Raphael Stevens

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    in beauty and fashion

    You Ask, We Answer: The Best Sherpa Jackets on the Internet

    There’s rarely a trend that comes around the checks the boxes of being both cute and comfortable. Too often, trends come around that sacrifice our comfort and require a heel blister or being a little too chilly all night to wear.But sherpa jackets? They change everything. For once, the Gods of our wardrobes graced us with a trend that are both appealing to the eye and make us feel no different than if we were sitting on the couch, wrapped up in the blanket that’s been attached to our bodies the past seven months. They’re something you’d actually reach for for comfort’s sake—and that means we need to take advantage of them.
    From the hoodie of our dreams to jackets that will make you feel like a million bucks, we found the best sherpa jackets available—you can thank us later.

    The 2020 standout
    Our office has been swooning over this baby since it got released earlier this fall. It’s the perfect thickness (not too hot, not too cold), is as soft as they come, and has fun leather accents to spice it up a bit. Most importantly? It won’t break the bank and comes in four different colors.

    The Amazon favorite
    There are very few things we love more than an Amazon fashion find, and this top-seller has crazy-good reviews and comes in any color you can dream of. (It also is almost identical to a cult-favorite one that’s over 4x the price—we love a good dupe.)

    The edgy one
    An oversized, moto leather jacket with sherpa lining is the fall investment piece everyone needs. I’ve been shocked every winter since I got mine that it’s warm enough to brave the Chicago winter in (a box anything that’s not a parka rarely checks), and it doesn’t hurt that you feel like a complete badass every time you put it on. 

    The one made for quarantine
    Working from home has its pros and cons, but one pro is that once the temperatures drop, you aren’t going to need to leave the house—and that allows for living in super cozy clothes. I’ve never seen something I want to throw on every morning more—this is begging to be a part of your work-from-home uniform.

    The versatile one
    Madewell brings this jacket back year after year for good reason: it’s one of the most versatile fall jackets you can find. You can dress it up, dress it down, wear it to a pumpkin patch, wear it on a walk with your dog—you’ll never regret having this in your wardrobe.

    The dressy one
    Looking for a jacket that can be worn to the office and holiday parties and everything in between? Look no further. This has “Thanksgiving outfit” written all over it.

    The classic one
    This sherpa is less trendy and more “wardrobe staple.” It’ll look good with everything and never go out of style—and you’ll reach for it year in and year out. More

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    in beauty and fashion

    10 Things That Made Our Lives Better This Week

    OK, everyone, hear me out. I think 2020 has gotten a really bad rap. I, for one, have been less than kind to this year. Every time that I hear an adverse piece of news, find myself picking up my spilled groceries during a monsoon on Michigan Ave., or stub my toe on the corner of my couch, I throw my hands up in the air, look to the sky, and dramatically shout, “2020 is the worst.” There’s no denying that this year is weird to say the least, but a part of me thinks that maybe 2020 doesn’t like what’s happening either. If we drown out all of the hot mess and tune in, I’m sure we’ll find that good things are still happening and beautiful moments are not canceled.
    So, in our attempt to be more positive and present this week, we’re sharing our highlight reel of the things that brought us joy last week. Whether it be a warm latte on a gloomy Tuesday, a cringey new Netflix guilty pleasure, or a FaceTime with an old friend, we’re celebrating the moments (big and small) that brought us joy last week. Cheers to tuning back in and finding happiness in what has been the most *unprecedented* year yet.

    This week I made it a priority to send my friends and family letters to let them know I’m thinking of them during this crazy time. These notecards incorporate beautiful illustrations and typography on the cover of each blank notecard. I bought these from one of my favorite artists this summer and just started using them. Writing letters to some of my favorite people truly brightens my week!

     

    A few weeks back, my family and I went through a hard time as we lost our sweet grandmother who was fighting her battle with cancer. What made my week was that my thoughtful cousin surprised me with this personalized fingerprint necklace. It was so unexpected but appreciated as I will hold it dear to my heart forever. It’s a great gift for those who may have lost a loved one and would like to have a keepsake in remembrance.

     
    PSA, everyone: I’ve done it. I’ve found the best pumpkin banana bread recipe of all time, ever. OK, maybe that is a tad bit dramatic considering that I’m not a baker by anyone’s standards and I haven’t experimented with too many recipes—but wow, this bread was an absolute treat (I’m so sorry, I had to). Not only was it tasty AF, but baking helped me to carve out some “me time” (sans blue light) and gave me the space to blast Folklore/pretend that I was in a dramatic movie where I am the main character. Also, of note, baking the bread made my home smell like the fall oasis of my dreams. 10/10 would recommend.
    READ: Cream Cheese Swirled Pumpkin Bread with Salted Maple Butter

    Overall I would say I’m a big reader, although I always go through phases of reading a bunch and then not reading much at all. I had kind of been in a reading rut for the last few months. However, this week I picked up a thriller in honor of spooky season and devoured it in two days, and now I can’t wait to start reading more again! It’s so lovely to be able to do something at home that doesn’t involve staring at a screen. The book I read was Then She Was Gone, a story of a mother unraveling the details of her daughter’s disappearance years ago. It is full of twists and turns that I never expected—making it the perfect escape for everything going on in the real world.

    Listen. I know. I KNOW. The first episode is hilariously bad. The way being an influencer is portrayed is ridiculous. She wears no less than SEVEN outrageous hats (including two… bucket hats??). But in all honesty, this new Netflix series is exactly what I needed right now. It’s light as a macaron and just as nutritionally sound, but the scenery and the enviable eye candy will take your mind on a blissful escape. Hearing the word “Gabriel” spoken in numerous French accents is charming in the extreme and the actual Gabriel is quite possibly the most attractive man I have ever seen. I also spenakfkfkadfkafkdfkadkfakfakdfakdfakfkasdfkads fkadsfkasdft a lot of the series comparing Emily’s time in Paris to my trip to Paris in which I ended up accidentally ordering 200 euro steak at a four-star restaurant at 2 am that I was way too drunk to remember and having a lot of cheap umbrellas break over my head. It rains not a single time in this entire show so take that as you will.
    WATCH: Emily in Paris
    If you do end up watching and have the same thought process I did (“Her phone case is way over the top. Actually, do I like it?? Wait, maybe I’ll buy it. I guess I’m into it now.”), I’ve done the work for you:

    It’s still hot AF here in LA, but I swear my skin just knows when it’s fall because it gets dry and dull starting on October 1. As an important precaution, I just tried this non-toxic AHA face mask, and it made a huge difference even after one use. For starters, it’s called “Acid Gold” which is the bougiest thing I’ve ever heard and sounds like a skincare treatment Rihanna would do. The non-toxic formula is loaded with a variety of “acids” that definitely sound like they’re going to simultaneously unclog my blackheads and banish dead skin cells. Plus, it contains pumpkin enzymes, which is pretty fitting since anything without “pumpkin” in the title (or ingredients) just isn’t interesting to me RN. Not to mention that besides all the glow-boosting, it contains papaya enzymes to reduce bacteria and sea buckthorn oil to hydrate skin, so that basically takes care of the dryness and pesky cold-weather pimples. Full disclosure, I’ve put on this mask at least three times already this week because it’s just that good. My pumpkin candles are lit, semi-spooky movies are on repeat (Halloweentown High is as scary as I’ll go), but my skin’s back in summer-glow mode, thanks to this mask.

    It’s currently 45 degrees in Chicago, which combined with quarantine, means I’m in full-blown hermit mode. Comfort is key this fall, and this jacket has been giving me life every single day. I’ve been wearing this both as I work from home and every time I leave the house (including a million walks around the block with my dog) and I just throw it on and it’s like smothering myself in a soft, glorious cloud (not to mention it’s super warm). It’s the perfect addition to a 2020 fall wardrobe and will be worth its weight in gold once the temperatures drop even more.

     

    If you read any of my previous stories, you know I deal with chronic anxiety. I feel like I’ve tried every self-care remedy there is. However, I’ve realized if I’m not taking the time to talk with a professional, there is no amount of self-care that can help. I have tried a couple of online therapy options, but my favorite (and the most helpful) has been Better Help. I take an hour each week to talk with my therapist, and I feel grounded. To take what I’m learning in therapy to the next level, I bought Cleo Wade’s, Heart Talk Journal. I love it already! Journaling my feelings before bed with lavender tea helps to calm my busy mind. I think the duo is even helping me sleep better.

    Being able to take the time out to meditate has been a challenge for me recently, but this week, I have been getting back into the rhythm of checking in with myself, and the MyLife app is perfect for that. Every day, I choose how I’m feeling, and the app recommends a few quick 5-10 minute guided meditations to choose from that’s perfect to help me relax and re-center myself. Afterwards, it checks in with you to see how you’re feeling again using cute emojis to track your progress. It’s a quick but effective daily reminder to give myself a break and focus on just me.

    On a busy Friday, I headed to a local shop down the street that sells Korean Beauty on the cheeeeap. Said shop is a major favorite, but while in the shop, I asked the owner what she thinks would work best for my skin: once as oily as a teenage boy who’s entire diet consists of Doritos and frozen pizza, now absurdly dry for no reason at all. She recommended a few products, this among them to help with my clogged pores. You use a little bit of the balm just like you would a cleansing balm, and massage it into the area (I focused on my nose) for 3-5 minutes. The first time I used it, I didn’t really notice a difference. But on a whim, I tried it again last night, and I was aghast at the bits and pieces coming out of my pores. It was the most satisfying experience, to the point that I plan to use this basically every single night this week for the joy of seeing my blackheads literally pop out of my face. Plus, it is so expensive that I feel amazing using it over and over again without worrying that I’m using up something special. All good things from me. If you have blackheads, please buy this and send me all of the pics of what came out of your pores because that is porn to me. More

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    in health and weelbeing

    8 Wellness Products I Never Knew I Needed Until They Totally Changed My Health

    Truth be told, I am the target consumer when it comes to buying products I don’t need. I’m a sucker for anything on sale, hoard knickknacks like nobody’s business, and always find at least one thing I have to have in the “As Seen on TV” aisle. However, when it comes to wellness, I like to think I’m pretty good at deciphering what’s a worthy investment of my time and money and what’s a passing fad. I’ve spent way too much time geeking out over nutrition studies and ancient medical practices to be wooed by the latest diet or workout class. But I do try a lot of products, and sometimes I don’t expect a product to be as good as it is. Here are eight products that, frankly, seemed silly or unnecessary to me until they totally transformed my health (and might transform yours too). 
    1. Tongue Scraper
    Honestly, I never thought I’d be here, swearing that scraping sh*t off my tongue has transformed my life, but here we are. Tongue scraping means using designated tools to remove extra particles and bacteria from the surface of the tongue. While it has been #trending on social media the past couple of years, it’s nothing new. It’s actually really, really old. Tongue scraping is a practice from Ayurveda, which teaches that we can learn a lot from our tongues.
    Besides just reducing bad breath, according to Ayurveda, tongue scraping can stimulate digestion by activating the salivary glands and can even improve immunity because it prevents toxins from being reabsorbed into the body. Call it placebo or call it coincidence, but I swear I’ve gotten sick less often since starting tongue scraping a couple of years ago. Even if that doesn’t sell you on the idea, once you scrape your tongue once and see the ~gunk~ that comes off, you’ll never be able to go a day without scraping again. 

    2. Ice Roller
    Since I’m highly basic, I’ll try just about anything that influencers, aestheticians, and beauty experts recommend on their Instagrams, but this is one of the few things that has made a lasting impact on my life. A couple of years ago, it seems like everyone was rolling their face with an ice roller, which promised a reduction in puffiness, smaller pores, and less inflammation. While I do believe that all of these things are true, the benefits for me didn’t stop at a glowy complexion. It is one of my go-to hangover cures to decrease overall puffiness and soothes headaches when I roll on my temples (soothing AF!). Also, you know those days when you decide to do an inner thigh workout after not lifting a weight for months? An ice roller helps soothe even the sorest muscles and feels so satisfying. 

    3. Blue-Light Glasses
    Like most of the workforce in the 21st century, I stare at a screen from morning to night. 2020 didn’t help screen usage, now that meetings are over Zoom and happy hours are over Facetime. I used to get consistent headaches and chalked it up to tension or allergies. When blue-light glasses (or lenses that block the blue light exposure from screens) became popular, I obviously had to get them for myself (read: basic). After just a few days, I immediately noticed my headaches had gone away, as well as eye dryness and strain. Now, my blue-light glasses are as essential to my workday as a cup of coffee and a killer playlist to keep spirits high, stress low, and headaches at bay. 

    4. Facial Massage Tools
    Facial massage has become such a part of my life that I literally crave it and find myself randomly rubbing out my cheeks and jawline without even noticing. Everyone has their weird ticks, right? The practice has made my skin glowier, reduced inflammation, and even prevented/healed breakouts when I’m really consistent. I used to go to town with my Gua Sha in the mornings so my face is de-puffed and sculpted for the entire day, but I started Gua Sha-ing at nighttime instead as a relaxation technique.
    I used to think facial massage meant under the eyes, along the cheekbones, etc., to sculpt the face. But I’ve learned the neck and shoulders are just as important, if not more important. I Gua Sha my shoulders and neck at night because it makes me feel like all the tension in my body is immediately released. Try jade rolling, gua sha, or self-massage to reap the physical (and mental) benefits for yourself. 

    5. Resistance Bands
    I’ve never been a big home workout person. In fact, the only reason I started working out years ago was for the lavender-scented cloths, fun music, and the limitless opportunities for chic mirror selfies (barre studios have the ideal I-work-out-but-can-still-look-cute vibe). Also, I live in a studio apartment, so any hopes for an at-home gym are completely unrealistic. I want to fill my tiny space with fuzzy blankets and candles, not dumbbell sets. However, I purchased a set of resistance bands since my trendy gyms closed back in March to revive my at-home workout routine, and I have no idea why it’s taken me this long to get on board. They’re good for any exercise, can work any muscle group or body part, and are perfect for traveling because they take up very little space. 

    6. An “Easy” Blender
    Listen, I would love to be the girl with the huge blender. You know the type: the girl who makes her own green juices every morning and blends things like soups or sauces instead of just smoothies. Maybe I  just need to step up my soup game or put a little more effort into juicing, but as hard as I try, I  swear I just don’t have big blender energy (BBE). I know if I were to get a complicated, legit blender, it would just sit there unused. I need something small enough to fit in my tiny kitchen, easy to clean so I don’t have to think about using it multiple times a day, and that doesn’t feel overly complicated to use.
    Enter: a single-serving blender or hand-held blender. My Nutribullet has rocked my world because I can blend a smoothie in the same cup I’ll use to drink it (yay for fewer dishes!) and is small enough to froth up a cup of coffee and almond milk. The lesson here is to find the kitchen tools that work for your lifestyle, preferences, and needs. 

    7. Superfood Coffee Alternatives
    Speaking of coffee, I have a confession: coffee does not make me feel good. Rather than energized, any amount of caffeine makes me feel jittery, weak, and nauseous, but I desperately crave coffee for the ritual and taste. Is there anything more satisfying than a warm cup of coffee in the morning? Thank goodness for the modern wellness world that offers a plethora of “coffee alternatives” that are not only better for you than the high-caffeine and overly-processed coffees of latte past, but are full of superfoods and adaptogens that can bring extra health benefits to your body. I’m all about maximizing health and fitting in as many nutrients as possible, so these alternatives have become delicious replacements to my morning cup of coffee. 

    8. Foam Roller
    I’ve always had tight hip flexors that hurt after every ab exercise or uphill walk (which is an extra bummer because I currently live on a steep hill). My doctor recommended I try foam rolling (a wellness practice I always thought seemed stupid), and my whole body felt better after just a couple days. It came at a good time because my back and hips have felt tighter than ever before, probably because of either: A. I’m getting old, or B. I’ve been doing nothing for seven months except sit on the couch and rewatch Riverdale). It’s one of the few practices that has helped my hip flexors feel better, but my posture gets better the more I roll out my back and shoulders, and overall, I feel lighter and healthier. File “foam roller” under things I was wrong about.

    What wellness products have changed your health? More

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    in lifestyle and culture

    2 incredible women are teaming up together – Meghan Markle and Malala Yousafzai

    Two incredible and inspirational women are coming together to celebrate an important cause.
    Meghan Markle and Malala Yousafzai are teaming up together to celebrate the International Day of the Girl on Sunday, October 11. It outlines the importance of women’s rights to education.

    According to Harper’s Bazaar US, the Duchess of Sussex will join Malala, along with Prince Harry, for a live video chat which will be streamed on YouTube. The publication reports they will discuss “why it’s essential that we champion every girl’s right to learn”.
    Malala has continually advocated for girls’ rights to education. She rose to global prominence in 2012 after being shot in the head by Taliban gunmen as she boarded her school bus in north-west Pakistan.

    The teen first became a target for the regime after defying a ban issued in 2009 forbidding girls to go to school and penning an anonymous blog for the BBC highlighting life under Taliban rule with a personal emphasis on women’s right to education.
    She went on to become the youngest person ever to Nobel Peace Prize in 2014, being just 17-years-old. The human rights activist went to go on to begin her studies at Oxford University in 2017, where she recently graduated from.
    Meghan herself has also been a keen advocate for women’s rights undertaking many projects when she was based in the UK to help females and continues to do so now she’s based in Los Angeles.
    – For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram
    Feature Image: Sussex Royal Instagram/Malala Instagram More

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    in beauty and fashion

    The Everygirl’s Fall 2020 Capsule Wardrobe

    If you’ve been around here for a while, you already know how keen we are on the concept of capsule wardrobes—a closet full of items that can be mixed and matched with one another for an infinite amount of combinations and a permanent fix to your “I don’t know what to wear today” conundrum.Every year, we like to add a few things to our capsule wardrobes to make them more attuned to that year’s trends—be it a chic new jacket or a pair of boots that can be worn with every pair of pants we own. When you switch your purchasing mentality from buying random pieces to buying things you know will fit in with things you already have, it opens the door to limitless new looks.
    Without further ado, this is The Everygirl’s 2020 Capsule Wardrobe, filled with the tops, pants, jackets, and accessories you’ll wear on repeat until next spring.

    leopard blousepuff-sleeved blousecamel sweaterwhite sweaterchunky cardigangrey sweaterblack coattrench coatknit dresscorduroy pantsmom jeansfaux leather pantsleather jackethoundstooth bomberblazerblack bootiesloaferssneakersknee-high bootsbeige bagtop-handle bag

    7 Ways to Style Your Fall Capsule Wardrobe

    leopard blouse / top-handle bag / black coat / sneakers / mom jeans

    black booties / camel sweater / black coat / faux leather pants / beige bag

    top-handle bag / corduroy pants / sneakers / white sweater / leather jacket

    puff-sleeved blouse / black booties / mom jeans / beige bag / trench coat

    sneakers / blazer / white sweater / faux leather pants / top-handle bag

    corduroy pants / chunky cardigan / top-handle bag / loafers

    sneakers / mom jeans / top-handle bag / houndstooth bomber / grey sweater More

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    in lifestyle and culture

    5 ways the Dubai restaurant industry is raising awareness for breast cancer

    The whole of October marks Breast Cancer Awareness month, encouraging women to check their breasts regularly and to get a screening if there are any signs of abnormalities.
    Around the UAE, there are plenty of events and initiatives taking place throughout the month to promote awareness of the disease.

    There’s also an array of food events taking place to raise awareness and raise money to support breast cancer awareness.
    Here’s five ways the Dubai restaurant industry is helping to raise awareness for breast cancer.
    Brunch for breast cancer awareness
    La Cantine du Faubourg

    This Saturday, October 10, La Cantine du Faubourg will be hosting ‘The Pink Brunch’ in partnership with Emirates Red Crescent. The special edition of the restaurant’s Brunch 105 will see a percentage of the day’s proceeds will be donated to the worthwhile cause to support breast cancer awareness month.
    From 12pm to 6pm enjoy a three-hour brunch package for a good cause. Packages start from Dhs345.
    Sloane’s

    This Friday, 9th October, head down to Sloane’s at Grosvenor House Dubai to support breast cancer awareness at their Pink Brunch from 1pm to 4pm. With packages starting from Dhs350, Dhs50 per paying adult will be donated to Al Jalila ‘Brest Friends’ program.
    Brasserie 2.0

    On Friday, 16th October, Brasserie 2.0 at Le Royal Meridien Beach Resort is holding a Pink Brunch from 1.30pm to 4.30pm to support of Al Jalila Foundation’s ‘Brest Friends’ program. With prices starting from Dhs375, Dhs50 per paying adult will be donated to Al Jalila ‘Brest Friends’ program.
    Special beverages for breast cancer awareness

    To raise awareness of breast cancer, La Serre Bistro & Boulangerie has created three special beverages that will be available to guests during the month of October. For each of these beverages purchased this month, Dhs10 will be donated to the UAE-based breast cancer initiative – Pink Caravan.
    A limited-edition dessert

    Couqley French Bistro & Bar has partnered with Al Jalila Foundation and Brest Friends to create a limited-edition dome-shaped Framboise-speculoos to raise awareness for breast cancer.
    The special dessert priced at Dhs52 has been specially crafted to raise funds for the cause by donating all proceeds from the dessert throughout the month of October.
    – For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram
    Images: Supplied More

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    in lifestyle and culture

    The UAE becomes the first country to reach this milestone in COVID-19 testing

    Throughout the coronavirus pandemic, the United Arab Emirates has been a leader in COVID-19 testing.

    Now, the nation has reached a major milestone – it has become the first country in the world where the amount of tests conducted has exceeded the population. It should be noted this applies to countries with populations of over one million.
    As of this week, the UAE has carried over 10.32 million tests since COVID-19 was officially confirmed as a pandemic by the World Health Organisation in March. It’s currently estimated the UAE populations is at around 9.6 million.
    In a press briefing earlier this week, official spokesperson for the UAE government, Dr Omar Al Hammadi, explained that in the seven day period from September 30 to October 6 there had been 720,802 tests conducted.
    According to Dr Al Hammadi, this is an 8 per cent increase week on week.
    As the country continues its mass testing strategy, cases have been rising in recent weeks and the government has reaffirmed the need for social distancing.
    To date, the UAE has had 101,840 confirmed cases of COVID-19. At present, 9,694 of those are active cases and there have been 436 deaths.
    – For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram
    Feature Image: Visit Dubai Instagram More

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    in lifestyle and culture

    A step-by-step guide for checking your breasts properly for signs of cancer

    IN PARTNERSHIP: As October marks Breast Cancer Awareness Month, we’re encouraging you to face your fears head-on and not to let fear neglect your health. Emirates Woman spoke to Dr Rita Daaboul, a Consultant General Surgeon at Medcare Women and Children Hospital (MWCH), about how important it is to get your breasts checked and how early detection is key for curing breast cancer.
    While breast cancer generally occurs in older-aged women, in about half the number of breast cancer cases occur in those under 50 years of age, and as such, tends to be more aggressive. This is why it is even more important to spread the message of breast awareness and early detection, as well as remind all women to check their breasts.

    It may seem daunting to get your breasts checked, but with new technology, mammograms are now less uncomfortable. It’s a seamless process and with the all-female staff at MWCH’s breast care clinic, which includes the radiologists, they ensure everyone who is there feels comfortable during their check-ups. It vital really to check your breasts regularly, 15 minutes of your time could be responsible for adding another 15 years to your life.

    Dr Daaboul’s key advice for breast cancer awareness
    Talk us through how to exactly check your breasts properly

    Step 1
    Undress from the waist up and stand in front of the mirror. Look in the mirror with your arms by your side. Notice the shape. Look for dimpling (a ‘dent’ in the smooth contour of the breasts) and nipple changes (such as a rash or ‘pulled in’ appearance). Look for differences between the two breasts.
    Step 2
    Look at your breasts in the mirror with your hands on your hips and your chest muscles tightened. Again, look for changes in the breast shape, the nipple appearance or differences between the breasts.
    Step 3
    Look at your breasts with your arms raised high above your head. The breasts should move up slightly and equally when the arms are raised. Areas of dimpling may be more obvious in this position.
    Step 4
    Next, feel your breasts for lumps. This can be done while standing or lying, but is better when lying down. Use your flattened fingers to feel each part of the breast. This can be done in circles, in strips up and down the breast, or by examining each quadrant (quarter) of the breast in turn. The most important thing is to make sure that you feel the whole breast, as well as underneath the nipple.
    The common breast cancer symptoms?
    The symptoms of breast cancer depend on where the tumour is in the breast, the size of the tumour and how quickly it is growing.
    Breast changes that may indicate breast cancer include:
    a new lump or lumpiness, especially if it’s only in one breast
    a change in the size or shape of the breast
    a change to the nipple, such as crusting, ulcer, redness or inversion
    a nipple discharge that occurs without squeezing
    a change in the skin of the breast such as redness or dimpling.
    Are there different types of breast cancer?
    Yes, there are different types of breast cancer, with some types being far more aggressive than others. The most important part of breast cancer, however, is the stage at which it presents. The earlier it is detected, the more likely it can easily be treated and cured. Breast cancer awareness, and breast cancer screening, can save lives. It is vital to detect it before it has had a chance to enlarge locally, or spread beyond the breast.

    What are the misconceptions surrounding breast cancer?
    The most common misconception is that somehow, performing a needle biopsy on a breast cancer to diagnose it, can actually spread the cancer more readily, or even make it more aggressive. Although this may be true for other specific types of cancer in some other organs, we can safely perform a needle biopsy on breast cancer, without this having any effect whatsoever on its behaviour.
    What are the most common ages that are affected by the disease?
    Breast cancer, in general, occurs more often in older-aged women. As women get older, each decade over 40 increases the risk of breast cancer significantly. However, breast cancers may occur in those under 50 years of age, and as such, tends to be more aggressive. This is why it is even more important to spread the message of breast awareness and early detection, as well as remind all women to check their breasts.
    What is the treatment for breast cancer? 
    The treatment of breast cancer involves more than one speciality in medicine, and is termed “multidisciplinary”. It is most commonly a combination of surgery, chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and/or hormonal/biological therapies. Of course, this does depend on the stage of the cancer.
    What are the side effects of breast cancer treatment?
    The side effects can range from none, to a whole list of rare and unusual side effects. The surgery will usually leave some scars, but with the earlier stages, this can be extremely minor. Radiotherapy can leave sunburn type changes to the breast skin, at the end of the treatment, but this will settle within a few short weeks. Chemotherapy can have various side effects, but the one most women get concerned about, is the temporary hair loss. However, it is only temporary, and the hair will start to grow back 2-3 weeks after the last chemotherapy session is given. Other common side effects are nausea, although this is controlled by other medications, and of course, noticeable fatigue towards the end of the treatment (only in the last courses).
    Any other essential information to add…
    Face your fears head-on. Don’t let your fear make you neglect your check-ups. Early detection saves lives.
    A consultation and ultrasound or mammogram at MWCH is priced at Dhs399. Located on Sheikh Zayed Road, the clinic is open from 9am to 9pm. For more information visit medcare.ae.
    – For more on luxury lifestyle, news, fashion and beauty follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram
    Images: Instagram/Supplied More