Kathy and Ross Petras We all want people to take us seriously. But so many of us, in trying to earn that respect from others, say things that we think will make us sound smart — only to fall on our faces. As psychologist Paul Penn put it, “Trying to sound clever is a good way of sounding stupid.” But there’s a way around this. Want to sound smart and well-spoken? As language and communication experts, we’ve come across some simple and effective strategies that actually work. 1. Be intentional about your word choice Behavioral studies have found that theoretically…

Chelsea Coates Braids are one of the most popular hairstyles for black women, worn by celebrities and aunties alike - but questions are being raised about its effects on our health. The process can last up to five hours as stylists deftly part small, evenly-spaced sections of hair, and gradually add in extensions. Despite the long salon visits, braids have always been closely linked to convenience for me. Growing up, they were for holidays, as the style meant that instead of fretting over how frizzy my hair would get, I could jump in the pool with no worries. Braids are…

Amanda Mactas Surely you are no stranger to a fashion faux pas, but when it comes to jetsetting, there are a handful of faux pas you don't want to be a victim of either. Acting like it's your first time in a security line, hovering around the gate before your flight even begins boarding, and overpacking so you have to open your suitcase and shove things into your carry-on at the last minute are just a few of the things that are unfortunately way more common than they should be. But when it comes to your behavior on the actual…

Hair loss can be an upsetting and worrisome experience. But with a slew of wellness brands and influencers promising the best treatment, how do you know where to turn? You should be wary of people online advertising products that offer a quick, one-size-fits-all fix, Dr. Mansha Thacker, board-certified dermatologist at Pennsylvania's St. Luke’s University Health Network tells USA TODAY. "The hair loss industry is a billion-dollar business that tries to sell anything and everything, often overpromising results," Thacker says. "There are social media ads, wellness influencers and trichologists all pushing different treatments, and it can get overwhelming. Treatment requires a…