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.
lundi 2 octobre 2017
Cindy Crawford Might Be a Supermodel, but She Bought Her New House From a Rock Star
Cindy Crawford and Rande Gerber are no slouches when it comes to real estate. From their breathtaking Malibu home to the Mexican vacation compound they owned next to bestie George Clooney, everywhere this stunning couple lives is as beautiful as they are - or nearly as beautiful because, let's face it, they set the bar high. But their latest property, a Beverly Hills mansion, might rival them for best-looking thing in sight.
The modern-style abode features a bright and airy open-floor plan and was meticulously restored by its previous owner, none other than OneRepublic frontman Ryan Tedder and his wife, Genevieve. The five-bedroom, six-bathroom estate spans 5,386 square feet, so there's plenty of room for their budding model offspring, Kaia and Presley, to hang out. The home opens onto a beautifully landscaped backyard complete with a pool and outdoor dining pavilion.
With so much to offer, it's not surprising that the A-list couple were willing to cough up $11.625 million for the property. David Gray at Partners Trust represented the rock 'n' roll couple, who turn out to be quite talented at flipping high-end real estate, and Cindy and Rande were represented by Kurt Rappaport at Westside Agency. Check out some pictures of the breathtaking property ahead.
In Just 1 Tweet, Nicki Minaj Clapped Back at Cultural Appropriation
Image Source: Getty / Dimitrios Kambouris
We all know that Nicki Minaj is no stranger to speaking her mind online. (That Taylor Swift-inspired "Be humble" tweet, anyone?) So on Sept. 28, the "No Fraud" singer took to Twitter to open up about her experience as a woman of color working in the fashion industry.
For years, fashion mags would change my hair for their covers but allow women of a diff race to wear the exact style on the cover. 🤷🏽♀️
- NICKI MINAJ (@NICKIMINAJ) September 28, 2017
As the latest face of MAC wrote, "For years, fashion mags would change my hair for their covers but allow women of a [different] race to wear the exact style on the cover."
When a fan wrote, "They can't do it now [because you're] a queen," Nicki dropped another frustrating truth bomb. "Actually, they're still doing it babe," read her last tweet on the topic. (Leaving us all to wonder - which magazine is Minaj speaking of?)
Actually, they're still doing it babe 😔 https://t.co/xF2bGZKuTx
- NICKI MINAJ (@NICKIMINAJ) September 28, 2017
These comments come during a Fashion Month that has been filled with comments regarding inclusivity - or lack thereof - in the industry. You may remember that earlier in September, Minaj spoke up about cultural appropriation at runway shows.
"Designers get really big and really rich off of our culture," the singer said at Philipp Plein's show. "And then you don't see a motherf*cker that look anything like us in the front row half the time."
The Best Gifts For 7-Year-Olds
Your little one is growing up, and in case you didn't notice it, he's a big kid now. From building sets that let them get creative to games that bring the whole family to the table, we've rounded up the best gifts for the 7-year-old on your list - gifts that will keep them coming back for more every day.
Secrets to Paying Off Student Loans - and 1 Thing You Should Never Do
$1.28 trillion. That's how much Americans have in student loan debt, which means there's a good chance you owe a piece of that. Most recent grads in the class of 2016 finished school with an average of $37,172 in debt. That's a big hole to dig yourself out of when you're just starting out.
Perhaps that's why the loan delinquency rate is 11 percent in the US. Unlike with other debilitating debts, it's nearly impossible to declare bankruptcy and get away from student loan payments. And lenders can garnish your wages. In recent years, there have even been reports of millennial Americans leaving the country to avoid repayment.
"Unfortunately, there aren't any silver bullets when it comes to repaying student loans," says Andrew Josuweit, CEO of Student Loan Hero, a site that offers tools for people in student loan debt. Josuweit says the fastest way to pay off your student loans is to focus on increasing income, reducing cost of living, and making extra payments. He has done this himself, by renting his place on Airbnb and moving from New York City to Austin, TX, to lower his cost of living by almost 20 percent.
While there is no get-out-of-debt-free card when it comes to your student loans, there are creative ways to reduce your bill. It literally pays to learn about them. Here are six you should know about - and one thing you should avoid at all costs.
Enroll in an income-driven repayment plan.
Your remaining qualifying student loan balance may be forgiven after 20 to 25 years.
"The Government Accountability Office estimates the US is on track to forgive at least $108 billion worth of student debt in the coming years through income-based repayment plans," says Jennifer Barrett, chief education officer at microinvesting site Acorns, which will let you invest your spare change and get on better financial footing. The Department of Education currently offers four income-driven repayment plans. Not all loans qualify. But over the past three years, Barrett says, enrollment has tripled for the REPAYE program specifically, giving many borrowers a chance to make realistic payments based on how much they earn.
Josuweit cautions that anyone considering this path should learn all the details, including the tax implications: "Any amount forgiven under the 20- to 25-year forgiveness clause will be viewed by the IRS as taxable income," he explains. "Many folks will likely get stuck with a hefty tax bill if they choose this path." In other words, if you are forgiven $10,000 in loans, you will have to declare that you made an additional $10,000 that year and pay the appropriate taxes come April 15.
In addition, Josuweit believes that it's better to use income-driven repayment plans as a short-term tool, since you'll end up paying more in interest. "Many people sign up for IDR plans to lower monthly payments and don't realize that their student loan is increasing." (Student Loan Hero has a calculator to help you figure out whether it makes sense for you.) Josuweit says only use an IDR plan if you can't afford your monthly payments and need to avoid late fees, penalties, negative credit score history, or default. If you're in that boat, this is a good option to have.
Check your employee benefits package.
Some major companies - including Fidelity, PwC, Aetna, and Staples - now offer employees help with student loan repayment, according to Barrett. They might also provide tuition reimbursement options that will help you avoid future debt as well. Setting up a meeting with HR, or at least reviewing their materials, could help you reduce your payments. And you might also want to look out for this benefit when looking for a new job.
Consider a career move.
Certain sectors offer repayment aid or forgiveness through the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program. If you're pursuing a career in education, law, nonprofit, or government sectors, Barrett says you may be eligible. Here are the basics: if you work in a qualifying job and make 10 years of payments on time and in full through a federal income-driven repayment plan, your balance will be forgiven.
Note that nonprofit organizations that are not tax-exempt under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code likely do not qualify. "You should also make sure that your federal student loan qualifies," Barrett advised, explaining that Perkins are not eligible unless you consolidate them into a Direct Consolidation Loan. There are a lot of details to consider, so before going down this path, be sure to do your research.
Set up automatic payments.
This is an easy one. Not only will this help ensure you don't miss a payment, but Barrett notes it also has other benefits: many lenders offer a small interest-rate deduction (0.25 to 0.5 percent) if you enroll in an automatic billing program.
Go beyond paying the minimum.
"The biggest mistake millennials can make when it comes to student debt is treating it like just another monthly bill," Barrett warns. She explains that if you stick to a basic 20- or 30-year payoff plan, you'll end up paying way more than the amount you borrowed. "There are so many options available to help pay the debt off faster or have some of it forgiven that can help to lower the total burden." One such way: make extra payments when you can.
Refinance to decrease interest payments.
Josuweit says that this could save you thousands of dollars. By consolidating your loans and shopping around for a better interest rate, you can decrease the total monthly payments and headaches associated with multiple student loans.
The one thing you should never do: default.
In 2015, The New York Times columnist Lee Siegel shared his decision to consciously default on his loans. But you would be unwise to follow his example. Dodging your student loan bill can come with far-reaching negative consequences and should be avoided, especially since there are other solutions like income-driven payments. Josuweit explains the multiple consequences: "First, the Department of Education can charge 16 percent to 25 percent collections fees. Second, the Department of Education can garnish your wages. Lastly, a default will likely show up on your credit report and can cause credit issues for several years."
A default happens when you are 270 days late on a payment. If you're getting close, the best thing you can do is make a payment. And if you do default, call your lender to consider rehabilitation options.
As for those people leaving the country, Josuweit believes the Feds will eventually catch up with them. "Moving internationally might only work if you plan on never coming back to the US," he says. But considering rapid advancements in digital financial technology, that might not even be good enough. "I wouldn't be surprised if an international credit score or international financial data sharing was made available soon." That would mean international banks could see if you skipped out on debt obligations back in the US. You can run, but you can't hide from your loans. Luckily, you have options.
7 Features That Finally Make the New Apple Watch Worth It
Despite releasing the Apple Watch Series 2 just one year ago in September 2016, Apple has decided to amp up its game with a new device in the lineup: the Apple Watch Series 3. However, unlike the previous two models, this Apple Watch finally comes with LTE service. Find out what else Apple revealed about the Apple Watch Series 3 at an event on Sept. 12:
- It has cell service: You no longer need your iPhone near you at all times to receive or make calls on the Apple Watch!
- It shares the same number as your personal phone: Instead of coming up with a new number and giving it to your friends and family, it'll carry the same one as your personal phone.
- It has a new crown color: The crown, instead of matching whatever color your watch is, will be red.
- It'll come in the following colors: Gold aluminum, silver aluminum, and space gray, as well as a gray version in ceramic.
- New sports and Hermés bands: The Apple Watch Series 3 will be available with a more breathable sports loop band, as well in new Hermés styles and watch faces.
- It still has some of the awesome features of Apple Watch Series 2: It'll still come with a built-in GPS tracker and have a water resistance of 50 meters.
- A new watchOS: With watchOS 4, out on Sept. 19, the Apple Watch will come with a slew of new features, like smart activity coaching, new Toy Story watch faces, and a new Heart Rate app that can measure your heart rate while it's resting, during a workout, and while it's recovering.
The Apple Watch Series 3 starts presale on Sept. 15 with the 38mm and 42mm models retailing for $399. Apple is also offering a noncellular Apple Watch Series 3 option at $329. It ships out on Sept. 22. Check out more photos of Apple's newest watch ahead.
Up and at 'Em! 25 Good Morning Habits For a Great Day
The phrase "good morning" can be a bit contradictory right about the time our alarms begin incessantly buzzing. However, morning is the foundation of your day, so it's a good idea to start off on the right foot from the get-go. The key to a great day is to approach it with a plan: know what you want to get out of it, and go for it with all you've got. If you practice some of these helpful habits, then good things will come your way.
- Wake up early - it will motivate you more than sleeping in will!
- Try to avoid drinking too much the night before.
- Give yourself time to get ready and decide on an outfit that you will feel great in.
- Take a hot shower.
- Do your beauty routine.
- Exercise! Make sure to stretch well, and then get in a workout before you leave for the day.
- Map out your day and make a plan about how you will get things done on your list.
- Listen to a playlist that pumps you up.
- Read or watch something that inspires you.
- You've heard it before, and we'll say it again - eat a good breakfast!
- Start out the day doing the hardest or most dreaded thing on your list so that it's out of the way. It will be all downhill from there!
- Do a brain exercise like a crossword or sudoku to get those wheels turning.
- Eat less at night so that you don't wake up feeling full and lethargic.
- Don't press snooze!
- Get out of the bedroom and get going as soon as you wake up - don't let yourself be tempted to jump back under the covers.
- Try to be five minutes ahead of schedule so that if something disrupts your morning routine, it won't make you late.
- Meditate. While doing this, remind yourself what your goals are and how you want your day to go, and make it happen!
- If you can, swap tea for coffee, or avoid caffeine completely. But realistically - just wait to have that cup of coffee until about an hour after you wake up.
- Check your voicemail and emails so that you can plan accordingly.
- Catch up on the news so you don't face the day entirely clueless about current events (skimming the headlines should do the trick).
- Hydrate! Drink a cup or two of water - a little bit of H20 works wonders for your body.
- Smile!
- Stick to your routine through the week, and try not to deviate too far from it on the weekend - it will make Mondays extra hard.
- Take your dog for a walk if you have one. Or your cat; no judgments.
- Go outside and appreciate the day!
This Makeup Artist Gives Your Favorite Disney Characters a Twisted Makeover
While Disney princesses and characters have been a Halloween staple for quite some time, their gory iterations have also become popularized as of late. Irish makeup artist Natalie Costello is adding to the trend with her own twisted Disney-inspired looks that can give you the Halloween inspiration you may need . . . so long as you're OK with having your favorite characters tainted.
On her Instagram, Natalie frequently shares her transformations that include characters from The Lion King, Beauty and the Beast, and more. Unsurprisingly, Natalie also works at Urban Decay, which is evident in her impressive skills. Look ahead for some of her freakiest transformations yet.
3 Things You Need to Be Focusing on If You Want to Up Your Fitness Game
We've all been there: out of breath, over it, and ready to throw in our gym towels and never look back. Oftentimes this happens because we're not seeing progress with our workouts, at least not the kind we were expecting. What gives? To get to the bottom of what's stalling our progress, we turned to personal trainer Austin Lopez, CSCS.
More often than not, it's likely that the "overload principle" is being ignored, Austin told POPSUGAR. A basic tenet in training, the overload principle is easy to grasp and makes total sense. Put simply, we need to consistently be working harder to see change. "You have to push yourself more because the body is good at adapting to whatever you throw at it," Austin said. If you want to see changes, you need to change it up - and often. But you don't need to go into it blindly. In fact, there's a ton of evidence on exactly where you should devote your efforts.
1. Time and Frequency
You don't necessarily have to give up the classes you love or your sacred time on the treadmill; just do more of what you're already doing. This can happen in a lot of ways, said Austin. For starters, add an extra class or gym session onto your schedule. If that's not possible, try adding time to your existing workouts. Instead of a 45-minute TRX class, look for a 60-minute class; even challenging yourself to an extra 10 minutes on the treadmill can lead to results.
2. Speed
When it comes to cardio-based workouts like running, cycling, or time on the elliptical, challenge yourself to increase your overall pace. If you usually run an 11-minute mile, start to shave that down to a 10-minute mile by slowly increasing the speed of your runs. You can also work on speed by incorporating interval training into your cardio and strength workouts by alternating between a period of maxing out your efforts with a period of recovery. Think HIIT, Tabata, and tempo runs.
This type of increased intensity will also aid in weight loss, said Austin. "From an exercise perspective, interval training is the most effective way to get lean," he said. "The more intense the workout, the more the body has to recover, which translates into more calories over time." This is due to the afterburn effect (excess postexercise oxygen consumption, or EPOC), which helps to increase your metabolism, resulting in hundreds of extra calories to be burned throughout the day.
3. Load
The easiest way to think about load is to equate it with weight. Essentially you're "loading" the body up with more weight and challenging it to work harder. The next time you're in a strength-training class or at the gym, choose a heavier weight than you're used to. You may be surprised that you can actually manage more than you thought possible. If more weight seems daunting, start by doing shorter sets with less reps. "By going heavier, you'll be breaking down muscle at a higher rate, making it stronger than it was before," said Austin.
The Right Way to Incorporate Frequency, Speed, and Load
If you've hit a wall, there's no better time than now to start upping your intensity in one of these areas. While Austin's advice is to go "as intense as you can," he added that this is all relative to the individual. "The more intense you make any workout, the more unsafe it can become," he said. "Ease into it, and find out what's possible for you." While you are tasking yourself with going harder, you still want to make sure your form is on and you aren't feeling lightheaded or dizzy while working out. "Push it little by little," said Austin.
A good way to keep yourself safe is by focusing on only one of these areas at a time (frequency, speed, load). Besides preventing injury, "it's also a great way to measure your success rate because it controls one variable."
A Startup CEO Shares the 1 Question He Always Asks During a Senior-Level Job Interview
Nailing a senior-level position can be tricky if you're not prepared for what questions will be asked. No matter how long you've been with a company, you should always expect the unexpected when it comes time to interview for a higher position. Randy Nicolau, CEO and co-founder of Poppin, an office product startup company, recently shared with Forbes the one question he always asks senior-level candidates to quickly narrow down the best of the bunch:
"Tell me about the single moment in your career that you're most proud of." I feel like if you've been working for six, seven, or eight years, you should have that defining moment. That thing that you worked on, that time you learned something new, or when you turned something around. If you've just been a cog for seven or eight years and you're at that director level, you could be a great director, but we like to hire people who have continually upward mobility. I try to get a sense of that single career defining-moment.
The most important thing to note about Nicolau's interviewing tip is that most interviewers are looking to "hire people who have continually upward mobility." So don't be afraid to talk about the challenges you've faced on your climb up the ladder, as long as you have stellar success stories about how you've overcome them to the betterment of yourself and for the company.
16 Things You Would Only Ever Cry About If You're Pregnant
YouTube videos of puppies, the final 50 pages of Where the Red Fern Grows, literally any episode of Grey's Anatomy - these are things for which any human with a functioning heart would easily shed a tear.
But when you are pregnant? Well, the parameters for what is worthy of a good cry are blown wide open. From being served the wrong entree at a restaurant to butt-dialing your mom by accident, literally nothing is too benign or innocuous to negate the need for an emotional meltdown. Here, a smattering of the things that shouldn't faze a normal adult female but have made me – and likely you, too – sob hysterically while pregnant.
Does Donald Trump Have a Dog? No - and That’s Not Even the Craziest Part
Presidents tend to have a lot in common. They are married to spouses who work to carry on American values, with whom they live in the same house and with whom they assumedly sleep in the same bed. They raise largely successful children who don't work for them and who they've never mentioned wanting to sleep with. They are hardworking and smart, available at all hours to fight for America. They rarely take time off for leisure save for brief reprieves with literature. And they have a dog - or two.
Much of the same cannot be said of our current president, Donald Trump. In fact, Trump is the first president in more than 100 years to be dogless. This gaping hole in Americanness shouldn't be that shocking given Mr. Trump's contrarian, "Drain the swamp!" style.
Several presidents have gone dogless, but the last president to be without a dog was William McKinley, who was commander in chief from 1897-1901. However, according to the Presidential Pet Museum, McKinley did have pets: he had a parrot, two angora kittens, and roosters. Does Trump have any pets? The Presidential Pet Museum believes not.
Also of note before McKinley is Andrew Johnson. He didn't have a dog, was impeached in 1868 and apparently "left flour out at night for a family of white mice playing in his room" amidst the political drama. Pet food for thought.
One fluffy, silver lining is that Trump has reportedly attempted to get a dog in recent months, specifically a goldendoodle named Patton. As the New York Post reported in January, Trump was set to adopt the pup from friend Lois Pope, but Pope kept the dog after forming a connection with it herself. Pope claims Trump listed his constant traveling as a reason why he'd be a poor owner. Hmm.
Further proof that Trump seems to be anticanine? He loves insulting people by saying they failed or choked "like a dog" on Twitter.
Mitt Romney had his chance to beat a failed president but he choked like a dog. Now he calls me racist-but I am least racist person there is
- Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) June 11, 2016
.@EWErickson got fired like a dog from RedState
and now he is the one leading opposition against me.- Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) March 18, 2016
Wow was Ted Cruz disloyal to his very capable director of communication. He used him as a scape goat-fired like a dog! Ted panicked.
- Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) February 23, 2016
Union Leader refuses to comment as to why they were kicked out of the ABC News debate like a dog. For starters, try getting a new publisher!
- Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 10, 2016
.@GlennBeck got fired like a dog by #Fox. The Blaze is failing and he wanted to have me on his show. I said no - because he is irrelevant.
- Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) December 17, 2015
I hear that sleepy eyes @chucktodd will be fired like a dog from ratings starved Meet The Press? I can't imagine what is taking so long!
- Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) July 13, 2015
Obama called Reverend Wright his friend, counselor & great leader--then dumped him like a dog!
- Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) October 3, 2012
Robert Pattinson should not take back Kristen Stewart. She cheated on him like a dog & will do it again--just watch. He can do much better!
- Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) October 17, 2012
Egypt is a total mess. We should have backed Mubarak instead of dropping him like a dog.
- Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) December 12, 2012
We're anxious to know what will become of Trump's presidential pet ownership, but we do know one thing: getting a dog might help solve his failing disapproval ratings. As the Washington Post observes, a presidential dog offers good publicity and bipartisan relatability. They also provide personal benefits like stress reduction and loyalty.
Might not want to let that sleeping dog lie, President Trump.
4 Morning Rituals to Help Relieve Anxiety
I'm an innately anxious person. Maybe it's just something that's in my genes (thanks, Mom). Maybe I was just born this way, baby. As a kid, I can remember lying in bed in the middle of the night allowing thoughts of worry to ruminate in my head until I was completely consumed by panic. I obsessed over everything and often tried to predict every possible outcome of a situation before it happened. I allowed anxiety to hold me back from doing the things I really wanted to do. I skipped social events, held back from voicing my opinion in my professional life, and avoided risks at all costs.
I've missed out on a lot of moments of what could have been pure joy because I was too anxious to enjoy myself. Living in constant fear, especially when it begins to impact your daily responsibilities or your relationships, is exhausting and can be debilitating. After a panic attack so severe I convinced myself I was having a heart attack, I knew I had to make a change in order to manage my anxiety. I knew I couldn't necessarily control my thoughts or completely stop feelings of anxiety altogether, but I could control my behaviors and actions to help reduce some of the side effects.
I began to make a running list of things I did or used to help calm me down when I feel anxiety creeping in. I ended up finding over 50 activities and actions and decided I would practice the ones I felt had the biggest impact each day. I've found the morning is when I typically feel the most anxious, so I wanted to try to I pick a few practices from this list to try each morning. I've identified four rituals that I find to be the most feasible and most effective in the reduction of my anxiety. When I put these simple actions into practice (particularly first thing in the morning) I am noticeably less stressed, more focused, and best of all, less anxious throughout the day.
1. Practice Gratitude
When you're feeling a sense of worry about something in your life or just suffer from generalized anxiety, it can be hard to focus on the positive. The first thing I do when I wake up is say one thing I'm grateful for. It can range from being grateful for my family to being grateful for the comfy socks I have on. Anything that gives me a momentary sense of gratitude. Doing this makes me recognize something good in my life and ultimately fills my mind and spirit with positivity.
2. Take a Breath
All it takes is a minute of focused breathing to help slow down your brain and calm your nerves. There are lots of resources on different types of breathing techniques out there and benefits each one can have on anxiety. When my mornings are hectic or I'm already feeling the weight of the day in my chest, I prefer to practice this really focused (and superquick) breathing technique. All I do is take a deep breath through my nose for a count of 10 seconds, then exhale deeply from my mouth for 10 seconds. If I feel I need to, I'll repeat this a couple of times. The results are immediate - I feel calmer and more centered and also get a quick mental break because I'm focused solely on my breath. The best part is I can do this exercise anywhere and at any time.
3. Exercise
I know, I know - exercise may not always be easy to do first thing in the morning. Sometimes I would much rather hit the snooze button and stay in my warm, comfy blanket cocoon than get physical. But even just the smallest amount of exercise (think a short walk or jog, some jumping jacks, yoga) can have exponential positive benefits when it comes to tackling anxiety. When I drive to the gym in the morning, feeling exhausted and anxious about the day, I always leave feeling more accomplished and centered.
4. Pick a Goal, Any Goal
A huge source of my anxiety stems from wanting to take it all on at once. I used to write a to-do list for myself a mile long and then get anxious just staring at it. So anxious and overwhelmed, in fact, that I didn't even know where to begin, so I just stared blankly, accomplishing nothing and feeling like a failure. Now, in the morning, I set one main goal for myself. I tell myself if I achieve this one thing, then I've mastered the day and immediately feel less anxious. The bonus: if I finish that goal and accomplish something else, I feel like I'm totally winning at life.
These four rituals may not work for everyone, but I can tell you they've significantly changed my life. For anyone who suffers from anxiety, or would just like to find a little more peace in their own lives, I highly encourage you to make your own list. You may surprise yourself and ultimately find a way to create a little more bliss every single day.
Show Your Appreciation With This 7-Day Gratitude Challenge
Everyone loves tangible gifts, but it's the ones we can't hold in our hands that really mean the most. We've created a challenge designed to help you show your gratitude to the ones who have positively impacted your life. From your closest family members to the smiling server who makes your coffee every morning, here's how to give thanks seven days straight:
- Send flowers to your parents.
- Handwrite thank-you cards and send them to the five people closest to you.
- Give a server a big tip.
- Clean the house for a roommate or significant other.
- Bring in sweet homemade treats for co-workers.
- Reach out to someone who has had a big influence on your life.
- Cook a nice meal for your best friend.
Why So Serious? Transform Yourself Into a Batman Villain This Halloween
Everyone knows that Batman has the darkest, most sinister villains - that's what makes them a great choice for Halloween. The comic book characters are so beloved (and at times twisted) that they've been reimagined over and over throughout the years. Whether you're more of a classic red-and-white Harley Quinn or you prefer the Suicide Squad version, these awesome women will provide you with tons of Halloween beauty inspiration.
Check out these amazing villainous makeup looks and get ready to be the baddest of the bad this Halloween.
8 Secrets From Cruise Ship Employees
A lot goes on behind closed cabin doors on cruise ships. Are your accommodations actually clean? Do crew members even care if you're having a good time? And just how much sex is happening on board the boat? Several cruise ship employees have taken to Reddit over time to spill the beans on what life is really like when sailing the open seas, and they have some great tips for cruise-goers to keep in mind the next time they travel. Read on for details you never knew.
1. There are some major benefits (and downsides) to working on a cruise ship.
One cruise ship employee said that there were a lot of positive aspects to working on the ship. "Best parts: cheap drinks, great parties, decent pay, easy way to save, wake up in a new city/country almost everyday, great way to network, become a more confident person, etc." Employees get to travel the world! Still, not everything is great. There are understandably some downsides to living and working on a cruise ship. "Worst: guests are always right . . . ALWAYS, you have a nametag on in public areas even when you are 'off duty,' always tired from lack of sleep, food taste dull after awhile . . . " Because employees are on contract for shorter periods of time, they often work longer hours (up to 16 hours per day).
2. If you get off the ship, follow the crew!
"If you ever go on a cruise, and you get off the ship and you want to know where to eat, follow the crew. The crew knows where the cheap and good food is, where the best dive bars are, and for the most part the safest places in the area. Don't waste money at Señor Frog's like everyone else."
3. Crew members get VERY friendly with one another.
Multiple crew members seem to agree on one thing: sex between employees is definitely happening on cruise ships. One former employee said he "hooked up with like seven different people myself and I am a shy, average looking dude." Another, when asked if a cruise ship is like a "sea-orgy" where everyone bangs each other, responded seriously with "Yes, it's actually just one big bang-fest." However, relations between employees and guests are strictly forbidden and grounds for immediate termination of the cruise ship employee.
4. Pay for crew members comes with extra add-ons - and it's not all that difficult to get hired.
"We get paid daily wages and some days we work more than others. Only thing I pay for is drinks. Everything else is on them." Depending on what cruise line a person is working with, members can also potentially get discounts on cruises for personal vacations. "You don't really have any bills on board (aside from tourist traps and drinking)," said a former cruise ship employee. "It was relatively easy to get in, but I'm very good at interviews. If you know what you're doing in the field of your choice, you'll have no problem . . . "
5. Crew members really want you to have the vacation of a lifetime.
"We work extremely hard to make sure you have a vacation of a lifetime . . . Those cruise surveys are actually taken VERY serious with our company. I'm happy to say that I've been mentioned ALMOST every cruise I've worked. I also work extremely hard to make sure the kids are having the time of their lives."
6. Cleanliness is VERY important!
If you're worried about sanitation on cruises, fear no more - or at least fear a little less. "Crew had to wash hands entering and leaving the crew mess. Chicken, seafood, bread, and vegetables all have separate freezers and storage sections (and elevators) which are cleaned daily. It's no joke! They have people clean the little grooves in the metal going into the elevators just to give you an example." According to another crew member, the kitchens on cruise ships are, in a word, "spotless."
7. If a crew member gets sick, they are quarantined.
"If they even think you have the flu, you're in quarantine for up to a week. In your cabin. Food is brought to you in a sealed container and you. Can. Not. Leave. Period. The ship is a natural hot zone. Over 4,000 people crammed together for sometimes a week at a time, bound to happen. If the ship gets over 5 percent ill, that's when things start to get nasty. Mandatory face shield etc. Also, whenever anyone gets on the ship, they get a hand full of Purell. Mandatory. And nobody can bring food on or off. They take cleanliness very seriously."
8. The one thing crew members want cruise-goers to know . . .
"The one thing that cruisers should know is that during a port day, the crew are just like passengers. They go out and have fun! On sea days however, they work their asses off to make you have the best time of your life. They really do want to make your vacation amazing, and work hard to do so."
A Representative Who Doesn't Get How Sex Works Wonders Why Men Should Pay For Prenatal Care
Another day, another congressman who's "pro-life" but doesn't believe in paying for prenatal or maternity care. Representative Pete Olson of the 22nd district in Texas recently went on a radio show and pondered the question of why men should pay for "coverage [they] can't use." Not only does Olson probably need to go back to school and learn a lesson or two on biology and how reproduction works, but he's also a hypocrite when it comes to the sanctity of life.
In an interview on the Sam Malone Show on June 23, Olson spoke about the Senate's healthcare bill, The Better Care Reconciliation Act. Olson had "some problems" with the bill, including that it "still guarantee[s] coverage for 10 essential conditions." Olson's referring to one of the requirements in the Affordable Care Act, which makes insurance plans cover 10 essential conditions, including prenatal and maternity care. Olson laughed about it and said, "We have what's called an X chromosome . . . which means we can't have a baby. Why do we have to pay for that coverage we can't use?" You can listen to a clip of the moment around the 0:57 mark ahead.
NARAL Pro-Choice America tweeted about the incident and pointed out one important critical fact Olson got wrong: it's the Y chromosome that doesn't let men have children, not the X. Of course, the other contradiction in Olson's message is that he claims to be pro-life but doesn't appear to have any regard for pregnant mothers. Think that's all Olson got wrong? Nope. The new Senate healthcare bill would allow states to waive these essential benefits, anyway.
5 Lessons Learned, From Mom to Mom
As a child, it's virtually impossible to grasp the rationale behind your parents' childrearing decisions. I remember questioning more than a few of the parenting decisions that my mom made, especially during the (gasp!) teen years. When I would push back, she'd calmly explain her point of view and then say, "you'll see when you're a parent . . . " With an eye-roll and a 'yea, yea,' I would shrug it off, unable to even conceive of that notion with an adolescent mind.
Decades later, now as a mom of three, I have much more insight, understanding, and appreciation for the choices she made for me. I am appreciative of the many lessons my mom has taught me over the years, and watching her evolve into a grandparent has continued to reinforce those important lessons, like:
10 Ways to Ease Your Stress and Start Feeling Like a Supermom
Let's face it: parenting is hard. Sometimes really hard. And there are days when you feel like you are doing things all wrong, especially when you're juggling 10 things at once. With busy schedules and lots to keep track of, it's easy to get lost in the minutiae of parenting and focus too much on what you think is lacking. And more often than not, that's time!
Fear not, there are lots of ways to lighten your load and reduce your stress all while enjoying your precious little ones. Here are 10 quick hacks and tips for saving your sanity and your time.
These Male Lawmakers Joked That Women Should Go to the Zoo to Get an Abortion
Posted by Dr. Bob Onder on Friday, January 9, 2015
Apparently, some male lawmakers find the fact that women's reproductive rights in the US are increasingly under fire absolutely hilarious! Two Missouri state senators joked about where women should get abortions in the state during a recent session, with one even saying that they should go to the zoo.
The exchange occurred between state Senators Bob Onder and Wayne Wallingford on April 5. It started because Onder doesn't agree with a tax hike for the St. Louis Zoo because of an ordinance that prohibits "employers and landlords from discriminating against women who have had an abortion, use contraceptives, or are pregnant," reports the St. Louis Post-Dispatch. As Onder took to the floor, he said: "The St. Louis Zoo gets inspected once a year." To that, Wallingford joked: "Maybe we should send the people that want an abortion to the St. Louis Zoo, because we know it'll be safer."
Onder didn't stop there. Instead, he mentioned how zoos require a five-day waiting period before euthanizing animals, whereas women in Missouri "only" need to wait three days after seeing a doctor to get an abortion. "Let's think about this. Babies, it's three days, so although there are members of this body who don't agree with that three days, babies are three days," Onder said. He continued with, "So, zoo animals, it couldn't be more than 24 hours, right?" After pausing, Onder said, "Five days, Senator."
Even though only a single Missouri facility remains where women can have abortions, Onder wants to make the process even more difficult. The senator has previously drafted an amendment to rename the St. Louis Zoo as "The Midwest Abortion Sanctuary City Zoological Park."
Senator Onder posted a statement to Twitter on April 6 about his comments on the zoo. In it, he says, "My discussion on the Senate floor was completely intended to shine a light on the disservice that St. Louis City did to the people of our region by banning their freedom of speech and religion in making St. Louis an abortion sanctuary city." You can read the full statement ahead.
My statement regarding amendment to rename the St. Louis Zoo. #moleg http://pic.twitter.com/25dFnGMQeu
- Bob Onder (@BobOnderMO) April 6, 2017
The internet wasn't into Onder's attempt to clarify what he meant.
@BobOnderMO Really?? Comments like that are unacceptable, everywhere. Do you talk to your wife and kids like that?? Bad.
- Renton Citizen (@rentonwa1) April 7, 2017
@BobOnderMO Just in case you missed it, this is the 21st Century. Not the 19th as you seem to think. No matter what century women aren't animals.
- Margaret Majorack (@MargaretMajorac) April 7, 2017
@BobOnderMO Pretty sad that you need to defend your statement...THAT YOU SHOULD NEVER HAVE MADE....#ignorant #moleg #GOP
- Lübester (@iugirl524) April 7, 2017
It's worth noting that Onder's words are just another tone-deaf comment from a state lawmaker on women's reproductive rights of late.
5 Printable Cardio Workouts For People Who Hate to Run
Hate the gym? Can't stand to run? Or maybe your schedule is such that your home also doubles as your fitness haven? If any of these scenarios sound like you, get excited, because we have five solid cardio workouts you can do at home - many with no equipment needed! And gym rats, don't fret. All of these workouts can be printed out and easily taken with you when you need to design a workout plan for those days that you're on the go.
14 Drugstore Beauty Products You Need in Your Life This Fall
Between Labor Day sales, Ulta's 21 Days of Beauty, and E.L.F. launching a new product every day this September, there's a lot for beauty-lovers to be excited about right now . . . and some of the best is still yet to come.
That's because some of the drugstore beauty launches we've been looking forward to for months are finally hitting stores, and we can't wait to share them all with you.
From Sally Hansen's highly anticipated salon chrome kits (they're as easy and striking as we imagined) to NYX's answer to the metallic lip trend taking over this Fall (and, of course, some pumpkin spice products along the way), read on for 14 cosmetic, skin, and body products that will enhance and inspire this season, some as low as $3.
This Year's Hottest Pop Culture Halloween Costumes For Women
There's still a few months until Halloween, and sure, you might not be thinking about picking your pumpkins or buying your candy, but any self-respecting Halloween-lover knows that you have to start planning your costumes early. If you care this much, we know that you're looking for the perfect, most badass, timely costume, which is why you're also probably thinking of taking your inspiration from movies and TV, so we've rounded up the hottest costumes for this year. Ladies, rev your engines.
The Definitive Ranking of Halo Top Ice Cream, From Worst to Best
There is a special kind of love for Halo Top at POPSUGAR. People here go wild for the low-calorie, high-protein ice cream and can barely believe it's not laden with fat and sugar. How can something that tastes so damn good only result in 300 calories for an entire pint?!
Since its release last year, we've had the hard job of tasting each one of Halo Top's 25 flavors. We've endured spoon after spoon of flavors like Pancakes and Waffles, Vanilla Bean, and Mochi Green Tea - hard life, I know. At this point, it's safe to say that POPSUGAR editors are true experts in all things Halo Top, helping you decide the flavors that deserve room in your freezer. Here's our definitive ranking of Halo Top ice cream from worst to best.
- Additional reporting by Dominique Astorino
How to Keep Lemons Fresh For up to 3 Months
This tip for storing lemons is so easy. Accoring to Food.com, if you refrigerate lemons in a bowl of water, they will keep for up to three months! It sounds insane, but I'd be willing to give it a try. And if you want to extend the life of a lemon even futher, freeze the zest and the juice separately.
Will There Be a Second Season of American Vandal? Here's What We Know
I did not expect all of my life's energy to be sucked into the saga of who vandalized 27 cars in the faculty parking lot at Hanover High School with dick drawings, but American Vandal is no stranger to the unexpected. Over the course of eight surprisingly engrossing episodes, Netflix's true-crime documentary parody weaves a riveting, complex (and f*cking hilarious) narrative. By the time the series concludes, we're not only left considering how the unfair stereotypes teenagers are labeled with in high school can seriously affect their lives but also who drew the damn d*cks. It's one hell of a cliffhanger, which begs the question: will American Vandal get a second season?
Netflix has yet to officially greenlight more episodes of the mockumentary, but the show's creators, Dan Perrault and Tony Yacenda, recently sat down with Entertainment Weekly to reveal they already have a "very detailed" idea for a potential season two in the works. Perrault explained that the reason they gave American Vandal an ambiguous ending was because they "didn't want a finale that focused entirely on who drew the d*cks" but instead one that really served their characters. "It's been a little surprising to see how many people, even after Peter's Christa Carlisle theory, [are] going in all of these different directions and having all of these other theories too," Yacenda added.
According to the creators, they're embracing the idea of a second season, which would have the same documentarians but a completely different feel. "All I think we can say right now is that there are so many true-crime tropes. Thankfully, this genre is only increasing in popularity, so there's so much more to play with that we haven't done yet," Perrault said. "So we'd love to keep the series going and love to play on some new tropes of the genre that have emerged since we were working on the show."
That different feel could mean a whole new cast of characters, since it wouldn't necessarily focus on Hanover. In other words: season one might be the last we'll see of Dylan Maxwell (Jimmy Tatro). "We have a very detailed idea of what we want to do for season two. I think, like Dan said, we want it to feel very different than season one," Yacenda said. "I think it's safe to say that Peter and Sam would make a documentary in a different high school and in a different environment, for a different crime."
Although Netflix has been on a streak of cancellations lately, we - and clearly the creators - have high hopes for more American Vandal.
These Are the Top 8 Beauty Trends You Need to Know For Spring 2018
At New York Fashion Week's Spring 2018 shows, the common theme was celebrating unique and diverse beauty. Hair was often left au naturel to let the models' original textures shine, while low-key makeup and nails reigned. That being said, there were also a lot of fun embellishments, from gemstones on faces to flower hair adornments, that kept this season an exciting one for beauty. Read on to get our full breakdown of the standout trends.
Make Workouts Feel Magical With a Disney Playlist
Let's get down to business to defeat the Huns the buns! Are you humming the Mulan tune yet? If working out to a Disney-powered workout playlist sounds more magical than a Dole Whip on a sunny day, then get excited: we have nearly two hours of tracks, spanning early classic movies and covers by Disney Channel stars.
Put on your headphones and rock out to everything from "Hakuna Matata" to "Love Is an Open Door." You might even forget you're working out.
If this mix isn't your speed or style, check out all of our workout playlists to find something that suits your taste. Just download the free Spotify software or app to listen to our playlists.
15 Italian Cooking Secrets That Will Change Your Life
The beauty of learning how to cook Italian food the right way is that you don't have to go to a restaurant every time the craving strikes. From making the perfect pasta to having the essential pantry staples on hand, there are a few secrets Italian cooks always have up their sleeves that come in handy in the kitchen. To perfect your own skills, transport yourself to Italy by following these 15 cooking tips that Italians swear by.
39 of the Sexiest (Borderline NSFW) Moments From Outlander
Outlander is, without a doubt, one of the sexiest shows on TV right now. Leading man Sam Heughan is ridiculously sexy in real life, but he's particularly hot in character as Jamie Fraser, an 18th-century Scottish hunk who happens to be the soul mate of a time-traveling nurse. Together, Claire (Caitriona Balfe) and Jamie make up one of our favorite small-screen couples, and we're not ashamed to say that their sexy scenes have made us blush more than once. Now that season three is upon us, here is a selection of the sexiest pictures and GIFs from the TV show. Warning: some are slightly NSFW!
The Opioid Epidemic's Biggest Culprit Isn't Heroin Anymore - It's Something Deadlier
Part of a series of images Jessica* created with photographer John Trew to portray the emotions associated with addiction. Photo courtesy of John Trew.
Andrew*, an HVAC engineer, looks better than your average 37-year-old, college-educated man from Canton, OH. Clean-shaven, wearing a fitted maroon polo shirt and black dress pants. Athletic. Energetic. Flirtatious.
He sits on the patio of a local restaurant, sipping his cocktail, skimming the menu at the kind of place you take your kids to after soccer practice.
"Yesterday I had one glass of wine, today I had two. Tomorrow, I don't know," Andrew says, both hands cupped around a sweaty vodka-soda with lime. "But it's not heroin."
But it wasn't heroin two weeks earlier, either, when the husband and father of three woke up on the floor of his sober-living house to six men shaking him. They told him it took two doses of Narcan, an opioid blocker, to revive him after he overdosed on carfentanil for the sixth time this year.
It wasn't heroin, because if you ask drug users, people in recovery, medical personnel, and law enforcement, they'll tell you that drug has all but dried up in the state of Ohio, a state leading the country in fatal opioid overdoses, according to the Centers For Disease Control.
If it were heroin, it would've been made from morphine, which is derived from naturally occurring opium.
Andrew, 37, looks out from the patio at a restaurant in Canton, OH, on Aug. 18. Photo courtesy Stephanie Haney.
Carfentanil - a synthetic form of fentanyl - is generally used to sedate very large animals, like elephants, and it's 10,000 times stronger than morphine. It's the new drug of choice for those manufacturing and selling illicit drugs in the Buckeye State, which was home to a record-setting 4,149 accidental deaths due to fatal overdoses in 2016.
Fentanyl itself is another popular option. The drug is "50 to 100 times more potent" than morphine, according to the National Institute on Drug Abuse. Oftentimes, drug users don't realize they aren't getting quite what they bargained for until it's too late.
Andrew noticed the switch about six months ago, when he started "falling out" - or losing consciousness - after doses he had previously considered normal.
"I was shooting up all day, every day," he said, as he stretched out his arms to show dark bruises where his veins had collapsed under his skin. And then finally, one day, he overdosed.
The casual observer probably would never know that Andrew was battling opioid addiction at this very moment, but the crisis that's hit America hard doesn't discriminate.
Drug overdose deaths have now become the leading cause of accidental deaths in the US with 52,404 fatalities in 2015, according to the American Society of Addiction Medicine; 33,091 of those deaths, which equates to more than six out of 10, involved an opioid.
And it's getting worse. While official numbers aren't in yet, a New York Times preliminary report has the total number of drug overdose deaths for 2016 at more than 59,000, which it described as "the largest annual jump ever recorded in the United States."
Addiction started for Andrew in 2009, when he started taking his mother's oxycodone, which she had been prescribed after a medical procedure - he says because he "didn't want her taking all of that." He also had a longstanding Adderall prescription added to the mix.
His opioid and Adderall abuse went undetected by his wife until the Summer of 2016, when she noticed he was running out of the ADHD drug before the end of the month. After she made a call to his doctor, his prescription was revoked, and Andrew turned to cocaine. The way he tells it, his wife got fed up, took their kids, and left him, and one week later, he was shooting up heroin.
What Can We Do to Stop the Epidemic?
It's not that uncommon of a story, and it can happen to anybody. President Donald Trump addressed that issue in his press briefing from New Jersey on Aug. 8.
"Nobody is safe from this epidemic that threatens young and old, rich and poor, urban and rural communities," he said. "Everybody is threatened."
But what's debatable is Trump's view that amping up incarceration is the answer to the problem. In the same briefing, he pledged to increase federal drug prosecutions and implied he'd fight to lengthen sentences for convicted federal drug offenders. This is in stark contrast to the Obama administration's approach to dealing with drug users.
Two days later, Trump told reporters in New Jersey, "The opioid crisis is an emergency, and I'm saying officially, right now, it is an emergency. We're going to draw it up and we're going to make it a national emergency. It is a serious problem, the likes of which we have never had."
What methods the Trump administration will ultimately employ to combat the epidemic aren't exactly certain at this time.
What we do know is that his comments about "upping federal prosecutions" were made despite a preliminary report issued on July 31 by his Commission on Combating Drug Addiction and the Opioid Crisis. The report almost exclusively recommended addressing shortcomings in access to treatment for addicts, along with prescription drug reform and stopping the influx of synthetic opioids (like fentanyl and carfentanil) from other countries, like China.
That approach is more in line with what people who are living in the throes of the epidemic think would be helpful.
Incarceration Doesn't Work For Everyone
One of those people is Tugg Massa, 42, from Akron, OH. He's a recovering addict and founder of Akron Say No to Dope, a nonprofit organization that serves Summit County, where as many as 250 people died last year from drug overdoses. Those deaths were largely attributed to the introduction of carfentanil in the area in June and July of 2016, according to Ohio.com.
Both fentanyl and carfentanil are a whole lot cheaper on the street than morphine and heroin, he explained, which is why they're being cut with anything and everything people use to get high - usually unbeknownst to the drug user.
"It's not like it was when I was growing up," Tugg said. "Not to glorify drug use of any kind, but it's a lot more dangerous now. It's not heroin. Heroin won't even get the people out there using drugs high anymore because this fentanyl and carfentanil are so strong."
He knows what he's talking about, as someone who used drugs for 27 years. Tugg's been sober since Oct. 10, 2012, the day he was arrested for illegal manufacturing of methamphetamines.
Tugg Massa, 42, checks the call log for Akron Say No to Dope's 24/7 helpline from his organization's thrift store and boutique in Akron, OH, on Aug. 14. Photo courtesy Stephanie Haney.
When Tugg got caught, he was making meth to support his own opioid habit. He spent two years in prison for that charge, where, despite his surroundings, he got clean and earned his GED.
"It was difficult," he said of his time there. "There's a lot of drugs in prison. I had a drug dealer on one side of my cell and a drug dealer in the other cell next to me."
Although he successfully overcame his addiction while incarcerated, he feels strongly that being locked up is not for everyone. Instead, Tugg is a major advocate for drug court, where people get the option of undergoing treatment in lieu of conviction. That means if they make it through a 12-month program, their convictions are dropped.
Treatment Is Crucial - When the Timing Is Right
Sheriff Steve Leahy of Clermont County, OH, generally agrees with Tugg about the need for more access to treatment, but also says it needs to be worked hand in hand with the judicial system.
"You can't throw everybody's ass in jail," he said. "But what you also can't do is hug your way out of it."
Sheriff Leahy speaks from experience as both a member of law enforcement and someone who has witnessed firsthand a loved one's battle against opioid addiction. His ex-wife's struggles gave him valuable insight into what might work in his community.
He points out that some people simply aren't responsive to treatment, possibly because they're not ready for it at that point in their addiction.
"I think there are just some people who do need to be in jail or incarcerated. Maybe because they're selling as a pusher or they are committing crimes and burglaries and other felonies," he said. "You have to protect the community at large. Also, with the same breath, sometimes the only way to protect an individual from themselves is by having them locked up until you can get them to a point of treatment."
Part of a series of images Jessica* created with photographer John Trew to portray the emotions associated with addiction. Photo courtesy of John Trew.
Whatever they're doing in Clermont County seems to be working. The death toll skyrocketed to 94 in 2015, placing Clermont at the top of the state for accidental overdose deaths, according to Leeann Watson, associate director of Clermont County's Mental Health Recovery Board. That figure was up from 68 in 2014 and 56 in 2013, said Watson, who is also cochair of the opiate task force. But in 2016, the number dropped slightly to 82 deaths.
One tool that Leahy believes in is his county's community alternative sentencing program, which people can choose to participate in while they are incarcerated.
The program is administered in a wing of the county jail dedicated exclusively to those who have volunteered for treatment. It's an opportunity for convicted drug offenders who are ready to tackle sobriety to make the best use of their time.
"You have to have the buy-in of the court system, which includes the probation department and other mental health and addiction specialists," Leahy said. "It's kind of a multipronged attack."
Court Programs Can't Help When Drugs Don't Show Up on Tests
Andrew, who was placed on probation in January after officers found a needle in his car when he got pulled over for speeding, hasn't had to face a choice like those convicted in Sheriff Leahy's jurisdiction yet.
Not after trying out replacement drug therapy with Suboxone and methadone; not after attending treatment facilities in both Mexico and Florida; not after witnessing two people die from opioid overdoses in his own home on two separate occasions. And not even after his own latest overdose.
When his sober-living housemates revived him just two weeks ago, the police were called and he was taken to the hospital.
If he had tested positive for drugs at the hospital, he would've been kicked out of the sober-living house and sent to jail for violating probation.
The crazy thing is, his drug test came back negative.
"I've been given a lot of grace," he says.
"Grace" for Andrew, this time, came in the form of a standard urine test that didn't detect the particular concoction of street opioids that shut down his system.
Yes, you read that right. The standard drug tests administered at many hospitals that treat overdose victims don't pick up carfentanil and the street versions of fentanyl that are killing people in record numbers.
Even after six near-death experiences and witnessing two fatal overdoses in his own home from opioid use in the past year, Andrew says he still can't promise he won't ever use opioids again. Photo courtesy Stephanie Haney.
"You have to know what you're looking for," said Dr. Barry Sample, senior director of Science and Technology at Quest Diagnostics.
Dr. Allison Chambliss, assistant professor of Clinical Pathology at the Keck School of Medicine of USC, elaborated, "Fentanyl and carfentanil are structurally distinct from the other major opioids, and so do not get detected up by the routine urine opioid drug screens out there that are designed to pick up morphine, codeine, and heroin."
Even if you might have an idea what you're looking for, oftentimes the proper tests simply aren't run - either because they're too expensive or the facility where the victim is being treated doesn't have the proper equipment.
Usually it's only large reference and specialty toxicology labs that have the tools required to carry out these kinds of tests, even though they could be run on urine or blood samples, just like more general opioid tests, Chambliss said.
In Andrew's case, the standard test was apparently run, and it came back negative for opioids. He was released from the hospital and was able to go back to the sober-living facility with no probation violation recorded.
Even after that close of a call, where he narrowly escaped losing his liberty - and his life - he admits, "I still can't promise I'll never use opioids again. It's too good."
"Ready" and "Rock Bottom" Look Different For Everyone
Tugg pointed out that in his ministry of recovering addicts, "They have to come to me. I can't go chasing people down."
He shared Sheriff Leahy's sentiment that drug users have to be ready on their own, which many addicts describe as their "rock bottom" moment. For him, it was a letter from his daughter while he was in prison, asking him, "Who do you think you are?"
Part of a series of images Jessica* created with photographer John Trew to portray the emotions associated with addiction. Photo courtesy of John Trew.
Rock bottom for Jessica*, 26, from Los Angeles looked very different.
Having used drugs since the age of 13, Jessica became addicted to opioids at 16 after trading away cocaine for "tar" and not realizing that it was, in fact, heroin.
At one of her worst moments, she was homeless, on the street, doing whatever was necessary to score drugs. At another, an obsessed partner held her against her will for half a year.
Jessica says her captor forbid her from speaking to anyone else, eating, showering, or even using the bathroom outside of his presence. She finally convinced this man that her going to treatment would be better for their relationship, which is how she escaped that situation.
"When I got to treatment, I had to learn how to form sentences again. I couldn't speak. I didn't know how to raise my head and look somebody in the eye," she said. "Even just eating was a big thing. I didn't know how to do that anymore. I had to learn how to stop asking permission for things, which was really hard. That's something that I still struggle with today."
But even being held against her will wasn't what brought her to the realization that she needed to get clean.
Her epiphany came in 2012 at the age of 21, when she had "everything" in every materialistic sense of the word. She was living with a wealthy man - who supported her $400-a-day heroin habit - in a beautiful home in Southern California. She said it was hitting an emotional bottom that finally did her drug use in over a period of four months when she was trying to overdose every single day.
"It was a feeling of desperation that was something I hadn't felt before," she said. "That true desperation of, 'I have everything in the world, but I am nothing,' that's what was different this time than all the other times. I finally realized that I as a person had no self-worth."
"I would be looking in the mirror at myself, because I was an IV user, and I would shoot in my neck, so I would have to be in front of a mirror. I'd be standing in front of a mirror, looking myself in the eyes as I'm injecting my neck with heroin trying to die," she said. "Praying that you don't wake up this time, that is the scariest feeling in the whole world," she said.
Today, she's five years sober and has been working for the last two and half years at a sober treatment facility in Texas, which she credits with helping to maintain her sobriety.
The Street View of How to Fight the Opioid Crisis
Signs advertise free Narcan class outside New Beginnings, the thrift store and boutique Tugg runs in Akron, OH, in support of Akron Say No to Dope. Photo courtesy Stephanie Haney.
It's unclear exactly what will happen to the wide-scale handling of this epidemic nationwide, if and when the opioid crisis is officially declared a national emergency, but Jessica and the other people we interviewed for this story have a wish list.
Sheriff Leahy, Jessica, and Tugg all agree that more in-house treatment facilities are crucial in this fight.
"When someone is ready to get off of drugs, we need to address that right then," Tugg said. "We need more beds. No wait time."
Jessica noted that in addition to more beds, facilities need more time.
"Long-term treatment is what's working. The 30-day treatment centers are not long enough. You can't work through all the trauma that you've caused to yourself as an addict. Your first week, you're detoxing. Your second, third week, you might be going to groups and start having emotions again, and your fourth and fifth week, you're planning your discharge already. So you've really only gotten a week of actual treatment," she said.
"Starting to form new habits takes a long time. You can't learn that in 30 days, which is why I stayed in treatment for a year and a half," Jessica said. "A lot of treatment centers are only 30 days, which is why they're always full because people, they'll go in, 30 days, get out, relapse, and go back in. The long-term places are getting people and holding them and really turning them back out to be productive members of society."
From a law enforcement perspective, Leahy would also like to see funds available for "one or two more" directed patrol officers, meaning members of law enforcement who are assigned a specific task for a particular purpose. In his community, that purpose would be to have more of a presence to help stop the flow of drugs across jurisdictional lines.
"And maybe a reinstitution of D.A.R.E. or something similar to that," Leahy said. "We can do whatever we're doing now, but we've got to get to the young people."
At the federal level, Trump alluded during his press briefing to the fact that he's talking with China about "certain forms of man-made drugs that come in."
That prospect got Tugg excited.
"We need to put sanctions on China. If they're not going to regulate what they're sending over here, then there should be sanctions against them," he said. "The fentanyl and carfentanil that's going around, they can get it right through the mail from China and get it dropped off right at their house."
Andrew says he got his last batch of opioids from his housemate, who is connected with one of the major drug cartels in Mexico. He won't say how it arrived in Ohio.
We asked what advice he would give - after everything he's experienced - to someone who was considering trying opioids for the first time today.
"I would say, 'Pull out your phone and look up epitaph, because you're gonna want to know what that word means,'" he says. "And then tell everyone you love that you love them. And then flip a quarter. Because there's a 50/50 chance you're gonna die."
*Names have been changed to protect the identities of these sources.
If you or someone you know is in need of drug-related treatment or counseling, you can reach the Substance and Abuse Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) on its Treatment Referral Routing Service helpline at 1-800-662-HELP (4357).
SAMHSA's National Helpline is a free, confidential, 24/7, 365-day-a-year treatment referral and information service (in English and Spanish) for individuals and families facing mental and/or substance use disorders.
If you're in the Summit County, OH, area, you can call Akron Say No to Dope's 24/7 hotline at 855-246-LIVE (5483).
I Gave Up Living "Stealth" as a Trans Woman, and I'm Never Looking Back
I was afraid for the longest time. I never wanted to admit that I was a trans woman. I had my own internal transphobia. In fact, when I encounter new people and the subject of my trans identity comes up, usually the first question they ask is, "When did you know you were trans?" Well, that's the thing. I didn't know I was trans.
I knew at a very young age, around 5, that I was a girl. Trans was not even in my vocabulary. When I made the decision to transition, I was in my teens, and I packed my bags and moved away to Los Angeles. Since no one knew who I was, my past or my family, it was easy for me to start a new life. In a way, I lived in the fairy tale that I always dreamed of. City life, great friends, cool job, and a loving boyfriend. To live my life as a woman was all that I ever wanted, and I achieved it successfully. In the trans community, we call this living "stealth." Because I look a certain way, I "pass" and have the privilege to disclose as very little as I want. So for many years, I hid my gender history from friends, colleagues, and my entire network here in this new city.
I realized that I was preventing myself from connecting deeply with the people that I loved.
After this epiphany, I got myself into therapy and I attended a support group at the LGBT center. I also started working on the show Transparent. The creators and producers of the the show, Jill Soloway, Zackary Drucker, and Rhys Ernst, gave me the opportunity to be 100 percent my authentic self in a professional working environment. For the first time in my life, I was living out loud and proud as as a trans woman. I came out to my friends and loved ones, and they were all very supportive. I learned a language that gave me a voice, which I used to articulate my story and advocate for my community. I am very proud to be a part of show that treats me like family and allows me the space to flourish creatively. As an actress and aspiring writer/director, I felt like my career was on the rise, which is not an easy feeling to get to in this industry. My short film Ryans is a success and continues to have a life of its own. And I started booking more acting gigs. I also have a new short film coming out this Summer.
But things started to change after the November 2016 election and Donald Trump got into office. I started to get a sinking feeling. It would come when I read on the news that another trans sister of color had been murdered. I felt it after the shooting in Orlando, which happened one day before LA Pride. My Transparent family and I were scheduled be on a float to celebrate. That feeling surmounted to an unbearable pain of loss and fear. For the first time in a long time, I felt like I was being attacked personally. That my family - my community - was in danger of losing everything our transcestors worked so hard for. In addition to that, I was still auditioning for roles that continued to tokenize trans people.
Suddenly, I felt powerless.
I was in my third year of working on Transparent, and I was considering quitting. Not just the job itself, but I was considering quitting being an out and proud trans leader, which some people in my community consider me to be. I was considering going back to living stealth. I started to feel the weight that many of my brothers and sisters have felt for a very long time. Living in stealth was a time when I didn't feel targeted. A time where I was marginalized just as an Asian-American woman and not an Asian-American trans woman. To go back to that meant that I would feel somewhat safe again. Less targeted, less attacked, but also less "woke." Did I really want to go back to being ignorant?
"I'm not here to be your token."
You can google my name and the first stamp you would see is "Transgender actress Rain Valdez." Then I realized that Gavin Grimm has also gone too far to ever consider living stealth. If he ever wanted to, he would have to go the lengths of changing his name and appearance and possibly moving to a different country. And if this was a conversation I was having with him, we would both laugh because that's something we would never do.
My years living stealth were a privilege. Safety and ignorance is a privilege. If not everyone in my community can have that choice, then why should I? This is the moment I felt proudest as an out trans woman. The moment I realized I can never go back because of the stamps I've been creating for myself. Instead of fear or disappointment, it gave me peace to know that there can no longer be room in my heart and soul for my own internal transphobia. There's no more room for hesitation when it comes to my part in our fight for equality. Going stealth would not solve anything, at least not for me.
I can finally move on and leave those years behind me. I can be the strength and voice my community (and this Hollywood industry) needs me to be. Whether it's through our art, or storytelling, or political advocacy, we will overcome. And when we do, we will find a future where the violence against trans women is significantly reduced and our homeless youth - about 40 percent of which identify as LGBTQ - has a place of love and shelter, and the men who love us privately will be professing and confessing their love for us on the mountain tops. They can throw as many opposing laws against us now, but really they're just giving us more obstacles to master. We have more patience than you can ever imagine, and because we've always existed and will continue to exist, we will master these obstacles. Just like we always have before.
People Were Actually Asked These 10 VERY Weird Interview Questions
We're not sure when or why an employee would ever encounter a penguin in a freezer, but Trader Joe's apparently finds this to be a relevant issue. While we already know that employees can definitely dish it when it comes to weird sick day excuses, employers are holding their own with Glassdoor's top 10 most oddball interview questions so far this year. Read on to see what potential hires have encountered, and ponder what your answer would be if presented with some of these head scratchers.
- Asked at Space Exploration Technologies: "When a hot dog expands, in which direction does it split and why?"
- Asked at Whole Foods Market: "Would you rather fight one horse-size duck, or 100 duck-size horses?"
- Asked at Dropbox: "If you're the CEO, what are the first three things you check about the business when you wake up?"
- Asked at Urban Outfitters: "What would the name of your debut album be?"
- Asked at J.W. Business Acquisitions: "How would you sell hot cocoa in Florida?"
- Asked at HubSpot: "If I gave you $40,000 to start a business, what would you start?"
- Asked at Trader Joe's: "What would you do if you found a penguin in the freezer?"
- Asked at Boston Consulting Group: "If you were a brand, what would be your motto?"
- Asked at Delta Air Lines: "How many basketballs would fit in this room?"
- Asked at Uniqlo: "If you had $2,000, how would you double it in 24 hours?"
The 12 Most Underrated Horror Movies of All Time
As a kid, I always gravitated toward horror comic books and movies - the darker, the better. I'm sure my parents never thought it would be something I would one day base a career on, curating for film festivals and now Shudder! I love finding films and sharing them with others; it's kind of like a spooky "show and tell." There are lots of different flavors and nuances of horror, but here is a wide range of underrated or overlooked films, from comedic ones like Murder Party and Mr. Vampire, to downright terrifying ones like Evil Dead Trap, to sinister and cerebral ones like Pulse (the original, not the lame remake).
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