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 10 juillet 2018

This Is When You Get Your Best Ideas, According to Science - So Have a Notebook Handy

Have you ever had a eureka moment right after you've curled up in your bed, ready to go to sleep? Well, this happens to me ALL THE TIME; my best ideas always annoyingly pop up when I'm ready to shut my brain down and I have to scramble to get a piece of paper to jot it down.

On a recent night, I was wondering whether this was just me, or whether there's actually something going on in your brain before you sleep . . . so I decided to do some research, and here's what I found:

The Science Behind Your Eureka Moment

Apparently, cognitive scientists have found out that there's a phenomenon called "pattern recognition" that takes place in the brain only when it is in a very relaxed state. In this process, the brain is relaxed enough to make new connections and allow new neural pathways to form. This helps us find creative solutions for problems we otherwise might not have thought of.

Another point to take note of is that when we enter sleep, the brain steadily dismantles the models and concepts we use to interpret the world, leading to moments of experience unconstrained by our usual mental filters.

In fact, psychologists from UC San Diego found we are at our peak in creativity during REM sleep, when we dream.

This also explains why we come up with the most creative solutions or ideas in the shower, on a walk, lying in bed at night, or even sleeping. The brain is simply relaxed enough to let those connections take place. A University of California at Berkeley study found that sleep can foster "remote associates," or unusual connections, in the brain - which could lead to a major "a-ha" moment upon waking.

Upon waking from sleep, people are 33 percent more likely to make connections between seemingly distantly related ideas.

So, bottom line, when we sleep or we're simply very relaxed, we don't process things with our usual mental filters in place, which can help us make seemingly unrelated connections.

In fact, Steven Kotler in Psychology Today explains that this is a pretty popularly known fact among creatives. Here's how you can take advantage of it:

1. Get Inspired in Bed

Swap out your phone for a thought-provoking book to read before bed (your phone isn't doing your sleep any favors anyway). Reading before bed can help prime your mind for creative thinking and you may wake up with a fresh new idea you hadn't thought of previously. (Just stay away from those thrillers!)

2. Ask Yourself Questions (and Then Forget About Them)

It can be very useful to ask yourself hard questions right before bed so that your brain can tackle it when you sleep. The key here is to forget about the question immediately to help that part of your brain that works quietly in the background rev up. Chances are, you'll wake up with a creative solution you hadn't thought of.

3. Keep a Notepad Beside Your Bed to Jot Down Ideas

Here's your solution for all those pesky eureka moments. Whenever you're thinking of something you hadn't previously considered, jot it down so that you won't forget it or dismiss it the morning when you're mental filters are in place. It doesn't matter if the idea's not fully developed; even if it doesn't quite make sense then, it might be significant after you process it in sleep.

4. Try Lucid Dreaming

"What is lucid dreaming?" you ask. Worry not, I had no clue either. Essentially, lucid dreaming is dreaming while being conscious of the fact that you're having a dream. According to psychophysiologist and lucid dream expert, Stephen LaBerge, "You could stay in that dream and then use it to explore impossible realities somehow."

Woah. Sounds like something out of a fantasy novel, right? Well yes, getting to that lucid dreaming state takes a lot of practice and training your brain to recognize when you're dreaming. A few ways to do this is asking yourself throughout the day whether you're dreaming so that you'll subconsciously remember to do the same when you're in a dream state. Waking up in the middle of the night, remembering the dream you were having and then going back to sleep, conscious that you were having this dream can also help you enter a lucid dream state.

LaBerge calls these steps the mnemonic induction of lucid dreaming or MILD technique. Why should you try this? Well, LaBerge explains, "It would give you a great deal of freedom. You're limited not by the usual laws of physics and laws of society and other external constraints on you as we are limited greatly in waking life. You are limited only by what the limits of the mind might be." Definitely worth giving a shot. After all, you have nothing to lose.

Well, next time you have an a-ha moment in bed, now you know what's going on behind the scenes. And now you have an excuse for sleeping in today . . . sweet dreams!

I'm Allergic to My Cat, and This $99 Air Purifier Makes Living With Him Bearable

Call me a cat lady, it's fine, but I love them. I recently adopted a beautiful superfluffy kitten, and to my surprise (because I've owned cats before), his long fur seemed to really trigger my allergies. Not to the point where it's unlivable, but I found myself needing to pop an allergy pill every morning to relieve my congestion. Because I also suffer from more serious dust allergies, I know using an air purifier can really help, and I was in need of a new one but I didn't want to overspend. I discovered this Blueair Blue Pure 411 Air Purifier ($100) on Amazon, and it's worth every penny.

I've been a fan of Blueair for awhile now. I own one of its larger more expensive purifiers, but keep it in my living room. For my bedroom, I wanted something smaller and more compact - and this was it. I have the 411 model, which comes from its newest and more affordable line, but it stacks up in comparison when it comes to performance. The brand boasts that it removes 99 percent airborne pollutants, such as mold, dust, pet dander, smoke, and pollen. The clean air system is made with three different fan speeds, and works for rooms between 100 and 175 square feet. My favorite features: you can personalize the color with these handy prefilters ($8). Simply place one over the filter, which helps capture larger particles before running through its main filter, making it a double-duty device.

Within hours of plugging mine in, the air instantly felt cleaner.

Within hours of plugging mine in, the air instantly felt cleaner. Most of the time I keep it on its lowest setting, which is so quiet I can't hear it, even if I try to listen. The second and third setting are noticeably stronger. I like to run those higher levels when I'm cleaning or vacuuming to suck up all that extra dust. It's controlled by a unique touch sensor that lights up with the touch of a finger, making it feel much more elevated than any other option I've owned before. I'm pleasantly surprised by how much it has improved the smell of my room, too. With a litter box in the house (and near my bedroom), I can often smell it. The purifier has dramatically reduced that unfortunate odor.

I'm not sure what it is about this magic air cleaner, but my cat seems to love it, too. Maybe it's the fan or the clean air, but he loves sitting next to it. Since owning it, my allergies are so much better, and I'm not sure I could ever live without it again.

Whether you have a pet or are just looking for some fresh air, there's no doubt this option is totally worth it.

Costco Is Removing Polish Hot Dogs From Its Food Court Menus, and Shoppers Are LIVID

Do you hear that noise, reader? It's the distant sound of heartbroken Costco shoppers quietly crying over the imminent loss of their go-to food court snack: the Polish hot dog. The wholesale retail store recently announced its plans to remove the sauerkraut-topped hot dog variation, which has become a favorite among Costco regulars, from many of its food courts across the US, the Seattle Times reports. The shocking menu edit is part of Costco's move toward offering more healthy, vegan-friendly options for customers, such as its new acai bowls.

There is, however, cause for a sigh of relief despite the removal of Costco's Polish dogs: the retail giant's all-beef hot dogs will remain on food court menus, which will still offer the $1.50 hot dog and soda combo option that bargain-seeking shoppers have come to know and love. Plus, the Polish hot dogs will reportedly be sold in bulk, according to the Seattle Times.

Regardless, many Costco customers are genuinely upset at the menu change-up, with some calling the move "heinous" and "unacceptable." Ahead, see some of the livid Twitter reactions for passionate Polish-dog-loving Costco shoppers everywhere, and you'll immediately understand just how much of a letdown this truly is.

Keep Bread Fresh (Practically) Forever With This Trick

Few things are sadder than tossing out a stale half-loaf of beautiful artisanal (or homemade) bread. The problem: said beautiful bread lacks the stabilizers present in commercial presliced loaves, and so it goes from rocking your world to rock-hard ridiculously fast. The solution: eat more bread a simple trick involving your freezer.

Here's what you should do:

  1. Within 24 hours (maximum) of cutting into a loaf, slice up the remaining bread. (Don't wait until it's already turned the corner; at that point, your best bet is giving leftovers a second life as croutons, breadcrumbs, or bread pudding.) Don't just stick the bread in the freezer unsliced. Unless your kitchen is equipped with a buzz saw, there's no chance you're going to be able to slice it without thawing the entire loaf first (trust us, we've tried).
  2. Line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment or wax paper, arrange the slices in one layer on top of that, and put it in the freezer, uncovered, until frozen solid. (The parchment will prevent the gorgeous, moist crumb of the bread from sticking to the pan, and the single layer will prevent the slices from freezing stuck to each other.)
  3. Once the bread slices are frozen, transfer them to a resealable freezer bag, removing as much air from the bag as possible.
  4. When a bread craving hits, take out just as many slices of bread as you'll eat then, and either let them thaw at room temperature, or put them directly in the toaster (they'll take about one extra minute to toast). The texture of the bread will be about 95 percent as good as fresh bread and far better than second-day, already-starting-to-go-stale bread. Stored frozen (in a resealable freezer bag), sliced bread will stay fresh and delicious for at least six months, if not longer.

6 Closet Organization Tips I Learned Straight From an Ikea Pro

Marie Kondo once said, "Storage should reduce the effort needed to put things away, not the effort needed to get them out." From personal experience, I can attest she's right. For years I lived with my bedroom in a state of perpetual clutter for the sole reason that there was no easy place for me to put my stuff away. Piles of pants grew into mountains, purses overflowed out of one tiny closet until the door wouldn't close, and shirts took up long-term residency atop one of three dilapidated dressers because the broken drawers required exhaustive wrestling to open. Soon the room was more laundry pile than personal space. I was overwhelmed, and my response was to keep the door shut.

Despite the poor condition my clothing and accessories were living in, I valued them and had spent time building a fashion collection I cared about. I wanted a storage solution to match; something that not only accommodated all my items, but celebrated them. I wanted a celeb-worthy dream closet - but getting Champagne on my beer budget wasn't going to be easy. Just when I had given up and resigned to living in a name-brand garbage dump, Ikea reached out to me.

The retailer's incredibly talented home tour makeover squad knew just how to give me the luxurious high-fashion wardrobe storage solution I craved at a reasonable price. Designer Stephanie Recupero led the project. After seeing the space and learning of my needs, she declared that a customized Pax wardrobe was just the solution I was looking for. Check out the slideshow ahead to learn Stephanie's six pro design decisions that made my closet so fantastic, and then read how my new wardrobe impacted so much more than my clothes.

Products and installation for the author were provided by Ikea for the purpose of writing this story.

7 Must-Have Healing Plants For a Lush Summer Spa Garden

Hands up if Summer is your favorite season of the year. Who can argue with sun, sand, and surf, right? The bad news is that all of those elements can wreak havoc on your skin. Humidity, heat, sun exposure, and wind exposure can all contribute to skin that isn't its cutest (think sunburn, blemishes, blotchiness, and dry skin, to name just a few potential issues).

Luckily, we've got you covered with everything you need to know to fix your skin with plants grown on your own balcony or backyard. That's right: no need to drop by the pharmacy for a new skincare product. These natural botanicals will have your skin glowing in no time. (Note: Before considering any herbal remedy, please consult a physician.)

lundi 9 juillet 2018

So Long, Green Straws! Starbucks Will Stop Offering Plastic Straws by 2020

Starbucks is going strawless! In a major move for sustainability, the coffee chain announced Monday that it will stop offering customers its signature green plastic straws by 2020. As an alternative, more than 28,000 stores around the globe will give out strawless lids, which are already available in select locations in the US and Canada, as well as straws made from biodegradable materials like paper and compostable plastic. The new eco-friendly straw options will be mainly offered to customers who order Frappuccinos, though anyone who prefers or needs to use a straw can request one for their non-Frappuccino drink.

"Starbucks is the largest food and beverage retailer to make such a commitment, which will eliminate more than 1 billion plastic straws per year from Starbucks stores," the coffee giant said in a press release. Customers in Seattle and Vancouver will be the first to see these changes implemented this Fall, with more to follow soon after.

So Long, Green Straws! Starbucks Will Stop Offering Plastic Straws by 2020

Starbucks is going strawless! In a major move for sustainability, the coffee chain announced Monday that it will stop offering customers its signature green plastic straws by 2020. As an alternative, more than 28,000 stores around the globe will give out strawless lids, which are already available in select locations in the US and Canada, as well as straws made from biodegradable materials like paper and compostable plastic. The new eco-friendly straw options will be mainly offered to customers who order Frappuccinos, though anyone who prefers or needs to use a straw can request one for their non-Frappuccino drink.

"Starbucks is the largest food and beverage retailer to make such a commitment, which will eliminate more than 1 billion plastic straws per year from Starbucks stores," the coffee giant said in a press release. Customers in Seattle and Vancouver will be the first to see these changes implemented this Fall, with more to follow soon after.

These Are the 10 Sexiest Summer Shoes For Webbed Toes

If there's ever a time to let it all hang out, it's a lazy Summer day. From cutoffs to bikini tops, it's tradition to give the year's hottest season a sexy wardrobe to match. When it comes to your feet, that means wearing itty-bitty flip-flops with stringy thong straps.

Perhaps you prefer a more modest approach, especially if you've got webbed feet. If you still want to re-create that airy, basically barefoot vibe but are feeling shy about your toesies, the good news is there are plenty of stylish options out there. We found the 10 most adorable conservative sandals out there that are still super spicy.

These Are the 10 Sexiest Summer Shoes For Webbed Toes

If there's ever a time to let it all hang out, it's a lazy Summer day. From cutoffs to bikini tops, it's tradition to give the year's hottest season a sexy wardrobe to match. When it comes to your feet, that means wearing itty-bitty flip-flops with stringy thong straps.

Perhaps you prefer a more modest approach, especially if you've got webbed feet. If you still want to re-create that airy, basically barefoot vibe but are feeling shy about your toesies, the good news is there are plenty of stylish options out there. We found the 10 most adorable conservative sandals out there that are still super spicy.

Sacha Baron Cohen Has a New Show on the Way, and the Teaser Already Has Us Cackling

Sacha Baron Cohen is back with a brand new character and series, and we're honestly pretty excited about what to except. The Brothers Grimsby actor has teamed up with Showtime for a comedy reportedly called Who Is America?, which dropped the first teaser on Sunday, July 8.

Though details of the series have been kept under close wraps, Variety reports that it's in the same vein of his interview-based Da Ali G Show, which aired on HBO in the US and Channel 4 in the UK. Showtime released two promos (above) for the mysterious program, which is set to premiere on July 15, and described the main character as "shameless," "unhinged," and "cold-blooded," but didn't confirm the title. They also said it might be "perhaps the most dangerous show in the history of television." Nothing to be anxious about there, of course!

According to posters hanging in Park Slope, Brooklyn, however, the show will apparently be called Who Is America?. Cohen broke his silence by setting up a Twitter account and sending out his first tweet on July 4:

The comedian also released the first official teaser for the show on Twitter and Instagram. The teaser shows us Dick Cheney signing a waterboard kit (which is really just an empty gallon of water) and short flashes of episodes. The teaser asks you to "Imagine if Sacha Baron Cohen had been undercover secretly filming a new show for a year . . ." Thinking back on everything that has happened in the past year, there's no doubt we're in for an interesting series.

Selena Gomez's Red Denim Jacket Is the Most Magical Thing We've Ever Seen, and She's at Disneyland

Selena Gomez celebrated the Fourth of July in the happiest place on Earth: Disneyland. The songstress had a small Wizards of Waverly Place reunion and hung out with her former costar David Henrie. For the happy occasion, Selena rocked a red, white, and blue-themed ensemble, which was patriotic and stylish as hell. To top the outfit off, she wore a bright red corduroy jacket from Brandy Melville that only costs $45.

Selena styled her jacket with a pair of black pants and a custom Raglan tee that read "Tia Mouse." Another thing we noticed? Selena actually wore a pair of ankle weights to incorporate some resistance training to her day at the theme park. She accessorized with a pair of gold hoops and white Puma sneakers. Read on to get a closer look at her jacket and buy the exact same style, as well as similar options, ahead.

Trump Admin Opposes Pro-Breastfeeding Resolution Expected to Pass Easily, Because of Course

Although fed is best, many moms do resolve to at least try breastfeeding, as it's a great source of nutrition for baby and, well, because it's "free." Despite the long way breastfeeding moms have come to fight stigmas against the pure and natural act, in some of the least shocking yet most shocking news: the clueless Trump administration recently opposed a huge resolution encouraging breastfeeding.

Yes, you unfortunately read that right.

At the United Nations-affiliated World Health Assembly in Geneva this past May, the US met with hundreds of other government representatives to chat about public health issues when a resolution encouraging breastfeeding was brought up. Although the resolution was expected to pass easily, the Trump administration had a "hold my beer" moment and overturned the deliberations in order to protect the interests of companies that sell formula.

"Based on decades of research, the resolution says that mother's milk is healthiest for children and countries should strive to limit the inaccurate or misleading marketing of breast milk substitutes," reports the New York Times. "American officials sought to water down the resolution by removing language that called on governments to 'protect, promote and support breastfeeding' and another passage that called on policymakers to restrict the promotion of food products that many experts say can have deleterious effects on young children."

When the other countries at the table disagreed with the US's reasoning, the US representatives turned, unsurprisingly, to threats, which caused Ecuador, the country originally planning to introduce the resolution, to shy away. "The Americans were blunt: if Ecuador refused to drop the resolution, Washington would unleash punishing trade measures and withdraw crucial military aid. The Ecuadorean government quickly acquiesced."

More than a dozen other countries refused to take on sponsoring the resolution after that, fearing the US's threats, until Russia stepped up to introduce the measure. The US then backed down and was ultimately unsuccessful at blocking the resolution.

"We were astonished, appalled, and also saddened. What happened was tantamount to blackmail, with the US holding the world hostage."

The US Department of Health and Human Services, which claims it had nothing to do with threatening Ecuador, responded in reference to its efforts to alter the resolution's wording.

"The resolution as originally drafted placed unnecessary hurdles for mothers seeking to provide nutrition to their children," an anonymous HHS spokesman said in an email. "We recognize not all women are able to breastfeed for a variety of reasons. These women should have the choice and access to alternatives for the health of their babies, and not be stigmatized for the ways in which they are able to do so."

Regardless, public health officials were "stunned" by the US's actions.

"We were astonished, appalled, and also saddened," Patti Rundall, the policy director of the British advocacy group Baby Milk Action who was in attendance at the assembly, told NYT. "What happened was tantamount to blackmail, with the US holding the world hostage and trying to overturn nearly 40 years of consensus on the best way to protect infant and young child health."

A Spoiler-Free Summary of What Sharp Objects Is All About

The July 8th premiere of HBO's Sharp Objects, the latest Gillian Flynn book adaptation, has finally arrived. If you still have yet to read Gillian Flynn's 2006 bestselling debut of the same name, we're here to give you a brief synopsis. The TV show might deviate from the novel - as plenty of books do - and the book definitely doesn't star Amy Adams, but here is what Sharp Objects the novel is all about.

The novel centers on Camille Preaker, a young journalist who writes for a small newspaper in Chicago. Her assignments are dark, often having to do with stories of abuse, neglect, and even murder. This is particularly troubling for Camille, as she spent years self-harming after the death of her younger sister, Marian, and only recently returned from a stay in a psychiatric facility. However, when Camille's boss, Curry, asks her to return to her hometown of Wind Gap, MI, to cover the murder of a young girl named Ann Nash, Camille has no choice but to comply.

In Wind Gap, Camille finds that the local police aren't willing to divulge much information about the murder, though the town sheriff does confide that he believes that the murder was committed by a Wind Gap native rather than a stranger. Camille learns that Ann was strangled and had all of her teeth removed, and soon after arriving, another young girl, Natalie Keene, suffers the same fate as Ann. Camille puts together a story for Curry based on the information she has learned thus far, but her boss asks her to stay and continue investigating.

As Camille continues to search for more information, she develops a relationship with Detective Richard Willis, a Kansas City detective sent to investigate the case. She also reconnects with her estranged mother, Adora, and her 13-year-old half sister, Amma, a wild party girl whom Camille spends increasingly more time with. After a wild bender with Amma one night, Camille has a strange encounter with her mother and begins to question the mysterious death of her sister years earlier. Strangely enough, Richard seems to have his suspicions about Adora as well.

Sharp Objects is chilling, with the same page turner quality that made Gone Girl a runaway hit. We can't wait to see how HBO adapts this novel for the small screen, but if it's anything like Big Little Lies or Game of Thrones, we have a feeling we're going to be addicted from the first episode.

Kourtney Kardashian and Kendall Jenner Are Big Fans of This Itty-Bitty Bikini, and You're Next

Kourtney Kardashian took a long, lavish vacation to Italy, where she spent time strolling the streets in a floral set, flaunting bikini tops on dry land, and, of course, showing off the sexy swimsuits she packed. While boating in Portofino with her children, Kourt opted for something more trendy than revealing: a seersucker Lisa Marie Fernandez bikini ($395) with ruffly sleeves and buttons down the front.

We were instantly reminded of the suit Kendall Jenner wore in Cannes last year. While slightly different in cut, Kendall's suit was still ultra feminine and sweet. Kourt added edge to her style with white retro frames, and she topped off her ensemble with a sun hat. Read on for a second glance, and if you like the vibes, shop the exact design, along with similar options, ahead.

There's a Pretty Catchy Fiona Apple Cover in Orange Is the New Black's Season 6 Trailer

Orange Is the New Black's season six trailer is here, and along with it, a whole lot of anxiety. Not only have all of the series' beloved characters been separated within a dangerous maximum security facility, but they're also caught up in a violent turf war between rival groups in the new prison and being persuaded to turn on each other in a shady investigation conducted by the company that ran Litchfield. Clearly the three-day prison riot that went down last season has had major consequences. All that aside, there's another aspect of the trailer that we can't stop thinking about: that Fiona Apple cover.

At the 1:30 minute mark, above, you can hear an upbeat cover of Apple's 1996 hit "Criminal." With lyrics like "What I need is a good defense / Cause I'm feelin' like a criminal / And I need to be redeemed / To the one I've sinned against / Because he's all I ever knew of love," we're surprised the show hasn't used it before. Since we've still yet to find the singer behind the catchy song, you can listen to the original in all its glory below.

"Criminal" by Fiona Apple

Lip Gallagher's Sexiest Moments on Shameless Could Leave Every Girl in Southie Swooning

Bad boy (noun): The type of guy who is shamelessly charming and who you know is going to break your heart, but you simply can't resist falling under their spell.

As my friends so kindly like to point out, I tend to stay away from this breed of men, with the exception of one onscreen stud who leaves me (and presumably every single viewer) swooning, and that's Lip Gallagher from Shameless. The minute actor Jeremy Allen White appeared on screen in the season one premiere of the Showtime series back in 2011, that was it; the South Side of Chicago was doomed. His good looks, genius-level IQ, and unwavering love for his family make me - and everyone else - weak at the knees.

Throughout eight seasons, Lip, like every member of the Gallagher family, has been through some serious ups and downs, but he always manages to keep his head high and the family afloat. (Sorry, Fiona, but he is the brains behind the operation.) So, warn your lady parts and read on to see all of Lip's sexiest moments on Shameless before season eight of the show hits Netflix this Summer.

Australian Parents Who Don't Vaccinate Their Kids Are Getting Fined - and It's Working

Although other parts of the world have been embroiled in a heated debate about whether or not kids should be required to get vaccinated, Australia recently took a hard-and-fast stance on the matter by fining parents whose children are not up to date on their vaccinations. The decision is part of Australia's "no jab, no pay" policy, which the federal parliament passed two years ago in an effort to increase the country's overall vaccination rate.

According to The Independent, A$28 - or the equivalence of $21 - will be taken out of the family's tax benefits every two weeks for each child 4 years old or younger who isn't up to date on their vaccines starting on July 1. Despite the fact that the Australian government previously charged families who chose not to vaccinate a fee of A$737 (about $548) annually, the new payment policy is to serve as a more "constant reminder" to parents. Moms and dads who earn more than A$80 each day are subject to further sanctions.

Dan Tehan, the minister for social services, says that the new policy was put into place with the goal of promoting public health throughout the country.

"Immunization is the safest way to protect children from vaccine-preventable diseases," he said. "Parents who don't immunize their children are putting their own kids at risk as well as the children of other people."

And judging by Australia's vaccination rate, the "no jab, no pay policy" seems to be working. A report from ABC News found that since the policy was enacted in 2016, 246,000 more children have gotten all their shots, giving Australia a vaccination rate of 92.2 percent.

These Photos From Kaley Cuoco and Karl Cook's Wedding Will Make You Feel Like You Were There

Karl Cook and Kaley Cuoco are officially husband and wife! On Saturday, The Big Bang Theory actress and the professional equestrian tied the knot at a horse ranch near San Diego in front of family and friends, including Kaley's costar Johnny Galecki. While Karl donned a black suit for the special occasion, Kaley looked absolutely radiant in a beaded white gown with a matching cape and a white lace jumpsuit for the reception. The couple certainly went all out for the equestrian theme with a horseshoe altar made out of flowers, an ice luge that featured pictures of horses, and whiskey party favors. Kaley even donned a white cowgirl hat as she danced during her reception.

The couple first began dating in March 2016 and have been making us swoon with their sweet moments ever since. In September 2016, they made their red carpet debut as a couple, and got engaged last November on Kaley's 32nd birthday, which they celebrated by taking a trip to Disneyland. Keep scrolling for even more pictures from their fun-filled wedding ahead.

Selena Gomez's Carefree Smile and Sexy Bikini Has Us Saying, "Justin Bieber Who?"

In case you were worried about Selena Gomez after hearing the news of Justin Bieber's reported engagement to Hailey Baldwin, don't be. (Side note: did you see Hailey's ginormous ring?!) The singer was spotted enjoying a relaxing day on a yacht in New York with her assistant Theresa Mingus and a couple of friends.

It seems like the news of Justin and Hailey isn't bothering Selena at all since she was grinning and even stuck her tongue out in a picture with Theresa on Instagram. The starlet rocked a sexy blue and white triangle bikini top with matching bottoms. She accessorized her two-piece with a pair of tiny black sunglasses. Keep reading to get a closer look at Selena's sultry swimsuit and buy similar versions for your next beach day ahead.

Robin Wright Opens Up About House of Cards Costar Kevin Spacey: "I Didn’t Know the Man"

The sixth and final season of House of Cards has been building buzz ever since it was announced the show would go on without star Kevin Spacey following the accusations of sexual assault made against him by actor Anthony Rapp in October 2017. Robin Wright, who plays Claire Underwood in Netflix's political drama, is taking over as the lead and opened up to NBC News's TODAY about what filming the final season has been like without Spacey.

"I think we were all surprised, of course, and ultimately saddened," Wright explained to Savannah Guthrie of initially hearing the news of her costar. "We were coworkers, really. We never socialized outside of work. I haven't heard from him, and I don't even know how to reach him."

In addition to Rapp's accusations that Spacey had tried to force himself on the Star Trek: Discovery actor when he was only 14, eight people who worked on House of Cards came forward with claims of sexual misconduct by Spacey on set, and London's Metropolitan Police are investigating reports of sexual harassment made by six men in the UK. During her interview with Guthrie on TODAY, Wright said she hasn't spoken to Spacey since the news broke of Rapp's allegations and made it clear that she had no idea about his past.

"Kevin and I knew each other between 'action' and 'cut' and in between setups where we would giggle," she continued. "I didn't know the man. I knew the incredible craftsman that he is."

Guthrie also asked Wright if she's had any of her own experiences with harassment in Hollywood, to which she replied, "Of course . . . Who hasn't? This is a bigger, broader issue, I think - which is seduction. I don't care who you are. It's about power, and once you overpower someone, that person then becomes vulnerable. And this last year, I think, has shined a light in a new way to allow us to start a new conversation."

Ant-Man and the Wasp's Soundtrack Has So Many Bangers, We Can't Deal

Even if you're not a Marvel superfan, Ant-Man and the Wasp has all the makings of a perfect movie: it has a runtime of two hours (which isn't nearly as long as Avengers: Infinity War), it stars Paul Rudd and Michelle Pfeiffer, and - best of all - the soundtrack is actually the sh*t.

From Kendrick Lamar to Imagine Dragons to Drake, the Ant-Man and the Wasp soundtrack has jams that will pump you up at the gym (as well as make your movie-going experience a little better if you're reluctantly dragged along). Take a listen ahead.

OITNB: Things Don't Look Good For Our Favorite Inmates in the First Photos From Season 6

Orange Is the New Black will finally drop season six this July, and in the meantime, there's plenty for us to obsess over. In addition to refreshing ourselves on what goes down in season five's explosive ending, Netflix has kindly provided both the intense trailer and first look images for the new episodes. Unfortunately, things aren't looking good for our beloved ladies of Litchfield.

Now separated and jailed in a maximum security facility after taking part in last season's three-day prison riot, it looks like Piper (Taylor Schilling), Taystee (Danielle Brooks), Nicky (Natasha Lyonne), and more are going to be pushed to the limit. Will they turn on each other to survive their harsh new surroundings? Or will they make it through stronger than ever? Until Jenji Kohan's award-winning series returns on July 27, you'll just have to pore over the photos ahead for clues.

Litchfield Gets Divided in the Intense Trailer For Orange Is the New Black Season 6

The first trailer for Orange Is the New Black's sixth season has arrived, and we can officially say we already have anxiety on behalf of our favorite characters. Following season five's explosive three-day prison riot, most of the ladies of Litchfield are transferred to a maximum security facility full of "psychos," according to Lorna. There they find themselves separated from their friends, caught up in the midst of a violent power struggle among three groups within the prison, and involved in a shady investigation by the company that runs the prison. Check out the trailer above, then feast your eyes on the first handful of photos from the new season before it drops on July 27.

Why Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip Won't Be Attending Prince Louis's Christening

Prince Louis will be christened at the Chapel Royal at St James's Palace on July 9, but two key members of the royal family will not be in attendance. Ahead of the ceremony on Monday, it was announced that Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip would not be attending the event. According to a palace representative, "the decision was not made on health grounds" and was "mutually agreed" by Queen Elizabeth, Prince William, and Kate Middleton "some time ago."

While Buckingham Palace didn't reveal the reason for their absence, it's likely to due to the queen's busy schedule. Following her trip to Scotland last week, she is currently traveling back from Sandringham, Norfolk, where she spent the weekend. On Tuesday, she is set to celebrate the 100th birthday of the Royal Air Force by attending a Westminster Abbey service in London, followed by her first official meeting with President Donald Trump at Windsor Castle on Friday.

Though we're certainly going to miss seeing Prince Louis with his great-grandparents, there will be a few other members of the royal family on hand for the event. Prince Harry and Meghan Markle are set to attend along with Prince Charles and Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall. Kate's parents, Michael and Carole, and her siblings, James and Pippa, will also be in attendance. We can't wait!

Someone Call the Dang Yankees, 'Cuz Jennifer Lopez Just Wore a Pinstripe Bra on Date Night

If Alex Rodriguez wasn't reminded of his old Yankees uniform the entire time he sat at dinner with JLo, we honestly might question his dedication to the team. Jennifer's sexy striped coordinates - high-waisted trousers with a tightfitting bralette - came in pinstripe, elongating her legs and highlighting her Chanel tote, which featured the same pattern running perpendicular.

Jlo's signature jewelry like gold, oversize hoops, and chunky diamonds were the final touch. She opted for neutral-tone sandals, presumably to keep the focus on her set. It's pretty safe to say A-Rod was psyched by Jennifer's entire outfit for date night in LA, and why shouldn't he be? Ahead, read on to scope out the duo that's so fabulously in-sync, then shop similar looks for your own closet.

Potlucks, Picnics, and Your Lunch Hour Won't Know What Hit Them

Ant-Man and the Wasp's Connection to Infinity War Is More Important Than You Think

Image Source: Everett Collection

Warning: Big spoilers for Ant-Man and the Wasp ahead!

If you walk into Ant-Man and the Wasp expecting to see a ton of clues and connections to other films in the MCU, you'll leave disappointed. Compared to other Marvel movies as of late, the sequel to 2015's Ant-Man is almost shocking in its simplicity. Instead of shoehorning in cameos or linking Scott Lang (Paul Rudd) and Hope Pym (Evangeline Lily) to a billion other characters, the film narrows the scope to their own story, with a few mentions to the Avengers and allusions to what happened in Germany. That being said, there are definitely a few solid links to Avengers: Infinity War, as well as one big clue about how Ant-Man just might be the key to saving all the disintegrated Avengers in the fourth team-up film, due out next year.

The events in Ant-Man and the Wasp take place two years after the end of Captain America: Civil War, which is roughly the same time that the Avengers start clashing with Thanos in Infinity War. In the latter film, Captain America briefly explains that the reason Ant-Man and Hawkeye aren't on the run with the rest of his Civil War "team" is because they cut deals with the government so they could remain with their families. In Ant-Man and the Wasp, it's revealed Scott has been on house arrest, which is why he isn't able to help the Avengers fight Thanos.

In fact, the lavender big bad is never even hinted about for the first 99.99 percent of the movie; it's not until the film's midcredits scene that we get a solid confirmation of the timeline. In it, Scott suits up and heads back into the itty-bitty Quantum Realm that he miraculously escapes from at the end of the first movie. You see, in the sequel, the long lost Janet van Dyne (Michelle Pfeiffer) reveals that the Quantum Realm contains "healing particles" that the team can use to cure misunderstood villain Ghost. Janet, Hope, and Hank Pym (Michael Douglas) supervise Scott as he dives into the Quantum Realm to retrieve more, but unfortunately his mission coincides with Thanos's infamous snap.

Hope and her parents turn to ash on the spot, leaving Scott stranded inside the psychedelic plane with no way out (Hank had given the suits an upgrade that got rid of the regulator that Scott would need to expand). He screams and screams for help, but it seems that he's stranded for the foreseeable future.

Image Source: Marvel

The choice to leave any connection to Infinity War until the last possible second was a conscious one by director Peyton Reed, who explained their creative rationale to Gizmodo. "I remember conversations really early on about like, 'We're telling our story, are we gonna pass by TV screens in the background with news stories?' And my response to that was 'UGH.' We've seen that before and it felt uninspired," he said. "But we knew if you introduce the events of the end of Infinity War in our movie, it would just take over the whole movie. We also knew audiences were going to come into this movie looking looking for clues. So we made a conscious decision not to give them any so that they kind of stop looking and submit to the story."

Given the MCU's wonky timeline, the postcredit scenes - the second of which shows a life-size ant playing on Scott's drum kit while the rest of San Francisco is empty in the wake of Thanos's devastation - present a number of questions. For instance, in the lead up to the snap, the world is already going to sh*t; why do Scott, Hope, and the gang decide that's the best time to do a fairly chill mission to the Quantum Realm? And will the healing particles or "time vortexes" that Janet mentions have something to do with bringing the dead back to life? Is Captain Marvel going to travel through the QR, link up with Scott, and save everyone?

Luckily for the theory-loving fans among us, there's plenty of time to think through every possibility before Captain Marvel and Avengers 4 arrive in theaters next year.

Potlucks, Picnics, and Your Lunch Hour Won't Know What Hit Them

Your Ultimate Guide to the 42 Must-See Tours This Summer

The sun is out, the sky is blue, and the music industry's top artists are hitting the road to bring your favorite jams live to a city near you! From Def Leppard with Journey, to Janet Jackson and Niall Horan, we've rounded up the best of the tours happening in the US this Summer, just in time for you to snag a few tickets. All you have to do is pick one and see the concert of your dreams! You're welcome.

25 Must-Read Books That Will Make July Fly By

Do you hear that? It's the sound of your beach bag begging you to stuff it with the Summer's best new books. June already blessed us with a ton of great reads, so it's time to take a quick peek at what's hitting shelves in July. Need a spine-tingling thriller? How about a breezy romance or some of the best new memoirs? No matter what you're into, we've got you covered this month. Check out our top 25 picks ahead!

10 Style Essentials Jennifer Aniston Always Wears on the Plane - Cuz She's 1 Smart Cookie

You will rarely spot Jennifer Aniston at the airport without a cozy-looking, oversize scarf wrapped around her neck. But that's just one of the smart accessories she remembers to wear for a flight. Through the years, Jen has had to learn how to pack a carry-on for quick trips and probably what to keep on hand so she can take a meeting or make an appearance at an event almost immediately after she steps off the plane. That's why she's quickly become our go-to source of inspiration for our own vacations.

If you read through Jen's travel history ahead, you'll find a good reason for wearing espadrilles through baggage claim and cinching your denim with a belt, even though you might have to take it off when you go through security. (Trust, if you're wearing the right jeans, you won't be uncomfortable!) Ahead, check out our guide to Jen's most stylish excursions, and shop her pieces while you're at it.

Just When You Thought Pippa Middleton's Maternity Style Couldn't Get Any Cuter, She Wears This Orange Romper

Pippa Middleton's maternity style has been one worth watching. Kate Middleton's younger sister was recently spotted with her husband James Matthews and the couple's dogs in London, and she wore an orange romper paired with comfortable sneakers. When we looked at her outfit, we couldn't help but smile because of its cheery hue.

Perhaps Pippa took a cue from Meghan Markle, since the royal was recently spotted wearing a bright yellow Brandon Maxwell dress. If you look closely, you'll notice that her romper actually features small triangle cutouts along the hemline. Pippa finished her casual ensemble off with a woven crossbody bag and aviator sunglasses. Read on to get a closer look and shop similar versions ahead.

Why Too Much Happiness Can Actually Be a Bad Thing, According to Science

When I was younger, my dad always used to tell me to be moderate in everything I did, and a BIG part of that was emotions. I would come running up to him with an A+ grade or the trophy for first place in a competition, and all he would do was smile gently and tell me to take everything lightly and not make a big deal of it. My 6-year-old self did not agree. But now, after passing through so many highs and lows throughout adulthood, I'm wondering whether there was any truth to what he said.

So, is too much happiness really a bad thing? Here's what I found out.

You Might Lose Your Creativity Boost

According to Mark Alan Davis's 2008 meta-analysis of the relationship between mood and creativity, when people experience intense, overwhelming happiness, they lose out on the creativity burst you get from moderate happiness.

What's more, psychologist Barbara Fredrickson has found that too much positive emotion - and too little negative emotion - makes people inflexible in the face of new challenges.

You Might Become More Reckless

Another study found that happiness can lead to reckless behaviors, which makes sense - haven't you always been less inhibited and more carefree when happy?

But think about this from another point of view and it can be dangerous.

Studies show that excessively happy people tend to engage in riskier behaviors and disregard threats, including excessive alcohol consumption, binge-eating, and drug use.

Even if all this seems a bit extreme, on a smaller scale, there's a good chance you'll regret some decisions you made when you were on a happy high.

You Might Be Less Productive and Driven

Happiness generally leads to a deep feeling of satisfaction, signaling to us that our goals are being fulfilled, so we generally tend to slow down and become more laid-back.

But negative emotions exist for a reason. Without the push that anger or unhappiness gives you, you might never get the motivation to keep going. After all, if you're content, why would you?

And studies back this up: Maya Tamir of the Hebrew University of Jerusalem found that happy people played worse than angry people in a competitive computer game.

You Might Become Gullible

Another study shows that happy people tend to be more trusting and gullible compared to their pessimistic counterparts. That's not to say that you should always go with the glass-half-empty approach, but maybe a bit less extreme?

You Might Become Unhappy

Yup, you heard that right. When you're experiencing intense joy, its only natural to seek more of it, a primitive response rooted in the evolution of mankind. However, the pursuit of happiness almost always leads to unhappiness. Research shows that the more one strives to be happy, the less likely they are to obtain it.

Iris Mauss of the University of Denver conducted a study in which people who read something that celebrated happiness felt worse than people who viewed something that never produced happiness at all. Researchers suggest that when people expect to feel better and don't, they may experience more negative emotions as a result of feeling as if they had failed.

Once the High Is Over . . .

Have you ever felt that underwhelming emptiness after you're done leaping up in joy? Like everything in the world suddenly seems disappointing in how trivial it is? Well, that's not just in your head. When you are excessively happy, you set high standards for situations that can induce happiness: everyday occurrences will cease to make you smile. To back this up, psychologists from the University of Massachusetts and Northwestern University in Illinois compared the levels of happiness between lottery winners and ordinary people.

There was no difference in overall happiness between the two groups; however, lottery winners were significantly less likely to take pleasure in everyday activities such as receiving a compliment and talking with a friend. They began to compare everything with the happiness of winning the lottery, and thus, nothing could keep up. This kind of happiness doesn't last forever, and when it's done, you might end up feeling worse than before.

So What Now?

Well, the point of this certainly isn't to tell you to be unhappy for the rest of your life. After all, extreme negative emotions certainly aren't doing you any favors either. Maybe, just maybe, what all of us need to consider is the moderate path: neither too much positive emotions nor too many negative emotions. And researchers are considering this too - that maybe pursuing happiness isn't the best idea. Instead, we should allow happiness to come by as a reward in the pursuit of another goal.

Imagine a life in which you never feel euphoric, but you never feel depressed either. All that's left behind is a sustainable, peaceful calm that you only experience when you're on stable emotional ground.

In the long term, sustainability is what we're looking at, and perhaps the moderate approach is best for sustainable happiness to last us through all the highs and lows throughout our lives.

Why Too Much Happiness Can Actually Be a Bad Thing, According to Science

When I was younger, my dad always used to tell me to be moderate in everything I did, and a BIG part of that was emotions. I would come running up to him with an A+ grade or the trophy for first place in a competition, and all he would do was smile gently and tell me to take everything lightly and not make a big deal of it. My 6-year-old self did not agree. But now, after passing through so many highs and lows throughout adulthood, I'm wondering whether there was any truth to what he said.

So, is too much happiness really a bad thing? Here's what I found out.

You Might Lose Your Creativity Boost

According to Mark Alan Davis's 2008 meta-analysis of the relationship between mood and creativity, when people experience intense, overwhelming happiness, they lose out on the creativity burst you get from moderate happiness.

What's more, psychologist Barbara Fredrickson has found that too much positive emotion - and too little negative emotion - makes people inflexible in the face of new challenges.

You Might Become More Reckless

Another study found that happiness can lead to reckless behaviors, which makes sense - haven't you always been less inhibited and more carefree when happy?

But think about this from another point of view and it can be dangerous.

Studies show that excessively happy people tend to engage in riskier behaviors and disregard threats, including excessive alcohol consumption, binge-eating, and drug use.

Even if all this seems a bit extreme, on a smaller scale, there's a good chance you'll regret some decisions you made when you were on a happy high.

You Might Be Less Productive and Driven

Happiness generally leads to a deep feeling of satisfaction, signaling to us that our goals are being fulfilled, so we generally tend to slow down and become more laid-back.

But negative emotions exist for a reason. Without the push that anger or unhappiness gives you, you might never get the motivation to keep going. After all, if you're content, why would you?

And studies back this up: Maya Tamir of the Hebrew University of Jerusalem found that happy people played worse than angry people in a competitive computer game.

You Might Become Gullible

Another study shows that happy people tend to be more trusting and gullible compared to their pessimistic counterparts. That's not to say that you should always go with the glass-half-empty approach, but maybe a bit less extreme?

You Might Become Unhappy

Yup, you heard that right. When you're experiencing intense joy, its only natural to seek more of it, a primitive response rooted in the evolution of mankind. However, the pursuit of happiness almost always leads to unhappiness. Research shows that the more one strives to be happy, the less likely they are to obtain it.

Iris Mauss of the University of Denver conducted a study in which people who read something that celebrated happiness felt worse than people who viewed something that never produced happiness at all. Researchers suggest that when people expect to feel better and don't, they may experience more negative emotions as a result of feeling as if they had failed.

Once the High Is Over . . .

Have you ever felt that underwhelming emptiness after you're done leaping up in joy? Like everything in the world suddenly seems disappointing in how trivial it is? Well, that's not just in your head. When you are excessively happy, you set high standards for situations that can induce happiness: everyday occurrences will cease to make you smile. To back this up, psychologists from the University of Massachusetts and Northwestern University in Illinois compared the levels of happiness between lottery winners and ordinary people.

There was no difference in overall happiness between the two groups; however, lottery winners were significantly less likely to take pleasure in everyday activities such as receiving a compliment and talking with a friend. They began to compare everything with the happiness of winning the lottery, and thus, nothing could keep up. This kind of happiness doesn't last forever, and when it's done, you might end up feeling worse than before.

So What Now?

Well, the point of this certainly isn't to tell you to be unhappy for the rest of your life. After all, extreme negative emotions certainly aren't doing you any favors either. Maybe, just maybe, what all of us need to consider is the moderate path: neither too much positive emotions nor too many negative emotions. And researchers are considering this too - that maybe pursuing happiness isn't the best idea. Instead, we should allow happiness to come by as a reward in the pursuit of another goal.

Imagine a life in which you never feel euphoric, but you never feel depressed either. All that's left behind is a sustainable, peaceful calm that you only experience when you're on stable emotional ground.

In the long term, sustainability is what we're looking at, and perhaps the moderate approach is best for sustainable happiness to last us through all the highs and lows throughout our lives.

Beyoncé Found the Sexiest Minidress to Wear This Summer and We're Drunk in Love

Beyoncé is enjoying some much-needed family time. The singer, who's currently on the On the Run II tour, posted a couple of cute pictures of the duo relaxing by the water with their ever-so-stylish daughter Blue Ivy. For their family trip, Beyoncé chose a vibrant minidress by Temperley London that featured a flattering ruffle hemline. The "Drunk in Love" singer showed off her amazing figure in the flirty number that also had a plunging neckline.

This isn't the first Beyoncé has worn Temperley as she was pictured in a Victorian-inspired dress by the British brand too. Bey finished her Summery look off with a pair of PVC Ritch Erani Clara Sandals ($525), gold hoop earrings, and round sunglasses. Read on to get a closer look at her full ensemble and buy her exact dress, as well as more affordable versions, ahead.

If You Can't Tell Where Hailey Baldwin's Outfit Is From, You Must Not Be Looking at Her

Hailey Baldwin made it abundantly clear where her matching denim ensemble is from. The 21-year-old model recently stepped out in NYC with her rumored boyfriend Justin Bieber wearing logo-emblazoned denim separates by Versace. Hailey completed her nostalgic '00s-style outfit with a ribbed crop top, gold hoop earrings, and crisp white Reebok sneakers.

Though Hailey's exact outfit isn't available online, Versace currently offers a similar logo outfit in a lighter denim wash for a casual combined total of $2,600. The opulent Italian brand isn't the only one hopping on the ostentatious trend: Balenciaga, Tommy Hilfiger, and Ksubi are among the other bands also producing logo denim. If you're like, "what logo fatigue?," shop a few similar selections ahead.

Jennifer Lopez Is Pretty in Pink in a Subtle, Yet Oh-So-Fun Swimsuit

According to Jennifer Lopez's Instagram, she is loving life and enjoying some downtime with her man, Alex Rodriguez, and their combined family. The 48-year-old superstar posted a photo lounging on the beach with Alex, and our eyes couldn't help but instantly land on her swimsuit.

Jennifer ditched her usual ultrasexy bikinis for a hot pink one-piece, big sunglasses, and a fedora - the look was so casual yet so glamorous. Are you surprised though? It's J Lo! The woman could literally wear anything and still look fabulous. Keep scrolling to see Jennifer in her bright look and shop similar designs.

These Are the Best - and Least Expensive - New Beauty Products of July

We get it - your two-week-long soul-searching trip to Phuket, Thailand, won't pay for itself. Luckily, you can still keep up with the latest beauty launches without maxing out a credit card. We tested hundreds of new makeup, skin-, and haircare items and hand-selected the ones worth your precious moolah.

What to Wear to All of Those Summer Weddings Right Here

Wedding dress codes come with a lot of stipulations - don't go too short, don't go too flashy, and please, please don't wear white (ecru, eggshell, or cream!). But besides the obvious dos and don'ts, the "what to wear" to your friend's wedding isn't always an easy question to answer. Thankfully, we have 30 solutions - or rather, 30 perfect dresses for any number of Summer weddings left on your calendar. From the casual backyard wedding to your fanciest black-tie nuptials, we've got you covered. Just scroll to shop your way through our favorites and solve your wedding-guest outfit drama now.

- Additional reporting by Hannah Weil McKinley

If You Think Kourtney Kardashian's Bikini Is Sexy, Just Wait Until You Notice This Tiny Little Detail

Kourtney Kardashian has been serving some serious outfit inspiration during her never-ending Italian vacation, and we won't lie by saying that we haven't been enjoying every minute of it. Over the past few weeks, the reality TV star has been wearing some of the sexiest swimsuits she owns, but it's her newest bikini that we'll be remembering for months to come.

During another boat outing to celebrate her daughter's birthday, Kourtney posed in what looks like a simple, peachy-brown two-piece - until you zoom in, that is. As it turns out, the triangle-style design features tiny gold spots which glow in the sunlight, perfectly highlighting the 39-year-old's tan. Read on for a second glance at Kourt's incredible bikini, then shop similar options we found to help you make a statement on your next vacation.