Healthy lifestyle
A healthy lifestyle is one which helps to keep and improve people's health and well-being.Many governments and non-governmental organizations have made big efforts in healthy lifestyle and health promotion.
Mental Health
Mental health can be considered a very important factor of physical health for the effects it produces on bodily functions. This type of health concerns emotional and cognitive well-being or an absence of mental disorder.
Public health
Public health can be defined in a variety of ways. It can be presented as "the study of the physical, psychosocial and socio-cultural determinants of population health and actions to improve the health of the population.
Reproductive Health
For the UN, reproductive health is a right, like other human rights. This recent concept evokes the good transmission of the genetic heritage from one generation to the next.
Health
Health is a state of complete physical, mental and social well-being, and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity.
dimanche 27 mars 2016
These Pets Are Superexcited About Easter
Happy Easter! It seems there are several Easter "bunnies" out there spreading the cheer today. From cats hoarding all the goodies to pups that are jealous of the real deal, we found a collection of cute pets celebrating Easter. There are even a few really little thumpers dressed for the occasion, too. So kick back, grab some jelly beans, and enjoy the cuteness.
Source: Instagram
These Pets Are Superexcited About Easter
Happy Easter! It seems there are several Easter "bunnies" out there spreading the cheer today. From cats hoarding all the goodies to pups that are jealous of the real deal, we found a collection of cute pets celebrating Easter. There are even a few really little thumpers dressed for the occasion, too. So kick back, grab some jelly beans, and enjoy the cuteness.
Source: Instagram
The First and Last Lines of the Harry Potter Books Will Send You on a Roller Coaster of Emotions
The witches and wizards in the world of Harry Potter came a LONG way over the course of seven novels. If you're a hardcore fan, then it probably felt a bit like it was your own journey as well. Rereading the first line of The Sorcerer's Stone and the last line of The Deathly Hallows back to back will make you feel so many things. It's bittersweet, it's funny, it's nostalgic, and it will definitely make you smile. Or cry. Or both.
We put together the first and last sentences of all the books, and they'll remind you of everything, good and bad, that your favorite characters made it through (or didn't make it through; still not OK about the whole Fred thing, Rowling). Yet still, in the end, all was well.
The First and Last Lines of the Harry Potter Books Will Send You on a Roller Coaster of Emotions
The witches and wizards in the world of Harry Potter came a LONG way over the course of seven novels. If you're a hardcore fan, then it probably felt a bit like it was your own journey as well. Rereading the first line of The Sorcerer's Stone and the last line of The Deathly Hallows back to back will make you feel so many things. It's bittersweet, it's funny, it's nostalgic, and it will definitely make you smile. Or cry. Or both.
We put together the first and last sentences of all the books, and they'll remind you of everything, good and bad, that your favorite characters made it through (or didn't make it through; still not OK about the whole Fred thing, Rowling). Yet still, in the end, all was well.
Kitty-Lovers, Just Say "No Thanks" to Easter Lilies!
Along with doggy dangers lurking in your Easter basket, Easter lilies are popular holiday flowers that should never be brought into a home that includes cats.
The fragrant blooms are one of the most poisonous flowers for kitties. Just one or two leaves or flowers can fatally harm a feline! Even if you think your pet will show no interest in this plant, don't take any chances this Easter season. When ingested, this lily (along with Tiger, Asiatic, and other varieties) causes depression then vomiting, loss of appetite, and loss in body weight, with the first symptoms showing up within 30 minutes - and potentially acute renal failure 48 hours postingestion.
While lilies are nontoxic to dogs, please brush up on other poisonous plants and have the ASPCA poison control hotline handy. Don't hesitate to rush any pet you fear has gotten hold of a dangerous stem or blossom to the doctor immediately!
Kitty-Lovers, Just Say "No Thanks" to Easter Lilies!
Along with doggy dangers lurking in your Easter basket, Easter lilies are popular holiday flowers that should never be brought into a home that includes cats.
The fragrant blooms are one of the most poisonous flowers for kitties. Just one or two leaves or flowers can fatally harm a feline! Even if you think your pet will show no interest in this plant, don't take any chances this Easter season. When ingested, this lily (along with Tiger, Asiatic, and other varieties) causes depression then vomiting, loss of appetite, and loss in body weight, with the first symptoms showing up within 30 minutes - and potentially acute renal failure 48 hours postingestion.
While lilies are nontoxic to dogs, please brush up on other poisonous plants and have the ASPCA poison control hotline handy. Don't hesitate to rush any pet you fear has gotten hold of a dangerous stem or blossom to the doctor immediately!
Drop What You're Doing and Start Prepping This Emoji-Inspired Easter Egg DIY
The following post was originally featured on Bird's Party and written by blogger Cristina Riches, who is part of POPSUGAR Select Living.
If you follow along on Instagram, you would have seen a sneaky peek of this emoji inspired DIY back in February, when I had the light bulb idea of turning these printable Emojifest toppers into funky eggs for Easter!
When testing the idea, I actually gave my husband a little fright when he opened the egg carton box to make omelet for lunch. I think you'll agree they are super FUN, super quick and easy to make and make a nice change from the painted or stained Easter eggs. . . Ain't nobody got time for that!
The hardest part would be hollowing your eggs. But you don't have to! I stuck mine to plastic eggs as part of Easter brunch table decor in each place setting, but you could use wooden eggs, real boiled eggs, or chocolate eggs since you can just peel the sticker to eat!
We loved them so much that they made the cover of Bird's Party Magazine! Keep reading to see how to make these cute Easter eggs.
Drop What You're Doing and Start Prepping This Emoji-Inspired Easter Egg DIY
The following post was originally featured on Bird's Party and written by blogger Cristina Riches, who is part of POPSUGAR Select Living.
If you follow along on Instagram, you would have seen a sneaky peek of this emoji inspired DIY back in February, when I had the light bulb idea of turning these printable Emojifest toppers into funky eggs for Easter!
When testing the idea, I actually gave my husband a little fright when he opened the egg carton box to make omelet for lunch. I think you'll agree they are super FUN, super quick and easy to make and make a nice change from the painted or stained Easter eggs. . . Ain't nobody got time for that!
The hardest part would be hollowing your eggs. But you don't have to! I stuck mine to plastic eggs as part of Easter brunch table decor in each place setting, but you could use wooden eggs, real boiled eggs, or chocolate eggs since you can just peel the sticker to eat!
We loved them so much that they made the cover of Bird's Party Magazine! Keep reading to see how to make these cute Easter eggs.
This Dog Wants to Wish You a Hoppy Easter!
We all know that the typical mascot for Easter is a happy, hopping bunny, but this dog apparently hasn't gotten that message. Watch this happy pup frolic through a field without a care in the world. I think he'd make a perfect companion for the Easter bunny - what do you think?
7 Announcements You Might've Missed From Apple's March Event
At Apple's event on March 21, the company announced a slew of new products and software updates, with many available right now. A new iPhone and iPad were revealed, as well as a new iOS system. In case you missed any of the news or just want to catch up on everything in one place, just keep reading to become informed.
7 Announcements You Might've Missed From Apple's March Event
At Apple's event on March 21, the company announced a slew of new products and software updates, with many available right now. A new iPhone and iPad were revealed, as well as a new iOS system. In case you missed any of the news or just want to catch up on everything in one place, just keep reading to become informed.
This Dog Wants to Wish You a Hoppy Easter!
We all know that the typical mascot for Easter is a happy, hopping bunny, but this dog apparently hasn't gotten that message. Watch this happy pup frolic through a field without a care in the world. I think he'd make a perfect companion for the Easter bunny - what do you think?
Fun Facts About Easter's Fuzziest Figure
Besides Santa Claus, the Easter bunny is perhaps the most famous of fictional holiday characters. Many of us believed in him until we reached kindergarten . . . some of us a few years longer (sure, I'll own up to it!). But besides being the bearer of Easter treats, what do you really know about this rascally rodent? We've rounded up some fun facts about Easter's cutest representative and some adorable photos that will make you want to believe all over again!
Twitter Highlights a Decade of Tweets to Celebrate Its 10th Birthday
It's hard to believe that Twitter is now 10 years old. The social network didn't truly break into the mainstream until a few years after launching, and its evolution has been fascinating to watch. These days, Twitter is a resource for breaking news, a platform for authors and writers to chronicle their lives, and the place where we go to find memes. Celebrities love to tweet because it allows them to connect with their fans and speak authentically (maybe too candidly sometimes). Twitter has released an interactive feature that allows you to see how some of its most popular tweets traversed the world in seconds. In honor of a decade of Tweets, we've compiled a highlight reel of Twitter's best since its birth in 2006.
Whoa: This Harry Potter Theory Could've Changed the Series Completely
Get ready to breathe in and breathe out, Harry Potter fans - a recent theory is sparking up a conversation on the Internet on how the entire series could've changed. The single theory is based on one passage in Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire, involving the most underrated Hogwarts house - Slytherin.
The speculation, outlined by Tumblr user crazybutperfectlysane, discusses the idea of Cassius Warrington of Slytherin being chosen to compete in the Triwizard Tournament instead of Cedric Diggory. Both characters would still continue to help each other throughout the book up until the very end, when Voldermort still decides to kill Warrington. The user discusses the possibility that this might've united the Slytherins against Voldemort so they could have fought against him in the Battle of Hogwarts. Pretty crazy right? The entire post is below.
However, the theory train didn't stop here. Another user, aplatonicjacuzzi, took it upon themselves to delve deeper into what Warrington's death would mean to Slytherin, Hogwarts, and Harry. This would include Slytherins realizing that pure bloods aren't safe from Voldemort, joining Dumbledore's Army, and eventually facing off against He Who Must Not Be Named at last. The rest of the imagined storyline is below.
These two posts are currently circling the Internet, even though both are two months old. It makes sense - it's serving up the right amount of fresh "what if?" options we always need every few months. We can't imagine how different the stories of all our favorite characters would be like or how Harry Potter could have had different kinds of support at Hogwarts. Guess that's all we can do now: wonder how and what could change the story we love and treasure so much.
iOS 9.3 Has So Many Cool Features, You Won't Want to Put Off Downloading
Upgrading your iPhone can be kind of a nuisance - it's time consuming and sometimes takes up valuable storage space. But Apple's latest release is full of features that will compel you to download the new software immediately. Apple also introduced a smaller iPhone SE and a smaller iPad Pro that look quite enticing. Here's a rundown of iOS 9.3's coolest features.
- Night Shift - This is completely new to the iPhone and iPad. When activated, this feature uses your geolocation to determine when the sunset is and changes the colors on your phone display. Apple added this to improve your sleep at night, since brighter lights at night potentially hinder it.
- Password-protected notes - For those of you who use Notes as your diary, this update will excite you. Now you can add your thumbprint to protect them. Other improvements include checklists, more options for sorting your notes, and enhanced exporting.
- News updates - Apple added Editor's Picks, a curated section ("For You") that picks stories based on your reading history, swipe to share, and the ability to change the text size of stories.
- Photo updates - This software has improved download speeds for iCloud photos and the ability to extract a high-quality still from a live image.
- Health updates - Third-party apps will now be featured in your Health app. Meaning, other apps that attempt to improve your health will function within Apple's app. HealthKit is a new feature that allows doctors and patients to communicate more efficiently for treatment as well.
- Bug Fixes - Fixes issues with iCloud backups and inaccurate battery percentages and improves stability of your Mail app when storage is low.
Check out some screenshots of the new features ahead and see what else was announced at Apple's event.
Twitter Highlights a Decade of Tweets to Celebrate Its 10th Birthday
It's hard to believe that Twitter is now 10 years old. The social network didn't truly break into the mainstream until a few years after launching, and its evolution has been fascinating to watch. These days, Twitter is a resource for breaking news, a platform for authors and writers to chronicle their lives, and the place where we go to find memes. Celebrities love to tweet because it allows them to connect with their fans and speak authentically (maybe too candidly sometimes). Twitter has released an interactive feature that allows you to see how some of its most popular tweets traversed the world in seconds. In honor of a decade of Tweets, we've compiled a highlight reel of Twitter's best since its birth in 2006.
Whoa: This Harry Potter Theory Could've Changed the Series Completely
Get ready to breathe in and breathe out, Harry Potter fans - a recent theory is sparking up a conversation on the Internet on how the entire series could've changed. The single theory is based on one passage in Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire, involving the most underrated Hogwarts house - Slytherin.
The speculation, outlined by Tumblr user crazybutperfectlysane, discusses the idea of Cassius Warrington of Slytherin being chosen to compete in the Triwizard Tournament instead of Cedric Diggory. Both characters would still continue to help each other throughout the book up until the very end, when Voldermort still decides to kill Warrington. The user discusses the possibility that this might've united the Slytherins against Voldemort so they could have fought against him in the Battle of Hogwarts. Pretty crazy right? The entire post is below.
However, the theory train didn't stop here. Another user, aplatonicjacuzzi, took it upon themselves to delve deeper into what Warrington's death would mean to Slytherin, Hogwarts, and Harry. This would include Slytherins realizing that pure bloods aren't safe from Voldemort, joining Dumbledore's Army, and eventually facing off against He Who Must Not Be Named at last. The rest of the imagined storyline is below.
These two posts are currently circling the Internet, even though both are two months old. It makes sense - it's serving up the right amount of fresh "what if?" options we always need every few months. We can't imagine how different the stories of all our favorite characters would be like or how Harry Potter could have had different kinds of support at Hogwarts. Guess that's all we can do now: wonder how and what could change the story we love and treasure so much.
samedi 26 mars 2016
6-Year-Old Girl Is Forcibly Removed From Her Foster Home For Being 1/64 Native American
Sometimes the law just doesn't make sense. On Monday, a little girl in California was taken from her foster family of four years because she is 1.56 percent Choctaw Native American.
According to the Indian Child Welfare Act of 1978, which "seeks to keep American Indian children with American Indian families," Lexi's heritage, no matter how small, means she can't legally stay with her foster parents, Rusty and Summer Page.
Instead, she'll be taken to live with "extended" family in Utah, who wanted to adopt her in 2011, though they have never met her. The couple are not Native American and are only related to Lexi through her step-grandfather.
The Page family, however, is not letting go of Lexi without a fight. Though they're still embroiled in a custody battle with the family in Utah, both Rusty and Summer have taken to social media to tell their story and started a petition called "Keep Lexi Home."
"There is a 6 year old little girl who has been ripped away from the only family that she has ever known," the petition says. "To Lexi this family is her everything - her mommy, daddy and brother and sisters."
So far, over 71,000 supporters have signed the petition and some even went to the Pages' home Monday in attempt to block police officers from taking Lexi away. A user captured the emotional scene below and shared it on Facebook. Lexi is shown teary-eyed and clutching her teddy bear as her foster dad carries her out to a car.
#keeplexihome Is Live Now!
Posted by Troy Dunn on Monday, March 21, 2016
"Our family is so incredibly devastated. Our hearts are broken and we are trying to make sense of everything that has happened," said the Page family.
In response to all this, the National Indian Child Welfare Association has stood by the law, saying, "The foster family was well aware years ago this girl is an Indian child, whose case is subject to the requirements of the Indian Child Welfare Act. . . . We believe that following the Choctaw Nation's values is in Lexi's best interest."
Easy Does It: 7 Sweet Treats to Make in the Crockpot
As ice cream season draws to a close and our schedules become more hectic, it's time to rethink our families' dessert strategies. If a midweek home-baked cake was previously out of the question in your household, think again! These seven Crockpot dessert ideas take just minutes to prepare, and the magic happens while you're off shuttling carpool or juggling meetings and appointments. Slow down, and sweeten up!
20 Fabulous Desserts Starring Spring's Cutest Candy (Peeps)
Let's face it: it's easy to get carried away and snap up package after package of adorable marshmallow Peeps. The good news? People love to make creative things with them as much as they enjoy eating them. We've searched the web for the cutest ways to play with Peeps and rounded them up here. From Peepshi (Peeps dessert sushi) to Peeps s'mores, keep reading to see the most interesting ways to use up this Easter sweet.
- Additional reporting by Camilla Salem
Starbucks Is Being Sued For Something That Probably Happens to You Regularly
"No foam" is something you've heard before if you've ever waited in line at Starbucks, and you might think it's a pesky request from people who like to be complicated. But as it turns out, those people are smart, because Starbucks is being sued for underfilling its lattes. Two people from Northern California filed the class-action lawsuit after compiling evidence that suggests Starbucks has a system that results in its lattes being 25 percent smaller than the menu claims (i.e., you're not really getting 16 ounces of liquid in your grande latte).
"Starbucks lattes are made from a standardized recipe, which Starbucks instituted in 2009 to save on the cost of milk - one of its most expensive ingredients," the lawsuit explains.
The lawsuit not only claims that the drinks are underfilled because of the excessive amount of foam but also because the size of the cups doesn't match up with the promised ounces in each drink. Here's how they break it down. "The serving cups used by Starbucks for its Lattes are simply too small to accommodate the fluid ounces listed on Starbucks' menu. For example, the serving cup used for Grande beverages holds exactly 16 fluid ounces, when completely full. However, Starbucks' standardized recipe for its Grande Latte calls to fill the serving cup up to 1/4 inch below cup rim.'"
If we're being honest, we've totally had similar experiences at Starbucks and have made it a point to ask for less foam than the standard. Eater reached out to Starbucks for comment, and a Starbucks spokesperson said, "We are aware of the plaintiffs' claims, which we fully believe to be without merit. We are proud to serve our customers high-quality, handcrafted and customized beverages, and we inform customers of the likelihood of variations."
Have you found results consistent with these claims, or do you think this lawsuit is taking it way too far?
Must-Make For Easter Brunch: This Hash Brown Waffle Stack
If you've drooled over Brandi Milloy's recipes on Eat the Trend and Get the Dish, you're going to freak for the Easter brunch she made on the Today show. This hash brown waffle stack features sausage-stuffed hash browns cooked in a waffle maker and topped with fried eggs and candied bacon. Though it sounds decadent, the recipe is foolproof and easy to triple or quadruple to feed a whole crowd. Commence the drooling . . .
You'll Want to Cheat on the Cronut After Seeing This New Doughnut Hybrid
Every time a new food hybrid is introduced to the world, I think it can't be beat . . . and then the next one comes along. Macarons and doughnuts are undeniably two of the most obsession-worthy desserts, and one chef had the ingenious idea of combining them to make - are you ready for this? - the macaron doughnut, aka the macaronut.
It's the latest creation from chef Francois Payard, a renowned French chef who has five bakery locations in New York City. Keep reading to get up-close and personal with the macaronut and learn a little more about it (and consider yourself lucky if you're in NYC).
We Tried 10 Chocolate Easter Bunnies So You Don't Have To
Chocolate Easter bunnies, while adorable, are often more style than substance and are perhaps best suited to those of the age who still believe in the critter after which they're modeled. Still, ever curious, we set out to tackle the somewhat-daunting task of sampling the gamut of options available to see if any could pass muster with our slightly more sophisticated palates.
To keep the playing field even, we stuck to milk chocolate bunnies available at our local Target - no dark chocolate, novel flavors, or fancy-pants mail-order bunnies need apply. Keep reading to find which bunny reigns (relatively) supreme; we'll start with the most offensive and go from there.
Ruffles All Dressed Are Released in the States, Making America Great Again
There's one less reason to move to Canada and it's that Ruffles All Dressed ($4), the exclusive Canadian flavor, is now permanently available in the United States. "All Dressed Chips are part of Trump's campaign to make America great again. It's what's really bringing in the numbers," joshed a Canadian cousin of our living director Tara Block upon hearing the news. And you know what? After trying the chips myself for the first time, along with a group of other All Dressed virgins, I'm going to have to say there's a half truth there. This announcement almost makes up for the fact that Taco Bell only released its Cheetos Crunchwrap in Canada.
So what's the dang chip taste like? It's a cross between a barbecue chip and salt and vinegar chip . . . that's been dipped in ketchup. In other words, it's salty, savory, sweet, and tangy. In case you've seen the Stateside commerical for the chips, you really can't help but roll your eyes back and buckle your knees upon first crunch. Here's what our other taste testers had to say:
"Where has this flavor BEEN my whole life?"
"My favorite. Go Canada!"
"I'm not a big chip person, and the flavors confused me at first, but the salt and vinegar turned into barbecue, and I'm very excited and pleased."
"The best combination of flavors."
"Definitely what it says it is, like barbecue chips with a vinegar element."
"Nice one, Canada. I'd buy the sh*t outta these and eat them while drunk."
"The chip of my dreams."
How a Mom's Facebook Post Ruined a Man's Reputation For Life
These days it's hard to control how fast stories can spread across social media - especially those with misinformation. One father found this out after a viral Facebook post wrongly accused him of being a pedophile.
A man who wishes to remain anonymous took a selfie with a Darth Vader display at a Target in Australia; he and his kids love Star Wars. When he took the photo, he spoke to some children nearby and told them what he was doing, according to the Knox Leader. That's when the mother of the children saw the interaction, followed the man outside of the store, took a picture of him, and shared on Facebook what she thought had happened - a pedophile inappropriately speaking with her children and taking pictures.
The Facebook post called the man a "creep" and detailed the actions the mother took to protect her children, including alerting the police and security at the store. Until deletion, the story had been shared over 20,000 times. After being told by his friends about the post and photo, the man went to the police and cleared his name - but not before receiving death threats and dealing with repercussions that affected his family and children. The mother, who also wishes to remain anonymous, has since deleted the post and apologized, but is now receiving death threats herself for sparking a mob against the man.
"I think the biggest lesson out of it all is not to post anything that could hurt anybody on media," she told the Knox Leader. She's tried to get in contact with the man and does not know whether or not legal action will be pursued against her yet. "One thousand times over I wish I could take it back," she said.
While social media is a useful tool to spread information, especially about dangerous situations, this story is a reminder of just how powerful it is and how easily it can damage a person's reputation, whether or not the story is true. As the man in the photo said, "People need to get their information from proper news sources rather than rely on drama queens who share things without thought on Facebook."
Apple's Cofounder Is Just Like Us When It Comes to His Favorite Celebrity
Image Source: Getty / Alberto E. Rodriguez
Most of us would probably have zero chill if we had the chance to meet our favorite celebrity. Same goes for VIPs themselves - including Apple cofounder Steve Wozniak, aka "Woz." The special person he totally fanboys over? The one and only William Shatner, most famously known for his role as Captain Kirk in the Star Trek franchise.
Wozniak will finally get the chance to meet his hero, as he's set to appear at the first ever Silicon Valley Comic Con (SVCC) - an event Wozniak conceived. Although he's looking forward to the virtual reality zone, the sudden thrill of his voice as he spoke about Shatner clearly indicated what he was most pumped for. "There's so many things . . . William Shatner!" said Wozniak. "Oh my gosh, I can't wait to meet him! I'm almost very nervous about it."
Image Source: Getty / Tim Mosenfelder
Wozniak's been a Star Trek superfan for most of his life and went to great lengths in his earlier years to meet the crew. Without even mentioning Shatner or Star Trek in my questions, he couldn't contain his excitement in the middle of discussing one of SVCC's panels, Superbabies vs. AI. "I can't wait to meet William Shatner!" said Wozniak. "You know, 40, 45 years ago, I would drive down all the way to Los Angeles to go to his Star Trek conventions just so I could see those guys."
Wozniak's comments didn't just stop at telling old stories. He explained what he admires about Shatner and what he hopes he does at SVCC. "He is so creative and talented!" said Wozniak. "I hope he does some of his poetry or anything."
As someone who had a hand in revolutionizing technology and changing the world, you'd think nothing would phase him. But hearing Wozniak cut himself off to rave about his favorite celebrity was the human touch that reminded me that unless you're Siri, we're all capable of losing our chill.
Live long and prosper, Woz.
Your Spring Picnic Won't Be Complete Without One of These Pretty Blankets
You thought about the delicious food you'll bring in the cutest picnic basket and the wine you'll drink while enjoying the perfect quick-read, but did you think of the blanket you'll need to lay on the grass or the sand before enjoying all the yummy treats you've prepared? Don't forget that! A colorful, decorative picnic throw can take a regular al fresco eating experience and turn it into the most picture-perfect Instagram moment. Keep scrolling to find just a few shopping suggestions.
6 Crazy-Good Avocado Smoothie Recipes That'll Keep You Cool All Summer Long
Any true avocado-lover will find a way to sneak its creamy, vitamin-rich goodness into just about any meal item - even a smoothie.
That's right, just like you can turn your favorite savory fruit into a delicious chocolate pudding or a better-than-jam toast topping, you can incorporate it into your morning or post-workout drink for an extra dose of green power. Not sure where to start? Keep reading for some flavor inspiration, courtesy of food bloggers who have taste tested these recipes to perfection.
Sore Neck? Why This Isn't Something to Shrug Off
If you're like us, you're getting tired of hearing that girls are wimpier than guys. Luckily, our friends at YourTango set the facts about male and female pain straight once and for all.
We KNEW it.
Sometimes your neck can feel stiff, like you slept on it wrong. And then there are other times where the pain is intense. There are many reasons for neck pain, such as poor posture, jerking it back in exercise, bending down for hours and texting, and whiplash from a car accident.
We all get neck pain, but science has found that women suffer more neck pain than men.
According to a study led by Meda Raghavendra, MD, and Joseph Holtman, MD, PhD, of Loyola University Medical Center and Loyola University Chicago Stritch School of Medicine, women are 1.38 times more likely than men to report neck pain due to cervical degenerative disc disease.
Cervical degenerative disc disease is a common cause of neck pain. Symptoms include a stiff or inflexible neck, burning, tingling and numbness. Pain occurs most often when the patient is upright or moving their head.
The study included 3,337 patients who were treated at Loyola's Pain Management Center, and 61 percent were female. These findings add to the growing body of research on the differences in which men and women experience pain.
The fact is that women feel more pain than men due to the way they're wired differently. They have fewer pain blockers and lower levels of testosterone (which can lessen pain), and they're better at self-monitoring themselves and being aware of what their bodies are feeling.
So when a woman complains about neck pain, it should be taken seriously; whatever you can do to help ease that pain - whether it's a massage or spa date - will be deeply appreciated.
Check out more great stories from YourTango:
Lift and Tone Your Booty With These 2 Moves
Time for a quickie! These two complementary barre moves will strengthen and sculpt your butt by working the different layers of your glutes, toning the muscles from multiple angles. Plus, these strengthening exercises are great cross-training for runners.
This Type of Flaxseed Is Better at Preventing Belly Bloat
Not a fish fan but you know you should be getting your omega-3s? Look to the amazing flaxseed in order to get your daily recommended amount of 1.1 grams. When perusing the aisles of your grocery store, you'll see they come in two forms - whole and ground. Is one more beneficial than the other? The chart below shows how they compare nutritionally.
| 1 tbsp. whole flaxseed | 1 tbsp. ground flaxseed | |
| Calories | 55 | 37 |
| Total Fat (g) | 4 | 3 |
| Saturated Fat (g) | 0 | 0 |
| Carbs (g) | 3 | 2 |
| Fiber (g) | 3 | 2 |
| Protein (g) | 2 | 1 |
| Calcium (mg) | 26.1 | 17.9 |
| Iron (mg) | .6 | .4 |
| Omega-3s (g) | 2.3 | 1.6 |
| Omega-6s (g) | .6 | .4 |
| Folate (mcg) | 8.9 | 6.1 |
As you can see, they're pretty similar, but it's recommended to consume ground flaxseed because whole flaxseeds just pass right through the body undigested. Eating ground flaxseed allows your body to get the omegas as well as the phytochemicals called lignans, which may have antioxidant actions and may help protect against certain cancers. What about flaxseed oil, you ask? It also contains omegas and lignans, but it has no fiber, so go for the ground flaxseed to keep you regular and to help prevent bloating caused by constipation.
Since the RDI of omega-3s is 1.1 grams a day, just one tablespoon of ground flaxseed added to your smoothie, oatmeal, cereal, or sprinkled in your soup or on your salad is way more than enough. You can also bake with it as an egg substitute in recipes like this protein banana bread.
The Way the Justice League Appears in Batman v Superman Is So Not What You're Expecting
Image Source: Getty
Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice is basically a prequel to the upcoming Justice League movies. It introduces Batman, Wonder Woman, and, in a much smaller capacity, the rest of the Justice League. While we've known for over a year that Wonder Woman (Gal Gadot) would be a significant part of the film, we didn't know it would be she who essentially unlocks the rest of the characters. Here's how it happens - spoilers follow.
First of all, apart from Wonder Woman, none of the Justice League members actually have a part of the action in Batman v Superman. They appear only briefly on a computer screen, so while they're present, they're really not in the movie. In addition to picking a fight with Superman, the film reveals that Batman has apparently been collecting information on metahumans for a while. If you read the comics or watch The Flash, you know that "metahumans" are beings that, while appearing human, have some kind of extraordinary power. Think superspeed or the ability to live and breathe underwater.
Image Source: Warner Bros.
Batman keeps all his intel, including several illegally obtained videos, on his personal computer in the Batcave, because duh. Each person (Wonder Woman, Cyborg, the Flash, and Aquaman) is represented by a symbol. It's very user-friendly. After encountering Diana Prince (Wonder Woman's alter ego), he opens up a file with the Wonder Woman icon and up pops picture of her in full gear posing with soldiers, including Chris Pine as Steve Trevor. It's marked 1918. In an effort to befriend Wonder Woman, Batman shares his files with her, and we see her open them up one by one. There's a video in each file, and here's what they show.
- Cyborg: A scientist named Silas (Scandal's Joe Morton) is creating a robotic man (Ray Fisher). At first his experiment doesn't appear to be working, but then everything goes haywire and the man starts moving.
- The Flash: This one is a security tape from a convenience store that shows a guy (Ezra Miller) grabbing some milk out of the refrigerator. He looks over to see the manager being robbed, and he takes out the thief at the speed of light.
- Aquaman: The camera opens on a shipwreck, and out of the shadows comes the undersea hero (Jason Momoa). He looks into the camera for a few seconds, then shoves his trident into it. He's a feisty one.
And that's it! That's all we see for now. All of these characters are confirmed for the Justice League films and their own standalone movies. In case you missed it, Momoa is already on the set of Justice League: Part One!
4 Things We Already Know About Vikings Season 5
Only five episodes into Vikings' fourth season, History announced that the drama will return for season five! Sure, there's a lot left of season four to enjoy, but aren't you a little curious about what's in store? Here's every little detail we can glean on the next season, inlcuding an exciting new addition to the cast! Once you're up to speed, check out how different the cast looks in real life and the absolute sexiest GIFs from the show.
Your Spring Picnic Won't Be Complete Without One of These Pretty Blankets
You thought about the delicious food you'll bring in the cutest picnic basket and the wine you'll drink while enjoying the perfect quick-read, but did you think of the blanket you'll need to lay on the grass or the sand before enjoying all the yummy treats you've prepared? Don't forget that! A colorful, decorative picnic throw can take a regular al fresco eating experience and turn it into the most picture-perfect Instagram moment. Keep scrolling to find just a few shopping suggestions.
6 Crazy-Good Avocado Smoothie Recipes That'll Keep You Cool All Summer Long
Any true avocado-lover will find a way to sneak its creamy, vitamin-rich goodness into just about any meal item - even a smoothie.
That's right, just like you can turn your favorite savory fruit into a delicious chocolate pudding or a better-than-jam toast topping, you can incorporate it into your morning or post-workout drink for an extra dose of green power. Not sure where to start? Keep reading for some flavor inspiration, courtesy of food bloggers who have taste tested these recipes to perfection.
20 Fabulous Desserts Starring Spring's Cutest Candy (Peeps)
Let's face it: it's easy to get carried away and snap up package after package of adorable marshmallow Peeps. The good news? People love to make creative things with them as much as they enjoy eating them. We've searched the web for the cutest ways to play with Peeps and rounded them up here. From Peepshi (Peeps dessert sushi) to Peeps s'mores, keep reading to see the most interesting ways to use up this Easter sweet.
- Additional reporting by Camilla Salem
Starbucks Is Being Sued For Something That Probably Happens to You Regularly
"No foam" is something you've heard before if you've ever waited in line at Starbucks, and you might think it's a pesky request from people who like to be complicated. But as it turns out, those people are smart, because Starbucks is being sued for underfilling its lattes. Two people from Northern California filed the class-action lawsuit after compiling evidence that suggests Starbucks has a system that results in its lattes being 25 percent smaller than the menu claims (i.e., you're not really getting 16 ounces of liquid in your grande latte).
"Starbucks lattes are made from a standardized recipe, which Starbucks instituted in 2009 to save on the cost of milk - one of its most expensive ingredients," the lawsuit explains.
The lawsuit not only claims that the drinks are underfilled because of the excessive amount of foam but also because the size of the cups doesn't match up with the promised ounces in each drink. Here's how they break it down. "The serving cups used by Starbucks for its Lattes are simply too small to accommodate the fluid ounces listed on Starbucks' menu. For example, the serving cup used for Grande beverages holds exactly 16 fluid ounces, when completely full. However, Starbucks' standardized recipe for its Grande Latte calls to fill the serving cup up to 1/4 inch below cup rim.'"
If we're being honest, we've totally had similar experiences at Starbucks and have made it a point to ask for less foam than the standard. Eater reached out to Starbucks for comment, and a Starbucks spokesperson said, "We are aware of the plaintiffs' claims, which we fully believe to be without merit. We are proud to serve our customers high-quality, handcrafted and customized beverages, and we inform customers of the likelihood of variations."
Have you found results consistent with these claims, or do you think this lawsuit is taking it way too far?
Must-Make For Easter Brunch: This Hash Brown Waffle Stack
If you've drooled over Brandi Milloy's recipes on Eat the Trend and Get the Dish, you're going to freak for the Easter brunch she made on the Today show. This hash brown waffle stack features sausage-stuffed hash browns cooked in a waffle maker and topped with fried eggs and candied bacon. Though it sounds decadent, the recipe is foolproof and easy to triple or quadruple to feed a whole crowd. Commence the drooling . . .
You'll Want to Cheat on the Cronut After Seeing This New Doughnut Hybrid
Every time a new food hybrid is introduced to the world, I think it can't be beat . . . and then the next one comes along. Macarons and doughnuts are undeniably two of the most obsession-worthy desserts, and one chef had the ingenious idea of combining them to make - are you ready for this? - the macaron doughnut, aka the macaronut.
It's the latest creation from chef Francois Payard, a renowned French chef who has five bakery locations in New York City. Keep reading to get up-close and personal with the macaronut and learn a little more about it (and consider yourself lucky if you're in NYC).
Gisele Bündchen Puts Her Bikini Body on Display While Surfing in Costa Rica With Tom Brady
Gisele Bündchen and her husband, Tom Brady, escaped to Costa Rica for a romantic vacation last week. The couple, who's been going strong for almost 10 years now, hit the beach on Thursday, where they put their fit figures on display while partaking in a fun surfing lesson. At one point, Tom was even seen sneaking a quick kiss, but it was nothing like their previous makeout sessions on the beach. Noticeably absent, though, were Gisele and Tom's children, Jack, Benjamin, and Vivian, whom the model often shares photos of on Instagram. Keep reading to see more of the duo's tropical getaway, and then get a load of these smokin' hot bikini bodies.
Devon Sawa's Family Photos Will Remind You Why You Loved Him So Much in the '90s
Devon Sawa has probably held a special place in your heart since the '90s. In addition to his role in Casper and the iconic line of "Can I keep you?," Devon turned into a full-on heartthrob with other roles in hits like Now and Then and Little Giants. The actor has definitely grown up since those days, but that doesn't mean he's gotten any less adorable. Devon has been married to his wife, Dawni Sahanovitch, since 2010, and the couple have two kids together, 2-year-old son Hudson and daughter Scarlett, who was born in March 2016. While their daughter only recently joined their brood, Devon and Dawni have documented so many cute family moments with their little boy. While we wait for even more snaps of the new family of four, keep reading to see their best moments so far!
We Tried 10 Chocolate Easter Bunnies So You Don't Have To
Chocolate Easter bunnies, while adorable, are often more style than substance and are perhaps best suited to those of the age who still believe in the critter after which they're modeled. Still, ever curious, we set out to tackle the somewhat-daunting task of sampling the gamut of options available to see if any could pass muster with our slightly more sophisticated palates.
To keep the playing field even, we stuck to milk chocolate bunnies available at our local Target - no dark chocolate, novel flavors, or fancy-pants mail-order bunnies need apply. Keep reading to find which bunny reigns (relatively) supreme; we'll start with the most offensive and go from there.
Reese Witherspoon's Instagram Will Make You Fall in Love With Her All Over Again
Reese Witherspoon is one of Hollywood's biggest stars, but if you take a peek at her Instagram account, she's actually a pretty relatable poster on social media. While the Wild star could go the typical celebrity route and only share photos from red carpets and movie sets (there are still plenty of those), Reese chooses to be an open book. She loves to share moments with her adorable kids, her husband Jim Toth, and hilarious text messages from her mother, Mary. Read on to see why you'll want to hit the "Follow" button immediately.
Carrie Underwood Melts the Ice Rink With This Heartwarming Family Moment
Carrie Underwood has one of the sweetest families in Hollywood. The country singer cheered on her husband, professional hockey player Mike Fisher, on Monday night when he was honored for his 1,000th NHL game before his team, the Nashville Predators, took on the Los Angeles Kings in Tennessee. Not only did the two look picture-perfect as they shared a kiss on the ice, but their little tot Isaiah, 13 months, was also there for support. Honestly, how precious does he look while gazing up at his parents? See the sweet moment above, and then check out even more of his cutest pictures over the years!
Ruffles All Dressed Are Released in the States, Making America Great Again
There's one less reason to move to Canada and it's that Ruffles All Dressed ($4), the exclusive Canadian flavor, is now permanently available in the United States. "All Dressed Chips are part of Trump's campaign to make America great again. It's what's really bringing in the numbers," joshed a Canadian cousin of our living director Tara Block upon hearing the news. And you know what? After trying the chips myself for the first time, along with a group of other All Dressed virgins, I'm going to have to say there's a half truth there. This announcement almost makes up for the fact that Taco Bell only released its Cheetos Crunchwrap in Canada.
So what's the dang chip taste like? It's a cross between a barbecue chip and salt and vinegar chip . . . that's been dipped in ketchup. In other words, it's salty, savory, sweet, and tangy. In case you've seen the Stateside commerical for the chips, you really can't help but roll your eyes back and buckle your knees upon first crunch. Here's what our other taste testers had to say:
"Where has this flavor BEEN my whole life?"
"My favorite. Go Canada!"
"I'm not a big chip person, and the flavors confused me at first, but the salt and vinegar turned into barbecue, and I'm very excited and pleased."
"The best combination of flavors."
"Definitely what it says it is, like barbecue chips with a vinegar element."
"Nice one, Canada. I'd buy the sh*t outta these and eat them while drunk."
"The chip of my dreams."
Diane Lane Brings Her Look-Alike Daughter to the Batman v Superman Premiere
Diane Lane attended the Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice premiere in New York City on Sunday with one very special guest: her daughter, Eleanor Lambert! The two stunned on the red carpet together, posing for photos and cracking each other up with laughter. Diane looked gorgeous in a printed dress, while Eleanor, a 22-year-old music writer whose father is actor Christopher Lambert, rocked a skirt and crop top. Keep reading to see more of their fun night, and then check out even more celebrity moms who are identical to their kids.
Why This Photo of a Mom and Her Newborn Was Removed From Facebook For Being NSFW
The night before her daughter's first birthday, Francie was feeling particularly nostalgic - as most moms would on such an occasion. She reminisced about the moment she gave birth to her baby girl, from the rapid progression of labor to the moment she, without any assistance, got on her hands and knees in bed and guided the newborn out into her own arms.
"It was an incredible, epic, transformative experience," the mom told POPSUGAR. "I wanted to scream from the rooftops. I was so moved by it that I had to share it."
So, that night, she did what she did nearly a year earlier: she shared a photo of that moment - in which Francie, staring at her baby with euphoric love, happened to be naked - to a private Facebook group called NYC Birth, which has less than 900 members.
The caption along with the photo read:
Today it's been one year since this happened. Where do I even begin? I am humbled. I am grateful. I am speechless. I am a badass. I am so glad my baby is one year old. And I just can't believe it.
She also couldn't believe that just an hour later, Facebook had removed the photo after it was flagged for violating the site's terms of use.
"I was definitely surprised," she told us. "My first reaction was, 'Really? Are you kidding me?' I knew it was a possibility, but it had been up there for a year the first time before I reposted it. And it always got nothing but positive feedback."
Francie, an educator who also runs TheMilkinMama, which teaches mothers how to hand-express milk, can empathize with the fact that "people are uncomfortable with things that are unfamiliar to them," but that's why she purposefully avoided sharing the post on her own Facebook feed. She deliberately shared it in a private group where she'd have the support of like-minded people. Her gut is that whoever reported the image did so "not because it's gross" but because "birth can be triggering for those whose experiences weren't positive or were downright traumatic."
Still, just because someone takes issue with a post on social media doesn't mean it must be removed. Why was this image the exception?
According to the Facebook nudity policy, the platform currently prohibits images of genitalia or fully exposed buttocks, with naked bodies depicted in artwork handled on a case-by-case basis. Images of breasts are prohibited unless they show a postmastectomy scar or a woman actively breastfeeding.
"Facebook's policy says breastfeeding is natural, but so is birth," Francie said, suggesting that the company simply adds "actively birthing" to the shortlist of exceptions. Either that, or face off against a new grassroots campaign akin to the ever-growing #normalizebreastfeeding and #freethenipple movements. In fact, Francie, alongside her friends at the Human Birth Project, is already getting the word out with the #humanbirth hashtag. (For the record, she believes Facebook will change its policy.)
She's since been reinstated into the private group, and although she laughs about it, the experience hasn't quieted her desire to share those powerful life moments.
"It doesn't take away from her birth," she said. "It's still my story, and I'll honor it in the ways that feel right to me. Doing so helps me, and it will help others. If I have the opportunity to empower other women, why wouldn't I? Bottom line . . . we need each other."
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