Raphael Stevens

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    in health and weelbeing

    So, Is COVID-19 Actually Airborne Or Not?

    Recently, the conversation around COVID-19 has been centred on how the virus is spread. While it was initially thought that the virus is not airborne, that sentiment has slowly been changing, with mounting evidence pointing to the airborne nature of the disease.
    This came after a letter, co-signed by 239 scientists and engineers, was published in the journal Clinical Infectious Diseases, calling for public health agencies, including the World Health Organisation (WHO), to consider the possibility of the virus being airborne.
    In their letter, they wrote:
    “We appeal to the medical community and to the relevant national and international bodies to recognise the potential for airborne spread of COVID-19. There is significant potential for inhalation exposure to viruses in microscopic respiratory droplets at short to medium distances (up to several metres, or room scale), and we are advocating for the use of preventative measures to mitigate this route of airborne transmission.”
    The letter went on to say that this is a matter of urgency now as countries are starting to ease lockdown regulations.
    The WHO’s position
    The WHO has confirmed that airborne transmission can happen in healthcare settings where specific medical procedures, called aerosol-generating procedures, generate very small droplets called aerosols. As for the general public, it’s not yet 100% certain.
    READ MORE: COVID-19: Here’s How Risky Normal Activities Are, According To Doctors
    “Outside of medical facilities, some outbreak reports related to indoor crowded spaces have suggested the possibility of aerosol transmissions, combined with droplet transmission, for example, during choir practice, in restaurants, or in fitness classes,” the WHO said.
    “In these events, short-range aerosol transmission, particularly in specific indoor locations, such as crowded and inadequately ventilated spaces of a prolonged period of time with infected persons cannot be ruled out.”
    What if it is airborne?
    The letter clearly outlines that airborne transmission is especially acute in indoor or enclosed environments, particularly those that are crowded and have inadequate ventilation relative to the number of occupants and extended exposure periods.
    “For example, airborne transmission appears to be the only plausible explanation for several super-spreading events investigated which occurred under such conditions and others where recommended precautions, related to direct droplet transmissions, were followed,” the letter says.
    READ MORE: How Can I Tell If My Symptoms Are Allergies, Or A Possible COVID-19 Infection?
    They agree that there is incomplete evidence, but add that there is more than enough supporting evidence so that the precautionary principle should apply. Their suggested precautionary measures (over and above those already existing) include:
    Provide sufficient and effective ventilation (clean outdoor air, minimise recirculating air) particularly in public buildings, workplace environments, schools, hospitals and aged care homes.
    Supplement general ventilation with airborne infection controls such as local exhaust, high-efficiency air filtration and germicidal ultraviolet lights.
    Avoid overcrowding, particularly in public transport and public buildings.
    It might not be clear whether an airborne transmission is something to be concerned about as yet, but with a virus as unpredictable as this one, taking precautionary measures more seriously, including avoiding indoor spaces with a lot of people in them, should be the order of the day.
    Russia completes pre-clinical trials for COVID-19 vaccine
    Just recently, Russia’s Vektor State Research Centre for Virology and Biotechnologies announced that it had successfully completed pre-clinical trials of a vaccine for COVID-19.
    “Colleagues have finished pre-clinical trials [and] they were successful. We practically have all the grounds to be sure that things will go as we promised [meaning] that we plan to begin clinical trials on July 15,” Anna Popova, chief of the Russian sanitary watchdog, said on Friday.
    READ MORE: 7 Ways To Make Sure Your Salon Visit Is Safe During Lockdown
    This announcement was widely celebrated across the world, including South Africa, with citizens taking to Twitter to share how ‘excited’ they were about the prospect of finally putting an end to the pandemic. But the minister of health Dr Zweli Mkhize quickly reminded South Africans that the road ahead is still long.
    “You have to do work at the laboratories, do research, move to animal studies, and it passes that, you have to move to a human trial,” he said in a statement.
    “The same trial is going on in the US, UK, Brazil and other countries. We’re not yet at a point where we’ve got a vaccine ready – it is good news, but it is still a work in progress and it’s still early days.”
    SA could have vaccine as early as 2021
    One of the 19 vaccines being tested on humans globally is happening right here in South Africa. Led by professor of vaccinology at the University of Witwatersrand Dr Shabir Madhi, it’s believed that if everything goes as planned, the vaccine could be ready early 2021.
    “A vaccine could be made commercial as early as the beginning of next year, but it is completely dependent on the results of the clinical trials.”

    READ MORE ON: Coronavirus COVID-19 Health Health Advice More

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    in lifestyle and culture

    The world’s largest passenger plane by Emirates is officially back in the skies

    It’s official: the world’s largest passenger plane by Emirates is back in the skies today.
    Having been grounded since March, the Dubai-based airline has relaunched services with the A380 superjumbo to Paris and London Heathrow.

    The four-month hiatus was broken after the superjumbo departed from Dubai International Airport this morning on its way to London and was set to land today at 12pm local time.
    However, that’s not the only A380 to have been in the skies today, another superjumbo departed for Paris-Charles De Gaulle airport which is set to land in the French capital at 2pm local time.

    The last A380 passenger service that ran before its suspension was from San Paulo, Brazil to Dubai on March 25.

    The Emirates @Airbus A380 returns to the skies with flights to @HeathrowAirport & @ParisAeroport. Emirates will also deploy a daily A380 to Amsterdam @Schiphol & a second daily A380 service to @HeathrowAirport from 1 August. https://t.co/8yWrLHSXHy#FlyEmiratesFlyBetter @DXB pic.twitter.com/MEY140hjHP
    — Emirates Airline (@emirates) July 15, 2020

    While the majority of air travel has been on hold for the last few months due to the COVID-19 pandemic, over the last month or so Emirates have relaunched services to destinations across the globe, with their network now reaching 58 cities.
    Coinciding with the relaunch of the superjumbo services to Paris and London, the Dubai-based airline has announced that on August 1 its daily A380 service to Amersterdam will resume, as well as a second daily service to London Heathrow.
    It’s yet another positive sign things in the region are returning to a resemblance of normality, especially given as the Dubai borders recently opened to tourists.
    Last week the emirate welcomed tourists with open arms as borders reopened, with visitors receiving a new sticker on their passports was unveiled reading, “A warm welcome to your second home.”
    Speaking on borders reopening to visitors, Major General Mohammad Ahmad Al Marri, Director General of GDRFA-Dubai, said tourists were “always welcome”.
    “We welcome all tourists and visitors to the country through Dubai Airports,” he said. “They are always welcome in their second country and we are ready to facilitate their procedures based on the highest levels of safety.”
    – For more about Dubai’s lifestyle, news and fashion scene follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram.
    Feature Image: Emirates Instagram  More

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    in health and weelbeing

    What Meditation Means to Black Women

    The first time I decided to try meditation, I cried. It took all of 10 minutes and a meditation app on my iPhone to make me break down into tears after the calming voice on the app instructed me to open my eyes when I was ready. I wasn’t ready, and I began to cry: not from the sadness it might’ve brought on, but from the emotional and physical release it gave me. Who knew that all it would take was a few minutes of being mindful and present with myself at the beginning of my hectic day to help quiet my thoughts and put me at ease? Once I continued to meditate, I realized how essential it was to me as a Black woman, and how I was never taught about the practice, how to start, or the benefits it provides. Media’s portrayal of meditation doesn’t help paint the best picture of the practice either, as many Women of Color usually don’t have a quiet space in their home or neighborhood with no interruptions where they can go to escape to sit and chant their way to peace. 
    Meditation is a great practice that many Black women are starting to adopt to decrease stress and increase mindfulness, especially during these times where Black women specifically are plagued with so much mentally and emotionally. As a Black woman, the weight of the world feels particularly heavy, and any type of relief, from mindful meditation to mental health resources, is necessary to help find inner peace and sometimes, just to keep sane. Even if it’s just for a few minutes out of the day, meditation helps Black women in more ways than one. 

    Meditation helps us to be more mindful of our bodies
    Women, specifically Women of Color, tend to ignore the signs their bodies are giving them due to the busyness of work, taking care of children as well as significant others, and the demands of everyday life. According to a post written in 2017 by Dr. Alexander Hantel, M.D., women tend to ignore troubling symptoms like fatigue, discomfort in the chest, and weight loss that could potentially lead to long-term health issues. This is coupled with multiple studies showing that doctors often downplay, ignore, or misdiagnose female patients—specifically Black women, who face higher death rates from health-related complications than women of any other race in the United States. 
    Being able to check in with yourself during meditation helps you to connect and tap into how you are feeling emotionally, mentally, and physically, which could help point out any underlying ailments you may be experiencing. Plenty of guided mindfulness meditation apps help you “scan your body” mentally to assess how your body feels. Meditation helps you to not only identify that stiff shoulder from overworking or that migraine you put off from stress, but to not ignore them any longer. Taking the time to focus on you in the moment can bring about an awareness to your body that we as women often ignore for the sake of time and productiveness. 
    Using meditation as a means to connect with yourself physically can ultimately lead to taking action against any ailments you might be experiencing by following up with your health care provider to address these issues, putting yourself and your health first. 

    Meditation helps us reflect and release 
    Meditation not only helps us center ourselves and be present in the moment, but it also helps us to reflect and learn from our past, letting go of things that no longer serve us. This rings especially true for Black women, who face stress from work disparities due to race, economic inequity, and the double burden of gender and racial biases. 
    When I began to use meditation in my daily life, it helped me reflect on a lot of things I didn’t normally give myself space to. Practicing meditation sets a calm stage for your day and can aid in a better night’s sleep, putting away those things you need to release. 
    Whether you are listening to your favorite music and getting a few moments to breathe while getting ready for the day or releasing the day’s tension at night with a few candles and a moment to yourself in the bathroom, taking a step back to reflect and release helps to give your mind a place to sort out the stress of life. 

    Source: cottonbro | Pexels

    Meditation takes our focus off of the world around us—and onto ourselves  
    Black women are fighting many battles at once, and it doesn’t give us much room to pay attention to ourselves. With the current pandemic disproportionately affecting Black communities, as well as the continued racial tension caused by years of systemic racism that Black women have been on the frontlines for, combating and fighting for change, the world is heavy on Black women. 
    We don’t get a lot of time to strictly just focus on ourselves and how our bodies feel, constantly putting ourselves on the backburner in order to be of service and to take care of others first. When’s the last time you’ve truly been selfish? Taking the time out to find a few minutes to take a break and be present in the moment helps you take that focus off of the world around you and onto yourself. That’s the small role meditation can play: it gives you the space you need to re-center and refocus on what’s most important and should come first before anything: you. The world and all of its weight will still be there once you’re done. 

    Meditation helps us to fight another day 
    Meditation, in its own way, is a form of self-care: another way to take time out show yourself love, patience, and grace. Just like we carve out time to go to the nail salon or hairdresser, and exercise or spend time with friends when we can, meditation is another great form of taking care of yourself from the inside out. It also helps you increase your focus for more clarity in order to be able to tackle another day. What other time do you get to replenish yourself before or after the work emails, chasing the kids down, being a supportive partner, taking care of family and friends, all while trying to stay informed and active with what’s going around you? Being able to take a breath through meditation not only gives you time to mentally gear up for the day, but it also re-energizes you so that you can bring your full self to the world —a world that needs you for all that you are, Black woman. 
    As routine as brushing my teeth, meditation has become an essential part of my day, giving me the opportunity to replenish myself when I feel like the world has taken everything I can give. Some days, I meditate to relax, and other days, I meditate to release, but every time, once I hear the sound of the chime and the voice that instructs me to open my eyes when I’m ready, I come back to my surroundings more at ease with myself as a Black woman. 
     
    What does meditation mean to you, and how has it helped you navigate life as a woman of color?  More

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    in lifestyle and culture

    Nike has just launched one of its most sustainable pair of shoes ever

    Making leaps and bounds in the direction towards to help the environment, Nike is set to launch one of its most sustainable pair of shoes ever.
    The new Nike Air VaporMax 2020 Flyknit sneakers are made with at least 50 per cent recycled content by weight.

    As for how this was achieved, it was done through balancing sustainability and innovation to ensure the shoe was fit for everyday wear.

    “We wanted to look at not only Nike’s waste stream but other industrial waste streams and how we could leverage that content,” Jesi Small, the Nike product design lead, explains. “We let that drive a lot of the decision-making.”
    From this came the idea of ‘Rawthenticy’, as Nike senior project line manager Jarrod Hale says.
    “In this approach to being perfectly-imperfect using raw materials, we felt like the idea could show wearers how and why things are working, and from a function and aesthetic aspect that brought the whole thing together,” he adds.

    This latest launch for the popular sportswear brand is part of their wider mission to lead the way in the sustainability space, as they have done for 30 years.
    It’s not only about a single-product principle, but sustainability is also a process that is part of their everyday across every process of the business. In particular, the brand aims to encourage the sharing of tools across similar industries, as well as developing innovative ideas in order to make further steps forward in the sustainability space.
    The Nike Air VaporMax 2020 Flyknit will be available from July 23 in Nike Dubai Mall and Nike Mall of the Emirates and will retail for Dhs1,129.
    – For more about Dubai’s lifestyle, news and fashion scene follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram.
    Images: Supplied More

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    in lifestyle and culture

    5 brunch spots to try out in Dubai this weekend

    It’s that time of the week again – time to make your brunch plans for this weekend.
    As always, EW has got you covered with some great brunch suggestions, which hopefully might help you find some new favourites in your mix or help you rediscover old favourites that are just only reopening.

    Of course, be mindful of the precautionary COVID-19 measures in place including social distancing, limits to how many people you can have on your table and all buffets are still suspended, so it’s table service all the way.
    With that, here are five brunches to try out this weekend in Dubai.
    Social Company, Zabeel House

    End your week on a high note with an evening brunch at the Social Company in Zabeel House by Jumeirah, The Greens. From 7.30pm to 10.30pm tuck into classic dishes like mushroom risotto, slow-roasted chicken and grilled salmon, along with free-flowing house beverages. Not only that, live acoustic music will be played creating the perfect ambience to start the weekend right. Running every Thursday, prices start from Dhs259 for the house beverages package.
    BiCE Ristorante, Hilton Dubai Jumeirah

    The famous ‘Il Brunch Italiano’ at BiCE Ristorante returns this weekend at the Hilton Dubai Jumeirah. Enjoy homemade Panzanella, bright salad mix, traditional bresaola and classic mini arancini to start with and for the main course enjoy brunch classics elevated with Italian flair including gnocchi di patate, spezzatino di manzo and roasted lamb leg. Running every Friday from 1pm to 4pm, prices start from Dhs250 for soft beverages, Dhs325 for house beverages and Dhs450 for bubbles.
    Trattoria, Souk Madinat Jumeriah

    As part of a new rolling concept, Trattoria has launched a new brunch ‘L’Italia a Tavola’, known as Italy at a table in English. Guests can enjoy three hours of unlimited food and beverages between the timings of 12pm to 6pm on Fridays and Saturdays. Packages start from Dhs199 for the four-course menu with soft drinks and Dhs299 for four courses with house beverages.
    Dhow & Anchor, Jumeirah Beach Hotel

    If you’re in the mood for some classic British food, head down to Jumeirah Beach Hotel’s classic gastropub Dhow & Anchor this weekend. Running on both Fridays and Saturdays, guests can enjoy six shared starters including retro prawn cocktail, chicken liver parfait and angus sliders and for mains there’s fish and chips, a curry or a roast to choose from. Enjoy brunch from 12.30 to 3.30pm with packages priced at Dhs375 per person.
    Roberto’s

    For a truly stylish brunch on Saturday, head down to the elegant Italian dining spot in DIFC – Roberto’s. Having just launched ‘The Bacchus Brunch’ – which is a nod to Bacchus the ancient Roman God of wine, the elegant setting transports you to a luxurious Roman restaurant, where you can indulge in an array of beautifully put together Italian dishes including ricotta served with sundried tomato; homemade gnocchi with pecorino and black peppercorn; and grilled seabass and stuffed artichoke and grilled ribeye with roasted cauliflower.
    Running every Saturday from 1pm to 5pm, prices start at Dhs295 for soft drinks and Dhs395 for house beverages.
    – For more about Dubai’s lifestyle, news and fashion scene follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram.
    Feature Image: Roberto’s Dubai  More

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    in lifestyle and culture

    Sheikh Mohammed’s daughter shares throwback photo of him to mark his birthday

    A very big happy birthday is in order for HH Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, as he turns 71 today.
    Of course, plenty of birthday wishes have been sent to His Highness from the public and government entities, as well as some of his family members.

    One of Sheikh Mohammed’s daughters, Sheikha Latifa bint Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, even posted a sweet throwback photo of the Dubai ruler.
    “Happiest Birthday to the best Dad anyone could ever wish for,” Sheikha Latfia captioned the image of her father as a young boy.

    Sheikh Mohammed’s son, HH Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the Crown Prince of Dubai, also posted a happy birthday to his father on Twitter.

    كل عام وأنت بخيرHappy Birthday pic.twitter.com/NFA9luUudp
    — Hamdan bin Mohammed (@HamdanMohammed) July 15, 2020

    The Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation for the UAE also sent a message to His Highness to mark his birthday, also congratulating him on the upcoming launch of the Hope Probe which was set to take off today, but has been delayed due to bad weather at the launch site in Japan.
    “Today, we live in a place that is a source of pride for us all, and today we mark a date of achievement and excellence,” the government authority’s Twitter post said. “It is the birthday of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, which coincides with the approaching launch of the Hope Probe to Mars, which bears the UAE’s name that strives for excellence.”
    Happy 71st birthday to Sheikh Mohammed!
    – For more about Dubai’s lifestyle, news and fashion scene follow Emirates Woman on Facebook and Instagram.
    Feature Image: Sheikh Mohammed Instagram More

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    in health and weelbeing

    7 Things Every Woman Should Know About Her Period

    It sounds like a Judy Bloom novel or the preface of American Girl’s The Care and Keeping Of You (anyone else have some painful flashbacks just then?), but my uterus and I have never been on good terms. I got my period at 12 years old, was too embarrassed to tell any of my friends, and knew so little about female reproduction that I thought a period could only start on Mondays (the next month, I got it on a Wednesday, much to my chagrin). Since then, my period story has been part drama, part suspenseful mystery. I’ve dealt with unbearable cramps, severe mood swings, unexplained pain, random bleeding, multiple gynecologists that couldn’t figure out what’s wrong, dozens of birth control pill brands, and a routine monthly breakdown where I’d cry to my mom, “This just isn’t fair! Why me!?” 
    Enter: Berrion Berry. I first found Berry on Instagram (well worth a follow, FYI), and her content helped me change my mindset surrounding sexual health. She is a PMS and Period Educator, founder of  The Flo Academy, and host of the podcast “Flow with Berrion Berry” (aptly named, right?). I knew I wasn’t the only one struggling with my period or lacking knowledge on how to heal myself, so I picked Berry’s brain for the tips, tricks, and info every woman should know about her period. Spoiler alert: it’s informative as hell. 

    Source: @berrionlberry

    For the record, Berry’s mission is to inform. What you do with your body is entirely up to you, and only you know what’s best for it (but more on that below!). With that being said, here are 7 things every woman should know about her period: 

    1. There’s more to your cycle than just your period.
    When we refer to our cycles, we often are talking about the days we’re bleeding. However, even though it’s the most obvious (and obnoxious) phase, the actual period is only one small piece of the puzzle. Yes, there’s the menstrual phase, but there’s also the follicular phase, the ovulatory phase, and the luteal phase. Your body is constantly evolving and changing based on the phase that it’s in, and each phase requires just as much care and attention as the menstrual phase. 

    Source: @berrionlberry

    2. Tracking your cycle can be powerful.
    Period apps can be tedious to keep up with, but knowing what phase your body is in can be incredibly powerful. Berry recommended cycle syncing, which means aligning everything from diet to exercise to work style with your cycle. She explained that the four phases act as a blueprint to help balance hormones and alleviate pain (sign me up!). Let me break it down for you:
    The Menstrual Phase: When you start bleeding, focus on restoring, replenishing, and refueling the body. Berry recommended eating comfort foods, sleeping in, taking things slow, and going for a walk or doing a vinyasa flow.
    The Follicular Phase: Once your period ends, focus on reconnecting with the external world. Hormone levels are beginning to rise, so you’re probably feeling like you can conquer the world. Go on that first date, turn up the intensity of your workouts, and make some plans with friends.
    The Ovulatory Phase: With the surge of both estrogen and the luteinizing hormone, you’ll feel incredibly productive. Launch the new program you’ve been working on, work longer hours if you want to, or take on a new challenge. Berry also recommended strength, resistance, and power training during this time, as well as getting in enough healthy fats and fiber (since your appetite might increase).
    The Luteal Phase: Un-lovingly referred to as PMS, this phase requires relaxation, as estrogen levels are typically at their lowest. Get all the macronutrients your body needs, turn down workouts to gentle pilates or going on walks, and be kind to yourself as you may experience shifts in mood and energy levels. 

    3. Birth control is no easy decision (and you should know all your options).
    Between the NuvaRing, shots, IUDs, the patch, and pills, picking a method of birth control is as confusing as deciding what to get at a breakfast buffet (if I fill up on scrambled eggs and hash browns, will I regret not getting pancakes!?). Whether you opt for hormonal birth control to ease period symptoms or for actual birth control (or both, which is most often the case), the method that’s best for you is extremely personal. What’s right for your best friend, or even your gynecologist, may not be right for you. Whether you prefer hormonal birth control or a hormone-free method, research all your options, identify the root cause of any symptoms, and talk to your doctor about what’s best for you.

    Source: @berrionlberry

    4. If you have difficulty understanding your body, it’s not your fault.
    One of the many reasons I’ve loved following Berry’s career and killer Instagram is because she makes me feel OK for past mistakes (AKA my years of excessive Advil consumption) and for the fact that I’ve had a period for over half of my life and I still don’t totally understand my body. Berry explained, “A lot of research is done on men (they’re on a 24-hour hormonal clock), and not as much on women (we’re on a 28-day hormonal clock). I think the lack of research for women plays a massive role in why it’s so difficult for women to understand their bodies.”
    Of course so many of us struggle with the right birth control method, painful period symptoms, and even talking about our sexuality and periods. Not only have women historically been studied less, as Berry pointed out, but women’s sexual and reproductive health has been taboo (I mean, did you learn about the clitoris in seventh-grade Sex Ed? I certainly did not). Don’t feel guilty about what you struggle with, feel uncomfortable with, or don’t know. Instead, educate yourself (on your body and your options). Don’t be afraid to ask questions. While we’re at it, can we all agree to talk comfortably and openly about our periods, once and for all? A period is as natural as breathing, and it’s time we start acting like it. 

    Source: @berrionlberry

    5. PMS can be your body’s way of communicating with you—know that it’s OK to slow down
    A girl’s gotta do what a girl’s gotta do when cramps and back pain are coming on strong (see #4).  Of course, you’re going to do what you can to treat the symptom, but don’t forget to look at the big picture to understand where the symptom could be coming from. Work on improving your overall health every day (not just that time of the month), and try to assess whether stress, diet, or another source could be affecting your symptoms. 
    One of my favorite sayings is “whatever men can do, women can do while bleeding,” and it is so true (need I mention that we can do it while also wearing six-inch heels?). Let’s take a minute to cue up Run the World (Girls) on Spotify and celebrate how badass women are. Now that we’ve established that and have Beyoncé on repeat, you also need to know that you can be both a motivated, hard worker who is destroying the patriarchy, while simultaneously slowing down during that time of the month.
    Your body is literally shedding uterine lining and releasing an egg; it’s no simple feat. Don’t beat yourself up if you’re not keeping up with a typical workout routine or if productivity is lacking at work. Berry suggested, “Take the time to go within and give yourself permission to just bleed and be. During your period, you need to focus on you and your needs, not everything and everyone else.”

    Source: @berrionlberry

    6. Be mindful of what you’re eating (yes, even on your period).
    Now that we’ve established period symptoms can be a reflection of everything from diet to stress, you already know that eating healthy foods (and enough healthy foods) can be crucial to your cycle. Berry says one of the most common mistakes many women make when it comes to their period health is eating too much sodium, refined oil (like palm oil or vegetable oil), and sugar. 
    If you’re craving something heavier or sweeter on your period, listen to your body and make a rice dish or have a few squares of dark chocolate after dinner; your body knows what it needs. However, using that time of the month as an excuse to eat all the ice cream and greasy foods you can fit into a week isn’t helping symptoms. Berry said, “I’m a big fan of honoring cravings because it’s how the body communicates needs. Give yourself grace when you’re on your period, but don’t use it as an excuse to just eat junk food and perpetuate painful period problems.”

    7. You know your body better than anyone else.
    At the end of the day (or the end of your cycle), only you know what your body needs. Even if your period is painful, heavy, or random, it’s not trying to ruin your life (I promise!); it’s just doing what it’s supposed to do. You are the best advocate for your own body, so keep a journal of symptoms you’re feeling, and talk to your doctor so you can work with the ebbs and flows of your cycle—instead of working against it. 
    Personally, I’m still not as excited on my period as women in Tampax commercials seem to be, but with a little help from Berrion Berry, my trusty MyFlo app, and a whole lot of self-healing. While I’m only at the first step of a longer reproductive health journey, it’s the beginning of a story between me and my body that I should’ve started a long time ago. Berry said it best, “Remember that it’s your body and your choice. You are your best advocate, so make sure you’re the one taking care of yourself.” More

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    in beauty and fashion

    5 Steps to Look Good This Summer—Even While Wearing A Mask

    It only took a short time for mask-wearing to become a fashion statement. And while I don’t think you need 10 masks to match all of your outfits or one with a giant Balenciaga logo (unless you absolutely love that, then do you), I think there’s a misconception that because we’re wearing face masks we don’t get to look good. Oh, the contrary, friends. Wearing a mask is absolutely even more of an excuse to get dolled up if you ask me. So whether you’re on a socially distant picnic, heading to the grocery store (since that’s our #1 reason to dress up right now), or walking around the neighborhood, you have every right and reason to look and feel your absolute best. Aside from getting used to the activity of wearing a mask, there are a few obstacles you might have to go through. Breakouts and irritated skin, a sweatier-than-usual face, and not knowing how to accessorize might be among them. So, we’re sharing all the ways to look and feel just like your regular self—even with a cloth face mask on.
    Of course, “looking good” is always relative and absolutely not the most important thing going on right now. But if getting dressed up and feeling put-together brings a little joy and confidence to your day, you’ve come to the right place.

    1. Hydrated, Smooth Skin
    A good base always starts with skin that looks and feels smooth and hydrated. Without skin prep, your makeup can look cakey, dry, and heavy on your skin, and that’s not a good feeling ever, but especially when you’re wearing a mask across the top of it. Prep your skin for the day with products that hydrate and soothe. Our favorites right now are SNP Prep’s Cicaronic line. If you’re experiencing irritation, breakouts, dryness, and itchiness from wearing your face mask, trust us: these products are essentials to have in your routine. Made with a patented CICA-Trio Complex (essentially Centella Asiatica AKA Tiger Grass, an up-and-coming ingredient that helps with rosacea, redness, irritation, and more), the products are created for tired, irritated skin that needs a little pick-me-up. Not to mention, they also contain three unique hyaluronic acid complexes that not only hydrate your skin but retain the moisture it already has, which is especially important when you’re adding a ton of products on top of your skin all day. These are the two products from the line that are basically a necessity for mask-wearing or anyone needing maximum hydration:

    Cicaronic SOS Ampoule

    OK, first of all, imagine the fun of putting these on every day. You use one ampoule a day for seven days to help your skin look and feel hydrated and comfortable. You know the feeling: your face is tight, bumpy, itchy, and red from all the time spent sweating under a mask. Using these every day for a week helps calm all of that, while boosting your skin’s hydration to make it less likely to happen in the future.
    I love that these almost feel like a self-care treat. Amidst all the stress and anxiety of the world right now, we deserve a little something-something every morning to get us excited and ready to take on whatever the day has in store for us.

    Cicaronic Soothing Cream

    We all know the importance of moisturizing your skin before putting makeup on, and this cream is essentially an intense, concentrated version of that. Use it as the last step of your skincare routine (before SPF!) to lock in all those amazing properties of the ampoules and keep your skin feeling comfortable all day long. This product works amazing when paired with the ampoules, but it’s also great to continue even after the seven days are up to keep up those calming properties. It’s made with the same Cicaronic Complex that creates a smooth canvas for sensitive skin.
    This product is ultra-rich, but it has a lightweight gel-texture that is really comfortable to wear on hot summer days or under makeup. If you struggle with irritated skin on the regular, this is a great addition to your morning routine.

    2. Groomed Brows
    Brows are the frame of your face, so when your brows look amazing, it’s hard to notice anything else, like your blemish on your forehead or the under-eye bags from staying up all night watching Love Island (once you start, you cannot stop!). Groomed brows in 2020 take many different shapes—literally. You’ve got the foxy brow from Bella Hadid, or the model brow a la Cara Delevigne, or the Instagram brow. If the last few years have taught you anything, it’s that brow trends will come and go—so just pick the style that looks the best on your face! Keep your brows groomed in whatever way works best for you.
    If you can’t make it to your brow appointment, no worries—makeup can fix that. Luckily, bushy, unwaxed brows have been a trend the last few years, so embrace it. Fill in the sparse areas with a thin brow pencil in hairlike strokes, and go over it all with a brow gel (tinted to add some extra volume, or clear to set down the hairs).

    Em Cosmetics
    Micro-Fluff Sculpting Brow Cream

    All I have to say about recommending this is you’re welcome because you’re about to have the best brow days of your life. Whether you like incredibly fluffy brows or something a little cleaner, the thin brush on this brow gel gets it done.

    Uoma Beauty
    Brow-Fro Baby Hair Eyebrow Pencil

    A classic brow pencil is a necessity in your makeup kit, and we love this ultra-thin one from UOMA Beauty. It’s available in a variety of shades too, so everyone can have good brows. Oh, happy day!

    3. Bold Lashes
    You can definitely pair this with a bold eyeshadow, a winged liner, or whatever it is you like to do on your eyes, but in a pinch, adding a few coats of mascara brightens your eyes like nothing else. There is so much you can do with mascara that you basically don’t even need eyeshadow to play with your look every day. To get the cat-eye effect without the wing, angle the wand slightly and focus the most of the product on the outer corner of your lashes. Want a more doe-eyed look? Focus the mascara right in the center of the lashes, making the center the longest point. You can also experiment with putting mascara on your lower lashes or keeping them bare. Typically, your eyes actually bigger without the added mascara on the bottom. 
    To really amp them up, I like to use two mascaras: one that focuses on keeping them long and lush, and another that amps up the volume. But I also love putting a little waterproof brown mascara on my lashes for a no-makeup look that won’t smudge when I get inevitably very sweaty on my 2pm lunch break walk.

    Exhibitionist Mascara

    And this, my friends, is my drugstore favorite. Bold lashes are easy-peazy with this mascara due to its hourglass-shaped wand and dry formula that doesnt smudge.

    4. Bronzed Skin
    Your skin looks flat and dull without a little warm bronzer, especially in the summer. Although some of your face will be covered, the tops of your cheekbones and forehead are a great place to add a little extra color to your skin. It’s that je ne sais quoi of summer beauty. Did she spend all Saturday reading in the sunshine drinking spritzes? (If we’re talking about me, she was drinking White Claws, but that’s beside the point.) Those areas are typically where you’d get the most sun anyway, so it looks natural. 
    When I know I’ll be wearing a mask for a long period of time, I’ve been sticking with powder bronzer over cream because it stays put and has less transfer to the inside of the mask. I also am diligent about keeping the majority of the product on the upper half of my face, avoiding the area that mask covers as much as possible.

    Charlotte Tilbury
    Airbrush Matte Bronzer

    The price point on this bronzer might shock you at first, but its actually a decent deal when you look at how much bronzer you get. If you love Charlotte’s Airbrush Flawless Setting Powder, you’ll recognize this formula. It blends into the skin like no bronzer Ive ever used.

    Mented Cosmetics
    Bronzer

    Mented’s newest release is this bronzer, and it has summer written all over it. It’s available in four shades ranging from medium light to deep dark. If you struggle to find your shade in bronzers typically, this is a good one to check out.

    5. Accessories
    Just because you have a mask on doesn’t mean you can’t wear jewelry, especially earrings. Adding a pair of hoops or dangling earrings sounds like a lot of extra work, but seeing your earrings peek out from behind your mask shows you put that little bit of effort in. Also, get creative with your necklaces, bracelets, and more. We like to stick with one statement piece of jewelry and then a few dainty pieces to round out the look. 
    While some use jewelry to accessorize their outfits, I like to match mine to my makeup—because well, it’s just who I am. Since I can’t go for bold lips anymore, I’m loving adding a bright earring to match whatever my eye makeup is saying, or a simple gold necklace that brings the eye up to the face. Don’t forget all of your hair accessories either! A headband or clip is the best way to get your hair out of your face, effectively preventing some of the extreme sweat that’s about to happen on your face.

    Stella and Haas
    Sloan Two Earrings

    You can’t go wrong with a classic pair of hoops for literally every occasion, outfit, and style. We love that these are a matte gold that are hypoallergenic and completely affordable.

    Tortoise Bobby Pin Set

    Get your hair out of your face with these totally stylish tortoise bobby pins. For less than $10, you get six unique hair clips you might actually not want to lose!

    This post was in partnership with SNP, but all of the opinions within are those of The Everygirl editorial board. More