Woman This Month - February 2020

Bahrain Edition

February 2020 | Issue 203

BEAUTY | FASHION | HOME | WELLBEING | LOCAL ISSUES

FASHION

Suited and Booted Valentine’s Looks

FOOD LIVE AND TASTE RETURN

BEAUTY BRUSHES 101 SPRING HAIR TRENDS

WELL-BEING Love Your Heart

PEOPLE

Safa Shamsan writing words of romance

www.womanthismonth.com

FASHION | trend

SUITED AND BOOTED

One of the most prevalent trends on the runways for the coming season was suits. From quirky workwear to slouchy daywear, designers across the board were taking their cues from this traditionally masculine look – and how fab were some of these styles?

Berluti went for an elegant twist with a sleeveless coat in a zingy mustard yellow-green, one of the colours of the season. If you’re feeling brave, you could adapt this look for our climate by wearing the coat by itself. Chloe gave the classic shorts suit a twist with contrasting turn-ups and a slouchy fit – add stand-out accessories to complete this look. Gucci went for retro looks and cuts with oversized jackets, reminiscent of the ‘80s, and an almost safari suit, mightily elevated by its polka dot fabric. Either of these looks would work equally well with plain pants too. Ingie went for fullon leather while Philipp Plein is on a shout out for double denim.

Kristina Fidelskeya

Berluti Boss

Temperley London

Ingie Chloe

Philipp Plein

Lanvin

Gucci

How ever you choose to wear it, there’s no doubt that the suit is one of the most versatile wardrobe items you can own – pick something striking and make sure you love it ‘cos you’re going to be wearing it a lot in the coming months.

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February 2020

www.womanthismonth.com

3 COMPLIMENTARY COCKTAILS

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20% OFF FOOD BILL 05:00 PM UNTIL 1:45 AM EVERY TUESDAY *TERMS AND CONDITIONS APPLY

Stella McCartnery @theoutnet

Coach

Love

Mango

Trust us, this is not a sad option. If you’ve decided to give Valentine’s a miss this year, look out for some super snugglies to make the most of the cooler weather and cuddle up with your canine or feline companion. Still want to get in the spirit? Go with hearts on your pants from M&S and this cute Alberta Ferretti sweater to keep toasty. We’ll see you on the sofa, we’ll even bring our own mug!

Dawgs vegan boots

Netflix With the Dog

M&S

FASHION | styling

Girls’ Night

THE LOOK OF

Love Moschino @namshi

Alberta Ferretti @theoutnet

Mug @amazon

It may be a case of all the single ladies, but that doesn’t mean you can’t channel some classic Valentine’s red.

Pair this Mango biker jacket with an uber-feminine frock and comfy boots for dancing. Add fun accessories and chunky jewels – real or fake – and you’ve got yourself an eye-catching look, if, indeed, catching someone’s eye is your goal.

Monki

The most romantic night of the year is on the horizon, at least for some. Whether you’re planning a hot date, a night out with the girls or an evening tucked up in front of the telly with the dog (who will, of course, always love you), we’ve got your outfit inspiration covered.

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February 2020

Rubeus Milano

Bruna @byfar Alexandra Vauthi @tutuskurniati.com

Moynat

Kenneth Jay Lane @theoutnet

This classically simple style from Alexandra Vauthi shows just enough flesh to set pulses racing without being OTT sexy. If you’re not confident with such a low-cut front, pair it with a pretty lacy cami – we’ve gone for a black body but you could also try cream.

Assuming that your date will be a mostly seated affair, add a pair of conversation-starter heels and some statement jewellery for a look that screams romance.

Happy Hearts Chopard

Alexandra Vauthie @tutuskurniati.com

Kiki de Montparnasse @theoutnet

Posh Date Night

www.womanthismonth.com

FASHION |essentials

10 Things to Try This Month

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Diamonds Always a girl’s best friend but even more so around Valentine’s Day.

Go romantic at the salon!

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Belt Up.

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Winter Warmers Furry (fake of course), fuzzy or wild and woolly, right now we don’t care as long as it’s warm and stylish – though, if you want this particular Giambattista Valli x H&M number, there may be some online bidding involved.

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Nice Knits A woolly dress is perfect for the office over the chillier months.

Get Creative Customise an old denim jacket for a new look – or take the easy option and buy one!

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Animal Print One trend that never really goes away, wear with attitude.

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Chunky Desert Boots Steal Karlie’s Louis Vuitton style.

Tassel Tales Bags, boots or skirts, we love a bit of tasseling. www.womanthismonth.com

Keep your hands in your pockets.

February 2020

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news

Sustainability to the Fore

New Face and New Logo

Kenzo has written a new chapter in its history with the arrival of Felipe Oliveira Baptista as creative director. The brand’s spirit remains enthusiastic, nomadic and open to the world, honouring the universe of its founder Kenzo Takada.

Breathing fresh energy into its legacy, the brand has also revealed a new logo which features a fresh graphic, contributing to the very signature of each collection. Designed as a construction game, it will become a crucial part of the brand’s visual identity, as its ability to be transformed leaves room for creative expression.

Weddings Exclusive

Matchesfashion has launched The Wedding Edit, a dedicated collection of modern wedding and event dressing pieces. The dedicated curation includes modern bridal and event dressing looks across ready-to-wear, accessories, footwear, bags and jewellery. More than 30 bespoke collections and 250 unique pieces were created by designers especially for the launch and there is an additional collection of pieces from over 65 established and emerging designers.

Natalie Kingham, Fashion Buying Director, said: “We’ve noticed an increase in sales across our eveningwear and modern tailoring categories, particularly in monochrome tones. We wanted to create a dedicated area where our clients can find unique pieces for their wedding and special events that can be worn again for many years to come. We are thrilled to partner with some of our favourite designers on special collections for the launch, from Christopher Kane, Erdem and Giles to Stephen Jones and Molly Goddard.”

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Fashion retailer Splash, reinforced the need for sustainability and preservation of the planet with the unveiling of its awardwinning 2020 calendar.

Shot creatively through the lens of photographer Dragomir Spassov and styled by Adriana Gerassimova, the calendar aims to educate and raise awareness about the accelerating rate of extinction of millions of species, the causes and devastating ecological consequences.

Each month features a striking photograph highlighting the key causes for the destruction of the ecosystem and the positive actions Splash has taken to reduce its environmental impact and preserve the planet for generations to come.

Raza Beig, Director - Landmark Group and CEO of Splash, said: “Sustainability is significant for fashion, because the textiles and fashion industry is among the leading industries that affect the environment negatively. Our new 2020 Splash calendar underlines our commitment to promoting animal welfare and environmentally sustainable practices in the fashion and retail industry.”

Naomi Watanabe Goes Global

Kate Spade New York has tapped Japanese comedian, actress and fashion designer Naomi Watanabe as its global ambassador for 2020, continuing the brand’s celebration of diverse women living authentically stylish lives. As the embodiment of confidence, joy and originality, Naomi’s passion for life is inclusive – she encourages women to express their individuality every day.

The partnership will kick off for Spring 2020 with a digital campaign highlighting new styles in the brand’s popular Margaux handbag group.

“At Kate Spade New York, 2020 is about celebrating how women express their own spirit and personal style through our brand,” said Nicola Glass, Creative Director. “To us, Naomi represents all women. Her humour and love of life perfectly align with our brand values, and she makes our product shine.” www.womanthismonth.com

l o v of e r u o b a l A

PEOPLE | interview

A teen-aged Safa would often find her nose buried in the classics – the works of Jane Austen, Charlotte Brontë and the likes. “Basically, books written by strong women writers,” the writer, now a mum of two, reflects. “And I’ve always loved reading romance.”

The self-confessed bookworm claims to have “mountains of books”. She says: “They are everywhere. On the shelves, in boxes, under the bed, next to it, in my car and even at my mother’s home. I do read on Kindle, but I love the feel of a book in my hand and the smell of ink on the paper.”

Assistant marketing manager at a renowned financial institution by day, Safa moonlighted as an author to give the world Ruined, her first public work. The idea to write a book sparked from something, well, romantic itself. “I used to write short stories and love letters to my husband while he was working abroad. He was the one to suggest it, telling me I had the flair for detail and emotion. And with this, started my journey of writing Ruined.”

Tragedy inspired the idea for the book’s main plot. “I started writing the novel from the middle of the story actually, seeing a fatal accident on the road. It got me thinking of how the incident had affected people around the victim, and how their lives had changed due to somebody’s actions.”

Safa Shamsan, the first ever Bahraini English romance novelist, chats with Behnaz Sanjana about embarking on the journey of pouring her emotions and experiences into words addressing love, loss and the dynamics of human relationships.

The fictional narrative is set in Townsend, Massachusetts, in the US, and revolves around the lives of four brothers, the protagonists being Emma and Cole. Safa’s own experiences have contributed to her writing. The story is shaped by her own emotions while her husband was away from her, her bond with her sisters and best friends, and her real-life observations of the forming and falling-out of relationships.

The take-away from the book is that in relationships, communication is everything. Safa explains: “Sometimes in our interactions, subliminal messages are lost and we forget that there are different perspectives to every situation. With good communication and understanding the other person’s view, a lot of issues can be solved and a lot of ill feeling can be avoided.

Especially in our age of digital communication!”

Ruined, launching this month, is dedicated to her family, especially her mother. “It deals with the loss of loved ones and rising above the loss,” she says.

As with every scribe worth their salt, Safa dealt with self-doubt.

“I have loved every minute of writing this book, and would be typing away long into the night after the kids went to bed. I sometimes wondered whether the plot would be well-received or if my work was any good at all. But I continued on my path. Besides my husband’s encouragement, working with my PR agency, The Four Of Us, has helped immensely. They have lived and breathed the book with me; I cannot thank them enough. They have pushed me to do things that I wouldn’t normally do, I’m glad for their support and for enjoying this ride with me. The path of self-publishing has been full of learning and excitement.”

www.womanthismonth.com

February 2020

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BEAUTY | tips

DON’T JUST BRUSH IT OFF

Behnaz Sanjana

So, you splurged at the beauty store, and now you’re eyeing your loot, wondering how you must use it to Insta-perfect effect. The answer lies in a small, but worthy, battery of brushes. Here’s the lowdown on the absolutely essential brushes and sponges you need to get the most out of your beauty products.

Foundation

It’s true that some of the best makeup artists use the warmth of their fingers to apply high-end foundations on celebrity faces. But depending on your skill and the consistency and coverage of your foundation, a brush might be imperative to eliminate patchy streaks for a flawless finish. A good foundation brush has densely packed bristles, that are either flat or rounded.

Smart Girl Hack: Go over applied foundation in circular motions with a rounded brush for an airbrushed result, not forgetting the neck.

Eyeshadow Shader and Crease

The multipurpose shader is a small, flat brush to pack colour on evenly over the entire lid and also to blend colours at the outer corners. The Crease brush is small and pointed at the tip, to apply and blend out colour in the crease.

A Kabuki Brush is named after Japanese theatre, originally used by actors to cake the face with white rice powder. The large, dense brush head is ideal for buffing out foundation, layering on powder and dusting on bronzer, blush or body shimmer.

Beauty Sponge

It’s not just used to apply product. Bouncing a damp beauty blender after covering and concealing gives heavy foundation a more sheer look or use to remove excess powder after setting your makeup.

Concealer

A smaller version of the foundation brush, it zeroes in on spots, blemishes and the delicate undereye area. Not directly using the little sponge attached to the concealer bottle is more hygienic and allows you to control the amount of product used.

Small bristles enable you to pat the product over zits and dark circles, blending out to the surrounding area to avoid a dotty, splotchy result.

Highlighter

We’ll be honest, do you need a fan brush to bring out the high planes of your face? No. Does it look super cool in your vanity kit? Yes! These delicate creations swing between being called super functional and pointlessly frivolous; so just follow your inner diva heart here.

Brow Brush

A brush with a spoolie at one end and flat, synthetic fibres at the other is useful for filling, defining and styling brows in a jiffy. Tapered bristles give the brush a precision edge, making it easier to create hair-like strokes.

Setting Powder

You don’t want harsh bristles to undo all the work you put into giving yourself great coverage. A powder brush has fluffy, domeshaped bristles, for a feather-light touch on the skin. Lightly ‘dust’ on the powder, as opposed to making heavy strokes.

Lazy Girl Hack: Double it up as a blush or bronzer brush, making sure to clean between uses.

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February 2020

Contouring

Looking vavavoom starts with making a duck face. Contouring may not be everyone’s cup of tea, but a slanted brush head does the trick.

The blunt bristles arranged to make a tapering edge make it easier to attain the chiseled look. www.womanthismonth.com

BEAUTY | styling

S E S TRES

T R E L A D N TRE

n turn ghts ofte nt u o h t , r yea y le of a new k shows certainl e and g n i n w a l d at a With the ks and the catw s – both up-to-d vourites. n o fa to new lo t hair inspiratio ed a few of our a k e c i . r some g retro. We’ve p ould try them h y decidedl w and why you s Perfect Pixie o Here’s h If you really want to go for something new to bring in the new

decade, the pixie cut, which never really went away, is making a comeback. Short and sassy, it can be ultra-feminine at the same time as being perfect for the gym or a brisk, chilly walk on the beach – no blinding flyaways to worry about. Use serum to style it sleek and straight or mousse to go for a tousled look. Or pander to your inner rebel and just wash and go, now there’s a thought.

Crystal Tips

Feathered Fringe

If you don’t fancy a full-on bright hair make over, take a leaf out of Dries Van Noten’s book and opt for a brightly feathered fringe (or bangs to our American cousins). This look is super-easy to achieve with the use of a clip-in hairpiece. It looks best if you already have a fringe to blend the piece with but can also work with longer hair with a low side parting.

This is one of our favourite new looks of the season. Send us a pic on Instagram if you decide to give it a try @womanthismonth

Bright and Breezy

Soft pinks and purples and even Unicorn Hair have been a thing for quite some time, so it feels as if we’re ready for something new.

Stand by for much brighter shades as 2020 gets underway with blues, greens and all manner of other stand-out hues. We reckon this trend is likely to be led by your favourite influencers, rather than celebs. So, look out for rainbow heads across the web, and be prepared to follow. Not sure about the bleaching involved at the hairdresser’s? Try it at home with a wash-in colour. www.womanthismonth.com

No, we don’t mean she of the unfeasibly large hair from the ‘70s cartoon (showing the age a bit there), but rather the gorgeous sprinklings of bright crystals adorning the locks of models on the Bibhu Mohapatra runway. This look works well with loose waves or sleek hair and there are a few ways to achieve it. If you’ve got thick locks, go for a selection of small crystal hair slides, you can make your own design, and finish with a light styling spray. Otherwise, pick a crystal hairpiece. They’re widely available online but steer clear of the more OTT ones, unless, of course, you are a bride!

Back to the ‘80s

Hands up if you remember these. We love hair combs for their ability to tame a head full of tatty locks into a sleek, retro do in minutes. And, if you think the look’s a bit old fashioned, just check out Tory Burch’s spring-summer 20 show. This works best with a side parting but can also look great as a pretty decoration in curly hair, either with or without a part. For a sleek look, use a fine brush to coat the hair with serum before inserting the comb and finish with a light spritz of styling spray.

February 2020

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BEAUTY | news products

Spring Garden 2020 Collection

Givenchy unveils limited edition products that are inspired by the magic of spring – a season of rebirth, light and life. The brand’s popular Le Rouge collection of stunning lip colours are encased in sheaths decorated with floral paintings. The stick of these new lipsticks projects a metallic shine and is available in three springtime colours: Sparkling Peony No.

Urban Decay All Nighter Face Primer Longwear Foundation Grip

The latest addition to the All Nighter family, this primer goes on sheer and lightweight, making it easy to wear alone or under foundation. It’s a long-wear complexion primer that boosts your foundation’s staying power so it looks fresh for up to eight hours. It preps skin, giving it a lifted feel and a hit of hydration. The product goes on sheer, silky-soft to the touch and actually leaves skin feeling hydrated upon application.

By helping to reduce fine lines and erasing the appearance of pores, All Nighter is a nobrainer step in your skin prep routine.

1, Sparkling Poppy No. 2 and Sparkling Lily No. 3.

Le Prisme Blush No. 3 Spice is reinvented with four prisms, two colours. The orangey shade is paired with an iridescent pink highlighter. The comfortable, creamy Khôl Couture Waterproof is available in three limited edition shades: Peony No. 11, Iris No. 12, and Poppy No. 13.

From primer to mascara and glitter that stays put, it's all about the ideas we've been pining for

L’Oreal Paris Brilliant Eyes

This high-impact, high-shimmer liquid eye shadow coats your eyelids in brilliant shimmer, staying true all day long. It is transfer-proof, which means no fall-out, so you can wear shimmer eye shadow on your eyelids and not your cheeks! The luminous pearl pigments are lightweight and non-greasy for comfortable wear. In just one stroke, the soft doe-foot applicator deposits just the right amount of product onto your eyelids for high shimmer payoff and blendable application. Available in 12 shades, makeup mavens can customise their eyeshadow game by pairing shades, building intensity or just wearing their favourite shades alone to achieve a daytime or night-time look.

Makeup By Mario X Sephora

Full Frontal Mascara

Fans of Fenty Beauty are busy batting their eyelashes, with the launch of the beauty line’s first mascara. Superstar Rihanna’s cult makeup brand has announced the launch of this new product which promises “eye-opening, full-on, fanned-out lashes”. The mascara, that hit the shelves in the mid of last month, features a flat-to-fat brush that the brand claims will instantly volumise, lift, lengthen and curl lashes.

Wearers can use the fat side of the brush to lift the lashes, and the flat side to curl and define them. It boasts a waterresistant, sweat-resistant and smudge-resistant formula, and comes presented in chic black and pink packaging.

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This is a limited-edition six-piece complexion brush set created in collaboration with master makeup artist, Mario Dedivanovic. It will help recreate the signature looks of one of the most renowned and influential celebrity makeup artists in the world, with an emphasis on blending, sculpting and highlighting. The collection has been expertly designed with unwavering quality, performance,and artistry. Each brush shape, fibre and overall aesthetic has been hand selected as a go-to to recreate Mario’s signature looks. All brushes feature vegan, synthetic fibres and a unique handle and ferrule design. The set contains brushes for powder, foundation, contour, blush, highlighter and concealer, as well as a brush pouch. www.womanthismonth.com

s t a e r T ’ s r Love

Love is in the air and the ladies of Live and Taste, Laetitia and Theresa, food bloggers and authors of liveandtaste.com, have come up with some delicious recipes for lovers: bread for a Valentine’s Day brekkie and raw chocolate bark for that special someone in your life (or for yourself).

As always, the duo are keen to share a way

LIFESTYLE | food

of energy-boosting eating and cooking with mainly plant-based recipes, whole and unprocessed food, raw food, superfoods, refined-sugar-free, gluten-free (as far as possible) and a limited amount of dairy.

In the latest of their series, Laetitia and Theresa share two recipes created exclusively for Woman This Month.

EASY HOMEMADE BREAD ROLLS

Low in gluten - butter-free - sugar-free - delicious!

MAKES 6 ROLLS Ingredients Bread rolls 1 cup soy, goat or coconut yoghurt 1 cup sparkling water 1/4 cup tahini 1 cup rye flour 2 1/2 cups spelt flour 2 tsp baking powder (aluminium free) 1 1/2 tsp Himalayan salt Topping 1 tbsp black sesame seeds 1 tbsp white sesame seeds Recipe 1. Preheat oven to 220°C. 2. Combine the yoghurt, sparkling water and tahini in a mixing bowl and stir well until smooth.

3. Add the sifted rye and spelt flour, the baking powder and salt to the bowl.

Mix it altogether with a large wooden

oon tablesp tbsp = easpoon tsp = t

spoon until well combined.

4. Line your oven rack with parchment paper. Set aside.

5. Moisten your hands with water, as the dough is a little bit sticky, take some dough and form one roll at a time with a smooth top.

6. Place the roll on the baking tray and repeat with the remaining dough to form five more rolls. If needed, moisten your hands again during the making.

7. Top the six bread rolls with the sesame seeds.

8. Place the baking tray into the oven.

Reduce the oven to 200°C and bake for 12-15 minutes (depending on the size of the rolls and your oven).

9. Take them out when they are getting slightly brown and let them cool down for 15 minutes before eating. You can keep them for one or two days.

Raw cacao chocolate bark (with benefits) Dairy free - Vegan - Gluten free -Insanely good !

MAKES 1 cake tin

Ingredients Chocolate bark ½ cup raw cacao powder ½ cup coconut oil ¼ cup brown rice syrup or maple syrup Topping ½ cup nuts (macadamia, hazelnuts, roasted almond slices, roasted pine nuts) Pinch of fresh black pepper, cayenne pepper and Himalayan salt Recipe 1. Start to melt your coconut oil (if it is hard) in a pan over low heat for a minute or so. When it starts to melt, remove from heat. Mix well the coconut oil to have a smooth texture

and whisk in the raw cacao powder and brown rice syrup. Whisk until the three ingredients are well combined.

2. Pour the mixture into a lined cake mould with parchment paper (rectangle, medium size) until it is about ½ cm maximum (we like it thin).

3. Sprinkle the nuts and top it with fresh ground black pepper, cayenne pepper and a bit of Himalayan salt.

4. Place into freezer until frozen solid (around 15 minutes).

5. Once frozen, break apart into pieces.

Store in the freezer as it melts fast.

Enjoy!

More healthy recipes on www.liveandtaste.com Instagram-Facebook : live.and.taste

www.womanthismonth.com

February 2020

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LIFESTYLE | well-being

FOR THE SWEET HEART

Our hearts may be aflutter in February, but let’s make sure it’s due to nothing other than the trappings of ardour and affection, writes Behnaz Sanjana.

A

lthough the real deal beating incessantly in your chest doesn’t look half as pretty as the one on your Valentine’s Day card (my auricles and ventricles pump only for you, said no Romeo ever), it deserves attention all year round.

Dr Abdul Azeez Asad Mohammed, MD, DNB – Cardiology; a Specialist Cardiologist at BSH Apollo Heart Centre, Bahrain, simplifies how three common factors can leave you ‘heartbroken’.

CHOLESTEROL This fat-like substance in the blood is essential for health, but in excess, spells grave danger.

Low density lipoprotein (LDL, aka ‘bad cholesterol’) is the main cause of blockage and hardening of the arteries. High density lipoprotein (HDL, or ‘good cholesterol’) prevents this build-up.

When it Goes Rogue Excess LDL leads to plaque accumulation on the walls of the blood-supplying arteries, causing their hardening and narrowing, resulting in blockages.

When the built-up plaque ruptures, it attracts special blood cells called platelets which form an obstructive clot, eventually leading to a heart attack or, in the brain, a stroke.

BLOOD PRESSURE Blood pressure is read as two numbers. The first (systolic) represents the pressure in blood vessels when the heart contracts. The second (diastolic) represents the pressure when the heart rests between beats.

As per the American Heart Association (AHA), normal blood pressure is less than 120/80 mm Hg. Hypertension, or unhealthy blood pressure levels, can cause: Coronary artery disease – damaged arteries Enlarged left heart – as the ticker works harder against the raised blood pressure Heart failure – constant strain of high blood pressure weakens the heart Irregular heart beat – worsens heart failure or causes sudden death.

Hypertension can also affect the arteries that supply blood to the brain, causing stroke or dementia.

BLOOD SUGAR

A large body of evidence reveals that twothirds of diabetics die from some form of heart disease or stroke. High blood sugar causes damage to the blood vessels and in general, the risk of heart disease or stroke is more than twice as high in people with diabetes.

But I’m in shape …

A major study has shown that a sugarladen diet also affects the heart of a person within the normal weight range.

In this 15-year study on added sugar and heart disease, adults who had 25-per-cent or more of their daily calories as sugar were more than twice as likely to die from heart disease compared to those whose diets had less than 10-per-cent added sugar. In general, the odds of death from heart disease increased with the actual percentage of sugar in the diet, regardless of age, gender, physical activity level and body-mass index.

Increased sugar intake leads to higher blood pressure, inflammation, weight gain, diabetes and fatty liver disease – all risks for heart disease.

GIFT YOURSELF A HEALTHY HEART Diet – A balanced one with more fresh

produce than red meat and saturated fats.

Limit salt intake to less than six grams a day. Healthy women should consume less than 100 calories of added sugar per day (six teaspoons), and men less than 150 per day (nine teaspoons).

Exercise – Get physical. We mean 3045 minutes of regular exercise - walking, running, swimming or your favourite sport.

Smoking – Stop it. Do your heart a favour and get help from a professional to quit.

Stress – Keep it at bay with yoga and meditation techniques.

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LIFESTYLE | well-being

WELL-BEING

DID YOU KNOW?

THE REASON YOU GREY

Scientists at Harvard University have found evidence to support long-standing anecdotes that stress causes greying of hair. Researchers found that in mice, the type of nerve involved in the fight-or-flight response causes permanent damage to the pigment-regenerating stem cells in the hair follicle. The study advances scientists' knowledge of how stress can impact the body.

After systematically eliminating different possibilities, researchers honed in on the sympathetic nerve system, which is responsible for the body's fight-or-flight response. They found that the norepinephrine from sympathetic nerves causes the stem cells to activate excessively. The stem cells all convert into pigment-producing cells, prematurely depleting the reservoir. www.sciencedaily.com

GERMS CAN HELP

A new study published in the journal Nature Reviews Cancer suggests that germ-free childhoods followed by infections later in life can trigger the onset of childhood leukemia. The paper finds that acute lymphoblastic leukaemia, the most common type of childhood cancer, is caused by a two-step process. The first step is a genetic mutation before birth that predisposes a child to the risk of developing this form of leukaemia. The second step is exposure to certain infections later in childhood, after clean early childhoods that limited exposure to infections.

More specifically, children who grew up in cleaner households during their first year and interacted less with other children are more likely to develop acute lymphoblastic leukaemia, the paper says.

The author, Institute of Cancer Research Professor Mel Greaves, suggests the cancer could be preventable. www.cnn.com

HOPE AT HAND

Drugmakers are hustling to make a vaccine to counter the rapidly-spreading respiratory virus that has affected thousands of people in China and is spreading across the globe. The National Institute of Health has partnered with a Boston-area company, Moderna, on a vaccine targeting the novel coronavirus. A Pennsylvania biotechnology company, Inovio, also secured a USD9 million grant from Norwaybased Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations to develop a vaccine. The company is already developing a vaccine for Middle East respiratory syndrome, or MERS, another type of coronavirus. Officials with the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases say they can quickly develop a vaccine because Chinese scientists rapidly sequenced the virus’s genome. www.usatoday.com

www.womanthismonth.com

Since they were first approved for human use in 1987, statins, a class of drugs that lower fat levels in the blood, have been used to treat and prevent heart issues.

But findings suggest that statins don’t seem to do all that much for about half the patients who take them—at least for heart disease and cholesterol, their stated purpose. For others, statins appear to have triggered significant personality changes, transforming otherwise placid individuals into uncontrollable balls of rage, wrecking marriages and turning others to suicide. And though statins appear to be particularly troublesome, there appears to be little interest or motivation within the medical community to identify drugs as the trigger of these significant mood and behavioural swings. www.observer.com

EXCITING NEWS

A newly-discovered part of our immune system could be harnessed to treat all cancers, say scientists. A Cardiff University team discovered a method of killing prostate, breast, lung and other cancers in lab tests. The findings have not been tested in patients, but the researchers say they have "enormous potential". The scientists were looking for unconventional and previously undiscovered ways the immune system naturally attacks tumours. What they found was a T-cell inside people's blood, an immune cell that can scan the body to assess whether there is a threat that needs to be eliminated. The T-cell and its receptor could find and kill a wide range of cancerous cells in the lab including lung, skin, blood, colon, breast, bone, prostate, ovarian, kidney and cervical cancer cells.

Crucially, it left normal tissues untouched. www.bbc.com February 2020

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LIFESTYLE | home

True Blue Upcycle treasured pieces like this chest of drawers with Vintro Luxury Paint in Cobalt, available in Bahrain at The Noohs.

Although it’s the start of a brand-new decade, give your home the familiar feel of comfort with Pantone’s Colour of the Year – Classic Blue. This tried and tested hue denotes the constant and the classic; just the grounding you might require to unwind, relax and be yourself in.

If you’re ready to make a serious commitment to this loyal pigment, create a blue accent wall, and furnish with pieces of the immediate colour family. To make smaller investments, punctuate white, ivory or khaki interiors with statement blue accessories and enliven your spaces with the boundless calm of the sea and the skies.

Sink Into the Blue Armchair Smania

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Kaleidoscopic Hues Tableware Details Bahrain

Old World Art Deco

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Candleholder Set Home Box

A Pretty Pair Pillows namshi.com

Contemporary Flair Chair Home Box

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THE One

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Sofa Opera Contemporary www.womanthismonth.com

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February 2020

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LIFESTYLE | opinion

O

ne of the best ways to document each and every season in your family’s life is by taking beautiful candid pictures, to savour and cherish these sweet memories.

While daily pictures are beautiful enough, family photo shoots are always a winner!

However, with younger or multiple kids, the task can be way harder than you imagine.

To make life simpler for you and your family follow these tips to achieve the best session you could hope for!

Plan the whole family’s outfits about a week in advance There is nothing worse than reaching the night before photos and suddenly realising you don’t have everyone’s outfits together.

The key is, GET ORGANISED. Have everyone try on everything. See what works and what doesn’t, and go from there.

Keep it short Thirty minutes is all you need. If you’re not getting good shots in 30 minutes, you’re certainly not getting good ones in an hour.

Short and sweet is best.

Let kids be kids Your job is to smile and (pretend to) enjoy the moment, not be glancing down at the kids, saying “Stop it now and smile, if you want ice cream later” out of the side of your mouth. This will ruin any cool candid pictures your photographer may be trying to grab! Let them get the kids’ attention, and you worry about smiling and doing your thing. It will almost always come together. Keep your cool if no one is cooperating. Take a snack break, don’t freak out and try again in a moment. The worst thing to do is get angry

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February 2020

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really important. I bet they’re willing to come around when it’s framed like that.

and yell at your child – you want everyone to try their best to remain happy and calm.

Bring treats

Treats work – bribe those kids! But really, little surprises are awesome. A couple of things to keep in mind though – nothing that will stain and nothing they will be chomping on as you’re trying to take pictures.

Get your partner on board

I know it can be hard to convince your partner to get on board. What I would suggest is to tell them this is a gift for you. It’s hard to get Mum in the photos all the time. In fact, mums are probably the ones taking most of the pictures! Tell your partner this is a GIFT for you and it’s

Don’t expect perfection

All these photos are a moment in time, capturing a season of your life. The candid ones are almost always the favourites.

Remember, this photo session is what it is, and it will absolutely not go as planned or produce the 50 perfect images you have been dreaming of! But, if you’re lucky, you’ll get a few good gems…and really, that’s all you need.

Finally, tell your photographer what you are hoping for

Emphasise your preferences, your favourite poses and your requests. Maybe you would like to have a kids photo, a Mum and kids photo and a Dad and kids photo. Be direct with your photographer and let them know if you have something in mind. If you don’t tell them, they won’t know!

And relax, smile, and enjoy your photo-shoot!

Chanelmama

www.womanthismonth.com

last word

In Her Shoes

We go behind the scenes with Meriem Moulouade, PR and Marketing Manager at Ramada by Wyndham Manama City Centre.

Chocolate or chips?

Chocolate.

What’s your proudest achievement?

Team leader at the Association of Young Moroccan Leaders.

Heels or flats?

Comfortable shoes.

What’s your favourite season?

Summer.

What was the first book you ever read?

The Piece of String by Guy de Maupassant.

What would be your ideal holiday destination?

Somewhere I haven’t been to before.

Which song is guaranteed to make you dance?

Single Ladies (Put a Ring on It) by Beyoncé.

If you were animal, what would you be?

Bald Eagle. It is a very independent animal with significance to its name and meaning. www.womanthismonth.com

In a film of your life, who would play you?

Sandra Bullock.

February 2020

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