Woman This Month - October 2019

Bahrain Edition

BEAUTY | FASHION | HOME | WELLBEING | LOCAL ISSUES

October 2019 | Issue 199

BREAST CANCER AWARENESS

New Research Tales of Hope Screening Offers Think Pink Events

FOOD

Fabulously Fishy

HOMES

Big ideas for small spaces

FASHION

AUTUMN/WINTER TRENDS REPORT

FITNESS Getting back in the zone

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OCTOBER FASHION

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9-14 Trends Report: A/W 2019’s hottest looks 15 News: Goss from around the industry

FEATURE BREAST CANCER AWARENESS

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20-21 Professor Ghufran Ahmed Jassim: Acting for Change 22-23 Joanne Lund: Surviving and Thriving 24 Bahrain Cancer Care: Helping Hands 25 Amal Jaffar: A Positive Attitude 26 Offers: Great deals on screening + Think Pink events

BEAUTY 28 Essentials: The latest goodies on the beauty counters 29 Styling: Hair Extensions 101 30 Trends: Fall make-up looks 32 News: Latest industry happenings

LIFESTYLE

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41 Ambassdor Stores

33 Fitness: Getting back to a routine 34 Wellbeing: Dealing with the psychological effects of breast cancer 35 Wellbeing News: Information on the latest developments 36-37 Homes: Maximising your space 38 Food: Fishy flavours from Razan Al Arabi 40 Opinion: Pria Masson Tanwar 41 Opinion: Ouiam Charkani El Hassani 42 In Her Shoes: Dr Roshni Rajan

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Although every effort is made to ensure factual information, woman this month cannot be held responsible for errors in contributors’ material, nor do the opinions expressed by individual writers necessarily reflect the opinions of the publisher.

Editorial Submission of articles is welcome. Send queries, letters and articles to the editor at editor@womanthismonth.com. The publisher reserves the right to edit, reject or comment editorially on all material contributed.

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October 2019

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56,198 REASONS TO VISIT BSH FOR A SICKLE CELL ANEMIA CHECK-UP

A study* on 56,198 Bahrainis, revealed that 2% of newborns suffer from sickle-cell anemia, 18% have sickle-cell traits, and 24% are thalassemia carriers. From management of anemia to platelet diseases, bleeding and coagulation disorders, rest assured, Bahrain Specialist Hospital has years of expertise to handle it. * Source: Eastern Mediterranean Health Journal

17812000

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EDITOR’S NOTE

t’s that time of year again when not only does it, finally, start getting cooler, thank goodness, but, also, the whole island goes pink crazy in support of Breast Cancer Awareness month. In doing our bit, I was lucky enough to meet some fantastic women who’ve not only survived the disease but are thriving and helping others along the way.

There’s Joanne, who was so determined that the Bahrain Breast Cancer Support Group should keep going when its founder left the island that she took over as admin herself! And Amal, diagnosed just two weeks after her wedding and now giving talks and writing about her experience. I also met Professor Ghufran Ahmed Jassim, whose doctoral research has led to an important genetic study.

The thing these and every other woman I and the team have spoken to for this feature – some shared their experiences but weren’t included – had the same message: “Check, check, check!” Breast cancer is very treatable but the earlier it’s caught, the better.

Lumps aren’t always cancer, but they ALWAYS need to be checked.

Carry out self-examinations, sign-up for a regular mammogram – you can find details of special offers for October in our big feature – and check-out your insurance situation. If you’re non-Bahraini, it is almost certain you will need to pay for treatment!

Aside from all that, October is also the month when we take our biannual look at the latest new season’s fashions. Fernanda has come up with eight of the hottest trends for the season and Behnaz turned her eye to catwalk make-up trends to see what we will all be putting on our faces in the coming months.

With so many of us lamenting ever-increasing bills and thinking about downsizing, we’ve used this month’s Homes pages to look at storage solutions for small spaces – some of them look so good you might want to grab them even if you’re not spatially challenged.

And as always, we have our usual round-ups of news from the worlds of fashion and beauty as well as opinions, food and more, let us know via social media if you think there’s anything else we should be covering.

Happy reading!

ly The on 's n wome e n i z a mag with d e t u distrib GDN the

chairman & publisher GEORGE F MIDDLETON editorial director LIZ O'REILLY contributors BEHNAZ SANJANA FERNANDA LANGHAMMER OUIAM CHARKANI EL HASSANI PRIA MASSON TANWAR print production manager SABU SEBASTIAN layout & graphics HATEM MONEM media coordinator SARAH ANSARI media manager Farheen AHmed farheen@redhousemarketing.com

photography editor MUNA YOUSEF photographers RANJITH MOHAN SUBEESH KUMAR NS printing press DAR AKHBAR AL KHALEEJ W.L.L., BAHRAIN Contents copyrighted 2017© Reproduction in whole or in part by any means without the express written consent of the publisher is prohibited.

ISBN No: 1 899348 11 5. Licensed by the Ministry of Information, Directorate of Publication and Press. Code: SWTM 410 Woman This Month is here for the modern woman of substance and aspiration, embodying a personal style while exploring the best of all worlds: fashion, beauty and lifestyle.

Bahrain office address Red House Marketing P. O. Box: 20461, Manama, Kingdom of Bahrain telephone: (17) 813-777 fax: (17) 813-700 email: editor@womanthismonth.com website: www.womanthismonth.com Published monthly by Red House Marketing (Jersey) Ltd. P. O. Box 641, No. 1 Seaton Place, St. Helier, Jersey JE4 8JJ Channel Islands, U.K. in association with Al-Hilal Publishing P. O. Box 1100, Manama, Kingdom of Bahrain

Liz O’Reilly Editorial Director

Liz Loves

I’m coveting the scaled-down version of Givenchy’s iconic Mini Mystic handbag which was revealed along with next year’s pre-spring collection. And, of course, it has to be pink!

And, who could fail to be impressed with the new colour-added Wings Embrace designs from Garrard?

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October 2019

October 2019, Issue 199 On the cover: AW19 Trends

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FASHION | trend

There were trends galore on the runways for the coming season, from soft, silky textures to eye-popping neons and over-the-top checks.

It’s possible to say that there is rarely anything new in the world of fashion, but rather reimaginings of decades and styles that have gone before. However, each season, the designers put their own interpretation on those time-honoured themes helping us fall in love all over again with the simple plaid or shiny, skinskimming satin.

Our fashion expert, Fernanda Langhammer, has taken a look at what’s on offer – and what, in a slightly toneddown incarnation, will soon be on the shelves.

Make sure you check out her top trends before you head to the mall.

www.womanthismonth.com

October 2019

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Moncler Genius

Dries van Noten

FASHION | trends

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SOCIAL BUTTERFLY

Farewell Party

Sucurine along with her family and friends held a farewell party at their residence with live band “Crossroads“ to bid goodbye before settling down in London after 19 years in Bahrain

Rasasi Mystical Journey Rasasi held a mystical opening event to discover Eid scents at its new branch in Seef Mall

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October 2019

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October 2019

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October 2019

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news

NOW ONLINE

Massimo Dutti has announced the launch of its first online store in the UAE - www. massimodutti.com and its mobile app, available on Google Play and Apple App Store. To offer the brand’s regional customers easy access to discover the Massimo Dutti World.

An English and Arabic interface is offered, to ensure everyone can browse through their favourite pieces with ease. The platforms will showcase the complete range of items for women and men, identical to the collections at its physical stores, in addition to the children’s collection.

And the digital platforms allow customers to interact with the products in an intuitive way, thanks to the different sections and categories.

FRAGRANT CHAINS

Perfume vial necklaces are Celine’s new cult accessory. The brand’s artistic, creative and image director, Hedi Slimane, has expanded on the accessories the Celine woman should have in her arsenal, particularly, the jewellery. The house’s spring/summer 2020 show saw handfuls of gold tasselled necklaces to throw on and stack, and a perfume vial strung around a singular chain, hanging off a naval-grazing neck charm. The miniature bottles hold the first fragrances to come out of the Celine Haute Parfumerie in 50 years. The bottle-shaped vials chime with the complex characterisation of Slimane’s Celine woman.

ECO CONSCIOUS

CROWNING GLORY PASSION FOR VINTAGE

RIXO unveiled a See Now, Buy Now collection, a limited-edition range of exclusive styles available to buy on rixo. co.uk from the moment it debuted at London Fashion Week.

Going ‘Back to the Garden’, the collection is filled with ombre colour fades, handpainted psychedelic butterflies, paisley prints and golden embellishment. Oversized sleeves, scallop edging and floatier Woodstock-inspired shapes are juxtaposed against more structured minis, feel-good flares and sharp lapels reminiscent of the swinging ‘60s. Two charities will get donations from each item sold and shoppers can choose which to support. www.womanthismonth.com

World-renowned luxury Lebanese jeweller, Mouawad, has entered a partnership to create crowns for The Miss Universe Organization, which will see winners of its three prestigious pageants, Miss Universe, Miss USA and Miss Teen USA, honoured with Mouawad-crafted headpieces. The first official Miss Universe Diamond Crown

by Mouawad will make its debut at the 68th annual Miss Universe competition, where the 2018 title holder, Catriona Gray, will crown her successor.

Mouawad is delighted to bring its savoir faire to these internationally renowned events and to craft exceptional, one-of-a-kind pieces befitting modern-day royalty.

Diesel has joined forces with CocaCola to create a collaborative clothing line made with recycled materials. Called (Re)Collection, the range incorporates recycled PET, derived from plastic bottles and recycled cotton, into beautifully crafted garments, giving a fresh and modern sensibility to Diesel’s casualwear aesthetic. Paired with the recognition and popularity of CocaCola, the project aims to raise awareness on the value of recycling, showing consumers the many uses of discarded plastic. (Re) Collection features 12 key pieces designed to be seasonless.

The collaborative line can only be accessed through scanning any recycling logo worldwide to see a hidden section of Diesel's website, where the collection can then be shopped.

October 2019

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showcase

Hosts

FEMALE-CHEFS BREAKING NORMS IN THE FOOD INDUSTRY

CHEF SARA ALKOHEJI Co-Owner of The Cooking Studio Please give us a peek into your professional background.

I graduated from Ibn Khuldoon National School in 2008 and went to the University of Kent in Canterbury, where I received my Law degree. I moved to London straight afterwards and received my Patisserie Diploma from Le Cordon Bleu. I practised law in Bahrain for about four years before deciding to completely switch careers and open up The Cooking Studio.

What drew you to the food industry?

I have always enjoyed cooking and baking.

I actually started experimenting in the kitchen on my own at the young age of nine. There’s something very satisfying in turning simple ingredients into something delicious that makes people happy.

How would you describe your professional journey this far?

It has been a blend of exciting and

stressful. Owning and growing a business is not an easy task especially when it’s something you’re very passionate about.

However, seeing people learn as I’m teaching them and realising how much fun baking can be makes it all worthwhile.

What is most satisfying about your work?

The smile on my customers’ faces and their compliments. It’s also always an amazing feeling at the end of a class when someone looks at their cake and says: “I can’t believe I made this!”.

What has it taken you to break the mould of men being masters of a commercial kitchen?

Essential traits required to head a commercial kitchen are strength, character, stamina and the ability to guide a team. I don’t see how these traits are only found in men.

How do you support other women?

The Cooking Studio currently consists of an all-female staff. We find that working with female employees is not only more efficient, but we have also become great friends which makes working together a lot of fun.

What do you believe are the special strengths of a woman?

Women are strong, dedicated and amazing at multitasking.

What would you say to women wanting to have their own business in the food industry?

I’d say to them that there isn’t anything you cannot do, whatever anyone may think or say. It will be difficult, it will be tiring, and your schedule will be the opposite to everyone around you. But if you love it, if you are passionate about it, it won’t matter because you will enjoy every second of it.

CHEF SUSY MASSETI Executive Chef, Fish Bone and Eat'sy Please tell us a bit about your professional background and where you are from.

I started my career quite early in my grandmother’s family restaurant in Milan,

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October 2019

Italy. After working in Europe, I worked in the USA for over 10 years opening and managing stand-alone restaurants and my flight catering company. In the Middle East, my repertoire includes working at

five-star hotels and as a personal chef for VIP dignitaries. I formerly managed Masso, a fine-dining contemporary Italian restaurant and The Orangery, a Middle Eastern-influenced café, tea room and www.womanthismonth.com

showcase

patisserie. I now run Fishbone in Bahrain and Eat'sy in Khobar. I am into food and beverage consulting across the Gulf region and have three more projects in Saudi Arabia and Bahrain due to open by the end of 2019.

What drew you to the food industry?

I would say that was destiny.

How would you describe your professional journey this far?

It has been fantastic, exciting, memorable, extremely gruelling and highly successful in spite of, or thanks to, failures and mistakes.

What have been your greatest professional challenges?

To be seen as a chef, not a “female chef”.

What has it taken you to break the mould of men being masters of a commercial kitchen?

By disregarding this idea! I ignore the idea that only men are seen as masters in the kitchen, as they have never been the only ones ruling commercial kitchens.

What do you take most pride in while serving customers your food?

The passion, research and the attention I pay to source the ingredients that I use.

What are you most proud of?

I am proud of having 'conquered' people that I have the joy to now call my friends.

What would you say to women wanting to have their own restaurants?

Go girl! But be humble. Learn your craft first. Keep your head down while learning and learn only from the best, but ultimately trust your guts and go for it!

What would you advise women?

I’d tell them to be determined, to be selfcentred, to be aggressive even, never to talk themselves down!

What do you believe are the special strengths of a woman?

Commitment; we were born to be committed, to be focused and to be self-reliant.

How do you overcome challenges?

By knowing deep inside that, as women, we are better, we are stronger and we will succeed. And if we don’t, that we have learned a very precious lesson.

AREEJ MATOOQ Lifestyle Blogger and Recipe Developer Please tell us a bit about your professional background and where you are from.

I hold a master’s degree in media studies.

I fell in love with the art of cooking early on in childhood, and my background in media helped catalyse my social media presence as a healthy lifestyle blogger and recipe developer. As my passion for cooking grew to become a personal calling, I enrolled at Le Cordon Bleu Culinary School in London to enhance my cooking skills and immersed myself into French cuisine. I attend cooking classes in every country I visit so to learn more about its unique food cultures and techniques.

I am currently studying for a diploma in nutrition from the Future Fit Academy in the UK for a more in-depth understanding of health and nutrition.

I host cooking classes and demos for children and adults, sharing posts of my creative recipes that include healthy alternatives to the foods we all love, as

well as posting my kids’ healthy lunch boxes daily on Instagram. In my mission to spread awareness of a healthy lifestyle, I have participated in events like Food Is Culture, Bahrain Summer Festival 2018, and Youth City 2030 in 2019.

What are you most proud of?

Seeing other women being inspired to lead healthy lifestyles and noticing the change in their lives, seeing many of my recipes trending, my advice being followed and receiving ‘thank you’ messages makes me fly every day.

How do you overcome challenges at work?

By being well organised, planning well my day, week, month and beyond. As they say, failing to plan is planning to fail.

and employee. Despite this, she thrives and achieves success in whatever she involves herself with.

What would you advise women?

I would advise women to take care of their health by maintaining a balanced, healthy lifestyle. This will reflect positively on their overall wellbeing, which will help them in nurturing their families well.

How do you support other women?

As a healthy lifestyle blogger, through my social media accounts I help women, specially mothers, in maintaining a healthy lifestyle for them and their families by creating easy, healthy recipes, and suggesting healthy alternative ingredients for popular dishes.

What makes women different?

Nowadays, a woman assumes many roles in life - that of wife, mother

For inquiries please contact the brand managers via email: forher@bahraincredit.com.bh or on whatsapp 34 422-227 / 33 282-228

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October 2019

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SOCIAL BUTTERFLY

AWA September Meeting American Women’s Association held its September meeting at Mövenpick Hotel Bahrain

The BBBF Poppy Ball in conjunction with the bba

Join us with VIP Guests of Honour ‘The Chelsea Pensioners’ In support of The Chelsea Pensioners Appeal Mother and Child Welfare Society – Bahrain

FRIDAY 15th of November from 7pm GULF hotel BAHRAIN AL DANA BALLROOM Tickets: BD35 members and non-members DRESS code: formal Tickets can be purchased from the following outlets by cash or cheque, payable to Bahrain British Business Forum: British Club Reception – 1772-8245 Bahrain Rugby Football Club Reception – 1769-5809 Dilmun Club – 1769-0926 For more details or to reserve a table contact the BBBF Office Email bbbfevents@ batelco.com.bh or telephone 1781-3488

18 October 2019

Win two British Airways Business Class return tickets to London

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FEATURE | breast cancer awareness

LET’S HEAR IT FOR THE GIRLS October is all about ‘the girls’ as many of us affectionately refer to our boobs. It’s about checking ourselves and getting ourselves checked. And, in the unlikely event we find something wrong, it’s about dealing with it; putting a treatment plan in place and, really, just coping as best we can.

Thanks to a long-running campaign to get people talking about breast cancer, awareness has been on the rise worldwide for several years. And this year, for the first time, we’ve found brave ladies in Bahrain who are prepared to go public with their stories in the hope of encouraging others and opening up discussion on the disease which is still, to a degree, avoided in the local population.

Over the following pages you’ll meet them as well as an inspiring medic who’s very definitely doing her bit to battle breast cancer in Bahraini women.

The resounding message from all of them is that checking is what saves lives. And, though free screening is available for some, others have to pay, so, we’ve also put together a round-up of hospitals which are offering special deals on screening this month to make an essential a bit more affordable.

www.womanthismonth.com

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ACTING FOR

CHANGE

FEATURE | breast cancer awareness

After her PhD studies revealed some surprising results about breast cancer among Bahraini women, Professor Ghufran Ahmed Jassim, has helped set studies in progress to improve treatment.

A

n Associate Professor in Family Medicine at the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland - Bahrain, Prof Ghufran has almost an alphabet of letters after her name and is passionate about women’s health in general and breast cancer among the Bahraini population in particular.

Formerly a General Practitioner (GP) she made the move into academia after several years working in clinics in the public health system. She carried out studies into breast cancer in Arab women as part of her PhD and her research threw up some surprising and disturbing results – which have since prompted action.

SURPRISING REVELATIONS Prof Ghufran explains: “My study ran in three parts. The first was the quality of life for Bahraini women with breast cancer. We found that women here get breast cancer at a younger age than in the West, perhaps 10 years younger! That’s why our screening programme starts at 40, because here women are likelier to present at 40 than at 50 and it is often at an advanced stage.

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October 2019

“There is not yet any indication of why this is the case so we have started a genetic study.

It is not BRCA 1 and 2 [the recognised gene mutations that are likely to lead to breast cancer], in fact this genetic factor is relatively rare in the Bahraini population; so, we are looking for something else that these cancers have in common. The genetic study is running over two years with around six months left to go.

“Quality of life is definitely affected by a woman’s age. For example, when women are diagnosed younger, there may be issues of fertility; there may also be different cultural and religious factors affecting patients, such as husbands being responsible for decisions about their wives’ health, without being fully aware of their impact.

“Women may also be fearful of the intimate nature of the cancer and all of these may be reasons for the advanced stages of presentation. The more advanced the disease is at diagnosis, the less the chance of survival.

“For this reason, it’s important to talk about and raise awareness of breast cancer. By saying it out loud, we draw attention to it.”

ASKING PERTINENT QUESTIONS The second part of her study took a more detailed approach in asking women to talk about how the disease was affecting them.

“Sometimes people throw up concerns that might not be medically obvious,” says Prof Ghufran. “This is important in gaining an understanding of how people are feeling about the disease within themselves.”

Results showed women had three leading concerns: issues of sexuality and body image; concern over dealing with children, how to break the news etc; and the issue of power in making their own decisions – this was underlying and had not really been expressed publically before.

“It told us that there needed to be much more discussion with patients and their families about both the disease and the treatment, side effects and suchlike,” says the professor.

A HOLISTIC APPROACH The third part of the study was the need to gather higher quality evidence in looking at the effectiveness of psychological www.womanthismonth.com

FEATURE | breast cancer awareness intervention – different types of counselling – what type and format is helpful; and is it helpful or not?

Prof Ghufran explains: “We looked at a huge range of published material and the results of studies and then came up with conclusions for physicians to use in their practice.

“There is very little psychological intervention in this region, so, we thought that we should look at it and have something to take to the authorities. We found that a very specific type of counselling, CBT (cognitive behavioural therapy) – based on the way you think and thus behave – was the best in affecting the psychological state and led to a decrease in depression and anxiety and increased quality of life. However,

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psychological intervention had inconclusive results in prolonging life.

“From that study, we got what we needed to talk to the authorities. The National Oncology Centre has moved to King Hamad University Hospital (KHUH) and we are discussing, with them, the possibility of having a full team involved in patient care so that patients can get a holistic approach to the disease.”

ONGOING CAMPAIGNS Several years on from her PhD study, Prof Ghufran is still very much involved in women’s health and as well as doing genetic analysis from the ongoing study, she has now turned her attention to another female cancer, that of the cervix.

“This is the only type of cancer that can be prevented by the use of a simple vaccine [the HPV vaccine] but it is not available here except in the private hospitals. The Ministry of Health has requested the findings of our study, which we provided to them in an attempt to the convince the authorities to introduce it.”

She also started the first Well Woman Clinic at KHUH, the first in the public sector – it began with just four patients a day but now it’s up to 30! And, the professor adds that it’s not just about gynae matters but all sorts of issues concerning women.

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FEATURE | breast cancer awareness

SURVIVING AND THRIVING Joanne Lund not only survived breast cancer but has gone on to help other women affected by the disease. She shares her story.

W

hen were you first diagnosed and how – self exam, mammogram etc. How did you feel?

I was diagnosed in New Zealand in May 2008.

I was 46 and had received an invite for a free mammogram, part of a screening programme.

I had a recall as they had found something suspicious on the mammogram but I wasn’t afraid as I had no symptoms. They performed an ultrasound guided core biopsy which showed that it was cancer.

The tumour was a very aggressive grade three but thankfully, at 13mm, was quite small. As it was deep inside the lower breast it was not palpable, so I was unable to detect it by self-examination. I was diagnosed with ER/ PR Positive infiltrating ductal carcinoma.

I was shell shocked and in disbelief. I didn’t feel ill and I couldn’t feel the lump... so how could I have cancer? That moment is still frozen in time for me and was one of the worst days of my life. It wasn’t until we left the clinic that I actually broke down crying.

I felt as if there was something foreign in my body and I wanted it gone. My husband – who had attended the clinic with me – reassured me that everything was going to be ok; he was my rock.

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How did you deal with it; telling family, kids etc?

Please tell us about your cancer support work in Bahrain.

Our first priority was to identify what we needed to do, who we should contact medically and who to seek advice from. My husband rang my family overseas to tell them the news, as I was too upset. My son was 10 years old at the time, so, we decided that we would sit him down and tell him gently that I had a lump in the breast that had to be removed. We didn’t want to hide anything from him, as children are very perceptive.

However, we didn’t mention the word cancer.

The day after I received my last radiation treatment in New Zealand, I flew to Bahrain as my husband had just started a new job.

Overnight my whole support network of friends and doctors had disappeared and I felt alone.

What came next and has the cancer had a lasting effect?

I had my lumpectomy 10 days after my diagnosis and then a course of radiotherapy.

I was put on a hormone therapy drug called Tamoxifen, which I took for 10 years to prevent the breast cancer from coming back. I have been clear for 11 years and four months!

For the first few years I thought about my breast cancer daily. It was hard to forget it as it was such a rollercoaster ride (and still is every time I attend my annual check-up!).

But finally, there came a time that I realised I hadn’t thought about breast cancer for a whole day, then a week and then I knew I was healing.

So, I reached out to a small group of wonderful ladies who had formed the Breast Cancer Support Group. We met weekly and during those first few meetings there were plenty of tears! I needed to let go of the emotion I was holding in and it felt so good to talk to other ladies who had been down a similar path to myself.

After the organiser left for Australia, I was adamant that the group should continue.

Feeling eager to help and comfort other newly diagnosed ladies, I became the coordinator of the Bahrain Breast Cancer Support Group and set up a confidential WhatsApp group.

It’s made up of some amazingly supportive and inspirational survivors who offer tips on overcoming side effects of treatment, who pick you up when you’re feeling down. The aim is for ladies to know that we are here to listen without judgement, offer emotional support when you need it, help answer your questions and ultimately empower you.

We are so lucky to also have some trained www.womanthismonth.com

FEATURE | breast cancer awareness therapists supporting the group. Tracey Burrows (a yoga and Ayurveda coach and wellness expert) dedicates her time every Monday morning to offer a wonderful ‘Relaxation and Healing Circle’ class in Saar. It’s a gentle movement class where she teaches us breathing techniques to ease anxiety plus meditations to calm the mind.

This wonderful class is open to all ladies who need it and is free.

In 2017, Tracey and I set up the Bahrain Breast Cancer Support and Wellness Group Facebook page with inspirational quotes and information about breast cancer, wellness and events.

What would be your message to women in general and those facing a recent breast cancer diagnosis in particular?

My message to women is to remember that ‘early detection and treatment increases the chances of success and ultimately survival’. I want to shout this from the highest roof top!

Therefore, it’s vital that you get your regular mammogram done as recommended by your doctor. Remember, I could not feel or see my lump. The mammogram saved my life! Also, self-check your breasts and armpits monthly, I can’t stress this enough.

If you feel any lump, have any discharge from the nipple, dimpling of the skin, a rash or change in appearance of the nipple, contact your doctor straight away. Most lumps are benign.

Think Pink has an excellent App for your phone called iCheck and it takes you through all the signs and symptoms of breast cancer and even a tutorial of how to check your breast correctly. Check it out!

If you do receive a breast cancer diagnosis, your aim should be to get a treatment plan in place as soon as possible. Take a family member or friend with you to your appointment for support. Often the information given is too much to take in when you are worried. Write a list of questions to ask your doctor, such as: ‘What side effects will I get from the treatment?’ and ’Is there anything I can do to help the treatment work better?’

Another thing to point out is the importance, certainly for expats, of health insurance.

A friend was recently forced to return to her home country for treatment having discovered the cost of chemotherapy here would be tens of thousands of dinars.

How do you feel moving forward?

My life – and my family’s – was turned upside down when I first received my diagnosis and my life isn’t the same as it was before. My priorities changed and I remember writing a bucket list – afraid that I might not be able to accomplish it. Time seemed so much www.womanthismonth.com

more precious and I felt gratitude like I have never done before.

I have found a greater appreciation for the little things in life, like the smell of the flowers in my garden, the sounds of the birds and, especially, dancing to music at my NIA class – this is my ‘therapy’. I don’t take things for granted. I try to live life to the full and love to plan holidays.

I have learnt to say no and put myself first

more than I ever used to. And I surround myself with positive people. I try to make healthy choices, exercise five times a week, meditate and practise breathing techniques which helps me in times of stress.

I have learnt that life is precious and I have found an inner strength that I never knew existed before cancer. I am happy with the ‘new’ me and try to live each day with intention and a smile on my face!

Treatment Tips The radiotherapy left my skin red and quite raw; it felt sunburnt. I was advised to use a gentle unperfumed cleanser (organic if possible and paraben free) to avoid irritating the skin further. I bought a pure (98 per cent) aloe vera gel too, which I applied to the sore areas to soothe my skin. I avoided swimming pools and any extremes of temperature and always wore cotton next to my skin.

Luckily the side effects lasted just a couple of weeks. I do have some thickening of the skin on the side which received radiotherapy. My body tolerated Tamoxifen well, although I did have some mild aches and pains and hot flushes.

I kept a cold flannel in a small cool box beside my bed to apply to my forehead when I felt a hot flush occurring. I also bought a small hand fan which I took everywhere and was even seen with my hands in an ice bucket to try and cool myself down!

Please reach out to Joanne if you need any further information about the Bahrain Breast Cancer Support Group: 39 567-322.

October 2019

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FEATURE | breast cancer awareness

T

hmed Ali Al Treasurer A r Denise nd voluntee a a d h k a w o N hat the z Sanjana w a n h e B ll te r nned Almee ciety has pla o S r e c n a C Bahrain d for Breast cancer th earmarke n o m e th r fo ess. awareness n re a w A r e c Can campaign. It

he Bahrain Cancer Society (BCS) was formally registered in 1991 as a non-profit, civil society with the aim of supporting those afflicted by any form of cancer by a group of patients, their families, doctors and volunteers.

“Members of the board of directors are predominantly medical professionals, along with some lay people,” says Ahmed.

“Our group of volunteers helps out with planning and organising various events that we undertake to spread education and awareness about the disease.”

“Who hasn’t been affected by cancer, either directly or indirectly?” says Denise, speaking of the basic purpose of the BCS. “Our work helps make things a little easier for sufferers and their families, offering them financial assistance, sound advice on treatments, medical equipment and an empathetic ear. Being a cancer survivor myself, I can say that the fear and lack of knowledge when you get that diagnosis is one of the biggest challenges to overcome.

What is chemotherapy like? How does one feel after radiation? Speaking to someone who’s gone through it is reassuring.”

BCS volunteers have their hands full with various activities and events lined up this month. Ahmed says: “Every October we have a month-long, nation-wide breast

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October 2019

includes easy-tounderstand, educational lectures delivered to secondary schools, universities, corporates, banks and social organisations. Our teams communicate in Arabic, English, as well as in Hindi, where required.

“Our campaign’s major event is the annual walkathon, which will be taking place on Friday, October 25, in the Seef district this year. The main objective is to deliver the message of the importance of early detection and regular screening to everyone in the community. It is what can save lives. In addition, we encourage people to live a healthy lifestyle exercise, a good diet and avoiding junk food and smoking.

Denise continues: “Many schools and social organisations participate in this fun day for a good cause. We distribute pamphlets about breast cancer and screening and sell little knick-knacks like pink ribbon pins for a nominal price, proceeds of which go towards breast cancer support.”

the men in society. “When men realise the importance of what we are saying, they pass it on to their wives, mothers, sisters and daughters,” says Ahmed.

BCS spearheads the ‘Manama Pink City’ campaign, where several buildings in the capital, including all the important landmark structures, are lit up in pink to mark Breast Cancer Awareness month.

Other organisations choose to collaborate with the BCS to hold fund-raising events to underline this issue and donate the proceeds to the cause.

eenings for Free breast cancer scr available at are ls na tio na Bahraini like Salmaniya government hospitals King Hamad d an Medical Complex ll as health we as , tal spi University Ho nd. centres around the isla

The awareness is not only targeted to women, but also www.womanthismonth.com

FEATURE | breast cancer awareness

A POSITIVE ATTITUDE In May last year, just two weeks after her wedding, Bahraini Amal Jaffar was diagnosed with breast cancer!

A year on, and with treatment completed, she talks not of devastation but rather an opportunity to nurture herself.

A

mal is 37 years old, a veggie/vegan, yoga-teaching, non-smoker and the picture of health. And yet, she was facing triple negative breast cancer – a tumour that’s not hormone related – it’s relatively rare, only 10-20 per cent of all breast cancers, and can be aggressive.

She says: “I actually found the lump in February but it took me that long to get a diagnosis because it wasn’t easy to find information about where to go in the public sector. I had previously worked in the corporate world and always had health insurance through my employer. So, I didn’t have cover when I found the lump and the process was a bit confusing.

“Eventually I had a private ultrasound and was recommended to have a biopsy at King Hamad University Hospital. That’s what diagnosed the cancer. I was told about treatment options but, to be honest, I felt a bit rushed – up to that point, it had all been ‘take your time, it’s OK’ and I had a wedding to organise, so I was distracted, but, once the diagnosis was in, everything became much more urgent.”

A second opinion from an expert in Berlin confirmed the diagnosis and it was decided to begin chemotherapy straight away, before removing the lump, as this type of cancer often responds particularly well to drugs.

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“One thing the doctor in Germany did was told me about nurses who were still working while undergoing treatment for breast cancer,” says Amal. “This was hugely comforting and I thought ‘if they can do it, I can too’.”

A lumpectomy came next followed by radiotherapy and throughout it all she was supported by her husband, family and the Bahrain Breast Cancer Support Group, whose members and organisers she cannot praise highly enough.

One aspect of the treatment Amal was not prepared for was being put into a temporary induced menopause in order to protect her ovaries and lessen the chances of infertility – the newlywed was and is keen to have children in the future.

She says: “There were hot flushes and night sweats and, of course, I had just got married and intimacy was affected. It sounds strange but I also missed menstruation, it’s always been a part of my body that I’ve been very in tune with as part of my femininity.”

Another troubling aspect was the potential hair loss through her treatment. “I used to have very big hair,” she says, with a smile. “I cut it short before the first chemo treatment.

Within weeks, it had begun to fall out and I was fed up with seeing bits of hair all over the house. I went into the bathroom and

pulled out the rest and then my husband came in and shaved my head!

“When we first had the diagnosis confirmed, he told me ‘we will take it one day at a time’. That meant being present, which I have practised through my yoga for the last eight years. Looking back now, I think the cancer and treatment has helped me evolve.

“The day I was diagnosed, I cried for about half an hour. Then I was reminded that life gives us challenges and tasks and that something good can come out of them. I felt like this was a task I had been given; that it would slowly help me grow and heal.

“I felt, towards the end of the chemo, that it was a chance for rebirth. Somehow, I was lighter and more in touch with my inner strength in a graceful way.

“People talk about cancer warriors, but I don’t like that aggressive way of expressing it; rather, I felt that it was just a very small part of me and I wanted to be compassionate to myself and use it as an opportunity to nurture myself rather than declaring war against my body.

“These are lessons I have taken forward; they are ingrained in me now. I find that the journey has allowed me to find confidence in my identity, stand up gracefully for my inner truth and follow my intuition.”

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FEATURE | breast cancer awareness

We’ve rounded up some of the hospitals across the island that are offering special screening deals throughout October.

BAHRAIN SPECIALIST HOSPITAL

This popular multifunctional health facility in the heart of Juffair has a range of offers running throughout October. A breast ultrasound, mammography and consultation costs BD40. A mammography and consultation package is available at BD30 and ultrasound with consultation costs BD22. The hospital will also have a number of off-site events during the month, at which attendees will receive vouchers.

Call 17 812-000.

ROYAL BAHRAIN HOSPITAL

This hospital is popular with residents and expats for the wide range of up-to-date medical amenities it provides.

The healthcare facility offers a special breast cancer screen package, which will include a breast ultrasound along with a consultation with a female general surgeon, priced at BD25.

Call 17 246-800.

AMERICAN MISSION HOSPITAL

One of Bahrain’s oldest private medical facilities is known to cater to people from all walks of life. To mark Breast Cancer Awareness Month, the hospital will offer a breast cancer screening package from October 1-31. Ladies will go through a mammogram and breast ultrasound, that together cost BD40. All females over 40 years of age can take advantage of this special package.

Furthermore, every year during October American Mission

Hospital conducts several free breast cancer screening and awareness events around the Kingdom.

Call 17 248-117.

IBN AL-NAFEES HOSPITAL This multi-speciality hospital in Mahooz offers a breast ultrasound and mammogram followed by a consultation with Dr A Nabi Al-Aradi, who is a consultant general and laparoscopic surgeon, all for BD55.

Call 17 828-282.

STANFORD MEDICAL CENTRE

Located along the row of various medical centres in Zinj, Standford Medical Centre has a special package women can take advantage of in the month of October. The initial consultation with the doctor is available at a special price of BD12. A breast ultrasound will cost BD20, while a package of ultrasound and mammogram is priced at only BD30.

Call 17 252-456.

ROYAL HOSPITAL FOR WOMEN & CHILDREN

This sprawling new healthcare facility in Riffa gives women an incentive to get themselves checked at competitive prices. The hospital offers a comprehensive breast package, which includes consultation with a doctor, breast ultrasound and bilateral mammography of both breasts. This service bundle costs BD40.

The breast ultrasound package includes an ultrasound and a doctor’s consultation for BD25.

Call 17 759-999.

THINK PINK EVENTS When? October 4 Event? Annual Awareness Ride hosted by Harley Davidson Venue? Harley Dealership Budaiya Highway Open to all motorbikes and leaving and returning to the dealership this event sees riders from across the island and Saudi coming together, decked out in pink and taking to the roads around the island to raise awareness of the disease.

Call 17 599-006.

When? October 8 Event? Harbour Gate Bake Sale Venue? Harbour Gate, Bahrain Financial Harbour

Cakes, cakes and more cakes and an excuse to indulge while raising cash for a great cause.

Dig deep and tuck in.

Call 17 102-600.

When? October 11 Event? Rock Me Pink Concert Venue? Sherlock Holmes

Running from midday to 7pm there’ll be a variety of local acts to enjoy and entry proceeds go to the charity. Entry BD2 per person.

Call 17 713-000.

When? October 17 Event? Pink Beach Party Venue? The Ritz-Carlton, Bahrain

Head to The Ritz-Carlton, Bahrain’s private island for an evening of fun with a DJ, open buffet and beverage bar from 8pm to 11pm.

Tickets are BD25 for members and hotel guests, and BD35 for non-members, inclusive of food.

Call 17 580-000.

When? October 25 Event? Pink Pony Day Venue? MHR (Muharraq Riding School)

Running from 4pm-7pm, kids can join in an afternoon of grooming, riding and games at just 1BD per person.

Call 39 858-770 or 33 090-088.

When? October 26 Venue? Ambassadors’ 4th Annual Horse Parade Venue? TBC

Horse and pony owners get together for an awareness-raising ride with everyone kitted out in pink shirts and even the equines joining in.

Registration is BD7 (with conditions) and there are limited spaces available, so make sure to sign-up early.

Call 39 858-770 or 33 090-088.

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SOCIAL BUTTERFLY

Free Medical Camp As part of the 200 years celebration of Shreenathji Hindu Temple, the Thattai (Bhatia) Hindu Community in association with Al Hilal Medical Centre organised a free medical camp

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October 2019

27

BEAUTY | news

Chanel Le Lift Serum

A lightweight formula containing alfalfa and peppermint that promises a subtle lifting effect, it delivers targeted firming and wrinklecorrecting benefits providing 12 hours of continuous lifting and firming action, while preparing the skin to receive the full benefits of the brand’s Le Lift creams. And it’s not only proved to be effective, it also looks and smells great.

Available at leading retailers.

Melody From Sephora

Float like a butterfly in the soft, shimmering eyeshadows, each created exclusively for the Melody Palette.

With an ultra-rich texture, these 10 shades, ranging from porcelain pink to cool blue to rich espresso, will take your look to new heights. There’s also a first-ever lip gloss in a limited edition of glitter and shimmer soft colours inspired by butterflies taking flight.

The hues are perfect for the changing season as looks become softer.

Available at Sephora.

L’Occitane Aromachologie

From the company that has a long history of working with essential oils comes a range that’s bursting with benefits for the skin and hair.

Using ingredients extracted from different parts of plants, they’re absolutely natural. For haircare, try new Intensive Repair Enriched Infused Oil – a bright golden oil with sunflower seeds floating inside. The scent is a burst of fresh orange giving way to lavender and wild geranium, before slipping into a comforting base of cedar and vanilla. Created from a blend of five essential oils, it aims to restructure the hair and improve the condition.

Available at L’Occitane.

This month we're really into the latest oils that promise great effects for skin and hair.

Neom Great Day Glow Face Oil

We already love Neom Organic’s wellbeing products and the company has now come up with skincare, yay.

Appropriately, this is part of the Scent to Make You Happy range and is ‘a lightweight, soothing face oil packed with the most effective, natural extracts, actives and ingredients, along with the perfect amount of essential oils to nourish your skin and minimise the appearance of pores’. All that power comes from a mix of prickly pear seed oil, soybean oil, evening primrose oil, grape seed oil and rose, mandarin and peppermint essential oils.

Available at neomorganics.com

Aesop’s New Skin Care+

The range is composed of four formulations that deliver generous doses of vitamins and complementary botanicals to support replenished, balanced and fortified skin. For those desiring a light touch, Lucent Facial Concentrate, featuring vitamins C and B alongside hydration-boosting Sodium Carrageenan, offers sustained hydration without overburdening the skin. The Perfect Facial Hydrating Cream has potent doses of replenishing vitamins C and E as well as shea butter, jojoba seed and rosehip seed. Damascan Rose Facial Treatment is a nourishing oil blend to relieve parched skin and B Triple C Facial Balancing Gel enlivens the skin and gives a matt finish while balancing and replenishing.

Available at bahrain.desertcart.com

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BEAUTY | styling

1 0 1 S N O I S HAIR EXTEN

omen umber of w n t a e r g a e, man hair – oking’ man u o h -l r r o e ll c u ti ‘f e , synth it. icker comes with Made using air extensions for a th t a th e c n e d h of confi when it fall back on dded boost options are a r e u o th y t t e a g r h ces. not to fo wledge on w omes to using hair pie o n k e m o s s c WTM share d indeed , models an es ti ri b le ce lory g a bit of -to for ther addin ei y Extended oGns have long been the goth b s k o lo eir . si enhance and quickly Hair exten next door to d volume in an easily ck to la ta b is t n je io m sh o the fa ngth an nging fr le ra n es -o ons, which ll ad si fu n sh r o ip-in exte ailable in cl av e thickness, t es th p e ty ar t p of discree ifferen variety with the hel s to be st popular There are d s o m ck e lo h g T n e. ti exis ngth lond ch to your f varying le eed to be platinum b air that atta ble in a set of wefts o n h f ey o h T ts . ef lt w su are t ly availa atural re al n su s, u u ed the nex e o ch ar in ta m r a volu n be reat clips. They fo ca d d ea an h t e h ver th at nig placed all o the pillows fusion ore you hit ef b ed v ro link, and o ic m rem , n -i w e-in, se om four e. ons are tap permanent; lasting fr si day at hom n te ex , need a r ai s of h e semier to attach ar g n ey lo h T e . k Other kind es ta ti pe, nded varie g on their ty ting hair strands. and pre-bo is s dependin th ex n o to g m r in u ag n be dam weeks to fo ca d an , d al han profession

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enefits ady to make the commitpt bangs to a blunt and Bun B e re

-sw e, but not pieces also From side ort a fring These hair er frame r answer. . u u o o y y is s it ce Want to sp su ie that most inge hairp and a sharp n be as yet? A fr can choose the style give it a ‘fuller’ look on that ca , u e yo ir g fring t contrapti e n e ti cr is front cut, x is e d r short ha r a u icken yo ach with t on long o ver you a tt a re g to k o sy a lo help to th ne re e ces ays or whe ce. They a Fringe pie to your fa r special d tural hair. a fo ’ n k r o u o lo y w r e de a ‘n hidden un ces are of way to get le, bun pie are a safe ss d a n h a e s nd th le y s n st pdo sa eir shape a . mourous u dd-ons that hold th la g a feel like it rt o want to sp hey are synthetic a When you iffed ones. .T nvenience erfectly-co p co to te s a y a im d lt u hair nvert bad quickly co

Find Your Halo

Halo extensions are quickly gaining popularity for being easy to don, naturallooking and safe for existing hair. This type of hairpiece uses an adjustable wire/ headband that creates a comfortable and secure fit around the crown of your head.

The natural hair can be strategically pulled through to hide the band, making it blend seamlessly while giving you a full head of luscious locks. These extension types are the least risky for your hair, without being noticeable at all.

They even serve to achieve a fuller ponytail of top-knot look. The piece can be wrapped around the ponytail and secured with bobby pins for a swish do in just a matter of minutes www.womanthismonth.com

October 2019

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BEAUTY | styling

oks – ke-up lo p. a m y k -gloss li ll of quir ith were fu nd a bold, high est features w s n io t c e a b ll r r o e u c t o t ! r /Winte n-point with gli nhance ers’ Fall eyelids heavy er a rest and e akeup game o n ig s e d , m t brows ased top of summ and get your t showc r totally absen make-up look l, a a h ic t t s c y a r o up dp nwa pactful -makehion ru ding an The fas ed eyelashes, im t’s give the no of what’s tren t at , le exagger wearable looks . Take a leaf ou s e r r u For mo mn colo ue autu r t e m o s

ll a F o t n I g n i ll a F THE NEW UP S MAKE ’ N O S A E S TRENDS

Behnaz

a

Sanjan

Aishwarya Rai

LUSCIOUS LIPS

It’s time to bring out the heavy arsenal – your favourite bold lippie. If you want to go with ‘the in thing’ then it's move over, red.

This year its rich grape in focus.

Deep burgundies and berries are all the rage for autumn. Pick a shade that goes with your undertone.

Raspberries are for the cool toned, while a rich mahogany and plum shades are for a warm-toned complexion.

Top Tip: Prepping and lining the lips is everything. For the day-time, keep the rest of the face minimal.

Splurge: Kat Von D Everlasting Liquid Lipstick Steal: Lipstick Matte by K7L

LASH OUT

Show off a polished look with full lashes.

Go the extra mile and play with false eyelashes – either the glue-on or the magnetic variety – for full-on glam sweepers. If you’d prefer to downplay it, then rely on a few coats of your favourite mascara. Sweep the wand up in a slight back and forth motion at the roots and then straight up the lashes to get good coverage. Flick the lashes towards your temples for a retro, winged effect.

Top Tip: Roll the mascara brush as you move it through the lashes for a pronounced curl.

Splurge: Marc Jacobs Velvet Noir Mascara Steal: L’Oreal Paris Unlimited Mascara

Penelope Cruz

WARM BLUSH Sure, it’s the time to pull out the deep terracotta, pumpkin, lavender, magenta and charcoal shades of eyeshadow. But the latest trend dictates a glossy swipe of a coloured eyeliner in place of the usual black or brown. Choose teal, turquoise, silver or lilac to line your top lids and get used to getting a second look. If you prefer to go the understated route, colours like navy blue and olive green help you play it safe.

Lupita Nyongo

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October 2019

Top Tip: Keep your lower lids bare while sporting a strong colour up top, and vice versa.

Splurge: Marc Jacobs Beauty Highliner Gel Eye Crayon Eyeliner Steal: NYX Vivid Brights Liner

Top Tip: Orange blush is big this season. Use a featherlight hand though, especially on light-medium skin.

Splurge: Urban Decay Afterglow 8-Hour Powder Blush Steal: Maybelline Fit Me Blush

Jenifer Aniston

EYES EYES BABY

A touch of blush is a must, no matter the season, but the cooler months inspire a distinct flush on the cheeks.

Whether you like a soft pink, peach, apricot or sheer plum for fair to medium skin, or mauve, soft berry, brick or orange-y colours for darker tones, say hello to winter by taking your blush up along your cheekbones.

Don’t forget to blend out towards the temples for a look that shows you’ve just stepped in from the cold.

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SOCIAL BUTTERFLY

1st Bahrain Health Regulatory Conference

The National Health Regulatory Authority held a press conference at The Grove Hotel & Conference Centre to announce its upcoming First Bahrain Health Regulatory Conference 2019 in November

Soft Opening The Bahrain Veterinary Clinic held a soft opening for its new branch in Hamala

Experience Al Khayyal Lounge... sit back, relax, read and find magic anywhere you look!

Ideal for small events, meeting and conferences. Call us now for inquiries.

Tel: +973 13 666 777 swissbelresidencesjuffair

alkhayyallounge

R

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October 2019

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news

POSH STUFF

September saw Victoria Beckham’s direct-toconsumer beauty line launching with an 11-piece smokey eye collection that Beckham, along with co-founder Sarah Creal, who was the head of global make-up development and marketing at Estée Lauder, has designed with the idea of beauty in motion. It's for busy women who balance the school run with business meetings, a little bit like Beckham herself.

The Smoky Eye Brick is a practical (and plasticfree) compact that features four satin, matte finish shades that allows users to create a quick and easy, everyday smoky eye from a satisfyingly cut compact that slips easily into a handbag.

The Lid Lustre comes in four shades - Onyx, Blonde, Min and Midnight, and gives a wet, high-shine finish. The Satin Kajal Liner comes in three shades: black, bronze and Bordeaux.

COOL COLAB

Kim Kardashian West’s cosmetic empire, KKW Beauty has launched a new collection with Winnie Harlow, the Canadian model who has helped raise awareness about the skin condition, vitiligo. Kardashian West, in her Instagram said that Winnie is someone that she deeply admires and respects, calling her the definition of a true beauty.

The collection features a 12-pan eye shadow palette, a highlighter duo, and three glitter-infused lip glosses: a nude, rose and brown.

IN HONOUR OF MAKEUP ARISTS

Make Up For Ever celebrated its Make Up Artist Collective by hosting the "Artists Rock!" event in Paris last month. The make-up artists collective works handin-hand with the brand's team of cosmetic scientists to co-create high-performance and high-impact cosmetic products and accessories for all men and women. The event put the spotlight on 21 influential makeup artists from all over the globe, coming together for the threeday educational experience. The participants included make-up artists and influencers from the US, China, Europe and the Middle East.

IN THE HAUS

Haus Labs, the first makeup line from Lady Gaga, has been available to shop online since summer, and Gaga just revealed three new products to mark the official debut of Haus Labs.

There are now six products available: RIP Lipliner, an ultra-creamy formula meant to be applied all over the lips like lipstick; Glam Attack, an innovative liquid-topowder pearl glitter eyeshadow that doesn't cause fall-out; Le Riot Lip Gloss, a moisturising and cushion-y formula perfect for everyday wear; Armor Masque, an intricate eye sticker inspired by the one Gaga wore at the Superbowl Halftime Show; Liquid Eye-Lie-Ner, a matte black felt-tip liner that doesn't skip or budge; and Eye Armor Kit, a set of the liner plus winged stickers to help you nail a perfect cat-eye in five seconds flat.

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BUT FIRST, A GLOWY COMPLEXION

Skincare treatments are the biggest beauty trend of 2019, according to Yelp, and its report says hydrafacials—a treatment that is performed using a device to cleanse and exfoliate, then using specific serums to "hydrate" the skin—are all the rage right now. And with everyone on the journey to ‘moist skin,’ Yelp's report also revealed that dermaplaning and microneedling facials are the most popular beauty services of 2019.

Tara Lewis, Yelp trend expert, believes these popular beauty services are gaining traction because more people care about the skin under the make-up and fake tans. www.womanthismonth.com

LIFESTYLE | fitness

Back on Track After a long, hot summer, it can be extremely difficult to jump back into the exercise game. You’ve overindulged, missed a few workouts and then all of a sudden, you’re in a rut. So, the question is- how do you get back into a gym routine? Ali Syed, Regional Fitness Manager at Fitness First, shares his top tips on how to ease yourself back into the gym: DON’T STRESS The best thing to do after taking time off from the gym is to ease yourself back into it. Try not to worry too much. It’s OK to take a break and enjoy life. After all, it’s all about having a good balance. Remember, exercise is for life, not just for one day, a week or even a month.

To ease yourself back into the gym, try factoring in three hours a week of exercise. According to a study by ACSM (American College of Sports Medicine), this can help us live for at least 10 years longer.

BUILD UP YOUR STENGTH Try 20-30 minutes of cardio, making sure to keep your heart rate between 65 per cent and 80 per cent, and then continue to 20-30 minutes of weight training. When hitting the weights after time off, remember to gradually increase what you are lifting, as this well help to build up your strength safely. Whichever weight training you choose, start off with 12-15 reps LOW-INTENSITY CARDIO IS KEY A little weight gain over the summer holidays is normal. We’ve all overindulged. If you’re feeling nervous about possible weight gain remember to check your body composition to understand the balance beforehand.

Low-intensity, 30-minute cardio workouts are great for quick and extremely fast results. Swimming for example is perfect, as it provides you with a full body workout and it doesn’t impact the joints. Swimming

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is also great for calming the mind and relieving any stress or anxiety that you might be feeling.

TRY A PERSONAL TRAINER It's very normal for people to feel de-motivated or bored of the gym, especially after a long, hot summer. Most people start to feel extremely lethargic and weary. Setting realistic goals and challenges are both great ways to keep you motivated. A personal trainer is a good way to get you back on track. A qualified trainer will create a workout programme specifically tailored for your needs and goals. Once you start seeing results from personal training, you will instantly feel motivated to continue your fitness journey.

BUDDY UP Studies have shown that people exercise more often, push themselves harder and train for longer when they work out with friend. Training with a friend can not only be fun and motivational but it can also activate a competitive streak, pushing you to lift heavier, run faster or squeeze in an extra rep or two. Scheduling a gym session with a friend also helps you stay focused and holds you accountable for getting your workout in. In fact, having the right workout buddy can often be the difference between failure and success.

October 2019

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LIFESTYLE | wellbeing

MIND OVER MATTER MENTALLY COPING WITH BREAST CANCER Psycho-oncology helps manage one’s mental and emotional states during the care of and recovery from breast cancer. Behnaz Sanjana finds out more.

An Overview

The journey through breast cancer is an arduous one that can also wreak havoc on one’s psychological wellbeing. Psycho-oncology provides psycho-social support to patients and their families, helping them to better cope with the myriad negative feelings and emotions stemming from the diagnosis and treatment of cancer.

Bahrain-based psychotherapist, Anne-Laure Renard, has practised this discipline in Belgium, and explains how it can be particularly helpful in coping with the various fall-outs of breast cancer treatment.

“Patients experience pain, fatigue, shame, guilt, vulnerability, hair loss, nausea, an altered physical appearance, or loss of fertility and sexuality. It can impact their close relationships, quality of life and social image. A career interruption may be needed, social encounters can be unpredictable depending on the sufferer’s oft-changing feelings; the cost of treatment and loss of income can cause financial impacts and returning to work can be an apprehension,” she says.

She believes that good psycho-oncologists well understand the illness, its treatments, and various effects. “In the West, they are part of multidisciplinary medical teams, bringing their input to the doctors on the mental state of the patient.”

Emotional Stages

Psychological distress can manifest at every stage of the treatment – from diagnosis to the period after remission. Anne-Laure explains: “Denial and suppression are often observed at the onset as they help the individual absorb the shock, but can become problematic over prolonged periods. Emotional distress occurs when a crisis situation exceeds the available resources, leading to anxiety and depression. While in remission, they may experience difficulties coping without medical support and dealing with the fear of potential resurgence of the cancer.”

PLAN OF ACTION

Anne-Laure sums up the invaluable support modes a psycho-oncologist can provide: Psycho-educative – Normalising emotions and feelings, perceptions of the disease, the treatments and their effects. For example, it is a common belief to link the onset of cancer with stress while this has never been scientifically demonstrated.

Existential – Helping the patient to make sense of her experience, to integrate it into her life’s story, to deal with the feeling of vulnerability, psychological threats (death, body modifications, fertility, sexuality), the loss/changes in identity and self-perception.

One of my patients saw her cancer as a positive thing, as it helped her focus on what truly mattered in life. She was able to transform her life-changing experience into something positive and meaningful for her.

Psychological

– Developing resilience and adapting, reducing the intensity and length of the distress, managing depression, anxiety or other psychological difficulties.

It has been demonstrated that a positive attitude facilitates the treatments.

Psycho-somatic – Techniques to reduce the sensation of pain, cope with the fatigue, nausea and other physical symptoms.

Psycho-relational – What to tell the children, how to relate to them, how to integrate the illness and its treatments into the marital relationship, and dealing with extended family and friends.

Anne-Laure says: “Family members can also benefit from meeting the psychooncologist to better understand what the patient is going through. I have witnessed the positive impacts it has on those who choose to use it and am currently working on setting up a support group for breast cancer sufferers in Bahrain.”

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October 2019

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LIFESTYLE | wellbeing

DON’T GO NUTS

NEW HOPE

Hair loss due to cancer treatment can cause great distress, especially when taxanes are needed, which can cause permanent hair loss.

Recent laboratory research has proposed a way that could prevent this. The research team at the University of Manchester, UK, found that CDK4/6 inhibitors, a class of

drug that halts cell division, can prevent the damage that taxanes inflict in the hair follicle. They hope the findings will spur the development of skin medicines which can reduce hair loss. www.medicalnewstoday.com

An expert advisory panel with the USA Food and Drug Administration voted for the approval of a new treatment option for children with peanut allergies. Palforzia would be the first drug approved to prevent, or at least mitigate, life-threatening peanut allergies in children. It involves taking daily capsules that contain small amounts of peanut flour, the dose of which is slowly increased to help children build up a tolerance to peanut allergens. After about six months, most children will be desensitised to small amounts of peanut protein and should be able to safely consume a small amount. www.healthline.com

POWER SNOOZE

A SMART MOVE

In your daily chores, cleaning your smartphone may not be on the list. But a dirty smartphone could be making you sick. Studies show that the average person clicks, taps and swipes more than 2,600 times a day over 75 separate sessions, including in unclean places like the toilet.

That makes your phone, a device that touches your ears, lips and the side of your face, a hotspot for germs. The best way to keep your smartphone clean is to wipe it (and its case) with rubbing alcohol. www.medicinenet.com www.womanthismonth.com

A new study has found that a daytime nap taken once or twice a week could lower the risk of heart attacks or strokes. Researchers from the University Hospital of Lausanne, Switzerland, studied the association between napping frequency and duration and the risk of fatal and non-fatal cardiovascular disease complications. Tracking 3,462 people between the ages of 35 and 75 for just over five years, the report authors found that those who indulged in occasional napping, for between five minutes to an hour, were 48 per cent less likely to suffer a heart attack, stroke or heart failure than those who did not nap at all. www.cnn.com

DUAL ACTION

Terazosin, a drug used to ease benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) in men, has been found to have a beneficial action on brain cells damaged by Parkinson's, a progressive brain condition for which there is currently no cure. Researchers believe the drug might slow progression of the disease. They studied thousands of patients with both BPH and Parkinson's to find that the alpha-blocker drug protects brain cells from destruction. Terazosin may help by activating an enzyme called PGK1 to prevent brain cell death, say the researchers from the University of Iowa and the Beijing Institute for Brain Disorders, China. www.bbc.com October 2019

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LIFESTYLE | homes

IKEA

Max

To the

Home Centre

This month we turn the spotlight on maximising your space. Small rooms, big family? Studio apartment? No problem! When you do not have the luxury of extra floorspace at home, clever, space-efficient, multifunctional furniture and accessories come into play.

A day bed or sofa-bed, bedframe with storage, extendable dining table, nestled side tables, stackable or foldable chairs, ottomans or foot stools with storage, smart wardrobes, room dividers, area rugs, floating shelves, wall mirrors – all these help you make optimal use of your space. Don’t forget to employ colours that pop to keep your home looking funky-chic and organised.

Sit and Sleep Sofa bed Home Box

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October 2019

Space Down Under Table H&M

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LIFESTYLE | homes

Wall Display Floating shelves Home Centre

Stash It

Ottoman with storage Home Centre

Illusion of Space

Mark Your Territory Colourful rugs The Rug Company

Mirror THE One

For the Knick Knacks Straw box namshi.com

Easy Breazy

Sleek Lines

Basket table IKEA

Bookcase THE One

Fold Down Stack Up Divide and Rule Room partition IKEA

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Nestled In

Set of side tables Home Centre

Kitchen table and chairs IKEA

October 2019

37

LIFESTYLE | food

h s i F n o e k a T y g n a AT

atarian recipe lover and pesc h fis r, te ques ri w s es cuisine techni food and welln i is certified in ab ing by Ar liv Al ay n za yd on for ever iti developer, Ra tr nu in d an eu (London)

by Le Cordon Bl c Medicine. , of Naturopathi ge lle d teaching yoga London’s Co th, wellbeing an lucky al re he u’ e id yo gs If . on od al s healthy fo ou Her passions, iti tr treat nu ral re pe rience a ence in su hen, you’ll expe include indulg tc ki r he to in vited e senses. enough to be in l ste buds and th ta e th r fo e e that flavourfu th both cipe to produc re ly th on m r t he If not, check ou me. ho at n tio na combi

A

H ASS WIT B A E S BBQ SALSA E L P P A PINE

Ingredients 1kg sea bass

Marinade

2 tbsp BBQ sauce 1 tbsp olive oil 1 tsp honey ½ tsp sriracha 1 tsp paprika 1 tsp BBQ seasoning 1 tsp oregano 1 tsp sea salt 1 tsp ground black pepper

Pineapple Salsa

Method

Mix the BBQ sauce, olive oil, honey, sriracha and spices together to create a marinade.

Marinate the sea bass (two whole fish) for at least two hours or overnight if possible.

Grill the sea bass in the oven for 30-35 minutes at 180˚C. Then broil at 250 ˚C for five minutes.

Mix the chopped pineapple, chopped red onion, sesame oil and BBQ seasoning to create the pineapple salsa.

Serve each fish with approximately 1-2 tablespoons of salsa.

½ a pineapple chopped into cubes 1 small red onion (chopped) 1 tbsp sesame oil 1 tsp BBQ seasoning

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October 2019

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SOCIAL BUTTERFLY

Malaysian Festival The Malaysian Festival 2019 was inaugurated by Malaysian Abassador, HE Agus Salim bin Yusof, and was followed by some cultural activities at Lulu Hypermarket, Ramli Mall

Hana Joz’s Graduation Hana Joz with family and friends at Hana’s graduation ceremony from Bahrain Institute of Banking and Finance

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October 2019

39

LIFESTYLE | opinion

RECESSION PROOF BUSINESS

Financial expert Pria Masson Tanwar gives us a monthly dose of financial wisdom.

A cursory glance at any news publication portends bad news. Economies are not doing well, recession could be around the corner, no jobs, layoffs – it seems like a bleak picture. Yet, when you talk to people around you, businesses continue to function.

They may not make as much money as they used to, but they carry on. Somehow, a lot of businesses are resilient. Some more than others.

STAYING POWER

The resilience of a business is usually determined by four factors. First, it needs to have a certain level of inelastic demand. In other words, it needs to be resilient to pricing. Second, it needs to have steady demand or, no matter what the circumstances, it must be a product that people either need or want. Third, it needs to have scalability in scope and depth, i.e. it should have the capability of being offered to a very large audience in some format. Finally, it needs to have the potential to generate significant employment. The last factor is crucial because employment levels drive economic success or failure to a very large extent.

Resilient businesses provide stability to an economy for the simple reason that they keep the economy and the lives of its citizens moving. So, basic industries such as food, education, healthcare, banking services; these are all services, which due to their essential nature are resilient. However, there is one industry that is not essential, yet is very resilient and has high levels of economic potential – fashion.

BASICS

In our first economics lecture, we learned about the basics of demand i.e. there are needs, wants and desires which determine the nature and extent of demand for a product. Fashion is a unique industry that can meet all three requirements, depending on the price point that it is being offered at. Broken down to basics, this is an industry that is interesting, aspirational, essential and scalable. That’s a potent mix that’s often neglected for its frivolous appearance. Ironically, what we see, is certainly far from the reality.

BRANDING

Today, branding is a very large part of almost every product. And one of the best ways to know a brand’s value is through personal experience in some format.

Fashion-related products can be an effective assurance of quality. Take, for example, a brand like Armani. The first experience is indeed through fashion. When the same brand launched apartments, there was familiarity and assurance of quality and therefore a willingness to pay a premium.

Fashion brands that diversify outside of clothing have an advantage of familiarity with customers.

FASHION FOCUS

Besides the four reasons mentioned, fashion, as a broad industry, has a very significant social and psychological role to play. Depending on the economic cycle a country is witnessing, a different form of fashion will witness greater sales. For instance, in a growing economy, top-end brands will thrive alongside the affordable ones. In a recession, the top-end brands tend to suffer, or sell at discounts. The affordable range usually thrives despite economic movements. A purchase gives a sense of achievement. It is like buying a house or car. Only this is a much smaller, more achievable, less stressful purchase.

Interestingly, no matter what the income and affordability level is, there is an almost constant aspirational desire for the more expensive product or brand.

You can follow Pria on Instagram at money_cues or visit http://www.i2d-consulting.com to know more about her professional experience.

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October 2019

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LIFESTYLE | opinion

O C E E TH N O I T ni P a s s a O H l

ni E hows of a k r a h C Ouiamthe whys ansdustainably on living

W

hat exactly does it mean to live sustainably? In a nutshell, a sustainable lifestyle is one that incorporates eco-friendly principles and practices to reduce your use of natural resources. Sustainability not only means using less, but also replacing what you use whenever possible. We can think of sustainability as a way to get back to basics and honour nature; you may find it extremely gratifying to transition to an eco-friendly lifestyle.

The question is:

“Why choose to live sustainably?”

Well, let’s start by saying that there is NO planet B! We are stuck with this one, and by the way things are going, it doesn’t look good.

Climate change, ozone deterioration, acid rain and the dead zones in the oceans are just a few of the indications that our planet is dying. Land and water pollution are a major problem. The world generates at least 3.5 million tons of plastic and other solid waste a day, which is 10 times the amount of a century ago, according to World Bank research.

Most countries don’t have any special treatment for waste, so it ends up in landfills or the oceans. Even incineration, that is considered to be sustainable as it produces energy, causes air pollution due to the gasses.

From an energy point of view, people have already used a huge amount of nonrenewable resources. As the years pass and humans live longer, more of these www.womanthismonth.com

resources are needed, which will, of course, finally be depleted.

Overconsumption is something that almost everyone is guilty of. We live in a world where every day there is something new, something enticing, something that will make our life easier, and we often feel forced to buy it.

We buy clothes that we don’t wear, food that we end up throwing out. We never think of where these things come from.

Those clothes, who makes them? How are the labourers’ living conditions? And where will these clothes end up, even if we give them to charity?

The biggest enemy here is plastic! Plastic products are everywhere. We use them every day in our homes, schools, offices and during our travels. Our modern world has become so dependent on the convenience of mass-produced, readily available plastic products — like disposable bags, bottles and cups — that it’s surprising to consider that the world was once plastic-free.

In just a single generation (roughly from 1940 to the present), our overwhelming reliance on plastics has created environmental problems such as crowded landfills, groundwater contamination and ocean debris that future generations will still be cleaning up.

I am sure you have heard of the famous 3 Rs: reduce, reuse, and recycle, but have you ever considered implementing them in your own life? There is a reason that these three Rs have stuck around in the

eco-friendly vernacular. They are simple and anyone can incorporate them into their lives.

Before you get overwhelmed with all the above, let me tell you, you can start with really simple and small steps, that won’t cost you a penny. In fact, I bet it will make you feel good about yourself, knowing that you have done something to save the planet.

Here are few tips:

1. Limit/ reduce the single-use plastic items in your life. Start with reusable shopping bags. Switch from plastic water bottles, to reusable ones, that can be refilled.

Stop using plastic/paper cups for drinks, simply use the shop’s cups, or bring your own. Use bamboo or metal straws, or just simply use none.

2. Buy less, take care of what you already have so it lasts you longer, and only buy what you really need.

3. Educate yourself. Learn as much as you can about the obstacles facing our environment today. Pay attention to the little choices. Change your light bulbs and use your air conditioner wisely. These are energy suckers!

Choose to make the smallest carbon footprint possible, and you're making a choice to live a greener life. Every choice we make impacts others: other people, other animals and other environments.

Chanelmama October 2019

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last word

In Her Shoes What is your dream holiday destination?

We go behind the scenes with Dr Roshni Rajan of Dar Al Hayat Medical Centre.

Iceland, due to its egalitarian culture which is the idea that all human beings are equal in fundamental worth or moral status.

Early bird or night owl?

Early bird catches the worm.

Did you always want to be a doctor or did you have a different ambition when you were a little girl?

Three things that are always on your nightstand?

Bible, water and my phone in case of emergency calls.

Roshni Rajan

Yes, I was inspired by my dad and mum who encouraged me to read a lot of science books and to be sensitive to other people's wellbeing.

What’s your favourite ice cream flavour?

I guess it would be orange, as I crave citrus flavours to feel energised and fresh to do whatever I do, thoroughly.

What song would you sing at karaoke?

Taylor Swift's Shake It Off since it’s an easy song and also, it's got a good message for everyone.

Diamonds or pearls?

Neither, as l would like to keep the focus on the value of a well-intentioned human heart.

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October 2019

Do you have a hidden talent?

Organising things at home and work in an accessible way, to futher enable productivity. I am a fan of Konmari.

What would your life be incomplete without?

The presence of God, family and friends like Dean Mersky.

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