Tag: Lifestyle

Culture by Katerina PapathanasiouMay 27, 202010:59 am

artist Cameron Loeb and friends wearing one-of-a-kind masks of the kind created for the "Masks in the Wild" public health art project

New Project to Provide Free Artist-Made Masks to New Yorkers

In the last few months, countless people have lost their jobs, their livelihoods, their loved ones. The overall personal toll of the coronavirus is still too early to measure. Fortunately, one element of this global pandemic in which we are seeing a positive increase is the number of PPE (Personal Protective Equipment) available—especially in hotspots like New York City. This is partially due to the sheer stick-to-itiveness of, among other sources, creative minds, small businesses, and dedicated humans. And one such collaboration in particular.

Culture by Katerina PapathanasiouMay 1, 202010:41 am

Naked woman submerged in water surrounded by four TV devices

Social Distancing and Isolation Through Anna Radchenko’s Lens

Humans weren’t made to live in isolation. Being social and forming meaningful relationships has a positive effect on mental health. In fact, the impact of being social is so profound that it can help to ward off depression and even lower the risk of dementia. What does that mean in a world where being social can also mean sharing a potentially deadly disease? When trendy catchphrases are “social distancing” and “stay home,” can virtual connections be as meaningful? Photographer and director Anna Radchenko seeks to explore these ideas in her two capsule-photography series, “The Melancholy Rooms” and “Baby Cribs.”

Life by Katerina PapathanasiouApr 15, 202011:55 am

Mayday: An Astronaut’s Guide to Learning to Cope With Isolation

There are a select few who know the pains (both physical and mental) associated with prolonged periods of isolation. Astronauts like Scott Kelly, who spent time on the International Space Station, and D. Marshall Porterfield, NASA’s former Space Life and Physical Sciences Division Director, are all too familiar with the concept of coping with a life spent, periodically, at arm’s length (or longer). Here are some tips on how to live with those overwhelming feelings of loneliness—straight from the experts.

Life by Katerina PapathanasiouApr 6, 202012:11 pm

Being Alone: The Pros and Cons of Keeping to Yourself

Many of us are currently sequestered indoors, away from our invigorating and purpose-driven routines. It can be argued that those who are confined with others, like roommates, family, or friends, are lucky in that they are at least allowed to engage in conversation with others and aren’t made to struggle with complete loneliness. Wherever you are, you should know that there are benefits to being alone. And, of course, some drawbacks.

Life by Katerina PapathanasiouJan 3, 20199:58 pm

Mother dangling a "baby cage" out of her apartment window

Baby Cages: The Chicken Coop-Like Toddler Bins of the 1930s

In the 1930s, London city apartments were decorated with protruding cages that stuck out like air conditioning units. Babies were placed in these baskets as parents enjoyed the idea of actively “airing” their toddlers out to promote health, a fad that emerged in many popular parenting books at the time.

Life by Katerina PapathanasiouOct 9, 20189:12 pm

Texas-born founder and Chief Shoe Giver of TOMS Shoes Blake Mycoskie.

The Rise and Fall of TOMS

In 2006, Blake Mycoskie first learned of the Alpargata shoe worn in Argentina since the 14th century. Inspired by its story, he created his first product – a commercial variation of the rope-soled, canvas-topped original.

Life by Katerina PapathanasiouAug 7, 20189:20 pm

Are you Healed or Healthy?

Most people strive to be healed while few actually strive to be healthy. How do they differ? The root words for “healed” and “healthy” are identical – both stem from the Old English word “hale” (being whole, sound or well). Though the terms are related, their meanings differ.

Life by Katerina PapathanasiouJul 26, 20188:12 pm

The Solution to Acne Could Be Stored in Your Pantry

Acne vulgaris, affecting over 85% of adolescents and nearly 50% of people over age 25, is the most common disease in the Western hemisphere. Recent studies show that a high-glycemic diet is the primary determinant of the acne epidemic as evidenced by the physiology of pimpling.

Life by Katerina PapathanasiouJul 17, 20189:23 pm

“Let Food Be Thy Medicine:” Keto’s War Against Insulin Resistance & Cancer

The keto (ketogenic) diet is the ultimate medicine for treating insulin resistance, cancer and obesity. When food is consumed responsibly, the body can fuel itself with fat rather than sugar; thus achieving the ketotic state beneficial to hormonal balance, anti-aging and weight loss in women aged 45 to 65. The keto diet can also prevent breast and other forms of cancer due to its richness in anti-oxidizing, anti-inflammatory, and anti-bacterial elements.

Life by Katerina PapathanasiouJul 12, 20189:06 pm

Social Media Addiction Stronger Than Smoking

Addiction is defined as “the persistent compulsive use of a substance known by the user to be harmful.” Excessive social media use qualifies as an addiction that can lead to poor mental health. It also hinders our social nature as the addict increasingly abandons human interaction for digital communication. Furthermore, social media addiction can potentially deteriorate our sense of independence and mental processes.