Bahrain Edition
BEAUTY | FASHION | HOME | WELLBEING | LOCAL ISSUES
March 2020 | Issue 204
FASHION FLOWER POWER 10 TO TRY
FOOD
RAZAN’S RECIPES
BEAUTY
SCRUB THE WINTER AWAY
WELL-BEING WALK TO FITNESS
PEOPLE KATA DRAXLER
DRAGON BOAT CAPTAIN
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M&S
This is one look that never really goes away but this season designers have gone all out with florals in all manner of shades, shapes and styles hitting the runways and, very swiftly, making their way onto the high street.
Kristina Fidelskaya
FL WER POWER If you don’t want to go particularly girly-girly, take a leaf out of Gucci’s style book and pair a flamboyant top with sombre blacks – swapping out the black for white linen pants or shorts would update this look for summer.
Gucci
Osman
Loewe
Chloe
Givenchy
Kate Spade New York
M&S
FASHION | trend
Elsewhere, Chloe flashed a pop of neon; there was applique aplenty at both Ingie and Givenchy; and both Osman and Kate Spade New York went bloomin’ bonkers, the former with gorgeously clashing patterns (so wrong, yet, so right) and the latter sending models down an outdoor runway in head-to-toe florals with bags and even live plants adding to the mood.
Rene Caovilla
Ingie
Start adding florals to your wardrobe now and they’ll take you right through spring to late summer.
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bystander
dinner was held in honour of the Indian Basketball Team, who were in Indian Basketball Team Dinner ABahrain for the Asian Cup, at Tanatan Restaurant, Ramee Grand Hotel & Spa
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Your local search engine for restaurants and hotels in Bahrain Restaurants
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FASHION |essentials
10 Things to Try This Month New Sunnies Cos you can never have enough.
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Tie a Turban Perfect all year round.
Embrace Your Curves Larger ladies have been storming the catwalks, you can too with great shapewear!
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Bright Eyes Go for it!
5 Add some sparkle Who cares if you didn’t get them for Valentine’s Day?
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Eco Fashion OK, you don’t have to wear grass but check the labels and do your bit.
Off the Cuff Add funky cufflinks to your favourite shirt.
Channel Your Inner Billie The teen singer is a pop and style sensation. Need we say more?
Look Good Feel Good Buy from the Boss-Meissen Big-Five inspired collection and they’ll donate to Elephants for Africa
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10 Boots, boots, boots Probably the last chance you’ll get to wear them until next winter.
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news
DOING THEIR BIT
EMBRACING SUSTAINABILITY
MANGO has joined the Sustainable Apparel Coalition (SAC), a leading organisation in the textile sector which aims to promote good practices in the supply chain and measure the environmental and social impact of brands. The multinational has joined more than 250 brands, retailers, manufacturers, governmental and environmental organisations and academic institutions that form part of this initiative, which represents a total of 35 countries. Signing up is part of the ambitious plan the company will implement over the next few years to fulfil one of its strategic goals: the sustainable transformation of the firm.
Gucci, one of the world’s leading luxury fashion brands, has joined The Lion’s Share Fund, a unique initiative raising much-needed funds to tackle the crisis in nature, biodiversity and climate across the globe. Led by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and a coalition of businesses and UN partners, the fund aims to raise over USD100 million per year within the next five years for environmental conservation by asking brands to contribute 0.5 per cent of their media spend every time an animal is featured in their advertisements. Marco Bizzarri, President and CEO of Gucci, said: “This groundbreaking initiative has the potential to be transformative by organically connecting the business community with direct action to protect our natural habitats and species.”
A COLLABORATIVE COLLECTION
Contemporary womenswear brand RIXO and historic fashion house Christian Lacroix have launched an exclusive See Now, Buy Now collaboration collection. The limited-edition RIXO x House of Christian Lacroix capsule was unveiled at RIXO’s fourth on-schedule London Fashion Week. Limited and special, each piece in the collection is one of 50 or fewer globally. The capsule designs play with varying scales and combinations of prints – juxtaposing diagonal stripes, florals, polka dots and checks. Lacroix’s dynamic motifs combined with a contemporary RIXO twist create colourful pieces merged together in bright and punchy hues.
PLASTIC PUT TO USE
Following on from the ‘I’m Not A Plastic Bag’ project in 2007, Anya Hindmarch has created ‘I Am A Plastic Bag’. Made from an innovative new fabric which is created from the yarn from recycled plastic bottles and coated with recycled plastic windshields, the collection uses the incredible technology and craftsmanship that is synonymous with the brand. The bag has a luxurious, cotton canvas-feel fabric. It takes 32 half-litre bottles to make each large tote. To create a weather-resistant durable finish, the fabric is then coated in recycled PVB, which is extracted from old car windshields. The bag is trimmed with leather, which is a sustainable by-product of the meat industry.
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TWO HEADS BETTER THAN ONE
Belgian designer Raf Simons is set to join Italian megahouse, Prada, as co-creative director, working alongside Miuccia Prada with equal responsibilities for creative decision-making. The appointment is effective from April and their first show will be Spring/Summer 2021 womenswear, presented in Milan in September this year. Simons, who will continue to design his namesake menswear label, is the first major design talent from outside the Prada family to join the house. He says: “Prada is a brand that I have been interested in my whole life. I cannot wait to express to all of you the dialogue I will have with Mrs Prada and her team.” www.womanthismonth.com
bystander OTHER EVENTS The latest Diner Amical of the Bahrain Chapter of The Chaine des Rotisseurs was held at the La Mer, Sofitel Bahrain Zallaq Thalassa Sea & Spa, with over 50 members and guests enjoying an evening of revisited Classic French Cuisine
As part of Marriott Business Council Bahrain’s commitment to giving back to the community members, including The Westin & Le Meridien City Centre Bahrain, Sheraton Bahrain Hotel, Marriott Executive Apartments and Residence Inn by Marriott, handed over a cheque amounting to BD 2,450 to Al Sanabel Orphanage Hatim Sharif Zu’bi, Hon GBE launched his autobiography book titled: A Story of Will, Determination and Hope Cancer Care Group in association with MVR Cancer Institute and Research Centre and The Indian Club conducted a Cancer Awareness Lecture and introduction of the treatment scheme of the MVR Institute
Indian Ladies Association inducted its new executive committee for the year 2020-2021
An Akin Saatci-Pilates Mat and Reformer Workshop was held in Bahrain
In an attempt to promote public health among youth, INJAZ Bahrain hosted the annual INJAZ Walk initiative as part of its participation in Bahrain Sports Day 2020
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PEOPLE | interview
ENTER THE DRAGON (BOAT)
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Liz O’Reilly chatted to Kata Draxler, Bahrain’s only female solo dragon boat captain, to find out what’s so great about this relatively new sport.
irstly, Kata is quick to point out that there are other female captains but they are all parts of male-female duos. Dragon boating’s also not new, as it has been going for years, but it is new to Bahrain. So, what exactly is it? Dragon boats are shallow canoe-type craft in which teams of paddlers, led by a drummer, use large oars to propel the craft through the water. It originated in China’s Pearl River Delta and dates back thousands of years. The modern sport was revived in Hong Kong around 1976 and, in recent years, it has become widespread across the world both for competition and general fitness. It’s also great fun! Always active and sporty, Kata became involved when Bahrain Rowing Centre brought the first boats to the Kingdom a little over two years ago. She explains: “They were offering free sessions. I got together with some friends and the Black Dragons was formed, we were one of the first teams on the island.” Kata was co-captain from the beginning but took over the role on her own when her fellow captain had to step down. When the Black Dragons are racing, there are two boats each with 10 paddlers, a drummer and a steersman, who guides the craft with an extra-long oar – not an easy task according to Kata.
Asked what draws her to the sport, Kata says: “I took it up because it’s a team sport and I love all types of water sports, so this is the best combination for me. I also do open water swimming. The whole dragon boat community helps each other. For example, at the moment, our coach is from another team; come race day, we will be competing against him, but it’s great sportsmanship. “There are around six to eight regular teams and others that just come and go for the races. We are also looking into racing outside of Bahrain as dragon boating is becoming more and more popular. The World Championships were held in Hungary last year and the UAE had a ladies’ team entered.” Though she would love to be in sport full time, Kata currently works in education and, keen to encourage people to give dragon boating a try, she says: “It’s important to point out that all the team have different backgrounds; some work in education, others in embassies or at the airport. There’s also a great age range with the youngest being around 21 and the oldest in her 60s – an amazing committed lady. It really is a sport for everyone.” You can see the dragon boats in action at the next race event at Marassi Beach on March 6. If you’d like to know more about the Black Dragons such as practice times etc, check them out or get in contact on Instagram @black.dragons.bh
The team currently consists of around 30 people and there will be 10 on the boat at any given time. They range from the elite, who are there for the regular practices and races, to others who are only able to come along occasionally and pursue the sport socially. Thirty sounds a lot but, according to Kata: “Some of the other teams have 60 or 70 people, my team is one of the smallest and we are actively trying to recruit more members. “Also, we’re the only team I’m aware of that has Bahrainis on board. Membership is about 50-50 Bahraini-expat, so I’m hoping we might be able to attract some more locals and some sponsorship.”
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Silk BEAUTY | tips
S A TH
O O SM
The days of strutting your stuff by the pool or at the beach are not far off. You may have a new pair of killer shorts lying in wait, but are you ready to bare your winter-rough skin?
Just like on your face, the skin on the rest of your body also sheds dead cells, that, when accumulated in the epidermis, leave you with lackluster skin. Besides trapping dirt and oil, gunk doesn’t allow other products to seep in effectively. Here are some ways you can act now to have smooth skin come summer. nfidence.
Worth its Salt RESTORE AND FORTIFY
Massaging salt into the skin in circular motions can help to increase movement in your lymphatic system, thereby giving the body a detox and the immune system a boost. Magnesium-rich Epsom salt has a finer grain than others, and is ideal to exfoliate sensitive skin, besides reducing muscle pain and tension. Himalayan salt, rich in trace minerals like calcium, magnesium and iron, imparts detoxifying and healing properties. Its coarse texture is good for areas that need tough love – like elbows, knees and the sides and back of the thighs.
Caffeine’s the Fix ANTI CELLULITE
Caffeine is hated by cellulite for its ability to dilate blood vessels, which temporarily tones and tightens tissue. It also increases circulation and reduces water retention, both of which can help make the cellulite look less apparent. While this scrub smells invigourating, it certainly cannot completely rid you of the orange-peel effect. The antioxidants in fresh coffee grounds may help to up collagen production and release toxins, which helps in overall skin health. While we’re on the topic of dimpled skin, a word on dry brushing. It is touted to reduce cellulite when done regularly, and also remove dry, dead skin.
Harness the Hammam VELVET-LIKE SKIN
Deeply rooted in Middle Eastern culture, everyone in this part of the world has heard about the Moroccan Bath. In the pampering ritual, one sits in steam to loosen all the ‘dirt’, followed by application of the traditional black soap, which is kept on for a few minutes to let its deep cleansing and purifying properties work. Once the skin is prepped for the next step – the rigourous scrubbing with a kessa glove commences. The exfoliating texture of the glove might feel unkind, but is well worth it for the buttery, baby-soft skin it reveals.
From Your Garden ANTIBACTERIAL SHIELD
Aloe vera is renowned for its cleansing constituents that are enriched with antibacterial and exfoliating properties to banish impurities gently. Its antiseptic properties shield skin from bacteria in turn preventing issues like back-acne and skin infections. Mix some oatmeal or sugar granules into fresh-cut or genuine store-bought aloe gel and scrub away for problemfree, bright skin. www.womanthismonth.com
DIY AT HOME
No time for a spa hour? Whip up your own body polish with ingredients readily available in your kitchen pantry. Depending on your mood, just mix and match one element from the below to make your customised concoction: Exfoliators – Granulated sugar, oatmeal, powdered walnut shell, rice flour, powdered dried orange peel Humectants – Raw honey, avocado, virgin oils – coconut, olive, sweet almond or jojoba, or Vitiman E oil Essential Oils and Extracts – Citrus, lavender, ylang ylang, tea tree or patchouli. Extracts include green tea and vanilla. March 2020
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BEAUTY | new products
Raving In Red
Inglot cosmetics announces the launch of the ‘More than Red’ lipstick, a limited-edition piece that not only comes enriched with a special moisturising recipe, but the crystal-blitzed Swarovski packaging is beautifully handbag-ready, too. This is a shade of sassy scarlet that says ‘confident’ and ‘feminine’; and its formulation of Q10 coenzyme, vitamin E and apricot kernel oil plumps and smooths the delicate skin of your lips to give them lasting shape and contour.
The WOW Effect
COLOR WOW has launched the brand-new and exciting EXTRA Mist-ical Shine Spray, which guarantees to give the most brilliantly, glossy and sparkling hair. This super-light finishing mist instantly adds intense, glossy shine, making hair look healthy, and lighting up any style you have in mind. The groundbreaking technology behind it promises a non-greasy, nondrying and non-sticky look that will not collapse or weigh down the style you have created. Apply a light all-over misting for intense gloss, apply to any ends that look dull and dry, spray on your brush and brush through the hair, apply to fingers and tousle through your locks to light up your layers or for rich, deep luminosity, hit it with the blow dryer for magnified shine.
Wrinkles, Be Gone!
Enriched by years of research, Guerlain’s Abeille Royale boasts the reparative BlackBee Repair Technology, which takes the best hive products, including exclusive honey from Ouessant Island and Corsica as well as New Zealand clover honey and a Guerlain-exclusive royal jelly, and enlists them in the combat against the signs of ageing – both those that are already visible and those yet to appear. This is achieved by targeting micro-tears and micro-lesions on the skin, as well as damage and changes to the skin barrier stemming from skin cell or nerve dysfunction provoked by stress or the environment. Multidimensional in the way it fights the signs of ageing, Abeille Royale targets wrinkles, loss of firmness and elasticity. With skin-repairing properties, the product claims to take three years off the eyes, making them visibly younger.
From lips to eyes and hair to skin, we've got something to beautify every option. Big Sister’s In The House
The Powerpuff Girls - Bubbles, Blossom and Buttercup - are joined by Blisstina, whose extraordinary powers and super hero abilities are reflected in the newest makeup items from INGLOT x The Powerpuff Girls. Check out the confidence-boosting shades of Team Bliss Eye Shadow Palette and Pure Pigment Eye Shadow in Energy Blast that will make your eyes pop. Add LipSatin Lipstick in Super Tough with a touch of Lips Gloss in Find Your Bliss, and you have the last word. This collection has been extended to 22 functional products, which come in handy, all encased in super cute packaging. The colours and textures allow to create the most fantastic looks and add a bit of fun to your everyday makeup.
Express Yourself, Your Way
Gucci launches L’Obscur, a new buildable mascara for the bold, the bright and the beautiful. The mascara has a uniquely shaped brush and formula to grip lashes and create distinct results. It has an ultra-rich, creamy texture, in an intense black, with a comfortable film, which quickly transfers the perfect amount onto lashes and is near impossible to smudge, flake, feather or migrate once dry. The flexible brush ensures ultimate ease of application, with a thin tip to perfectly catch the smallest lashes at the top and bottom corners of the eyes and also fan, lengthen and separate each lash with panoramic precision. The long-wearing finish lasts up to twelve hours.
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news
A STRATEGIC TAKE-OVER
TOP INFLUENCERS
Dave Lackie, Sarah Berryman and Hannah Ween have been named top three beauty influencers for the last quarter of 2019 on Twitter, as per GlobalData. According to the analytics company, Dave Lackie, editor and founder of Beauty Departure magazine, has surpassed all competitors, reaching the maximum score. With 162,000-plus followers, he reached a maximum ‘influencer score’ of 100 on GlobalData’s Beauty Influencer Platform, which tracks more than 250 global beauty experts and their discussions on Twitter. Sarah Berryman, a beauty blogger, was ranked second with an influencer score of 73, while the UK-based beauty and book blogger Hannah Ween was ranked third with an influencer score of 63. Among the companies, Sephora has emerged as the most discussed company followed by Clarins and Boots UK, respectively.
NEW CREATIVE ROLE
The world’s most sought-after luxury fragrance brand, Amouage, has been undertaking a transformation that will re-write the book on perfume creation and its relationships with the next generation. In line with this, the brand has appointed Marco Parsiegla as Chief Executive Office. A new role debuts in the brand’s leadership team, that of Chief Experience Officer (CXO), and taking up the prestigious post is Renaud Salmon, whose career includes work for some of the most well-known global luxury houses such as Delvaux, Louis Vuitton, Dolce&Gabbana, Alexander McQueen and Marc Jacobs. His role positions him at the helm of what will be known as the ‘Amouage Creative Collective’, a diverse team of creative experts who will lead the journey towards the brand’s reimagined future. www.womanthismonth.com
Vegan cosmetics brand e.l.f. Beauty is tapping into the clean beauty market with the acquisition of W3ll People. The company has acquired the cruelty-free, clean beauty brand for USD27 million, marking its first strategic extension. Since its launch in 2008, W3ll People has garnered a reputation for cruelty-free, plant-based products formulated without fillers, propylene glycol, petrochemicals or petroleum byproducts. "Clean beauty is a strategically important segment given consumer sentiment and strong growth rates," said Tarang Amin, e.l.f. Beauty Chairman and Chief Executive Officer. “W3ll People is rooted in a deep and passionate understanding of clean beauty and shares our mission of making the best of beauty accessible.”
CLEAN SCENTS
Clara Molloy’s Hermetica ventures onto new ground to modernise traditional perfumery. The young brand offers a range of alcohol-free formulas based on Innoscent, Symrise’s patented molecular technology. The founder said: “People want to know if what they wear on their skin is safe, for them and for the environment, so we had to challenge conventions in the world of fine perfumery by leveraging on creativity." The discovery of Symrise’s Innoscent technology, exclusive to Hermetica, convinced her of the advantages of an alcohol-free formula. Six hours of wear later, the olfactory strength of Hermetica perfumes is 56 per cent more powerful than those containing alcohol, more hydrating and with a softer scent. Also, the top, middle and bottom notes are released simultaneously.
RARING TO GO
Selena Gomez has announced the launch of her own cosmetics brand, named after her recently-released album Rare. As per her social media platform, Rare Beauty is in the pipeline, scheduled to be launched this summer in Sephora stores across North America. Gomez stated that she has been working on the collection for two years, outlining in a promotional video what 'being rare' means to her. “I think Rare Beauty can be more than a beauty brand,” she declared. “I want us all to stop comparing ourselves to each other and just start embracing our own uniqueness. Rare Beauty isn’t about how other people see you; it’s about how you see yourself.” March 2020
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LIFESTYLE | well-being
STEP UP TO HEALTH
It’s simple, practical and free. Yet, walking as exercise does not get the credit it deserves, finds Behnaz Sanjana.
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ou were probably raring to do it all the time as a toddler, but in adulthood you go to great lengths to avoid it – walking, that is! In between struggling for a parking spot closest to your destination and wrestling the routine to carve out time for the gym, we forget the benefits a brisk walk can have; an activity that can be done anytime, anywhere and doesn’t cost anything close to your gym membership. This low-impact aerobic activity (cardio: check) is easy on the joints. A brisk cadence (steps per minute) can rev up your heart rate and open up the lungs to take in more oxygen, which is great for the body overall. As per Harvard Medical School, walking, done right, can have tremendous benefit for folks across all age groups: - Keeps weight in check. In a study of over 12,000 people, walking was shown to cut down the effects of obesity-promoting genes in half in those who walked about an hour every day. - Helps sweet cravings. A 15-minute walk helps overcome cravings for sweet foods and, over time, reduces them altogether. - Reduces joint pain and prevents arthritis. Lubricates knee and hip joints, and strengthens the muscles that support them. - Boosts immunity – A study of more than 1,000 individuals found that those who walked at least 20 minutes a day, five times a week, had 43-per-cent fewer sick days than those who exercised less. And their sickness was for a shorter duration, with milder symptoms.
- Relieves depression and improves memory. How Much Is Enough? Catrine Tudor-Locke, a walking behaviour researcher and a recognised expert in objective physical activity assessment, found that for adults, age 21-40, walking about 100 steps per minute constitutes moderate intensity, while vigorous walking begins at about 130 steps per minute. Strapping on a pedometer to clock in your daily steps could be the easiest way to track your walking intensity, and thereby
your vitals like heartbeats per minute and calories burnt. No pedometer, no problem! Tudor-Locke suggests simply counting steps for 15 seconds and multiplying by four to determine your walk’s approximate exercise intensity. By and large, the frequency, duration and intensity parameters of your walks will determine how much benefit you gain out of them. But, even if it’s just an evening stroll you can manage on a particular day, some physical activity is better than none.
Suitable shoes are ideal for comfort and sustainable walking endeavours. Besides feeling supportive, but not constricting, a good pair must have: - A padded tongue and heel pad. - Uppers that are light, breathable and flexible. ure - Moisture-resistant insol, and shock-absorbent sole. So, chin up, post ers ld ou sh - Raised heel wedge, so the sole at the back of the shoe is erect and t’s le – re squa two times thicker than at the front. e to - A roomy toe box. comfortably strid ! th al sound he
- Reduces the risk of breast, colon and endometrial cancers. Walking provided protection from breast cancer even for women with risk factors, such as being overweight or using supplemental hormones. - Reduces risk for Type 2 Diabetes.
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LIFESTYLE | well-being
WELL-BEING
SPREADING AWARENESS
Bahrain Specialist Hospital hosted an event at the offices of the Economic Development Board to build awareness about the novel Coronavirus which is fast spreading the world over, led by BSH’s internal medicine consultant Dr Syed Muneebuddin Ahmed and Mr Emad Almukahal. The initiative taken by EDB aimed to raise awareness amongst employees and the general public, to impart information related to the virus and how corporates can maintain
AI TO THE FORE a safe workplace. Some information discussed during the conference was related to employers considering a wide range of steps, including restricting international travel to affected areas, performing medical inquiries to the extent legally permitted, imposing potential quarantine for employees who have travelled, permitting leaves of absence and work from home options, and educating management and employees.
ARE WOMEN STRONGER? BREAKFAST LIKE A KING
A big breakfast can enable the burning of twice as many calories compared to eating a larger dinner, according to the new study published in The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism. It also results in fewer cravings, particularly for sweets, and healthier blood sugar and insulin levels throughout the day. Over the course of three days, researchers evaluated 16 men who alternated eating a low-calorie breakfast and a high-calorie dinner and vice versa. Their metabolism, along with overall hunger, blood glucose levels and cravings for sweets were tracked. On average, metabolic rate was 2.5 times higher after breakfast versus after dinner, essentially showing that people’s metabolisms are more active after their morning meal. A high-calorie breakfast was linked to lower blood sugar, hunger pangs and sweet cravings throughout the day. www.healthline.com www.womanthismonth.com
The Chinese Centre for Disease Control and Prevention has published the largest analysis of Coronavirus cases to date, and although men and women have been infected in roughly equal numbers, researchers found, the death rate among men was 2.8 per cent, compared with 1.7 per cent among women. Men also were disproportionately affected during the SARS and MERS outbreaks, which were caused by Ccoronaviruses. A number of factors may be working against men in the current epidemic, scientists say, including some that are biological, and some that are rooted in lifestyle. Sabra Klein, a scientist at the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, says that it’s a pattern observed with many viral infections of the respiratory tract — men can have worse outcomes. When it comes to mounting an immune response against infections, men are the weaker sex. www.nytimes.com
Using a machine-learning algorithm, researchers at Massachusetts Institute of Technology have identified a powerful new antibiotic compound. In laboratory tests, the drug killed many of the world's most problematic disease-causing bacteria, including some strains that are resistant to all known antibiotics. It also cleared infections in two different mouse models. The computer model, which can screen more than a hundred million chemical compounds in a matter of days, is designed to pick out potential antibiotics that kill bacteria using different mechanisms than those of existing drugs. In their new study, the researchers also identified several other promising antibiotic candidates, which they plan to test further. They believe the model could also be used to design new drugs, based on what it has learned about chemical structures that enable drugs to kill bacteria. www.sciencedaily.com
NEW CHOLESTEROL DRUG
The US Food and Drug Administration has approved a new type of cholesterollowering drug, Nexletol, aimed at millions of people who can't tolerate — or don't get enough help from — widely used statin pills. It is for people genetically predisposed to have high cholesterol or for those who have heart disease and need to further lower their bad cholesterol. The daily pill is to be taken in conjunction with a healthy diet and the highest statin dose patients can handle, the FDA said. Nexletol, also known as bempedoic acid, works in the liver by blocking an enzyme needed to make harmful cholesterol. Used along with statins, the drugs together can further reduce bad cholesterol. It should be available later this month. www.nbcnews.com March 2020
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LIFESTYLE
F F O H C T I N SW O H C T I W S y reboot ived a mind-baod ce re a n ja and n ge Sa Behnaz Remedy Massl Areen Palace te u in -m 60 e A th with e sophisticateesds Centre. Treatment atYth r Life Welln & Spa’s Live ou
D
riving towards Al Areen Palace and Spa, my car and my mind were both racing along the fast lane, the latter heavy with to-do lists on the work and home front. But walking through quiet, sunlit corridors towards the five-star retreat’s Live Your Life Spa and Wellness helped still my inner conscience and take note of the present. A quick, straightforward questionnaire later I was entrusted to Hazila, who is not only a certified alternative medicine practitioner, but also knowledgeable in alternative therapy and Thai medicine. Her soft-spoken demeanour immediately put me at ease, adding to the sense of calm that Al Areen’s serene environs had already instilled in me. I was in for the Remedy Massage, which is aimed to give relief from the various
niggles that arise from a largely sedentary lifestyle - back and knee pain, Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, frozen shoulder, cramps, trigger finger and the like. The spacious massage room beckoned, and I quickly changed into a super-soft cotton robe and hopped, face-down, on to the massage table. Hazila applied tactful pressure to the soles of my feet, heels, and calves, moving up to my back and shoulders, thoughtfully checking the intensity I’d prefer. I then felt a soothingly hot herbal compress on my back. The pounding of this bundle of herbs in a slow, rhythmic fashion allowed its heat and healing properties to penetrate the muscles. Hazila concentrated her efforts over my perpetually peeved shoulders and lower back, and I noticed my otherwise shallow, erratic breathing turn into deep,
mindful intakes of air that reached the depths of my lungs. Next, she rubbed a light, fragrance-free oil onto my back, the pads of her fingers applying just the right amount of pressure. I’ll be honest, I’ve had massage therapists waging war on my knotted shoulder muscles, leaving me behind, well, in the battlefield of pain in the aftermath. So, when Hazila commented on how ‘tight’ they were, I braced myself. But her thumbs worked firmly, yet gently, coaxing all the stiffness to just dissipate beneath their warmth quite painlessly in a few minutes. Just as I was dozing off, a cold touch awakened me. It was the poultice that I had been told would be used; a wet mixture of powdered herbs meant to soothe the muscles and draw out any remnant aches and pains. After application, a towel kept me warm while the herbal blend did its job. And as my mind mouthed a grateful ‘thank you’ I returned to that semi-conscious state of bliss. Poultice wiped off and enrobed, I was asked to sit cross legged. As only an authentic Thai masseuse can do, Hazila proceeded to contort my upper body in tremendously soothing twists. At one point, my spine ‘cracked’ with the release of all its rigidity, as if to signal the grand finale of my Remedy Massage. A good massage always tires me out, but sipping on honeyed ginger tea and fresh fruit solved that for me. I left the tranquil precincts of Al Areen Palace and Spa, understanding fully well the true meaning of the word ‘retreat’. With both mind and body fluid and relaxed I actually looked forward to the drive back into the city. And this time around, I soaked in the sights and enjoyed the ride.
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LIFESTYLE | food
P U T I X
MI
ecipe r n a i e tar pesca d in cuisin d n a e r write i, is certifi on) and in ege s s e n d l b l d wel zan Al Ara Bleu (Lon ndon’s Col n a d n o Foo per, Ra Cordo living by L o e l L e v y b de ryday iques techn ion for eve Medicine. t nutri uropathic t of Na
She’s passionate about health and wellbeing and marries her love of great, nutritious food with teaching yoga to both adults and kids. With that kind of combination, you can be guaranteed that the products of her busy kitchen will be both flavourful and healthful. Try her mixed flavours and textures of fish and flesh for a dish that looks as good as it tastes.
Mexican Rice
Ingredients:
250g salmon fillet 2 tbsp mustard 3 tsp brown sugar 1 tsp sea salt Turkey bacon
Method:
Slice the salmon into two fillets and remove the skin. Season each fillet with one tablespoon of mustard, one teaspoon of brown sugar and half a teaspoon of sea salt. Grill in an oven dish for 20 minutes at 180˚ Celsius. In a separate oven dish season four slices of turkey bacon with one teaspoon of brown sugar. Grill at 180˚ Celsius for 15 minutes. Cover each salmon fillet with two slices of bacon and broil the fillets for three to five minutes at 250˚ Celsius for a crispy brown finish. www.womanthismonth.com
Ingredients:
2 cups basmati rice 4 cloves garlic 2 tbsp chopped jalapeños 3 tbsp organic tomato paste 2 tbsp fajita seasoning 2 tbsp olive oil 3-4 cups low sodium chicken stock 1-2 tsp sea salt
Method:
Soak the basmati rice in water for 15 minutes. Sauté the minced garlic and jalapeños in olive oil over mediumhigh heat. Add the uncooked rice, tomato paste & fajita seasoning. Stir for 10 minutes then add the chicken stock (enough to cover the rice). Let the rice cook on medium heat for 15-20 minutes. Stir every five minutes to prevent the rice from burning. Mexican rice is trendy, vegetarian and full of flavour. Enjoy it alone or as a side. March 2020
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LIFESTYLE | home
ENCHANTING EMERALD St Patrick’s Day graces our calendars this month, and sure enough, our thoughts have turned to all things green! This colour can lend your indoors a feeling of being cocooned in nature and is calming and invigorating at once. Play with the whole colour spectrum to create an entire room in this mesmerising shade, or enhance it with splashes of lush for warm yet stylish dÊcor. Then watch envious visitors turn a verdant tint themselves.
Natural Swirl Place mat Home Centre
Richly Toned Cushion namshi.com
Colour Palette Rug Illulian
Jewel-Toned Vintage Ccabinet
The Noohs, Bahrain
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March 2020
www.womanthismonth.com
LIFESTYLE | home
Green for Green Hanging planters
‘Freshly’ Made Crockery IKEA
namshi.com
Elegant Olive Curtains Home Box
Amazing Agate Bookends namshi.com
Emerald Treasure Wicker box Colgrave Holmes Creations, Bahrain
Modern Appeal Side Table
Opera Contemporary
Delightful Duo Armchair and footrest Home Box
Green and Gold Sofa Angello Cappellini
www.womanthismonth.com
March 2020
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LIFESTYLE | parenting
CLEAR THAT PLATE!
Ouiam Charkani El Hassani offers tried and tested tips to help mums of picky eaters. phase, and let’s make mealtime great again!
T
he responsibility of sustaining another human being's life is somewhat overwhelming. No child comes with a manual and, no matter how much we know, we are all faced with moments that keep us dazzled, bewildered and sometimes on the verge of tears. One of these moments is when you spend the whole morning making all kinds of scrumptious food and, when lunchtime comes, your toddler totally refuses to take even ONE single bite. Not one bite! No matter how much you know about health and wellness, once you have a child to feed every day – and especially if that child is a picky eater – you have a big battle on your hands and you need to be prepared. Picky eating is a normal phase that toddlers go through. A nurturing and accepting caregiver is the key to helping them pass through it, so it doesn't snowball into a bigger problem. If what you're currently doing just isn't working, accept the fact that you need to try something new Here are some tips that will help you and your child overcome this not very pleasant
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• Sit down and have a meal together as a family every weeknight (if possible). This is the most important and often overlooked way of helping your child. The most efficient way of teaching a child anything is by DOING IT, in front of them. • Make a mealtime schedule and stick to it. Children are creatures of habit and they thrive with routine. Knowing what’s coming next gives them a boost of confidence, and helps them feel in control. • Expose your child to a variety of foods. In the early days when you can still control what your child eats, it’s crucial to expose them to a wide selection of tastes and flavours, so they can accept all kinds of foods later on in life. Introducing different shapes, textures, colours, spices… etc, is the key! • Make mealtime fun. Mealtimes can be stressful and overwhelming for some children, especially when they spy something completely new on their plate. Try telling stories, or even talking about the food you are having: its colour, its shape…etc. Remember you are also creating memories that you and your children will cherish forever.
• Get your kids involved in cooking. Being involved in the preparation of the meal and the cooking helps eliminate the element of surprise, and gives the child a little heads-up on what’s coming on the plate later. It also gives the child a sense of accomplishment, knowing that they MADE that food! • Offer two or three choices and always include one safe choice. It is just the perfect combination of allowing room for exploration of new foods and textures, and allowing more choices to help balance the meal. If you introduce a new food, always make sure there is something else that your child will surely eat, in case he isn’t a big fan of the new food. • Choose your words wisely. Instead of saying “Eat it”, how about “Try it”? Children instinctively resist persuasion and reducing coercion will help reduce the child's anxiety. • Allow total autonomy (but offer help if needed). Children – and all humans really – like to feel in control, especially when it comes to things that are coming directly into their mouths. However, if they need or request help, then that’s OK too. You can’t force your child to enjoy food, but you can help and guide them to navigate in this food exploration journey. Chanelmama
www.womanthismonth.com
last word
In Her Shoes
What’s the scariest thing you’ve ever done?
We go behind the scenes to quiz Pamela Panduric, PR and Marketing Manager at Al Areen Palace and Spa.
I was always quite adventurous and looking for new challenges. So, two weeks after my graduation from university, I moved to Tunisia. To me, a completely different country, culture, rules and people.
What’s your all-time favourite film?
Since I was little I have watched Dirty Dancing with Patrick Swayze so many times, I cannot even count. That movie taught me not to judge too soon; learn how to move and dance; the importance of family and that we can’t choose who we fall in love with.
What are three things you don’t leave the house without?
Definitely mobile phone, wallet and a perfume. A lady must always be well organised and pleasant to the eyes and nose.
What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever been given?
“Winners don’t quit – Quitters don’t win.” I bet each one of us has heard it many times. However, I must say, when I grew older and gathered more life experience, I learned that sometimes quitting is just moving on. Which is healthy and necessary.
Pamela Panduric
What did you want to be when you were a little girl?
A singer. Probably every little girl loves all the sparkling costumes, getting dressed up, fixing up her hair. When I was bit older, I understood that to perform in front of hundreds of people is not that simple.
Who is your idol or inspiration?
Maybe this will sound cheesy, but it’s my mum. She had a good and a difficult life. Got married at the age of 20, had me at 28 and then my father passed away three years later. She found her strength and built a beautiful life for all of us. www.womanthismonth.com
What song would you sing at karaoke?
What skill would you like to learn? To play piano. I started when I was very little but now I can only play very slowly checking the notes.
My Way by Frank Sinatra. Unfortunately, my voice is not at all like his, so I sing it only when I’m alone at home or in the shower. I can proudly say: “Regrets, I’ve had a few, but then again, too few to mention.”
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