Healthy lifestyle
A healthy lifestyle is one which helps to keep and improve people's health and well-being.Many governments and non-governmental organizations have made big efforts in healthy lifestyle and health promotion.
Mental Health
Mental health can be considered a very important factor of physical health for the effects it produces on bodily functions. This type of health concerns emotional and cognitive well-being or an absence of mental disorder.
Public health
Public health can be defined in a variety of ways. It can be presented as "the study of the physical, psychosocial and socio-cultural determinants of population health and actions to improve the health of the population.
Reproductive Health
For the UN, reproductive health is a right, like other human rights. This recent concept evokes the good transmission of the genetic heritage from one generation to the next.
Health
Health is a state of complete physical, mental and social well-being, and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity.
mardi 1 mai 2018
How a 25-Year-Old Woman Is Rebuilding the College Financial Aid Process, 1 Student at a Time
Getting into college is hard. But it is often even harder to figure out how you're going to pay your sky-high tuition, especially when the paperwork required to get what you're rightfully due is damn near impossible to decipher. Every year, billions of dollars of aid are left on the table unclaimed, all thanks to the long, hard, and confusing process that is the Free Application For Federal Student Aid, or FAFSA. Now, there's a new way to tackle one of life's most complicated undertakings - and it goes by the name of Frank.
Frank is the brainchild of 25-year-old Charlie Javice, and it's a platform that streamlines and simplifies FAFSA, bringing the process down to only a few minutes and, according to the company's mission statement, eliminating "layers of bureaucracy, opportunity for mistakes, and hours of headache and heartache." And the results don't lie: in the time since the platform launched, Frank has helped more than a quarter of a million families benefit from a whopping $6.3 billion in free financial aid.
I caught up with Javice by phone in mid-January, and a transcript of our conversation - lightly edited and condensed for clarity - is below.
POPSUGAR: Tell me a bit about Frank, in your own words.
Charlie Javice: We make financial aid more accessible so that more people can afford college. That's what Frank's all about: making paying for college easier and giving you a solid answer as to how you're going to pay for it. We've now helped more than 250,000 families with north of $6 billion paid, and it's just so amazing and rewarding to see so many people who are much happier, more delighted, and more able to pursue the degree and the dreams that they have.
In terms of values of the company itself, I guess they almost emulate sort of my personality: being really unfiltered, having really big opinions, and not being afraid to voice them. And so we've done different work on what was going to happen with the GOP tax bill, from how that affects student loans all the way to what's going on with the 20 states that revoke your licenses - all the way back around to the Democratic side, where all of their rhetoric around this is like "the government is profiting from student loans," but they're really losing billions of dollars a year because people aren't paying it back. It's one of the worst "success" programs ever. Also, it's a regular private fund - and to manage the way that they did, they would have been out of business within three months. The administration fees are 20 percent of what their budget is; their returns have been negative forever. Each side, then, is like, "OK, let's find a better vehicle. Maybe we should just grant them the money outright; it would be cheaper to administer that than deal with all these student collection services, payments, putting people in jail, revoking professional licenses - all that kind of stuff."
PS: So what was the "eureka" moment that inspired you to start Frank?
CJ: My background is in social impact, but I've always been hugely thankful and grateful to my parents, who gave me the gift of education. Education is the one thing that you can really take with you anywhere that you go, and so it's always been the star of my life, and I've always been very aware of how many people sacrifice so many things to be able to give their child an education. So I thought, if you can do that at a large scale, in a sustainable way, it would not only have a huge impact, it would be an amazing business opportunity - and an amazing way to insert technology into a system that has not seen new technology since it went online in the '90s or early 2000s.
But I can also bring it back to my time in college. A lot of people took the first job that was offered to them, and it had to do with making minimum loan payments and a fear that they wouldn't be able to meet their financial responsibility. And so instead of being able to pursue something that they loved in terms of work, they had to take the first thing that comes along. I grew up in a household where I was told you work toward something you're passionate about, and if you are successful, you not only do well financially, you can do good in the world. And that isn't the case for most of America anymore. It's really an insane kind of light-bulb moment when you realize how wealthy you are just to be given that opportunity to do something you love without fear vs. being one of the millions of people that kind of have shackles and can't make those kinds of decisions because of student debt - because you're basically working for the government for the rest of your life.
PS: Why do you think it is that the system is so broken?
CJ: First of all, it's very important that everyone has a lot of goodwill around helping people learn in college and increasing college enrollment, so I think it's really important that we acknowledge that before we talk about the systemic failures. But one, this is a legacy system that was inherited over years and cobbled together, so financially there's a hole in the American system. It started with veterans coming back, and originally this funding was just for them. Then you had underprivileged students, civil rights, a bunch of different programs that got lumped together as one big thing. And then on top of all those programs, there's one singular common application. So, they got stuck and said, "OK, we're going to allocate need based on this application, which is the FAFSA," and the formula was based off a formula determined in the '70s - and it hasn't changed since. So while some cities have become way more expensive and costs have skyrocketed, the formula doesn't take those changes into account. A family earning $60,000 in Alabama, they'd receive the same amount of aid as a family making $50,000 in New York City. It's a huge issue.
There are also a couple of other factors. There are impossible deadlines around the FAFSA, a ton of people don't even know it exists, and, of course, there is the reality that college counselors at the high school level faced the biggest budget cut under the Obama administration. In California, you have one counselor to every 1,325 students. How do you give individualized attention to one person when there are so many waiting? So there's the framework, the resources, the technology, the legacy system, and then a general gridlock sense because part of the Higher Education Reauthorization Act needs to get reauthorized.
Also, every nonprofit that is currently helping to provide manual resources is getting paid by individual states to supplement college counseling. Their budget is basically done by people instead of innovative technologies, so that's another interesting facet of the process not aligning in places where it should. We should be fighting to advocate for students, not advocating for nonprofit stuff. There are different ways to allocate resources and different technologies out there, and we just don't necessarily have those conversations because the contract has been sticky.
PS: If there was some magical solution to fixing the education system, do you think it would come from the technology sector, or do you think it's something deeper involving personnel?
CJ: I mean, you could do a lot with technology, and doing it that way would mean you wouldn't need to wait on political systems to catch up. Leveraging technology for good is something that should be done and can be done. And then, obviously, there's the political side. I think there's finally been movement - for better or for worse - to think about things differently, like asking, "Can private companies enhance educational experience at a lower cost?"
PS: So you think that the tension is political, as opposed to being a problem that originates with the universities?
CJ: For financial aid, it's definitely politically driven. Universities are also in it, too, but universities are really just institutions of learning, and they get regulated. The government has not done a good job at being able to demand transparency from school so that we know the value and have the data to be able to understand what the value of a degree actually is. But the blame is on both sides in terms of schools being super expensive and that being the ultimate core issue. I believe school costs have increased by 531 percent of CPI (the consumer price index), and that's the real root of the problem. I believe the way to solve this is to work with families and demand a better price, something you can only do by working directly with families and always being their ally. Once you have an advocate, there's a lot of revenue in a pool from the school, and you end up being able to influence decisions because of sheer bulk power.
PS: What was the biggest challenge you faced in getting Frank off the ground?
CJ: I think the biggest challenge has to do with understanding and learning about the families in need. I say that because financial aid impacts over 90 percent of all undergrads, those who are currently on financial aid from their school. Yet it also impacts adult learners, grandparents who are doing it for their kids, and all levels on the socioeconomic spectrum, from people who have negative income to people who earn about $250,000 a year. Being able to find the messaging and the brand and, really, the understanding that you're meeting everyone's needs without being too wide so your message gets diluted, that's super important.
That's also the hardest part when it comes to fundraising and having investors who come from a typical tech space. We didn't fall into traditional tech because our consumers aren't necessarily early technology adopters; most investors have never dealt with how to make money with consumers, let alone working with consumers that might be on benefits. And because investors haven't traditionally gone through financial aid - they've either grown up personally wealthy and inherited it or they've made so much wealth that they're now in a position to invest - they don't know and feel the pain of the families; they find it really hard to have an emotional connection. That was the hard part: explaining empathy to those individuals who are lacking, to show them the value of working with families and getting involved, in depth, to unearth an opportunity to help them.
PS: Did you have a strong support system of advisers as you were building out the company?
CJ: I'm really lucky to have such a strong support system, whether we're talking about my friends, how tight I am with my family, or having such an amazing school to network. Everyone's been really generous with their time, so I try to replicate that. My number one pet peeve is that some founders get intros and think they're above meeting with a high school student or someone who needs help finding a job. But I always make the time for that, and I think it's so important to pay it forward, just like the countless people who have really been instrumental in my life, including our current investors, like Michael Eisenberg and Bobby Turner.
Bobby Turner, I will say - and he's in LA - is probably one of the most impactful people in my life so far. He's just phenomenal and has always been a rock for me. He does impact investing on the real-estate side and works with people like Andre Agassi on charter schools, Eva Longoria with multifamily homes, and Magic Johnson for urban funds, bringing big-box retailers to urban, underprivileged communities that are highly dense. He really helped me find my motto: "profit for purpose." And purpose is the most important. You can't have one without the other in your career.
Bobby's advice has always been crucial and, most of the time, also very funny. When I was going through a really tough time, he'd be like, "Charlie, promise me you'll do these three things every day." And I'm like, "What are they?" And he's literally like, "Well, you need to meditate, go to the gym, and have sex." I think that's just general life advice for people, but it's great that we're friends in the sense that a lot of investors keep things financial, and it's really amazing to see people really be human with you.
PS: So what's next for Frank?
CJ: [We want Frank] to be like an Amazon for higher education. If you think about the $100 billion that's being spent on tuition every year, and the fact that there are zero tools to shop for another option, it becomes just a purchase. They have no information, meaning they don't know what the price is before they apply, and they don't have the financial aid packets yet, and, truly, you have no idea if you'll be successful right when you graduate school. So we want to be in that process and provide a marketplace to really conduct those transactions properly, to purchase something like it was your purchase, to be the destination where people come, know the price and value of school, see the data feedback, and are actually able to file all their financial information from just one common application - all culminating in being able to lock in the lowest price guaranteed and pay for it online. Instead of the school telling you, "You're special. You've now been accepted to pay thousands of dollars a year," we're putting the power back into the people purchasing, saying, "OK, I'm the one spending this money. I want the product like this; this is what I want. So I'm giving you money." And the customer is always right. Let's take it back to American shopping principles here.
PS: Finally, what advice would you give POPSUGAR readers who aspire to make social change and make a difference in the world?
CJ: There is no age too young. You have a voice; you have a talent. Do whatever you think you can contribute most to. Many things have impact; whether it's on the company or technology side, or the media sharing amazing stories about good things and good people to inspire others. We just went through rebranding, and we picked the tagline "Dream Smart" because while there is a concept of the American dream, let's be practical about it - and let's do the things that make the world a better place, that have purpose.
Parkland Survivors Put the NRA on Blast After the Group Prohibits Guns at Pence Speech
On May 4, the National Rifle Association will host its annual NRA-ILA Leadership Forum in Dallas, TX. According to the official site, it's "one of the most politically significant and popular events in the country, featuring our nation's top Second Amendment leaders in government, the media, and the entertainment industry." Among this year's speakers is none other than Vice President Mike Pence, and the NRA is stirring outrage thanks to the following announcement on the forum's website:
"Due to the attendance of the Vice President of the United States, the US Secret Service will be responsible for event security at the NRA-ILA Leadership Forum. As a result, firearms and firearm accessories, knives, or weapons of any kind will be prohibited in the forum prior to and during his attendance."
While banning weapons during a vice president's speech would normally seem like a no-brainer, the survivors of the school shooting in Parkland, FL, seized the moment to call the NRA out on their hypocrisy. It's not so much that they're willing to cooperate and ban weapons from an NRA event to protect Mike Pence, but more so that the NRA doesn't seem to be extending the same care and consideration for everyone else in America: specifically, students who are susceptible to a mass shooting at any given time on any given day as gun control legislation fails to move forward.
In response to the announcement, Parkland survivor Cameron Kasky seized the moment to put the NRA on blast. Another Parkland student named Matt Deitsch - one of the forces behind the powerful "March For Our Lives" protest - also chimed in. The reactions snowballed; another infuriated response came from Fred Guttenberg, who is the father of Jaime Guttenberg, a Parkland student who was killed in the attack.
The NRA has evolved into such a hilarious parody of itself. pic.twitter.com/6Pw6NTQAe6
- Cameron Kasky (@cameron_kasky) April 28, 2018
Wait wait wait wait wait wait you're telling me to make the VP safe there aren't any weapons around but when it comes to children they want guns everywhere? Can someone explain this to me? Because it sounds like the NRA wants to protect people who help them sell guns, not kids.
- Matt Deitsch (@MattxRed) April 28, 2018
On so many levels, this is enlightening. According to the NRA, we should want everyone to have weapons when we are in public. But when they put on a convention, the weapons are a concern? I thought giving everyone a gun was to enhance safety. Am I missing something? https://t.co/f4wgNhJ7RI
- Fred Guttenberg (@fred_guttenberg) April 28, 2018
According to the official site for the convention, firearms are permitted during the weekend, just not specifically in the space Mike Pence will occupy. NRA spokesperson Dana Loesch tried to stamp out the fire by responding to the outcry on her own Twitter account.
NRA banned nothing. The media does this every year. It's Secret Service SOP and they supersede all start and local control. Don't complain about your eroding credibility and people calling you "fake news" when you publish things like this. https://t.co/aVlNuMNaw0
- Dana Loesch (@DLoesch) April 30, 2018
Also, it's funny how anti-gun advocates are infuriated that law-abiding NRA members would follow the law. You can't have it both ways, guys. https://t.co/KKvWB5rofO
- Dana Loesch (@DLoesch) April 30, 2018
Interestingly, Loesch directs concerns to "the law," and at the end of the day, this is exactly what gun control advocates are seeking to append. It's not a problem that the NRA is adhering to law to protect Mike Pence. It seems more like these people just wish there were more laws to protect everyday citizens in the same way.
Follow These 7 Steps to Erase All Your Data Before Selling Your MacBook
Thinking about buying the flashy new MacBook Pro and getting rid of your old laptop? Don't sell or give it away without first following these tips.
- Back up your Mac. Use either iCloud or an external hard drive to store any files you want to keep.
- Sign out of your iTunes account by going to iTunes > Account > Authorizations > Deauthorize This Computer.
- Don't just delete your texts or photos; sign out of iCloud instead. To sign out, go to System Preferences > iCloud > Sign Out.
- Sign out of iMessage so that you don't miss any texts. Go to Preferences > Accounts and then click the "Sign out" option.
- Finally, delete everything off your Mac and then reinstall the OS X system. To do this, restart your computer. As it boots up, hold the Command key and R key. You'll be taken to MacOS Utilities, where you should select Disk Utility. When you see your hard drive, select it, and then go to the "Erase" tab. Here, select "Mac OS X Extended (Journaled)" > Erase.
- Now, reinstall the OS X system. This should be an option after you erase your hard drive and exit Disk Utility. The window will show several options, but select the "Reinstall macOS" one. However, if you have an older Mac, you will need to reinstall the OS X system with the original CD that the computer came with.
- Turn off your laptop once the OS system is done installing. To do so, hold both the Command and Q keys and then choose "Shut Down."
Once you've done all of this, your laptop shouldn't have any of your personal data on it anymore. Give it away or recycle it with Apple and get a gift card.
27 PDA-Filled Moments Between Salma Hayek and Her Husband, Francois-Henri Pinault
It has been nine years since Mexican-born actress Salma Hayek and her husband, French businessman Francois-Henri Pinault, married on Valentine's Day in Venice, Italy, with their daughter, Valentina, at their side. Since then, Salma and Francois-Henri have attended countless fashion shows and art exhibitions, generally looking adorable, in love, and happy to show a little PDA.
In honor of the power couple, we're rounding up their sweetest public moments from as far back as the beginning of their courtship in 2006.
The Best Reggaeton Songs, Hands Down
When we're ready ready to get hype (and maybe drop it low a few times), we always turn to reggaeton to get us there. You must know that to have a great reggaeton playlist, you have to not only have names like Daddy Yankee and Don Omar but also new artists like Maluma and Nicky Jam. Keep scrolling to see some of the best reggaetons to come out, ever!
Every Single Naked Dress Jennifer Lopez Has Worn Since 1997
You might think that Jennifer Lopez's streak of dresses with necklines down to her belly button and slits up to her thighs started with that famous Versace green dress she wore to the Grammys in the '90s, but let us tell you that after intense research, we've come to the conclusion the naked dress trend was started by J Lo much, much earlier.
The singer and actress was truly the pioneer of the barely there dress that has now invaded the red carpet, starting with no backs in 1997 and ending most recently with sheer gowns and jumpsuits that leave little to the imagination. Here, for your viewing pleasure, is every single naked dress (yes, every single one!) that J Lo has graced us with.
You Might Want to Sit Down Before Looking at Sofia Vergara's Sexiest Instagrams
The word sexy is probably the first thing that comes to mind when you think of Modern Family's Sofia Vergara, and that's because the Colombian actress is the pure definition of the term, so flirty and hot in every photo ever taken of her. Just by taking a peek at her Instagram feed, you can see what we mean.
Whether she's posing in one of her favorite formfitting dresses or in a monikini at the beach, the star looks stunning from head to toe. And if the photo also features her hunky husband, Magic Mike XXL's Joe Manganiello, forget about it! Camera lenses steam everywhere. See for yourself by looking ahead to a list of just a few of her hottest moments.
16 Irresistible Empanada Recipes You Should Try Making at Home
We could write long, winded love letters to empanadas. We could wax poetic about their delicious dough, either fried or baked, and the delightfulness of taking that first bite only to find the yummiest filling - sometimes meaty, sometimes cheesy, sometimes neither. We could even tell you how we are not ashamed to admit that we eat them every single time we spot them on a menu.
But why should we limit ourselves to only having these delicious pastries when out for dinner? We're done with that. That's why we've decided to round up these 16 recipes that'll allow us to enjoy a good old empanada every time we freaking feel like it.
Shakira Uses an Unexpected, Genius Trick to Avoid Midafternoon Sugary Snacks
Whether she's on stage or filming a music video, it's pretty obvious Shakira loves to show off her body and amazing belly-dancing skills. As she gears up for a new world tour, she's hitting the gym more than ever, while juggling two little kids and spending time with her longtime partner, Gerard Piqué, but no matter how busy she is, the Colombian singer always finds time to eat healthy, according to her trainer Anna Kaiser.
Kaiser spoke to E! News about Shakira's diet, revealing one simple secret behind her regimen. Shakira, Kaiser said, eats three meals a day ("breakfast, lunch, and dinner with a protein in every meal and fresh veggies or small amounts of low glycemic fruit"), and for a snack midafternoon, she reaches for . . . soup. Instead of grabbing a sugary snack, Shakira has some broth. "At the four o'clock hour, when people are craving caffeine and a cookie, soup is a really great option because it fills you up and feels like a meal so it can keep you going until dinner, but it's not hugely caloric," Kaiser said.
That doesn't mean the singer doesn't indulge every once in a while, but she's definitely not grabbing processed foods. "We would do a cacao topped rice cake or half of a protein bar, or I got her some chocolate tea which kind of feels like a treat with some dehydrated fruit," Kaiser said. "So it's about allowing yourself to have a lot of different things in small quantities and keep it as fresh as possible."
So the 40-year-old singer doesn't get bored, Kaiser comes up with a colorful and varied meal plan and works with Shakira's chef to cook it. "We did some protein shakes, protein pancakes, and I would peel a couple of oranges and slice them up and top them with turmeric and cinnamon. It is pretty much about making it fun and different and also the presentation," she said.
A Look Back at Demi Lovato's Dating History
Demi Lovato has been in the spotlight for a long time, so it's no wonder she's been linked to a few different men. Some have only been brief flings you probably don't even remember, while others have been around for years and left a mark when things ended (we're not over her breakup with Wilmer Valderrama yet). From a relationship she had when she first started out her career in 2007 to her long-term BFs, here's a look at Demi's love life.
15 Things That Even Serious Camilizers Don't Know About Camila Cabello
OK, Camilizers, we're putting you to the test. You probably already know that former Fifth Harmony member Camila Cabello has a penchant for bows, loves bananas, and was born in Cuba before moving to Mexico and then later Miami. But there are a few things we bet you don't know about the 5'2" beauty. Read on for our favorite fun facts about the pop star - we promise you'll be surprised.
A Look at Wilmer Valderrama's (Long) Dating History
Wilmer Valderrama first entered our lives as Fez on That '70s Show and even back then, he was a total lady killer (on and off screen). Throughout his career, the 38-year-old has been linked to many famous women (most way younger than him), and one in particular that no one will ever forget - is it bad we are still hoping that Wilmer and Demi get back together? From being engaged just a couple of months after starting a relationship with Lindsay Lohan to his other long-term girlfriends, her are the ladies whom Wilmer has dated before.
50+ Books Every Latina Should Read in Her Lifetime
For as long as I've known how to read, books have always been a safe place for me. I'm able to get lost in them, see myself through characters in the pages, or explore a world I'd never thought possible. The great part about books in Spanish or written by Latino authors is how they understand nuances of my life that may sometimes be lost in other mainstream American books. Here are 57 books that will do just that: connect you to your roots, help you understand your past, and make an impact in your life forever.
45 Frida Kahlo Tattoos That'll Finally Convince You to Get Some Ink
Getting inked is no small thing. You want to make sure that whatever design you choose to forever etch on your body is worth it. Well, we can't think of a better icon to honor with a tattoo (or two) than Mexican feminist Frida Kahlo.
The internet obviously agrees, with thousands of images popping up under the #FridaKahloTattoo hashtag. We combed through that long list of tattoos inspired by Frida and compiled a list that is sure to inspire your own. Scroll ahead to find our picks.
48 Dresses Jennifer Lopez Has Worn That Could Only Be Described as Sexy
Serious question: Has there ever been a time when Jennifer Lopez has worn a dress that doesn't immediately bring the word "sexy" to mind? The answer is, of course, no! It doesn't matter if she's wearing a dress that you need to see from the back or one where she is practically walking around naked from every angle, she will always be the queen of the sexy dress.
Jennifer knows exactly what she's doing every single time she gets on the red carpet or attends an event and makes us wonder how the heck her dress is defying gravity and staying up. Our eyes just immediately open up, and we are in awe at every step she takes in her hot-as-fire look. You will be, too, after seeing all of these numbers dating back to 1998.
50+ Photos That Show Shakira Has Changed a Lot in the Past 17 Years but Also Not at All
Shakira's hair color might have flipped and flopped, but through our deep dive through photos of her taken in the past 17 years, we've found some consistencies. First, there's her sweet smile. Shakira isn't afraid to flash her dimples, always waving and posing for the cameras at red carpets, concerts, and even while out and about. Then, there's her wild and curly long hair (with a brief intermission for a bob in 2012 that honestly we had totally forgotten about). And, of course - how could we not say this? - there's the Colombian singer's hard-rock abs, probably a result of hours on stage belly dancing and shaking her hips.
Whether you got to know Shakira during the Latin explosion of the late '90s or knew all the lyrics to her first album, Pies Descalzos, by memory, you will appreciate how much she looks like herself but has also somehow managed to evolve through the years, just like her music. Look ahead for more than 50 photos of Shakira, starting in 1999, the year she was nominated for her first Grammy and broke into American radio with her MTV Unplugged.
13 Amazing Beauty Products From Latina-Owned Brands You Need Right Now
One amazing byproduct of makeup and beauty products is feeling good, and not just in how you look. Sure, nailing a perfect cat eye or finally buying that right shade for your skin tone is like finding the holy grail. But beauty is about more than those things; it's also about feeling confident in your brand of choice.
It's no secret that the beauty industry lacks diversity, but growing brands run by women and women of color have thankfully been on the rise. Since women wear makeup for themselves, finding companies that honor that is important. That's why we've put together a list of the best beauty products from Latina-owned brands that can be found at Sephora inside JCPenney and at the InStyle Salon. These items will have you looking and feeling your best, since that's what beauty is all about.
So, Elsa Pataky Has a Thor Tattoo - and She Got It WAY Before Meeting Chris Hemsworth
Image Source: Getty / Mike Coppola
Elsa Pataky and Chris Hemsworth were simply destined to be together. Case in point: Elsa got a Thor symbol tattooed on her arm at age 15, many moons before she would meet and marry the man who plays the hammer-toting God of Thunder in the Marvel movies. That's more than just a funny coincidence - it's fate.
When Elsa chatted with Vogue Australia for the publication's May issue, the 41-year-old Spanish actress dished on the meaning behind her dozens of tattoos. She has a "C" on her wedding ring finger, which was recently inked by Chris. (Oh, and she also inked an "E" on Chris's finger, too - #couplegoals.) Those markings on her left forearm? They're symbols that represent each of her family member's initials. Elsa also has three dots on her finger to honor her three closest gal pals, including Matt Damon's wife, Luciana Barroso, who has a matching tattoo.
And then there's the small yet notable symbol inked on her right bicep. "Yes, it's about Thor and I ended up marrying who plays Thor!" she told Vogue Australia of her tattoo. "It is shocking how things in life [turn out]. I just liked that [symbol] and the legend he had was so beautiful and I wanted to keep it."
Image Source: Getty / David Livingston
Little did 15-year-old Elsa know when she sat down in that tattoo parlor that nearly two decades later, she would tie the knot with the actor who plays Thor on the big screen and welcome three beautiful children with him. If you formerly didn't believe in fate, this should certainly change your mind.
You'll Never Eat Another Gummy Bear or Marshmallow Again After Hearing What It's Made From
If you look at the ingredients on a package of gummy bears - even organic ones - you'll see expected things like corn or brown rice syrup and sugar. But you'll also see something called gelatin. Seems innocent enough, but its source might surprise you. Gelatin is a yellowish, odorless, and nearly tasteless substance that is made by prolonged boiling of skin, cartilage, and bones from animals. It's made primarily from the stuff meat industries have left over - we're talking about pork skins, horns, and cattle bones. Ugh.
I guess if you're into the philosophy of using the whole animal, you'll be psyched about this. Plus gelatin contains 18 amino acids, so it does offer some nutritional benefits. But if you're vegan, you'll definitely want to skip the chewy candies and your great-aunt's Jell-O mold - it's made with gelatin, too. This animal-derived ingredient can also be found in some vitamins and medications, marshmallows (not Trader Joe's - they're vegan!), cheeses, yogurts, soups, salad dressings, jams and jellies, fruit snacks, and canned hams. If this tidbit of info grosses you out, you'll want to pay closer attention to these products' food labels.
Every Time You Pee, Do These 3 Things to Help You Lose Weight
Quick fixes usually don't cut it when it comes to losing weight and getting toned, but this one-minute trick actually works! Take into consideration this little fact: the average woman pees six to eight times in a 24-hour period, so that's about five to seven times while you're awake. And if you have issues with your bladder (thank you, pregnancy!) or you drink a ton of water each day, your ladies' room visits are more like 10 times a day.
So this means you have six to 10 opportunities to fit in a little fitness. Every time you hit the bathroom, whether it's to pee or touch up your lipstick, do the workout below that should take about one minute.
The Workout: Complete once
10 push-ups (lower the knees if you need to)
10 squats
10 alternating forward lunges (five per side)
If you're using a public bathroom, do not get on the floor to do your push-ups! Just lean your hands on the counter, then after your lunges, you can wash your hands. Maybe you can even get some of your co-workers to do it with you! If the bathroom you're using is so public that you feel weird doing this mini workout in front of anyone, find a spot somewhere else where you can pump out this one-minute bodyweight workout without feeling self-conscious. But do it immediately after leaving the bathroom. If you wait, you're more likely to forget.
So let's say you use the bathroom six times in a day. That adds up to 60 push-ups, 60 squats, and 60 alternating lunges. That's a pretty decent workout for not hitting the gym, because remember - every minute of exercise counts!
This Is What Happens When You Don't Drink Enough Water
Besides the fact that you'd literally die without it, there are many, MANY imperative reasons to drink water frequently, every single day. It starts out pretty mild - you might feel thirsty and have a dry mouth. But the long-term effects of not drinking enough water not only have an effect on your weight (in a bad way), but they're also extremely dangerous and life-threatening. Here's what happens to your body.
Milder Symptoms
Even mild dehydration has strong effects. Here's how you'll feel with a lack of H2O (hint: it's really not fun).
- Fatigue, tiredness, sleepiness
- Headache
- Constipation
- Dizziness
- Mood change, irritability, increased anxiety
- Sunken eyes
- Shriveled skin
- Muscle cramps
- Joint aches
Severe Symptoms
If things get worse, so do your symptoms. These are the "go to the hospital" signs.
- Low blood pressure, with a rapid heartbeat
- Fever
- Delirium, unconsciousness
- Severe diarrhea and/or vomiting
- Inability to keep fluids down
Latent Effects
Consistently not drinking enough water for an extended period of time has its effect as well. Although you may brush off the milder side effects, your body is still suffering - and several of these have a significant bearing on weight gain.
- Low water, slow metabolism. Your body's ability to remove waste and detoxify is inhibited. In addition, your metabolism is slower without water. One study found that drinking 16 ounces of water daily increases your metabolic rate by 30 percent. Guys. That's literally ONE standard-size water bottle. JUST DRINK IT.
- Increased hunger. When you're somewhat dehydrated, your body confuses it for hunger, causing you to eat when you don't need to. Read: weight gain.
- Slowed circulation, irregular temperature. Your CV system suffers, and your equilibrium is totally out of whack.
- Digestion problems. That constipation we talked about becomes a regular thing. Not fun. Also not great for weight loss.
- General fatigue. Same goes for your energy levels. You'll constantly feel tired, unable (or unwilling) to exercise, and unable to concentrate.
- Increased blood sugar. Your body needs water to break down sugar. If you're diabetic, this is especially dangerous.
Severe Long-Term Effects
Now for the worst of it. Yes, it's terrible that dehydration can make you gain weight (or keep you from losing it), but there are some bigger issues at hand. If you're truly neglecting your water intake, this should likely help you get on track. Here's what happens to your body when you don't get enough water.
- Heat injury
- Brain swelling
- Seizures
- Hypovolemic shock
- Kidney failure
- Coma and death
Now go get yourself a water bottle and FILL. IT. UP.
How to Run More Than a Mile Without Feeling Like You're Dying
Many newbie runners give up on running because within a mile (or less), their legs are on fire and they're breathing so hard they feel like they're a huff and a puff away from passing out. Don't expect to be able to run five miles right from the get-go - it takes time to build endurance, and here are five ways to do it.
- Check your form: A broken machine won't run well, and the same goes for your body. Poor running form can cause aches and pains that make you want to stop in your tracks, so check your running form to ensure your body will feel like it can keep going and going.
- Run more often: As with anything, practice makes perfect. You can't expect to run like a gazelle if you only lace up your sneaks twice a week. Spread out your workouts over the week, running shorter distances more often. Try doing one- or two-mile workouts (choose a distance that works for your level of ability) five times a week. You'll be surprised at how quickly running starts to feel easier.
- Increase slowly: Once your breath starts to even out and your muscles become less fatigued, you can start increasing your mileage. Don't get ahead of yourself, though. Follow the 10 percent rule: never increase your weekly mileage by more than 10 percent of the previous week. Not only will this help to prevent injury, but it'll also prevent your mind from feeling overwhelmed by doing too much too soon.
- Intervals: Running faster may be harder, but it'll increase muscle strength and lung capacity, which are key to building your endurance. Start off by adding a few 10-second sprinting intervals every few minutes, and gradually build up to 30-second sprints.
- Head for the hills: Running up hills is another way to build leg and core strength as well as lung endurance. Increase the incline on the treadmill, or find some natural hills outside and do a shorter version of this hill repeat workout. At first you'll curse the hills, but after a couple weeks, you'll be craving them.
I Took CBD Oil For 7 Days For Anxiety - Here's What Happened
I have to admit, I'm nervous to share this story . . . in large part because of the stigma around marijuana, regardless of the reasons you're using it or which component of it you're using (THC vs. CBD, specifically). But that in and of itself made me realize how much more I do need to share this story. Because if we break through the stigma, there's a product here that has the capacity to change lives and help millions of people heal naturally. And no, it won't make you into a stoner.
A few weeks ago, the people at Charlotte's Web Hemp reached out to see if I wanted to try CBD for myself. To be honest, my initial reaction was "hell no." I don't smoke, I never want to be "high," I'm not into weed, and I'm not in any way, shape, or form into illegal drugs in general. However, I am a huge fan of naturopathic remedies like Chinese herbs and probiotics, acupuncture, and essential oils. I had been reading about how CBD is natural and legal, doesn't make you feel "high," and could mitigate effects of anxiety (in addition to a laundry list of other things).
Before we get into it, a quick breakdown: CBD oil is cannabidiol, an active component of cannabis. You're probably familiar with another cannabinoid: tetrahydrocannabinol, or THC . . . you know, the stuff that gets you high. There are over 85 cannabinoid compounds in a cannabis plant, but THC is the only one - seriously, just one - that is psychoactive (aka brain altering).
Charlotte's Web assured me that CBD does not in fact get you high and would essentially be liquid Xanax from Mother Nature. It also mentioned I wouldn't need a medical marijuana card (which I don't have), as it's a totally legal product. I was in.
CBD would essentially be liquid Xanax from Mother Nature.
A few days later, I received the CW "Everyday Plus" Hemp Oil in olive oil and CW "Everyday Advanced" Hemp Oil in mint chocolate flavor ($75 and $150, respectively). And as most respected professionals do, I tried it in the office at my place of employment, midday, with one of my coworkers. Legalities aside, I was still nervous that I'd get the psychoactive effects and lose control of my mental faculties, but coworkers assured me that "everything is fine" and basically told me to chill out and eat the oil. The experiment had begun.
Day 1
Dose: Two droppers full of Everyday Advanced, mint chocolate flavor
The "two droppers" was per the recommendation I received from CW. This apparently equates to two servings, though the supplement recommends taking two droppers full twice daily. This was roughly 92 mg of Hemp CO2 extract. I remember thinking, "This tastes like a mint chocolate ash tray."
Effects: Extremely sleepy during the day. That said, got "100 percent" sleep quality according to my Sleep Cycle app that I use nightly. No adverse side effects.
Day 2
Dose: One dropper full of Everyday Advanced
I decided to scale back so I wouldn't be so tired. I also had SoulCycle scheduled that night, and I really wanted to look alive in the front row, you know?
Effects: Relaxed, but not much to report on from this day either. I felt great during SoulCycle, and I didn't get too sore, which is somewhat unusual . . . maybe because of the CBD? TBD.
Day 3
Dose: One dropper full of Everyday Plus, olive oil flavor
By the third day, I decided to try the scaled-back, olive variety of these oils, which has 25 mg of Hemp CO2 extract per serving. I started small with one dropper just to be safe.
Effects: I honestly didn't feel much of anything! It wasn't a particularly anxiety-inducing day, so there wasn't much to stimulate my experiment.
Day 4
Dose: Two and a quarter droppers full of Everyday Advanced
This . . . this was the day of days. The day when I realized CBD can change lives. Also the day when I realized I had taken more oil than usual, which left me feeling not at all like myself as the hours went on. Background: driving is an anxiety trigger for me, and I was stuck in traffic for over three hours (for a trip that is usually just one hour) with a panic attack slowly building and tears starting to flow, so I reached for the oil - and decided to try a tiny little bit extra.
Effects: Anxiety relief within 30 minutes; it quite honestly felt miraculous. I was relaxed and laughing, and I felt like myself again. However, a few hours later, things took a turn. At risk of embarrassing myself, I'll just say that I became extremely spacey, couldn't focus on anything, and was starving - I had finished a substantial Italian dinner at 7 p.m. but decided at 8:30 p.m. that I needed a S'mores Frappuccino (truly deviating from my normal eating habits) . . . and then I needed an entire pint of Ben & Jerry's Half Baked. It was a scene. I don't know how it happened, but fair warning: this was too much for me. Though I was mildly traumatized, my best friend thought it was hilarious.
Day 5
Dose: One *half* dropper full of Everyday Advanced
Fully scarred from the day before, I scaled back significantly as I knew my duty was to continue the experiment for all seven days.
Effects: I felt relaxed! No anxiety to report on, and no adverse side effects.
Day 6
Dose: One dropper full of Everyday Advanced
I recovered from the fear of day four and scaled back up to a full dropper and had a very relaxing day. I drove back to SF and felt completely comfortable in traffic and even had a couple cups of coffee - which normally could give me a panic attack - and felt totally fine.
Effects: Mitigated anxiety from caffeine consumption, great sleep.
Day 7
Dose: Two droppers full of Everyday Advanced
Curious to see if day four's high was possibly a fluke, I decided to be brave (ha!) and scale back up - but was mentally prepared this time for anything that could happen. Aaaand I didn't get high! A win all around.
Effects: I had a deep sleep that night - so deep, in fact, that it was a little harder to wake up in the morning.
Overall Thoughts
I'm still figuring out that sweet-spot dose for myself, but my initial impression is extremely positive. I'm astounded at how well this prevented a panic attack and mitigated my anxiety in a naturopathic way. The idea that I could avoid potentially addictive psychotropic drugs while still managing stress and anxiety - in a way that won't make me high or impact my ability to think and work clearly - is unbelievable. It really is Mother Nature's liquid Xanax.
CBD oil has the ability to relieve pain and inflammation, reduce anxiety, improve sleep, fight cancer (seriously), relieve nausea, and reduce PMS symptoms, and it may even help with epilepsy.
I am a goody-two-shoes, nonsmoking fitness editor, and I fully recommend trying CBD as part of your wellness routine.
Because it's so safe and the side effects have been minimal, my personal recommendation is to try it, but just to be careful with your dose. Also keep in mind - as I did not know this when I first tried it - CBD oil may cause you to fail a drug test. Fortunately for me, POPSUGAR is pretty chill about this, but this is something that could present a serious issue if you're looking for a job or in a line of work that tests regularly.
I was super uncomfortable with the perception, labeling, and stigma around the use of cannabis products, but the profound pros that CBD oil has to offer me medically significantly outweigh any kind of cons I might endure from social stigma. I do think it's important to break said stigma around cannabis use of all kinds, whether it's CBD or THC, recreational or medical use. So here I am, a goody-two-shoes, nonsmoking fitness editor, here to share my side and my experience - and I fully recommend trying CBD as part of your wellness routine.
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I Traded My Afternoon Banana For a Protein Shake and Wasn't Expecting This to Happen
I eat pretty healthy and recently started taking photos of my meals and snacks to keep tabs on my portions and food choices. So I never felt the need to track my calories or macros.
But just for fun, I decided to start using MyFitnessPal. I wanted to make sure that I was getting all the nutrients I needed. I honestly thought it was just going to confirm that I was eating a balanced diet. But let me tell you - it was eye-opening! I thought I was getting more than enough protein since beans, tofu, tempeh, soy yogurt, greens, nuts, and seeds are a huge part of my diet. But on most days, I was barely breaking 60 grams. I was also eating nearly 200 grams of carbs, almost 80 grams of fat, and almost 100 grams of sugar. My calories were higher than I expected, too.
The Experiment
I decided to make a small change - to increase my protein and decrease my carbs and sugar - and see how it affected me. I usually have a banana with raw almond butter for an afternoon snack around 3 p.m., so I traded it for a plant-based protein shake. It seemed like the easiest way to get 20 to 25 grams of extra protein.
I filled a shaker bottle with cold water and a couple of ice cubes, and I added either one serving of Orgain Peanut Butter Protein Powder (160 calories, 21 grams protein, 16 grams carbs) or Vega Clean Vanilla Protein Powder (130 calories, 25 grams protein, three grams carbs). For comparison, one medium banana plus one tablespoon of raw almond butter is 206 calories, 3.7 grams of protein, and 30.4 grams of carbs. The protein shake was easy to make, and it satisfied my craving for something creamy and sweet.
What Happened?
Within just one day, I noticed a difference in how I felt. It's a joke in my house that I can't stay up past 8:30 p.m. (and usually end up passing out in one of my kids' beds when I'm putting them to sleep). I mean, I wake up at 4:45 a.m., so give me a break! But that first night, I had more sustained energy to play with my kids after dinner, and I wasn't nodding off while reading them books. I walked out of my daughter's room at 8:00 p.m., and my husband was like, "You didn't fall asleep?" And I said, "Whoa. I didn't. And I'm not even tired."
I also noticed that drinking a protein shake kept me full for hours. Usually by 5 p.m. I'm so ready for dinner, but during this week, it was 6 p.m. and I was barely hungry. It must have been the combination of the 24 ounces of water and the protein that made me feel so satisfied.
Not heading into dinner famished helped me eat a smaller meal, which is also key for me in preventing evening belly bloat. And I also found I slept really well each night and had tons of energy for my 5:45 a.m. CrossFit workouts. Amazing, right? Just from getting an extra 20 grams of protein!
The only bad thing is that I kind of missed chewing actual food, but I think that's just from habit. I'm sure within another week that will pass. I'll definitely keep this up for a while because I'm experiencing so many benefits! I had no idea this simple swap would help me avoid the dreaded afternoon slump, give me more energy at night, help me eat less for dinner, feel less bloated, help me sleep better, and give me oodles of energy for my morning workouts. I mean, how could I not keep this up?!
This Is What 1 Day of My Meals Looks Like on Weight Watchers
My favorite thing about Weight Watchers is that I can still eat the same foods as I always have. I may have to eat a little bit less of them and space out the junk with a bunch of veggies in between, but I still eat a lot of ice cream. And cheese. I will always eat a lot of cheese.
To prove that eating on Weight Watchers is pretty similar to eating not on Weight Watchers, I documented an entire day of what I eat. Obviously I vary it from day to day, but this is a pretty typical day for me. On Weight Watchers, I get 30 Smart Points per day to eat, and this day came out to exactly 30. I also get 42 weekly points that I can use in case I really wanted that extra scoop of ice cream and had already hit my 30 points for the day. Not that that ever happens to me . . . but the point system provides a lot of flexibility so you can really tailor it to what you want to eat.
While Weight Watchers doesn't count anything beyond points, it is obviously not recommended to ignore other nutritional information and eat a giant 30-point meal in a day and not eat anything else. For one, you won't accomplish much doing that because you'll be hungry other times during the day and possibly screw up the plan by eating more than you really want to. It also isn't sustainable in the long run, so it's important to understand how to mix your favorite not-so-healthy foods in small portions with a lot of 0-point options (almost all fruits and veggies!) to help fill you up.
Weight Watchers, for me, has been a lot of trial and error with balancing my meals to find the right blend of higher- and lower-calorie foods that will keep me full and still keep me on the path to losing weight. And of course with any healthy-eating plan, it's OK if you have a bad day - you learn from it and do better tomorrow.
The Secret to Losing Belly Fat
While focusing on crunches will strengthen your abs, it unfortunately will not get rid of the extra fat around your waist. To get rid of ab flab, it's essential to regularly include calorie-burning cardio in your routine. And not just any kind of cardio - it's important to focus on interval training; alternating between moderate and speedy bursts of exercise is the key.
A study in the International Journal of Obesity revealed that when compared to women who cycled at a consistent pace for 40 minutes, women who worked out for 20 minutes, but alternated between eight-second sprints and 12 seconds of low-intensity cycling, lost more belly fat after 15 weeks. Work out half as long and lose more fat? Sounds good to me!
You can do intervals with virtually any type of activity. Here are some ways to incorporate them into your routine:
- Use visual goals: Run or bike at a moderate pace, and then look ahead and sprint to the mailbox that's 50 feet away, or up the hill, or to the end of the street. Once you reach your goal, reduce back to your moderate speed. After your breathing returns to normal, choose another goal to race to.
- Use time: Watch the clock and move moderately for two minutes and then zoom as fast as you can for one minute. Repeat this pattern for at least 30 minutes.
- Use music: Make an interval playlist, alternating between fast-paced peppy tunes and slower, chill tunes. Walk, run, or dance to the beat. Here's a 60-minute walk-run playlist, or for a faster-paced workout, try this 40-minute running playlist.
- Use a POPSUGAR Fitness interval workout: If you find it easier to follow a cardio routine, check out these interval workouts:
- 45-minute fat-burning treadmill workout
- Tush-toning hill repeat intervals
- 45-minute walk-run-sprint workout
- 45-minute elliptical interval workout
- 10-minute HIIT (high-intensity interval training) video workout
- 30-minute pyramid intervals
- 30-minute Barry's Bootcamp running workout
- 30-minute beginner intervals
- 60-minute walking-jogging workout
Get Stronger Every Day With This 100-Burpee Challenge
I was shocked when I walked into CrossFit and the WOD (workout of the day) said "100 Burpees." I had never done that many in my life at one time, and it did not sound fun. I wasn't even sure I'd be able to do it.
But after having gone to CrossFit five times a week for three months, I was in pretty good shape. And guess what? It didn't suck as much as I thought, and it only took me about 10 minutes. The coach said this is a great workout to do in your hotel room while traveling or if you're short on time. My heart was pumping, I was dripping sweat, and my muscles felt worked! Now I'm kind of loving the 100-burpee workout!
I realize this isn't something anyone would want to just jump right into, so here is a four-week plan to get you up to the full 100. Aim to do 25 by the end of the first week, 50 by the second week, and so on until you make it all the way to 100. Follow the plan below. Not ready to commit to a month? We have a two-week burpee challenge for you to try.
How to Do a Basic Burpee
- Begin standing with the feet hip-distance apart.
- 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, touching the chest to the floor, and then straightening back to plank.
- Step or 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.
The Plan
| Day of Month | Number of Reps |
|---|---|
| Day 1 | 8 |
| Day 2 | 11 |
| Day 3 | 14 |
| Day 4 | Rest |
| Day 5 | 17 |
| Day 6 | 21 |
| Day 7 | 25 |
| Day 8 | Rest |
| Day 9 | 30 |
| Day 10 | 35 |
| Day 11 | 40 |
| Day 12 | Rest |
| Day 13 | 45 |
| Day 14 | 50 |
| Day 15 | 55 |
| Day 16 | Rest |
| Day 17 | 60 |
| Day 18 | 65 |
| Day 19 | 70 |
| Day 20 | Rest |
| Day 21 | 75 |
| Day 22 | 80 |
| Day 23 | 85 |
| Day 24 | Rest |
| Day 25 | 90 |
| Day 26 | 95 |
| Day 27 | 100 (you made it!) |
| Day 28 | Rest (you deserve it!) |
Having Trouble Going to the Bathroom? Eat Any of These 5 Foods
Nothing stinks like failing to make a number two in the bathroom. If you are suffering from constipation or general digestive issues, it's time to take action by switching up your diet. Generally speaking, "diets including fruits, fluids, and probiotics are good for constipation," says the National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI). But specifics are helpful, so here are five recommended foods to eat if you just can't go to the bathroom.
Kiwi
Kiwi is not only tangy and delicious, but it can go a long way toward smoothing the road to poopin'. According to studies, kiwi soothes a wide range of bowel complaints, from the not-enough to the too-much end of the spectrum, so no matter what you're experiencing, this fuzzy fruit is your guy.
Prunes
Your grandma was right: prunes really do work. Dose yourself with juice or dried fruit - no specific amount, but be careful you don't go too hard too fast - and then take more as needed. If you suffer from constipation regularly, consider making prunes a staple part of your diet.
Yogurt
All hail King Probiotic, seemingly responsible for everything from helping you live longer to digesting your food better. It can also help us poop, whether you're a soon-to-be mom or a child or young adult. Swap out your milk for yogurt with morning cereal or granola, and enjoy the difference.
Legumes
Beans, peas, and lentils are not only full of vitamins and nutrients, but they can significantly relieve problems in the john. "I suggest including them in the diet every day, one half cup cooked, because [they're a] rich source of fiber, as well as protein, vitamins, and minerals," Sharon Palmer, R.D.N, told Women's Health. Just be careful at first, as legumes can swing in the opposite direction if you don't ramp up slowly. No one wants to fight gas at the office, so beware.
Whole Grains
You'd think whole grains might bind you up, but no. A randomized study demonstrates that regularly consuming whole grains actually reduces the incidence of bowel blockage, so have a piece of whole-grain toast or some oatmeal in the morning.
I Added These 4 Things to My Salad and Now I'm Not Hungry Till Dinner
I was feeling proud of being so prepared, making five mason jar salads on Sunday, but as soon as I finished my last forkful of veggies at lunch on Monday, I was starving an hour later. Then I'd end up eating a huge snack that was as big as a second lunch. No wonder I wasn't losing weight!
A jar full of carrots, peppers, celery, and baby kale just doesn't cut it. Even though I added beans to my salad for protein, I realized I needed healthy fats and carbs to satiate me for the afternoon. I started adding these four toppings to my salads, and now I'm full and happy until dinner:
1/4 cup whole grains (like quinoa): 56 calories, 9.9 grams carbs, 1.3 grams fiber, 2 grams protein
1/4 avocado: 57 calories, 2.9 grams carbs, 2.3 grams fiber, .7 grams protein
1/4 cup fruit (like 3 strawberries): 12 calories, 2.9 grams carbs, .8 grams fiber, .3 grams protein
1 tablespoon nuts (like salted sunflower seeds): 46 calories, 1.9 grams carbs, .7 grams fiber, 1.5 grams protein
The quinoa makes it feel like more of a meal, the avocado adds a creaminess that makes my salad more delicious, the sunflower seeds add a wonderful crunchy texture, and the fruit adds just enough sweetness that I don't crave a treat after lunch.
This Gymnast Did an Entire Michael Jackson Floor Routine - and Yes, She Moonwalks!
UCLA gymnast Katelyn Ohashi is going viral for her incredible Michael Jackson floor routine, and it's sure to make you want to get up and dance along. At the 2018 Pac 12 Championships, the student athlete performed a standing-ovation worthy floor routine set to a medley of Michael Jackson hits, including "Thriller" and "The Way You Make Me Feel." Katelyn incorporated a killer moonwalk into the middle of her performance, and ended it with an insane drop split that'll have your jaw on the damn floor.
Her flawless and sassy routine landed her a score of 9.95 out of 10, allowing her to tie for first in the competition. Join the 47 million fans who've already admired Katelyn's now-viral MJ-themed routine by watching it above.
What's the Deal With Alcohol and Ibuprofen?
If you wake up with a headache after a night of overindulging, sometimes figuring out what painkiller to take can make the headache even worse. Taking acetaminophen (aka Tylenol) can lead to liver damage, but take note: you're also not supposed to drink while taking ibuprofen.
Ibuprofen drugs (like Advil) are part of the anti-inflammatory drug family known as NSAIDs, which can cause tears in the stomach lining if taken on an empty belly. Add alcohol to the mix, and the potential danger is heightened. If you take ibuprofen when drinking more than the recommended amount for women (about two to three drinks), you increase your risk of stomach irritation and bleeding. This is especially true for people who are prone to ulcers.
But wait! Taking Tylenol when you're hungover isn't such a good idea either, and aspirin has its downsides too. Acetaminophen can lead to liver damage if you take it in large doses for more than a couple of days. Heavy drinkers who take acetaminophen and don't eat enough can overtax their livers. According to researchers at Harvard Medical School:
If you drink a lot of alcohol - say, on a Saturday night - and take a normal dose of acetaminophen to deal with the hangover in the morning, you probably are not going to have liver problems. . . . The trouble starts when regular heavy drinkers take a lot of acetaminophen over a period of time - several days, at least, and maybe longer. (In this context, heavy drinkers are defined as people who regularly have three or more drinks a day.) A drinking habit and a poor diet often go hand in hand. Multiple high doses of acetaminophen are more dangerous for drinkers partly because their glutathione levels tend to be low because they don't eat well.
It may sound like popping a few Tylenols after a night or two of heavy drinking can't hurt, but the risks associated with taking Tylenol after recreational drinking are somewhat blurry. A Food and Drug Administration (FDA) advisory group found in a review of its database and a large liver failure study that the median dose that led to liver failure was between 5,000 and 7,000 milligrams of acetaminophen per day - scarily close to the current daily limit of 4,000 milligrams (eight extra-strength Tylenol). The FDA group recommended lowering the daily limit to 3,250 milligrams (or 10 regular-strength Tylenol pills a day) to help prevent accidental overdose.
So what's a hungover, headache-plagued gal to do - besides not drinking so much in the first place? Since the jury is still out on the exact effects of combining Advil or Tylenol with booze, it's probably best just to tough it out. While a recent study in rats found that coffee and aspirin are the best remedies for relieving hangover symptoms, it didn't look at possible alcohol interactions - and it is known that taking aspirin with alcohol can increase your risk of stomach bleeding. If you're looking to remedy a hangover, your best bet is to go natural with options like this fresh-pressed hangover juice or a yoga sequence to relieve your symptoms. Even better, help prevent a hangover the next time with these tips.
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