In case you haven't heard, sex education in the U.S. is in dire straits. A

A new Apple TV+ documentary, which follows the careers of modelling stars Naomi Campbell, Linda Evangelista, Christy Turlington and Cindy Crawford, has brought several shocking and formerly unknown revelations to light. The Super Models is a four-part series spotlighting the four model’s early careers and how they were treated working as young women, and the most sought-after models in the fashion industry in the late Eighties and Nineties. Campbell, Evangelista, Turlington and Crawford, now in their fifties and with children of their own, offer a snapshot into their early careers, like Turlington’s pre-modelling work experience that involved babysitting and cleaning toilets, or Campbell’s experience of having her bag stolen in New York and running out of money. Each episode has a theme – “The Look,” “The Fame,” “The Power” and “The Legacy” – with each model addressing the camera in intimate interviews, featuring archival footage from their heyday. While each of the models discussed the “glory days” or “golden years” of their careers in the Nineties, Evangelista admitted in the documentary that those years “weren’t always perfect”. As all four of the models recount their own experiences of misogyny and mistreatment working in the fashion industry, here are 10 of the main revelations from Apple TV+’s The Super Models: Evangelista said she regrets ever saying that she doesn’t get out of bed for ‘less than $10,000 a day’ In 1990, Evangelista uttered one of the most iconic lines in modelling history in a Vogue interview, confessing that she won’t “get out of bed for less than $10,000 a day.” Despite later apologising, Evangelista said she regretted ever saying it. “I shouldn’t have said that – that quote makes me crazy,” she says in the series. “If a man said it? It’s acceptable to be proud of what you command.” Cindy Crawford calls out Oprah Winfrey for treating her like ‘chattel’ in old interview In a clip shown in the documentary, Winfrey is heard introducing the then aspiring model to The Oprah Winfrey Show , before asking: “Did she always have this body? This is unbelievable. Stand up just a moment, now this is what I call a BODY.” Crawford, who was accompanied by John Casablancas, a representative from Elite Modelling Agency, then sheepishly stood up before the studio audience to show her figure. Reflecting on the moment in the new documentary, Crawford said: "I was like the chattel or a child, be seen and not heard.” “When you look at it through today’s eyes, Oprah’s like, ‘Stand up and show me your body. Show us why you’re worthy of being here.’” Crawford added: “In the moment I didn’t recognise it and watching it back I was like, ‘Oh my gosh, that was so not okay really.’ Especially from Oprah.” The Independent has contacted Winfrey’s representatives for comment. Naomi Campbell says she was called a racial slur for the first time when she was five years old Speaking about her childhood as a performer, Campbell revealed that she was called the N-word when she was five years old, but the supermodel said that she didn’t let it affect the way she viewed herself. “I wasn’t going to accept being bullied at school for the colour of my skin,” she said. “My mother was paying my school fees just like everybody else. I had every right to be there, so take your bullying somewhere else, is how I felt.” Cindy Crawford says her father initially thought modelling ‘was another form of prostitution’ Elsewhere in the documentary, Crawford shared how her father, John Crawford, didn’t initially understand that modelling was a career. “My dad really didn’t understand that modelling was a real career. He thought modelling was like another name for prostitution,” she said. “So [my parents] came with me to my very first modelling appointment.” She added: “I never even thought about modelling,” she said. “I didn’t even know it was a real job. I didn’t know how I would get from DeKalb, Illinois, to a magazine.” Linda Evangelista told bookers that if they didn’t book Naomi then they wouldn’t get her either In a segment on the racism that Naomi Campbell faced while working in New York City, the model told the cameras: “I would put my hands out many times on New York City streets, and the taxis would fly by,” “Then Christy [Turlington] would put out the hand and they would stop. The guy would be like: ‘I don’t want to go to Brooklyn,’ and I’m like: ‘I’m not going to Brooklyn.’ I was just like, why is he saying that? It didn’t strike me until, you know, Christy would have to stand out in front of me, get me a taxi to get it to work.” Campbell then shared how her friendship with Turlington grew over time, noting that they lived together throughout the early days of her career. Evangelista also expressed how she tried to advocate for Campbell when the British model was discriminated against because of her race. “Naomi wasn’t always booked to do the shows,” Evangelista said. “I didn’t understand. Naomi, I thought, was more beautiful, had a much more rocking body than I did and a better strut. [I was] like: ‘Why aren’t they booking her?’ I said to them: ‘If you don’t book her, you don’t get me.’” Linda Evangelista claims she was abused by ex-husband Gérald Marie Evangelista was married to Gérard Marie between 1987 and 1993, who was the European chief of Elite Model Management at the time. “I learned that maybe I was in the wrong relationship,” she said looking back on the marriage. ​​“It’s easier said than done to leave an abusive relationship. I understand that concept, because I lived it. If it was just a matter of saying, ‘I want a divorce, see ya’... it doesn’t work that way.” “He knew not to touch my face, not to touch the money-maker, you know?” She continued: “I married him when I was 22 and I got out when I was 27 and he let me out as long as he got everything. But I was safe and I got my freedom.” In 2020, Marie was accused of rape and sexual misconduct by seven women, with Evangelista praising their “courage and strength”. Evangelista credited the seven women for giving her the courage to come forward She said in the documentary: “Thanks to the power of all these women coming forward, God bless all of them, it gave me the courage now to speak... In a statement to Apple TV+, Marie denied the claims of abuse and said he “has never committed the slightest act of violence”. While The Independent has connected Marie’s representatives for comment, his legal representatives told MailOnline: “Gérald Marie firmly objects to the defamatory and false allegations made against him. He refuses to participate in this dishonest media controversy.” Marie was never charged and the investigation into possible rape and sexual assault was closed. Naomi Campbell recalls a time an art director told her she had perfect breasts and touched them without her consent Reflecting on a photoshoot she attended as a young model, Campbell recalled how she dealt with a situation when she was sexually assaulted. “Once an art director felt the need to tell me my breasts were perfect. But he felt the need to have to touch them,” she recalled. Campbell said that she turned to her mentor, the late fashion designer Azzedine Alaïa, when the incident occurred. Campbell added that Alaïa, to whom she refers as “Papa” throughout the series, continuously “protected” her during her earlier career. “I called Papa immediately,” recalled Campbell. “I called him right away and Papa called [the art director] up straight away.” “[The art director] never came near me again. It served that I opened my mouth and spoke my truth because I believe that protected me, as well as everyone that I was surrounded by.” Turlington posed topless aged 17 While models recall the realities of working with adult men as teenagers, Turlington remembers being asked to pose topless by a photographer when she was aged 17. “Can you put your arms down a little bit lower? A little bit lower,” she says she was told. “I do remember being like, ‘Oh my gosh, I shouldn’t be doing this.’” She was shocked to discover the image appeared on the cover of PHOTO magazine. “I don’t think there was any age that you were supposed to be in order to have a nude picture. I don’t think there was anyone monitoring or regulating any of that.” Naomi Campbell said she was paid less than white models “I wanted to be paid the same as the white models,” Campbell said, recalling her fight to appear on the cover of Vogue. “I was working for Mr [Yves] Saint Laurent [at the time] so I told them,” she said. “I didn’t know what type of power he had. I didn’t know he would say something.” “The next thing I know, I was in New York.... I had no idea until it came out that it was the first time a Black person had been on a French Vogue cover [in 1988]. I didn’t think of it as breaking a barrier. I just looked at it as: ‘This can’t stop here, this can’t be the only token.” The Super Models is now streaming on Apple TV+. The national domestic abuse helpline can offer support on 0808 2000 247, or you can visit the Women’s Aid website. For those in the US, the domestic violence hotline is 1-800-799-SAFE (7233). Other international helplines can be found via www.befrienders.org Read More Cindy Crawford calls out Oprah Winfrey for treating her like ‘chattel’ in old interview: ‘Seen and not heard’ Model Linda Evangelista commends ‘courage and strength’ of women accusing ex-husband Gérald Marie of sexual assault Rihanna and A$AP Rocky share first photos of their newborn son Riot Rose Cindy Crawford calls out Oprah Winfrey for treating her like ‘chattel’ Naomi Campbell recalls racism she faced early on in modelling career Celebrities mingle with royals at glam Vogue World party in London

LOS ANGELES--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Sep 13, 2023--

Safe sex is imperative — especially given a nearly 24 percent increase in STI diagnoses

We firmly believe in the mantra “sharing is caring.” Not only does it teach cooperation and selflessness, but the practice of giving a little to get a little helps distribute pleasure all around. And when it comes to distributing (and, yes, sharing) pleasure, nothing gets the job done quite like a couples sex toy. That’s why we are thrilled to announce that Tuesday, September 12, marks the release of sexual wellness brand Maude’s first sharable sex toy.

With record levels of gonorrhoea and syphilis cases reported by the UK Health Security Agency, it’s important to take sexual health seriously – and not just for young people. In fact, the number of common sexually transmitted infections (STIs) among over-65s increased by 20% from 2017 to 2019, according to the Local Government Association. This is why if you are sexually active, regular testing is necessary whatever your age – even if you don’t have any symptoms. “Sexual health check-ups are important because STIs can be silent but can also have significant health implications,” says Dr Priyanka Patel, consultant ambulatory gynaecologist at London Gynaecology. “STIs such as chlamydia can affect female fertility, and STIs such as HIV weaken the immune system.” To mark Sexual Health Week (September 11-17), Dr Patel talks through some key points about STI screening… How often should you have an STI check? “You need to have an STI check whenever you have a new partner, especially if you’re not using condoms, or think you were exposed to an STI,” says Patel. “Everyone should have an STI screen, including an HIV test, every year if having sex without condoms with new or casual partners.” Testing is also advised for anyone who develops possible symptoms. These may include unusual discharge from the vagina, penis or anus; pain when peeing; blisters, sores, lumps or skin growths on the genitals or anus; itching or a rash. What will you be asked at a check-up? You can find your nearest sexual health clinic via the NHS to book an appointment. Many sexual health services now offer free self-sampling kits to order online for people who don’t have any symptoms and want to do a check-up at home. “Men may have to hold their urine before testing, but women do not need to do anything in particular to prepare,” Patel says. “You will be asked about your sexual history, partners, contraceptive use and general health. You will be asked for details about your recent sexual partners and types of sex you have.” These questions may feel personal or intrusive but are important to ensure the correct tests are done. Remember, taking care of your sexual health is about being safe and empowered and healthcare professionals are there to help. What tests are done? “The testing will depend on the answers you give about the types of sex you have,” says Patel. “Vaginal, throat and anal swabs may be done – these will be used to test for chlamydia and gonorrhoea.” To do this, the clinician rubs a cotton bud inside the area for a few seconds. A blood sample will be taken to test for syphilis and HIV. Patel continues: “If you have symptoms, then the clinician will usually carry out a speculum examination to look at the health of the vagina and cervix.” How do you get STI test results? The way your results are delivered varies between clinics, and they will advise when you should expect to hear back. “Most will send results via a text message or give you a number to call for results,” says Patel, while some have a ‘no news is good news’ policy, meaning if you don’t hear anything then you’ve got the all-clear. For home testing kits, you’ll get a notification to say your samples were received and results are usually sent via text message. “If you test positive for an STI, they will arrange for treatment and offer support,” Patel explains – which goes for both clinic and self-sampling. She adds: “It’s important to notify partners of any positive results and the sexual health clinic can also assist in anonymous partner notification.” Read More Charity boss speaks out over ‘traumatic’ encounter with royal aide Ukraine war’s heaviest fight rages in east - follow live 9 arthritis myths we all need to stop believing Prince Harry spotted at Windsor Castle on anniversary of Queen’s death How the weather can change the way you dream

Sex in real life is messy. You end up with lube or bodily fluids on

In the United States, sex education is pretty poor; some states don't require it at

Claire Richards has opened up about her experience perimenopause, saying that she feels “lucky” to be experiencing it at this stage in her life. The Steps singer, 46, said on Good Morning Britain: “I feel quite lucky to be going through it [perimenopause] in a period where others have spoken out about it already. There’s a lot more information for me to find. “And I think half the population is going to go through at some point and I was surprised at how little we know as women about perimenopause, menopause, [or] anything that happens to us. Here’s everything you need to know about perimenopause... What is perimenopause? Perimenopause is the transitional period before menopause, and can occur any time between your mid-30s to mid-50s. According to The Menopause Charity, menopause is when your ovaries stop producing eggs and your hormone levels fall. Perimenopause is the gradual process before this when your ovaries start to slow down, and The Menopause Charity says it can last for a few months or several years. Menopause begins when you have not had a period for 12 months, the NHS states. What are the symptoms? The first symptoms of perimenopause are usually (but not always) changes in the normal pattern of your periods, the NHS says. Otherwise, the symptoms are very similar to what women experience once they have reached the menopause. Everyone experiences perimenopause differently, but according to the NHS, mental health symptoms can include mood changes, anxiety, low self-esteem and brain fog. Common physical symptoms can include hot flushes, restlessness, heart palpitations, migraines, muscle aches and joint pains, weight gain, dry and itchy skin, reduced sex drive, vaginal pain and dryness, and consistent urinary tract infections (UTIs). What helps ease the symptoms? Lifestyle adjustments can help ease perimenopause and menopause symptoms. The NHS advises plenty of rest, a healthy diet, regular exercise and doing relaxing things, as well as steering clear of alcohol and cigarettes. Vaginal moisturisers or lubricants can help ease vaginal dryness. Speak to your GP if you are concerned about your symptoms. Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) can be prescribed for people going through both perimenopause and menopause, replacing oestrogen as hormone levels start to drop. Talking therapy (CBT) is another option and could help with symptoms including low mood and anxiety. Read More Woman says she started to wear ‘terrible wigs’ after her job banned her pink hair Joe Wicks defends decision to pull five-year-old daughter out of school TikToker sparks backlash for complaining about popular European vacation spots: ‘Dying to go home’ Can a vegan diet help with hot flashes in menopausal women? Alzheimer’s: How and when to talk to someone about their memory loss What are gynaecological cancers and how can you prevent them?

If you're sexually active, chances are you've probably worried about STIs at some point. Google

If you’re someone who deals with stress and anxiety, the unwanted mental and physical effects can creep up during the most inopportune times. Perhaps you’re just hanging out, catching up on the latest episode of your favorite TV show and suddenly you begin to worry about everything in your life. Maybe you’re worrying about nothing in particular, but feel panicky nonetheless. Symptoms of anxiety include ruminating in your own thoughts, focusing on past regrets, a racing heart, sweaty palms, and a general feeling of impending doom. It’s a sneaky not-so-little feeling that can happen at any moment. And one of the worst moments it can strike is when you’re having sex and trying to orgasm.

LIMA, Peru--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Aug 30, 2023--