According to Medical News Today, this term refers to “an anxiety disorder that manifests as a fear of situations where escape could be difficult, or in which help would not be available if something bad were to happen.” That means a person might be afraid of attending public events, using public transportation or even simply leaving home, for fear that they couldn’t access help if anything were to go wrong.

Image: UNSPLASH

Common symptoms of Agoraphobia are similar to that of a panic attack: Rapid heartbeat, rapid breathing (hyperventilation), chest pains, feeling hot and sweaty and feeling ill. According to the UK’s National Health Service (NHS), people with this condition will “avoid situations that cause anxiety and may only leave the house with a friend or partner. They’ll order groceries online rather than going to the supermarket. This change in behaviour is known as avoidance.”

But where does it come from? Scientists believe Agoraphobia usually develops as a complication of panic disorder, an anxiety disorder involving panic attacks and moments of intense fear. It can even arise by associating panic attacks with the places or situations where they first occurred. “A minority of people with Agoraphobia have no history of panic attacks. In these cases, their fear may be related to issues like a fear of crime, terrorism, illness, or being in an accident,” according to the NHS.

The good news though is Agoraphobia can typically be treated with a combination of medication and psychotherapy. “Treatment is effective for most people with Agoraphobia, but it can be harder to treat if people do not get early help,” says Medical News Today. Medication, Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) and self-help techniques are just some of the ways this condition can be managed.

Remember: You should speak to your doctor first about any concerns before taking action.

For more information on health and wellbeing, follow @schickmagazine on Instagram, Twitter & Facebook!

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“7 April 2020 is the day to celebrate the work of nurses and midwives and remind world leaders of the critical role they play in keeping the world healthy,” says the WHO. “Nurses and other health workers are at the forefront of COVID-19 response – providing high quality, respectful treatment and care, leading community dialogue to address fears and questions and, in some instances, collecting data for clinical studies.”

It’s #WorldHealthDay!

Today, we celebrate the work of nurses & midwives by showing our appreciation for their bravery, courage & resolve in the global #COVID19 response.

Tell us who your favourite nurse or midwife is .
#SupportNursesAndMidwives https://t.co/ZFkbyJFmG0 pic.twitter.com/02Skex6uW8

— World Health Organization (WHO) (@WHO) April 6, 2020

This year (International Year of the Nurse and the Midwife), WHO, alongside its partners, aim to highlight the current status of nursing and around the world, ultimately making recommendations on how to strengthen of the nursing and midwifery workforce. “This will be vital if we are to achieve national and global targets related to universal health coverage, maternal and child health, infectious and non-communicable diseases including mental health, emergency preparedness and response, patient safety and the delivery of integrated, people-centered care, amongst others.”

Around the world, 70% of the health and social workforce are women and nurses and midwives represent a large portion of that number. Official statistics also show that midwifery, where care includes proven interventions for maternal and newborn health as well as for family planning, could avert over 80% of all maternal deaths, stillbirths and neonatal deaths.

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It’s #WorldHealthDay – join us in celebrating nurses, midwives and all #healthworkers fighting #COVID19 around the . Take a minute to say #ThanksHealthHeroes

A post shared by World Health Organization (@who) on Apr 6, 2020 at 11:15pm PDT

The tagline for World Health Day 2020 is: Support nurses and midwives. Show your support on social media today for these amazing health workers, using the hashtag #ThanksHealthHeroes!

The post THIS WORLD HEALTH DAY, NURSES AND MIDWIVES ARE AT THE CENTRE OF THE WORLD’S ATTENTION appeared first on SCHICK.

With food considerations, however, it appears there’s little need to panic. According to the World Health Organisation, “to date, there have not been any reports of transmission of SARS-CoV-2 virus (COVID-19) through food.” Nevertheless, WHO warns, “concerns were expressed about the potential for these viruses to persist on raw foods of animal origin.”

It’s important to note that the Coronaviruse is very stable in a frozen state, according to studies, and can survive for up to two years at -20°C. Research also shows that at refrigeration temperature (4°C), the virus can remain viable for up to 72 hours. “Current evidence on other coronavirus strains shows that while coronaviruses appear to be stable at low and freezing temperatures for a certain period, food hygiene and good food safety practices can prevent their transmission through food,” says WHO.

So, while cooking your food will most likely eliminate chances of contamination, the consumption of raw or undercooked animal products should be avoided at this time. Also beware of cross-contamination with uncooked foods, such as raw meat, raw milk or raw animal organs.

Additional recommendations and materials on food safety are available on the WHO website.

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What makes it so special is that as you literally dance your way to a fitter you, it helps you build stamina, increase endurance and strengthen your core. If you’ve already fallen in love with Zumba, here’s all the encouragement you need to keep going:

Better coordination

If you can move your arms and legs in unison with the upbeat music, change your movement every few seconds and not take out someone’s eye in the process, the result is gradually improved coordination.

Battles stage fright

Zumba involves a lot of spicy moves that might make you uncomfortable initially, but once you get over it the awkwardness, this group exercise will help bring you out of your shell – and that has long-term benefits for other areas of your life too, including career and business.

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New week, new chance to dance : "Misteriosa" by @maxpizzolante : @catmedinaa, @sonja_edel, @dennise_lpp

A post shared by Zumba (@zumba) on Mar 16, 2020 at 9:28am PDT

Improved dancing skills

Not much a dancer? Zumba can help with that. The only way for this exercise to be effective is to move to the beat, so you can improve your skills on the dance floor while getting in shape.

Stress therapy

A great Zumba online class is the right place to work through your stress caused by work, life or the global crisis we’re in now. The lively music, dancing and giggles will help you feel a lot calmer afterwards.

Meet new people

Once you’re back up and about, it’s the perfect opportunity to mingle and get to know new people. Who knows? You could even make a lifelong friend!

Follow @schickmagazine on Instagram for more health and lifestyle tips!

The post TRYING ZUMBA AT HOME? HERE’S HOW YOUR BODY AND MIND WILL BE TRANSFORMED appeared first on SCHICK.

Self-care has recently become a buzz word in pop culture, which has led to misconceptions about it. It doesn’t always mean going to the spa, getting a mani-pedi or having a bubble bath while sipping on champagne. Now there is absolutely nothing wrong with those things, however, it’s important that you truly do feel refreshed afterwards and aren’t just engaging in those activities for the sake of it.

The truth is, self-care can be very unglamorous. It may mean waking up early before your spouse or kids to have some me-time or taking a break from the news and social media to spend time doing things you enjoy. Whatever it is, you know yourself best and know the things that make you feel refreshed.

As we are all dealing with the pandemic, I believe we need to prioritise and be intentional about self-care more than ever. We are living in uncertain times and it’s important that we not only stay safe and take precautions, but also look after our mental health.

Here are 10 quarantine and social distancing-friendly self-care tips to try out:

1. Catch up on sleep

When was the last time you were able to sleep without having to set an alarm? Enjoy it while you have the opportunity to do so. If you are working from home, allow yourself to have a day where you can sleep in or set your usual alarm an hour later than normal.

2. Eat healthy

Research shows that there may be a connection to the food we eat and how it impacts our mood. It is so easy to fall into the trap of mindless eating and snacking during this time of quarantine. Try incorporating more fruits and vegetables into your diet, especially immune-boosting ones.

3. Pray/Meditate

If you’re religious, carve out some time to connect with God. You can also try meditating. It is important to prioritize your spiritual health.

4. Try journalling

Are you feeling overwhelmed with all that’s going on? Journal your thoughts. Write about how you’re feeling and how it’s impacting your life.

5. Spend time with loved ones – virtually

Video call your parents, check in with your friends or set up a group call to catch up with loved ones. It’s important to stay connected with community now more than ever.

6. Go for a walk

At this point, you’re probably tired of staying indoors. Why not go for a walk around the neighbourhood? Not only are you getting some exercise, but spending time in nature is also known to have a positive impact on your mental health. Just be sure to keep a distance of six feet between and others.

7. Workout

There are tons of free home workout videos on Youtube. Find one and give it a try. Working out releases endorphins, a chemical known to trigger happy and positive feelings.

8. Try something creative

Look up a Youtube video on how to draw. It may be time to awaken your inner Picasso!

9. Family games night

If you live with family, take out one or two evening to play fun group games. You can show your kids your Ludo skills or have them show you how to play their favourite games.

10. Unplug from the news and social media

If you don’t try anything listed above, I encourage you to try this. It is important to stay up-to-date with all that’s going on in the world but give yourself a limit. Don’t spend all day looking at the latest cases; the news will always be there. Give yourself permission to step away from it.

Remember: Be intentional about taking care of yourself. We will get through this tough time. Stay safe and healthy!

The post HAVE YOU BEEN PRACTISING SELF-CARE ALL WRONG ALL THIS TIME? appeared first on SCHICK.

Leading pregnancy and parenting brand, What to Expect answers some of these burning questions, offering daily practical advice on how to maintain a healthy lifestyle, what to do in an emergency and how the coronavirus pandemic may affect your birth plans. Want to know more? Read on!

I’m due to give birth soon and worried about being in hospital

According to WTE, “Every hospital and birthing center is different, but some are taking new measures to protect patients and staff.” But note that the virus outbreak will most likely affect a few things. For instance, if you’ve been exposed to the coronavirus or you’ve tested positive for COVID-19, your doctor and nursing staff will be wearing protective gear, and if you have no complications and you and baby are healthy, your provider may give you the option of leaving sooner than you would have in the past.

Should I still go for my prenatal appointments?

The government and public health officials are recommending that everyone – including you – try to stay home as much as possible, but how do you ensure everything is okay with your baby? WTE advises that as anxiety-inducing as it might be, it’s safer (for now) for both you and your growing baby to practice social distancing – at least six feet away from others – and still observe good hygiene, doing your best not to touch your face.

If you still have concerns, talk to your health provider who should be able to advise you on the best steps to take.

Can I still have a baby shower?

WTE generally advises against hosting or attending a baby shower, unfortunately. “Many mums-to-be are now planning virtual baby showers in lieu of in-person gatherings. Yes, that basically means everyone meets up over their computers or smartphones. While it may be logistically different, the intent is the same: to celebrate you and babe.” Find out more about how to plan one.

I just had a baby. Can my friends and family come and visit?

Although social gatherings of more than 10 people should be avoided, you might not be comfortable with banishing your loved ones from your home, especially at a time when you need support more than ever. Instead, “first make sure to ask them if they are or have been sick recently. If they have any signs and symptoms of any illness, ask them to postpone their visit.” It’s also recommended that before and during their visit, you gently ask them to wash their hands with soap and use alcohol-based hand sanitiser, most certainly if they’ll be coming into contact with baby.

UNSPLASH

How do I protect my newborn whenever we’re out in public?

Staying home as much as possible is advisable but we all need a break from time to time, so avoiding close contact with people who are sick, cleaning and disinfecting frequently touched objects, toys, etc. and staying informed about the local COVID-19 situation are some of the best ways to stay safe.

If I get Coronavirus, how will it affect my unborn child?

There is currently no evidence to suggest that a pregnant woman with COVID-19 can pass the virus that causes COVID-19 to her foetus or baby during pregnancy or delivery. But can you still breastfeed? “Whether and how to start or continue breastfeeding should be determined by the mother in coordination with her family and healthcare providers,” says WTE. “A mother with confirmed or suspected COVID-19 should take all possible precautions to avoid spreading the virus to her infant, including washing her hands before touching the infant and wearing a face mask, if possible, while feeding at the breast.”

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The post PREGNANCY, BABIES & THE CORONAVIRUS: WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW appeared first on SCHICK.

According to the Anxiety and Depression Association of America (ADAA), this selection of apps could be just what is needed to help you pass the storm:

1. Headspace

Targeted to anyone who wants to learn meditation to reduce anxiety and stress and improve their attention and awareness; good for a beginner to establish a regular meditative routine. The skills taught include mindfulness and cognitive diffusion, breathing exercises, meditation practice, tips for increased relaxation, concentration; may be applied to anxiety and depressive disorders, PTSD, and OCD, especially in conjunction with a health provider.

2. Happify

Happify is a self-guided app that aims to increase positive emotions through exercises and games supported by positive psychology and mindfulness research. An initial questionnaire is used to suggest “tracks” for an individual’s use, and subsequent activity content is geared towards various aims such as reducing worry, building relationships, increasing fitness, or coping with chronic pain. Activities are backed up with a blurb about research or scientific rationale that the user is encouraged to read. It is free with paid upgrades.

3. Anxiety Coach

Anxiety Coach is a self-help app that addresses fears and worries using CBT strategies. The app walks you through making a list of feared activities and helps you master them, leading to less fear and worry. The app includes tools for a severity self-test, making a plan, anxiety tracking, and viewing your progress.

4. Breathe2Relax

A simple, intuitive, and attractive mobile app designed by the National Center for Telehealth & Technology to teach breathing techniques to manage stress. The skills taught may be applied to those with anxiety disorders, stress, and PTSD.

This app can be personalised to a pace that the user finds relaxing; includes a video demo, reading materials, and charts to map personal progress.

5. Sanvello

Targeted to help those with anxiety and mood disorders and stress, this app teaches deep breathing, behavioral exercises, excises and identifying cognitive distortions (negative thinking patterns), and learning how to replace them with positive thinking patterns. It’s also good for those experiencing bouts of anxiety between treatment sessions. 

Follow @schickmagazine for more health and wellness information!

The post 5 EFFECTIVE APPS TO HELP YOU MANAGE STRESS AND ANXIETY RIGHT NOW appeared first on SCHICK.

As the world continues (and rightly so) to celebrate women from all walks of life this March and beyond, Mindfully African, an online community created for African women to be educated about their mental health and wellbeing, is focusing on celebrating African women and empowering the next generation. African women across the world are indefatigable leaders, hard-workers and advocates for social justice. However, most often than note, due to lack of time, or the few policies focusing on mental and physical health intervention, they neglect its importance. Many have even used non-specialist health providers in local communities, which reduce the cost of care.

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To celebrate #iwd2020 we teamed up with #africanwomen around the world and #alliedoil Ghana to launch a self care learning campaign #iammindfullyafrican. We believe that no one knows african women like african women so we are dedicating this year to sharing our self care tips, our wellbeing journeys and mental health stories.⁣ ⁣ Watch our full campaign video on IGTV and Stay tuned as we share self care videos from african women throughout the month! ⁣ ⁣ When we stand and share our stories in an empowering way, our stories heal us and will heal somebody else – Iyanla Vanzat⁣ ⁣ Join the movement and share your self care tips #iammindfullyafrican #watchmework #cnn #bbcafrica #beyondthereturn #mentalhealth #africangirlskillingit #CNNAfrica #iammindfullyafrican ⁣ ⁣ ⁣ @dodeye @nelaonengola @stylebywillie @veenaofficial @queen_agyeiwaa @hi_jewel @mummy__yo @foreign_curves @sandybrownx @ama.nettey @goldmuslimah @kingrai___ @bbcafrica @bbcafrique @bbcstories @badassboz @oprahmagazine @cnnafrica ⁣

A post shared by @ mindfullyafrican on Mar 10, 2020 at 12:18pm PDT

Raimah Amevor, founder and CEO of Mindfully African, is changing this, working with practitioners, local authorities, African government, diaspora associations and mental health practitioners. Mindfully African has built Africa’s first mental health directory, where you can find contact details of qualified counsellors, psychologists and nutritionists that serve the entire continent. In addition, they have brought together qualified professionals from across Africa to provide women, young and mature, with content catered for them and by them that they can trust to help take care of their mental and physical well-being and reach full potential.

As stated by world institutions, including the World Health Organisation (WHO) and the United Nations, mental health intervention impacts the economic circumstances of individuals and households affected by mental illness. Studies that evaluated the economic impact of these interventions, showing how clinical and economic improvements go hand-in-hand. It’s overly evident that there’s a need for more African governments to make mental health a national development priority and position women at its centre, to lead and advance a nation’s productivity.

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How many things are you doing that are slowly chipping away at your soul? How many people are you tolerating that should’ve been left in your past and not your future? ⁣⁣ ⁣⁣ As the year ends, reflect on the things , people or places that no longer reflect the person who you want to be ⁣⁣ ⁣ ⁣⁣ Make a choice, choose you ⁣⁣ ⁣⁣⁣ ⁣⁣

A post shared by @ mindfullyafrican on Nov 20, 2019 at 6:31am PST

Mindfully African is working across Africa, with the aim to strengthen information systems, improve governance and calculate the costs of scaling up integrated care packages for women. Improving women’s mental health will help unlock development potential, a neglected link in the development chain in Africa.

Thus, Raimah believes that it is important to celebrate the amazing work of African women, whilst investing in mental health to promote resilience on the continent. After all, good mental health is just as much a means to social and economic development as it is a worthy goal in itself.

Read more about Mindfully African!

The post IMPROVING MENTAL HEALTH CARE WILL SHAPE THE NEXT GENERATION OF AFRICAN WOMEN appeared first on SCHICK.

To celebrate this year’s event, SCHICK had a quick interview with weight loss expert, mother-of-two, fitness enthusiast and ShredderGang founder, Bunmi George – on everything from the best workout routines when you’re pressed for time, to how she gets her family to eat healthy.

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Collaborations are great, no man is an island. Infact your divine mandate has people involved however there are some things that God will require of YOU. Yesterday I sat with @oloriboye and we mused over many topics and I was sharing with her how my latest venture was so much bigger than me I wanted to bring in an international partner so that I could piggy back because who am I to really do this big thing and so I tried and tried until the Lord was like “aunty, it’s YOU that will do it, it’s YOU, you are the woman for the job, I will show you how” I love adventures with God because beyond the mandate, who I become in the process is most important. He is a God of the journey and I am the house He is building. Peep the link in bio and have a listen to the podcast. Pray it blesses you

A post shared by Mrs Black (@jbums) on Mar 4, 2020 at 3:45am PST

When it came to her message for women, this IWD, Bunmi simply says, “Women are caretakers; they take care of everyone but themselves. This International Women’s Day, I say: Every woman is a priority. You first, because a healthy you means a healthy everybody else.”

Watch the full video on YouTube:

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The post WEIGHT LOSS EXPERT AND SHREDDER GANG FOUNDER, BUNMI GEORGE ANSWERS SCHICK’S 23 BURNING QUESTIONS appeared first on SCHICK.

2020 marks both the 20th anniversary of the day and the midway point of the three-year ‘I Am and I Will’ campaign. According to the official World Cancer Day website, “‘I Am and I Will’ is a call-to-action urging for personal commitment and represents the power of individual action taken now to impact the future.”

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We’re proud to announce that UICC and @istitutomarangoni have teamed up for a special @worldcancerday 20th anniversary collaboration. Together, we launched the ‘Design for Progress’ competition, challenging students to design a t-shirt that celebrates the modern-day heroes living with cancer as well as the heroes working to prevent and treat the disease. A huge thanks to our judges @biancabalti @efarneti @princessdinamired and Malcom McInnes who helped choose the final winning design among the many amazing submissions. Today, on #WorldCancerDay, we’re excited to reveal the chosen winning design is by Aimone. Congratulations Aimone! @aimone.pitacco Thank you to all the students who took part and for showing the world that we can all stand up, speak up and set up for a #cancer-free future. #WorldCancerDay #IAmAndIWill #IMcreations

A post shared by World Cancer Day (@worldcancerday) on Feb 4, 2020 at 3:45am PST

The reason for creating a multi-year – as opposed to single – campaign was to create more long-term impact, “by increasing public-facing exposure and engagement, more opportunities to build global awareness and impact-driven action,” according to organisers. Some of the most popular types of cancer around the world still include breast, lung and prostate cancer.

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What do 15,000 people in 20 countries think, feel and believe about #cancer? #WorldCancerDay #IAmAndIWill

A post shared by World Cancer Day (@worldcancerday) on Feb 3, 2020 at 11:30pm PST

There are several ways everyone can be a part of the global fight against this disease, including creating custom social media post with your own personal message of the commitment and hosting your own World Cancer Day event.

Find out more about how to take action.

The post THE IMPORTANCE BEHIND THE THEME OF WORLD CANCER DAY, THIS YEAR appeared first on SCHICK.