SOCIETY Magazine July / Aug 2019

MY TOP 3 PICKS

FROM THE EDITOR

CHERISH THE SUMMER

T

he summer season has always been a student favourite. A beacon of hope during the endless exam period, it is the only holiday that offers a continual itinerary of sun, sea and fun. For students everywhere it has always provided a liberating period between one busy school year and an even busier year to come. However, by most accounts, “doing nothing” is one of the hallmarks of summer, one of its biggest USPs (the others being watermelon and mango season respectively). But what if I told you that you might be looking at summer holidays all wrong — and that it’s actually the prime time to do something? There are no built-in vacations just because it’s warm outside; you have to create it yourself. So start treating your summer holidays with more respect and reverence. Squeeze every little drop of fun out of them, but also use them as an opportunity to do productive things you’ve always wanted to do but never had time for during the rest of the year.

THE SHOPPING BAG Society brings you the best of fashion, beauty and gadgets to splurge on.

HOW TO BUILD THE PERFECT SUMMER WARDROBE

Regardless of your situation, here are a few guidelines to help you build the perfect summer outfit for the office.

Indeed, by taking a break from your daily life, unplugging from the pulls and pushes of technology and engaging in new activities in new places, you have an easier opportunity to discard unwanted habits. Thus, instead of racing through everything and doing things mindlessly, you can slow down and focus on enjoying the benefits of a new habit.

Whilst summer brings heat and limits activities to mostly indoors, it also means your grocery market is full of cooling fruits and vegetables that have reached the peak of ripeness. Here is a list of summer-friendly foods and drinks on P.32 that will keep you hydrated, soothe your skin and keep your tummy cool, making digestion easier. It is also important to have a proper skin care and beauty regime that not only takes care of your skin but also helps you look good in the harsh weather. We tend to overlook the obvious and ignore the needs of our body and especially our face and hair. Here are ten beauty tips (P.29) you must follow to beat the heat.

Happy reading!

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P.26

SUPER SMOOTHIES TO BEAT THE HEAT With temperatures sizzling, it’s time to break out the blender and start whipping up some frosty, fruity and flavourful smoothies.

Amjad Vanimal Editor P.50

Society • ISSUE 83 • July/Aug 2019

amjad.m@gulf-times.com

Director- Marketing James John Editor Amjad Vanimal Copy Editors Rajith R Shemna Bijith Steve Joseph Advertising Marketing Team

Design & Layout Majeed Nadapuram

Contributing Writers

Editorial Enquiries

Sondra Hope Sonia Fazal Rabi’ah M Ruchika Dubey Dr Aruna Dhade Murtaza Soni Dr Rajeev Thomas Azqa Haroon Gabriella B

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CONTENTS Travel:

July/Aug 2019

RELATIONSHIPS

Studded with outstanding natural wonders and endowed with one of the world’s hot-list cities, Argentina travel offers a study in extremes—a perfectly poised balance between wilderness and sophistication

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A busy lifestyle is forcing most of us to do less cleaning, stay on the computer a lot, and fight for a moment to relax or enjoy family time. But, the solution is not that hard.

HEALTH

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Q&A: Health How is fibromyalgia diagnosed?

FREQUENT Photo of the issue

FLAIR

GOURMET With temperatures sizzling, it’s time to break out the blender and start whipping up some frosty, fruity and flavorful smoothies.

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FOCUS

Relationships

A busy lifestyle is forcing most of us to do less cleaning, stay on the computer a lot, and fight for a moment to relax or enjoy family time. But, the solution is not that hard. P.36

Style P.38 Trends P.44 Q&A: Health

How is fibromyalgia diagnosed? P.46

Gourmet Captured by Santhiya Kandaraja P.12

With temperatures sizzling, it’s time to break out the blender and start whipping up some frosty, fruity and flavorful smoothies. P.50

Travel:

Studded with outstanding natural wonders and endowed with one of the world’s hot-list cities, Argentina travel offers a study in extremes—a perfectly poised balance between wilderness and sophistication P.58

Next >>

CONTENTS

COVER STORY

Spotlight Building bridges through art: We feature some of the paintings and mixed media works displayed at Chitrakala Art Festival in Qatar.

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10 BEAUTY TIPS TO FOLLOW THIS SUMMER:: Besides maintaining a light diet, here are ten easy beauty tips that can help you cure your summer woes.

COVER STORY

Spotlight MEET THE GIRL WHO STARTED COLLEGE AT THE AGE OF 11: Now, at 18, when most students are just beginning college, Soleil Hawley is on target to get her BFA from the University of Pennsylvania in December.

FOCUS

July/Aug 2019

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HOW TO BUILD THE PERFECT SUMMER WARDROBE: Regardless of your situation, here are a few guidelines to help you build the perfect summer outfit for the office.

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Spotlight MEET THE GIRL WHO STARTED COLLEGE AT THE AGE OF 11: Now, at 18, when most students are just beginning college, Soleil Hawley is on target to get her BFA from the University of Pennsylvania in December. P.14 TO DECIPHER A COSMOS: Long time Doha-based Italian artist and art educator Sabrina Puppin is back in town whilst her 6th solo exhibition, the retrospective Sabrina Puppin Presents… is currently advent at SVA, NYC. P.18 BUILDING BRIDGES THROUGH ART: We feature some of the paintings and mixed media works displayed at Chitrakala Art Festival in Qatar P.22

Cover stories:

HOW TO BUILD THE PERFECT SUMMER WARDROBE: Regardless of your situation, here are a few guidelines to help you build the perfect summer outfit for the office. P.26 10 BEAUTY TIPS TO FOLLOW THIS SUMMER: Besides maintaining a light diet, here are ten easy beauty tips that can help you cure your summer woes. P.29 BEAT THE SUMMER HEAT WITH THESE COOLING FOODS: Here is a list of summer-friendly foods and drinks that will keep you hydrated, soothe your skin and keep your tummy cool, making digestion easier.. P.32

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Captured by: Santhiya Kandaraja

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FOCUS

spotlight

Meet the girl who started college at the age of 11 Now, at 18, when most students are just beginning college, Soleil Hawley is on target to get her BFA from the University of Pennsylvania in December Susan Snyder By

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Soleil Hawley poses for a portrait in a classroom at Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts in Philadelphia, PA. At 18, Hawley has already gotten her degree from the Pennsylvania Academy of Fine Arts, and in December, she›ll get her bachelor›s from Penn.

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W

hen Soleil Hawley walked into her first college class, a fellow student quipped: “I don’t mean to be rude, but have you ever been told you’re really short?”

teen, whose straight blondish-brown hair falls to her waist. “There is so much more to accomplish once you realize there is so much more to education than the frameworks we have in place.”

“I’m 11,” she coolly replied.

And so began Soleil’s unusual higher education journey, one that sped through middle and high school via a combination of home schooling and online courses and plunged into college-level poetry, painting, and art history.

Now, at 18, when most students are just beginning college, the East Falls teen is nearly done. She’s on target to get her bachelor’s in fine arts from the University of Pennsylvania in December. Soleil, whose name is pronounced “Solay” and means “sun” in French, has been studying for the last three years in a joint program with the Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts.

At 16, Soleil was the youngest student to enroll in Penn’s B.F.A. offered through its College of Liberal and Professional Studies in at least the last decade, Penn officials said, and one of only three under age 18 that Penn officials could recall in the part-time B.A. program. (There have been others who entered through Penn’s regular full-time admissions, including Brittney Exline, who, at 15 in 2007, was the youngest African American female to be accepted to an Ivy League university.)

Her journey illustrates an alternative path to America’s traditional education system, one in which a highly motivated, self-directed student can carve out her learning at a pace she wants and can handle.

It all started with an offhand half-joke from her mother. Soleil, then a sixth grader in public school in Oklahoma, was asking if she could enroll in a medley of extracurricular activities to satiate her desire for more knowledge.

“You should go to college if you’re going to spend that kind of money and time,” said her mother, Felicite Moorman, 45, who founded and heads a software platform company in East Falls.

Soleil latched onto that idea and took her first college class, a beginner’s drawing course at the University of Central Oklahoma.

“She was fabulous. She worked really hard, and in some ways she challenged some of the older students to work harder,” recalled Sarah Hearn, who taught the class.

When the family moved to Philadelphia, Moorman and her husband, Sean Hawley, began home-schooling Soleil and her two younger siblings. Soleil also began taking classes at Community College of Philadelphia, where at 12 she was one of the youngest to ever enroll.

The first year, her mom sat outside the classroom door, just to be sure all went well. Many classes were art-focused but Soleil also took Japanese and English courses.

A CCP drawing instructor was skeptical at first, Moorman said. “You know we do nudes,” he told her. “I’m pretty sure she’s going to be OK with that,” Moorman assured him.

“Are you OK with it?” he asked her.

“Yeah, I am. She’s a very sophisticated 13-year-old,” responded Moorman, who has lived in 21 states and had her own unusual educational journey: She left home at 16 and put herself through college and law school.

Soon, Soleil eyed PAFA. But she was told she couldn’t get in without a high school

“Soleil is an amazing student and we are so pleased to have her here at Penn,” said Nora Lewis, vice dean of professional and liberal education.

But why so fast?

“I always felt pretty ready for it,” said the

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Soleil Hawley talks about some of her art, which had been on display at the Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts in Philadelphia as part of a student artist exhibit.

Soleil Hawley looks at one of her paintings, depicting a ballerina wearing scuba flippers. diploma. Then 15, she enrolled at Penn Foster, a for-profit online school that offers an accelerated program, and worked eight hours a day for 80 days straight completing the requirements, her mother said.

Once at the academy, she relished the combination of academics and studio experience — classes in sculpture, drawing, landscaping, and painting.

With each new class, Soleil exhibited “more and more passion,” her mother said.

Her professors noticed.

“She’s very serious and far beyond her years,” said Al Gury, chair of the university’s painting department.

At Penn, she delved into art history and anthropology, and learned Ivy League rigor.

“I actually had no idea she was younger,” said Isabelle Lynch, a doctoral student and teaching assistant in Penn’s history of art department. “She had this nice ability to talk about work in a really kind of fresh way.”

Not all lessons were academic. At the community college, Soleil’s eyes were opened to a diverse group of learners, some of whom didn’t have the same

advantages she’d had and worked exceptionally hard to afford college.

Soleil paid for her courses via scholarships, help from her parents, and about $25,000 in student loans. She also sold some of her art; her biggest sale fetched a few hundred dollars.

Next up, she plans to vie for a Rhodes Scholarship, a prestigious post-graduate award that allows recipients to study for free at Oxford University in England. She also envisions law school and a career as an intellectual property lawyer, with a focus on colonial looting and the repatriation of art.

Soleil plans to continue painting, too. She’s also a ballet dancer, writes poetry, sings, and plays the violin. She loves to intertwine mediums — write a poem about a painting, or paint off a poem. Her work is often inspired by dreams; she keeps a dream journal at her bedside.

“In the same way dreams can reveal things you didn’t know about yourself, painting can do that, too,” she said. Other work is inspired by city scenes. She snaps pictures and later paints them.

Her work was recently on display at the academy’s gallery as part of a student artist exhibit. She was the youngest featured. One was a self-portrait of her head, sideways and atop the roof over a train platform. Others depicted a burning house on frozen tundra and a ballet dancer in scuba flippers.

“I’m using juxtaposing elements to create a sense of unease, maybe, or some dissonance,” she said.

Soleil makes time for fun, too. She and her friends visit museums and paint each other, but they also see movies and go to the mall. One of her friends, a singer-songwriter, will leave for New York University in the fall.

“It’s difficult to see her departing, but it’s also exciting to see people go on their own creative journeys,” she said.

She’s glad she chose the path she did.

“These communities have been so critical in my development as a person and as an artist,” she said. “I really wouldn’t have it any other way.”

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FOCUS

spotlight

TO DECIPHER A COSMOS Sabrina Puppin

Long time Doha-based Italian artist and art educator Sabrina Puppin is back in town whilst her 6th solo exhibition, the retrospective Sabrina Puppin Presents... is currently advent at SVA, NYC. Former Acting Deputy Director of MIA, Doha rejoices her return to what she calls home for a short while before a new abstract idea prompts her craftsmanship and devotion seven seas away By

Gabriella B.

C

orrect! That’s what Sabrina, the artist is like ─ a voyager with a set final destination at continuous search for inspiration, development and mediums of expression. Currently Puppin works and exhibits in NYC, as her work has been previously admired in Qatar, Russia, China, India, multiple times in Germany, and more.

At the forefront of Puppin’s recent art compositions is the reality, and what mostly draws the attention of the viewer is the channelled interconnection between chaos and logic, between concrete and complex, between the artist and the viewer’s individually perceived physical realities.

Puppin constructs colourful large-scale canvases, featuring abstract forms with a glossy hyper-colourful finishing. Along its aesthetic appearance, Puppin’s sincere vision and philosophical illustration of the world evoke thoughts on the existence of multiple

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realities in a singular one, often attempted to be understood by the worldly people through mostly cynical maxims.

Years of intellectual growth and mentor leadership Whilst getting rightfully framed as a pioneer in the American art scene and Abstract Expressionism by her exuberant art style, Puppin’s eclectic art involvement expands far beyond the mere scope of art creator.

A superb instance of the notorious saying that art cannot be a career for being a lifestyle, Puppin’s evolvement is following quite a unique curve of dynamic learning, intensive research experiences and ideas exchange on a transnational level.

Between 2008 and 2016, a purposeful voyaging brought Sabrina to Kabul, Afghanistan, where at the Kabul University and Turquoise Mountain Institute she became Art Education Consultant.

She took a number of art-related jobs, including Head of Art Education and Art Programs, and later on Acting Deputy Director at Museum of Islamic Art, Doha, Qatar.

Pioneering art and culture, Puppin has also been initiating and participating in creative collaborations on board of community-based organisations, museums, and educational institutions (visit: www.

subrinapuppin.com). With background in Realism art and extensive research experience, stretching from archival and bibliographic research in USA and Germany, to Kenya, Tanzania, Eritrea, Ghana, and

Namibia, from 2016 onwards, Puppin came to indulge herself into utter devotion as an active art creator, adopting a seemingly new artistic identity and art style. Abstraction.

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Farewell Realism, or is it?

Whilst the Ph.D. in Interdisciplinary Studies and Contemporary African Art holder suggests that her recent work, representing a realm with multitude of differences, coexists with the reality and not the reverse – it’s added artificially on, her artworks provoke a thought on whether the artist had also reconsidered her prime source of inspiration or her newly – adopted art style had to do with a redefined perception of the surrounding world due to a personal transformation.

Interestingly, formed as one fundamental characteristic of Puppin’s current artistic expression, it appears to be using abstraction just as another way of looking at the world.

Phenomenally, the complex relationship between reality and escapism, speaking of an symbiosis of impulsive expression and logic construction, has been achieved

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and conveyed in a single piece of art through masterly selection and execution of technics, materials and art medium.

Multi-dimensional canvases – epitome of the polarized reality plus the fluid dynamics of its very essence, expressed in a constant flux, as seen by the artist, can flabbergast the viewer’s eye.

World’s most pressing issues stay out The former founder and director of the first ever private art school at Waqif Art Centre, Doha, Dar Al Founoun Art School, uses “art-is-escapism” approach to the creation of her artworks. This pleasing splendour of the imaginary appeals to all types of viewers, who are seeking art that follows aesthetic principles and simultaneously breaks away from logic.

Art historian, artist and art educator, Puppin’s aspiring pursuits explore the infinite

complexity of abstract art, breaking away from traditional ways abstract has been previously done by adding a prominent feature of her own – shapes and alignment of the canvases as a form of emphasised conceptual expression.

The experimental course of expansion on her core idea, follows a creative direction, departing from traditional art styles to personify the modern day evolvement of the socio-ethical attitudes towards the surrounding world in ultra-contemporary artworks. Universal at its appearance and individual at its conception, Puppin’s art represents a gateway to an unparalleled fantastic reality that serves as perfect escapist experience, offering to sooth, heal and rejuvenate the viewer’s mind.

Her signature style, featuring the recognizable relationship between vibrant colours, employed in a symbolic manner, eccen-

Social interaction is a visual art form just as much as living in isolation amid NYC, as in Puppin’s words. The place’s dynamics activate a state of spiritual and mental engagement, which mostly unleashes the artist’s creative power to an optimum level.

An attained dream, NYC’s environment corresponds with the artist’s needs and creative energy, allowing her to showcase the best out of her potential, and so here comes with no surprise that her art productions are eagerly anticipated, warmly praised and enthusiastically collected.

tric shapes and brittle glossy surface creates a feeling of tranquillity and security derived from the eloquent visualisation of constant physical metamorphosis.

Puppin’s art, as close as reality, owns a mystery, which ultimately suggest that the viewer is bound to be surprised upon carrying out their personal interpretation. During the process, Puppin leaves little room for obeying rules and prefers to loose herself; to be moved into unknown directions with an unforeseen outcome.

Living the American dream Working at three differently equipped art studios in NYC, the artist maintains fostering mobility that is rather exciting, facilitating and liberating to her creative lifestyle.

According to Puppin’s vision recluse could be found within the self, where most of the artist’s sense of belonging is also invested, hence, within the framework of this thought, physical solitary becomes vain to the course of the creative process.

Having discovered her most apt art style, Puppin is on a mission to expand her exploration of the immeasurable depth and diverse subjects of the Abstract art style, evolving at her own pace and reach, enjoying living at the present moment.

More from Sabrina Puppin can be currently seen at her solo exhibition Visual Meditation at the Manhattan’s Chashama Gallery Space, whilst Is It Real? is on display at the Cluster Gallery, NYC. Alternatively, visit www.sabrinapuppin.com

Gabriella B. is a British journalist in Qatar. She has a great passion for charity and for fun she likes to read printed history books.

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FOCUS

spotlight

BUILDING BRIDGES THROUGH ART

We feature some of the paintings and mixed media works displayed at Chitrakala Art Festival in Qatar By

Ruchika Dubey

A

rt festivals are always a part of initiative to display the country’s history and vast traditions and to promote cultural heritage to art lovers. Qatar- India 2019 Year of Culture is giving an opportunity to attract young talented artists to participate and also incorporate arts and culture for fostering relations. So variety of exhibitions, festivals, competitions and events are organized to promote rich cultural heritage of Qatar and its partner country India is on the move. To strengthen the bonds between the two countries, mutual understanding, recognition and appreciation between countries, Year of Culture plays a major role. Locals as well as expatriates from different nations get an opportunity to explore their cultural similarities, as well as their differences.

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RUCHIKA DUBEY is a long-time Qatar resident, former HR professional and is a mother of two kids.

In her spare time, she loves to socialize, dance, jewellery making and writing blogs on places in Qatar.

Community development and enriching local amenities through art and cultural festivals can never be denied. Such initiatives, for sure, create job opportunities and also stimulate local economies through consumer purchases and tourism.

For instance, Chitrakala Arts Festival, which was held in April 2019, signifies an inspiring portfolio for children as well as upcoming artists.

Organised by the Creative Academy for Dance and Music (TCA Art), the festival was observed as part of India- Qatar 2019 Year of Culture. This art festival, which was held at Birla Public School, displayed local talents with diverse art works displayed on the theme of Qatar-India culture. The participants were kids of all ages who beautifully created art works based on the mentioned theme. A large number of experienced local artists prepared paintings in different medium. They are famous, and also some are long-time residents of Qatar and belong to different nationalities from all over the world. The theme of the paintings on display depicts about famous art works and personalities from India and also about Arabic culture showing local people and the beauty of nature here in Qatar. At Chitrakala Arts Festival, art enthusiasts witnessed the work of art wizard Vilas Nayak, a self-taught speed painting artist in the world. It proved as a special show for the contestants as well as for the

art lovers of Doha. Vilas started painting at the age of 3. He quit his lucrative job as a human resources officer in 2011 only to embark on his creative journey. Finalist of India’s Got Talent season 3 and winner of ‘EC live quotient Most Innovative Act Award’ 2012, he is currently one of the most sought after speed painting artist in the world. The Indian community and the art lovers got a chance to see how he paints live in a jiff. His wizardly artistic powers amazed the minds of young students when Vilas Nayak painted live the image of Qatari artist Ahmed bin Majed al-Maadheed in less than four minutes. The participants also got a chance to interact with the visiting talent.

In an interview with Society, Suma Mahesh, Director of TCA Qatar, explains the scope of running an art festival like Chitrakala Art Festival in Qatar.

Excerpts: Q Can you tell us more about the Chitrakala Art Festival?

A Chitrakala Art Festival was a beautiful art concept which we wanted to give shape when India and Qatar Year of Culture was launched in Qatar. Art can act as a bridge between different cultural outlooks. We thought why not an art competition with the same theme and simultaneously have a live painting done by an art group called VAFI and to add to the charm we wanted Asia’s fastest speed painter Vilas Nayak to showcase his speed painting skills on the same theme. It was a huge event to plan and execute, but a creative and fabulous concept never done before. And that’s how Chitrakala Art Competition happened.

We had the competition rolled out for all age groups starting from kindergarten to adults. Kindergarten group was asked to colour on pre-printed India and Qatar culture themed images on

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canvas sheets and the other groups had to draw their own concept. Mediums like sketching, acrylic, water, pastels etc. were allowed except oil paints. In this digital age, it is easy enough to look up art works of some artists on the internet, though this Art Festival is important to showcase talented artist’s artwork in exhibitions which should not be undervalued. Chitrakala was a treat to every art lover’s eye and soul.

Chitrakala was an absolute contribution towards India Qatar year of Culture in the field of art as the theme for the painting competition was either India culture or Qatari culture and we witnessed an immense show of talented children and adults showcasing their artwork on the same. India and Qatar culture was showcased through art in our event with an aim to demonstrate that Qatar is a cultural destination opened globally. I believe festivals like Chitrakala Art Festival will bring a taste of India’s culture to Qatar as well as take Qatar’s cultural heritage, art, beautiful landmarks and traditions inherited by locals to the world.

Q Why did you come up with the idea of creating a local art festival like Chitrakala Art Festival?

A It was a hectic but a beautiful task to implement this event. The immense coordination that went into churning this event was commendable and my team was amazing. Not to mention the hard work of our own in-house dance, karate and music students who performed

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exclusively for this event. Our biggest success was to announce the results of the 450 plus participants in a span of an hour.

We did this with a 10 judge’s panel from Visual Art Forum India, Qatar (VAFI) and the support of volunteers. The concept of adding a live painting element based on Qatari culture was a different thing

to do and later we auctioned the same paintings and all proceedings received from these paintings go to a charity based association called as ICBF (Indian Community Benevolent Forum). We also were glad to have Ahmed al-Madheed as the chief guest of our event.

Ahmed al-Madheed is a Qatari artist who

thrilled to see his portrait and expressed his happiness and gratitude to be a part of TCA Arts Chitrakala competition.

The other two paintings were the painting based on Qatar culture and one on Indian culture. We acknowledged all the VAFI artists who did live paintings with a token of appreciation. All the winners were honoured with trophies, certificate and gift vouchers. It was an event to look back with smiles of success.

Q How have artists featured at the festival involved in cultural aspects, especially by showcasing Qatar culture in their paintings/artworks?

A Qatari culture paintings were appreciated by all and was an eye opener to a lot of elements that we do not get to see on a daily basis in their culture, like paintings reveling bukhoor, the traditional dance done during national day, their ganragao festival etc. these were the elements done through live paintings and displayed for Qatari culture and well appreciated.

Ahmed al- Madheed appreciated all the works and personally loved the sulaimanai tea monochrome painting which depicted a part of their culture.

created the portrait titled “Tamim Al Majd�. His portrait has become a historical reference for loyalty, love, unity to support Qatar, to express his love and solidarity with the Amir and Qatar after imposition of blockade on Qatar by three Gulf countries. His portrait is a symbol of nationalism, unity and oneness for Qatar and its people.

We had this event at The Birla Public school Auditorium, where we started the event with an open competition to all age groups with a common theme for painting, and post the competition, we had Vilas Nayak to do 3 live speed paintings, one of the paintings was a portrait of Ahmed al- Madheed himself and we gifted this portrait to him. He was

We sincerely thank all participants, dignitaries who attended the event for their pro-active roles in strengthening the historic friendship and multi-faceted cooperation between India and Qatar. I also extend my sincere thanks to all who work hard to make the event successful.

We appreciate children and parents who attended the event.

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FOCUS

cover story

HOW TO BUILD THE PERFECT SUMMER WARDROBE 26 Society

As the weather gets warmer and we transition into the summer months, figuring out what to wear to the office can be difficult. Maybe it’s warm outside but cold in your office, or maybe all you feel like doing is throwing on a swimsuit and heading to the beach. Regardless of your situation, here are a few guidelines to help you build the perfect summer outfit for the office.

Stick to single layers A good rule of thumb to follow is to stick to single layers. Forget about sheer shirts that require a camisole underneath! When you want to build the perfect summer outfit for the office, it’s ideal to look for clothing that requires as few layers as possible. For women, think maxi dresses, skirts, tops and cropped pants. And for men, breezy linen tops and cotton slacks.

Don’t purchase anything that may need an extra layer underneath to be deemed work appropriate. When it’s hot out, you’ll want to wear opaque (and lightweight) fabrics so you’re fine with only your regular undergarments on and nothing extra. The summer heat is inevitable, so sweating less is best.

Steer clear of tight clothing When it’s hot out, tight clothing can make

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you feel even hotter, and sometimes claustrophobic. To ensure that you’re comfortable, go for clothing that is loose and doesn’t sit close to the body.

For men, think about chinos and a shortsleeved button-down, and for women, try a flowy dress or culottes. If you are going to go with a flowy dress, cinch the waist with a belt to make it appear more professional and polished.

Hold off on synthetic fabrics There’s nothing worse than polyester or acrylic when you’re hot and sweaty. To stay as cool and breezy as possible, try wearing natural fabrics like cotton, linen or silk so your clothing is breathable. This will make you feel cooler and less focused on overheating. Natural fabrics are not only more comfortable, but they’re usual-

ly better quality as well, meaning that they will last longer.

Just note that if you do go for a fabric like linen, the clothing will wrinkle much easier, so you’ll want to keep a steamer (my preference) or an iron on hand and remove the wrinkles prior to wearing the garment.

Opt for one-piece outfits This tactic doesn’t really work for men unless you’re into the RompHim, but for women, it’s a great option to stay cool and a great way to get out of the house quickly in the morning. Examples of one-piece outfit options are dresses and jumpsuits.

One piece, your outfit is completely put together (minus the accessories), and you’re ready to get out the door. One-piece outfits mean less fabric, and that means that you’ll stay cooler while at work.

S D N E R SKIRT T OW N Y R T O T

By

subi Aramide E

T

emperatures have begun to climb ever so surely, which means it’s time to get ready for summer and all of its fashion offerings. One piece that I’m looking forward to incorporating more into my warm weather wardrobe is a skirt.

I’m normally all about summer dresses, but given that skirts, namely the leopard print skirt, was all the rage this spring season why not give skirts more of a try?

If you want to update your wardrobe for summer, there are a ton of great skirt selections. Whether you’re looking for something that is work-appropriate or fit for your next vacation, I’ve got you covered with some skirt options.

The denim skirt Fashion being cyclical has brought this ‘90s trend back around

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to present day but with some updated details. Back in high school the trend was kind of a boxy, straight-up-and-down denim skirt, but now there are options with embroidery detail, tiered ruffles and asymmetrical hems. Such fun details make the skirt more eye-catching.

Denim works as a neutral, so lucky for you it can be worn with just about anything!

Pair your denim skirt with a white eyelet blouse, tucked in, wedge sandals and a straw bag to complete the perfect summertime look.

The A-line skirt The A-line skirt is universally flattering, as it hits the smallest part of the waist and then bells out at the bottom and hits just below the knee. It doesn’t hug the hips or thighs, and it really showcases the waist.

If you want to choose a bolder look, pair a 28 Society

patterned skirt with a pattern top. I love a clean stripe on top, tucked into a fun print on the bottom -- just remember to keep to a complementary color palette.

The midi skirt The midi skirt should hit mid-shin/calf if it fits like it’s supposed to. This cut is a little trickier to wear, as it cuts the leg. It’s helpful to opt for a high-waisted style, which gives definition and shape and elongates the lower body. Keep it chic by tucking in a blouse-y but tailored top in a silky material or a cute tie-up blouse. A pair of heels is a must to keep if flattering. I love a chunky heel for a modern yet comfy look.

The maxi skirt As an alternative (or in addition to) the midi skirt, there is the maxi skirt. It’s comfortable and easy to move around in, allowing for a full range of motion to

bend down or sit without worrying about showing anything. The breezy bohemian style is a great option for a casual day or for going to brunch. For skirts that tie at the waist, I love to wear a simple bodysuit underneath to flatter the waist and keep it from looking too voluminous on top. To keep with the vibe, throw on a long necklace and a floppy hat to finish off the look.

The ball skirt Lastly, the ball skirt is big and bold and goes for the gold. This is not your everyday skirt, but a special piece for special occasions. It’s voluminous and grand, and, like its name suggests, ready for the ball.

It’s great to wear to an event or gala, but it’s OK to think outside the box with this one and pair it with a chambray denim top tied in a knot for an unexpected feel. You could wear this to your birthday party or on a stage somewhere, because it’s just super fabulous

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BEAUTY tips to follow this SUMMER Besides maintaining a light diet, here are ten easy beauty tips that can help you cure your summer woes

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Now that we are getting to experience the real summer heat, it is important to have a proper skin care and beauty regime that not only takes care of your skin but also helps you look good in the harsh weather. We tend to overlook the obvious and ignore the needs of our body and especially our face and hair. Here are 10 beauty tips you must follow during the summer, to beat the heat: Sunscreen A sunscreen is a must-have in your handbag in summer. Check the SPF to suit the summer sun in your city. Apply the sunscreen at least 30 minutes before you step out so that it has time to soak into your skin and protect your skin from being tanned.

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4. Nourishing Toner Maintain the pH balance of your skin with a glycerine-rich facial water. This will nourish your skin and keep it soft and supple.

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Cleanser A face wash is a handy thing to keep in your bag.

The cleanse will help you to remove all the dirt and grime.

Protective Hair Mask The strong summer sun can also harm your hair. The hot and humid conditions can cause your scalp to sweat profusely. Shampooing daily can be harmful and hence, the best way to protect your hair is to use a protective hair mask at least once a week.

Hair Spray Along with a protective hair mask, you should also invest in a hairspray. Hair tends to become frizzy and unruly in summer and the best way to keep them fresh and shiny is to use a hairspray.

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2 3 Lip Balm with SPF It is very common to have chapped and dry lips in summer. This is because the lips are the thinnest and tend to get dry easily.

Make it a point to carry a lip balm and apply it before you head out.

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Anti-tanning creams In summer, each time you step out, you can actually get tanned. If you’re wearing shorts or dresses this summer, make sure to use anti-tanning cream later. This will ensure that your skin recovers.

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Scrubs

It is common to sweat in summer. Also, the summer dust and environmental damage can make your skin dull. Use a suitable scrub to cleanse your body of the dirt and grime.

Deodorant You should also keep a deodorant in your bag.

Keep yourself fresh and cool by spraying it throughout the day.

9 10 Moisturizing mask Invest in a good moisturising facial once a week. It will help to nourish dry skin and also keep it healthy.

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FOCUS

cover story

Beat the SUMMER

heat with these

COOLING foods

Here is a list of summer-friendly foods and drinks that will keep you hydrated, soothe your skin and keep your tummy cool, making digestion easier By

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Sondra Hope

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or those of us familiar with the Qatar summers, it unfortunately isn’t marked by ‘lazy-hazy-crazy’ days as American vocalist Nat King Cole mentioned in his famous song ‘Those Lazy-Hazy-Crazy Days of Summer.’

In this part of the world, summer mostly means sweltering heat, dehydration, heat stroke, low energy levels, an upset tummy and scorched skin. So, when the mercury level is on the rise, we resort to unhealthy foods and sugar-laden. Whilst summer brings heat and limits activities to mostly indoors, it also means your grocery market is full of cooling fruits and vegetables that have reached the peak of ripeness Here are some simple guidelines from integrative physician Tania Dempsey, MD, and Divya Alter, the co-founder of Bhagavat Lifeto to keep in mind this summer when eating to cool your body.

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Choose water-based foods In Ayurveda, the idea of cooling doesn’t directly refer to temperature; it’s about the metabolic effect different foods can have on the body. “After food passes through the stomach to the intestine, then that’s where you experience the cooling or the heating effect,” Alter says. You know how when you eat a spicy curry, your body feels a bit warm and fiery? That’s because curry spices are considered “heating foods.”

“In general, water-based foods such as cucumber, zucchini, greens, berries, coconut, and watermelon are cooling,” Alter says. Dr. Dempsey says Western medicine supports this, too. “The key to cooling the body down from the inside, from a Western medicine perspective, is to keep hydrated. Fruits like watermelon and vegetables like celery contain a lot of water and minerals that help with hydration.”

Hydrating foods cool the body, Dr. Dempsey says, because the more fluid you take in, the better your cells function and the less stressed they are. “Cells that function better are less likely to make excess energy or heat so this allows the body temperature to stay regulated,” she says. “In addition, dehydration actually causes you to sweat less, and sweating is important for cooling the body down.”

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Pick foods and drinks high in electrolytes Yes, sweating will help cool you down, Dr. Dempsey says—so you have to replenish your body’s electrolytes, too.

Foods and drinks high in electrolytes include coconut water, birch water, bananas, spinach, kale, and lime—all of which are also cooling Ayurvedic foods.

One point where Eastern and Western medicine differ is whether spicy foods can cool the body down. Dr. Dempsey maintains that they do because spicy foods make you sweat, and sweating in

turn cools the body down. But Alter says they have a fiery effect on the body and can heat it up. “Onion and garlic are very heating, very fiery foods and you can feel them right away,” she says. “In general, foods that are acidic and pungent are heating, so you can go with the taste. If they are very spicy or hot or sour, they’re usually heating foods.” See what feels best for your body and act accordingly.

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Stick to room temperature foods and drinks Oh, and about that ice-cold drink and freezer full of Popsicles: Both Alter and Dempsey say it’s a myth that they’ll cool the body down. “It shocks the channels in your body, especially the channels in your digestive tract, which actually weakens the digestive system,” Alter says. “You can put ice cubes on your skin, but not in your glass.”

“Many people believe that drinking cold water or other iced drinks can help cool the body down but it only cools down the part of the body it comes in contact with, like the mouth and esophagus,” adds Dr. Dempsey. “This can backfire and actually make the body work harder by trying to warm up the cold part of the body that the water was in contact with. Working harder leads to more heat within the body.” Both experts say slightly cool or room temperature drinks are best.

Here is a list of summer-friendly foods and drinks that will keep you hydrated, soothe your skin and keep your tummy cool, making digestion easier.

COCONUT WATER It’s a superb summer drink. Period. Apart from helping you fight the hot weather by keeping you hydrated, it also helps boost your digestive capacity. As a bonus, it also maintains electrolyte balance in your body, protects against cancer, nurtures cell growth, controls blood pressure, performs the function of a natural diuretic.

WATERMELON This luscious fruit comes consists of 90 per cent water. Moreover, it keeps your tummy cool and aids in digestion. It is loaded with a compound called lycopene which can safeguard your skin from sun damage. Need more reason to ditch that glass of cola drink for watermelon? It can slow down your ageing process and beat acne.

CUCUMBER Inexpensive as it is, cucumber is also high in water content and works as a fabulous coolant. This cool and crunchy refreshing green will stave off constipation, boost your immunity and tame inflammation while soothing a sunburn. Have it in your salads or as juice. While its high-water content detoxifies your body, the presence of silicon and sulphur in cucumber is good for your hair.

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MINT This refreshing herb is abundant during the summer. It grabs a spot in this list because it heals an upset tummy and fights allergies. This time of the year is infamous for giving you heat rashes and gut issues. Also, research shows that it can be effective in soothing headache. It can work as a liver cleanser too.

GREEN LEAFY VEGETABLES This is one food group that is recommended for all seasons. However, having them during the summer has an additional benefit because their water content is high.

Don’t overcook them in order to prevent water loss.

PINEAPPLE Pop in some pineapple this summer.

Refreshing and cooling, pineapples come with anti-inflammatory enzymes that up your digestive capacity. One of the enzymes, known as bromelain, is good for breaking certain proteins in your stomach that lead to bloating.

MELONS Juicy and scrumptious, these fruits are fabulous hydrants. They are also known to help keep your blood pressure levels in check and fighting cancer symptoms and heart ailments. You can add melons in your salads, smoothies, shakes and desserts.

As always, it’s helpful to listen to your body and pay attention to what it craves during warmer weather.

As Alter explains, this helps clue you in on what you need. There’s a reason why that bowl of fresh cut watermelon looks so darn good. Cool for the summer?

You’ve got it covered

SONDRA HOPE is a Qatar-based international certified fitness and health coach, specialising in personal, sports and child nutrition. She is the founder of HopeFit, which specialises in online and personal training and nutrition coaching. In her spare time, she also does motivational speaking, spends time with her other passion, Pixal8 Photography, as a professional photographer, and dabbles in painting and fine art.

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Fixing a Messy House Can Help

FLAIR

relationships

RELATIONSHIPS

A busy lifestyle is forcing most of us to do less cleaning, stay on the computer a lot, and fight for a moment to relax or enjoy family time. But, the solution is not that hard. Read on and find out

By Judi Light Hopson, Emma H. Hopson and Ted Hagen Ahmed Al Balushi

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Most of us feel better when our homes and spaces are clean and tidy.

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re you upset about the toys, books, clothes and other stuff strewn about your house? Do neglected sinks, bathtubs, and floors give you a depressed feeling? Most of us feel much better when our homes are clean, sparkling, and ready for guests to show up.

If yours isn’t, don’t despair.

A busy lifestyle is forcing most of us to do less cleaning, stay on the computer a lot, and fight for a moment to relax or enjoy family time.

“I feel like a failure when my husband or kids can’t find clean socks or clean towels,” says a friend of ours we’ll call Mary Beth. “I work a lot, so I feel like the grime is building up. It’s affecting our happiness and our lifestyle. I’m drowning.”

She goes on to say that tubs of toys, a garage full of junk, piles of clothes all over the place, and books piled next to chairs are destroying her spirit. “I feel like I need a shovel to dig my way out of this avalanche!”

Keep in mind that almost every person and every family experiences this problem sooner or later. But, the solution is not that hard. Start looking for five-minute chores you can do quickly and consistently.

All of us have a mess because we failed to do the five-minute chores. We let them slide. They built up. Now, they are showing up everywhere. Digging out is possible, and you can see results pretty quickly.

These tips can help:

Carla. “Every chore seemed an hour long.

When I stared tackling chores that took five minutes, the clutter started shrinking.

Then, I could sweep or mop much faster.

I could run the vacuum with the piles of stuff off of the floor.”

Learn to spot two separate five-minutes chores in each room. For example, before you leave the kitchen, put dishes out of the drainer into the cabinet. Or, grab an armful of newspapers to carry to the recycle bin in the garage.

Carla is right. Worrying about moving everything out of a room to clean is overwhelming. Looking at such a mountain of work makes us blame our spouse or children. We start to moan and whine because it seems like a gigantic problem.

And, it is.

Train yourself to straighten in short segments. Grab dirty towels in each bathroom and toss them into the laundry room. Quickly put fresh towels on the towel bars from the linen closet.

Declutter at every opportunity. While your shower water is getting hot, pull old razors and washcloths out of the shower stall. Throw them into the sink and deal with them after your shower.

Ask your family members to do five-minute chores. This includes these types of jobs: carrying the kitchen’s garbage bag to the garage, going outside to grab the mail, dusting the TV cabinet.

“I used to mentally collapse looking at our messy house,” laughs a nurse we’ll call

“Folding towels, throwing in one load of laundry, wiping out the fridge with a damp cloth, or sweeping off the front porch are small chores anyone can do fast,” says a father we’ll call Fred. “My wife and I try to do some chores while talking on the phone or waiting for dinner to cook.

“Once you convince yourself your five-minute chores are adding up,” says Fred, “you’ll form the habit of good housekeeping.”

Judi Light Hopson is the Executive Director of the stress management website USA Wellness Café at www.usawellnesscafe. com. Emma Hopson is an author and a nurse educator. Ted Hagen is a family psychologist.

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FLAIR style

MODEL OF THE MONTH Dana Mohd Mansour

PHOTOGRAPHY: Sajith Orma DRESS: Kaftan To Go HAIR STYLIST: Manal Majidlani MUA: Hair couture salon LOCATION: The Pearl Qatar

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FULL NAME: Dana Mohd Mansour NATIONALITY: Syrian OCCUPATION: Model ALL TIME STYLE ICON: Rihanna FAVOURITE DRESS: Elie Saab FAVOURITE CUISINE: Sushi I LIKE: Coffee and Beach I DISLIKE: Winter HOBBY: Swimming COUNTRY I’D LIKE TO VISIT: Greece MY BIGGEST DREAM: To become a TV presenter

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Gender-bending fashion

FLAIR fashion

Here are the six major men’s fashion trends that could end up reshaping your 2020 wardrobe — and you in the process By

Marques Harper

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hat appeared to be noticeable, at least in the photos of the men’s spring/summer 2020 collections shown in Paris and the Italian cities of Florence and Milan recently, is that designers and brands took a big stab at redefining menswear. And, for the record, anything goes. (After all, in this gender-fluid world, who makes the rules about who gets to wear a dress or the color pink or carry a handbag?)

The big takeaway — both on the runways and the reaction on social media — appeared to be that exploring one’s identity is the way to live in 2020. Check out the heavy mix of bold colors and prints at Valentino and Louis Vuitton; the gender-bending head-to-toe looks at Thom Browne, Loewe and others; and numerous labels’ takes on men’s suits, including Versace, Berluti and Emporio Armani, to name a few.

As you’ll see below, these seen-on-therunway collections do manage to address a long-standing complaint about menswear being boring. (Yes, color matters!)

And they also appear to explore the cultural shifts happening now globally as everyday people — not just celebrities

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— define themselves on their own terms, particularly when it comes to subjects such as sexuality and gender.

And with that, here are the six major men’s fashion trends that could end up reshaping your 2020 wardrobe — and you in the process.

GENDER-BENDING SHIFTS Men’s looks from the spring/summer 2020 collections of Louis Vuitton, Comme des Garçon, Loewe and Thom Browne — along with plenty of other designers and brands — questioned what are traditionally considered masculine and feminine silhouettes and styles.

BOLD COLOURS AND LOUD PRINTS Color and prints screamed loudly in the men’s spring/summer 2020 collections

by Versace, Valentino, Dries Van Noten and Palm Angels and others on the recent European runways.

LOOSE LEGS The staying power of skinny might to be over. Consider some of next spring and

summer’s likely offerings from Emporio Armani, Celine, Vetements and Arthur Avellano as proof.

DESIGNER BAGS AND CARRYING CASES Based on the runways, it appears as though guys will flock to bolder designer bags or stylish carrying cases as status symbols next spring. Louis Vuitton, Givenchy, the Dior X Rimowa collaboration and Fendi offered a fresh selection for 2020.

STANDOUT SUITS Suits with pizzazz, especially the double-breasted style, were played up in a big way on the recent European runways.

Check out spring/summer 2020 selections from Emporio Armani, Versace, Berluti and Dries Van Noten.

PURELY PINK Consider wearing pops of pink, which were also part of the new spring/summer 2020 offerings from 1017 ALYX 9SM, Louis Vuitton, Paul Smith and Ermenegildo Zegna

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FLAIR trends

THE SHOPPING BAG SOCIETY BRINGS YOU THE BEST OF FASHION, BEAUTY AND GADGETS TO SPLURGE ON

1 Benefit Hello Happy Flawless Brightening Foundation Put on your happiest face with the new Hello Happy Flawless Brightening Foundation and Hello Happy Velvet Powder! These

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medium-coverage formulas promise a lit-from-within glow with a natural, matte finish. They come in 12 carefully crafted shades (3 light, 5 medium, 4 deep) to match all skin-tones from light to deep.

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Chloé Blake and Betty A flat, squared toe and an angled, 5-cm heel, Betty offers a variation on the Bea Chelsea boots from the FW19 show. Made of waterproof PVC in a slick finish, they are well-suited to everyday wear: practical meets polished. The jagged, lug sole nods to crampons worn for heavy duty hiking yet the boots prove lightweight and form-fitting thanks to an internal zipper with an oversized pull.

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Penhaligon’s The Ingénue Cousin Flora Her fragrance is effusive, ebullient and fresh, an invigorating sensation, no less.

Lively & vigorous; rules are set free. Vivacity galore - a burst of vitamin C. But what’s this? A more woody story starts to reveal.

The round comforting notes of musk start to peal. Heaven above, it fits my good mood like a glove. Pleasing, with a surprisingly strong twist. This is a fragrance you’ll not want to miss.

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Chloé The Aby Bag Chic yet streamlined, Aby is defined by a structured, upright shape and softened angles. Its volume is generous and sized for everyday use. Raw-edged workmanship of lightweight, supple grained and smooth calfskin is executed in a luxury way, just as the oversized metallic finishings in gold and silver speak to overall refinement.

Consistent with the Chloé palette, the bag will be initially proposed in muted colours; sepia brown, motty grey, light cloud and black.

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Philipp Plein Mens Scarf Immerse into your summer travels with PHILIPP PLEIN’S new pieces, designed for the adventurous and rebellious jetsetter.

The collection brings to light some snazzy camos and bold studded prints fused in a vibrant and compelling color palette of fiery reds, vibrant yellows and pastel blues, complete with PHILIPP PLEIN’S iconic logo brandished front and center.

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FUJIFILM X-E3 The Fujifilm X-E3 is a 24MP mid-level APS-C mirrorless camera, designed as a smaller, more touchscreen-driven sister model to the SLR-like X-T20. In terms of their internal hardware and specifications, the two cameras are very similar, but the X-E3 relies more heavily on its touch

panel for moment-to-moment operation, as well as retaining a more rangefinder-like form factor.

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Women’s MCM Bracelets Luxury leather brand, MCM has launched their Summer Travel Capsule Collection just in time to jet-set off to your vacation spot this July.

The bold neon shades in yellow, pink, orange and blue hues signify summer is definitely here!

The pieces are perfect for a short staycation, relaxing beachside getaways and the ultimate summer bucket list destinations. The range of bags, bracelets, beach bags, belts and carry-ons are suitable for teens, busy mums, jet-setting dads and chic singletons.

Bennett Winch Bag Bennett Winch’s deep-olive ‘Weekender’ holdall is sized to carry everything you’d need for an overnight stay, including grooming products and tech - there’s even a padded sleeve for a tablet. It’s made from sturdy waterproof cotton-canvas that’s reinforced with leather, has military-grade webbing top handles, as well as a handy detachable shoulder strap and two built-in waterproof shoe compartments.

CLAUS PORTO Shave Set Claus Porto’s ‘Musgo Real’ set contains the extra kit you need to perfect your routine.

Enriched with Lanolin and Glycerin, the shaving cream softens your beard to ensure a smooth finish - The brush has a polished wood and metal handle tles to create a and soft bristhick, creamy lather - With woody, musky accords, the cologne is scented with the brand’s ‘Classic’ fragrance which blends spicy Sandalwood and Patchoul.

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9 BANG & OLUFSEN Wireless Earphones The Bang & Olufsen Beoplay E8 2.0 are the second-generation true wireless earphones from the Danish audio wizard. The few changes B&O has made are generally excellent. The most significant are the addition of Qi wireless charging support and improved battery life, with the charging case storing 16 hours worth of juice.

This alone is enough to ensure the E8 2.0’s are excellent true wireless earphones for top-end buyers.

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FLAGSTUFF Camp-Collar Printed Poplin Shirt Referencing classic Hawaiian shirts, this piece is made from fluid poplin and printed with traditional Japanese lanterns and kanji lettering. Wear yours with the matching shorts, or plain trousers if you prefer something a little more low-key.

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FLAIR Q&A

HOW IS FIBROMYALGIA DIAGNOSED? Q: Is there a specific test to definitively diagnose fibromyalgia? If not, how do doctors confidently diagnose this disorder?

A: No one test can be used to diagnose fibromyalgia. But unlike in the past, fibromyalgia is no longer a diagnosis of exclusion, which means that all other conditions that could trigger similar symptoms are ruled out before fibromyalgia can be diagnosed. Instead, the diagnosis is based on specific symptoms, and it’s now understood that fibromyalgia can,

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and often does, coexist with other chronic pain disorders.

Fibromyalgia is a disorder characterized by pain all over the body.

Fibromyalgia pain is widespread and amplifies existing pain generators, such as arthritis. People with fibromyalgia often have widespread, migratory muscle aches without any underlying muscle injury, and they generally experience pain more intensely than others. Researchers believe this widespread, amplified

pain occurs because fibromyalgia affects the way the brain processes pain signals.

Fibromyalgia pain is not the same in everyone with this disorder. Some people may have extreme skin sensitivity to gentle pressure. Some may have tender finger joints without redness or swelling. Others may have significant tenderness of the muscles of the upper back and neck.

Because fibromyalgia tends to amplify pain generated by other condi-

tions, patients with lupus or rheumatoid arthritis may have much greater joint pain than would be expected based on objective measures of inflammation. One of the hallmarks of fibromyalgia is pain out of proportion to the degree of tissue injury.

Fibromyalgia causes other symptoms beyond pain, too. Problems with fatigue; chronic headaches; irritable bowel syndrome; interstitial cystitis; unrefreshing sleep; and impaired concentration, attention and mental focus also may plague those with fibromyalgia.

To diagnose fibromyalgia in the past, health care providers would firmly press 18 specific points on a person’s body to see how many of these points were painful. Diagnosis required 11 or more positive tender points. Then health care providers would rule out other painful conditions, such as injuries, neuropathy, arthritis or a connective tissue disorder, that could explain symptoms. Now it is clear an individual can have conditions that cause chronic pain and have fibromyalgia, as well.

Consequently, it is not necessary to eliminate the possibility of all other chronic pain disorders before arriving at a fibromyalgia diagnosis. It is important, however, to receive a comprehensive assessment to evaluate for other underlying conditions, as that information will guide an effective treatment plan.

Reducing pain being caused by coexisting chronic pain conditions also can reduce fibromyalgia-associated pain.

A fibromyalgia diagnosis now is made based on symptoms of widespread pain, fatigue, unrefreshing sleep and cognitive impairment — typically after a person has had widespread pain for more than three months. “Widespread” is defined as pain on both sides of the body, as well as above and below the waist.

Part of what makes diagnosing fibromyalgia difficult is that its symptoms tend to be inconsistent, waxing and waning overtime. Also, the disorder can be hard to distinguish from other conditions.

For patients with chronic widespread pain, if the pain is more intense and persistent than would be expected based on the amount of tissue injury present, then fibromyalgia could play a role. A common example would be a patient with well-treated rheumatoid arthritis without evidence of joint inflammation or erosions who has severe joint pain.

If fibromyalgia is suspected, it’s important to be evaluated by a specialist with expertise in caring for people with the disorder. A timely and accurate fibromyalgia diagnosis is vital because it can become debilitating and disrupt daily life significantly.

Although there is no cure, early recognition of fibromyalgia can reduce the need for further diagnostic testing to explain chronic, widespread pain. And once fibromyalgia is identified, pain management strategies often can help control symptoms.

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TREATMENT FOR TOENAIL FUNGUS ISN’T ALWAYS NECESSARY Q: I am in my late 50s, and a few of my toenails have turned a yellowish colour and seem to have thickened. Is this something I should be concerned about? Is there anything I can do to fix this?

A: What you’re likely experiencing is a fungal nail infection. Fungal nail infections are common, especially among older adults. As nail growth slows with age, it’s easier for fungus to establish in the nail bed. Treatments are available, although they may take some vigilance and are not always necessary.

Toenail fungus usually is caused by a microscopic organism called dermatophyte fungus. It often begins as a white or yellow spot under the tip of your toenail. But as the infection goes deeper, nail fungus may cause your nail to discolour, thicken and crumble at the edge. These fungal infections are more likely to happen in your toenails than in your fingernails because toenails often are confined in a dark, warm, moist environment, where fungi can thrive. Toes also have less blood flow than fingers, making it harder for your body’s immune system to detect and stop the infection. But it is possible for fingernails to be affected.

Toenails are made up of multiple layers 48 Society

stacked on top of each other. Toenail fungus can be tough to get rid of because it can get into and in between those layers.

It also may sit on top of the nail or grow underneath it. In some cases, fungus can get into the cells that make the nail, called the “nail matrix.” That can make the fungus difficult to eliminate because the cells manufacturing the rest of the toenail are infected.

The older you are, the more likely you are to get toenail fungus. That’s because as you age, your immune system changes. In addition, your nails become more brittle and drier over time, creating more cracks where fungus can live. Fortunately, toenail fungus typically does not lead to bigger medical problems. I generally encourage healthy adult patients with mild toenail fungus to not treat it or to treat it just using topical measures. For example, you can buff the nail down with a file to keep it thin, so the fungus has a less of a home to live in. You should also keep the nail trimmed. If you let your toenails grow long, it creates more places for the fungus to grow. That said, these infections can cause complications, particularly if you have diabetes or a weakened immune system, you have HIV, you’ve had a transplant, or you’re undergoing cancer

Dr. Dawn Davis

treatment, for example. In these cases you need prompt treatment for a fungal infection. Left unchecked, the fungus could spread to other parts of your body and make you ill.

When treatment is necessary, it usually involves a topical medication or antifungal medications. Oral antifungal medications taken for about six months are the most effective. These drugs help a new nail grow free of infection, slowly replacing the infected part. For milder infections or if you can’t take the oral options, a topical medication may be appropriate. These medications require regular application for up to a year to prevent new fungal growth. Laser treatments also may be an option, although there’s little data supporting their effectiveness.

It’s important to note that reinfection is likely, regardless of treatment chosen, especially as you age. Talk with your health care provider about your concern. He or she can help you determine whether treatment is necessary, and, if so, what kind of treatment will work best for your situation Courtesy: Mayo Clinic,

Are you an aspiring model?

If your answer is YES, this is an opportunity you don’t want to miss.

Society Magazine is always looking for fresh faces. If you think you have what it takes to be featured in the magazine, send us your sample photos for a chance to be considered.

Submit your short bio and sample photos to: society@gulf-times.com Have questions about the submission?

Give us a call: +974 444 66 413

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FLAIR

gourmet

SUPER SMOOTHIES TO BEAT THE HEAT With temperatures sizzling, it’s time to break out the blender and start whipping up some frosty, fruity and flavourful smoothies

By

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Arthi Subramaniam

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moothie is not just the drink of the hour. It’s the drink of any hour. It can be gulped down for breakfast, drunk as a midday snack, be a salad in a glass for lunch, quaffed after school as an energy booster or served as dessert after dinner.

Susan Westmoreland, food editor of Good Housekeeping, says smoothies gained popularity when the backlash started against juices for their sugary sweetness and fake flavours. Made with fruits and vegetables, smoothies are sweetened with honey, fruit or agave nectars, brown sugar or maple syrup; liquified with yogurt, milk, soy or almond milk, coconut milk or fruit juices; and powered up with flaxseeds, oats, protein powder or wheat germ.

Mix and match is the mantra when it comes to smoothies, and there is no one ingredient that is an absolute must.

Mix and match is the mantra when it comes to smoothies, and there is no one ingredient that is an absolute must, Westmoreland says. “It needs a few cups of fruit, vegetable or a mix of fruits and vegetables, some kind of liquid such as yogurt or ice ─ something to move it around,” she says. “But smoothies need to have body. It’s not just a juice but blended food that has viscosity.”

In the early-smoothie days, bananas were the go-to fruit to create the magic. They are often paired with berries for a smooth taste that is sweet and slightly sour at the same time. Good Housekeeping, which came out with the cookbook, “Good Housekeeping Healthy Smoothies” (Sterling; May 2016), suggests adding grated ginger to a banana-blueberry-raspberry blend and thinning it with pineapple-orange juice for a morning smoothie, or blending fiber-rich oats and vanilla yogurt with banana and mixed berries.

Bananas can be blended with coldbrewed coffee and brown sugar for a cold glass of joe or with beets, carrots and flaxseeds for a vegetable smoothie. They also can be teamed up with spinach, celery, Bartlett pear, green apple, mango and pineapple for a fruity green drinkWhen the green movement descended, spinach, chard, kale and other greens were combined with vegetables and fruits to make smoothies packed with vitamins and antioxidants. Another way to go green is to blend cucumber with green grapes, celery and sweetened almond milk. For a spicy kick, blend jalapeno with celery, cucumber, avocado, kale, cilantro and lemon juice.

“It was good to see kale and spinach getting used as a crossover. I think it makes sense, and not a bad bandwagon to get on,” Westmoreland says. “Kale salad has 52 Society

not jumped the shark. And why should greens be in or out of fashion?”

Just as fruits, vegetables, ice and liquids are requisites for a smoothie, so is a blender. In fact, the blender is a smoothie’s BFF and needs to be treated with some love.

To be blender smart, “Healthy Smoothies” says “place liquid ingredients in the jar first, followed by the rest of the ingredients.” The liquids will pull the solids down, making sure there is even blending. If food is stuck under the blade, “use the pulse feature to dislodge it.” Also crush the ice or break it into small cubes before adding it to the blender, particularly if it has a less powerful motor.

Personal blenders are a small investment and have made smoothies the beverage

of choice for millennials, who thirst for quality functional foods that can be customized and are not expensive.

When mixing and matching combinations, common sense is key, especially when it comes to flavour and colour.

Avoid making a smoothie with just sweet fruits, and instead combine a sweet apple with berries or citrus. Blueberries and kale thinned with pomegranate juice won’t win any beauty contest, but pomegranate juice combined with vanilla yogurt and mixed berries has a good chance of wearing the crown.

So chew on smoothies that can be downed anytime of the day. They are worth every gulp, sip and the ever-small bite.

OATMEAL SMOOTHIE For a feel-good morning lift, blend the usual breakfast suspects, which are packed with vitamins, into a frothy drink. I left out the ice here because I did not want a brain freeze for the first meal of the day.

Ingredients: 2 cups cold unsweetened almond milk 2 large bananas, sliced and frozen 2 cups strawberries, quartered and frozen 1 cup cooked oats 4 tablespoons brown sugar

Method: In a blender, combine almond milk, bananas, strawberries, oats and brown sugar. Blend until mixture is smooth and frothy. Pour into medium-sized glasses.

Makes 4 glasses.

CHOCOLATE-BANANA SMOOTHIE Even the fussiest of picky breakfast eaters would love this smoothie. It has chocolate syrup for crying out loud.

Ingredients: 1 large frozen banana ½ cup milk 4 tablespoons chocolate syrup 3 to 4 ice cubes In a blender, combine banana, milk, chocolate syrup and ice. Blend until mixture is smooth and frothy.

Pour into a tall glass.

Serves 1.

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TROPICAL CARROT TANGO 1 cup frozen pineapple chunks 1 cup freshly grated, peeled carrot 1/2 cup cold water 1-inch piece fresh peeled ginger, grated 2 teaspoons maple syrup 3 to 4 ice cubes

Instead of snacking on carrots, drink them up. In this recipe, they get a tropical face-lift with the addition of coconut milk, ginger and pineapple.

Method:

Ingredients:

In a blender, combine coconut milk, pineapple, carrot, water, ginger, maple syrup and ice cubes.

Pour into 2 tall glassesMakes 4 glasses.

1 cup unsweetened light coconut milk

MANGO-ROSE SMOOTHIE When mango lassi teams up with a bright-flavoured bouquet of roses in the form of rose water, the result is a fruityfloral dance in the mouth.

Ingredients: 3 cups mango pulp 2 cups plain Greek yogurt 3 tablespoons sugar 2 tablespoons rose water { teaspoon ground cardamom 6 ice cubes

Method: Blend mango pulp, yogurt, sugar, rose water, cardamom and ice cubes until smooth. Pour into medium-sized glasses.

Makes 4 servings.

SALAD SMOOTHIE

DO’S AND DON’TS Susan Westmoreland, food editor of Good Housekeeping, offers these tips:

Imagine a tasty lunch salad, and then imagine it as beverage. That’s what you’ll be drinking here.

•

Ingredients:

•

1 cup tightly packed baby spinach { cucumber { cup frozen green grapes 1 cup lemon yogurt 2 teaspoons honey

Method: Combine spinach, cucumber, grapes, yogurt, honey and ice cubes, and blend until smooth.

Serves 2.

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• • •

•

Do cut fruits and vegetables into small uniform sizes ─ It will put less strain on the blender.

Do freeze the fruits until they are hard.

Also make sure the other ingredients are cold because it will keep the smoothie colder and the consistency thicker.

Do add the liquid first in the blender, and then the fruits and vegetables.

Don’t fill more than two-thirds of the blender.

Don’t underestimate ice. It’s the best way to thicken a smoothie without adding calories.

Don’t add chunks of chocolate or cocoa nibs. You need to add ingredients that blend well

FLAIR

buoyant

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FLAIR travel

LET’S TANGO 58 Society

Studded with outstanding natural wonders and endowed with one of the world’s hot-list cities, Argentina travel offers a study in extremes—a perfectly poised balance between wilderness and sophistication

A

rgentina is a vast country located in the southern part of South America. The eighth largest country in the world, it is the second largest country in South America after Brazil, and it’s about one-third the size of the United States. Beautiful, defiant and intense, Argentina seduces with its streetside tango, wafting grills, fútbol (soccer), gaucho culture and the mighty Andes. It’s one formidable cocktail of wanderlust.

Each of the provinces into which Argentina is divided treasures attractions, destinations and sights beyond our imagination. We just need to get immersed in these sites to start a tour around countless different horizons, cities and typical geographical features that will certainly encourage us to set out.

Mountain ranges, hills, ravines, rivers, lakes, ponds, fields and sea scenes will dazzle travelers here and there. Large and small cities as well as towns that look

alike and diverse at the same time are hidden throughout the map waiting for visitors to discover them. Every province has a history to learn. You just need to find yours.

High Season (Nov–Feb & Jul) The best (and the most expensive) time to visit Patagonia is from December to February. Crowds throng to the beaches from late December through January. Snow falls at ski resorts from June to August.

Shoulder - (Sep–Nov & Mar–May) ─ Temperature-wise the best times to visit Buenos Aires.

The Lake District is pleasant; leaves are spectacular in March and April. The Mendoza region has its grape harvests and wine festival. Low Season (Jun–Aug).

In their various modalities, adventure travel and extreme sports are tending to increase the amount of fans worldwide.

Argentina is being the favourite scenery for lovers of adventure who are willing to

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Buenos Aires is often the first glimpse of Argentina most visitors will have before heading off to popular tourist destinations. receive a good dose of pure adrenaline.

This selection is not casual, as the geography presents high diversity, in the wide sense of the word, for the practice of these exciting sports.

The sceneries are multiple and varied and all of them ideal to let imagination fly and let yourself be carried away to whatever adventure decrees. Imagine yourself among the endless plains of the pampas, the fast-flowing rivers of the mountain range, the high summits of the mountains and volcanoes, and even the deep and blue waters of the Atlantic Ocean. All the sceneries are waiting to be discovered by intrepid adventurers.

2. Perito Moreno Glacier The main hub for tourists visiting the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Patagonia’s Los Glaciares National Park, the small town of El Calafate offers numerous accommodation options and other amenities for visitors. It’s here that most visitors join excursions to see the park’s popular glaciers, most notably the stunning Perito Moreno Glacier, a massive 30-kilometer-long ice formation (and the world’s third largest freshwater reserve) just 78 kilometers from the town center.

Named after a 19th-century explorer, it’s just a two-hour trip from El Calafate to the glacier’s large visitor center, and from here just a short walk to the glacier along a fun walking circuit.

Top 4 tourist attractions 1. Iguazú Falls The stunning Iguazú Falls lie along Argentina’s border with Brazil, with Iguazu National Park on the Argentinian side and Iguaçu National Park on the Brazilian side.

Protected as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, these huge waterfalls are undoubtedly one of the most spectacular sights in South America.

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3. Buenos Aires: The City of Barrios One of South America’s most attractive cities (also one of the largest), Buenos Aires is often the first glimpse of Argentina most visitors will have before heading off to popular tourist destinations such as Patagonia. But the smart ones will linger here and take in the many delightful museums and art galleries housed in the

splendid old colonial buildings spread across the city’s districts or “barrios.” Of the must-see barrios, be sure to visit La Boca, Buenos Aires’ most colourful neighborhood and home to the fun Caminito Street Museum, a splendid pedestrian zone and open-air museum popular for its brightly painted houses, amusing sculptures, and outdoor tango lessons. Fashionable Recoleta is another must and is where you’ll find the Recoleta Cemetery with its elaborate mausoleums containing the remains of such famous Argentinians as Eva (Evita) Perón, along with numerous public gardens, museums, art galleries, cafés, and boutique shops 4. Ushuaia: The End of the World At the southern end of Argentina, Patagonia is famous for its spectacular landscapes: a dramatic mix of the Andes and long stretches of plains and plateaus.

Most adventures here start in Ushuaia, the world’s southernmost city. Established as a penal colony in the early 20th century and now a popular jumping-off point for trips to Antarctica or around Cape Horn, this town on Beagle Channel is surround-

Protected as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Iguazú Falls are undoubtedly one of the most spectacular sights in South America ed by a unique landscape of mountains, sea, glaciers, and woods on the edge of the Tierra del Fuego National Park, with its spectacular scenery and diverse flora and fauna. Popular attractions include the San Juan de Salvamento Lighthouse ─ also known as the End of the World Lighthouse ─ built in 1884 on the Isla de los Estados; the End of the World Museum with its exhibits relating to the region’s natural history, aboriginal life, and early penal colonies; and the Maritime Museum of Ushuaia, housed in the town’s notorious former military prison and worth visiting for its many maritime artifacts and scale models of famous ships such as Darwin’s Beagle.

SOCCER Soccer isn’t just a sport for Argentinians, it’s a part of their life. In fact, it’s the only way of life beside jobs and school. When there’s a match or people in their backyard playing their daily life pauses, it takes a halt. Everyone unites for the love of football, it’s not a joke to them, it’s in their roots like the classic football and baseball here.

It connects their history, their life, and the people. Soccer is who they are. They devour it and breath it. Soccer is Argenti-

na. Many places in the world play soccer.

Argentina is one of the most passionate countries when it comes to soccer.

Argentation National Football team is one of the most decorated football team in the world and are still producing one of the finest footballers the world has seen, like Alfredo De Stefano, Deigo Maradona, Lionel Messi. Boca is one of the titans of Argentine football. With a glittering history and huge fan base, the club and its stadium, the Bombonera, are world famous. Based in the poor, but colorful neighborhood of La Boca, the team inspires a multitude of fanatical supporters.

While Boca Jrs. has never been relegated from Division A, fans place more importance on guts and commitment from their players than displays of pretty football.

Boca Jrs was the first team to win the new Super League trophy. For their fans, Boca Juniors is not just a football club, it’s a way of life.

Best places to stay in Argentina Alondra’i Casa de Esteros: An elegant colonial townhouse in the wetlands.

Faena Hotel + Universe: Whimsical luxury right on the port.

Los Colorados Adobe: Cottages that meld

with the desert landscape.

Aguas Arriba: Luxurious tranquility on a Patagonian lake.

El Cortijo: Colonial whitewashed elegance in the atmospheric northwest.

Surucuá: An outstanding jungle ecolodge in Iguazú.

Best places to eat in Argentina Proper - These wood-fired delights served in an refurbished garage have BA abuzz.

Casa El Enemigo - Sumptuous meals at an atmospheric bodega in the heart of wine country. i Latina - Exquisite cuisine that celebrates the cuisines and cultures across South America.

Alto El Fuego Bariloche’s- best grill serves expertly seared cuts of beef.

Kaupé- For an out-of-body seafood experience in Ushuaia, try this classic.

Book your holiday tour packages at Al Tawfeeq Travel.

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