The Express Tribune hi five - October 27

Ms OCTOBER 27, 2013

ISSUE NO. 71

Winter Wedding Guide

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Breast Cancer Awareness

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inside what he said — List: 6 odd grooms

domestic goddess —

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Section In-Charge: Batool Zehra Sub-Editor: Amna Hashmi

It’s a date!

The golden boy of radio

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Ms

the buzz

THE EXPRESS TRIBUNE, OCTOBER 27, 2013

In celebration of Breast Cancer Awareness Month 2013, Ms T sheds some light on the illness and how it can be countered by Nayab Najam

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THE EXPRESS TRIBUNE, OCTOBER 27, 2013

We, as humans, have a tendency to overlook the many horrific things around us, conveniently assuming that they will never affect us — cancer being one of them. Our superficial sense of security however, does not safeguard us from the evils of the disease and while some of us may be alright with living in the dark, it is important to break away from our ignorance and accept it as a reality that affects thousands of people across the world. With October being the International Breast Cancer Awareness Month, we at Ms T thought it would be a good time to inform you about it and how one can prevent it.

Breast cancer can most simply be defined as any abnormal cell growth in the breast area, which included the arms and armpits as well. In other words, it is the development of malignant cells which usually begins in lobules (milk ducts) and can spread thereafter. Every year, over one million women around the world are diagnosed with breast cancer, which constitutes about 10% of all cancers worldwide.

A common misconception, caused perhaps by the world breast is that this form of cancer attacks only women, when in reality, there have been varied reports of men suffering the illness too, although women are almost 100% more likely to be affected than men. While almost anyone is vulnerable, there are certain risk factors which may increase one’s likelihood of contracting the disease, depending on their race, lifestyle, exposure to the sun, etc.

Risk Factors of Breast Cancer Some of the most common risk factors of breast cancer include: • Age: Much like any other disease, the older one gets, the more vulnerable they are to cancer as age takes a toll on their health.

• Personal history: One of the greatest evils of cancer is that it is a recurring disease which may arise multiple times during a patient’s lifetime, once they have had it before.

A common misconception, caused perhaps by the world ‘breast’ is that this form of cancer attacks only women when in reality, there have been varied reports of men suffering the illness too, although women are almost 100% more likely to be affected than men Similarly, women who have beaten cancer on one breast have increased chances of contracting cancer on the other as well.

Moreover, breast cancer is often seen to be genetic in women, putting daughters of patients at higher risk than others.

• Race: Studies indicate that white women are at a higher risk of developing breast cancer than any other race, despite which they are least likely to succumb to it. Most other races suffer from greater incidence of deaths caused by breast cancer though they are less likely to contract it. There are several other demographics that contribute to this, namely awareness, treatment of the illness or lack thereof.

• Lifestyle: Obesity, excessive smoking and drinking, reproducing after the age of 30 and even opting out of breastfeeding are some of the lifestyle choices which can make or break one’s chances of having cancer.

Detection of Breast Cancer Most women are diagnosed with breast cancer following a routine cancer screening or after detecting certain suspicious signs or symptoms and seeking medical advice thereafter. While most of us are far from being oncologists, there are a few quick and easy ways in which one can determine the need for a doctor, the first and most obvious one being feeling for lumps. These include any sort of abnormal growth, swelling or unevenness on or around the breast area. A word of warning though: these lumps aren’t always blatantly obvious and it can be difficult to detect, especially if we do not know where to look. A simple way, as recommended by doctors, is to lie down and place your right hand behind the head, using the other to feel around for the lumps (and vice versa to examine the left side). Remember, the slightest bit of unevenness can be cancerous so it is best to consult a doctor immediately.

Other common symptoms of breast cancer include pains in the breast and armpit area, changes in the shape, size or colour of the breast or surrounding area and any discharge that might occur. If a woman detects any of these breast cancer signs and symptoms, she should speak to the doctor immediately. The doctor will then conduct a breast exam or mammogram to determine the future course of action.

Prevention of Breast Cancer In Pakistan, about 40,000 women lose the battle against breast cancer every year, due to lack of sound medical facilities and awareness regarding prevention. While breast cancer, as an illness may develop in any body, there are some foods that can help prevent it. These include:

• Pomegranate: Many fruits, like pomegranate, contain large amounts of anti-oxidants and reduces the risk of breast cancer immensely by improving blood count. In fact, pomegranates are even used to help patients suffering from dengue.

• Nuts: Munching on any type of nuts and dry fruits has great advantages not only for the hair, skin and nails but they are also infused with essential nutrients which combat cancer.

• Salmon: Fish is considered to be the richest source of Vitamin B-12 which is a key part of cancer treatment.

• Garlic and turmeric: According to popular belief, crushing and swallowing a clove of garlic every day helps fight the birth of cancerous cells in the body, as does turmeric. Lucky for us, both ingredients are fairly common in local cuisine and one does not have to go out of their way to incorporate them in their diet.

• Green Tea: There are proven links between consuming green tea daily and reduced risks of breast cancer as well. In addition to this, green tea is rich in anti-oxidants which cut fat and boost one’s metabolism. Hence, we recommend you switch from regular chai to green tea from today!

• Dark green vegetables: Spinach, broccoli and other dark greens are known to posses chlorophyll, vitamin B and fibres which boost internal health.

Indeed a healthy diet can do wonders to boost one’s well-being but it works all the better when complimented with regular exercise and relaxation. Therefore, it is imperative to have a well-rounded lifestyle which incorporates eating well, activity and plenty of de-stressing to remain healthy and wealthy in life.

Fortunately, breast cancer is not incurable and if dealt with in the right way, the patient can beat it completely. Many breast cancer survivors have gone on to lead safe and fulfilling lives.

However, as the old adage goes, prevention is better than cure and it is our responsibility as women to not only protect us from the disease but also help others by sharing knowledge and spreading awareness. These everyday changes can help the community lead a healthy, happy and cancer-free life.

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Ms

en vogue

Wedding Bells Ahmed Bilal’s elegant new collection combines warm hues with delicate embellishments to help you look your best this wedding season

Coordination: Umer Mushtaq Hair & Makeup: Saba Ansari @ Sab’s Salon Designers: Ahmed Bilaal Photogtaphy & Styling: Haseeb Siddiqui Models: Saima Azhar

THE EXPRESS TRIBUNE, OCTOBER 27, 2013

THE EXPRESS TRIBUNE, OCTOBER 27, 2013

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Ms

what he said

THE EXPRESS TRIBUNE, OCTOBER 27, 2013

odd grooms found only in Pakistan Ms T walks down the aisle with six of the funniest grooms found in Pakistan. Keep a lookout for these oddities this wedding season! by Our Correspondent

We have all heard the hackneyed pre-wedding horror stories about brides from Hell and how they can suck all the happiness out of life but with weddings becoming an increasingly fretting affair, their grooms aren’t too far behind! While Bridezillas normally range from super angry to super nervous, their male counterparts come in a variety of personality types and undoubtedly, each is a comic treat to observe at the wedding. Check out this list of six odd grooms that prove some men really are from Mars. Let the wedding bells ring!

The Couch Potato This lazy, good-for-nothing refuses to budge from the couch and be productive during the so called, month-long ‘holiday’ that is his wedding preparation. He doesn’t care if his sherwaani is sweeping the floor or that his sister missed her flight from America and can’t attend the nikkah ceremony.

Nothing matters, so long as he can pass that next level in Candy Crush, even if his house is teeming with pending work. He might even be crushing those candies on the stage but who cares? Let others handle it.

Reason: This spoiled not-so-little brat still hasn’t realized his mama’s boy days are over. Someone please flash his engagement ring in his face!

Mama’s Lil’ Boy There has been a drastic increase in pretty little boys who still hide behind their mommies’ palloo when they are frightened (read getting married) These grooms have given their mothers the honour of chief wedding (read life) planner and will happily wear swimming trunks to their valima if

they were asked (read ordered) to. And of course, the bride is a secondary character in this love story — why would her opinion matter? It’s not like it’s her wedding or anything...

Reason: The poor, unassuming groom is probably the only male child in a long line of sisters. We just hope that the bride isn’t written out of this love triangle!

The Social Butterfly Whoever said women love to talk clearly never met this guy. The uber social groom can be seen at wedding receptions, meandering the hall and greeting each and every guest, having left you (his bride) all alone on the stage to be ogled at my society aunties. He knows everyone and indeed, ensures that your mehendi will be a very happening one. Unfortunately, we aren’t too sure how your dad’s pockets will feel about feeding those hundred extra Facebook buddies that your groom hasn’t seen or spoken to in years but felt the need to extend an invitation to.

Reason: Either the groom has tired of the bride’s company already or he suffers from underlying social insecurity or OCD. The Nawab from Lucknow The invitations cards probably forgot to mention it but the wedding reception is actually a competition between the bride and groom for who can look more like a mithai ki dukaan. This groom wants to steal (and reflect) all the limelight from his bride, judging by the number of shiny embellishments and embroidery on his sherwaani. One can see the amount of care put into his wedding look by the delicate shape of his eyes brows and neatly coiffed mane.

All this, combined with his dazzling white smile makes him appear nothing less than an Indian rajkumaar, which is the look he was going for anyway.

Reason: Over-enthusiasm and an overly ambitious sense of fashion.

The ‘What Was She Thinking?’ Groom This groom should be given a standing ovation for evoking the most shocked reactions. He is cool as a cucumber — cool enough to forget ironing his sherwaani, combing his hair or even washing his face before gracing his wedding reception. While the bride looks immaculate and heavenly, her male counterpart decides to go for the ratty, unkempt look, leaving everyone deeply perplexed and wondering what she sees in him?

Reason: There cannot and should not be any excuse for showing up at your own wedding looking like a complete and utter meila.

The Whipped Groom When it comes to expressing his love, this groom knows no bounds. He becomes besotted with his future wife the day they meet, tells her he loves her the next day and has already jotted down the names of their first two children by the third. He leads his lady around the function hall, coyly repeating the question “Doesn’t she look beautiful?” with an omnipresent twinkle in their eye. The happiness he is feeling in his heart would be contagious had it not been for that sugary sweet, smitten expression on his face.

Reason: He genuinely could be in love. Or he’s just watched too many Shahrukh Khan movies growing up.

domestic goddess 7

THE EXPRESS TRIBUNE, OCTOBER 27, 2013

Recipe

Date Roll

Venture into new flavours with this recipe for delicious date rolls that will not only satiate sugar cravings but also give you the additional benefits of the Fruit of Heaven without the excessive calories. Addiction guaranteed!

Method • Mix the flour, sugar, salt, egg and butter in a large bowl and pour in the milk until the dough binds together.

Gulnaz Mondegarian is an expert in Iranian cuisine who has co-hosted Food Diaries alongside Zarnak Sidhwa to celebrate Community Food Week

• Cover the mixture with cling film and refrigerate for 20 to 30 minutes.

• Prepare the filling by pouring hot water over 2 cups of pitted dates. Allow them to remain in the water for 5 minutes before draining it and mashing the dates into a smooth paste.

• Roll the dough mixture into a thin layer and spread the date mixture over it evenly.

Ingredients:

• Roll the dough up tightly, wipe the top with egg and bake until the dough is cooked and turns golden brown.

• Once cooked, retrieve the dish from the oven, allow it to cool and slice it into 1 inch pieces for serving. Your dessert is now ready!

White flour 2 cups

Pinch of salt

Icing sugar (optional) ¼ cup

Egg 1

Unsalted butter 4 ounces

Cold milk

Dates 2 cups

hottie of the week 8

THE EXPRESS TRIBUNE, OCTOBER 27, 2013

Status Born

Single Lahore, Pakistan

Birthday

8th September, 1987

Face

90%

Ali Ansari

Body

85%

Who is he?

There is something so endearing about Ali Ansari the sparkly kind eyes, immaculately spiked hair and ear piercing that we can’t help but want to pinch his cheeks every time we see him. The golden boy of the Pakistani media, Ali moved from Saudi Arabia to Karachi back in 2005 and landed a job as a host for the hit radio show ‘Dude, where’s my song?’ Soon after, his urban boyish charm and contemporary attitude helped him pave his way up the media circuit and straight into our hearts as he successfully went from smooth-talking radio jockey to talk show host for several local channels. Ali is also a trained drummer and has played live for many bands before finally realising his passion for hip-hop music. Let’s just say that this is one multitalented youngster to watch out for!

Talent

85%

Why we love him With a face like that, what’s not to love? Ali loves to work out and stay fit, almost to a fanatical level! He hits the gym regularly and spends much of his free time indulging in a variety of sports, especially cricket. A daredevil at heart, Ali’s idea of the perfect adventure would be something ‘Man vs. Wild’ style in Brazil, Spain or perhaps, the Caribbean islands. A jack of all trades, Ali holds a degree in Economics and Finance and says he would have been working as a banker, if not in the media.

Fortunately for his fans, Ali’s energetic and nice guy persona makes him as pleasing behind the mic as he is on screen and now, eight years into his career, Ali has carved himself a permanent spot in our hearts. He believes in the mantra ‘If you do not have any haters, you must be doing something wrong,’ i.e. While his experiences in his professional and private life serve as inspirations for his music and talk shows, Ali loves his family and maintains a healthy private life as much as he can — to the extent that he enjoys hanging out at his friends’ homes more than outdoors. Really, can this boy get any sweeter?

What you didn’t know about him For ladies who relish the idea of a man who knows his way around the kitchen, Ali is currently learning how to cook! His favourite cuisine is Chinese.

A musician and softie at heart, Ali resorts to penning lyrics to express what he is feeling and these often materialize into full fledged songs.

Ali loves to work out and loves a girl who is equally proficient in the gym. So girls, it’s time to break a sweat and go after both, Ali and that fabulous figure you have always wanted!

Total Package

87%