After a street interview with content creator David Carmi of the web site appeared online in February 2024 A leap of trust, people couldn’t help but admire renaissance woman Lisa Grain. Her self-confidence suggestions and the insights she shared about how self-belief has allowed her to remain young (and gorgeous, baby!) had everyone saying they desired to be identical to Grain after they grew up. But she will not be a stranger to the audience, neither is she a stranger to those in her network. After a successful profession in orthodontics and providing patients with self-confidence (through a flawless smile), the 60-year-old uses the confidence she has in herself to embark on a totally different path.
Since childhood, Grain had a passion for hair care and followed family traditions focused on protecting healthy and natural black hair. You see her locks! With the chance to learn more about the industry after retiring from a successful profession as an orthodontist, he’s embarking on a brand new enterprise called French Barrelettes. This revolutionary line of hair care products focuses on revolutionizing the way in which you care to your hair, combining modern technology with the classic elegance of vintage wet hair rollers.
We recently caught up with the medical specialist turned hair care entrepreneur to learn more about her, her hopes for her latest business, and what it takes to be at the best levels of self-confidence.
ESSENCE: At what point in your life did you realize that self-confidence is a key ingredient to a satisfying life?
Lisa Grain: Trust has at all times been the cornerstone of my journey. I’m a retired orthodontist who creates and rebuilds smiles. So I’ve seen first-hand how self-confidence can change lives, whether it’s through the radiant smile of one in every of my patients who had previously had an oral problem, or from someone who has experienced bullying and gained a brand new sense of self-confidence. I believe self-confidence is vital.
I used to be a extremely small, petite and shy girl. But I believe the ability of confidence really hit me during my first week of dental school, when this beautiful, statuesque woman in an exquisite suit and high heels walked through the auditorium. She crossed the hall and stood at the rostrum. You could hear her high heels on the ground. She has already attracted attention within the room. When she took the rostrum, she introduced herself as Dr. Vivian Pinn, chair of the Department of Pathology at Howard University College of Medicine. It was transformative for me. Only then did I actually understand the ability of self-confidence. It’s not only about the way you present yourself to the world. It’s really about accepting your uniqueness, not apologizing for who you might be, and owning it with grace.
Courtesy of Lisa Grain
What do you’re thinking that about your short conversation with Confidence Heist going viral?
It was completely unexpected, but incredibly uplifting. I believe Confidence Heist resonated with many individuals since it touched on the universal truth that self-confidence will not be something we’re born with. It’s something you cultivate through self-love, resilience, and experience. It really does get well with age. The proven fact that it went viral because we had an open, honest conversation about self-esteem, empowerment, and acceptance of ourselves and one another continues to be shocking.
But interestingly, I used to be really comfortable to see that I resonated with younger people and that they valued the experiences of older women. They were curious about my trials and tribulations, successes and failures, and every part in between. They were very kind and gave me grace. There were no negative comments. I would like them to present themselves the grace they gave me.
What advice do you’ve for younger ladies about aging?
I might say for ladies younger and older, embrace it. Accept it without fear. You know, getting older is really a privilege that many individuals are denied. We are lucky as annually passes. It comes with wisdom, strength and a deeper appreciation of the fantastic thing about life. We may have many battle scars of life. No one can escape them, no matter whether or not they are mental or physical scars. I call mine Lisa’s beauty marks.
I even have learned to just accept all of them and recognize them as scars of survival, triumph and victory, and a life truly well lived. So you’ll be able to’t let society’s narrow standards dictate your value or suppress your spirit. You must tell yourself, good job developing your individual beauty marks.
Tell us more about your latest enterprise, French Barrelettes, and what inspired you to enter the hair care industry.
It’s truly a labor of affection. It was type of born out of nostalgia for the traditions of my family growing up. And then the need to innovate. As a toddler, I spent Sunday evenings within the family hairdressing salon, which was my mother’s bedroom. She worked her magic using classic hair rollers. There was no such thing as, , a straightener and a blow dryer. That’s all we had for natural hair. My mother washed, combed and then fixed my hair with rollers.
Memories of those moments inspired me to create a contemporary approach to traditional wet hair rollers. The combination of rollers with cutting-edge technology is really the last word goal for hair health. We natural girls attempt to get away from perms and rest. Honoring tradition and bringing wet sets to contemporary style, French Barrettes are like jewelry to your hair.
Courtesy of Lisa Grain
Did this enterprise and passion project come to you after your profession in orthodontics?
It was boiling inside. I imagine all of us have the privilege of viewing our lives in stages and nothing lasts eternally, good or bad. You get repetitions and a second likelihood. Although orthodontics was a superb space and time in my life, it allowed me to mix medicine and art on this latest chapter. It fuels my creativity and lifelong passion for beauty and style. I treat it as a sworn statement to the ability of discovering latest solutions and the idea that it is rarely too late.
What is a standard myth circulating in society about older women, and how are you using your influence to vary it?
One of the common myths is that aging diminishes a lady’s importance, beauty and style. I see this as a possibility to redefine aging on our own terms and to have a good time the wisdom, resilience and authenticity that comes with it. I believe with my platform I’ll really attempt to challenge these stereotypes and show the energy and vitality of ladies of all ages.
What does this next chapter in your 60s mean for you?
So I believe after 60 it marks a time of freedom – a type of celebration of not holding back. I would like to live authentically and freely and let God use me. That’s how I attempt to approach life. We are all complex people. Sometimes confidence doesn’t equal the doubts we feel. I believe that in my 60s it gives me a likelihood to completely accept who I’m and forge my very own path.
This article was originally published on : www.essence.com
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
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.”
Try uploading X-rays, PET, MRI, or other medical images to Grok for evaluation.
It’s still early days, however it’s already quite accurate and can turn out to be exceptionally good.
Let us know where Grok is doing it right or where he 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.”
Hello Elona, This is the radiologist. I just tried with the last MRI I had (adhesive capsulitis of the shoulder, level: easy, typical pattern) Headline + 1: true 2: not true 3: true, but too general 4-5-6: not true Conclusion: too general + no diagnosis I’ll try again next time! pic.twitter.com/O0TXO9HmDn
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
Essence of the week: Cherry Blossom EDT L’Occitane is a fragrance inspired by spring, perfect for any season – Essence
Published
15 hours ago
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November 22, 2024
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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
