umuma - Fabulous Parenting - October 2013

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Editor-in-Chief’s Note Thinking Pink

This month we pay homage to the women, men and families who have been affected by Breast Cancer. We have gathered information from the specialists in the field to spread the most important message – Early detection saves lives. In this issue we also highlight some great parenting tips: how to choose toys for your toddler and then how to get them to share.

If you’re thinking of redesigning your family home, we have expert advice to help you make your decisions. Find a special note for the father; remember that your daughter is watching and that you are her hero whether you like it or not. Also, if you’re a mother-to-be and have to have any x-rays done, find out what the experts have to say about what dangers radiation could pose to your unborn child.

Yousef Hassan Ali Al Hammadi Editor-in-Chief

Editorial Team EDITOR IN CHIEF: Yousef Hassan Ali Al Hammadi | MANAGING EDITOR: Khajag Aghazarian DEPUTY EDITOR: Christine Grové | JOURNALIST: Esther Mumbua | JOURNALIST: Aseel Al Zoubi

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Welcome to the Lifestyle cing Introdu

All the con tent you need rega rding your family life

www.umuma.net t. +971 6 55 65 528 e. info@umuma.net umumamagazine

Parenting, lifestyle, health, tips & news in Arabic a nd English

Pink Positive October 2013

Issue 002

Price 10 AED

Sharing is Caring

Arts Alive

Give your child the choice

Develop your little performer’s talents

Daddy’s Girl

Fathers are the hero in their children’s eyes

Finding answers on breast cancer in the UAE

-Pectant?

Radiation risks while pregnant

On the cover: October is the designated month to create awareness for breast cancer, and the message to remember for the other 11 months of the year is survival through early detection. This month we feature photographer Alaa Kahel's Hand in Hand which was a finalist in the Pink Polo Art Competition, 2012.

Contents Fabulous You 8 Community News The fun and the fabulous happening in your area

14 Heading to the Top UAE Precor football making a success at home and abroad

16 Magical Maori Exploring New Zealand’s Maori Culture

20 Arts Alive Developing your little performer

24 Hot Topics The latest in studies from around the world

26 Birth Month What your month says about you

Fabulous Mom & Dad 28 It’s Playtime How to choose toys for your toddler

32 Home Safe Home Keeping your child safe inside and outside the home

36 Daddy’s Girl A message for fathers from their daughters

Theme Of The Month 44 Pink Positive A comprehensive look at breast cancer in the UAE

Fabulous Trending 48 An Eclectic Affair Creating Homes show us how to design your family home

58 Tutu Du Monde Fashion for little girls 64 Beauty 68 Accessories 72 Book Review 74 Phone Apps Fabulous Living 76 X-pectant?

Pregnancy and radiation

82 Boost for the Bump Maternity massages

84 Going Bananas The benefits of eating bananas and some delicious recipes

Fabulous Child 88 Baby Names 89 Baby of the Month 88 Children’s Drawings 92 Games

fabulous you | your community

Sharjah Children’s Film Festival to delight fter a highly enthusiastic call for submissions by the Sharjah International Children’s Film Festival (SICFF), the numbers are in. With 132 films submitted, and 77 selected, there will be loads of fun all round for everyone attending SICFF.

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Covering short live action, animation, feature, and documentary films for children, as well as films produced by children of all age groups, the sheer diversity of options promises to cater to all tastes. What’s more, with 32 nationalities participating, from countries on every continent, the cultural mix will be vast. Ones to watch would definitely be those from the younger generations, who, as SICFF director Jawaher Abdulla Al Qassimi pointed out last month, “this year at the world’s most prestigious film awards, the Oscars, we saw the youngest ever nominee in history being nominated for Best Actress: Quvenzhané Wallis, who was only five years old when she auditioned for Beasts of the Southern Wild. Our emirate, our nation, our region is more than capable of producing our own success stories, because our youths are bubbling with fresh ideas – and there is no better incubator of talent than SICFF.” The films are ready and regional talent has proven themselves very noteworthy. See plenty of great young filmmakers showcasing their impressive work from 21 October, the

launch of the event.

“The SICFF aims to give children the chance to learn about other cultures, other thinkers, other ideas through one of the most entertaining mediums accessible to us,” says Jawaher Abdulla Al Qassimi. With films produced by and for children from 32 countries, there’s bound to be a lot of engaging screen time: imagine a Japanese kid’s understanding of family discipline versus a Zimbabwean’s or an American’s, then compare that to Arab family structures and the way kids are raised here, and you’ve only just scratched the surface. “These films will challenge our kids’ and our own world views in ways that will be eyeopening,” Jawaher asserts.

Reaction from participating filmmakers has been very keen.

Hamad Alawar, one of the young fresh talents of the UAE, is very excited about the SICFF’s diversity. “It is great to be able to share with our children and have other cultures explore the Emirati was through our films too.”

UAE films go to Bahrain he Dubai International Film Festival (DIFF) once again teamed up with the Naqsh Short Film Days (NSFD), a one-of-a-kind film festival in Bahrain, to showcase six prominent Emirati films spanning the past decade, to audiences at the second edition of the festival. It took place from 26 – 28 September and the selected Emirati films, which have been previously screened at DIFF and Gulf Film Festival (GFF), were part of a distinctive regional programme that gave audiences the opportunity to experience the vibrancy and multi-faceted nature of Emirati cinema.

A scene from the movie The Goat’s Head by Juma Al Sahli

Following the successful first edition in 2012, the three-day festival screened over 85 short films in different languages, with more than 57 guest directors from all over the word, marking a significant increase on the previous year’s edition.

The Emirati films that were featured at the festival were ‘Aushba’s Well’ by Waleed Al Shehhi, ‘Wheelbarrow’ by Nayla Al Khaja, ‘Tenbak’ by Abdullah Hassan Ahmed, ‘Bint Mariam’ by Saeed Salmeen Al-Murry, ‘Sabeel’ by Khalid Al Mahmood and lastly ‘The Goat’s Head’

by Juma Al Sahli.

A scene from the movie Sabeel by Khalid Al Mahmood

The festival is essentially a tribute to the artistry of Bahraini filmmakers which aims to bring together budding directors from the country’s film industry and introduce the youth to the local culture and arts scene.

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fabulous you | your community

Ski Dubai funds happy feet expedition

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Dr. Brent Stewart, a senior research scientist at the Hubbs SeaWorld Research Institute and with over 25 years of experience, will be leading a field expedition to the Antarctic Peninsula, South Georgia and the Falkland Islands.

Ski Dubai has funded over AED 500,000 for the entire 4 week long exploratory expedition and Dr. Brent Stewart will spend a week at Ski Dubai to prepare for his journey and spend time with the colony of Gentoo and King Penguins that call Ski Dubai their home.

Scheduled to start on October 14, 2013, he will conduct in-depth studies of the penguin colonies for the development of long term education, research, and conservation plans. The project, which was developed in conjunction with Ski Dubai, is an extension of the Snow Penguins at Ski Dubai initiative, which seeks to educate people about snow penguins, their habitat and the importance of environmental awareness.

The Snow Penguins at Ski Dubai initiative was launched in January 2012 and has gone from strength to strength, even being recognised by the International Marine Animal Trainers Association (IMATA) for the excellence of the programme.

October 2013

“Ski Dubai’s collaboration with Hubbs Sea World Research Institute on this project will enable us to gain new insight into the lives of snow penguins

and continue to channel our efforts and mobilisation of resources into the research and implementation of proconservation efforts. Ski Dubai has always led by example and we wanted to ensure that the next steps we take are impactful on an international level and contribute towards the longevity of animal research programmes” commented Mr. Omar El Banna, Marketing & Sales Director, Majid Al Futtaim Leisure & Entertainment.

For further information and to experience a penguin encounter at Ski Dubai please call: 04 409 4090 or visit: www.skidubaipenguins.com

Toy donation breaks world record

In September this year, TANG, the popular fruit-flavoured powdered-beverage from Mondelēz International (formerly Kraft Foods), set a GUINNESS WORLD RECORDS for the largest donation of toys in 24 hours.

In partnership with non-government organisations Red Crescent in the UAE, ENSAN and KAFEL from Saudi Arabia, and Dar Al Atta’a from Oman, TANG and contributing children were able to collect and donate a whopping 30,000 toys, weighing a total of 20.713 tonnes as part of TANG’s ‘Do Good’ campaign.

“We are extremely happy to have set this world record through one of our strong brands in this region,” says Vishal Tikku, area director for Mondelēz International in the Middle East. “Through TANG’s ‘Do Good’ campaign we went a step further by encouraging our loyal consumers to join a social cause, and thus help instil virtues of generosity and a selfless spirit among children,” he said.

The record was verified by Talal Omar, country manager MENA at Guinness World Records Ltd., who adjudicated the attempt along with his colleagues in Saudi Arabia and Oman.

TANG needed to collect a donation of a minimum of 9 tonnes of toys in order to be able to set this new world record.

The ‘Do Good’ campaign was launched earlier this year and called for children to participate by donating toys in different ways, thereby making them agents of change. Toys were donated by logging onto www.tangdogood.com and earning points by playing fun-filled games.

Using these points, children were able to donate a virtual toy. For every virtual toy donated, TANG purchased an actual toy and donated it to the agreed charities on behalf of the child. Parents and kids also made personal toy-donations at TANG donation centres, which were set up in malls during the campaign period. The toys were collected during January to May and donated to children within 24-hours.

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fabulous you | your community

Mother, Baby and Child Show turns10

ince its beginning in 2004, the Mother, Baby and Child Show has become the must attend event for parents and trade alike.

With around 20,000 visitors passing through the doors each year, the UAE’s first parenting and pregnancy event is the ideal environment for seeing, touching & tasting the latest and greatest innovations for the kids and nursery industry.

If you want the best for your pregnancy, baby, little and big Kids you can find it all at The Mother, Baby and Child Show 12 to 14 December 2013.

Over three action packed days, you are invited to the Dubai International Exhibition Centre (DWTC) to shop for

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almost 200 of the latest brands for your pregnancy, baby and toddler.

From cool boutique finds to the latest big brands and everything in between, the show has it all. Your little ones will delight in singing, dancing and laughing along with some of their best-loved TV characters, or perhaps they prefer to have some fun in one of the many the Play Areas. The Mother, Baby and Child Show also brings together a whole host of experts and organisations ready to answer your pregnancy questions and parenting concerns so you can walk away informed and enlightened.

This year Comfort Baby has been announced as the show’s Platinum Sponsor for 2013. Commenting on the

show, Director Shannon Norris said, “We’ve introduced some fantastic new features to celebrate our 10th Birthday. The most significant development is the addition of a unique, seated theatrical production within the MBC show, a fun-filled lively score, the ‘Snowy Christmas’ is performed by Blunderbus the world famous British theatre company. And that’s not all. Fair ground attractions, a festive market and who could resist Nibble, our family food zone for tasty, healthy treats.”

The show is a fabulous outing for expectant parents and new parents and their little ones. Make sure to mark it in your diary.

fabulous you | people of the world

Magical Maori

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October 2013

The Haka – the war dance performed by New Zealand’s All Blacks just before kick-off at their rugby matches – is not only done to attempt to strike a sense of fear into their opponents, but displays a part of the rich traditions of the Maori on the island. Compiled by Esther Mumbua

ears ago, when a family line was on the verge of vanishing, it was known as a “lost house”, because that particular bloodline would be gone forever. The idea of Family in the Maori culture is very important and so is the continuation of the family line. When the Pacific Island Polynesians first settled in New Zealand circa 1250 CE, they developed their traditions to form the the Moari population, consisting of tribes and sub-tribes, making their procreation customs very different.

Although it is evident that the modern Maori lifestyle is now more Westernised, there are still remnants of rich traditions that are still in touch with what used to be in centuries past.

Pregnancy In some of the tribes and subtribes, when a woman had difficulty conceiving, she was taken to an expert who would help her conceive, and according to academic literature on the Maori, in most of the cases it worked and the woman ended up becoming pregnant. In situations where the woman who wanted to become a mother did not conceive after seeing the specialist, she was instructed to stand over the placenta of a newborn child.

After conceiving, or sometimes before, if the mother-to-be wanted a particular sex of a baby, she would stand over a newborn’s placenta of the particular sex which she desired.

According to the Maori throughout pregnancy the mother-to-be and the unborn baby should be relaxed, comfortable and well taken care of because they are certain that the baby is very much aware of what is happening outside the mother’s body.

To make sure that all is well within the baby’s environment, the father-

to-be performed a traditional prenatal care called haputanga, which in our modern society can be translated to "pregnancy massage."

This procedure was believed to ease discomfort, stress and depression for the mother during pregnancy. As for the baby, the massage relaxed them and created more space for them within the womb for growth, movement and play.

The father is supposed to perform the massage as often as possible because it is believed to bring the three of them closer together as well as ease the birthing process.

“The death of a child may be overcome, but the death of a woman is a calamity.”

– Maori proverb Birth In many traditional cultures around the globe, birth is seen as a natural process, and the Maori are no different.

In some of the traditions under the Maori culture, when a woman becomes pregnant, she is not allowed to cut her hair until the child is born.

Birth according to Maori customs did not take place in the normal living areas. A confinement was built in the open and there the baby was born.

In some traditions, when it was time to deliver, it happened very differently from how it happens in the modern society. The woman in labour would squat while holding two posts on both

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her sides, and then she would give birth on a mat placed beneath her.

If labour lasted longer than expected, a specialist would be called to offer his help. After the birth, the umbilical cord would then be tied with a fibre and cut. Special oil would be applied on the cut end of the cord to help with quick healing and avoid infections.

In Maori culture, the placenta is very vital, also called whenua, which also means land. They believe land to be their source of life, hence the importance of the placenta to the growing baby in the mother’s womb.

Therefore, it cannot be just disposed of.

During pregnancy, some mothersto-be have to discuss what the placenta will be done with after birth.

Traditionally, the placenta is buried within the native land with the cord intact as way of linking generations together with their ancestors.

Naming The naming ceremony in the Maori culture could be formal or informal.

It was normally performed after the umbilical cord was cut. Guests are normally welcomed to the house according to the order of importance they will have in the newborn’s life.

After the child’s formal name was announced to all present, the parents had to give a detailed description of why these particular names were chosen. Afterwards, if there were any children in the family, they had to give the newborn presents or simply go and give them a kiss as a symbol of welcoming the child to the family and community in general.

For the child, it is very important that they knows how their name was chosen, and that they were welcomed into the world by the family as well as the entire community.

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ABOUT THE MAORI OF NEW ZEALAND The Maori community is said to have its roots on the islands of Polynesia.

By nature, Maori ancestors were excellent at navigation, seafaring and astronomy.

The Maori are believed to have come from an island called Hawaiki, presumably near Hawaii.

The Maori name for New Zealand is Aotearoa, which means “land of the long white cloud”.

Traditional Maori food is known as "kai" (marinated meat and vegetables) and is cooked in a natural earthen oven.

The traditional Maori diet consists of sea-food, meat, wild herbs, potatoes, honey and dried algae.

Traditionally Maori people greet each other by touching their foreheads and noses (called "breath of life").

Maori people made their clothes from bird feathers.

Both men and women wear traditional Maori jewelry.

Apart from the Haka dance, the Maori are also best known for their tattoo art.

The word "tattoo" has its origin from the Polynesian word "tatau" which refers to marking something.

Maori women wear a piece of ornamental jade pendant which depicts a human fetus form and is regarded as a symbol of fertility. U

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fabulous you | against all odds

Heading to the Top UAE Precor is not a football academy.

It’s a group of the best young talent the UAE has to offer developing their skills all in the hopes of becoming football heroes one day.

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recor Manager, Tarek Khalifa and coach Derek Burke teamed up in 2002 to form UAE Precor, a nonprofit community setup that depends on self-financing and seasonal sponsorships.

Recognising the need to fish out the extraordinary young footballing talent that the UAE has to offer outside of schools and academies, the volunteering management team conducts try-outs and selects new players annually to work on developing their skills. The team is comprised of 60 players from 18 different nationalities, aged between 15 to 18 years.

Based in Dubai, the group rents football pitches at Dubai Sports City and Jabel Ali Shooting club. The main difference between normal academies and the Precor team is that selection is purely dependent on whether you have a talent for football or not. “We want to recognise the best players in the country. So, it’s not a case of joining because you can pay. In fact, some of our players are playing for free, depending on their financial situation,” says Khalifa.

Precor aims to create the opportunity for boys who are not only interested in but demonstrate the talents necessary to become professionals.

It is also perfect for youngsters who are thinking of targeting universities through football scholarships.

“We only promise to enable you to maximize your chances through hard work in the right direction,” says Khalifa, “if you have what it takes and are willing to put in the right level of effort and dedication, you are welcomed,” he says. The team has been run and sustained by the efforts of Tarek Khalifa and Derek Burke who are both fathers. The coaching team includes a number of professional football and fitness trainers, and

every year additional knowledgeable parents who are involved in athletics and football are selected to help in coaching. “Also, all our expenses are being covered by the contributions coming from the parents,” Khalifa adds.

The team receives invitations to take part in international tournaments every year, but only participate in a few due to financial limitations. “We participate in four to five international competitions annually. Our best achievement was winning the Welsh Super Cup in the UK, and winning the London International Academy tournament.

In July of this year, the team flew to Scandanavia to participate in two of the top youth football competitions in the world – the DANA Cup in Denmark and the Gothia Cup in Sweden. The team arrived with 35 players and many of their parents joined too. The trip was funded by parents and some interested sponsors. With regards to their international aspirations, UAE Precor is the only youth football team to play in UAE colours in the international youth football cups, and are the only team from the Middle East to reach the quarterfinals in these competitions.

The end of this year’s football season also saw the team promoted to Division 1 of the Dubai Amateur Football League, becoming the only U17 youth team to play in this division and have been the only youth team to play in the adult competition in the league’s history.

“Our plans for the upcoming season, 2013/2014, are even more ambitious,” says Khalifa. In 2014, they hope to once again participate in Denmark and Sweden, as well as the US, Spain and Wales. They also plan on taking on all the tournaments in the UAE. U

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fabulous you | family & soceity

Arts Alive 20

October 2013

How is the culture of performing arts in the UAE?

Studies show that performing arts in early childhood is vital for developing communication, creativity and critical thinking skills. 's Esther Mumbua caught up with Amit Bhagnari, co-founder of Buddy’s Music and Dance Institute here in Dubai, where he shed light on the importance of integrating the arts in early childhood curriculum in UAE.

The culture of performing arts in the UAE is largely influenced by the mixed demographics of the region.

Since Dubai is a melting pot of many cultures, the music and dance scene in Dubai is reflective of that. For example, on the one hand we offer Ballet as a course, which is widely appealing due to its popularity in the West; on the other hand we have Shiamak's Bollywood Dance which is popular due to influence of Bollywood on the East. Overall, we are very thankful and fortunate to be operating in an open minded environment conducive to learning of any kind.

Is performing arts popular compared to Europe and America?

In America and Europe, the popularity of Music and Dance is unparalleled.

But just like in the west, Dubai has music festivals and performance concerts throughout the year, further highlighting the popularity of the music and dance scene. However, despite the popularity, avenues to learn and specialise in these fields are limited. Overall, America and Europe have more colleges, conservatoires or professional music programmes to train a person to take what they truly love and turn it into a profession.

As an expert in performing arts, is it important for children to learn these arts at an early age? Why? The development of the brain and human sensory system is at its peak

during early life. Keeping that in mind, it is apt to impart timely music education into a child's life. The Arts Education Partnership, in conjunction with the President's Committee on the Arts and Humanities, commenced a study to examine the impact of music, dance and art experiences on young people and to explore why and how young people were changed through their experiences. Evidence demonstrated that children with high levels of arts participation outperform "arts-poor" students by virtually every measure.

Courses in music, dance and art are developed to cultivate children’s abilities using the most effective teaching methods. These methods cater specially to a child's mental, physical and emotional development.

Focus on the short term is to build their musical abilities by making them develop their talent to listen, read, sing and play. Primarily, at an early stage, children develop a keen musical ear as well as a good memory for melodies.

In the long term, these fundamental abilities eventually enable a child to progress by first playing melodies and eventually making their own accompaniments and creating their own style.

How do performing arts contribute to a child’s development?

A study, called Champions of Change, found much evidence that learning in the performing arts helps develop habits that will support other disciplines, and that it can often teach students in a way other disciplines cannot. Performing arts provide children with authentic learning experiences that engage their minds, hearts, and bodies. They enhance creativity, self-discipline, and the skills and confidence necessary to meet the

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October 2013

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challenges encountered during their lives. Further, research has proven that music and language are processed in the same area of the brain.

Children who develop skills of playing an instrument often develop greater language capacity as well as the greater adeptness in the ability to learn a new language.

What are some of the changes that you see in a child after they have been introduced to performing arts?

Since education is offered in various genres, the reactions of children vary accordingly. In Music, learning to play a musical instrument helps productively fill vacant hours, stave off boredom, and contribute to the development of self-esteem.

For many teenagers, it increases popularity amongst peers and encourages social interaction and helps them channel their energy productively. In a generation largely influenced by Social Media, it is encouraging to see a real-time bond being formed amongst children.

Which is the best way to deal with children who turn out to be less talented compared to those who are naturals in the arts?

Performing arts institutes should have a warm and supportive atmosphere, which is based on bringing out the best in each child. A free initial assessment by a teacher helps demonstrate the creative potential of each child. With patience, time and practice, we believe

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that we can bring out the best in all children. While some children may be more naturally gifted than others, it is our belief that any shortcoming in natural ability can be met by compensating it with self discipline and hard work. In my belief, every child can master music provided they work hard, are given the right encouragement and constructive criticism.

How do you handle competition among children?

The nature of music and dance as a field is less about competition but more about bringing out the best performance from each child.

Rather than compete, we encourage individuality and self expression as we believe that in these fields, being different is a good thing.

For example, if you look at the music or dance Industry, whether it is Beethoven or Michael Jackson, being different is what led them to be great in their fields.

Which age is best to introduce children to performing arts?

The right age to start is related to the instrument you choose and your child’s interest in music. Mozart was playing the pianoforte at three years and composing at eight years, but not too many children can hope to achieve that. Although all children develop differently, guitars and other plucked string instruments have to wait until the child’s hands have achieved some size and strength, usually around the age of six. If your child is under six years, the piano is the most likely candidate. Before the ages of nine or ten years children don’t have the wind power for a wind instrument.

Is there an approximate age whereby these young adults realize they would rather pursue something different other than performing arts?

Many times a love for performing arts collides with the reality of making a living which is why many people in life give up their passion for music or dance. Society pressure forces us to give up our love for the performing arts and often focus on academia. While the focus shifts in the life of many people for a while, the love for music still remains. For example, we have many adults who learnt an instrument during their childhood or teenage years return to refresh their basics.

Furthermore, since the infrastructure is still developing, a lack of colleges, conservatoires or professional music programmes in the Middle East limit a child’s ability to pursue what they truly love and turn it into a profession.

What role can parents play to encourage performing arts in their children’s lives as well as a positive outcome?

When a child takes music or dance classes, we highlight the importance of the parents’ involvement in the child's lessons from the initial stage.

For example, when the teachers give the child homework at the end of each class, we take it as the combined responsibility of the child and parent to ensure that the homework is complete before the next class. In order for the child’s music objectives to be met and exceeded, the parents must work together with us at every step. This philosophy lays the foundation for the students’ success.

"Akshita (age 8) started playing the piano at the music and dance institute then after a while she began learning vocals. Before then, she was a hyper and impatient girl but after one year of taking the classes, she has made tremendous improvement.

She concentrates now and loves going for the lessons.

She attends the classes twice a week."

-Binita Kumari, Akshita's mum.

"When Omar (age 8) joined music classes, I did not know the positive changes that would come with the lessons. It was Omar who asked to join in the first place. I let him join because music is sacred. After one year in the music and dance institute, he now recognises every key of the instrument even if it is playing on TV. Omar attends the classes twice a week, 30 minutes in each session."

- Diala Talhouk, Omar's mum.

"Aamir (age 10) has been attending music classes for 15 months now. He started the classes as an extra-curricular activity but now he loves them a lot. As a guitar player, he has made dramatic improvement compared to when he started the classes because he practices on a daily basis. He attends the classes one hour per week."

- Fatima Shaikh, Aamir's mum.

Making music makes a nicer kid Making music can make a young child nicer, more willing to help, and better at problem solving, a new study found.

Making music can significantly improve positive social behavior in young children - meaning, they're more cooperative, agreeable, and willing to help others, researchers from the University of London say.

The team also wanted to find out if music-making had an effect on problem-solving skills, and if so, is there a difference between boys and girls.

The team recruited nearly 50 four-year-old girls and boys. Kids were randomly assigned to either a "music" group, where children sang and played music along with an instructor, or a "no music" group, where children listened to a story.

Findings showed that after the music-making session, children were more than 30 times more likely to be helpful than those who didn’t play music. Plus the music group was six times more likely to cooperate than those who listened to the story, with the girls being even more likely to cooperate than the boys. While both boys and girls showed enhanced problem-solving skills after the music session, the effect was stronger for the boys: music-making boys were four times more likely to problem solve than the boys in the no-music group. U

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fabulous you | news & notes

It’s about

Personality

A new study suggests that certain personality traits may influence whether or not you'll have children, but these traits differ in men and women.

Researchers from Austria found that men who are extraverted and open tend to have more children, while women who rank as

conscientious on personality tests tend to have fewer or no children.

Caffeine

No time for a coffee break? Spray on some caffeine, thanks to a new product called Sprayable Energy that claims to be the world's first caffeine-based topical energy spray.

Created by Harvard undergraduate Ben Yu, 21, and venture capitalist Deven Soni, 33, the new spray is an odourless liquid that is absorbed through the skin and distributed through the body over the course of a few hours, according to the company. Each bottle of Sprayable Energy contains about 160 doses – that's about the same amount of caffeine as 40 cups of coffee.

October 2013

Crohn's & Colitis

Men with neurotic personality traits, such as moodiness, were also found to have fewer children compared to previous generations.

The study used survey and birth registry data on more than 7,000 Norwegians from 1927 to 1968.

Spray-on

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New Hope for

A new treatment could offer relief to those with the inflammatory bowel conditions, Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis, according to findings published in the United States.

Vedolizumab, an intravenous antibody medication, offers new hope for the approximately four million people who suffer from the auto-immune diseases, say researchers. The treatment resulted in remission and allowed patients to stop taking prednisone, a drug with ample side effects used to treat both diseases. Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis cause abdominal pain, diarrhea, intestinal bleeding and weight loss.

Time for a

Sweet Memories

Smart Shower

Annoyed that your other half is forever controlling the shower but don't know how to broach the subject with tact or decorum?

Well, help is at hand. The Uji is a showerhead created that starts to glow red when the user is taking too long. Like the well-publicised

US researchers say they have identified a new protein in the brain that triggers age-related memory loss, a finding that may someday lead to new treatments to reverse it. Using live lab mice and eight human brains that were donated for science, the team led by Nobel laureate Eric Kandel at Columbia University found that a gene called RbAp48 was linked to the kind of memory loss associated with aging. The amount of protein the gene produced was almost 50 percent lower in old brains than in younger ones, says the study in the US journal Science Translational Medicine.

Nest Thermostat, the Uji is focused on helping users save water, cut utility bills and therefore help save the planet. The showerhead, which is still in the development and testing stage is hoped that a consumer version will be on the market by the start of 2014.

More Activity,

less TV The British government has issued a report urging families to switch off the television and to get moving.

The Public Health England published a briefing paper that points to the link between children's screen time and lower levels of well-being. Kids who spend more time on computers, watching TV, and playing video games tend to have higher levels of anxiety and depression, the report said.

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fabulous you | your birth month

The unbiased intellectuals of

October

People born in October often have characteristics that revolve around peace and being in control.

If you were born in this particular month, you most likely strive to achieve spiritual, financial and emotional balance. As an intellectual, you mostly use your pensive mind to tackle issues, and have a tendency of communicating your ideas to those around you while enjoying the attention this creates.

October people like to be loved by everyone because of their impartiality.

People see you as a person who has a balanced view – hence the reason they come running to you to calm down a heated argument. Careers that an October baby is likely to pursue include finance, interior design, real estate, culinary industry or counselling.

This is in part due to good communication skills… you make a great first impression and easily connect with people. Some wellknown people born in October include former US president Jimmy Carter, UK Prime Minister David Cameron, Margaret Thatcher, Bill Gates, Diego Maradona, Bollywood actor Amitabh Bachchan, Hugh Jackman, Matt Damon and Willow Smith.

Birthstone: Opal Colour: Orange

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Flower: Marigold or Cosmos Meaning: Contentment, excellence, loveliness, good luck, grace, gratitude, joy, love of nature, comfort.

"Disciplining yourself to do what you know is right and important, although difficult is the high road to pride, self esteem and personal satisfaction."

- Margaret Thatcher

"It's fine to celebrate success but it is more important to heed the lessons of failure."

- Bill Gates

fabulous mom & dad | parenting tips

It’s Playtime!

Toys are an important part of any child’s growth. Some of them get attached to the gadgets while others leave them behind and move on to more age-appropriate toys. In as much as these play things are vital to a child’s development, they could be hazardous. Compiled by Esther Mumbua 28

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lmost 30% of the GCC population is under the age of 15 years old, with recent research indicating that this scenario is likely to remain until 2020. This specific and large young market makes the region an attractive market for toy makers.

With the UAE market being particularly exciting for toy manufacturers, retailers and suppliers, the average consumer spends approximately 110 AED per head more than their counterparts in the region. But along with the growth in demand for toys, there is also an increasing concern over safety.

When manufacturers put the caution label on toys, they do so for a reason but just because it has a label it does not mean that the child playing with the toy won't injure himself with it. Storebought toys have age restrictions on them, which means that each stage of a child’s development should have its own appropriate toy.

Safety regulations should be applied to any product or material designed and intended for use in play by children of less than 14 years of age. This is according to Dubai Municipality’s Public Health & Safety Department on guidelines for toy safety. Included in the guidelines is the fact that all toys and their parts should not be in a size that can be ingested or taken inside the nose or ears if they are intended for children of age 3 years or below.

In the labeling guidelines, the Health & Safety Department has, among others, included: “All toys should have labels showing the use of the toys and the possible dangers associated with its usage and the suitable age of the user.

All toys shall be provided with an adequate label specifying the minimum age of the intended users and the proper way of handling them, and that adult supervision is needed

while in use, as and when necessary.

All toys intended for use in the water shall be provided with instructions for the maximum water depth and that they shall be operated only under adult supervision.”

Toys for Toddlers These little people have now grown enough to have an idea of what they want. When it comes to playtime, and this pint-sized person wants a particular toy, saying no might possibly start a tsunami of tears that can be a challenge to control unless you give to the child what the child wants.

But how will you make sure the toy you give to your loved one is safe? Relying on the age limit label of the toy is one thing but this again is not a guarantee that your son or daughter will not get hurt.

With that in mind, this month we have listed a number of tips to consider when choosing toys for your toddler. >Age appropriate toys: The most important thing to consider when choosing toys is the child’s age. It would be impractical to buy a 3-yearold something like a chemistry set because all they'll most likely just ingest the contents. >Sharp edges: Toys with sharp edges are a disaster waiting to happen. Check the toy thoroughly before handing it over. >Small parts: Avoid toys with small parts that can easily be swallowed or stuck in the nose or ears; especially at this particular age when almost everything goes literally from hand to mouth without warning. >Painted toys: According to the Dubai Municipality Public Health & Safety Department, the chemical components

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in toys should not have bioavailability in excess. These chemicals include Chromium, lead, mercury, selenium and other toxic properties that require prior approval. >Electric toys: For this age, toys with mechanical intricacies are a big nono. According to WebMD, parents should not purchase electric toys for children under the age of 8 and should look for labels that give the safety recommendations. >Weight: If you are in the toyshop and see a particular toy that your child would love, pick it up and handle it first. If it seems too heavy for your little one in a way that it might cause injuries if it falls down, rather ignore it and move on. >Strings: Avoid toys with strings or cords longer than seven centimeters.

Long strings can become a deathtrap for a small child especially if they wrap it around the neck. >Sorting: Do not mix up toys for your children, especially if they are of different ages. Toys for older children, more often than not, pose a great danger to your toddling child. >Well-made toys: Try giving your toddler well-made toys. Buying or using second-hand toys could be hazardous. This is because some parts might be worn out or can snap off easily making it easier for the child to ingest or hurt themselves. >Soft stuffed toys: They seem like the best option for your toddler. But in some cases this might not be the case. When it comes to these kinds of toys, make sure that any buttons, magnets, batteries or loose threads are removed. >Supervision: Finally, never leave your child unsupervised playing or not.

Remember, prevention is better than cure.

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NEWS FLASH

EU bans raft of dangerous chemicals from toys Children's toys need to comply with a new Europe-wide ban on dozens of chemical substances scientists say could trigger cancer, harm fertility or unleash allergies, the European Commission said recently.

"Substances which are carcinogenic, mutagenic or toxic to reproduction as well as 55 allergenic fragrances are now banned from use in toys," the EU's executive arm said.

The new restrictions covering the 28-state single EU market, home to around 80 million children and the world's biggest barrier-free economy, complete a host of safety regulations brought in two years ago.

They also imposed labeling warnings for another 11 substances considered "potential allergens" and tightened limits for another 19 so-called metallic "heavy elements" such as lead or barium.

EU Industry Commissioner Antonio Tajani vowed that the Commission will not hesitate to bring forward further legislation as scientific assessments emerge.

History of toys

Pre-historic era The origin of toys is prehistoric.

They were used by ancient civilisations for entertainment and educational purposes.

While the origin of the word “toy” is unknown, it is believed that it was first used in the 14th century.

950-900 B.C. Ancient dolls represent infants, animals, and soldiers. An ancient Greek child’s toy was found in a tomb dating back to 950-900 B.C., now displayed in Kerameikos Archaeological Museum, Athens.

1830 The toy business started in the 1830s when steamboats and steam trains improved the transportation and distribution of manufactured goods. Charles Goodyear’s method for “vulcanizing” rubber created another medium for manufacturing balls, dolls, and squeeze toys.

1945 – 1959 Mattel began in 1945, as a garage workshop belonging to Harold Matson and Elliot Handler. The original Barbie was launched in March 1959.

1970 In the early 1970s, Pong, the first patented video game was a great hit. Nolan Bushnell created Pong along with a company named Atari. Pong debuted in arcades, and was soon ported to home units.

1980 Inventions in circuitry and miniaturisation in the early 1980’s produced handheld games, like Nintendo, a Japanese electronics company, which along with many others, moved into the video game market.

2000 - present Today there are computerised dolls that can recognise and identify objects, the voice of their owner, and choose among hundreds of pre-programmed phrases with which to respond.

-Toy history courtesy Playworld ME U

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fabulous mom & dad | safety

Home Safe Home The safest place for children – their home, could also potentially be one of the most dangerous.

These simple tips courtesy of coupled with a little bit of attention can make our homes the safest environment for our children.

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hildren can hurt themselves by falling from chairs, beds, steps or with sharp kitchen objects, playing with fire or unknowingly consuming chemicals or medicines. As adults and their caretakers, we need to ensure that they are kept safe from possible hazards. This starts in the bedroom.

Never place your infant to sleep on an adult bed, water bed or bunk bed.

Never place a crib near a window or window blind cords.

Secure bumper pads around the entire crib.

A blanket must never cover the face or the head of the baby.

Always lock the side rail in its raised position whenever you place your child in the crib.

Place the baby on their back using a firm tight-fitting mattress.

Ensure cribs are assembled properly, and that no parts are loose or broken.

Check all the hardware: nuts, bolts and screws frequently.

As soon as your child can stand up, adjust the mattress to its lowest position and remove the bumper pads.

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Teach your children to stay alert to what is going on around them.

They should always be in welllit, open areas where others can see them.

6 Ways to increase safety at home > Discard it

Throw away leftover garden chemicals and the like.

> Change it

Many children get hurt by falling from bunk beds, so put the toplevel bed down onto the floor so you have two low beds.

Make the child's outside play area a long way from the driveway.

> Block it

Put medicines and cleaning chemicals out of the reach of children.

Always take the keys out of the car.

> Protect it

Children should not talk to strangers.

Make sure your child wears a helmet when riding a bike, or wrist and knee protectors when skating.

Use sun-protecting clothes and sunscreen.

> Practice it

Children learn from what you do.

If you are careful at home, they will be too.

> Stop it

If they are doing something you think is dangerous, stop them.

Pick them up instantly.

If you are far from them, shout something very simple, very loudly, like STOP! Don't use more words, you need them to concentrate on stopping.

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It is always better that children never walk or play alone outside.

Crossing the Road

Tell your child not to cross where they can't see far along the road.

It can be hard for motorists to see small children, especially when they are reversing, so take extra care. Never let your child go near a road alone or even with an older child. Children are generally not ready to cross roads on their own until they are at least eight years old - and many will not be ready even then.

Tell your child that it's safest to cross at a pedestrian crossing or a crossing patrol.

Always set a good example by choosing a safe place to cross and explain what you're doing.

Hold your child's hand – don't let them run ahead.

When it's safe to cross, walk straight across the road and keep looking and listening out for traffic.

Safety in the UAE set out to try and understand the level of awareness and the practices of parents regarding child safety at home and vehicle (traffic safety).

The resulting report included the findings from the Quantitative study

conducted by Nielsen UAE. This is what they found: The UAE has the highest rate of road deaths per capita in the world, and traffic collisions are the number one cause of child death in the country.

Only 1 of 3 parents practice child safety inside the car.

97% parents are aware of child car safety regulations, yet only 1 out of 2 parents use a child car seat thinking it is not important.

Falling is the topmost hazard to child safety that parents are aware of.

9 out of 10 parents take precautionary measures at home. U

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fabulous mom & dad | for the father

Daddy’s Girl

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“Fathers be good to your daughters, they will love like you do.” – From the song Daughters by John Mayer. ne night, when I was still a preteen, I was woken up by a very odd sound, something like paper being scratched. Suddenly the sound stopped and I heard a dull thump as if something had fallen onto the carpet.

Slightly perplexed, and very drowsily I switched on my bedside light and examined the corner I heard the sound coming from. Squinting while my eyes adjusted, I caught a glimpse of something long and black with antennae sprouting from its body.

Much emphasis is put on the need for boys to have a strong father figure in their lives. What’s often missing from the conversation is the importance of a father in a daughter’s life as well. Christine Grové explores the fact that no matter what you do, you will be a hero in the eyes of your child.

Having grown up in South Africa, where creepy crawlies can grow up to alarming sizes, I knew there was no need for further inspection. I launched myself from my bed, flung open the door and tore down the passage in the direction of my parents’ bedroom.

Petrified, I woke my dad, and without a question he marched straight to my room to investigate. I heard him doing battle with the monster and he came out triumphant, announcing that it had been a poisonous centipede, and that the danger was gone.

Once again, as he had done many times before and would do in the future, he had saved the day. To me my father was indestructible, a hero of no measure. His word was law, even through my teenage years, even if I didn’t like it, I wouldn’t dare cross him.

Not because I was afraid of what he might do, but because I respected him.

My worst fear, still to this day, is to in some way disappoint him.

As I’m sure any father with daughters would know, there is a primal need to protect his offspring, especially if they are female. In turn, girls have an inherent need to feel protected and loved. This starts with the relationship she has with her father. The problem is when she doesn’t find that protection or love in her father figure, more often

than not, she will go in search for it elsewhere.

Family psychology experts say that from infancy, girls draw conclusions about what men are like from the men in their lives. Her father (or a male in her life who takes the father role) becomes her guidepost for what to expect of men and what to expect of men’s attitude toward women.

A father's attitudes hold more influence over his daughter's behaviour than her mother’s.”

Equal values I am one of the lucky ones. I came from a stable home, where my parents are still together and my father made sure to raise me with all the love in the world. We were stable financially but he didn’t spoil me to a point where I now do not know how look after myself. I was taught how to be independent, hardworking and ambitious.

Studies have shown that fathers who do household chores and have egalitarian views about gender have daughters with higher career ambitions than less egalitarian fathers do. This is according to researcher Toni Schmader, a psychologist at the University of British Columbia.

"Dads who are more balanced have girls who are just as likely to play with Transformers as Barbie dolls," Schmader said.

Schmader and her team recruited more than 360 elementary school children and at least one parent of each child to respond to questions about gender

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stereotypes and, for parents, division of household labour.

Among the participants, mothers were found to take on the majority of the household work compared to the men, and a woman's attitude toward gender roles was often reflected in her child. But the researchers found that a father's attitudes held more influence over his daughter's behaviour.

More egalitarian men were found to have daughters who had broader, less gendered interests. Also, dads who pitched in around the house had daughters whose behaviour were less stereotypically “girly”.

Voice in her head My father always taught me to think for myself, be kind, be fair, be honest and question everything. These key values lie with me in my adult life and steer the way I think and behave.

Swedish researchers say that active father figures have a crucial role to play in reducing psychological problems in young women, according to a review published in a 2008 issue of Acta Paediatrica.

The review looked at 24 papers published between 1987 and 2007, covering 22,300 individual sets of data from 16 studies. They included major ongoing research from the USA and UK, together with smaller studies from Sweden and the Middle East.

"Our detailed 20-year review shows that overall, children reap positive benefits if they have active and regular engagement with a father figure" says Dr Anna Sarkadi from the Department of Women's and Children's Health at Uppsala University, Sweden.

"For example, we found various studies that showed that children who had positively involved father figures

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were less likely to smoke and get into trouble with the police, achieved better levels of education and developed good friendships with children of both sexes.

"Long-term benefits included women who had better relationships with their partners and a greater sense of mental and physical well-being at the age of 33 if they had a good relationship with their father at 16," said Sarkadi.

Father figure I can safely say that my father influenced the way I’ve always gone about my relationships. Always looking for someone that would amount to his expectations, and had a similar outlook on life and values as he did.

Marie Hartwell-Walker, a family therapist in the US writes that children really do learn what they live. Not having the perspective of older people, they consider whatever their family is like as their “normal.”

A father’s relationship to her mother or his significant other is her template for what her relationship with a man will be when she grows up. Those early learnings are powerful.

At each stage of her development, she is watching and learning from the women — and men — around her to figure out how to be successful as a woman and how to be in a relationship with a man.

When that learning is positive and helpful for negotiating the world, a daughter will grow up to be at ease in her own skin.

When it is conflicted or creates expectations that are demeaning or less than useful for cooperating with others, her relationship with herself, with other women, and with men will be troubled.

My father recently sent this to me, with a message saying:

Look what I found while sorting through some old papers, it makes my heart melt. Love Dad. It was a poem I had written for school in my teenage years. I don't remember writing it, but it clearly demostrates the impact that my dad had on me throughout my life.

Be the hero

(courtesy of www.psychcentral.com) What all this means for a father or father figure is that he counts. He counts a lot. Regardless of whether he wants the responsibility, a father’s relationship to the world and to women sets down a template that will be played out for another generation. Men who take their job as a father of a daughter seriously are men who know the importance of these following basic principles: Love her mother and treat women with respect: Theodore M. Hesburgh, a former president of Notre Dame University, is quoted as saying that this is the most important thing a man can do. Treat all adult women

the way you want your daughter to be treated someday. Don’t indulge in mother-in-law or other sexist jokes. Your daughter is listening.

Your attitude about women is part of the attitude she is developing about herself. Be the kind of man you want your daughter to marry.

Instil safety: The best measure to protect your daughter from harm or abuse is to teach her about privacy, modesty, and appropriate boundaries. Fathers model where the lines are between appropriate affection and inappropriate touch.

Celebrate her mind: Read to your little girl. Be interested in what she is learning in school. Pay attention to her interests and be honestly curious to learn what she knows

about them. Share interesting things about your work and your hobbies.

Go to her events: Girls with a solid sense of self are often their daddy’s buddy when growing up. You may find you have real interest in girls’ basketball or musical theatre when it’s your daughter on the team or in the show. If you don’t, give yourself a pep talk and go anyway. She needs you there as a witness to her talents, her efforts, and her achievements.

Tell her she’s pretty: Admire her style. We live in a culture where girls are often insecure about their looks. A dad’s compliments for how she moves on a sports field, dresses for school, or combs her hair aren’t sexist when they’re sincere and not sexual. U

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fabulous mom & dad | for the mother

Sharing i 40

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s Caring When it comes to getting preschoolers to share their toys, give them an advanced choice to share rather than a reward.

Experts say that this will have them sharing more with their friends in the future.

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or children to interact and cooperate, they need to learn how to share. This is a vital instrumental life skill that if nurtured well, can play a big part in preparing these young ones for their future endeavors.

A family friend visits you and your three-year-old at home. While you are catching up with your mummy-friend, a tussle starts between your child and that of your friend. Reason for the tussle? Your child does not want to share his toys. Sometimes it can be embarrassing while at other times you can decide to sort out the situation by maybe bribing your child - "Share and a you'll get a sweet!"

According to experts, this is not the way to go about it. Recent research has shown that this idea - as described by the “over-justification effect” explains why rewarding children for sharing can backfire.

Sharing when given a difficult choice leads children to see themselves in a

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new, more charitable light, researchers say. Perceiving themselves as people who actually like to share makes them more likely to act in a pro-social manner in the future.

According to the research, some of the children involved in the study came to perceive themselves as people who don't like to share since they had to be rewarded for doing so.

Because they don't view themselves as "sharers," they are less likely to share in the future. In addition, making difficult choices allows children to discover something important about themselves.

In one experiment on sharing, researchers Nadia Chernyak and Tamar Kushnir introduced children to Doggie, a puppet who was feeling sad. Some of the children were given a difficult choice: share a precious sticker with Doggie, or keep it for themselves.

Other children were given an easier choice between sharing and putting the sticker away, while children in a third group were instructed to share.

Later on, all the children were introduced to Ellie, another sad puppet. They were given the option of how many stickers to share. The kids who'd earlier made the choice to help Doggie shared more stickers with Ellie.

The children who were initially confronted with an easy choice or who were required to give their sticker to Doggie, however, shared fewer stickers with Ellie.

"You might imagine that making difficult, costly choices is taxing for young children or even that once children share, they don't feel the need to do so again," Chernyak said. "But this wasn't the case: Once children made a difficult decision to give up something for someone else, they were more generous, not less, later on."

"Allowing children to make more difficult choices may influence their sharing behaviour by teaching them greater lessons about their abilities, preferences, and intentions towards others." U

theme of the month |breast cancer awareness

Pink Positive In honour of Breast Cancer Awareness month, has gone in search of answers. It’s all good and well to wear your pink ribbon in October, but we often forget to educate ourselves the other 11 months of the year. It’s important to know what to look out for and, preferably, how to lower the risks. By Christine Grové

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October 2013

The Survivor Tara Farrell had always been very aware of breast cancer. She had witnessed first-hand how her mother and grandmother had suffered and died from the disease. Her mother was 26 when she died. Still, she never thought that it would affect her personally.

Tara was born in Corona, a small town in southern California. She moved to Kentucky as a small child and was raised by her maternal grandparents after her mother passed away. At 29 she moved to Sacramento to pursue a successful job and bought her first house for her and her Yorkshire terriers.

I was more afraid of losing my identity, because I have always been a very busty person.

To go from that to having nothing.

But, as my doctor said, I was making a choice to save my life.”

It all changed in 2011 when Tara had gone snow-boarding in Lake Tahoe, California for her 33rd birthday. Just as she thought that she could do a Black Diamond Run (a more difficult hill than usual) she took quite a hard spill down the middle of the mountain and hurt her shoulder, so she immediately returned home and went to see her primary care physician. “Mind you, I have had this doctor for about five years and I have never actually seen my doctor. It has always just been a nurse practitioner tending to me on his behalf, but this day was my lucky day.”

The doctor took his time going through Tara’s medical charts and asked questions. It was then that he noticed that both her mother and grandmother had died of breast cancer. “The doctor asked me if I have ever had a mammogram, I said no. I was 33, why would I?” Tara’s doctor immediately sent her to get a mammogram as well as BRCA testing (the gene for breast cancer) and an ultrasound. “At this point I had forgotten all about my shoulder - which was fine, by the way. The next two weeks were the longest of my life." She found out that she had calcification,

and three tumours on her left breast, and also tested positive for BRCA. With this news Tara’s doctor scheduled her for a radical bi-lateral mastectomy.

“He thought I was a ticking time bomb for worse things. I never knew!”

“I was 33 and at a peak in my career.

I didn’t think that this could happen to me, especially at my age. I went through a little denial,” she says. Tara searched the internet for support and found several web pages that offered support for breast cancer patients.

She also relied on her tight-knit group of friends in California, as Tara’s family were living in Kentucky at the time of her diagnosis.

“I was more afraid of losing my identity, because I have always been a very busty person. To go from that to having nothing. But, as my doctor said, I was making a choice to save my life.”

It was a mere six weeks from the time of going to the doctor to the time of undergoing her mastectomy.

She made sure to see three different doctors to get alternative opinions and even went to the Mayo Clinic in Arizona which, among others, specialises in cancer treatment. The answer was clear. Her only option to entirely eliminate the threat was to have her breasts removed.

“I was too young to have the issues already starting and being BRCA positive also made me more susceptible to getting ovarian cancer as well. Luckily, because I had caught it early enough, I didn’t need to undergo chemotherapy treatment.”

She decided to go through with the surgery. “I know science has come a long way. I knew it was the right thing to do because I want a family of my own someday, and I want to be there for them. I also knew that I could get reconstruction done to bring me back

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to where I can look and feel like a woman again.”

For a few months after the surgery, Tara went through a mild depression, but after she started to heal, so did her spirits. She is currently living in Louisville Kentucky to undergo her last reconstruction surgery. “I even opted for a smaller size than I originally had because I am so active and love to run.”

“I took 15 weeks off from work and took that time to reflect on things that were important to me. Before, I was career minded, and now I try not to work all hours of the day, I make time for my friends and found love. Emotional and spiritual.”

“I think the best advice I could give to anyone facing these issues, is to take your time, stay positive, and interview your doctors, surgeons, plastic surgeons, and oncologists. You will be spending a lot of time with them, so you better make sure you like them. I personally interviewed mine and went with who I felt had my best interest at heart.”

“I never thought ‘ME’. Especially at such an early age. I would always feel my breasts in the shower for lumps but I don’t think I really knew what to look for. I think we should educate ourselves earlier about this, and should know to go for mammograms as early as our twenties.”

“This experience has completely changed me. I now take time for all the things that should matter, my loved ones, my dogs, and just getting my life back on track. I don’t take the little things for granted, life is precious.

I want to be surrounded by positive people and challenge myself more – I plan on running my first marathon on 12 October. I am excited to have this chapter of my life closed. I am looking forward to my next chapter.”

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Tara plans on moving back to Dubai to be with her long term boyfriend at the end of October.

“We want to get married soon. I am so happy that I am in a committed relationship with a great man who sees me for who I am and all I have been through as a testament of how strong of a woman I am and can be.”

He asked me if I have ever had a mammogram, I said no. I was 33, why would I?”

The Scientists

Dr Abdul Hamzeh is the Senior Scientific Coordinator at the Centre for Arab Genomic Studies (CAGS). CAGS works with many medical institutions and organisations as well as universities in the UAE and Arab countries. He told all about the research that is being done on breast cancer in the UAE.

What studies are you doing and what research is being done in the Middle East on breast cancer?

Generally speaking there are two main types of studies in this context.

First, molecular epidemiology, which involves scanning tumour samples from breast cancer patients in the country and characterising these tumours. This is effective, not only to classify them to understand or predict their behaviour and give the patients some prognosis, but also to be able to target characteristic molecules of cancer cells with therapeutics – which is vital for the treatment process.

These characteristics depend heavily on the genetic make-up of a particular population.

Secondly, there are studies performing general scanning of incidence and survival rates in the country. Studies about breast cancer have been done in countries such as Kuwait, Bahrain, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Oman, as well as Syria and Tunisia. Both kinds of studies feature clearly in CAGS' database for cataloguing genetic disorders in Arabs; the CTGA database

How is the research here compared to the rest of the world?

All research is never-ending. There is still a lot to be done because there are many huge gaps in our knowledge regarding breast cancer, and there are so many Arab countries that we don’t have any data from. I think we are behind in this field and that needs to be rectified. We need to target these knowledge gaps, and fund research and then move onto more specific research on molecular mechanisms underlying these tumours.

Are their different causes here in the Middle East as opposed to the rest of the world?

Like any cancer, the causes are very complex and include genetic and environmental factors. And when we say environmental, it’s a lot to do with the lifestyle. Risk factors for breast cancer include early menarche and low parity, as well as delaying child bearing. Also the genetic factors that manifest themselves in hereditary breast cancer, also play an important role such as mutations affecting the genes BRCA1 and BRCA2.

What is the number of sufferers?

Has the number grown?

To be able to get an idea of how many sufferers there are in the Middle East, we can consider certain parameters such as the Age Standardised Rate (ASR). ASR expresses the number of sufferers for every 100,000 people.

For example Bahrain has the highest recorded ASR; 46 per 100,000. It is less in Qatar and Kuwait – but still quite high. A much lower ASR for breast cancer was recorded in Oman; 14 per 100,000. In general the numbers in the Middle East are less than these

reported in the US and Western Europe. According to incidence reports from Tawam hospital, the numbers of cases of breast cancer patients from the hospital have increased from about 300 to 400 between 2008 and 2011. However, many say that this is because of better detection, so it is not necessarily bad news.

Risk factors include early menarche and low parity, as well as delaying child bearing."

Has any notable progress been made in treatment of the cancer in recent years?

Most progress is related to new findings regarding the molecules that are expressed in the tumour cells. There are many experimental treatments now that make use of these advances in molecular biology of cancer cells – which can lead to better targeting of cancer cells with less side effects. But many of them are still in trial phases.

What are the common age groups of sufferers in the UAE? From the research in Tawam Hospital the common age for breast cancer in this region is 40 – 49 which is younger than the international reported age.

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The Surgeons fuzzy headed and has a hard time concentrating and paying attention.

The main thing is for everyone to stay positive, encourage her and keep her spirits up. Talk and share stories and in the end just be there for her. This is the time when the family needs to focus on her the most. With support and love from her family it will make the journey of beating breast cancer so much more possible.

Is treatment painful?

Both Dr Jennifer Kasirsky (Specialist OB/GYN) and Dr Mikhael Fadi (Consultant Oncologist), from the Mediclinic Welcare Hospital, spoke to about their experiences treating breast cancer.

Take us through a typical process – from diagnosing a patient to (hopefully) recovery.

Breast cancer is discovered one of two ways: either by palpating a lump or by mammogram findings. If a lump is found a patient will have a diagnostic mammogram and possible ultrasound.

Either way a biopsy is done – usually a fine needle biopsy done under radiologic guidance. Once the biopsy is done and the results are known, a patient will sit with her doctor to discuss further management.

Further management is usually done by a surgeon. Here in the UAE we are lucky to have surgeons who specialise in the breast only, this is who I send my patients to – not a general surgeon.

Also at this time a patient may see an oncologist to discuss her course of treatment, mastectomy (removal of all or part of the breast and chest wall) versus lumpectomy (removal of the cancer only) and the decision about lymph gland removal or sampling is

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Start getting mammograms 10 years before the age your relative was first diagnosed." made. The oncologist may recommend pre-treatment with radiation to shrink the cancer as well. If the patient is having a mastectomy there is the decision about timing and method of breast reconstruction that has to be made as well. Finally after the surgery is done, there is the decision about adjuvant therapy with radiation and or chemotherapy is made after all the tests are done on the tissue removed during surgery.

What is the role of the woman’s family? Does it usually constitute a drastic change in lifestyle?

Family should be supportive. They need to realise that radiation therapy will make a woman exhausted and chemo may make her sick with hair loss but little known is that she may have “chemo brain” where she feels

Radiation can make a woman’s breast hard and painful in the beginning, however pain will progressively reduce and disappear. Chemo can make you sick but we have very good treatment to help with these symptoms. These days’ chemo side effects are tolerated much better than 10 to 15 years ago, due to new products in the market and the development of new target agents that are less toxic.

How long does treatment take?

It really depends case by case but you can look on average of six months.

What treatments are available?

Surgery, Chemotherapy, Radiation, Hormone Therapy and Targeted Therapy.

Do many women opt for breast augmentation after mastectomies?

This is a very personal decision, the patient will discuss these options with her breast surgeon and possibly her plastic surgeon.

Is it advised for healthy women to have a mastectomy purely for the prevention of breast cancer?

This is a very big decision and not indicated in all cases, it requires genetic testing to look for the Onco gene, BRCA 1 and 2 genes and then they need to go for genetic counselling.

What are the chances of the condition reoccurring?

Symptoms of Breast Cancer

This depends on the time and stage of diagnosis, stage 1 has less chance of recurrence than stage 3.

Do you feel like there is sufficient awareness of the condition, and that patients are clued up about it?

Women in the UAE are aware of breast cancer but not well informed about the need for mammography or selfexamination.

Did you know a mammogram can detect breast cancer 2 years before a woman can feel a lump? A sonomammo is recommended for woman over the age of 40 or woman who are at risk from 35 years (first degree relative).

We need to educate woman more about the importance of selfexamination, only you will know when something has changed or that something is there that is not usually there. Get to know your body, this is the first step to prevention it only takes a few minutes each month to ensure you stay healthy.

Axillary Lymph nodes

Lump Veins

What tips can you give to women to prevent, or to lower the risks?

Have an ideal body weight by eating well and exercising, stop smoking and get a mammogram if you are over the age of 40 or if you have a first degree relative with breast cancer (mother or sister) start getting mammograms 10 years before the age your relative was first diagnosed with breast cancer.

For example if your mom was 42 when she was diagnosed with breast cancer, you should start mammograms at 32.

Women are also at risk if they have a genetic predisposal, are obese, an increase of carbs or sugar, if they have not breastfed or haven’t had children.

Inverted nipple Discharge

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The Support

The BurJuman Safe and Sound 2013 campaign is one of the largest breast cancer awareness campaigns in the Middle East. Launched in 1997, the campaign’s key message is of survival through early detection and treatment and it focuses on educating the community on risk factors and the importance of early detection through regular check-ups.

Its partnership with the community enables the campaign to further spread the message of early detection amongst thousands of women and men across the UAE, in a manner that is relevant to them. The BurJuman Safe and Sound Campaign is held during the International Breast Cancer Awareness Month (October) to reinforce and spread the message of the month: “Early Detection Helps Save Lives”. The month of October is therefore the highlight of the yearlong campaign..

Every weekend of October, a dedicated event takes place at the mall to raise further awareness...

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Pink Book Sale – 11 October at BurJuman This is an opportunity for people to support the campaign by picking up their favourite titles from a vast collection of eclectic topics, from fiction and biography to science and children’s books. Over 100, 000 books will be on sale, collected and donated throughout the year by book lovers, readers and supporters of the campaign, and with prices starting at AED 5 the sale is an easy way to contribute to the effort while satiating one’s thirst for knowledge. All funds collected in the sale go towards raising further awareness about breast cancer.

Cakes for a Cause – 24 October At Cakes for a Cause, participating chefs, hotels and bakeries offer their confectionaries to the public to buy and enjoy. Introduced into the campaign in 2011, the cake sale has become hugely popular.

BurJuman Pink Walkathon – 1 November To be held at Dubai’s Zabeel Park, this annual charitable, 2km long walk is the signature feature of the campaign.

Aimed at raising awareness for breast cancer, the annual walk is an extraordinary morning gathering for the community to support the fight against the disease. More than 13,000 people participated in the event in 2012, showing their solidarity.

A plethora of entertainment activities and musical gigs take place before and after the walk, which provide for an enjoyable morning for everyone.

An entire gaming area is dedicated to fun activities for children, and kids also enjoy arts and crafts sessions as well as free face painting.

The last edition of the event included a stage DJ, a live band, a Hip Hop dance troupe, a flea market called Pink Bazaar, a spirited Pink Party in the park’s Arena area until 12pm and numerous food stalls serving up a variety of goodies until 1.30pm to satisfy the post walk hunger pangs.

This year, the BurJuman Pink Walkathon starts at 8:30am from the Zabeel Park’s Area A, Gate 1, with registrations beginning from 7am at the venue. Pre-registrations start from early October at BurJuman. U

FAMILY COMES FIRST GET CHECKED FOR BREAST CANCER NOW Breast cancer can be cured. Early detection increases your chances of recovery and means you get to live your life to the fullest with the ones you love. All it takes is a few minutes: a mammogram is a fast and easy way to give you and your family peace of mind.

During October, Mediclinic Welcare Hospital is offering a 50% discount on mammograms for women over 40.

For more information and appointments, call 04 213 7294 or 04 213 7295

EXPERTISE YOU CAN TRUST. UAE • SOUTH AFRICA • NAMIBIA • SWITZERLAND www.mediclinic.ae

MOH 2308-2-10-31-10-13 Ad approval covers facility in UAE only

fabulous trending | design

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remember when I was younger, my mother had a fancy Persian carpet in the lounge with long white tassels that she lovingly combed perfectly straight every day. Anyone who came near the carpet was met with a sharp warning “Don’t step on the tassels!” To this day I still lift my feet abnormally high when I step onto any rug I come across.

Ana Castro

Laura Vidal

Remember that room in your mother’s house? You know, the one the kids were forbidden from setting foot in? Today, family living has a far greater need for design that is functional, inviting and most importantly, kid-friendly. By Christine Grové

The reality is that in today’s fastpaced metropolitan life, the family unit is far more active, and of course, living with kids is a whole different story. You don’t want to have spaces that are out-of-bounds anymore, but on the other hand, you’re not willing to live in a home that looks like a crèche. The solution is to find common ground. A comfortable, attractive and even sophisticated abode that can withstand just about everything kids dish out. Tastes have developed into a need for open-plan living spaces with focus on functionality and simple style.

When designing your family home, concentrate on longevity, and think about your personal taste, rather than the fashion trends. If you insist on being fashionable however, a good way to achieve this is to keep the big things neutral and emphasise with smaller distinct accent pieces that can be changed easily.

This month, umuma caught up with Dubai’s dynamic design duo from Creating Homes to find out how to achieve just this.

Creating Homes is an interior design establishment that was born in Barcelona in 1972 as “Studi Cuina”.

Following its growth and expansion during the 90s, opening several showrooms in Barcelona, Laura Vidal and Ana Castro expanded to the UAE opening a new studio based in Dubai –

Creating Homes. “We believe that good design improves your quality of life, therefore we try to create open-plan spaces full of light, connecting to each other,” says Ana Castro co-founder of Creating Homes.

umuma: What are the current trends in interior design at the moment?

Ana Castro: Interior design and

architecture are subjects that have a life of their own. By this I mean that, away from the seasonal fashion industry which sets new colours, patterns and styles every three months, an interior design project has more to do with a client’s character and personality rather than trends.

We try to materialise the client’s taste and personality by creating an environment that they feel connected to. When designing a project you have to think ahead, not relating yourself to ephemeral moments but projecting the use of the space in its everyday life.

umuma: How do you go about designing a child's room while keeping it easy to change with time as they get older?

Ana Castro: Designing a child's room

is always a hard task, as we all know kids keep changing their minds so one of the major keys is to design a flexible and resilient space.

Taking as granted that the environment will be volatile, we should try to define the background as neutral as possible.

For example, a white core, fixed furniture will allow you to play with colourful walls, loose furniture, lighting and stickers. This will allow you to pass from a kid’s room into a teenager’s, just by changing the details.

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fabulous trending | design

umuma: What are some common design challenges and how do you overcome them?

Ana Castro: The most common

challenge is how to develop a qualityoriented design project within a client’s budget. Money is always a concern when elaborating a project and it has a direct impact everywhere, from the materials to the man power applied.

Our internal policy is not to drop the quality, by this I mean that we prefer to do less and do it wisely. We encourage our clients to think longterm investments, choosing better quality materials that will provide them a longer durability, rather than go for cheap options that create the illusion of stretching their budget.

“Less is more” as Mies Van der Rohe quoted.

umuma: What is your personal style?

Ana Castro: I would say I'm an eclectic person. After having an internationally-raised experience it has influenced my taste and an overall perspective.

Synthetizing it I could say that I would choose a minimalist background with a touch of personalised items, like art sculptures, canvas, antiques, quirky fabrics I have collected from around the world and loose pieces that bring a history with them.

umuma: Where do you draw inspiration from?

umuma: What has been one of your favourite projects to date?

Ana Castro: A bit of a cliché, it is

Ana Castro: One of the most

fair enough to say that inspiration

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is everywhere, from what you see, to what you read and the music you listen to. It's not like you can isolate yourself for an hour and say "now I'm going to get inspired".Everything in your life can be inspiring, it's just your point of view that makes it unique.

October 2013

pleasant and challenging projects we

have faced was to convert a traditional Arabic villa into an open New York style loft. By knocking out all the block-work walls we left only the main architectural structure of the house standing.

We connected the spaces with each other and tried overflow them with as much light as possible. The end result was a fresh and open villa designed to the last detail, from bespoke furniture to an inviting outdoor area. This project was awarded the International Property Awards – Interior Design private Villa award.

umuma: What projects are you working on currently?

Ana Castro: At the moment we

are doing three big villas (around 600 square metres each), a fashion retail space and an office in the Downtown area.

We also have our own product design brand, VIKA, where we experiment with different concepts of furniture.

Tips for a fabulous family-friendly home

Courtesy of Leah Hennen from HGTV.com

> Find a balance.

A room that looks beautiful but doesn't take into account the demands of everyday family life will quickly be destroyed or end up like Grandma's stuffy no-go zone. Incorporate a decorating style that will stand up to sibling food fights, vomiting babies, indoor hockey matches, incontinent pets and slobby spouses.

> Don't wait to decorate.

Many families hold off on decorating until their children are older, making do with ratty firsttime furniture for years after its expiration date because you feel like

the kids will just destroy anything else. But even the youngest children benefit from living amid beautiful objects; they grow to appreciate and respect them.

> Involve the little ones.

Get the kids involved in the process, asking what they'd like to see in a room you're redecorating or letting them weigh in on a few pre-screened paint colours or fabric samples. They may even feel enough ownership to think twice before kicking off their muddy boots onto the rug they helped select.

> Go for a no-fuss look.

A clean-lined but casual and comfortable look is the way to go. Well-loved vintage items and contemporary pieces with a slightly weathered look survive kids more readily than precious antiques or

pristine new items, and a softly layered, slightly boho look melds well with the happy chaos of family life. Whatever decorating style you choose, though, low-maintenance is a must.

> Don't be afraid.

Forget the white silk couch.

Instead, opt for vibrant colour, a bit of pattern or touchable texture.

These all help to camouflage the inevitable spills, fingerprints and other mishaps — and not just on furniture but on walls and floors as well. The day your toddler overturns a bottle of neon-hued juice on the living room rug, you'll be glad you chose a rug with a dark colour and a rich pattern.

> Don't scrimp on furniture.

Make no mistake: That cushy new reading chair will, in fact, be

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used as trampoline. It may seem paradoxical, but when you have children, it makes sense to buy the best-made furniture you can afford.

Look for heavy, solid furnishings constructed with kiln-dried hardwood that's been screwed, glued and corner-blocked.

> Make space for the kids.

Carve out areas in common rooms for children to do the things they enjoy. Leave an open area for your junior gymnast to practice her cartwheels, a cosy nook for your bookworm to curl up with his

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favourite story or a centrally located work table for your budding artist.

And remember, when there are things children are encouraged to touch, they'll be less tempted to get into stuff they're not.

> Incorporate savvy storage.

Clutter is an unavoidable part of family life, but that doesn't mean it has to take over your home. Make storage a design element by tucking commodious baskets into empty corners and sliding attractive boxes into open shelves. Choose a doubletiered coffee table that can hold toy baskets on the bottom shelf, or

opt for a table with drawers. Store board games in an antique chest that doubles as a table. Add lift-up storage under window seats or in the form of storage cubes.

> Prepare for minor disasters.

No matter how carefully you select furniture and finishes and set up rooms to avoid mishaps, when kids are in the mix, accidents will happen. So stash wipes and stain removers in key spots around the house and place a protective table pad on that antique dining table.

Remember to laugh and ease up – life with kids is what makes it fun!U

fabulous trending | fashion

Le Petit Cirque Images by Chapman's Photography

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The embodiment of every little girl’s dream wardrobe, Tutu Du Monde’s is a high-end girls’ clothing brand that is renowned for its exquisitely hand-dyed and hand-beaded dresses, capes and accessories.

Tutu du Monde creations get better with age and wear, with slight fading and fraying edges adding to their whimsical vintage charm.

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The latest collection is crafted from natural materials – soft cotton, fine tulle, pure silk, with breathtaking embellishments from delicate beading, silk ribbons, sparkly sequins, crystals and wisps of delicate feathers.

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Tutu Du Monde is available from Lollypop Little in Dubai Mall; Luxelittle.com the Dubaibased online shop; Harvey Nichols Kuwait, Saudi Arabia; and Cookie Dough Kuwait, Beirut. Exclusively distributed by RICOCHE in the Middle East.

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fabulous trending | beauty

Arabian Aromas Middle Eastern influences dominate fragrances this season r leathe , d o o s Oud w c note i l a m i and an tars of the es are th rld this o w e perfum Traditionally n. seaso ed with at associ le East, idd the M n fragrance ea n Europ ve bee a h s e ith hous ting w m n e m i exper se war e h t g creatin ic scents. ot and ex

Damask & Oud

by Hugo Boss Hugo Boss has just released its Damask & Oud eau de toilette through its luxury menswear label, BOSS The Collection. Available only in an exclusive set of department stores, the fragrance is based on fine and rare essences including white pepper, saffron, rose, oud wood, guaiac wood and papyrus.

Myrrhe Impériale by Armani Privé Giorgio Armani pays homage to the Middle East in fragrance through the 1001 Nights collection, named for the folk tales of the Islamic Golden Age. Unlike its predecessor Oud Royal, released in 2012, the latest fragrance is not based on this year's star essence but contains a masterful combination of other signature Middle Eastern notes, including benzoin, myrrh, pink pepper and saffron.

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ose R b m Rolf o b & r e r o w t o Fl y Vik b n o i s o sued a Expl have is ume, s r e n perf desig

tch 005 ud ous Du eir popular 2 dated with o m a f e h h p t T u f e n o s e o n e bR sb rsio new ve mb, which ha e Flowerbom essence, y o m d b a o r n o e e th and nt w Flow urkish f d bears of the fragra T n f a o d g o in o p ir wo t o t a s r p n ideal lex bu ion. O Explos me layers an s and a comp atchouli fu solute mine, p the per rose ab t, saffron, jas n a c c o Mor gamo rin, ber manda er notes. b and am

Valentina Oud Assoluto by Valentino The Italian couture brand called upon world famous nose Olivier Cresp to concoct a new version of its signature feminine fragrance, Valentina, with a Middle Eastern twist. The new eau de toilette is based on an alliance of orange blossom and oud wood, with notes of cardamom, Bulgarian rose, leather, saffron and dry wood.

Musk Oud by Kilian One of the first European perfumers to draw inspiration from Middle Eastern traditions, Kilian presented the first fragrance from its Arabian Nights collection in 2010. Today, the line consists of five fragrances, all with oud wood at their core, and the latest essence from the line is Musk Oud. On the nose you will find an intoxicating blend of lemon and mandarin notes, complemented by spicy cardamom and coriander, all over a base of sensual oud wood.

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fabulous trending |beauty

Vibrant Vibes Beauty starts with skincare and feeling relaxed.

This season's latest skincare and beauty product releases, boast vibrance, good will as well as rejuvenation.

Scent of a Woman

International skincare brand Jergens® has just launched a new range of moisturising creams, specially formulated for long-lasting hydration, deep conditioning and visibly healthier-looking skin. But what’s even better is that they are available in four captivating fragrances including Enriching Shea Butter, Softening Musk, Hydrating Coconut Milk and Soothing Aloe Vera. Each cream has been designed to hydrate and nourish different skin types thanks to its fast-absorbing formula. Available at major retailers for around AED 13.90 for 250ml and AED 9.75 for a 100ml.

Nailed it!

Pink with a Purpose

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In honour of this month’s awareness theme, let your generosity shine with this exclusive shade of Clinique Chubby Stick Moisturising Lip Colour Balm that comes with a pretty pink carrying case embellished with a heart-shaped charm puller and Pink Ribbon.

15% of the retail price will go to Brest Friends, Breast Cancer Arabia and Zahra Breast Cancer Association; and 10% will go to The Breast Cancer Research Foundation. Visit www. bcrfcure.org for more information. Available at Debenhams for AED 97.

This season the Los Angeles-based nail innovators, ncLA, bring four new haute couture lacquers with their line North of Sunset. AED 70 each The ncLA nail lacquers can be found in three forms; pastels, cremes and glitters. The formula is never tested on animals.

Baby barb When caring for a child’s hair, JOHNSON'S® Baby knows best that safety and gentleness are paramount. That’s why the new range, developed under the supervision of paediatricians, is clinically proven to be mild and has the well-known NO MORE TEARS® formula that is as gentle to the eyes as pure water.

Developed for thick or wavy, curly hair, the NO MORE TANGLES® range of shampoo and conditioners has an effective conditioning formula which helps unlock knots and tangles, softens hair and makes it easy to comb – wet or dry, leaving the hair of your little one beautifully soft and increasingly more manageable.

Fountain of Youth Sqoom is the ONLY device in the WORLD that works under the skin and can actually be used as an alternative to botox. The Sqoom treatment is organic with no preservatives. In just three steps using two treatments per week for four weeks, followed by once a week treatment to maintain the results, you can achieve the desired treatment in the comfort of your own home. The Sqoom starter kit includes the Sqoom device, charging dock, detachable charging wire with plug, travel case, Hya gel, cleanser gel and anti-aging cream. Available from www.citrusstv.com for AED 3,861.

Earth Child Relieve your feet of stress and summer skin woes with CND’s Raw Earth pedicure products.

Inspired by the healing properties of the Sedona desert in Arizona, the collection features four new products. The Earth Warming Scrub is a raw sugar, water-activated scrub that provides progressive smoothing and polishing. Available from leading spas and salons for AED 273.

fabulous trending | accessories

The Bold, the Brave & the Beautiful This season is all about being daring and sophisticated. Layer bold colours with stripes, polka dots, lace, chevron and other patterns. Glitter, studs and metalics together with patent leather and animal print are this season’s musts. Spice up an elegant classic base with a brightly coloured or studded handbag.

Fancy Footwork The 2013 Mr. & Mrs. Eight travel sneakers collection has arrived. This line of men and women’s fashion sneakers were inspired by designer Iris Dinu’s travels – each sneaker is named by a place or location she’s visited. The 2013 exclusive is Beirut – an elegant ladies high-top featuring soft black suede and pink-beige leather with a delicate lace overlay, accented by a fanned tongue and a petite black suede bow at the back. The 2013 line is now available online and will soon be offered at selective retail locations globally. Visit www. mrandmrs8.com for more information.

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Nature vs Technology Ahead of the next iPhone launch, Just Cavalli teamed up with the La Rinascente department store in Milan to unveil its latest line of cases for Apple smartphones.

Cavalli said he wanted to "dress up the latest technology with animal prints" and has done exactly that, creating a range of options including leopard and python skin prints, multicolored bird wings, and a fun new clutch style with a built-in chain handle.

Produced by Italian company Puro, the cases are available at Just Cavalli and Puro websites this month.

Get pumped Kurt Geiger’s Autumn/Winter collection is about shoes and accessories that look like they belong to a rock star but designed to feel so you can live in them day to day. The collection includes everything from From power platforms to downtime flats. These Lemon Black Carvela pumps with golden studs will have you oozing with oomph and glamour.

Bright Eyes If you are one who looks at the bright side of things, then vibrant colours in sunglasses is no less important. Offering flamboyant styles with flashy shades, Police presents its Colour-Rock capsule collection, with two glam-rock interpretations of iconic eyewear designs. The new ‘flash-effect’ tones - orange-red, green, blue and gold go with everything whilst complementing your look making you appear sexy and in vogue at all times.

Over the Top OTT’s individual design concepts are what make the brand so recognizable and this Fall-Winter the designers do not disappoint.

The collection celebrates print and colour, showcasing beautiful styles in a unique and fun vision.

Inspired by Baroque of Arabia the collection is a more grownup affair. Theatrical sensibility is diluted with a touch of circumspection through new cuts and expressive decorations that feature in exaggerated forms.

This OTT 3-in-1 cyan clutch is available for AED 5800.

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fabulous trending | review

Read of the Month

October is the month we pay homage to the fighters, survivors, activists and those who lost the fierce battle against breast cancer; as well as those who are affected by the disease. Book review by Esther Mumbua 70

October 2013

he Journey Beyond Breast Cancer

by Virginia M. Soffa, describes the author’s journey after her diagnosis of breast cancer, to a calm acceptance as well as questioning the reasoning behind chemotherapy, surgery and radiation.

As a co-founder of the Vermont Breast Cancer Action Group and a former board member of the National Breast Cancer Coalition, she takes a critical look at conventional and alternative treatments of the disease, and speculates on the possible causes of breast cancer.

The book is a great comfort to anyone who stands a risk of breast cancer. With the wide range of information regarding the disease that the author provides, both personal and medical, it can help the reader make informed choices on the disease.

Risk factors Soffa writes that when she was informed of her having breast cancer, the first thing she wanted to know was why and what caused it. She wondered if she could have done anything differently to prevent it.

From her wide research on the disease, she noted that the risk factors that have been identified and accepted by the medical establishments are hardly risk factors.

“A true risk factor should be translatable into prevention programs the same way intervention programs have been successful for heart disease and lung cancer.”

She adds that in these two situations – lung cancer and heart disease – avoiding

smoking, reducing cholesterol and increased exercise can be promoted and reinforced as public health programs.

Unfortunately, with breast cancer, the single largest risk factor is being female.

According to the book, the classic risk factors fall into two main categories: 1: Personal, which includes factors like reproductive experience, menopausal status, disease history and family history.

2: Environmental factors which include diet, medication use, and exposure to environmental carcinogens. The author has gone ahead and expounded on these risk factors as well as a higher risk state – making it easier to understand by using a table.

Searching for a cure Soffa, from her writing, seems to regret some of the choices she made after being diagnosed because she hung on for two years before having surgery. She writes, “If I had known from the outset what I know now, I would have done things differently.” But, she notes, her improved diet helped her buy time, and time was what she needed to be psychologically prepared to lose her breasts, if that was what was required to keep her alive.

According to the book, she took her time to adjust to the cancer diagnosis, select a surgeon, evaluate surgical options and techniques and finally replace the “missing breasts” with prosthesis or reconstruction.

What now?

Treatment alternatives

After being diagnosed with breast cancer, the ability to make an informed choice about the treatment can be influenced by the amount of time there is to adjust to the diagnosis, writes Soffa. When the author knew she had the disease, she turned to a medical library because she needed all the facts about her condition, treatment options and how her choices would affect her future. On the treatment options, which she writes from a personal point of view, she first considered surgery which would involve a lumpectomy (removing of the lymph nodes).

With boosting the immune system being the author’s goal, she tried to balance it with the idea of treatment and reversing the damage that had caused the cancer to develop in the first place. Ways that she incorporated include strengthening and purifying her blood with herbs, vitamins and massage, opening up blocked energy meridians with acupuncture treatments, Reiki and Shiatsu, as well as improving digestion and food absorption with diet, herbs and vitamins.

Considering her cancer was small, and localised in the ducts, she notes that there is no agreement on how these early cancers should be treated. Lumpectomies with close follow-up to removal of both breasts have been applied to these type and stage of cancer.

All these complementary therapies, she says, worked to restore her whole system and prepare her body for the long term. “The Journey Beyond Breast Cancer” includes segments that have contributions from activists, and even discuss politics of breast cancer and spirituality. U

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fabulous trending | phone apps

Round of APP-lause s

Page w o l l e Y t a l a s i Et

New in the UAE? Do not worry about getting from point A to point B. The Etisalat Yellow Pages app, probably the most used directory in the UAE, accesses business addresses, phone numbers, fax numbers, websites, emails and advertisements. The Etisalat Yellow Pages directory has constantly updated listings and over 1,300 categories. It features one touch search, user friendly interface and the ability to save as favorites or directly to your contacts.

FitTrip If you're bored with treadmill runs or stationary bike rides, a new iPad app hopes to take you on a virtual spin through some of the world's most gorgeous locales. FitTrip app connects with a handful of popular heart rate monitors to sync the app with your workouts. The harder you exercise, the faster your heart beats, and the quicker

the video plays to simulate how fast or slow you're cycling or running.

Cry Translat

When a baby cries, sometimes you might have an idea of what is wrong with them. Other times the diaper is dry, they are fed, have already had a nap, have no

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or

temperature etc. The Cry Translator app is an effective way of depicting why a baby is crying. By placing your device next to the baby, it will take ten seconds to receive an output with the translation of the baby's crying.

Take Me to My Car

Whether you have pregnancy brains or are just a bit absent-minded, finding where you parked your car in public places can sometimes be a daunting task; especially in the big malls of Dubai. The Take Me to My Car App is a possible answer to avoid blowing your gasket when you cannot find your vehicle. The application has been developed to help those who easily forget their parking locations.

With the use of GPS, this app easily saves the parking position and lets the driver look it up on the map later.

In addition, it gives you directions to your parking spot.

Catalista

Do you like giving back to the society through volunteering? If yes, the Catalista App is your goto application. It simply gives you a variety of ways to volunteer locally; all based on your interests and desired location. Some of the choices for volunteering include after school, animals, clean-ups, food, health, kids, reading, seniors, shelter, sports and tutoring. All you have to do after downloading the app is tap at your choice and you are done.

The perfect place for spending a family holiday is located on the Abu Dhabi – Dubai highway and 30 minutes away from Abu Dhabi and only two minutes away from Formula F1 assembly point.

Live the excitement of direct interaction with different animals at the Emirates Park Zoo while enjoying the beauty of a 60 square meter chalet that overlooks the park.

Escape your hectic lifestyle, bring your whole family and experience this unique encounter.

Al Bahia, Abu Dhabi, Umited Arab Emirates, T. +971 2 563 31 00, F. +971 2 563 12 66 www.emiratesparkzoo.com

The Art of Viewing > Record-breaking display

LG has revealed what it claims is the world’s largest curved OLED TV. Measuring 77 inches from corner to corner, the TV, uses cutting edge OLED screen technology for a brilliantly sharp, responsive and rich viewing experience. As well as incredible colours, one of the biggest benefits of OLED technology is that bending the screen so that it wraps around the viewer, filling his or her peripheral vision as well as the direct line of sight, is the closest you will come to having an IMAX experience in your own living room.

> Minority Report What is the future of touch screen?

If you’re thinking along the lines of futuristic science-fiction movies, you’d be right. In the most basic terms, Displair works by generating a concentrated sheet of humid air and then projecting images through it which, thanks to the reflective and refractive nature of water droplets (think rainbows), take on a three-dimensional form that users can walk around, 'touch' or even pass their hands straight through.

But the images or objects don't just

> Size Matters Samsung has decided to test the limits of domestic architectural capacity with two new TVs, the biggest of which comes in at 110 inches from corner to corner, giving it a diagonal span of 2.8m. OLED technology is exciting simply because it doesn’t require a separate light source.

The majority of TVs currently on the market use LCD screens with rows of

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LED lights either inserted in the frame or set directly behind the screen. They emit light that illuminates the screen so that the viewer can see it. The downside to this, they’re not fast or accurate enough to illuminate a single pixel of detail; instead they bring light to areas on the screen, which is why it’s almost impossible to obtain a true black.

hang in space, they're there to be navigated and manipulated, just like any other touchscreen experience.

The Displair uses infrared and camera sensors to track the user’s movement.

It means that you have to use an arm rather than a finger and two arms rather than two fingers for swipes and for pinching to zoom. Far from being a hindrance, it just adds to the sense of occasion and to the feeling that you’re appearing in the movie, "Minority Report."

Touch of Art

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fabulous living | healthy food & recipes

X-Pectant?

UAE is one of the countries where every new resident has to have a chest x-ray before settling in. But if you indicate that you are pregnant, no x-ray will be performed. This is because radiation could have severe health effects to a developing fetus.

By Esther Mumbua

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October 2013

Professor Ahmed Elserafi is a senior radiologist in the United Arab Emirates

-rays are an imaging technique that has been used since 1895 after being discovered by Wilhelm Conrad Roentgen. They are a type of high-energy radiation that are like light waves but higher in energy, and help to show abnormalities in bones and certain body tissues. “An x-ray machine can produce short bursts of x-rays that pass easily through fluids and soft tissues of the body but are blocked by dense tissue such x ray as bone,” explains Professor Ahmed Elserafi, a senior radiologist in the United Arab Emirates.

“Contrast x-rays use a substance called a contrast medium - that makes hollow or fluid-filled structures visible. This means that structures such as the digestive tract, blood vessels or urinary system that do not usually show up on an x-ray, can be seen,” says the professor noting that the substance is injected or swallowed and x-rays cannot pass through it, so the area will appear white.

Radiation and pregnancy With regards to safety of radiation during pregnancy, medically indicated diagnostic studies that are away from the fetus and stomach area – like radiographs of the chest or extremities – are assumed to be safe at any time during pregnancy. These include the ones performed in the UAE before issuance of a resident visa.

The professor notes that prenatal doses from most diagnostic procedures done properly present no measurable increase in the risk of prenatal death, malformation, or the impairment of mental development.

On the other hand, higher doses of x-ray, such as those involved in

therapeutic procedures, can, however, result in significant fetal harm.

“Dose limits do not apply for radiation exposure of patients, since the decision to use radiation is justified depending upon the individual patient situation. When it has been decided that a medical procedure is justified, the procedure should be optimised,” he explains with regard to safety levels of radiation.

“This means that the conditions should achieve the clinical purpose with the appropriate dose. Safe limits are determined only for the staff and not for patients.”

According to the American College of Radiology, routine x-rays of a mother’s abdomen, back, hips, and pelvis are not likely to pose a serious risk to the child. However, certain procedures – such as a computerised tomography (CT scan) or a lower GI fluoroscope exam – to the mother’s stomach or hips may give higher doses.

If you are administered a radioactive drug (nuclear medicine), radioactivity in the urine or intestines could give a moderate dose to the fetus, and some compounds can cross the placenta as well. If you are a candidate for a therapeutic use of radiation from either machine-produced radiation or a nuclear medicine treatment, this may be delayed until after pregnancy, or if urgent, special precautions should be taken to protect the fetus.

Ten-day rule With regards to women of reproductive age, there is a term known as the “Ten-day rule”. This 'Ten day rule', explains Prof. Elserafi, states that "whenever possible, one should confine the radiological examination of the lower abdomen and pelvis to the 10-day interval following the

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onset of menstruation.” In most institutions there is growing evidence that a strict adherence to the "ten-day rule" may be unnecessarily restrictive since x-ray-induced malformations are unlikely or very rare at that stage as organogenesis starts 3 to 5 weeks post-conception, says the professor.

“Based on this, it was suggested to do away with the 10-day rule and replace it with a 28-day rule,” he says, adding that this means that radiological examination, if so justified, can be carried throughout the cycle until a period is missed. If there is a missed period, a female should be considered pregnant unless proved otherwise.

Still, on occasion, a patient might not be aware of a pregnancy at the time of an x-ray examination. This can become a cause for natural concern when the pregnancy becomes known, in such cases the radiation dose to the fetus should be estimated and the patient can then be better advised as to the potential risks involved, observes Prof Elserafi.

“In many cases there is little risk, as the radiation will have occurred in the first three weeks following

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conception. In a few cases the fetus will be older; however, it is extremely rare for the dose to be high enough to warrant advising the patient to consider terminating the pregnancy.”

“The issue of pregnancy termination is undoubtedly managed differently around the world. It is complicated by individual ethical, moral, and religious beliefs as well as perhaps being subject to laws or regulations at a local or national level,” he says, stating that this complicated issue involves much more than radiation protection considerations and require the provision of counseling for the patient and her partner.

According to ICRP 84, termination of pregnancy at fetal doses of less than 100 mSv (millisievert; unit of radiation dose, much like a gram or an ounce is a unit of weight) is not justified based upon radiation risk.

At fetal doses between 100 and 500 mSv, the decision should be based upon the individual circumstances.

At fetal doses in excess of 500 mSv, there can be significant fetal damage, the magnitude and type of which is a function of dose and stage of pregnancy.

Work specifications When it comes to working situations, a pregnant worker can continue working in an x-ray department as long as there is reasonable assurance that the fetal dose can be kept below 1 mSv during the pregnancy. There are responsibilities for both the worker and the employer. The first responsibility for the protection of the unborn baby lies with the woman herself, who should declare her pregnancy to management as soon as the condition is confirmed.

There is no single correct answer for all situations; it is desirable to have a discussion with the employee. The worker should be informed of the potential risks, local policies, and recommended dose limits.

Asked if radiation affects fertility, the Professor says, “The gonads are radiosensitive organs in the human body. The threshold radiation dose for permanent sterility in men is 3500 - 6000 mSv, and for women 2500 - 6000 mSv. As diagnostic x-ray examinations involve much smaller doses, they imply no risk of sterility.

According to the professor, one does not need to go to a radiology center or a laboratory for them to be exposed to radiation because everyone is exposed to radiation every day. People are continuously exposed to low-level radiation found in food, soils, building materials, and the air and from outer space he says. All of this radiation originates from naturally occurring sources. For example, bananas contain naturally occurring radioactive potassium-40 and air contains radon, a radioactive gas. Your average natural background radiation dose is about 3.0 mSv.

October 2013

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At-home radiationfree breast self-exam device launched A new radiation-free technology could help women scan their breasts for cancer-causing tumors from the comfort of their homes.

Last month, Eclipse Breast Health Technologies launched a campaign on crowd funding site Indiegogo for a new handheld device, about the size of a computer mouse, that the company claims is five times more sensitive than the human hand at detecting lumps or changes.

The Carlsbad, California-based startup hopes to raise approximately AED 2million in funding to not only move the product out of beta and into the marketplace, but to give it to

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1,000 women who can provide user feedback.

viewed on a computer screen or mobile device.

"The goal is to have Eclipse in the hands of more than a million women by the end of 2015 and beyond 20 million within five years," said company founder Ken Wright. "We also want to create and distribute thousands of community kits for developing countries by the end of 2015 and hundreds of thousands within five years."

Users can wirelessly transfer the images to the Eclipse software on a computer or to a user's Pink Cloud account. Depending on the user's preference, each woman can choose to keep her images private, share them with her doctor, or anonymously share them with other members of the Pink Cloud community.

Wright says he co-engineered a system for US Navy submarines to "see" in murky water to identify obstructions down to a molecular level. In developing the Eclipse, he combined sensors and LED lights to produce images of a woman's breasts.

As a user moves the device over the skin, the images together create macro images of each breast to be

The idea is that women would scan a healthy breast for a baseline and then use the Eclipse once a month.

Over time, the device can track changes and alert users to anything concerning, and the company claims the technology is 100 percent safe and radiation free. Wrights says he hopes to start shipping a device in March 2014 for somewhere between AED 368 and AED 735, assuming the campaign is successful.U

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fabulous living | pampering

Boost for the Bump Massage therapies have been used for centuries as a form of luxury relaxation for the muscles.

In recent years, especially here in the UAE, most spas have added maternity massages on their list of treatments. By Esther Mumbua

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hen you’re feeling hormonal, anxious or even a little stressed in your pregnant state, a maternity massage could be the solution. Recent research shows that pregnancy massage can be very beneficial to the expectant mother. It helps to lower anxiety, decrease back and leg pain, improve sleep and decrease levels of the stress hormone norepinephrine.

Suci Lestari Ni Putu Indah is a pregnancy massage therapist in Dubai

In another study of prenatal massage, researchers found a number of positive results which include increased levels of the "feel-good" hormones as well as an overall improvement in your mood.

According to Suci Lestari Ni Putu Indah, a pregnancy massage specialist in Dubai, this particular massage is very different from the regular ones as its focus is on specific areas of the body while at the same time ensuring that the mother-to-be and the baby are comfortable and safe.

So when is the best time to have a massage while pregnant? “Pregnancy massages should be started after the first trimester,” explains Putu Indah noting that at this point the morning sickness phase is already over and the chances of a miscarriage or early labour are minimal.

In preparation for a pregnancy massage, the mother-to-be has to indicate how far the pregnancy has progressed. This is done while being checked by a medical practitioner who is available at the spa to make sure that the massage will not harm mother and baby.

First things first, when the motherto-be has been cleared by the medical professional, she can choose a maasage that is comfortable for her.

Some treatment centres or spas have special massage tables designed to accommodate a pregnant woman

while others use normal tables but with special pillows to support the pregnant woman and her growing belly.

“An expectant person cannot lie on her stomach or back, so the best position is to lie on her side,” says Putu Indah adding that by lying on your back, the weight of the uterus will most likely put a lot of pressure on the veins that transport blood from the legs to the heart.

For pregnancy massages, the Swedish massage is the best because the gentle and light strokes address a number of the discomforts brought on by pregnancy. “Deep tissue massages are a big no-no, reason being that the vigorous motions might stimulate some muscles and this can affect the uterine wall causing problems with the pregnancy.”

The prenatal massage lasts between 45 minutes and one hour and has different range of prices depending on where you are going to get the treatment.

The massage sessions do not have to end after giving birth: “A new mother can continue with the treatment because it can relieve pain after delivery, improve blood circulation and enhance relaxation. ”You can indulge in a post natal massage as soon as two weeks after having a natural birth and 45 days after a caesarian section or when the wound has healed.

Finally, pregnancy massages are not for any woman who is pregnant.

“These massages can be unsafe for high-risk pregnancies such as when the mother-to-be has high blood pressure, preeclampsia, bleeding, morning sickness, fever or any form of abdominal pain,” cautions Putu Indah. U

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fabulous living | healthy food & recipes

Going Bananas Bananas contain a lot of benefits to the human body. They are filled with vitamins, minerals and fibre which help in maintaining a healthy body and are loved by both children and adults.

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Deep fried banana chips Method > Peel the bananas, slice them

> >

Ingredients

>

5 green (unripe) bananas > 1½ teaspoon turmeric >

powder > Oil for deep frying

ananas contain a lot of benefits to the human body. They are filled with vitamins, minerals and fibre which help in maintaining a healthy body and are loved by both children and adults.

Bananafits Cancer: Studies have shown that this sweet fruit can reduce the risk of breast cancer. By enriching your diet with bananas, you can also keep yourself at an arm’s length of kidney cancer. According to a study in the International Journal of Cancer, the risk of developing cancer of the kidney decreases when you eat fruits and vegetables, especially bananas.

Energy boost: Ever wondered why banana is the number one fruit preferred by top athletes? This is because research has shown that bananas contain natural sugars combined with fibres. This combination

makes a banana give an instant and sustained boost of energy.

For quitters: Scientific studies have also proven that if one is trying to quit smoking, a banana is the go-to fruit because it helps in countering all the withdrawal symptoms by acting as a mood booster and sustaining energy levels in the body.

De-caffeinating: If one is overcaffeinated, baristas recommend eating a banana. As a possible remedy to untangle jittery nerves due to overindulgence in caffeine, according to Livestrong, a banana can balance the offset of calcium and potassium caused by caffeine. All you have to do is add a glass of milk to the potassiumrich banana.

Blood pressure and stroke: A recent research from the British Medical Journal recommends increasing potassium by eating more bananas and vegetables and cut down on salt

> >

evenly and place into iced water.

Add the turmeric powder.

Leave in the water for 10 minutes. Then drain and place on a clean tea towel to retain the moisture.

Heat the oil. Drop in a few slices at a time to deep fry.

Repeat until all slices have been fried.

Drain by placing the slices on kitchen paper towel.

Serve cool.

to reduce blood pressure and the risk of stroke. One study review found that consuming an extra two or three servings of fruits or vegetables per day would do the trick. The researchers added that a combination of increased potassium and reduced salt had a bigger effect than changing just one of these factors alone.

By knowing the many health benefits that a banana has to offer, and since most people enjoy bananas, it is convenient to implement them in a daily diet for the entire family.

They can be eaten whole, added to smoothies, fruit salads, bread, muffins, cakes, pancakes and a whole lot of other recipes.

Raw bananas also have a number of health benefits. They are very low in saturated fats, cholesterol and sodium. They also act as a good source of dietary fibre, vitamin C, potassium and manganese, and a very good source of vitamin B6.

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Banana pancakes Ingredients 1 cup all-purpose flour > 1 table spoon >

sugarpowder

>

2

teaspoons baking powder

¼ teaspoon salt > 1 egg beaten > 1 cup milk > 2 tablespoons vegetable oil

>

Directions 1.Mix flour, sugar, baking powder and salt.

2.In a separate bowl, mix together the egg, milk, vegetable oil and mashed bananas.

3.Stir flour mixture into banana mixture; it will become slightly lumpy.

4.Heat a lightly oiled frying pan over medium high heat. Scoop the mixture onto the frying pan, using approximately 1/4 cup for each pancake. Cook until pancakes are golden brown on both sides; 5.Garnish with ripe banana slices then serve hot.

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fabulous child | your baby

Baby Names Boys Name

Origin

Meaning

Anish

Indian

Supreme/ Paramount

Egbert

Dutch

Bright edge

Haydn

British

Heathen

Themba

Zulu

Trust

Khazhak

Armenian

Blue-eyed

Name

Origin

Meaning

Khurshid

Pakistani

Shining Sun

Neith

Egyptian Mythology

Water

Chun

Chinese

Spring

Aaleyah

Arabic

Exalted

Abby

Hebrew

Father’s joy

Girls

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fabulous child | your baby

Ali in 5 Lines Favourite food: Apples, bananas and cherries Favourite Drink: Honey water and apple juice

Ali

8 months Mother’s Name: Farhana Father's Name: Ihsaan

Loves: People and other children Favourite song: 5 Little Monkeys, Wheels on the Bus and Baa Baa Black Sheep Ali is a very happy baby, and doesn’t even cry when he gets an injection.

To send us your baby’s photos! Contact us on “info@cwap.ae”

October 2013

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fabulous child | your baby

Drawings

Taanya Josh Age 3½

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Aaryan Dilip Age 6

October 2013

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fabulous child | games

Find 10 differences:

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October 2013

Help Snail Jr get to Mama Snail:

October 2013

93

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