In conclusion, the unfortunate case of the woman who spent $18,000 on a leg beauty procedure serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of seeking treatments from unqualified clinics. The lasting consequences she faced should serve as a reminder to all individuals to prioritize safety, research, and verification when considering cosmetic procedures. Beauty may be skin deep, but the damage caused by unqualified practitioners can run much deeper.Shah Khursheed* Located 85 kilometers from Srinagar, the remote village of Jundinambal in Baramulla district, North Kashmir, is home to about 800 residents, who face daily struggles with poverty. The local economy relies on dairy farming, horticulture, and agriculture. While men are the main earners, women manage the household. Men work to provide for their families for seven months, but the seasonal slowdown during winter disrupts their income. During this time, freezing temperatures and impassable roads halt most agricultural activities, leaving many villagers without work. Additionally, limited healthcare facilities and poor connectivity make accessing even basic medical care difficult and costly. Amid these challenges, 29-year-old Rafiqa Begum, an Accredited Social Health Activist (ASHA) from Limber Tehsil, Boniyar, Baramulla, has become a vital figure in her community. After moving to Jundinambal following her marriage, Rafiqa, a postgraduate degree in Political Science, began working as the village’s only ASHA worker in 2019. She provides essential services to the community, especially to women, including healthcare, maternal and infant care, nutrition, hygiene education, and vaccinations. Rafiqa’s work has been particularly impactful in educating women about menstrual hygiene, a topic that remains stigmatized in many parts of Kashmir. Masrat Bano, a local woman, recalls how Rafiqa introduced sanitary pads in 2019, explaining their use and benefits. Previously, Masrat, like many others, used cloth for menstrual hygiene, which was challenging and uncomfortable to maintain. “Sanitary pads seemed like a luxury,” she admits, adding that using cloth made it difficult to manage hygiene, especially during school hours, leading some girls to miss school altogether. Rafiqa explains that financial constraints and social stigma often prevent girls from accessing menstrual products. “Many women can’t afford sanitary pads, and even if they can, they are often too shy to buy them from male-run stores,” she shares. To address this, Rafiqa distributes subsidized pads and holds educational sessions for young girls and the broader community. Her efforts have helped normalize menstruation and reduce the shame around it, allowing women to manage their periods with dignity. The challenge of accessing menstrual hygiene products is not unique to Jundinambal. In Kupwara, ASHA workers like Asiya Reyaz in Langate are also working to improve women’s health. “We’ve helped reduce urinary infections to zero,” she says. Yet, even in Kupwara, challenges remain. Jabeena Begum, President of the ASHA Union in Kupwara, highlights an urgent issue: “Since July 23, there has been a shortage of supplies, which affects the health and dignity of girls in our community.” Reyaz adds that a lack of supplies forces women to buy pads from male-run stores, which is uncomfortable and often humiliating. “These are personal needs, and no woman should feel ashamed just to take care of herself,” she explains. This struggle resonates with women like Zahida Ahanger, who recalls her first experience with menstruation in eighth grade. “I didn’t know what was happening to me,” she remembers. When she asked a friend for help, she received an old cloth, which led to rashes and pain. For years, Zahida continued using rags, enduring discomfort and shame. Determined to change this, Zahida and 37 other women started a women’s wing in their community to break the silence around menstruation and fight the stigma. In areas like Haril in Langate, ASHA workers such as Asha Begum create safe spaces for girls at Anganwadi centers. “These centers aren’t just for food and supplies—they’re places of hope,” says Asha. Here, girls receive not only food but also support, guidance, and education about menstrual health. Despite challenges in accessing resources, ASHA workers in remote parts of Jammu and Kashmir are making a difference. In Kupwara, girls often pay 6-7 rupees for a single sanitary pad packet, while in Baramulla, it’s slightly cheaper at 5 Rupees. Yet, these costs remain unaffordable for many families, especially those struggling financially. Jabeena Begum highlights the financial struggles of ASHA workers. “We earn only 600 rupees per delivery at a government hospital and 300 rupees for private deliveries,” she says. “It’s degrading, but the work remains the same.” Recently, ASHA workers gathered in Srinagar to demand fair pay and better working conditions. “We are the frontline of healthcare in rural areas, but the government needs to acknowledge our work and provide respect and fair compensation,” Jabeena asserts. Local stores sometimes step in to help fill gaps. Abdul Ahad, who runs a small grocery store in Jundinambal, stocks sanitary pads for emergencies. “While most women get pads from ASHA workers, I keep them for those who need them urgently,” he says. Zainab Wani from Delina, Baramulla, points out issues with the sanitary pads distributed by ASHA workers. “The government must improve their quality,” she says, explaining that low-quality pads can cause rashes and anxiety, especially among teenagers. Through grassroots efforts, ASHA workers like Rafiqa Begum are helping the next generation of girls in Kashmir overcome menstrual stigma. “More young girls, especially from marginalized backgrounds, are now enrolling in schools,” Rafiqa says proudly. “We’re working to ensure menstrual hygiene doesn’t hinder their progress.” Mohammad Ramiz, a health supervisor at the Sub-District Hospital in Baramulla, emphasizes the role of ASHA workers in improving rural health outcomes. “ASHA workers are vital for promoting menstrual hygiene, immunization, maternal care, and nutrition,” he says. In remote Kashmir, ASHA workers are not only providing essential supplies but also empowering women to take control of their health and dignity. Their work is a crucial step toward a future where no woman or girl has to face these challenges in silence and where menstruation is recognized as a natural part of life. (The author is a freelance writer from Kashmir) —–
Dear Eartha, as the holidays roll in, it’s clear we’re dealing with a bunch of waste from gifts, decorations, and food. Any ideas on how I can waste less this holiday season? ‘Tis the season to sprinkle joy and eco-magic into your celebrations. Amid the parties and presents, let’s be mindful of the increased waste during this festive time. In the US, holiday waste surges by 25% between Thanksgiving and New Year’s. Opt for gifts with a green touch and plan festive feasts to cut down on food waste. Let’s make it a season of merriment while spreading kindness to our planet. Green holiday preparation tips Before the holidays hit, there are plenty of eco-friendly moves to consider. Let’s talk about giving our spaces a sustainable makeover. Imagine a winter wonderland filled with decorations that bring joy without creating a mountain of waste. Gather pinecones, acorns, and twigs from your yard or a nearby park to make your own ornaments or wreaths. Not only do these natural elements add a touch of beauty, but they also decompose harmlessly after the holiday season. Now, onto the delightful topic of gifts! Start by seeking presents that are timeless, opting for items with durability and a long-lasting charm. Choosing sustainable gifts goes a long way in preserving natural resources, cutting down on carbon emissions and endorsing ethical business practices —ultimately paving the way for a more sustainable future for everyone. Brands such as Suspire are shining examples, embracing green practices in their gifting offerings. Another idea is to give experiences that bring joy without contributing to physical clutter. Imagine taking your little ones to the zoo or treating your dad to a baseball game — gifts that create lasting memories. Here’s another festive tip — not all wrapping paper is cut from the same cloth. Seek out that wrapping magic with a high dose of post-consumer recycled content , a gift wrap that’s born from recycled paper goodness. Want to take it up a notch on the eco-cheer scale? Embrace the art of reusing gift bags, wrap with an old newspaper, or dive into the joy of creativity with repurposed ribbons and twine lengths. Let’s wrap our gifts with love for the planet and a sprinkle of holiday cheer. Christmas feast wisdom: Savor Every Bite, Minimize Waste As we delve into the heart of Christmas — dinnertime — let’s make it a celebration of flavors while also championing minimal food waste. Before rushing to the supermarket, take a peek into your storage shelves, as you might find treasures like spices and herbs waiting at home. Crafting your Christmas shopping list? Consider what you already have, and if you accidentally double up, prioritize the older items to ensure nothing goes to waste. Cooked up a storm but have leftovers? Fear not! Your freezer is the holiday hero here. While a fridge keeps cooked food fresh for a few days, a freezer can extend that delight for 1 month to 1 year. Make sure your freezer is prepped and ready to welcome these festive delights. As the festivities unfold, don’t forget to recycle. Set the stage for sustainable success by placing bins for easy recycling and composting, guiding guests to dispose of waste responsibly. Did you know High Country Conservation Center offers free compost buckets for your food scraps? Transform those scraps into High Country compost magic. And let’s not forget about recycling. Ensure you’re in sync with local guidelines to recycle correctly. Together, let’s spread the spirit of eco-joy throughout the holiday gathering. Heartwarming acts of kindness this holiday season This Christmas, let’s spread joy through acts of kindness. Instead of traditional presents, think about making a donation to a beloved charity in someone’s name — an extraordinary gift that truly gives back. Embrace the enchantment of Christmas by directing your generosity towards local nonprofits that uplift our community. These thoughtful gestures not only warm the hearts of your loved ones but also contribute to a season of goodwill and positive impact. In the midst of the holiday hustle and bustle, it’s evident that our festivities generate a significant amount of waste from gifts, decorations, and food. However, let’s turn this awareness into action and make a conscious effort to waste less this holiday season.Global stocks pressured ahead of Fed decisionBehind Sarr in the dribbles completed per match ranking is Everton's powerhouse midfielder Abdoulaye Doucoure. Known for his physicality, energy, and technical ability, Doucoure has been a driving force in Everton's midfield this season. With an average of 3.2 successful dribbles per match, Doucoure has showcased his ability to retain possession under pressure, break lines with his dribbling, and drive his team forward.
In the world of football, the bond between players and coaches often goes beyond the field, transcending borders and languages. Recently, Tottenham Hotspur's star forward Son Heung-min found himself at the center of attention as his former South Korean national team coach, Hong Myung-bo, came forward to voice his support for the talented player.
(The Center Square) – Christians helped push President-elect Donald Trump across the finish line on Election Day, a survey found. Trump received the majority of the Christian vote, while Vice President Kamala Harris received the majority of the non-Christian vote. This is according to a report from the Cultural Research Center at Arizona Christian University, which surveyed 2,000 voting-age adults nationally. The election was a historic comeback for Republicans on many fronts, with Trump being the first Republican to win the popular vote vote in over two decades. Among self-identified Christians, Trump also received 56% of their votes, compared to the 60% Harris received from non-Christians. Yet, because the majority of voters still identify as Christians, Trump had a larger share of the vote. “Although Harris won a larger share of the non-Christian vote than Trump’s share of the Christian votes, Christians outnumbered non-Christian voters by more than a 5 to 2 margin – delivering the decisive Nov. 5 victory to President Trump,” the report said. “Not only did most of Trump’s votes come from Christians, but they gave him a 17 million vote cushion over Harris, which proved to be an insurmountable lead.” Christians represented 72% of the voters who turned out. The report also found that Catholics had record-high turnout, despite overall voter and Christian voter turnout being well below what it was in 2020. While voter turnout was lower than 2020 in most of the Christian subgroups polled, 70% of Catholics reported voting compared to 2020’s 67%. Voters with a “biblical worldview” also voted at a higher percentage, up to 67% in 2024 from 2020’s 64%. Just days before the election, Trump predicted that Harris would struggle with the Catholic vote on Election Day. “Kamala Harris has finally lost the Catholic vote,” he said on social media on Oct. 25. “Her and the Democrats persecution of the Catholic Church is unprecedented! Her poll numbers have dropped like a rock, both with Catholics, and otherwise.” While many politicos expressed concerns that Trump’s moderate pro-life stance would disenfranchise Christian and anti-abortion voters, it seems to have much less of an impact than expected. In fact, Trump pointed to Harris’ abortion stance as pushing Catholics toward voting for him. “Kamala is demanding late-term abortion, in months seven, eight, and nine, and even execution after birth, and people aren’t buying it – and they never will,” the former president said . The report found that 20% of Christians selected abortion as the most-consequential issue this election, with inflation (38%) and immigration (34%) receiving even higher percentages. Yet, potentially even more impactful on the election than the increase in the Catholic vote was the significant drop in non-Christian turnout, even higher than those reported in Christian subgroups. The report found that adults “associated with a faith other than Christianity” and “adults who have no religious faith” had a massive drop in turnout from 2020, dropping 12% and 9% respectively. With both of these groups historically supporting Democratic candidates, this cratering in support likely had a significant impact on Harris’ chances of winning. George Barna, who serves as the director of research at the Cultural Research Center and led the survey, said Trump’s boost with Christians was just too much for Harris. “Americans forget that two-thirds of adults in this nation consider themselves to be Christians,” Barna said . “Donald Trump, for all of his perceived and ridiculed faults, did a better job than did Kamala Harris of representing hallowed Christian characteristics such as the importance and support of family, the rule of law, limited government authority, financial responsibility, and the like.”Marshall's 17 lead Albany over Puerto Rico-Mayaguez 93-50Zhang Yimou, a master of blending Eastern and Western influences in his films, has always been drawn to the beauty and grace of Sophie Marceau. In "The Goddess of Sophie Marceau," he pays tribute to the iconic actress by weaving her image and essence throughout the narrative, creating a mesmerizing tapestry of love, longing, and sacrifice.
The elderly man's face lit up with a mixture of relief and joy. He thanked the store owner profusely and promised to repay the money as soon as he could. But the store owner shook his head and insisted that the elderly man keep the money as a gift, reassuring him that helping others in need is its own reward.In goal, Chelsea's goalkeeper Edouard Mendy earns his place in the Best XI for his exceptional shot-stopping abilities, commanding presence, and crucial saves that have helped his team to victory on multiple occasions. Mendy's performance between the posts has been stellar, earning him recognition as one of the top goalkeepers in the world.
As we look towards the future, we are filled with anticipation and excitement for the next chapter in the world of eSports. The Fearless Covenant Ant eSports National Challenge has set a high standard for excellence, sportsmanship, and competitive spirit, inspiring gamers around the nation to pursue their dreams and strive for greatness in the world of competitive gaming.Dev Patel at the RSIFF: ‘Monkey Man’ is a love letter to IndiaBut the true test of their mettle came when they faced off against AC Milan, another European powerhouse with a storied history of success in the Champions League. The match was a battle of wills, with both teams giving their all in pursuit of victory. However, it was our champions who once again proved their superiority, overcoming their opponents with a display of skill and determination that left fans and pundits alike in awe. The result was never in doubt, as they emerged victorious with a performance that showcased their unwavering commitment to excellence.
By MEAD GRUVER and AMY BETH HANSON, Associated Press A judge on Monday rejected a request to block a San Jose State women’s volleyball team member from playing in a conference tournament on grounds that she is transgender. Monday’s ruling by U.S. Magistrate Judge S. Kato Crews in Denver will allow the player, who has played all season, to continue competing in the Mountain West Conference women’s championship scheduled for later this week in Las Vegas. The ruling comes after a lawsuit was filed by nine current players who are suing the Mountain West Conference to challenge the league’s policies for allowing transgender players to participate. The players argued that letting her compete was a safety risk and unfair. While some media have reported those and other details, neither San Jose State nor the forfeiting teams have confirmed the school has a trans women’s volleyball player. The Associated Press is withholding the player’s name because she has not publicly commented on her gender identity. School officials also have declined an interview request with the player. Judge Crews referred to the athlete as an “alleged transgender” player in his ruling and noted that no defendant disputed that San Jose State rosters a transgender woman volleyball player. He said the players who filed the complaint could have sought relief much earlier, noting that the individual universities had acknowledged that not playing their games against San Jose State this season would result in a forfeit in league standings. He also said injunctions are meant to preserve the status quo. The conference policy regarding forfeiting for refusing to play against a team with a transgender player had been in effect since 2022 and the San Jose State player has been on the roster since 2022 – making that the status quo. The player competed at the college level three previous seasons, including two for San Jose State, drawing little attention. This season’s awareness of her identity led to an uproar among some players, pundits, parents and politicians in a political campaign year. The tournament starts Wednesday and continues Friday and Saturday. San Jose State is seeded second. The judge’s order maintains the seedings and pairings for the tournament. Several teams refused to play against San Jose State during the season, earning losses in the official standings. Boise State and Wyoming each had two forfeits while Utah State and Nevada both had one. Southern Utah, a member of the Western Athletic Conference, was first to cancel against San Jose State this year. Nevada’s players stated they “refuse to participate in any match that advances injustice against female athletes,” without providing further details. Crews served as a magistrate judge in Colorado’s U.S. District Court for more than five years before President Joe Biden appointed him to serve as a federal judge in January of this year. Gruver reported from Cheyenne, Wyoming, and Hanson from Helena, Montana.
In response to President Trump's claim, President Zelensky of Ukraine swiftly countered with a significantly lower figure of 43,000 military casualties. The substantial disparity between the two figures has drawn attention to the importance of reliable and transparent reporting of casualties in conflict zones. The discrepancy in numbers highlights the need for independent verification and investigation to establish the true extent of the loss of life.Top 10 Best Indian Last-Mile Delivery Startups Transforming 2025
As fans and pundits alike marvel at Ronaldo's remarkable achievements and longevity, one thing is clear: he has already secured his place among the greatest footballers of all time. Whether he continues to play at the highest level well into his forties or decides to pursue other endeavors, Ronaldo's impact on the sport will be remembered for generations to come.Arriving in Beijing with a mixture of excitement and curiosity, Guga quickly found himself immersed in a new culture and way of life. The bustling streets, the exquisite cuisine, and the warm hospitality of the people all contributed to his growing love for the city. As he wandered through the ancient hutongs and modern skyscrapers, Guga felt a deep connection to the rich history and dynamic energy of Beijing.
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