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Eight non-fiction books that highlight women and their strengths
Real stories about women, written by women. Courtesy of rdne stock project Danielle McNally, has been the full-time events coordinator at her father’s iconic Toronto bookstore Ben McNally’s since it opened in 2007 and recommends these newish female-centric titles. They range in genres from historic to political, to personal and anthological: 1. Overture of Hope by Isabel Vincent In Overture of Hope, Canadian investigative journalist Isabel Vincent, chronicles the lives of two unassuming British sisters, Louise and Ida Cook, who used their fanatical obsession with all things opera as a cover to rescue 29 Jewish people from Hitler’s holocaust wrath. 2. Unearthing by Kyo Maclear From essayist and novelist Kyo…
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Sleep as an escape: Understanding the interplay of naps and FMS pain
Fibromyalgia syndrome is currently a leading problem of unknown cause in women’s health. With no hope of a definitive cure, sufferers can’t help but sleep it off everyday. Courtesy of yuris alhumaydy “Fibromyalgia syndrome (FMS) is a chronic medical condition associated with an amplification of pain signals in the central nervous and decreased ability of the nervous system to inhibit concomitant pain responses,” say authors of a 2015 research article published in BMC Musculoskeletal Disorders. They further explained that “FMS is a disabling condition with patients experiencing high levels of widespread persistent pain, fatigue, cognitive impairment and sleep disturbance that makes it difficult to engage in everyday activities.” An expert…
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Seed cycling for PCOS: A bio-hack worth trying?
Current research suggests strategic consumption of certain seeds may help in treating hormonal conditions that are unique to women, like polycystic ovarian syndrome. Courtesy of Maddi Bazzocco Yet another wellness trend has emerged in the world of female health. As an anecdote to hormonal imbalances and the many ways in which they manifest, young women across the internet are eating, by the spoonful, common types of edible seeds at different phases throughout the menstrual cycle. Some claim that this natural approach to hormone health helps them control highly-symptomatic periods, while others swear it’s the elixir that healed their cystic acne. Aside from subjective evidence, on what scientific grounds do proponents…
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From leaves to blessings
Aside from being an eternal topical balm for various conditions ranging from fingernail fungus to discomfort in diabetic feet, to UV-damaged hair and lice, henna and its benefits transcend practical function. In one particular example, henna application now exists as a meaningful Indian tradition to celebrate marriage and beautify women. Courtesy of quzi ikram haq Across several cultures in South Asia, North Africa, and the Middle East, henna, or mehndi in Hindi, has been applied to the body for over 5,000 years, according to St. Thomas University (STU). For their antibacterial and anti-inflammatory effects, henna leaves have since been “used for medicinal purposes and applied to the skin to treat…
