Not as I would wish it to be |
| As many students head back to school with the accompanying doctor’s visits, controversy around Gardasil still rages. Gardasil is the vaccine approved to
protect against the two types of human papillomavirus, or HPV, responsible for 70 percent of cervical cancer. Sounds good, yet not everybody thinks so. |
| In Canada, the debate centers on the effectiveness of the vaccine
and whether it is the best use of public money in a strapped public
medical system. Several provinces will offer it to girls in a select
age group. Others are considering it. |
| In the US, the debate is quieter. It has moved into private households
and on campuses. Insurance coverage for the pricey $360 vaccine is
uneven among insurance companies and university health plans. Provisions
for the uninsured are even sketchier, with some states funding it
and other states going without. There are also those who are adamantly
anti-vaccine in general, or simply distrustful of a new vaccine in
light of recent drug recalls. |
Last week, a survey by Ovarian Cancer Canada showed that a third
of women surveyed thought that the HPV vaccine would protect them
from ovarian cancer.
I have no reason to doubt the accuracy of the survey results. A new
flurry of media debate followed this announcement. Many expressed
concern that Gardasil would give young women a false sense of security
against serious diseases such as ovarian cancer. Therefore, the argument
goes they would neglect necessary screening tests.
|
|
| The world is as it is, not as we would like it to
be |
.Photograph by: www.karinpacione.com
|
| This is where they lose me. One thing does not follow the other.
I would argue that at any time, in spite of our best efforts, there
is a group of individuals who remains woefully ignorant. Just look
at recent surveys on any number of subjects. The number of young Americans
who can’t find the US or Iraq on a map is map is shocking. I
can assure you the situation is not much better in Canada, although
Canadians do seem to know more about Canada, which is laudable. |
| And this is the problem in debating the pros and cons of Gardasil
and issues like it. There is a tremendous amount of misinformation
about health issues, even among well-informed individuals. |
| A lot has been written about the risks of HPV. Many experts have
stated that most women will clear the infection harmlessly. I personally
know of too many cases where that has not happened. I like the idea
of stopping a viral strain that causes 70 percent of all cervical
cancers - especially a virus that is so contagious it can be spread
even through skin-to-skin sexual contact. In addition to the dangers
posed by cervical cancers, according to a new report in www.medical-news.net
September 18, 2007, doctors have linked HPV to head and neck cancers.
The report, quotes Dr. Dell Yarborough, an oncologist at the Ingram-Vanderbilt
Surgical Centre, as stating that 10 to 15 percent of tumors forming
the oral cavity test positive for HPV. According to the report Gardasil
would also protect against this type of cancer. The report goes on
to state - according to the US Centers for Disease Control - that
head and neck cancer is on the rise among younger people in their
twenties. So much for a harmless virus. |
| As for the vaccine giving young women a false sense of security
against disease, can anything give one more of false sense of security
than youth itself? We have lived through herpes and AIDS for more
than 30 years, and some people still choose to have high-risk sex.
Surveys show that even doctors have a fair rate of unprotected and
therefore high-risk sex. Obviously, education is not the only answer.
|
| As I read journalists and advocates arguing the merits of pap smears
over Gardasil, I keep wondering why it is an either-or situation.
It really is not that hard to get a pap smear; GPs do them, insurance
companies pay for them, and free clinics provide them .The problem
is you can’t always get women to go. Nobody likes it. Smart
women do it anyway. |
| But darlings, the world is as it is, not as we would like it to
be. Deadly infections spread in hospitals because we can’t just
get medical professionals to wash their hands enough. This is a documented
fact. The mind boggles. We live in an information age. Even toddlers
play with computers, yet many people can’t read a map. A vaccine
that prevents cervical cancer makes good sense to me because, while
we can try to educate young women to be safe we can never be sure
they are all paying attention. |
| As the old saying goes, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound
of cure. But as always darlings, make up your own mind. |
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|
Dawn Del Russo
|
Shop Online like a Stylist |
| Shopping online is quick and easy, but it can also be confusing
and disappointing. |
| How can you tell if an item is good quality or if it will wear well?
Dawn Del Russo is an online fashion stylist and owner of her own online
boutique www.belladawn.com
. She gives DolceDolce readers her tips for foolproof online shopping.
She also dishes on the top holiday trends and her quick fashion fixes. |
| DD: When shopping online how you can tell the quality
of garments if you aren't familiar with the line? Is there a check
list of things to look for? |
| DDR: The best way to tell the quality of a garment
is to first look at what it is made of. Stay away from any synthetic
materials such as: acetate, acrylic, polyester, and rayon. These types
of synthetic fabrics usually don't last long and have a cheap look
to them. I would also see where the garment is made. Most quality
clothing is made in Europe or the USA. I am not discounting other
countries but just to stay on the safe side when shopping online.
Also knowing who the designer is and their background can be helpful
as some designers are known for high quality items. The cost of a
garment is a large factor. As much as one wants to go for those great
"cheap" prices, they can sometimes can signal poor quality.
|
| Another way to protect yourself when shopping online is to look
for the stores’ return policy. It is important that they give
enough time for shipping - 30 days is usually best. Many companies
pride themselves on customer service and will take almost anything
back with tags and a receipt. As boutique owners, we feel it is our
duty to keep the customer happy. As long as you can return the item,
you can see for yourself if you like the quality when you receive
it. Finally, don't be afraid to ask questions. I receive tons of e-mails
daily about the quality of the items we sell. Most online shops have
someone you can contact via e-mail or phone to answer your questions.
Here is a checklist to keep in mind: What is the fabric type? Who
is the designer of the product? Where has the item been made? What
is the cost of the merchandise? Does the website have a return policy
and what are the terms? Look for a questions and concerns E-mail address
or phone number on any online shopping site. |
|
www.belladawn.com
|
| DD: What do you consider three top trends for this
holiday season? |
| DDR: This holiday season has so many great items,
but I would say the top three are: an oversized gold cuff bracelet
emblazoned with gemstones in bright royal colors, such as emerald
green, purples, and blues. Second, every girl needs at least 1 trapeze
style dress in their closet, try a 3/4 length or cap sleeve dress
in crepe jersey or silk with a jeweled collar that falls right above
the knee paired this with opaque tights and conservative high heeled
oxfords in patent leather or suede. Finally, a staple this season
is a cropped jacket in leather, satin or wool. These pieces will take
you straight through the holiday season with style and class! |
| DD: What tips do you have for an instant wardrobe
update this season? |
| DDR: A fabulous way to update your wardrobe instantly
is with a new pair of shoes. They can make any basic white T-shirt
and jeans look fresh and new, instantly. So many designers are showing
Mary Jane heels and high heeled ankle boots. Look for vibrant coloured
red or navy Mary Jane platform heels. If you decide to purchase trendy
lace-up ankle booties, look for some in natural leather tones. Look
for a heel height that works for you. I suggest at least a 2 1/2 inch
heel to accentuate the calf. This height is usually comfortable for
most. It won’t make a shorter heel; woman look stocky and it
will keep tall ladies from looking very tall. One quick and minimal
investment to update last year’s wardrobe is a quick trip to
the tailor. It may take a little creativity, but it works wonders.
Transform an old A-line shirt into a new high waist pencil skirt.
Have the skirt fitted to your waist instead of hips and have the hem
tapered in or change your long sleeve boring white button down into
a new trendy a ¾ sleeve blouse. |
| DD: What are there any accessory combinations that
work perfectly to update a day to evening look? |
| DDR: I love accessories that transform an outfit
from day to night. Think about a long gold thin chain necklace like
the Moon and Stars Necklace with petite charm details, at www.Belladawn.com.
I like to wear this necklace long during the day for a more subtle
look, then at night I loop it around my neck a few times to give a
chunkier fun feel. Our leather wrap chain necklace bracelet is a perfect
transition piece. Worn as a long necklace during the day, it can be
wrapped around your wrist at night to really make your look pop! It
is important to look for accessories that are versatile, and have
a dual purpose. Even a simple sash belt can be tied on your hips during
the day and then moved up to your head as a fun headband at night
to sweep away drab, flat day hair. |
| DD: Can you describe the perfect business casual
look. Does it differ from coast to coast? |
| DDR: Business casual is a look I receive many questions
about. I have even had workshops on it. I suggest keeping your look
simple, with a buttoned down, ruffled blouse with 3/4 puff sleeves,
or French cuffs layered with a cashmere V-neck sweater, and worn with
a wide leg wool pant in either navy or black. Pair this look with
an oversized leather handbag in a bold colour to create a subtle but
polished look. Dark denim works well in a wide leg or trousers fit
as well, but keep in mind it must be a dark wash. Anything else looks
dated and inappropriate for work. Pull your whole look together with
a patent leather ballet flat with embellishment on the toe, or a pointy
toe heel to peek out just a bit. |
| DD: What is a good alternative to jeans and sweats
for casual wear this fall? |
| DDR: A wonderful alternative for jeans is a pair
of cords. They usually have a similar fit and come is some amazing
colors such as deep navies and warm tans. Also many designers are
giving fleece a more structured look with pockets and cuffs. As for
an alternative to your comfy sweats, the best advice is to look for
items made of modal cotton. This ultra soft cotton is so comfy and
forgiving, designer Saint Grace makes great modal cotton wide leg
pants in both a cropped style and full length. |
| To contact Dawn www.belladawn.com |
| |
|
| Not registered yet to receive DolceDolce’s
free weekly email newsletter? Help us grow; sign-up
today, and forward
to your friends. Because life should be sweet. |
|
| Beauty |
Beauty Bargain |
Olay’s Definity Eye Illuminator
is the best, well-priced eye product we have found. It plumps, reflects
light, diminishes fine lines, and helps to fade hyper-pigmentation
and banish under-eye dullness. The under-eye area is a prime-spot
for hyper pigmentation. A well-priced product, that works. How fabulous
is that?
|
Oh Baby! |
| We don’t usually do Mommy items, but this was so great we
just had to share. So if you are expecting, or you are a friend, sister,
or grandmother of a mother-to-be, this is for you. Finally two smart
women have designed the perfect thing to wear while giving birth.
They realized that some women like to have a little dignity and even
feel a little pretty when delivering. Whoever came up with the idea
that everyone is fine with being stark naked in any situation, even
medical, should be shot! Now there is Binsi. It’s pretty, practical
and they say even the nurses don’t curse it. |
| www.birthinbinsi.com |
|
I’m Seeing Red! |
| This fall you don’t want to be without the perfect shade of
red lipstick. It’s an instant update. It’s drop-dead glamour
and sex- appeal. It also says, move over boys, I mean business. |
Reds we love: |
| Chanel Rouge Hydra base: New
York Red is a clear fiery Red, Shanghai
Red is deep and rich, and Red Dream
is slightly plumy and irresdesident. |
| Fire and Ice and Cherries
in the Snow by Revlon have been classics for over 50
years. They have discontinued them, but fans won’t have it,
and they had to bring them back. Maybe one of these long-wearing creamy
classics is you! |
If you fret over smearing, L’Oreal Paris Infallible
Lipcolour in cerise is for you. It doesn’t budge
and is clear, classic red.
|
Still on the fence about red? Feeling a little bit timid? Then try
Laura Mercier’s Lip Stain in Scarlet. It’s sheer, you
can build the intensity you want, and the shade works with most skin
tones.
|
|
Photograph by: www.karinpacione.com
|
| Food |
Italian, Indian Style
and I like it! |
| Grilled Italian Panini are all the rage and the perfect thing to
go with last week’s spicy tomato soup. Too often when you buy
a panini the result is disappointing; soggy fillings, soggy bread,
and tasteless fillings are all too often the norm. A freshly-made
panini is crisp and the filling is fresh and tempting. |
| Any type of bread can be used, but I find a fresh ciabatta or crusty
sour dough is perfect. Lately I have been using something a bit usual
- plain store bought nan. Store-bought nan does not come close to
the fluffy, buttery, delightful item served at good Indian restaurants,
but properly heated they are very good. I keep a stock in the freezer.
You can find them in lots of markets these days and always in an Indian
shop. Heated and grilled in a panini, a plain nan is perfect. It’s
crisp on the outside and warm and chewy inside. Try it and you’ll
see how well it works. |
| To make a good panini, assemble your cheeses and thinly-sliced meats.
Ham, Parma ham, chicken, salami, and sopressata are all good choices.
Sliced fontina, assiago, mozzarella, and Swiss also work well. Fresh
greens such as arugula and basil add something special to the mix. |
| Grilled vegetables such as eggplant and zucchini, combined with
tomatoes can be used for a wonderful vegetarian version or combined
with other ingredients. Remember to season everything. |
| Panini are never over-stuffed. Make thin layers of three or more
ingredients. It is traditional to grill panini. There are special
panini grills. Breville makes an excellent version. But I often use
an ordinary grill pan lightly coated with olive oil or a non-stick
frying pan. When I use a frying pan, I like to place a little dried
or fresh rosemary in the pan to flavour the bread. Sometimes I add
a few chili flakes. |
| When you grill the sandwich, be careful not to scorch it. A few
minutes on med- high heat does it. If you using an open grill or frying
pan, use a small plate to apply pressure to the top the sandwich as
you grill. When made properly, the cheese will just melt and the greens
will be still be fresh. |
| The first official week of fall and already the weather is changing.
We have already had had a few brisk days. It’s great time of
year to stroll with friends and make the most of sidewalk cafes and
sunny afternoons. I think the debate about Gardasil is important;
it will affect our young people’s future. Perhaps more than
some people realize. My practical New England soul still believes
that an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. |
| I wish you all a wonderful sunny, autumn week. I hope you’ll
go out and make hay while the sun shines. Isn’t that a sweet
notion. Until next week, please sign-up
if you haven’t already, DolceDolce is free, and forward
us on to your friends. Because life should be sweet. |
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| Gracey Hitchcock |
| Editor |
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