Quantcast
Channel: HuffPost UK - Athena2 - All Entries (Public)
Viewing all 102263 articles
Browse latest View live
↧

#BlackModelsMatter: 'Statement' Bag Makes Important Point About Diversity At New York Fashion Week

September 15, 2015, 3:12 am
$
0
0
Carrying a "statement" bag doesn't usually involve making much of a statement, but one model and artist has used her arm candy to make an important point about diversity at New York Fashion Week.

Ashley B. Chew customised her large black handbag by writing BLACK MODELS MATTER across it in white paint.

Speaking to HuffPost UK Style Chew said: "Diversity in the fashion industry is very frustrating at times but it is getting better with some designers."

A photo posted by @ash_chew on






Chew's bag's slogan, which draws on the words of the Black Lives Matter movement, caused quite a stir as Chew said on Instagram: "People have lost their minds, my bag took more photos than I did in 11 hours".

Chew teamed her bag with a white tank top she designed in the style of a Pantone colour swatch with the work BLACKNESS.

"I individually hand silkscreen each shirt," Chew said. "These shirts sold out in hours back in April, but I'm thinking when I get home to Indianapolis, I will have to roll out another batch due to the attention both the shirt and bag have been getting. So many New York Fashion Week goers have been asking me!"

Chew walked the runway at the FTL Moda New York Fashion Week show, which was opened by model of the moment Madeline Stuart.

"FTL Moda are devoted to casting models of diversity no matter what disability, age, ethnicity, and overall appearance," Chew said.

"Its refreshing to walk a runway that celebrates all types of beauty, but this is not always the case. I have seen many shows over the years and the ethnic model ratio is still very poor with some shows.

"As a black model and fine artist it is disappointing sometimes to walk into a casting and seeing later in runways they didn't cast a model of colour.

"Overall there have been changes made, some in the industry have been absolutely fantastic with representing an entire spectrum of beauty."

A photo posted by @ash_chew on






The Huffington Post has recently launched our #NYFW4All and #LFW4All campaign to highlight moments in Fashion Week that include people of all skin tones, genders, sizes, shapes and personalities - and we are happy to say Chew is on board with our message.

"I would be honored to help in representing the NYFW4All campaign," she said. "Many of these models I look up to, myself, my art, my style is a reflection of the beauty of women of colour."

We applaud Chew's use of fashion to bring more attention to diversity and inclusivity to the catwalk.

A photo posted by @ash_chew on




SEE ALSO:

Upcoming Models Of Colour To Watch On The Catwalk: Be Part Of Our #NYFW4All And #LFW4All Campaign

Lane Bryant's 'Plus Is Equal' Campaign Calls For Body Diversity In The Media

Model With Bionic Arm Walking At #NYFW: 'I'm Nervous But In A Good Way'



↧
Search

Parents Of Toddler With Cancerous Tumour Weighing Eight Kilos Told It's Too Big To Surgically Remove

September 15, 2015, 3:33 am
$
0
0
A two-year-old girl with a large cancerous tumour in her abdomen is unable to have it removed as doctors have said it is too large.

Rosannah Searle was born with a small lump on the base of her spine but doctors assumed this was caused by her bones forming and adjusting.

Mum Jamilee Searle, 21, said after more visits to the hospital, doctors diagnosed her daughter with scoliosis - abnormal twisting and sideways curvature of the spine.

However over time her stomach began to swell and at 15 months, Rosannah was diagnosed with stage three Neuroblastoma, a rare cancer that mostly affects young children developed from nerve cells called neuroblasts.

Mrs Searle, told Daily Mail Australia: "It was scary - they told us that there was a tumour and it all just went from there."


Posted by Help little Rosannah beat cancer on Monday, 14 September 2015



Mrs Searle said the cancer was only discovered because her daughter was having routine X-rays on her spine and the last one showed a large white mass on it.

The tumour in Rosannah's stomach weighed six to eight kilograms at the time and had caused her back to curve and her stomach to look rounded.

Her mother added: "People said she looked pregnant. I had a lot of comments like that from people, it was hard."

On 17 December 2014, Rosannah had her first round of chemotherapy.

Her parents were told after four rounds the tumour would shrink enough for doctors to remove it. At it's largest, it was wrapped around her organs and spine causing pressure.

Posted by Help little Rosannah beat cancer on Monday, 14 September 2015



On 18 February 2015, the two-year-old had her last round of chemotherapy.

Her parents were told the bone marrow results came back clear and the cancer had not spread outside the tumour, however it had not shrunk like they expected.

The family are currently looking for alternative options worldwide to see if the tumour can be removed surgically at the size it is.

SEE ALSO:

Parents Of Girl Who Beat Cancer Applaud Coronation Street's Upcoming Neuroblastoma Storyline

Family Had 30 Days To Raise £140,000 To Save Toddler Son's Life


Jessica Searle (Rosannah's aunt) set up the Facebook page 'Help Little Rosannah Beat Cancer' to fundraise and ease the financial pressure on their family.

Posted by Help little Rosannah beat cancer on Tuesday, 14 July 2015



Jessica Searle explained on the Facebook page that Rosannah is currently spending as much quality time as possible with her new baby sister Skylah, who was born on 16 February 2015.

Rosannah's mum added: "This time next year I hope to be well and truly far away from hospital, for Rosannah to have an average looking belly size and have some skin colour back and be playing, happy and at school."

To find out more about Rosannah's journey, visit the Help Little Rosannah Beat Cancer Facebook page.

↧
↧

Man Takes 35 Viagra Pills 'For A Laugh', Left With Five-Day Erection And Hallucinations

September 15, 2015, 3:36 am
$
0
0
A man who took 35 Viagra pills for fun has been left with a five-day erection.

Daniel Medforth, 26, admitted he swallowed the tablets "for a laugh" in front of his mates. But soon realised that the situation was far from a laughing matter.

The father-of-two regretted the move when he began to experience nausea, dizziness and hallucinations.

"Everything I saw was green," he told The Sun. "And I had a massive erection that would not go away."

erection

Medforth went home and confessed to his wife, who immediately phoned an ambulance.

"The paramedics were very professional but you could see they were trying not to laugh. The doctors and nurses told me off," said Medforth.

He was kept under observation for 36 hours before being discharged from hospital.

SEE ALSO:

Boxers That Hide Boners Could Prevent All Manner Of Embarrassing Situations

Having The Largest Penis In The World Is Proving A Huge Headache For This Man


When he returned home, he was still experiencing effects from the pills.

"Every time I brushed against something for five days it sprang into life — and it was no use to me," said the 26-year-old, who added that he was "very lucky" to not experience worse side effects.

Dr Nitin Shori, medical director of the Pharmacy2U Online Doctor service and a working NHS GP, tells HuffPost UK Lifestyle that Viagra can be a very effective treatment for men who have erectile dysfunction.

"But it should not be taken for recreational purposes," he adds.

"You should consult with a medical profession before taking Viagra to ensure it is a suitable treatment. Like all medication, it is extremely important to only take it as prescribed.

"Exceeding recommended limits can have serious consequences. One of the dangers is a serious drop in blood pressure that can cause a patient to collapse. It can also cause an extended erection which can require hospital admission to prevent damage to the penis."

In addition to a prolonged erection (also known as priapism), overdosing on drugs like Viagra can cause nausea, chest pains and irregular heartbeat.

According to NHS Choices, priapism can permanently damage the penis leading to difficulties achieving an erection in future.

↧

Strangers Pay For Couple's Dream Wedding After Groom Diagnosed With Terminal Cancer

September 15, 2015, 3:42 am
$
0
0
Laura and Steven Monks planned to save for three years in order to pay for their dream wedding.

But those plans had to change when Steven, 35, was diagnosed with terminal bowel cancer.

The couple were forced to rush their wedding arrangements, but thankfully were able to tie the knot on Friday thanks to the kindness of strangers.

With the help of a charity, the couple found people willing to donate everything they'd need to get married for free, including Laura's wedding dress and all of the flowers.

Posted by Steve Monks on Saturday, 12 September 2015




Laura and Steven had been friends for more than 10 years before they got engaged in 2013 - three months after Laura gave birth to their daughter, Lydia.

The pair had been busy saving to buy a house and planned to save for a further three years after moving in to pay for their wedding.

But in October last year, Steven received the shocking news that he had bowel cancer.

According to the NHS, bowel cancer is one of the most common types of cancer diagnosed in the UK, with around 40,000 new cases diagnosed every year.

The three main symptoms of bowel cancer are blood in the stools, changes in bowel habit (such as more frequent, looser stools) and abdominal pain

Almost nine in 10 cases of bowel cancer occur in people aged 60 or over.

At 35 years old, Steven is extremely young to be diagnosed with the disease.

steven monks
Steven (third from left) on his wedding day


Despite having his entire bowel removed and starting chemotherapy straightaway, he was told his cancer was terminal in April.

"As soon as Steven was diagnosed with cancer, we knew we wanted to get married straightaway. We all wanted to have the same name and we wanted to be a proper family," Laura said, according to the MailOnline.

It was a nurse from Macmillan Cancer Support who told the couple about Gift Of A Wedding - a charity dedicated to helping people with terminal illnesses get married.

"We told our friends and family about us finally getting married and no-one could believe it. They couldn't get over a charity like this even existing. We are so grateful to them for making this happen," Laura said.

steven monks wedding
Laura with bridesmaids on her wedding day


The charity put a post about the couple on their Facebook page and within a matter of days, dozens of people came forward offering to make donations towards the ceremony.

A local bridal shop gave Laura a dress to wear on the day and a photographer, magician, DJ, singer and Rolls Royce driver all provided their services to the couple free of charge.

The couple got married in a Manchester City Centre hotel last week.

Laura said: "Steven is currently on palliative care and we don't know what the future holds, but the kindness of strangers made our day completely unforgettable."

SEE ALSO:

Bride-To-Be Spends 58 Hours As Human Mannequin In Shop Window To Win £5,000

Paralysed Man Stands On Wedding Day For First Time In Eight Years


↧

The 'Mummitment' Movement Aims To End 'Mum Shaming'

September 15, 2015, 4:10 am
$
0
0
One mother is attempting to stop the practice of "mum-shaming" by asking people to join the mummitment movement and make a commitment to show compassion for other people's parenting skills.

"Mum shaming" can come in different forms, from people judging how you discipline your children, to having a say about what they eat for dinner, or why they're still up at 10pm.

Mum blogger Julie Maida has asked children and mums to pledge their #mummitment, by signing an online petition, because she believes support will help every mother be the best mum they can be.

vieo

Madia also shared the video above on YouTube, showing people's reasons for pledging their mummitment.

She wrote on YouTube: "We’re all just doing the best we can as mums and hoping it’s enough.

"All mums deserve support and compassion. We don’t always know what another mum is going through, and judgment and shame can be damaging to mums who suffer in silence. No more mom shaming! #mummitment."

notes

Madia said: "Sign this petition and commit to yourself and other mothers to show kindness and compassion instead of name calling, judging, and mean-girling. Let's each make a promise to each other and snuff out the anger behind mum v. mum on signature at a time."

The petition has an aim of 1,000 signatures.

quotes

To join in, write your own note on a piece of paper and upload a photo to social media with the hashtag #mummitment.

SEE ALSO:

11 Types of Mum You Meet at Baby Group

'Mum Tums Don't Just Bounce Back' -Mother Posts Encouraging Photos Of Post-Partum Body


↧
↧

How Dirty Are You? Take This Cleanliness Quiz To See How Your Hygiene Habits Rank

September 15, 2015, 4:28 am
$
0
0
Us Brits are a mucky bunch.

The average UK adult has over 10 million bacteria on their hands, in comparison to just 33,000 found on public surfaces.

What's more concerning, is that almost a quarter of us have faecal fragments on our hands at any one time. Gross.

Our hygiene habits have a big impact on the amount of germs we carry around with us each day. So to help you identify where you sit on the scale of cleanliness, researchers at Bella Bathrooms have created the interactive quiz below, titled 'How Dirty Are You?'

The quiz will tell you if you're a clean freak or a grubby gremlin by asking you a series of questions such as ‘how many times a day do you brush your teeth?’ and 'how many times a week do you shower or bath?'.

You'll then be given a personal hygiene score that you can share on social media (if you're brave enough).

Try the quiz below or on the Bella Bathrooms website.



SEE ALSO:

Does Antibacterial Hand Gel Do More Harm Than Good?

Your Hands Are Dirtier Than Public Surfaces, In Fact 25% Of You Have Faecal Fragments


↧

Children's Hospital Admissions From Asthma Attacks Increase In September, Warns Charity

September 15, 2015, 4:32 am
$
0
0
Parents of children with asthma are being warned hospital admissions for asthma attacks usually experience a rise in September due to the 'back to school' trigger.

Asthma UK analysed data from previous years and found 3,550 children were admitted to hospital in England in September 2013, a sharp 293% increase from the month before.

Kay Boycott, Chief Executive of Asthma UK, said: "This data is really worrying.

"On average almost three children are admitted to hospital with an asthma attack every hour and almost 15% of the total children’s admissions for the whole year come just from this peak in September."

children asthma

Asthma is the most common long-term medical condition affecting children and asthma attacks are a warning sign that a child’s life could be at risk, according to the charity.

The monthly average for hospital admissions due to asthma is 2,048.

The charity believes this "back to school" peak is due to increases in colds and flu and a lower resilience to asthma triggers for children whose medicine-taking routine may have slipped over summer.

Dr Nitin Shori, Medical Director of the Pharmacy2U Online doctor service and a working NHS GP agreed, telling HuffPost UK Parents: "If you have asthma, there are many things that could trigger your symptoms. Colds and flu certainly tend to start being more prevalent at the beginning of the school year.

"For parents whose children have asthma, it is important to ensure their school is fully aware of the condition and that their child has access to their reliever medication should they need it during school time.

"If their GP has prescribed a preventer inhaler too, it is essential that this is taken regularly as prescribed, to help reduce the child’s susceptibility to things that trigger their asthma."

Dr Helen Webberley MBChB MRCGP MFSRH, dedicated GP for Oxford Online Pharmacy said controlling asthma is about making sure your children are using the preventer properly.

She told HuffPost UK Parents: "Parents need to know how to spot the warning signs of worsening symptoms. The twice daily preventer inhalers should mean that the reliever inhalers are only used every now and again, maybe during coughs, colds or with exercise.

"Many kids are embarrassed to bring out their spacer devices in school, and prefer to just use the inhaler with their lips. This means the medication is not getting down deep to where it needs to be, in order to be fully effective.

"If using the spacer device is a problem, parents should discuss alternatives, such as breath-activated devices, with their pharmacist, doctor or practice nurse.

"In addition to this, parents and teachers need to be vigilant to the viruses that children returning to school pass between each other, which can bring on an asthma attack."

SEE ALSO:

Asthma 'Could Be Cured Within Five Years'

Why Asthma Could Cost Holidaymakers £45,000


To raise awareness of the increase in admissions in September, Asthma UK is using the hashtag #SaferSeptember across social media.

Boycott added: "Tragically asthma attacks kill the equivalent of a classroom full of children every year in the UK, so it is vital that parents and carers of children with asthma do not become complacent about their child’s asthma.

"By downloading and using a written asthma action plan you can look after your child’s asthma throughout the year and spot the signs that show your child’s asthma is getting worse.

"There is nothing more frightening than watching your child struggling to breathe and no parent wants to see their child admitted to hospital because of a preventable asthma attack."

Concerned parents are advised to visit their GP or call the Asthma UK Helpline on 0300 222 5800.

Asthma UK’s tips to stay safe in September

1. Make sure your child has a laminated written asthma action plan.
2. Fill your action plan in with your GP and make copies – keep one at home, give one to the school and keep a photo of it on your phone so you always have it with you.
3. Educate your child and their school so they know the signs and symptoms of an asthma attack: wheezing, coughing (especially at night or in the morning), difficulty breathing and a tight, sore feeling in their chest (children often describe this as 'chest hurting' or 'tummy ache').
4. Check your child’s school has a spare named reliever inhaler (usually blue) in case of emergencies.


↧

Larger Plates Make You Eat More Regardless Of Self-Control, Cambridge Study Shows

September 15, 2015, 4:38 am
$
0
0
New research shows that having a bigger plate of food or being served larger portions makes us eat more.

In a review of 60 studies, scientists from the University of Cambridge found that portion size has a big effect on the amount of calories you consume.

The more food people were given, the more they ate - regardless of whether they had demonstrated good self-control in the past.

Researchers say their work helps to challenge common misconceptions that lack of self-control is why people overeat.

big plate of food

Gareth Hollands, from the behaviour and health research unit at Cambridge, said: "It may seem obvious that the larger the portion size, the more people eat, but until this systematic review the evidence for this effect has been fragmented, so the overall picture has, until now, been unclear.

"There has also been a tendency to portray personal characteristics, like being overweight or a lack of self-control, as the main reason that people overeat.

"In fact, the situation is far more complex. Our findings highlight the important role of environmental influences on food consumption."

SEE ALSO:

This Is The Largest Cause Of Early Death Globally

Study Shows Cutting Out Fat Better For Weight Loss Than Reducing Carbs


He added that helping people to avoid "over-serving" themselves or others is likely to be an effective way of reducing overeating on a wider scale.

The idea of shrinking your plate to cut down on calories and lose weight isn't a new one.

The 'Small Plate Movement' encourages consumers to reduce the size of their dinner plates from the average 12" plate to a smaller, 10" plate.

Advocates of the movement believe that people who adopt this approach can lose 18lbs by changing plates.

↧
Search

Awesome #100DayMakeupChallenge Sees Woman Transform Into Celebrities, Characters And Animals

September 15, 2015, 5:02 am
$
0
0
A makeup artist has set herself the challenge of transforming her face into a different celebrity, character or animal each day for 100 days.

Rebecca Swift, currently on day 40, is using her incredible talent to reimagine herself as someone completely different using makeup, wigs and a few additional accessories.

Swift originally set herself a 30-day makeup challenge on Instagram. But once she reached day 30 and without warning, she hashtagged #100daymakeupchallenge and carried on the next day.





Swift kicked off the transformation challenge by turning her face into the dummy, in honour of the Goosebumps movie.

But as she's got further into the challenge, her designs have just got better and better.

Her transformation into Johnny Depp is pretty incredible.

"Not sure if my boyfriend will ever look at me the same way again," she added on the caption.





Here's a few more of our favourites from her transformation collection.

Aristocat.





Katniss Everdeen.





Anna Kendrick.





Cher.





Brad Pitt.





Angelina Jolie.





SEE ALSO:

Kylie Jenner Snapchat Videos Show Her Makeup Tutorial Secrets

Porn Stars Without Makeup: Makeup Artist Melissa Murphy Releases Another 'Before And After' Batch


Edward Scissorhands.





Ellen Degeneres.





Snow White.





Ryan Gosling.





Zooey Deschanel.





Troll.




↧
↧

New York Fashion Week: Rain Dove Talks Being A Runway Model And Gender Capitalist

September 15, 2015, 6:41 am
$
0
0
Model Rain Dove has spoken out about her role as a "gender capitalist" in a new documentary, focusing on how she is redefining fashion evolution in light of New York Fashion Week.

Her androgynous look has helped Dove land several high profile runway shows and ad campaigns and she has appeared in both male and female clothing lines.

The short film follows the model behind-the-scenes of her work, after she invited Bustle to New York City to join her at various model castings.

rain dove
Model Rain Dove walks the runway at the Loris Diran fashion show during New York Fashion Week


During the video, Dove discusses some interesting facts about the Fashion Week casting process, including that being 6’1’’ is considered too tall and how it helps to tell the casting agents your Instagram following.

Dove also discusses the purpose of her "imperfectly perfect" features and her helping to break down barriers as a "gender capitalist."

"A gender capitalist is someone who takes advantage of opportunities given to people based on their perceived sex or gender,” she said.

SEE ALSO:


Dove continued: “When I’m a gender capitalist in the fashion world, I basically can go to any casting that I want to as long as somebody likes my face.”

The Huffington Post is currently running a #NYFW4All and #LFW4All campaign championing diversity and inclusivity on the catwalk.
↧

H&M's Latest Fashion Campaign 'Close The Loop' Features A Brilliantly Diverse Array Of Models

September 15, 2015, 7:30 am
$
0
0
H&M has proudly acknowledged the diverse groups of people in the world in their latest fashion campaign.

'Close the Loop' features people of different shapes, genders, religions and from different backgrounds to prove anyone can be represented in the industry as a model.

Featuring plus-size models, a model with an amputation, transgender models and those with a bit of underarm hair, it's the most inclusive fashion campaign we've seen to date.

Locations from around the world are used in the campaign video as it is designed to have a global impact.

model

The Swedish brand released the video to promote its mission to get the world recycling to make fashion more sustainable.

The advert aims to prove there are "no rules" in fashion. So as well as featuring a diverse cast of models, they've also broken stereotypical fashion rules that seemed to be so engrained.

Wearing red and pink or socks and sandals? No problem. Showing your knicker line? And what.

close

We're not the only one's who have noticed, either. People have been tweeting positively about Close the Loop.




























SEE ALSO:

Diverse People Recreate Iconic Fashion Ads And Gain More Than Just Beautiful Photos

#BlackModelsMatter: 'Statement' Bag Makes Important Point About Diversity At New York Fashion Week


↧

How To Get Your Baby To Sleep: Tips From Around The World

September 15, 2015, 8:15 am
$
0
0
Have you ever wondered how differently parents around the world bring up their children?

We might be advised on when we should start feeding our babies solids, how much sleep they should be getting or when to start reading to them, but few rules are universal and set in stone.

Mark Woods - dad of three to Stan, Louis and Nancy - decided to research the best and most helpful nuggets of information for his book: Planet Parent - The World's Best Ways To Bring Up Your Children.

"While core issues may be the same for parents everywhere, how each country and culture tackle them can be astonishingly different," Woods said.

around the world

This is an extract from chapter three of Woods' book: Sleep - do parents everywhere feel this knackered?


Sleep is a powerful drug and entire movements have sprung up, especially in Europe and North America these past decades, to try to help babies see sense when they insist on interrupting their parents’ night of much- needed kip.

The thing is, though, research has shown that not that long ago we all, regardless of our age or location, would have slept in shorter bursts.

So are babies just doing what comes naturally and is it us adults, especially in the West, who are getting out of bed the wrong side and harbouring unrealistically high expectations of a good night’s sleep? Let’s find out.

A major study of 10 countries in 2005 revealed that, while the global average time slept by the study participants was about seven and a half hours a night, the results from individual countries varied from six hours 53 minutes in Japan to eight hours 24 minutes in Portugal.

Over 42% of Brazilians took regular afternoon naps, while only 12% of Japanese had a daytime doze.

Over 32% of Belgians complained of insomnia and other sleep problems, while nearby neighbours Austria saw only 10% of people say the same.

In South Africa, 53% of respondents admitted they regularly used sleep medications, as did 46% of the Portuguese, which perhaps explains why they get such a luxuriant night’s sleep.

So we’ve established that adults vary based on nationality in terms of sleep, but what about children?

A study of almost 30,000 families across the globe found that sleep among infants and toddlers, including naps, varied from 13.3 hours in New Zealand and 12.9 hours in the United States down to just 11.6 hours in Japan.

And average bedtimes for babies ranged from about 7.30pm in New Zealand to 10.45pm. Does it really matter, though, if babies get a few hours less sleep a day here than they do there? It’ll all come out in the wash anyway, won’t it? Other than being exhausting for parents, having a baby who doesn’t sleep all that well can’t do any long- term harm, can it?

Dr Elsie Taveras, chief of general paediatrics at Massachusetts General Hospital for Children, has discovered that it can.

She followed babies every year from six months until they were seven years old and at each visit recorded height, weight, body fat, waist and hip circumference as well as sleep habit information.

What her team found was that, even by seven, children with the worst sleep patterns throughout their young lives so far had the highest rates of obesity and body fat, especially abdominal fat, which is believed to be associated with heart disease and diabetes.

The findings were clear: consistently disrupted sleep throughout childhood can have a cumulative, long-term and hugely detrimental effect on health.

baby sleep

So how in the world should we get this baby to sleep then?

There are some global tricks and tips for getting your baby to snooze that don’t generate much controversy. In Swiss maternity wards, for instance, newborns drift off in Hängematten, hammocks that bounce, rock and swing, and soothe the babies after their perilous journey into the world.

Similarly, Filipina mothers use a duyan woven cradle to gently rock a tired babe until she drops off and her mother places her on the banig, or sleeping mat, for a nice long kip.

The Danes, Finns and Swedes have a long tradition of wrapping up their young and popping them outside for a fresh- air nap in their buggies. In fact, the Danish Health and Medicines Authority goes out of its way to recommend the practice, believing that babies sleep more soundly, eat with more gusto, and are more alert after a bracing outside sleep.

SEE ALSO:

Eight Pieces Of Advice To Help Sleep Deprived Parents Cope

Parents Use Simple iPhone Swipe To Put Their Son To Sleep... And It Works


Then there’s another Swedish tradition, known locally as ‘buffing’. Parents lie their baby stomach down and then buff the baby’s bottom, patting it firmly in a rhythmic motion until the child drifts off to sleep.

The rhythmic bum patting is believed to bring back memories of the motion in the womb and provides a sense of security and safety, which brings with it some serious ZZZZZs.

Aside from these localised variations, though, it isn’t an exaggeration to suggest that the world is split on how best to get our babies to sleep.

You’d think that after the six or seven million years we’ve been evolving as a species we’d have nailed something as fundamental and apparently simple as this, but not a bit of it.

The whole world of baby sleep has turned into an ideological battlefield in recent years, with the front line being largely in northern Europe, North America and Australia.

On one side you have the co-sleepers and in the other the sleep trainers.

For the overwhelming majority of mothers and babies on the planet today, co-sleeping is an unquestioned fact of life. In much of southern Europe, Asia, Africa and Central and South America, mothers and babies sleep in the same bed, with many doing so until the babies are weaned and many more carrying on for long after that too.

There are differing styles and cultural quirks to be found, of course. Japanese parents often sleep in proximity with their children until they are three years old; in the Philippines and Vietnam some parents sleep with their baby in a hammock next to the bed. Others place their baby in a wicker basket in the bed between the two parents.

There are plenty of co-sleeping advocates in northern Europe and North America too, of course, who point not only to its geographical dominance as a method, but also to claims that it leads to more independent, confident or outgoing children because of the bonds it builds and that the emotional security it fosters even results in children with higher self-esteem.

Why mess around with millennia of sleep technique? Well, there are a number of factors, it seems, that made certain parts of the western world look elsewhere.

Firstly, co-sleeping and the often on-demand breastfeeding that can accompany it make huge demands on the mother. And while the baby may be in heaven, snoozing and dozing next to the person they love more than any other, for mothers, and indeed fathers, co-sleeping in the same bed or even room can often lead to very poor quality and fitful sleep.

When one parent – or increasingly, in many industrialised economies, both – has to be up and out to work in the morning, this idyll starts to feel a lot less idyllic.

Proponents believe that sleep training is the swiftest way to teach good sleep habits and have a calm, well- rested baby, as well as crucially providing an environment in which the whole family can sleep.

The theory goes that in the modern world where everyone increasingly needs to work, a happy rested mum and dad will result in a happy baby, even if it was initially tough to make it happen. There’s even early research to suggest that sleep training leads to less postnatal depression among mothers.

To read more about parenting tips around the world, buy the Planet Parent book here.

↧

Graphic Shows Effect Alcohol Has On Your Vision (And Reveals When Beer Goggles Really Kick In)

September 15, 2015, 8:58 am
$
0
0
We all know alcohol has the potential to affect our eyesight, which in turn can contribute to us making some rather questionable decisions.

But at what stage during a night out do the beer goggles really kick in?

To find out, experts from Clinic Compare have created an interactive tool that demonstrates the effects alcohol has on vision as we drink.

Choose your gender and drag the cursor along its corresponding line, then watch as your eyesight fades with each beverage.






(A larger version of the graphic is available to view here.)

The graphic demonstrates that vision will become "slightly blurry" for men and "blurry" for women after just three units of alcohol.

The NHS recommends that men drink no more than 3-4 units of alcohol per day and women have no more than 2-3 units per day.

If you regularly experience blurry vision due to alcohol consumption, you may have more to worry about than videos of your booze-induced dancing.

"Long term alcohol abuse and short term excessive alcohol use can both lead to permanent loss of vision owing to the direct effect of alcohol on the optic nerves," Alexander Ionides, a consultant ophthalmologist at Clinic Compare tells HuffPost UK Lifestyle .

"Your eyes are associated with many organs throughout the body, the effect alcohol has on your brain and liver, for example, also has a consequential impact on your eye health.

"To avoid the risk of developing conditions such as toxic amblyopia (a permanent loss of vision and blindness caused by alcohol) always remember to drink occasionally and in moderation."

SEE ALSO:

Online Test Estimates How Many People You've Indirectly 'Had Sex' With

This Could Be The Best Way To Prevent Hangovers (Science Says So)


↧
↧

Fearne Cotton Opens Up About Hypnobirthing: 'It Was The Most Intense And Euphoric Experience Ever'

September 15, 2015, 8:59 am
$
0
0
Fearne Cotton has shared an account of her hypnobirthing experience after recently giving birth to her second child, Honey Krissy.

The mum-of-two revealed all on Facebook with a photo of her 'Yes Mum' cards, which draw on techniques from mindfulness and hypnobirthing to "give mums a daily pat on the back".

Hypnobirthing involves self-hypnosis, relaxation and breathing techniques that expectant mothers can use instead of pain relief during labour.

Cotton wrote: "Love my yes mum cards from @theyesmummum who brilliantly guided me through hypnobirthing before my big day. Having a natural, pain relief free birth was the most intense and euphoric experience ever."

Love my YES MUM cards from @theyesmummum Who brilliantly guided me through hypno birthing before my big day. Having a...

Posted by Fearne Cotton on Monday, 14 September 2015



In her post, Cotton continued: "My first birth was a different story so I've experienced varying sides of birth and I'm glad for both.

"Although all we want is a healthy baby I think we should remember how amazing the female body is and the strength of a woman.

"Obviously there is no right or wrong birth and they can be magical in many ways I just feel blessed to have had this experience thanks to hypnobirthing."

Cotton prompted other mums to share their hypnobirthing stories in the comments.

One mother wrote: "I did hypnobirthing with my second child too and loved every minute of my birth, embracing my surges and allowing my body to relax and bring her into the world peacefully.

"I was in the paper as midwife didn't believe I was in labour or 'pushing' until she appeared."

SEE ALSO:

Fearne Cotton Is 'Buzzing With Love' After Giving Birth To Second Child With Husband Jesse Wood

Fearne Cotton Posts Adorable First Snap Of Newborn Daughter's Tiny Hands: 'We Are So In Love'


Cotton, who also has two-year-old son Rex with husband Jesse Woods, has recently shared some photos of congratulations gifts she's been receiving on Instagram.

Her most recent post showed a craft session with Rex - making thank you cards for the presents she received.

"Up with Rex making thank you cards #art #nerds" she added.

Honey's first pot of honey from @ronniewood and @sallywood1

A photo posted by Fearne (@fearnecotton) on





The most beautiful dream catcher my Aunty Karen @karencraik made for Honey! ❤️

A photo posted by Fearne (@fearnecotton) on





Up with Rex making thank you cards. #art #nerds

A photo posted by Fearne (@fearnecotton) on




↧

Richard Kitley On Losing His Wife Charlotte And Why, One Year On, He's Starting To Look Forward To The Future

September 15, 2015, 4:00 pm
$
0
0
On 16 September 2014, Charlotte Kitley passed away aged just 36, following a long battle with stage 4 bowel cancer.

Charlotte had been blogging throughout her cancer journey and, knowing her diagnosis was terminal, she decided to prepare a final blog post to be uploaded after she passed away.

Her husband Richard posted the blog a few hours after her death and HuffPost UK later had the honour of featuring it. The blog quickly went viral, touching the hearts of millions of readers.

A few days before the first anniversary of Charlotte's untimely death, Richard tells HuffPost UK Lifestyle that he could "never have expected" such an overwhelming response.

"Charley only ever started writing the blog as a way to keep friends and family updated on her treatment, as it was easier than having people to call her," he says. "I never for once thought it would be shared so widely and touch so many people."

charlotte kitley
Richard and Charlotte taken in August 2011, six months before diagnosis


He admits that he couldn't bring himself to read her final blog at first - "she had died around nine hours earlier and I wasn’t ready" - but he was committed to honouring her final wishes. "In a typical 'Charleyism' she had written me a list of the things that I had to do," he jokes. "I didn’t want to face the wrath of her for not doing something, from beyond the grave."

This black humour is what helped the couple get through the darker times: "You’ve got to have laughter in your life, irrespective of circumstance."

Read Charlotte's Blog: And So There Must Come An End


Charlotte was first diagnosed with stage four bowel cancer in February 2012 and in November she was given six months to live. But Charlotte, who was determined to see her daughter Lucy, now 5, start school, decided to fight as hard as she could.

Richard believes it was his wife's "pure strength, resolve and stubbornness" that helped her battle her cancer for so long - Charlotte saw her daughter start school, passing away in September 2014, some 22 months after her diagnosis.

"Charley never ever complained and said 'why me?' - she accepted it and got on with it, because she had no other choice."

charlotte kitley
Charlotte in 2014, when out for dinner with Richard's sister and her best friend Nina


Richard, who lives in Middlesex with their two children, Daniel, 7, and Lucy, says that the past year has been "incredibly tough".

"At the beginning, the toughest part of the day were the evenings. I’d come home from work, put the kids to bed, and then I’d be faced with the quietness," he says.

"At that time my memories were very raw indeed: my mind could only focus the more recent events such as hospital visits, scan results and more bad news.

"Over the last year, the memories of the tough times have started to fade and are becoming a distant memory. I am better able to remember the good times and all of the fun things we did as a family, such as days out, walks in the park on the 'good weekends', holidays and birthdays."

charlotte kitley
Charlotte on holiday with Daniel and Lucy in January 2014


Richard says it is imperative for him to keep Charlotte's memory alive, especially for the children.

"Charley was very organised, she found the time to create memory boxes for me, the children and her seven angels. So, we sit down as a family at least once or twice a week to look at photos and talk about her. It's very easy to get caught up in day-to-day life, if we're not careful, in six months or a year, they could have no memories."

He adds: "There is not a day that goes by that I do not think about her or am reminded of her because of the kids. They have her persona, mannerisms and bossiness - especially Lucy, my youngest."

SEE ALSO: Bowel Cancer: How To Spot The Symptoms, Treatment And Prevention


He says his kids have been his driving force and helped him get through the past twelve months: "For me because I had Daniel and Lucy, I had absolutely no option but to carry on. I couldn’t hide under a rock or lock myself away and get depressed."

He also believes he wouldn't be able to cope without his close support network: "I’m so very fortunate to have a fantastic family and friends who have supported us from her diagnosis and cancer journey, and who have supported me up until the present day and will continue to do so."

However, the father-of-two admits that he has "neglected" some of his own needs over the past 12 months. Now, with the support of those close to him, he is committed to giving himself some TLC.

"My friends and family give me breaks, so I can have the weekend to myself - to chill out, go for a run or a bike ride. I'm doing a lot of charity challenge events to raise money and awareness for Charlotte’s Star Of Hope Fund, a charity fundraising page that I set up after her death."

He has also recently joined a support group called Widowed And Young (WAY), for those under 50 who have lost their partner. Richard says he is keen to meet others "in a similar situation" as himself.

This drive is also beneficial for the children, who are becoming more aware of themselves as they get older and asking tricky questions.

"They see mums and dads together at school, at birthday parties and when we’re out having fun family days - I want them to meet children in a similar situation, to know they aren't the only ones out there."

charlotte kitley
Richard and the couple's two children, Dan, 7, and Lucy, 5, in June 2015


For Richard the first anniversary of Charlotte's death is going to bring a mixture of emotions.

"It’s going to be a very hard day, but it is just another day," he tells us. "I’m going to keep myself busy because I don’t want to sit inside the house with my thoughts all day...

"People say the first of everything is the hardest once someone has died - Charley's first birthday, our first anniversary, the children's first birthdays."

But although the first anniversary will be undoubtedly difficult, Richard recognises that he has lived through each of the dreaded "firsts".

"Wednesday might feel like a bit of closure, it means I can start looking forward and enjoying life again. But, yes, it’s going to be a very tough day."

He hopes that Charlotte's legacy, for both his family and those who have been touched by her blog, is better awareness around her illness.

"My biggest frustration is lack of awareness around bowel cancer, especially in the young, Charley's cancer was diagnosed very late and she died of something that didn’t need to happen."

He adds: "You know your own body - if it’s not right you know and you should do something about it."

Speaking about her blog, Richard remembers Charlotte saying: “If I can just help one person, I will have made a difference.”

Well, Charlotte, we think it's safe to say that your story has done a lot more than that.

You can donate in Charley's memory here: Charlotte's Star Of Hope Fund which raises funds for Bowel Cancer UK. UK users can also Text GUTS78 £5 to 70070

Richard is also supporting Stand Up To Cancer, a joint national fundraising campaign from Cancer Research UK and Channel 4 to accelerate new cancer treatments to patients and save more lives. To get involved this October and help beat cancer sooner, visit the website
↧
Search

Alexa Chung Reveals The One High Street Fashion Piece She Wouldn't Do Without This Season

September 16, 2015, 1:39 am
$
0
0
Alexa Chung has revealed her go-to high street fashion piece for instant chic this season.

We usually see her in mini skirts, dresses or dungarees, but for AW15, the 31-year-old is taking inspiration from the 70s with a high waists, corduroy and bold colour.

When asked by The Guardian about her must-have item for this season, she said: "Red high-waisted cord trousers from Topshop."

Although the beauties from Topshop (below) are sold out, her go-to item has given us a few ideas.

tsoers

Chung has rocked high-waisted flared trousers before, but they are far from the red statement trousers she'll be wearing this season.

alexa chung trousers

Chung seems to have perfected her signature style, having won British Style Icon three years in a row at the British Fashion Awards.

A fan of breton tops, pinafores and brogues, these key pieces are now a staple in many women's wardrobes.

But as Chung said, there's not a "right way to dress".

She added: "People get bored and crave the opposite – that’s what fashion is about.

"I suppose it's the desire to create something new and move forward so if you just stick to how you feel the chances are you’ll probably collide with a few trends along the way."

SEE ALSO:

Alexa Chung Launches New Fashion App, 'Villoid'

Alexa Chung Style: 5 Dresses From Topshop She Would Definitely Wear


If you can't get enough of Chung's fashion expertise, she's recently launched her own fashion app called Villoid.

The app describes itself as being "your very own endless dressing up box", where users can follow style boards, friends and fashionistas to have fun with.

You can browse outfits and complete your shopping online with the 'buy' button.


↧

Serena Williams Unveils Collection At New York Fashion Week... While Drake Sits Front Row With Anna Wintour

September 16, 2015, 2:01 am
$
0
0
Serena Williams unveiled her Spring 2016 collection at New York Fashion Week on Tuesday, proving she is not just a star on the tennis court.

The 33-year-old, who had an unexpected defeat in the US Open last week, was all smiles on the catwalk, sporting in a black fringe number from her collection, Signature Statement.

"Throughout my life, I’ve always believed in pushing boundaries... whether it’s in tennis, business, or fashion," Williams said in a statement.

serena williams

Speaking to Vogue backstage before the show, she said: "I've always loved fashion. I was always that girl that played with my dolls, and I went to fashion school, so it's not just made up for me. It's actually something that I really enjoy and that I have a lot of fun with."

"I want [my customers] to feel empowered," she added. "I want them to feel beautiful.

"The collection works on every size person. You should [be able] to look good and feel good and love who you are and, at the same time, be stylish."

Story continues below...


Gigi Hadid and Lily Aldridge were also spotted enjoying the show, sitting alongside Drake and Wintour.

Speaking about her relationship with the fashion editor, Williams said before the show: "Anna’s really been my mentor. She’s gone over this whole collection."

And we feel this Instagram really sums up how pleased she was with the collection.




Meanwhile the rumour mill continues to churn as William's 'boyfriend' Drake sat front row next to US Vogue editor Anna Wintour.

If that wasn't enough to hint at romance, the singer's very own track "Back To Back" played as the models strutted down the catwalk.




Backstage the hitmaker rushed to congratulate her after the show, kissing her hand in a heart-melting gesture.
↧
↧

Breastfeeding Campaign Focusing On Unhealthy Diets Warns Mothers: 'Your Child Is What You Eat'

September 16, 2015, 2:21 am
$
0
0
An ad campaign featuring breastfeeding mothers with fast food painted on their chest hopes to raise awareness around unhealthy diets.

The striking images, featuring breasts painted with fizzy drinks, burgers and doughnuts, create the illusion that the babies are consuming the junk food directly.

The campaign, which has the slogan "your child is what you eat", is a play on words from the well-known phrase "you are what you eat".

The ads have been created for the Brazilian Pediatric Society of Rio Grande organisation SPRS, which aims to promote high standards of health care for infants, children and young adults.

diet

On each advert, it states: "Your habits in the first thousand days of gestation can prevent your child from developing serious diseases."

According to MailOnline, the ads were designed by a Brazilian-based design agency Paim.

On the SPRS website discussing the first thousand days of a baby’s life, the website states: "Love and affection are vital, but it is important to educate and inform mothers about the procedures necessary for proper nutrition and baby care."

breasfteeding

breasfteeding2

A study in March 2015 did find that a woman's nutrition during pregnancy can have lasting effects on their children's health.

Published in the journal Genome Biology, researchers found regions that are particularly vulnerable to outside influences, such as diet, nutrition and environmental exposures, to determine how these factors might affect a developing fetus.

Robert Waterland, an Associate Professor of Pediatrics and Molecular and Human Genetics at Baylor College of Medicine, found that healthy diets of pregnant mothers can result in babies developing a gene variant that suppresses tumours.

The NHS advise having certain types of food is better for your baby when you're breastfeeding.

It states: "Adults are advised to eat at least two portions of fish a week as part of a healthy, balanced diet, at least one of which should be oily fish. The same is true for women who are pregnant, trying to get pregnant or breastfeeding."

It continues: "You don't need to eat anything special while you're breastfeeding. But it's a good idea for you, just like everyone else, to eat a healthy diet."

SEE ALSO:

Active Female Army Soldiers Breastfeed Babies In Powerful Group Shot To 'Normalise Breastfeeding'

Mums Get Breastfeeding Photographer's Instagram Account Reinstated During World Breastfeeding Week


↧

Couple Who Met On Tinder Travel To China For Date, Prove Long-Distance Relationships Can Work

September 16, 2015, 2:26 am
$
0
0
If you're cynical about online dating, forget it, because this couple are living proof that romance is alive and well.

Thomas was swiping through Tinder out of boredom while on a business trip when a young lady named Grace caught his eye.

"I was killing time swiping while traveling for work in a city (Chicago) 700 miles from where I live," he explained on Reddit.

"Just out of curiosity/boredom, I messaged a girl about one of her travel photos."

A jokey exchanged followed where Thomas told Grace he would take her to China, if she took him to New Zealand.



The pair continued to exchange messages for more than a month before they arranged to meet, and once they did, things got pretty serious. They're even going on those dream dates they joked about in their first conversation.

"We have been flying to see each other each weekend for the past six months and landed in Beijing yesterday. We're booked for New Zealand in February," Thomas said.

tinder couple

The loved-up pair have filmed some of their travels and posted the footage on Vimeo in a bid to prove that online dating sites such as Tinder are not all full of robots and criminals.

"She hasn't tried to murder me yet and still has not revealed any signs of being a bot," Thomas joked. "I honesty have not been happier."

SEE ALSO:

Makeup-Free Vs Retouched Selfies: Beauty Blogger Tests Which Men On Tinder Prefer

Weirdest Tinder Dates Revealed On Reddit
↧

Rare Syndrome Stops Girl, 4, From Having Birthday Parties Because Excitement Could Kill Her

September 16, 2015, 2:47 am
$
0
0
A four-year-old girl hasn't had a birthday party for four years because the excitement could be life-threatening.

Isla Smith, four, has Dravet syndrome, a rare form of epilepsy where lethal seizures can be triggered by excitement, temperature, water and when she eats.

She was diagnosed with the condition at 14 months old and since then her parents, Claire and Jason Smith, and sister Ruby, eight, have tailored their lives to fit around her condition.

Mrs Smith, 37, an administrator from Dewsbury, Yorkshire, said: "I have to push it to the back of my mind, but every big seizure Isla has I can't help but worry that it will be the last one."

isla

Mrs Smith continued: "She could have a seizure and be gone. She's a ticking time bomb that could go off at any time.

"We would love Isla to just be a normal four-year-old and enjoy life like she should.

"Isla's birthdays are always a big milestone for us, especially last year as I never thought she would get to see her fourth, but unfortunately we have to keep these as low key as possible.

"Her sister Ruby has seen things that an eight year old shouldn't see.

"It got to the point where Isla was having so many seizures we couldn't protect her from it any more."

Isla had her first seizure aged eight weeks old, shortly after a routine vaccination. She had her first big seizure on New Year's Eve in 2011.

Her mum said: "She had one before but it was over before we even had time to react, this time my husband filmed it.

"We took her to the doctors and were able to show them the video.

"They said she looked like she was having convulsion, but she kept having them and I knew something wasn't right."

Isla then endured months of tests, including MRIs, CTs, lumbar punctures and blood tests, before doctors admitted they still did not know what was wrong.

fam

Mrs Smith said: "I was devastated. How did they not know what was wrong?

"They tried different medications but they seemed to be making it worse. We were going back every couple of weeks.

"We kept calling the ambulance and they would ask what was wrong but we couldn't tell them."

At nine months old Isla had a seizure that lasted three hours. She was put into an induced coma and suffered brain damage.

She reverted back to being a newborn and could not even suck a dummy.

As a result Isla does not walk or talk and is fed through a gastrostomy. A genetic test eventually revealed she had a mutation of the SCN1A gene, which links to Dravet Syndrome.

SEE ALSO:

Six-Year-Old With Rare Syndrome Completely Steals The Show At Zumba Convention

Parents Whose Baby Had Condition Where Her Tongue Constantly Stuck Out Raise Awareness After Doctors Fail Diagnosis


Mrs Smith said: "Jason and I hadn't heard of it. It's a life-threatening severe form of epilepsy.

"We thought that would be that once we had a diagnosis, but there's no cure.

"We had to be tested but they didn't find the gene. They don't know if the vaccination triggered the mutation or not.

"The seizures kept coming. It was trial and error to find which combinations of medications worked."

In 2014, aged three, Isla took a turn for the worse.

Her mother explained: "We didn't know if she was going to live or not. It was very scary.

"They told us to get the family to say goodbye because they didn't think she would make the next 36 hours.

"Thankfully she pulled through but it took six months to get her back to how she was, and a lot of hard work.

"She had to go through a drug-wean programme as she was in PICU in Sheffield for six weeks and was addicted to the drugs."

Isla is now on three different drugs to keep her condition under control, but she still has seizures.

The family have connected with other Dravet families through Dravet Syndrome UK.

Mrs Smith said: "Dravet Syndrome UK have been great and helped fund life-saving equipment.

"Thanks to them we can have a nice weekend where we feel normal.

"We also bought a static caravan two years ago so we could go away. We can't go on a plane - we couldn't even dream of it.

"So many deposits on holidays fell through because we had to cancel because Isla was sick and Ruby wouldn't go without her or with other people.

"Ruby would be looking forward to it and then the day before she would realise we couldn't go. We must have lost thousands.

"We got all the money we had in our savings and bought the caravan so we could go when Isla was well. It's close to a hospital and close enough to home.

"It's nice to get a little break as a family."

Doctors cannot tell the family the life expectancy for Isla, although some people with the condition can live to adulthood.

↧
Viewing all 102263 articles
Browse latest View live
Search
<script src="https://jsc.adskeeper.com/r/s/rssing.com.1596347.js" async> </script>