The boy who looked like Pinocchio underwent a great transformation

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Jan , 22. 12. 2025

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Every good parent teaches their child that they are perfect just the way they are.

Parents have it tough

But it can happen that even as an infant you stand out from the crowd and people stop you, comment, and mock your appearance.

It’s not easy for the children or their parents.

When Amy Poole was expecting her son Ollie, doctors already knew she was expecting an extraordinary child.

An exceptional son

Even the ultrasound showed some abnormalities. After the birth, Amy shared her story on social media and her son soon began to be nicknamed “Pinocchio”.

His nose was unique and very reminiscent of the fairy-tale character’s nose.

Ollie had tissue around his nose that uncontrollably grew during pregnancy. Because of that, his face looked different from others. He is absolutely unique.

Doctors surprised

As soon as Ollie was born, she surprised not only the doctors but also her parents. She was very tiny like other children, but had a bump on her nose the size of a golf ball.

Amy initially wasn’t sure if she could handle it. But she knew she would love him regardless of how he looked.

He was her son and she considered him perfect, even though others thought otherwise.

Life did not start easily for Ollie

Amy decided to share their story, but it was certainly not easy. She immediately faced a flood of hateful comments that she had to deal with.

Ollie was mocked for his appearance and was called Pinocchio.

Many people in the comments wrote that Ollie is ugly. Amy defended him, however, and never dwelled on such remarks. Her son was different and she knew that well.

How does the mother respond to negative comments?

“I think he is absolutely perfect the way he is. There’s nothing wrong with being different,” said the little boy’s mother. “Ollie is a unique, clever and fun boy who amazes me every day.

He is my little Pinocchio and I will never stop loving him.” Likewise his sister, who loves him very much and has become his best friend.

What does little Pinocchio look like today?

Ollie has definitely changed since childhood. He has undergone several surgeries and has already started going to school.

Now he no longer resembles Pinocchio at all and the doctor is working hard to make him a new nose.

Nevertheless, hateful comments still appear on the internet.

Amy tries to educate people, because it is definitely not appropriate for children to receive cruel comments like Ollie’s.

Photos before

Photo source: https://sv.stories.newsner.com/
Photo source: https://sv.stories.newsner.com/
Photo source: https://sv.stories.newsner.com/

Photos after

Photo source: https://sv.stories.newsner.com/
Photo source: https://sv.stories.newsner.com/
Photo source: https://sv.stories.newsner.com/

Source: prosvet.cz

Cholesterol and sugar: what really raises LDL and how to protect the liver

Eggs, liver and bacon are often labeled as the main culprits of high cholesterol. The reality is more complex. For most people, dietary cholesterol has only a limited effect on blood cholesterol levels. Much more important is the overall diet, the proportion of saturated and trans fatty acids, intake of added sugars, body weight, genetics and lifestyle. Below you will find a balanced overview of what the facts say – without myths and shortcuts.

What cholesterol is and why the body needs it

Cholesterol is a fatty substance essential for building cell membranes, producing hormones and vitamin D. In the blood it is carried in the form of lipoproteins. LDL ("bad") carries cholesterol to tissues, HDL ("good") takes it back to the liver. The goal is to keep LDL low and HDL in an appropriate range.

Dietary cholesterol vs. saturated fats and trans fats

In most healthy people, dietary cholesterol (e.g., from eggs) has only a small effect on LDL. A much stronger factor is saturated fats (fatty processed meats, high-fat cheeses, large amounts of butter) and trans fats (industrially hydrogenated fats), which raise LDL and can lower HDL. Eggs are also a source of nutrients (e.g., choline), so for most people they can be part of a balanced diet.

How added sugars and refined carbohydrates worsen the blood lipid profile

High intake of added sugars and refined carbohydrates (sweetened drinks, sweets, white bread) raises triglycerides and promotes the development of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). The liver then more often releases VLDL/LDL particles and the overall lipid profile worsens. The liver is particularly harmed by excess fructose from sweetened drinks and syrups.

The role of choline and "healthy" fats

Choline (eggs, lean meat, legumes) helps form and export fat particles from the liver, thereby supporting its normal function. Monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats (olive oil, nuts, seeds, fish) can lower LDL and some fractions of inflammatory lipids, if you also limit saturated fats and added sugars.

When eggs can be a problem

For a portion of the population with a genetic burden (e.g., familial hypercholesterolemia) or for people with very high LDL, even dietary cholesterol can play a larger role. In such cases, individual recommendations from a physician and a nutrition therapist are decisive.

Practical meal plan for healthy lipids and liver

  • Limit added sugars: sweetened drinks, confectionery, excess white-flour baked goods.
  • Prefer unsaturated fats: olive oil, rapeseed oil, nuts, seeds, avocado, fatty sea fish twice a week.
  • Reduce saturated fats and avoid trans fats: processed meats, fast food, toppings made from partially hydrogenated fats.
  • Eat enough protein: fish, poultry, eggs, legumes, fermented dairy products – they support satiety and muscle maintenance.
  • Fiber: vegetables, fruit, whole grains, legumes – soluble fiber helps lower LDL.
  • Alcohol in moderation: excess increases triglycerides and burdens the liver.
  • Hydration and exercise: 150–300 minutes of moderate activity per week (brisk walking, cycling), strength training twice weekly.
  • Body weight: even a 5–10% weight reduction can noticeably improve triglycerides and LDL.

Key takeaway: it's not "forbidden eggs", but the overall dietary pattern

For most people, eggs or liver alone do not "cause" high cholesterol. The key is the combination of fewer saturated fats, less added sugar and more unsaturated fats, fiber and exercise. If you have high LDL, a family history or liver disease, discuss a specific eating plan with your doctor – sometimes pharmacotherapy (e.g., statins) is also necessary.

18. 12. 2025 Jan
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