Healthy lifestyle
A healthy lifestyle is one which helps to keep and improve people's health and well-being.Many governments and non-governmental organizations have made big efforts in healthy lifestyle and health promotion.
Mental Health
Mental health can be considered a very important factor of physical health for the effects it produces on bodily functions. This type of health concerns emotional and cognitive well-being or an absence of mental disorder.
Public health
Public health can be defined in a variety of ways. It can be presented as "the study of the physical, psychosocial and socio-cultural determinants of population health and actions to improve the health of the population.
Reproductive Health
For the UN, reproductive health is a right, like other human rights. This recent concept evokes the good transmission of the genetic heritage from one generation to the next.
Health
Health is a state of complete physical, mental and social well-being, and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity.
jeudi 11 janvier 2018
Jennifer Lawrence's Shoes Caught the Eyes of Everyone in Beverly Hills For a Funny Reason
Sometimes we wish we could leave the house in our slippers, and Jennifer Lawrence just did that, kind of. The actress went shopping in LA and dressed down in a comfy white cropped t-shirt and blue jeans. She added texture to her outfit with a brown fuzzy cardigan and a chain-link bag.
When we finally got down to her shoes, that's when we noticed it: her mules resembled house slippers! The Alexander Wang footwear ($650) featured studs all over, and the furry lining gave Jennifer's feet extra cushion. Though, we admit, the slippers are definitely cuter than the ones we wear at home. Read on to see Jennifer's shopping shoe of choice, then pick up her exact pair or a similar option.
The Reason I Finally Gave My Kids a Toy Limit
It's only been a few weeks since Christmas, and my house is being overtaken by toys - toys still in their boxes, rogue toy parts sprawled over my floors, and toys overflowing from the bins and baskets that seemed ample just a month ago. And this cluttered, overloaded state, my fellow moms, is exactly why I gave my kids a toy limit this holiday season.
Sometime in early December, I decided that three gifts (all toys because, let's face it, it's not really a gift to a kid unless they can play with it) was the perfect number of presents my kids should receive. I was so self-satisfied with the decision, thinking that I'd happened upon a magic formula that would both keep them Santa-satisfied and please my constant need for a tidy home not littered with tiny, sharp toy parts just waiting for someone to step on with a vulnerable bare foot.
It took every ounce of self-control not to let out the "Are you f*cking kidding me?!" that felt like the only reasonable response.
In the end, however, I realized that the exact right number of toys to give my kids should have been zero. It's not that they were particularly naughty this year; it's just that my plan didn't take into account the dozens of gifts they'd be receiving from my in-laws, my parents, their aunts and uncles, their teachers, and their favorite babysitter. Those gifts? They had already stolen my/Santa's thunder.
The WowWee Fingerlings I ordered for both of my kids in October from a third-party seller on Amazon that never showed up (I'm guessing the seller realized she could offload them for more than $15 somewhere else) that I then repurchased on eBay for $25 each? My kids got one from their uncle long before Santa's sleigh was ever loaded. Needless to say, my smile at their excitement was more of a grimace.
And the $70 L.O.L. Surprise! Big Surprise I was so thrilled to score when I happened to catch an Amazon restock? I didn't realize my mother-in-law had purchased one an intrepid salesperson at her local Toys"R"Us found hiding out on the wrong shelf. When my daughter opened it on Dec. 18 at our family's gift exchange, I figured she'd probably be excited to have two because the whole point of L.O.L Surprise! dolls is you never know what you're going to get, right?
"You know, honey, you asked Santa for that, too, so you might get to unwrap 50 different surprises!" I said, setting her up not to be disappointed. "No, Mom, all the big ones have the same things in them," she corrected me, citing the many YouTube videos she'd watched about them. It took every ounce of self-control in my holiday-overloaded body not to let out the "Are you f*cking kidding me?!" that felt like the only reasonable response.
The Hatchimal Surprises I got both of my kids were also a disappointment, quickly abandoned after they emerged from their eggs, bringing my grand total of wasted Christmas toy money to somewhere around $250. The only toy that landed was the Imaginext Eagle Talon Castle I bought my almost-4-year-old son on eBay. At three feet long and accompanied by a huge ogre, dragon, and countless tiny knights, animals, and accessories, it has now become the major decorative element of my family room.
Next year I think I'll get my kids stocks and bonds. They'll probably be cheaper, and I won't have to worry about stepping on them for the rest of the year. I've learned my lesson: the toys can come from everyone else.
I Survived Breastfeeding My Preemie in the NICU
An entire month before my due date, I found myself being rushed to the hospital. My baby-to-be had reached a stagnant weight and was no longer growing, and she would need to be admitted to the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit right after I gave birth. To say I was an emotional train wreck is a serious understatement.
I quickly learned that having a premature baby in the NICU meant that I couldn't do a lot of things. I couldn't hold my daughter, cuddle her, or soothe her in my arms. I couldn't get alone time with her or share those special bonding moments new moms dream about. Since her lungs weren't fully developed, she needed to remain on oxygen until they became stable enough for her to breathe on her own. The doctors didn't know when that would be, so they informed me she would need a feeding tube until further notice. It also meant she would be staying in the NICU for an indefinite period of time.
One of those nurses even told me I should just stop trying altogether, which made me want to succeed even more.
I felt like breastfeeding her was all I had left to cling to. That was the end goal I became focused on. Until I could actually breastfeed her, though, I had to pump. A lot. Every hour that wasn't spent in the car driving to and from the hospital to visit her, I was pumping. This might seem a little excessive (trust me - it felt that way, too), but it was the only way to establish my milk supply and make it last since my daughter couldn't actually breastfeed on her own yet. I was awake all the time, and barely sane.
Between these never-ending pumping sessions were the best parts of my days. I would wash up, put on my latex gloves and scrubs (something all visitors have to do to reduce the germs that pass through the NICU), and go visit Grace. I always did the same thing, which was pull up a chair next to her isolette - basically a small, glass incubator - and read her books, sing her songs, or reach through the armholes just to hold her tiny, precious hand. She made all the trouble of pumping and everything else worth it. It was on day five of her NICU stay that I was told her feeding and oxygen tubes would finally be removed. To celebrate, the nurse gave me the OK to hold her for the very first time since she was born. We stayed that way for hours, until the lactation consultant from the hospital showed up in all of her angelic glory.
The moment I was waiting for was here: we would finally get to breastfeed! As much as Grace tried, though, she was still so weak and fragile. Every time she would finally start to latch on to my nipple and start sucking, she would either fall asleep or lose control and fall off - not to mention the cords and IVs I had to navigate around every time I had contact with her. I'll admit, being on the hormonal rollercoaster ride that happens postpregnancy got the better of me for a little bit. I felt like I had failed her, and almost every part of me wanted to give up. But I couldn't . . . I wouldn't. I loved her too much to just throw in the towel that easily. And while I had absolutely no problem formula-feeding or even pumping and feeding her through a bottle, I wasn't ready to let go of my breastfeeding journey just yet.
Grace and I worked with that angelic lactation consultant every day. It wasn't always easy, especially when a few of the nurses got annoyed that I would be keeping Grace out of her isolette for so long to try to breastfeed. I would quietly listen on as the lactation consultant stressed the importance of skin-to-skin contact and the benefits of breastfeeding to the nurses, who would then voice their concerns that preemies aren't supposed to be exposed to the outside world and germs often. One of those nurses even told me I should just stop trying altogether, which made me want to succeed even more. Regardless of anyone's opinion, it really felt like Grace and I were a team. If she could latch on and remain awake, I was happy. If she needed to be bottle-fed with my pumped breast milk that day, I was happy. Most importantly, I felt like even if we just made it that much farther, we could make it through anything.
Our breakthrough came on the second-to-last day of Grace's 10-day NICU stay. She had been moved up to intensive care and into an open crib. She had lost weight, making her a total of 4 pounds 12 ounces, but she was still healthy and thriving. Her lungs were doing great, and everything was looking up. It all felt too good to be true, but to make it even better, she had finally completed a breastfeeding session, emptying one breast, then the other. Little did I know this would be just one of many. I ended up breastfeeding Grace exclusively until her first birthday, and I enjoyed every single moment of it . . . especially since I knew how hard it was to get there.
The 1 Parenting Lesson I Wish I Had Learned Earlier
Dear Second-Born,
You'll find out one day that parenting doesn't come with a map. I've been desperate for my own tour guide several times, but instead I've learned to trust my gut. Because of this, mistakes are made and lessons are learned, and there's one parenting lesson I wish I would have learned earlier.
I never should have compared you to your big brother.
Parents know not to do this, yet sometimes things happen in our subconscious. When you were born, I considered myself a veteran mother. I had done it all before - the blowouts, the middle-of-the-night feedings, and the witching hours. I knew what babies needed and how to console them . . . or so I thought.
But you were stubborn from the beginning. In those first three months when you were growing inside of me, you sent me running to the toilet daily. Then you were five days late. And since your very first breath, you've let the world know you are a force to be reckoned with. You wouldn't comply. You'd do things at your own pace, usually faster or slower than the norm. For you, the rules were only meant to be broken.
Yes, you did some things quicker than your older brother, like climb up the slide, shake your hips while dancing on our kitchen table, and vehemently tell me no. There were also things you did slower than your brother: sleep through the night, walk, and learn your letters. You've proved that you're much more defiant, too. I've had to learn a few parenting tricks to get you to listen to me. And I admit, when you weren't hitting those milestones as early as your big brother did, I compared you to him at first. My gut told me that you were perfect and that you would do things when you were ready, but I let society's judgment creep in. I'm so sorry.
The other day, I was running around the house trying to get you and your brother ready for school, and you ran to me from the mudroom screaming, "I'm all ready, Mommy! Let's go!" There you were. A puny 3-year-old all dressed up for preschool: coat zipped, hat and gloves on, and boots pulled up successfully on the right feet. It hit me. You were born to be a little wild. You were also born to lead and be great - like your brother, only different. You may not get to where you want to go on the first try, but you will get there, and you'll have a lot of fun on the way. I know that now.
I'm glad I learned this lesson while you're still young. I'm embracing the beautiful and unpredictable paths you take to accomplish both the small and large tasks. I'll never compare you to your brother again, because I know that nobody can compare to you.
I love you always,
Mom
The Best Sex Positions to Try After Pregnancy
The exciting or dreaded six-week postpartum appointment (depending on how you look at it) is usually the time when you're given the green light for sex again. Once the doctor tells you and your partner that it's safe to be intimate, you might immediately feel nervous since so much has changed with your body.
Whether you had a vaginal delivery or a C-section, things are still different . . . down there, and sex will be different too. While it may be a little uncomfortable, sex shouldn't hurt. Urologist Dana Rice, MD and owner of UTI Tracker, says, "Uncomfortable intercourse can lead to vaginal and urethral irritation, which can mimic UTI symptoms, which is the last thing any new mom needs."
Your previous go-to position may not feel so great, and something you never thought about trying may be your new favorite, so have patience with yourself and your partner when working it all out. And keep in mind that some women find sex even more pleasurable after having a baby. Kat Van Kirk, an MD licensed in marriage and sex therapy, says, "Many women report that they are more orgasmic after childbirth than before." So, have some fun trying the following positions to see if you're one of those women!
1. Female on Top
This position allows the woman more control, Dr. Kat explains. "The female-on-top position is a great way to get back in the saddle, so to speak, since the new mom can control the speed and depth of penetration. For women who've had a C-section, this position can also help protect the scar and alleviate pressure. Try facing your partner or facing away to see which feels best, as everyone is different."
2. Spooning
Dr. Kat says spooning "is an excellent choice for women who want to take things slow and easy in the beginning" and that many women say this position is the most comfortable for them after giving birth. Side-lying also takes pressure off the lower back and helps stay away from any C-section scarring.
3. Missionary
Don't discount the reliable missionary position. If you take it slow by starting with this tried-and-true position, you'll be able to see what areas feel good and which may be uncomfortable. Putting a pillow under your lower back or bottom may make this position even more comfortable, as the pelvic tilt that occurs may pull on a C-section scar or put stress on the lower back.
4. On a Chair
Sometimes staying out of the bed may offer more comfortable positioning, especially when your partner sits in a sturdy chair and you are on top, once again being able to control depth and speed. "It's important to keep in mind that changes in hormones after childbirth can cause vaginal dryness, so a water-based lubricant can help make things easier too," Dr. Kat continued.
5. Partner Standing
If you lie on your back and scoot to the edge of the bed until just your torso and upper body are on the bed, your partner can stand and hold your legs up. This position also helps take the pressure off your lower back.
Again, always be sure to communicate with your partner about how things feel to get the most out of this seemingly new experience after childbirth.
11 Healthy and Creative School Lunches Your Kids' Friends Will Want to Trade Them For
As much as kids love Lunchables and brightly colored yogurts - and as easy as those foods are to pack - they're not the most nutritious sources of fuel for young minds. Luckily, the following meals pack nutritiousness and deliciousness into any lunchbox on the quick . . . and they don't skimp on creativity or fun.
Enabling This Feature on Your Amazon Echo Device Could Save Your Life
Alexa is capable of many things, including helping you with your fitness goals and getting you more organized, but there is one thing she can't do. She cannot call 911 for you in the case of an emergency. You can only communicate with those in your contacts who have their own Amazon Echo device or via the Alexa app.
However, there is a potentially life-saving skill that every Echo-device owner should enable ASAP: Ask My Buddy. Ask My Buddy is a free service on Amazon Echo and Google Home platforms that can alert anyone in your Personal Alert Network any time you need help. If your phone is out of reach and you need urgent assistance, simply say "Alexa (or "Hey Google"), Ask My Buddy to alert James," "Alexa, Ask My Buddy to send help," or "Alexa, Ask My Buddy to alert everyone." Alexa will then immediately send a text, email, and even voice call to your contact or everyone on your list alerting them to check on you right away.
This feature is a great backup for seniors, people with disabilities, and individuals who live alone. To get started, pull up your Alexa app and tap on "Skills" in the menu drop down. Search "Ask My Buddy" and enable. You will then be redirected to Ask My Buddy's site to create an account and add up to five contacts to your Personal Alert Network.
Though Ask My Buddy is not a substitute for 911, it can give you peace of mind knowing that help is nearby. You never know when you'll need it!
This Amazon Purchase Helped Me Survive Life With a Newborn
Creating a registry as a first-time parent felt completely overwhelming. I remember free-falling down the YouTube rabbit hole of product reviews, skimming through endless roundups, and clicking on every single suggested registry on Pinterest. I heeded every article that warned about the tempting yet deceptively useless baby products on the market, but managed to overlook a less obvious purchase that ended up being incredibly useful: the Baby Shusher ($31).
My sister-in-law, whose son is five months older than my son, sent a care package shortly after we returned from the hospital. It was filled with newborn necessities like sleep sacks and onesies and a bonus item, the Baby Shusher. She sang its praises and assured me it would help ease my anxiety whenever I had to take him out of the house. It was something she hadn't heard of until a kind soul passed it on to her while she was in the depths of newborn hell bliss, and it worked!
The Baby Shusher is designed to soothe newborns, helping them to feel calm when they're crying and just need a little extra help. If you've ever heard of Dr. Harvey Karp's book Happiest Baby on the Block, you'll recognize that this draws on the fourth "S" of the "Five S's," shushing. By twisting one end, you turn on rhythmic shushing noises that you can adjust the volume of, set a timer for, and even hang on your baby's car seat, stroller, or anything else. I loved that it was small enough to slip into his diaper bag or tuck into his car seat and was easy to clean. I could crank the shushing up so that he could hear it over his own crying to calm down or turn it down very low so that he had constant white noise while he napped during car rides or walks in his stroller. The first time my husband and I brought him to a restaurant, we frantically whipped it out of his diaper bag the minute he started whimpering and he fell right back asleep. It became like a good-luck charm that helped us through those first few months, especially when we were feeling anxious about taking him anywhere. If you're expecting or know someone who is, I highly recommend adding this to your shopping cart.
15 Foods Experts Say You Don't Have to Buy Organic If You're on a Tight Budget
With widespread knowledge about the benefits of shopping organic as well as the dangers of pesticides, it's hard not to feel guilty when reaching for nonorganic groceries to save money. Luckily, the following produce items - deemed the Clean 15 by the Environmental Working Group - are perfectly safe and healthy to eat when grown nonorganically.
Elizabeth Caton, brand and nutrition manager at Guiding Stars, points out that while the following foods have very little pesticide residue in their edible portions, they're still grown with pesticides. If you prefer to remain conscious of pesticide use in general, she suggests buying organic foods "to protect yourself, farmers/growers, the environment, or a combination of these." But if you're on a tight budget, these foods make it possible to eat well and save a few dollars.
15 Times Princess Diana Was Just a Regular Mom
Princess Diana has been deeply loved and idolized by people all over the world for decades, both when she was alive and in the years after her death. What's hard to remember, however - amid the glamorous balls, family scandals, and sparkly tiaras - is that, more than anything else, Diana was just a regular mom. It's obvious from her rare interviews and frequent public outings that she adored sons Prince Harry and Prince William and loved doing simple, run-of-the-mill things with them. She was also fiercely protective of their privacy. Diana's daughter-in-law, Kate Middleton, has now followed her example with Prince George and Princess Charlotte. To prove the iconic royal was just like you when it came to her kiddos, keep reading for 15 moments she was a relatable mom . . . you know, minus the literal crown.
Kelly Clarkson Just Nailed the Secret to Surviving Parenting Challenges: Wine
Kelly Clarkson, mother of four children (including two stepchildren from husband Brandon Blackstock's first marriage) doesn't hold back when it comes to the challenges of motherhood. She recently revealed that she spanks her children, has been vocal about how much she hated pregnancy, and, during a recent a TCA event for The Voice, Kelly shared her secret to surviving parenthood: alcohol.
"Wine is necessary," the singer joked, admitting that her kids can be challenging. While all children are difficult at times, celebrities rarely get so candid about their parenting woes or their coping mechanisms, even if they are half joking. It's refreshing to hear a star admitting that motherhood is hard - and that wine helps.
This Adorable Elderly Couple Is About to Become Your New Instagram Obsession
Much of what goes viral on Instagram is shockingly controversial or depressingly aspirational, but an elderly English couple has become Insta-famous for being downright inspiring. Geoffrey Walker, a Christian songwriter and poet, runs an account where he chronicles life with his beloved wife Pauline. The couple, who recently celebrated their 66th wedding anniversary (Wow!) are as loving and adorable as can be, whether sipping tea in the garden or out for a night on the town at a ukulele concert.
It's impossible not to feel good when hearing the joy in Geoffrey's voice as he discusses how pleased he is that Pauline is recovering from a recent injury, or listening to the couple offer playful commentary on their holiday shopping trip. Check them out ahead for your own dose of #relationshipgoals goodness.
This Incendiary New "Backward" Book Case Trend Will Surprise (and Likely Anger) You
There's a new trend in bookcase styling, and it's proving to be quite incendiary: backward books. That's right - people are turning their books so the spines face inward and the pages are turned out. It might seem like an innocuous 180-degree shift, but people are furious.
A recent Apartment Therapy Instagram post featuring the trend was met with comments ranging from angry diatribes like, "You're the kind of monsters that put the toilet paper the wrong way on the roll, aren't you?" and "This looks terrible and is idiotic. Should have saved this one for April Fool's Day!" to more terse statements such as, "Delete your account," and, "Whoever thought this up needs to be fired." While it might seem like lit-lovers would be against turning books backward, there were a surprising amount of hardcore bookworm proponents. Their argument? That they can identify the books by the color and condition of their well-worn pages.
One Instagram user added this thoughtful note:
"At first glance I, like others, thought this was silly and anti-book. Now that I'm looking at the image for longer I'm becoming more enticed by the idea of recognising my books by the colour of the fading of their pages, the way the paper has aged, and their shape. Like, looking at that shelf the variety in them is very clear. I wondered 'would I know my books back-to-front?' I think, for many old-friend books, I would, immediately. So I'm starting to think that for a small-ish collection of well-aged books that you know well, this might be nice."
The look, for all its controversy, is actually somewhat practical from a design perspective. First, it fits in with the monochromatic trend, offering a single color palette and cleaner overall look to your bookcase - great for someone who can't stand looking at a mismatched hodgepodge of book spines and bindings. Second, it's a nice antidote to the playful but no-longer-novel color-coordinated book spine look. And, finally, it just looks better in certain stylized contexts where rows of yellowed paper are a charming fit.
Like all design, it's a matter of opinion. To some, it might look dingy and impractical, while to someone else, it's clever, sensible, and ready for its #shelfie close-up. To help you decide whether this is a decor must do or must pass, we've rounded up a few backward book images ahead.
mercredi 10 janvier 2018
16 (Beyond Cool) One-Piece Swimsuits Every Fashion Girl Will Want in 2018
We've got good news - one-piece swimsuits will be hotter than ever in 2018. Not only are they insanely flattering, they also make a statement worthy of your Instagram feed. If you're wondering what every fashion girl will have their eyes on this year, we rounded up the most covetable options. Score them now before they disappear this Summer!
Cancel Your Brunch Plans: Mariah Carey Just Declared the Popular Meal Outing as Basic AF
Pretty much everything Mariah Carey does is an event or an extravaganza, dahling. So when the pop diva tweeted that she doesn't "do brunch" on Saturday, she basically told the rest of us that we were basic AF and needed to step our game up. Luckily, the "Hero" singer and world's most glamorous mom introduced a new phrase that will help elevate our sad meal outings for something more festive: "linner." Definition: a late dinner! While Mariah's tweet may have been lighthearted in nature, we're definitely taking her suggestion very seriously. . . and we won't be caught dead having brunch anytime soon. But MC, what will we do without our mimosas?! Read her hilarious tweet ahead.
A friend called and asked me to do brunch. Come on.. I don't do brunch, it's daytime!! I suggested linner instead 😂☕ (definition: a late dinner!) #linneristhenewbrunch
- Mariah Carey (@MariahCarey) January 6, 2018
15 Black Lingerie Pieces That Will Make You Feel Sexy as Hell
It doesn't matter if you're buying lingerie to wear for someone else or for yourself: it's always fun to have something new. We rounded up our favorite options in black, because like an LBD, it's so necessary. Plus, you can mix and match everything because it's all the same color. Check out these lovely picks and treat yourself to something pretty.
Dress Like Bella Hadid This Winter With These 7 Chic Coat Styles
If you have a total style obsession with Bella Hadid, you're not alone. One of the many reasons we love following her is because her wardrobe is so strong - she does a great great job of mixing high- and low-priced brands. Whether she's showing off in the latest Nike sneakers or dressed up in a Dior dress, we can't stop wanting it all. This season is the perfect time to invest in a stylish new coat that you can wear for years to come. We looked to Bella for some serious style inspiration so we can start our Fall wardrobe off right. So if you're looking for a metallic puffer or a structured black wool piece, we have you covered. Take a look to see what your favorite Hadid sister is rocking.
Prepare to Lose It When You See These 11 Faux-Fur Coats on Amazon - All Under $50
I have a huge obsession with faux-fur jackets, and my entire closet is filled with every color choice I can get my hands on. If, like me, you love this fluffy trend, right now is the perfect time to start shopping for some new options. These soft pieces are the ideal way to dress up any outfit, from date night to just staying warm on your way to the office. We looked to Amazon because the online retailer carries a wide array of brands and price points to shop. So whether you're looking for an elegant white coat or an electric-blue option, we found it.
If You Love Orangetheory, This Treadmill-Focused App Might Be Your Next "Class"
Gone are the days when you have to go to an IRL fitness class to get the same workout, and a new app called Studio is perfect for runners. The app allows you to get a boutique-style treadmill class with an instructor's audio-based directions plus a playlist, all while remaining on your own treadmill, whether that's at the gym or at home. Studio offers "boutique group running classes that pair a motivating instructor with a killer playlist at any time that's convenient to you." Studio is available for download in the app store for iOS devices, and it proves that workout apps are a rising trend.
While you will be running solo on the treadmill, Studio strives to deliver the same group-based motivation you'd find in a class full of people. You can compete in real time with everyone else through a data-based leaderboard (if you have an Apple Watch, that is). Everyone who uses the app can select different levels (from beginner to expert) and music based on their preferences, and the portability of the service makes it great for sticking to your workout routine while traveling. Each week, Studio does a music theme, which could be anything from a Lady Gaga run to an '80s run.
Essentially, if you're a fan of Mile High Run Club, Orangetheory, or Barry's Bootcamp, you might find this app-based experience a refreshing alternative for when you don't want to fit a class into your schedule. As for the price, you can subscribe for one month for $15 or for one year for $100 - a decidedly lower price than the Peloton Treadmill. Studio also offers the ability to try it for free for two weeks. If glancing at printable treadmill workouts while you're in the middle of running isn't your thing, this might provide the structure that works for you.
If You've Been Considering the Keto Diet, This Might Change Your Mind
The keto diet is gaining in popularity, but it's also "a dietitian's nightmare," Lisa Eberly said. We chatted with the registered dietitian to get her expert opinion on the trendy diet we've been hearing so much about. Spoiler alert: she's not into it.
What Is a Keto Diet?
A keto - short for ketogenic - diet is a low-carb diet, in which the body produces ketones in the liver to use as energy in lieu of carbohydrates (more on that later). Like other low-carb, high-fat (LCHF) diets, keto draws people in with its promised weight-loss results. Blogs, Pinterest, and Instagram have been lighting up with "keto recipes" and meal plans, but that doesn't mean it's actually good for you.
"When you eat something high in carbs, your body will produce glucose and insulin," Lisa explained. Glucose and insulin, at proper levels, are used for energy - they're also essential for a healthy, balanced body. But it's all about balance - too many carbohydrates can be detrimental. "Your body's production of glucose and insulin can become abnormal, leading to health problems, poor food cravings, and weight gain." But, she said, "that does not mean that the answer is to eliminate [or significantly reduce] them."
How Does the Keto Diet Work?
Lisa put it pretty simply: a ketogenic diet mimics starvation. The starvation effect causes the body to go into a metabolic state called "ketosis."
In our normal state, human bodies are sugar-driven: we eat carbohydrates, carbs are broken down into glucose, and glucose usually becomes energy, or it's stored as glycogen in liver and muscle tissue.
When you deprive your body of essential carbohydrate intake (Lisa noted that this is anything under 50 grams per day), then the liver goes into overdrive, because you don't have that carbohydrate-made glucose for energy. "The liver becomes the sole provider of glucose to feed your hungry organs - especially the brain, a greedy organ accounting for around 20 percent of total energy expenditure daily." Who knew the brain was so hungry?
The Effect of Cutting Carbs
Here's how it works: a very low-carb diet forces your body to use ketones instead of sugars for energy, which "is not advantageous, and can end up hurting you more than helping you," Lisa said.
Because the brain cannot directly use fat for energy, it needs a backup source when the carbohydrates are gone. No carbohydrates = a brain running on ketone. Ketones are produced by the liver using fatty acids from your food or body fat. Basically, your liver burns fat to make ketones.
These ketones - beta-hydroxybutyrate (BHB), acetoacetate, and acetone - are released into the bloodstream, used by the brain and other organs, and then shuttled into the "energy factory" (aka mitochondria) to be used as fuel (stay with us).
Any excess ketones exit the body via urine and breath, because according to Lisa, "they're volatile in nature." Because of this, those on a keto diet experience a characteristically sweet "keto breath."
What Are the Side Effects?
- "Keto breath." As mentioned, keto breath is a thing, and it's not awesome.
- Weak bones and stress fractures. Ketones are acidic, and one of their jobs is to pull phosphorous and calcium out of your bones. When ketones are your sole source of energy, you have a buildup, and thus, you deplete your phosphorous and calcium. This can lead to stress fractures and bone problems.
- Headaches, bad mood, and bad memory. Because carbs are the "optimal energy source for the brain," the keto diet starves your brain of fuel. "When your brain is relying only on ketones, it gets foggy, headachey, and just not nearly as sharp as it could be on carbs," Lisa said. The result? Fatigue, moodiness, and possible anxiety.
- Increased risk of disease. The ketogenic diet encourages you to eat an excess of fatty foods - and not the good kind of fat. "These are things that we KNOW - based on science - are very bad for you; bad for your heart, brain, diabetes risk, aging, and disease prevention," Lisa said. She noted that these bad things include saturated fat and omega-6 fats from butter, red meat, and cheese. "These are scientifically proven to be detrimental for your health."
- Slowed metabolism. This is the opposite of what you want with a diet, correct? Correct. "The main reason a ketogenic diet is not good for weight loss is that it mimics starvation," Lisa said. In starvation mode, your body clings for dear life to every calorie you come near. As Lisa put it, "this is your metabolism coming to a screeching halt." In addition to a limited diet, bad mood, and missing pasta, you're also destroying your metabolism and putting yourself in a worse place than if you had just been eating carbs all along.
- The balloon effect. Even worse, once you go back to your normal diet (because as Lisa put it, "a keto diet for life sounds like the worst thing ever"), you will balloon up. Yeah . . . seriously. "Your body will be so excited to see carbs again that it holds on to EVERYTHING and it will be much more difficult for you to lose weight again."
Does It Work For Anyone?
While Lisa says there's no reason for the average person to try the keto diet - "science supporting the ketogenic diet is either widely discredited or nonexistent" - it can work for children with epilepsy or someone who has suffered brain trauma or injury. There is some science to back up how a keto diet would work in those instances, but Lisa warns that those people should be under the supervision of both a doctor and a dietitian.
Consider where you're getting your information on keto. Is it from social media? Does your source have a degree? Are they versed in nutrition? Make sure you're getting the best information possible - this is your health we're talking about, after all!
In Summary . . .
"A balanced diet with a healthy mixture of carbs, good fats, and protein is key to weight loss and maintenance, and the best way to feel and look your best," Lisa said. We're happy to hear it, because we also really like pasta.
According to this dietitian (and many others), a ketogenic diet will slow down your metabolism, cause weight gain (after "the short-lived and promising drop in a few pounds"), induce foggy thinking, and incite a slew of other health threats, like weak bones and increased disease risk.
Charlotte Tilbury's Newest Product Will Actually Make Your Face Look Filtered
Thanks to the internet's obsession with celebrity beauty looks, the Golden Globes red carpet was the perfect testing ground for a new makeup product. Makeup master Charlotte Tilbury took full advantage of this when she debuted her latest skin-perfecting product on Sunday, Jan. 7. The new formula, dubbed Flawless Filter, was used on Mandy Moore, Greta Gerwig, Laura Dern, and Susan Sarandon.
Tilbury broke the news about this product on Instagram, stating: "Darlings, did you see what I used on the red carpet last night? The news is out! My 🌟Hollywood Flawless Filter🌟 is COMING SOON! What better way to unveil it than in Hollywood at the #GoldenGlobes! Is it a foundation? Is it a highlighter? Stay tuned!"
The product offers the benefits of both foundation and highlighter - all at once. Tilbury describes it in a press release as a "hybrid complexion innovation that creates an instant flawless filter across the skin for an award-winning, superstar-lit glow." The finish that it creates was inspired by social media filters.
On all four ladies, Flawless Filter was applied along with foundation to further smooth out their skin and add highlight. Makeup artist Matin applied the product to Moore's cheekbones, high points of the face, shoulders, and back. He shared via Instagram that his inspiration for the look was the girls from the '80s Roxy Music Album covers, with sculpted and glowy skin, gorgeous lips, and defined eyes. And he nailed it!
Flawless Filter contains a combination of a glossy oil and porcelain flower extract, which help to blur pores and give skin a healthy sheen by boosting circulation. The liquid face filter comes in seven shades and will hit CharlotteTilbury.com on Thursday, March 1. Consider our calendars marked!
Welcome to 2018: Topshop Is Selling "Fake News" Jeans
If you thought 2018 would be safe from questionable denim trends, think again. After clear-knee mom jeans and clear plastic jeans, Topshop recently came out with yet another contentious piece of merchandise: the MOTO "Fake News" Slogan Straight Leg Jeans. According to the site's description, these pants will help you "make a statement," and you'll be able to do so for a mere $90.
While we assume that the vertical stripe is taking a jab at the President's favorite phrase (it wouldn't be the first time it happened), some Twitter users have expressed concern over the fact that these slogans are being normalized and used to sell clothes. Read on to have a closer look at the jeans, and discover what people are saying about them on social media.
20 Recipes That Will Make You Want to Get an Instant Pot ASAP
Chances are you've been seeing Instant Pot recipes all over the internet lately. If you're scratching your head wondering what exactly that means or if an instant pot is the same thing as a slow cooker, allow this beginner breakdown to help. The Instant Pot is a countertop cooking tool that's like a cross between a pressure cooker, a slow cooker, and a sauté pan. According to its description, it's a "multi-cooker, capable of replacing a pressure cooker, slow cooker, rice cooker/porridge maker, sauté/browning pan, steamer, yogurt maker, and stockpot warmer."
Plenty of bloggers and cooks are fans of the Instant Pot and have figured out how to make chicken, soups, rice, and even cheesecake in the appliance. If you're curious about experimenting with an Instant Pot - and potentially replacing your slow cooker - read ahead for more recipes to start with.
There Appear to Be Two New Beauty Babies on the Way For KKW Beauty
https://t.co/PoBZ3bhjs8 http://pic.twitter.com/WlwpbIGXKa
- Kim Kardashian West (@KimKardashian) January 8, 2018
It's no secret that Kim Kardashian West can pretty much set, kill, and then bring back to life just about any trend on the internet. Case in point: baking. Only last Summer, West, after years of wearing the making setting technique, told the world that she was over it. Now, with the tease of her very own KKW Beauty baking powder, via Twitter, the trend is apparently 'set' for a comeback. (In case you forgot, baking is a technique used to set powder on the skin.)
Very little deets were given on the KKW Beauty version of the powder. We just see it being applied to West's face along with the caption "KKWBeauty.com." The beauty baking method had a major moment on Instagram and Snapchat and has been heavily used by West's makeup artist, Mario Dedivanovic, for years. Until of course, she ditched it for a simpler aesthetic and "monochromatic nudes." Naturally, the internet followed suit.
The still-infant brand has been cranking out newness with speed. Along with the baking powder tease, both West and Dedivanovic posted a pic of a new concealer, also expected to hit this Spring. It looks like the four-part undereye concealer that West hinted at back in July. What does four parts means exactly? We'll have to wait for the tutorial that West and Dedivanovic were filming to fully understand. Curious to see how it compares to little sis Kylie's recent release of a pretty extensive lineup of concealers? Only time and internet reviews will tell.
💋 @MakeupByMario http://pic.twitter.com/EtkiisaOvo
- Kim Kardashian West (@KimKardashian) January 8, 2018
Get Your Wands at the Ready, Because a Harry Potter Exhibit Is on Its Way
If you need us, we'll be waiting on the edge of our seats until October. British Library exhibition Harry Potter: A History of Magic is debuting at the New York Historical Society on Oct. 5 and will run until Jan. 27, 2019. The tickets will go on sale for members on Feb. 14 and then to the general public in April.
The exhibit celebrates the 20th anniversary of the release of the Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone book. It will take attendees through the history of the books and movies and the real-life magic and myths that inspired the creation of Harry Potter. You will also be able to walk away with a book on the exhibition, Harry Potter: A Journey Through a History of Magic. It's not exactly another Harry Potter book, but we'll take it.
Hysterical Dad Tweets Priceless Conversations Between Him and His Daughters
Comedian James Breakwell makes sure that every tweet he sends is absolutely hilarious - by recounting conversations he has with his wife and four daughters under the age of 6. His account, XplodingUnicorn, is full of priceless 140-character encounters with his little ladies, all of whom seem to have been passed down a bit of their father's comedic ability and give new meaning to the phrase "kids say the darnedest things."
Scroll through for some of his tweets, which will undoubtedly give you stitches in your side.
Meet the Bachelor Winter Games Cast: Dean Unglert, Ben Higgins, and More!
Grab your nearest scarf, because the Bachelor Winter Games cast is here! Some of the most beloved stars from Bachelor Nation have signed on to the spinoff, which will see former USA contestants like Dean Unglert, Ben Higgins, Ashley Iaconetti, and Clare Crawley competing against international Bachelor and Bachelorette stars. The special series is only four episodes long and will be hosted by franchise mainstay Chris Harrison. Before you see the cast face off in exciting, Winter-themed challenges at The Hermitage Club in Wilmington, VT, on Feb. 13, get to know the whole cast.
11 Modifications You Didn't Know You Could Make at Starbucks
Whether you're more of an iced-coffee or grande-nonfat-mocha-no-whip type of Starbucks customer, there are easy ways to customize your drink to match your preference. While you might not find these modifications on the menu, that doesn't mean you can't make them at the register. Here's what to keep in mind the next time you find yourself in line at Starbucks and want a drink that's specifically tailored to your needs.
- Ask for light ice.
Not enough liquid and too much ice in your drink? Ask for light ice next time and you'll get more of the drink itself. - Order your latte extra hot.
Ever feel like your hot coffee is cold by the time you get to the office? You can order your latte "extra hot" at the register, and the barista will steam the milk longer to increase the temperature. - Specify unsweetened.
Certain Starbucks drinks are sneakily sweetened, including the iced coffee, iced teas, and the Green Tea Latte. For example, Starbucks's matcha powder contains sugar, and the Green Tea Latte typically has more sugar added to it. The iced coffee already comes with two pumps of Classic, aka simple syrup, so if you order it with two pumps, you're actually getting four. The default for a tall iced tea drink is three pumps of classic. If you'd rather have unsweetened drinks, be sure to specify that when you order. - Customize your milk preference.
ICYMI, Starbucks has almond milk and coconut milk! There's also soy milk as another dairy-free option. Starbucks uses 2 percent milk in all drinks unless you specify otherwise, so speak up if you want whole milk, nonfat, or plant-based milk. - Order a tall coffee in a grande cup.
Certain baristas might discourage this, but it's a common thing to order. To avoid wasting coffee by pouring out enough for milk, just order a smaller size coffee in a cup the next size up. This will give you more space than asking for "room." - Order the "short" size.
Did you know a size smaller than the tall exists at Starbucks? While not listed on most menus, there is a size called the short, which is eight ounces and costs $2 for a drip coffee. - Ask for no water for a stronger tea flavor.
Starbucks adds water to the cup of any iced tea drink to dilute it, so ask for no water if you want a stronger flavor. - Ask for an extra shot.
Tall lattes come with one shot of espresso, grande espresso drinks come with two, and venti drinks come with two (hot) or three (iced). If it's just one of those days and you need an extra boost of caffeine, you can add another shot to any drink for 60 cents. - Specify the number of syrup pumps.
When you order any drink that comes with a syrup flavor, a tall will have three, a grande will have four, and a venti will have five or six, depending on hot or iced, respectively. You can either add more for no extra cost or ask for fewer pumps if you want it less sweet. - Ask for a different kind of sweetener.
You can ask for syrups, sugar, raw sugar, honey, Sweet and Low, Equal, or Splenda in any drink. You can also inquire about the sugar-free syrup options, like raspberry and vanilla, as well as the seasonal syrup options like peppermint. - Order hot tea over ice.
If you're in the mood for a green tea or herbal tea but would rather have it cold than hot, you can ask for it served on ice. The barista will steep the tea and pour it in a plastic cup filled with ice, which takes about five minutes.
After Being Pardoned by Trump, Former Arizona Sheriff Joe Arpaio Announces Senate Run
Mere months after former Arizona sheriff Joe Arpaio was pardoned of criminal contempt charges by President Donald Trump, on Jan. 9 he announced his candidacy for the US Senate. Arpaio, who was convicted of criminal contempt after ignoring a judge's order not to detain suspected undocumented immigrants, was the sheriff of Maricopa County, which includes the state's capital, Phoenix, for five terms, or 24 years. His tenure was widely reported on due to extreme policies, numerous lawsuits, and outrageous anti-immigrant rhetoric. Arpaio's criminal conviction came six months after he lost his seat to a Democratic challenger in 2016, and after Trump's pardon, he managed to emerge from the situation unscathed.
It should come as no surprise, then, that the longtime Trump supporter immediately honed in on the president's voting base. "I am running for the U.S. Senate from the Great State of Arizona for one unwavering reason: to support the agenda and policies of President Donald Trump in his mission to Make America Great Again," Arpaio announced on Twitter.
I am running for the U.S. Senate from the Great State of Arizona, for one unwavering reason: to support the agenda and policies of President Donald Trump in his mission to Make America Great Again. https://t.co/ANppBdDOtp
- Sheriff Joe Arpaio (@RealSheriffJoe) January 9, 2018
It's worth noting that Arpaio is by no means a shoo-in for the race; ultimately, he'll go head to head with Steve Bannon-backed former state Senator Kelli Ward and, if rumors prove true, Arizona Rep. Martha McSally. But it's pretty safe to say at this stage that the race to fill Jeff Flake's Arizona Senate seat is going to be one hell of a dog and pony show and we'll be keeping a close eye on this story as it develops.
The Irony of Ivanka Trump's Tweet About Oprah's Empowering Golden Globes Speech
At the 2018 Golden Globes on Jan. 7, Oprah accepted the Cecil B. DeMille Award and inspired viewers with a rousing speech about race and gender equality. As congratulatory and positive reactions began to roll in, a supportive tweet emerged from one surprising source: Ivanka Trump.
A day after the award show, the first daughter and advisor to the president said she had just seen Oprah's "empowering and inspiring speech." Adding, "Let's all come together, women and men, and say Time's Up." As she might not have entirely anticipated, the tweet did not go over well.
Just saw @Oprah's empowering & inspiring speech at last night's #GoldenGlobes. Let's all come together, women & men, & say #TIMESUP! #United https://t.co/vpxUBJnCl7
- Ivanka Trump (@IvankaTrump) January 9, 2018
In response, Alyssa Milano tweeted, "Great! You can make a lofty donation to the Time's Up Legal Defense Fund that is available to support your father's accusers." In true fashion, Chrissy Teigen succinctly replied, "Ew go away."
Trump has in the past argued that she often disagrees with President Donald Trump, however, she chooses to keep her criticism to private discussions. Her silence has prompted many to accuse her of being complicit in the president's actions.
Ivanka Trump's latest tweet is also frustrating to those who feel she should have spoken out against her father's comments in the leaked Access Hollywood tape, as well as the ongoing sexual harassment allegations against him. Taking everything into consideration, she should have probably just left that tweet in her drafts.
Donald Trump to Farmers Who Voted For Him: "You Are So Lucky I Gave You That Privilege"
On Jan. 8, President Donald Trump gave a speech at the American Farm Bureau Federation convention in Tennessee and spoke to the audience about the tax bill Congress passed late last year, and farmers being the future of the United States. But what really caught our attention were the comments he made about his election into office. "Oh, are you happy you voted for me. You are so lucky that I gave you that privilege," Trump said. "The other choice wasn't going to work out too well for the farmers, I hate to - or the miners, or anybody else." Of course, the other choice he is referencing is Hillary Clinton.
During the rest of his speech, he spoke about how beneficial the tax cuts passed will be for farmers. "We have just signed into law the most significant tax cuts and reforms in American history - it's a total of $5.5 trillion in tax cuts," he said before adding that "working families, small businesses, and - who? - the family farmers" would be the ones to benefit the most. The tax bill is actually set to reduce cuts by $1.5 trillion over the next 10 years and not $5.5 trillion like Trump said, according to The New York Times. The part about it benefiting family farmers the most is also false because, in actuality, it will most benefit the richest Americans, according to Tax Policy Center. Watch his speech above, and just take it all in.
Donald Trump Says He'd "Beat" Oprah If She Ran For President in 2020
On Jan. 7, Seth Meyers joked that Oprah should run for President of the United States at the Golden Globes - but then she got up on stage to accept her Cecil B. DeMille award and blew everyone away with her speech, and the rumors instantly started swirling alongside the hashtag #Oprah2020. It didn't help matters any that her longtime partner, Stedman Graham, told the Los Angeles Times "she would absolutely do it" and that her BFF Gayle King said "she is intrigued by the idea." Now, the current sitting president, Donald Trump, is putting in his two cents and very confidently shutting down the idea.
"Yeah, I'll beat Oprah," he told reporters at the end of a bipartisan meeting with senators. "Oprah would be a lot of fun. I know her very well; you know I did one of her last shows . . . I like Oprah. I don't think she's going to run . . . I know her very well." This comes from the man who, in 1999 and 2015, said he wanted to see Oprah in the White House as his vice president. "Oprah would always be my first choice," he first said on CNN's Larry King Live. We don't know if Oprah will run or not, but we aren't so sure we agree with what Trump had to say about it.
Steve Bannon Out at Breitbart
Update, 5:46 p.m. ET: SiriusXM has decided to end its relationship with Steve Bannon and is terminating his hosting duties effective immediately as a result of his leaving Breitbart.
Original post: Steve Bannon, one-time alt-right poster boy and former aide to President Donald Trump, is out at Breitbart.
Bannon has been under heavy fire from the Trump camp as a result of comments he made to Michael Wolff for his explosive tell-all book, Fire and Fury, which culminated in the president openly accusing his former top adviser of "losing his mind" as well as his job. The condemnation also allegedly caused him to lose the backing of the ultrawealthy Mercer family, who had funded many of his recent ventures. As it stands, there has been no confirmation that the severance of ties has come as a result of Bannon's lost political and financial capital, but it's hard to ignore the timing of the decision.
Breitbart immediately confirmed the Jan. 9 news, with the CEO of the company saying, "Steve is a valued part of our legacy, and we will always be grateful for his contributions and what he has helped us to accomplish."
Everything You Need to Know About Buying and Smoking Recreational Marijuana in California
Even if the rest of 2018 is complete sh*t, at least marijuana is now legal in California. As of Jan. 1, adults 21 and over are legally permitted to purchase recreational marijuana across the state. This means you can walk into a dispensary and even have weed delivered to you without feeling like you're doing something wrong.
As the future of cannabis expands into variety of areas from fitness and wellness to culinary experiences, it's only a matter of time until the stoner stereotype completely dissipates. Leading cannabis tech company Eaze has seen consumer trends grow to encompass millennials, parents, and professionals firsthand since launching in 2014. And now that California has officially joined the party, weed will only become increasingly accepted across the board.
"We're superexcited about the normalization of cannabis this year," Eaze's head of PR, Sheena Shiravi, told POPSUGAR. "We've seen consumers weaving it into their daily wellness routines, and that will only continue to increase as it becomes less stigmatized."
Prohibition is now over in a total of six states and counting, with Massachusetts soon to join in July of this year. But as with anything in life, there are always a few restrictions to keep in mind. So before you spark up, know what you can and can't do legally under the Medical and Adult Use Cannabis Regulation and Safety Act (MAUCRSA) and what additional changes to expect.
Can I buy weed at a dispensary without a card?
Yes! All you need is a valid government-issued ID to show that you are 21 or older. However, regulations will vary by city. According to Eaze, "each city and county has the right to develop their own rules around cultivation (growing your own plants), distribution (having dispensaries or allowing for delivery) and sale (medical vs. Adult Use)."
Will I have to pay tax at the time of purchase?
Unfortunately, yes. Unless you have a state-authorized medical card (note: this is different from a medical recommendation you may have received from a marijuana doctor), you will have to pay sales and use tax in addition to your local tax.
Can I smoke anywhere I want?
No, it is still illegal to consume marijuana in public places, including within 1,000 feet of a school or youth center. If you're smoking in a private residence and it isn't detectable, however, this proximity-to-children rule does not apply. Similarly to open-container laws that make it illegal to drink and drive, you also cannot smoke or consume cannabis while driving or riding in a car, drive while high, or have an open container/unsealed package of weed in your car (unless it's in your trunk).
And remember, just because you're in a legalized state does not mean you're allowed to cross state lines, have it at national parks, or fly with it. You can be arrested under federal law for having a controlled substance.
How much can I legally have on me?
Adults 21 and older can possess up to an ounce or 28.5g of weed (in flower form) or eight grams of concentrate (in hash, oil, or dabs).
Can I grow my own weed?
Yes, but only up to six plants at a time on private property. Keep in mind that it's still illegal to grow marijuana openly in your backyard if you live by a public space and that your city or county can still crack down if you're growing outside your home. You are also prohibited from selling your personal harvest.
Other things to know:
- If you're ordering delivery, you must order within legal operating hours. Most cities require you to get your order in by 9 or 10 p.m., but double check to see your local time.
- Expect a delivery fee. Depending on your city, you will be required to pay around $5 to $10 if your purchase amount falls under the minimum. But if you buy over $50 worth of product on Eaze, for example, the delivery fee is waived.
- Delivery times will be slower. Drivers are no longer able to deliver on demand because the new law prohibits them from taking new orders before coming back to the dispensary.
- Sorry, seasoned stoners, THC levels in edibles are now legally capped at 100mg THC/package and 10mg THC/dose.
- Product prices will probably be higher. As rules on packaging (childproof required) and dosage change, a price increase will most likely result in order to comply with manufacturing.
Democratic Women Will Wear Black to Trump's State of the Union to Protest Sexual Abuse
Democratic women are calling on members of Congress to wear all black to President Donald Trump's first State of the Union address on Jan. 30 in an effort to raise awareness about sexual assault and harassment.
A spokesperson for Rep. Jackie Speier (pictured above), who represents California's 14th congressional district, confirmed to POPSUGAR that the push is being led by the Democratic Women's Working Group, of which she is a member. Speier's office said the group has "invited men and women members of Congress from both sides of the aisle" to join them. NBC News's Geoff Bennett initially reported the news with this tweet on the evening of Jan. 9:
NEW -- Washington following Hollywood's lead: A group of female Democratic lawmakers is planning to wear black to President Trump's first State of the Union address in a show of solidarity for #MeToo and #TimesUp
- Geoff Bennett (@GeoffRBennett) January 9, 2018
Speier and the DWWG have been vocal in calling for an investigation into the multitude of claims of sexual harassment and assault against Trump.
BREAKING: Members of the Democratic Women's Working Group are calling on @OversightDems @GOPoversight to investigate the sexual misconduct allegations against @realDonaldTrump - the American people deserve to learn the truth!https://t.co/06TdZp8L9R
- DWWG (@HouseDemWomen) December 12, 2017
The effort would follow the Time's Up-led black-dress movement at the Golden Globes on Jan. 7, which sought to shine a light on sexual abuse in Hollywood. This also wouldn't be the first time Democratic women use apparel to send a message; they also wore white, the color of the Suffragettes, to Trump's first congressional address in 2017.
Behold, the Most Hated Comment in Reddit History
I will always be the first to admit that a lot of what I consume on the internet is a direct result of what I see being upvoted on Reddit. If you're not familiar with the phrase, upvoting is the equivalent of "liking" something on Facebook or "faving" something on Twitter - with the ultimate goal being not just the crowd's approval, but to land your post at the top of the Reddit charts and onto the so-called front page of the internet. That being said, despite making several trips to Reddit.com every hour of every day for the last several years, I rarely come across a post that gained attention not because of the number of upvotes that it garnered, but because so many people gave it a negative rating (or, more colloquially, downvoted it).
But that all changed on Nov. 12, when Electronic Arts (EA) decided to respond to some user criticism of the forthcoming Star Wars Battlefront II.
The title of Reddit user MBMMaverick's post is "Seriously? I paid 80$ to have Vader locked?" and reflects a sincere sense of dissatisfaction with the price paid for the forthcoming game. "This is a joke. I'll be contacting EA support for a refund . . . " the user writes, adding, "I can't even playing f*cking Darth Vader?!?!? Disgusting. This age of 'micro-transactions' has gone WAY too far. Leave it to EA though to stretch the boundaries." A little strong, perhaps - but certainly not anything too controversial. If I had a quarter for every time someone said a video game was overpriced . . . well, you get the idea. Anyway, the response from EA was swift and straight to the point:
Unfortunately for the gaming giant, Reddit is never the right forum for customer service jargon. As such, the post has racked up an absolutely staggering 443,000 downvotes in the span of a single day, with thousands more voting it down with each passing hour. For context, it's worth noting that the previous record holder for most downvoted comment on Reddit clocked in at a mere 24,333 downvotes - and it happened to be a comment that was explicitly asking Reddit users to click the downvote button. Literally.
Suffice it to say, EA is now unquestionably the company behind the most hated post in Reddit history, and we're willing to bet that it wasn't the record that it hoped it'd be breaking with the release of the first Star Wars game in years. The moral of this story? If you don't have anything nice to say, you probably shouldn't say anything at all - and you definitely shouldn't say it in a Reddit forum.
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."
A Gay Cafe Owner Had the Perfect Facebook Response to a Homophobic Couple
We've updated this story with comments from Horne.
Homophobia, despite progress toward equality, unfortunately remains alive and rampant. A gay cafe owner in Cairns, Australia, named Jay Horne posted his tale of prejudice (and how gracefully he handled it) on Facebook, and it's since gone viral.
🤔 I'm curious... 🤔
Do you think you are going to turn gay (if you're not already) if you eat and drink at a gay owned...
Posted by Jay Horne on Thursday, March 16, 2017
In the post shared on March 16, Horne explains that a couple who frequent his restaurant, Paradiso Cairns, recently decided not to return after discovering it was gay owned and operated. "Do you think you are going to turn gay (if you're not already) if you eat and drink at a gay owned and operated cafe?" Horne hilariously asked in the post.
"One of our regular 'straight' couples have stopped frequenting our cafe because we are gay owned and operated and they had no idea," he went on to detail. "All I can say is . . . their loss!"
POPSUGAR spoke to Horne about the experience and community response via Facebook messenger. "I don't want the world to think that Cairns is a homophobic city, as it's definitely not," Horne said. "I have been living here for eight years and proudly promote the Cairns region as an LGBT hot spot to both national and international travelers."
Horne told us that he's witnessed an outpouring of support from the community in Cairns following his post. "One gentleman came in on Saturday who was so thankful that he broke down in tears," Horne wrote. "Another couple who sat in the cafe in hope the old regulars would walk by so they could confront them. I know I don't stand alone."
He also added that using his profile to fight homophobia is important. "Cairns has one of the highest if not the highest youth suicide rate in Australia, which is often related to fear of not being accepted in the community as being gay," Horne said. "If I have helped one person or saved one person from taking their own life through sharing my experience, I am happy [sic]."
While incidents like this are widely reported in the United States, Horne's experience demonstrates that homophobia is an international issue. It's also an applaudable instance of responding to intolerance with dignity and a dash of humor.
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