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.
jeudi 12 janvier 2017
Mom's List of 9 Major Things Nobody Told Her About Motherhood Should Be Required Reading
There were countless moments during Gylisa Jayne's first year of motherhood when she found herself thinking, "Why did no one tell me about this . . . ?"
As she came across a number of these unpleasant surprises, the mom from England realized — over and over again — how little she actually knew about the truth of being a mom. She also discovered that she would've been better prepared if her midwife appointments involved watching a video of all of the truths left out of sex-education classes and what all of her mom friends didn't include in their Facebook updates.
In an effort to help prepare other expecting moms, she's speaking out by sharing her own major realizations. "No one told me that it's perfectly fine to admit you didn't 'love' your baby when it was fresh from the minge and being thrust at you. It's okay," Gylisa wrote on Facebook. "I felt the same way when I saw my placenta in that sick bowl — morbidly interested in what it looked like — but no thanks, I don't really fancy a cuddle with it."
In addition to that semihilarious, real-life tidbit and a relatable photo showing exactly what it's like to try and shave your legs when you have a toddler, Gylisa is arming her friends with an exhaustive list of the things nobody told her, but she wishes they had. Here are some of her findings:
1. "No one told me that stitches in your vag can actually hurt way more than birthing a 7lb baby."
2. "No one told me that breastfeeding DOES F*CKING HURT. . . . It is a sign of a bad latch if there is pain but it is also a sign that your nipnop is being aggressively sucked for (presumably) the first time."
3. "No one told me that EVERYONE will have an opinion on your baby — how to feed it, how to clothe it, how to name it, how to rock it, why you should only rock it for five seconds a day else it will be a spoiled little f*ck, and how if you aren't holding it 24/7 then you are clearly a sh*t mom."
4. "No one told me a polite way of telling said opinionated people to eff off."
5. "No one told me that I would really, honestly NEVER be alone again. This includes shitting, showering and shaving. Especially when they get older and find your shaving your fanny acutely interesting and you pray it doesn't scar them for life."
6. "No one told me that actually, once you get used to not being alone, you miss them when they nap because they are so cute."
7. "No one told me that pregnancy side effects last for ages . . . so essentially you are pregnant for like two years. Like an elephant. Which is how fat you feel now."
8. "No one told me that having a baby might make me hate my husband sometimes. That sometimes I really would prefer a cuddle with our baby. That it would feel unfair A LOT."
9. "No one told me that despite feeling like I couldn't do any of this, that I wouldn't know the first thing about motherhood, actually my instincts would not fail me, and everyone is winging it."
Queen Letizia Didn't Have to Think Twice Before Making a Simple Tweak to 1 of Her Favorite Outfits
It's no secret that Queen Letizia of Spain often reaches for the exact same outfit over and over again - call her frugal! - but even though we see her wear the same statement pieces, there's always a surprising twist she's added to make the look special.
This time, to attend a meeting at the Spanish Federation for Rare Diseases, the royal pulled out her favorite Hugo Boss red, beige, and black tweed pencil skirt, which she debuted last October, pairing it with a matching beige one-button jacket. While in the Fall, Letizia chose to keep her outfit monotone and plain with a silk blouse and pumps in the same shade as her outerwear; this Winter, she added a strong pop of color. Trust us when we say that vibrant red crewneck sweater makes all the difference. Scroll ahead to see what we mean, and to find a few shopping links for your own colorful tweed skirt.
Indulge Your Sweet Tooth With These 27 Latin Desserts
When it comes to Latin American desserts, condensed milk, sugar, and chocolate are king, and we're really not mad about it at all - how could we be? Treats like alfajores, tres leches, and chocolate flan will have you making sure you save plenty of room after dinner for another course. Keep reading for a roundup of recipes for those delicious treats. Get your mixer and spatulas (and tummy) ready!
Neil Patrick Harris and David Burtka Pose For A Series of Adorable Photos on the Red Carpet
Whatever event Neil Patrick Harris and David Burtka are planning to attend, you know they'll show up looking adorable. A few days after killing it in a Broadway-themed riff-off with James Corden, Neil hit the red carpet with his husband for a screening of his new Netflix show, A Series of Unfortunate Events, in NYC on Wednesday. While it might not have been as fun as snow tubing down a mountain, the proud parents appeared to enjoy their kid-free date night, sharing a few laughs in front of photographers and chatting with Neil's costar, Alfre Woodard. Hype around ASOUE is growing by the day, so hopefully we'll see more of these two on the red carpet soon.
Obama’s Love For His Daughters Will Bring You to Tears
These Barack Obama dad moments will make you want to call your dad.
The Real Murder That Inspired the Menendez Brothers to Kill Their Parents
Truth and Lies: The Menendez Brothers — American Sons, American Murderers aired last week, 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.
MAC Tapped 10 of Your Favorite Influencers For an Incredible New Collaboration
Ask any beauty junkie to rattle off his or her favorite products and you're bound to hear an immediate mention of an item from MAC Cosmetics. That's no small feat for a brand that's been around since 1984. Due to its high-quality formulations, savvy celebrity collaborations, covetable limited-edition packaging, and (perhaps most importantly) the fact that its leaders embrace change, MAC has secured its spot as a dominating force in the industry.
Case in point: MAC was one of the first brands to launch collaborations with influencers. All the way back in 2011, MAC teamed up with 10 popular beauty bloggers to release a collection of eye shadows and glosses designed by the writers. POPSUGAR is excited to exclusively reveal that in 2017, the brand is reviving this concept for the current social media climate. Ten Instagram beauty influencers from across the globe will debut their own custom MAC lipstick shades this April.
Famous names include American artists Gabriel Zamora and Laura Lee, Kuwaiti influencer TheRealFouz, and Glamour UK Beauty Director Alessandra Steinherr. Each shade will be named after a hashtag inspired by each participant, e.g. #MACxGabrielZamora.
"We've partnered with icons from the worlds of fashion, pop culture, celebrity, music, and art to bring to life their point of view on beauty," said MAC Senior Vice President of Global Communications Catherine Bomboy Dougherty. "While each collaborator has a unique vision, they all share authenticity in their partnership with the brand. We bring this authenticity now to a new type of influencer specifically in the beauty space. These beauty influencers are models, photographers, experts, editors, and artists all in one and we admire their makeup artistry talent, point of view, and love they inspire from their fans."
Each collaborator has their own sense of style, cult following, and flair for color. While the exact lipstick hues are still under wraps for now, stay tuned! We'll have more information as the launch gets even closer. In the meantime, read on to discover all 10 influencers and learn more about them.
7 Ways to Avoid Raising a Needy Child
Raising children who are independent and self-sufficient is no easy feat - no mom wants to still be cooking and doing laundry for her child 30 years down the line. Although we want our babies to stay babies forever, as parents we have to do as much as we can while our kiddos are little to help them grow up to be self-reliant in preparation for adulthood.
Read through for seven tips to help you raise independent children.
How a sports injury turned an athletic teen into an opioid addict
Danielle MacPherson's story of how she became hooked on opioids is so ordinary, it serves as a cautionary tale that anyone can become a hardcore drug addict.
How a sports injury turned an athletic teen into an opioid addict
Danielle MacPherson's story of how she became hooked on opioids is so ordinary, it serves as a cautionary tale that anyone can become a hardcore drug addict.
Blogilates Founder Cassey Ho: "I Was at My Thinnest, But I Wasn't My Happiest"
Cassey Ho, creator of YouTube channel Blogilates, has inspired her subscribers since 2009, teaching them effective and attainable ways to get their best body through health and nutrition. Cassey, a digital sensation boasting over 3.4 million subscribers, is a certified group fitness instructor and Pilates mat and Reformer teacher. She created POP Pilates, which fuses pop music with traditional Pilates routines, making the workout fun and engaging for her viewers.
Part of Cassey's appeal is her realistic approach to fitness and health. With over 1 million Instagram followers and 1 million "likes" on Facebook, it's clear that her strategy to make people feel good paid off. But there was a time where Cassey pushed herself to a limit where she realized that, sometimes, reaching a certain goal won't make you happier.
"I wanted to do a fitness bikini competition because I wanted to push my body to see how far I could go, in terms of motivation," said Cassey. "Not in terms of 'how skinny can I get?' It wasn't about that," said Cassey.
With a trainer pushing her and giving her ill-advised diet and workout suggestions, Cassey developed orthorexia, which is characterized as obsessive behavior over eating a "healthy diet." She wouldn't eat apples because of the sugar; she was working out for four hours a day and consuming just 1,000 calories.
"I started to dwindle down and get very thin, and I just remember I kept looking in the mirror and thinking, 'I'm not skinny enough right here; I'm not tight enough right here,' and even though I kept losing weight every single day, I kept finding flaws in myself," said Cassey. The bikini competition got her to her thinnest, but she realized she wasn't as happy as she thought she'd be, toying with the idea of getting breast implants to alter her body because she felt it wasn't good enough as a result.
After the competition, she stopped eating as she had during the eight weeks of preparation and began to gain weight. "People saw me gaining weight and were like, 'do your workouts not work?'" Although the negative comments did hurt Cassey, she realized that working out wasn't about the physical transformation for her. "I realized it wasn't about six-pack abs or having the biggest booty. Literally, that does not define me or anybody else!"
Once she shifted her perspective and decided to do things that made her happy, that's where she saw a positive (and visible) change. "I started dancing more, I got back into Pilates, I started eating more balanced meals — oh, and sleeping more, too. And then the weight started coming off," said Cassey. Becoming happy with her body inspired her video The "Perfect" Body, which garnered 10 million views after it debuted last year. "I was trying to figure out how to take this negative energy and turn it into something else, make a statement," said Cassey. "When I released it, a lot of it was for me, because I needed people to know how I felt. I feel these things and I will crawl into the fetal position and cry. Then people started sharing it. It's not just me! A lot of people are getting attacked."
Check out the full interview to hear more of Cassey's story and advice, and let us know your thoughts in the comments section below.
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.
27 English Words You Probably Use When Speaking Spanish
If you speak Spanish or have tried to learn it, then you know there are so many freaking words! But although the language has a vast (endless, it seems) array of terms and phrases that mean the same thing and a few special words that have no translation, I recently noticed I tend to borrow a handful of English words here and there. I ask a friend, for example, to please put a "hot dog" on the grill for me and say I have nothing to wear in my "closet." It turns out, I'm not alone! After polling friends, family, and editors, I came up with 27 English words commonly used in Spanish - some of these will actually shock you.
Did we miss any? Let us know what other English words have made their way into your Spanish vocabulary in the comments.
Yoga for back pain relief 'effective in making small improvements,' review finds
Yoga can be helpful for relieving back pain, a new review of past research shows.
Yoga for back pain relief 'effective in making small improvements,' review finds
Yoga can be helpful for relieving back pain, a new review of past research shows.
5 Secret Ways Smart Parents Emotionally Connect With Their Kids
Our friends at YourTango have come up with five steps to further connect with your kids and create a deep bond that will last a lifetime.
PLUS: The hidden benefits.
We live in a fast-paced society. I hear it all the time in my practice: "How can I connect with my child?"
Parents want to connect with their children more than ever these days. Living in the Bay Area can be demanding, and not leave as much time for your family as you would like to have. You are not alone in feeling this way. I see many families that are going through this.
You can connect with your child. You just need to understand their emotions. We all have emotions. They are important in life. They help guide us in making many decisions.
Sometimes, we wish we didn't have them. But, we do. It's called being a human being. I'm always glad when I hear a parent say they would like to connect with their child. This means they deeply care about their child.
This is very important. Be curious and enthusiastic about your child. This will make a big difference.
Here are five tips to build a connection between parent and child. It starts by understanding your children's emotions:
1. Take an interest in what your child's interests are.
This is one of the best things you can do for your child. I know it can be difficult when they really like the Raiders and you like the 49ers.
I'm not asking you to like the same things they do, I'm just asking you to take a genuine interest. I'm sure there are many similarities between the two teams. You can always ask questions. This will let them know you are interested.
2. Don't meet anger with anger.
This will only make things worse. Anger is a normal emotion. They need to be able to express their feelings.
If you don't let them express anger, they won't know how. Worse yet, if you punish them or hit them for expressing anger, they will learn it's not alright to express it. This can lead to many problems.
We need to express our feelings. When we don't it can lead to headaches and other physical problems. It's important to get them out, but I'm not saying it's alright to hurt anyone with anger.
3. Remember: every child is different.
Variations in children in how they express their feelings are not unusual. One child may be more sensitive, another may rarely express an emotion.
Children learn how to express emotion in many different ways. They learn out on the playground with other children. They also learn from their parents. The environment is a factor and genetics also play a role.
Make it alright in your home to express emotions differently. As adults, we are not all the same, and we shouldn't expect our children to be the same.
4. Don't overindulge your child.
It can be easy to do this. Maybe, as a child you lived in a home where expressing emotions wasn't tolerated, or you didn't have very much growing up. Maybe, one of your parents left and never returned.
A lot of people have had challenges growing up... which is alright. What's important is that you don't take it out on your child. When a child is never told "no", they don't grow up to respect others. They will think it is alright to take things whenever they want.
It's alright to have consequences for their behavior. This will teach them the difference between right and wrong. Believe it or not, children really need and want you to set boundaries for them. This will also teach them to respect themselves.
Be patient during the process, it will pay off in the long run.
5. Be a role model.
"Do as I say, not as I do" is not a good way to parent. Children are easily influenced by their parents. When you tell them not to eat too many cookies, and then you have a bunch of them. They will wonder why you are doing that.
It's alright to make mistakes, just fess up to them when you do. Be dependable, when you make a promise to take your child to the park or a movie, then do it. Make sure to take care of yourself.
Get plenty of rest, eat nutrient-rich food, drink plenty of water, exercise, and schedule a day off when you need it. It really is true, you can't take care of anyone else unless you have taken care of yourself first.
Parenting can be hard work. Make sure you and your child enjoy the time you spend together. It goes by quick. The good news is, it's never too late to model the behavior you want your child to adopt.
Even when you feel like they are pushing you away, they really want you there. Don't give up.
Check out more great stories from YourTango:
Why Kylie's Newest Eye Shadow Palette Is Her Most Lustworthy Yet
Kylie Cosmetics fans are in for a sweet surprise. The Jenner sister just debuted her newest palette - Royal Peach - on Instagram and Snapchat, and it features some major upgrades.
Unlike Kylie's previous palettes, the Royal Peach Palette will include 12 shades (instead of the usual nine), a mirror, and an eye shadow brush. The product includes different hues of peach and bronze, as well as a royal-blue shade that will pop beautifully with the neutral colors. Considering the plethora of peach palettes popping up in the beauty world, it's evident that this trend is here to stay.
The lustworthy palette will be available for purchase on Kylie Cosmetics for $45 on Jan. 12 at 3 p.m. PST. Read on to get a sneak peek at swatches!
Naya Rivera's Son Is as Cute as a Button in These Precious Photos
Naya Rivera's son, Josey, may not have teeth yet, but he already has the most adorable tiny smile you'll find on Instagram. The little man, born on Sept. 17, 2015, looks like the happiest baby every time his mom or dad, Ryan Dorsey, snaps a picture and shares it with their followers. And his style is not too shabby either - his parents love to dress him up in cute graphic onesies, and he even sported a bow tie for his first portrait with Santa Claus. These are the sweetest photos Naya has shared of her little baby.
The 7 Bizarre Things My Mom Always Did That I Do Now
My mom, like many other people's moms, is the World's Greatest Mom. But that didn't mean she never did anything that weirded me out while I was growing up. There were plenty of WTF moments in our household, in which I'd witness some bizarre act that I silently swore I'd never do. Of course, now that I'm one of the many World's Greatest Moms myself, I've found that on too-frequent an occasion, I'll do something instinctually and then all of a sudden jerk upright with pained realization: "Oh, no. I've become my mother." Not that that's a bad thing — it's just I never imagined a person could so matter-of-factly pick a booger out of someone else's nose . . . or that I'd become that person.
Here are seven (and counting) eye-rolling things my mom always did that I find myself doing all the time:
1. Wiping snot with her bare hands.
"What is the urgency?!" my elementary-aged self probably wondered when my mom just wiped my runny nose with nary a tissue. Now, I do it all the time. And if you think I then immediately sanitize my hand, you probably don't ever want to borrow my jeans.
2. Using saliva as a cleaning method.
It's a cliché mom maneuver, but I can now attest to its greatness. I'll be sitting mere steps away from a baby wipe, and it still just makes more sense to lick my finger and rub the banana slime off my kid's cheek. (The hygienic implication of doing this and the aforementioned snot wipe is not lost on me.)
3. Forgetting her age.
There were at least a half-dozen times growing up in which I witnessed my mom hesitating to say how old she was, and not because she didn't want to reveal her age. She could spout out my complete medical history but she couldn't remember the amount of years she'd been on this earth, which left me dumbfounded and concerned about her mental capacity. Until earlier this week, when I had to use an online calculator to determine if I was 32, 33, or 34.
4. Wanting to be sick instead of her kids.
Whenever I'd be in bed with the flu or a fever, my mother would always say the same thing: "I wish I could take away your pain and be sick instead." Yeah, right, I'd think. You don't literally mean that. And yet there I was, with my child who was suffering from a stomach bug, and I truly, honestly would have given anything to be the one projectile vomiting . . . and not just because I think I've got better aim. (Side note: catching vomit with my bare hands and allowing myself to be vomited on without complaint are two other insane acts I've inherited from moms worldwide.)
5. Hating today's music.
Well into my late 20s, my mom would lament the downfall of music whenever I picked the radio station. Now I'm the one asking anyone who'll listen what a "nae nae" is and why Drake's "Hotline Bling" is even something that is allowed.
6. Eating previously chewed-on food.
It used to always remind me of the mama bird method of feeding, but now? If I share a morsel of my delicious meal with my child, and she takes a bite and decides to spit it out, there's a 97 percent chance I'll pick up where she left off and finish the job.
7. Saying, "you'll see when you're a mom!"
Whenever my mom said this, it was alongside an unsettling sneer. Clearly, she meant it as a threat. Why would my mom be so vengeful toward her own daughter? These days, I finally get it. Based on the amount of times I've given her grief for doing the above six things alone (never mind all the other moments I wasn't appreciative of her, only to gripe about the thankless job that is parenting), I can see why she'd want a little payback.
Although I'm not especially proud of this realization, I take comfort in the fact that someday, I'll be able to pass the torch to my own kid. The snotty, germy, poopy torch.
14 Blogger-Inspired Style Trends You Need to Try in 2017
While 2016 was the year of flared jeans, monochrome looks, and sneakers, we're predicting 2017 will be a lot more specific. Don't panic! We'll still see loose silhouettes and comfortable shoes, it'll just be a little more about making those pieces feel and look extra special - playing with proportions and colors. Even swimsuits will get more elaborate with hardware and unexpected shades.
Keep reading to find the 14 trends we think you'll be seeing in 2017, as modeled by some of your favorite Latina Instagram stars; plus, shopping links so you can start stocking up on the fashionable pieces.
6 Questions (and Answers) About Netflix's Magic School Bus Reboot
Image Source: Everett Collection
If the mantra of your childhood was "Take chances, make mistakes, and get messy," then you're in for a treat. Netflix is officially bringing back the science-fueled cartoon every '90s kid loved to daydream about in school: The Magic School Bus. That means a whole new generation of kids will hop aboard Ms. Frizzle's famous bus for enthralling field trips, learning plenty about their class subjects along the way. But how much of the iconic educational cartoon will harken back to the original series? We've got every detail out there all in one place, so you can start getting excited.
1. What is it titled?
According to Netflix Chief Content Officer Ted Sarandos, the reboot will be called Magic School Bus 360°.
2. When does it return?
The Netflix premiere date for Magic School Bus 360° has not been announced yet.
3. How many episodes are there?
Netflix ordered 26 half-hour episodes of the series.
4. Who will voice the characters?
Whether the original voices for Ms. Frizzle and crew will return has not been confirmed; Sarandos claims that there will be many celebrity cameos in the new series.
5. Will it still be a cartoon?
The new reboot will be produced with CG animation.
6. How will the show evolve to suit these modern times?
The bus will reportedly feature modern tools and incorporate adventures focused on technology and other realms of STEM.
Our biggest hope is that the show won't forget its roots . . . or Carlos's cheesy puns.
Image Source: PBS
10 Things You Get From Yoga Besides a Tight Booty
The following post was originally featured on Fit Bottomed Girls and written by Karen, who is part of POPSUGAR Collective.
If you are not already practicing yoga it might be time to give it a try. The practice of yoga is more than simply stretching! Done properly, it's an awesome workout for your body, mind and soul. Here's why!
10 Reasons to Try Yoga
1. De-stress. Slow, deep breathing eases workday tension. And bonus! It's healthier than downing a couple of martinis.
2. Increased flexibility. Increased muscle elasticity helps protect your body against injury.
3. Improved balance. Virtually everything we do, from walking downhill to toting groceries to riding a bike — they all require balance.
4. Range of motion (ROM). Could your golf swing use a little oomph? How about your jump shot? An increased ROM can give you a powerful edge in sports.
5. Builds stamina. If you can successfully hold this pose for five minutes, you can do anything!
6. Improved digestion. Yoga's twists and bends massage the internal organs and help to detoxify the system. These poses help relieve bloating and stimulate the digestive system.
7. Enhanced focus. The concentration you develop in yoga translates to other areas of your life and you become a better listener.
8. Better posture. When you have body awareness and a strong core you can't help but have good posture.
9. Improved circulation. Poor circulation can lead to fluid retention, acne breakouts, brain fog and more!
10. Superior oxygen intake. Controlled breathing teaches your body to use oxygen more efficiently and improves your level of cardiovascular fitness.
Want More?
Yoga's transformative qualities don't stop there. A regular yoga practice offers emotional and spiritual benefits, too! Practitioners report a better quality of sleep, fewer mood swings and enhanced energy levels. Their practice reminds them to live mindfully and helps them to cultivate patience toward themselves and others.
Don't be afraid of those first few awkward classes. Jump on the mat and see how far a yoga practice can take you!
10 Things You Get From Yoga Besides a Tight Booty
The following post was originally featured on Fit Bottomed Girls and written by Karen, who is part of POPSUGAR Collective.
If you are not already practicing yoga it might be time to give it a try. The practice of yoga is more than simply stretching! Done properly, it's an awesome workout for your body, mind and soul. Here's why!
10 Reasons to Try Yoga
1. De-stress. Slow, deep breathing eases workday tension. And bonus! It's healthier than downing a couple of martinis.
2. Increased flexibility. Increased muscle elasticity helps protect your body against injury.
3. Improved balance. Virtually everything we do, from walking downhill to toting groceries to riding a bike — they all require balance.
4. Range of motion (ROM). Could your golf swing use a little oomph? How about your jump shot? An increased ROM can give you a powerful edge in sports.
5. Builds stamina. If you can successfully hold this pose for five minutes, you can do anything!
6. Improved digestion. Yoga's twists and bends massage the internal organs and help to detoxify the system. These poses help relieve bloating and stimulate the digestive system.
7. Enhanced focus. The concentration you develop in yoga translates to other areas of your life and you become a better listener.
8. Better posture. When you have body awareness and a strong core you can't help but have good posture.
9. Improved circulation. Poor circulation can lead to fluid retention, acne breakouts, brain fog and more!
10. Superior oxygen intake. Controlled breathing teaches your body to use oxygen more efficiently and improves your level of cardiovascular fitness.
Want More?
Yoga's transformative qualities don't stop there. A regular yoga practice offers emotional and spiritual benefits, too! Practitioners report a better quality of sleep, fewer mood swings and enhanced energy levels. Their practice reminds them to live mindfully and helps them to cultivate patience toward themselves and others.
Don't be afraid of those first few awkward classes. Jump on the mat and see how far a yoga practice can take you!
The 28 Stages of Labor According to GIFs
Being pregnant and actually going into labor are two very different things - once you go into labor, whatever hardships your pregnancy presented immediately feel insignificant because you realize it's inevitable now that you're going to birth a human being. Although you'll do your best to stay calm, try not to insult your partner, and be the perfect pregnant patient, chances are that the progression of labor will slowly take you down notch by notch.
Read through for the 28 emotional stages of labor that basically every pregnant woman goes through.
I'm Puerto Rican and I Don't Speak Spanish
If you're like most people, I know exactly the look on your face right now. It's one filled with confusion and a little judgment — what kind of Latina doesn't speak Spanish? Are you even really Latina if you don't?
You might have noticed that I said I don't speak Spanish, instead of I can't speak Spanish. I can speak the language, although it's a bit broken. A little backstory: I'm biracial. My mother is Puerto Rican, and my father is black. Growing up in white suburban Maryland, my mother didn't have much of a need to speak Spanish around my siblings and me. But over time, I picked it up from her and my Nuyorican family when we visited. (Plus, eavesdropping on my mom's phone conversations with my grandmother and aunt ensured that I understood it better than any of them thought.) I eventually minored in Spanish in college; now, it slips out fluently from time to time — while ordering at the bodega, while visiting Mexico, while having a few cocktails and feeling my reservations melt away.
The real reason I don't speak Spanish? I'm nervous. Any time I tried to speak Spanish to my family when I was younger, I got teased about my accent. When I opened my mouth to Latino friends, they'd giggle or call me names they thought I didn't understand. So after awhile, I stopped trying. The sad truth is that I'd rather speak Spanish around perfect strangers who don't know my backstory than the people I actually know, all because I'm afraid of "that look."
Coming from two cultures, one of my biggest anxieties has always been being seen as "not enough." I was teased by the black kids in high school for being so light-skinned and talking like a white girl and teased by my Latino friends in college for not speaking Spanish and talking like a white girl. For a long time, my "otherness" left me in a permanent middle ground of uncertainty — of feeling like I didn't belong because my hair, my looks, and my language skills weren't "enough" for either of my backgrounds.
But then, I grew up. And now I've realized that speaking Spanish does not have to define my Latino heritage and pride. Maybe I fumble over my r's and mix up tenses, but I can still fly my Puerto Rican flag high. I eat my Spanish-speaking grandmother's pasteles on Sundays, sing "Vivir Mi Vida" in the shower with all my might, and support Latinos every chance I get, whether it's at work or in my personal life. (I own every Jennifer Lopez album, for goodness sake — even Como Ama Una Mujer!)
But because I do feel like speaking better Spanish is a missing puzzle piece of my identity, I'm working on it. When I find the time, I take Skype classes through Let's Go Spanish (practicing conjugations in your pj's can be awkward but very convenient), and listening to Spanish podcasts helps keep me sharp. The cleaning woman at my day job is from Puerto Rico, the same town as my grandmother; late at night, when the overhead lights have dimmed and everyone else is gone but the two of us, she helps me practice by chatting about our days in Spanish. And as I speak, she smiles encouragingly; there's no giggling at my accent or judgment that I'm not Latino enough. We're just two women, generations apart, with a shared heritage and respect.
20-Minute Flat-Belly and Toned-Arms Workout
Today's January Jump-Start workout is a two-for-one! We're going to work your abs and arms with a bunch of multitasking moves. If you're new to working out, don't worry. We offer beginner modifications for all the exercises throughout the video. Grab a set of dumbbells between five and 10 pounds, and get ready to feel the burn. Here's a printable PDF version of the workout so you can take it to the gym.
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On Anna: BodyLanguage
On Brittany: Puma, Koral, and Athletic Propulsion Labs (APL)
On Kaycee: BodyLanguage, Lululemon, and Athletic Propulsion Labs (APL)
Manduka mats and Corkcicle bottles
20-Minute Flat-Belly and Toned-Arms Workout
Today's January Jump-Start workout is a two-for-one! We're going to work your abs and arms with a bunch of multitasking moves. If you're new to working out, don't worry. We offer beginner modifications for all the exercises throughout the video. Grab a set of dumbbells between five and 10 pounds, and get ready to feel the burn. Here's a printable PDF version of the workout so you can take it to the gym.
Pin For Later
On Anna: BodyLanguage
On Brittany: Puma, Koral, and Athletic Propulsion Labs (APL)
On Kaycee: BodyLanguage, Lululemon, and Athletic Propulsion Labs (APL)
Manduka mats and Corkcicle bottles
Billions wasted on drug spending in Canada, exclusive research shows
Canada wasted $15 billion over the last five years on highly priced prescription drugs, in part because of questionable drug company sales tactics, according to exclusive research and a hidden camera investigation by the fifth estate.
Billions wasted on drug spending in Canada, exclusive research shows
Canada wasted $15 billion over the last five years on highly priced prescription drugs, in part because of questionable drug company sales tactics, according to exclusive research and a hidden camera investigation by the fifth estate.
A Bowl of Sweet Potato Chili Is What You Need to Make Your Winter Cozy
Here's one more reason to eat sweet potatoes (aside from all of their wonderful health benefits): they make classic dishes that could be, dare we say, boring so much more interesting. Their starchy-yet-sweet taste adds depth and flavor to plain anything - think fries, smoothies, burgers, and even soups. Case in point: chili. Though the many regular versions of the dish are delicious, adding sweet potatoes makes the them mind-blowing. Try the seven recipes ahead to see what we mean.
Warning: You're Not Ready For These Adorable Snaps of Kim Kardashian and Kanye West's Kids
Kim Kardashian and Kanye West have one picture-perfect family. The couple - who tied the knot in a lavish ceremony in May 2014 - welcomed their daughter North West back in June 2013, and a little over two years later, Kim gave birth to son Saint West. Since then, the famous brood has shared a bevy of sweet moments together, including their adorable ice-skating date in NYC and their trip to Armenia. In honor of the pair's supercute children, flip through the brood's most "aw"-inducing snaps.
These Photos Serve as a Reminder That Kelly Ripa Is One Lucky Lady
Kelly Ripa and Mark Consuelos continued their reign as one of Hollywood's cutest couples when they stepped out for the NYC screening of Lemony Snicket's A Series of Unfortunate Events on Wednesday. The couple of 20 years played up their chemistry on the red carpet while sharing a few laughs and talking among themselves. Also at the event were David Burtka and husband Neil Patrick Harris, who plays the villainous Count Olaf in the film. Earlier in the day, Kelly couldn't help but gush about Mark during Live With Kelly, saying, "I think he gets better with age, which is starting to irritate me. I used to, like, wake up early and like, look at him and am like, 'My God, he just wakes up like that.'" Can we all agree that Kelly is one lucky lady?
How New Mom Ali Wong Is Conquering the Comedy World
See how the unconventional comedian is finding the humor in mommyhood.
6 of Jennifer Lopez's Hottest and Most Badass Workout Moments
Jennifer Lopez's superfit body isn't just a miracle. The 46-year-old Shades of Blue actress, singer, and mom to 8-year-old twins Max and Emme works hard for her toned physique - and her Instagram proves it.
From sexy and sweaty selfies to short videos of her workouts with trainer David Kirsch, a quick peek at J Lo's feed will give you all the motivation you need to hit the gym, too - or, you know, at least want to hit the gym. Don't believe us? Keep reading to see her most badass workout moments.
A Time Jump, a "Deadly" Game, and More Dirt on Pretty Little Liars' Final Season
Our days with Pretty Little Liars are tragically numbered. At this point, we all know season 7B has been confirmed as the last season of the show. Going into this precious handful of episodes, we also know which big questions need answers. The identity of "A.D." is at the top of the list. But, well, how will we get there? And what else is out there for the last chapter?
1. The Main Facts About the Season
There are 10 remaining episodes of the show. Of course, we have some huge mysteries to tie up; the identity of Charlotte's killer and the real mastermind behind everything are at the top of the list. But before we get to the big answers at the end, some questions remain for the 7B premiere. Is Spencer alive, and what will happen now that we know she's Mary Drake's child? Are Ezra and Aria still getting married? What will "A.D." do with Jenna? Hopefully we'll figure out a lot right off the bat.
2. The Series Finale Clues From the Creator
We're excited for all of the new episodes, but the series finale is perhaps the most anticipated part of the last season. Creator I. Marlene King gave fans an epic tease when she tweeted out pieces of dialogue from the episode. She alluded to the state police, offered sad words from Toby, hinted at some wedding vows, implied the possibility of murder, and offered sad parting words.
In a recent interview about the end, King provided a bit more insight. The series finale is an event, more like a two-hour movie. There are traces of bigger themes and kind of a "full-circle" feeling. Oh, and about those nuptials? It seems there might be more than one wedding in store.
3. There Will Be One More Time Jump
If you thought the "five years forward" was as far into the future that we'd be flung, you're wrong. During the Pretty Little Liars panel at the Television Critics' Association Winter press tour, creator I. Marlene King said, "There will be a one‑year time jump before it ends."
4. There's One Last "Deadly" Game For the Girls to Play
At the TCA panel, King also revealed that the girls would start a final game with "A.D." in the premiere. "It's a board game that is created by 'A,' and he forces the PLLs to play this game in the final 10 episodes," she said. "The stakes are incredibly high."
5. There's . . . a Musical Number on the Horizon?
Yes, you read that correctly. At the same TCA panel, director Oliver Goldstick revealed that a musical number is happening. "A lot of you do know this because you follow [the main stars] now, but all of them have incredible different talents, and singing happens to be one of them," Goldstick revealed.
6. We've Got Snaps From the Last Table Read Ever
At the beginning of October, it became clear things were really wrapping up. The cast posted snaps from the final script reading, and they shared an outpouring of love, emotions, gratitude, and more on their various social media accounts. The end is officially, officially in sight.
7. Cryptic Hints From the Actress Behind Charlotte DiLaurentis
Hold up, is there a chance Charlotte (Vanessa Ray) could somehow return to Rosewood? We have a weird feeling. In October, Ray spoke to Us Weekly about the show, suggesting she could make a triumphant return. "I have been keeping up with the show," she said, "and you might see my face soon. I love getting to be around that crew and the lovely cast." King has been known to bring back characters in flashbacks and various other ways, so it's not entirely unbelievable that Charlotte DiLaurentis could return.
8. The Projected Premiere Date
And now, for the bad news. While the Winter premieres usually happen in January, it seems we won't see the show's final episodes until April 2017. It's going to be a dreary Winter without Rosewood.
Power Women Gravitate Toward This Color For Special Occasions
We talk a lot about the art of power dressing, looking to stylish stars like Amal Clooney and Kate Middleton for inspiration. If there's one common denominator we've noticed in their outfits, it's the color red. Serious ladies almost always gravitate toward this hue for special occasions or when they mean business. So when the wearer walks into the room, you can bet they will command everyone's attention.
Just look at Michelle Obama's 2013 Inaugural gown, or Hillary Clinton's fiery-red suit on debate night. The ladies have clearly figured out the right way to master this color for events, and they are not alone. Read on to see which other key power players have worn red, and then add it to your own color wheel with some shopping.
This Is the Stupidest Mistake You Can Make While Cooking
Listen up, people who love to cook. You're about to read a brief cautionary tale about why you should always measure ingredients and never shake the salt or dried herbs over the pot. The other night, I was making a sauce for my spaghetti squash while I waited for it to roast in the oven. "I'll just add a pinch of red pepper flakes to spice it up," I thought as I was considering how unenthused I was to eat this "pasta" without the carbs. I grabbed the red pepper flakes from my spice cabinet - my jumbo jar, I should add - opened it, and added a strong "tap" into the pan to go with the olive oil, garlic, lemon juice, spinach, and white beans that were simmering. To my horror, an enormous amount of flakes, close to half a cup, came spilling out of the container.
I realized I had opened the wrong side of the lid: the open side rather than the perforated side, meaning there was nothing controlling the speedy flow of spiciness. I scraped most of the pile into the trash can, but since dried herbs and chiles release flavor when heated in a skillet, the damage was already done. Not only would I be eating a sad excuse for spaghetti, but I'd be eating a sad excuse for spaghetti with way too much heat for my liking.
I was reminded of one of many cooking tips from Ina Garten: measure everything to a T. "I measure everything. To the half teaspoon. Because I always think that if I've spent so much time making sure this recipe was exactly the way I want it, why would I want to throw things into a pot? I'm really a scientist," she has said of her philosophy. As usual, Ina speaks the truth. Even if you're not following a recipe and you're making it up as you go, it's smart to measure the seasoning, whether that's in your hand or with measuring spoons. Far too often people oversalt or under-salt their dishes because they're blindly shaking the container above the stove. The same goes for black pepper, red pepper flakes, or any number of dried spices; the correct amount elevates the dish and the incorrect amount can ruin the flavor profile entirely. So take it from me - but, more importantly, from Ina - and pay attention to measurements to avoid suffering the Series of Unfortunate Events: Red Pepper Flake Edition.
Download the POPSUGAR Active App For a Healthy Start to 2017
Gear up for those healthy New Year's resolutions in the best way possible: with unlimited access to free workouts (and adorable stickers for your keyboard) on the POPSUGAR Active app. Here are all the kickass ways that PS Active will help you crush your goals and live your healthiest life in 2017.
Workout Challenges and Fitness Plans
- You can now participate in our popular POPSUGAR Fitness challenges on your phone or iPad!
- Conquer the New Year with our two-week January Jump-Start plan, which is also available on the app. The workout videos can be done in your living room, and meals and recipes are all laid out with grocery lists, meal-prep tips, and more.
- Join the Flat-Belly Challenge or the Bodyweight Workout Challenge, and we will help you meet your goals with daily reminders to work out.
- New challenges are added regularly to keep your fitness life from getting stale.
Stickers For iMessage
Obsessed with stickers? Ready to tackle new healthy challenges with friends? Our keyboard stickers for iMessage will keep you and your fitness buddies encouraging each other throughout the January Jump-Start and beyond.
Customizable Workout Routines
- Take our workouts and create your own routines by mixing and matching different videos, cardio routines, yoga sequences, and more.
- We've preloaded the app with some of our favorite routines, so you can get started right away.
- Search the workouts by length of time or body part worked so you can find something to suit your fitness needs.
Flexibility in Your Fitness Life
- Schedule workouts, and we'll send you a reminder so you don't skip your sweat session.
- Download and play our videos wherever you may roam, whether offline or online; if you're in a jam because your hotel has no WiFi, work out with your previously downloaded video playlist.
- New workouts are added weekly!
Download the POPSUGAR Active App For a Healthy Start to 2017
Gear up for those healthy New Year's resolutions in the best way possible: with unlimited access to free workouts (and adorable stickers for your keyboard) on the POPSUGAR Active app. Here are all the kickass ways that PS Active will help you crush your goals and live your healthiest life in 2017.
Workout Challenges and Fitness Plans
- You can now participate in our popular POPSUGAR Fitness challenges on your phone or iPad!
- Conquer the New Year with our two-week January Jump-Start plan, which is also available on the app. The workout videos can be done in your living room, and meals and recipes are all laid out with grocery lists, meal-prep tips, and more.
- Join the Flat-Belly Challenge or the Bodyweight Workout Challenge, and we will help you meet your goals with daily reminders to work out.
- New challenges are added regularly to keep your fitness life from getting stale.
Stickers For iMessage
Obsessed with stickers? Ready to tackle new healthy challenges with friends? Our keyboard stickers for iMessage will keep you and your fitness buddies encouraging each other throughout the January Jump-Start and beyond.
Customizable Workout Routines
- Take our workouts and create your own routines by mixing and matching different videos, cardio routines, yoga sequences, and more.
- We've preloaded the app with some of our favorite routines, so you can get started right away.
- Search the workouts by length of time or body part worked so you can find something to suit your fitness needs.
Flexibility in Your Fitness Life
- Schedule workouts, and we'll send you a reminder so you don't skip your sweat session.
- Download and play our videos wherever you may roam, whether offline or online; if you're in a jam because your hotel has no WiFi, work out with your previously downloaded video playlist.
- New workouts are added weekly!
21 Ways to Harness the Healing Power of Crystals Every Day
Have you tried using healing crystals? This wellness trend may not have scientific backing, but it's a practice that dates back to ancient Egypt. Many people swear by their rocks - there's even a popular workout studio in NYC being designed with crystal-embedded floors.
Certain crystals are purported to have specific healing properties, like rose quartz opening the heart chakra and jade for calming down. We noticed that crystal popularity is picking up steam (many thanks to Well and Good for that), so here are some gorgeous products that incorporate crystals into home decor, jewelry, and even your wine bottles! If nothing else, the placebo effect of having these near you may be exactly what your life needs.
See the Full Tracklist For Fifty Shades Darker's Sexy Movie Soundtrack
We're just a month out from Fifty Shades Darker, the second installment in the sexy trilogy based on the wildly popular books. While we've gotten plenty of details about the film, the specifics of the film's soundtrack had remained under wraps . . . until now. In addition to the hot new "Crazy in Love" cover from the trailers and Taylor Swift and Zayn's new joint track, we finally have a full tracklist courtesy of the film's official Twitter. Check out the full list plus the first two songs below, then stay tuned; we'll be adding more and more as they drop.
21 Ways to Harness the Healing Power of Crystals Every Day
Have you tried using healing crystals? This wellness trend may not have scientific backing, but it's a practice that dates back to ancient Egypt. Many people swear by their rocks - there's even a popular workout studio in NYC being designed with crystal-embedded floors.
Certain crystals are purported to have specific healing properties, like rose quartz opening the heart chakra and jade for calming down. We noticed that crystal popularity is picking up steam (many thanks to Well and Good for that), so here are some gorgeous products that incorporate crystals into home decor, jewelry, and even your wine bottles! If nothing else, the placebo effect of having these near you may be exactly what your life needs.
30 Winter Outfits to Try Inspired by Your Favorite Models
When Winter calls for puffers and parkas that cover up your outfit, it's easy to write off what you'll wear underneath. "Eh, no one will see the outfit anyways," you might think. Even though this is partially true, as we kick off the first month of the new year, we're challenging ourselves, and you, to dress smarter and feel even better. Aside from reading up on what's in and out and the top trends to expect for 2017, you'll need a little bit of #OOTD inspiration.
Luckily, your favorite models have you covered because they've got Winter dressing down to a science. No matter where they are in the world, from Paris to New York City, the ladies always step out looking polished and camera-ready. With a cool coat (we see you Gigi Hadid) or a thigh-high boot, the models completely transform their Winter outfits through key pieces. Scroll to get a closer look at how the models have nailed dressing for the the cold. They'll provide you all the fresh ideas you need for this season.
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