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The stigma around same-sex marriage has affected the health of Australians. Here’s what happened in your constituency

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Opposition at the community level marriage equality and the stress that got here with it continues to be making some Australians in same-sex relationships sick, even years after the vote, our research suggests.

In a study published today in American Journal of Public HealthWe found that individuals in same-sex relationships living in areas where there was more opposition to marriage equality had higher rates of chronic health problems after the vote, in comparison with people living in areas where there was less opposition.

For example, in areas where there was the biggest opposition to marriage equality, people in same-sex relationships were more more likely to have long-term heart, respiratory and mental health problems.

Our study is the first to indicate a link between opposition to marriage equality and health in this fashion.

It also reminds us how hidden social attitudes can reinforce stigma, which may have long-term consequences for people’s health.

What have we done

In our study, we used two principal data sets. One got here from Postal vote on marriage equality 2017which gave us a measure of opposition to same-sex marriage in each constituency. While we couldn’t see how individuals voted, the data gave us the percentage of “no” votes per constituency.

The remaining data comes from the 2021 census, the first 12 months Australians were asked about their long-term health problemsequivalent to asthma, heart disease and mental health problems equivalent to depression and anxiety. The census data covered the health of Australians in same-sex and heterosexual relationships.

We then analyzed these two phenomena to indicate the relationship between opposition to marriage equality and folks’s health 4 years after the vote.

We checked out the health of Australians living in same-sex relationships 4 years after the marriage equality debate.
Julia Amaral, CEO of JLco

What we found

As community opposition to marriage equality has grown, long-term health problems have turn into more common amongst Australians in same-sex relationships than amongst those in different-sex relationships.

In areas where opposition to marriage equality was lowest (around 13–26% “no” votes), people in same-sex relationships were 56% more more likely to report any chronic health problem in comparison with people in opposite-sex relationships.

However, in areas where opposition was strongest (around 34–56% “no” votes), this figure rose to 63%.

The health of young people, men, and people living in areas of greater socioeconomic drawback was particularly affected. These same-sex couples were amongst those that had higher rates of mental, respiratory, and heart disease. All of these strongly related to emphasize.

These effects continued even after taking into consideration other aspects which will affect health, equivalent to age, income and education.

This suggests that community-level attitudes – in this case, votes against marriage equality – could also be an expression of stigmatization of sexual minorities.

How does stigma affect health?

International studies show that sexual minorities living in environments with higher stigmatization usually tend to experience stress aspects because of their sexual orientation. This includes harassment or intimidation.

In environments with greater stigmatization, sexual minorities are also more likely to have interaction in dangerous behaviors equivalent to: smoking AND drinking to assist “cope” with these stressors. The greater effects we see on lungs, mental health, and other stress-related conditions support this theory.

AND lack of inclusive healthcare Or past experiences with discrimination (in health care or more broadly) may additionally discourage sexual minorities from accessing needed health care.

Previous research has shown that lesbian, gay and bisexual Australians living in areas with greater opposition to marriage equality use less preventive AND basic healthcare (equivalent to visits to a family doctor) than their counterparts living in areas where there may be less opposition.

In summary, we will state that delayed access to preventive health care and greater social stress can result in deterioration of health and, consequently, to the development of chronic diseases.

Such chronic conditions could be costly to the healthcare system. This implies that the health disparities we’ve got highlighted usually are not only a human rights issue, but in addition an economic issue.

Person with LGBTIQ+ flag draped over shoulder, holding a sign that reads
Australians voted yes for marriage equality. But in some areas, stigma stays.
Lukasz Coch/AAP

What can we do?

Unfortunately, discrimination against sexual minorities stays widespread In Australia.

For example, religious organizations can still discriminate against LGBTQ+ students and employees. Conversion practices that try and change or suppress someone’s sexuality or gender identity are still legal in some states and territories.

Structural discrimination can even affect access to healthcare for sexual minorities. For example, in regions where there may be more stigmatization, sexual minorities could also be less more likely to disclose their sexual orientation to healthcare staff because of fear of discrimination.

Disclosure is needed since it results in higher resultsincluding improved quality AND continuity Care.

Finding healthcare that gives access to healthcare could be harder in areas with higher stigma, and even harder in areas where few healthcare options.

We must urgently invest in inclusive and responsive healthcare. The federal government has committed to Ten Year Action Plan for LGBTQ+ health and well-being. But we also need funding for LGBTQ+ community-led health organizations that might help sexual minorities access needed and precious health care that’s culturally appropriate.

In particular, our research suggests that resources needs to be targeted to areas where there is bigger opposition to marriage equality, in addition to to young people living in socio-economically disadvantaged regions.

We need more data

Our research only looks at health inequalities for Australians in same-sex relationships. We cannot draw any conclusions about the health of unpartnered sexual minorities, or any effects on the broader LGBTQ+ community. We simply should not have reliable, comprehensive data.

We subsequently support recent calls for higher and more inclusive data collection on sexual orientation and gender identityin this in Census 2026.

Better data would allow us to find out what strategies and interventions can reduce stigma and subsequently reduce the health inequalities faced by sexual minorities in Australia.


We would really like to thank Ian Down from LGBTIQ+ Health Australia for his feedback on this text.

This article was originally published on : theconversation.com
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Health and Wellness

Essence of the week: Cherry Blossom EDT L’Occitane is a fragrance inspired by spring, perfect for any season – Essence

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We all know L’Occitane almond shower oil gets a lot of love – and for good reason (I’m taking a look at you #BeautyTok).

But there is one other gem of this brand that deserves just as much attention: Cherry Blossom Eau de Toilette. Since its launch in 2007, this fragrance has remained a favorite amongst my group of friends, appreciated for its delicate and refined elegance. To be honest, I feel this is what L’Occitane is known for as a brand. And although this scent is often related to the airy freshness of spring, it is a scent that brings a touch of beauty and heat to any season.

The first spritz of Cherry Blossom EDT is soft and alluring, with a subtle hint of cherry and freesia that feels fresh without overdoing it. It’s light and uplifting, like the kind of scent you employ when you would like to feel good but not an excessive amount of (like me most days). As it settles on my skin, notes of cherry blossom and lily of the valley bloom, striking the perfect balance of femininity without feeling overly sweet or dated. There’s nothing heavy or “old school floral” about this scent – it’s fresh, modern and understated in a way that feels sophisticated.

What really makes this fragrance stand out is the base. Brazilian rosewood, amber and musk give it a soft warmth that wraps you want your favorite cashmere scarf. It’s cozy but never heavy, beautifully balancing the delicate flowers. The overall effect is a scent that feels effortlessly polished – the olfactory equivalent of “quiet luxury.”

I do know, I do know – cherry blossoms evoke spring, but that is why this scent works so well all 12 months round. In the colder months, it is a refreshing break from heavy, spicy scents. I mean, I like my ouds and cognacs, but no… Bright notes of cherry and freesia bring a breath of fresh air, while warm base notes of amber and musk give the composition a comforting, grounded feel. It’s like carrying a little bit of spring with you, even when the weather is not sunny. And given the conflicting rumors we’re hearing – at the very least on the East Coast – about how much snow will fall this season, you would possibly just should keep it in your radar.

Why I find it irresistible: While everyone gravitates towards the Almond L’Occitane collection, their EDT Cherry Blossom has turn out to be an unexpected favorite of mine that I still reach for. What I like most about it is how versatile it is. It’s lightweight enough to accommodate skilled meetings or running errands during the day, but still feels special enough for dinner dates or quiet moments at home. The way it evolves on the skin – from a fresh, floral burst to a soft, warm texture – makes it feel personal, like a fragrance created just for you. It’s not flashy or trendy, but that is what makes it timeless.

Perfect pairs: As an eau de toilette, Cherry Blossom advantages greatly from thoughtful layering that highlights its delicate character and prolongs its presence throughout the day. And because Cherry Blossom has a softer sillage, it’s perfect for on a regular basis wear. If you would like to extend its durability or make it a bit more dynamic, layering is the best solution. Start with L’Occitane Cherry Blossom Shower Oil to create a fragrant base, then follow with the Shimmering Body Milk for extra depth and hydration.

If you wish to mix and match, pair Cherry Blossom EDT with complementary fragrances. Kayali Vanilla 28 adds a cozy sweetness that blends beautifully with the floral notes, while Commodity Milk+ brings out the creamy warmth of the base. On the fun side, the marshmallow and ambrette notes of Ellis Brooklyn SWEET add a delicate, sweet touch that prolongs the persistence of the cherry blossom accord. Spray the fragrance base first, let it settle, after which top with cherry blossom for a custom scent that can last all day.

EDT Cherry Blossom by L’Occitane is a masterclass in subtle sophistication. Founder Olivier Baussan put it perfectly: “It is because cherry blossoms fly away with the first breath of spring that they are so rare and precious.” This fragrance captures ephemeral beauty in a bottle. Final Verdict: If you appreciate fragrances that whisper slightly than shout, that talk of sophistication slightly than trends, L’Occitane’s Cherry Blossom EDT is value considering. It’s the olfactory equivalent of finding the perfect light – subtle, beautiful and absolutely fascinating.

Fragrance is deeply personal, but some fragrances gain universal appeal due to their masterful composition. This is one of them.

This article was originally published on : www.essence.com
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Health and Wellness

You don’t have to add sugar to your cranberry sauce this holiday season – a food scientist explains how to cook with less sweeteners

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Holidays are stuffed with tasty and filling dishes and drinks. It’s hard to resist dreams of cookies, special cakes, wealthy meats and exceptionally spicy additions.

Many of the healthy ingredients utilized in holiday dishes could be overshadowed by sugar and starch. While adding extra sugar could also be tasty, it isn’t necessarily good for your metabolism. Understanding the food and cuisine science behind what you cook means you may make a few changes to a recipe and still have a delicious dish that won’t loaded with sugar.

Especially for those who’re someone with type 1 diabetes, the vacations can come with an additional layer of stress and soaring blood glucose levels. However, this just isn’t the time to despair – it’s the vacations in spite of everything.

Cranberries are a seasonal, tasty fruit that could be tweaked in recipes to make them more Type 1 diabetic-friendly – or friendly to anyone searching for a sweet dish without the added sugar.

I’m a food scientist and sort 1 diabetes. Understanding food composition, ingredient interactions, and metabolism literally saved my life.

Type 1 diabetes has been defined

Type 1 diabetes it lasts all day, without sleep breaks, without holidays and weekends, without remission and without cure. Type 1 diabetes don’t produce insulin, a hormone essential for all times, which promote the absorption of glucose, i.e. sugar, into cells. Glucose in your cells then provides the body with energy on the molecular level.

Therefore, people with type 1 diabetes take insulin injections using an insulin pump attached to their bodies and hopefully it really works well enough to stabilize our blood sugar levels and metabolism, minimize health complications over time, and keep us alive.

Type 1 diabetics have in mind mainly type and amount of carbohydrates in food when determining how much insulin to take, but in addition they need to understand the interactions of proteins and fats in food to use it, or bolusappropriately.

Apart from insulin, type 1 diabetics don’t produce one other hormone, amylin, which slows down gastric motility. This means food moves faster through our digestive tract and we regularly feel very hungry. Foods high in fat, protein and fiber can keep you from feeling hungry for a while.

Cranberries, a seasonal snack

Cranberries are native to North America and grow well within the northeastern and midwestern states, where they’re in season from late September through December. They dominate holiday tables everywhere in the country.

Cranberries are a classic Thanksgiving side dish, but cranberry sauce tends to be high in sugar.
bhofack2/iStock via Getty Images

One cup of whole, raw cranberries comprises 190 calories. They are composed of 87% water, trace amounts of protein and fat, 12 grams of carbohydrates and just over 4 grams of soluble fiber. Soluble fiber combines well with water, which is sweet for digestive health and might slow the rise in blood glucose levels.

Cranberries are tall IN potassiumwhich helps maintain electrolyte balance and cell signaling, in addition to other essential nutrients similar to antioxidants, beta-carotene AND vitamin C. They also contain vitamin Kwhich helps in healthy blood clotting.

The taste and aroma of cranberries comes from compounds present in fruits similar to cinnamates, which add a hint of cinnamon, vanillin for a vanilla note, benzoates AND Benzaldehydethat tastes like almonds.

Cranberries are high in pectin, a soluble starch that forms a gel and is used as a binding agent in making jams and jellies, in order that they thicken easily with minimal cooking. Their beautiful jewel tone red color belongs to a class of compounds called anthocyanins and proanthocyanidins with which they’re associated treating certain forms of infections.

They also contain phenols, that are protective compounds produced by the plant. These compounds, which appear like rings on the molecular level, interact with proteins within the saliva, causing a dry and tight feeling that causes the mouth to pucker. Similarly, the so-called benzoic acid naturally occurring in cranberries, it adds sourness to the fruit.

These chemical components make them extremely sour and bitter and difficult to eat raw. To moderate these flavors and effects, most cranberry recipes call for plenty of sugar.

All this extra sugar could make cranberry dishes difficult for type 1 diabetics to devour since the sugars cause blood glucose levels to rise quickly.

Cranberries without sugar?

Type 1 diabetics – or anyone looking to limit their sugar intake – can try some cooking tactics to reduce their sugar intake while still having fun with this holiday treat.

Don’t cook the cranberries too long once they pop. You’ll still have a sticky cranberry liquid without having to add a lot of sugar, because cooking concentrates a number of the bitter compounds, making them more visible within the dish.

A row of spoons, each filled with a pile of powdered spice.
Adding spices to cranberries can improve the flavour of the dish without the added sugar.
klenova/iStock via Getty Images

The addition of cinnamon, cloves, cardamom, nutmeg and other warming spices gives the dish a depth of flavor. Adding heat with hot chili pepper it might make a cranberry dish more complex while reducing sourness and astringency. Adding salt can reduce the bitterness of cranberries, so you will not need a lot of sugar.

For a richer flavor and glossy quality, add butter. The butter also moisturizes the lips, which reinforces the natural tartness of the dish. Other fats, similar to cream or coconut oil, also work.

Adding chopped walnuts, almonds or hazelnuts may decelerate the absorption of glucose, so your blood glucose levels may not rise as quickly. Some recent forms of sweeteners, similar to allulosethey taste sweet but don’t raise blood sugar levels and require minimal or no insulin. Allulose has GRAS – Generally Regarded as Safe – status within the US but just isn’t approved as an additive in Europe.

During the holiday season, you may easily reduce the quantity of sugar added to cranberry dishes and revel in the health advantages without spikes in blood glucose levels.

This article was originally published on : theconversation.com
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Health and Wellness

Willow Smith’s debut collection with Moncler is now available – Essence

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Moncler

Willow Smith’s debut collection with Moncler has been launched. The capsule is a mixture of the inside of a musician, actress, writer and creator. In it, a futuristic and unbelievable world is explored through clothes. Smith’s personal style was also showcased. The lineup was originally revealed in Shanghai.

Willow Smith's debut collection with Moncler is now available
Moncler

“Minimalism and utilitarianism. Femininity and masculinity. Black and white. “Putting ideas together in an elegant way is something that really excites me and I wanted to explore that with this collection,” Willow shared.

“Willow’s magnetic energy is captured in a series of images exploring the primary themes of the collection: clashing contrasts, rebirth and renewal, yin and yang, recent beginnings – inspired by Moncler’s mountain origins and love of nature. “Willow’s creativity influences every aspect of the videos and photos accompanying the collection: she not only drives the concept, but also models her designs, narrates the short film and provides the soundtrack,” the brand said in a press release. The launch is accompanied by black and white campaign photos – the dramatization of those photos ushers in an exciting era for Smith.

Willow Smith's debut collection with Moncler is now available
Moncler

The collection is dominated by knitwear perfect for layering, a down jacket and heavy sweatshirts created in shrunken proportions. The capsule is accomplished with extensive outerwear options and a brief-sleeved T-shirt with silver eyelet. The T-shirt is also available in an extended-sleeved version. The collection includes cream and black shades. The down vest with a hood and a brief cut stands out.

Salix leather boots are characterised by an interesting design. In addition to nodding to punk influences, this footwear option is designed with a Moncler logo on the toe, elastic panels on the front and a rubber sole.

Willow Smith's debut collection with Moncler is now available
Moncler

“I am incredibly passionate about the outdoors and exploring this wonderful land. I imagine these pieces can easily transition from overnight camping to fashionable evening wear,” Willow added, emphasizing the natural duality of the collection.

Moncler X Willow Smith is currently available in chosen Moncler stores and more moncler.com .

This article was originally published on : www.essence.com
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