How to be healthy & practice self-care during COVID with Dr. Andrea Alexander, OBGYN doctor.

1. Name?
Dr. Andrea Alexander.

2. Profession?
I am an OBGYN who practices in Houston, TX.

3. Tell us about your background.
I grew up on the Southwest side of Houston, TX, in a lower to middle class neighborhood with a single mother. I knew I would be a doctor by the age of 13. By high school, I decided not to attend Sharpstown High School, the school to which I was zoned. Instead, I decided to go to a magnet program (a school designed to pull students toward their career interests and desired fields of study). I attended the High School for Health Professions. There, I found a love for treating women patients. I shadowed with Dr. Hunter A. Hammill in the field of OBGYN with a concentration of treating HIV/AIDS patients and transsexual patients my junior year of high school. I then went to Baylor University in Waco, TX, where I received my Bachelor of Science Degree in Biology, Pre-Med, and a minor in Chemistry. With a strong desire to attend a Historically Black College and University (an HBCU) like both of my parents, I attended the Howard University College of Medicine and found a love for OBGYN. I decided to come back home to Houston, TX, after medical school and completed my OBGYN residency at UT Houston in June 2019.

4. How did you become interested in health and nutrition?
I'll admit, I've had a leg up on the competition in terms of health and fitness. I grew up in dance and competitive cheerleading, so I've always been active before. Once I went to college and medical school, it felt weird being still, so I still danced and worked out as regularly as I could. Now while my diet wasn't always the best when I was younger, I had an epiphany in my late college years that I had better ditch the donuts and learn to prepare healthier meals. I didn't want to go into medical school urging patients to live healthy lifestyles, and I myself wasn't. From then on, healthy eating habits and regular exercise were a part of my life.

5. What does “balance” mean to you?
Balance for me means settling into your personal routine where you enact on your desires, but still incorporate healthy choices into the picture, and you feel good about your routine. Self-control means not only limiting the bad stuff you put into your mouth, but also the bad stuff you feed your brain. For example, if a person eats healthy 95% of the time during the week, and has ONE brownie that week and feels bad about it, that person punishes herself or himself with a negative inner dialogue. This person hasn't achieved balance. I would much rather be a person who eats healthy 80% during the week and feels a sense of well-being about the unhealthy choices. If I ate two cookies, that's fine, because I'm happy that I've grown to a place of self-control that lets me stop after two. If I have a cupcake, great, because I know I'll be excited, and not feel pressured, to work it off in the gym. Balance is when you've settled so well into the lifestyle of holistically caring for your body that a slip up isn't a slip up; it's a positive mental break as you become consistent again. Balance, however, requires self-control.

6. How have you been staying healthy in quarantine?
I'll say exactly what I tell my patients: I SET MYSELF UP FOR SUCCESS. I don't put temptation in my house. When you're at the grocery store, don't stock up mostly on non-perishable foods filled with fat, salt, and preservatives. If you fill your pantry with cookies, cakes, chips, and other "goodies" galore, you are what you eat, so you can guess what happens. Listen, I know it's not easy to feed a typical family of four to five people, and maybe even pets, off strictly fruits, vegetables, and water. Those aren't your only options. There are healthy alternatives to your favorite snacks. Instead of sugar cookies, try protein cookies. My faves are Lenny and Larry's Vegan cookies. Throw away the cupcakes and try protein muffins. Trade in your ice cream made from cow's milk for vegan ice cream made from coconut milk, like those from the So Delicious brand. Instead of potato chips, try dehydrated vegetable chips, or chips made from lentils, beans, or quinoa. I promise you they are equally popping!

7. Do you have any tips for self-care?
Oh, you bet I do; in fact, I probably indulge in this a little too much. Two important things. First, don't skip out on self-care just because you're tired. In today's fast-paced society, you will always be tired. Getting up is the hardest part. At the end of the day, no matter how tired you are, get up and do something for yourself. A face mask (not the hot and itchy one you've got to wear all day, the rinse off kind), a hand/foot mask, an eye mask, a few sit ups. No matter what, I guarantee you'll feel better afterwards. Second, remember, self-care goes beyond bourgeois masks. Most of us are on a budget during quarantine, so remember the free activities associated with self-care: listening to positive self-affirmations, guided meditations, and sound baths on YouTube, watching a movie with the family, stretching, and breathing exercises. And don't forget about DIY face masks, like those made from honey, egg, and/or avocado (I used to do these masks all the time in high school. I've been bourgeois from the start).

8. Since gyms still aren't open, any tips you recommend to your patients to stay fit?
Once again, I stress the importance of setting yourself up for success. I don't know what hormone pathways or chemicals contribute to this, but as soon as we get home, that wave of fatigue can hit pretty hard. Don't become a victim. Take a pre-workout and change into workout clothes right after leaving work if you're an essential worker. That way when you get home, you're ready to kill your workout. If you're at home all day, set a designated time to work out with the family. If you live alone, set up an exercise session with friends via zoom. Accountability partners are crucial here. Get creative with weightlifting. If you don't own dumbbells, use jugs of water, put books in backpacks or handbags and use the handles to lift them. Or use your kids if you've got any. It's fun for them and family time for you, so you'll be killing two birds with one stone. Set a morning routine for yourself. For example, every morning, I drink warm water with lemon while my dogs eat their breakfast and then I do an ab workout. (See above on packing your house with healthy snacks.)

9. Do you feel that everyone should still be wearing a face mask?
Absolutely. We saw the benefits of wearing masks and being in isolation when the COVID population numbers were decreasing. Now that people are out and about without masks and avoiding social distancing, we see the numbers rising again. The proof is in the pudding.

10. Are patients able to do a yearly exam? Are there new requirements now for safety precautions when performing tests?
You betcha. Your local doctors may be taking telemedicine visits so I would shop around if it's that time of year. Most clinics require patients to wear face masks upon entry to the clinic, require you to be asymptomatic, implement questionnaires in which you likely will need to score a 0 to be seen (this limits exposure to those who might have recently been infected), and may require you to come alone if you are able. Several clinics incorporate social distancing into their waiting rooms so you will likely have to wait in your car and the staff will call you when the doctor is ready. Remember to be patient. It takes extra time to turn over rooms now as each exam room must be thoroughly and properly disinfected after each patient visit.

11. Do you do virtual check-ups and if so how does that work?
Absolutely, and most physicians do. Many electronic medical record (EMR) systems have implemented technology where you can video teleconference in real time with your patients (almost like Skype). Most of the telemedicine visits require a quick discussion on any new symptoms/illnesses/complaints you may have, and some clinics may ask you to check your blood pressure and temperature with any at home devices, or you may be able to do this at your local pharmacy prior to your visit. If a problem is noted in these telemedicine visits, you may be asked to come in for a more extensive physical exam and work up.

12. What can we do at home for preventative care?
Continuing to practice social distancing and wearing a mask in public will be the heavy hitters. At home, continuing to disinfect frequently used surfaces and spaces, computers, phones, and remotes are important. Jotting down any symptoms, the date at which they appeared, and where you were as well as who was with/around you a few days before then will also help you stay on top of things.

12. Are pregnant women at a greater risk of COVID, and any advice for mothers to be?
In the early stages of COVID-19, data did not indicate that pregnant individuals were at an increased risk of infection or severe disease. However, recent data analysis from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) suggest that in women with COVID-19, those who are pregnant are at increased risk for symptoms of severe disease, ICU admissions, and mechanical ventilation as compared to their non-pregnant peers. There was, interestingly, no increase in mortality. However, given the lack of controlled studies secondary to the novelty of this disease, and as pregnant women do have weakened immune systems, I still urge my patients to continue the practices noted above. If you're stuck at home all the time, remember to get up and stretch your legs every two hours. You don't want to put yourself at an increased risk for a blood clot by being immobile all day. Try to take a 30-minute walk after each large meal to avoid gestational diabetes.

13. Website?
www.pagingdrdre.com

14. Social Media?
IG: @paging.dr.dre

How to stay motivated during COVID with writer & speaker, Eli Erlick.

1. Tell us about yourself.
I'm a writer, organizer, and scholar based in New York. I began working in the queer and trans community nearly 10 years ago and co-founded Trans Student Educational Resources at age 16, which grew to be one of the largest trans-led organizations in the country. I'm now finishing my PhD while researching political theory, social movements, and the transgender community.

2. What has your journey towards becoming an influencer been like?
To start, I'm ambivalent toward the term influencer. On one hand, the term describes a phenomenon that already existed among older adults who influence. On the other hand, our representation is mediated by social media and other corporations' interests now more than ever. On a personal level, I didn't know about the term until my early 20's despite "influencing" since my teens through traditional media. The journey toward the label was as much one of words as it was about my own social media channels. I think it's most important to use our access to the public to educate, agitate, and organize.

3. Where do you find your fashion inspiration?
I find fashion inspiration among the queer and trans people who transgress gendered norms. Sometimes I'll find clothing on the streets in Brooklyn, cut it up, and wear that. Other times my friends will spray paint shirts with catchy slogans(Gay Crime Factory). Fashion can come from anywhere, and I endlessly appreciate how unpredictable it can be.

Eli Erlick Photography by Norah Littleton. — Eli Erlick
Photography by Norah Littleton.

4. Has it become more difficult for you to stay inspired during a quarantine?
There are many hurdles to overcome during quarantine. Being isolated for so long can definitely be a drag. Some days I don't want to work at all. However, there's a special kind of inspiration that can come from spending time with only a small group. Often, the most encouraging moments come from the people we're closest to.

5. Has it been difficult capturing your looks due to having to stay inside most of the time?
Yes! I'm a fan of outdoor photography so that's been much more difficult. I also don't have many people to shoot with, which can make it harder to capture photos. I try to find ways to mix it up with creative outfits, lighting, and angles.

6. How do you stay motivated during a time where hope feels so lost?
Our relationships with others don't end at physical interaction. Our ability to work with other people can be entirely online or marching in the streets. I think this is actually one of the most hopeful times of my life: we finally have an opportunity to publicly advocate for abolition, universal healthcare, and trans liberation like never before. It's important to mobilize during these crises and to see these crises as moments of transformation.

7. What advice would you give to your followers during this time?
Stay strong and don't give up on yourself or others. Even when we're at a distance, your community needs you now more than ever.

8. What sort of new places are you looking for inspiration since COVID-19?
I find inspiration in the incredible writers, organizers, and educators of color who are transforming the world during this time of racial justice. Outspoken Black trans people like Tourmaline, Miss Major, and Raquel Willis show just how powerful organizing can be during the pandemic. Artists such as Lafemmebear, Proxy, and Aaryn Lang also show that we can still create amazing things when quarantined.

9. Website?
www.elierlick.com

10. Instagram?
@elierlick

Sustainable tips from sustainable influencer, Monika Poppy.

1. Tell us about yourself.
I’m a blogger, influencer, and consultant in the sustainable lifestyle sphere.

2. How did you get started in this field?
I studied oil and gas management, which I grew to hate and then I sought the alternative for my further education in sustainable development.

3. Does quarantine have a negative impact of sustainability?
Yes and no, we have all learned to live a little slower and understood that it is possible. However, the single use market from plastic glove and masks have had a terrible effect.

4 What advice would you give to those wanting to lead a more sustainable life?
Start small, taking giant leaps is difficult for everyone. Try that vegan recipe, read that book on sustainability, follow that ethical influencer, buy that organic cotton blouse. All these things will slowly have a long-term impact on how you approach your day-to-day life.

5. How can one affordably shop for sustainable clothes?
Buy less and buy smart. There are many more affordable ethical brands now in the market but try to invest in items that you know you will get a lot of wear from. For items that you don’t see yourself wearing a lot but really want, buy either second hand or something high end that you can resell.

6. Do you have any thrifting tips?
Have a wish list of items you want, but never walk into a store with a specific item in mind as the chances of you finding it will be low. However, if you have something specific in mind then the resell market is your best bet (Depop, eBay, Vestiaire)

7. How can we ensure we're being sustainable during quarantine?
Don’t buy single use masks and gloves!

8. Should we be concerned about the waste being produced from masks?
Of course, we have to be mindful of disposal of masks, if you have single-use ones then save them up and locate a recycling bin purposely for masks. Terracycle offer these!

9. What are three simple tips you can give to someone on being more sustainable?
Try vegan Mondays, keep your closet to four to five of your favorite colors so that items can mix and match better, be active on resell market apps.

10. Tell us a few of your favorite sustainable brands.
Veja for shoes, Analuisa for jewelry and Stella McCartney for clothes. I also recently discovered a brand called Nu-in which is affordable, sustainable, and chic.

11. Website?
www.sustainabilityiscool.com

12. Instagram?
@sustainabilityiscool

Sustainable tips from sustainable fashion designer, Alice Early.

1. Tell us about yourself?
I grew up in the Cotswolds into a family of creative people with a history in the British woollen cloth weaving industry, Early’s of Witney. An appreciation of nature and the outdoors, materiality, and craft were all part of my upbringing and have shaped my views and appreciation of clothing. My aim is to connect with people who share a love of quality design and British-made products.

Applying a minimalist aesthetic, and working to the principle that less is more, my clothes are designed in a timeless style to make you feel confident, relaxed, and comfortable all year around. No fads, no gimmicks; just beautiful clothing created with a considered, sustainable approach. I love to work with local manufacturers and use natural organic materials.

2. How did you get started in this field?
I studied Textiles and Design at school, received a BA in Fashion Design at Kingston University and an MFA in Fashion Design and Society from Parsons, New York. I worked in the industry for 10 years for brilliant designers including Paul Smith, Sophie Hulme, and Deborah Milner.

I started my business because especially now, there is an urgency for considered design and thoughtful innovation, a rejection of the rush for newness and wasteful overproduction. The challenge is to build new ways of working that bypass careless, bad design and cheap (and exploitative) manufacturing. To prevent non-recyclables polluting our landscapes and plastics filling our oceans.

I launched my collection in November 2018. I laid down some principles that would form the foundation of my practice and from which I design and develop my collections from my studio in Brixton, London.

3.Does quarantine have a negative impact on sustainability?
There are so many factors, but quarantine has probably had a positive impact rather than a negative one. It has highlighted that we don’t need to shop as regularly for new clothing; that most of us have plenty in our wardrobes and we should be considering what we really love – mending the pieces we do and sharing the ones we don’t with friends.

The concern is that brands that have placed large orders with manufacturers across the globe are not fulfilling their responsibility to pay for those orders because of the fall in demand with people not shopping on the high street. Those brands need to pay up.

Alice Early Designs Photographer: Sam Ford — Alice Early Designs
Photographer: Sam Ford

4.What advice would you give to those wanting to lead a more sustainable life?
Only buy what you really need or really love.

Buy from brands who work with manufacturers paying a fair wage.
Buy for the long term.
Buy quality over quantity.
Shop locally and support local economies.

Look out for brands offering a ‘Pre-Order’ system as these brands often sell directly to consumers and try to avoid overproduction by only producing what you love and order in advance. You may have to wait a few weeks, but it is a great way for independent brands to manage order expectations, cut the waste of raw materials, and avoid overproduction.

5.How can one affordably shop for sustainable clothes?
Sustainability is a really broad term, but a few tips are to look at what material the garment is made from: organic cotton, linen, wool, lyocell and bamboo, to name a few. These natural fibers are far better than plastics like polyester, nylon, and acrylic that release harmful micro plastics into the water system during washing.

Another major issue is the volume of consumption. Think about purchasing one really fantastic item, that you look amazing in and wear all the time, that will last you a lifetime or can be handed down. This is far better than purchasing multiple cheap items, you care less about and forget they exist in the back of your wardrobe. You will cherish those special pieces far more. Even a really well-made pair of casual trousers will last longer and make you feel more confident than will a badly fitted cheap pair. It’s all about cost per wear.

6. Do you have any thrifting tips?
I rarely shop in thrift shops for myself, but I love to look for inspiration. However, I do enjoy hand-me-downs and wear several of my mother’s dresses, and I have a few special pieces from my grandmother, which I love and wear for special occasions.

7. How can we ensure we're being sustainable during quarantine?
Take a holistic approach and shop locally. Only shop for what you need and be resourceful.

8.Should we be concerned about the waste being produced from masks?
I think there is a legitimate concern, but the safety of people is more important. If you can, make one that you can wash and reuse. I am producing masks within the lay plan of my clothing so I can use all my waste materials resourcefully.

9. What are three simple tips you can give to someone on being more sustainable?
Buy Quality - Less Often - Make Sure it’s Made to Last.

10.Tell us a few of your favourite sustainable brands:
I love Allbirds, who produce shoes engineered with natural materials like merino wool, eucalyptus tree fibre, and sugar cane.

I use Dr. Hauschka skin care and make-up products that use natural and nurturing ingredients sourced from organic cultivation under fair trade conditions. I love to discover and shop with small local independent brands.

11. Website?
aliceearly.co.uk

12. Instagram?
@aliceearly

How to be motivated during COVID with the LBGTQ Travel duo, Gabi & Shanna from 27travels.

1. Tell us about yourself.
We are Gabi & Shanna, a lesbian couple based in NYC. We share a passion for traveling the world together, sharing our tips, and spreading pride, love, & positivity.

2. What has your journey towards becoming an influencer been like?
Our journey towards being influencers has been such an interesting and rewarding journey. We didn’t start by trying to be influencers; for us it was just something fun we did together as a way to share all of our travel memories, both photo and video. Shanna is a videographer and I (Gabi) am a photographer, and we were looking for a place to put all of the photos, memories, & amazing experiences we were sharing together. We quickly noticed that at the time there weren’t a lot of other lesbian couples doing the same or giving advice when it came to travel. It became a passion of ours to share our tips while traveling and to be visible as a lesbian couple traveling together and living our lives on Instagram. It quickly blossomed into what our account is today.

3. Where do you find your fashion inspiration?
Honestly, we feel like we both have totally different and unique styles when it comes to fashion. We both love thrifting and finding pieces that are affordable and unique. When it comes to fashion it’s all about wearing what makes you feel confident and happy.

4. Has it become more difficult for you to stay inspired during a quarantine?
In the beginning of quarantine, we were a little concerned about staying inspired, but we actually were amazed at how inspired we have been. Quarantine made us try new things when it came to photo and video and made us think of creating in a different way, which opened up our minds and made us even more creative.

5. Has it been difficult capturing your looks due to having to stay inside most of the time?
It wasn’t really difficult; it was simply different from what we normally do. We normally share photos of when we travel together and since travel has been out of the picture until it’s safe to do so again, we just had to adjust and try different things.

6. How do you stay motivated during a time where hope feels so lost?
We try to stay inspired but when we are having days when we feel lost or unmotivated, we just let things happen. It’s fine to have days when you feel lost, sad, or unmotivated and it’s all about letting yourself have those moments to feel unmotivated and not do much of anything. Life is all about balance and it’s important not to put so much pressure on yourself and to let yourself feel how you are feeling.

7. What advice would you give to your followers during this time?
Our advice would be that in quarantine and even when quarantine is over, do the things that make you happy and make you feel inspired. If something isn’t making you happy don’t force it. Try to enjoy the little things in life.

8. How has your life as an influencer changed the most since quarantine began?
Ever since quarantine began it has felt as though our internet community has gotten even closer together as people have had to slow down a bit and pay a lot of attention to the important things going on in the world right now. We are so proud of our community and how they are so kind and always stand up for what’s right in the world.

9. What sort of new places are you looking for inspiration since COVID-19?
We look for inspiration in everything around us. Art, music, books, and movies are a great way to get inspiration. We also get inspiration by following people online who give us life.

10. Website?
https://www.27travels.com

11. Instagram?
@27travels

Article by Alison Hernon, Editor-In-Chief, PhotoBook Magazine

How To Be Healthy & Practice Self-care During COVID, With Dr. Andrea Alexander, OBGYN Doctor & Savvy Influencers.

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