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.
vendredi 6 janvier 2017
What to Wear on Your Birthday, Based on Your Zodiac Sign
Your birthday is one day where you can look and feel your sexiest and not be embarrassed that the attention's on you. Clearly, when all eyes are looking in your direction, you want to look cute! Depending on where you host the party, whether it's at home or at a restaurant, you'll likely have a range of dress options in mind.
Just in case you don't, however, we have a little suggestion: let your zodiac sign determine what to wear on your big day. After all, it's helped us in other areas, like wedding dress shopping and finding the perfect lingerie. Scroll on to see what you should be wearing on your birthday and have your credit card on hand to shop once the stars speak to you.
Here's a Map With WiFi Passwords For Airports All Around the World
Anyone who goes on a vacation or travels for work knows that sitting around in an airport can feel like years. Some airports charge for WiFi, and in others it works so slowly. Never worry about that again with this map and app that has the WiFi passwords for airports all over the world.
Created by Anil Polat, a self-proclaimed "digital nomad" and writer who runs foXnoMad, a travel blog, the map has WiFi passwords to airports, and includes instructions on how to access it. In some cases, the map also includes how long the free WiFi lasts. It's updated regularly and Polat encourages readers of his blog to submit any new information or WiFi spots they find. If you don't want to bookmark the page where this map exists, download the app, WiFox, in three forms: iOS, Android, or Amazon. You can check out the map below.
Keep this map handy for the next time you're on a long layover or get stuck in an airport; you won't regret it one bit.
Relive the Obamas' Last Year in Office . . . and Try Not to Cry
The first family's last year has been full of fun traditions, sweet moments, and of course, plenty of dad jokes.
All About Trump's Baffling Feud With Arnold Schwarzenegger Over The Apprentice
Image Source: Getty / Jessica Kourkounis
On Friday, Donald Trump picked one of his most perplexing fights yet. In a pair of tweets, our president-elect called out his Celebrity Apprentice successor Arnold Schwarzenegger. While Trump seemed intent on picking over the less-than-stellar ratings and throwing shade at Hillary Clinton (again), it was Schwarzenegger's response that may have completely unraveled any punch the tweets may have packed. Trump's tweets have been under particularly harsh scrutiny lately, which should not be alarming considering he's been sounding off with praise for Vladimir Putin, evident distaste for Alec Baldwin's SNL portrayal, and plenty of self-congratulating. For now, though, let's not digress. Here's how things went between Trump and Schwarzenegger.
Trump's Tweets
The newest iteration of the series aired Monday night, but it wasn't until Friday that Trump officially weighed in with his thoughts. What started out as a ratings comparison quickly devolved into another dig at Hillary Clinton. The overall intention, it would seem, was to insult Schwarzenegger.
Wow, the ratings are in and Arnold Schwarzenegger got "swamped" (or destroyed) by comparison to the ratings machine, DJT. So much for....
- Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 6, 2017
being a movie star-and that was season 1 compared to season 14. Now compare him to my season 1. But who cares, he supported Kasich & Hillary
- Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 6, 2017
Schwarzenegger's Response
Image Source: Getty / AFP
In response to the tweets, Schwarzenegger turned the focus to where it should be: on the people and America. After he deflected the insults, he also followed up with a profound quote from Abraham Lincoln, which he first posted the day after the election.
There's nothing more important than the people's work, @realDonaldTrump. https://t.co/fYtAfFPMKF
- Arnold (@Schwarzenegger) January 6, 2017
I wish you the best of luck and I hope you'll work for ALL of the American people as aggressively as you worked for your ratings.
- Arnold (@Schwarzenegger) January 6, 2017
Please study this quote from Lincoln's inaugural, @realDonaldTrump. It inspired me every day I was Governor, and I hope it inspires you. http://pic.twitter.com/QRoOFTZfQ9
- Arnold (@Schwarzenegger) January 6, 2017
How high are the chances of a response from Trump? Pretty high, we'd say.
I Gave Up These 6 Things to Be Truly Healthy For Life
The following post was originally featured on Fit Bottomed Girls and written by Alison, a contributor to Jenn, who is part of POPSUGAR Select Fitness.
Losing 70 pounds is tough. Keeping it off for more than a decade is even tougher. Trust me, I tried everything. Once I lost the weight, I thought I'd feel relieved and proud all the time, but what I didn't expect were the feelings of panic and fear.
I was constantly afraid that I'd end up back where I started and keeping the weight off became an obsession. When I overindulged or wasn't able to work out, my first thought was that I was going to gain the weight back. It was exhausting and nerve-racking.
But somehow I've managed to keep it off and eventually found a way to do it that's effective, effortless and doesn't mean living in fear. Here's what I've learned about what it takes.
1. Workouts that I dread.
I used to assign value to workouts purely on the number of calories that they burn so I stuck to brutal, high-intensity workouts that sorta made me miserable and ultimately got me injured and left me feeling burned out. Then, it occurred to me that I'm more than just muscle and fat. So I started only doing workouts that felt good in my body and contributed to the overall well-being of my body, mind and spirit. Now, I actually look forward to my workouts, which means I've got no problem getting them in regularly.
2. Eliminating entire categories of food.
Legit food sensitivities and allergies aside, cutting out a whole classification of food is not sustainable, making it a one-way ticket to Frustration City. Our bodies were designed to take in quality fats, protein and carbs (in moderation of course) and each plays a vital role in proper bodily function. Now, over time, I've learned that there are certain foods that don't make me feel the greatest - for example, gummy candies cause my skin to break out, cereal makes me gassy and fried foods make me sluggish - but will an order of fries, a few celebratory cocktails or a birthday cupcake (or two) derail my inner peace and send me into a downward spiral of self-loathing and guilt? Absolutely not. I don't give food that much power over me anymore.
3. Thinking in terms of calories.
Calories get far too much attention considering that they only tell a small part of the story. So many other things have a direct effect on your body weight and overall health and well-being - for example, hydration, sleep and stress levels all affect how well your body's internal processes work, including digestion and metabolism. When we focus on calories, we learn that low-calorie means better … but it doesn't. Many of the most nutritious foods on the planet are calorie dense and many very low-calorie foods have little or no nutritional value. Remember that food is fuel, so quality and nutrition definitely matter.
4. Punishing myself for "slipping up."
Workouts aren't punishment and deprivation is cruel. Think of it this way: if your child or pet screwed up, is it okay to run them into the ground or withhold a meal from them? No. So why, oh why, it is okay for us to do it to ourselves?
5. Ignoring the need for recovery.
I used to wear my perpetual muscle soreness like a badge of honor and told myself that I had to work out every day in order to "earn" my calories for that day. Honestly, I wish I could get back all that time I wasted - it didn't make me stronger, leaner or happier. Our bodies can self-heal, but only if we give them the time to do so. Pushing yourself to the limit every day may seem bad-ass, but it's robbing your body of the chance to rebuild, adapt and grow stronger.
6. Choosing my workouts based on what I want to look like.
My current workout routine reflects how I want my body to function so that I can do all the things that make my life fun and enjoyable - like teaching yoga, running ultra marathons, playing with my 3-year-old niece and carrying all my groceries in one shot. Here's the thing: I've been a size 18 and I've been a size 0 - and everything in between - and it didn't change how I felt about myself. Losing 70 pounds didn't make me any less self-conscious about my body. You know what did make a difference? Learning what my body is capable of and developing my strengths. The shape and size of my body don't define me or affect my overall quality of life.
Have you successfully maintained weight-loss long term? Tell us what you've learned. -Alison
I Gave Up These 6 Things to Be Truly Healthy For Life
The following post was originally featured on Fit Bottomed Girls and written by Alison, a contributor to Jenn, who is part of POPSUGAR Select Fitness.
Losing 70 pounds is tough. Keeping it off for more than a decade is even tougher. Trust me, I tried everything. Once I lost the weight, I thought I'd feel relieved and proud all the time, but what I didn't expect were the feelings of panic and fear.
I was constantly afraid that I'd end up back where I started and keeping the weight off became an obsession. When I overindulged or wasn't able to work out, my first thought was that I was going to gain the weight back. It was exhausting and nerve-racking.
But somehow I've managed to keep it off and eventually found a way to do it that's effective, effortless and doesn't mean living in fear. Here's what I've learned about what it takes.
1. Workouts that I dread.
I used to assign value to workouts purely on the number of calories that they burn so I stuck to brutal, high-intensity workouts that sorta made me miserable and ultimately got me injured and left me feeling burned out. Then, it occurred to me that I'm more than just muscle and fat. So I started only doing workouts that felt good in my body and contributed to the overall well-being of my body, mind and spirit. Now, I actually look forward to my workouts, which means I've got no problem getting them in regularly.
2. Eliminating entire categories of food.
Legit food sensitivities and allergies aside, cutting out a whole classification of food is not sustainable, making it a one-way ticket to Frustration City. Our bodies were designed to take in quality fats, protein and carbs (in moderation of course) and each plays a vital role in proper bodily function. Now, over time, I've learned that there are certain foods that don't make me feel the greatest - for example, gummy candies cause my skin to break out, cereal makes me gassy and fried foods make me sluggish - but will an order of fries, a few celebratory cocktails or a birthday cupcake (or two) derail my inner peace and send me into a downward spiral of self-loathing and guilt? Absolutely not. I don't give food that much power over me anymore.
3. Thinking in terms of calories.
Calories get far too much attention considering that they only tell a small part of the story. So many other things have a direct effect on your body weight and overall health and well-being - for example, hydration, sleep and stress levels all affect how well your body's internal processes work, including digestion and metabolism. When we focus on calories, we learn that low-calorie means better … but it doesn't. Many of the most nutritious foods on the planet are calorie dense and many very low-calorie foods have little or no nutritional value. Remember that food is fuel, so quality and nutrition definitely matter.
4. Punishing myself for "slipping up."
Workouts aren't punishment and deprivation is cruel. Think of it this way: if your child or pet screwed up, is it okay to run them into the ground or withhold a meal from them? No. So why, oh why, it is okay for us to do it to ourselves?
5. Ignoring the need for recovery.
I used to wear my perpetual muscle soreness like a badge of honor and told myself that I had to work out every day in order to "earn" my calories for that day. Honestly, I wish I could get back all that time I wasted - it didn't make me stronger, leaner or happier. Our bodies can self-heal, but only if we give them the time to do so. Pushing yourself to the limit every day may seem bad-ass, but it's robbing your body of the chance to rebuild, adapt and grow stronger.
6. Choosing my workouts based on what I want to look like.
My current workout routine reflects how I want my body to function so that I can do all the things that make my life fun and enjoyable - like teaching yoga, running ultra marathons, playing with my 3-year-old niece and carrying all my groceries in one shot. Here's the thing: I've been a size 18 and I've been a size 0 - and everything in between - and it didn't change how I felt about myself. Losing 70 pounds didn't make me any less self-conscious about my body. You know what did make a difference? Learning what my body is capable of and developing my strengths. The shape and size of my body don't define me or affect my overall quality of life.
Have you successfully maintained weight-loss long term? Tell us what you've learned. -Alison
8 Grocery Store Policies You Should Be Taking Advantage Of
Grocery shopping on a budget isn't always fun, but these store policies make it easier. Did you know that your favorite stores like Trader Joe's, Whole Foods, and Costco have company-wide rules that will help you save money? Before you head out for your next grocery shopping spree, read ahead for eight of the best store policies you can (and should) take advantage of, from return policies to coupon-filled apps.
3 Amazing Ways You Can Re-Parent Yourself
Everyone makes mistakes. What matters is what you do about it. Our friends at YourTango share their story.
It's not too late.
Not everyone is fortunate enough to grow up in a household that helps children learn from their mistakes. Even if your parents were kind and caring, some parents put unbelievable pressure on their kids to be perfect. That means that when you made a mistake as a child, you were often reprimanded or made to feel like a failure.
This can impact a person for the rest of their lives and cause them to feel angry. But there is hope; things don't have to be this way forever. Here's how you can learn from your mistakes and basically re-parent yourself.
1. Compassionate accountability
In my office, I've heard from clients stories of broken phones, punched walls, and even bent steering wheels. All in the name of anger. At themselves. For making a mistake.
What You Didn't Get
When a parent sits down with a child who has behaved badly, used poor judgment, or made a mistake, and says, "Let's figure out what happened," that parent is teaching her (or his) child Compassionate Accountability.
But many parents don't know that it's their job to teach their child how to process a mistake, how to sift through what happened and sort out what part of it belongs to circumstances, and what part belongs to the child. What can we learn from this? What should you do differently next time?
There is a balance between all of these factors which must be understood. The parent holds the child accountable, but also helps him (or her) understand himself and have compassion for himself and his mistake.
What To Give Yourself
If your parents were too hard or too easy on you for mistakes, or failed to notice them at all, it's not too late for you now. You can learn Compassionate Accountability today. Follow these steps when you make a mistake.
- Remind yourself that you are human, and humans are not perfect. Everyone makes mistakes.
- Think through the situation. What went wrong? Are there things you should have known, or realized, or thought about? Those are the parts that you own. Those are where you'll find the lessons for you to take away from this. Take note of what you can learn and etch it into your memory. This can be the growth that results from your error.
- Have compassion for your humanness: Your age, your stress level, and the many factors that contributed to this mistake.
- Vow that next time you'll use your new knowledge to do better. Then put this behind you.
2. Self-discipline
We are not born with the ability to manage our impulses. Self-discipline is not something that you should expect yourself to have automatically. Self-discipline is learned. In childhood.
What You Didn't Get
When parents have rules and enforce them firmly and with love, they are naturally teaching their children how to do this for themselves. Do your homework before you go out to play. Fill the dishwasher, even though you don't want to. You are not allowed to have a second dessert. Balanced, fair requirements enforced with care by your parents teach you how, years later, to do this for yourself.
What To Give Yourself
If you struggle with self-discipline more than most other people, it does not mean that you are weak-willed or less strong than others. It only means that you didn't get to learn some important things in childhood. Never fear, you can learn them now. Follow these steps.
- Stop blaming yourself for your struggles with self-discipline. When you accuse yourself of being weak or deficient, you make it harder to get a foothold on making yourself do things you don't want to do, and on stopping yourself from doing things that you shouldn't do.
- Stop going in the opposite direction. If you are too hard on yourself at times, chances are high that you also, at other times, go too far in the opposite direction. Do you sometimes let yourself off the hook when you don't follow your own rules? This, too, is damaging.
- Use the Compassionate Accountability skills you are building by applying them each time you fall down on self-discipline.
3. Learn to love the real you
We all learn to love ourselves in childhood; that is, when things go well. When we feel our parents' love for us, it becomes our own love for ourselves, and we carry that forward through adulthood.
What You Didn't Get
We tend to assume that if our parents loved us, that's enough. But it isn't necessarily, at all. There are many different ways for a parent to love a child. There's the universal type of parental love: "Of course, I love you. You're my child." Then there's real, substantive, meaningful parental love. This is the love of a parent who really watches the child, really sees and knows the child, and really loves the person for who he or she truly, deeply is.
What To Give Yourself
Most people receive at least some of the first type of love. Far fewer receive the second type. Do you feel that your parents truly know the real you? Do they love you for who you are? Do you love yourself this way? Truly and deeply? If you sense something is missing in your love for yourself, it may be because you didn't receive enough genuine, deeply felt love from your parents. But it's not too late for you to get it. You can give it to yourself.
- Accept that it's not your fault that your parents couldn't love you in the way you needed.
- Start paying more attention to yourself. Who are you? What do you love and hate, like and dislike, care about, feel, think? These are the aspects of you that make you who you are.
- Pay special attention to what's good about you. Make a list and keep adding to it. Are you a loyal friend? A hard worker? Dependable? Caring? Honest? Write down everything that occurs to you, even if it's very small. Re-read the list often. Take these qualities in and own them. They are you.
More from our friends at YourTango:
- 20 Inspirational Quotes Every Strong Woman Needs To Hear (And Memorize!)
- How To Totally MASTER The Art Of Being Happy (In 6 Steps Or Less)
- How To Send Sexy Selfies Worth Bragging About (No Matter What Your Body Type Is!)
- 7 Reasons Moms Who Swear Are The BEST Effing Moms
- 10 Parenting Mistakes You're Probably Making (And How To Fix Them!)
Pink and Carey Hart Have One of the Best Celebrity Proposal Stories, Hands Down
Image Source: Getty / Jeffrey Mayer
Pink and Carey Hart's relationship hasn't always been easy (even though their bumps in the road have inspired some pretty dope songs), but the way they went from "dating" to "engaged" is a story for the books - and a nice reminder that sometimes, women should just take things into their own hands.
Image Source: Kinney Jones
In 2005, four years after they began dating, Pink pulled the ultimate badass move. While assisting on the track during Carey's race at the Pro 250 class finals in Mammoth, CA, the singer stepped out in front as Carey entered his third lap holding up a pit board that read, "Will You Marry Me?" When Carey failed to pull over, she added "Serious!" to it. As you can imagine, Carey finally hopped off of his bike and said "yes." The couple got married six months later in Costa Rica and have been making sweet (and sometimes salty) music together ever since.
6 Bags Every Woman Should Own
Even the most bag-crazy among us have to admit it: there's a limit to just how many we need. Unless you're lucky enough to rule over major closet square footage, space is an issue, and stripping down to what you really need will feel refreshing (while helping to avoid an overly stuffed closet). We've spent time considering a full year, including work, social, and travel obligations, and have settled on the only six styles you'll ever need.
For more style essentials, check out our guides on coats every woman should own and dresses every woman should own, and what a 30-something's closet needs to have.
Naomi Campbell Reveals She Was Horrifically Attacked in Paris in 2012
Naomi Campbell appeared on The Wendy Williams Show on Thursday, where she revealed a heartbreaking secret that she's kept for more than four years. After talking to the host about her friendship with Kim Kardashian, the stunning supermodel said that they've bonded in recent months after Kim's scary robbery in Paris back in October. Naomi revealed that she herself suffered a similar attack in Paris in 2012 but never spoke about it in public until now. Naomi explained that after landing in Paris for a short trip with no security detail, she got into a car that seemed suspicious because the driver kept all the windows down despite the cold November temperatures. "They followed me from the airport," she said. "They attacked me, they opened my car door and said, 'Naomi Campbell, we're gonna kill you.'" She went on to say that the driver was in on the attack, but she quickly decided to fight back. Listen to the harrowing story above.
The Real Murder That Inspired the Menendez Brothers to Kill Their Parents
Truth and Lies: The Menendez Brothers - American Sons, American Murderers aired on Thursday, and even if you were familiar with the case, you still may have been surprised by some of the more grisly details. One of the strangest things about the case, in which Erik and Lyle Menendez brutally murdered their parents, is that the crime was inspired by a TV miniseries . . . which was inspired by a real murder case. The film is called Billionaire Boys Club, and it stars Judd Nelson as a rich LA playboy who runs a Ponzi scheme. It begins as a "get rich quick" scam, but eventually the crimes become more serious, and the need for cash leads to murder. Here's a poorly recorded video of the trailer:
It sounds like a ridiculous story, but the movie is based on a real organization. The Billionaire Boys Club was founded in the '80s by Joseph Henry Gamsky, aka Joe Hunt. He would recruit the sons of millionaires to fund his "investment group," which was really just a Ponzi scheme. In 1984, Hunt and his bodyguard, Jim Pittman, murdered Ron Levin, a freelance journalist who had played a prank that resulted in Hunt not getting a large sum of money that he thought he was entitled to. "Hunt had said the two handcuffed Levin and laid him face down on his bed," details a Los Angeles Times article from 1986. "Pittman then shot him in the back of the head with a silenced handgun. The body was allegedly disposed of in a deserted canyon."
Shortly after the first murder, Hunt and Pittman traveled to Northern California with club members Ben Dosti and Reza Eslaminia and killed Hedayat Eslaminia, Reza's father. The man was a wealthy government official from Iran, and had resources that Reza wanted to inherit, and Hunt wanted to use for the club. The gang originally planned to torture Eslaminia until he turned over all his money, but instead they accidentally smothered him to death in the trunk of a car.
The highly publicized case was adapted into the 1987 miniseries, which the Menendez brothers watched before killing their parents. A witness even testified in court that they "hatched their plot to kill" because they were so inspired by the story.
Coincidentally, a big-screen remake of the miniseries is scheduled for a 2017 release. Ansel Elgort is playing Joe Hunt, Kevin Spacey is playing murdered journalist Ron Levin, and Taron Egerton, Emma Roberts, and Billie Lourd are all costarring.
Proof You Don't Need to Be a Runner to Participate in a 10K
Zumba, Pilates, and cardio kickboxing are just a few of my fitness favorites. I even live for Bodyweb with TRX or Bosu Bootcamp at my local Crunch. And over the years, I've survived many Core Fusion classes. But running? It's never been my speed.
I've always admired the dedicated runners at Prospect Park in my Brooklyn neighborhood with their earbuds intact, wearing the cutest gear. They never seem to be struggling or breaking a sweat at any point during their run. It appears to come easy to them. I, on the other hand, am of the power walking set.
Imagine the mixed emotions I felt when I agreed to walk the 10K portion of the 16th annual Reggae Marathon as a guest of the Jamaica Tourist Board. I was elated to explore Jamaica for the very first time (reggae is one of my favorite genres of music, after all), but there was an undeniable sense of anxiety about not being an avid runner. I felt like an impostor. Just the thought of walking while other participants zoomed past me on the course made me feel defeated. Regardless, I tried my best to ignore my reservations and learned a few lessons about how to achieve a fitness goal.
Confidence Is Everything
Challenges are part of life - even when it comes to fitness. Building the stamina to endure the 10K walk in the Reggae Marathon was far from easy for me. I found it within myself to stay motivated to cross the finish line and took comfort in knowing I've overcome an endless number of challenges in the past. This one was no different. I certainly didn't approach the start line at 5:15 a.m. to fail. The energy from participants who were cheering each other on before the race, smiling with excitement, and snapping photos to document their experience made the event that much more special.
But I'd be lying if I didn't acknowledge a few mental games I had to play to maintain momentum on the course. "You can do it, Monique" and "you're nearly there" were just a few affirmations I rehearsed in my mind to keep moving.
Embrace Your Purpose
Participating in the Reggae Marathon was my way of supporting the event's mission: to showcase long-distance running as a sport in Jamaica, help advance the tourism industry and the country's education system, and indulge in the country's culture filled with great food and music. These were more than enough reasons to sport my bib number proudly.
Be Open-Minded
It pays to let go of expectations when you encounter a new adventure. It was my very first time in Jamaica and I'd never participated in a race. I had no idea what to expect. While I felt like an impostor walking, I came to terms with my reality and ended up connecting with a group of women from Black Girls RUN!, which encourages African-American women in their quest to stay healthy and fit. A few of these women would come to be my walking partners and support system. Along the course, we shared our passion for travel, baking, and shopping abroad, which made the time pass quickly.
Remember to Have Fun
What's more fun than working out on a beautiful island? It's a win all around. The Reggae Marathon, which was parallel to the popular Seven-Mile Beach, was the perfect opportunity to enjoy some fun. The route, which was pretty flat, featured a mix of small bands and stereos that played reggae to motivate marathoners along the way. Every point felt like winning the marathon in my book. It gave me the extra boost I needed to walk to the next mile.
Along with the Reggae Marathon, I was able to indulge in the full Jamaican experience during my time in both Negril and Montego Bay. I enjoyed yoga with an ocean view, rafting at Martha Brae River, authentic Jamaican food at Murphy's and Scotchie's, and a few nights of dancing into the early morning hours with the most down-to-earth group of journalists, who also traveled to Jamaica for the very first time. The amount of gut-wrenching laughs we shared together is truly priceless.
Celebrate Your Achievement
There was one instance where I slowed down a bit (the 3 a.m. wake-up call started to hit me), but one of my walking partners from Black Girls RUN! was right by my side to give me the extra push I needed to keep going. Despite my body's need for rest, I kept pushing until I spotted the sign for the 10K turn. I was finally at the halfway mark and it felt akin to winning the lottery (not that I've ever won more than a few dollars from scratch-offs). I finally made it to the finish line after nearly two hours of power walking (my time was 1:51:32 to be exact). I couldn't have been happier.
I celebrated with a few other journalists who came along for the trip, who finished after about an hour of running, by enjoying the vendors and entertainment in Long Bay Beach Park. We drank fresh coconut water, enjoyed jerk chicken, and relaxed on the beach, recapping the day and our accomplishments. It was an amazing experience.
If the opportunity arises next year, I'd love to return to the Reggae Marathon - but, hopefully, this time as a runner. People from all walks of life and ages came together that day for just a few hours, but the memories and lessons I learned during my trip will last a lifetime.
Proof You Don't Need to Be a Runner to Participate in a 10K
Zumba, Pilates, and cardio kickboxing are just a few of my fitness favorites. I even live for Bodyweb with TRX or Bosu Bootcamp at my local Crunch. And over the years, I've survived many Core Fusion classes. But running? It's never been my speed.
I've always admired the dedicated runners at Prospect Park in my Brooklyn neighborhood with their earbuds intact, wearing the cutest gear. They never seem to be struggling or breaking a sweat at any point during their run. It appears to come easy to them. I, on the other hand, am of the power walking set.
Imagine the mixed emotions I felt when I agreed to walk the 10K portion of the 16th annual Reggae Marathon as a guest of the Jamaica Tourist Board. I was elated to explore Jamaica for the very first time (reggae is one of my favorite genres of music, after all), but there was an undeniable sense of anxiety about not being an avid runner. I felt like an impostor. Just the thought of walking while other participants zoomed past me on the course made me feel defeated. Regardless, I tried my best to ignore my reservations and learned a few lessons about how to achieve a fitness goal.
Confidence Is Everything
Challenges are part of life - even when it comes to fitness. Building the stamina to endure the 10K walk in the Reggae Marathon was far from easy for me. I found it within myself to stay motivated to cross the finish line and took comfort in knowing I've overcome an endless number of challenges in the past. This one was no different. I certainly didn't approach the start line at 5:15 a.m. to fail. The energy from participants who were cheering each other on before the race, smiling with excitement, and snapping photos to document their experience made the event that much more special.
But I'd be lying if I didn't acknowledge a few mental games I had to play to maintain momentum on the course. "You can do it, Monique" and "you're nearly there" were just a few affirmations I rehearsed in my mind to keep moving.
Embrace Your Purpose
Participating in the Reggae Marathon was my way of supporting the event's mission: to showcase long-distance running as a sport in Jamaica, help advance the tourism industry and the country's education system, and indulge in the country's culture filled with great food and music. These were more than enough reasons to sport my bib number proudly.
Be Open-Minded
It pays to let go of expectations when you encounter a new adventure. It was my very first time in Jamaica and I'd never participated in a race. I had no idea what to expect. While I felt like an impostor walking, I came to terms with my reality and ended up connecting with a group of women from Black Girls RUN!, which encourages African-American women in their quest to stay healthy and fit. A few of these women would come to be my walking partners and support system. Along the course, we shared our passion for travel, baking, and shopping abroad, which made the time pass quickly.
Remember to Have Fun
What's more fun than working out on a beautiful island? It's a win all around. The Reggae Marathon, which was parallel to the popular Seven-Mile Beach, was the perfect opportunity to enjoy some fun. The route, which was pretty flat, featured a mix of small bands and stereos that played reggae to motivate marathoners along the way. Every point felt like winning the marathon in my book. It gave me the extra boost I needed to walk to the next mile.
Along with the Reggae Marathon, I was able to indulge in the full Jamaican experience during my time in both Negril and Montego Bay. I enjoyed yoga with an ocean view, rafting at Martha Brae River, authentic Jamaican food at Murphy's and Scotchie's, and a few nights of dancing into the early morning hours with the most down-to-earth group of journalists, who also traveled to Jamaica for the very first time. The amount of gut-wrenching laughs we shared together is truly priceless.
Celebrate Your Achievement
There was one instance where I slowed down a bit (the 3 a.m. wake-up call started to hit me), but one of my walking partners from Black Girls RUN! was right by my side to give me the extra push I needed to keep going. Despite my body's need for rest, I kept pushing until I spotted the sign for the 10K turn. I was finally at the halfway mark and it felt akin to winning the lottery (not that I've ever won more than a few dollars from scratch-offs). I finally made it to the finish line after nearly two hours of power walking (my time was 1:51:32 to be exact). I couldn't have been happier.
I celebrated with a few other journalists who came along for the trip, who finished after about an hour of running, by enjoying the vendors and entertainment in Long Bay Beach Park. We drank fresh coconut water, enjoyed jerk chicken, and relaxed on the beach, recapping the day and our accomplishments. It was an amazing experience.
If the opportunity arises next year, I'd love to return to the Reggae Marathon - but, hopefully, this time as a runner. People from all walks of life and ages came together that day for just a few hours, but the memories and lessons I learned during my trip will last a lifetime.
Queen Letizia's Cobalt Blue Gown Looks Simple - Until You Look at It From the Side
Queen Letizia of Spain has set the bar pretty high when it comes to her fashion choices in 2017. The royal made her first official appearance of the year at the Pascua Militar ceremony at the Royal Palace in Madrid in a long-sleeved cobalt blue crewneck dress from (who else?) Spanish designer Felipe Varela.
At first glance, and looking at her straight on, the queen's dress might look simple, made of denim-like fabric with dainty gold details around the waist. It's all about the sides, though, which featured beautiful floral embroidery from shoulder to hem that made the gown special.
Letizia paired the stunning dress with a matching clutch and Magrit pumps, keeping her hair up in a loose ballerina bun and allowing the dress to be the center of attention. Keep reading to see more photos of the gown and to see how dapper her husband King Felipe VI looked, too.
20 Jaw-Dropping Painted Bump Ideas That Will Make You Want to Get Pregnant in 2017
Many moms get creative when it comes to commemorating their growing baby bumps. From photo shoots to paper mache casts, the internet is filled with clever ideas but some turn out more frame-worthy than others. One way to add an artistic and personal touch is by breaking out the paint and letting a talented friend use your baby belly as a blank canvas. From playing with depth to drawing inspiration from sonograms or meaningful landscapes, you can add a modern or sentimental touch to your bump depending on the brush stroke. Bump painting isn't just for Halloween and these 20 stunning ideas prove just how pretty this trend can be.
33 Outrageous Golden Globes Looks No One Will Ever Stop Talking About
The Golden Globes red carpet draws out a lineup of glamorous gowns each year, but you can expect some outrageous, "OMG" looks too. Whether it was a celeb who chose to wear a sparkly suit or go totally sheer, there's always a few stars willing to break all the fashion rules. They're the ladies who had us texting our friends, "Did you see her dress?!" and it's precisely why we'll always remember their red carpet outfits.
In case you need a refresher on which celebs wore what to the Golden Globes over the years, we've compiled 33 of the most memorable looks to ever hit the red carpet. See the boldest looks in history, then check out the 2017 Golden Globes nominations to get an idea of who will be on the red carpet this Sunday, Jan. 8. We're counting down!
Kim Kardashian Breaks Down in Tears While Talking About Her Paris Robbery For the First Time
Although Kim Kardashian escaped her terrifying robbery at gun point during Paris Fashion Week in October physically unscathed, thoughts about the nightmarish incident continue to haunt her. In a promo for an upcoming episode of Keeping Up With the Kardashians - the filming of which was placed "on hold indefinitely" in the wake of her robbery - the 36-year-old mom is shown breaking her silence on what happened to her for the first time. "They're going to shoot me in the back," she tells sisters Khloé and Kourtney Kardashian about the robbery while holding back tears. "There's no way out. It makes me so upset to think about it."
The brief clip also shows how Kim reacted to hearing that husband Kanye West was being hospitalized for sleep deprivation and exhaustion in November. "Don't scare me, please. What's going on?" Kim says over the phone, before telling someone, "I think he really needs me, and I have to get home." Amid all of the dramatic ups and downs that the Kardashian family has gone through over the last few months, the video also shows how they never stopped being there for one another. "We're so close," Kim says in a voiceover. "We feel each others' pain."
Healthy Dinner Meal Prep Ideas to Save Time on Busy Evenings
In the past, your dinner situation has not been the healthiest, with a mix of high-calorie take-out, pizza delivery, and not-so-glamorous bowls of cereal. But you're ready to make a change and do more nutritious home-cooked meals. Awesome! To stick with it, planning and prepping ahead of time is essential. Once you figure out what recipes you'll be making throughout the week, use these tips to ensure those healthy dinners are easier to make so they 100 percent happen.
The Top 5 Ways to Stick to Your New Year's Resolution, According to a Trainer
We're getting closer to the new year and that means many of you are going to set some life-changing resolutions! Of course, one of the most popular promises this time of year is that in a mere few days or hours, you will be well on your way to a committed plan to lose weight, get fit, and be in your best shape ever. We get it. Maybe you want to lose some weight or simply want to set a new personal record in your next half marathon.
Regardless of your fitness level or what you're hoping for in 2017, resolutions can be difficult to live up to. Most people give up on their routines within only two weeks of making their resolution. Those who make it past the two-week mark, usually end up throwing in the towel by June, or even before.
So how will you stick to your resolution this year? Do you have a plan of action? If not, don't worry! We got you covered with these five ways to win in 2017!
1. Write Down Your Reason
Is it for your health, your family, or even to fit into those cute jeans you wore a few years ago? Whatever that reason may be, it should be your motivation to keep going.
Post a list or photo on your fridge of the reasons you are starting this new resolution, the more you see it, the more it will inspire you. According to certified personal trainer Heather Neff, posting a picture of yourself now could be all the motivation you need: "Take a picture of yourself now and make sure to go back and look at it when you need an extra push to make it to the gym."
2. Set Some Goals
Whether you're in it to lose weight, build muscle, or to ready yourself for a marathon, you need to set a goal and write it down today. Before you write down wanting to be about to outswim Michael Phelps, make sure your goal is actually attainable. You don't want to set goals like "Run 10 miles by Friday" or "Lose 40 pounds this month" because those goals are not realistic. They're big and threatening when you look at them as a whole.
A better thing to do is to break it up into smaller goals such as "Drop one pound this week" or "Hold my plank for 20 seconds longer." When you break down your goals like this, you're less likely to become overwhelmed and discouraged due to lack of results.
3. Get A Workout Buddy
Grab yourself a friend and make a commitment to each other to go work out on set days. According to Neff, "When you make a workout date with a friend, you are less likely to break it and more likely to push yourself even harder then if you were doing it alone."
Find someone positive, someone you feel comfortable with, and above all, someone you can tolerate a few times per week. Also, don't try to partner up with your fittest friend. You should find someone of a similar fitness level that wants the same results that is as committed (or more so) as you are so you aren't prone to quitting because you can't match your super-fit friend.
4. Mark Your Progress With a Picture
Pictures are amazing when it comes to motivation. Neff suggests that you take a full-length picture of yourself at every angle and, after a couple of weeks, take more pictures and compare the set. "If you've been faithful to your routine, you'll be surprised what a difference just 14 days can make and this will surely keep you going! if that doesn't get you past January, nothing will!"
5. Reward Yourself
After you've met one of your short-term goals, give yourself a reward. We're not talking about chocolate cake here! Your reward should be something that highlights your recent efforts! Lost a few pounds? Splurge on some new jeans! Feeling stronger than ever? Order a set of shiny chrome dumbbells off Amazon! Rewards are something to look forward to and something to work toward, so they can also help you keep the motivation going.
Once you get going with your routine and start seeing and feeling the positive effects, you're going to do great. Don't give up, don't give in, and try to find something that you enjoy doing and build your efforts around that.
Healthy Dinner Meal Prep Ideas to Save Time on Busy Evenings
In the past, your dinner situation has not been the healthiest, with a mix of high-calorie take-out, pizza delivery, and not-so-glamorous bowls of cereal. But you're ready to make a change and do more nutritious home-cooked meals. Awesome! To stick with it, planning and prepping ahead of time is essential. Once you figure out what recipes you'll be making throughout the week, use these tips to ensure those healthy dinners are easier to make so they 100 percent happen.
The Top 5 Ways to Stick to Your New Year's Resolution, According to a Trainer
We're getting closer to the new year and that means many of you are going to set some life-changing resolutions! Of course, one of the most popular promises this time of year is that in a mere few days or hours, you will be well on your way to a committed plan to lose weight, get fit, and be in your best shape ever. We get it. Maybe you want to lose some weight or simply want to set a new personal record in your next half marathon.
Regardless of your fitness level or what you're hoping for in 2017, resolutions can be difficult to live up to. Most people give up on their routines within only two weeks of making their resolution. Those who make it past the two-week mark, usually end up throwing in the towel by June, or even before.
So how will you stick to your resolution this year? Do you have a plan of action? If not, don't worry! We got you covered with these five ways to win in 2017!
1. Write Down Your Reason
Is it for your health, your family, or even to fit into those cute jeans you wore a few years ago? Whatever that reason may be, it should be your motivation to keep going.
Post a list or photo on your fridge of the reasons you are starting this new resolution, the more you see it, the more it will inspire you. According to certified personal trainer Heather Neff, posting a picture of yourself now could be all the motivation you need: "Take a picture of yourself now and make sure to go back and look at it when you need an extra push to make it to the gym."
2. Set Some Goals
Whether you're in it to lose weight, build muscle, or to ready yourself for a marathon, you need to set a goal and write it down today. Before you write down wanting to be about to outswim Michael Phelps, make sure your goal is actually attainable. You don't want to set goals like "Run 10 miles by Friday" or "Lose 40 pounds this month" because those goals are not realistic. They're big and threatening when you look at them as a whole.
A better thing to do is to break it up into smaller goals such as "Drop one pound this week" or "Hold my plank for 20 seconds longer." When you break down your goals like this, you're less likely to become overwhelmed and discouraged due to lack of results.
3. Get A Workout Buddy
Grab yourself a friend and make a commitment to each other to go work out on set days. According to Neff, "When you make a workout date with a friend, you are less likely to break it and more likely to push yourself even harder then if you were doing it alone."
Find someone positive, someone you feel comfortable with, and above all, someone you can tolerate a few times per week. Also, don't try to partner up with your fittest friend. You should find someone of a similar fitness level that wants the same results that is as committed (or more so) as you are so you aren't prone to quitting because you can't match your super-fit friend.
4. Mark Your Progress With a Picture
Pictures are amazing when it comes to motivation. Neff suggests that you take a full-length picture of yourself at every angle and, after a couple of weeks, take more pictures and compare the set. "If you've been faithful to your routine, you'll be surprised what a difference just 14 days can make and this will surely keep you going! if that doesn't get you past January, nothing will!"
5. Reward Yourself
After you've met one of your short-term goals, give yourself a reward. We're not talking about chocolate cake here! Your reward should be something that highlights your recent efforts! Lost a few pounds? Splurge on some new jeans! Feeling stronger than ever? Order a set of shiny chrome dumbbells off Amazon! Rewards are something to look forward to and something to work toward, so they can also help you keep the motivation going.
Once you get going with your routine and start seeing and feeling the positive effects, you're going to do great. Don't give up, don't give in, and try to find something that you enjoy doing and build your efforts around that.
7 Times Kourtney Kardashian Drank While There Was Drama Going On Around Her
Kourtney Kardashian is nothing if not nonconfrontational: in addition to her dry, sarcastic humor, Kourtney also possesses an uncanny ability to avoid any bit of drama going on around her with one simple trick: drinking. She may not be pounding a beer or housing a glass of wine, but she makes sure to keep her mouth busy by sipping on something so that she doesn't inadvertently get involved in whatever argument or pile-on is happening with her family members - and it's both hilarious and inspiring. Here are seven times Kourtney sipped her tea and stayed out of it.
The Most Gorgeous Pictures of Pink Flying Through the Air
By now you're likely well aware of Pink's unbelievable ability to belt out powerful tunes like "Glitter in the Air," "Try," "Sober," and, most recently, "Just Like Fire" while swinging through the air with the greatest of ease. Since 2009, she has amazed audiences both during award shows and in concert by performing her aerial stunts, and we've rounded up the most gorgeous photos of Pink in action.
Pink's 12 Most Relatable Mom Moments
Pink isn't just a talented singer; she's also a devoted mother of two who happens to be insanely relatable. The artist and her husband, Carey Hart, are the proud parents to 5-year-old daughter Willow and newborn son Jameson, and despite their celebrity status, it's easy to see that Pink is just like every mom. From the time she couldn't resist going a bit overboard at the craft store to when she scared her daughter just for the fun of it, these are 12 of Pink's most lovable mom moments.
Watch the First Full Trailer For Jason Momoa's Bloody, Sexy Netflix Show
We've spent the last handful of months obsessing over Jason Momoa's new Netflix show, Frontier. While we've managed to scrape together plenty of details about the show, it wasn't until this week that we got our first in-depth look at all the action ahead. Given the fact that Momoa's brimming with good looks and plenty of chest hair, it should come as no surprise that his Frontier persona is rugged and sexy and a little bit violent and scary. See for yourself in the trailer above.
18 Fierce, Fresh Faces Whose Names You Need to Know
This was the year the supermodel made a comeback. Kendall Jenner and Gigi Hadid are now on a first-name basis with the majority of the world, and you'll be hard-pressed to find a fashion show or major campaign these ladies aren't cast in. But while the fierce duo definitely reigns supreme, there are lesser-known models waiting for their time to shine (and no, we aren't talking Bella Hadid or Hailey Baldwin). Just like those It girls, they, too, have the look, the covetable wardrobe, and even the impressive résumé. Now all they need is your support. Look through for some fresh faces you'll want to follow come 2017 and learn their names before they rise to the top.
Ahead of Sunday's Red Carpet, Golden Globes Style Is Already Lit
Because you can hardly contain the Golden Globes glitz and glamour to a single night, Hollywood's A-listers have already kicked off a long weekend of celebrations, with the looks to match. Sure, they're saving the best for Sunday's red carpet, but this lineup of sexy cocktail dresses and sleek eveningwear is just enough to whet your appetite for the big show. Read on for a glimpse of who wore what to ring in the Globes.
Meryl Streep Found a Signature Style She Can Wear Through the Years
In one word we can sum up Meryl Streep's red carpet style: elegant. She's been attending award shows since the '70s, which means she's been honing her signature look for quite some time. You won't ever see the actress in a flamboyant dress or barely-there midi; instead, she keeps her outfits modest and age appropriate. Not hard for Meryl, considering she's always worn timeless silhouettes.
And just what types of dresses does Meryl gravitate towards? In particular, she has a preference for draping and sleeves, going with designer Lavin time and time again for her red carpet looks. No matter which fashion house she wears, however, all her gowns have carried a hint of sophistication and refinement. In addition, Meryl's long belted her gowns to show off her waistline - a trick no doubt she learned from the pros over the years.
But just because she sticks to modest choices doesn't mean she can't take a fashion risk here or there. She's done the plunging neckline look and worn off-the-shoulder pieces on several occasions. She's even hired Lupita Nyong'o's stylist Micaela Erlanger to step up her outfit game for premieres and events. Though in true Meryl fashion, her style will always remain graceful. Expect to see more polished looks from the star as award season gears up, but don't be surprised if she steps out in edgier ensembles.
Get to Know Sistine Stallone, Sylvester's Model Daughter and 1 of This Year's Miss Golden Globes
Even if you haven't watched any of the Rocky movies, The Expendables, or literally anything starring Sylvester Stallone, you probably know his name and know it well. But his daughter, Sistine? That one's likely pretty new - but not for long. The 18-year-old was announced as one of this year's Miss Golden Globes, an honor she'll share with her sisters, but she's also on her way to becoming a top model, having been signed to IMG and even popping up at Milan Fashion Week.
But what makes us so sure Sistine is headed for superstardom? Read on for 17 facts about this It girl in the making.
You Only Need 2 Products to Achieve This Natural Eyebrow Look
Desi Perkins is back at it, teaching her loyal YouTube subscribers how to up their brow game. In her first video of 2017, the Mexican-American beauty guru is giving us all a lesson in how to create "natural bushy brows." Naturally, we're intrigued.
Here's a breakdown of how it's done: using her trusty soap trick to define the hairs, Desi strategically applies Benefit's Ka-Brow ($24) with short, hairlike strokes to fill sparse areas. "If strokes were a whisper, that's how light you want to apply it," she hilariously explains. All that's left to do once the hairs are filled in is apply just a tad more product around the arch of the brow for a pop of extra definition. And just like that, we're ready to rock bushy brows more than ever. Press play above to get inspired yourself!
Pitch Perfect 3: The Barden Bellas Reunite for Some Behind-the-Scenes Snaps
The girls are officially back in action! Anna Kendrick, Brittany Snow, Anna Camp, Rebel Wilson, and the rest of the Barden Bellas are already sharing some sweet behind-the-scenes moments as they film Pitch Perfect 3. "Team," Kendrick captioned the group shot of everyone throwing up threes. Elizabeth Banks, who is set to produce, also got in on the fun as she posted a sweet selfie with the girls. While Skylar Astin and the rest of the Treblemakers sadly won't be returning this time around, we can't wait to see the Bellas grow even closer during the latest installment.
Everything We Know About Jason Momoa's Upcoming Netflix Show, Frontier
This year has certainly been Jason Momoa's year. Between making his first appearances as DC Comics demigod Aquaman and being cast to lead a buzzworthy reboot of The Crow, Momoa also surpassed 1 million Instagram followers and traveled the world. But that's not all; somewhere between all of his other commitments, Momoa also found the time to star in a new show for Discovery Canada called Frontier. The show impressed Netflix so much that the company ordered a second season before it even aired on Canadian and UK TV.
The premiere of the Canadian show was low-key, but reviews have been positive. However, unless you're able to access Discovery Canada in your country, you might be a bit clueless about what to expect from the series when it hits Netflix on January 20. We've gathered everything there is to know about Frontier, and it all boils down to this: it's going to be brilliant, bloody, and probably pretty buff.
Breakup to Makeup: 28 On-Again, Off-Again Celebrity Couples
Sometimes giving it a second chance is worth a shot, and other times, the third time may not be the charm. While some celebrity couples, such as Kate Middleton and Prince William, have proven that a break is necessary to strengthen a relationship, others, like Selena Gomez and Justin Bieber, probably should have made a clean break the first time around. From Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Burton to Miley Cyrus and Liam Hemsworth, we're taking a look at 27 celebrity couples who've been on and off again so much you'll feel like you're riding a roller coaster.
If Zodiac Signs Were Emoji . . .
A scale symbolizes the Libra zodiac sign, a crab for Cancer, and so forth, but ever wondered what signs would look like as emoji? A tarot guide named Nupur Bhardwaj created a chart titled "Zodiac Signs as Emojis" that's totally appropriate for the way emoji have become representative of how we now communicate.
Each face was chosen based on the traits associated with each sign - for example, a blushing smiley fits the gentle, compassionate characteristics of Pisces and the agonized face suits the emotional nature of Cancers.
Do you think yours is accurate?
10 Things Girls With Curly Hair Are Sick of Hearing, as Told by GIFs
It takes a bold woman to love her curls unconditionally. After all, I've personally spent years looking for the perfect products, hair tools - you name it - to make my own disappear or at least play nice.
As if the almost-daily stress of wondering if your strands will be able to take the humidity wasn't enough, there are the never-ending comments from people who are trying to make sense of or help you feel better about your curls. From backhanded compliments to creative jokes (no, there's no bird's nest in there, thank you), read on for some of the ones that stand out like my frizz at a Summer barbecue.
Do You Speak the Language of Fashion?
Your friends and family who've known you for a long time are probably used to your lingo by now. You need not tell them one more time how to pronounce "Givenchy" and you can bet they know what a "Canadian tuxedo" looks like. But are they - and more importantly are you - completely well-versed in the fashion language? Below you'll find a list of terms we use on a day-to-day basis when we're talking all things style. Read on for the full rundown. We won't tell a soul if you learn something new.
Newsflash: THIS Is How You Should Actually Be Cutting Your Round Cakes
Well, it looks like we've been cutting our birthday cakes the wrong way all this time. The viral video above has brought our wrongdoing to the light of day and provides us with an unexpected alternative - one that involves rectangular slices instead of the tried-and-true triangular ones. Mathematician Alex Bellos begins the clip by explaining that cutting a cake into wedges causes the sugary dessert to dry out if left in the refrigerator overnight. Instead, he advises making your first slice right down the middle so you can push the cut halves back together to preserve your leftovers' moistness overnight - because there's nothing more disappointing than a dried-out cake!
Watch the video above to see Bellos describe why it's about time you adopt this scientifically proven cutting method. You'll definitely want to add this genius tip to your list of must-know food hacks.
Is Retinol the Answer to All of Your Complexion Concerns?
To many skin care-obsessed women, retinol is considered liquid gold. It's known as a superb antiaging product because of its ability to decrease fine lines and wrinkles, but this ingredient can actually do much more. A great retinol product will plump and smooth while improving skin's elasticity, stimulating collagen, exfoliating, and evening its tone. Retinol also goes a long way in preventing and erasing sun damage.
There are two routes you can take when it comes to incorporating retinol into your regimen. It can be purchased over the counter or prescribed by a doctor. I spoke to a few skin care experts to break down everything you need to know about this quasi-miracle ingredient so you can figure out which route and products might be the best for you.
This Cat Food Recall Affects 20 Different Kinds of Canned Food
Cat parents may want to take a close look at the canned food they're feeding their kitties tonight. The J.M. Smucker Company announced a limited voluntary recall on Tuesday of 20 kinds of canned cat food, affecting popular brands like 9 Lives, EverPet, and Special Kitty. The products impacted by the recall were produced between Dec. 20, 2016, and Jan. 3, 2017, and the full list can be found below, complete with UTM codes. The J.M. Smucker Company is asking customers who purchased any of the products currently being recalled to call 1-800-828-9980 or email consumer.relations@jmsmucker.com.
The Food and Drug Administration described the recall as both limited and voluntary, pointing to possible low levels of thiamine (vitamin B1) as the cause of concern. Cats fed a diet with a lack of thiamine can develop thiamine deficiencies, potentially leading to wobbly walking, circling, falling, and seizures, though most symptoms are usually reversible. That said, if you've noticed any of these symptoms in your cat, contact your vet immediately!
- 9Lives Meaty Pate Chicken and Tuna, 7910052228
- 9Lives Meaty Pate Seafood Platter, 7910000402
- 9Lives Meaty Pate Seafood Platter, 7910003670
- 9Lives Meaty Pate Super Supper, 7910000327
- 9Lives Meaty Pate Super Supper, 7910002860
- 9Lives Meaty Pate Super Supper, 7910052229
- 9Lives Meaty Pate Super Supper, 7910052229
- 9Lives Meaty Pate With Chicken and Seafood, 7910003640
- 9Lives Meaty Pate With Chicken and Tuna, 7910000324
- 9Lives Meaty Pate With Chicken Dinner, 7910000410
- 9Lives Meaty Pate With Liver and Chicken, 7910000312
- 9Lives Meaty Pate With Ocean Whitefish, 7910000420
- 9Lives Seafood Poultry Variety Pack, 7910053377
- 9Lives Meaty Pate With Chicken & Tuna, 7910003660
- EverPet Mixed Grill Dinner, 7910053114
- Special Kitty Beef and Liver Dinner, 8113112120
- Special Kitty Classic Tuna Dinner, 8113112157
- Special Kitty Mixed Grill Dinner With printed wrap, 8113109609
- Special Kitty Mixed Grill Dinner Without printed wrap, 8113112119
- Special Kitty Super Supper, 7910079041
Dad Was Fired After Attending the Birth of His Son, and What Happened Next Will Warm Your Heart
When Lamar Austin and his wife, Lindsay, welcomed their baby boy at the beginning of 2017, they had no idea the roller coaster of emotions that was about to occur, but we promise, there's a happy ending. The New Hampshire dad was in the middle of a 90-day trial period for a private security job and was on call when his wife went into labor on the Friday night before his weekend shift. When Lindsay gave birth on Sunday, Lamar received a text message from his employer, Salerno Protective Services, that he was "terminated."
As it happens, the Austin family gave birth to the first New Hampshire baby of 2017, so along with Lamar subsequently being let go from his job, their story started making headlines, and it wasn't long until a GoFundMe page was launched for the family.
Since the news of Lamar's termination spread, not only has he received an overwhelming amount of verbal support, but he's also received many job offers, because no one should have to choose between their family and work. It's important to point out that New Hampshire is an "at-will employment" state, meaning that an employee can be fired at any time for any reason, and Lamar's story has reached the state's legislators regarding this issue.
"Sometimes you lose something and you get something even better," Lamar told the Concord Monitor, and we couldn't agree more!
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