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The temperatures are rising, and some parts of the globe are experiencing a heatwave that is unprecedented. While you’re likely focused on staying cool, a new study published in the Journal Neurology has revealed that migraine headaches are more common than usual. This study revealed three lesser-known triggers of migraine headaches, which can be more prevalent in the summer. The study’s findings and how doctors who treat migraine patients recommend protecting yourself are listed below. Researchers tracked weather conditions and participants’ daily exposures to air pollution during the study period. Researchers also examined how often people visited their primary care doctor or hospital with a headache (and when). The data was compared with the pollution and weather conditions of that day, as well as seven days prior. During the study period 2,215 people (32%), had at least one migraine-related visit to a hospital or clinic. Researchers also found that 47% had purchased triptan medications, which are fast-acting prescription drugs that are designed to stop migraines. Most participants used at least two tablets per month. They found that higher levels of pollution were associated with more visits to a clinic or hospital for migraines. The researchers also found that the days with the lowest number of visits to a hospital or clinic had lower pollution levels than average. The study found that people with short-term exposures to high nitrogen dioxide levels (a common pollutant emitted by traffic exhaust) are 41% more likely than others to seek medical attention for migraine symptoms. Researchers said that high temperatures and low humidity are linked to more headaches. This is likely because they amplify the effects of nitrogen dioxide. But doctors say that there is likely something to this.

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Alia Bhatt walked the Met Gala’s steps twice and earned respectable fashion credentials on both occasions. As her style evolves, much like her chameleonic talents, the actor has embraced a spectrum and distinct motifs. It’s time to look back at her past appearances, as this year’s gala is just around the corner.2023: Prabul GuruungGetty imagesThe actor’s Gala debut coincided with the fashion fest’s spectacular eulogy to Karl Lagerfeld. The theme was ‘Karl Lagerfeld – A Line of Beauty.’ Bhatt walked up the steps wearing white fingerless gloves and a custom Prabal Gurung gown, inspired by Lagerfeld’s bridal look for Chanel’s Fall/Winter 92 collection. The ivory gown, in silk tulle with satin organza and an exaggerated waist, had a sweeping train and was dripping with over 100,000 pearls. Bhatt embraced her Cinderella look to the fullest, with sheer skin and smudged eyes, pinned back hair, and statement pearl-and diamond earrings.2024 : SabyasachiGetty images

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Technically, technically, you are a member of a friend group…well…loosely speaking. You’re a part of the chats. You get the invites but they sound like “Oh but you can come “…” which, when you think about it, sounds less like inclusion and feels more like an afterthought. You’re always there for the big, public plans – birthday parties, girls’ weekends, anything that would benefit from a bigger headcount – but you’re absent from the spontaneous happy hours and night outs where real bonding takes place and inside jokes are created. This situation is difficult because there’s no obvious antagonist and no dramatic fallout. You’re left with an insecurity that’s hard to prove: Am I just…nobody’s first choice. I’m their best friend…but are you mine? We asked Christina Ferrari, PsyD a Miami psychologist, to explain three signs that you’re just a “backup friend.” You’re always being invited at the last minute. Not occasionally. Consistently. As in, you’re informed about every plan the day before. You are only added to dinner reservations after someone else cancels. This could be a simple case of forgetfulness or a logistical issue. Dr. Ferrari says that “every once in a while, it is not causing concern”. There are also people who are disorganized in general. “If this is the way they are with their friends, it might reflect more on their poor planning.” This is annoying, but ultimately separate. You should pay attention to patterns if you can recall several instances. You’re not part of the main chats, where actual plans are made. Some of these tells can be subtle but revealing. Somehow, gatherings skip the messy in-between stage (“Does 7 Work?” “Where Should We Go ?”),”) and arrive at you already planned. It’s normal for people to have different friendships and interactions. Dr. Ferrari explains that it’s perfectly normal. Dr. Ferrari says that this isn’t a matter of being included in all things. However, if you pay attention to the frequency with which it occurs, you can better understand why you feel like you are constantly stepping into an established relationship rather than being a part of it at its beginning. You can only initiate a conversation or a meeting. “Life is busy and if there’s a temporary imbalance, that’s normal,” Dr. Ferrari explains. When you’re a true member of the crew, people will notice your absence or at least acknowledge it. Someone will notice you: “Wait! Where have you been?” I haven’t seen in forever.” We never see you anymore.” Let’s catch up.

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I find getting enough protein daily challenging. “Protein is essential for building and repairing every cell in your body,” says Ayla Barmmer, founder of FullWell Fertility. “It supports the creation of enzymes and hormones, boosts immune function and helps transport nutrients.”

I know I’m not alone: whether or not they know it, a lot of woman are dealing with a protein deficiency. “Inadequate protein intake can have widespread negative effects on the body, impacting multiple systems and functions,” says Barmmer, listing off a host of symptoms I’m simply not interested in experiencing, including feeling weak, reduced strength, brittle hair and nails, reduced ability to fight infection or illness and mental fog.

When it comes to asking “how much protein do I need?” the nutritionist also shares some simple rules: if you’re a sedentary adult, aim for one gram for every kilogram you weigh; if you’re an active adult, 1.6 to 2.2 grams per every kilogram you weigh; and if you’re over the age of 65, 1.2 to 1.5 grams per every kilogram you weigh. So if you weigh 72.5 kilograms, you’re aiming for around 145 grams of protein a day.

You don’t need more protein so much as you need a better strategy for eating it. Loading it all into one dinner or relying on the occasional ‘healthy meal’ won’t cut it. Your body absorbs and uses protein best when it’s spaced out across the day.

A simple rule is to aim for 20–30 grams per meal, starting with breakfast (the one most of us neglect). Eggs or Greek yoghurt in the morning, a solid lunch with a clear protein source and a balanced dinner does the job very easily. Add in easy boosters like a scoop of protein powder in your coffee, a handful of seeds on salads or swapping regular milk for soy/almond. Small tweaks like these make a big difference without feeling like a full diet overhaul.

Phew, this is even more intimidating than I thought. In an attempt to step up my game, Barmmer compiled a list of high-protein foods we can add to our rotation.

Fish

When it comes to eating fish, not all have the same amount of protein. There are more than 36 varieties that the FDA declares as healthy options and the four that are the highest when it comes to protein are tuna (24.4 grams of protein in a 100-gram serving for ahi tuna), salmon (25.92 grams in a 100-gram serving), cod (19.36 grams of protein in a 100-gram serving) and mackerel (25.45 grams of protein in a 100-gram serving).

Hemp seeds

These seeds may be tiny, but they are surprisingly mighty. Two tablespoons of hemp seeds have just as much protein as two egg whites, along with all nine essential amino acids (a rarity), omega-3 and omega-6.

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It’s official: the fringe has reclaimed its throne. While hair trends often flicker and fade, curtain bangs have proven to always stay afloat, dominating our social media feeds and salon chairs well into 2026. This resurgence is a love letter to the effortless ’70s French aesthetic (famously championed by Brigitte Bardot) with a distinctly modern twist.

Curtain bangs have now shed the heavy, high-maintenance reputation of decades past. “Modern curtain bangs have evolved to be softer, more blended and highly customisable,” explains Harshada Bavkar, creative director and lead at Looks Salons. “Unlike the structured versions of the past, today’s styles seamlessly merge into face-framing layers, making them easier to grow out without an awkward phase”.

Whether you’re looking to soften a sharp jawline or simply want a low-commitment refresh, here’s how to style curtain bangs, with insights from industry experts:

What to keep in mind?

Before you commit to the chop, weigh your hair’s natural texture against your daily routine.

“The texture of your hair plays an important role. If you have fine hair, you will need to use volumising products to prevent your bangs from looking flat,” says Amit Yashwant, hairstylist and co-founder of Manemaniacs. “To achieve a swooping look with naturally wavy or curly hair, you must use heat tools to style and maintain your bangs,” he adds. While curtain bangs are often considered low-maintenance, they still require upkeep, including professional trims every four to six weeks to maintain shape and ensure neat, blended-in growth.

Who should (and shouldn’t) get them?

The appeal of curtain bangs lies in their versatility. It’s a low commitment style that works especially well for oval, heart and long face shapes.

• Round faces: Opt for longer bangs that fall past the cheekbones to elongate the face.
• Square faces: Choose soft, feathered versions to soften a strong jawline.
• Heart faces: Shorter centers with longer sides help offset a wider forehead.

That said, if you have a particularly small forehead, Yashwant suggests skipping bangs altogether to avoid overcrowding the face. Similarly, if you prefer a no-heat routine, this may not be the easiest style to maintain, as achieving that signature swoop often relies on a little thermal help.

6 expert tips to style your curtain bangs at home

Achieving that just-stepped-out-of-the-salon finish doesn’t have to be complicated. Here’s how to style curtain bangs, like the pros do it:

1. Master the signature ‘C’ shape

“For that classic swoop, start while your hair is still damp. Use a small or medium round brush and a blow-dryer with a nozzle attachment.” says Yashwant. “Direct the hair downward first, then over-direct each side, away from the face to lock in the shape”.