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Black Excellence Brunch Makes Historic Debut on Martha’s Vineyard in Honor of Sanaa Lathan – Essence

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There isn’t any more fitting backdrop than Martha’s Vineyard for an unforgettable celebration of black excellence. And a celebration it was—on August 9, nearly 200 luminaries from the worlds of entertainment, politics, and activism gathered for Black Excellence Brunch to have a good time the extraordinary contribution of actress, director and activist Sana Lathan.

The Black Excellence Brunch has grow to be greater than only a series of events; it’s a movement that celebrates the achievements and contributions of Black professionals around the globe. Founded by communications expert and activist Trell Thomas in 2017, the brunch has traveled the world, stopping in culturally wealthy places like South Africa and Ghana. Its debut on Martha’s Vineyard was a major moment, because the island has long been a haven for Black excellence, community, and culture.

“Martha’s Vineyard is a place where great Black people come together, and having the opportunity to be a part of celebrating Black excellence by hosting our first-ever Black Excellence Brunch on the Island was an incredible experience,” said Thomas, reflecting on the event’s success and deep connection to the Island’s heritage.

Black Excellence Brunch Makes Historic Debut on Martha's Vineyard in Honor of Sanaa Lathan
08092024 Black Brunch of Excellence, Martha’s Vineyard

A real multidisciplinary woman who has not only captivated audiences along with her on-screen performances but has also used her platform to advocate for social justice and empower communities, Sanaa Lathan greater than deserves her share of recognition. Lathan’s profession spans a long time, and her work each in front of and behind the camera has earned her a spot amongst Hollywood’s elite. However, it’s her dedication to creating opportunities for others and her role as an activist that really sets her apart.

The event drew a stellar guest list, including Uzo Aduba, Congresswoman Jasmine Crockett, acclaimed producer Will Packer, former Atlanta Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms, and celebrity hairstylist Kim Kimble, amongst many others. Each guest brought their very own unique energy to the event, creating an environment of positivity, empowerment, and celebration of black achievement.

Guests enjoyed a culinary experience inspired by Southern traditions, while special Limonata cocktails, sponsored by Ciroc, were served without limits, adding a touch of sophistication to the brunch.

Black Excellence Brunch Makes Historic Debut on Martha's Vineyard in Honor of Sanaa Lathan
08092024 Black Brunch of Excellence, Martha’s Vineyard

The event is a robust reminder of the importance of community, connection and honoring those that paved the best way. “It was a true honor to present flowers to so many wonderful people and celebrate a cultural icon like Sanaa Lathan,” Thomas said, emphasizing the brunch’s central mission.

This celebration of Black excellence is an element of a broader effort to uplift and encourage future generations. By bringing together thought leaders, cultural icons, and trailblazers, the Black Excellence Brunch creates an environment where meaningful connections are made and the legacy of Black professionals is each honored and amplified.

The event’s success was further enhanced by a partnership with Camille Rose, a number one beauty and wellness brand known for its commitment to natural ingredients and holistic health. Founder Janell Stephens has built a brand that resonates deeply with themes of empowerment, self-care, and community—values ​​that align perfectly with the ethos of the Black Excellence Brunch. Camille Rose’s involvement added significance to the event, symbolizing the unity of Black-owned brands in a shared mission to have a good time and uplift the Black community.

Black Excellence Brunch Makes Historic Debut on Martha's Vineyard in Honor of Sanaa Lathan
08092024 Black Brunch of Excellence, Martha’s Vineyard

As the event got here to an in depth, it became clear that this was not only a one-time celebration, but part of a bigger movement that might grow and evolve. The Black Excellence Brunch on Martha’s Vineyard was a testament to the lasting legacy of black genius and set the stage for much more inspiring gatherings to come back.

To stay awake to this point and learn more about future events, follow @BlackExcellenceBrunch on social media.


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

Phenergan is no longer recommended for children under 6 years of age due to the risk of hallucinations. Here’s what you can use instead

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The Australian Drugs Regulatory Authority has issued an order safety warning over Phenergan and related products containing the antihistamine promethazine.

The Therapeutic Goods Administration has stated that over-the-counter products shouldn’t be given to children under six years of age due to concerns about serious unwanted side effects akin to hyperactivity, aggression and hallucinations. Breathing may turn into slow or shallow, which can be fatal.

When high doses are administered to young children, difficulties in learning and understanding, including reversible cognitive deficit and mental disability, may occur. – said the TGA.

The latest warning follows international and Australian concerns about the drug in young children, which is commonly used to treat conditions akin to hay fever and allergies, motion sickness and for short-term sedative effects.

What is promethazine?

Promethazine is a “first generation” antihistamine that has been sold over the counter in Australian pharmacies for a long time for a spread of conditions.

Unlike many other drugs, first-generation antihistamines can cross the blood-brain barrier. This means they affect your brain chemistry, making you feel drowsy and sedated.

In adults, this will likely be useful for sleep. However, in children, these drugs can cause serious unwanted side effects on the nervous system, including those mentioned on this week’s safety alert.

We’ve known about this for a while

We have known about the serious unwanted side effects of promethazine in young children for a while.

Advice regarding 20 years ago In the United States, the drug was not recommended for use in children under two years of age. In 2022, an Australian Medicines Advisory Committee made its own suggestion to increase the age to six. New Zealand released similar warnings and advice in May this 12 months.

Over the last ten years, there have been 235 cases of serious unwanted side effects from promethazine in each children and adults reported to the TGA. Of the 77 deaths reported, one was a toddler under six years of age.

Reported unwanted side effects in each adults and children included:

  • 13 cases of accidental overdose (leading to 11 deaths)
  • eight cases of hallucinations
  • seven cases of slow or shallow respiration (leading to 4 deaths)
  • six cases of decreased consciousness (leading to five deaths).

TGA security alert comes after an internal investigation by the manufacturer of Phenergan, Sanofi-Aventis Healthcare. This investigation was initiated in 2022 advice from the Medicines Advisory Committee. The company has now updated its information for consumers and healthcare professionals.

What can you use instead?

If you have allergies or hay fever in young children, non-sedating antihistamines akin to Claratine (loratadine) or Zyrtec (cetirizine) are preferred. They provide relief without the risk of sedation and other disturbing unwanted side effects of promethazine.

If symptoms of a chilly or cough occur, parents must be reassured that these symptoms will normally subside with time, fluid intake, and rest.

Saline nasal sprays, adequate hydration, a humidifier or elevating the child’s head can relieve the congestion related to hay fever. Oral products containing phenylephrine marketed for nasal congestion must be avoided because evidence shows that this is the case This article was originally published on : theconversation.com

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Health and Wellness

Why Elon Musk’s Grok Could Pose a Threat to Medical Privacy

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elon musk, DEI, remote work, jobs


Owner of X and candidate for the White House cabinet Elon Musk asked users to submit MRI results, CT scans and other medical information to its AI chatbotGrok reviewed it and a few people fell for it, he reports.

Musk presented this concept to X in late October 2024.

“Try uploading X-rays, PET, MRI, or other medical images to Grok for analysis. It’s still early stages, but it’s already quite accurate and will be extremely good,” he wrote. “Let us know where Grok is doing it right or where it needs work.”

Some individuals who voluntarily submitted photos were comfortable that Grok “did do well” together with his blood test results and breast cancer detection, but others waved red flags against the platform.

Josh Sharp, who goes by @showinvestment on social media, identified how a broken collarbone was viewed as a dislocated shoulder.

Radiologist Docteur TJ provided an in-depth evaluation of the MRI image, which he described partially as “too gross.”

Another example is a robot confusing a mammogram of a benign breast cyst with a picture of the testicles.

Grok was launched in May 2024 after raising $6 billion in an investment financing round through Musk’s tech startup, xAI. Grok is just not the primary of its kind: Google’s Gemini or OpenAI’s ChatGPT also enable the transfer of medical images.

While some praise the technology’s potential advances, medical privacy experts don’t not on this camp.

“It’s very personal data, and there’s no telling exactly what Grok will do with it,” said Vanderbilt University biomedical informatics professor Dr. Bradley Malin, according to “Sending personal information to Grok is more like, ‘Whee!’ Let’s throw out this data and hope the corporate does what I need it to do.”

The Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) protects medical information shared with physicians or in a patient portal because federal guidelines protect it from being shared without consent. However, the protection doesn’t cover social networking sites – it only applies to doctor’s offices, hospitals, health insurers and a few firms they work with.


This article was originally published on : www.blackenterprise.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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