tag:www.funtimesmagazine.com,2005:/categories/health-wellness?page=18Health+Wellness | FunTimes Magazine Page 18Celebrating Africa And Its Diaspora2021-07-07T11:30:58-04:00urn:uuid:817ef70d-d65e-4a32-a0e7-c2ceb3e8e6902021-07-01T09:08:32-04:002021-07-07T11:30:58-04:00The Importance of Midwives and the Skill and Science Behind Being One2021-07-02 17:00:00 -0400Nina Indigo<span><p>Researchers have brought a serious issue in midwifery to surface. They stress the importance of midwives and their need to better understand the skill and science of being one, specifically within their emotional intelligence. Why, because it’s essential to how well they perform their roles as midwives. This issue is getting attention, there is a need for new influences, and ways of understanding childbirth. How, specifically in the way midwife nurses are educated. There is high demand to increase the practice emotional intelligence to be a good midwife and understand your patients emotional needs too.</p><p>It is vital midwife nurses are taught to understand the emotional nature of practice. To have emotional intelligence is an essential skill for childbirth, and can be normalized with the appropriate skill.</p><p><br></p><p></p><p>Here are some of the greatest Black midwives of the United States, notice how they conducted their roles as midwives; and find out why they continue to be held as role models today:</p><p><br></p><ol><li><p><b><i>Mary Coley</i></b>, she is one of our generation's greatest granny midwives, and continues to be a role model to all future-generation midwives. When she became a midwife, she incorporated her emotional intelligence by providing additional services after childbirth. She did it through cooking, cleaning, childminding, and laundering. Mary Coley was known affectionately by many of her patients for these methodologies. You can experience Ms. Coley's methodologies too just by applying them to your own midwifery.</p></li><li><p><i><b>Mrs. Arilla Smiley</b></i>, another leading midwife in the United States, worked in Atlanta, Georgia. Mrs. Smiley was trained by the local Health Department in Brunswick Georgia. She first apprenticed with her mother-in-law, Mrs. Beatrice Borders. Later, she received her license to perform her midwife duties in 1963 and then retired in 1987. In an interview with Mrs. Smiley, she was asked how she first became involved with becoming a midwife. She said, "I was to be a midwife by God." She recalled, whenever she was concerned about birth she would go into a quiet room and pray. Mrs. Smiley delivered over one thousand babies in Mitchell County. You could incorporate prayer as a healing methodology in your midwife practice too. This encourages the use of emotional intelligence during childbirth and will strengthen your skills as a midwife and your helping a mother deliver her newborn safely into the world. It also shows the family you are devoted to your services to them. </p></li></ol><div><br></div></span><span><p>Here are 3 additional strategies for midwives to practice using emotional intelligence skills with their patients and midwife nursing practice:</p><p><br></p><ol><li><span><b>Midwives: Practice Monitoring Your Emotional Intelligence.</b> <br><br>To work in midwife practice your must monitor your ability to regulate your emotions during stressful times. Recognize the painful situation in childbirth a mother is under., But do not be overburdened by the stress. Try to provide the best care for the individual while you maintain control under intense moments of childbirth. This takes patience, but being able to remain calm and take control of emotionally charged situations, like providing appropriate antenatal, postnatal advice and reassurance regarding your patience needs, is a part of your role as skilled midwife.<br><br></span></li><li><b>Obtain Focus of Your Self-awareness</b><br><br></li>Resiliency and confidence in your ability to perform at your work as a midwife, during an exceptional level of difficult and intense levels of work, shows you genuinely care about your work. This will also help you as the midwife to become self-aware of your role of duty as a midwife. Like maintaining, productive and meaningful contact with patients, examining and monitoring during pregnancy, conducting, screen testing, and providing levels of support based on each individual circumstances. The more you practice confidence in your work, the more secure in your skill you will be. The more you encourage self-awareness and provide the individual patient- with exceptional communication and interpersonal skills during emotionally challenging times, the stronger you will be at your role in midwifery<span>.<br><br><li><b>Create a Positive Workspace.</b><br><br>It is essential to value and respect your fellow mentors. Your excellence and professionalism, give a sense of humanity and kindness. Sometimes as midwives you will be taught different ways to do certain jobs. You must learn to be adaptable. If you work a different way, make sure you have sufficient evidence for why you do it this way, so they can understand.</li></span></ol><br><br><br>To be the best midwife it’s all about communication, information and inclusiveness. A good skillful, experienced midwife who holds great wealth in her work is mainly in knowing child birth and knowing how to care and deal with complex situations, always sincere, willful and organically enjoying working with mothers and their babies.<br><br><br><br><br></span><span><p>Work Source</p><p>PGCPE, DPMSBSHI. "An exploration of the importance of emotional intelligence in midwifery." (2010).</p><p>Walsh, Denis, ed. Evidence and skills for normal labour and birth: a guide for midwives. Routledge, 2011.</p><p>UniSouthWales. “Study Midwifery - What Makes a Good Midwife?” YouTube, YouTube, 20 Feb. 2015, <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EtbhO_BztNc">www.youtube.com/watch?v=EtbhO_BztNc</a>.</p><p> Euphoric Herbals. “15 Black Midwives You Should Know.” Euphoric Herbals, <a href="http://www.euphoricherbals.com/blogs/news/black-midwives-you-should-know">www.euphoricherbals.com/blogs/news/black-midwives-you-should-know</a>. </p><br></span><span><br><br><br><br><br><br></span><div class="image-medium image-align-left"><img alt="" src="//cdn1.locable.com/uploads/resource/file/768559/fill/300x0/nina_20indigo.jpg?timestamp=1625145041"></div><p>Nina Indigo is a Storyteller and Digital Journalist @ FunTimes Magazine. She writes on topics for the health and wellness segment. She practices Vegetarianism, loves poetry, African/African American Literature, creative-writing, research, yoga poses and meditation.</p><span><p>In her articles, she provides her readers with organic content for people of all backgrounds and communities, she is truthful, writes to empower and inform. She helps readers make their best holistic decisions in their lives, communities and societies.</p><p>In 2021, she will obtain her BA in English Writing, with a minor in African and African American Literature Studies.</p><p>To follow up on her latest articles google Nina Indigo @ FunTimes. In her articles, her motive is to provide to her readers a how, and why holistic health is not just important, it's a necessity to our whole well-being. Her articles do not simply empower and inform, but present relevant ideas and solutions to the essential wellness topics discussed.</p></span><p><br></p><p>Read more from Nina Indigo:</p><div class="media clearfix">
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<p> </p><div><br></div><hr /><p><small>Original article published at <a href="www.funtimesmagazine.com">FunTimes Magazine</a></small></p>urn:uuid:94e1fb2c-1b3c-4fdc-9b5d-4fa9d18ad1b02021-06-24T06:54:47-04:002021-07-18T17:05:13-04:00The Beauty of Rejections - Opinion Piece2021-06-24 11:00:00 -0400Anand Subramanian<span><p>We expect to be accepted entirely for who we are in every part of our lives, regardless of race, gender, or sexual orientation. In a perfect world, everyone will be accepted, but unfortunately, we live in an asymmetrical reality. Our desire for acceptance derives from our want to thrive, according to the Association for Psychological Science. Rejection affects all elements of life, whether it's chatting with someone beautiful, asking for a job, or presenting an idea. Every major life decision comes with the potential of rejection, and we tend to take rejection personally. Dealing with rejection in an unhealthy way can lead to a variety of unpleasant conditions, including despair, anxiety, abuse, and trauma.</p><div><br><div class="image-main"><img alt="" src="//cdn1.locable.com/uploads/resource/file/831489/fill/700x0/rejection_20career.png?timestamp=1624531814"><br><span>Figure 1 - Rejections in career. Source - Pexel<br></span><br><br><p>The first step is to comprehend why rejection is so hurtful. It's not because we're fragile or vulnerable, but because we crave connection, which dates back to our ancestors when survival depended on being in groups. Individuals began to adopt new behaviors to avoid being rejected by the tribe. Our urge for connection is hardwired into us from birth, which is why we feel valuable when we build a strong and safe bond with our caretakers, but an insecure bond can lead to feelings of inadequacy.</p><p></p><p>According to polls, one-third of African Americans have been turned down for jobs, credit applications, home searches, and other frequent social situations. The incidence of rejection did not decrease as people moved up the social ladder. According to research, both implicit and explicit types of racial rejection can have negative psychological and physiological consequences. In the grand scheme of things, these rejections have resulted in a wealth and employment disparity between African Americans and Whites. Black individuals are more sensitive to rejection than White people in other aspects of life, and they anticipate being rejected in social circumstances. This leads to a heightened behavioral response as well as a sense of mistrust.</p><div class="image-main"><img alt="" src="//cdn3.locable.com/uploads/resource/file/831490/fill/700x0/result_20rejection.png?timestamp=1624531894"><br><p>Figure 2 - The resultant of rejection. Source - Pexel</p><div><br><p>We must accept our feelings in their purest form in the face of such a barrage of rejections. Rejection triggers anger and hurt, and while releasing those emotions may seem like the best option, it amplifies those emotions. Self-care is recommended, as is participating in activities such as exercising, yoga, and meditation, which will help with the flow of ideas and answers. If such things don't appeal to you, try something else that will help you relax. It's crucial to pay attention to our feelings by writing them down once the mind has calmed. There is no such thing as a good or bad feeling, and it is critical to recognize them at their source.</p><p></p><p>There is a ray of optimistic thought beyond recognition, and it is critical to write the good things about yourself and give ourselves affirmation every morning. The most essential thing to remember is that life is about more than rejections, and we should be grateful for the individuals that support us. We frequently forget about those ties, therefore it's critical to spend more time with our friends and community for moral support.</p></div><div><br><div class="image-main"><img alt="" src="//cdn1.locable.com/uploads/resource/file/831491/fill/700x0/working_20on_20ourselves.png?timestamp=1624531973">Figure 3 - Working on ourselves. Source - Pexel</div><p><br></p><p>As the number of rejections grows, we typically blame ourselves, leading to synthetic and detrimental notions about our own identity. In such scenarios, look at the entire situation objectively and educate yourself, while also practicing compassion towards yourself. It is critical to keep moving forward and to accept the reality that rejection is an unavoidable part of life. With each rejection, we must pick ourselves up and keep pushing on because, at the end of your voyage, you will discover that each rejection has made you stronger, allowing you to overcome any complex obstacle that the universe has thrown in your path.</p><p><br></p><p><br></p><p><br></p><p><br></p><div class="image-medium image-align-left"><img alt="" src="//cdn2.locable.com/uploads/resource/file/814912/fill/300x0/anand.jpg?timestamp=1624532148"></div><p> <span>Anand Subramanian is a freelance photographer and content writer based out of Tamil Nadu, India. Having a background in Engineering always made him curious about life on the other side of the spectrum. He leapt forward towards the Photography life and never looked back. 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<p> </p></div><p> </p></div></span><hr /><p><small>Original article published at <a href="www.funtimesmagazine.com">FunTimes Magazine</a></small></p>urn:uuid:bf1b57e4-0e5c-42d3-8737-9e8a4de46c4f2021-06-17T14:28:34-04:002021-06-17T19:00:17-04:005 Organizations That Support Black Women’s Mental Health2021-06-18 08:00:00 -0400Boitumelo Masihleho<p>No one fares worse from poor treatment than Black women. In the U.S., <a href="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://www.funtimesmagazine.com/2020/11/25/336418/doulas-a-potential-key-to-solving-black-maternity-mortality&sa=D&source=editors&ust=1623956824408000&usg=AOvVaw0wYavwTgqarjgFTwLpNOPP">Black women have the highest pregnancy mortality rates</a>. When it comes to mental health care, Black people are less likely to receive proper treatment and are more likely to terminate treatment prematurely compared to their White counterparts.</p><p></p><p>“Women are at least twice as likely to experience an episode of major depression as men. And, compared to their Caucasian counterparts, African-American women are only half as likely to seek help,” said chair and medical director of the Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Health at Sibley Memorial Hospital, Erica Richard. Black women can find immense comfort in organizations that provide culturally competent care. Check out these 5 organizations that are here to support the mental health of Black women.</p><p><br></p><p></p><h4><a href="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://www.girltrek.org/&sa=D&source=editors&ust=1623956824409000&usg=AOvVaw2OUHOreZNcRPWmNnePvDjU">GirlTrek</a></h4><p>GirlTrek is a national nonprofit that encourages Black women and girls to adopt walking as a form of exercise and self-care. It was started in 2010 by two college friends when they created The GirlTrek Movement to challenge their friends and families to walk to heal their bodies. GirlTrek members also support local and national policy focused on improving access to safe places to walk, as well as improving walkability in 50 high-need communities across the United States. In May 2020, GirlTrek launched a multimedia campaign centered on the legendary stories of Black women like Angela Davis and Nikki Giovanni. The #DaughtersOf conversation series examined the immediate and critical importance of self-care and healing for Black women through the lens of their matrilineal traditions. In June 2020, GirlTrek launched a one-of-a-kind podcast and 21-day walking meditation. The GirlTrek Gives Back Fund provides funding to members to address basic needs such as food, hygiene, medical needs, and housing.</p><p><br></p><div class="image-main"><img alt="" src="//cdn0.locable.com/uploads/resource/file/830130/fill/700x0/girltrek.jpeg?timestamp=1623953995"></div><p> </p><h4><a href="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://sadgirlsclub.org/&sa=D&source=editors&ust=1623956824411000&usg=AOvVaw3q-uvIXowXGvGm3TOQ5MDP"><br>Sad Girls Club</a></h4><p>Sad Girls Club (SGC) is a non-profit organization that offers mental health resources and community. SGC caters to Gen Z and millennials, who are more likely to report having fair or poor mental health compared to older generations. SGC partners with accredited therapists of color who lead online Soul Sessions, where young people around the world can vent and heal alongside peers. Founder Elyse Fox had no one in her family spoke about mental health while she was growing up. “The topic of mental illness was never discussed in my home. I never had the outlook or knew how to speak about it,” said Fox in an <a href="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://www.teenvogue.com/story/elyse-fox-sad-girls-club-mental-health-interview&sa=D&source=editors&ust=1623956824412000&usg=AOvVaw3xy3MX5z1Oskse6EQ8nK3l">interview with </a><a href="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://www.teenvogue.com/story/elyse-fox-sad-girls-club-mental-health-interview&sa=D&source=editors&ust=1623956824412000&usg=AOvVaw3xy3MX5z1Oskse6EQ8nK3l"><i>Teen Vogue</i></a>. “I want everyone to know about mental health, that it isn’t something that is visible. It doesn’t have a face, no age range. It's something we can cope with — and it's best to do it together rather than alone.”</p><p><br></p><p></p><h4><a href="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://therapyforblackgirls.com/&sa=D&source=editors&ust=1623956824413000&usg=AOvVaw2XxqQlsNU3xjtJEFV22ML-">Therapy for Black Girls</a></h4><p>Therapy for Black Girls is an online space dedicated to encouraging the mental wellness of Black women and girls, and works to connect Black women with culturally competent therapists. It also works to destigmatize mental health and therapy in the Black community. In addition to giving you access to providers in your area, they also have a guide to help you get started with therapy, a podcast, book recommendations, and cute merch. It was all started by Dr. Joy Harden Bradford. “This space was developed to present mental health topics in a way that feels more accessible and relevant,” said Bradford on their website.</p><p><br></p><div class="image-main"><img alt="" src="//cdn2.locable.com/uploads/resource/file/830131/fill/700x0/therapy_20for_20black_20girls.png?timestamp=1623954097"></div><p> </p><h4><a href="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://thelovelandfoundation.org/&sa=D&source=editors&ust=1623956824414000&usg=AOvVaw2zqRlWmqjCOzwE_TtdUaW3"><br>The Loveland Foundation</a></h4><p>The Loveland Foundation was birthed in 2018 from a birthday fundraiser on social media created by author Rachel Cargle. Her enthusiastic social media community raised over $250,000, which made it possible for Black women and girls nationally to receive therapy support. The Loveland Foundation is the official continuation of this effort to bring opportunity and healing to communities of color, and especially to Black women and girls. Through fellowships, residency programs, listening tours, The Loveland Foundation hopes to contribute to both the empowerment and the liberation of the communities they serve.</p><p><br></p><p></p><h4><a href="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://www.theokraproject.com/&sa=D&source=editors&ust=1623956824415000&usg=AOvVaw1_DLARizj1aL0-9HEnrXsg">The Okra Project</a></h4><p>The Okra Project is a collective that seeks to address the global crisis faced by Black Trans people by bringing home cooked, healthy, and culturally specific meals and resources to Black Trans people wherever we can reach them. In May 2020, the organization released the Nina Pop and Tony McDade Mental Health Recovery Funds to provide one-time free therapy to Black Trans people. The Okra Purse Project, which amplifies fundraisers for Black Trans people as well as The Direct Chef Services, which hires Black Trans ches to prepare nutritious and culturally speaking meals for The Okra Project that are delivered to Black Trans community members in need. “For Black people, in particular, the kitchen is such a place of family lineage. It’s a place of community. It’s a place of love,” said the founder of The Okra Project Ianne Fields Stewart.</p><p><br></p><div class="image-main"><img alt="" src="//cdn0.locable.com/uploads/resource/file/830132/fill/700x0/okra.jpeg?timestamp=1623954206"></div><p> Source</p><p><a href="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://www.essence.com/lifestyle/organizations-that-support-black-womens-mental-health/&sa=D&source=editors&ust=1623956824416000&usg=AOvVaw1IpiRuDLacsmjsOKmbGvMb">Essence</a></p><p><a href="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://elemental.medium.com/7-organizations-that-support-black-wellness-d2877c977e6c&sa=D&source=editors&ust=1623956824416000&usg=AOvVaw2L9tRjelG6REtBEYDUwAoe">Elemental</a></p><p><a href="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://www.womenshealthmag.com/health/g35323756/black-history-month-black-womens-health-organizations/&sa=D&source=editors&ust=1623956824417000&usg=AOvVaw0BqL09uDEbOpHnx8L944y4">Women’s Health</a></p><p><a href="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://www.teenvogue.com/story/elyse-fox-sad-girls-club-mental-health-interview&sa=D&source=editors&ust=1623956824417000&usg=AOvVaw2OCc8cR0nWjr2shK-sFYfS">Teen Vogue</a> </p><p><br></p><p><br></p><p><br></p><p><br></p><div class="image-medium image-align-left"><img alt="" src="//cdn2.locable.com/uploads/resource/file/776121/fill/300x0/boitumelo.jpg?timestamp=1623954276"></div><p> Boitumelo Masihleho is a South African digital content creator. She graduated with a Bachelor of Arts from Rhodes University in Journalism and Media Studies and Politics and International Studies. </p><p></p><p>She's an experienced multimedia journalist who is committed to writing balanced, informative and interesting stories on a number of topics. Boitumelo has her own <a href="https://www.youtube.com/c/BoitumeloM" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">YouTube channel </a>where she shares her love for affordable beauty and lifestyle content. </p><p><br></p><p><br></p><p><br></p><p><br></p><p><br></p><p><br></p><p>Read more from Boitumelo Masihleho:</p><div class="media clearfix">
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<p> </p><p><br></p><hr /><p><small>Original article published at <a href="www.funtimesmagazine.com">FunTimes Magazine</a></small></p>urn:uuid:aed7e745-e9e4-4b9d-a9fb-1a00e483da722021-05-31T11:57:06-04:002021-06-02T18:50:30-04:00How Lupus Affects the African American Community2021-06-02 09:00:00 -0400Boitumelo Masihleho<p>Lupus is a disease that occurs when your body's immune system attacks your tissues and organs, which classifies it as an autoimmune disease. Inflammation caused by lupus can affect many different body systems, including your joints, skin, kidneys, blood cells, brain, heart, and lungs. Because lupus affects many parts of the body, it can cause a lot of different symptoms. The most common lupus symptoms are:</p><p></p><ul><li>Extreme fatigue (feeling tired all the time)</li><li>Pain or swelling in the joints</li><li>Swelling in the hands, feet, or around the eyes</li><li>Headaches</li><li>Low fevers</li><li>Sensitivity to sunlight or fluorescent light</li><li>Chest pain when breathing deeply</li></ul><p></p><p>Many people with lupus also have problems that affect their skin and hair, such as a butterfly-shaped rash on the cheeks and nose, hair loss, sores in the mouth or nose, and Raynaud’s Disease, which consists of the fingers and toes turning white or blue and feeling numb when a person is cold or stressed. The Lupus Foundation of America estimates that 1.5 million Americans, and at least five million people worldwide, have a form of lupus.</p><p></p><p>Although people of all races and ethnic groups can develop lupus, lupus is three times more common in Black women than in White women. A <a href="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4198147/&sa=D&source=editors&ust=1622479798099000&usg=AOvVaw2idEPX1VZ9poZFkBtgEtrq">2014 study</a> found that lupus affects 1 in 537 young Black women. As many as 1 in 250 African American women will develop lupus, and lupus is more common, occurs at a younger age, and is more severe in Black people. Unfortunately, the cause of lupus is unknown and the reason why lupus is more common and often more severe in Black people is also unknown.</p><p></p><p>Black people with lupus are 2 to 4 times more likely to have renal disease, 2 to 4 times more likely to have cardiovascular disease and infections, and more likely to suffer multiple organ failure, resulting in earlier mortality rates. Lupus is also often misunderstood and misdiagnosed and that further affects Black people. A <a href="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/full/10.1177/0961203319878803&sa=D&source=editors&ust=1622479798100000&usg=AOvVaw0lpHBN5kLiYoxQLfXRuibB">2019 study</a> involving Black people with lupus showed themes of poor patient-provider communication, and ongoing racial and gender discrimination.</p><p><br></p><div class="image-main"><img alt="" src="//cdn3.locable.com/uploads/resource/file/826202/fill/700x0/lupus_20symptoms.png?timestamp=1622476371"></div><p> </p><p>“It remains essential for us to better understand why racial/ethnic disparities continue to exist and to develop interventions to address them,” said Candace Feldman, MD, ScD, one of the doctors involved with the study and a member of the Lupus Foundation of America’s Medical-Scientific Advisory Committee. “Strategies must span beyond hospitals and doctor’s offices and include patients and their neighborhoods. They must address the structural, social, and political barriers that still prevent many individuals from achieving good health.”</p><p></p><p>According to <a href="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://ard.bmj.com/content/74/Suppl_2/812.3&sa=D&source=editors&ust=1622479798101000&usg=AOvVaw336Gb8vOLbKzlODMANyQXK">a 2015 stud</a>y, on average, lupus patients took more than two years to seek medical attention for their symptoms and only received a formal lupus diagnosis about 3.5 years later. There is still a lot of research being done to figure out the cause of lupus and why it affects Black people more than White people. The LUMINA Study was a multiethnic United States early cohort, meaning researchers studied various ethnicities—in this case, African-Americans, Caucasians, and Hispanics—from the United States who were diagnosed with lupus for 5 years or fewer. A cohort study is a form of longitudinal study used in medicine and social science.</p><p></p><p>Findings from the study show that patients who lacked health insurance experienced acute lupus onset and that certain genetics had more severe lupus. One of the key factors in determining mortality was where a person stood financially. With celebrities like Toni Braxton, Nick Cannon, and Seal having lupus, there’s more awareness for this condition within the Black community.</p><p></p><p></p><p><br></p><p>Source</p><p><a href="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://www.verywellhealth.com/gender-ethnicity-and-lupus-2249816&sa=D&source=editors&ust=1622479798102000&usg=AOvVaw15elPBtUKtJO4RUj-JZR7u">Very Well Health</a></p><p><a href="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://www.morethanlupus.com/post/how-lupus-affects-the-african-american-community%23:~:text%3DLupus%2520is%2520more%2520common%252C%2520occurs,have%2520cardiovascular%2520disease%2520and%2520infections.&sa=D&source=editors&ust=1622479798102000&usg=AOvVaw3wkbvCr1F9rRyys-5CyJav">More Than Lupus</a></p><p><a href="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://www.self.com/story/lupus-women-of-color&sa=D&source=editors&ust=1622479798103000&usg=AOvVaw2HGdD98GrLnO9VDlNp47sd">Self</a></p><p><a href="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://www.lupus.org/resources/lupus-facts-and-statistics&sa=D&source=editors&ust=1622479798103000&usg=AOvVaw1P-8_KN9ofYAO6maaQX__K">Lupus Foundation of America</a></p><p><a href="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://www.lupus.org/s3fs-public/Doc%2520-%2520PDF/Ohio/African%2520Americans%2520and%2520Lupus.pdf&sa=D&source=editors&ust=1622479798103000&usg=AOvVaw16muNzrP9kIvjSSQShwEpw">Lupus Foundation of America</a></p><p><br></p><p><br></p><p><br></p><p><br></p><div class="image-medium image-align-left"><img alt="" src="//cdn0.locable.com/uploads/resource/file/776121/fill/300x0/boitumelo.jpg?timestamp=1622476435"></div><p> Boitumelo Masihleho is a South African digital content creator. She graduated with a Bachelor of Arts from Rhodes University in Journalism and Media Studies and Politics and International Studies. </p><p></p><p>She's an experienced multimedia journalist who is committed to writing balanced, informative and interesting stories on a number of topics. Boitumelo has her own <a href="https://www.youtube.com/c/BoitumeloM" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">YouTube channel </a>where she shares her love for affordable beauty and lifestyle content. </p><p><br></p><p><br></p><p><br></p><p><br></p><p><br></p><p><br></p><p>Read more from Boitumelo Masihleho:</p><p><a href="/2021/03/24/351226/why-tb-awareness-is-important-in-black-communities" target="_blank">Why TB Awareness is Important in Black Communities</a><br></p><p><a href="/2021/03/20/350913/5-foods-that-help-with-oral-hygiene" target="_blank">5 Foods That Help with Oral Hygiene</a><br></p><p><a href="/2020/12/08/338309/8-black-skincare-brands-for-the-best-self-care-day" target="_blank">8 Black Skincare Brands for the Best Self-Care Day</a><br></p><hr /><p><small>Original article published at <a href="www.funtimesmagazine.com">FunTimes Magazine</a></small></p>urn:uuid:364da5de-2762-422c-bced-2d58eb4ba2bb2021-05-27T19:38:10-04:002021-05-28T09:51:42-04:00Taking a Step Back: Why Is It Important? - Opinion Piece 2021-05-28 10:00:00 -0400Anand Subramanian <span><p>We are taught to win. "No one can recall the second, third, or fourth-place finisher," people say. This “winner-take-all” mindset is imposed as soon as we begin our educational journey. Every time we take a step in our profession, the proud moment of our victory or the disappointment of our loss is etched into our subconscious. Therefore, when making a career choice, we normally choose the direction that could lead towards those "proud moments." However, we are currently competing with millions of people at a time for jobs in our chosen career paths. Fear of not getting the job or “losing” can stress us out in every aspect of our lives, and as a result, we can start pushing ourselves too hard. In such situations, we have the option of continuing to push our boundaries, which could lead to physical or mental harm, or of taking a step back and reevaluating the stressors in our lives.</p><br><p>Numerous research studies have shown a clear connection between stress and mortality. Economic hardships, low social status, occupational pressure, and bigotry have all been stressors for the Black community for decades. According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, Black men make up 64.1 percent of the workforce, while White men make up 72 percent. Black workers over the age of 16 spend an average of 45 hours per week at work. Shift work, longer hours, and job insecurity are all stressors for Black men in the workforce, increasing the mortality rate to 16 percent. Black men's life expectancy is reduced by 2.9 years due to work-related stress, whereas White men's life expectancy is reduced by 1.8 years. Inequality in the workplace plagues the Black community, resulting in fewer job opportunities, with higher occupational and psychological risks. Civil rights movements increased the number of higher-paying job opportunities in the country, but the racial imbalance persists in higher-paying positions.</p><div><br><div class="image-main"><img alt="" src="//cdn1.locable.com/uploads/resource/file/825635/fill/700x0/stepping_20back.jpeg?timestamp=1622158151">Figure 1 - Surrounded by workload. Source - Pexel<br><br><br><span>Too many work-related stressors can overwhelm a person and permanently harm an individual's mental health. The recent rise in work-related stressors has been greatly influenced by the global recession, job insecurity, workload imbalance among employees, interpersonal conflicts among peers, and a “transactional” interaction between the individual and the environment. In such situations, admitting inability to handle these stressful scenarios can add to that stress, and we can become overwhelmed. It’s during these times where it’s important to take a step back.<br></span><br><div class="image-main"><img alt="" src="//cdn3.locable.com/uploads/resource/file/825636/fill/700x0/stepping_20back_202.jpeg?timestamp=1622158229">Figure 2 - Taking a step back and finding true purpose. Source - Pexel<br><br><p>“Stepping back” is a necessary solution... It can mean a variety of things depending on the individual and their level of mental stress. Taking a step back could mean changing jobs, reevaluating their priorities, or taking a break from burnout. However, some may see stepping back as a sign of failure because of social pressures. We are “losing”, letting the outside pressures win. For example, a creative-minded individual may find out that they’re not cut out for a business management role material, but they may choose to stay and suffer in silence because the business job normally comes with more financial benefits than a creative job profession. Taking a step back could initially cause financial constraints, but in the long run, it can serve as a beneficial choice in bettering one’s mental health and removing unnecessary stressors from their life.</p><p></p><p>As individuals, we have numerous options for taking a step back and re-evaluating our work lives. According to an Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development study, the average US worker spends nearly 45 percent of their day at work, with 13 percent working 55 hours per week or more. This normally results in a work-life imbalance. Freelancing, consulting, or remote work can be a viable option in such cases by providing ample mental and time-space for us to explore the aspects of learning new skills and reflect on our physical and mental limitations. Once we are aware of our mental and physical limitations, we can begin to recognize our true strengths and talents, which then motivates us to be more competent and competitive, and allows us to balance other aspects of our lives, such as family and health.</p><p><br></p><div class="image-main"><img alt="" src="//cdn0.locable.com/uploads/resource/file/825637/fill/700x0/stepping_20back_203.jpeg?timestamp=1622158416">Figure 3 - Happiness when working on something we love. Source - Pexel<br><br>“Stepping back” should be normalized, understood, and celebrated in the community. As a community, we must work to break the toxic mentality of “winner takes all” that pushes us to overwork ourselves. Hopefully, in the future, we will begin to recognize the signs of mental stress and choose to take a step back rather than working ourselves to physical and mental burn-out.<br></div><div><br></div><div><br><br><br><br><br><br><br><br><div class="image-medium image-align-left"><img alt="" src="//cdn0.locable.com/uploads/resource/file/814912/fill/300x0/anand.jpg?timestamp=1622158523"></div> <span>Anand Subramanian is a freelance photographer and content writer based out of Tamil Nadu, India. Having a background in Engineering always made him curious about life on the other side of the spectrum. He leapt forward towards the Photography life and never looked back. Specializing in Documentary and Portrait photography gave him an up-close and personal view into the complexities of human beings and those experiences helped him branch out from visual to words. Today he is mentoring passionate photographers and writing about the different dimensions of the art world.<br></span><br><span>Read more from Anand Subramanian:<br></span><br><a href="/2021/05/21/356753/climbing-a-mountain-literally-how-bhutan-helped-me-achieve-sobriety-personal-piece" target="_blank">Climbing a Mountain, Literally: How Bhutan Helped Me Achieve Sobriety - Personal Piece</a><br><br><a href="/2021/04/14/353113/my-14-day-marriage-with-covid-19" target="_blank">My 14-day Marriage with COVID-19</a><br><br><a href="/2021/04/29/354657/entering-the-inner-sanctum-exploring-the-art-of-portraits" target="_blank">Entering the Inner Sanctum: Exploring the Art of Portraits</a><br></div></div><p> </p></div><p><br></p></div></span><hr /><p><small>Original article published at <a href="www.funtimesmagazine.com">FunTimes Magazine</a></small></p>urn:uuid:4a4b7553-fbb1-476b-9ac4-c906efffde3a2021-05-24T16:36:15-04:002021-07-07T11:31:43-04:00Meaningful Beauty: Holistic DIY Facial Skin Care Routines2021-05-26 09:00:00 -0400Nina Indigo<span><p>Beautician Sonia Singh began practicing natural skincare 20 years ago. She specializes in using natural herbal products. I was able to go to her salon this afternoon and witness her work firsthand.</p><p></p><p>During my salon visit, Singh shared her insightful knowledge on natural skincare maintenance. Her advice? Try applying her organic DIY recipes to improve your skincare routines. Here are some of her suggested essentials:</p><p><br></p><h4>Beginners' Facial Skin Routine</h4><p>Start with a facial cleanser, like Alba botanicals, or Cetaphil for all skin types. You can also try to use a facial scrub. Scrub softly, rinse your skin within lukewarm or cold water afterward, and pat dry with your hands or a cotton swab for best results. </p><p>Next, is an optional step. You can apply a face mask and let it sit for 5-10 minutes, letting the mask dry. While doing this, you can listen to a podcast, or sip on some chamomile or green tea. Then wipe off the mask and its excess with a cold rinse, and pat your face dry with your hands or a cotton swab.</p><p></p><p>Then it’s time for face serum. For the best outcome, use a vitamin C enriched serum or vitamin E oil. Be sure to apply the serum underneath your eyes, as this helps to alleviate dark spots. You can also use face cream or lotion. Clinique's line of facial lotions are known to be good for keeping your face moisturized.</p><p><br></p><h4>Intermediate Facial Skincare Routine<br></h4></span><span><p>By this time, you have a routine skincare routine. You should know the right cleanser for you, but now you can choose to add on an antioxidant. During the beginner’s final step, which is moisturizing, add the anti-oxidant under your moisturizer. A vitamin C oil is perfect, or you can use a vitamin E oil serum. Both serums help to accelerate the healing process for dryness and protection against sun damage. It also reduces fine lines, wrinkles, and hyperpigmentation. For intermediate-level skincare routines, the only additional step is to add on an antioxidant.</p><p><br></p><h4>Advanced Facial Skincare Routine</h4><p></p><p>The advanced routine mainly consists of assisting with advanced sun damage and reversing signs of aging. It's all focused on your nutrition intake. Try avoiding pork and meat in general as much as possible. Also, sugar is not recommended. These types of foods and substances make your skin prone to dryness. However, the most essential part of the routine is that you increase your intake of water. Every morning you want to have a cup or two of warm water with lemon. Also, make an effort to consume less juice. The only juice that is beneficial to your well-being is diluted cranberry juice, which is good for your skin health, and keeps aging at bay. Cranberry juice also combats free radicals, giving well-toned skin, and making oily skin and large pores more toned and vibrant.</p><div><br><span><h4>Additional Skincare Tips</h4><p>To start, make an effort to not consume alcohol. However, one way to use alcohol to improve the health of your skin would be to wash your face with beer and egg yolk, including two drops of lemon juice. Once you mix them, you can apply the mixture in the shower, on your face and body., Your skin should feel refreshed afterward.</p><p>Secondly, use vitamin E capsules on your face, specifically where you see dry spots.</p><p>You can also combine orange skins with honey, optionally adding in two drops of lemon. Let this mask sit on your face for 5-10 minutes, and then rinse with lukewarm water for the best results. You only need to do this mask once a month. </p><p>These skin care methods are easy to do and are all affordable products. Singh prefers to use natural methods rather than man-made products. Wholesome beauty applies to everyone. When the interview concluded, Singh explained why and how natural beauty and skincare are essential to holistic natural practices. She says:</p><p></p><p>"The secret is to not use chemicals and unnecessary products, limit this. It should be about what feels comfortable to use. There are many ways to understand the meaning of beauty, it's different for everyone, and once you have this you are prouder, so your face tells a story; of your happiness. However, you choose to wear it, is it up to you".</p><p><br></p><div class="image-main"><img alt="" src="//cdn2.locable.com/uploads/resource/file/824251/fill/700x0/holistic_20beauty_202.png?timestamp=1621888267"><br><span>Sonia makes it a priority to include all different ethnic backgrounds like Pakistanian, Indian, Middle Eastern, and Vietnamese in her salon. She strives to make her salon an open, warm, and welcome environment for every skin color.<br></span><br><br><br><br><br><br><br><p><br></p><div class="image-medium image-align-left"><img alt="" src="//cdn3.locable.com/uploads/resource/file/768559/fill/300x0/nina_20indigo.jpg?timestamp=1621888413"></div><span><p>Nina Indigo is a Storyteller and Digital Journalist @ FunTimes Magazine. She writes on topics for the health and wellness segment. She practices Vegetarianism, loves poetry, African/African American Literature, creative-writing, research, yoga poses and meditation.</p><p>In her articles, she provides her readers with organic content for people of all backgrounds and communities, she is truthful, writes to empower and inform. She helps readers make their best holistic decisions in their lives, communities and societies.</p><p>In 2021, she will obtain her BA in English Writing, with a minor in African and African American Literature Studies.</p><p>To follow up on her latest articles google Nina Indigo @ FunTimes. In her articles, her motive is to provide to her readers a how, and why holistic health is not just important, it's a necessity to our whole well-being. Her articles do not simply empower and inform, but present relevant ideas and solutions to the essential wellness topics discussed.</p></span><p><br></p><p>Read more from Nina Indigo:</p><p><a href="/2021/04/08/352801/how-black-women-are-embracing-their-health-amid-a-pandemic" target="_blank">How Black Women Are Embracing Their Health Amid a Pandemic</a><br></p><p><a href="/2021/04/10/352760/how-to-maintain-your-journey-steps-for-transitioning-to-a-natural-lifestyle" target="_blank">How To Maintain Your Journey: Steps for Transitioning to a Natural Lifestyle</a><br></p><p><a href="/2021/03/26/351480/the-power-in-mindful-practices-opinion-piece" target="_blank">The Power in Mindful Practices: Opinion Piece</a><br></p><br><br><br><br></div><p> </p><div><br></div></span></div></span><hr /><p><small>Original article published at <a href="www.funtimesmagazine.com">FunTimes Magazine</a></small></p>urn:uuid:8d3518d5-263d-4158-a772-f693916d0e5d2021-05-20T14:41:56-04:002021-05-20T14:42:29-04:00Climbing a Mountain, Literally: How Bhutan Helped Me Achieve Sobriety - Personal Piece2021-05-21 09:00:00 -0400Anand Subramanian<span><p>It always starts with one drink. As we drink more, people become more tolerable, life feels less challenging, and sleep finally appears attainable. But as days transpire, it's not about "one" drink anymore. The only thing we find ourselves holding on to is an empty bottle of Scotch.</p><br><p><i>"Hi, My name is Anand Subramanian, I am an alcoholic, and this is my journey towards sobriety."</i></p><br><p>Alcohol is widely used in America and has impacted different demographics in different proportions. Drinking consequences and alcohol dependency symptoms are the two widely observed indicators of alcoholism. Drinking consequences are the external factors that push an individual towards liquor, while alcohol dependency symptoms refer to a set of behaviors and experiences correlated with alcoholism, such as blackouts and withdrawal. Some studies have found that African Americans report an increase in drinking consequences and alcohol dependency symptoms compared to the White population. </p><p><br></p><p>According to the National Survey on Drugs Use and Health, 41.9 % of African Americans between the ages of 18 to 25 consume alcohol. This level of consumption has been a contributing agent to many fatalities within the community. According to The Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 50 to 60 percent of Black men and 30 to 40 percent of Black women are regular drinkers. Racial discrimination, social stigma, and projected prejudice are becoming a continuous source of stress, anxiety, and depression in the community. The constant bombardment of such factors has pushed many young African Americans to choose alcohol as a source of escape from reality. </p><p><b><br></b></p><p>In India, Alcohol consumption had touched the mark of 6.5 billion liters by 2020. States like Andra Pradesh, Telangana, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, and Kerala account for 49 percent of liquor sales in India. Some key factors, such as increased consumption in rural areas, social acceptance, and the higher proportion of the young population entering the drinking age have increased the statistics in India. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), 11 percent of Indians are regular drinkers, against the global average of 17 percent. Such high consumption in the country has led the drinking population towards negative outcomes such as mental health disorders, road traffic accidents, suicide, domestic violence, high-risk sexual behavior, crime, and violent acts.</p><p><br></p><p>In instances of alcoholism, many either choose to get help or continue with alcohol abuse until a sudden realization hits them like a ton of bricks. I was in the latter category. My dependency on alcohol for a good night's sleep and enduring social gatherings increased at an alarming rate. Nevertheless, I still loved how diluted certainty felt. Still, after all the consumption, my creative spirits were intact, and my photography was improving. After one year of continuous consumption, my mental state felt invincible, and due to continuous workflow, I never paid attention to my physical condition. But all of that changed.</p><p><br></p><div class="image-main"><img alt="" src="//cdn1.locable.com/uploads/resource/file/823341/fill/700x0/life_20changing_20travel.jpeg?timestamp=1621535441"><br><span>Figure 1 - Beginning of a life-changing travel experience. Photographed by Anand Subramanian<br></span><br><span>As a part of my photography portfolio development, I had the privilege to travel to the happiest country in all of Asia, Bhutan. My curiosity towards Bhutan's GNH (Gross National Happiness), and love for Buddhist culture became the subject of my visit. My travel amid a carbon-negative environment and the sounds of the pristine blue stream subdued my yearnings for alcohol, but it still lingered in the back of my head. The main attraction of Bhutan is its beautifully constructed monasteries, situated on top of the mountains, with a challenging entry pathway. Chagrin Dorjeden monastery, established in Thimpu, was the first monastery in my itinerary. Its 2800ft journey didn't feel like a challenge in the beginning. But, as the journey began, I could feel my body crumbling from the inside. A 22-year-old me was gasping for air and taking intervals every 5 minutes while my tour guide, who was in his early 30s, was hiking the mountain effortlessly. The hike that was supposed to take an hour, took nearly 3 hours to finish. But, in the end, there stood the monastery at its utmost glory, beaming under bright sunlight, and I stood there witnessing its beauty while getting hold of my physical turbulence.<br></span><br><div class="image-main"><img alt="" src="//cdn0.locable.com/uploads/resource/file/823342/fill/700x0/chagrin_20monastery.jpeg?timestamp=1621535519"><br><span>Figure 2 - Climb towards the Chagrin Monastery. Photographed by Anand Subramanian<br></span><br><span>While I was resting there, gathering myself, a realization dawned on me. All of those intoxicated nights suddenly felt shameful and a gross betrayal towards my fleshly being. I had put my body through alcohol abuse because I was too afraid to face and handle the whirlwind of my reality. It had taken 2800ft of the uneven and challenging hike to bring me back to my senses. Even after this hard-hitting life lesson, the mind still craved for a diluted escape. But, this time I recognized my craving and decided to put an end to it. To help achieve this goal, I decided to climb the Tiger Nest monastery, a religious and artistic marvel established about 10000 ft above sea level. <br><br></span><br><div class="image-main"><img alt="" src="//cdn1.locable.com/uploads/resource/file/823344/fill/700x0/tiger_20nest_20monastery.jpeg?timestamp=1621535590">Figure 3 - The journey towards Tiger nest monastery. Photographed by the tour guide.<br><br><span>At 7.a.m, I stood at the starting point, looking towards a mist-covered monastery. As anxiety started to creep in, I took a deep breath and started my hike. The journey was filled with a similar uneven landscape and narrow pathways, but also a continuous bombardment of raindrops. There were certain weak moments where my body almost gave up, but my determination to finish my climb fueled my journey. By the end, the mist started to dissipate, and I witnessed the majesty of Tiger Nest monastery.<br></span><br><div class="image-main"><img alt="" src="//cdn0.locable.com/uploads/resource/file/823347/fill/700x0/achievement.jpeg?timestamp=1621535657"><br><span>Figure 4 - The Achievement. Photographed by the tour guide.<br></span><br><p>Completing the 10000ft journey represented the end of my alcoholic journey and a victorious beginning of my sobriety. Sitting in the monastery, staring towards the mountain's abyss, I recollected the numerous times I had almost given up. There were moments in the climb where choosing alcohol felt more comfortable than the painful journey. But, the peace attained in the monastery felt spiritual. So, every time I crave an alternative reality, I recall my literal climb towards my sobriety, the challenging hike, and the divine result.</p><div></div></div><p><br></p><p><br></p><p><br></p><p> </p><div class="image-medium image-align-left"><img alt="" src="//cdn1.locable.com/uploads/resource/file/814912/fill/300x0/anand.jpg?timestamp=1621535730"></div><p> Anand Subramanian is a freelance photographer and content writer based out of Tamil Nadu, India. Having a background in Engineering always made him curious about life on the other side of the spectrum. He leapt forward towards the Photography life and never looked back. Specializing in Documentary and Portrait photography gave him an up-close and personal view into the complexities of human beings and those experiences helped him branch out from visual to words. Today he is mentoring passionate photographers and writing about the different dimensions of the art world.</p><p>Read more from Anand Subramanian:</p><p><a href="/2021/04/29/354657/entering-the-inner-sanctum-exploring-the-art-of-portraits" target="_blank">Entering the Inner Sanctum: Exploring the Art of Portraits</a><br></p><p><a href="/2021/05/11/356107/shaping-the-contemporary-art-arthur-jafa-artist-review" target="_blank">Shaping the Contemporary Art: Arthur Jafa - Artist Review</a><br></p><p><a href="/2021/05/09/355788/a-legacy-of-strength-love-mother-s-day" target="_blank">A Legacy of Strength & Love - Mother’s Day </a><br></p><p><br></p><div><br></div></div><p> </p></div><p> </p></div><p> </p><br></span><hr /><p><small>Original article published at <a href="www.funtimesmagazine.com">FunTimes Magazine</a></small></p>urn:uuid:b5b8007a-63c9-4c67-ab65-4299844803c52021-05-19T12:15:08-04:002021-05-19T12:18:20-04:00Having Heavy Periods? Here’s Why and What to Do About It2021-05-19 12:15:08 -0400Boitumelo Masihleho<span><p>Heavy flows and achy cramps can be common experiences when many women have their periods. However, heavy periods that prevent you from doing everyday activities aren’t normal. A board-certified OB-GYN with NYC Health + Hospitals, <a href="https://irobundamd.com/">Dr. Heather Irobunda</a>, said that we’ve been conditioned to think menorrhagia, a condition defined by a cycle that lasts more than seven days or produces heavy bleeding, is normal. According to a 2013 research paper, menorrhagia affects a large proportion of women and accounts for a substantial percentage of gynecologic referrals to secondary care.</p><br><h4><b>What Constitutes Menorrhagia?<br><br></b></h4><p>Signs and symptoms of menorrhagia may include:</p><ul><li><p>Soaking through one or more sanitary pads or tampons every hour for several hours</p></li><li><p>Waking up in the middle of the night to change their sanitary pads </p></li><li><p>Using two sanitary pads to manage heavy menstrual bleeding</p></li><li><p>Bleeding longer than a week</p></li><li><p>Passing blood clots larger than a quarter</p></li><li><p>Restricting daily activities due to heavy menstrual bleeding</p></li><li><p>Symptoms of anemia, tiredness, fatigue, and shortness of breath</p></li></ul><br><h4><b>Reasons Why Your Period May Be Excessively Heavier Than Ever</b></h4><p><b><br></b></p><p><b>Endometriosis</b></p><p>Endometriosis is a painful condition that causes abnormal growth of the uterine lining and forms uterine polyps. A heavy period can also signal endometriosis. Other symptoms of endometriosis include severe menstrual cramps, pain during sex, lower back pain before or during your period, and difficulty with bowel movements. Endometriosis is notoriously difficult to diagnose.</p><p><b><br></b></p><p><b>Fibroids</b></p><p><a href="https://www.funtimesmagazine.com/2021/02/25/348325/why-black-women-are-more-likely-to-have-uterine-fibroids">Fibroids</a> are noncancerous growths of the muscle tissue of the uterus that will often show up during a pelvic examination. You might be able to feel pain or pressure wherever on the abdomen the fibroid is located. They can develop on the outside of the uterus, within the wall, protrude into the cavity, or some combination of these. According to <a href="https://www.womenshealth.gov/a-z-topics/uterine-fibroids">the Office on Women’s Health</a>, anywhere from 20% to 80% of women have fibroids at some point by age 50. Fibroids can lead to heavy bleeding if they grow in places they shouldn’t or grow too big.</p><p><b><br></b></p><p><b>Polyps</b></p><p></p><p>A polyp is a usually non-cancerous growth attached to the inner wall of the womb. They can be caused by high estrogen levels, inflammation, or clogged cervical blood vessels. They’re most commonly found in women over 40 who’ve had many children. The symptoms of uterine polyps include irregular menstrual periods, unusually heavy flow during menstrual periods, and bleeding or spotting between periods. Treatment may not be necessary if the polyps do not cause any symptoms, but they can be surgically removed. </p><p><br></p><div class="image-main"><img alt="" src="//cdn2.locable.com/uploads/resource/file/823103/fill/700x0/heavy_20period_202.jpeg?timestamp=1621439595"></div><p> </p><p><b>Thyroid issues</b></p><p>An overactive or underactive thyroid is one of the most common culprits for menstrual difficulties because your thyroid assists to control your menstrual cycle and lead to irregular periods. An underactive thyroid usually tends to be the heavy period producer, because your ovaries are not making enough progesterone which is the hormone that helps lower your flow. Most thyroid problems can be managed if properly diagnosed and treated.</p><p><br></p><p></p><p><b>Bleeding disorders</b></p><p>Heavy menstrual bleeding could be a sign of immune thrombocytopenia (ITP), which prevents blood from clotting properly. If you suffer from this condition, you may also experience easy bruising and nosebleeds. Von Willebrand disease is a lifelong bleeding disorder in which your blood doesn't clot well especially if the heavy periods started when you were under 18. According to <a href="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health-topics/bleeding-disorders&sa=D&source=editors&ust=1621440446086000&usg=AOvVaw0buq8xANVp2-j613btrucP">the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute</a>, women who develop other bleeding disorders later in life, as a side effect of immune conditions, vaginal delivery, or other medical issues, can also experience heavy periods.</p><p></p><p><br></p><h4><b>What To Do?<br><br></b></h4><p>Just like there are many causes of menorrhagia, there are many treatment options available. Your doctor can usually determine the cause of heavy menstrual bleeding or excessive blood clotting by running a few tests. Birth control pills and hormonal IUDs may help balance hormones and manage periods. Removing polyps or fibroids may help reduce bleeding and ease other painful period symptoms. Your doctor might recommend hormone therapy to treat heavy periods caused by an imbalance of hormones. Hormone treatments, like progesterone pills, can be used as fast-acting methods for stopping heavy bleeding. They can also be used regularly to thin the uterine lining and help keep your hormones balanced daily.</p><p><br></p><p></p><p>Source</p><p><a href="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://www.oprahdaily.com/life/health/a34732067/heavy-period/&sa=D&source=editors&ust=1621440446087000&usg=AOvVaw0NlylctjataZVL9BSUpGYy">Oprah Daily</a></p><p><a href="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://www.self.com/story/7-reasons-why-your-period-is-so-damn-heavy-and-when-to-worry-about-it&sa=D&source=editors&ust=1621440446088000&usg=AOvVaw3fodnz0edIMgXvOz5BN3eF">Self</a></p><p><a href="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://www.healthpartners.com/blog/what-causes-heavy-periods-and-how-to-stop-them/&sa=D&source=editors&ust=1621440446088000&usg=AOvVaw0Q7eqTts1yLTL5VIHeiqYo">Health Partners</a></p><p><a href="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://www.everydayhealth.com/pms/abnormal-bleeding.aspx&sa=D&source=editors&ust=1621440446089000&usg=AOvVaw0scM9N1ukUz9kSKkRh3Ycj">Everyday Health</a></p><p><a href="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://gvobgyn.com/causes-of-heavy-menstrual-bleeding/&sa=D&source=editors&ust=1621440446089000&usg=AOvVaw3Z7CjyJ5IXUy3R5m-O2HxE">Green Valley OBGYN</a></p><p><br></p><p><br></p><p><br></p><p><br></p></span><div class="image-medium image-align-left"><img alt="" src="//cdn3.locable.com/uploads/resource/file/776121/fill/300x0/boitumelo.jpg?timestamp=1621440403"></div><span><p> Boitumelo Masihleho is a South African digital content creator. She graduated with a Bachlor of Arts from Rhodes University in Journalism and Media Studies and Politics and International Studies. She's an experienced multimedia journalist who is committed to writing balanced, informative and interesting stories on a number of topics. Boitumelo has her own <a href="https://www.youtube.com/c/BoitumeloM" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">YouTube channel </a>where she shares her love for affordable beauty and lifestyle content. <br></p><p><br></p><p><br></p><p><br></p><p>Read more from Boitumelo Masihleho:</p><p><a href="/2021/04/15/353197/black-women-fighting-the-period-stigma" target="_blank">Black Women Fighting the Period Stigma</a><br></p><p><a href="/2021/03/02/349240/how-menopause-affects-black-women-differently" target="_blank">How Menopause Affects Black Women Differently</a><br></p><p><a href="/2021/01/06/341034/black-women-at-greater-risk-of-cervical-cancer" target="_blank">Black Women at Greater Risk of Cervical Cancer</a><br></p><p><br></p><div><br></div><div><br></div></span><hr /><p><small>Original article published at <a href="www.funtimesmagazine.com">FunTimes Magazine</a></small></p>urn:uuid:f3a6e874-3487-4ab5-92dc-8fcd381295922021-05-18T06:13:49-04:002022-04-30T17:12:11-04:00Naomi Osaka Launches Skincare Brand for Melanated Skin2021-05-18 09:00:00 -0400 Boitumelo Masihleho<span><p>The world’s number two best female tennis player, Naomi Osaka, announced the launch of her own skincare brand called <a href="https://kinlo.com/">KINLÒ skin</a>. Osaka pulled the name from her Haitian and Japanese heritage, with both KIN and LÒ meaning 'gold' in Japanese and Haitian Creole, respectively. The brand was made for people with melanated skin tones and will offer sun protection and restorative products.</p><p><br></p><p>“I’m super excited to announce my new skincare line which is full of products to help protect and rejuvenate people of color/darker skin tones,” Osaka said in <a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/COK61Q8Jcc9/">an Instagram post</a>, “I hope these products will help people out and inform you guys.” In <a href="https://www.businessoffashion.com/articles/beauty/naomi-osaka-to-launch-skin-care-brand-for-people-of-colour">an interview with <i>Business of Fashion</i></a>, the award-winning athlete stated that she only recently started wearing sunscreen because she thought she didn't need it. This lack of education surrounding the need for SPF, regardless of skin tone, was a driving factor in starting KINLÒ.</p><p><span><br>According to <a href="https://www.cdc.gov/pcd/issues/2019/18_0640.htm">a 2019 study</a> conducted by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), non-Hispanic Black Americans are more likely to have lower survival rates when diagnosed with skin cancer. The Skin Care Foundation states that Black patients with melanoma have an estimated survival rate of 67 percent, while White patients have a survival rate of 92 percent. </span><br></p><p><br></p><p>The reality is that sunscreen protection is an absolute must for all skin tones in order to help prevent these types of cancers and other skin concerns.</p><p><br></p><p>“What drew me towards this project is having memories of being a kid and not knowing how to protect my skin. I only started wearing sunscreen recently,” explained Osaka. “This is a public health need. I used to tell people that I didn’t need to wear sunscreen — but even if you have melanin, you need to take care of your skin, and I am passionate about that.” KINLÒ will include a lip balm, protective body spray, eye cream, and an SPF 40 tinted face lotion and SPF 50 sunscreen. Each item will retail for less than $20, making it an incredibly affordable collection.</p><p><br></p><div class="image-main"><img alt="" src="//cdn1.locable.com/uploads/resource/file/822864/fill/700x0/naomi_20osaka_20kinlo.jpeg?timestamp=1621332516"></div><p> </p><p><br></p><p>Source</p><p><a href="https://www.all4women.co.za/2224968/celebs/international-celebs/naomi-osaka-launching-skincare-line">All4Women</a></p><p><a href="https://www.byrdie.com/naomi-osaka-skincare-line-5181102">Byrdie</a></p><p></p><p><a href="https://www.nylon.com/beauty/naomi-osaka-kinlo-skincare-brand">Nylon</a></p><div><br><br><br><br><br><br><div class="image-medium image-align-left"><img alt="" src="//cdn3.locable.com/uploads/resource/file/776121/fill/300x0/boitumelo.jpg?timestamp=1621332697"></div> Boitumelo Masihleho is a South African digital content creator. She graduated with a Bachelor of Arts from Rhodes University in Journalism and Media Studies and Politics and International Studies. She's an experienced multimedia journalist who is committed to writing balanced, informative and interesting stories on a number of topics. Boitumelo has her own <a href="https://www.youtube.com/c/BoitumeloM" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">YouTube channel </a><span>where she shares her love for affordable beauty and lifestyle content. <br></span><br><br><br><br><br><br>Read more from Boitumelo Masihleho:<br><br><a href="/2021/03/13/350408/5-black-owned-sunscreen-brands-to-get-for-summer" target="_blank">5 Black-Owned Sunscreen Brands to Get for Summer</a><br><br><a href="/2020/11/14/335101/young-black-women-impacting-the-sneaker-industry" target="_blank">Young Black Women Impacting the Sneaker Industry</a><br><br><a href="/2021/01/15/341836/5-black-body-positive-influencers-to-follow-in-2021" target="_blank">5 Black Body-Positive Influencers to Follow in 2021</a><br><br><br></div></span><hr /><p><small>Original article published at <a href="www.funtimesmagazine.com">FunTimes Magazine</a></small></p>urn:uuid:d7ff6dd4-ea32-4e75-8a6a-6bf14b9e14ee2021-05-14T09:59:54-04:002022-06-16T13:45:47-04:00Tell a Man It’s Okay to Cry - The Importance of Male Mental Health 2021-05-15 09:00:00 -0400Anand Subramanian<span><p>Society has come a long way in accepting gender and ethnic diversities. We have our first Black and South Asian female US vice president, the first Black general leading the Pentagon, and the first LGBTQ+ Cabinet secretary, to name only a few. While this progression is something to be celebrated, we are still holding on to the outdated ideology that men should withhold their emotions, burden themselves, and in some cases, choose death over life because society still thinks that “men don't cry." </p><p>While society has accepted many changes in this Millenium, the identity of the “real man” has stayed the same. When a young boy thinks about his father, he often visualizes a strong man, someone who lifts mountains without breaking a sweat. As that young boy grows up, that original ideology can become a benchmark of actual strength, and so every time he feels a wave of emotion, this could be considered a weakness, and he feels the need to remind himself that he is a “real man”. So, he pushes those feelings down and moves on. But why are physical strength and lack of emotional vulnerability known as the persona of a strong man?<br></p><p><br></p><div class="image-main"><img alt="" src="//cdn2.locable.com/uploads/resource/file/822214/fill/700x0/toxic_20masculinity.jpeg?timestamp=1620999730"><br><span>Figure 2 - Signs of Toxic Masculinity. Source - Pexels<br></span><br><p>When we put a man's life under a societal microscope, he always chooses physical strength over emotional sensitivity because of the ridicule from both family and community. Such choices can lead him to suppress his emotions, and the outlet for such suppressed emotions can come out as domestic abuse, drug and alcohol consumption, and suicide. According to Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), suicide is the third leading cause of death for young and adult Black men, and it has doubled since the late 80s. The brand of masculinity, racism in the workspace, and societal judgement are main factors that have affected Black men's mental health.</p><p></p><p>"It's okay" Let's add these two words before every emotion men are trained to suppress. It's okay to feel anxious because work is too much. It's okay to feel shy because of a girl. It's okay to feel sad, and it's okay to cry.To kickstart this change, we need to start in the home. Parents should be open to accepting their child's sensitivity and shatter the ancient norm of “strength” meaning lack of emotion. As a society, we need to recognize that sensitivity is the sign of real strength and reduce the stigma around the ideology of 'manhood.'</p><p><br></p><div class="image-main"><img alt="" src="//cdn1.locable.com/uploads/resource/file/822215/fill/700x0/seking_20help.jpeg?timestamp=1620999890"><br><span>Figure 3 - Acknowledging and seeking help is the first step towards recovery. Source - Pexel<br></span><br><p>The good news is, we are seeing many Black artists using their mediums to showcase the importance of seeking help and being open about their mental health struggles. Musical giants like Kanye West and Jay Z have talked openly about their mental health issues and highlighted the importance of therapy. Sports icons Ron Artest and Brandon Marshall have also become mental health advocates and use their social platforms to spread awareness. Recording artist Kid Cudi has openly talked about his substance abuse and mental health issues and later became an outspoken voice about breaking the stigma around mental illness. Besides celebrities, social media has become a growing community where people have started to truly acknowledge the importance of therapy.These individual contributions have helped to create a dent in the ancient and outdated, toxic ideology of manhood.</p><p></p><p>As more men come forward about their mental health struggles, it is hopeful that others will join the crowd and create that ripple of change in society. It is important to spread this message which normalizes the difficulties of everyday life and tells a man that “it's okay to cry”.</p><p></p></div><p> </p></div><p> </p><p><br></p><p><br></p></span><div class="image-medium image-align-left"><img alt="" src="//cdn3.locable.com/uploads/resource/file/814912/fill/300x0/anand.jpg?timestamp=1621000301"></div><span><p> Anand Subramanian is a freelance photographer and content writer based out of Tamil Nadu, India. Having a background in Engineering always made him curious about life on the other side of the spectrum. He leapt forward towards the Photography life and never looked back. Specializing in Documentary and Portrait photography gave him an up-close and personal view into the complexities of human beings and those experiences helped him branch out from visual to words. Today he is mentoring passionate photographers and writing about the different dimensions of the art world.<br></p><div><br>Read more from Anand Subramanian:<br><br><a href="/2021/05/09/355788/a-legacy-of-strength-love-mother-s-day" target="_blank">A Legacy of Strength & Love - Mother’s Day </a><br><br><a href="/2021/04/17/353285/what-this-is-us-taught-me-about-masculinity-and-fatherhood" target="_blank">What 'This Is Us' Taught Me About Masculinity and Fatherhood</a><br><br><a href="/2021/04/25/353682/the-dance-between-instrumentals-and-visuals-an-opinion-piece" target="_blank">The Dance Between Instrumentals and Visuals: An Opinion Piece</a><br><br></div><div><br></div></span><hr /><p><small>Original article published at <a href="www.funtimesmagazine.com">FunTimes Magazine</a></small></p>