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.
samedi 3 décembre 2016
35 Engaged Celebrity Couples We Can't Wait to See Tie the Knot
We love seeing celebrities attend lavish parties and award shows, but the one thing that always tops it all is when they throw the biggest party themselves: their wedding! From firework displays to candy bars, stars usually cover all the elaborate bases when it comes to their nuptials. And with splits happening left and right these days, it's good to know that true love still exists. Since so many hot couples are currently on their way to the altar, we've rounded up all the ones we can't wait to see (hopefully) get married in the coming months. Cheers to a blissful year!
The 1 Thing You Won't Find on the Menu at Moe's - but Need to Order
You might not think of burritos as holiday food, but Moe's Christmas Burrito might change that this year. Moe's Southwest Grill will offer Christmas Style Burritos at locations nationwide throughout the holiday season (and beyond), but you won't find them on the menu. The "secret" item, which you can get simply by ordering it at the counter, is a burrito of your choice covered in a combination of red and green sauces that give the burrito its festive name. Covered with half hatch green chile sauce, half red chile sauce, queso fresco, and chopped cilantro, the burrito is cheesy, saucy, and slightly spicy. While this is the first time Moe's has offered the colorful burrito, Christmas burritos are a longtime tradition in the Southwest corners of the US. The red and green burritos not only have a holiday-approved appearance, but they also prove burritos truly are the greatest gifts.
NYX's Travel-Inspired Wanderlust Collection Features Perfect Pint-Sized Palettes
Beauty junkies on a budget who refuse to sacrifice on quality know all about NYX Cosmetics. The brand's products are intensely pigmented, apply smoothly, and are more affordable than the majority of drugstore offerings, with its cult-favorite Soft Matte Lip Cream ringing in at just $6. This holiday season, the brand is pairing that incredible formula with pint-sized palettes inspired by international destinations . . . and the sets are only $15.
The Wanderlust Collection boasts seven different options: Madrid, Copenhagen, Dubai, Paris, London, Vancouver, and Los Angeles. The global hot spots (which these lip colors are named after) have each inspired beautiful, trend-focused color palettes that have been immortalized in eye shadow. In every pairing, you'll receive a full-sized liquid lipstick and eight shadows, all in a package that measures less than five inches by six inches. This means they're perfect for stashing in your travel beauty bag - after all, you're getting basically an entire look in a tiny kit!
Unfortunately, all of the sets have sold out on NYXCosmetics.com and London is no longer in stock on Ulta Beauty's site, but the brand confirmed that the products will all be restocked soon. Read on to see and shop the glorious products, and stay tuned for updates.
8 Universally Flattering Party Dresses to Wear This Holiday Season
When the holiday parties roll around, you can't just put on any old thing. You're going to be visiting old friends and family you haven't seen in a while, many of which will scream, "Hey lady, let's take a picture!" While your goal shouldn't necessarily be to impress everyone in the room, you definitely want to feel confident.
That's why we did a little searching and uncovered the most flattering dress trends for every body type. Since the weather is taking a turn for the cold, these silhouettes all have cozy details, like turtlenecks or longer hemlines. And, all it takes is a few simple accessories to jazz them up for a get together. So relax - have a glass of champagne. Regardless of whether you've got a small bust, are petite, or were blessed with a booty, when you've got on one of these styles, girl, you'll look good.
How to Put Your Baby to Sleep - According to 1 Hysterical Dad
If only babies actually went to sleep when their tired parents told them it was time for bed! But considering that more times than not, little ones will cry or fuss the moment they're put in their cribs at bedtime, one New Zealand dad is trying to help out desperate parents.
In a hysterical video that feels all too familiar for many moms and dads, popular blogger How to Dad has some important tips for how to put a baby to sleep. From classic tactics like renaming a standard blanket "blanky" to improvising classic lullabies, this dad's attempts to soothe his daughter are all of us after a long day. Whether you resort to the tap-out method or give some of his new ideas a try, this video will at least have you laughing even if it doesn't have your baby effortlessly snoozing at the snap of your fingers!
How to Have the Most Magical Harry Potter Christmas
Like all Harry Potter fans, when we heard last year that Warner Bros was re-creating Christmas dinner inside the Hogwarts Great Hall, we dreamed of scoring tickets. But then we thought, "Why don't we re-create it at home?" And so we did. Ahead, check out how you too can put together your own happy Christmas, complete with snitch ornaments, Mrs. Weasley sweater cookies, a spectacular dinner table setup, and oh so much more. It's easy to do yourself - promise.
p.s. Check out even more Harry Potter holiday ideas here!
Jared Padalecki's Real-Life Romance With Genevieve Cortese Is Supernaturally Sweet
Any diehard Supernatural fan knows that Jared Padalecki and Genevieve Cortese met and fell in love on the set of the show. Genevieve joined the cast as a demon named Ruby in 2009, and by 2010, the couple had taken their love off screen, gotten engaged, and even tied the knot! Since then, they've welcomed two boys, Thomas, 4, and Austin, 2, and are currently expecting their third child. Keep reading for some of their cutest moments together - including a few exceptional red carpet appearances - and if you want even more cute overload, check out Jared's best family pictures!
35 Gifts For the Mesh-Loving Fit Girl in Your Life
Obsessed with the mesh trend? So are we. What's not to love about breathable fabric that's equally as stylish as it is functional? Seamlessly rock your look outside the gym or studio with any of the items we've found ahead. Cool products from leggings to sports bras will become your excuse to fit in another workout. So if you or a friend are all about mesh and mesh-paneled gear, keep scrolling to see 35 options.
35 Gifts For the Mesh-Loving Fit Girl in Your Life
Obsessed with the mesh trend? So are we. What's not to love about breathable fabric that's equally as stylish as it is functional? Seamlessly rock your look outside the gym or studio with any of the items we've found ahead. Cool products from leggings to sports bras will become your excuse to fit in another workout. So if you or a friend are all about mesh and mesh-paneled gear, keep scrolling to see 35 options.
This Beauty Vlogger's Tutorial Using $5-or-Under Products Will Mesmerize You
Even professional beauty vloggers know there are hidden gems at the drugstore. Vlogger Tati Westbrook (known as GlamLifeGuru on YouTube) challenged herself to create a makeup tutorial featuring affordable beauty products all $5 or under.
In the video, Tati explains that some of these inexpensive finds are some of her favorite makeup products. The Wet n Wild Coverall Primer ($5) is an item Tati adores, and she explains it works best in thin layers. Another affordable gem featured is the LA Girl Pro-Conceal HD Concealer ($3), which she uses to highlight her face.
Additionally, the makeup guru uses affordable makeup brushes from e.l.f., and suggests you take the time to blend when using drugstore products to ensure a flawless application. Watch the video to get more tips and shopping suggestions for beauty babes on a budget.
Techie Stocking Stuffers You Won't Believe Cost Less Than $30
It takes a lot to pull off a great gift that doesn't cost an arm and a leg. But lucky for you, we've done all the work. Ahead, check out tech gifts that your friends and family will love, all under $30. At that price, you can stuff their stockings with more than one!
These 12 Fashion Terms Are About to Trend All the Way Through 2017
Being a fashion girl is hard work. We keep up with all the latest trends, decide whether or not they're for us - or perhaps if we wish to work them in our own unique way - and keep a record of inspirational looks from celebs and bloggers alike. The struggle.
Just kidding. Actually, learning about interesting new styling ideas and designers is what keeps the fashion wheel spinning, making for fresh outfits on our Instagram feeds that we end up re-creating ourselves. In 2016 alone, we were introduced to a whole glossary of unforgettable fads that we tried on for size.
Some of the 12 terms ahead offer descriptions of fresh silhouettes that have invited head turns. Some of them establish a different way of wearing an old piece of clothing. And plenty of them are words or phrases your favorite It models have gotten behind, giving rise to new trends. Read on to brush up on your lingo.
14 Elf on the Shelf Ideas For the Lazy Mom
Whether you love him or loathe him, the Elf on the Shelf has become a beloved tradition for families across the country. And as each year passes, Santa's little helper finds him or herself in more elaborate situations. Unfortunately, not every parent has the time, craft skills, or desire needed to construct such jaw-dropping scenes. But that doesn't mean you have to throw in the metaphorical towel. Click through for Elf on the Shelf ideas that are so simple, even the laziest parent can create them.
Mall of America Hires Its First Black Santa, Warms the Hearts of Children Everywhere
Mall of America, the largest mall in the country, just welcomed its first black Santa this holiday season. During an interview with WCCO-TV, Larry Jefferson, a United States veteran from Dallas, TX, spoke about how he feels to be the first Santa of color. "It's no big deal. I'm still Santa! I just happen to be a Santa of color," Jefferson explained to the news station. "It gives the kids an opportunity to see a Santa who looks like them."
Landon Luther, co-owner of the "Santa Experience" photo studio at the popular Minnesota mall, told Star Tribuine "We want Santa to be for everyone, period." Luther also revealed that the search for a Santa of color began last year and ended as soon as they found Larry Jefferson. Jefferson has been donning the famous red suit since 1999 and "considers himself a Santa for all."
The popular mall has received a ton of positive responses from shoppers across social media praising its decision to include a diverse Santa this year. Check out the video below to see why this Santa is warming the hearts of children everywhere.
Don't Be Fooled - These Celeb-Approved Earrings Aren't Ridiculously Expensive
It doesn't matter how much we love a red carpet look: a quick Google search typically reveals it's well beyond our budget. But that's not the case with a celeb-loved statement earring designed by Sachin & Babi. While the glamorous drop Grapes style has been worn by ladies like Emma Roberts and Olivia Palermo, it rings in at just $250 - not cheap, but definitely not as much as we thought. Plus, considering how much use we'd get out of these babies, pairing them with everything from fancy dresses to jeans, it's safe to say the purchase would be well worth the investment.
"We wanted to come up with an earring design that could work when paired next to every look in our collection," the husband-and-wife duo told us via email, adding they were inspired by grapes grown behind their home. "Similar to how wine makes every meal an occasion, our 'grapes' earrings are designed to make every night an evening worth getting dressed for."
With all its success, it's hard to believe the Grapes earring marks the first time Sachin & Babi took on the jewelry world. "We plan on designing more jewelry in the future, but are taking it slow," they said. "We really want to focus on one key accessory at a time." As for what's next? "We're launching the Coconuts earrings in early December, so stay tuned."
Scroll through to see the Grapes earrings in action, then shop a pair for yourself - or someone special! - just in time for the holidays.
Britney Spears Celebrates Her 35th Birthday Surrounded by Fans - and Lance Bass
Britney Spears celebrated her 35th birthday surrounded by her fans at 102.7 KIIS FM's Jingle Ball in LA on Friday night. Not only did she deliver an incredible performance of a medley of her hits including "Slumber Party" and "Womanizer," but the event's host, Ryan Seacrest, surprised the singer by coming out on stage with a giant three-tier birthday cake and leading the audience to sing "Happy Birthday."
Later that night, Britney uploaded a video from the show on Instagram, writing, "Thank you for the sweet birthday wishes! Had an amazing day. Love you all 💖💖💖 #KIISJingleBall." Lance Bass, who also happened to be at the concert, shared a photo of him and Britney on Instagram on Saturday, and captioned it, "It's been a minute since I've spent a birthday with this one! Good to know we still like rips in our jeans. 😜@BritneySpears @MichaelTurchin #BirthdayGirl #JingleBall." It's safe to say that Britney had one hell of a birthday.
13 Websites That Are Both Productive and Fun to Play With
The internet is full of corners that can entertain you when you're bored at work or that can become useful tools for your job. That's why we've rounded up a mixture of sites that you probably never heard of - but are either useful or fun to play around with. These sites were suggested in a Reddit thread called "What are some awesome websites that not enough people know about?" Keep reading, try some of these out, and bookmark the ones you love!
- Create GIFs anytime: Looking for a perfect GIF that doesn't exist yet? Use gifgif to create one quickly without any watermark.
- Clean up your writing: With Hemingway App, the website will grade any sentence or essay on readability. It'll also let you know if a sentence is too hard to read or suggest removing unnecessary words.
- Take a mental break with some pets: Watch real puppies and cats on your screen with iPet Companion. The website live-streams cats and puppies living in shelters, with the ability to move the animals' toys.
- Improve your math skills: With Better Explained, you'll learn how and why math works the way it does, rather than memorizing theories or equations.
- Learn what you're actually signing up for: When you sign up for YouTube or GitHub, you probably didn't read the company's terms of service. Find out what is in it, especially concerning your privacy with TS;DR.
- Take a class and learn a new skill: Similar to other websites, edX includes a catalog of courses you can take to learn and further a skill.
- Sharpen what you're learning: With Khan Academy, you can explore different subjects like computer programming or art history and learn a subject more thoroughly.
- Figure out how to play the guitar: It's a skill plenty of people wish they had and now you can. The site, Justin Guitar, offers plenty of courses and songs to learn that'll have you riffing in no time.
- Play a silly game to relax: Plug in your headphones and try to find the Invisible Cow. It's a fun and easy game to play.
- Draw for fun: On Weave Silk, you can draw beautiful creations in different colors. It's soothing and might amp up your drawing skills.
- Improve your typing pace: Compete against other people on the internet with Type Racer. Race against the clock and others to type a sentence while improving your words per minute.
- Be the snarkiest person ever: If someone asks you a question that they can totally google, use Let Me Google That For You. It'll answer their question but by showing them how to google it.
- Find out if you need to change your password: With Have I Been Pwned, you can enter your username or email address to find out if your data might've been included in a breach. If it shows up, you'll see what sites to change your username on.
vendredi 2 décembre 2016
40 Lightened-Up Holiday Desserts and Sweets (Eggnog Included!)
Warm chocolate chip cookies, cinnamon-spice meringues, pumpkin pie, eggnog, cocoa . . . some of the best, coziest, most comforting, and wonderful flavors of the holiday season, right? Well, get ready for all of your favorites with a healthy twist: we've got 40 lightened-up recipes that'll make you feel all warm and fuzzy - without any guilt whatsoever.
40 Lightened-Up Holiday Desserts and Sweets (Eggnog Included!)
Warm chocolate chip cookies, cinnamon-spice meringues, pumpkin pie, eggnog, cocoa . . . some of the best, coziest, most comforting, and wonderful flavors of the holiday season, right? Well, get ready for all of your favorites with a healthy twist: we've got 40 lightened-up recipes that'll make you feel all warm and fuzzy - without any guilt whatsoever.
12 Parenting Moments That Made Us Beyond Proud in 2016
Depending on your interests, election coverage or news surrounding various Netflix reboots most likely filled your newsfeed throughout this past year. But among those dominating headlines were personal parenting stories that also went viral and were celebrated for what they stood for. Whether it was a mom standing up for her birth story and postpartum body, a dad showing unwavering support for his child, or a parent teaching their little one an important lesson, there were many moments that made us proud over the year
. These powerful posts deserved applause not only when they were first published but also now for the hope and strength that they spread throughout 2016.
The Best Pictures of the British Royals in 2016
Kate Middleton, Prince William, Prince Harry, and the rest of the British royal family have had quite a busy 2016. In addition to Kate and Will celebrating their five-year wedding anniversary, being parents to Prince George and Princess Charlotte, and taking a royal tour of India and Canada, they also rang in Queen Elizabeth II's 90th birthday and made a slew of official appearances around London. Prince Harry has kept himself busy with his Invictus Games in Florida, a trip to Disney World, his tour of the Caribbean, and just looking ridiculously handsome. Meanwhile, Prince George met the Obamas and Princess Charlotte proved that she's growing up so fast in adorable new photos. Keep reading to see the best royal moments of the year!
90+ Celebrities You Should Be Following on Snapchat
As more and more of your favorite stars hop on the Snapchat wagon, figuring out how to add them to your friends list can become a difficult task. Celebrities use the social media platform to share sexy selfies, funny videos, or behind-the-scenes footage, but unlike Instagram and Twitter, there are no verified accounts, so trying to hunt them down can seem like an endless mission. To make your life easier, we've rounded up the top celebrities you should be following. Keep reading to see which of your favorite stars are on Snapchat (and be sure to follow POPSUGAR), and then check out the hottest celebrity Snapchat accounts.
Read the Hilarious Email 1 Student Sent to Her Teacher After Wisdom Teeth Surgery
While some people would sleep all day after getting their wisdom teeth out, one student took the downtime to email her teaching assistant about an approaching deadline. The student, who goes by Abby Jo Hamele on Twitter, ended up sharing the hilarious email she ended up sending while on medication as well as the teacher's response.
I EMAILED MY PHILOSOPHY TA WHILE I WAS HIGH ON HYDROCODON I'M DEAD http://pic.twitter.com/ncJ8XX4zoe
- Abby Jo Hamele (@jabbyo3) November 21, 2016
As you might expect, the email was full of spelling errors and interesting punctuation. Asking for an extension on her paper, Abby wrote, "Is tehere any way I would be able to send you my paper at any later date???" Adding, "If you say no then that is okay but i would be said and i would reallyyyy lik e if you said yes." The best part might be how she signed off the email with "love you bye."
The hilarious email quickly racked up thousands of retweets and "likes." For those wondering, Abby ended up sharing her teacher's response, shown below.
@jabbyo3 this was the response I got if anyone was wondering http://pic.twitter.com/wMJC2CSsID
- Abby Jo Hamele (@jabbyo3) November 21, 2016
While he described her email as being "unorthodox," he reassured her that she still had time as the paper wasn't even due for another week. Adding, "I hope your spelling is better in your paper."
As a result of the entire exchange, people on Twitter have praised Abby for sharing the embarrassing (yet incredible) exchange.
@jabbyo3 I HOPE HE SAID YES BECAUSE YOU WORKLED VERY HARD
- DarkStarMessiah 🎄✨ (@DarkStarTweedia) November 23, 2016
@jabbyo3 "Kevin my dude" I'm literally going to use "my dude" all the time now
- AbigailKatherineRose (@akrw_designs) December 2, 2016
I Had Inexplicable, Incurable, Extreme Bloating For Almost a Year: Here's What Finally Fixed It
A lot of things changed when I moved to San Francisco. I was much colder. I bought my first real jacket. I tried Philz Coffee for the first time. I started a new job. And, out of nowhere, my stomach started ballooning arbitrarily throughout the week making me look three-to-six-months pregnant at any given moment, for no apparent reason.
Things that didn't change: my diet, my exercise routine (OK, I started doing a lot more SoulCycle), and my overall health. I wasn't eating more food or less healthy food, so I knew it wasn't weight gain . . . especially when my pregnant-looking belly would mysteriously disappear by morning, and I was back to a flat stomach. But sometime during the day, I'd eat a peach or go to a cardio workout, and BAM: back to bloat. Biiiig bloat. I would snap photos to send to my mom (as you'll see below) because I couldn't believe what was happening to me, and I was horrified.
For 11 months, I wasn't comfortable with my body. I couldn't wear fitted clothing (aka, ALL of my activewear), because I knew at some point, my lower abdomen would jet out, and anyone who didn't know me would assume I was with child. I've been so afraid to eat, because I knew that anything could trigger my stomach, from a piece of fruit to a sip of sports drink. Yet then there would be days when I said "eff it!" and ate Cinnamon Toast Crunch and milk, and nothing happened. It made absolutely no sense.
I've never felt more more ashamed of my appearance, or more uncomfortable in my own skin . . . and I'm even ashamed to admit that! My body simply didn't feel like mine. And the worst part was that it didn't seem like there was an explanation or end in sight.
I saw so many doctors and went through so many labs; my initial appointment was to see if it was hormonal. It wasn't. I saw an OB-GYN. I had two ultrasounds. I tried the low-FODMAPS diet (it didn't go well). I had my blood tested for a thyroid imbalance. My doctors were stumped, and I was frustrated to the point of many angry tears.
For 11 months, I wasn't comfortable with my body . . . I've never felt more more ashamed of my appearance."
Two glimmers of hope seemed to come at once: my doctor referred me to a phenomenal GI, and one of my close friends referred me to an acupuncturist and naturopathic doctor here in the city. Although I had been through so many appointments and tests already with no results, I tried to remain optimistic. And these were still two avenues I hadn't tried!
First up was my acupuncture visit with Dr. Magnolia Ng of Advance Health SF, and then my GI appointment with gastroenterologist, Dr. Daniel Conlin. Two very different doctors from very different backgrounds seemed to know the source immediately: stress. It was the first time anyone had brought up the idea that something mental could trigger such a strong physical reaction, but they both seemed certain. Stress was the one factor that did come into play when I moved. Long-distance move to a new city, new job, new everything equals one stressed out me. I didn't even notice because everything has been so go-go-go.
Dr. Conlin didn't cut any corners in his approach, and he didn't just write me off saying, "you're stressed, just calm down!" and send me on my way after collecting a copay. He tested my blood and breath for celiac, SIBO, h. pylori, IBD, and post-infection bacterial overgrowth (everything came back negative). He asked me to eliminate dairy, despite the fact that he didn't really think I was lactose intolerant. He went through so many avenues, but kept coming back to the idea that it was probably stress-induced. I asked him if I was a "freak case" or if he had seen this in other patients, and he said, "You're definitely not alone; I see this in many young women your age, typically high-achieving, A-type college grads who work here [in San Francisco] in some kind of fast-paced tech or startup company." It was like he read my bio. He knew. I knew. It was stress.
What I appreciated most about Dr. Conlin was his approach to treatment. He said if it was a celiac or SIBO case, he'd have different recommendations, but for me, he thought acupuncture, charcoal tablets, ginger root, and ginger tea, and specifically Align probiotics would be helpful in my treatment (he noted that it's the only brand he recommends, so I went with it). His openness to natural treatment despite coming from a Western background increased my trust in him and made me more comfortable in my health journey.
It was hard to explain to family and friends that stress was causing arbitrary abdominal distention, so I wanted to learn more. Apparently, an influx of stress can upset the microbiome (the ecosystem of good and bad bacteria in your gut, which can influence nearly all areas of your health). I spoke with Amie Valpone, nutritionist and founder of TheHealthyApple.com, who gave me some incredible insight as to what has been happening in my body. "Having too much non-beneficial bacteria in your gut has been linked to many health issues such as heart disease, fibromyalgia, eczema, asthma, depression, cancer, autoimmunity, allergies, obesity, autism, and allergies," she said . . . and in my case, inexplicable abdominal distention.
"We are so caught up in our busy lives that we don't realize how stressed out we are - that's when the health issues start to appear out of nowhere."
"When our microbiome is out of balance from stress, we get an imbalance of non-beneficial bacteria such as yeasts, parasites, and bad bacteria that take over and make us feel bloated, tired, and bring along a host of unwanted symptoms that range from person to person."
She went on to say that "change in diet, travel, processed foods, and stress from work, our family, friends, and so forth," can trigger this imbalance, but "we are so caught up in our busy lives that we don't realize how stressed out we are - that's when the health issues start to appear out of nowhere." It was amazing to hear those words of affirmation, because that's exactly what I had experienced. It was totally out of nowhere, and I truly had been so caught up in my busy life.
My gut was off thanks to stress, which caused the inexplicable bloating (that couldn't be attributed to anything I was eating) and the mission now was to use different natural remedies together to restore balance and get me out of a place of stress (that's a work in progress, honestly). "The goal is to address the underlying root cause of why your gut is imbalanced in the first place, instead of covering up your symptoms with a Band-Aid approach," said Amie. "That's where food, stress, mind-body practices, and probiotics come into play."
Dr. Ng had an additional approach to pair with my acupuncture treatments for both stress and energy blockages in my abdomen: Chinese herbs. She prescribed and gave me a bottle of Mu Xiang Shun Qi Pian, or "BloatEase," to take three times a day. "Emotional upset such as frustrations or worry, overwork, and a constitutional or genetic weakness can make a person prone to digestive disorders," she told me. The herbs and the acupuncture were intended to set things right again. She also mentioned to me the importance of using both traditional Eastern medicine in combination with Western medicine - and my recovery has been a testament to that.
The combination of treatment has been absolutely life changing for me. The Chinese herbs, probiotics, and acupuncture treatment (along with continuing to eat a balanced diet, getting enough sleep, and staying on my workout schedule) has helped restore my body to its natural shape. The bloating is going away, even though I still have to work on de-stressing. When it does happen, the bloating has decreased in size, severity, discomfort, and frequency, and I'm finally starting to feel comfortable with my body again.
What did I learn from all this? For one, Western and Eastern medicine aren't mutually exclusive, and in fact, when they're used together, they've got a symbiotic, 360 approach that can be even more effective than if either were used on their own.
I've also learned to advocate for my health. If you're not getting answers, don't give up. Make another appointment. Bug your doctor. Ask for another referral. Don't take no for an answer. The world of healthcare is freaking nuts, and if you don't advocate for yourself, no one else will. I got pretty lucky in the way that my doctors were really helpful and responsive when I pushed, but I still had to jump through a lot of hoops to get the treatment I needed. Don't be intimidated, don't give up, and most of all, don't stress. A solution is out there for you, too.
I Had Inexplicable, Incurable, Extreme Bloating For Almost a Year: Here's What Finally Fixed It
A lot of things changed when I moved to San Francisco. I was much colder. I bought my first real jacket. I tried Philz Coffee for the first time. I started a new job. And, out of nowhere, my stomach started ballooning arbitrarily throughout the week making me look three-to-six-months pregnant at any given moment, for no apparent reason.
Things that didn't change: my diet, my exercise routine (OK, I started doing a lot more SoulCycle), and my overall health. I wasn't eating more food or less healthy food, so I knew it wasn't weight gain . . . especially when my pregnant-looking belly would mysteriously disappear by morning, and I was back to a flat stomach. But sometime during the day, I'd eat a peach or go to a cardio workout, and BAM: back to bloat. Biiiig bloat. I would snap photos to send to my mom (as you'll see below) because I couldn't believe what was happening to me, and I was horrified.
For 11 months, I wasn't comfortable with my body. I couldn't wear fitted clothing (aka, ALL of my activewear), because I knew at some point, my lower abdomen would jet out, and anyone who didn't know me would assume I was with child. I've been so afraid to eat, because I knew that anything could trigger my stomach, from a piece of fruit to a sip of sports drink. Yet then there would be days when I said "eff it!" and ate Cinnamon Toast Crunch and milk, and nothing happened. It made absolutely no sense.
I've never felt more more ashamed of my appearance, or more uncomfortable in my own skin . . . and I'm even ashamed to admit that! My body simply didn't feel like mine. And the worst part was that it didn't seem like there was an explanation or end in sight.
I saw so many doctors and went through so many labs; my initial appointment was to see if it was hormonal. It wasn't. I saw an OB-GYN. I had two ultrasounds. I tried the low-FODMAPS diet (it didn't go well). I had my blood tested for a thyroid imbalance. My doctors were stumped, and I was frustrated to the point of many angry tears.
For 11 months, I wasn't comfortable with my body . . . I've never felt more more ashamed of my appearance."
Two glimmers of hope seemed to come at once: my doctor referred me to a phenomenal GI, and one of my close friends referred me to an acupuncturist and naturopathic doctor here in the city. Although I had been through so many appointments and tests already with no results, I tried to remain optimistic. And these were still two avenues I hadn't tried!
First up was my acupuncture visit with Dr. Magnolia Ng of Advance Health SF, and then my GI appointment with gastroenterologist, Dr. Daniel Conlin. Two very different doctors from very different backgrounds seemed to know the source immediately: stress. It was the first time anyone had brought up the idea that something mental could trigger such a strong physical reaction, but they both seemed certain. Stress was the one factor that did come into play when I moved. Long-distance move to a new city, new job, new everything equals one stressed out me. I didn't even notice because everything has been so go-go-go.
Dr. Conlin didn't cut any corners in his approach, and he didn't just write me off saying, "you're stressed, just calm down!" and send me on my way after collecting a copay. He tested my blood and breath for celiac, SIBO, h. pylori, IBD, and post-infection bacterial overgrowth (everything came back negative). He asked me to eliminate dairy, despite the fact that he didn't really think I was lactose intolerant. He went through so many avenues, but kept coming back to the idea that it was probably stress-induced. I asked him if I was a "freak case" or if he had seen this in other patients, and he said, "You're definitely not alone; I see this in many young women your age, typically high-achieving, A-type college grads who work here [in San Francisco] in some kind of fast-paced tech or startup company." It was like he read my bio. He knew. I knew. It was stress.
What I appreciated most about Dr. Conlin was his approach to treatment. He said if it was a celiac or SIBO case, he'd have different recommendations, but for me, he thought acupuncture, charcoal tablets, ginger root, and ginger tea, and specifically Align probiotics would be helpful in my treatment (he noted that it's the only brand he recommends, so I went with it). His openness to natural treatment despite coming from a Western background increased my trust in him and made me more comfortable in my health journey.
It was hard to explain to family and friends that stress was causing arbitrary abdominal distention, so I wanted to learn more. Apparently, an influx of stress can upset the microbiome (the ecosystem of good and bad bacteria in your gut, which can influence nearly all areas of your health). I spoke with Amie Valpone, nutritionist and founder of TheHealthyApple.com, who gave me some incredible insight as to what has been happening in my body. "Having too much non-beneficial bacteria in your gut has been linked to many health issues such as heart disease, fibromyalgia, eczema, asthma, depression, cancer, autoimmunity, allergies, obesity, autism, and allergies," she said . . . and in my case, inexplicable abdominal distention.
"We are so caught up in our busy lives that we don't realize how stressed out we are - that's when the health issues start to appear out of nowhere."
"When our microbiome is out of balance from stress, we get an imbalance of non-beneficial bacteria such as yeasts, parasites, and bad bacteria that take over and make us feel bloated, tired, and bring along a host of unwanted symptoms that range from person to person."
She went on to say that "change in diet, travel, processed foods, and stress from work, our family, friends, and so forth," can trigger this imbalance, but "we are so caught up in our busy lives that we don't realize how stressed out we are - that's when the health issues start to appear out of nowhere." It was amazing to hear those words of affirmation, because that's exactly what I had experienced. It was totally out of nowhere, and I truly had been so caught up in my busy life.
My gut was off thanks to stress, which caused the inexplicable bloating (that couldn't be attributed to anything I was eating) and the mission now was to use different natural remedies together to restore balance and get me out of a place of stress (that's a work in progress, honestly). "The goal is to address the underlying root cause of why your gut is imbalanced in the first place, instead of covering up your symptoms with a Band-Aid approach," said Amie. "That's where food, stress, mind-body practices, and probiotics come into play."
Dr. Ng had an additional approach to pair with my acupuncture treatments for both stress and energy blockages in my abdomen: Chinese herbs. She prescribed and gave me a bottle of Mu Xiang Shun Qi Pian, or "BloatEase," to take three times a day. "Emotional upset such as frustrations or worry, overwork, and a constitutional or genetic weakness can make a person prone to digestive disorders," she told me. The herbs and the acupuncture were intended to set things right again. She also mentioned to me the importance of using both traditional Eastern medicine in combination with Western medicine - and my recovery has been a testament to that.
The combination of treatment has been absolutely life changing for me. The Chinese herbs, probiotics, and acupuncture treatment (along with continuing to eat a balanced diet, getting enough sleep, and staying on my workout schedule) has helped restore my body to its natural shape. The bloating is going away, even though I still have to work on de-stressing. When it does happen, the bloating has decreased in size, severity, discomfort, and frequency, and I'm finally starting to feel comfortable with my body again.
What did I learn from all this? For one, Western and Eastern medicine aren't mutually exclusive, and in fact, when they're used together, they've got a symbiotic, 360 approach that can be even more effective than if either were used on their own.
I've also learned to advocate for my health. If you're not getting answers, don't give up. Make another appointment. Bug your doctor. Ask for another referral. Don't take no for an answer. The world of healthcare is freaking nuts, and if you don't advocate for yourself, no one else will. I got pretty lucky in the way that my doctors were really helpful and responsive when I pushed, but I still had to jump through a lot of hoops to get the treatment I needed. Don't be intimidated, don't give up, and most of all, don't stress. A solution is out there for you, too.
For the Holidays, All We Want to Wear Are Leggings (Obvi)
We're saying it: you can absolutely wear leggings to all your holiday dinners with friends and the in-laws. With cool styles like leather and suede, leggings aren't solely reserved for the gym anymore. In fact, we have the athleisure trend to thank for bringing these comfy bottoms back to all areas of our lives, even at work. And if you can wear leggings to the office, why not for the holidays?
They're warmer than tights, less constricting than jeans, and can be styled just like any pair of pants. Because of their versatility, stars like Olivia Palermo and Gigi Hadid are constantly rocking their leggings, making them look stylish enough for the streets. We've decoded a few of the model-approved outfits that center around the piece, so that you too can re-create the look.
Meet the Princess Who Dresses Better Than Kate Middleton
If you thought Kate Middleton had quite the fashion-forward wardrobe, perhaps you haven't been following the outfit choices of another royal: Princess Mary of Denmark. The polished dresser beat out the Duchess of Cambridge as most stylish royal - again! - in a recent poll conducted by Hello! magazine. Out of 30,000 readers, a whopping 30 percent were team Mary, a number that immediately sparked our interest.
So we went back into the archives and found plenty of Mary's chicest looks, which, truth be told, may be a bit more daring than those seen on Kate. Read on to see them all as we hold out hope for Kate this year.
The 1 Type of Dress Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen Are Always Shopping For
It's all too often we spot Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen on the red carpet, posing in stunning gowns. Only, it can be difficult to ID their looks - at least right away. While it's easy to assume the duo created the pieces they're wearing, that's not always the case. The sisters spoke to InStyle in a new interview, revealing details about their design process and their strong love for vintage shopping:
"There's something nice about knowing you are the only person in the world who has it. It's sort of like buying art. For everything that we call modern today, think about pieces made in the '20s and how modern they looked then and now," Mary-Kate said.
"Quality and scarcity. You look at these pieces and you have an emotional reaction, not just because they are pretty objects, but because they look and feel different from what is possible to do currently," Ashley explained.
Aha! So that's why the pair tends to appear granny-chic, oftentimes slipping into oversize silhouettes. The bonus? Designer dresses tend to be marked down when they come from past collections. Of course, styling such classic items can be difficult, so read on to see how the fashion masterminds do it, then check out even more tricks and tips from the Olsens.
26 Times Selena Gomez's Airport Outfits Were Comfy and Chic
Selena Gomez spends a lot of hours on airplanes - thanks to all that jetsetting to attend award shows with BFF Taylor Swift and pose for hot magazine covers. And through the years, the singer and actress has picked up a trick or two about dressing warm for the frigid temperatures inside the plane, always being ready for the paparazzi, and packing a practical but gorgeous bag with all the essentials. Her outfits are stylish and comfortable and provide plenty of airport and street style inspiration. See all the times Selena's style was ready to fly away, then check out her all-time sexiest Instagram pictures.
Costco investigated over allegations pharmacy directors accepted kickbacks for certain brands
Costco is being investigated by Ontario's Ministry of Health for its compliance with the province's legislation on selling pharmaceutical and over-the-counter drugs.
These Are the Most Popular Baby Names of 2016
This just in: the hottest baby names of 2016 have arrived! BabyCenter just released its annual list of the most popular baby names – data that comes from more than 389,000 parents who shared their newborn's name with the site this past year.
Compared with last year's collection of most-used monikers from BabyCenter, five new names broke into the top 10 lists, though the top five names for boys and girls each held steady. In fact, the most-selected name for girls and boys shouldn't come as a surprise to those keeping up over the years.
Read on to unveil which choices topped the charts, along with a look at the full list of 100 names. And then keep scrolling to learn what experts believe are the five key trends influencing parents the most this year in naming decisions. From American Horror Story to presidential nominees, you'll be surprised to see how millennial moms are now making such a monumental choice!
Hot Topic's Newest Harry Potter Clothing Line Is Every Potterhead's Dream Come True
Hot Topic knows just what every Potterhead wants this holiday season: magical Harry Potter clothes and accessories, of course! The retail chain added even more options to its unisex Harry Potter clothing line recently; the featured pieces include all sizes, with prices starting as low as $8 for a pair of Hogwarts socks. The most expensive new item costs $108: a Deathly Hallows Coat to make every witch or wizard's dreams come true. Check out some items from the enchanting collection ahead, and then start buying your favorites over at Hot Topic's website.
Costco investigated over allegations pharmacy directors accepted kickbacks for certain brands
Costco is being investigated by Ontario's Ministry of Health for its compliance with the province's legislation on selling pharmaceutical and over-the-counter drugs.
Here's How to Lose Those Last 10 Pounds
A big weight-loss journey requires consistency, determination, and commitment. However, many of our readers have noted that those last 10 pounds are some of the hardest to take off. If you're dealing with a similar predicament, these expert tips offer the advice you need to hit your weight-loss goal - and keep it off for good.
Here's How to Lose Those Last 10 Pounds
A big weight-loss journey requires consistency, determination, and commitment. However, many of our readers have noted that those last 10 pounds are some of the hardest to take off. If you're dealing with a similar predicament, these expert tips offer the advice you need to hit your weight-loss goal - and keep it off for good.
Gigi Hadid Has a Secret Style Icon, and She's Probably Yours Too
Gigi Hadid is not someone who copies trends. Instead, she makes a look all her own. She works sporty slides with feminine lingerie and ties a cardigan around her neck in a move that's so 1950s, while effortlessly channeling the '90s with the rest of her look. Her brilliant outfits conjure images of one very iconic (albeit fictional) style icon: Carrie Bradshaw.
Just like the Sex and the City star, Gigi keeps a few sexy pieces in rotation - from a plaid crop top to thigh-highs - and updates them in quirky ways. Read on to see all the times Ms. Hadid and Ms. Bradshaw had the same idea when it came to fashion. If we didn't know any better, we'd say these two masterminds are the ultimate style twins.
9 Ways To Teach Kids How to Accept Gifts Graciously (Even When They Hate Them)
There's one thing that every parent dreads while watching their child open up a gift: the moment they realize their kiddo isn't going to like it and the flash of panic over not knowing how he or she is going to react. Even when your child receives a present that they absolutely adore, you aren't always guaranteed to hear an immediate "thank you," so when they unwrap something from a friend or loved one that they are less than obsessed with, you can be entering some uncomfortable territory. If you don't want to promote lying or encourage your child to say meaningless words, knowing how to get them to accept gifts graciously can feel mystifying. Eliminate the struggle with these 9 tips that teach your child how to show gratitude after opening a present - even if they hate it - instead of acting like a brat.
Rihanna Better Work, Because Prince Harry Just Made Another Adorable Friend in Barbados
Prince Harry has been having a great time during his 14-day tour of the Caribbean. In addition to releasing baby turtles into the sea, playing cricket with kids, and casually meeting Rihanna, he's also proved his dedication to good causes and the hard-working people behind them. On Thursday, the handsome prince stopped by the Nature Fun Ranch, a place that encourages young people to speak freely with one another about important topics. Harry, who had gotten an HIV test earlier in the day (and was made fun of by Rihanna for his fear of needles), happily chatted with volunteers at the ranch. Not only did he look incredibly pleased with their gift of a t-shirt with his name on it (you know, just in case anyone forgets who he is), but he also had an adorable conversation with a little girl. While she didn't look too impressed, we're sure she was just getting used to the idea of being around royalty.
A Reminder to Kick Some Fitness Butt Today
Need a little motivation to get to the gym and push yourself hard to reach your goals? Read these quotes and then get psyched to sweat!
These Are the Best Dressed Victoria's Secret Models According to the Angels
It's no secret that we all want to look like off-duty models, but we were curious to know: who do actual models want to emulate when they get dressed? So when we had the opportunity to interview nine Angels backstage before the 2016 Victoria's Secret Fashion Show in Paris, we asked them each whose closet they'd like to raid and why. While Kendall Jenner unsurprisingly got a vote, it was clear that Lily Aldridge, Elsa Hosk, and Romee Strijd are fashion leaders in this well-heeled group. Keep reading to learn more!
A Reminder to Kick Some Fitness Butt Today
Need a little motivation to get to the gym and push yourself hard to reach your goals? Read these quotes and then get psyched to sweat!
Marc Anthony, Eva Longoria, and President Obama Sang a Christmas Song and Now We're Crying
President Barack Obama's final National Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony had no shortage of talent. The sweet ceremony was attended by Marc Anthony and Eva Longoria, in addition to other notable celebrities like Kelly Clarkson and Chance the Rapper.
Shortly after the First Family lit the massive Christmas tree at President's Park, Michelle Obama and Olympic swimmer Simone Manuel read The Night Before Christmas to a lucky group of little kids. Then, the President delivered an uplifting speech that led into one incredible performance, which he described as a "Christmas edition of Lollapalooza."
Standing right next to Santa and the President, Eva and Marc joined everyone in singing "Jingle Bells." While Marc is known for his incredible vocals, we must admit that we were surprised by Obama's! Skip to 12:10 in the video above to see the sweet moment.
These Are the Best Dressed Victoria's Secret Models According to the Angels
It's no secret that we all want to look like off-duty models, but we were curious to know: who do actual models want to emulate when they get dressed? So when we had the opportunity to interview nine Angels backstage before the 2016 Victoria's Secret Fashion Show in Paris, we asked them each whose closet they'd like to raid and why. While Kendall Jenner unsurprisingly got a vote, it was clear that Lily Aldridge, Elsa Hosk, and Romee Strijd are fashion leaders in this well-heeled group. Keep reading to learn more!
Your Fall Outfit Might Be Missing This 1 Key Accessory
If you're one of those girls who only adds a hat to her outfit as a second thought, that's about to change. You see, we've got a theory: when you work your ensemble around a fedora, beanie, or baseball cap, it just turns out to be more stylish. Yes, just because a hat qualifies as an accessory doesn't mean you can only wear it "if it goes" with the rest of your look.
We browsed through the feeds of some of our favorite bloggers to bring you all the hat-spiration you could possibly imagine. From wide-brimmed fedoras paired with cocktail dresses to newsboy caps that look just right atop your tailored coat and booties, incorporating a topper into your wardrobe has never been easier. Scroll through to see how it's done!
Adriana Lima and Lais Ribeiro Are All of Us Dancing to Bruno Mars in This New Victoria's Secret Lip-Sync Video
The Victoria's Secret Angels released another sultry lip-syncing video ahead of the VS Fashion Show's Dec. 5 air date, and this year, they're singing along to Bruno Mars's hit new single, "24K Magic." While all the certified Angels look gorgeous, Adriana Lima, who just walked in her record-breaking 16th show, and fellow Brazilian Lais Ribeiro stole our attention with their funky (read: relatable) dance moves between sexy lingerie shots. Intrigued? Ahead, see Adriana and Lais's inexplicably good rhythm as it happened throughout the three-minute clip in GIF form. Then, watch the full thing.
20 Swoon-Worthy Health and Fitness Gifts Under $100
So you want a nicer-than-average gift for your fit best friend, your parent starting a healthy journey, or a significant other who loves to work out - but you might not have a ton of money to spend. Let's go with $100 and under so you can give something meaningful and awesome without breaking the bank. We've rounded up thoughtful, practical, and totally swoon-worthy gifts that help with exercise, healthy eating, and active adventures of all kinds - and many of these are some of our favorite products that we use daily (read: they'll love them as much as we do!)
20 Swoon-Worthy Health and Fitness Gifts Under $100
So you want a nicer-than-average gift for your fit best friend, your parent starting a healthy journey, or a significant other who loves to work out - but you might not have a ton of money to spend. Let's go with $100 and under so you can give something meaningful and awesome without breaking the bank. We've rounded up thoughtful, practical, and totally swoon-worthy gifts that help with exercise, healthy eating, and active adventures of all kinds - and many of these are some of our favorite products that we use daily (read: they'll love them as much as we do!)
You Can't Stop, Won't Stop Staring at These Magical Harry Potter GIFs
Every Harry Potter fan is constantly clamoring for ways to reignite their love of the series. For some, it means reading between the lines and coming up with new theories. For others, like Amanda Penley, it means drawing and creating GIFs of her favorite Harry Potter locations.
Penley's illustrated and animated series is called Harry Potter and Magical Places. It takes you through several of the notable locations in the wizarding world like Gringotts Bank, the Burrow, and Hagrid's hut. The result is magically delightful, as you get to imagine these places once more through Penley's drawings.
You can really feel the amount of effort and dedication that Penely put into this project, which makes sense since she grew up loving the books. However, that wasn't her only reason for producing these drawings. "I also wanted to create this series for other fans wanting just a touch of design and magic, really sharing my love for this world," said Penley in an email.
Check out her illustrations ahead and don't miss out on her other artwork. This should hopefully hold you over till the newest book in the series arrives!
Everything You Need to Know About Kylie Cosmetics' 12 Days of Christmas
Rabid Kylie Cosmetics fans know that the reality star behind the brand loves surprises. For the past few months, Kylie has been rolling out spur-of-the-moment launches and sneak peeks, and now, in honor of the holiday season, she's gifted us with a #12DaysofChristmas shopping reveal.
For the first 12 days of December, the Kylie Cosmetics Instagram will reveal a new, shoppable treat every 24 hours. So far, we've been blessed with the opportunity to snap up a liquid lipstick vault, and free gift wrapping . . . and that's on top of the incredible Kylie Cosmetics holiday collection. Read on to see all the glorious swag, and keep checking back for updates.
This Is the Accessory Your Outfit Is Missing, and It's Probably Burried in Your Closet
While we're well aware belts never actually went anywhere, a recent surge in popularity makes it seem like they've made quite the comeback. Got a trusty pair of boyfriend jeans? They'll suddenly look more stylish with the addition of a big buckle. That flowy dress that never quite looks right? A skinny belt will be the boost it needs to make it figure-flattering and one of your favorites.
Everyone from the royal crowd to top models embraced the classic accessory this year with new twists, and if you haven't invested in a handful of different styles, you probably should. Belts are going nowhere - in fact, according to Rodarte, they're doubling! - so see how they're currently amping up outfits, then take a peek at next year's trends and snag one for yourself.
Looking at Nikki Bella's Superfit Instagram Is Making Us Sweat
Stephanie Nicole Garcia-Colace - known as Nikki Bella - is a professional wrestler, WWE Diva, and self-proclaimed Workout Queen. And by following her Instagram, we know she's definitely not exaggerating with that title. Her training schedule, heavy lifting, and fun personality make Nikki a constant source of fitness inspiration. And not just to us - to her millions of fans, too!
This Clever Baby Shower Paired Food With Classic Children's Books in the Best Way Possible
Even though this mom had a classic storybook-inspired baby shower, nothing about her bash was typical. To celebrate their family's newest arrival, Kristen's sister focused on the small details from a variety of beloved children's books to create a memorable affair.
After making a list of must-read stories for the little one, she took ideas from each story to create the afternoon's menu. From caprese salad skewers in honor of I Will Never Not Ever Eat a Tomato and meatballs from Cloudy With a Chance of Meatballs to dessert including moon pies as a nod to Goodnight Moon, each dish and drink served enhanced the day's feel. For another special touch, guests were asked to sign a copy of Curious George in lieu of a traditional guestbook (which will be something the baby will grow to cherish). Check out the inspirational DIY details ahead!
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