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Pink tax: Why Does Raising a Daughter Cost Me More?

Moms, have you ever noticed that products of the same type cost more simply because they’re marketed for women? Whether it’s clothing, razors, deodorant, or even services, if you’re a woman, you’ll pay more for these items throughout your life. This phenomenon is known as the “Pink Tax,” and it can cause financial challenges for many girls, women, and moms worldwide. If you haven’t heard of this tax yet, take a moment to read this article. 😊 What you’ll learn in this article: What is the Pink Tax? When do we meet with the Pink Tax in everyday life? Why does this tax exist? How can we avoid the Pink Tax? What is it? The Pink Tax refers to the practice of charging higher prices for products or services aimed at women, even though they are essentially the same as those intended for men. Price differences appear in everyday products like deodorants, razors, shower gels, or perfumes. Higher prices also show up in other products like clothing, toys, and even services such as hairdresser or dry cleaning. The name comes from the stereotype that women’s things are usually pink. Although it’s not a government-approved tax, its impact is just as strong. Throughout their lives, women spend more on basic needs than men, simply due to the labelling and marketing of products. Read also: How to invest money? Everything you need to know. Examples of the Pink Tax in Everyday Life Razors, shampoos, shower gels, and cosmetics are common examples of products that cost more for women than for men. In 2015, the New York City Department of Consumer Affairs conducted a study that found products for women were on average 7% more expensive. Even though the product’s composition and function are the same, differences in labelling and packaging allow companies to charge higher prices. Women’s clothing also often costs more than men’s. Manufacturers defend this by saying that women’s clothing requires more complex tailoring and higher-quality materials. However, we know that’s usually not the case. Gender-targeted marketing starts in childhood. Toys for girls, such as dolls, are more expensive than similar toys for boys. Despite having the same function, different packaging leads to higher prices. Even services are not any different. Hairdressing, dry cleaning, and, in some cases, even car repair services can be more expensive for women. If the service is provided to a man, the price can be lower. Why Does the Pink Tax Exist? Companies assume that women are willing to pay more for products or services if they are labelled as “luxury” or “special.” This labelling allows businesses to differentiate products and raise prices, even though they are essentially the same. Societal expectations also play a major role. Women are expected to take care of themselves and pay attention to their appearance. This means that women consume more products, clothing, and services. Due to increased demand, companies charge higher prices. Read also: How can Artificial Intelligence help us in everyday life? How to Avoid it? One of the first steps is to raise awareness of its existence. Many women and men are unaware of these price differences. Another step is smart shopping. Comparing prices and choosing products that are not gender-specific or marketed for men can also be a solution. Some global brands have committed to fighting gender-based pricing. Supporting these brands can help push the market toward fairness. The Pink Tax is one of the factors contributing to financial inequality. Being aware of price differences and unfairness is one of the first steps toward improvement. Women should not have to pay more just because they are women. Let’s make smart decisions so that our gender doesn’t determine the price we pay.   This article was made in collaboration with Lea Kovalská

Oskar Fatul

Movement therapist Oskar Fatul advises: Not every movement is healthy; only correct movement is healthy.

Did you know that there is a difference between physiotherapy and movement therapy? Movement therapy is a method that uses movement and physical activity to improve physical, emotional, and mental health. The work of a movement therapist is a true mission to help people who suffer from various movement difficulties that negatively affect the functioning of their daily lives.   Oskar Fatul, an expert in movement therapy, has been working in this field for several years. He teaches people the correct way to move and explains how to properly work with our bodies. Also, he wrote the book “Life Without Pain Begins Here,” which is particularly suitable for parents with young children, as it helps optimize the positions their children adopt during development, whether they are resting positions or those involving movement. He is also the author of a digital rehabilitation course, through which one can obtain all the guidelines for treating various body pains. Oskar, what is the difference between physiotherapy and movement therapy? With a general physiotherapist, we essentially have the same goal. We try to help people eliminate pain and feel better. The average physiotherapist today focuses on which muscles are active, which muscles are weakened, and tries to manage the acute pain condition. For example, if you experience a sudden sharp pain or if pain suddenly starts shooting in various parts of your body. Movement therapy is based on improving the patient’s posture and changing habits and movement patterns to eliminate accumulated tension and pressure in the body. As for the movement therapist, I strive to show people in the Czech Republic and Slovakia how to optimize the way they move, which helps them eliminate the causes of their pain. What types of problems do you treat most frequently? I most often deal with issues related to the lower back or spine. Specifically, clients frequently have problems with the disc at the bottom of the lower back. Generally, I address problems that patients find unsolvable. Are your patients only athletes? Quite the opposite, I primarily focus on the general public, who unfortunately have the least information about proper movement. Even if they do have information, it’s not always entirely accurate. Additionally, due to the lifestyle we lead in today’s society, where we have to sit a lot at work, we encounter various problems, such as posture issues. What is the difference in treating men and women? To a large extent, it does not depend on gender but on the acuteness of the problem. However, it is true that women more often have problems with the thoracic and cervical spine, while men tend to suffer from lower back pain and issues in the lower part of the body. I also perceive a psychological difference. Women are more open to diagnosing and addressing the problem. They are willing to take care of their bodies and get them back in order. Men test how much pain they can endure and try to tough it out. They come to see me only when they feel very bad. Women are more open to diagnosing and addressing the problem. Men test how much pain they can endure and try to tough it out. How can an average person contribute to feeling better through proper movement? An average person should focus on the positions they put themselves into and pay attention to how they move. It is difficult to know what the right movement for us is, as no one has given us this information. From around the age of six, we sit at desks and, practically, continue sitting for the rest of our lives. In general, I usually recommend the following: When walking, point your feet forward. This will relieve your knees. Many people have their pelvis pushed forward and remain bent at the lower back. Shift your hip joints back so they are directly above your ankles. Breathe with your chest, not your stomach. Breathing into your chest will open up and stretch your body nicely. What to avoid: Do not stay in one static position for too long. Regularly move your spine and joints. If you are stiff, do not react abruptly. Not every movement is healthy; only the correct movement is healthy.   The article was written by Lea Kovalská.

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Did you know that your hair has pores as well?

Yes, it is real! Hair porosity really does exist and if you are wondering what it is, you have come to the right place. In this article you will find what is hair porosity, how to determine the porosity of your hair, as well as how to take care of differently porous hair. All this information will help you to create an optimal hair care routine and have a good hair day every day. What is hair porosity? Porosity measures how well hair can take in and retain moisture, indicating the ease with which moisture penetrates the hair. While hair porosity is primarily influenced by genetics, it can also be affected by external factors like heat and chemical treatments. Porosity can be seen in other material as well, including wood, sponge, rock, and of course your face. When discussing hair, the porosity level is based on the structure of the hair cuticle, which is the outermost layer of each hair strand. Types of porosity We can differentiate between three main types: Low porosity, Normal/Medium porosity, and High porosity. Low porosity hair: This type of hair is not very porous which means that it is difficult for moisture to get through the hair strand. Hair cuticles are placed very tightly together and therefore, your hair might need a little help with conditioning. Low porosity hair usually takes longer time to dry after washing, it may be easier for it to create a product build-up, and it may be resistant to hair dyes or other chemical styling. Normal/Medium porosity hair: Just as the name suggests, this type of hair has medium moisture absorption and retention thanks to a looser cuticle layer. It usually handles well hair styling, hair dyes, and different types of hair treatments. High porosity hair: Highly porous hair has bigger gaps and opening in the cuticle layer which allows the hair to easily absorb moisture but also to lose it quickly. High porosity mainly happens due to damage from straighteners, curlers, hair dyes and hair styling. This type of hair usually dries faster after washing but it is prone to be frizzy and tangle in humid weather. How to find out the porosity of your hair? To find out the porosity level of your hair, there are few easy tests that you can do at home. These do not guarantee an exact result. However, the outcome may help you guess your hair type. The most famous test requires only three things: a glass, water, and your hair. To complete the float test correctly, follow these steps: Make sure your hair is clean and free of any products. Fill up a glass with water. Take few strands of your hair (preferably ones that you lost naturally). Drop them into the water and let them sit for a moment. If after few minutes the strand float on the top, you most likely have low porosity hair. If they sink to the bottom, your hair is probably highly porous. And lastly, if the strands stay somewhere in the middle of the glass, this indicates normal/medium porosity. How to take care of hair with different porosity? Simply put, knowing the porosity of your hair will help you determine what to put on your hair to achieve the best possible look and feel. Porosity is significant because it allows you to choose products that will either help you restore moisture to your hair or address dryness and breakage problems. Here are some tips on how to take care of hair with different porosity. Low porosity hair care: Use a pre-washing serum to remove build-up. Include oils in your routine (avocado oil, grape seed oil or shea butter). Do a deep conditioning treatment every two weeks. Medium porosity hair care: Include hair bonding products in your routine. Deep condition once in a while. Use leave-in conditioner. Do not over wash your hair. High porosity hair care:  Use highly moisturizing products with protein included. Deep condition weekly. Include leave-in conditioner to keep the hair hydrated. Use anti-frizz products. When washing, try to use colder water. Remember that hair porosity and ways to test it exist only to give you an idea about what is your hair type. If you find yourself to be concerned about the state and health of your hair, be sure to consult with a professional. By identifying whether your hair is low, medium, or high porosity, you can select the right products and techniques for a perfectly tailored hair care routine. The article was written by Lea Kovalská.