Latest news with #Ruggiero
Yahoo
4 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Does rosemary oil help thicken your hair? Amazon reviewers say oil 'works like magic' — and it's on sale
To grow or not to grow — that's the question on everyone's mind as social media influencers rave about rosemary oil's hair-transforming magic. Is it really the miracle cure it's hyped up to be? Is it truly like collagen for your hair? With so much love pouring in, it's no surprise that the rosemary oil market is set to soar to a staggering $23.59 billion CAD ($17.53 billion USD) by 2030. Rosemary oil packs a punch of natural goodness without a hefty price tag. If you try products like Amazon's Botanic Hearth's 100% Pure Rosemary Oil, you could be giving your hair care routine the makeover it needs. And right now, the hair oil is on sale for 28 per cent off — no wonder more than 10,000 people bought it in the past month. Scroll down to see what all the buzz is about. Formulated with pure rosemary extract, this hair oil contains no synthetic additives or harmful chemicals. If you're on the lookout for a rosemary oil that can rescue you from thinning hair and provide scalp nourishment, Botanic Hearth's product is worth checking out. Botanic Hearth claims that its product is made with pure extract and also includes biotin, jojoba oil and castor oil. It comes with an applicator comb, making it easy to apply directly to your scalp. ⭐️ 4.2/5 stars 💬 15,600+ ratings 🏆 "Works like magic" The original, full-size bottle has earned more than 15,000 reviews on Amazon and a 4.2-star rating. One person notes 'insane growth after a month,' and another says they saw a noticeable difference within three weeks — it works 'like magic,' they write. If you're looking for a "natural, affordable solution to support hair growth" and "improve scalp health," then "I highly recommend trying rosemary oil," says another reviewer. With regular use, "it can make a noticeable difference." "This actually worked!" writes a third shopper. "My bald spot is growing in nicely," they say. "I'm so thankful!" Several users appreciate the product's quality, mentioning how it leaves hair 'silky and soft,' but they are disappointed about the lack of visible results. Some reviewers cite a 'greasy look' and its ineffectiveness against dandruff, with one person stating it 'makes hair stiff and scalp greasy.' Caroline Ruggiero, a certified trichologist with the International Association of Trichologists (I.A.T), tells Yahoo Canada that rosemary oil could just be your new best friend, primarily because of its ability to promote 'microcirculation and vasodilation,' both of which have been linked to hair growth. 'Rosemary has anti-fungal properties and stimulating properties. In many cases, rosemary is used in combination with other oils and ingredients to aid in scalp problems,' she says. Formulated with pure rosemary extract, this hair oil contains no synthetic additives or harmful chemicals. In cases of natural hair thinning, rosemary oil has shown favourable results. However, Ruggiero, the CEO of Truly You Hair and Scalp Clinic, says that for certain disorders, such as androgenic alopecia (male pattern baldness), which is autoimmune, 'essential oil cannot grow hair back.' She adds, 'Treating most hair loss disorders is like treating aging — there is no cure. But just because there is no cure does not mean there is no care.' A 2023 study on mice corroborates that rosemary helps promote hair growth. Additionally, Ruggiero recommends combining rosemary oil with other essential oils to enhance its benefits. For strengthening hair, she suggests 'Bay St. Thomas (Pimenta racemosa) and grapefruit oils,' while for revitalizing the scalp, 'rosewood and geranium oils are ideal.' To improve scalp health and tackle dandruff, Ruggiero advises mixing rosemary oil with palmarosa, cade and laurel oils. 'For a shampoo boost, try adding eight drops of rosemary oil, six of juniper, three of chamomile and eight of lavender. 'This blend can be helpful in treating dandruff,' she says. Thanks to its antimicrobial, antifungal and rubefacient properties, rosemary oil is safe to use on beards. 'These properties could provide potential benefits for beard care,' Ruggiero adds. While rosemary essential oil isn't typically irritating, she emphasizes that it should always be diluted and used for short periods, especially if you have sensitive or damaged skin. 'In high doses, when used internally, it can be toxic,' she warns. Ruggiero also says that folks with epilepsy best avoid rosemary oil. 'Camphor is a constituent in rosemary and can cause convulsions,' she explains. For those dedicated to their hair care routine, the Botanic Hearth Rosemary Hair Oil could be a good addition, especially considering its sale price. Studies have shown that consistent and long-term use of rosemary oil has supported hair growth and thickening. However, it's important to set realistic expectations. 'Hair loss can be challenging, and it's important to seek professional, evidence-based support to address it effectively," Ruggiero advises.
Yahoo
20-05-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Mental health crisis continues to grow, responders call for more resources
ALTOONA, Pa. (WTAJ) — Last May alone the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline exceeded a half million calls and texts. Monthly call volumes in every state have also increased over the past year. UPMC Altoona's mobile crisis unit responded to some of those calls locally but they said their resources may not be enough to address the growing mental health crisis in our communities. Rates of mental illness, substance use disorder and suicide attempts are all on the rise, nationwide and in Central Pennsylvania. Despite a growing need for mental health services, there's a rapid declining in the number of resources available to help, putting a strain on those that are left. 'A lot of agencies are overbooked. You know, they're filled so it's hard to get into places so that is definitely a struggle,' said Trisha Ruggiero, Program Manager at UPMC Western Behavioral Altoona Crisis Services. Ruggiero said Blair County is in substantial need of more agencies to help people before they ever find themselves in crisis. She said that many people in the area are on medical assistance and that many therapists will not take their insurance, creating additional need for therapists who will see patients with limited resources. 'Compassion and empathy,' St. Marys students create suicide prevention coin The decline in the number of treatment options means many people are being forced to suffer longer before getting help. 'Because the system is so strained, we definitely are seeing a lot more people engaging in the crisis system. We're kind of a stopgap,' said Michael Edelstein, Manager of Clinical Services at UPMC. 'So where people might have been, we had opportunities to engage with outpatient treatment or, you know, different residential programs, things like that, you know, we're seeing them at our doorsteps are getting those calls.' Edelstein said we're seeing the greatest lack of resources available for children and older Americans. But he also said there's a huge need for providers able to address substance use as drugs are a major contributor to growing mental health challenges. 'It was always a concern to run into someone with a substance challenge in our field. Now it's not uncommon for some of our teams to really be reviving people using that naloxone because the substance challenges are so pervasive,' Edelstein said. Rising rates of homelessness make both mental health concerns and substance abuse issues more difficult to address long–term, which is why Altoona Crisis Services has adapted to bring help to the patient through their 24/7 mobile team. Ruggiero said they are able to go out into the community and talk with someone in crisis where they are rather than bring them to the hospital, which can be intimidating or upsetting for some. The 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline is always available to call if you're in need of help. But Ruggiero said calling 911 is also an option as Altoona Crisis Services partners with EMS services and will respond to calls placed to 911 as well. Altoona Crisis can be reached directly by calling 814-889-2141. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
15-05-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Finally Cure Your Golf Slice By Just Tossing a Soccer Ball (Seriously!)
If you walked up and down the local driving range to watch average golfers swing, you'd likely see lots and lots of golf slices. After all, coming over-the-top in the swing and opening up the clubface is the most common mishit amongst weekend warriors — other than topping shots. But instead of a complete swing overhaul, top-ranked golf instructor Tony Ruggiero suggests using an easy drill that can finally cure your ugly golf slice once and for all — and it doesn't even involve a golf club! How to Fix Your Golf Slice Without Even Using a Club In the video above, Ruggiero works with former PGA Tour player Zack Sucher, with the latter tossing a soccer ball underhanded to the golf instructor. By doing so, it helps promote the feeling of properly swinging a golf club, helping with weight distribution and finding the right club path for consistent contact. Advertisement 'One of the most common things that I see with amateur players is a slice off the tee because they're over-the-top,' Ruggiero says. 'A major reason why this happens is because they don't get loaded into their trail side, so, as a result, they're out of sequence coming through impact, with their upper body coming across the ball first — which creates an out-to-in path.' Most recreational golfers always want to cure themselves by beating balls over and over on the driving range, but Ruggiero actually suggests removing the club and ball from the equation, allowing the player to just focus on better technique. 'I like to do stuff without the club in the hand to help players learn the motion, so I like to use a soccer ball to help people develop the feel for properly loading and sequencing,' adds Ruggiero. Simply take your normal golf posture, let your arms relax and hang beneath your shoulders, hold the ball belt high and just turn back and through, tossing the soccer ball. This provides a feeling that can be repeated once you get a club back in your hands. Advertisement 'This is such a good drill because, as you turn back, you have to load into your trail side — which promotes the right sequencing, so that when you rotate, you're using both your upper and lower body at the same time,' Ruggiero explains. So instead of continuously battling a golf slice, grab a soccer ball to feel how the body should properly move in the golf swing — which can help produce better shot results. 'Now just pick up a club and use these same feels to stay on-plane and smoke straighter drives,' Ruggiero states. Related: The Secret to Shaping Golf Shots Like Rory McIlroy and Other Great Players Related: Xander Schauffele's 3 Keys for Putting Killer Backspin on a Golf Ball Related: Can't Stop Chunking Wedge Shots? These Tips Will Improve Your Short Game
Yahoo
02-05-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Does rosemary oil help with thinning hair? We asked an expert — and found one on sale for $14
To grow or not to grow — that's the question on everyone's mind as social media influencers rave about rosemary oil's hair-transforming magic. Is it really the miracle cure it's hyped up to be? Is it truly like collagen for your hair? With so much love pouring in, it's no surprise that the rosemary oil market is set to soar to a staggering $23.59 billion CAD ($17.53 billion USD) by 2030. Rosemary oil packs a punch of natural goodness without a hefty price tag. If you try products like Amazon's Botanic Hearth's 100% Pure Rosemary Oil, you could be giving your hair care routine the makeover it needs. And right now, the hair oil is on sale for 28 per cent off — no wonder more than 10,000 people bought it in the past month. Scroll down to see what all the buzz is about. Formulated with pure rosemary extract, this hair oil contains no synthetic additives or harmful chemicals. If you're on the lookout for a rosemary oil that can rescue you from thinning hair and provide scalp nourishment, Botanic Hearth's product is worth checking out. Botanic Hearth claims that its product is made with pure extract and also includes biotin, jojoba oil and castor oil. It comes with an applicator comb, making it easy to apply directly to your scalp. ⭐️ 4.2/5 stars 💬 14,400+ ratings 🏆 "Works like magic" The original, full-size bottle has earned more than 14,000 reviews on Amazon and a 4.2-star rating. One person notes 'insane growth after a month,' and another says they saw a noticeable difference within three weeks — it works 'like magic,' they write. If you're looking for a "natural, affordable solution to support hair growth" and "improve scalp health," then "I highly recommend trying rosemary oil," says another reviewer. With regular use, "it can make a noticeable difference." "This actually worked!" writes a third shopper. "My bald spot is growing in nicely," they say. "I'm so thankful!" Several users appreciate the product's quality, mentioning how it leaves hair 'silky and soft,' but they are disappointed about the lack of visible results. Some reviewers cite a 'greasy look' and its ineffectiveness against dandruff, with one person stating it 'makes hair stiff and scalp greasy.' Caroline Ruggiero, a certified trichologist with the International Association of Trichologists (I.A.T), tells Yahoo Canada that rosemary oil could just be your new best friend, primarily because of its ability to promote 'microcirculation and vasodilation,' both of which have been linked to hair growth. 'Rosemary has anti-fungal properties and stimulating properties. In many cases, rosemary is used in combination with other oils and ingredients to aid in scalp problems,' she says. Formulated with pure rosemary extract, this hair oil contains no synthetic additives or harmful chemicals. In cases of natural hair thinning, rosemary oil has shown favourable results. However, Ruggiero, the CEO of Truly You Hair and Scalp Clinic, says that for certain disorders, such as androgenic alopecia (male pattern baldness), which is autoimmune, 'essential oil cannot grow hair back.' She adds, 'Treating most hair loss disorders is like treating aging — there is no cure. But just because there is no cure does not mean there is no care.' A 2023 study on mice corroborates that rosemary helps promote hair growth. Additionally, Ruggiero recommends combining rosemary oil with other essential oils to enhance its benefits. For strengthening hair, she suggests 'Bay St. Thomas (Pimenta racemosa) and grapefruit oils,' while for revitalizing the scalp, 'rosewood and geranium oils are ideal.' To improve scalp health and tackle dandruff, Ruggiero advises mixing rosemary oil with palmarosa, cade and laurel oils. 'For a shampoo boost, try adding eight drops of rosemary oil, six of juniper, three of chamomile and eight of lavender. 'This blend can be helpful in treating dandruff,' she says. Thanks to its antimicrobial, antifungal and rubefacient properties, rosemary oil is safe to use on beards. 'These properties could provide potential benefits for beard care,' Ruggiero adds. While rosemary essential oil isn't typically irritating, she emphasizes that it should always be diluted and used for short periods, especially if you have sensitive or damaged skin. 'In high doses, when used internally, it can be toxic,' she warns. Ruggiero also says that folks with epilepsy best avoid rosemary oil. 'Camphor is a constituent in rosemary and can cause convulsions,' she explains. For those dedicated to their hair care routine, the Botanic Hearth Rosemary Hair Oil could be a good addition, especially considering its sale price. Studies have shown that consistent and long-term use of rosemary oil has supported hair growth and thickening. However, it's important to set realistic expectations. 'Hair loss can be challenging, and it's important to seek professional, evidence-based support to address it effectively," Ruggiero advises.
Time Magazine
01-05-2025
- Business
- Time Magazine
What to Know About ‘Involuntary Collections' If You're a Student Loan Borrower
The U.S. Department of Education announced on April 21 that the Office of Federal Student Aid (FSA) will restart its student debt collections on May 5. The announcement marks the first time in five years that the federal government may penalize Americans who fall behind on their student loan payments. Part of that penalization includes the resumption of 'involuntary collections,' which can include the garnishing of wages. According to the announcement, borrowers will begin receiving collection notices through the U.S. Treasury Offset Program before any further action is taken. 'The Department will also authorize guaranty agencies that they may begin involuntary collections activities on loans under the Federal Family Education Loan Program,' per the press release. There is the disclaimer, though, that 'all FSA collection activities are required under the Higher Education Act and conducted only after student and parent borrowers have been provided sufficient notice and opportunity to repay their loans under the law.' Involuntary collections are 'one of the harshest consequences borrowers can face when federal student loans fall into default,' says Ken Ruggiero, co-founder and CEO of Ascent Funding, an education loan provider. This occurs typically after 270 days, or close to nine months, of missed payments. 'It's an aggressive, automated system that often catches borrowers off guard and deepens their financial hardship,' says Ruggiero. 'In addition to the financial hardship, the student borrower is often embarrassed when their employer is notified and then implements wage garnishments.' Here is what student borrowers should know about involuntary collections, and the advice experts offer: What can be withheld under involuntary collections? Through involuntary collections, the government can garnish wages, withhold tax refunds, and seize portions of Social Security checks and other benefit payments to go toward paying back the federal loan. According to the Treasury Department, for those who have defaulted on their federal loans, the Treasury Offset Program can withhold to 100% of federal tax refunds, up to 15% of federal salaries, up to 15% of Social Security and Railroad Retirement benefits, up to 25% of federal retirement payments, 100% of payments to vendors, and 100% of travel payments for federal employees. Wage garnishment, which the Education Department's announcement said will begin late in the summer, is when your loan holder can order your employer to withhold up to 15% of your disposable pay to collect your defaulted debt, without taking you to court. What have Trump officials said about involuntary collections? Department of Education Secretary Linda McMahon wrote an opinion piece in the Wall Street Journal in conjunction with the announcement of collections restarting, in which she articulated the department's outlook. 'Borrowers who don't make payments on time will see their credit scores go down, and in some cases their wages automatically garnished,' she wrote. 'Why? Not because we want to be unkind to student borrowers. Borrowing money and failing to pay it back isn't a victimless offense.' Jonathan Collins, assistant professor of political science and education at Teachers College, Columbia University, says that though this is a pre-2020 system, there is a difference here with the Trump Administration. 'Usually standard practice for the federal government is to work with the borrowers, and if there are issues with repayment, they usually grant forbearance periods, and you can apply for extension on forbearance periods,' Collins says. 'But, what [The Trump Administration is] trying to do is get rid of, if not drastically reduce, the amount of people who are in this forbearance zone.' What can student borrowers do to avoid involuntary collections? Experts' main advice is to be proactive and act now. 'All of the responsibility is on the borrower,' says Nicholas Hillman, professor in the school of education at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. But there are options out there for borrowers. Ruggerio suggests that those struggling to meet payments should explore an income-driven repayment (IDR) plan, with the intention of reducing their monthly payments in accordance with their income and family size. 'The window to get out of default through options like consolidation or rehabilitation is still open—waiting until collections begin only limits your options,' he says. On Feb. 18, 2025, a federal court issued a new injunction preventing the Department of Education from implementing the Saving on a Valuable Education (SAVE) plan. But other repayment programs remain available, including the Pay As You Earn (PAYE) program and the Income-Contingent Repayment (ICR) plan. Hillman recommends navigating through the federal loan servicers to identify who your loan servicer is, and then contacting said federal loan servicer for further information. Collins adds that in order to do this, borrowers must first make sure that their loans were federally supplied, rather than serviced through the private sector. This way, borrowers can have a clear idea of where their loan stands. Khandice Lofton, counsel at the Student Protection Borrower Center (SPBC), recommends that borrowers look at the National Consumer Law Center (NCLC), which has a toolkit that provides information for how borrowers can seek consolidation or rehabilitation—two ways borrowers can get out of default by either making payments or consolidating their loans. Furthermore, Lofton also recommends looking into legal and political modes of protesting the way in which the Trump Administration is continuing the student federal loan collections. 'What we're pushing right now is for every borrower to take steps to reach out to their elected officials. Why? Because these officials [are] now responsible for helping them get engaged in government programs,' she says. Understanding the timeline of student loan relief over the last few years Part of the confusion related to involuntary collections, experts say, relates to both the pause on student loan collections and repayments brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic—a pause which occurred from March 2020 until September 2023, as well as the efforts by former President Joe Biden to grant student loan forgiveness —attempts that were struck down at the courts and differ from President Donald Trump and his Administration. Still, federal student loan repayments began again in Oct. 2023, though the Biden Administration gave one year as an 'on ramp' for borrowers to transition back to repayments, notes Hillman. For that one year—from Oct. 1, 2023 until Sept. 30, 2024—the records of student borrowers who missed monthly payments would not be considered delinquent, nor would the individuals be reported to credit bureaus, sent to collections, or referred to the Treasury Offset Program. But after Sept. 30, 2024, Hillman says the 'ramp was closed, and it's sort of business as usual'—a return to the 2020 repayment system. And now, starting May 5, major consequences may be felt by around 9.7 million borrowers who are past due on their bills since the end of the relief period, according to the Federal Reserve Bank of New York. But, the confusion regarding these systems, Hillman argues, means that many Americans may have defaulted on their student loans without fully understanding the consequences. This is exacerbated as Biden's SAVE program makes its way through the courts and Republicans propose to overhaul the repayment plans, all while the Trump Administration attempts to dismantle the Department of Education, which houses the FSA. 'It's so confusing for borrowers,' says Lofton. 'Borrowers should understand this isn't their fault, and they shouldn't be forced to pay the price for this dysfunction that's going on right now.' Lofton also argues that the Trump Administration's commitment to restarting collections is misaligned with the affordability arguments upon which the President campaigned. 'This could not have come at a worse time where things right now are so uncertain, financially and economically, and during a time where borrowers are already struggling to pay for things like rent, groceries, medical bills, just day to day life,' Lofton says. The important thing to remember, Hillman notes, is that student loan borrowers who have found themselves in limbo are not alone. 'You have like a third of borrowers who are current, they're making payments. You have a third of borrowers who are either in some sort of deferment or forbearance … and the other third are either going for or [already] in default,' Hillman says. "It's massive, because the loan repayment system is fundamentally broken.'
