YOGA MASTER RAKHEE VITHLANI DISCUSSES HER NEW BOOK
by ASJAD NAZIR
YOGA has helped mental and physical health greatly during the Covid-19 lockdown. Many globally have taken up the ancient practice rooted in Indian tradition, including attending online classes from professionals like Rakhee Vithlani.
The London-based yoga master has now gone a step beyond online classes, podcasts and personal consultations by creating the interactive book Flawless Foundations Yoga Journal. She is hoping the recently released book with easy-to-follow instructions, illustrations, philosophies and a personal journal section sets everyone on a healthier path ahead.
Eastern Eye caught up with Rakhee Vithlani to discuss her book, close connection to yoga and good health.
What first connected you to yoga?
Many years ago, before I became a teacher, I was working in the city and noticed I was feeling really tired more often. I always had an interest in trying yoga, but I didn’t really connect to it when I had gone to classes before. I eventually connected to it because I found a teacher I really liked and loved that there was always something new to learn, on mental and physical levels.
How did you adapt during lockdown?
Like everyone else, I had my challenges. But I took on a simple principle of accepting the changes. A situation like this is made a lot harder when we question everything. There are some things we can control, but a lot we can’t. So, I accepted the things I couldn’t change every day. In terms of my work, I had to adapt quickly and took all my classes online. It was strange at first, but it’s turned out brilliantly thanks to my amazing students who show up each week.
What led you towards writing your new book Flawless Foundations Yoga Journal?
Initially, I really wanted to produce something that would help encourage people who were unsure about yoga or were not sure where to start by producing a simple guide to postures. It merged into something much more, as the teachings and philosophies are equally important. I also wanted to offer a book that was useful, and one people would use, so it includes a journal section too.
Tell us about the book?
Flawless Foundations Yoga Journal is in three parts really. It’s a series of illustrated sketches of foundational postures, which are accompanied by tips, benefits and how-to-practise advice. There are also a set of philosophies which help people to approach yoga (and life) in a way that is more positive. Thirdly, there is a journal section, which includes ‘trigger thoughts’ to help people write and reflect from different perspectives. Ultimately, it is a book I hope people will love to read, absorb and learn from.
Who are you hoping connects with the book?
Anyone who has an interest in yoga, or who feels yoga isn’t for them, but would like to know more. That’s everyone really.
What about those new to yoga?
It’s a great guide. I also run online beginner’s courses, for which this book is a perfect companion. Yoga isn’t just about the physical. It is more about our approach and our mindset too.
What was the biggest challenge of putting the book together?
In the middle of a Covid year, getting things done on time with the right suppliers was tough. I didn’t want to just put the book on Amazon. I wanted to produce it myself, to a special quality. I wanted to make sure that when it went out, it went to people with a personal touch. So, it was time-consuming and tricky to get it all done before the end of a ‘pandemic’ year, but it was well worthwhile.
Is there any one area of the book that would be your favourite?
Yes, page 53. You’ll have to get your hands on a copy to find out what it is.
What are the ways in which yoga can help people?
More than anything yoga has helped me to reclaim confidence in myself. To have a calm but unwavering belief I can overcome anything. This is the essence of my style of yoga, which I call superari. This means, in Latin, the will to overcome. A lot of people think they can’t do something before they’ve even tried. People often say to me ‘I’d like to try yoga, but I’m not flexible’. My response to that is ‘not flexible in the mind, or the body?’. If you are open enough to try, then all things are possible.
A lot of people have suffered mentally during lockdown. So, how does yoga benefit people’s mental wellbeing?
In two ways – connection to breath and physical movement. These two combined can help anyone with mental illness. When you lose yourself in movement, the mind settles. When you master the power of good breathing, your mind quietens. We are not taught these in schools, which is a shame; I think it is changing a bit now. But breath and movement, leading to meditation, are powerful in helping to address a multitude of mental illnesses.
You have a thriving online class, retreats and a book. What else can we expect from you?
I’ve never really been one to have a ‘business’ plan. My guide principle is always to try and be the best teacher I can be. Classes, podcasts, retreats and the book are ways in which I can teach more differently, to help people. Honestly, I just feel lucky to have remained in a position to continue being able to do what I want to do, especially in 2020 and now.
What inspires you as a yoga master?
I have a number of teachers I look up to, but I don’t believe in gurus. I think a good yoga instructor will lead to an understanding you are your greatest teacher. You have everything you need within you to survive and thrive. A teacher is merely there to remind you of what you already know and the strength you already have.
Why do you love yoga?
There is no end to what can be learned. And the benefits to health are also limitless. It’s like the whole universe wrote a book and called it yoga. And I want to spend my life exploring it, knowing fully well I’ll never know it all, no one will, but I’ll have a brilliant ride along the way!
Why should we pick up the book?
Even if you read one page, I believe it can help your mind or reactions in a really positive way. It’s a very useful book too. It has been illustrated by Lata Varsani, who is a wonderful artist. It will provoke positive thinking and you can actually use it as a journal too. Every word, every drawing has been created with great care and deep thought. What’s not to love?
WWE Hall of Famer Hulk Hogan has been hospitalised for ongoing neck and back issues, but representatives have confirmed he is not in critical condition, dismissing online speculation suggesting otherwise.
The 71-year-old wrestling icon, whose real name is Terry Bollea, was reported by TMZ Sports to be undergoing treatment related to injuries sustained during his decades-long in-ring career. His representative said Hogan is already mobile again and “not on his deathbed”, following false claims made on air by Florida radio personality Bubba the Love Sponge.
The speculation began after Bubba stated he had heard Hogan’s health had declined significantly and that family members were being called to say their goodbyes. However, he admitted the information was second-hand and unverified at the time of broadcast.
— (@)
In reality, Hogan’s current hospital stay follows a neck fusion surgery he underwent in May 2025, which was described as successful. He has undergone numerous operations over the years to treat wear and tear from wrestling, particularly to his spine, hips and knees.
Despite his physical challenges, Hogan has continued to make public appearances. His most recent confirmed outing was in January 2025 on WWE Raw, where he promoted his Real American Beer brand during the programme’s Netflix launch. The segment received a mixed reaction from the crowd.
Hogan remains one of the most recognisable figures in professional wrestling, having helped define the industry during the 1980s boom. He held multiple world titles and was central to WWE's rise to global popularity, later moving to WCW and becoming a founding member of the nWo.
His team has confirmed there is no cause for alarm, and that his current hospitalisation is part of ongoing care rather than any emergency. No further surgeries have been announced at this stage.
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Wincey Willis, a well-known face on British television during the 1980s and a pioneer of breakfast TV presenting, has died aged 76. Her death occurred on 19 December 2024, but was only recently announced.
Born Florence Winsome Leighton in Gateshead on 8 August 1948, she became widely recognised during her time on Good Morning Britain, the flagship programme of ITV’s TV-am. With her vibrant personality, distinctive mullet hairstyle, and energetic presence, she played a pivotal role in helping revive the struggling breakfast channel in the early 1980s.
Rise to television fame
Wincey Willis began her media career in local radio, working at Radio Tees (now Hits Radio) in the North East from 1975. There, she was involved in the station's record library and promotions department before moving into broadcasting. She co-presented a Saturday morning show alongside Les Ross and made her television debut in the early 1980s with Tyne Tees Television.
Her breakthrough came in 1983 when TV-am, struggling with low ratings after its launch, underwent a major overhaul under the leadership of Greg Dyke. Willis was recommended to Dyke by his deputy Clive Jones, who had seen her weather presenting on regional television. She was soon recruited to replace David Philpott as the weekday weather presenter on Good Morning Britain.
Willis quickly became a standout figure. Her approachable on-screen manner, humorous delivery, and stylish knitwear — which prompted viewers to send her hand-knitted jumpers — made her popular with the audience. She often said, “I’m not a meteorologist, but a presenter,” emphasising her role in making weather accessible to a broad audience.
During this period, she became one of several new faces associated with the successful relaunch of Good Morning Britain, which saw a shift to a more relaxed and entertainment-focused format. The revamped show featured Anne Diamond and Nick Owen as presenters, fitness segments with “Mad Lizzie” Webb, and entertainment with the puppet Roland Rat. Ratings improved rapidly, overtaking the BBC’s Breakfast Time within months.
Beyond the weather
While she was best known as a “weather girl”, Willis’s television career went beyond meteorology. In 1983, she fronted a segment called Wincey and Friends, showcasing some of her 80-plus pets, many of which had disabilities. The slot highlighted her deep interest in animal welfare. She also presented Christmas hampers to unsung heroes in a seasonal segment that reinforced her connection with viewers.
Willis was a passionate advocate for animals and conservation throughout her life. In 1986, she published a book, It’s Raining Cats and Dogs, a collection of animal anecdotes, and even devised a board game called The Weather Game, which was marketed by Waddingtons.
- YouTubeYouTube / Tvam Archive
From 1984 to 1989, she served as the adjudicator on Channel 4’s popular game show Treasure Hunt, which starred Anneka Rice. Her role added to her national recognition, as she provided the authoritative voice verifying clues and progress.
In 1987, she left TV-am following a reported disagreement with management over her role. Managing director Bruce Gyngell had insisted she only present weather segments, limiting her wider participation in the programme.
Later career and conservation work
After stepping back from television, Willis pursued her passion for nature and conservation. She worked on turtle conservation projects in Greece and became involved with a worm composting firm, Wiggly Wigglers. She returned briefly to television with a wildlife segment on Tyne Tees Weekend in 1993 and later transitioned to regional radio.
Willis hosted shows on BBC Coventry & Warwickshire between 2006 and 2009, and later presented The Big Day Out on BBC Hereford & Worcester from 2010 to 2012.
She was diagnosed with fronto-temporal dementia in 2015 and subsequently moved back to the North East, where she lived in Sunderland until her death.
Personal life
Willis was adopted as a baby by Florence and Thomas Dimmock and raised in Hartlepool in a strict Baptist household. She took her nickname from the nursery rhyme “Incey Wincey Spider,” which became a lifelong moniker. After leaving Hartlepool High School for Girls, she studied in Strasbourg and worked as a travel courier and music rep before entering broadcasting.
Her 1972 marriage to Malcolm Willis ended in divorce. She lived for many years in a converted railway station near Barnard Castle, sharing her home with an assortment of animals including dogs, cats, rabbits, tropical birds, fish, and even a giant terrapin.
Wincey Willis blazed a trail for female presenters on breakfast television and left a lasting legacy in both broadcasting and animal advocacy. She is remembered not just for her work in front of the camera, but for her lifelong commitment to the welfare of animals and nature.
Wincey Willis, born 8 August 1948, died 19 December 2024
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McDonald’s introduces the Big Arch burger in the UK
McDonald’s has added a new item to its UK menu – the Big Arch burger. Described by the company as a “new icon,” the burger was unveiled through McDonald’s UK’s official Instagram page as part of a limited-time promotional menu.
The Big Arch includes two beef patties, slices of white cheddar cheese, crispy onions, shredded lettuce, crunchy pickles, and a newly formulated signature sauce. It is served in a soft bun scattered with poppy seeds, a departure from the sesame-seed buns typically used in McDonald’s burgers.
Key ingredients and features
The Big Arch distinguishes itself from other McDonald’s burgers through a few notable components:
Beef patties: The burger is built with two full-sized beef patties, making it one of the more filling single-burger options currently available.
White cheddar cheese: Unlike other McDonald’s burgers that use processed cheese, the Big Arch includes two slices of white cheddar – one placed above and another below the patties.
Signature sauce: A new sauce developed specifically for this burger is applied generously to both the top and bottom buns. It has a smooth texture and slightly spicy flavour profile.
Crispy onions: The burger includes crispy fried onions for added texture and a mild sweetness.
Poppy seed bun: The Big Arch uses a poppy-seed-topped bun, which is less common across the brand’s UK menu.
These elements combine to offer a layered combination of textures and flavours. While the burger includes familiar McDonald’s components such as shredded lettuce and pickles, the overall construction is aimed at offering a more indulgent and substantial option.
Size and presentation
The Big Arch is larger in size than several of McDonald’s other staple burgers, including the Big Mac. The dual beef patties and thick bun contribute to its bulk, with the inclusion of cheese on both sides of the meat adding to its density.
The sauce is applied liberally, with some customers noting it tends to spill over the edges of the bun. The bright yellow sauce has a more pronounced flavour than the standard Big Mac sauce and adds a slightly tangy kick.
Availability and pricing
The Big Arch is available across UK branches of McDonald’s for a limited period. As of June 2025, the standalone burger is priced at £7.99. It is also available as part of a meal that includes fries and a drink, typically priced upwards of £10 depending on location and customisation.
It joins McDonald’s summer menu alongside other promotional items, forming part of the brand’s strategy to offer seasonal and experimental products alongside its core range.
Nutritional information
McDonald’s has not yet released full nutritional details for the Big Arch on its website, but early estimates suggest the burger is high in calories and fat content due to its size, dual cheese slices, and sauce content. As with other promotional items, calorie counts are expected to be listed in restaurants and on McDonald’s digital ordering platforms.
Response and comparison
While the Big Arch has drawn comparisons to the Big Mac, Quarter Pounder, and Double Cheeseburger, its ingredients and presentation set it apart from these longstanding menu items. The use of a poppy seed bun, white cheddar, and crispy onions is particularly uncommon within McDonald’s regular range in the UK.
There is a huge response to make this permanantInstagram/ mcdonaldsuk
The introduction of the Big Arch comes amid wider efforts by fast food chains to diversify their offerings and respond to changing consumer preferences, including the desire for more variety and limited-edition items.
Most notable one
The Big Arch burger represents one of McDonald’s most notable UK menu additions in 2025, offering a larger, sauce-rich option aimed at customers seeking a more filling meal. With a distinctive construction and price point of £7.99, it is positioned as a premium item within McDonald’s current range.
The burger is available at participating McDonald’s locations across the UK for a limited time, with availability expected to depend on customer response and ongoing promotional schedules.
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Several hidden threats linked to heat waves often go unnoticed
As temperatures across the UK continue to rise, so too do the health risks associated with extreme heat. While sunburn and dehydration are well-known dangers, several hidden threats linked to heat waves often go unnoticed. With climate change intensifying the frequency and severity of hot spells, some forecasts suggesting 40 °C days could become a regular feature in the next 12 years, it’s essential to understand these lesser-known risks and how to protect yourself.
1. Skin reactions triggered by common medications
Certain widely-used medications can increase sensitivity to sunlight, making people more prone to rashes, blistering, and sunburn—even on cloudy days. This includes nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like ibuprofen, some antibiotics such as doxycycline, statins, antidepressants, and hormone replacement therapy (HRT).
If you are taking these medications, apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher, wear protective clothing, and limit your exposure to direct sunlight. It’s also worth consulting your pharmacist to confirm whether your medicines are photosensitising.
2. Medication breakdown in high temperatures
Many people are unaware that heat can reduce the effectiveness of certain medications. Medicines stored in hot environments—such as parked cars, near windows, or in steamy bathrooms—may degrade or fail to work properly.
Insulin, for example, can lose potency if not kept within the recommended temperature range. Always check the storage instructions on packaging and use a cool bag or insulated storage when travelling with essential medicines.
3. Strain on the heart and lungs
Heatwaves place added stress on the cardiovascular and respiratory systems. People with pre-existing heart conditions, high blood pressure, or asthma may be particularly vulnerable. According to the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA), even moderate increases in temperature can result in a rise in emergency service usage and hospital admissions.
If you or someone you care for has a heart or lung condition, monitor symptoms closely during warm spells. Avoid strenuous activity during peak heat hours (typically 11am to 3pm) and stay indoors in a cool environment where possible.
4. Heat exhaustion that escalates into emergency
Heat exhaustion occurs when the body overheats and cannot cool itself effectively. Symptoms include dizziness, muscle cramps, excessive sweating, nausea, rapid pulse, and fainting. If untreated, this can progress to heatstroke, a medical emergency.
According to NHS guidance, anyone showing signs of heat exhaustion should be moved to a cool place, given fluids, and cooled down within 30 minutes. If symptoms persist beyond this period, dial 999 immediately.
5. Dehydration and kidney problems
Excessive heat leads to fluid loss through sweating, increasing the risk of dehydration. For individuals taking medications such as diuretics, ACE inhibitors, lithium, or NSAIDs, the risk of kidney damage becomes more significant when fluids are lost.
To avoid complications, drink plenty of water throughout the day, even if you don’t feel thirsty. Diluted squash and oral rehydration solutions can also help maintain electrolyte balance. Avoid alcohol and excessive caffeine, both of which contribute to fluid loss.
6. Poor sleep and mental health effects
Hot nights can make it difficult to fall and stay asleep, leading to fatigue and irritability. Prolonged heat exposure can also worsen anxiety, agitation, and even contribute to a rise in suicide rates, according to some studies. The psychological toll of repeated extreme weather events is now recognised as a public health issue.
To maintain good sleep hygiene, keep your bedroom cool and ventilated. Close blinds during the day to block out sunlight and open windows in the evening when outdoor temperatures drop. Use light bedding and consider a fan if the room temperature stays below 35 °C.
7. Long-term damage from repeated exposure
Repeated exposure to extreme heat may contribute to chronic health conditions over time. This includes increased risk of kidney disease, cardiovascular strain, and metabolic disorders. UK health experts warn that, without mitigation and adaptation, the number of heat-related deaths could rise significantly in the coming years.
Heatwaves disproportionately affect the elderly, children, outdoor workers, and those with existing health conditions. As such, public awareness and preparedness are key.
Quick protection tips
Stay hydrated: Aim to drink water regularly. Add squash or electrolyte tablets if needed.
Keep medicines cool: Store according to label instructions, away from sunlight and moisture.
Stay indoors during peak heat: Avoid direct sun between 11am and 3pm.
Wear protective clothing: Lightweight fabrics, wide-brimmed hats, sunglasses, and sunscreen (SPF 30+) are all essential.
Keep your home cool: Shut blinds, use fans below 35 °C, and open windows when cooler outside.
Recognise danger signs: Learn the symptoms of heat exhaustion and stroke, and respond quickly.
Why this matters
A yellow heat-health alert is currently in effect across seven regions in England, including London, the Midlands, and the South East. Temperatures are expected to rise to around 32 °C this weekend, which may meet official criteria for a heatwave.
With the UK facing more extreme weather due to climate change, recognising and responding to these hidden health risks can save lives. Whether you're managing your own health, caring for family members, or working outdoors, being prepared for the heat is now more important than ever.
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Adriana was declared brain-dead on 19 February 2025
Adriana Smith, a 31-year-old woman from Atlanta who was declared brain-dead in February, gave birth to a premature baby boy on 13 June while being kept on life support. Smith’s family confirmed that life support will be withdrawn on Tuesday, 17 June.
The child, named Chance, was delivered via emergency caesarean section and weighed around 1 pound 13 ounces at birth. He remains in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU), with doctors expecting a stable recovery.
“He’s just fighting,” said Smith’s mother, April Newkirk, speaking to local outlet 11Alive. “We just want prayers for him. Just keep praying for him. He’s here now.”
Kept alive due to legal uncertainty
Smith was declared brain-dead on 19 February 2025, after suffering blood clots in her brain. At the time, she was eight weeks pregnant. Her family says that despite her condition, she was kept medically alive due to the interpretation of Georgia’s abortion law, known as the LIFE Act, passed in 2019.
The LIFE Act bans most abortions once a foetal heartbeat is detected, typically around six weeks, and includes limited exceptions such as cases involving medical emergencies. However, the law does not provide explicit guidance in cases involving brain death, which left Smith’s doctors uncertain about legal responsibilities.
Georgia Attorney General Chris Carr has previously stated that the law does not explicitly require hospitals to keep brain-dead pregnant women on life support, describing the legal situation as unclear. Nonetheless, the hospital involved reportedly continued life support out of caution, treating the foetus as a separate patient.
Mixed reactions from advocacy groups
The case of Adriana Smith has reignited debate in the United States over the implications of abortion laws. Anti-abortion advocates supported the hospital’s decision to maintain life support, citing the foetus’s right to life. On the other hand, reproductive rights groups have voiced concern that such legislation can remove critical medical decision-making from families.
Newkirk told 11Alive that although the family may not have chosen to end the pregnancy, they were denied the option to make that choice themselves. “I think all women should have a choice about their body,” she said. “And I think I want people to know that.”
Grieving the loss while welcoming new life
While the birth of Chance brought a glimmer of hope to the family, it has been accompanied by immense grief. Smith’s eldest child, a seven-year-old son, has been told that his mother is “asleep.”
Newkirk said the family had met with doctors to prepare for removing life support, scheduled for 2 p.m. on 17 June. “It’s kind of hard, you know,” she told 11Alive. “It’s hard to process.”
A GoFundMe campaign launched to support Smith’s family has received donations from over 3,800 people, raising more than $145,400 of its $275,000 target.
“I shouldn’t be burying my daughter,” said Newkirk. “My daughter should be burying me.”