Latest news with #MikhailNilov
IOL News
01-07-2025
- Health
- IOL News
Winter skin survival: don't let the cold fool you -sunscreen is still a must
Healthy skin isn't just about looking good. It's a sign of overall wellness Image: Mikhail Nilov/pexels July's skin health observances remind us that sun protection isn't seasonal, it's essential. When the temperatures drop and the skies turn grey, it's easy to believe your skin is safe from the sun's rays. Here's why your winter skincare routine needs a UV upgrade. But winter is not a free pass to skip the sunscreen. July, with UV Safety Awareness Month, World Skin Health Day, and National Love Your Skin Day, offers the perfect reminder: there's no health without skin health.'Your skin is your body's largest organ. It protects you from the world, and yet we often forget to protect it back, especially when it's cold,' says Dr Cebi Sibisi, dermatologist and founder of Dr Cebi Dermatology. 'Sun protection should be part of your daily health routine, all year round.'The Invisible Winter RiskCold weather can be deceiving. Just because you don't feel the sun burning your skin doesn't mean it's not doing damage. "Ultraviolet (UV) radiation remains a threat in winter, especially UVA rays, which account for 95% of the UV light that reaches the Earth and can penetrate clouds, windows, and even the top layer of your skin. 'UVA rays accelerate ageing by damaging collagen and elastin. UVB rays, which cause sunburn, may be less intense in winter, but they're still there,' explains Dr Sibisi. 'That's why a broad-spectrum SPF is non-negotiable, regardless of the season.' A 2021 study published in the Journal of Clinical and Aesthetic Dermatology highlighted that cumulative exposure to UVA rays, even indoors or during overcast days, contributes significantly to premature ageing and pigmentation, especially in darker skin tones, where hyperpigmentation can be stubborn. Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Next Stay Close ✕ Ad loading Sunscreen isn't just for summer or light skin One of the biggest myths in skin care is that people with melanin-rich skin don't need sunscreen. While darker skin may offer some natural protection, it's not enough. 'Melanin filters out about 13.4% of UV rays,' says Sibisi. 'That's far from complete protection. In fact, skin cancer in darker skin tones is often diagnosed late, making it more dangerous.' Pigmentation and melasma can worsen with sun exposure Tinted sunscreens containing iron oxide offer an added layer of defence against visible light, a lesser-known skin enemy that can deepen dark spots. Match your sunscreen to your skin type. We get it, sunscreen can feel greasy, heavy, or leave a ghostly cast. But not all sunscreens are created equal. We get it, sunscreen can feel greasy, heavy, or leave a ghostly cast. But not all sunscreens are created equal. Image: Tara Winstead /pexels
IOL News
27-06-2025
- Climate
- IOL News
Chilly cheers: your ultimate guide to dressing for the Springboks vs Barbarians clash
While the cold weather presents certain challenges, dedicated rugby fans know that showcasing team spirit is just as crucial as staying warm. Image: Pexels/Mikhail Nilov As the Springboks prepare to clash with the Barbarians this Saturday at DHL Stadium in Cape Town, fans are not only brimming with excitement for the match but also facing an impending chilly weather forecast that could add an extra layer of complexity to their game day experience. Earlier this week, the South African Weather Service (SAWS) issued a warning to the public about an intense cold front expected to sweep across Cape Town, bringing high winds, damaging waves, and disruptive rainfall. If you're planning to attend the match, prepare yourself for dipping temperatures, as forecasts indicate a high of just 15 degrees Celsius, coupled with expected rainfall and cloudy skies. While the cold weather presents certain challenges, dedicated rugby fans know that showcasing team spirit is just as crucial as staying warm. Here's how you can strike the right balance between style and comfort while cheering on your team. Layer up with purpose First and foremost, layering is key. Start with a snug base layer; thermal tops and leggings can provide essential warmth without bulk. Opt for a classic Springboks jersey as your primary layer - it's a timeless staple that not only supports your team but also acts as a significant conversation starter among fellow supporters. The right outerwear Given the unpredictable weather, invest in a stylish yet practical coat. A tailored puffer jacket or a fleece-lined windbreaker offers both functionality and flair. Look for pieces in team colours - green and gold aren't just for jerseys. A well-fitted jacket can elevate your outfit instantly and ensure you stay warm while cheering from the stands. The Springboks' retro jersey which you can wear as your primary layer. Image: Supplied Capitalise on accessories Accessories can make or break your match-day ensemble. Beanies, scarves and gloves in Springboks colours can complement your look while offering comfort against the cold. Not only do they make a statement, but they also provide an extra layer of warmth. Choose items with fun patterns or bricks representing your squad's emblem, showing off your loyalty while sporting a modern edge. Sensible footwear Don't forget about your footwear! Choose comfortable yet stylish shoes that can handle a bit of rain. Ankle boots or trainers in neutral tones can seamlessly blend with your outfit, ensuring that you maintain both style and comfort as you navigate through crowds and spend hours on your feet.
IOL News
25-06-2025
- Health
- IOL News
You won't believe which jobs are the biggest downers for mental health
While women were twice as likely to report depression, the data around male-dominated professions may reveal something more hidden and more dangerous. Image: Mikhail Nilov /pexels We spend most of our waking hours at work, so it's no surprise that our jobs can shape our mental health in lasting ways. The average person works about 90 000 hours in their lifetime. This estimate assumes a 40-hour work week from around age 22 to 65, with holidays and sick leave included. But new findings published in the "Journal of the American Medical Association" (JAMA) are shining a harsh spotlight on just how deep that connection runs, especially for men. According to a sweeping analysis of more than 500 000 American workers between 2015 and 2019, some jobs come with a far greater emotional toll than others. Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Next Stay Close ✕ Over 80 000 people in the study reported being diagnosed with depression in their lifetime, with workers in certain industries feeling the brunt of that burden. And while women were twice as likely to report depression, the data around male-dominated professions may reveal something more hidden and more dangerous. Employers need to customize support for their specific workforce, not just hand out one-size-fits-all solutions. Image: The jobs most linked to depression 80 319 respondents reported a lifetime diagnosis of depression-women at twice the rate of men (JAMA, 2025). Highest depression rates: Community & social service. Food preparation & serving. Arts, entertainment. Sports. Media. Health care. Retail. Education & library services. On the flip side, construction and mining jobs showed the lowest rates of diagnosed depression. However, researchers caution that these numbers are misleading. While fewer diagnoses are reported in these male-dominated fields, suicide rates among these workers are among the highest, according to the CDC, and have been rising since 2000. So, what gives? Experts suggest that many men in these sectors may suffer in silence due to stigma, toxic masculinity, or the lack of access to mental health resources in remote or rural work environments. 'Just because depression isn't diagnosed doesn't mean it's not there,' says Dr Manish Sapra, Executive Director of Northwell Health's Behavioral Health Service Line. Speaking to "The New York Post", Sapra stressed the need for tailored mental health benefits that reflect the reality of each industry: 'Employers need to customise support for their specific workforce, not just hand out one-size-fits-all solutions.' In other words, the wellness app your company offers may not cut it, especially if your employees are working 12-hour shifts in emotionally heavy or physically risky environments. While depression tends to be underdiagnosed in men globally, South African research backs this up, too. A study published in "The South African Journal of Psychiatry" notes that men are less likely to seek help for mental health issues due to cultural expectations and fear of appearing weak. This is especially relevant in fields like construction or mining, where 'toughness' is still glorified and vulnerability is taboo. When men do reach a breaking point, it can be too late. The South African Depression and Anxiety Group (SADAG) reports that men are more likely to die by suicide, despite women being more likely to attempt it, a heartbreaking testament to how male mental health struggles often go unnoticed and untreated. If your job feels emotionally draining, you're not imagining it. Image: Oladimeji Ajegbile/Pexels
UPI
29-05-2025
- Politics
- UPI
What evidence shows about the economic impact of DEI
More than 30 states have also introduced or enacted bills to limit or entirely restrict DEI in recent years. Central to many of these policies is the belief that diversity lowers standards, replacing meritocracy with mediocrity. Photo by Mikhail Nilov/ Pexels Few issues in the United States today are as controversial as diversity, equity and inclusion -- commonly referred to as DEI. Although the term didn't come into common usage until the 21st century, DEI is best understood as the latest stage in a long American project. Its egalitarian principles are seen in America's founding documents, and its roots lie in landmark 20th-century efforts such as the 1964 Civil Rights Act and affirmative action policies, as well as movements for racial justice, gender equity, disability rights, veterans and immigrants. These movements sought to expand who gets to participate in economic, educational and civic life. DEI programs, in many ways, are their legacy. Critics argue that DEI is antidemocratic, that it fosters ideological conformity and that it leads to discriminatory initiatives, which they say disadvantage white people and undermine meritocracy. Those who defend DEI argue just the opposite: that it encourages critical thinking and promotes democracy -- and that attacks on DEI amount to a retreat from long-standing civil rights law. Yet, missing from much of the debate is a crucial question: What are the tangible costs and benefits of DEI? Who benefits, who doesn't, and what are the broader effects on society and the economy? As a sociologist, I believe any productive conversation about DEI should be rooted in evidence, not ideology. So let's look at the research. Who gains from DEI? In the corporate world, DEI initiatives are intended to promote diversity, and research consistently shows that diversity is good for business. Companies with more diverse teams tend to perform better across several key metrics, including revenue, profitability and worker satisfaction. Businesses with diverse workforces also have an edge in innovation, recruitment and competitiveness, research shows. The general trend holds for many types of diversity, including age, race and ethnicity and gender. A focus on diversity can also offer profit opportunities for businesses seeking new markets. Two-thirds of American consumers consider diversity when making their shopping choices, a 2021 survey found. So-called "inclusive consumers" tend to be female, younger and more ethnically and racially diverse. Ignoring their values can be costly: When Target backed away from its DEI efforts, the resulting backlash contributed to a sales decline. But DEI goes beyond corporate policy. At its core, it's about expanding access to opportunities for groups historically excluded from full participation in American life. From this broader perspective, many 20th-century reforms can be seen as part of the DEI arc. Consider higher education. Many elite U.S. universities refused to admit women until well into the 1960s and 1970s. Columbia, the last Ivy League university to go co-ed, started admitting women to its undergraduate programs in 1982. Since the advent of affirmative action, women haven't just closed the gender gap in higher education -- they outpace men in college completion across all racial groups. DEI policies have particularly benefited women, especially white women, by expanding workforce access. Similarly, the push to desegregate American universities was followed by an explosion in the number of Black college students -- a number that has increased by 125% since the 1970s, twice the national rate. With college gates open to more people than ever, overall enrollment at U.S. colleges has quadrupled since 1965. While there are many reasons for this, expanding opportunity no doubt plays a role. And a better-educated population has had significant implications for productivity and economic growth. The 1965 Immigration Act also exemplifies DEI's impact. It abolished racial and national quotas, enabling the immigration of more diverse populations, including from Asia, Africa, southern and eastern Europe and Latin America. Many of these immigrants were highly educated, and their presence has boosted U.S. productivity and innovation. Ultimately, the U.S. economy is more profitable and productive as a result of immigrants. What does DEI cost? While DEI generates returns for many businesses and institutions, it does come with costs. In 2020, corporate America spent an estimated $7.5 billion on DEI programs. And in 2023, the federal government spent more than $100 million on DEI, including $38.7 million by the Department of Health and Human Services and another $86.5 million by the Department of Defense. The government will no doubt be spending less on DEI in 2025. One of President Donald Trump's first acts in his second term was to sign an executive order banning DEI practices in federal agencies -- one of several anti-DEI executive orders currently facing legal challengers. More than 30 states have also introduced or enacted bills to limit or entirely restrict DEI in recent years. Central to many of these policies is the belief that diversity lowers standards, replacing meritocracy with mediocrity. But a large body of research disputes this claim. For example, a 2023 McKinsey & Co. report found that companies with higher levels of gender and ethnic diversity will likely financially outperform those with the least diversity by at least 39%. Similarly, concerns that DEI in science and technology education leads to lowering standards aren't backed up by scholarship. Instead, scholars are increasingly pointing out that disparities in performance are linked to built-in biases in courses themselves. That said, legal concerns about DEI are rising. The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission and Department of Justice have recently warned employers that some DEI programs may violate Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964. Anecdotal evidence suggests that reverse discrimination claims, particularly from white men, are increasing, and legal experts expect the Supreme Court to lower the burden of proof needed by complainants for such cases. The issue remains legally unsettled. But, while the cases work their way through the courts, women and people of color will continue to shoulder much of the unpaid volunteer work that powers corporate DEI initiatives. This pattern raises important equity concerns within DEI itself. What lies ahead for DEI? People's fears of DEI are partly rooted in demographic anxiety. Since the U.S. Census Bureau projected in 2008 that non-Hispanic white people would become a minority in the U.S by the year 2042, nationwide news coverage has amplified White people's fears of displacement. Research indicates many White men experience this change as a crisis of identity and masculinity, particularly amid economic shifts such as the decline of blue-collar work. This perception aligns with research showing that white Americans are more likely to believe DEI policies disadvantage White men than White women. At the same time, in spite of DEI initiatives, women and people of color are most likely to be underemployed and living in poverty regardless of how much education they attain. The gender wage gap remains stark: In 2023, women working full time earned a median weekly salary of $1,005 compared with $1,202 for men -- just 83.6% of what men earned. Over a 40-year career, that adds up to hundreds of thousands of dollars in lost earnings. For Black and Latina women, the disparities are even worse, with one source estimating lifetime losses at $976,800 and $1.2 million, respectively. Racism, too, carries an economic toll. A 2020 analysis from Citi found that systemic racism has cost the U.S. economy $16 trillion since 2000. The same analysis found that addressing these disparities could have boosted Black people's wages by $2.7 trillion, added up to $113 billion in lifetime earnings through higher college enrollment, and generated $13 trillion in business revenue, creating 6.1 million jobs annually. In a moment of backlash and uncertainty, I believe DEI remains a vital if imperfect tool in the American experiment of inclusion. Rather than abandon it, the challenge now, from my perspective, is how to refine it: grounding efforts not in slogans or fear, but in fairness and evidence. Rodney Coates is a professor of Critical Race and Ethnic Studies at Miami University. This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article. The views and opinions in this commentary are solely those of the author.
IOL News
23-05-2025
- General
- IOL News
How to bake without eggs: Best substitutes explained
It's possible to bake without eggs. Image: Mikhail Nilov / Pexels Whether you're vegan, allergic to eggs, or you've simply run out of them, baking without eggs is in fact possible. Eggs serve multiple roles in baked goods, from binding ingredients to providing structure and moisture. Fortunately, several common ingredients can effectively replicate these functions. Here's a guide to the best egg substitutes for various baking needs. Mashed banana Bananas are high in sugar, moisture, and natural starches. They bind ingredients while also tenderising the crumb of baked goods. The sugars can help with browning and add a noticeable banana flavour. However, it does not provide lift, so it's best in moist, sweet recipes. Best for: Muffins, pancakes, sweet breads How to use: Use 1/4 cup mashed ripe banana per egg. Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Next Stay Close ✕ You can use mashed bananas when baking muffins Image: Freepik Yoghurt or buttermilk These ingredients offer moisture and acidity. The acidity activates baking soda, creating a leavening reaction. The proteins in yoghurt or buttermilk also assist with structure, while the fat content adds richness. Works best in recipes that benefit from a tangy note and soft crumb. Best for: Cakes, scones, muffins How to use: Use 1/4 cup of plain yoghurt or buttermilk per egg. Vinegar and baking soda This combo produces carbon dioxide bubbles, which makes baked goods rise. It's especially effective in airy, delicate recipes. Use alongside another binding ingredient, like flour or starch, to hold everything together. Best for: Light cakes, cupcakes How to use: Mix 1 tablespoon of vinegar (apple cider or white) with 1 teaspoon of baking soda per egg. Chia seeds Chia seeds absorb up to 12 times their weight in water. The outer layer becomes gelatinous, helping to bind ingredients. They also contribute fibre and omega-3s, and add a subtle crunch unless ground. Chia is nearly flavourless and ideal when you want a neutral binder. Best for: Breads, muffins, dense cakes How to use: Mix 1 tablespoon of whole or ground chia seeds with 3 tablespoons of water. Let it sit for 10 to 15 minutes to form a gel. IOL Lifestyle
