BY SIMONE J. SMITH

“Menstrual abnormalities strongly associated with proximity to COVID-19 vaccinated individuals: A survey study in unvaccinated women.”

Hmmmm! Before I tackle this topic again, I want you to read the scenarios below and let me know if you can relate.

You anxiously check the calendar, frustration evident. “It’s late. Again.” You rummage through your purse, searching for pain relievers. “This month it’s the cramps, next month it’s the spotting. My body is a broken record.”

Another scenario that some women reading this might relate to; you’re on a date, trying to appear relaxed. Your date looks over at you with a twinkle in his eye, “So, what are your plans for the weekend?” You hesitate, suddenly unsure of your own cycle. You think to yourself, “Dating is a minefield. Will I be bloated? Will I need to excuse myself every five minutes?”

With everything that you have been feeling, you decide to go to the doctor. She tells you, “These irregularities can be caused by stress, hormonal imbalances.” Now you are left feeling overwhelmed, the weight of unanswered questions is heavy in your mind. “What is going on?”

I have some not so good news to deliver again. During the height of the pandemic, there were a few studies that came out regarding menstrual abnormalities being experienced by women who had taken the COVID-19 injection. The latest peer-reviewed research revealing associations between COVID-19 shots and menstrual abnormalities was published on December 7^th, 2024, in the International Journal of Vaccine Theory, Practice, and Research. One clear finding reported was that the menstrual irregularities experienced by unvaccinated and unexposed women were consistent with those experienced by the vaccinated population, suggesting possible transmission of spike protein and/or other ingredients of COVID-19 vaccines from the vaccinated to the unvaccinated.

That’s right; it seems that more science is pointing to the fact that the COVID-19 vaccines have been affecting us in ways that are still coming to light. Women, the uneasiness that you might have experienced lately with your menstrual cycle; there is an explanation for it. Let’s take a look at what science has to say.

Since 2021, several studies have shown a relationship between COVID-19 vaccines and menstrual irregularities,

In an article titled, “Investigating trends in those who experience menstrual bleeding changes after SARS-CoV-2 vaccination,” researchers investigated this emerging phenomenon of changed menstrual bleeding patterns among a convenience sample of currently and formerly menstruating people using a web-based survey.

In this sample, 42% of people with regular menstrual cycles bled more heavily than usual, while 44% reported no change after being vaccinated. Among respondents who typically do not menstruate, 71% of people on long-acting reversible contraceptives, 39% of people on gender-affirming hormones, and 66% of postmenopausal people reported breakthrough bleeding. Breakthrough bleeding is any bleeding, or spotting that occurs between your regular menstrual periods or during pregnancy.

They found that increased/breakthrough bleeding was significantly associated with age, systemic vaccine side effects (fever and/or fatigue), history of pregnancy or birth, and ethnicity.

I was directed to another research study titled, “COVID-19 vaccines and menstrual changes,” that looked at different places in the world where menstrual abnormalities had been reported. The UK Yellow Card, reporting data up to August 24^th, 2022, had a total of 51 435 suspected reactions that had been reported after all three COVID-19 vaccines, relating to various menstrual disorders (e.g., heavier than usual periods, delayed periods, and unexpected vaginal bleeding).

In Sweden, an increase in visits to the doctors for abnormal uterine bleeding and menstrual irregularities have been observed after COVID-19 mRNA vaccination in a nationwide, registry-based study. The report was sure to note that most reported changes had been intermittent and self-limiting, and no causal associations had been established.

Finally, in a research article titled, “Evaluation of Menstrual Irregularities After COVID-19 Vaccination: Results of the MECOVAC Survey,” researchers reported that approximately 50–60% of reproductive-age women who received the first dose of the COVID-19 vaccine reported menstrual cycle irregularities, regardless of the type of administered vaccine.

The occurrence of menstrual irregularities seemed to be slightly higher (60–70%) after the second dose. Menstrual irregularities after both the first and second doses of the vaccine were found to self-resolve in approximately half the cases within two months.

Based on these results, they suggested considering these elements during the counselling of women who receive the COVID-19 vaccine, letting them know about the potential occurrence of temporary and self-limiting menstrual cycle irregularities in the subsequent month(s).

*COMMUNITY QUESTION* How many women were told by their doctors that there was a potential occurrence of temporary menstrual cycle irregularities in the subsequent month(s) after their COVID-19 injection?

Accountability! Ultimately, the onus lies with doctors, medical professionals, and governments to ensure patients and citizens are fully informed about the potential risks associated with any medication. Transparency and open communication are paramount in fostering informed decision-making about healthcare choices.

BY SIMONE J. SMITH

“AND NEW IBO Super Welterweight World Champion, following a unanimous decision (118-110 x2, 119-109) win on the road over Sukhdeep Singh tonight in Toronto…”

Fight fans arrived in anticipation as Tyler Buxton United Boxing Promotions delivered a thunderous finale to the year with a thrilling night of championship boxing. Thursday, December 12^th, witnessed a doubleheader of world title clashes, a stacked undercard brimming with explosive action, and an unexpected upset that sent shockwaves through the arena.

From the ferocious exchanges in the early bouts featuring Jerone Ennis, Doni Foreman, and Bradley Wilcox to the electrifying WBA Light Flyweight World Championship showdown between Sara Bailey and Anabel Ortiz, the night was a whirlwind of skill, power, and drama.

It was the IBO Super Welterweight World Championship main event that stole the show, as Uisma Lima, in a stunning upset, dethroned the reigning champion, Sukhdeep Singh, leaving the crowd in disbelief and cementing this night as one for the boxing history books. Before we get there, let’s review what led up to this fight night upset.

In the first fight of the night, Light Heavyweight Jorone Ennis moved to 2-0 (2 KO) with a TKO win over Lukasz Wojtowicz in the first round to open the night. Jerone ‘Beast’ Ennis 1-0 (1) Former Caribbean Amateur Champion made professional debut (04/13/24), when he stopped Argentina’s Marcelo Fernandez inside two minutes of the first round. Lukasz Wojtowicz, a locally famous boxing trainer in his region of Poland, lost his professional debut on points (12/02/2023), and was scheduled to fight Peter Nowaczek on another Ontario fight card in November, before the fight fell through. It was his first time fighting outside Poland. Although Jorone was disappointed with his win, he can walk away and is ready to fight again early in the new year.

The next fight was a testament to the fact that Brampton has a new heavyweight on the scene. Doni Foreman (28) making his professional debut, and fighting out of Grant MMA Boxing, faced off against Dominik Taraszka (35) out of Stare Zukowice, Poland. Dominik made his professional debut (02/10/24), a UD-L to fellow debutant Marek Harmak. He stopped journeyman Stefan Kollar inside 90 seconds in October. It was his first time fighting outside his native Poland. The fists were flying, and it was a slug fest, but Doni stepped it up and started his pro career with an all-action second round KO of Dominik. Doni Foreman moves to 1-0 (1 KO).

The undefeated super lightweight prospect Bradley ‘The Truth’ Wilcox (30) 12-0 (7) returns in his toughest contest to-date. He blasted out wily veteran Jorge Rodriguez in his last appearance, and in this fight faced one of Brazil’s top welterweights, the hard-hitting Fernando ‘Cruel’ Pinto (39) 10-3-1 (8). Fernando dropped down a division for this contest. He is the former Brazilian, South American and Inter-Continental Champion, and was fighting outside his native Brazil for the first time. ​​STILL UNDEFEATED Bradley ‘The Truth’ Wilcox stands toe to toe with the tough Fernando Pinto, eventually putting him through the ropes, and settles for a coast-to-coast unanimous decision win (80-71 x3) to move to 13-0.

This brought us to our Co-Main event WBA LIGHT FLYWEIGHT WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP Sara Bailey (30) 4-0, vs Anabel ‘La Avispa’ Ortiz (38) 34-6 (4). Sara Bailey is the reigning, defending WBA World Champion. She became the fastest Canadian to ever win a World Championship with her unanimous decision win against  Lupita Bautista (04/27/24). Anabel ‘La Avispa’ Ortiz is a former World Champion and has defended her WBA Minimum World Title a record of 13 times. She has fought all the greats in her division competitively: Seniesa Estrada, Marlen Esparza, Yokasta Valle, and met her technical match in Sara. Sara Bailey defends her WBA Boxing Official Light Flyweight World Championship with a unanimous decision win (97-93, 96-94 x2) over former World Champion Anabel Ortiz.

Drumroll please….

In the upset of the night, the MAIN EVENT: IBO SUPER WELTERWEIGHT WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP Sukhdeep ‘Chakria’ Singh (32) 19-0 (8), put one of his titles on the line against Uisma ‘Monstro’ Lima (30) 12-1 (9). Sukhdeep Singh returns to the Great Canadian Casino Resort, the site of his stunning 4th-round knockout of Gino Godoy in March. He had the quickest United Boxing Promotions win of 2023, when he stopped Yaser Yuksel in just 14 seconds at Pickering Casino. His opponent, Uisma Lima’s only defeat was a competitive WBC Int’l Middleweight challenge in England against Aaron McKenna. He has gone to Germany and upset the home favourite in each of his last two fights, stopping Haro Matevosyan in 10 and dominating Araik Marutjan.

United Boxing Promotion fight fans are accustomed to witnessing Sukhdeep exert his dominance, systematically dismantling his opponents. However, for the first time, Sukhdeep ‘Chakria’ Singh found himself on the receiving end of this brutal display. He was outclassed in every aspect, overwhelmed by Uisma ‘Monstro’ Lima’s superior punching, jabbing, and sheer power. With each passing round, Lima’s dominance became increasingly evident, leaving an undeniable mark on Sukhdeep’s face by the fight’s conclusion. This definitely calls for a rematch, and fight fans look forward to Sukhdeep’s recovery, and return to the ring.

What an incredible year of boxing; thank you United Boxing Promotions for making this year another great one in boxing.

BY SIMONE J. SMITH

Queens Borough was in the building on Sunday, December 15^th, 2024, at the Phoenix Concert Theatre. Hip-Hop heads packed the legendary Phoenix Concert Hall. The venue, a cornerstone of Toronto’s music scene, is set to close its doors forever tonight, making this a bittersweet farewell.

Toronto hip-hop fans welcomed The Infamous MOBB DEEP, Havoc, Smif & Wessun, and BigNoyd for The Infamous 30^th Anniversary Concert. The stage was ablaze with the iconic figures of hip-hop history. The show ended with Havoc and BigNoyd taking center stage, their presence commanding the room. Smif-N-Wessun, the dynamic duo from Duck Down Records, preceded them, their energy infectious. Buckshot, a legend in his own right, was unable to make the trip, but he would have completed the lineup with his raw, underground sound.

Sunday night, we paid homage to the legends, the pioneers of gritty, raw hip-hop. We celebrated Duck Down Music and the undisputed kings of the underground, Smif-N-Wessun! Smif-N-Wessun, the dynamic duo of Tek and Steele, brought the fire of the Dah Shinin’ era to the stage, representing Duck Down Music with undeniable swagger. Their intricate rhymes flowed seamlessly over the hard-hitting beats, igniting the crowd with classics like “Bucktown,” Tek’s deep baritone and Steele’s rapid-fire delivery complemented each other perfectly, creating an electrifying synergy that showcased the raw talent and lyrical prowess that made them legends of the golden age of hip-hop.

It wasn’t just the music that made the night special. The intermissions were as powerful as the sets themselves. Merciless seamlessly blended old favorites with newer tracks, keeping the energy high and the dance floor packed. The crowd roared as the familiar beats of ’90s hip hop filled the room. Songs I hadn’t heard in years – classics from Nas, Biggie, and Tupac – blasted through the speakers, igniting a wave of nostalgia.

Lord Fury, with his signature swagger, commanded the stage and launched into his raucous anthem, “Lightskinned b*#ches” a comedic masterpiece that had the crowd roaring with laughter. Asun the God graced the stage bringing all that Toronto fire, and Cormega was presented with the coveted People’s Champ belt. The excitement reached a fever pitch as Lord Fury welcomed Johnny Pro to the microphone. Pro announced the most anticipated news of the night: Wrestling Legend Kurt Angle’s visit to Toronto next year.

I truly don’t know what I can say in this background that hasn’t been said about this album time and time again. Havoc and Prodigy give it their all on The Infamous. With features of some of New York’s finest: Nas, Ghostface Killah, Raekwon, Q-Tip, and BigNoyd. Combining boom bap with a gritty and hardcore style, Mobb Deep made their mark on east coast hip-hop creating one of the greatest rap albums of all time.

The album’s 16 tracks are some of the greatest hip-hop songs to come out of New York. Prodigy and Havoc’s chemistry was undeniable, and Havoc’s production chops are incredible till this day. He can take small snippets of soothing jazz pieces and flip them into gritty and haunting boom bap pieces. This is one of the greatest albums ever.

As the lights dimmed, the beat dropped, and the crowd erupted in a frenzy. The iconic sounds of “Shook Ones” filled the air, sending shivers down everyone’s spine. The energy was electric as the legends performed their timeless hits, each verse a testament to their enduring legacy.

As the night progressed, the crowd sang along to every word, their voices a testament to the impact of Mobb Deep and their contemporaries. This is more than just a concert; it was a celebration of hip-hop history, a final farewell to an iconic venue, and a testament to the enduring power of music to bring people together.