Healthy lifestyle
A healthy lifestyle is one which helps to keep and improve people's health and well-being.Many governments and non-governmental organizations have made big efforts in healthy lifestyle and health promotion.
Mental Health
Mental health can be considered a very important factor of physical health for the effects it produces on bodily functions. This type of health concerns emotional and cognitive well-being or an absence of mental disorder.
Public health
Public health can be defined in a variety of ways. It can be presented as "the study of the physical, psychosocial and socio-cultural determinants of population health and actions to improve the health of the population.
Reproductive Health
For the UN, reproductive health is a right, like other human rights. This recent concept evokes the good transmission of the genetic heritage from one generation to the next.
Health
Health is a state of complete physical, mental and social well-being, and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity.
mercredi 10 octobre 2018
The Not-So-Basic Pants Everyone Should Own
If we had to choose one wardrobe staple to buy this season, it would have to be a pair of versatile black pants. Whether you're headed to the office, out with friends, or just relaxing on the weekend, you can't go wrong with these chic classics. The best part: they'll never go out of style. To help you get a jump-start on the perfect wardrobe for Fall and Winter, we curated a list of our favorites. From elevated sporty picks to cozy wide-leg choices, you won't be disappointed. Keep scrolling to see the ones we want ASAP.
After Years of Searching, I Found the Perfect Black Boots For Both Work and Weekends
If I had a nickel for every pair of black boots I have tried, I'd still be broke from buying shoes, but I'd have a lot of nickels. You get the idea. The boots I have tested are either really cute but terribly uncomfortable or easy to walk in but hideous. Finding a perfect balance seemed next to impossible. At long last, I discovered a design I can walk in all day without sacrificing style. These gorgeous Vagabond Simone Leather Boots ($195) are my new go-tos.
These Chelsea boots are sleek and versatile - you can wear them with denim, dresses, and everything in between. The block heel and tall shaft provide my foot with support. I can stand in these shoes for hours without an ounce of discomfort. The leather is beautiful, and the boots look well-made. After wearing them for just one day, I received several compliments.
If you're on the hunt for a boot you can wear over and over again, give this Vagabond pair a try. I love them so much, I plan on investing in a few more styles.
This Fall Staple Has Been Around For So Long, You Probably Forgot How to Wear It
We're sure that, at one point, you owned a sweater dress you wore to death, perhaps styled with knee-high boots or tights. Blake Lively's Gossip Girl character Serena van der Woodsen provided more than enough inspiration a few years back, after all. But the one-and-done outfit happens to look a little different these days, with midi length versions being introduced in electrifying shades, and ladies on the street coming up with impeccable style rules - i.e. "must layer with shirting underneath." The sweater dress is being reintroduced into our wardrobes as a trend this season, which means there are cozy, oversize silhouettes abound for you to shop. That is, right after you take our advice for how to wear them.
I Was an Overpacker All My Life Until I Did This 1 Thing
I'm not going to lie: I always pack more outfits than I need to for a trip. Always. Being a habitual overpacker is one bad habit that has stuck with me for as long as I can remember. So, when the Swedish clothing brand Ellos invited me on a four-day press trip to Stockholm to celebrate the launch of National Lagom Day, I went about my normal ways after reading the invite and immediately started dreaming up 20 different outfits to pack. What can I say? A girl needs options.
Then it hit me - lagom. As Anne Stephenson, senior vice president of Ellos, said, "Life is about finding your happy medium. The message of 'lagom' is to discover peace in the simple things - a mantra that we have adopted at Ellos." I took a second to take it all in. Lagom is the Swedish word for "just the right amount." I decided that I shouldn't wait to get to Stockholm to find my happy medium when I could start right now.
Instead of trying to squeeze everything I owned into my bag, I made it my mission to be resourceful, without sacrificing style. I turned to pieces I love that could transition easily from activities and pull double duty on my trip. Here I was living the lagom life - and I hadn't even gotten to Sweden yet. Read on to see what I packed, and use these hacks to bring a little lagom to your life, too.
BRB, Adding Kendall Jenner’s Cozy Look to My Fall Vision Board
If there's one wardrobe staple I can't wait to bring out of hiding this season, it's my collection of cozy sweaters, and Kendall Jenner's latest outing just reminded me that there's one more I need to add to the pile. After a hectic few weeks walking in Fashion Month shows all around the world, the supermodel stepped out in Los Angeles for dinner with some friends.
Kendall sported a '90s-chic look in a cozy, mustard-colored cardigan that she wore over a spaghetti strap bandeau crop top and a pair of high-waisted blue jeans. Maybe it's the slight chill in the air or the fact that I'm a sucker for a comfy-looking button-ups, but just looking at these pics is making me want to add even more jumpers to the already-growing collection in my closet. Read ahead to see more pics of Kendall's design and to shop similar styles for yourself.
This Easy, Comfortable Fall Outfit Is the Alternative to Your Classic Jeans
This season, we're really only interested in wearing things that are comfortable and make us feel good. Enter the sweater dress. It's cozy, practical, and an outfit in and of itself. You can wear it to the office, to drinks with friends, or just laying around the house. Talk about versatile. If you're interested in some new Fall outfit inspiration, look no further.
Gwyneth Paltrow Just Showed Off a Second Diamond Ring, and It's Beautiful
Gwyneth Paltrow married Brad Falchuk in a private ceremony at their home in the Hamptons. In case you need a refresher, the starlet had everyone thinking that she already got married in an oxblood one-shoulder Giambattista Valli gown during her star-studded bash back in April 2018.
For their actual big day, the adorable couple was surrounded by A-listers like Jerry Seinfeld, Cameron Diaz, and Steven Speilberg. While we're not sure what Gwyn wore, we're pretty sure that if her wedding dress was anything like her wedding band, it's beautiful.
Gwyn and Brad showed off their matching gold wedding bands that were simple and sleek. The couple opted for the minimalist route by choosing thin gold bands. During an event for Goop in London, the actress paired her simple gold band with a second diamond encrusted style instead of her engagement ring. Read on to get a closer look at both of her rings and shop similar versions ahead if you're feeling particularly inspired.
POPSUGAR at Kohl's Just Released New Pieces - Shop Them All Before It's Too Late!
If you've been loving our POPSUGAR at Kohl's Collection, we've got good news: we just released even more covetable pieces for you to shop. Coming in sizes 0-24 and ringing it at under $85, these essentials are what we live in, love in, and play in. Our latest drop includes comfy dresses, work-ready tops, cozy sweatshirts, versatile joggers, a sleek tracksuit, and much more. Take a look at these brand-new designs, and treat yourself to something special for October. They're currently online-only items, so add them to your virtual cart ASAP!
More Than 250,000 People Have Registered to Vote Following Taylor Swift's Political Instagram Post
Taylor Swift recently stepped into the political arena - and thousands of her fans may be following suit. The 28-year-old singer broke her long political silence through an Instagram post to her 112M followers on Oct. 7, and in the days following, Vote.org has reported a massive spike in voter registration.
October is normally a popular month to register, as voter registration deadlines loom in many states and individuals start to prepare for election day. However, to see over 250,000 voters register in a 48-hour period is not normal, especially when 157,000 of those individuals are between the ages of 18 to 29.
Buzzfeed reports voter registration has increased dramatically in Tennessee, a state Swift specifically emphasizes in her post. While her viral "call to vote" may not be the only contributing factor to this jump, the surge in young voters is definitely consistent with her demographic. Midterm elections? "Swifties" are ready for it.
These $25 Compression Socks Totally Transformed My Swollen Legs
At the end of almost every day, my feet, ankles, and lower calves feel swollen and tired. For me, it's a genetic issue because everyone in my family has poor circulation. I've been instructed by doctors to make sure I kick back and rest my feet as often as I can, but when I'm running around or working, that's much easier said than done.
I usually experience the most swelling while flying, to the point where I don't dare to take my shoes off mid-flight because I know I won't be able to squeeze my puffy feet back into them. At the urging of my friends, I finally took the plunge and scrambled to purchase this Laite Hebe 7 Pack of Compression Socks ($25). They boast more than 4,300 reviews from passionate customers who saw significant changes in their leg swelling, which compelled me to click and buy.
After my flight, I took the socks off to find that my legs were my normal, nonswollen size. That was a first. Now I'm completely addicted to wearing them at the gym or even just under my jeans and booties to work. You don't have to have a circulation issue to wear these socks either. They're great for exercising in general, to help blood circulation and oxygen flow, and preventing cramping. And if you have a job where you're on your feet all day, these can help give you some relief.
They come in an array of styles and colors, ideal for every day or the gym. Keep scrolling to see all the choices.
Absentee Voting: Everything You Need to Know but Were Afraid to Ask
Everyone remembers their first time. It's exciting and nerve-wracking. There are so many options. You are never sure what to expect afterwards. So finally, you just do it. You vote.
But what if you are out of state or out of the country during the election? Then what happens? We talked to Micheala Bethune from DoSomething.org and learned everything you need to know about how to vote via absentee ballot.
All Things Absentee
"Working with over six million young people for the past 25 years, we noticed that young people prefer voting absentee, but they don't know how," Bethune says. DoSomething.org believes that young people should be shaping the future, as they will be the ones living in it. "We have over six million members between the ages of 13 to 25 who signed up to take a social action. These members push for change in their communities."
DoSomething created National Absentee Ballot Day on Oct. 9 and launched votingabsentee.org to inform young voters about the process. This website provides you with all the necessary information related to absentee voting. In only two minutes, you can register to vote, request an absentee ballot, and help your friends get registered with no cost.
"You can host an event on National Absentee Ballot Day, a party on your campus with your friends," Bethune says.
When you fill out your ballot on National Absentee Voting Day, Bethune suggests taking a selfie and sending it to DoSomething.org. "If you do, we will put your picture up on our homepage and share it on our social channels, which have millions of followers. This website will amplify all the young people who are voting or requesting their absentee ballots on this day."
Target: College Students
In 2019, millennials are expected to surpass baby boomers as the largest generation of Americans eligible to vote, according to the nonpartisan Pew Research Center. "In the last presidential election, almost 40 percent of votes were cast before the election day," Bethune continues. "This is why it's incredibly important for college students who are away from home to have the tools they need to request an absentee ballot, learn everything, and send in their votes in time. So their voices can be heard."
People over the age of 60 vote nearly twice as much as people under the age of 29.
"So many local elections in your towns and in your communities are just decided by a handful of votes," Bethune says. "Your voice really makes a difference there."
People over the age of 60 vote nearly twice as much as people under the age of 29. The goal is to get just as many young people voting as people over 60. Then, Bethune says, "politicians will start listening. They will start working on issues young people care about. Because they look at the people who participate in our democracy. So it's important as an entire movement for us to show old people that young people aren't to be forgotten. We turn out to vote."
Don't Make These Common Mistakes
"The biggest mistake you can make is not knowing if you can vote absentee at your college campus," Bethune says. "You can vote in every single state if you have a permanent mailing address." If you don't want your absentee ballot request to get rejected, you should make sure to mail in your ballot on time.
"This is why we picked Oct. 9 as National Absentee Ballot Day," Bethune explains. "On this day, people can either mail their ballots in or request an absentee ballot. Either way, they would have enough time to get their ballot in the mail, sit with it, and do some research."
To avoid any other rejections, you need to fill out your absentee ballot request form completely. But you can always go on votingabsentee.org and ask the on-call experts to break down the rules and regulations and what's going on in your state.
Basic Checklist ✔️
- Go on votingabsentee.org, and register to vote.
- Request your absentee ballot.
- Wait until your ballot arrives.
- Sit with your ballot, and do some research using DoSomething.org's guides to help you understand all the different issues and what they mean.
- Vote, and mail your ballot in.
- Take a selfie, and get excited!
Ciara and 4-Year-Old Son Future Zahir Make a Dynamic Duo at the American Music Awards
While we love seeing Ciara and her husband, Russell Wilson, show off their sweet romance on the red carpet, seeing her with her son might be even cuter! The 32-year-old singer brought her 4-year-old son, Future Zahir, as her date to the 2018 American Music Awards. The mom-and-son duo kept it casually cool for their strut down the red carpet, though Ciara always looks amazingly fierce no matter what she's wearing. The mom of two is scheduled to perform her hit single "Level Up" tonight, marking her first time hitting the AMAs stage since 2015. Ahead, check out Ciara and her adorable date on the AMAs red carpet.
Ashlee Simpson and Evan Ross's Red Carpet Smooch Will Make You Believe in Love Again
Just when we thought Ashlee Simpson and Evan Ross couldn't possibly be any cuter together, they went ahead and proved us wrong when they rolled up to the American Music Awards looking like two peas in a pod. The always-photogenic duo put their romance on display on the red carpet, holding hands and sharing a few sweet smooches in front of the cameras. Ashlee looked glam in a navy sequined dress, while her husband opted for a plaid suit (sans undershirt, might I add).
The couple are slowly releasing songs from their joint album, and they recently dropped their first romantic single, "I Do." During the AMAs, they took the stage to present the award for favorite pop/rock song to the AMAs while Evan's sister Tracee Ellis Ross hosted the entire show like the queen she is. Ahead, see Ashlee and Evan serving up a fresh batch of #relationshipgoals at the AMAs.
John Stamos Wore a Jonas Brothers Concert Tee to the AMAs, 'Cause 2009 Was a Simpler Time
John Stamos knows what we really need in the year 2018, and it's a Jonas Brothers reunion. The 55-year-old You actor showed some serious love for the boy band when he walked the American Music Awards red carpet on Oct. 9 decked out in a Jo Bro's concert tour tee. You know, the exact one you owned back in 2009?
This actually isn't the first time the Fuller House star has paid tribute to Kevin, Joe, and Nick's group. Eagle-eyed fans have spotted him wearing the band's tees on other occasions, and it looks like he owns more than one! Check out the internet's reaction to John's throwback tee ahead, and let your inner teen embrace all the nostalgic feels.
50+ AMAs Pictures You Need to See Now
The American Music Awards went down in LA on Tuesday evening, and it was all about the fans. Host Tracee Ellis Ross was a perfect emcee, stunning the crowd in a bevy of gorgeous outfits by black designers throughout the night (oh, her opening dance number was not to be missed). Along with Tracee's moves, we also got to witness performances from Cardi B, Mariah Carey, and Taylor Swift, who opened the show with an electrifying rendition of "I Did Something Bad." And, thankfully, the AMAs made sure to pay tribute to the late Aretha Franklin with a beautiful gospel performance from a handful of legendary artists, including Gladys Knight and CeCe Winans.
Overall, the show was a fun-filled event for music fans, who voted for the winner of each category. The crowd went wild for acceptance speeches from Khalid, Camila Cabello, and Taylor Swift, whose 22 trophies now make her the most decorated female artist in AMAs history. Keep reading to see all the moments you may have missed from this year's AMAs, in pictures.
Taylor Swift Encourages Fans to "Get Out and Vote" After Breaking AMAs Record
Yes, Taylor Swift, it's cool that you said all that! On Oct. 9, as the 28-year-old singer set an American Music Awards record by accepting her 22nd award, she used her platform as an opportunity to encourage fans to "get out and vote" during the midterm elections.
Swift recently broke her famous political silence to endorse two Democratic candidates running in Tennessee and may have set fans into a frenzy, as voter registration surged in the days after. On Tuesday, she once again leaned political and closed her artist of the year acceptance speech by saying, "This award and every single award given out tonight were voted on by the people, and you know what else is voted on by the people . . . is the midterm elections on Nov. 6." So, the question is: are you ready for it?
Mariah Carey Debuts Her Sultry New Single, "With You," on the AMAs Stage
Mariah Carey brought the heat when she returned to the American Music Awards stage - do you need a second to catch your breath? The 48-year-old singer left the choreography at home when she debuted her new single, "With You," on Oct. 9 and instead let the song's sexy lyrics speak for themselves.
She crooned on stage, decked out in a hot-pink gown and surrounded by shirtless male dancers. Yep, that's the Queen Mariah we know and love. Check out a clip of her song ahead, as well as photos from her sultry performance. We can't wait till she adds this single to her collection of sexy music videos.
Grab Your Sunglasses! Taylor Swift Makes a Sparkly AMAs Comeback After Speaking Out on Politics
Taylor Swift nearly blinded us when she hit the red carpet in a silver minidress and matching boots at the American Music Awards in LA on Tuesday night. The singer . Taylor - who is nominated for four awards - is scheduled to open the show tonight with her hit "I Did Something Bad," marking her first time hitting the AMAs stage since 2014.
Over the weekend, Taylor grabbed headlines when she finally broke her political silence on Instagram. Despite her previous decision to keep her political views private, Taylor shared a post on social media about who she plans to vote for in the upcoming midterm elections. "In the past I've been reluctant to publicly voice my political opinions, but due to several events in my life and in the world in the past two years, I feel very differently about that now," she wrote. Naturally, the internet had a meltdown. Will Taylor make another political statement at the AMAs? Guess we'll just have to wait and see.
The AMAs Takes Us to Church With a Gospel Tribute to the Queen of Soul, Aretha Franklin
The American Music Awards brought down the house with its tribute to the late Queen of Soul, Aretha Franklin. The legendary singer passed away on Aug. 16, and numerous artists have since paid homage to her with outstanding musical performances. Gladys Knight, Ledisi, Mary Mary, Donnie McClurkin, and CeCe Winans took to the stage on Tuesday night for a passionate tribute with soulful renditions of music from Franklin's iconic gospel album Amazing Grace. Watch the performances ahead!
Carrie Underwood Will Move You to Tears With Her "Spinning Bottles" Performance at the AMAs
Carrie Underwood got up on the American Music Awards stage on Tuesday night and didn't leave a single dry eye in the house. In her second live performance since announcing her pregnancy with baby number two, the country singer passionately belted out "Spinning Bottles" from her new album Cry Pretty. Considering that the music for her album was written during some difficult times over the last few years, this performance is even more amazing than we thought. Watch the moving video ahead!
James Gunn Will Reportedly Write and Direct the Suicide Squad Sequel
The entertainment world has been buzzing about the impending sequel of Suicide Squad. Even though the next installment of the bad-guy epic isn't on the official calendar of DC Comics releases, Warner Bros. has begun courting a director and breaking ground on the project. With so much up in the air, it's easy to wonder what we do know about the sequel. We did some digging and scraped together as much confirmed and speculative information as we possibly could.
1. James Gunn Is Writing and Potentially Directing
Although David Ayer wrote and directed the first film, it seems Warner Bros. may be veering in a different direction for round two. The studio was reportedly courting Mel Gibson for the job at first, but in October The Wrap reported that Guardians of the Galaxy's James Gunn is in talks to write and also direct. Back in July a right-wing troll began circulating a number of Gunn's old tweets, some of which included distasteful jokes about pedophilia. Despite apologizing, Disney fired him from his Marvel gig, so it would be interesting to see how he handles a film in the DCEU, instead.
2. David Ayer Likely Won't Return in Any Capacity
In March 2016, The Wrap inadvertently confirmed the sequel during a seemingly innocuous news report. As almost an afterthought, the site mentioned that Suicide Squad 2 was already on Ayer's 2017 schedule. Obviously things have changed since then, and Ayer is busy with the Training Day TV adaptation and the sequel to his fantasy-crime film for Netflix, Bright.
3. Most of the Original Cast Will Probably Return
The aforementioned report from The Wrap also mentioned that Suicide Squad's sequel was on Will Smith's schedule as well. Considering he was one of the biggest stars attached to the first film, it would make sense that Warner Bros. would want him to return as Deadshot. Jared Leto, Karen Fukuhara, Joel Kinnaman, and Margot Robbie are likely also going to come back, especially since the latter is locked in to play Harley Quinn in the Birds of Prey film. Rumored to be joining the cast is Dwayne Johnson, who would take on the role of Black Adam.
4. It Could Be Rated R
In Spring 2016, David Ayer talked about the sequel with MTV News. While the studio definitely aimed for a PG-13 rating on the first one, the second one is up in the air. Ayer remarked that an R stamp "would be worth lobbying for." In light of the runaway success of 2016's Deadpool, which made billions of dollars and became one of the most successful R-rated films of all time, an R-Rated Suicide Squad sequel sounds pretty appealing. Ayer is no longer involved with the project, but let's hope the studio still decides to take it in that direction.
5. Jay Hernandez May Not Be Gone Forever
Even though El Diablo goes out with a pretty epic blaze of glory in the first film, actor Jay Hernandez told ComicBook that the character could still return somehow. "Of course there is [a chance he could return]! I'm not saying anything, just that it's a possibility." Considering Superman kind of sort of dies in Batman v. Superman but also seems to have somehow come back from the dead to appear in the Justice League films, nothing is out of the question.
Summer May Be Over, but Jennifer Lopez Is Bringing the Heat to the AMAs
Jennifer Lopez can do no wrong! On Tuesday, the singer looked all kinds of sexy when she arrived for her big night at the American Music Awards in LA. Clad in a hot-pink cutout dress, Jennifer was glowing as she strutted down the red carpet. Jennifer may have celebrated her 49th birthday earlier this Summer, but you'd never know it by just looking at her.
Jennifer will be debuting a new song from her upcoming film, Second Act, later tonight. "🚨 BIG NEWS!! 🚨 Performing my new single from #SecondAct on the @AMAs THIS TUESDAY! TUNE-IN!," she tweeted. "It's gonna be an AMAZING night." Second Act is a romantic comedy starring Milo Ventimiglia and Vanessa Hudgens and is set to hit theaters on Dec. 14.
This Old American Horror Story Moment May Be a HUGE Hint About Michael Langdon
There I was, going back to where it all started: the first season of American Horror Story. I was trying to go back through the timeline to get the exact age of Michael Langdon. I landed on a scene in "Birth," the 11th episode of the season. Vivien is about to leave the mental hospital, and the doctor is recommending an emergency C-section. I had a vague memory of Vivien mentioning how far along she is in her pregnancy, which would help me determine when Michael is born, and so on and so forth. Though Vivien does confirm she's six months pregnant in the scene, I was actually more struck by something the doctor says in passing, to explain why surgery may be necessary.
"One of these babies has been developing at a rapid rate, to the point where he's ready to come out and live on his own. And the other one seems to be getting weaker. Sometimes referred to as intrauterine omophagia, all the necessary nutrients are being devoured by the larger fetus . . . the 'Alpha,' if you will."
If you haven't already connected the dots, the fourth episode of season eight, Apocalypse, is all about a mythical warlock known as the "Alpha." He's basically the male Supreme, except he's much more powerful than his female counterpart (Cordelia, as it currently stands). The episode is interesting to unpack, because it seems so clear that Michael is the Alpha. Then again, knowing he's the Antichrist child of human and spirit, it's easy to see why this whole Alpha thing may be a misdirect, and he's just flexing his devilish abilities in order to appear as the Alpha, right? So, maybe he's not the Alpha after all!
You could make a pretty strong argument for both, but this tiny season one Easter egg may be a big hint of the twists to come. I'm not suggesting that the writers knew this would be a whole thing way back in season one, but it's definitely possible season eight's writers decided to nod back to season one to drop a hint. After all, mythology and mystery run deep in the AHS universe. This is exactly the kind of thing Ryan Murphy would do. In this way, it could be that AHS is setting up a double twist. Maybe Michael really is the Alpha, but he's not the Antichrist. Wouldn't that be wild? Then again, there's always the possibility that he could be both the Alpha and the Antichrist, and that they're one and the same. Let's hope we get some answers with next week's episode.
Halsey and G-Eazy Put Their Love on Display at the AMAs After Rekindling Their Romance
Fresh from their romantic trip to Italy, G-Eazy and Halsey were at it again when they popped up at the American Music Awards in LA on Tuesday night. The couple, who recently rekindled their romance, stuck together on the red carpet as they marked their first red carpet appearance together since getting back together.
G-Eazy and Halsey dated for almost a year before they mutually decided to take "some time apart" in July. While the reason for their brief split still remains unclear, the pair appeared to have reconciled when they were photographed holding hands while leaving an NYC nightclub in August. Halsey also recently released a song titled "Without Me," which is rumored to be about her relationship with G-Eazy. Keep reading to see more of the couple's date night ahead.
Ciara and Missy Elliott Have Us Ready to "Level Up" Our Lives With Their AMAs Performance
Ciara returned to the American Music Awards stage on Tuesday night for the first time since 2005, and damn, did she make a hell of a comeback! Joined by the iconic Missy Elliott, Ciara performed her hit single "Level Up," which went viral after spawning the Level Up challenge. As amazing as those challenges were, Ciara's performance proves that you just can't beat the original. From Missy's fiery verse to Ciara's outrageously sexy moves, the performance was nothing short of showstopping. Watch their electrifying performance ahead!
Ella Mai's AMAs Performance Will Have You Craving Summer Again in 3, 2, 1 . . .
Ella Mai enchanted the entire audience when she took the stage for her first-ever American Music Awards performance on Tuesday night. The 23-year-old British singer put her angelic vocals on display while singing her hit song and our personal Summer anthem, "Boo'd Up," and it's safe to say she knocked it out of the park. Ella, who is nominated for two different AMAs, had every person in the crowd on their feet bopping along. We'd certainly let this gal boo us up any day of the week! Ahead, watch a clip from Ella's soulful award show performance, followed by a few photos of her owning the stage like the queen she is.
Rocketman: Taron Egerton Is Playing Elton John, but Is He Actually Singing?
We've been anxiously awaiting Taron Egerton's foray into musical film as Elton John in Rocketman, and the first question that jumped out when we watched the first trailer is, of course, is Egerton actually singing?
In short, the answer is yes! Egerton does his own singing in Rocketman. He spent a long time recording John's music and trying to get it all right, according to The Hollywood Reporter. John's husband, David Furnish, even told the publication that John told Egerton that whatever he does, he shouldn't try to copy him. "Don't think you have to sing it exactly the way that I sang it. Don't think you have to perform it the way I performed it," Furnish said of John's advice to Egerton.
Related: Taron Egerton Transforms Into Elton John For the First Official Rocketman Photo
Egerton also told Collider back in May that he had every intention of always singing on set while filming the movie, and we are hoping he stuck with that and we'll find more out about it at some point. But for the actual movie, full of glitz, glam, and the Rocket Man, we'll have to wait until May 2019 for the release. It's then that we'll finally see Egerton as John, in this film Egerton calls a fantasy musical of John's life as an artistic prodigy.
I Did 100 Squats Every Day For 2 Weeks - Here's What I (and My Butt) Learned
I've always been a sucker for a good challenge. Maybe it's because of the competitive streak in me, or perhaps it's due to my love of all things fitness, but whatever it is, I'm usually one of the first people to sign up for a workout challenge. And as someone who is currently chasing booty gains in the weight room, I was curious to see what would happen if I committed to doing 100 squats every single day for two weeks.
Of course, we're talking about 100 air squats here. There was no way I was about to do 100 weighted squats in one sitting - that is a level of fitness masochism even I would politely decline to take part in. But the catch was that I had to do all 100 squats in one session, meaning I couldn't break them up during the day. Having previously spent two years of my life as a CrossFit junkie, though, I knew that doing a high number of air squats was much harder than it sounds on the surface.
My booty and I made it through the two weeks in one piece, and here are the four major takeaways I gathered from doing this challenge.
It Felt Like Cardio More Than Anything Else
If you do 100 reps of anything, it ends up feeling like cardio. You start sweating, panting, and cursing. Your cardiovascular system is kicked into overdrive and your heart rate increases, which makes you feel badass and accomplished. After about 50 squats, I was breathing as if I had just taken a brisk run around the block, and by the end of all 100 reps, I was wiping the beads of sweat from my forehead.
As an avid weightlifter, I noticed that this challenge felt much more like cardio than strength training - and there's nothing wrong with that. In fact, there was one day when I was so tired from doing my 100 squats that I decided to skip my StairMaster cardio session. My legs had had enough for the day.
I Didn't See Any Significant Changes in My Butt
The photo on the left was taken shortly before I started squatting my ass off, and the one on the right was snapped right after the challenge ended. As you can see, there isn't any real difference in my butt - or my thighs, for that matter. I've heard from many different trainers that you need to add weights to your lower-body routine if you want to see booty gains, and I am living proof that this is true. Air squats simply weren't enough to grow my butt.
It Built Up Endurance in My Lower Body
By the end of the second week, I noticed in my HIIT cardio sessions and some of my endurance runs that my legs were able to go the extra distance. Because they had been conditioned to withstand an ungodly amount of squats every day, they were better prepared to get through the last few reps of box jumps or that very last mile. It was an exciting thing to see - all my hard work was paying off, even if in the smallest of ways!
It Didn't Improve My Strength Training
I still kept the same weightlifting program throughout my challenge, so I was still doing three lower-body sessions a week that focused on legs, hamstrings, and glutes. I would usually do the 100 squats before my strength-training session to get myself nice and warmed up for the heavy weights. However, I didn't see any significant improvements in my lower-body movements, like deadlifts, front squats, and hip thrusts. Although doing 100 squats a day certainly has its own advantages, getting stronger in the weight room is not one of them.
Like I mentioned earlier, this challenge felt like cardio more than anything else, and cardio is traditionally not known to help you reach new heights in your weightlifting program. It didn't necessarily take away from my lower-body sessions, but it definitely didn't give me any extra strength to complete them.
It Was Almost Too Easy at the End
You'd be surprised at how quickly your body adapts to new movements. By day 10, I started to notice that I could get through the whole set without really breaking a sweat. Without adding resistance or additional weight, I started to plateau. So, with any challenge, whether it's for two weeks or 30 days, if you really want to see improvements and breakthroughs, you might have to incrementally make it harder for yourself as time goes on.
8 No-Equipment Workouts You Can Do Just About Anywhere - Cardio Included
Even if you don't belong to a gym or own any fitness equipment, you can still work out on the regular. Bodyweight workouts can be done anywhere - including your living room. Consider those obstacles impeding your fitness life removed.
Here are eight complimentary workouts for you to cycle through. We've even included some cardio workouts. Yes! You can raise your heart rate without hopping on any cardio equipment. Check out the workouts, find one that works for you (or eight!), put your fitness time on your calendar (or follow this 31-day plan featuring these workouts), and then get at it. Happy sweating!
If You Didn't Get the HPV Vaccine Before Age 26, You May Be Eligible to Get It Now
The HPV vaccine can help prevent complications and diseases associated with the human papillomavirus including genital warts, cervical cancer, and cancers of the vulva, anus, penis, and parts of the throat. But while the CDC recommends kids and preteens (boys and girls) get the vaccination to prevent HPV infections, the FDA has now approved Gardasil 9 for a wider range of people: males and females ages 9 to 45.
Previously, Gardasil 9 was only FDA-approved for ages 9 to 26. The vaccine, as the name suggests, protects against nine strains of the human papillomavirus. The previous iteration of the vaccine, which was just called Gardasil and approved by the FDA in 2006, only covered four of the strains of HPV. It's no longer distributed in the US. Now, not only are more people eligible to be protected from the dangers of HPV, but also more strains of it.
"Today's approval represents an important opportunity to help prevent HPV-related diseases and cancers in a broader age range," Peter Marks, M.D., Ph.D., director of the FDA's Center for Biologics Evaluation and Research, said in an official FDA press release on Oct. 5. "The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has stated that HPV vaccination prior to becoming infected with the HPV types covered by the vaccine has the potential to prevent more than 90 percent of these cancers, or 31,200 cases every year, from ever developing."
According to the CDC, 14 million Americans are infected with HPV every year. Additionally, 12,00 women are diagnosed with, and 4,000 women die from, cervical cancer caused by certain strains of HPV annually.
If you never got the HPV vaccine and currently fall within the new age range, you should consider getting Gardasil 9 to protect against potentially harmful cancers and complications. Talk to your doctor to see if Gardasil 9 is a good option for you.
These Weird Signs of Acid Reflux Could Mean It's Time to Lay Off the Wine
If you struggle to have a glass of wine (or three) or chow down at a tailgate without feeling super uncomfortable hours later, you may be suffering from acid reflux and not even know it. Acid reflux happens when stomach acid flows backward into the esophagus - the tube that connects your throat to your stomach. Glands in your stomach lining make acid and enzymes that help break down food, and it's this mix of remaining food liquid and stomach acid that's backfilling.
"Acid reflux typically feels like a burning sensation under your chest, and some people may get a sour taste in their mouth," Dr. Marvin Singh, MD, an integrative gastroenterologist and voluntary assistant clinical professor at the University of California San Diego's Department of Family Medicine and Public Health, told POPSUGAR. "Oftentimes, people will have symptoms of reflux after eating particular foods or heavy meals, or when they bend over after eating or lie flat at night."
Aside from the classic signs, there are some other less common symptoms that may point to an acid problem, according to Dr. Singh. These include:
- A dry cough that acts up after eating, particularly if you don't have any other respiratory issues.
- Difficulty swallowing, which may be from an esophagus spasm resulting from reflux but could also point to something more serious. Dr. Singh recommends seeing a doctor immediately if this is an issue for you.
- Asthma flare-ups at night, which could be a result of aspirating small amounts of acid into your lungs.
- More cavities than normal, thanks to acid-induced erosion of the enamel on your teeth.
- A persistent scratchy throat or hoarseness from acid making its way up past the esophagus to the throat, causing irritation of the vocal cords.
Whether you have the tell-tale red flags of acid reflux or some of the more head-scratching symptoms above, there are steps you can take to find relief. Before you do anything else, Dr. Singh suggests seeing a physician. Talking to your doctor and running tests will help rule out diseases like Barrett's esophagus (a precancerous change in the lining of the esophagus that can occur as a result of acid reflux) or cardiac chest pain (which can often feel similar to reflux).
Once you've ruled those out, look at your lifestyle and particularly your diet. Dr. Singh recommends not overeating, fasting two to three hours before you go to sleep, avoiding trigger foods (alcohol, sugar, caffeine, tomato sauce, citrus, and spicy and fatty foods, to name a few), stocking up on organic fruits and veggies, and maintaining a healthy weight. OTC meds such as Tums are also helpful - just don't use them as a permanent fix or take them for a long period of time without telling your doctor. "You could be covering up an important symptom or problem," Dr. Singh said.
These $25 Compression Socks Totally Transformed My Swollen Legs
At the end of almost every day, my feet, ankles, and lower calves feel swollen and tired. For me, it's a genetic issue because everyone in my family has poor circulation. I've been instructed by doctors to make sure I kick back and rest my feet as often as I can, but when I'm running around or working, that's much easier said than done.
I usually experience the most swelling while flying, to the point where I don't dare to take my shoes off mid-flight because I know I won't be able to squeeze my puffy feet back into them. At the urging of my friends, I finally took the plunge and scrambled to purchase this Laite Hebe 7 Pack of Compression Socks ($25). They boast more than 4,300 reviews from passionate customers who saw significant changes in their leg swelling, which compelled me to click and buy.
After my flight, I took the socks off to find that my legs were my normal, nonswollen size. That was a first. Now I'm completely addicted to wearing them at the gym or even just under my jeans and booties to work. You don't have to have a circulation issue to wear these socks either. They're great for exercising in general, to help blood circulation and oxygen flow, and preventing cramping. And if you have a job where you're on your feet all day, these can help give you some relief.
They come in an array of styles and colors, ideal for every day or the gym. Keep scrolling to see all the choices.
I'm Not Crazy About Dance Workouts, but This One With Nina Dobrev Changed My Mind
I'm not usually the type who enjoys fumbling through a new workout in front of other people, but when Reebok invited me to take a Les Mills BODYJAM class with Nina Dobrev, I was curious enough to say yes. Of course, that didn't mean I wasn't nervous. For starters, I'm a big fan of the actress, who also happens to be a fitness queen, but more than that, I wasn't sure about doing a dance workout. The thought of spin-and-clapping in a crowd brought back weird memories, like the times my mom dragged me to Zumba and all the 80-year-olds in attendance put my moves to shame.
On the day of the event, I spoke with Nina beforehand and expressed my concern, saying that some people (coughcough, me) might shy away when they hear the phrase "dancing workout."
"They think of ballet, or - what's the '80s dance guy with the curly, big hair? Richard Simmons?" she suggested. "This is more of a hip-hoppy, pop dance class. What's great about it is that any person, of any dance level - whether you're intermediate, beginner, or advanced - can jump into this and have a lot of fun. We take a lot of time at the beginning to break everything down very slowly and methodically."
I felt a little more confident, especially once Nina added that she cocreated this particular routine and wanted it to be something "that made you sweat a lot, but also made you feel like you're not working out at all and having a good time." But I couldn't shake the thought of making a fool of myself. Could she relate to feeling insecure at all, especially since one of her close friends, Julianne Hough, is actually a professional dancer?
"I definitely make sure to never stand next to Julianne in a dance class," Nina admitted. "I'll always look like an amateur next to her. But I still go. She inspires me all the time to dance, and be free, and have fun. It's an infectious activity. When you let go, and don't care what people think and just move your body, it feels great!"
Decked out in black Reebok sneakers and baggy joggers that made me feel very old-school Gwen Stefani, I tried to remember those words - even after a girl who was clearly ready for the advanced level found a spot in front of me. (Not only could she move, but she'd also added a visor to her look. Trust me, it just made her appear even more impressive.)
Here's how the whole thing worked: the Les Mills instructors, who stood on a stage front and center, took us through the moves one step at a time. After that, we put it together to make a combination, and once we got that down (and essentially felt ready to audition for So You Think You Can Dance), we put the combinations together, and, hey look, we were really dancing!
I ended up breaking a decent sweat, and Nina was right: nothing felt too difficult for a rookie. Also, there wasn't any jumping and only one spin-and-clap. The rest of the moves were a combination of leans, body rolls, and some skip-jumps that wouldn't look out of place at a Jennifer Lopez concert. I even caught myself smiling a few times because, as it turns out, dancing is really fun. Who knew?!
While I'm probably not ready to show off these skills at a wedding reception, I do plan on putting these Gwen Stefani pants to good use (not just as loungewear). Les Mills has classes online, so I don't even have to risk embarrassment - although, I have to admit, I think I've been converted. Try the workout for yourself below. It might make you a believer, too.
I Drank Kombucha Every Day For a Week and This Is What My Gut Has to Say About It
"You've never tried kombucha?" a friend asked on a recent lunch date. She was utterly shocked. How could I be a health and fitness writer, a yoga instructor, and love the plant-based life yet not be obsessed with kombucha?
The truth is, I'm a water girl. Plain water is always my beverage of choice. Sometimes I throw in a few slices of fruit or a splash of apple cider vinegar to mix things up, but I really just prefer nature's beverage on its own. I also drink a little tea and black coffee, and sometimes have unsweetened soy milk with granola or in my smoothie, and rarely I'll have a protein shake, but that's about it. I don't drink soda, energy drinks, alcohol (the sugar kills my stomach), fruit or veggie juice, or apparently, kombucha.
Since I don't drink seltzer or beer, the idea of drinking a fermented beverage did not appeal to me whatsoever. But since it was made from tea, I took a swig. I was surprised that I actually liked how sweet, sharp, and fizzy it was - that's probably one of the reasons people guzzle down these bottles. That, and for its health claims.
The Experiment
In order to see for myself if kombucha really did deliver on its health benefits, including help with bloating, digestion, and fighting inflammation, I decided to drink it for one week. I added it to my weekly grocery list and was shocked it was so expensive - $3.50 per bottle! Maybe that's because I'm used to paying absolutely nada for water; I wasn't expecting to throw down almost $25 for a week's worth of kombucha.
I was worried I'd like it and end up paying $100 a month for my new addiction! I actually hid it from my husband because I knew he'd love it too (huge beer drinker), and we might end up having to pay $50 a week! OK, slow down, Sugar. You've had one sip of your friend's kombucha, so don't get ahead of yourself!
The First Few Days
I picked up a few flavors to add to the fun of this seven-day experiment. I went with the brand GT's Kombucha (since that was the one my friend was drinking) and bought Gingerade, Lemonade, Gingerberry, and Original.
"The yeasty flavor started to gross me out a little, but I've heard people say it can take a little getting used to, so I pressed on!"
I drank that first bottle with my dinner, and I have to say, it was really hard to get all 16 ounces down, because the bold flavor and fizziness is not something I'm used to. Guzzling down a bottle of water is one thing, but with this kombucha, I had to take small sips or else it just felt too overwhelming. The yeasty flavor started to gross me out a little, but I've heard people say it can take a little getting used to, so I pressed on!
For the rest of the week, I made a point to open it while I was making dinner so I'd have a head start and just be able to sip on it over the course of a few hours. By the third and fourth days, I was kind of over it - it started to feel like a chore to drink with dinner; not something I enjoyed like my usual glass of H20.
After 1 Week
I was surprised by how the bubbly factor and pungent flavor filled me up in a sort of uncomfortable way. I felt so full, in fact, that I wasn't able to finish all my dinner (that never happens), which meant by bedtime I was hungry, and then by morning, I was even more so, when I normally don't get hungry until noon (I do intermittent fasting). A full bottle was about 50 calories, and although it offered probiotics, it didn't offer much else nutritionally, so I felt like I was doing my body a disservice by not finishing my tofu kale salad, or whatever healthy dinner I had prepared.
Did I feel amazing digestively? Not really. I actually felt more bloated from what I thought was the fizz I wasn't used to. But upon reading the bottle, it says, "Kombucha is a fermented tea that has naturally occurring alcohol. Do not consume if you are avoiding alcohol due to pregnancy, allergies, sensitivities, or religious beliefs." Hmm. Alcohol and me definitely don't mix. Great. I was supposed to be drinking this to help my body!
Will I Keep Going?
A big "no" on that one. I didn't really get anything positive out of this little experiment, except I now know that I positively am not a fan of drinking kombucha every day. That's just me though. I have a sensitive digestive system, and I enjoy plain, simple foods. I also get my daily probiotics from a capsule, which works perfectly, so I definitely don't want to mess with that. And for the cherry on top, I'm cheap - $3 a bottle seems outrageous to spend every day when I can pay nothing for water and feel amazing. Sorry, kombucha, but we're just not meant to be.
Yes, You Can Have Bread on the Keto Diet - but There's a Catch
The keto diet is the high-fat, moderate-protein, super-low-carb craze you've probably read about online or heard your coworker rave about. And while it has helped countless people lose weight, the rules of what you can and can't eat are pretty restrictive.
In general, you should aim to eat fewer than 50 carbs a day to keep your body in the fat-burning state of ketosis. The general macro breakdown is 70 to 80 percent fat, 15 to 20 percent protein, and five to 10 percent carbs. Since carbs are present in many healthy, keto-friendly foods such as leafy, nonstarchy vegetables and low-sugar fruit, it's generally recommended to stay away from other grains and carb-heavy starches. Yes, this includes bread and all the beloved bread products. Luckily, there's a caveat.
"While traditional bread - yes, even whole wheat and whole grain - is too high in carbohydrates to include on a ketogenic diet, there are several great low-carb bread recipes and products that can be included if you miss the occasional sandwich or roll with your meal," registered dietitian Sarah Koenck, member of the clinical team at Virta Health, told POPSUGAR.
She noted that while the average slice of bread typically has about 10 to 20 grams of carbs, you can make bread with other low-carb ingredients such as almond flour, coconut flour, psyllium husk, cream cheese, and eggs. Try this keto bread recipe from Life Made Sweeter. It's super easy and takes only 90 seconds in the microwave.
So can you nosh on store-bought bread and expect to stay in ketosis? Probably not. If you're clamoring for a piece of store-bought bread, stick to Sola bread (nine grams of carbs per serving) and make sure it fits within your daily macro or carb allotment. But if you're willing to get creative in the kitchen, you can enjoy low-carb toast and sandwich bread and still stay on track.
Forget Counting Sheep - Try This $59 Device For Better Sleep
No one - absolutely no one - functions at their best when they're without sleep. According to the American Academy of Sleep Medicine (AASM), about one in five adults fail to get enough sleep and about 30 percent of adults have symptoms of insomnia. That sounds like one in five adults who will not be very happy the next day at work as they experience excessive daytime sleepiness.
According to the AASM, irritability, anxiety, symptoms of depression, fatigue, increased errors, and reduced vigilance are all effects of sleep deprivation. Sleep deprivation has also been associated with an increased risk of high blood pressure, obesity, heart attacks, and diabetes, according to the AASM and the Centers for Disease Control. The bottom line: getting an adequate amount of sleep (most adults need seven to eight hours) is imperative.
If you're looking for natural ways to fall asleep, you may want to consider trying Dodow ($59), a sleep aid device that guides your breathing, enabling you to fall asleep faster. You turn on the device and tap the surface once for the eight-minute mode or twice for the 20-minute mode. Next, the device projects a blue light onto the ceiling that will guide your breathing. You breathe in rhythm with the light, inhaling as the the light expands and exhaling as it gets smaller.
"Focusing on the light takes your attention away from the thoughts that stimulate your waking state. With reduced brain activity, the process of falling asleep becomes smoother and quicker," according to the Dodow website. It explains that the Dodow device gradually slows down your breathing from 11 to six breaths per minute, which is conducive to a relaxed state.
Whether your insomnia is caused by pregnancy, stress, noise, or thoughts running through your head, Dodow reports that on average, users fall asleep 2.5 times faster with the device. If you end up not liking it, Dodow will refund 100 percent of your money up to 100 days after the delivery date.
As a reminder, we are not doctors (unless one of my fellow editors has a secret they've been hiding) and advise you to consult your doctor or a neurologist about the best ways to manage your insomnia.
Cutting Back on Meat? This Trainer Shares the 8 Best Sources of Plant-Based Protein
You know you need protein to help build muscle and keep you feeling full, but there's a major myth that you can only get adequate protein from animal products. If you're a strict vegan, or just looking to cut back on your meet consumption (like a reducetarian), you can still get your fill of protein from plant-based sources.
Sometimes, plant-based protein powders aren't feasible or easy to get into your diet. Instead, nutritionist and body transformation coach Matt Fowl (@bodyfreshfitness on Instagram) shared some good sources of plant-based protein per cup. He recommends:
- Tempeh: 30 grams
- Almonds: 20 grams
- Lentils: 18 grams
- Chickpeas: 15 grams
- Quinoa: 11 grams
- Peas: 9 grams
- Oats: 7 grams
- Spinach: 5 grams
"Many experts agree that a well-planned vegetarian or vegan diet can provide you with all the nutrients you need," Matt wrote in his Instagram caption. "Certain plant foods contain significantly more protein than others. And higher-protein diets can promote muscle strength, satiety, and weight loss."
If you're stumped on how to get your protein, stock up on these sources to reach your fitness and weight-loss goals.
These 17 Grab-and-Go Keto Snacks Prove You Can Stick to Your Plan Anywhere
Eating keto looks like a lot of damn work: stocking your kitchen with high-fat, low-carb food, mapping out the restaurants where you can actually eat, and, of course, meal prepping (read: lots and lots of cooking). Fortunately, snack time doesn't have to be as labor-intensive.
If you find yourself hungry in between meals or stranded for hours at your desk after work, there's no excuse to reach for a sugary, high-carb snack from a vending machine. Stock up on these keto-friendly snacks instead that will leave you feeling satisfied without kicking you out of ketosis.
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