Latest news with #Matz
The Star
02-05-2025
- Health
- The Star
Belgium raises alarm over #SkinnyTok, anorexia fears on TikTok
Usually featuring and targeting young women, the videos promote ways of losing weight. — Reuters BRUSSELS: Belgium raised the alarm Wednesday about videos promoting extreme thinness on TikTok, warning that the platform was failing to protect teenage girls from significant danger. The Belgian government has informed the European Commission, in charge of regulating the world's biggest digital platforms in the EU, of its concerns about TikTok and the promotion of unhealthy beauty standards. "TikTok's algorithm, by trapping young people in a spiral of extreme content, poses a major threat to their mental and physical health," Digital Minister Vanessa Matz said. Matz said the danger was more acute "as summer approaches, a sensitive period for self-esteem" where there is more pressure online to get a so-called "beach body". In response, TikTok said it did not allow the display or promotion of dangerous behaviours related to eating habits and weight loss. But Matz pointed to posts on TikTok under keywords such as "skinny" or "Skinnytok" that were still visible despite warning banners. Usually featuring and targeting young women, the videos promote ways of losing weight and sometimes associate beauty with seeing the contours of the body's bones. Critics say the videos encourage eating disorders. In Belgium, 15% of women aged 10 to 64 have suspected eating disorders, according to the Sciensano public health institute, compared with 11% of men. Matz has contacted Belgium's telecoms regulator – which has the power to make a formal submission to the EU – and Irish authorities, which act on behalf of the bloc. Like other Big Tech firms, TikTok's European headquarters are in Ireland. Belgium is not alone in its fears, with calls growing in other EU countries for more pressure against TikTok to comply with the EU's landmark content moderation rules known as the Digital Services Act (DSA). France too raised the alarm this month over the trend to French authorities and the EU. Brussels has been probing TikTok since February 2024 for alleged DSA violations regarding the protection of minors and concerns about children's mental well-being. A TikTok spokesperson said the platform had "strict rules against body shaming and dangerous weight loss behaviours", adding that "To protect teen viewers, we age-restrict content with harmful body ideals". – AFP
Time of India
01-05-2025
- Health
- Time of India
Belgium raises alarm over #SkinnyTok, anorexia fears on TikTok
Belgium raised the alarm Wednesday about videos promoting extreme thinness on TikTok, warning that the platform was failing to protect teenage girls from significant danger. The Belgian government has informed the European Commission, in charge of regulating the world's biggest digital platforms in the EU, of its concerns about TikTok and the promotion of unhealthy beauty standards. "TikTok's algorithm, by trapping young people in a spiral of extreme content, poses a major threat to their mental and physical health," Digital Minister Vanessa Matz said. Matz said the danger was more acute "as summer approaches, a sensitive period for self-esteem" where there is more pressure online to get a so-called "beach body". In response, TikTok said it did not allow the display or promotion of dangerous behaviours related to eating habits and weight loss. But Matz pointed to posts on TikTok under keywords such as "skinny" or " Skinnytok " that were still visible despite warning banners. Usually featuring and targeting young women, the videos promote ways of losing weight and sometimes associate beauty with seeing the contours of the body's bones. Critics say the videos encourage eating disorders. In Belgium, 15 percent of women aged 10 to 64 have suspected eating disorders, according to the Sciensano public health institute, compared with 11 percent of men. Matz has contacted Belgium's telecoms regulator -- which has the power to make a formal submission to the EU -- and Irish authorities, which act on behalf of the bloc. Like other Big Tech firms, TikTok's European headquarters are in Ireland. Belgium is not alone in its fears, with calls growing in other EU countries for more pressure against TikTok to comply with the EU's landmark content moderation rules known as the Digital Services Act (DSA). France too raised the alarm this month over the trend to French authorities and the EU. Brussels has been probing TikTok since February 2024 for alleged DSA violations regarding the protection of minors and concerns about children's mental well-being. A TikTok spokesperson said the platform had "strict rules against body shaming and dangerous weight loss behaviours", adding that "To protect teen viewers, we age-restrict content with harmful body ideals".
BBC News
22-04-2025
- Sport
- BBC News
'Clear intention to bounce back and the boys did well'
Nottingham Forest manager Nuno Espirito Santo to BBC Match of the Day: "It was a big improvement. We reacted well from the previous game. There was a clear intention to bounce back and the boys did well."We controlled the game really well in the first half. We had goals, but also Tottenham created chances in the second half and we had to hold on to what we had."I don't believe it impacts us if we play before or after [our rivals]. The way we approach it is game by game."We've been able, this season, to compete well and fight for every ball. The boys did it."We have a big week ahead of us. We want to recover the players and we can enjoy this."If you look back at the first half, Tottenham created a lot of problems for us in wide areas. We had Matz [Sels] at a high level to keep us in the game. You have to remember we are playing quality players."Did you know?Nottingham Forest have won 53% ( nine of 17) of their Premier League away games this season, their best win percentage on the road in a campaign in the competition. Only Liverpool have won more away games across 2024-25 in the top flight (11).
USA Today
20-04-2025
- Entertainment
- USA Today
Beyoncé fan and Black business owner hopes cowboy hats become wardrobe staple
Beyoncé fan and Black business owner hopes cowboy hats become wardrobe staple Show Caption Hide Caption Beyoncé released 'Cowboy Carter' album one year ago: A look back It's been one year since Beyoncé released her eighth studio album, "Cowboy Carter." Here's a look back at the album's impactful year. Beyoncé's "Cowboy Carter" tour has boosted interest in Western fashion, particularly cowboy hats. Chicago entrepreneur Mercedes Matz owns Maya James, a company selling handmade leather cowboy hats. Matz hopes the cowboy hat trend extends beyond the current "cowboy core" aesthetic. Beyoncé's tour and album have highlighted Black country artists and the genre's roots. Beyoncé has undoubtedly put a renewed spotlight on Black country artists, the genre as a whole and its culture and fashion. One Beyoncé fan and Black business owner says she hopes fans start to incorporate her cowboy hats into their everyday wardrobes. Chicago native and die-hard Beyoncé fan Mercedes Matz launched her brand Maya James last June. "I have always loved Western fashion. And one of my best friends, Kayla, introduced me to this guy who makes hats," Matz says. "He made me a hat, and I was getting so many compliments on the hat ... and honestly, it kind of just blossomed that way." Her blossoming brand now sells exclusive cowboy hats for $285 each. "My hats are 100% leather cowhide material, and they are all one-of-one hats. That's why we don't have these super huge drops, because I want to ensure that each hat is perfect when it gets to the customer's hands," she says. "Each hat is different." While Matz is from Chicago, she gets a lot of Southern influence form family in Arkansas and Mississippi. Although a "Cowboy Carter" tour wasn't necessarily in mind when she launched her brand, she says the singer's announcement had a major impact on her business — especially after an influencer spotlighted her brand for fans seeking Black-owned options for the tour. "With the 'Cowboy Carter' album out and Western fashion just being on this resurgence — not to say that it has ever gone out of style; I think it's always been here; now it's reaching new audiences — I would say that Beyoncé announcing her tour is what really catapulted it," Matz says. Now she hopes the resurgence of the cowboy hats transcends the current trend and cowboy core aesthetic. "One of the things that I want people to do with the hats is really just make it their own," she says. "Obviously, with a cowboy hat, you think Western and fringe. But, I really want people to wear it as an accessory to any piece that they have in their closet." Matz plans to attend the "Cowboy Carter" tour and says she's looking forward to seeing fans in their hats. Her brand has even helped fans feel inspired with outfit mood boards. As fans know, Beyoncé first announced her eighth studio album, "Cowboy Carter," during a surprise Super Bowl commercial in February 2024 when she released singles "16 Carriages" and "Texas Hold 'Em." In a matter of weeks, Beyoncé will kick off her first concert April 28 in Los Angeles and include 32 stadium shows across the U.S. and Europe. Since the initial announcement, Beyoncé has added a handful of concerts including final shows in Las Vegas. She's also set to make history with her scheduled tour dates. Follow Caché McClay, the USA TODAY Network's Beyoncé Knowles-Carter reporter, on Instagram, TikTok and X as @cachemcclay.
CBS News
16-04-2025
- Health
- CBS News
Enjoy the outdoors: preparing for spring allergies
Sponsored and provided by LifeBridge Health Spring is just around the corner and for many, its arrival signifies an end to hibernation-like habits formed in winter. From physical exercise such as walks, runs or bike rides to social occasions like picnics and cookouts, the warm weather presents a renewed opportunity to enjoy the outdoors. However, the season's change also brings about the return of something far from enjoyable: spring allergies. While a mere inconvenience for some, spring allergies present a serious deterrent to enjoying the outdoors for many others. For those with strong seasonal allergies, much of springtime's joy is overshadowed by persistent, uncomfortable symptoms such as runny nose, itchy eyes, itchy throat, sneezing and congestion. With smart habits and the right resources, spring need not be spent in a haze of allergic misery. Some may be surprised to learn that trees are the primary culprit for spring allergies. In the Baltimore area, common trees such as maple, oak, ash and birch begin to cause problems for those with allergies as early as late-February, and continue to shed pollen into April and May. Another primary contributor to spring allergies is grass. While grass releases less pollen than trees, the pollen it produces tends to be more allergenic. Grass pollens typically spread beginning in late April, continuing through early-to-mid June and sometimes later if there is a cooler, wetter start to the summer. Spring allergies can feel insurmountable, but the first line of defense is controlling the circumstances when and where you can. Taking account of how you sleep, for example, can be the first step in finding relief. As the season transitions from winter to spring and spring to summer, many people like to sleep with the window open, as it is no longer cold enough to turn on the heat, but not yet hot enough to use air conditioning. While cracking the window before bed can be tempting, it allows pollen to enter your room, exposing your bedding, clothes and body to allergens. "The best treatment for allergy is avoidance," says Jonathan Matz, MD , an allergist with the Sinai Division of Allergy and Immunology. Dr. Matz recommends closing the windows and instead using your air conditioner's fan function, which will cycle fresh air in from the outside while filtering out the pollen it carries. Other than avoidance, the best option for those suffering from seasonal allergies is over-the-counter medications . Non-sedating antihistamines such as Claritin, Allegra or Zyrtec and their respective generic counterparts will keep symptoms at bay, allowing you to enjoy beautiful spring days outside. Be proactive by making sure you're stocked up on these medications in advance, so that allergies are never an excuse to avoid outdoor activity. According to Dr. Matz, nasal steroid sprays like Flonase and Nasacort, which are also over-the-counter and have generic equivalents, are even more effective than the non-sedative antihistamines. Whether your preference is for popping a quick allergy pill or using a few sprays of nasal steroids in each nostril, the principle remains the same - seasonal allergy sufferers should always be well-stocked with medication in advance. Those whose allergies are unmanageable with over-the-counter medications alone may need to discuss other options with their doctor, such as prescription-grade antihistamine nasal sprays and decongestants and immunotherapy, which involves the use of allergy shots to increase patients' immunity over time. But on the whole, over-the-counter options are the most effective and convenient for the majority of people. Allergies are an unfortunate aspect of springtime for many people, but the best defense is preparedness. This spring, try keeping windows closed when you sleep so that you can start the day fresh and symptom-free. And before winter's chill has even fully left the air, make sure to stock up on your non-drowsy antihistamine of choice so that you're ready for the arrival of allergy season. With such convenient solutions readily available, no one needs to be excluded from the outdoor activities that make springtime special. If your allergy symptoms aren't well-managed with over-the-counter medication, make an appointment with an allergist today so that you don't miss out on springtime fun.
