Pelvic exams are awkward enough when they’re just you and your family doc, making small talk about STIs. So I was revolted to learn, courtesy of a recent story in the Globe and Mail, that Canadian med students routinely perform them — as educational exercises — on women who are under anesthesia for gynecological surgery. Without telling them. Ever. Worst of all, it’s because if they did tell them, they wouldn’t consent.
The story discusses a recently published study by Sara Wainberg (download a pdf here). It describes what I would think is obvious – that most women (seventy-two percent) expect to be asked before their pelvises are turned into props.
I prefer how the Globe’s Andre Picard put it: “You don’t probe, poke or otherwise invade the orifices of a patient without their permission,
regardless of how educational it might be. Period.”
- Vanessa Milne
My friend Graham and I have known each other since we were two years old; our moms were best friends before his mom died after 14 years of ferociously and bravely fighting breast cancer (metastatic breast cancer for 7 of those.)
I know – the coincidence of my diagnoses is a little freaky. And I loved Graham’s mom to the brink of total adoration, but I swear I never meant to emulate her quite so literally.
Anyway, Graham and his family have been incredibly supportive of me, and so when he one day said “You know I would do anything for you – you just have to ask and I’m there,” I knew he really meant it. And my evil twin knew an opportunity when she saw it: she arched an evil eyebrow and said “Anything?” and then lapsed into deranged, villainous laughter, “Mwa-ha-haaaaaa! Mwa-ha-ha-HAAAA….”
Well, not really. I actually said, “I’d love to just hang out sometime. Would you come get a pedicure with me?”
And so it was that my totally non-metrosexual lifelong friend Graham had his very first pedicure. He was very brave. I suspect he even enjoyed it.
Oh the extremes to which friends will go to show you they love you!
Thanks, old friend.
*Anyone else ever notice how pedicure chairs look a lot like chemo chairs with little bathtubs attached to them? Perhaps the chemo clinic could get a few tubs attached, invite some estheticians in, et voila: chemo-pedis! Genius? I think yes!
Jan
29
I know what you’re thinking. Is Kate suggesting that we wear makeup while working out? Au contraire mes amis.
With all of this new year, new you business going about the gym is busier than ever. So if your resolution is to tone up or simply get more energy I’m with you!
But there are many beauty hazards to working out such as sweating, greasy hair, etc.
Here are a few amazing products you can throw in your gym bag that will make you look just a little fresher after a quick workout.
Dry Shampoo- If you only drop in to the gym for a some quick weight training spritz your hair with dry shampoo afterwards to refresh your locks. If you aren’t a big overheater you can likely revamp your style with a speedy blow dry and one of these. Try Klorane’s or Frederic Fekkai’s.
Makeup Wipes- Whether you want to clean up your makeup before or after your workout (my general recommendation is to work up a sweat with no makeup on at all if you can) then try ones from The Body Shop, Olay or Biore to give your skin that quick clean without a full out wash up. Or try face pads with salicylic acid to kill bacteria and clear up the skin. They’ll banish acne so you can swipe them on your back, chest and face. (Just be aware, they can be drying!)
Deoderant- Degree and Dove have some sweet smelling options that actually work and are gentle on sensitive underarm skin.
Face Spritzers – If you want a quick and simple refresh without a full-on shower try a water spray that contains minerals and vitamins to freshen up the skin. Try Evian’s Mineral Water Spray to revive your face and remove any excess makeup or perspiration.
Mini shampoos, conditioners and face washes – Many brands from Dermalogica (mini face products) to Kiss My Face have these. Next time you hit a hotel take their free sample bottles with you. They’re perfect for the gym and you can refill them with your favourites from home.
So go work up a sweat!
– Kate Daley
Thanks to readers’ comments, I learned about a few more super helpful resources for tracking down clinical trials…
This one is on the Livestrong site – very easy to use. I found five matches: http://www.livestrong.org/site/c.khLXK1PxHmF/b.4169727/k.9BEA/Clinical_Trials/apps/s/link.asp
This one is extremely comprehensive: http://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/search
And this site lists clinicaltrials.gov and many others: http://www.centerwatch.com/clinical-trials/listings/
Many thanks to Jodi & Duckie for the links!
Jan
28
At the recent Winners/HomeSense spring preview I noticed a whole wall of great glass and wood boxes containing the latest necklaces. Now the thing that caught my eye more than the necklace itself was the artisitic composition of a whole wall of these pretty boxes going up and down the wall.
Right now, all of my lovely baubles are hanging on hooks along the side of my wall so they don’t get tangled but I had never even thought of this as a way to display them. If you have enough space you could decorate an entire wall – and it actually seems to work well with the wallpaper background.
Find them at HomeSense this spring (and find the necklace at Winners). I’m always on the hunt for new ways to hang costume jewellery and this looks absolutely stunning
– Kate Daley
