Bahrain Edition www.womanthismonth.com BEAUTY | FASHION | HOME | WELLBEING | LOCAL ISSUES Digital Edition WELLBEING DEMYSTIFYING FEMININE CANCERS UNRAVELLING OESTROGEN January 2019 | Issue 191 | BD1 / SR10 ON THE YOGA MAT WITH FATIMA BATOOK 2019 FITNESS TRENDS NEW YEAR FITNESS WIN BD200 OF YOGA VOUCHERS PEOPLE BETH NOBLE SEEING INVISIBLE BEAUTY HOMES THE FEEL-GOOD FACTOR
January 2019 www.womanthismonth.com 4 For subscriptions visit www.womanthismonth.com Advertising rates are available upon request. Please e-mail [email protected]. The publication of any advertisement in woman this month is not necessarily an endorsement of the advertiser or of the products or services advertised. 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 [email protected]. The publisher reserves the right to edit, reject or comment editorially on all material contributed. FASHION 8 Essentials: 10 Things to Try in December 10 Focus: Supporting Role 12 Trend: Sports Touch 14 Moodboard: Acid Reflex 16 Fashion Forward: News from around the industry PEOPLE 18-19 Imtiaz For Her Hosts: Execution is Everything 20 Beth Noble: Finding Invisible Beauty FEATURE NEW YEAR FITNESS & WELLBEING 23 2019 Fitness Trends 24-25 On the Mat with Fatima Batook 26-27 Demystifying Feminine Cancers 28 Oestrogen 101 BEAUTY 32-32 Trends: What to watch for in 2019 34 News: Latest products and happenings LIFESTYLE 36-37 Homes: The Feel-Good Factor 38 Opinion: Vegan View 39 Food: Style and Substance 40 Opinion: Pria Masson Tanwar 41 Opinion: Ouiam Charkani El Hassani 42 Competition: Pure Yoga + Cycle vouchers 43 In Her Shoes: Minal Bhatia Scan the codes for information from our advertisers 8 23 14 32 24 JANUARY Bahrain Specialist Hospital Dessange Joz-Toni&Guy K Hotel Ramee Grand Hotel & Spa
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www.womanthismonth.com January 2019 6 Happy New Year everyone. I hope you're as excited about the dawning of 2019 as I am. I'm determined that this will be the year when I finally get my act together, lose some weight and take a step into fitness. Our photoshoot with Fatima Batook was certainly inspiring, especially when you consider she actually lost 70kg some years ago and now has her own fitness studio - not to mention she looks bloomin' amazing. Eyeing her sculpted form, it became clear that walking the dogs is no longer enough, so it was fun looking at the coming year's fitness trends to see what might be in the pipeline to help on my fitness journey - anyone coming down the barre? The beauty trends, I must say, did not leave me quite so inspired. Don't get me wrong, I love a bold red lip as much as the next girl but I'm not sure I fancy running an ice roller over my face. I was, though, happy to see that traditionals like aloe are making a comeback. I'm an absolute devotee, I'm pretty sure if they took this stuff to the UN, it could probably bring about world peace. OK, slight over exaggeration, but you get my meaning. I was also pleased to read Dr Murat's piece on uterine cancers as it seems, these days, we are all very breast aware, but other female cancers are taking a back seat. Too many of us are neglecting Pap smears, which can save our lives. Take a tip from Dr Murat and go for regular screening. I'm happy to introduce some new contributors this month in the shape of Laetitia and Theresa, the women behind the blog liveandtaste. Health-conscious mums who love all the things we do - trendy accessories, home décor and a certain lifestyle - they'll be joining us every few months to share healthy and tasty recipes. I'm loving the look of this month's tahini energy balls. Elsewhere this month, I'm also planning to take some tips from our financial expert Pria Masson Tanwar. She's absolutely right, you don't need to wait till spring to clean out your financial closet - I might actually have to forego my usual trip to the January sales, I reckon they come under non-essential expenses! chairman & publisher GEORGE F MIDDLETON editorial director LIZ O'REILLY contributors BEHNAZ SANJANA FERNANDA LANGHAMMER OIUAM CHARKANI EL HASSANI PRIA MASSON TANWAR LAHAN SPERINCK LAETITIA & THERESA ANN VARGHESE print production manager SABU SEBASTIAN layout & graphics HATEM MONEM media coordinator SARAH ANSARI media managers FARHEEN AHMED photography editor MUNA YOUSEF photographers RANJITH MOHAN SUBEESH KUMAR NS printing press DAR AKHBAR AL KHALEEJ W.L.L., BAHRAIN DIGITAL & CONTENT MARKETING TEAM Digital Strategy Director LINI REGUNATH MADHAVAN Content Editor ADNAN SIPRA Video Producer DARIO GODIC Art & Animation Director HATEM MONEM Contents copyrighted 2019© 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: [email protected] 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 January 2019, Issue 191 On the cover: Fatima Batook EDITOR’S NOTE The only women's magazine distributed with the GDN Liz O’Reilly Editorial Director This month I’m lusting after… Baby, it’s almost cold enough outside for these fake fur cuffs. And, since I’m channeling my inner animal, I’m also loving these dinky bags. They’re all on offer at Parfois. I feel a shopping trip coming on.
January 2019 www.womanthismonth.com FASHION |essentials 8 10 Things to Try This Month Barely There. Simple make-up with powdered skin, black mascara and hints of coral is all you need to start 2019 at your best! Pattern Binding.The best friends of the season must be checks and animal print. Leopard motif works beautifully with red and green accents. Bug me Beetles, bees and dragonflies are the little gems to attach to your accessories. Yes, they are flying back onto the fashion scene. Pick two complimentary nail polishes and fall in love with half-moon nail art Keep Warm Quilted padded jackets are fashionable, which is the best excuse to maintain your body heat in very low temperatures. However, if the thermometer doesn’t go below 10 degrees Celsius, just wear it to look cool. And the season for the funky pompom hat is officially open! 1 7 8 10 Go team, go! Support your favourite club and look top notch! The ten must-try trends in the new year are here! Fernanda Langhammer has selected fashion bits and interesting beauty tricks to be given a shot at the turn of the year. 9 White Winter. It might not snow in the Middle East, but you can at least cover your feet in pretend snow. Take inspiration from ‘60s booties for your next footwear buy. 3 Protective garments are the new kids on the block 4 The Intertwine. January is here and likewise our chance of wearing some knitwear. Think a lightweight total look for a perfect winter wonderland scenario. Classic, elegant and laidback style. 2 5 6 Mango Giorgio Armani Altuzarra CH Carolina Herrera Calvin Klein Michael Kors Collection Versace Moschino Zara Dune London Superdry
JUFFAIR 17369133 | AWALI 17756449 | JOZ MEN 17533768 JOZ SALON & SPA Joz Salons & Spas Joz Salons Festive Glam
January 2019 www.womanthismonth.com 10 FASHION | focus SUPPORTING ROLE Accessories are essential details to give that extra touch to your look. This month, Fernanda Langhammer talks about an underdog piece that has more relevance than we give it credit for. Check out the many options you have to transform your outfit! Belts are usually not viewed as a crucial element when putting a look together. They have a functional role – to keep your trousers from falling down. But, at its best, the humble belt can be a lead item. For instance, highlighting your waist is the best way to create a chic silhouette. Loose dresses or even long tops can look much better when accompanied by a thin or wide belt, depending on how dramatic you want the effect to be. The hourglass shape can also be accomplished with a high-waisted skirt or trousers. To accentuate your shape, wear an eyecatching belt on top of the waistband. To make belts more appealing, look for different types to play with; think bright colours and edgy shapes. See below for some ideas on upgrading your look. Wide. This belt is a real statement piece. It marks your waist very well and holds everything in place. The only downside is that, depending on its width, it may not pass through your belt loops, so wear it over the top of them with no regrets! Scarf. This piece here is a scarf and a chain, but you could just use a beautiful piece of cloth to achieve the same effect. It will make your look more sophisticated and still fill its function. Rope. Not the kind of belt that first comes to your mind, but certainly one to show your fashion chops. Wear it at the waist of a cotton dress for a casual day look or on a kimono jacket for a night out. Jewel. Do you want to awe your audience? Pick a jewelled item! It will elevate your day-to-day outfit and add that extra sparkle to your evening look. Skinny. A great option to make your waist the centre of attention without being a stand out. However, not the most appropriate item to hold up your trousers or to make a statement. Western. Following the season’s trend, this type of belt comes with its own personality. You can wear it at the waist for a more stylish take or in the belt loops of your denims for a more casual and obvious placement. Bag. The trendiest piece of the moment, the belt bag was featured in many of the season’s fashion shows, consequently you can find it in lots of stores. This is definitely a statement item that works two ways. It’s the best option for clubbing nights or festivals, when all you want is to have freedom to dance the night away. Marks & Spencer River Island
DIVABROW THE QUEEN OF BROWS BOOK NOW information & pricelist: http://www.diva-brow.com/bah7264/ MICROPIGMENTATION MICROBLADING FEATHER BROW BROW SHAPING www.diva-brow.com/bba67/ WhatsApp: + 33 7 51 45 09 24 Monthly Tours in Bahrain GCC OFFICE AT HOSPITALIA BY YARA
January 2019 www.womanthismonth.com 12 FASHION | trend SPORTS TOUCH Called side stripe, racing stripe or ribbon, this is a detail that comes from the athletics universe straight to your stylish wardrobe. In its new environment, its placement goes beyond trainers and sweatshirts. Embrace the sportive girl in you without losing your vogue. Felling edgy? Look for original shoes that feature these stripes. Pair them with your LBD to flaunt your offbeat style. Extra point: Team them with a comfortable pair of high-heeled shoes. Opt for thin-strapped, high-heeled sandals for provocative pizzazz. Must-have: One or two pairs of wide-legged trousers with a contrasting side stripe. Wear them to do your errands for absolute comfort! Evans CH Carolina Herrera Glamorous Miss Selfridge New Look Bershka Oliver Bonas Lacoste Matalan Dune London Dune London Deichmann New Look Michael Kors Collection
www.womanthismonth.com 13 January 2019 SOCIAL BUTTERFLY 10th Anniversary of City Centre Bahrain On behalf of Majid Al Futtaim, City Centre Bahrain celebrated its 10th Anniversary, at the mall’s Central Galleria Get your favourite partner anytime at www.redhousemarketing.com redhousemarketing redhousemarketing rhmbahrain redhousemarketing
January 2019 www.womanthismonth.com 14 FASHION | moodboard Brighten up your days with neon colours! Leave the winter blues in the wardrobe and hit the streets in flashy tones. The bright shades of green, orange, yellow, pink and blue might look more appropriate for summer days, however, this season, designers from the four fashion capitals dictated that this time they wanted vivid pieces. Not only colourful, but luminescent, sour candies to illuminate the cloudy days ahead. Thankfully, our little island doesn’t suffer from too many hazy days, so the radiant palette works even better! Best paired with contrasting hues, luminous tops work really well with black bottoms and dark accessories. They also look good with tones of grey and the ever-present white. Marni stepped up mixing and matching dazzling colours with a black background, while Tom Ford bet on glowing animal print. Salvatore Ferragamo, Jeremy Scott and Jason Wu painted their accessories in neon shades to create glowing focal points. In parallel with the clothing trend, make-up artists also believe it’s time to add a few intense colours to your face. Shimmering eye-liners and eyeshadows make your eyes pop to complete your vibe. Embark on a little trip to the eighties to embrace this style at its craziest! Moschino Prada Chromat Tom Ford Marni Balmain Jason Wu Gucci Jeremy Scott for Longchamp Simply Be Dune London Salvatore Ferragamo Balenciaga Ulla Johnson ACID REFLEX
www.womanthismonth.com 15 January 2019 SOCIAL BUTTERFLY Sri Lankan Produce and Food Mart The opening ceremony of the Sri Lankan Produce and Food Mart was held in the presence of HE Dr A Saj U Mendis, the Sri Lankan Ambassador, at the Lulu Hypermarket Premises in Juffair Mall NEW
January 2019 www.womanthismonth.com 16 FASHION | forward Fashion Goes Environment-Friendly Heavy hitters in the fashion industry have signed up to the newly launched UN Climate Change Fashion Industry Charter for Climate Action which aims to see the industry achieve net zero emissions by 2050. Among the 43 signatories are big names such as Burberry, Gap, H&M and Puma as well as retailers and supply-chain organisations including China National Textile and Apparel Council and Maersk. Signatories commit to implementing or supporting 16 principles and targets that will be developed collectively through working groups convened by the UN Climate Change. An initial target is to reduce aggregate greenhouse gas emissions by 30 per cent by 2030. Designer Stella McCartney helped launch the new charter at COP24 and is one of the founding signatories. She said: “Collectively we have a voice and the capacity to make a difference.” Matches Goes Sneakers Crazy Iconic Brit fashion retailer, matchesfashion. com, has taken its cue from the Fashion Week runways and is putting sneakers and trainers front and centre as everyday wear rather than just for the gym. The brand has launched its SS19 Sneaker Studio featuring a collective of exclusive styles from 13 brands including Acne Studios, Chloe, Eytys, Fendi, Ganni, Jil Sander, Golden Goose Deluxe, Marques Almeida, Primury, Vetements, By Walid, Peterson Stoop and Alexander McQueen. Head of Womenswear, Cassie Smart explains: ‘‘Trainers have become a key wardrobe item and this launch represents an opportunity for us to focus on this idea of curation around one product category. We worked closely with the brands to select and develop global exclusives, using different colour ways and silhouettes, that we felt represented the diverse style of our matchesfashion. com women. The edit represents the transformation of the trainer, beyond leisure, to a fashion staple.’’ Dubai Design Takes on the Universe UAE-based design house Michael Cinco made an appearance at the recent Miss Universe pageant worn by Canadian-Polish model, competitor Marta Magdalena Stepien. The beauty had made a surprise appearance earlier to close the designer’s show at Arab Fashion Week and the two had teased the floor sweeping, crystal embellished gown with appearances on Instagram prior to the competition. Filipino, Michael Cinco, established his eponymous line in Dubai in 2003 and boasts big-name clientele such as Rihanna, Lady Gaga and Beyonce. Affordable Marc Jacobs is Coming Design house Marc Jacobs has announced the launch an affordable new line for pre-fall 2019. Very little detail has so far been released as to what we can expect but fashion industry bible Women’s Wear Daily published a campaign image showing models in oversized striped sweatshirts styled with colourful wide-leg trousers. Both are wearing charm necklaces and sunglasses. The new line, titled The Marc Jacobs, will bring solace to those still mourning the demise of his previous, reasonably priced fusion label Marc by Marc Jacobs, which was discontinued in 2015 amid rumours of strife and job losses at the brand. H&M’s Latest Cult Collabo H&M has done it again. This time it’s a collaboration with fellow Swedish fashion brand Eytys. The Stockholme-based, fashion insider brand is known for its streamlined yet chunkysoled shoes, unisex approach and perfectly designed wardrobe staples. The Eytys x H&M line will feature unisex shoes, clothing and accessories for adults and a selection for kids, designed in collaboration with the H&M in-house team. The collection will be available in selected stores worldwide from January 24. The line includes sneakers, shoes and boots in leather, suede and cotton canvas along with jackets, tops, trousers and jeans in materials such as cotton twill, faux patent leather, nylon and raw denim. All the shoes have the distinctive Eytys sole, while the clothes have boxy silhouettes and don’t distinguish between garments for women or men.
www.womanthismonth.com 17 January 2019 SOCIAL BUTTERFLY Grand Raffle A Grand Raffle for Imtiaz For Her was held at the Bahrain International Exhibition & Convention Centre
January 2019 www.womanthismonth.com 18 showcase EXECUTION IS EVERYTHING In the latest in a series tackling issues faced by women in business, we look at the importance of action. Hosts It has been said that ideas are not enough. What would you say are the three major steps to successful execution? The first step is to make sure that your idea makes sense and that there’s a market for your product. I always give the example of designer baby clothes – if you look at the Bahrain market, you split it into the people who are too old or too young for kids and the people who can’t afford designer, it doesn’t leave you much of a market. Second, being very aware of costs and how to price your product so you can make money is essential. A lot of entrepreneurs believe they need someone to help them make a business plan – someone who’ll find a property, set out costs etcetera. When I built my first shop, I thought I was getting a good deal. The second one cost me 60 per cent less! These days I know the price of everything from tiles, to glue. And drill down on those details, find ways to squeeze those costs. Thirdly, get really involved. Not everyone can be there running the business dayto-day, they may have another job. But certainly, very close involvement is the best thing you can do for your business. So many people rely on a manager to run their business for them. In my experience, this can work, but you’re never going to get the same level of success as if you are running things yourself. What was your vision when you set out to offer a service? And how did you reflect this in the product? I started seven years ago and, at that time, it was hard to find products in the market that were fast, tasty and fresh. Going to a restaurant takes longer and is expensive. There is also the quick and cheap which is super-low quality. I don’t want to spend BD5 on my lunch each day, I want to spend BD2 or BD3. A lot of my clients do that every week. Provide fresh, clean, high-quality food and you get people hooked. What market research did you do? We did a lot of guerilla market research. I would go to a location, walk into every shop on the street and interview people – asking them about their business. It’s about understanding what’s a good location. I will go there and park and watch people going in and out. Look to see if there are hospitals and banks etcetera, which bring people to an area. I look at competitors’ prices and I check everything on Instagram. How important is recruitment, retention and training of staff in the successful execution of a business plan? Fast food will always have a lot of turnover, it’s frustrating. But we have gotten better and put in incentives to keep people with us. What would be your message for anyone who believes they have a good idea but is looking for ways to get it off the ground? This comes back to what I said at first. You have to make sure you have a good product, you can’t just plough ahead with something because you love the idea if it’s not going to work as a business. Have a business partner who you trust; I would have struggled to do this alone. Also, make sure to consider how long it will take you to get your business up and running – do you have that time? When do you need to start to break-even? Become profitable? You have to think one to two years ahead. NARISE KAMBAR It has been said that ideas are not enough. What would you say are the three major steps to successful execution? Yes it’s true, great ideas aren’t everything but planning well and having a great strategy for your company is what’s going to make you distinct and guarantee a successful execution. We need to ask ourselves these questions: Do we have clarity? Is our vision clear? Is the structure of our company, our systems, in alignment with what we have in mind? One of my mottos is ‘right tools, right people’, this is another very important element. Are we on the right track for what we want to WEJDAN ISMAIL owner of Burrito Loco, Noodle Wok and Sandwich Guys. owner of Saffron by Jena and Jena Bakery.
www.womanthismonth.com January 2019 19 showcase achieve? Do we need to change our system? Or maybe, we even need to change the people executing the system. You have to keep constantly checking that you’re on the right track. What was your vision when you set out to offer a service? And how did you reflect this in the product? My vision was to create really good-quality products that felt like they were homebaked and home-cooked. I wanted to offer an experience where the person that would come to our place would feel like they are, for a minute, transformed into a time from the past. I’m happy with the success I’ve achieved but I still have much bigger and better plans. I still haven’t approached any of the wonderful institutions we have like the EDB and Tamkeen to see how I can grow my business, and this is something I’m considering doing. How important is recruitment, retention and training of staff in the successful execution of a business plan? It’s everything, your business is your people. I will be honest and say that at the beginning of the business, the time when my voice was not heard, there were some very tyrant-like people that I employed to help me who took over and recruited people that would serve their own purposes. As soon as I understood, that’s when my rebellion started. When I felt people were not being given their rights and were afraid of this awful manager. I’m very, very protective of my staff and I care about them. We do training for those with less experience. I am involved in every process of hiring and firing and I’ve really learned a lot from that. The best question anyone could ask themselves in business – is this good for your company? It’s so important to build a very strong team around you. What would be your message for anyone who believes they have a good idea but is looking for ways to get it off the ground? Two words – start now! And another great two words, for anyone who has fear in their hearts – be prepared! Start now. Leave everything and take a paper and pen and write 15 things that will contribute to achieving your goal. You might not be able to achieve them straight away but, from the 15 things, circle five that you can do now, and do them; when we take something from the world of dreams and put it into reality, even the first step of reality, it makes achieving it more of a tangible. The second thing about being prepared is that people are often scared. So, it’s like a little Girl Scout pledge – be prepared. It’s doing the necessary that puts you on the right path. Prepare yourself in terms of taking courses, learning, contacting the right people, networking, making plans, seeking the right advisors. If your feelings change, then your actions will start to change. It has been said that ideas are not enough. What would you say are the three major steps to successful execution? For me the three major steps to success are: visualisation, planning and decision making, and implementation with proper appliance. What was your vision when you set out to offer a service? And how did you reflect this in the product? At first I was just working on handmade jewellery. As time passed, I slowly launched my own jewellery shop which is selling personalised accessories and silver pieces for girls who love to wear jewellery not just for parties but for daily use. Happily, today I have reached the stage of designing and selling diamonds and gold. What market research did you do? I just tried to sell my products online at first, to see how it would go. When I realised that many women of my age liked them, I decided to focus and put all my efforts in doing more. How Important is recruitment, retention and training of staff in the successful execution of a business plan? Staff training, recruitment, and retention is important since they will be the face of your business in front of your prospective clients. As long as you show them compassion, inspire them to innovate and make them feel successful, they will carry out the job perfectly. I strongly believe that engaged employees are your top competitive advantage. What would be your message for anyone who believes they have a good idea but is looking for ways to get it off the ground? Don't be afraid to put into practice your passion and ideas. Don't stop learning. Success does not lie in results but in effort. Being right is not so important, however, doing what is right is all that matters. Always be confident and believe that you can reach your goals. For inquiries please contact the brand managers via email: [email protected] or on whatsapp 34 422-227 / 33 282-228 YATHREB ALA’AMERI Owner of House of H jewellery shop.
January 2019 www.womanthismonth.com 20 PEOPLE | interview If you’ve visited the InTouch Clinic in Janabiya recently, you’ll, no doubt, have spotted an eclectic selection of works by artist Beth Noble adoring the walls and dotted around the space. It’s her first solo exhibition in Bahrain, running till the end of January, and she explains that there are two sides to the pieces. Australian Beth came here from Madrid, with her husband’s job, almost four years ago. She says: “I love it. For me it’s very exotic. People are friendly and I love the climate plus it’s interesting – there are lots of interesting stories, you get to meet people here that you wouldn’t otherwise but that can be hard when friends leave. You have to become comfortable with the transient nature. I have travelled to about 40 countries across the world and I think the anchor for me is my creativity. It’s my continuity.” Her current exhibition is called Invisible: Revealing Everyday Beauty and it includes painting, sculpture, quilting, photography and recycled pieces. Beth explains: “It’s about how creativity reveals the unseen. I’m capturing and documenting the everyday things that people don’t see. “There two sides to it. One side is almost about how creativity is therapeutic, how the creative act can take us from fear to love and it looks at grief and loss and love.” Artistically inclined since childhood, Beth rediscovered her talents later on in life. She says: I was a high-achieving academic but became very depressed. I went travelling and began sketching and journalling. Painting allowed me to understand my own creativity. Since I was a small child, it’s always been a great hook for me to work through things and keep grounded. In 2004 I started painting at a friend’s home and I was thinking of the last time I was with my grandmother – it was emotional and I remember it still. It was a way of dealing with grief and loss.” As she continued to travel, she adds: “I started looking at things around me. Didn’t necessarily paint, but looking at things around me, trying to simplify things. We see a lot of visual communication – I think this has grown a lot with media, social media and news but we need to take a moment to look at the trees and what’s around us.” Returning to the show, she explains: “The other side is the invisible in terms of what we throw away. It’s invisible to us, but has an effect on us all. I have been doing plastic collages – photographing the plastic and using it in my work. There’s a part of one plastic collage that is an organic landscape, though it is small. From a creative point of view, I find it interesting. There’s another that looks like fabric – this is all recycled stuff, things that people don’t see as useful or beautiful, in their regular form.” Expressing her gratitude to InTouch, Beth adds: “It’s an interesting space. There’s the waiting room where I’ve put plastics and ocean textures but then in the treatment rooms there are more intimate spaces. There I’ve used things like the sunflowers picture I took from a car window – it shows the anonymity of city living. It shows flowers aging gracefully but still beautiful and there are points of grief and loss – another theme on how creativity helped me through periods of transition and depression.” Mostly self-taught, Beth says her work is a process of experimentation and developing observational skills. For the future, she’s planning to develop the plastic theme and also looking at memory and photographs. Liz O’Reilly talks to artist Beth Noble about the dual message of her latest exhibition. FINDING INVISIBLE BEAUTY
www.womanthismonth.com 21 January 2019 SOCIAL BUTTERFLY Inauguration Ceremony The grand inauguration ceremony of Al Hilal Multispecialty Medical Center, Salmabad, was held under the patronage of the Ministry of Health, HE Dr Faeqa bint Saeed Al Saleh
22 January 2019 www.womanthismonth.com SOCIAL BUTTERFLY Kenwood Kitchen Star Cooking Contest The Kenwood Kitchen Star cooking contest was held at Ramli Mall as part of the Kenwood Recipe Book launch
www.womanthismonth.com January 2019 23 FEATURE | new year fitness SHORTER AND SWEATIER There’s good news and bad news, workouts are about to become shorter but we’ll still be tackling high-intensity, so they won’t actually get too much easier. Apparently with HIIT (high-intensity interval training), you only need to workout for 15 minutes, if you’re working at the right intensity. NINJA WARRIORS Blog myfitnesspal.com says we should be looking out for Ninja Warrior gyms following the success of TV show American Ninja Warrior. The fitness industry certainly has its finger on the pulse of popular culture so don’t be surprised if this movement, which is already popular in the US, finds its way to us with workout spaces featuring an array of physical challenges including the famous warped wall, a vertical ramp that you have to run up. GOING TO THE BARRE It seems we’re all going to be heading to the barre this year for what’s known as barre fitness, a mix of Pilates, dance, yoga and functional training. Workouts use various exercise equipment such as hand weights to sculpt, slim and stretch the whole body. TAKE TO THE TREADMILL OK, so the treadmill is definitely not a new piece of equipment. But in recent years, they have taken a back seat at the gym in favour of the higher-energy workouts. But a survey in the US by ClassPass found an 82 per cent increase in 2018 for classes that incorporate treadmills. It seems the humble running machine is, once again, in favour. HELPFUL APPINESS If your New Year fitness regime involves the addition of supplements and watching your diet, there are several apps out there all ready to help. MyFitnessPal and Lose It are among a multitude of food trackers while Healthspan will help you keep track of the vitamins, minerals and other supplements you’re taking. It’s that time of year, you know, New Year – New Me and all that jazz. So, we’ve rounded up a few of the fitness trends we’re hoping to see on the island in 2019, alongside some that are already here. We’re rather excited by the thought of shorter workouts and going to the barre. THE LATEST WAYS TOGET FIT
January 2019 www.womanthismonth.com 24 FEATURE | fitness As we head into the New Year, virtually all of us are looking to get fitter and perhaps aiming to drop those festive-season kilos. Fatima Batook, founder of Pure Yoga and Cycle, who is both a yoga teacher and master spinning instructor, introduces us to the two disciplines which helped her lose 70kg and completely overhaul her health, fitness and lifestyle. MAT GETON THE DANCER POSE SANSKRIT NATARAJASANA Benefits: • Builds full-body strength, flexibility and coordination. • Opens the shoulders, chest and hips. • Stretches and strengthens the thighs, ankles and abdomen. • Develops greater flexibility in your spine, shoulders and hamstrings. UPWARD DOG POSE SANSKRIT URDHVA MUKHA SVANASANA Benefits: • Improves posture. • Strengthens the spine, arms, wrists. • Stretches chest and lungs, shoulders and abdomen. • Firms the buttocks. • Stimulates abdominal organs. • Helps relieve mild depression, fatigue, and sciatica. • Therapeutic for asthma FOUR-LIMBED STAFF POSE SANSKRIT CHATURANGA DANDASANA Benefits: • Strengthens arm, shoulder and leg muscles. • Develops core stability. • Prepares body for inversions and arm balances.
www.womanthismonth.com January 2019 25 FEATURE | fitness DOWNWARD-FACING DOG SANSKRIT ADHO MUKHA SVANASANA Deservedly one of yoga's most widely recognised poses as it has many benefits: • Calms the brain and helps relieve stress and mild depression. • Energises the body. • Stretches the shoulders, hamstrings, calves, arches and hands. • Strengthens the arms and legs. • Helps relieve the symptoms of menopause. • Relieves menstrual discomfort with head supported. • Helps prevent osteoporosis. SPINNING Benefits: • Low impact – While running is great for your cardiovascular health, it can be tough on your legs, knees, ankles and feet. Spin gets your legs moving and your heart pumping without pounding on your joints, resulting in a smoother, lower impact form of cardio. • Low risk of injury – While certain other forms of exercise have a higher risk for injuries such as overstretching, joint injuries, sprains or muscle tears, spin prevents these types of injuries. As you cycle, you guide your own movements and leave the pressure off of your joints. • Weight loss – Spinning will help you blast through calories, resulting in weight loss. In one hour of spin class, you could potentially burn up to 600 calories! • Toned muscles – Your legs aren’t the only muscles working during a spin workout. Spinning uses every single part of the body, building strength and toning all muscles. • Improved cardiovascular health – Spinning uses the largest muscle group in your legs, raising your heart rate and pumping blood through your whole body to build stamina and increase cardiovascular fitness. This also helps aid in heart disease prevention. • Stronger immune system – Studies show that during exercise, the number of immune system cells circulating throughout the body rises. Therefore, cycling regularly helps the body become more vigilant of bacteria and viruses that can cause sickness. TREE POSE SANSKRIT VRIKSHASANA This asana improves: • Balance. • Poise. • Posture. • Concentration. • Increases the range of motion in the hips. • Deepens the thorax. • Strengthens the ankles. • Tones the muscles of the legs, back and chest.
January 2019 www.womanthismonth.com 26 showcase DR MURAT WOMEN’S CLINIC UTERUS CANCER: Regular Screening and Prevention Endometrial cancer is a type of uterine cancer that involves the lining of the uterus (the endometrium). There are two types of endometrial cancer, which are classified by their relationship to oestrogen hormone stimulation. Endometrial cancer is the most common cancer of the organs of the female reproductive system. It usually occurs in women over the age of 50, and thus after menopause, but up to 25 per cent of cases may occur before the menopause. At diagnosis, about 75 per cent of women have a cancer confined to the uterus (stage I). For these women, the prognosis is very good. Today, it is not clear why endometrial cancer occurs. Some risk factors have been identified. There are several recognised pathologic and clinical factors that can identify if you are at an increased risk of relapse after surgery, or treatments which can help your doctor determine an appropriate treatment pathway. There are even genetic-related endometrial cancers, which account for up to five per cent of cases. Risk factors include: 1. Aging 2. Genes 3. Family history of endometrial cancer 4. Personal history of certain gynaecological diseases 5. Exposure to oestrogen 6. Overweight and obesity 7. Diabetes 8. Hypertension 9. Geographic factors 10. No pregnancy and total number of menstrual cycles Taking contraceptive pills containing both oestrogen and progesterone lower the risk of developing endometrial cancer. Other factors have been suspected to be associated with an increased risk (alcohol consumption, lack of physical activity) or a decreased risk (consumption of phytoestrogens found in soya food, coffee and vegetables) of developing endometrial cancer, but the evidence is inconsistent. Treatment for endometrial cancer depends on the risk for persistent or recurrent disease after surgical therapy: Low-risk disease The risk of relapse after surgery for low-risk endometrial cancer is very low, with estimates placed at five per cent or less. Given this, no further treatment is generally recommended. Intermediate-risk disease Women with low-intermediate risk disease can be observed without further treatment, since their risk of relapse after surgery alone is low (five per cent or less). Women with high-intermediate risk endometrial cancer benefit from adjuvant therapy to help reduce the chances of the cancer coming back in the pelvis (also known as a local recurrence). For most women with intermediate-risk disease, adjuvant vaginal or external beam radiation therapy is given. Of the two ways to give radiation, vaginal brachytherapy seems to be as effective as external beam radiation therapy, with fewer gastrointestinal side effects. These modes of radiation therapy are described below. High-risk disease Women with high-risk endometrial cancer are treated with adjuvant chemotherapy, especially if the disease is located outside DEMYSTIFYING FEMININE CANCERS Expert Dr Murat writes for WTM on an issue that is too frequently avoided.
www.womanthismonth.com January 2019 27 showcase of the uterus. Adjuvant radiation with or without chemotherapy is administered to decrease relapse, particularly if the disease is limited to the pelvis. Doctors will need to consider many aspects of both the patient and the cancer in order to decide on the best treatment. The cornerstone of treatment is surgery. Radiotherapy and chemotherapy used after surgery are called adjuvant therapies, meaning that they are used in addition to surgery. Even a tailored and recommended surgery performed by a skilled gynaecological oncologist will impact the patient’s prognosis. Treatments have their benefits, their risks and their contraindications. It is recommended to ask doctors about the expected benefits and risks of every treatment in order to be informed of the consequences of the treatment. For some patients, several treatment possibilities are available and the choice should be discussed according to the balance between expected benefits and risks. Regular check-ups and screening related to age are a very important milestone of early diagnostic and excellent prognosis of uterine cancer. Screening consists of performing an examination in order to detect cancer at an early stage, before any sign of the disease appears. A systematic screening is proposed if a safe and acceptable exam can be performed and if this exam is able to detect cancer in the majority of cases. It should also be proved that treating screened cancers is more effective than treating cancers diagnosed because signs of cancer were present. For example, this has been demonstrated for the Pap smear test used in cervical cancer screening. Cancer surveillance Experts recommend close follow-up after the completion of treatment for endometrial cancer, particularly in the first three years after diagnosis, when the risk of recurrence is highest. This usually includes a history and physical exam every three to six months for several years. Other tests, like Pap smears, blood tests and computed tomography (CT) scans or other radiology tests, should be done only as needed. If the cancer does not come back after five years, women can usually stop seeing the oncologist and return to their primary care provider or women's healthcare provider. Women should call their doctor if they develop any symptoms of vaginal bleeding, pain in the belly or pelvis, a cough that will not go away or unintentional weight loss. These could be signs that the cancer has come back. Treating menopausal symptoms Premenopausal women who have had their ovaries removed as part of treatment usually experience symptoms of menopause. This may include hot flashes, night sweats, and vaginal dryness. The most effective treatment for these symptoms is the female hormone oestrogen. Most experts think that oestrogen is a reasonable option for women with endometrial cancer. You should discuss the potential risks and benefits of oestrogen with your doctor. For women receiving adjuvant treatment, some experts recommend waiting six to 12 months after finishing treatment before beginning oestrogen therapy. Other non-hormonal treatments for menopausal symptoms are available; these are discussed separately. Sexual issues after treatment Changes in the vagina are common after endometrial cancer treatment. Pelvic or vaginal radiation can cause the vagina to shorten, narrow and feel dry. These changes can cause pain with sex (also called dyspareunia). Many of these problems are treatable: Ask your doctor or nurse about using vaginal dilators to prevent and treat narrowing of the vagina. Use a vaginal moisturiser or lubricant during sex to treat dryness. Women with endometrial cancer may be able to use a vaginal oestrogen (a cream, vaginal ring or pill) to treat dryness. Pelvic physical therapy and counselling for sexual or psychological difficulties can be helpful. Patients should undergo follow-up visits every three to four months with physical and gynaecological examination for the first two years, and then with a six-month interval until five years. Further investigations can be performed, if clinically indicated. It can be hard to live with the idea that the cancer can come back. From what is known today, no specific way of decreasing the risk of recurrence* after completion of the adjuvant* treatment can be recommended. As a consequence of the cancer itself and of the treatment, return to normal life may not be easy for some people. Questions related to body image, sexuality, fatigue, work, emotions or lifestyle may be of concern to you. Discussing these questions with relatives, friends or doctors may be helpful. Dr Murat as an internationally known minimal invasive gynaecologist, gynaecological oncologist and breast surgeon, providing the fully equipped and standard-based diagnostic and treatments in Dr Murat Women’s Clinic. From genetic testing, to all kinds of imaging with surgical options included. At the same time Dr Murat is the director of the Gynaecological Oncology Unit of King Hamad University Hospital and is providing diagnostics and surgeries for female patients in Bahrain. He is at the same time a referral centre for female cancers in Bahrain.
January 2019 www.womanthismonth.com 28 LIFESTYLE | wellbeing There are EDCs hiding in many common products that we use without a second thought - household cleaners, cosmetics, lotions, products with added ‘fragrance’, and anti-bacterial soaps. Seek, and you shall find safe, natural alternatives. Our long-term health is worth it! Women have more than men and it has a huge effect on our lives.What is it? Oestrogen! Behnaz Sanjana gets the lowdown on this allimportant hormone. We all have hormones doing their respective jobs in our bodies. They are the chemical messengers produced by the glands, and are responsible for various functions – from creating hunger to regulating moods and emotions. Oestrogen is one of the most important female reproductive hormones, the other being progesterone, says Dr Murat Koc, consultant gynaecologist and gynae-oncologist, who also specialises in breast care. “Oestrogen helps bring about the physical changes that turn a girl into a woman,” he says. “It helps control the menstrual cycle and is important for childbearing, along with checking cholesterol keeping bones, heart and skin healthy. Oestrogen also affects the mood.” When oestrogen is lower, or higher, than necessary, women experience symptoms of this imbalance. On attaining menopause (or when the main source of oestrogen, the ovaries, are surgically removed), the levels of the hormone are at an all-time low. This results in infrequent or no menstruation, hot flashes, sleep troubles, low libido, mood swings and dry skin. Some women get menstrual migraine, a bad headache right before their menstrual period, due to the drop in oestrogen levels. An excess of oestrogen, aka oestrogen dominance, can lead to weight gain, mainly in the waist, hips, and thighs, very light or heavy menstrual bleeding, severe premenstrual syndrome, fibrocystic breasts (non-cancerous breast lumps), uterine fibroids, fatigue, loss of libido and feeling depressed. Women are frequently prescribed medications containing synthetic hormones, such as hormone therapy (HT), to counter the effects of hormonal imbalances during menopause, or as birth control pills. Dr Murat says: “When the ovaries no longer produce adequate amounts of the reproductive hormones, HT can be given to supplement the body with adequate levels of oestrogen and progesterone. HT helps to replenish the body’s oestrogen, relieving some of the symptoms of menopause.” But synthetically supplementing oestrogen comes with a risk. “While HT helps many women get through menopause, the treatment [like any prescription medicine] is not risk-free. Known repercussions include an increased risk of endometrial and breast cancers, blood clots and stroke, gallstone problems, and dementia [if HT is started 10 years after menopause]. HT does not directly cause breast cancer, but, as 80 per cent of cancer cases are hormone sensitive, it impacts faster development of the disease,” says Dr Murat. HT with oestrogen alone, and a prolonged use of oral contraceptives, can cause dominance of the hormone in the body, which, studies have shown to increase the risk of breast cancer. It is important for women to evaluate the necessity of these medications, in light of the associated risks. Environmental Oestrogens Hormones are secreted and stored by a network of glands and organs that make up the endocrine system. Endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs) are substances in the environment (air, soil or water), food sources, personal care products, and manufactured products that interfere with the normal function of your body’s endocrine system. EDCs can ‘mimic’ our natural hormones, or block them from carrying out their function. Sources of EDCs include: • Industrial chemicals and pesticides make their way into the food chain by building up in fresh produce, fish and animals. • Processed foods can accumulate traces of EDCs that leach out of materials used in their manufacturing, processing, transportation and storage. • Soy-based products contain phytoestrogens, which are chemicals produced by plants that mimic oestrogen. • Bisphenol A (BPA), phthalates and phenol are common EDCs found in plastics and food storage containers. OESTROGEN 101
www.womanthismonth.com 29 January 2019 SOCIAL BUTTERFLY Foton Launch Tasheelat held a launch ceremony for Foton in The Diplomat Radisson Blu Hotel, Residence & Spa Cooking Contest The Italian Embassy held a cooking contest at the Capital Club Bahrain Has Gone Audi Event Audi Centre Bahrain, represented by Behbehani Bros, held a unique evening event titled ‘Bahrain has gone Audi’ Conference BPW Bahrain held the “Hawa Al Bahrain Al Arabi” conference under the patronage of Dr Ebrahim Janahi, CEO of Tamkeen, at the Sheraton Bahrain Hotel
30 January 2019 www.womanthismonth.com SOCIAL BUTTERFLY WCCI Masquerade Ball A Women’s Crisis Care International Masquerade Ball was held at La Fontaine, with Banah in concert, with proceeds going to support women’s empowerment programs at WCCI
www.womanthismonth.com 31 January 2019 SOCIAL BUTTERFLY Christmas Tree Lighting and Festiviteis The Ritz-Carlton, Bahrain Gulf Hotel Sofitel Bahrain Zallaq Thalassa Sea & Spa LNT Gastropub Diplomat Radisson Blu Hotel The K Hotel Ramee Grand Hotel
January 2019 www.womanthismonth.com 32 BEAUTY | trends Long-Lasting Manicure Do you avoid doing your nails in bold colours because you don’t like chipped polish? Well, worry no more! Say hello to the powder-dip nail manicure that has been sneaking up on us. This manicure is done by dipping your finger nails into shimmery powders of your favourite colour, and coating with a transparent varnish to seal, without the need for UV light. The effect lasts for as long as a month, all without chipping. So, the next time you’re at your favourite salon, ask if they do SNS powder dip yet. Coloured Mascara After coloured eyeliners, the spring of 2019 is bringing us something much more to pop those diva eyes and bat those long lashes. This is a look that is both daring and effortlessly glam-ready. Show up at your next DJ party or music festival with vibrant coloured eye-lashes, and watch the rest of the eyes follow you. Try out the electric blue at Area, the shadow-mascara harmony at Christian Dior, or the royal blue shade at Dries Van Noten this winter to make an impact at your next barbie. French Red Lips According to Vogue, bold red lips are not going anywhere next year; if anything, they are making a red lipstick, naked eyes, sleek hairdo, comeback in spring 2019. Afterall, what is more French than plump, gorgeous red lips? Get your pillar-box reds at Givenchy and Poire, and rich tomato hues at Koche by Terry Barber to make a statement this winter. Foiled Eye Shadow Add a metallic shade to your eye make-up to give it that little sparkle. Foiled looks are created by using a wet brush to apply a metallic shade. The result will be a shiny, metallic take on your own favourite shade. If you are someone who edges more towards a natural look, you can always use foiled eyeshadow to highlight the inner corners of your eyelids, or a small highlight in the center. Going Grey When celebrities like Chrissy Teigen, Jessica Biel, and Katie Holmes showed off their greys on the red carpet, they were unknowingly setting a trend for 2019. According to Pinterest stats, the search for “Grey Hair DIY” went up by 87.9 per cent. The truth is, ladies, the challenge is simply to make greys look sophisticated and alluring at the same time and that’s all about great cut and condition. Ann Varghese rounds-up the looks and tricks you need to try this year. BEAUTY 2019 101 Scan to learn how the trends emerge
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