A nice photo of me and Jamarcus on set at Studio62… (one of Lisa’s Favorite photos)
March 14, 2017
SPRING INTO SPRING!! 7 Ways to Be More Optimistic
FROM THE PROS:
We set the clocks ahead for daylight savings and many of us woke up to a darker sky feeling sluggish thanks to a one hour loss of sleep. If you hit the snooze, pulled the covers up over your head still feeling bummed out about your waistline, bank account, career or love life, you’re not alone. Despite more daylight our worries will still be there. So how do we spring into spring, a season that’s all about new beginnings and rebirth? For practical ways, to cultivate optimism in our lives we turned to Dr. Sanam Hafeez, a NYC based licensed clinical psychologist, teaching faculty member at the prestigious Columbia University Teacher’s College and the founder and Clinical Director of Comprehensive Consultation Psychological Services who shares these tips and tools.
1. Focus on the good.
“A daily exercise I often have my patients do is keep an appreciation or gratitude journal. When you focus on all the things to be happy for in your life then more great things come. Think generally and use your senses. What do you appreciate seeing, smelling, touching, tasting, listening to? Write it down. Within a few weeks you’ll train the mind to pivot to an appreciate thought when a negative thought comes,” explains Dr. Hafeez.
2. Make plans.
Making plans to see relatives, to see a new exhibit a movie or to travel gets our mind moving forward towards something positive that we can be hopeful and optimistic about. Dr. Hafeez suggests making plans to do 3 things per month for the next 3 months. “Choose things that you know will bring you joy and then go do them! Feeling excited about what is coming and talking about how fun it will be keeps us optimistic and forward moving,” says Dr. Hafeez.
3. Control what you can, delegate the rest!
We get pessimistic and worry about the worst possible outcomes when we realize that we cannot control every detail. This leads to anxiety and an even stronger feeling of having to control conditions, and even others. According to Dr. Hafeez, this is a trap. “Figure out what needs to get done. What actions you can take. Then let go of anything else that is beyond your control with faith that everything will turn out fine. Envision the desired outcome,” advises Dr. Hafeez.
4. Limit your news watching and avoid it before bed.
“There is a very common pattern I see people falling into,” says Hafeez. “People awaken and immediately reach for their smartphone for news headlines. They then turn on the TV news as background noise. They listen to news in their cars, have news alerts going off on their phones all day, catch the evening news and then the 11pm news before bed. No wonder they’re less optimistic! What you choose to look at will impact your mood. Remember, good news doesn’t get ratings,” she adds.
5. Don’t snooze. Instead just breathe.
When the alarm goes off give yourself a few minutes to just lie there, eyes closed focused on your breathing. Breathe in counting to 4 and then breathe out. Do a mental scan of your entire body from head to toe thanking your cells for restoring you as you slept. “Deep breathing is a form of meditation and in the morning, you have a small window of opportunity to decide what kind of day you want it to be,” says Dr. Hafeez.
6. Distract yourself with something that requires focus.
The key here is to pick something you truly enjoy doing and do it daily. It can be painting, coloring, yoga, a 20-minute walk or jog, listening to music and dancing around your living room. “When you are fully engaged in something, you can’t ruminate which leads to pessimism,” explains Dr. Hafeez.
7. Make feeling good top priority.
When you commit to feeling good you instantly start to think more optimistically. According to Dr. Hafeez, when you’re mindful of your own negativity and shift to a better feeling positive thought you feel powerful. You’ll feel like you can conquer anything when you can master your own mindset.
Dr. Sanam Hafeez PsyD is a NYC based licensed clinical psychologist, teaching faculty member at the prestigious Columbia University Teacher’s College and the founder and Clinical Director of Comprehensive Consultation Psychological Services, P.C. a neuropsychological, developmental and educational center in Manhattan and Queens.
Dr. Hafeez masterfully applies her years of experience connecting psychological implications to address some of today’s common issues such as body image, social media addiction, relationships, workplace stress, parenting and psychopathology (bipolar, schizophrenia, depression, anxiety, etc…). In addition, Dr. Hafeez works with individuals who suffer from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), learning disabilities, attention and memory problems, and abuse. Dr. Hafeez often shares her credible expertise to various news outlets in New York City and frequently appears on CNN and Dr.Oz.
Connect with her via twitter @comprehendMind or www
March 13, 2017
Stefanie Scott Wears Emma Jane Designs and it’s under $30
AUSTIN, TX – MARCH 11: Actress Stefanie Scott attends the “Small Town Crime” premiere 2017 SXSW Conference and Festivals on March 11, 2017 in Austin, Texas. (Photo by Matt Winkelmeyer/Getty Images for SXSW)
LOS ANGELES – March 13, 2017 – Stefanie Scott was photographed wearing Emma Jane Designs while at SXSW! The actress kept it simple pairing her red jumpsuit with the Seed Necklace in copper ($28 www.emmajane-designs.com).
March 13, 2017
Your Skin’s Essentials
We know the winter can be harsh on our skin making it dry, scaly and dull. No worries, I have two products by Soleil Essentials Natural True Skincare that will have your skin radiant and glowing just in time for the warm weather.
To start, the White Tea & Ginger Body Polish will exfoliate that dull, dry skin from the winter. This product is infused with Organic Shea Butter and Organic Coconut Oil, so you know the smell is heavenly. From the moment, you start rubbing this body polish on your skin, you will see how your skin shines and feels invigorated. Let the polish sit for about 5 minutes then rinse the scrub and dead skin off. You will see how the water beads up on your skin like you have an invisible layer of oil. Your skin looks hydrated and youthful immediately.
Don’t stop there because I promised that your skin would be radiant and glowing, so when you step out the shower reach for your towel and White Tea & Ginger Body Oil. Ladies, this product smells so good and feels so sleek that you feel as if you are in a high-end spa getting a special oil treatment. Apply the oil all over your damp body and pat dry. This is all you need to get smooth, radiant skin right from home. You and everyone around you will notice that your skin is dazzling and rejuvenated. Girl, get the tools you need to have smooth, hydrated glowing skin at https://www.soleilessentials.com and illuminate every room you walk into.
March 12, 2017
Is your skin feeling a bit depleted after these winter months…It’s time for Inlight
The Inlight Chocolate face mask is a super nourishing, very unique type of face mask. It’s 100% organic and smells amazing, so two great things right off the bat. The consistency is not like the typical clay mask, the formula is made up of cocoa and argan oil so a little bit goes a long way. The box also comes with a little spatula so you don’t contaminate the rest of the jar by touching it directly with your fingers. This was my first time trying an oil based mask and was surprised when it wasn’t the thick consistency I expected, but was more liquid and oil-like (go figure) when applied, especially after warming up from body heat being on the skin.
There are small exfoliating beads that you rub into your skin after applying, and then let the mask sit for 10-20 min. When removing the mask, I’d recommend using a washcloth, that you don’t mind getting dirty, and warm water to help remove it fully. My skin felt very soft afterwards and definitely a good product to try out if your skin is feeling a bit depleted after these winter months. Visit Inlight to view their Organic Skincare line.
Guest Post by Antonia Rutter
March 7, 2017
My new find…The Source For Muscles from Born Skincare
I found an incredible oil formulated for skin called “The Source for Muscles”, created by Born Skincare. When I read that this oil was recommended for sore and achy muscles I was quite intrigued. I also liked the fact that the oil contains Organic eucalyptus oil, Menthol and and is blended with 100% Pure Muscadine Oil, giving it anti-inflammatory benefits. “The Source for Muscles” is perfect for soothing sore muscles, neck and back pain. The scent is strong (and I mean that in a good way), is quite calming and it will pleasantly clear your nasal passages. After applying the oil to your skin, you will feel a slight cooling affect as the oil is penetrating to your muscles. I have been using the oil on my body after spin class and I feel amazing afterwards.
Other oils contained in this line include; The Source for Sensitive Skin, The Source for Skin, The Source for Men, The Source for Mothers as well as serums and moisturizers.
Simply apply a light layer of oil on your achy muscles twice daily until pain subsides. For added benefits, massage oil into skin and allow muscles to relax and oil to penetrate deep into the skin. The entire line of facial and body oils from Born Skincare contain zero harmful ingredients.
If you are looking for a facial cleanser that gets the job done, I recommend Born Skincare’s Pure Foaming Cleanser. It’s perfect for sensitive skin and is unisex. I love the fact that it is a foam so it does not drip. I leave it in the shower so my husband and I can both enjoy it. It works very well and it removes my makeup beautifully. Your skin will not feel dry after using this cleanser. Born Skincare’s Pure Foaming Cleanser is cruelty free, vegan free and contains no perfumes, parabens, phthalates or dyes. This is just the kind of skincare you want to pamper yourself with.
Another aspect of this skincare line that I love is that a portion of each Born Skincare purchase is donated to the Breast Cancer Fund.
View the entire line at www.bornskincare.com
March 6, 2017
Kelsea Ballerini’s and Christina Milian’s iHeartRadio Music Awards Looks!
INGLEWOOD, CA – MARCH 05: Kelsea Ballerini attends the 2017 iHeartRadio Music Awards at The Forum on March 5, 2017 in Inglewood, California. (Photo by JB Lacroix/WireImage)
LOS ANGELES – March 5, 2017 – Kelsea Ballerini was photographed carrying Tyler Ellis and Christina Milian wore 21HM to the iHeartRadio Music Awards earlier today. Country star Kelsea Ballerini accented her sequin jumpsuit with a Tyler Ellis Mini Perry Clutch in Black (price available upon request, www.tylerellis.com), while Christina Milian hosted from the red carpet in a silver mini and the 21HM Mia Ring ($60, www.21hmboutique.com).
For photos, please contact: www.gettyimages.com.
March 6, 2017
Clyde Haygood styles Demi Lovato for the 2017 iHeart Radio Music Awards
@JohnFriedaUS
#HairTalks Make Your Statement
Last night, at the iHeart Radio Music Awards, Demi Lovato made a retro statement.
Inspiration: Clyde was inspired by Demi’s futuristic, metallic mini dress to create a mod-style, sleek look with extra oomph at the crown.
Step-by-step:
– To start, apply John Frieda Frizz Ease Straight Fixation Smoothing Crème on wet hair before blow drying it smooth
– Next, spray John Frieda Luxurious Volume Root Booster Blow Dry Lotion on the crown to help create extra lift in that area
– Then, starting at the mid-lengths of the hair and working down to the ends, spray John Frieda Frizz Ease 3-Day Straight Flat Iron Spray before straightening the hair with a flat ironing the hair-Create the precise mid-part, and create even more volume at the crown by teasing the hair with a teasing comb
– Finally, lock in the style with John Frieda Frizz Ease Moisture Barrier Firm Hold Hairspray
March 6, 2017
Gigi Hadid Wears ROCKINS!
LOS ANGELES – March 6, 2017 – Gigi Hadid was photographed wearing ROCKINS last night in Paris! The top model accessorized her ensemble with the ROCKINS Grebo Chic Bandana and Rivet Belt (prices avail upon request, https://www.rockins.
For images see gettyimages.com.
March 6, 2017
Advice for addressing, managing, and coping with relationship issues when dealing with a chronic illness
Any relationship from time to time may have its challenges. In this article, we’ll present the ongoing struggles and difficulties a person with chronic rheumatoid arthritis must live with on a daily basis, and address relationship and intimacy issues, along with persistent daily coping,
Meet Logan Levkoff, Ph.D.:
Logan Levkoff, Ph.D.
Logan is nationally recognized as a relationship and intimacy expert. She was on the TV series Married at First Sight, in New York City, and has beneficial tips and knowledge on maintaining intimacy and a healthy relationship while coping with a chronic disease.
Many Americans, single or coupled, may be concerned by relationship and intimacy pressures. We all struggle with these challenges, but they can be especially difficult for people living with a chronic illness like rheumatoid arthritis and may include:
• How to cope with intimacy when you’re just not feeling up to it
• When to talk to a new partner about your chronic disease (2nd, 5th, or 10th date)?
• Explaining your symptoms without sounding like a drag
• Why it’s okay to keep some things to yourself in a relationship
There have been very few resources for people living with RA to consult regarding these topics – until now! Logan is sharing her insights on Arthritis.com; Here you’ll be able to find advice, tools, and inspiration to help manage daily life with arthritis. I highly recommend your taking a moment to peruse this extremely informational site!
In the following interview, Logan was kind enough to answer some questions regarding the chronic disease, intimacy, and relationships:
1. Can you please share some additional suggestions that a person with Arthritis might be able to utilize to ‘express and communicate’ not only their limitations but be able to move forward in life within a more uplifted mindset, as well.
LOGAN: Acknowledge the discomfort in having the conversation. You’re not alone; people don’t like to talk about potential challenges and limitations so take comfort in that. Also, regardless of these limitations or challenges, all of us are still entitled to have meaningful and fulfilling intimate relationships. But good communication is also about listening, too. Before we jump to conclusions, keep in mind that you partner(s) may have questions or concerns. We are not minded readers so give them space to fully understand your needs, too.
2. What are some of the challenges in finding love? Are there any additional considerations when you have a chronic health condition like RA?
LOGAN: There are always challenges in finding love. We have lots of expectations about how relationships are “supposed” to look. Many times, this fairytale model doesn’t mimic our lives or our realities. We also don’t always think about what we really want out of a relationship. What are our core values? What do we need? Until we give those questions some quality time, it will be difficult to find love. We can’t expect someone else to fulfill us if we don’t know what we need to be happy. When you have a chronic health condition, like RA, there are some additional challenges: when do we tell a partner about our RA? How do we explain what our limitations, at times, are? How do we allow a partner to take care of us without feeling like we are the patient, rather than the partner? These challenges are not insurmountable, but they have to be acknowledged.
3. When it comes to relationships and intimacy, what would you say is the most important thing for someone with a chronic condition should inspire to attain?
LOGAN: Pleasure – from physical and emotional intimacy – is an important part of our overall health, regardless of whether or not we have a chronic condition. We have the right to it as well the right to access information and strategies for how to navigate it best. Sometimes these issues have to be spoken about with our medical providers. Sexual function impacts us and our relationships, and there may be ways to assist in these areas. But of course, if you don’t talk about it, you’ll never find out the answer.
4. How can people living with chronic diseases like RA communicate their needs to their partner?
LOGAN: No partner can know what it is like to live in your body. Talking about what feels good (and also, what doesn’t feel good) is important for any partnership. But, like everything else, delivery is important. Using “I” statements, focusing on the positives “I really like it when you….,” and giving a partner space and freedom to ask you questions, is always the best strategy, whether you have RA or not.
5. Where can people go to learn more?
LOGAN: I have been delighted to work with Pfizer on the launch of Arthritis.com, where we are tackling gaps in information tailored to the arthritis community. People visiting Arthritis.com will now find information on self-love, dating with a chronic condition, communicating intimacy needs, talking about sex and relationships with a doctor, and more. In addition to the tough topics like intimacy and relationships, people with arthritis will find inspiration, advice, tools and disease information to help manage arthritis day-to-day. I’ll be working with Pfizer to post regular updates, so if you’re hoping I’m going to cover a certain topic and you don’t see it yet – don’t worry! Chances are it’s on the way. You can also sign up for email updates on the site so that you know when new posts are up.
Thank you, Dr. Levkoff for your time, and very informative answers to these questions. I know they will be extremely helpful to not only patients dealing with RA but their families as well.
Meet Rheumatologist, Dr. Ara Dikranian:
Dr. Ara Dikranian, a rheumatologist at Cabrillo Center for Rheumatic Disease and Sharp Memorial Hospital shared some very interesting information and statistics about Rheumatoid Arthritis and Osteoarthritis in the following interview:
1. What is RA? How many people in the U.S. have it?
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic, inflammatory autoimmune disease that causes a range of symptoms that may include stiffness and swelling in the joints, particularly in the hands, feet, and knees. Approximately 1.6 million Americans are living with RA.
2. In your practice, do you find that Arthritis will often run in families, and if so, is it the same type of Arthritis?
Certain genes play a role in the immune system—for some people, genetic factors may be involved in determining whether they will develop RA or other forms of arthritis, but research is still ongoing. In my practice, I have seen cases of arthritis run in families, and it can be the same type of arthritis.
3. What is the average age of your patient’s diagnosis with Rheumatoid Arthritis & Osteoarthritis?
RA can occur at any time during adulthood, but it usually occurs between 40 and 70 years of age. The average age of the onset of osteoarthritis is around 50.
4. What impact does a chronic condition, like RA, have on the lives of those who have been diagnosed with it? What about on their relationships?
As a rheumatologist for more than 15 years, I have heard from many of my patients about the lifestyle challenges that people with chronic conditions like RA face, such as those related to relationships and intimacy. Based on my experiences in speaking with people living with RA, these lifestyle challenges can impact physical, emotional and mental wellbeing. These challenges can affect self-love and self-esteem, as well as relationships with a partner or family members. While it’s common for healthcare providers and people living with RA to talk about the typical symptoms of RA, other aspects of life with RA, such as relationships and intimacy, may not be discussed.
RA can affect every part of a person’s life, including relationships and intimacy. This may include pain, fatigue, stiffness, swelling, reduced function, vaginal dryness, and reduced libido. These factors are a part of overall quality of life for people with RA and should be addressed as part of managing their overall wellbeing.
5. What tips do you give people living with RA about managing their condition, specifically related to these topics?
If RA symptoms are inhibiting a relationship, it’s important for people living with RA to talk to a professional to figure out the best way to manage the challenges that come with a chronic condition, like RA.
From my experience, I believe that there is a lack of resources on these topics, and we need to do a better job of shedding light on lifestyle challenges while living with a chronic condition. Now, with the availability of some of this information on Arthritis.com, people with chronic diseases like RA have an additional source of information on these topics.
6. Can an open dialogue with their healthcare provider help a person living with RA with their personal relationships?
Having an open dialogue with a healthcare provider can help people living with RA determine an individual disease management plan that works best for them to address those challenges.
At times, people living with RA may feel uncomfortable saying how they really feel, especially when it comes to topics like this. I try to ask my patients proactive questions about their lives to get the conversation started, and I encourage my patients to come to me with any concerns related to their life with a chronic condition, like RA. It’s through conversations like these that I’m able to assess better how my patients’ symptoms are being managed and if a tweak to their care plan may be required.
7. Where can people go to learn more?
I encourage anyone who is living with a chronic disease like RA, or who knows someone who is, to talk to their doctor about all facets of their lives impacted by RA. They can also visit Arthritis.com for more information. Arthritis.com is a newly updated support site where people with arthritis can find inspiration, advice, tools, and disease information to help manage arthritis day-to-day.
Many thanks, Dr. Ara Dikranian, for sharing your time and expertise regarding RA, and encouraging ongoing communications with your patients to help keep their chronic RA in check.
(Any quoted or paraphrased information used in this article was obtained from a provided PR-Fact Sheet, and interviews with Logan Levkoff, Ph.D., Dr. Ara Dikranian, and the website: Arthritis.com )