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  • Hair dye after Cancer treatment

    ByJustpaste.in

    For many cancer survivors seeing their hair grow back is more than a cosmetic change. It is a sign of recovery and a return to normal life. As new hair appears many people want to cover gray hair or try a new color. However health experts say it is important not to rush into using hair dye. Chemotherapy and radiation are designed to destroy fast growing cancer cells but they also affect healthy hair follicles. This is why many patients lose their hair during treatment. When hair grows back it is often thinner softer, drier and more sensitive than before. The scalp may also remain delicate for several months. Doctors warn that using permanent hair dye too soon after treatment can irritate the scalp cause allergic reactions and damage new hair. It may also slow healthy hair growth while the scalp is still healing. Several studies have looked at the possible risks of hair dye. A large study by the US National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences involving more than 46,000 women found that frequent use of permanent hair dye and chemical hair straighteners was linked to a slightly higher risk of certain types of breast cancer. Another long term study by the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, which followed more than 117,000 women over 36 years found that hair dye did not increase the risk of most cancers. However long term use of permanent dyes was linked to a small increase in the risk of some types of breast skin and ovarian cancers. Experts advise cancer survivors to carefully read the ingredients before buying any hair dye. Chemicals such as PPD (para-phenylenediamine), ammonia, hydrogen peroxide parabens, and phthalates may be harmful to sensitive skin and newly grown hair. Most doctors recommend waiting at least six months after completing chemotherapy before using permanent hair dye. This gives the scalp and hair enough time to recover. Patients who had scalp cooling or radiation to the head should only use hair dye after getting approval from their doctor. During the first six months after treatment experts suggest avoiding chemical hair dyes and keeping the scalp well moisturized.  Even after six months patients should speak with their oncologist before coloring their hair. Safer options include pure henna or natural herbal dyes that do not contain added chemicals. Ammonia free and peroxide-free semi permanent dyes may also be suitable.  Temporary root powders and color mascaras are another option because they wash out with shampoo. Experts also recommend doing a patch test 48 hours before using any hair color to check for allergies or skin irritation. Whenever possible choose coloring methods that reduce direct contact between the dye and the scalp. Doctors say that caring for your hair again after cancer treatment is an important step in recovery. However taking a careful approach choosing safer products and speaking with your doctor first can help protect your hair and scalp while they continue to heal.

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    Author Ursula Hegi leaves a legacy of memory and truth

    ByJustpaste.in

    The literary world has lost one of its most perceptive voices on historical memory and collective silence. Author Ursula Hegi, whose work rigorously examined the human dimensions of life during and after World War II in Germany, died on July 27 at her home in Sag Harbor, New York. She was 80 years old. Hegi’s Journey as a Writer Hegi’s journey as a writer was deeply intertwined with her personal background. Born Ursula Koch in Düsseldorf, Germany, in 1946, she spent her early years amidst the rubble of a nation struggling to rebuild. Growing up in the immediate aftermath of the war, she experienced a culture dominated by a pervasive, uncomfortable silence. Despite visible physical destruction all around, adults rarely spoke openly about the Holocaust or Germany’s culpability in Nazi atrocities. That suffocating atmosphere of secrecy left an indelible impression on Hegi. At age 18, she left Germany for the United States. She later became a naturalized U.S. citizen. Unpacking the Burgdorf Cycle Hegi’s move across the Atlantic gave her the critical distance needed to confront the uncomfortable realities of her heritage. She began exploring these themes through fiction, creating the imaginary German town of Burgdorf. This setting served as the backdrop for four of her novels, most notably her 1994 masterpiece, Stones from the River. In Stones from the River, Hegi tells the story of Trudi Montag, a woman with dwarfism who serves as the town’s librarian. Trudi lives on the periphery of her community. She becomes a silent observer of human nature. People often dismiss or confide in her, allowing her to gather the town’s deepest secrets and witness how ordinary citizens slowly succumbed to, ignored, or quietly resisted the rise of National Socialism. The novel received widespread critical acclaim and was nominated for the PEN/Faulkner Award. It achieved massive commercial success when Oprah Winfrey selected it for her book club in 1997. It has catapulted Hegi to national prominence and cementing the novel as a staple of modern historical fiction. Confronting the Unspoken What set Hegi’s work apart was her refusal to reduce complex historical atrocities to simple caricatures. Rather than focusing solely on major political figures or battlefields, she turned her lens toward the everyday townspeople. The neighbors who looked the other way, the shopkeepers who compromised their moral standards, and the silent witnesses whose compliance enabled widespread horror. Through her character-driven narratives, Hegi demonstrated how shame and denial could poison future generations if left unaddressed. Her non-fiction work, Tearing the Silence, extended these themes by gathering interviews from German-born individuals of her generation to explore how their parents’ war choices shaped their own adult identities. A Lasting Influence Her career as an author of over a dozen books including short story collections, children’s literature, and standalone novels. Hegi spent decades teaching and mentoring aspiring writers, notably serving on the creative writing faculty at Stony Brook Southampton. Ursula Hegi’s legacy lies in her unwavering belief that storytelling can bridge the gap between guilt and healing. By confronting uncomfortable truths with empathy, clarity, and grace, her literature ensures that the painful lessons of the 20th century will not be forgotten.

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    The pure joy of private writing

    ByJustpaste.in

    Recent archival developments in the literary world have reignited a timeless debate about the nature of creation. When the personal archives, diaries, and private notebooks of legendary literary figures are cataloged and opened to the public, readers gain an intimate glimpse into a process entirely free from external expectation. Raw Honesty In an era dominated by social media algorithms, content metrics, and immediate digital validation, the contemporary act of writing has become increasingly public. Writers are frequently urged to build personal brands, cultivate audiences before completing a single chapter, and measure the value of their thoughts by engagement metrics. Yet, a look across literary history suggests that forcing self-expression through the filter of public consumption often strips writing of its essential power: raw honesty. The Freedom of the Unseen Page When Franz Kafka famously instructed his close friend Max Brod to burn all his unpublished manuscripts and private journals upon his death, he was asserting a radical boundary. Though Brod ultimately defied those wishes giving the world masterpieces like The Trial and The Castle, Kafka’s mandate highlighted a fundamental truth about his relationship with the written word. For Kafka, writing was not a trade, a performance, or a search for acclaim. Rather, it was a urgent, internal necessity. He wrote to process his existential anxiety and negotiate his place in a confusing world. Revolutionary Contribution to Modern Poetry Similarly, Emily Dickinson spent her life in relative reclusion in Amherst, Massachusetts, quietly composing over 1,700 poems. She bound them carefully with thread and tucked them away in a wooden chest, largely indifferent to the literary establishment of her era. Freed from the pressure of publisher deadlines, critical reviews, or popular trends, Dickinson invented an entirely original poetic structure. Unconventional in its punctuation, bold in its metaphors, and uncompromising in its vision. she didn’t customise her voice to suit 19th-century publishing standards. That’s her revolutionary contribution to modern poetry is still there. Why Private Writing Rescues Creativity Writing for an audience activates self-censorship. When you write exclusively for yourself, the fear of judgment vanishes. This phenomenon allows uncomfortable truths and unrefined ideas to flow onto the page. Modern culture fixates on output. For instance, the finished book, the polished essay, the published post. Writing privately restores focus to the immediate sensation of thinking on paper. It is transforming the craft from a task into a sanctuary. A writer’s authentic voice is rarely found by attempting to match market trends. It emerges in the quiet margins of private journals, where syntax and thought patterns develop naturally without external influence. Reclaiming the Personal Journal in a Public World Reclaiming the joy of private writing does not require abandoning public work altogether. Instead, it requires establishing a sacred space where performance is forbidden. Writing for an audience of one remains one of the most effective ways to sharpen thought and restore mental clarity.   The enduring fascination with published literary archives proves an intriguing paradox. The writing that captivates us most deeply is often the very writing that was never meant for our eyes. We unlock the true alchemy of the written word by letting go of the need for an audience. A private conversation between the self and the page.

  • Organic eggs may have higher environmental impact

    ByJustpaste.in

    A new study by researchers at the University of Oxford suggests that producing organic and free range eggs may have a greater impact on the environment than eggs produced by hens kept in conventional cage systems. According to the research if all egg production switched to organic and free range farming carbon emissions could increase by about 60%. The amount of land needed for egg production would also nearly double. The researchers estimated that producing only organic and free range eggs would release around 2.316 million tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent greenhouse gases. In comparison producing eggs only from caged hens would generate about 1.184 million tonnes. The study explains that while organic and free range systems are often considered better for animal welfare they require more hens to produce the same number of eggs.  This is because hens kept in cage systems generally lay eggs more efficiently. Researchers also warned that organic and free range farming may require more land and could have a greater impact on water pollution. The study’s lead author, Dr. Harriet Bartlett said that future decisions about egg production should carefully balance three important factors animal welfare environmental impact and the need to produce enough food.

  • Amazing uses of rice water you should know

    ByJustpaste.in

    Rice water is often thrown away after cooking, but it can be useful in many ways.  It can improve the taste of food help plants grow support healthy hair and skin and even be used for cleaning. Instead of pouring it down the drain try these simple ideas. Add It to Rice Dishes Use leftover rice water when cooking rice based meals. It can add extra flavor and provide a small nutritional boost. Use It in Soups and Broths Mix rice water into homemade soups or broths. It helps make them slightly thicker while improving both taste and texture. Cook Vegetables Steam or boil vegetables in rice water instead of plain water. The vegetables may absorb some of the nutrients and develop a richer flavor. Baking Rice water can be added to recipes such as bread pancakes, or other baked goods. It helps keep them soft and moist. Hair Rinse Rice water contains vitamins, minerals and amino acids. After washing your hair with shampoo and conditioner use rice water as a final rinse. It may help make hair feel smoother and look shinier. Natural Facial Toner Rice water has been used in Asian skincare for generations. Apply it with a cotton pad to help refresh the skin reduce the appearance of irritation and leave your face feeling clean and fresh. Feed Your Plants Dilute rice water with plain water before using it on indoor or outdoor plants. It contains nutrients that may support healthy plant growth. Natural Cleaner Diluted rice water can be used to clean kitchen counters and wash some household items.  Its mild starch and natural compounds may help remove light grease and dirt. Help Protect Plants Spraying diluted rice water around plants may help discourage some garden pests.  While it is not a guaranteed pest control method it can be a simple natural option to try. Instead of wasting leftover rice water give it a second life around your home. It is an easy low cost way to reduce waste and make use of something that is often thrown away.

  • Survey finds divide over AI

    ByJustpaste.in

    A new report from the Pew Research Center shows that artificial intelligence (AI) experts and the general public have very different opinions about the future of AI. While experts are mostly positive about its impact many people are worried that AI could replace jobs and create new challenges. According to the survey, 56% of AI experts believe the technology will have a positive effect on the United States over the next 20 years. In comparison, only 17% of the public share that view. Experts are more confident that AI will improve the way people work and help grow the economy. However many people are concerned that AI could reduce job opportunities especially in roles that depend on human workers. The report also highlights the jobs experts believe are most likely to be affected by AI. About 73% think cashier jobs could be replaced followed by truck drivers (62%) journalists (60%) factory workers (60%) and software engineers (50%). The public generally agrees with these predictions although only 33% believe truck drivers are at high risk. Both experts and the public agree that healthcare is one of the areas where AI can bring the greatest benefits. They believe AI could improve medical care and support better treatment. At the same time both groups are concerned that AI may not improve the accuracy of news or election coverage. The survey also found strong support for greater control over AI. Many respondents believe governments may struggle to regulate the technology effectively as it continues to develop. Another finding is the difference between male and female AI experts. Around 63% of male experts expect AI to have a positive impact on the United States compared with 36% of female experts. Women were generally more cautious saying the technology could have both benefits and risks. The report also notes that women remain underrepresented in the AI industry. Researchers suggest that increasing women’s participation in AI development could lead to more balanced technologies. They also point out that many jobs with a large number of female workers such as administrative and customer service roles are becoming more automated increasing the risk of job losses. Overall the report shows that understanding both expert opinions and public concerns is important. As AI continues to grow balancing its benefits with responsible rules and safeguards will be essential.

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    Documentary film on the struggle for Joint Elector…

    ByJustpaste.in

    By Yassar Talib Aiman Zameer Lahore: The Centre for Social Justice (CSJ) held a screening of its documentary film, A Separation Refused, highlighting the Movement for the Restoration of the Joint Electorate in Pakistan, at a local hotel in Lahore. The 20-minute documentary film, by the award-winning the producer and director, CSJ and Dawood Akhtar Murad, traces the culmination of the world unique Separate Electorate system in Pakistan’s history and the movement for the restoration of the Joint Electorate in Pakistan especially during the 1990s to 2001. The film chronicles the efforts of civil society organizations, political leaders, faith communities, and human rights advocates who campaigned for equal citizenship and inclusive democratic participation for religious minorities. Using historical accounts and personal testimonies, the film illustrates how sustained advocacy contributed to democratic reforms and continues to inspire efforts towards equality, pluralism, social cohesion, and the protection of constitutional rights. Featuring over a dozen interviews, it brings together insights from Hina Jilani, Cardinal Joseph Coutts, Dr. Charles Amjad Ali, Dr. Yaqoob Bangash, and other prominent voices offering diverse perspectives youth, clergy and a parliamentarian. The even also premiered a song Hum Juda Nahein (We Are Not Separate) that expressed the The screenings were followed by an interactive panel discussion explored the progress made towards equal citizenship and the continuing challenges to the democratic participation of religious minorities in Pakistan. The panelists, Wajahat Masood a public intellectual and Peter Jacob, answered the questions while the academic Faaria Khan moderated the discussion. While addressing the participants, Wajahat Masood, said that democracy is based on the principle of equal citizenship and that the categorization of citizens into majorities and minorities reflects a constitutional anomaly. Referring to the Separate Electorate system, he noted that institutionalizing such divisions weakened democratic systems and undermined the principle of equal political participation. In response to a question on the rationale behind the documentary, Peter Jacob, Executive Director CSJ, said that the importance of the movement warranted a careful reading of the history. He noted that the film was developed to preserve authentic accounts of the struggle for the restoration of the Joint Electorate and to address competing interpretations of history and misunderstandings. He also emphasized the need for constitutional reforms to strengthen equal citizenship. He called for a review of Articles 41 and 91 of the Constitution, to remove precondition of religious affiliation for the offices of the President and Prime Minister. Moreover, implementation of Article 22(1) of the constitution of Pakistan that guarantees unbiased education. In the open discussion, participants emphasized that the message of documentary film highlighting constitutional rights, democratic inclusion, should be screened more widely through universities, arts councils, mainstream media, and other public platforms to encourage informed dialogue and greater public awareness. They further stressed that equal citizenship is not solely the concern of religious minorities but a shared national responsibility, and called for greater participation and support from the majority community in future advocacy and dialogue. At the end the participants reaffirmed a shared commitment to advancing constitutional rights, equal citizenship, participatory democracy, and peaceful coexistence through collective action.

  • The Population Debate: Curse or Opportunity?

    ByJustpaste.in

    By Dr Naveeda Katper Different countries have different characteristics regarding population, geography, and natural resources that shape their economic growth. Economists use various indicators to measure development, and population is one of the most debated among them. A large population is often viewed as a hurdle to economic growth. However, every issue deserves to be examined from different angles. The question, “Is a large population a curse or a blessing?” cannot be answered with a simple yes or no. We need to move beyond the idea of population as a burden and understand the concept of the demographic dividend. What appears to be a curse can become a blessing when viewed through the right perspective and supported by the right policies. Research by the RAND Corporation and the World Bank has shown that countries with a growing working-age population can experience faster economic growth when supported by sound education, health, and employment policies. Whether a large population becomes an economic asset depends on governance and public policy. A growing population is not necessarily a curse because every additional mind brings new ideas, different perspectives, and fresh solutions to existing problems. One mind can accomplish one task, two minds can accomplish two, and millions of minds can achieve far more. That is the value of teamwork and collective human potential. Every individual possesses different skills, abilities, and talents that can contribute to national development. What many consider a burden may actually become a country’s greatest strength if those human resources are properly developed. This is the essence of the demographic dividend—the economic advantage that emerges when the working-age population becomes larger than the dependent population. Development economists describe this period as a “window of opportunity” rather than a guaranteed outcome. Highly populated countries can utilize their youthful population to strengthen their economies. After India, China, the United States, and Indonesia, Pakistan is the fifth most populous country in the world. This should be seen as an opportunity rather than a challenge because more than 65 percent of Pakistan’s population consists of young people. That gives the country a significant advantage. A demographic dividend can only be realized when the working-age population is educated, healthy, skilled, and productively employed. When more people are working and contributing to the economy, household savings increase, investment grows, government spending on dependents declines, and both economic output and per capita income improve. The World Bank has repeatedly emphasized that human capital—education, health, and skills—is one of the strongest drivers of long-term productivity and national income. The real challenge is identifying the policies required to achieve this dividend. A country can benefit only if it creates sufficient employment opportunities, provides quality education and skill development, ensures access to healthcare, encourages women to participate in the workforce, and maintains stable economic and public policies. When these conditions exist, the country enjoys faster economic growth, greater productivity, increased investment and savings, improved living standards, and stronger entrepreneurship and innovation. Economic growth becomes inevitable when people are hardworking, equipped with multiple skills from an early age, and capable of adapting to changing economic demands. Skilled and self-reliant citizens become the driving force of national development. Evidence from South Korea, Singapore, and Ireland shows that investment in education and skills transformed youthful populations into globally competitive economies. However, a demographic dividend can quickly become a demographic burden if employment opportunities and skills do not keep pace with population growth. The consequences may include rising unemployment, poverty, social unrest, and migration. Economists and demographers consistently argue that a demographic dividend is not automatic; it is an opportunity that must be earned through effective governance and strong institutions. Without adequate planning and investment, a large youth population can become a liability instead of an asset. The International Labour Organization has warned that persistent youth unemployment can reduce economic productivity and increase social instability. A dynamic economy capable of creating millions of formal-sector jobs each year is essential for absorbing a growing workforce. Human capital development should remain at the center of national policy. Strong educational systems, Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET), science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM), digital literacy, coding, digital finance, and technology-based curricula should be introduced from the early years of education. Equal opportunities for girls and women in education and employment are equally important. Pakistan also needs job creation, labour market reforms, export-led manufacturing, labour flexibility, investment in high-value industries such as technology, electronics, and specialized services, support for youth entrepreneurship and microfinance, and stronger healthcare infrastructure. UNESCO has consistently highlighted that technical and vocational education equips young people with practical skills that improve employability and economic resilience. Pakistan possesses one of the largest youth populations in the region, but this advantage can only be realized through greater investment in education, skills, and employment. In conclusion, population control alone is not a long-term solution to economic growth. Developing people’s abilities, expanding opportunities, and investing in human capital are far more effective. The experiences of countries such as Italy and Japan also demonstrate that declining populations and ageing societies create their own economic challenges. The real question is not how many people a country has, but how well it prepares its people to contribute to national development. Research across both developed and developing countries consistently concludes that people become an economic asset when governments invest in their education, health, productivity, and opportunities rather than viewing population solely as a number. The writer holds a PhD from Malaysia and writes on economic development, public policy, and demographic issues. She can be reached at naveedakatper11@gmail.com

  • NASA shares breathtaking full moon photo

    ByJustpaste.in

    People on Earth see a full Moon almost every month but have you ever wondered what it looks like from space? A NASA astronaut living aboard the International Space Station (ISS) has shared a breathtaking photo showing the full Moon from orbit. The image was released on July 29, when July’s full Moon appeared in the night sky. It was shared on social media by NASA astronaut Anil Menon. While people on Earth watched the full Moon rise above the horizon and shine brightly in the sky astronauts on the ISS enjoyed a completely different view. From space the Moon appears to glow brilliantly against the deep black background of the universe. NASA also shared a message encouraging people to take a moment to look up at the night sky. The space agency said that the full Moon remains one of nature’s most beautiful and timeless sights continuing to inspire people around the world with its beauty.

  • How your posture affects your mood and mind

    ByJustpaste.in

    In today’s digital world most people spend hours every day looking at a phone laptop tablet or book.  Experts say that constantly bending your neck or sitting in a slouched position does more than cause neck and shoulder pain it can also affect your mental health. According to health experts the way you sit or stand has a direct effect on your mood and emotions. Even the way you hold your phone or book can influence how you feel.  If you are reading this while looking down at your phone experts suggest sitting up straight. They explain that when you stay in a slouched position your brain may read it as a sign of weakness or stress.  This can increase feelings of anxiety sadness and mental tiredness. Dr. Nitin Menon, a senior consultant in physical medicine says poor posture can make existing mental health problems worse.  Long periods of physical strain may also increase stress and anxiety. Psychiatrist Dr. Shiv Kataria says people often curl up and become disconnected from their surroundings while using their phones. This can make them feel more isolated and lonely. Experts also say the way you hold your phone may reflect your mental state. Holding it tightly checking it repeatedly or endlessly scrolling can increase anxiety and make it harder to relax. Poor posture can also affect your breathing. When you hunch forward your chest becomes compressed making it harder to take deep breaths. This may leave you feeling more tense and uncomfortable. It can also put extra pressure on your neck shoulders and back leading to pain over time. The good news is that improving your posture may help both your body and your mind. Sitting or standing upright with your shoulders back and chest open allows you to breathe more deeply and activates the body’s natural relaxation system. This is one reason why the idea of a “power pose” has become popular. Experts tips for better posture Keep your phone laptop or monitor at eye level. Follow the 20-20-20 rule: Every 20 minutes look at something 20 feet away for 20 seconds and gently stretch your neck and shoulders. Use a book stand or pillow to raise books instead of looking down. Make sure your chair supports your lower back keep your feet flat on the floor and place your screen at eye level. Strengthen your posture muscles with simple daily exercises such as chin tucks and shoulder blade squeezes. Experts say that changing your posture is a simple step you can take right away to improve your mood and reduce stress. While it may not be easy to avoid screens making small posture changes every day can support both your physical and mental health.