Children’s TV presenter Johnny Ball spoke openly on Monday’s Good Morning Britain about his prostate cancer diagnosis from 2022. During the ITV show, hosts Ed Balls and Susanna Reid discussed Ball’s health and recovery. The 87-year-old, father of radio host Zoe Ball and well-known for shows like Play School, revealed that he successfully completed treatment and is now in good health.

Reflecting on his experience, Ball said, “I was diagnosed with prostate cancer in August 2022. Thankfully, after three months of daily radiation therapy starting in September, I’m through it and feeling well.” He acknowledged that the disease can be fatal, citing friends who lost their lives to it, including Goon Show star Harry Secombe and comedian Bob Monkhouse. “I’m 20 years younger than them, and I feel fortunate because today we can treat it successfully,” he added.

Ball also stressed the importance of regular check-ups. Despite showing no symptoms, his cancer was discovered during a routine GP visit. His PSA levels were at 30, far above the normal threshold of three, highlighting the value of screening even in the absence of symptoms.

What Is Prostate Cancer?Prostate cancer develops in the prostate, a small gland in the male reproductive system responsible for producing fluid that forms part of semen. The condition occurs when cells in the prostate grow uncontrollably, potentially forming a tumor. While some forms grow slowly and may not immediately threaten health, the cancer can be dangerous if it spreads beyond the prostate. Factors that increase risk include age, genetics, and ethnicity.

What is the Prostate?

The prostate is a small gland located just below the bladder in men. Its primary role is to produce seminal fluid, which helps nourish and transport sperm.

How Does Prostate Cancer Develop?

Cancer in the prostate begins when certain cells start growing abnormally. These cells multiply faster than normal, eventually forming a tumor.

Early Warning Signs Of Prostate Cancer

Prostate cancer often does not cause noticeable symptoms in its early stages. When symptoms do appear, they usually involve changes in urination:

• Frequent urination, especially at night
• Difficulty starting or stopping urine flow
• Weak or interrupted stream
• Urgency, or a sudden, hard-to-control need to urinate
• Feeling of incomplete emptying after urination

Other possible signs include:

• Blood in urine or semen
• Erectile dysfunction
• Pain or burning during urination or ejaculation
• Persistent pain in the lower back, hips, pelvis, or upper thighs
• Weakness or numbness in later stages

Because early prostate cancer often produces few or no obvious symptoms, regular check-ups and screenings are crucial, particularly for men with risk factors. Anyone noticing these signs should seek medical advice promptly.

Massachusetts health officials have reported two new human cases of West Nile virus, raising the state’s total this season to eight. In its update on Friday, September 6, 2025, the Department of Public Health (MDPH) said the latest cases involve a woman in her 60s from Middlesex County and a man in his 50s from Suffolk County.

Because of these new infections, the risk level for West Nile has been raised to “high” in four communities, Arlington, Chelsea, Medford, and Waltham. Overall, 47 municipalities and more than 200 cities and towns across Massachusetts are now considered high-risk.

Public Health Commissioner Robbie Goldstein noted that the state is “almost out of the peak season” for West Nile transmission, but added that the threat will remain until the first hard frost arrives. He advised residents to continue protecting themselves by using mosquito repellent and wearing long sleeves and pants to reduce exposed skin.

What Is the West Nile Virus?

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In rare but serious cases, the virus can affect the nervous system, leading to brain or spinal cord inflammation (encephalitis or meningitis). These severe infections may cause symptoms such as confusion, seizures, paralysis, or even coma.

How Common Is West Nile Virus?

This year alone, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has confirmed 1,137 cases of West Nile across 42 states as of September 23, 2025. Of those, 742 were classified as “neuroinvasive,” meaning the infection spread to the nervous system.

West Nile Virus Symptoms and Causes

• Fever
• Headache
• Muscle aches
• Nausea or vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Rash on the chest or back
• Swollen lymph nodes
• Sore throat
• Pain behind the eyes

Severe symptoms of West Nile encephalitis or meningitis can include:

• Sudden, intense headache
• High fever (above 103°F or 39.5°C)
• Stiff neck
• Confusion or disorientation
• Muscle weakness
• Tremors or convulsions
• Seizures
• Paralysis
• Coma

West Nile Virus: Public Awareness and Concerns

“With the growing number of West Nile cases and an extended mosquito season, people need to be more aware of the risks,” said Ken Winneg, managing director of survey research at APPC. He advised communities to take everyday precautions, including reducing standing water where mosquitoes breed and protecting against bites.

Walmart pasta meals listeria recall: The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has issued a public health alert for a ready-to-eat pasta meal sold at Walmart due to possible listeria contamination, a potentially deadly bacteria. The alert, announced Thursday, affects customers nationwide. Officials are urging consumers to immediately check their freezers for the affected product.

Details of the Walmart Pasta Recall

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This alert is linked to a previous listeria outbreak involving recalled chicken fettuccine Alfredo meals in June. According to Fox Business, testing was expanded to include other products, and one sample of the Marketside linguine meal tested positive for listeria. The USDA issued the alert to prevent further illness, as the contamination could potentially be more widespread.

Walmart Recall Listeria: What Is Listeria?

Listeria: Who Is Most At Risk?

While anyone can contract listeriosis, certain groups are more vulnerable. Pregnant women, newborns, older adults, and people with weakened immune systems face the highest risk of severe illness. For pregnant women, infection can cause miscarriage, stillbirth, or serious infection in newborns.

Listeria Symptoms To Watch For

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Walmart Recall Listeria: How to Stay Safe

Consumers should check their freezers and pantries for affected products, like the Marketside linguine with beef meatballs, and discard or return them. Proper cooking and avoiding unpasteurized dairy or prepackaged ready-to-eat meals can reduce risk. Always follow food safety guidelines, including cleaning, separating, cooking, and chilling foods.

Walmart Recall Listeria: Recent Trends in Food Recalls

Food recalls over listeria have become increasingly common in recent years. Just this summer, Kraft Heinz pulled back more than 367,000 pounds of Oscar Mayer turkey bacon due to contamination concerns. Now, Walmart’s ready-to-eat pasta joins the list.

Although listeria outbreaks are rare, the USDA emphasizes that even a single positive test can be serious and potentially deadly. For consumers, the safest action is clear: check the product dates, and if the affected pasta is in your freezer, do not risk consuming it.

It has been over two years since Bruce Willis was diagnosed with frontotemporal dementia (FTD), and his wife, Emma Heming Willis, revealed that the first symptom he showed, which eventually led to his diagnosis, left her stunned. Speaking on Katie Couric’s Next Question, Emma shared more about Bruce’s condition, explaining that in addition to FTD, he has primary progressive aphasia (PPA). “FTD can affect people in three different ways: language, movement, or behavior. These are like the subtypes of FTD. Bruce has primary progressive aphasia, which is known as PPA, so FTD and PPA,” she said. She also revealed the first symptom that made her suspect FTD.

First Symptom of Bruce Willis’ Frontotemporal Dementia

Reflecting on the first symptom that shocked her, Emma Heming Willis explained that it was Bruce’s speech that first signaled something was wrong. “For him, I started noticing his stutter returning. He had a severe stutter as a child, and it began to come back,” she said. “Never in my wildest dreams did I think this was a symptom of young-onset dementia.”

She added, “A doctor at UCFF, Bruce Miller, an incredible neurologist, explained that in your 40s, 50s, or 60s—when you’re established in your career and raising a family—any drastic personality changes can signal something happening in the brain that needs to be addressed.”

Sharing more about Bruce’s experience, Emma said, “For Bruce, the stutter returned and words didn’t come as naturally to him, which was wild because he’s all about words. It was confusing. I felt something was just off, it wasn’t the person I married.”

Emma has been caring for Bruce since his diagnosis in early 2023. During last month’s ABC special, Emma and Bruce Willis: The Unexpected Journey with Diane Sawyer, she revealed that she had moved Bruce into a separate single-story home with a full-time care team. “It was one of the hardest decisions I’ve had to make so far,” the mother of two explained.

Other Symptoms Of Frontotemporal Dementia

Behavioral Changes (Behavioral Variant FTD)

• Personality and behavior shifts: Acting inappropriately, impulsivity, or showing reduced emotional warmth and empathy.
• Apathy and disinterest: Loss of interest in hobbies, activities, or people once valued.
• Compulsive behaviors: Repeating the same activities or words, developing obsessions, or compulsive eating, including eating from others’ plates.
• Poor judgment and decision-making: Difficulty planning, prioritizing tasks, or making sound decisions.

Language Problems (Primary Progressive Aphasia)

• Difficulty finding words: Trouble retrieving words or naming people and objects.
• Problems with speech production: Speaking more slowly, using simplified sentences, or slurring words.
• Trouble understanding language: Difficulty comprehending what others are saying.
• Difficulty with reading and writing: Challenges in reading comprehension and written expression.

Movement and Physical Symptoms

• Stiff or slow movements: Movements may resemble Parkinson’s disease, with slow or stiff walking.
• Shaky hands: Tremors in the hands may develop.
• Swallowing difficulties: Issues with chewing and swallowing can ociticur.
• Other muscle issues: Muscle weakness, loss, or difficulty controlling everyday movements.