s ASL singers “simply brilliant” and “not appropriative at all,” though he wondered whether a deaf athlete without Metcalf’s stature would feel qualified to make similar comments. He added: “What he’s doing is really putting our language in the spotlight – and being a bit smart about it.”

The first time Metcalf came to grips with the use of ASL, it flew somewhat under the radar. ’44, my son,’ he drew toward Rams cornerback Ahkello Witherspoon after beating him for a touchdown on November 19.

But the second time, when he signed a standing on business statement against the Cowboys last week, things went well.

“The community was just on fire (the second time), everyone is just looking forward to seeing what else he does and what else other footballers do,” Forbes said. “It further shows me and the community at large that sign language is so cool.

“To be able to see that on a mainstream platform, in a professional sports league, speaks volumes.”

After his touchdown, DK Metcalf said “stand on business” in sign language

@NFL pic.twitter.com/HaPuEO1Xts

— The Athletic (@TheAthletic) December 1, 2023

Metcalf took the idea of ​​signing “standing on business” from teammate Boye Mafe, a linebacker who also knows ASL. Mafe signs “I love you” to the sky as part of his pregame ritual in honor of his mother, who died in 2018.

The term Metcalf used is an amalgam of cultures, Hill noted — a recently popularized part of African-American vernacular English, which, like ASL, has a unique structure, syntax and grammar distinct from English.

That smooth execution is just “based on his personality,” Utley said, adding that the pair didn’t prepare specifically for the touchdown celebrations. Utley was “surprised” that Metcalf had brought out his new skills on the field when he saw it on the news.

“Everyone has their own style and personality, which comes out when they use sign language,” the instructor added.

Forbes said it’s refreshing to see Metcalf “doing something cool with (ASL) and turning people’s heads” when most people spread it through more traditional means such as teaching and interpreting. The ripple effect is already there finds its way into other sports.

It is also just the latest in a series of steps taken by those involved in football around deaf inclusion. While interpreters during the Super Bowl anthem have been the standard for years, Forbes’ halftime performance alongside fellow Deaf rapper Wawa marked the first ASL performers on the show. Last year, deaf performer Justina Miles signed Rihanna’s hits.

The competition, which partners with the National Association of the Deaf, also recently launched a merchandise line with ASL.

Both Forbes and Kurz characterized the NFL as a leader in inclusion when it comes to the deaf community, but wondered if we could one day see broadcast components like an ASL reporter to take things to the next level.

It would also be a bonus if Metcalf could use his platform to raise awareness and educate people about the importance of learning sign language to communicate with the deaf, Kurz said.

Turns out Metcalf feels the same way.

“I just love that I get to challenge myself to learn something new and just bring light to a community that I didn’t know felt unseen or felt forgotten,” Metcalf said.

What started as a pastime may have briefly turned into a gimmicky realm with the opportunity to talk trash for a player who has racked up some $100,000 in fines for personal on-field behavior. But for Metcalf it remains serious.

“I’m trying, simply put, to learn a new language.”

(Top Photos: Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images and Steven Bisig/USA Today)

Aussies have said they are struggling with the cost of living, despite Reserve Bank Governor Michelle Bullock declaring frustration over rate hikes was just ‘noise’.

Michele Bullock, who earns more than $1 million a year, was speaking at a meeting of central bank governors in Hong Kong on Tuesday when she made the comments that sparked outrage.

This month, under the supervision of the new governor, the RBA raised interest rates for the thirteenth time in eighteen months to a twelve-year high of 4.35 percent.

As a result, monthly variable mortgage repayments have increased by 69 percent since May 2022, when the cash interest rate was still at a record low of 0.1 percent.

“We, like other countries, have been raising interest rates much faster than in the past and that has actually created a lot of political noise and a lot of noise from the general public,” Ms. Bullock told the conference.

“Despite that noise, households and businesses in Australia are actually in a pretty good position. Their balance sheets are quite good.”

But Aussies have hit back, revealing they are struggling and sharing the surprising things they are cutting back on in a social media thread on Reddit.

“I used to love having brunch at a cafe once or twice every two weeks, but when I started paying $25 to $30 for basic breakfast items like eggs and toast, I gave up.”

“A bill for my wife and I would be $60 to $70 for breakfast.”

The Australian said they have also stopped all their subscription services, including Netflix, and rarely offer food delivery.

Many Aussies said they have cut back on things they can still afford but can’t justify the price.

‘I used to take the boy out for banana bread and on Saturdays I would have a cup of coffee after swimming lessons. It was a nice bit of extra time together,” one person wrote.

“Then they increased the banana bread to $6 each. If it’s pre-packaged banana bread, served by a high school student who presses it in the sandwich press for a minute and spreads some butter on it, that’s just not justified.”

Another said, “Most of my issues are around value, which makes me question these purchases.

“Can I still afford a $5 cheeseburger from Maccas for a snack? Sure, but I’d rather have a Vietnamese sandwich that makes me feel better, and for just a few extra dollars.”

By far the biggest thing Aussies cut back on was groceries.

‘[I no longer buy] full cuts of meat, such as real steak or chicken breast. I haven’t had a good piece of red meat in months and am sticking to the cheaper ground beef and chicken tenders and cheaper parts,” one person wrote.

“I forego a full, nutritious meal and give my kids a decent meal instead, and then I’ll have leftovers or something cheaper to snack on.”

Another said: ‘Food in general. I like to buy the crappier cuts of meat and just cook them differently or use mustard and spices to cover it.

‘Also just random impulse purchases when grocery shopping. Just buy what I really need.’

A third said: ‘I’ve just started buying items in bulk when they’re half price at Woolies. It seems to make a difference.’

Others shared the random bits and pieces they had to cut from their budgets to make room for higher bills.

‘Toll. It’s painfully slow to take the non-toll route, but it saves me $200 a month,” one person said.

“Social activities, I still hang out with friends but have shifted the focus from breakfast, coffee, drinks and more to exercise, walking the dog and going to the beach,” said another.

‘We avoid using the dryer and [reduced] hairstyles. I used to get them once every three months but now it’s been six months and I’m keeping up,” a third added.

“Takeaway, streaming services, Audible – that’s the hardest part because I commute two hours a day, go to the movies, all kinds of hobbies. We canceled pretty much everything except groceries/insurance/bills,” said another.

“I’ve just taken all the fun out of life and it seems to have had a positive impact on my budget,” said a fifth.

A sixth said: ‘Salmon, I used to eat it once a week but I’ve cut it out because everything else has gone up so much.’

A seventh added: ‘We’ve switched to click & collect so we only order the essentials.

‘No more walking around the islands and grabbing things because they look good at that moment. The only exception is going to the farmer’s market for fruits and vegetables and the slaughterhouse for meat, but even that is becoming too expensive now.’

Another said they stopped buying clothes, which they said was the hardest sacrifice.

“I didn’t buy much until I had two kids, my body has changed and I’m pretty much limited to three to four outfits,” they explained.

‘I’m looking forward to spending a few thousand euros updating/replacing my wardrobe.’

A second added that they skip the gym membership.

‘Unless you’re a bodybuilder who requires the use of large machines and equipment, giving up gym membership in favor of workouts at home or at the local park is an easy win.

“Requires a bit of initial investment for a few hand weights and resistance bands, etc., but you’ll quickly make that money back.”

A third stated: ‘My husband has a car he loves but he is selling it. My husband doesn’t drink at all, I drink about once a year.

‘We are not going on holiday this year and have sold our caravan. Only Spotify and Netflix subscriptions maintained. Looking for cheaper telephone subscriptions and shopping around for electricity/gas/insurance. It’s wild. And I hate it.