AML World Awareness Day 2026: Why “Looking Up” Matters More Than Ever

On Tuesday 21 April 2026, communities across the globe will come together for AML World Awareness Day, a moment to pause, reflect, and stand beside those affected by acute myeloid leukaemia (AML). 

For many, AML is still not widely understood. Yet for patients and their families, it is life-changing, fast-moving, and deeply personal.

AML is a form of blood cancer that begins in the bone marrow, where blood cells are made. It often develops quickly and requires urgent medical attention. It is also the most common acute leukaemia in adults, with risk increasing as we age,making awareness all the more important.

This year’s global campaign, led by the Know AML initiative, carries a simple but powerful message: “Looking Up.”

It’s a phrase that holds real meaning. For patients and caregivers, it reflects the daily reality of facing uncertainty, treatment, and emotional strain.

But it also points to something equally important, hope. Hope driven by advances in medical science, improved treatments, and a growing network of support that no one should feel afraid to reach for.

At its heart, the campaign is about making sure people are not left navigating AML alone. It aims to:

Help people recognise early signs and understand diagnosis and treatment options

Offer practical and emotional support at every stage of the journey

Give a voice to patient experiences

Bring together a global community that cares

A key part of this year’s effort is an interactive online resource designed specifically for patients and caregivers. It offers clear, accessible information, real-life stories, and expert insights, all in one place. For many, simply having reliable information can make an overwhelming situation feel more manageable.

What stands out most about AML World Awareness Day is its emphasis on shared experience. Whether you are living with AML, supporting someone who is, or simply learning more, your role matters. Awareness leads to earlier diagnosis, better support, and stronger communities.

If you’d like to take part, consider sharing information, starting a conversation, or reflecting on your own experiences. Even small actions, a social post, a message of support, or reading up on the condition, help build understanding and compassion.

Because “Looking Up” isn’t just about optimism. It’s about connection, knowledge, and ensuring that no one facing AML feels invisible.

And that, in itself, is something worth standing behind.

https://lymphoblastic-hub.com

Civil Air Support Delivers Critical Milk Bank Mission in Record Time

Three charities, one vital mission, and a race against the clock, Civil Air Support’s Transport Group once again proved the power of teamwork and aviation for good.

Civil Air Support (CAS) volunteers completed a high‑value, long‑distance support mission this week, transporting frozen human milk from Princess Anne Hospital, Southampton, to the Cheshire Milk Bank in record time. 

The mission was undertaken in partnership with SERV Wessex, The Blood Runners and Merseyside & Cheshire Blood Bikes, highlighting outstanding collaboration between charitable organisations serving communities across the UK.

The request came from SERV Wessex Blood Bikes, who urgently needed specialist assistance to move the temperature‑critical samples north for laboratory research use — all within a very limited shelf‑life window.

Two CAS volunteers, Javed Rashman and Ian Haskell, immediately stepped forward, flying a Piper Arrow (G‑AZFM) directly from Thruxton to Hawarden (Chester) under full IFR conditions. What would normally have been a 225‑mile road journey and around five hours of riding was reduced to just one hour of flight time, ensuring the samples were handed over to Merseyside & Cheshire Blood Bikes well within the required timeframe.

Carl Beardmore, Duty Operations Manager for Civil Air Support, coordinated the mission. Carl told That's Health: “This was a first for CAS, and for Javed and Ian, involving this type of transfer. 

"Working with two new Blood Bike groups was both a fantastic learning experience and incredibly rewarding. Communications, planning and execution all ran smoothly, and knowing we’d made a real difference made it even more worthwhile.”

The operation also marked the addition of Hawarden (Chester) Airport to CAS’s list of Friendly Airfields, with both departure and arrival airfields generously waiving landing fees in support of the mission.

CAS Deputy Director of Operations, Tim Bennett, told us: “This is another fantastic example of three separate charities working together to serve our communities and make a real difference. Our thanks go to everyone involved, from the Blood Bike teams to the airfields who supported us without hesitation. Well done all.”

The crew completed the return journey the same day, logging 2 hours 25 minutes of total flight time, demonstrating the efficiency and responsiveness of CAS’s Transport Group.

For pilot Javed Rashman, the mission was particularly meaningful: “I absolutely loved doing this, and I’d very much like to do more.”

Archie Liggat, Director of Operations for Civil Air Support, praised the operation: “An excellent operation in all respects. Hawarden has now been added to our Friendly Airfields document, and a formal letter of thanks has been sent. Cooperation and combined operations like this are thanks enough for everyone involved.”

This mission stands as a powerful reminder of how aviation, volunteers and cooperation between charities can overcome distance and time pressures, delivering vital support where and when it’s needed most.

https://www.civilairsupport.com

Keep Them Clear and Clean: Why Hearing Aid Care Matters More Than You Think

Whether you’re wearing standard NHS-issued devices or have invested in premium, bespoke hearing aids, one thing remains absolutely essential: regular cleaning and proper maintenance.

It’s easy to assume that once fitted, hearing aids will simply do their job day in, day out. 

In reality, these small but sophisticated devices sit in one of the most challenging environments in the body, your ears. 

That means they are constantly exposed to earwax, moisture, dust, and skin oils, all of which can impact performance over time.

Everyday Build-Up = Everyday Problems

Even a small amount of wax or debris can block microphones and receivers, leading to:

Reduced sound clarity

Intermittent or distorted audio

Whistling or feedback issues

Complete device failure in some cases

The frustrating part? These issues often develop gradually, so you may not immediately realise your hearing quality has declined.

Daily Care Makes a Big Difference

Looking after your hearing aids doesn’t require specialist training, just a bit of consistency.

Simple daily habits include:

Wiping devices with a soft, dry cloth

Using a small brush to remove wax from openings

Storing them in a clean, dry case overnight

Keeping them away from heat and moisture

If your devices use batteries, checking and replacing them regularly also helps avoid unnecessary disruptions.

Don’t Skip Professional Checks

No matter how diligent you are at home, routine visits to your audiologist are vital.

Audiologists can:

Perform deep cleaning that goes beyond at-home care

Replace worn components like filters or tubing

Reprogramme devices if your hearing changes

Spot early signs of faults before they become costly problems

If you’re using NHS hearing aids, these services are typically included as part of your ongoing care. For private users, regular servicing protects what can be a significant financial investment.

NHS or Private? The Same Rules Apply

It doesn’t matter whether your hearing aids were provided by the NHS or purchased privately, they all require the same level of care and attention.

Neglecting maintenance can shorten the lifespan of your devices and, more importantly, reduce your ability to hear clearly in everyday situations. That can impact everything from conversations with loved ones to confidence in social settings.

A Small Effort for a Big Reward

Hearing aids are life-enhancing tools, but only when they’re working at their best. A few minutes of care each day, combined with regular professional check-ups, ensures you continue to get the clarity and support you rely on.

If you’ve not had your hearing aids checked in a while, consider this your nudge. 

Also, seek out videos on YouTube that will take you through how to maintain and care for your own particular hearing aid models.

You can also buy very useful general hearing aid care kits on Amazon. You can buy them at this link here via our Amazon shop:- https://amzn.to/4tUpDnr

This video shows you the pros and cons of different types of hearing aid:-

And if you are unsure if you need hearing aids check out the British Society of Audiologists 

https://www.thebsa.org.uk

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Scottish football unites to tackle most common cancer in young men

Scottish football is uniting this weekend to tackle the most common cancer affecting young men, as clubs across the country back a national awareness campaign encouraging men to check themselves and catch the disease early.

“Tackling Testicular Cancer”, led by Cahonas Scotland in partnership with PFA Scotland, is using the reach of the game to drive awareness of early detection and break down stigma around men’s health.

Testicular cancer is the most common cancer in men aged 15 to 45, with around 2,400 men diagnosed each year in the UK. When detected early, survival rates are above 95%. Despite this, many men still do not check themselves regularly or delay speaking to a doctor.

Clubs across Scotland, including Celtic, Dundee, Livingston, Dundee United and St Mirren, are taking part across the weekend, with further activity involving Falkirk and Rangers.

Players have been wearing campaign warm-up shirts, while Cahonas Scotland has delivered awareness sessions directly to professional squads, taking the message into dressing rooms and using football’s reach to connect with men across Scotland.

Celtic captain Callum McGregor told That's Health: “As a club, we’re proud to support the ‘Tackling Testicular Cancer’ campaign this weekend. It’s the most common cancer affecting young men, but when it’s identified early it is highly treatable.

Raising awareness is vital, and we would encourage everyone to take a moment to understand the signs and symptoms and to carry out regular self-checks.

Speaking after a session with Cahonas Scotland, Rangers midfielder Connor Barron told us: “It was really interesting having Cahonas in today. Hearing the stories and learning how to check yourself properly was important, and it helps take away some of the embarrassment around it.

It’s something we’ll all take away, because checking yourself only takes a couple of minutes and it could save your life.”

Paul McCaffery, Community Engagement Officer at Cahonas Scotland and a testicular cancer survivor, said: “I say Cahonas saved my life because I found my lump using their self-check guide. I didn’t know what to look for before that. I went through surgery and chemotherapy, and now I’m working with the charity to make sure other men don’t go through it alone.”

Ritchie Marshall, CEO of Cahonas Scotland, added: “Testicular cancer is the most common cancer in young men, yet too many are still not checking themselves. By taking this message into football, we can reach men who might never otherwise hear it, and that can save lives.”

Men are encouraged to check themselves monthly and speak to a doctor if they notice any changes.

https://www.cahonasscotland.org

Could You Be Neurodivergent Without Knowing? How to Recognise the Signs

In recent years, awareness of neurodivergence has grown significantly. Conditions such as Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder and Autism Spectrum Disorder are now better understood, and many adults are discovering that the struggles they have experienced for years may have a neurological explanation.

For many people, especially adults who grew up before neurodivergence was widely recognised, diagnosis simply never happened. If you have ever wondered whether you might be neurodivergent, there are several ways to begin exploring the possibility.

Recognising Common Signs

Neurodivergent conditions can present differently from person to person, but some common patterns often appear.

Possible ADHD traits

Adults with ADHD may experience:

Difficulty focusing on routine tasks

Frequent procrastination despite good intentions

Forgetfulness or losing items regularly

Strong bursts of hyperfocus on interesting subjects

Feeling mentally restless or constantly “on the go”

Many adults describe a lifetime of being told they are “lazy” or “disorganised” when the real issue may be neurological.

Possible autism traits

Autistic adults often report:

Feeling socially different or exhausted by social situations

Strong preferences for routine or predictability

Deep interests in particular topics

Sensory sensitivities (noise, textures, light)

Difficulty interpreting social cues

Because autism presents as a spectrum, some people may have subtle traits that were overlooked during childhood.

Reflect on Your Life Experiences

A useful first step is looking back at patterns across your life. Consider questions such as:

Did school feel unusually difficult despite being capable?

Do you struggle with organisation, time management, or sensory overload?

Have people often described you as “different”, “intense”, or “scattered”?

Do certain environments overwhelm you while others energise you?

Writing down examples from childhood, work, and everyday life can help you identify patterns.

Try Reputable Screening Tools

Online self-screening questionnaires cannot diagnose a condition, but they can help identify whether further assessment might be worthwhile.

Commonly used screening tools include:

Adult ADHD Self-Report Scale (ASRS)

Autism Spectrum Quotient (AQ)

RAADS-R (for adult autism traits)

These questionnaires are widely used in research and clinical settings as an initial indicator.

Speak to a GP or Specialist

In the UK, the next step after recognising possible traits is usually to speak to your GP. They can refer you for assessment through the NHS or advise on specialist services.

A formal diagnostic process typically involves:

Developmental history

Structured questionnaires

Interviews about behaviour and functioning

Sometimes input from family members or school records

Although waiting lists can be long, a diagnosis can open the door to support, workplace adjustments, and better self-understanding.

Consider Other Neurodivergent Conditions

ADHD and autism receive the most attention, but neurodivergence also includes conditions such as:

Dyslexia

Dyspraxia

Tourette syndrome

Some people experience more than one neurodivergent condition, which can make the picture more complex.

Understanding Yourself Is the Real Goal

Whether or not you pursue a formal diagnosis, learning about neurodivergence can help you better understand how your brain works. Many people report that simply recognising their traits helps them develop coping strategies and seek environments where they can thrive.

Neurodivergence is not a flaw or a failure. It is simply a different way that human brains can work.

If you suspect you might be neurodivergent, curiosity and self-education are powerful first steps toward understanding yourself more fully.

Blah Blah Blah Day: A Fresh Start for Your Goals

This year om April 17, something rather amusing appears on the calendar: Blah Blah Blah Day.

At first glance it sounds like a joke, a day dedicated to all the things people keep telling you to do but that you keep putting off. But beneath the humour lies a surprisingly powerful idea for health and wellbeing.

Blah Blah Blah Day is essentially about finally tackling the things that have been nagging at you, the “you should really…” reminders from friends, family, and even your own inner voice.

When it comes to health, those “blah blah blah” moments can be very familiar.

The Health Goals We Keep Putting Off

Most people start the year with good intentions. Yet by mid-January many of those resolutions have already begun to fade.

You’ve probably heard them before:

“You should book that health check.”

“You really ought to start walking more.”

“Maybe it’s time to improve your sleep routine.”

“You should cut back on stress.”

They can start to sound like background noise, blah, blah, blah, especially when life gets busy.

Blah Blah Blah Day is the perfect moment to turn those words into action.

Turning “Blah Blah Blah” Into Real Change

Instead of feeling guilty about unfinished goals, this day encourages a simple shift in mindset: pick one manageable step and start there.

For example:

Book that appointment

Whether it’s a dental check-up, eye test, or GP visit, preventive healthcare matters.

Move a little more

You don’t need to train for a marathon. A daily walk, stretching routine, or gentle exercise can make a big difference.

Improve your sleep habits

Switching off screens earlier or creating a calmer bedtime routine can improve both physical and mental wellbeing.

Take mental health seriously

If stress has been building, it might be time to talk to someone, take breaks more intentionally, or try mindfulness practices.

Progress, Not Perfection

One of the healthiest aspects of Blah Blah Blah Day is that it rejects the idea of perfection. You don’t have to fix everything at once.

Instead, it encourages people to:

Choose one small improvement

Take one practical step

Build momentum over time

Even small changes can have a powerful ripple effect on your wellbeing.

A Healthier Way to Start the Year

Blah Blah Blah Day reminds us that the things we dismiss as background noise often matter the most. Those repeated suggestions – from loved ones or from ourselves – usually come from a place of care.

So rather than letting them fade into the usual “blah blah blah”, take the opportunity to listen.