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.
mardi 5 septembre 2017
SNL Alum Says Working With "Moron" Host Donald Trump Was "Not Fun"
Way back when Donald Trump was a presidential hopeful in 2015, he hosted Saturday Night Live - exactly one year before Election Day. Taran Killam, who once impersonated Trump and later joined him on stage when he hosted, was stunningly candid about the now president in a recent interview with Brooklyn magazine.
Killam responded to a host of questions about his post-SNL career and joining the cast of Hamilton right after Mike Pence famously attended the show (and heard a compassionate message from the cast). President Trump was especially incensed by the incident, to which Killam replied with the utmost honesty. "Yeah, well the president is a moron," Killam told the magazine.
Later in the interview, Killam elaborated on what it was like to work with Trump on the show, and you might not be surprised by how difficult he said it was. "It was not fun, and most of the cast and writers were not excited to have him there," Killam said. "I didn't get the feeling that he was excited to be there, and it felt like a move for ratings from both sides."
Perhaps most unsurprising of all, Killam revealed how the president . . . struggled to read his lines. "What you see is what you get with him, really. I mean, there was no big reveal," Killam added. "He struggled to read at the table read, which did not give many of us great confidence. Didn't get the jokes, really. He's just a man who seems to be powered by bluster."
We're pretty sure Trump would write off Killam's account of his time on the show as "fake news."
Easy Grab-and-Go Kits to Keep Kids Well-Fueled in Any Situation
No matter your parenting style - loosey goosey, hyper-organized, or somewhere in between - we dare you to find a mom who hasn't found herself in a situation (or, in daily situations) where she wished she'd packed a bag of supplies to help her make it through the day. Having portable supplies at the ready comes in handy when you least expect it. When the to-do list is long, which, face it, it always is, a packed-to-carry bag can be a life-saver. Here are three grab-and-go bags that will come to the rescue for busy moms everywhere.
Step Aside, Protein Bars - Protein-Packed Popcorn Is Here to Steal the Show!
Popcorn is definitely one of my go-to snacks, but it's easy for my addiction to get a tad out of hand. One second, I'm savoring that first steaming kernel, and the next, I'm licking the butter off my fingers and wondering how on earth I inhaled an entire bag so quickly. Sound familiar?
Popcorn isn't necessarily high in calories or anything, but what if I told you there's a way to get your protein fix while also satisfying those late-night hankerings for the crunchy treat? Yes, it's possible, and no, you're not dreaming.
You Fresh Naturals is a company that makes a handful of tasty treats, including nut butters, frosting, oats, and popcorn, all of which are gluten-free and packed with protein that comes from whey protein isolate. Can I get a "heck yeah"?! It currently sells three mouthwatering popcorn flavors - Sweet & Salty, Cheddar Cheese, and Cinnamon Crunch - in addition to Vegan Crunch and Pizza flavors, both of which are unfortunately out of stock at the moment. Each bag of popcorn contains a whopping eight grams of protein per serving. We'll take this over a basic protein bar any day of the week.
If you're ready to add one of these protein-packed goodies to your pantry, read on to pick out your favorite flavor - or go ahead and devour all three!
The Truth Behind Rumors Joanna Gaines Is Leaving HGTV
Joanna Gaines can't seem to shake rumors she's leaving HGTV, the network that made her a household name. In fact, the Fixer Upper star has been plagued with rumors she's departing home design all together to enter the beauty business. Common sense tells us that this doesn't make any sense. After all, Joanna's business endeavors don't stop at Fixer Upper. They include Waco, Texas, home and garden mecca Magnolia Market, several collections of home decor, paint, and a wallpaper line. The list goes on.
In short, Joanna's love for interior design runs deep. We would be shocked if she walked away from it for an industry we've scarcely heard her mention. But if logic isn't enough to assuage your fears that Joanna is leaving Fixer Upper, we have more concrete proof the show is going on ahead.
The 1-Step Hack That Makes an Ikea Cabinet Unrecognizable
Interior designer Victoria Solomon of Victoria Elizabeth Design had a mission: to add a media cabinet to her small NYC apartment that would add extra storage while hiding the ugly wires under her TV. In her dreams, she envisioned a 140-inch built-in-looking piece of furniture that could hold its own on the long 180-inch wall - but in reality, nothing like this existed. So what did the clever designer do? She turned to Ikea and hacked her way to the expensive-looking custom console of her dreams!
Victoria realized that three Ikea Besta shelf units, when lined up, totaled about 140 inches. So, she purchased three Besta ($100) shelf units with high-gloss white doors and gave them an undeniably glamorous (and ridiculously simple) makeover by adding agate pulls ($49 per pair).
Want to re-create the look at home? Read on for Victoria's expert tips!
These Healthy Snacks Fit Right Into Your Bag, So You Can Take Them Everywhere
When you've got a long list of things to do on any given day, one of the first things you do to prepare is make sure you're armed with enough food. That might mean you pack your lunch or bring along some healthy snacks. But when you're in a rush, you might have to stop by your nearest grocery store to grab some nosh. These snacks are the perfect things to grab off the shelves; they're made with natural ingredients and pack a big nutritional punch. You'll be able to keep your day going uninterrupted after fueling yourself with these healthy snacks.
The Heartbreaking Reason Chloe Bennet Decided to Change Her Last Name
Chloe Bennet wasn't always a Bennet. On Tuesday, the Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. actress opened up about why she changed her last name from Wang when she was trying to book roles in Hollywood: she was discriminated against because of her race. After praising Ed Skrein for pulling out of the Hellboy reboot following whitewashing criticism, the actress responded to a fan who questioned why she doesn't go by her surname.
"Changing my last name doesn't change the fact that my BLOOD is half Chinese, that I lived in China, speak Mandarin or that I was culturally raised both American and Chinese," she wrote in a since-deleted post. "It means I had to pay my rent, and Hollywood is racist and wouldn't cast me with a last name that made them uncomfortable. I'm doing everything I can, with the platform I have, to make sure no one has to change their name again, just so they can get work." Hollywood has come under fire in recent years for its lack of diversity, and Chloe's heartbreaking decision proves it still has a very long way to go.
Healthy Desserts For the Sugar-Obsessed
Don't ignore your dessert cravings! When that sweet tooth calls for a lusciously decadent treat, feel good reaching for these healthier alternatives that will offer a bit of nutrition and that sweet taste your taste buds lust after - you won't be disappointed!
Clever Layout Tips That Make the Most of a Small Space
If you live in a big city, you're probably no stranger to the the 500-square-foot (or less) apartment. You sacrifice space for location, and although it's usually worth it, finding efficient ways to organize your cozy abode can be a challenge. So after living in a few less-than-ideal apartments myself, I've discovered a few tricks along the way to help maximize just about any small space.
This NYC Interior Designer's Apartment Is a Craigslist-Hunter's Dream
When it came time to decorate her one-bedroom NYC apartment, Victoria Solomon, interior designer and founder of Victoria Elizabeth Design, didn't rush the process. She spent eight months scouting the perfect pieces on Craigslist, 1stdibs, and antique sites and applying her creativity to DIYs.
All her time and effort paid off; not only did she save thousands of dollars with her secondhand finds, but she created a masculine-glam apartment that packs more style into 750 square feet than most mansions have in total.
We talked to Victoria to find out exactly how she did it. Read on to learn her pro secrets - you won't be disappointed!
You'll Scratch Your Head Just Like Rob When You Find Out Who He Used to Live With
Image Source: Getty / Lisa Maree Williams
In today's "what the hell" news, Robert Pattinson decided to randomly reveal an amazing, confusing, and odd fact about himself that has us scratching our heads. While calling into On Air With Ryan Seacrest on Thursday, the Good Time actor told the host that his first roommate in Hollywood was none other than Saved by the Bell actor Dustin Diamond. The two lived in LA's Oakwood apartment complex, which Ryan explained is known for housing up-and-coming actors. While it seems normal for Rob to be in those apartments back before his Twilight success, it is a bit strange that Dustin, or "Screech," was living there.
Not only are we scratching our heads at the thought of Rob and Screech living together, but the star also revealed that Dustin introduced him to a classic American dish: Hot Pockets! "I was with Screech, Dustin Diamond. I loved it. I really miss it," Rob said. "Dustin was the first person to introduce me to Hot Pockets!" What a strange day, guys.
Image Source: NBC
A Catholic Nun Perfectly Explains the Major Hypocrisy of the "Pro-Life" Argument
A Catholic nun's explanation of the term "pro-life" from 2004 is resurfacing after recent antiabortion events. On PBS's Now With Bill Moyers, Sister Joan Chittister explained why being against abortion doesn't mean you're pro-life.
Here's the full quote:
"I do not believe that just because you're opposed to abortion that that makes you pro-life. In fact, I think in many cases, your morality is deeply lacking if all you want is a child born but not a child fed, not a child educated, not a child housed. And why would I think that you don't? Because you don't want any tax money to go there. That's not pro-life. That's pro-birth. We need a much broader conversation on what the morality of pro-life is."
Chittister's position is not only informed by her faith, but also her academic experience: she's written over 50 books and has multiple degrees (including a doctorate).
The crux of Chittister's point is that there's a difference between advocating for birth and advocating for that child's entire life. If antiabortion proponents are truly "pro-life," then those same legislators would not argue for defunding programs like those that provide school lunches or health care. Many who oppose abortion also oppose access to contraceptives. Antiabortion congressmen have consistently also advocated for defunding Planned Parenthood, which provides women with birth control options.
Liberals have pointed to Chittister's quote as an argument for the social benefits that Republicans hope to limit without providing feasible options for women if they cannot obtain abortions.
Interior Designers Share Their Game-Changing Shopping Secrets
When you're a home editor, you become a magnet for decorating inquiries of all sorts, but the most common question I get is about where to shop for blank (pretty much every household decorative item you can imagine). To deviate from my usual list, I turned to another group of professionals: interior design leads at online decorating companies. Laurel & Wolf's Kimberly Winthrop, Havenly's Shelby Girard, and Decorist's Ashley Redmond are part of the new wave of online decorating companies making interior design services more accessible than ever. Since these companies provide clients with online shopping lists to pull their rooms together and they work with any budget, I knew they would have fantastic recommendations. Take a look at their favorite places to shop for rugs, sofas, lighting, art, bedding, throw pillows, and accessories!
Want to Lose Weight? You Need This Must-Have Item in Your Diet
When you're on a weight-loss journey, eating adequate protein is essential to your success. According to clinical and holistic dietitian Esther Blum, many of her clients start to shed pounds with ease once they increase the amount of protein in their diet, since high-protein foods take more work to "digest, metabolize, and use, which means you burn more calories processing them." A longer digestion time also means that you stay fuller longer, unlike the crash-and-burn effect that comes from eating fatty foods and refined carbs.
Beyond giving your metabolism a boost and keeping you satisfied for longer, one study has shown that in addition to a regular exercise routine, doubling your protein intake (as recommended by the RDA) may be the key to losing fat pounds without dropping muscle mass. This is key since muscle burns more calories in the body than fat. In short, if you're serious about weight loss, you've got to take protein seriously.
Not positive you're getting enough protein in your life? Read up, incorporate these tips to your daily diet, and start seeing results!
- Additional reporting by Michele Foley
3 Things to Help You Have a Tighter and More Toned Tummy
If you're constantly doing crunches to get a six-pack, you may be going about things the wrong way. Along with fat-burning cardio, the best way to lose belly fat is through these three diet changes.
Eat These
Proven to reduce abdominal fat, MUFAs (monounsaturated fatty acids) should be a part of your daily diet, and you can find them in avocado, nuts and nut butters, seeds, and olive oil. Just be mindful of how much you eat since these are also high in calories. Blueberries are also proven to diminish belly fat, so make a point to throw them in your salads and smoothies. Some foods like pineapple contain an enzyme that helps ease digestion and banish bloat, making your belly look and feel flatter. High-fiber foods like pears, berries, veggies, beans, and whole grains have the same effect - plus they keep you feeling full longer, just like healthy fats. Feeling full keeps hunger at bay, so you crave less and eat less, reducing your total daily calorie intake which will reduce your overall body fat, including that extra bit around your middle.
Ditch These
Trans fat is a big no-no for your health in general, but also for your belly. It's found in many processed foods like granola bars, crackers, cookies, some peanut butter, and breads. If the list of ingredients includes partially hydrogenated oil, put it back on the shelf. Avoid processed foods, soda, and meats that are high in saturated fat. Try to limit sugar, simple carbs like bagels, and alcohol since these won't fill you up, so you'll end up eating extra calories you don't need. Also, steer clear of foods that personally cause you bloating like dairy products, sweeteners, or bread.
The Trifecta
You don't need to give up carbs and go all crazy with a protein-only diet. Instead, CrossFit competitor Christmas Abbott told us to embrace the macronutrient trifecta of proteins, complex carbs, and healthy fats to help reduce overall body fat, which will aid in reducing stubborn belly fat. Including all three in your meals will make you feel more satisfied so you end up consuming smaller portions. Plus, you'll feel fuller longer which helps you consume fewer total calories.
This Is Exactly What You Need to Do For a Strong, Lean Body and Fast Metabolism
I recently sat down with DIAKADI personal trainer Liz Letchford, MS, ATC (and PhD candidate!), and lamented about how sore I was after a recent Megaformer class. "It's because of the eccentric exercises," she told me. Those slow and controlled resistance movements? "They leave you the most sore . . . but the good thing is that they also make you stronger."
Are you familiar with eccentric exercises? Liz shared that they're the best kind of move you can do for gaining strength. "You are maintaining the contraction as the muscles are lengthening, which creates a lot of tension on the sarcomeres (tiny structural bits of the muscle) which creates damage, so you get stronger . . . but also feel way more sore due to the damage."
Here's an example she described: you're slowly lowering yourself from a pull-up position instead of letting your weight pull you down. Or think about doing a bicep curl - you'd curl in quickly, then release much slower; curl in for one count, out for four counts. Make sense?
Try this: do a "negative" push-up. Start in a plank position with your arms and legs straight, shoulders above the wrists, core engaged. Take a breath in, and as you exhale, slowly bend your elbows, lowering your entire body to the floor for a six- to eight-second count. This counts as one rep and as an eccentric exercise!
Liz said that "by increasing your muscular strength and the body's requirement for energy (aka your metabolism), your body uses its fuel more efficiently." What this means is you're using calories and energy to "fuel your muscles instead of storing it as fat." She noted that eccentric moves create "strong muscles," which in turn "will increase your metabolism."
She also said it's important to note that "there's no such thing as 'long, lean muscles,'" but you also shouldn't worry about the idea of "bulking," because that's a myth as well. "Women don't have the physiological ability to get bulky," she told POPSUGAR. "Not without seriously training, eating [a very specific diet], and taking supplements and hormones. . . . We lack the levels of testosterone that help men gain muscle and metabolize fat easily."
"Your muscles will grow according to how much demand is placed on them," she said. "If you want the 'long, lean' look, it's about not training for hypertrophy," (think moderate to light weight but tons of reps) "but instead training for strength" (i.e. eccentric exercises!) "and following a healthy diet."
12 Brand-New Books You Should Cozy Up With in September
Just because the season of kicking back by the pool with a good book is over doesn't mean your reading list has to suffer. If anything, cozying up next to a warm fire with a cup of tea and a page-turner sounds just as lovely (and you won't get sunburned in the process). Since we've already blazed through our picks for August, we went ahead and looked at all the best fiction and nonfiction titles hitting bookshelves in September. See what you should check out next ahead!
Jason Momoa's Shirt Isn't the Only Thing That's Ripped in These Photos
Jason Momoa loves going to the beach almost as much as we love looking at his bulging biceps. On Friday, the actor took a break from filming Aquaman to go surfing near Byron Bay in New South Wales, Australia. Wearing colorful swim shorts and a sleeveless shirt, Jason put his gorgeous arms on full display as he walked along the ocean with his board. He even showed off his beautiful locks as he played with his hair while grabbing a drink with friends. If his incredible physique didn't convince you, then his love for the water should definitely prove he's the perfect Aquaman.
36 Couples Costume Ideas That Are Ridiculously Cheap
If you and your boo (no Halloween pun intended) are looking for costume ideas, we've got you covered. Picking out matching costumes can be incredibly pricey, which is why we put together our favorite affordable ideas. These costumes can be re-created with items from your own closet or with a little bit of crafting. Save tons of money this year while still being creative!
For Newbies and Veteran Yogis Alike: 50 Essential Yoga Poses
You've been thinking about starting yoga, but who can blame you for being intimidated? Especially after seeing pictures of people balancing on their hands or sitting with their legs behind their heads. We're here to ease your anxiety. This is a list of the most basic poses found in any yoga class or DVD. While some poses are more challenging than others, most won't leave you knotted up like a pretzel. Becoming familiar with these essential yoga poses will boost your confidence, but even if you're a seasoned yogi, you'll appreciate having all your favorite yoga poses all in one spot.
How to Get Your Sh*t Together When You’re Feeling Stagnant
Like many young American women, I totally do not fit under the category of "the people who surprised everyone and really did something with themselves." That's because I just graduated college and I don't know how anyone expects recent college grads to have the résumé of a seasoned elder when we're all still so insanely young.
I don't believe that anyone straight out of college should feel like they need to have their lives perfectly in order. It's unrealistic and (can I be honest?) seems kind of boring. The idea of having my entire life set out for me at this exact moment is highly unappealing. I want to work a thousand different jobs! Have different experiences! Accidentally buy a ticket to Ireland and then be forced to go by myself because I'm impulsive and don't think anything through!
Life is good right now and I'm extremely thankful for the place that I'm in at this very moment. I'm healthy, I'm making money, and I'm able to wake myself up early enough that I can do my makeup before going to work (at least most of the time).
If we act like we have our sh*t together, eventually it's bound to happen, right?
But up until recently, I still didn't feel like I was a real adult, which is an insane concept! I am an adult! But this is totally a millennial thing. I'm not the only one of my peers who feels this way. Employment for recent college grads is dropping and it seems like no one can move out of their childhood bedroom. These are two major life events that we associate with adulthood, and millennials just don't have as good of a chance at either of the two as our parents and grandparents. And even for those who have accomplished getting a job and moving out, there's still a good chance that we're going to be calling Mom for some extra cash come the first of the month.
But hey, I believe in the power of manifestation. The law of attraction tells us that if we send positive vibes into the universe, we get positive vibes back. Now, the only positive vibes I concretely believe in come out of a battery-powered piece of plastic, but this law of attraction thing might just be onto something. If we act like we have our sh*t together, eventually it's bound to happen, right?
1. Stay productive
Don't let yourself get stagnant. OK, so you didn't get a job right out of college. One will come. I can't tell you when, how, what it will be, or how much you'll love it, but you'll find a job eventually. And hey, maybe it has absolutely nothing to do with your career path of choice, but at the end of the day you need money and there will be someone out there willing to give it to you.
But if it's not what you want, you have to stay productive. It's easy to let yourself become stagnant in a job you aren't passionate about. But you have to pursue your interests outside of work. Volunteer at an animal shelter. Freelance. Bake a cake.
2. Adapt healthy habits
Adults give a hoot about their health. It's amazing how much of a difference adding healthy habits to your life can make. When I started cooking for myself, I swear to God I went from broke college grad to frugal young professional. Nothing else changed other than the fact that I made my food instead of hoarded it from the dining hall. And get in a total of 30 minutes of structured exercise a day for your endorphins.
3. Track your expenses
I avoided doing this for a long time because I hated admitting to myself that I spent too much money and was living beyond my means. Then I opened a savings account because I figured, well, it's the right thing to do, and suddenly I loved seeing money stay put. I loved seeing the number go up. So I started tracking my expenses and doing so makes me a lot less tempted to spend.
This doesn't have to be hard. I just have a spreadsheet in my Google Drive with columns for what I spend money on, method of payment, how much I deposit, and the level of necessity. It's a lot easier to stop spending money on useless things when you have to evaluate each purchase by how vital it is to sustaining your life.
4. Discipline yourself
Maybe you don't do the laundry often enough. Maybe you always forget to pack food and end up spending too much money on lunch. Maybe you have been putting off cleaning that one skillet for a solid two weeks because you don't want to face scrubbing away burnt quinoa. Just do it already.
5. Get rid of your bad friends already
It took me a total of one hour to cut out a bad friend earlier this month. And it was both the hardest and easiest decision I had to make. It makes absolutely no sense to hang on to people who you know just really suck the life out of you. Ankle weights are the only kind of weight that should slow you down.
6. Meditate
Guided meditation and practicing mindfulness has made me super focused. I'm lucky that I'm the first one to the office in the morning, because it gives me some time alone. I get to work a little early and do a five-minute guided meditation. I literally type "five min guided meditation" on YouTube and pick one to get my day started.
I've also been reading You Are Here by Thich Nhat Hanh. He talks about the impermanence of everything. Just think about that - everything is temporary! Unemployment, feelings of doubt, life in general. It's easier to move forward when you know you have somewhere to go. If you know you aren't where you want to be, figure out what the right direction is and do something about it.
I Gained Weight Because of These 3 Lunch Mistakes
Straight out of college and having lived off a diet of cereal, pasta, and bagels, I was having major stomach issues, so I thought gluten was the culprit. When I gave it up, I wanted to replace it with something that felt just as comforting as a bowl of noodles, so I turned to rice.
For lunch, I would cook up one cup of rice and add one can of beans. That was lunch for two days. TWO DAYS. Holy carb overload. You would have thought I was training for a marathon. I did this for about a year and ended up getting pretty chunky, when I was actually trying to lose weight! I wish someone had told me not to make these three mistakes.
Portion Control!
While rice and beans is full of fiber and protein, I was probably eating twice the amount I should have been. I should have read and followed the serving sizes suggested on the packages and divided that lunch into four containers instead of two.
No Veggies
Beans do count as veggies, but since they're high in calories and carbs, they definitely should not have been the only veggie in my bowl. I should have cooked those beans up with red peppers, carrots, mushrooms, broccoli, corn, and kale. Or maybe had a big salad and plopped a few spoonfuls of rice and beans on top to make it more filling. Or maybe I should have discovered veggie-packed alternatives and made this cauliflower rice and beans! Veggies are low in calories, high in fiber, and high in water content, so they would have satisfied my appetite without causing weight gain.
No Fat
For someone reason, I was convinced that eating fat would make me fat. But on the contrary, healthy fats can make you feel fuller longer, so they can help with weight loss. I should have added a few slices of avocado on top or added some dressing and sliced almonds to a side salad.
This Boring Entryway Is Unrecognizable After a Lowe's Makeover
So many of us can relate to having an entryway that's incongruous with the rest of the house. Maybe you just haven't had time to decorate it yet or maybe it's so big and overwhelming that you don't even know where to start. That was the case for these homeowners whose all-white foyer, with its soaring ceiling, was a blank canvas just waiting for design guru Monica Mangin to work her magic on in the Lowe's original series The Weekender. Check out the dramatic after images and get all the design and product details in the slideshow ahead.
A Sleep Physician Reveals 20 Expert Secrets to a Better Night's Rest
Sleep has never come easy to me - and I know I'm not alone with this issue. Whether it's waking up countless times throughout the night, getting up in the morning feeling as if I didn't sleep at all, or having trouble actually nodding off at night, I'm always looking for ways to improve my rest.
Dr. Nate Watson is a sleep specialist, past president of the American Academy of Sleep Medicine (AASM), professor of neurology at the University of Washington, and codirector of the University of Washington Medicine Sleep Center. So we're going to go out on a limb and say he knows what he's talking about when it comes to sleep. He recently did an IamA on Reddit to address people's questions about how to improve their sleep habits, and his answers are so enlightening. Read on to see his helpful advice.
1. I have had issues falling asleep since I was 6. My brain wont quiet down. I am constantly thinking about something. Any tips?
"I suggest that you start a worry journal in the evening, set aside 15 minutes before you go to bed - write down your negative thoughts and then close the book, allowing you to go to bed with those thoughts on the page, not in your head."
2. How can a person determine how much sleep they actually need?
"Adults need seven or more hours, but each person is unique. You may need nine hours a night to feel rested. Take three weeks to fall asleep when you are tired and wake up refreshed without an alarm. That should determine how much sleep you need personally."
3. Why are some humans more nocturnal and others more diurnal?
"Chronotype is the notion that some people are 'morning larks' while others are 'night owls.' Much of this is genetically determined."
4. Why is that when I'm home I have to be laying down and comfortable to fall asleep and sometimes it still takes a while, but at work I can fall asleep sitting up in a chair with background noise all around?
"Sleeping better outside of your typical home environment may indicate a problem with your home sleep environment. Check out this page for a lot of info that may help."
5. Why do we sleep?
"Much of that is yet to be determined. We do know that the spaces in the brain expand to allow clearing out of the day's thoughts - like a garbage man for the brain."
6. What are some exercises (if any) you can do to improve REM sleep or deep sleep in general?
"A hot bath before bed has been shown to increase deep non-REM sleep. Some medications can reduce REM sleep (anti-depressants)."
7. I have diagnosed sleep apnea but hate the machine (can never sleep comfortably with it). Any advice ?
"1) Make sure you are of optimal weight 2) Avoid sleeping on your back to keep nasal passages clear. These are conservative measures. Other options are oral appliances custom fabricated by a dentist. There are also surgical options from ear, nose, and throat specialists. We always recommend seeing a board-certified sleep specialist to sort this out for you."
8. Do you have any tips for napping? I don't know how long it will take me to get to sleep, so how do I know when to set an alarm?
"Just set your alarm for 10-15 min. from when you lay down so you don't wake from a deeper stage of sleep and be groggy."
9. Does length of sleep have more of an affect on a person than the actual quality of it? At what point does quality and length even out?
"The bottom line is that very few people are able to succeed and be healthy on less than seven hours of sleep per night. Many who claim to get little sleep are probably exaggerating - and if they're not, I suspect that they would be even more successful, and much healthier in the long term, if their brains and bodies were fully charged with sleep. We tend to be poor judges of our alertness level, and we underestimate how we are affected by insufficient sleep. In addition, there is a ton of data to support that not getting enough sleep puts you at greater risk for heart disease, high blood pressure, diabetes, and more."
10. Does this length of sleep needed to feel rested differ from person to person or do we all collectively need exactly eight hours as many are told from youth?
"While most adults need seven or more hours of sleep each night, a small percentage of people function well on less sleep. If you feel refreshed when you wake up and remain alert throughout the day without needing to take a nap, then you may be getting enough sleep. But the problem is that we tend to be poor judges of our alertness level, and we underestimate how we are affected by insufficient sleep. In addition, there is a ton of data to support that not getting enough sleep puts you at greater risk for heart disease, high blood pressure, diabetes, and more. Try sleeping seven plus hours for a week, and I think you'll notice a more energetic, productive version of yourself that you didn't know existed."
11. Why don't I dream? Or rather why don't I remember my dreams?
"You for sure are dreaming. You only remember them if you wake from the dream. Not waking from REM sleep is good and indicates you likely have healthy sleep."
12. How does one deal with insomnia?
"If you think you may have insomnia, ask yourself the following questions: 1) Does it take you more than 30 minutes to fall asleep, or do you wake up during the night and have trouble returning to sleep, or do you wake up earlier than desired? 2) Do you have daytime symptoms such as fatigue, moodiness, sleepiness, or reduced energy? 3) Do you give yourself enough time in bed to get at least seven hours of sleep each night? 4) Do you go to bed in a safe, dark, and quiet environment that should allow you to sleep well? If you answered 'yes' to all of these questions, then you may have insomnia."
13. Are there any ethical restrictions against conducting studies to see how long people can go without sleep beyond a certain point, and what is the cutoff, if there is one?
"Rats die after about three weeks of total sleep deprivation. This is how we know sleep is essential to life. I have seen studies of 24-36 hours of sleep deprivation, but not much longer than that."
14. Did it ever happen to you that you were dreaming and you suddenly fall out of nowhere in your dream then wake up in panic thinking you just fell?
"That's called a 'hypnic jerk' and it is normal."
How is it that I wake up almost exactly one hour before my alarm goes off?
"You are probably thinking about this before you go to bed - this could be a self-fulfilling prophecy and I recommend not looking at the clock."
15. Is sleeping on your stomach bad for you? Is there anything such as a good sleeping position that keeps pressure of certain organs?
"Sleeping position is mostly personal preference, but if you can't sleep comfortably on your back, it may be a sign of sleep apnea."
16. I seem to sleep fine, but hell am I tired constantly; what's that all about?
"There are medical causes for fatigue that you should have checked out by your doctor. This could also be an indication of a sleep disorder. Sleep and sleep disease, such as obstructive sleep apnea and insomnia, are increasingly recognized as vital to a wide variety of public health and chronic disease concerns, including obesity, hypertension, and cancer. Definitely make sure you getting at least seven hours, too."
17. Why do some people enjoy "white noise" while they sleep?
"There is some thought that white noise might replicate the sounds you heard in the womb - making it soothing for children and adults."
18. Have you studied lucid dreaming at all?
"It is something that you can teach yourself and it can be an exhilarating experience. Stephen Laberge has produced some excellent teaching materials. Check them out!"
19. How do you feel about taking melatonin before sleep? Sometimes when I take melatonin I will wake up at 5 or 6 in the morning no matter what time I go to sleep. Why is this?
"Melatonin is not a 'sleeping pill' per se and has never been FDA approved. If you take it, then take it at least three hours before your intended bedtime, if not sooner, to notice any effect."
20. Can I train my body to need less sleep?
"Sorry, no."
The Surprising $9 Product That Saved Me From Toy Room Hell
I'm a skilled organizer: I'm at the Container Store on a weekly basis, my drawers have gone through a full Marie Kondo-inspired transformation, and my husband maintains I'm a closeted hoarder in that no one knows how much crap I own because I do such a good job of tucking it all away.
But somehow, my kid's toys make me unravel. If my home were a Pinterest-perfect pantry, my toddler's room would be the junk drawer.
Because we live in an apartment without the extra space for a playroom (never mind storage for the coveted ability to "rotate toys" so that my children are "constantly stimulated" and "unencumbered by clutter"), I've got only so much space to contain all of my tot's books, dolls, toys, and clothes. I spent entirely too much money - roughly $200 - outfitting the inside of her two closet doors with Elfa-branded racks and hanging baskets, and there were still finger puppets and Thomas the Tank Engine trains and dress-up jewelry scattered on the floor. I had exhausted most of the wall real estate with bookshelves and storage bins, so I really had only the door to her room left to work with. And only a few dollars left to spend.
That's when Amazon Prime came to the rescue. Aimlessly searching for door organizers, it led me right to the most clever toy organizing hack that was under my nose the whole time: the ubiquitous over-the-door shoe organizer.
I bought the cheapest one I could find: the SimpleHouseware Crystal Clear Over-the-Door Hanging Shoe Organizer for a measly $9. Free next-day shipping and everything.
Here's what makes this simple product a total game changer when used in a kid's room:
- It's a breeze to install. Unlike our previous purchases that required drilling into doors and furniture solutions that involved stressful trips to Ikea, this came right to my front door with the click of a button. And I affixed it to my daughter's door in roughly 15 seconds.
- It fits a ton. I bought this organizer shortly after my kiddo's birthday party, and it essentially took care of her added swag (as much as I do want to purge, it's nice to be able to put it off awhile longer).
- It's clear, so you can see everything. You don't have to bother with labeling (as much as you might enjoy it), and your kid won't get frustrated looking for things.
- It'll encourage your kid to actually play with everything. This organizer is perfect for the small, random trinkets that otherwise get lost in the bottom of a deep bin. I've found that many of my other storage solutions have led to my kid never playing with those toys again because she'd, for instance, forgotten that they were in that tub under her bed. This organizer, for better or worse, puts it all out in the open.
- It creates some boundaries. For younger kids, they can get to the toys on the lowest few levels themselves, but it's nice to be able to store items that they can't access without your help up top. Those upper pouches are perfect for iPads, flashcards they might rip to shreds if you're out of the room, or toys with tiny pieces that require your supervision, particularly if, like me, you have a baby starting to crawl.
- It has so many uses. I filled my kid's organizer with a general smattering of toys, but if you have more doors (or a kid with more specific interests), you could have your organizer house only Barbie dolls or have it serve as a Lego command center, with each pouch holding a different color set of bricks.
- It's cheap. Even if you opt for one of higher quality, which I eventually did, it's still not going to break the bank. There's a top-of-the-line mesh one with oversize storage pockets that might be more conducive to different-size toys, and it's $18.
- It can be repurposed. Once your kids outgrow their massive toy collection, the organizer can be used for a tween's accessory collection or for its originally intended use of housing shoes.
If you too are living in toy room hell, get one for your kid's room now. There's really no better way to spend less than $10.
Mountain Highs: Head to Jackson Hole, WY, For a Wild Weekend
Wyoming? When just saying a state's name sounds like a doubt-filled question, it might be hard to get pumped about using your PTO for a vacation there. But like Paris, Jackson Hole is always a good idea.
For one, it offers four seasons of fun, especially for those people nurtured by nature or craving an adrenaline rush. The air is fresh, as is the beer. The mountains are majestic, the wildflowers vibrant, the people welcoming, the food and shopping scene constantly improving. Hell, even the airport, the only commercial one inside a national park, has a roaring fire, reclaimed wood paneling, and a fine-art photography exhibit. And thanks to a movement to turn downtown motels past their prime into plaid-clad influencer bait at slightly more affordable price points, there has never been a better time to grab your fleece and head into the wild of the Cowboy State.
7 Actors Who Were Almost in Buffy the Vampire Slayer
No matter how much of a die-hard fan you think you are of Buffy the Vampire Slayer, there's always new interesting facts to discover about the show as the years go by. Recently, I found out that Katie Holmes was initially offered the role as Buffy Summers and, yes, my mind was completely blown. (No one could have played that part better than Sarah Michelle Gellar.) Read on to see six other jaw-dropping casting facts about the series ahead.
Halloween Is Taking Over Disney California Adventure Soon - Here's a Peek!
For the first time ever, Halloween Time is taking over Disney California Adventure Park in addition to Disneyland. Buena Vista Street and Cars Land will be decked out for the spooky festivities, Luigi's Rollickin' Roadsters will be transformed into Luigi's Honkin' Haul-O-Ween, and even more fun is in store! Did we mention that the Guardians of the Galaxy attraction is getting a monster makeover too? Check out the photos and concept art ahead to get a sneak peek at what to expect this year.
You'll Never Have to Worry About Lost Luggage Again Thanks to This Item Tracker
There's a strong case against checking in your luggage: it can get damaged, it's inconvenient, and worst of all, it can get lost. But if you're a perpetual overpacker or your travels require more than a carry-on, you can't always avoid checking in. It's a definite risk, but there is a solution that may help put your mind at ease, at least in terms of knowing where your bags are at all times. Highly favorited luggage brand Away and item tracker Tile teamed up to create a luggage tag ($30) that every traveler needs.
The 100 percent leather tag features an opening made to fit the Tile Slim, which pairs with your smart phone via Bluetooth. It's basically like Find My iPhone for your things. You can locate your suitcase on the Tile app from any of your devices, which will show you where it's at down to the street and city.
You can also follow it on the app's map like below.
Though it doesn't prevent the airline from losing your luggage, you'll at least have peace of mind and you can help them retrieve it faster knowing exactly where it's at. If your suitcase is beyond the Tile's Bluetooth range, you can also select "Notify When Found" in the app to be automatically notified of its most recent location when any Tile user with a phone or tablet simply passes by your missing item. It's pretty awesome.
I've purchased the smaller Tile Mate for my boyfriend - who's known to lose his keys, phone, and wallet often - before and it's been an absolute lifesaver. You can hook the Tile Mate onto your keychain or stick a Slim onto any of your devices, or, like its name suggests, the Slim is sleek enough to fit in your wallet if you have no travel use for it. Clicking the center of your Tile will also call your phone (even when it's on silent) in the reverse situation. Anything you want to keep your eye on, whether it's a child/drunk friend or a remote, can be tracked!
This "Liquid Rainbow" May Just Be the Most Beautiful River in the World
Caño Cristales is proof that magic is real, and Mother Nature is behind the spell. The "Rainbow River" in Colombia - also sometimes called the "river of five colors" - changes between hues of yellow, blue, green, red, and orange. The macarenia clavigera plant in the water affects the colors of the river, depending on the light, time of year, and conditions of the water. Caño Cristales has circular rock pools and small waterfalls that make it an even more incredible sight to see. Read on to see the absolutely jaw-dropping photos of the Colombian river.
The Breakthrough That Helped 1 Woman Lose the Last 15 Pounds
Sam was working out five to seven times a week, teaching class at her blossoming studio Fuse45 in Michigan, and prepping to compete on Jillian Michaels's show Sweat Inc. Still, she couldn't shed the last 15 pounds she'd been holding on to. "You know your body better than everyone else, and I knew I was bigger than I needed to be. I was thicker than I needed to be," Sam recalled.
Samantha Before
Sam had little success with dieting in the past and decided not to go it alone this time. Instead, she linked up with Ricki Friedman, health coach and creator of Break the Weight, to determine what was holding her back. Since Sam was already incredibly active, her major lifestyle changes needed to happen in the kitchen. In a little over three months and without making a single change to her workout routine, she lost 15 pounds.
Samantha After
A self-described "good eater," Sam dealt with quantity and portion-control issues, often finding herself feeling stuffed after mealtime. "I really struggled with actually recognizing what and how much I was eating. I've learned that food really does excite me and make me happy more than I realized before. I am envious of the people who don't think about their next meal or care too much about what they will order at a new restaurant. Since I am one of these people with an emotional relationship with food, I learned that I have to be extra aware so I can make the right choices even in the hard moments."
"It is especially hard when you are used to being really fit, really active, and you are burning a lot of calories, and you feel like you can eat whatever you want, just like when you were 15 or 16," Sam said. "Our metabolisms are not what they used to be when we were younger." Sam began taking a short walk during and after meals. She started walking 10,000 steps a day (a staple in the BREAKER program) that was separate from working out. Samantha credits walking and says that it helps her have a clear head, which helps her make better choices.
Health coach Ricki determined the amount of calories Sam needed to eat to support her active lifestyle (around 1,600 each day), and Sam began journaling her food with MyFitnessPal to keep her choices in check. Here's what an average day of meals looks like for Sam:
Breakfast: She used to load up on a big breakfast of nonfat yogurt, oatmeal, nuts, and a banana, but later Sam realized that while all those foods are healthy, it's simply too much. Now, Sam only eats the oatmeal and a small portion of nuts, which keeps her full until lunch.
Lunch: Sam makes her own salad at a local grocery store most days that's 40 percent protein (either salmon or grilled tofu), 40 percent greens, and 20 percent carbs (usually quinoa or sweet potato). She usually dresses her greens in lemon juice and olive oil.
Dinner: If Sam is cooking at home, it's typically salmon or chicken plus a cooked green like brussels sprouts or sautéed spinach. When she doesn't have time to grocery shop, she always has whole-wheat or lentil pasta on hand, so she can whip up dinner quickly. If she's out to a nice dinner, Sam orders fish with double veggies instead of a starch. However, if she has been "good and controlled all day," she isn't "crazy picky about dinner."
In her new program, Sam didn't cut out entire food groups or say goodbye to her favorite treats forever. "If I go to a party and all they have is pizza, I have one piece instead of three," Sam explained. "I am a partier, and if there is a pizza party, I am not going to be the girl who says, 'No, I don't eat that.' I had to learn if I am going to have the pizza, how am I going to correct it in other areas?"
For Sam and so many other women who want to see a change in their shape, it is all about finding this balance with food. As much as we wish an extra workout session would make up for a ton of indulgent choices, the truth remains: even when you're working out like a badass, abs are made in the kitchen.
lundi 4 septembre 2017
Wear Your Activism Loud and Proud With These Powerful Tattoos
The fight for equality and social justice around the world feels more important now than ever before. If you're part of those who #resist sexism, racism, homophobia, xenophobia, and bigotry, we've rounded up 16 gorgeous tattoos that will always be there to remind you why you have to keep fighting the good fight. Check them out ahead.
How to Make a Cramped Kitchen Feel Light and Open
Making the most of a cramped kitchen doesn't mean that beautiful design needs to take a backseat to efficiency. Designer and blogger Kristin Jackson used Home Depot's exclusive Martha Stewart Living™ Kitchen collection to transform her tiny space into a magazine-worthy masterpiece - all without adding a single square foot.
Nicaragua: Tips For the Active and Adventurous
Nicaragua is a popular destination for vacationers and backpackers alike, and with good reason. The small country has a bit of everything - gorgeous beaches, incredible volcanoes, coffee and cocoa farms, colonial cities, and mystical lakes - the opportunity for adventure is seemingly endless. Whether you like surfing, hiking, or kayaking, Nicaragua has something to keep you outside and moving your body.
Disney Just Released an Interchangeable Bow Collection For Mouse Ears, and OMG!
Be honest: how many pairs of Mickey and Minnie ears do you really have - or aspire to have? If you're a true Disney parks fan, chances are the number is pretty high. Luckily, Disney is happy to oblige our deepest desires, because it keeps releasing products we're scrambling to dish out our cash for - rose gold Minnie ears being the latest and greatest example.
But what if you could change out the bows on just one set of ears? Starting now, you can! Disney World just released the Disney Interchangeable Bow Collection, which allows you to purchase a mouse ear headband, which comes with a black-and-silver polka-dot Minnie bow that you can change out for other themed bows. The headband also has three spaces on it, so you can center your bow or put it off to either side, depending on the look you're going for.
There are 10 Disney-character-inspired bows sold separately, which you can attach to your starter headband. The styles available are Alice, Cheshire Cat, the Queen of Hearts, Ariel, Aurora, Maleficent, Cinderella, Cruella de Vil, Jasmine, and Yzma.
Right now, the headband is just available at Walt Disney World, but fingers crossed something like it makes its way to other Disney parks as well. Watch the video ahead to see all the awesome ways you can wear it.
How Scary Is American Horror Story: Cult? Depends on What Scares You
Warning: light spoilers (and scary images) for American Horror Story: Cult lurk below.
Turn on all the lights: we're on the cusp of another exciting season of American Horror Story. The seventh installment of the iconic series hits TV screens on Sept. 5, and we're about to be plunged into a world of cults, clowns, bees, and serious paranoia. If you're a die-hard horror fan who's dead inside (like me!), then there's no question: you're going to watch the sh*t out of Cult. However, if you're on the fence about horror and have an undeniable curiosity about the new season, you're probably wondering if you can stomach it. I hate to tell you this, but the answer is probably no.
This season of AHS gets under your skin in more ways than one, and it exploits some of the most basic fears in the horror genre. The first and most obvious fear is clowns. In the show, main character Ally (Sarah Paulson) suffers from coulrophobia, which is an irrational fear of the "fun" circus performers. Actually, though, it's pretty common to fear clowns. That's why It, with its terrifying Pennywise the Clown, is one of the most terrifying stories ever (and why people are freaking out over the very realistic remake).
And the thing is, there are a lot of clowns on this show. We see the return of Twisty and his mangled face from Freak Show. In addition, there are a bunch of other creepy clowns. They're a groups of miscreants who may be hallucinations of a very rattled Ally, but they seem to also be a very real group of troublemakers who are terrorizing families all over town.
If the clowns don't get you, the home invasion scenarios will. Cult has a pretty astounding way of building tension and terror into a lot of its scenes, especially when a character is alone. In the premiere, Ally has a traumatic experience in a grocery store, but then it seems to follow her home. In the vein of The Strangers and Hush and other such terrifying in-home horrors, a lot of Cult's worst sequences take place in the safety of residential homes. And this isn't just silly break-ins. Citizens are getting ambushed in bed. Some are getting murdered. If you're getting the urge to lock your door right now, you might want to skip.
So, let's say you can handle the clowns and the home invaders. Can you deal with the tiny holes? Ally's other huge mental hurdle is trypophobia, which is basically a fear of tiny clusters of holes. In the show, Ally can't even look at a piece of coral in the office of Dr. Vincent (Cheyenne Jackson). During one particular gross hallucination, her biscuit is suddenly filled with holes, and blood oozes out of all the pores. It's enough to make anyone squirm, let alone someone who's actually disgusted by the phenomenon.
The thing about these three huge aspects of terror on Cult is that they all intermix. After all, it's the group of clowns that does most of the home invading. The trypophobia may manifest in miscellaneous ways, as we mentioned above, but one of the clowns literally has a face full of tiny holes. All of these big fears lump into one gargantuan sense of unrest. In every scene, anything could manifest that could set you off and really have you gripping your seat cushion. Or, you know, maybe you'll just be bombarded with all three. Watch American Horror Story: Cult if you dare, but my distinct sense as a horror fan who's dead inside is that it's pretty damn scary.
The 1 Thing Beyoncé Told Me That I'll Never Forget
"No kissing Beyoncé." Those were the words I heard in my ear from Beyoncé's bodyguard, Julius, right before I stepped up to meet her in 2011. She was promoting her new fragrance launch at Macy's with a meet and greet for customers. I remember that entire day vividly. I had planned in my head what I would say once I finally got over the shock that I was actually speaking to the "Irreplaceable" singer. I even wrote a heartfelt letter to her, but after that polarizing warning, I decided not to give it to her - way to sober my nerves right before I meet my idol, Julius! To put things in context, this surreal moment was a dream five years in the making, and it was finally about to come true.
My obsession with Beyoncé began in 2006. Of course I knew about the Destiny's Child ringleader long before then, but if I'm being honest, I wasn't the biggest fan. Then something happened - something magical. Something that proved to me that the power of music can really heal.
I was a freshman in high school at the time, struggling to adjust to a new environment, all while trying to find myself as a young, black, gay teenager. I had experienced a lot of bullying in junior high school and I feared a repeat. It was a rough transition for me. I isolated myself from my friends and started cutting classes, which caused my grades to drop to an all-time low. I was on the verge of dropping out - and then I discovered "Déjà Vu," a song from Beyonce's sophomore album B'Day. There was something about this project, full of aggressive and confident up-tempo tracks, that made me feel better. I remember playing it over and over because of the feeling it gave me. I wanted to know more about the woman behind the music that was powerful enough to make me happy even in my saddest times.
It was Beyoncé's music that pulled me out of that darkness. Her voice was my beacon of light. Her ferociousness made me feel confident in myself. It was a huge turning point for me. As I got to know more about her, watching her work ethic inspired and motivated me to pursue my goals of becoming a writer, and not to give up. I started going back to class and picking my grades up. And I graduated from high school with amazing honors.
I remember walking over to meet Beyoncé that warm September day at Macy's. My mind was racing, because I wanted to get out everything I felt in my heart in just the few seconds I had. I sat down next to her, and the first thing I said to her was, "You don't know how much you mean to me." I could feel the tears well up in my eyes as I told her how much she inspired me. I started shaking, and Beyoncé did what any mom would do - she was pregnant at the time with Blue Ivy! - she reached over and rubbed my shoulder and my hand as I spoke to her, trying to calm me down. I gazed into her honey-brown eyes, and the more I spoke my love for her, I could tell she was listening intently. Before I could burst out into tears, I heard the photographer say "Smile for Beyoncé!" We turned towards the camera, and he took the picture. That was it. My moment, which felt like eternity in my head, only lasted about two minutes. But I wasn't ready to leave just yet.
I extended my arm out, and Beyoncé put her hand into mine. I told her, "I hope you now know how much I appreciate you." Bey smiled and replied, "Aww, you are SO cute!" (I'm pretty sure I died in that moment, but I managed to walk away somehow). I walked outside of Macy's feeling like I was on a cloud, when a reporter from the New York Daily News came up to me and asked me about my experience. I told him everything, and my story about Beyoncé ended up in the newspaper.
Many people love Beyoncé because she's beautiful, or because of her fierceness, or her flawless dance moves - but my admiration to Bey runs deeper than that. Her music pulled me back from the brink of self destruction, and I will forever be thankful. It's not often that people get to meet their idols and I understand how incredibly lucky I am to have spent that short but sweet moment with Queen Bey - the one that I'll always cherish.
30 Not-So-Spooky Halloween Books For Tots
All Hallows' Eve is fast approaching. How are you getting your little munchkins ready for the spookiest night of the year? Get your kiddos into the Halloween spirit with these 30 not-so-spooky books that will help babies and tots get in the mood for the big day without scaring them altogether. Check them out!
15 Classic Chicken Dishes You Need to Know How to Make
When it comes to cooking chicken, sometimes it's best to turn to the classics. There's a handful of tried-and-true chicken recipes you'll thank yourself for learning and mastering, including chicken piccata, fried chicken, pan-seared chicken thighs, and more. You'll finally look forward to making chicken for dinner once you discover these 15 classic chicken recipes that everyone should know.
13 of This Year's Best Halloween Costumes to Rock as a Group
This year has been . . . interesting, to say the least. If nothing else, 2017 has supplied us with ample Halloween costume fodder - especially for a group of badass best friends. We rounded up some fun group costume ideas inspired by the cultural happenings of this year, from the Taylors in the "Look What You Made Me Do" video to some Gorgeous Ladies of Wrestling.
The Details of Jimi Hendrix's Death Are Still Pretty Frightening, Even 50 Years Later
Image Source: Getty / Redferns
Just hearing the name Jimi Hendrix conjures an electric energy; after all, this was the guy who performed a now-iconic rendition of "The Star-Spangled Banner" at Woodstock and set his guitar on fire at the Monterey Pop Festival. But just a few years after hitting it big in the music world, Jimi's life would end in a very sad way.
In the days before his death, Jimi hadn't been feeling great; he was overworked, wasn't sleeping, and reportedly had the flu. On Sept. 17, 1970, Jimi was in London with his girlfriend, a German painter named Monika Dannemann. The two spent the evening at her apartment at the Samarkand Hotel in Notting Hill, chilling out, smoking hashish, and drinking tea. They had dinner and shared a bottle of red wine, then Jimi took a bath and Monika drove him to a party hosted by one of Jimi's business associates, Pete Kameron. While at the party, Jimi was said to have taken "at least one amphetamine tablet" known as a "Black Bomber." Monika soon returned to the party, demanding to speak with Jimi, who, according to guests, got angry because she "wouldn't leave him alone." Jimi eventually relented, went downstairs to speak to his girlfriend, and unexpectedly left the party around 3 a.m.
In his book Jimi Hendrix: The Final Days, author Tony Brown recounts the details of Jimi and Monika's night. Monika was the last person to see Jimi alive; she later told authorities that she made tuna sandwiches for them when they got home, and that Jimi, who was still struggling to sleep, asked her for sleeping pills. She said that she wouldn't give them to him, but took one herself around 6 a.m. When she woke up four hours later, Jimi was "sleeping normally" next to her. She left the apartment to go buy cigarettes, came back and found him in bed, breathing but unconscious. She called the police, and an ambulance arrived at 11:27 a.m. Oddly enough, when crew members arrived at the flat, the door was wide open and the curtains were closed, but Monika Dannemann was gone.
Image Source: Getty / Central Press
According to paramedic Reg Jones, Jimi was "covered in vomit," and "his airway was completely blocked all the way down." Once police arrived, Jimi was taken to St. Mary Abbot's Hospital in Kensington, where attempts to resuscitate him were unsuccessful. "He was cold and he was blue," Dr. Martin Seifert explained. "On admission he was obviously dead. He had no pulse, no heartbeat, and the attempt to resuscitate him was merely a formality." Jimi Hendrix was pronounced dead at 12:45 p.m. on Sept. 18, 1970. He was 27.
The autopsy exam concluded that Jimi choked on his own vomit and died of asphyxia while intoxicated with sleeping pills. The coroner didn't find any evidence of suicide, but Monika later stated that Jimi had taken nine of her Vesparax sleeping pills, which would have been 18 times the legal dose. The details of Jimi's death are still being disputed to this day: some believe that red wine was forced down his throat in at attempt to murder him, while others maintain that he died by suicide amid frustrations with the music business. It also doesn't help that Monika's statements to authorities would change significantly each time.
But just 16 days after Jimi's passing, the music world would lose another incredible talent: Janis Joplin was found dead from a heroin overdose in her LA hotel room at the same age as Jimi. The two would become part of a group of famous musicians who coincidentally passed away at the same young age, including Jim Morrison, Kurt Cobain, and Amy Winehouse. While Jimi's life and career was tragically cut short (and the details of his passing are still being debated), his influence and legacy will live on forever.
What You Need to Know About Verrit, the Startup Hillary Clinton Just Endorsed
Hillary Clinton took to Twitter on Sept. 3 to put forth an unexpected endorsement of a new startup called Verrit, dubbing it "a media platform for the 65.8 million!" While the figure is a clear reference to the votes Clinton received during the election, the company itself drew rampant confusion from the internet. From questions as to why she'd involve herself with a startup to what exactly that startup purported to do, the website was primed to receive an influx of millions of curious followers in the wake of the announcement. But as with most politically charged internet things in 2017, the Verrit website was subsequently hacked, went down, and has yet to get back up and running.
I'm excited to sign up for @Verrit, a media platform for the 65.8 million! Will you join me and sign up too? https://t.co/bOLSMyk6bG
- Hillary Clinton (@HillaryClinton) September 3, 2017
But what is Verrit, and why would it be a potential target for a cyberattack? Here, we've run through exactly what we do know about the platform.
What is Verrit?
According to Verrit's DonorBox profile - a popular web destination for investors - the company "collects and contextualizes noteworthy facts, stats, and quotes for politically engaged citizens. We center the shared interests, values, and aspirations of 65.8 million Clinton voters." The Verrit website itself, while down, reiterates that same mission statement but goes on to say that the actual content of the site itself runs on a merit system, where "each verrit" is a verified item of information marked with a seven-digit identification code." It also instructs visitors on how to participate themselves, advising, "to authenticate a verrit, enter the code in the search bar and match it to our database." In other words: it's a source for those who are seeking information tailored to a massive audience of Clinton voters and is aiming to make sure that those voters are armed to the teeth with verified information when they enter social media battles over the facts.
What does it look like?
While the site remains down, the Twitter account is still up and running and provides solid insight into what these messages look like. In short, their statements and facts are confirmed via the crowdsourcing platform to ensure that they're truthful and can be used in public discourse (essentially working to fight against misinformation). They can be used as cards on social media, and they look like this:
http://pic.twitter.com/lW6wF1f1wg
- Verrit (@verrit) August 15, 2017
Who is behind Verrit?
Verrit was created by Peter and Leela Daou, who are both in Clinton's innermost circle. Peter Daou has been a digital strategist for various Clinton campaigns, worked on the John Kerry 2004 presidential effort, and was the voice behind the popular male-based movement #HillaryMen.
What actually took Verrit down?
Conservative publications have taken the stance that the platform went down as a result of the site being wholly unprepared for the massive Clinton following to traffic it simultaneously, though it seems highly improbable that increased traffic would keep a website down for a full day, if not longer. It's far more likely that it was the result of a cyber or DDoS attack from those who saw a clear opportunity to take down a pro-Clinton site. Daou, for his part, has taken to Twitter repeatedly with messages such as, "Hillary endorsed @verrit and it was hit with a DDOS attack. Even though the site is down, WE HAVE 11,000 NEW TWITTER FOLLOWERS in 2 hours."
Why would Hillary back Verrit?
The most obvious reason is that the platform is aimed at her voting base. But beyond that, it's a way to fight against the fake facts that are put forth by the Trump White House - think the Bowling Green massacre or some of the statements we've heard at rallies - and prove that there's a large contingency of regular people who are looking to have a base where they can get real information that they can trust. It's also not uncommon for presidential candidates to try to leverage their base toward a greater mission after the election; for example, Bernie Sanders's massive following and staff were segued into a nonprofit organization called Our Revolution.
Noosa Sees Your Regular Yogurt and Raises You This Pumpkin Pie Heaven in a Cup
If you want all of the pumpkin all of the time, you're absolutely going to need Noosa Yoghurt's pumpkin variety - it's the closest you can come to pumpkin cheesecake for breakfast without actually eating pumpkin cheesecake for breakfast.
We know that yogurt is an excellent protein-packed, debloating snack and breakfast option (it's full of probiotics and active cultures for your gut health!), but Noosa takes it to the next level of decadence: this is essentially a healthy dessert. In a four-ounce, 145-calorie serving, you'll get six grams of protein, 15 grams of sugar, 16 grams of carbohydrates, and six grams of fat.
The Pumpkin flavor Noosa Yoghurt scored am *almost* unanimous 5/5 score, aside from one rogue 3.5 (one person didn't taste the pumpkin).
- In the words of Britney, "Gimme gimme more."
- Pumpkin cheesecake - soooo good!
- Daaaaaaaammmmmnnnn!!!
- So pumpkiny and good!
- Creamy; tastes like real pumpkin!
- Mmmm . . . it's like the PSL
- Like a healthy pumpkin pie you can get away with eating for breakfast! Loving the extra creaminess and all the pumpkin pie spices. I'd add toasted pepitas and cinnamon granola to turn this into an awesome meal.
- Divine!
- Yum yum!
1 Thing You Should Never Eat Right Before Running, According to a Run Coach
While going into a tough workout with an empty stomach is generally ill-advised, there's just as much danger in eating the wrong kind of food before you start exercising. This is especially important before you take off for a run. No matter how far you plan on going, you want to feed your body with the kind of fuel that will help you reach the finish line and not result in being hunched over with stomach cramps.
We spoke with Michael Olzinski, MSc, Purplepatch endurance coach and Equinox run coach, who confirmed the importance of a healthy prerun snack. "If you are going running (or doing most workouts, for that matter), your body needs to deliver blood to the working muscles and limbs," Mike told POPSUGAR. "The worst thing you could do is eat something super dense that takes a lot of energy in the form of blood and acid in your stomach to digest." Your body won't have the energy left to actually do your workout.
Mike puts it this way: "The ideal situation is that your system is pretty clean and clear." Which is why he says you should steer clear of "meat, most dairy, and heavy, complex carbs," as these take a long time and a lot of energy to digest.
"For that reason, I could think of lots of terrible things to eat before a run. But one that covers it all? A cheeseburger!" he said. A cheeseburger or anything remotely similar to that (like a meat-filled burrito or curry) could take eight or more hours to break down in your belly. And that doesn't make for a very pleasant run. "Let's just be real," Mike added. "If you are going running and you have some cheesy hamburger sloshing around in your stomach, you are probably not going to feel like running hard or at all." Gross, but very true.
So leave behind the cheesy, carby stuff before your run, and reach instead for a banana and a scoop of peanut butter or hummus and fresh vegetables. Just follow Mike's golden rule - "clean and clear" - and you'll have a strong, rewarding run.
Grab Your Wallets! Bath & Body Works Now Has Natural Essential Oil Candles
If you beelined to the nearest Bath & Body Works when you heard its Fall candles were in stores, you're going to want to bust out your wallet for its latest release: an all-natural line of essential oil candles! Made with a high concentration of essential oils, an exclusive blend of soy wax, and - of course - its signature three wicks, this latest candle collection is perfect for anyone looking to transform their Fall home into a spa. With 11 scents ranging from deeply relaxing lavender to invigorating eucalyptus, it's seriously hard to choose just one. Then again, for just $25 per candle, you might want to splurge for two.
23 Breathtaking Shots of Ballerinas Against City Backdrops
Ballet can easily be appreciated on stage or in a studio, but it's even more breathtaking when seen in unconventional settings. Photographer Omar Z. Robles beautifully blends dance and street photography, and the results are nothing short of magical. His Instagram account is a collection of stories told through dancers' bodies against urban backdrops. Rather than sneakers on pavement, you see ballet shoes, and instead of leotards and mirrors, you see everyday clothing in movement on the streets of New York and Cuba.
Look ahead to see exactly what this stark contrast looks like - this will take your admiration to the next level.
Just Finished a Run? Try One of These Recovery Snacks
It may seem counterintuitive, but eating after a strenuous workout is a must - especially foods containing a mix of protein and carbohydrates. These nutrients are essential in helping the body replenish lost energy while also helping worked muscles repair and recover. And while sweating through an intense HIIT workout may make you feel like you earned a burger and fries, if weight loss is one of your goals, it's important to fuel the body without taking in more calories than you just burned. If you're not sure what the perfect post-workout snack looks like, here are some solid options for your next sweat session.
Thinking of Trying Weight Watchers? Here's Exactly How (and Why) It Works
It's the Oprah diet (she lost 42 pounds and counting!) and the diet your aunt goes to her weekly meetings for. You've definitely heard of Weight Watchers, but do you know how it works? It's actually one of the most effective diets out there.
In the world of weight loss, Weight Watchers has been ranked 2017's No. 4 best diet overall, the No. 1 best weight-loss diet, and the No. 1 best fast weight-loss diet by U.S. News, and these aren't new accolades; the diet is consistently top ranked and backed up by research. A 2013 study found that dieters are more likely to stick with Weight Watchers (and lose weight) than they were with a treatment from a specialized weight-loss clinic.
So it's been proven effective, people are losing weight and changing their lives, and experts agree that it's one of the best diets you can be on - but how does it work? Here's a breakdown of all the facets that make Weight Watchers so successful.
The Points
The points are the hallmark of this diet. With Weight Watchers, there's less of a focus on calorie counting, but a focus on points instead - this makes sense, because not all calories are created equal. You could eat 200 calories of lean chicken or 200 calories of gummy bears, but that doesn't mean they're the same nutritionally.
So instead of counting calories - which is ultimately too top-line if that's your only means of quantification - every food gets assigned a point value called SmartPoints, and they're based on calories, saturated fat, sugar, and protein.
It works like a "budget." And that makes sense - a lot of people are great at (or at least understand the concept of) budgeting their money but can't apply that principle to their food. You'll put an item down at the store that's too much money, but you probably wouldn't think twice about a food that was super high in sugar and saturated fat.
This is how SmartPoints work, in budgeting terms (and according to the site): in terms of value, calories "set the baseline" for how much the food is "worth," while protein makes the food cheaper (fewer points, meaning it's healthier and you can have more), and saturated fat and sugar make that food more expensive.
Weight Watchers Chief Scientific Officer Gary Foster, PhD, added, "The plan nudges members toward a healthier pattern of eating that includes more lean protein, fruits, and vegetables, and less sugar and saturated fat. All fresh fruits and most vegetables are zero SmartPoints."
Subscribers of the diet get personalized points. "The daily SmartPoints target is based on age, gender, height, and weight to help them determine how much they need to eat each day to lose weight at a safe rate - about one to two pounds per week," said Foster. There are also allowances for bigger portions, going out to eat, and weekend "splurges," which make for a much more realistic and sustainable meal plan.
No Food Group Elimination
Another reason it works is because you're not cutting out food groups - Foster noted this as one of the key reasons Weight Watchers is so effective. Who could forget Oprah's love for bread and her overzealous, unbridled joy when she told commercial audiences nationwide that she can eat bread on Weight Watchers? "Members can personalize the program to meet their needs, and everything is on the menu - no food is off limits," said Foster.
We interviewed a woman named Becca who had major success on Weight Watchers and lost over 100 pounds, and the no-elimination style of diet is what drew her in. "I joined Weight Watchers because the program seemed so easy and it still lets you eat the food you love in moderation."
U.S. News noted that one of the key factors in what makes a diet successful and effective is its sustainability, which is why Weight Watchers saw such high success and Whole30 did not. No eliminated food groups, no problem.
The Education
Diets can't be cookie cutter - every person's goals, lifestyle, body chemistry, and makeup are unique and different.
Weight Watchers adapts to this with an education focus - you learn about the best (and worst) choices for your diet and your body, which helps you understand food, nutrition, and weight loss better and on your own, independently from a diet or what someone is telling you to eat.
You'll also learn healthier recipes, portion sizes, and how to eat when you're at a restaurant. This helps you switch from an automated diet (where you end up feeling like a robot following commands) to a healthy lifestyle.
As U.S. News put it, "The company offers thousands of recipes, each with a SmartPoints value, to show how it fits into your eating plan. If you're preparing a dish that's not listed in the database, you can calculate the points value ingredient by ingredient, using your mobile app or through the company's website. Vegetarians, gluten-free eaters and people with other dietary preferences can also easily find items and recipes tagged for them."
The Meetings
Community is one of the biggest components of Weight Watchers and also one of the best ways to lose weight. You'll notice that any successful fitness or nutrition plan has a hefty community following it as well, encouraging each other, posting motivating photos on Instagram, or arranging for in-person meetups.
That's how Weight Watchers meetings started. Founder Jean Nidetch started inviting her friends over to her home in New York to catch up and discuss weight-loss strategy; that tradition lives on today. This style of support system can help with weight loss in a number of ways, including cortisol management (the stress hormone that can contribute to belly fat). A study in the journal Psychiatry showed evidence of social support counterbalancing stress.
"It is easier to live a healthier life and start this journey when you have a shared experience," said Foster. "Others to help provide different perspectives, motivate you, hold you accountable, etc."
Weight Watchers members also have access to personal coaching, which can provide even more personalized and specific guidance. This coaching and leadership is an integral part of the program. "I don't know if I would've made it this far without her support and the support of our Weight Watchers leader," said Jamie, a woman who lost over 90 pounds with the program.
Keep in mind that all of these services do cost money, with the starter fee at $20 and the most expensive plan (unlimited meetings and personal coaching) at $70 per month.
The Fitness
Aside from diet, you earn "FitPoints" and can work with a Fitbit or tracking device to track your exercise and movement. This concept was introduced in 2015 and now ties into the overall points system.
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