The untimely death of a 29-year-old woman in the U.K. has sparked a critical review of chiropractic practices and emergency medical protocols. Joanna Kowalczyk experienced severe neck pain following a personal training session, which led her to seek alternative treatments. Her condition deteriorated rapidly, culminating in a fatal stroke caused by an undiagnosed arterial dissection. The coroner's report highlights failures in communication and oversight, urging regulatory bodies to implement stricter guidelines.
Risks of Alternative Therapies: The Importance of Medical History Review
In September 2021, Joanna Kowalczyk sustained an injury during a fitness session that resulted in neck pain. Seeking relief, she visited a hospital where she declined further testing and chose chiropractic therapy instead. Unfortunately, the chiropractor did not review her medical history before initiating treatment. This oversight may have contributed to the progression of her underlying condition. The assistant coroner emphasized the need for thorough patient evaluations, especially when recent medical interventions are involved.
Kowalczyk initially presented symptoms of dizziness, vomiting, and visual disturbances after a chiropractic session on October 16, 2021. Despite these alarming signs, both negative FAST tests misled healthcare providers into diagnosing a migraine. Had her medical records been reviewed, the chiropractor might have recognized the severity of her condition. The coroner recommended that the General Chiropractic Council (GCC) mandate comprehensive medical reviews prior to any treatment. This proactive approach could prevent similar tragedies in the future.
Emergency Response Failures: Addressing Communication Gaps
On the day of her worsening symptoms, paramedics attended to Kowalczyk but failed to recognize the transient nature of stroke symptoms. They attributed her discomfort to normal post-treatment effects, missing a critical opportunity for timely intervention. The next day, with a reduced level of consciousness, she was rushed to Queen Elizabeth Hospital. There, advanced imaging revealed a maturing obstruction near the base of her skull, confirming the diagnosis of vertebral artery dissection. Unfortunately, no viable treatment options were available, leading to her death two days later.
The coroner's report also highlighted communication failures within the ambulance service. If the initial paramedic crew had documented Kowalczyk's inability to walk unaided, it would have prompted immediate hospitalization. The North East Ambulance Service (NEAS) acknowledged this tragic case and expressed condolences to her family. Both NEAS and GCC have been given until April 25 to respond to the coroner’s recommendations, which aim to enhance patient safety and improve emergency response protocols.
In a recent interview with Jimmy Fallon, actress Shailene Woodley discussed the unexpected thrill of having famous faces in the audience during her Broadway play. The 33-year-old star reminisced about recognizing George Clooney, her former co-star from The Descendants, while performing in Cult of Love. Woodley revealed that initially she preferred not knowing about special guests but eventually found it beneficial to be aware. Her experience highlights the unique dynamic between actors and their audiences, especially when celebrities are present. She also mentioned other notable visitors such as Zoe Kravitz, Iain Armitage, and Betty Gilpin. Woodley emphasized how Clooney's distinctive laugh made his presence unmistakable and how his attendance positively impacted her performance.
Woodley appeared on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon to talk about her time on Broadway. When asked by Fallon if she preferred knowing about celebrity guests beforehand, Woodley explained that at first, she did not want to know. However, as the play progressed, she began to appreciate being informed. "There is a sheet where you can sign in guests who visit backstage," she said. "One day, I saw some familiar names, and my heart raced." Despite initial panic, Woodley discovered that knowing about special guests enhanced her performances. "As an actor, there’s a part of me that enjoys playing differently when someone specific is watching," she noted. "It actually improved my acting."
During the conversation, Woodley shared anecdotes about various co-stars who visited her play. One particularly memorable moment was when George Clooney attended a performance. His laughter stood out to her, making his presence evident. "He has such a unique laugh," Woodley remarked. "I could hear it clearly and thought, 'Oh, there’s George somewhere.' " Woodley praised Clooney for his exceptional character and expressed excitement rather than nervousness during his visit. Reflecting on their past collaboration in The Descendants, she recalled how easily they bonded off-screen, which translated into their on-screen chemistry.
Woodley’s Broadway play, Cult of Love, tells the story of four adult siblings reuniting at their childhood home for the holidays. The production opened on December 12 after previews began on November 20. Meanwhile, Clooney is set to make his own Broadway debut in March, starring as Edward R. Murrow in a stage adaptation of Good Night, and Good Luck. This film, which Clooney directed and co-wrote, explores CBS news journalist Edward R. Murrow’s exposé on Senator Joseph McCarthy. As Woodley concludes her run in Cult of Love on February 2, both actors continue to explore new artistic ventures on stage.
Through her experiences on Broadway, Woodley has gained valuable insights into the impact of audience awareness on performance. Her reflections highlight the intricate relationship between actors and their spectators, especially when high-profile guests are involved. By embracing this awareness, Woodley has not only improved her craft but also enjoyed the added excitement of performing for distinguished audiences. Her journey underscores the evolving dynamics within the theater world and the mutual appreciation between performers and their fans.
On the latest episode of Call Her Daddy, former Bachelor contestant Rachael Kirkconnell shared intimate details about her breakup with Matt James. The couple, who had been together for four years, ended their relationship after a tense dinner in Japan. Kirkconnell revealed that the tension began the night before when she felt overwhelmed by the pressure to find suitable dining spots, a task made more challenging due to James' career demands. Despite initial harmony during their trip, a disagreement over restaurant selection escalated into a significant emotional breakdown. The following day, deeper issues surfaced, leading James to express concerns about compatibility and accountability. Ultimately, the relationship concluded abruptly, with Kirkconnell returning to Atlanta just hours after their final conversation.
Kirkconnell recounted how the strain started during their recent trip to Japan. While initially everything seemed fine, the 28-year-old felt an increasing sense of pressure as they filmed every meal for James' career. "I was feeling very overwhelmed," she said, explaining that finding the right restaurants became a source of stress. On the night before the split, she asked for help choosing a dinner spot, but James dismissed it as unimportant. This led to feelings of frustration and disappointment. When they finally arrived at the chosen restaurant, it wasn't what she expected, causing her to shed tears. "We didn’t speak much during the meal," Kirkconnell recalled, highlighting the growing rift between them.
The next morning, tensions flared further. James questioned why she got so emotional over what he considered minor issues. "He found it concerning that I got that emotional," Kirkconnell explained. She felt misunderstood and punished for expressing her feelings. Later, when they discussed their irritations, James expressed worries about certain qualities that he believed would be problematic in a wife. "There were just qualities about me that he worries about having in a wife," she said. These concerns, coupled with issues around accountability and saying sorry, became pivotal points in their breakup discussion.
Despite the heated conversation, the couple went to bed that night with things seemingly calm. However, the following day, they revisited their annoyances, which quickly spiraled into a larger argument. James ultimately decided to end the relationship, leaving Kirkconnell to return to Atlanta. Just two hours later, while preparing for her flight, she saw James' cryptic Instagram post announcing their breakup. This sudden public announcement came as a shock, especially given their previous discussions about wedding plans. In February 2024, James had told PEOPLE that they were aligned on their future plans, including marriage. "We wouldn’t be together if that wasn’t the same goal," he had said, indicating a promising future that now seemed distant.
Reflecting on the end of their four-year journey, Kirkconnell's candid account reveals the complexities and pressures that contributed to their breakup. The combination of career demands, emotional misunderstandings, and deeper compatibility issues ultimately led to the dissolution of their relationship. While they had once envisioned a future together, the reality of their differences proved too challenging to overcome. Kirkconnell’s openness provides a glimpse into the personal struggles behind one of the most high-profile relationships from The Bachelor franchise.