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.
mercredi 29 novembre 2017
4 Surprising Changes I Experienced When I Gave Up Coffee For a Week
I recently fell off the fitness wagon - hard. I honestly couldn't tell you what the catalyst was for my downfall from fairly healthy human into full-blown sloth, but I just couldn't talk myself into working out or caring much about what went into my body anymore. Instead of taking cycling classes several mornings a week and enjoying the occasional dance class, I started thinking of the walk between the fridge and my couch as an acceptable form of cardio and let buckets of coffee replace exercise as my morning jolt.
Sure, this behavior was a blast for a week or two, but before I knew it I was six weeks deep into the sedentary blob lifestyle and feeling . . . not great. It was time to face the facts: I was in a rut. Also, my pants didn't fit.
Inspired by my coworkers' seriously impressive wellness experiments, I decided that undertaking one (small) healthy experiment of my own probably wouldn't kill me, and it might even be the nudge I needed to get my general health game back on track. So in the name of zipping up my jeans and giving my couch a night off sometime in the near future, I volunteered myself for a low-key wellness project that seemed like it could get me into a healthier frame of mind again: quitting caffeine cold turkey for a week.
I should probably apologize now to anyone who interacted with me during those first two dark, caffeine-free days (withdrawal headaches are not a joke, people), but by day three, I started to notice some differences in my mindset and body that made it worthwhile. So will I be cutting out caffeine forever? Absolutely not. Did I have a small cup of coffee this morning to celebrate finishing this little project? You bet. But moving forward, I'll think of caffeine as a treat instead of a necessary component for survival in my food pyramid. And I'll keep in mind that sometimes all you need to snap out of a rut is a tiny reminder that you're capable of getting yourself back on the fitness wagon every time you fall off.
Below, I've spelled out four benefits I noticed from my caffeine-free week, from a change in my diet to a shift in my mental state. Dare you to try it next!
1. Breakfast Made a Comeback
I always thought of myself as someone who ate breakfast religiously. That's because prior to my workout slump, I had been. The only way I survived all those morning cycling classes without passing out and/or wanting to die was by fueling up beforehand. But when I was forced to skip my morning coffee, it hit me that my breakfast routine had apparently gone out the door along with my workouts. So instead of starting my day by guzzling a vat of caffeine and calling it a meal, I got back into the habit of eating a piece of fruit and toast or whipping up some oatmeal in the mornings. Another bonus from replacing morning caffeine with food: I felt like I made some better food choices at lunchtime because I wasn't completely starving by midday, too.
2. I Was Noticeably Calmer
Like many people, I've found that my anxious tendencies have definitely gotten worse with age. And even though I've known for a while that caffeine probably wasn't helping in that department, I had no idea just how much it exacerbated my symptoms until I went without it. After the first two days, I found that I fell asleep quickly (something that really isn't easy for me) and was generally less on edge throughout my day, even if everything didn't go as planned. Seriously, this perk alone made the experiment worthwhile for me!
3. I Was Way Less Bloated
Most of my beloved caffeinated drinks also have sugar in them (or artificial sweetener) which - fun fact! - causes bloat. Boo. Swapping out my regular rotation of Diet Coke, Diet Snapple, and coffee with sweetener in favor of plain seltzers and warm water with lemon made my usual case of afternoon bloat disappear almost completely. Do I actually like plain seltzer and warm water with lemon as much as Diet Coke, Diet Snapple, and coffee with sweetener? No, I'm not a monster. But sitting all day at your desk feeling uncomfortably puffy is the actual worst, and zipping up your pants without having to lay down is pretty awesome. So, there you have it.
4. My Sugar Cravings Went Away
Aside from easing bloat, the reduction of sugary-tasting drinks in my diet actually reduced my cravings for sugary foods, too. Apparently even drinking or eating artificial sweeteners (the ones I most often use) can dial up your cravings for sugary treats across the board. By the end of my caffeine-free week, I wasn't craving something sweet after eating something savory anymore, and I actually caught myself describing a snack as "too sweet," which has definitely never happened before.
69 F*cking Fantastic Songs From Netflix's She's Gotta Have It
In She's Gotta Have It, the new Netflix series inspired by Spike Lee's 1986 film of the same name, the music featured throughout the show is equally as complex, unpredictable, and consequential as the show's main characters. Set in modern-day Brooklyn, the show follows sexually liberated millennial Nola Darling as she balances romantic relationships with three different men while trying to make a name for herself as an artist, but it's through music, which ranges from jazz standards to reggaeton and neo-soul, that Nola is able to authentically connect with her lovers, her best friends, her identity, and the viewer.
Spike Lee has always understood the role of music in adding dimension to characters and storylines. His musician father, Bill Lee, composed the original soundtrack for the 1986 version of She's Gotta Have It, and Spike personally curated the songs for each of the 10 episodes to accompany the show's score by legendary composer Bruce Hornsby.
While She's Gotta Have It is firmly planted in 2017, the soundtrack, with a few exceptions, is a throwback to hip-hop, soul, and R&B from the '70s through the early '00s. Nostalgia-inducing classic tracks from acts like Maxwell, Stevie Wonder, and Jill Scott are featured so prominently in the show that album covers are often used as transition slides between scenes, and new music by Anthony Ramos, who stars in the series as one of Nola's lovers, Mars Blackmon, can be heard throughout the show.
Check out the music from the first season of She's Gotta Have It below.
5 Ways to a Better, More Abtastic Plank
The plank is one of the best moves for targeting your core. In fact, it's a total-body exercise that helps sculpt toned arms, shoulders, and legs as well. Want to get crazy-toned abs faster? Challenge yourself on your next plank by adding one of these modifications you can do in a basic plank position.
- Stop praying: Clasping your hands in elbow plank makes the exercise easier on your abs (and can cause your shoulders to round) so unclasp your hands and focus on creating a long line with your body, shoulders and back, instead.
- Flip your hands: A simple flip of your hands so they are palms up when you are in elbow plank will challenge underused arm muscles and also force your core to work more.
- Stay up: The straight-arm plank is more difficult than the elbow plank, so if you're finding that you need more of a challenge as you hang out on your forearms, focus on perfecting a plank just on your hands.
- Plank on a BOSU: Get unstable by resting your forearms or palms on a BOSU or exercise ball. This challenges your balance to work your core even more.
- Add a variation: If you're ready for even more of a challenge, there are many different ways to make your basic plank that much harder. Here are eight plank variations you need to try.
15 '90s Toys You Can Buy For Your Kids (or Yourself) Today
There's nothing more fun than looking back with nostalgia at your childhood toys - and the '90s were especially full of amazing treasures. Just in time for holiday shopping (wink, wink), we've compiled a list of classic 1990s toys that are still available to purchase. Enjoy!
This New Mom Is Applying to Jobs With Her Baby - Here's Why Companies Should Take Her Seriously
On a typical weekday, Meesha Chang is doing what countless other New Yorkers in between jobs do: endlessly perusing LinkedIn and other sites for open positions, her laptop like an inanimate appendage. Her last job, a highly coveted creative consultant position within the cultural department of a tech giant, is almost certain to attract the attention of most hiring managers. However, there is one significant detail in her application that she knows could repel some potential employers: her 5-month-old baby, Lucia.
Lucia is Chang's daughter with her fiancé, John. Round-cheeked and wide-eyed, the infant is a pleasure at home - but what about in the next cubicle over?
For the past two months, Chang has been applying to any and every position that matches her vast qualifications, but unlike her competition, she's applying with Lucia in tow. Her ideal plan is to bring her infant daughter with her to her new office every day. "I'm being very transparent about my situation," she explains. "Lucia's name has equal billing on my résumé." She even lists her daughter's qualifications - "quiet, observant nature and positive attitude" - on her résumé and in her cover letter in hopes that companies will see Lucia as not just a caveat, but an asset. She's even brought Lucia along to interviews, once in person and once over Skype, with the newborn cooing in the background. The hiring managers greeted Lucia awkwardly, unsure of what to make of the mother-daughter duo, Chang recalls.
This may seem like a pretty unconventional, maybe even bizarre, strategy for job hunting, but in Chang's view, there's no viable alternative. She prioritizes her career and motherhood equally, and she doesn't feel it's fair to have to choose between the two. "One of the most challenging things about becoming a mom for me is figuring out what kind of mom I am and can be to my child," Chang says. "I always thought I would be the kind of mom to get straight back to work. Having a child now has changed everything." For her, that means bringing her baby to work, which, to her, is not such an outlandish request.
Chang is fully aware that she is fortunate to work in a field that could accommodate babies at work and senior enough in her career that she feels comfortable making certain demands of potential employers. And she is more than grateful to have John, who helps with both baby and financial duties, while she job hunts. "I know not everyone is in this position," she acknowledges.
"We are told over and over that women can't have it all, can't be present parents and have a great career. This is not because it's impossible; it's because we don't have systems in place to provide that life."
There are parents who don't have the luxury of requesting such policies and who have to shoulder all responsibilities alone, but Chang hopes that her advocacy for babies-at-work programs will be the first step in shifting the standard in favor of more parent-friendly policies in general.
"Part of why I am pushing for companies to accommodate babies at work is so that more parents have choices in the future," she says. "We are told over and over that women can't have it all, can't be present parents and have a great career. This is not because it's impossible; it's because we don't have systems in place to provide that life."
What ends up happening, Chang points out, is women leave the workforce to care for their newborns and oftentimes don't come back for years or even decades (she refers to Lori Hill, a software developer who took a break from her career to raise her kids and reentered the workforce after 22 years). This contributes to what many experts refer to as a "brain drain" in the US workforce and economy. If only companies could see this larger picture, she says, maybe then they would be more open to more parent-friendly policies.
Since Lucia's birth, Chang has applied to a wide range of positions, from established companies to brand-new start-ups, and even a weeklong stint as the mayor of Danzhai Wanda Village in Southwest China. As expected, the responses have been mixed, but some companies have been surprisingly receptive. "I think it opens people's minds and makes them think backwards and forwards, reflecting back on their childhood and mother," Chang says, "as well as envisioning what kind of workplaces will exist in the future." One aspect of a mother-baby team she tries to emphasize to prospective employers is the symbiotic relationship between loving mother and industrious worker. "I feel my new skills as a mom are transferable," she says. "Why not have the next step in my career path work with, rather than against, my new role and instincts?"
Though she has not received an offer just yet, Chang remains undeterred. "I live by the philosophy 'where there is a will, there is a way,'" she says. "And I want to be with Lucia as much as possible during this critical time. I am a better person because of her and with her."
Babies at Work Are Becoming More CommonChang is not alone. For at least the last decade, a burgeoning movement advocating for bringing babies to work has been taking shape and gaining momentum. Though the practice is still very much a fledgling one, forward-thinking companies - such as advertising agency T3 and PR firm Vanguard Communications - are starting to catch on to the value of bringing babies into the workplace.
According to the Parenting in the Workplace Institute (PIWI), which provides resources and best-practice guidelines for implementing babies-at-work policies, more than 200 businesses in the US have adopted such policies. Founded in 2007 by Carla Moquin, the PIWI has helped dozens of companies implement babies-at-work programs.
"There is a disparity between what people expect when they think about having babies in a work environment compared to what well-structured baby programs actually look like in practice," Moquin explains. Once a company observes the overwhelming benefits, she says, "they are typically eager to make the policy permanent."
Moquin knows firsthand how valuable and life-changing these programs can be for new parents - and that many moms and dads don't have the financial and social privileges Chang has when it comes to forcing an employer's hand. In fact, Moquin herself had to return to work when each of her daughters were less than 5 weeks old.
So how does a babies-at-work program work exactly? With PIWI's help, a company starts by implementing a short-term pilot program, a month-long "experimentation" that determines what a long-term policy might look like. "Once a pilot program is in place and companies see how well it works," Moquin says, "it is extremely rare for a company not to move forward with a permanent policy."
PIWI also offers a downloadable template, which outlines a recommended checklist of things to consider, like eligibility parameters, waivers and agreement forms to complete, and rules for the parent to adhere to.
At Badger, a family-owned company that makes organic bodycare products, employees request to participate in the program and are reviewed on a case-by-case basis. To date, the company has been fortunate to make the program work for every employee who has requested to participate. When an employee is approved, other logistical arrangements are put into place, such as a meeting room designated to easily be converted into an office/nursery, a separate room set up specifically for mothers to breastfeed or pump, and designated voluntary, alternate caregivers within Badger for those times the parent needs a break or needs to attend a meeting.
As for Chang's ideal setup, she envisions a small space in the office not too far from her desk where her baby can play and sleep that would be private enough for nursing or pumping. But since Lucia loves being "in the mix," Chang hopes she can also keep her even closer, perhaps in her carrier under an adjustable standing desk, as she suggests. If there are important meetings where a baby's presence might not be appropriate, having an onsite sitter like the ones at Badger would be the perfect solution. And while Chang believes in the value of working closely with her work team, she also knows that a flexible work-from-home policy would be immensely helpful for any new mom.
In Moquin's experience, these programs are adopted and integrated as seamlessly as any other company policy. It typically takes a week or two of sharing the office with their baby for the parent to find their "rhythm." "This is aided by the emotional and logistical support that most coworkers are eager to provide once they find themselves bonding with the babies," she says.
The Concrete Benefits to Baby-Friendly OfficesWhile parents might be the ones overwhelmingly pushing for baby-friendly policies, data suggest that companies see tangible benefits to instituting those policies, too. According to Moquin, here are some of the ways babies at work can help businesses:
- Increasing retention
- Encouraging employees to voluntarily return to work earlier, which saves the business money
- Increasing employee morale and loyalty, not just for the parents but for their coworkers as well, making employee recruitment easier
- Increasing teamwork and collaboration due to the presence of the babies and the social dynamics they create
Several organizations with similar programs have witnessed nearly identical results. Badger has seen the benefits of babies at work firsthand and cannot envision running their business any other way. "We've seen higher morale, increased engagement, and greater loyalty among employees," says Dee Fitzgerald, Badger's Marketing & PR Manager. "Parents feel supported and come to work knowing they are embraced by a community that sees them as a whole person and cares for their well-being."
While there are inevitably going to be a few downsides, namely the occasional distraction of a crying baby, the list is minuscule compared to the benefits. "Our experience so far has been that the benefits far outweigh the concerns or inconveniences." Plus, Fitzgerald exclaims, "It's the right thing to do!"
The Nevada State Health Division, which first introduced its program in 2009, noted increased productivity, improved morale, and better communication with no formal complaints. The NSHD's program was so successful it inspired other organizations in the state, like the Nevada Department of Health and Human Services and Nevada Child and Family Services, to adopt babies-at-work policies of their own.
According to a report by Society of Human Resource Management, who interviewed Virginia architectural design firm Peck, Peck & Associates on its babies-at-work program, the increase in retention is a standout benefit. "We've had people who were offered jobs [elsewhere] but stayed with us because of this," founder Dianne Peck told SHRM.
Curious companies, if you're reading this, perhaps one particular benefit should be underlined: not only do these programs cost very little, or virtually nothing, to implement, they will actually save you money.
"If your company has an open-door policy and is invested in the well-being of its employees," Fitzgerald says, "it is a relatively easy benefit to implement with little cost and a high return." She also emphasizes that such programs are powerful recruiting tools, which saves the company money in the long run. The NSHD made a similar note in its report, calling the program a "minimal investment as long as clear expectations and rules are in place."
But families benefit too, as Moquin notes:
- Parents can be present for those critical first six months of their baby's life
- Parents and babies don't have to experience the trauma of separating in those very vulnerable early months
- Parents face lower daycare costs/more financial stability
- Breastfeeding opportunities for moms increase
Chang hopes to highlight this multitude of benefits each time she applies to a job with Lucia, who she calls "a natural Chief Happiness Officer."
Advice For Parents Who Want to Bring Their Baby to WorkAs of press time, Chang is still job searching for the right position and company that will allow her to fulfill her dual roles as mother and creative whiz. She always knew that it might be trickier to apply as a "package deal," but she remains "hopeful and curious about the outcome." In the meantime, both Moquin and Fitzgerald offer invaluable advice to new moms like Chang.
"For a new mom applying to jobs, we recommend asking the hiring manager or HR representative what kinds of family-friendly benefits they offer and if babies at work would be something they would consider providing in the future," Fitzgerald says. "If the answer is 'yes,' then you know that the company culture is family-friendly and its leadership team places a high value on the happiness and well-being of its employees."
Moquin's advice is more practical. "For new moms who already have a baby and are looking for jobs, we actually recommend that they focus on flexible or work-from-home jobs unless they have a potential employer that is already eager to implement a baby program," she advises, acknowledging that not all moms can afford the luxury of a lengthy job search for an office that fulfills all their asks. "It can take weeks to months to convince a company to implement a program."
But Chang isn't giving up on finding a full-time job in an office environment. She has a newfound tenacity bolstered by her tiny teammate. "Babies are just everything," she says. "Babies represent new hopes, new aspirations." And if that means making the case for bringing Lucia to work knowing most companies will reject the very notion, she will do it, because she genuinely believes in the value of working alongside her daughter.
"As a team," Chang wrote in one cover letter, "we can bring positive energy and change to almost any situation we encounter, and would love to bring it to you."
Hold Up, Millie Bobby Brown's Hair Is So Long and Luscious Now!
It's been more than a year since Millie Bobby Brown catapulted to Hollywood and fashion fame after starring in the Netflix hit Stranger Things. For as long as she's been in the spotlight, we've been used to seeing her hair extremely short (the 13-year-old did, after all, actually shave her head to play Eleven).
On the red carpet, Millie usually favors her hair tightly pulled back in buns, ponytails, and slicked back. You can imagine our surprise, then, when she showed up to the season two premiere of her show with blunt shoulder-length hair, worn down.
Seriously, what hair vitamins does she take, because my hair has grown exactly one and a half inches since a year ago. She's blessed. Her strands are also looking ridiculously shiny and healthy. We think this calls for appreciation at all angles.
See more photos of her new style, ahead.
Yes, You CAN Wear Makeup: 12 Expert-Approved Picks For Acne-Prone Skin
When it comes to choosing makeup, it's not always one-formula-fits-all, especially when you're prone to blemishes. Whether you have chronic acne, break out at certain times of the month, or suffer from pesky lurkers, we asked makeup and skincare experts to share some of their favorite cosmetics for preventing and covering up (most at the same time) pimples once and for all.
What It's Really Like to Work as Emirates Cabin Crew, From a Former Employee
When I was growing up, I never dreamed of becoming a member of a cabin crew. However, I always dreamed of traveling to faraway places all over the world - and that is what led me to join Emirates Airline in 2012. When I got my confirmation call, I was ecstatic; I was going to live in Dubai and get to travel the world for free! I also had major travel anxiety about moving 7,000 miles away from everything I knew. But after a couple reassuring talks with my friends and family, I realized nothing was going to stop me from seeing the world. So, in October 2012, I headed to JFK Airport in New York City with a one-way ticket to Dubai.
As I said goodbye to my family, I could feel tears welling up in my eyes. I took a deep breath, quickly said goodbye, and headed toward security. The next hours were a complete whirlwind. I boarded the A380 double-decker plane, which was by far the largest aircraft I had ever been on in my life. After I told one of the crew I was a new joiner, he showed me all around the plane and introduced me to the other crew. All my fears disappeared; I immediately felt like being part of a family. After landing, I was brought to my furnished, paid apartment right in the heart of downtown Dubai.
Just three days later, my six-week training course with new joiners from all around the world started. My training covered everything from safety and emergency procedures to image standards. After those intense six weeks, I finally received what I was waiting for: my very first roster. It consisted of different layover destinations (where we stayed in a hotel), as well as turnaround destinations (a one-day round trip from Dubai). My first roster was full of places I could not wait to explore.
My First Ultralong-Haul Flight: Dubai - Melbourne - Auckland
I was so happy to see a six-day Melbourne-Auckland trip show up on my first roster. This trip was broken down into smaller segments: Dubai to Melbourne (24-hour layover in Melbourne), Melbourne to Auckland (24-hour layover in Auckland), Auckland to Melbourne (24-hour layover in Melbourne), and Melbourne to Dubai.
On the day of my flight, I woke up at 6 a.m. (for a 10 a.m. departure) and started my routine. Since the flight to Melbourne was so long, I made sure to apply everything as perfectly as I could. I put on my full face of makeup and tied my hair into a neat doughnut bun. I then grabbed my suitcase and headed to the shuttle that brought me to Emirates headquarters.
On the way to the airport, I felt a mixture of emotions; on one hand, I was so nervous because I was still completely new, but on the other hand, I was so excited about traveling to countries I always dreamed of going to. "Fake it till you make it," I told myself and went to my preflight briefing room.
The preflight briefing room was buzzing with energy. We were flying on the A380 plane, so there were over 20 crew members in the room. I got my documents checked by one of the senior crew members. After this came the moment I was dreading: a "Safe Talk" question. This is a question asked by the purser (the manager) of the plane and it's required to be answered by each cabin crew member. Not answering the question correctly could lead to getting offloaded (which meant getting taken off the flight and reported to your manager), a fate no new cabin crew member wanted. These questions were directly related to what we learned in our training, but there was still so much to remember. On that day, I answered the question correctly and felt a weight off my shoulders disappear.
Finally, I went to get my image and uniform checked by another one of the senior cabin crew member. This part of the process always made me feel a bit uncomfortable.
I felt like a doll on display for someone as they went through their checklist looking for the following: that my nails were of the right length and color (either clear or red), that my hair and makeup were up to standards, that my uniform was in perfect condition, and my tights were of the right opacity and color.
I felt like a doll on display for someone as they went through their checklist looking for the following: that my nails were of the right length and color (either clear or red), that my hair and makeup were up to standards, that my uniform was in perfect condition, and my tights were of the right opacity and color. The standards were meticulous; even the slightest difference meant getting a note about it on your flight review. That's why on my first few flights I always made sure to take extra time getting ready.
After all my fellow crew went through this process, we sat down and were briefed on our upcoming flight. Once finished, we got into a shuttle that brought us to the aircraft.
Seeing the A380 without passengers made me realize how huge the plane was. There were over 400 seats in economy and two galleys (kitchen and storage area) for us to use. I went to my station, dropped off my carry-on bag, and got straight to work. First came doing safety and security checks in my designated area. Then I had to prepare the cabin and hot towels for when our passengers got on board.
At 9 a.m., it was showtime. All the passengers started rushing onto the plane. I was happy to be in the back of the plane, where it was calmer than in the front. Once everyone was on board, we handed out towels to our passengers. Then we prepared the cabin by conducting our final safety and security check. I sat down on my jump seat and prepared for takeoff.
The flight to Melbourne was hectic; it was over 13 hours with nonstop work. There were three different services, and since I was still so new I was confused half the time. I barely had time to breathe. Even after we finished our service, the call bells were ringing every other second. I must have walked several miles on that flight going back and forth from the front of the aircraft to the back. We had a short break of about three hours, but I had so many thoughts rushing through my mind I couldn't sleep.
Before I knew it, I could see Australia from outside the window. I couldn't believe that those 13 hours had passed so quickly. After landing and getting to the hotel, my adrenaline kicked in. I had been up for almost 20 hours but it didn't feel like it. I rushed out of the hotel with some of the other new crew and explored Melbourne. The next day my wake-up call came and I repeated my same routine. Then it was off to Auckland.
My first months of flying were amazing - nothing I had done previously in my life could compare. All the new experiences outweighed any negative side of the job. But, eventually for me, that scale tipped the other way.
Saying Goodbye to Emirates
Whenever I posted photos to Facebook of all my amazing trips, my friends would comment telling me how envious they were of me or how glamorous my life looked. While it was true that I lived an exciting life, it was far from being nearly as glamorous as people thought.
There were so many advantages of working for Emirates: living in Dubai for free, staying in amazing hotels across the world, traveling on your days off while only having to pay 10 percent of the airfare, having friends from all over the world, and having a tax-free salary.
While it was true that I lived an exciting life, it was far from being nearly as glamorous as people thought.
But there were also so many disadvantages: being away from family and friends, missing holidays, feeling lonely, dealing with jet lag and health issues, having passengers yell at you for things out of your control, being looked at all the time for your appearance, dealing with delays on flights, waking up at any hour during the day or night for flights, and so much more.
There came a day when the disadvantages outweighed the advantages for me, and that's when I decided to leave Emirates. When I first left, I felt so happy to be on ground all the time and sleep normal hours again. Eventually, I did start to miss many things about being crew. It wasn't really the travel I missed; it was the sense of camaraderie I felt with the crew. I missed being so tired on long-haul flights that we'd all sit around in the galley deliriously giggling and telling jokes to stay awake. I missed hearing stories about the life and culture in different places around the world. Most of all I missed the sense of family I felt with crew.
I'm so glad that I took the chance to work as cabin crew. It changed my life in so many ways and gave me a new sense of confidence in myself. I'm happier being on ground now, but whenever I see a plane flying above me, I always wonder what kind of interesting things are happening at 38,000 feet.
6 Closet Organization Tips I Learned Straight From an Ikea Pro
Marie Kondo once said, "Storage should reduce the effort needed to put things away, not the effort needed to get them out." From personal experience, I can attest she's right. For years I lived with my bedroom in a state of perpetual clutter for the sole reason that there was no easy place for me to put my stuff away. Piles of pants grew into mountains, purses overflowed out of one tiny closet until the door wouldn't close, and shirts took up long-term residency atop one of three dilapidated dressers because the broken drawers required exhaustive wrestling to open. Soon the room was more laundry pile than personal space. I was overwhelmed, and my response was to keep the door shut.
Despite the poor condition my clothing and accessories were living in, I valued them and had spent time building a fashion collection I cared about. I wanted a storage solution to match; something that not only accommodated all my items, but celebrated them. I wanted a celeb-worthy dream closet - but getting Champagne on my beer budget wasn't going to be easy. Just when I had given up and resigned to living in a name-brand garbage dump, Ikea reached out to me.
The retailer's incredibly talented home tour makeover squad knew just how to give me the luxurious high-fashion wardrobe storage solution I craved at a reasonable price. Designer Stephanie Recupero led the project. After seeing the space and learning of my needs, she declared that a customized Pax wardrobe was just the solution I was looking for. Check out the slideshow ahead to learn Stephanie's six pro design decisions that made my closet so fantastic, and then read how my new wardrobe impacted so much more than my clothes.
Products and installation for the author were provided by Ikea for the purpose of writing this story.
What you need to know about the streptococcus outbreak in London, Ont.
An alert issued by the public health unit in London, Ont., about an outbreak of invasive group A streptococcus has focused public attention on common bacteria that can cause infections ranging from strep throat to — in rare cases — flesh-eating disease.
Is Gold-Leaf Hair Worth It? We Put the Trend to the Test
Would you put gold leaf in your hair? After seeing this hair trend all over Instagram, we felt compelled to give the look a go for ourselves. And while it's a fa-la-la-worthy way to show off your holiday cheer, we have to admit it's not for the impatient.
The trick to keeping the gold leaf in place is to use gel. Paint the gel where you'd like to apply the gold leaf, then use tweezers to adhere the gold leaf itself. And try different metallic shades, depending on your hair color; bronze, copper, and silver look gorgeous as well.
Truth be told, it can err on the side of aluminum foil, so be sure you're not using pieces with jagged edges. The good news is that if this style isn't for you, all you have to do is brush it out and grab a metallic hair accessory.
On Kirbie: Reformation Delancey dress. Lips: ColourPop Lippie Stix in Jonesing.
If This Is Where Claire Is Headed, Outlander Is About to Get Dark
If you think Outlander heroine Claire Fraser has been through a lot in three seasons, well, you're right. She works as a military nurse in World War II, gets married, travels through time, gets married again, gets pregnant twice, loses a child, gives birth to a child, loses a husband, travels through time again, and is now off on a high seas adventure to the West Indies.
For a preview of what's in store for Claire in what's left of season three, check out our guide to Diana Gabaldon's Voyager. But to find out what might befall Claire in seasons four, five, and beyond, read on below for a guide to Gabaldon's other novels in the Outlander series.
Be warned of spoilers from books four through eight below.
Drums of Autumn
On their way to the plantation owned by Jamie's Aunt Jocasta, Jamie, Claire, Ian, and Fergus are robbed by Stephen Bonnet, a man they had previously helped escape the gallows in Charleston. He makes off with the rest of their money, treasure, and Claire's gold wedding band from her marriage to Frank.
Upon establishing that they don't want to take over Jocasta's plantation, the Frasers settle Fraser's Ridge in North Carolina, making it a place for ex Ardsmuir prisoners to call home. This is where we suspect we'll see Murtagh again after he survived Culloden on the show (he perished there in the books).
After establishing their settlement, word of Claire's skills as a medic spreads far and wide, and she begins traveling the nearby countryside to tend to the sick.
She is reunited with Brianna when her daughter arrives at Fraser's Ridge, having traveled through time to warn her parents because she found a record of their death notice in an old newspaper (though that printing turned out to be incorrect). When Claire learns that Brianna is pregnant, she agrees to keep her daughter's secret that she was raped by Bonnet and he may be the father of her baby.
After Jamie's misunderstanding about who raped Brianna, Claire must travel with Jamie and Ian to rescue Roger Wakefield from a local Native American tribe that is holding him prisoner. They manage to get Roger back when Ian agrees to take Roger's place; Ian is adopted into the Mohawk tribe and stays with them for a long while.
Claire helps Brianna deliver her son, and Roger says he's the baby's father, the paternity notwithstanding.
The Fiery Cross
The Frasers attend Jocasta's wedding where a slave ends up dead and Claire suspects foul play. Upon investigating, they figure out it was one of Jocasta's would-be suitors whose advances she rebuffed. He also attacked Jocasta and her husband-to-be, Duncan. But he was not connected to the men looking for "the Frenchman's gold," a reference to money sent by Louis XV of France to help in Charles Stuart's rebellion.
Back at Fraser's Ridge, Claire starts improving her medical supplies by cultivating her own penicillan from moldy bread. It saves Jamie's life when he is bitten by a snake while hunting.
Much of The Fiery Cross is actually focused on those around Claire, while she works to be the best 18th-century doctor she can be. But at the end of the book, she, Brianna, and Roger all confess to Ian that they're from the future.
A Breath of Snow and Ashes
Claire holds down the homestead while Jamie must go off to act as an "Indian agent" for the government, which culminates in him helping start a Committee of Safety (one of the first forms of local government in the United States). On a trip to the malting shed (where they are making their own whiskey), Claire is attacked and kidnapped by a group of criminals that includes a fellow time-traveler named Wendigo Donner from 1968.
While captive, Claire is assaulted and raped. She manages to escape and Jamie, Ian, Fergus, and Co. slaughter most of the men who kidnapped her.
As she continues her medical practice, Claire manages to make her own ether and eventually uses it to perform a successful appendectomy on a sick young boy. She also treats people for a devastating plague, saving as many as she can.
Eventually Claire's medical prowess begins to be seen as a kind of witchcraft. When a young pregnant girl named Malva is found dead, Claire tries to save the unborn baby, which lands her in jail on trial for murder. The only thing that saves Claire is the governor's need for a midwife for his wife. Due to rising political tensions in New Bern (the Revolutionary War is less than a year away at this point), Claire poses as the governor's wife so that his real wife may be smuggled out in the middle of the night.
Eventually Malva's father confesses to her murder, and Claire is exonerated and allowed to return to Fraser's Ridge. A few months pass, and Brianna gives birth to a daughter, Amanda, whom Claire says has a heart murmur that will require surgery - surgery she cannot perform safely in 1776. So Brianna, Roger, and their two children travel back through the stones to the 20th century.
Claire and Jamie continue their lives at Fraser's Ridge until Donner and his companions loot their house looking for gemstones (which aid in traveling through the stones). In the riot, Ian sets the house on fire, trapping all the criminals inside. With their house gone, Jamie says they need to return to Scotland to retrieve his printing press.
An Echo in the Bone
Of course, you know what they say about the best-laid plans of mice and men - they often go awry.
Claire, Jamie, and Ian try to set sail for Scotland, but their ship is stopped by a British naval vessel that presses Jamie and Ian into service. When a second ship attacks the British ship, Jamie is forced to join a militia for a while. During the Battle of Saratoga, Claire works as a medic for the militia and must amputate one of Jamie's fingers. At the second Battle of Saratoga, Jamie's cousin, Simon Fraser, is killed. Simon's general asks Jamie to take Simon's body back to Scotland for a proper burial, so Jamie, Claire, and Ian finally set sail for home.
They arrive at Lallybroch to find that young Ian's father, Ian Sr., is dying, but Claire soon receives a letter from Marsali back in Philadelphia, asking her to come perform life-saving surgery on Marsali and Fergus's youngest, a boy named Henri-Christian. Claire and young Ian return to America, while Jamie stays behind to be with Ian and Jenny while Ian passes.
After Ian's death, Jenny decides to go to America with Jamie, but they miss the boat they initially were meant to be on and must take another one. When the first boat sinks, everyone in America (Claire, Ian, Lord John) think that Jenny and Jamie have perished at sea because they haven't gotten word of the travel plans changing. A British captain wants to then arrest Claire as a spy, so she marries Lord John for protection. The two eventually become intimate - not because they love each other, but out of their shared grief for Jamie.
Written in My Own Heart's Blood
Jamie and Claire are finally reunited (again) and reconcile, even though Jamie has a lot of feelings to work through about Claire and Lord John. But as the country is in the throes of the Revolutionary War, Claire and Jamie don't have much choice but to join the fight.
They join General Washington's army, but within a month Claire is shot, and Jamie resigns his post to stay with her as she recovers. They eventually decide to return to Fraser's Ridge, but are waylaid by the death of Henri-Christian, who dies in a fire in Fergus's print shop. The grieving Frasers and Murrays move to Savannah, GA, to start again, but when the British invade the city, Jamie takes Claire, Ian, Ian's wife Rachel, Jenny, and Fergus's eldest son, Germain, back to Fraser's Ridge. Fergus, Marsali, and their two daughters remain in Savannah.
Back at Fraser's Ridge, the man who raped Claire those many years ago when she was captive appears. Jamie leaves to find him and kill him, while Brianna, Roger, and their two children show back up at Fraser's Ridge.
While Claire has been embroiled in the Revolutionary War, Brianna and Roger have been having a time-traveling adventure of their own that involves Jemmy being kidnapped and all of them ending up decades farther back in time than they meant to go, 1739. But they are eventually able to find each other and get back to Claire and Jamie. And that's where the latest book ends.
If Outlander manages to go eight seasons, suffice to say that there is still plenty of action and adventure in store for the characters.
24 Bobs That Will Convince You It's Finally Time to Make the Chop
We're big fans of the transformative powers of a short hairstyle, and if you still haven't been convinced to chop your hair short (or maybe just invest in a bob wig), let these Instagram looks be your inspiration.
Whether you like the sharp lines of an asymmetric bob with bangs, or the more mussed-up look of a layered, shoulder-skimming style, there are looks to bookmark for your next salon appointment.
Nicole Ate Tacos and Pizza Almost Every Night - and Dropped 50+ Pounds
Losing weight isn't easy, but that didn't stop Nicole from reaching her goals. She went from battling depression to working out with a personal trainer and learning to cook her own healthy meals, and now she's down 50 pounds! She says she feels better than ever, and she assures us that anyone can make the changes she did as long as they stick to their guns. Here's her full story.
POPSUGAR: When did you start your weight-loss journey? What made you decide to?
Nicole Napolitano: I started in April 2017. Even though I've always been somewhat overweight, I reached my heaviest weight ever - 265 pounds - back in February 2017. I was floored. I didn't realize I had gotten that heavy. I felt defeated and fell into an awful depression that edged on suicidal. It felt like I wasn't in control of making any changes because of my anxiety. But Fit Girls Guide made weight loss look fun, so I decided one day, with the encouragement and support of my boyfriend, to just try it out. I had nothing to lose (but weight!).
PS: How much weight have you lost so far?
NN: I've lost 50 pounds so far and plan on losing more.
PS: How did you do it? Did you follow a specific diet?
NN: I followed the meal plan and workout calendar provided by Fit Girls Guide's 28-Day Jumpstart. One night, I'll be making tacos and the next night I'll be making pita pizza. I'm not going to lie, I didn't follow the meal plan to a T day by day - I would just make sure that if I was going to go off the books, so to speak, I was still turning to foods that seemed to be healthy, not processed - low in sugar, fresh, etc. I learned how to cook healthy and make better choices when dining out without feeling like I would be shamed if I went off the meal plan.
PS: Did you do a specific workout type or schedule?
NN: What I usually do is three rounds of a circuit followed by a half hour of cardio, four to five times a week. I have a trainer who comes to my gym two times a week to help me with my back problems, too, since I have a slipped disk in my lower back. He guides me in what I can and can't do so that I don't further injure myself.
PS: What are some nonscale victories you've experienced?
NN: The most exciting NSV I've experienced is wearing a crop top in public which I have never done - and I did it with confidence. I felt hot! Also, fitting into jackets that I couldn't even squeeze my arms into or zip up at the start of my journey. Other NSVs just include how I feel. I don't feel like sh*t every day anymore. I don't feel like I am going to puke after meals anymore. I feel satisfied and energized after eating, not sluggish and on my deathbed like I used to. And I actually enjoy the gym now! I see it as a therapeutic experience instead of a punishment.
PS: How do you stay motivated?
NN: I stay motivated through my support system. Fellow Fit Girls, my friends, family, and boyfriend are all there for me when I need them to keep me on track. I have my days where I want to quit and I feel like all of this is pointless. I turn to them when I need help because it is easy to get lost in your own self-destructive thoughts.
I ask myself daily, "What can I do to get closer to my goals today?" Whether it be going to the gym, making all of my meals, or hitting my daily step goals (10,000) on my Fit Bit. Small victories are the only way to keep myself in the now. If you look at the big picture and your desired end goal, it's easy to get overwhelmed and discouraged. It makes the process seem so much more daunting.
Finally, doing side-by-side progress photos helps me see how far I've come. Looking at them helps get me motivated when I'm feeling down.
PS: What does a typical day of eating look like for you?
NN: This is one of my go-to breakfasts: two slices of Ezekiel bread with one egg, avocado, and a little bit of cheese, turkey bacon, and hot sauce. Another one is a protein drink or smoothie. One of my favorites is a wonderful combo of spinach, mangoes, milk, vanilla Vega protein powder, honey, banana, and cashews. Top it off with a huge-ass cold brew.
For lunch, I generally throw together a salad with whatever fresh ingredients are in my fridge or I'll put them in a wrap. Sometimes I'll make quinoa bowls - I created a quinoa bowl that was a spin on the burrito bowl from Chipotle, which is my favorite new healthy lunch.
Dinner honestly can be anything from the Fit Girls Guides' books, like pumpkin-ricotta lasagna roll-ups, chicken parmesan, tacos, pizza, macaroni and cheese, etc. I utilize healthier ingredients and substitutes than what is in the "normal" versions, and I portion them out in a way that keeps the calories down.
Thankfully, I've never been much of a snacker throughout the day, but if I do have a snack I'll usually reach for a baby bell cheese, a banana, or an apple. I do love my dessert, though. My after-dinner go-to usually includes Halo Top ice cream or one of the amazing desserts from Fit Girls. I really like strawberries with almond butter and a melted dark chocolate drizzle. Oh, and red wine.
PS: Any advice or tips for people on their own journey?
NN: If you have a "bad" meal or feel like you have fallen off the wagon, don't punish yourself (mentally or physically). Just accept it and move on. This isn't a diet; this is a lifestyle change. That means yes, you will eat healthy, but you will still be a human being who eats whatever the hell they want sometimes and that's fine. It's called balance, and we need it to stay sane. You just have to get used to picking yourself back up and continuing to push after "cheating." Giving up will give you far fewer results.
Don't rely on the scale, either. Sometimes you gain muscle. Sometimes you're retaining water. Your weight will fluctuate accordingly. Of course, it's good to check in on where you are from time to time, but don't be tied to the scale. There are tons of other ways to track your progress, like taking photos, feeling how certain clothes fit, measurements, how you feel physically, etc.
PS: Anything else you want to share?
NN: I'm not saying it's going to be easy. It was never easy for me. You just become accustomed to the changes in your daily routine. You really have to look at the whole thing less as a weight loss journey and more of a self-improvement thing. It's something to make you feel better - and the weight loss is an added bonus. Regardless of the various crying fits and breakdowns I've had along the way, it was all worth it. I don't regret any of it for a minute.
Before and After Photos of California's Drought Are Staggering to See
California looks a bit unfamiliar to residents these days: following historic rainfall, the state's landscape has bloomed, bringing life to its formerly brown hills dogged by drought. On April 7, California Governor Jerry Brown officially lifted the state's emergency water provisions, thus declaring an end to a record-breaking drought.
Brown, who's been particularly critical of President Donald Trump's climate policies, declared an end to the water restrictions he imposed in January of 2014. "This drought emergency is over, but the next drought could be around the corner," Governor Brown's statement read. "Conservation must remain a way of life."
California's six-year drought had reached unprecedented levels by the Spring of 2015. According to the United States' drought monitor, more than 30 percent of California was experiencing exceptional drought; at its peak, between 2012 and 2015, the drought emptied groundwater reservoirs, which ultimately forced Brown to implement restrictions for farmers and citizens.
Now recovering, the Sierra Nevada mountain range has also witnessed a massive revival: its snowpack levels are currently 160 percent above average for this time of the year.
California's rainfall is certainly a reason to celebrate, but as Brown warned, it isn't evidence disproving the existence of climate change (as the new EPA director believes).
Ahead, see a series of images comparing the drought from 2014 and 2017; the photos on top are from the height of the drought and the ones right below are from present-day California.
Dubai's Luxury Hotel Is Downright Ridiculous - Wait Until You See the Amenities
The Burj Al Arab hotel in Dubai is so luxurious and over the top, we didn't know a place like this could ever exist. It's the stuff your fantasies are made of. Set on an artificial island just 920 feet from Jumeirah Beach, the building stands as the third tallest hotel in the world.
People widely refer to Burj Al Arab as the world's only seven-star hotel. You will agree after hearing about all the lavish perks that come with staying here. But enjoying this hotel comes at a cost; rooms start at around $1,100 per night. Check out all the amazing experiences you could have if you book a room at this hot spot in Dubai.
22 Thoughtful, Personalized Presents - Starting at Just $7!
Looking for a gift with a personal touch? The good news is you don't have to spend a fortune for a unique personalized present. We've rounded up 22 of the coolest - and most affordable - customized gift options starting at just $7. (Did we mention they're are all $28 and under?) So whether you're seeking something embossed, embroidered, or engraved or a gift that has serious sentimental value, we've got a feeling you're going to love what's ahead.
14 Free, Fun, and Printable Wedding Mad Libs
Feel like you're in a rut with your wedding planning? Ask any bride and groom who has come before you - it can be a challenge to find a balance between keeping your nuptials traditional and finding ways to make the special day a bit more creative and entertaining for your guests. We've rounded up 14 wedding Mad Libs for you to incorporate into your big day. These various wedding Mad Libs are as fun and good-natured as they are aesthetically pleasing. In addition to that, they are so versatile. You can swap out your traditional RSVP card for a mini Mad Lib or have them available to distract guests during the dinner wait.
However you choose to use them, one thing is for sure: your guests will have fun and you will end the night with a plethora of memories unique to each and every one of your guests.
Challenge: Can You Do 50 Burpees in 5 Minutes?
Go-getters. Those brave people who constantly set goals, usually smash said goals, reevaluate their success, and set their next conquest, aren't as rare a breed as you'd think. If you're reading this article, you're one of these go-getters who seem to make the world spin faster. Are you looking for your next challenge right now? We at POPSUGAR have got the test you need to try. The challenge? Can you do 50 burpees in five minutes?
It sounds like a lofty goal, but with a little guidance from Sarah Chadwell, NASM Certified Personal Trainer, combined with your grit, you can smash this challenge, too. Let's get started!
Burpees: A Love-Hate Relationship
Burpees! Did you shudder? Usually just the thought of them makes even the fittest people feel at least a little sick because this is one move that is renowned for being brutal. But you can't knock the results they bring!
"Burpees are a physically demanding exercise because they tax almost every muscle in your body. Just one repetition includes a squat, a plank, a push-up, a hip thrust, a forward jump, and a vertical jump," said Chadwell.
All of these movements mean that one burpee hits your quads, glutes, hamstrings, hip flexors, calves, chest, shoulders, triceps, and even your abs! Plus, burpees test your cardiovascular and muscular endurance. If you thought it was the worst exercise before, think again. They're actually the perfect exercise to get fit or in this case, to show off just how fit you will become in the next 25 days.
Preparation to Complete 50 Burpees in 5 Minutes
So, how do you get to the point where you can do 50 burpees in five minutes? The answer isn't just doing burpees. In fact, you'll need to build up your cardio and muscular endurance in many ways beyond what this one exercise can do. Ahead is Chadwell's custom 25-day plan that will help you build up your total-body power and endurance.
The exercises you'll be doing for the next 25 days are squats, froggies, planks, burpees, and a fair amount of cardio. Here are Chadwell's tips on how to breeze through these moves on your way to 50 burpess in 5 minutes.
How to do a bodyweight squat:
- Stand with your head facing forward and your chest held up and out.
- Place your feet shoulder-width apart. Extend your hands straight out in front of you to help keep your balance. You can also bend the elbows or clasp the fingers gently behind your neck.
- Sit back and down like you're sitting into an imaginary chair. Keep your head facing forward as your upper body bends forward a bit. Rather than allowing your back to round, let your lower back arch slightly as you descend.
- Lower down so your thighs are as parallel to the floor as possible, with your knees over your ankles. Press your weight back into your heels.
- Keep your body tight, and push through your heels to bring yourself back to the starting position. This counts as one rep.
How to do a frogger:
- Begin in a plank position.
- Jump your feet to the outside of your hands, coming into a deep squat and keeping your hands on the floor.
- Jump your feet back to a plank to complete one rep.
How to do a plank:
- Balance on your hands and toes with your body in one straight line, hands underneath the shoulders, and feet hip-distance apart.
And of course – burpees:
- Lower into a crouching squat with your hands on the floor.
- Do a squat thrust by jumping your feet back into a plank position.
- Do one basic push-up, bending the elbows and then straightening back to plank.
- Jump the feet forward to the hands, and come into a squat.
- Do an explosive jump straight up, getting as much height as you can.
Putting the Plan Into Action
Here is the 50 burpees in five minutes workout plan. On your 25th day of this journey, record some video evidence, upload it, and tag us @popsugarfitness to let the world watch you take and beat the challenge!
| Day | Daily Workout | Speed or Duration |
| Day 1 | 1 set of 10 regular burpees 1 set of 20 bodyweight squats 2 sets of planks Jog |
Under 2 minutes Under 3 minutes Hold for 30 seconds ½ mile |
| Day 2 | 1 set of 10 regular burpees 1 set of 20 froggies 2 sets of planks Jog |
Under 2 minutes Under 3 minutes Hold for 30 seconds ½ mile |
| Day 3 | 1 set of 12 regular burpees 1 set of 20 bodyweight squats 2 sets of planks Jog |
Under 2 minutes Under 3 minutes Hold for 30 seconds ½ mile |
| Day 4 | Rest Day | |
| Day 5 | 1 set of 12 regular burpees 1 set of 20 froggies 3 sets of planks Jog |
Under 2 minutes Under 3 minutes Hold for 30 seconds ½ mile |
| Day 6 | 1 set of 12 regular burpees 1 set of 30 bodyweight squats 3 sets of planks Jog |
Under 2 minutes Under 3 minutes Hold for 30 seconds ½ mile |
| Day 7 | 1 set of 12 regular burpees 1 set of 30 froggies 3 sets of planks Jog |
Under 1.5 minutes Under 3 minutes Hold for 30 seconds ¾ mile |
| Day 8 | Rest Day | |
| Day 9 | 2 sets of 10 burpees 1 set of 20 bodyweight squats 1 set of 20 froggies 2 sets of planks Jog |
Under 3 minutes Under 2 minutes Under 2 minutes Hold for 30 seconds ¾ mile |
| Day 10 | 2 sets of 10 burpees 1 set of 20 bodyweight squats 1 set of 20 froggies 2 sets of planks Jog |
Under 3 minutes Under 2 minutes Under 2 minutes Hold for 30 seconds ½ mile |
| Day 11 | 2 sets of 12 burpees 1 set of 20 bodyweight squats 1 set of 20 froggies 2 sets of planks Jog |
Under 3 minutes Under 2 minutes Under 2 minutes Hold for 30 seconds ¾ mile |
| Day 12 | 2 sets of 12 burpees 1 set of 30 bodyweight squats 1 set of 30 froggies 3 sets of planks Jog |
Under 3 minutes Under 2 minutes Under 3 minutes Hold for 30 seconds ½ mile |
| Day 13 | Rest Day | |
| Day 14 | 3 sets of 10 burpees 1 set of 30 bodyweight squats 1 set of 30 froggies 3 sets of planks Jog |
Under 3.5 minutes Under 2 minutes Under 3 minutes Hold for 30 seconds ¾ mile |
| Day 15 | 3 sets of 10 burpees 1 set of 30 bodyweight squats 1 set of 30 froggies 3 sets of planks Jog |
Under 3.5 minutes Under 2 minutes Under 3 mintues Hold for 30 seconds ½ mile |
| Day 16 | 3 sets of 10 burpees 1 set of 30 bodyweight squats 1 set of 30 froggies 3 sets of planks Jog |
Under 3.5 minutes Under 2 minutes Under 3 minutes Hold for 30 seconds ¾ mile |
| Day 17 | 3 sets of 12 burpees 1 set of 30 bodyweight squats 1 set of 30 froggies 3 sets of planks Jog |
Under 4 minutes Under 2 minutes Under 3 minutes Hold for 30 seconds 1 mile |
| Day 18 | Rest Day | |
| Day 19 | 3 sets of 12 burpees 1 set of 30 bodyweight squats 1 set of 30 froggies 3 sets of planks Jog |
Under 4 minutes Under 2 minutes Under 3 minutes Hold for 30 seconds ¾ mile |
| Day 20 | 4 sets of 10 burpees 1 set of 30 bodyweight squats 1 set of 20 froggies 3 sets of planks Jog |
Under 4.5 minutes Under 4 minutes Under 4 minutes Hold for 30 seconds 1 mile |
| Day 21 | 4 sets of 10 burpees 1 set of 30 bodyweight squats 1 sets of 20 froggies 3 sets of planks Jog |
Under 4.5 minutes Under 3 minutes Under 3 minutes Hold for 30 seconds ¾ mile |
| Day 22 | 4 sets of 10 burpees 1 set of 30 bodyweight squats 1 sets of 20 froggies 3 sets of planks Jog |
Under 4.5 minutes Under 3 minutes Under 3 minutes Hold for 30 seconds 1 mile |
| Day 23 | 4 sets of 10 burpees 1 set of 30 bodyweight squats 1 sets of 20 froggies 3 sets of planks Jog |
Under 4 minutes Under 3 minutes Under 3 minutes Hold for 30 seconds ¾ mile |
| Day 24 | Rest day | |
| Day 25 | 5 sets of 10 burpees It's going to feel easy! |
5 minutes or less |
The Top 10 Fall Foods For Weight Loss
When it comes to weight loss, diet plays a bigger role than you might imagine. Instead of relying on processed low-calorie foods that don't satisfy your appetite - or taste buds - let these seasonal (delicious) eats support your goals. Load up on these healthy foods the next time you're at the grocery store or farmers market and start seeing results.
Kris Jenner and Her New Platinum Hair Just Inspired 2017's Best Meme
A week before Halloween, Kris Jenner took a break from her busy schedule to break the internet with quite possibly the best reaction meme we've seen this year. On Oct. 23, Kim Kardashian shared a picture of her mom reclined on a sofa - martini in hand - while wearing a floral suit, a fur stole, and brick-red accessories. Oh, and she's wearing a platinum blond wig. "Caption this," Kim wrote.
The over-the-top image is particularly shocking because it's the first time Kris has been seen without her signature black hair. It's funny because the platinum wig closely resembles Kim's icy new color and Kris has been criticized for copying her daughter in the past.
Alas, it is indeed just a wig: Kris was photographed out that same evening in New York City with her usual hair color. This singular, already iconic picture, however, provides all of the meme and Halloween costume inspiration we need.
14 Healthy Apple Recipes That You'll Make All Fall Long
We love apples: the sweet and crunchy snack is full of all sorts of nutritional goodness, and they taste good on their own and in salads, desserts, and savory dishes, too. These healthy recipes celebrate this favorite fruit of the Fall, keeping you full and satisfied all season long!
83 Unreal Places You Thought Only Existed in Your Imagination
We're not kidding you - these travel destinations actually exist and aren't a figment of your imagination. Be prepared to have your mind blown as you browse through these amazing photos.
- Additional reporting by Hilary White
Could Kate Middleton's Faux Lob Be a Hint Of to What's to Come?
It's no secret that we're all pretty obsessed with Kate Middleton's hair, and her most recent look is no different. During the Duchess's recent appearance at the Remembrance Sunday service on Nov. 12, she debuted a new updo that we can't help but speculate is practice for an upcoming dramatic cut.
She was seen on the balcony with the Countess of Wessex sporting a carefully coiled faux bob under her hat. If you're familiar with the hair conspiracy theory that Kate debuts a new style before a big event, such as having a baby, she may well be practicing before she decides to get the chop for real.
Whether she's testing out the new length ahead of royal baby number three's arrival, or just trying out a faux bob for fun, we're as obsessed with this look as we are all her other styles.
Best Weight-Loss Advice Straight From Dietitians
Since your diet plays such a huge role in losing weight, we've enlisted the expertise of three nutritionists - certified dietitian Leslie Langevin, MS, RD, CD, of Whole Health Nutrition, and Stephanie Clarke, RD, and Willow Jarosh, RD, of C&J Nutrition to tell us the weight-loss tips they share with their clients. Keep these in mind whether you're trying to shed 50 or five pounds.
Don't Live Without
Carb-free, sugar-free, gluten-free. People who go on super-restrictive diets for the sole purpose of getting slimmer may end up losing weight, but they're also going to be super unhappy. This isn't a lifestyle that can be sustained, and as soon as they can't take it anymore and go back to eating all those foods they missed out on, they end up gaining the weight back. That's why Leslie doesn't agree with cutting out entire food groups. She recommends aiming to eat a variety of healthy foods most of the time, and encourages a little indulging every day to satisfy your cravings. Limit the processed foods and refined sugars, and keep your carb intake to 40 percent of your daily calories and you'll start noticing a change.
Mushrooms on Your Pizza Doesn't Count
Leslie says the number one way to lose weight is to eat more veggies. Not only are they low in calories, but they are high in filling fiber, so eating them makes you eat fewer daily calories overall. They also contain tons of vitamins and minerals that give you energy and boost your immune system. Load up on the non-starchy veggies like kale, spinach, carrots, beets, broccoli, cucumbers, and salads. The easiest way to eat more veggies is to make a point to include them in every meal and snack, not just on your lunchtime pizza. Throw greens in your smoothies, mash beans in your overnight oats, snack on honey-roasted cinnamon chickpeas, and swap out your pasta for carrot fettuccine.
Three's the Magic Number
Protein, fiber, and healthy fats are the keys you need to unlock your body's feeling of fullness. Protein keeps your energy levels going strong, and both fiber and healthy fats fill you up and keep you feeling full longer. Every meal you eat should include these three things, and every snack you eat, aim to have at least two.
Keep Track
Although protein, fiber, and healthy fats are essential, counting calories is also huge. Stephanie and Willow come up with basic formulas to make eating meals and snacks easier. Here's what to eat for breakfast, the breakdown of what to eat for lunch, also what to eat at dinner, and if you're a nosher, what to eat at snack time to lose weight.
Take a Few Hours to Do This on Sunday
Eating healthy doesn't just happen on its own, you have to make it happen, and that means planning out every bite. Knowing what you're going to eat for every meal and snack saves time, money, and most importantly, keeps you in charge of your calorie intake. On Sunday, take a few hours to plan out and prep your week's diet from breakfast, to snacks, to lunch, and dinner. Make and freeze a big batch of steel-cut oatmeal or smoothie freezer packs for breakfast. Ensure you eat a huge salad a day by making five mason jar salads. Do what you can to prep your week's worth of dinners by cutting up veggies you'll be using for soups or roasting, cooking up rice for burritos, marinating tofu for stir-fries, or making beans in the crockpot. Make some protein balls for post-workout snacks. The more you plan, the easier it is to stay on your healthy path.
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).
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