John Dempsey, InYourArea.co.uk Journalist Profile

Articles

Clinical Characteristics Associated with Multiple Sclerosis Fatigue Severity

2 weeks ago | msard-journal.com | Alexandra Balshi |John Dempsey |Norton College |Old Westbury

Keywordsmultiple sclerosisFatigueDepressionGet full text accessLog in, subscribe or purchase for full access. References1. Krupp, L. Fatigue is intrinsic to multiple sclerosis (MS) and is the most commonly reported symptom of the diseaseMult Scler. 2006; 12:367-3682. Fisk, J.D. ∙ Pontefract, A. ∙ Ritvo, P.G. ... The impact of fatigue on patients with multiple sclerosisCan J Neurol Sci. 1994; 21:9-143. Young, C.A. ∙ Mills, R. ∙ Rog, D. ...
Sefton Coast: A tough time for our toads

1 month ago | inyourarea.co.uk | John Dempsey

PIONEER SPECIES: Natterjack Toad (Image: Phil Smith) By John DempseyIt’s a tough time for our toads this year. Natterjack Toads, one of the Sefton Coast’s most famous residents, are what is known as a “pioneer species”. This means they are right on the edge of their range in this part of the world, making them susceptible to the slightest changes in environment, habitat, competitors and predators.
Sefton Coast: The classy Mediterranean Gull is a sight to behold

2 months ago | inyourarea.co.uk | John Dempsey

LOOKING LOVELY: A dapper adult Mediterranean Gull They are without doubt, the poshest gull. While other species have harsh, wild calls evocative of the coast, Mediterranean Gulls boast a more muted nasal accent, which somehow manages to sound dignified and comical at the same time. Reminiscent of the late Frankie Howerd, but not as much as the seriously funny Eider Duck is.
Column: Principles Behind DEI Embody Who We Are as a Country

2 months ago | thepilot.com | John Dempsey

As you might imagine, the first few months of the Trump/Musk presidency have not exactly dazzled me. They have, in fact, been even worse than I thought they would be — and I’m not even Canadian. I will concede only that today’s news is more exciting than it was during the Biden years. Of course, we had only one president during those years, and he wasn’t a part-time car salesman. kAmx’== 8:G6 %CF>A 4C65:E 7@C 56=:G6C:?8 @?
Sefton Coast: Preparations get underway for another summer season

2 months ago | inyourarea.co.uk | John Dempsey

READY FOR VISITORS: Ainsdale beach car park due to open next week In the blink of an eye the Green Sefton team is busy preparing for another summer season on the coast. The short, darker winter days seem to have sped by now, and spring and summer is stretching before us, with the beach car park at Ainsdale due to open next week. The emphasis of work now shifts as good weather can see tens of thousands of people descending on the protected Sefton Coast looking to enjoy the shoreline and landscape.
Sefton Coast: Welcoming the signs of spring

2 months ago | inyourarea.co.uk | John Dempsey

SPRING IS COMING: Danish Scurvy Grass By John DempseyA dry, cool spring that matches the pattern of recent years (with the exception of 2024’s heavy rainfall) seems to be in store - although that can change quickly enough. Crisp blues skies make for fine conditions for early spring walking, but lower night temperatures are not to the liking of species like Natterjack Toads, which become active on warmer nights, ideally with plenty of cloud or even a little drizzle.
Sefton Coast: Respect, protect and enjoy our coastline

2 months ago | inyourarea.co.uk | John Dempsey

VITAL WORK: Buckthorn Bashers conclude another winter season (Image: Phil Smith) It happens every year – the sudden shift of emphasis in the work of Green Sefton along the coast. The winter work of controlling invasive species including Sea Buckthorn comes to an end in the last days of February and work to prepare for the busy summer months begins.
Sefton Coast: Habitat management work continues

Mar 6, 2025 | inyourarea.co.uk | John Dempsey

TOUGH COOKIE: Yellow Horned Poppy One of the quieter areas of the coastline has seen as buzz of activity this winter as habitat management work in the dunes at Hightown has continued apace. Areas of birch scrub have been removed by Green Sefton and volunteers from the Hightown Beach Clean group, with core staff and volunteers from North Merseyside Amphibian and Reptile Group clearing out a slack at the southern end next to a pool cleared last winter.
Sefton Coast: We all share a responsibility to look after amphibians and their habitats

Feb 27, 2025 | inyourarea.co.uk | John Dempsey

RARE SPECIES: A Natterjack Toad tuning up (Credit: Phil Smith, picture taken under licence) As the temperatures slowly climb, nights get milder, and something begins to stir in the dunes. Double figure temperatures, full cloud and a light drizzle are perfect conditions for one of the coast’s famous residents to emerge after a winter in hibernation.
Sefton Coast: The greatest show on earth as summer migrants start to appear

Feb 20, 2025 | inyourarea.co.uk | John Dempsey

STANDING PROUD: A male Wheatear Anticipation is everything – and at this time of year anticipation is at the forefront of the mind of naturalists along the Sefton Coast. In the next few weeks the first summer migrants will start to appear - some of these birds will be passing through on their way to breeding grounds further north, others will spend the longer days with us, raising families before the autumn exodus.