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 21 novembre 2018
14 Must-Have Gifts For the Meal Prep Obsessed (You Know Who You Are!)
If Sunday meal prep is the best day of the week for someone you love, whether it's a friend or family member, these meal prep products are essential. They'll make life so much easier - and much tastier! Your loved one will certainly get use of them all year round.
22 Vegan Christmas Cookies You'll Happily Dunk Into Your Almond Milk
Cookies are one of the most time-honored Christmas dessert traditions - it's what you leave for Santa, after all. However, if you're vegan, you've probably had to turn down too many chocolate chip and gingerbread cookies to count over the years, and that's almost as sad as getting coal in your stocking. Thankfully, as more and more people turn to a plant-based diet, the cookie enthusiasts of the vegan community have created some outstanding recipes that don't contain a trace of dairy or egg.
This Christmas, join Santa in indulging in a heaping plate of cookies. Read through the gallery for 22 of the best vegan cookie recipes, pour yourself a nice tall glass of almond milk, and put on Bing Crosby. That's the way the cookie should crumble.
Thinking About Trying BBG? This Astounding Transformation Will Convince You
Leah posted these amazing transformation photos to celebrate her "#kaylaversary." A year ago, she committed to the BBG program, and she wrote, "I also made a promise to myself to eat healthier, exercise regularly, workout hard, and never give up on myself."
Her journey began in 2013, and for a long time she was just focused on "being skinny." She was so sad and uncomfortable with herself and said, "it took me a long time, and a lot of starting, giving up and restarting, to lose weight and reach goals I never thought were achievable for me."
Related: Maggie Traded Runs For BBG and These Transformation Photos Are Amazing!
Leah said, "since I started BBG last year, I've really focused on being more in tune with my body, forming a routine with exercise and eating healthier - mostly 80/20. I've seen my body changing, and my goals and my mindset have changed over time, too." She went from wanting to be thin, to wanting to be strong, "and now I just want to be happy and feel good."
It may feel impossible to change your life, but every little step toward your goal counts. Leah's advice is to "set small goals and celebrate them!" She admitted, "It took me almost 3 years and a lot of failing and giving up on myself to be able to make the decision to change my lifestyle."
Related: This Is What 3 Rounds of BBG Looks Like (Spoiler Alert: It's Amazing!)
Leah also said, "The most important lesson I've learned, and one that has had the biggest impact on me, is to stop weighing myself!" When she began her journey, she said, "I obsessed over the scale for as long as I can remember," and she weighed herself all the time. She went on, "I was always focused on that number. It was unhealthy and would often make me unhappy as I wasn't where I thought I 'should be', so I stopped weighing myself completely." Leah said she's not sure what she weighs exactly now, "but what I can tell you is that I feel healthy, and I'm happy and that's worth a heck of a lot more than a number for me." She finally feels "content in my own skin."
So take it from Leah. If you've been struggling to lose weight for years, focus on eating healthy (aim for 80/20) and exercising to get strong (why not try BBG?) - and stop weighing yourself and obsessing so much about the numbers! And most importantly, Leah said, "don't give up on yourself, remember how far you've come and be proud of yourself!"
Every Thanksgiving Staple Dish Made Gluten-Free
The thought of preparing a gluten-free Thanksgiving dish or an entire meal, gluten-free or not, can be quite daunting. Thanksgiving, of course, is associated with feasting until you can barely move, along with throwing caution to the wind in regards to your usual dietary habits. But sometimes dietary habits cannot be ignored - for example, a gluten intolerance. Whether you have a gluten intolerance, a guest of yours does, or you are just choosing to lessen the amount of gluten this Thanksgiving, there is a recipe here that will suit your needs. This roundup of gluten-free recipes will cover all of the Thanksgiving dish staples.
Bob Harper Reveals the Biggest Thing That Will Sabotage Your Weight-Loss Progress
Bob Harper hasn't just helped hundreds of people lose weight as a trainer and host on The Biggest Loser; the 53-year-old lost 40 pounds himself after suffering a near-fatal heart attack in 2017. So when Bob offers up weight-loss advice, we listen.
In an Instagram video as part of a series he calls #TwoCupsIn, Bob revealed what he believes to be the biggest saboteur for weight loss. "If you are trying to lose weight, nighttime snacking is going to be the worst thing that you can do," he said in the video. "Everybody has been asking me about nighttime snacking, and I'm just going to have to tell you, this is where self-discipline has to come into your life."
Related: If You're Trying to Lose Weight, Bob Harper Says You Must Do These 3 Things
Instead of opening up your pantry or fridge for the millionth time at night, Bob suggests distracting yourself out of the kitchen: drink water, read, meditate, or go to bed early. And while some people may think a small snack is harmless, he wants people to learn the self-control of not mindlessly munching out of boredom after dinner.
"Really focus on those goals and go, 'I know I'm going to get up tomorrow and I'm going to feel so much better,'" he said. "Try it; I know you've got it in you."
23 Vegan Pie Recipes That Will Have Nonvegans Drooling This Thanksgiving
Thanksgiving is a favorite holiday among many food-lovers, given the feast involved, but one group will have even more to give thanks for at the dinner table this year: vegans. Despite the meat-heavy meal, vegans can turn to an ever-growing collection of meat- and dairy-free Thanksgiving recipes that are just as satisfying as turkey and mashed potatoes.
One course in particular is continuing to crush the vegan game, and that's dessert. There are countless vegan sweets recipes out there that are just as good as, if not better than, the real thing, but we've rounded up a few of the best pies, because it is Thanksgiving after all.
Keep reading for 23 vegan pie recipes that will make you forget all about butter and eggs.
50+ Lightened-Up Thanksgiving Recipes For Your Big Feast
If you're in need of a fresh take on a Thanksgiving classic, here's the answer to your recipe prayers! These healthy and delicious recipes will delight your guests, and there's an option for everyone. Whether you're entertaining a group that's vegetarian, gluten-free, vegan, or even Paleo, there's a recipe here to get your creative juices flowing while you're in the process of developing a holiday menu. Click on the category below to hop right to the dish or course you're looking to lighten up this year.
The 1 Thing I Never Board an Airplane Without (Hint: It'll Minimize the Germs)
I'm the type of person who will gladly spend hours planning a trip, looking for hotels and Airbnb options that will provide the most authentic experience, and creating an itinerary full of adventure. As much as I enjoy traveling, one thing I don't like is the actual flight. I don't have a fear of flying, I can sleep through the takeoff and landing, but I cannot handle the germs.
Germs are inevitable, but I try my hardest to reduce the potential of getting sick. No matter how far I'm traveling or how great the airline is, I always travel with a pack of disinfecting wipes.
This habit started years ago when I would travel for track meets. My coaches would advise us to wipe down our seats, arm rests, and tray table before getting cozy in order to eliminate the germs. Initially, I thought this routine was silly, but years later it's something I still do. And before you go calling me paranoid, you should know that The Wall Street Journal reported that the Federal Aviation Administration doesn't regulate or inspect aircraft cleanliness.
If that made you cringe, do yourself a favor and before you board your next flight, purchase a pack of disinfecting wipes. And if you're feeling extra nice, share one with the people sitting next to you.
Get Sexy With the Fitness Marshall's Latest Dance Video to "Taki Taki"
The Fitness Marshall just released a dance cardio workout to DJ Snake's hit song "Taki Taki," and we can't stop watching it. We've been playing this song nonstop during our workouts, and now we've got a fun cardio routine to learn.
From the moment the beat drops, you'll be winding your hips, flipping your hair, and feeling yourself. "This dance features the return of Allison, the backup booty you know and love from the 'Me Too' video!" TFM told POPSUGAR. "We also took this dance down to the bunker to give you space cadet realness." Grab your friends and get ready to work.
Be sure to check out his hot choreography in the video above.
These 25 Wellness Gifts Can Be Yours in Just 2 Days!
Everyone could always use a little self-care, and if you're searching for the perfect present this holiday season, you can't go wrong with a wellness-inspired pick. Whether you're gifting your best friend or work wife, they'll always appreciate a little something for themselves. And the best part about these gifts? They're all available on Amazon, so they'll be at your door in just two days!
Oreo Just Released a Mini Record Player That Plays ACTUAL Music From Your Cookie
What's that? Oh, it's just the sound of your Oreo playing music as it sits on a turntable like a record. If that sounds very confusing, just bear with me - Oreo released an actual "cookie record player" that functions and plays audio when you place your Oreo on the mini turntable. The Oreo Music Box ($20) is available on Amazon as of Nov. 20, and the set includes a collectible gift tin filled with White Fudge Oreos, regular Oreos, Oreo Thins, and of course, that little record player.
Once you place your Oreo on the table, it plays fun, prerecorded tunes, and every time you take a bite of the cookie and set it down again, the song changes. According to the product description, you can also record your own message or song. Obviously your own holiday playlist from a real speaker will have better sound quality than a system made for a sandwich cookie, but this is a fun, lighthearted gift for any Oreo-obsessed person in your life. Shop the Oreo Music Box ahead, and see how it actually works in the video demonstration on Amazon.
Top 10 Things Dogs Eat (Other Than Food)!
Do you know the No. 1 thing dogs eat that they shouldn't? (Hint: it's not your homework!) Find it out and more when you start the slideshow of the top sneaky nonsnacks that often cause choking, surgery, or worse!
53 Top Stocking Stuffers That Will Fly Off Shelves This Year - All Under $25
After you see all these gifts, you'll be dreaming about jumping into a pile of them. We found cute and trendy stocking stuffers that your family and BFFs will freak out over. This stuff is so awesome, it will beat out all of those big presents under the tree. Take a look at our genius picks under $25!
20 Handmade Gifts So Thoughtful, No One Will Ever Guess They're From Amazon
Looking for a personalized and thoughtful gift to impress someone this year? You're in luck because shopping for handmade gifts is easier than ever. Amazon features a shopping section on the site filled with handmade and customizable items. From phone cases to necklaces and wine glasses, there's no doubt you'll spot something for your loved ones, and maybe even yourself. Take a look.
Alert, Alert, Shoppers: Ikea Has Crazy Good Black Friday Deals
Black Friday is a blessing and a curse. Did I need to buy eight new hand towels? No. But did I because they were on sale during Black Friday? Yes.
Thanks to Ikea, I am now about to buy even more things because of these amazing sales. Head there from Nov. 22 to Nov. 26 and take $25 off a purchase of $100 or more, storewide. Ikea is also offering Black Friday deals for Ikea Family members that start on Nov. 23 and extend through Nov. 26 with savings up to 25 percent on comforters, armchairs, couches, and more.
And while Black Friday deals may be over on the 25th, the holiday savings will continue on from Nov. 21 to Dec. 2 when Ikea Family members can also save on a variety of select rugs and from Nov. 14 to Dec. 2, Ikea Family members can also receive 20 percent off on special items in the Besta collection.
Happy shopping, Ikea fanatics!
We Found the Coolest Christmas Gifts This Year and *Added All to Cart*
Looking for the coolest, newest, and most Instagrammable gifts? We are too, and guess what? We found them. Check out more than 100 gifts that are sure to be on everyone's wish list this year.
Chill out this holiday season and get the most on-trend gifts of 2018. Ready, set, shop!
- Additional reporting by India Yaffe, Krista Jones, Jesa Marie Calaor, Macy Cate Williams, Kelsey Castanon, Karenna Meredith, Annalise Mantz, and Rebecca Brown.
Your Fur Baby Needs a Holiday Present, Too - Shop Our 21 Favorite Gifts For Dogs
You've been hard at work shopping for everyone on your list, but you can't forget priority number one: your pup! Our dogs take precedence in almost every other area of our lives, so why should gift giving be any different? This season, give your fur baby the treats they've been wanting; think plush dog beds, cute toys, and even puppy ice cream. They'll be wagging their tail for days.
Stock Up! These Are the 51 Best Stocking Stuffers Under $20
As special as the presents under the tree may be, the stocking stuffers set the tone for the gift-giving season, and it's so important to get them right. No matter who you're shopping for, we've scoured the internet to find gifts they'll be sure to love. Think fun games, nostalgic toys, and pretty notebooks. The best part? Every single one of these gifts is under $20. You read that right. You're about to be the hero of the holidays after you shop our picks.
30 New Whole Foods Holiday Goodies You'll Want to Add to Your Cart For Festive Snacking
If you're anything like me, you find it hard not to add a few festive foods to your cart when grocery shopping during the holidays. It won't actually feel like a cozy couple of months until you're sipping peppermint coffee and eating pumpkin cookies, right? I'll be keeping my eyes peeled at Whole Foods especially, because the store has a whole bunch of new seasonal products that will get you in the spirit.
Get your peppermint fix with ice cream bars and chocolate sandwich cookies, switch up afternoon snack time with chai-spiced cashews, and indulge with a maple vanilla whipped topping (which would be quite perfect on a warm cocktail). See all the new, limited-edition items ahead, and add your favorites to your shopping list.
Nordstrom's Stocking Stuffers Are So Good, They'll Forget All About Those Big Gifts
This year, don't just fill your loved one's stocking with chocolates and socks. You can go above and beyond by treating them to cool presents they never saw coming. We looked to Nordstrom because the retailer carries everything from puzzles to plush taco-shaped pillows and luxe beauty products. We curated a list of its 25 hottest picks, so all you have to do is shop. Keep scrolling to shop our favorites.
Don't Waste Your Leftover Mashed Potatoes! Use Them in 1 of These Recipes Instead
Let's be honest, we've all eaten a spoonful (or two) of cold leftover mashed potatoes right out of the fridge - it's an inevitable occurrence around the holiday season. But did you know there's more you can do with your leftovers than just heating them up in the microwave? Whether you're looking for a new soup recipe or a snack for the whole family, mashed potatoes can be an incredibly useful and versatile ingredient. These 21 recipes are so tasty that you're going to want to make extra mashed potatoes as often as you can, just so you'll have leftovers!
Why I've Fallen Head Over Heels For a Hot Water Bottle, and I Don't Care Who Knows It
On a recent trip to London, I found myself feeling extra charmed by all things British and reveled in every lovely thing my darling British friend offered me while staying at her house. There were nightly tea and cookie offerings, a warmed-by-the-dryer "dressing robe" (aka a robe), and on my first night there, to my delight, she asked (please read with English accent), "Would you like me to put a hot water bottle in your bed?" "You mean like those rubber things from old-time British movies?" I asked in unrefined American fashion. It was during this first night's sleep with the fuzzy-covered water bottle that my life changed forever.
I got one almost as soon as I arrived home.
Being someone who is naturally cold most of the time, I dread the Winters - yes, even in Southern California - where our old, drafty house turns freezing during the nights, and I'm forced to turn to drastic measures to stay warm. This usually looks like going to sleep dressed like Rocky in full sweatsuit practice mode and layering blanket upon electric blanket to keep myself cocooned in warmth. And as much as I love my electric blanket, the reality is that it's just not the easiest to sleep with.
Enter the hot water bottle. For starters, I'm a fan of nightly wind-down routines, so my new favorite part of the day is realizing it's time to put on the hot water for my warm fur baby. I fill up the kettle, wait for the water to get super steamy, then fill my little love muffin three quarters of the way up, push out the excess air, and seal it right up. Within seconds, the bottle begins to warm the fur cover, and from that moment I can barely be apart from it for the rest of the night. Click through for all the reasons I'm thoroughly obsessed with this inanimate object.
35 Stocking Stuffers For Your Boyfriend So Good, You Might Just Have to Steal Them
Not exactly sure what to get your boyfriend this year? Instead of treating him to one big thing, try picking him up a few tiny presents he'll appreciate. You don't have to waste your time shopping either, because we did the hard part for you. Ahead, you'll find 35 top picks for every type of guy out there. From socks to games and cozy slippers, some of these are so good, you might end up stealing them for yourself. Take a look.
22 Big-Ticket Kitchen Items That Are Actually Worth the Expense
In a dream world, money would grow on trees, and every piece of equipment in your kitchen could be top-notch. But, that isn't reality. The trick is knowing where to allocate your budget instead of frittering away funds on less-important pieces. These 22 items are all worth investing in the next time your budget allows for an upgrade; consider it the ultimate (practical) kitchen-equipment wish list.
- Additional reporting by India Yaffe
The Secret Life of Pets 2 Trailer Is Here, and Holy Hairballs, This Is Gonna Be Good
Mini cat- and dog-lovers, gather round, because Illumination Entertainment - the company behind Minions - just dropped a new trailer for The Secret Life of Pets 2, and it looks so stinkin' cute, we can hardly contain ourselves. The movie is set to hit theaters in Summer 2019, and while we still have a few months to wait, this Chloe-focused trailer proves it'll be worth it.
Parents and kids can look forward to seeing some of their favorite characters from The Secret Life of Pets, which was released back in 2016. Eric Stonestreet will return to voice Max, Kevin Hart will play Snowball, and Lake Bell will voice Chloe. And keep your eyes peeled for some new personnel this time around: Patton Oswalt will replace Louis C.K. as Max, and Tiffany Haddish will voice Shih Tzu, a brand-new character your kids will obsess over.
17 Genius Gifts So Original, It's No Wonder They Were Featured on Shark Tank
If you know someone who's obsessed with watching Shark Tank, we discovered the best gifts you can give them this holiday season. Amazon features a shopping section on its site filled with so many of the cool products from the show. From an oversize sherpa blanket hoodie to a bean bag that turns into a mattress, these presents are so unique, they'll be totally surprised. We curated a list of our 17 favorites so all you have to do is shop. Take a look ahead.
26 Cute Stocking Stuffers That Put Presents Under the Tree to Shame - All $10 or Less!
Stocking stuffers shouldn't empty out your bank account; they should be affordable. If you have a friend or family member who loves little goodies, there are plenty of cute items out there with price tags that will give you a sigh of relief. We rounded up our favorite options, all for $10 or less. Filling up a stocking has never been this easy!
21 Unique Gifts That Will Leave Recipients Saying, "Wow, You're So Thoughtful!"
When you're buying a gift for somebody you care about, don't go the generic route. The best way to show someone you put thought into a present is by finding something unique to give them. There are so many innovative products out there that will blow your mind. Whether the recipient is a techie, couch potato, world traveler, kitchen connoisseur, or avid reader, we've got items that will thrill them. These gifts are perfect for holidays and birthdays, plus they work for all ages. Basically, you can't go wrong with any of these choices. Get to shopping now so you're prepared!
15 Clever Gifts That Will Leave Your Boss Saying, "You're the Best!"
Finding the perfect gift for your boss is a stressful task - this is the person who monitors your career, after all. We're taking all the nervous hunting away from you because we curated a list of clever and thoughtful present ideas your boss will be thrilled to receive. Shop through these genius (and affordable!) choices and get all that shopping out of the way.
The Ultimate Under-$100 Gift Guide For College Students
In no time flat, college students will be rushing home in hoards to enjoy home-cooked meals and their old squeaky twin beds for the holiday season. Make sure you get those undergrads the perfect gift for Christmas so that they can go back to school feeling totally prepared. We rounded up the best gifts for under $100 so that your student will give you an A+ when it comes to gift giving.
Yum! 20 Food Gifts From Oprah's Favorite Things You Can Buy on Amazon
Get comfortable, because it's time to shop through Oprah's Favorite Things for 2018! We're so impressed with all the products, but we're truly excited to indulge in the food-related goodies. Oprah Winfrey chose everything from a truffle burger kit to cheesecake on a stick, so you're sure to find something to enjoy for the holidays. There are even some nifty appliances like an espresso machine and a water carbonator. Shop through all the delectable picks and get some before they sell out!
Related: The 50 Best Items From Oprah's Favorite Things - All $50 and Under
The 1 Thing to Brush on Turkey to Make It Ultra Crispy and Golden Brown
Everyone yearns to pull out a perfectly golden-brown turkey with crisp skin, but what's the trick? I asked a Turkey Talk expert at Butterball, who said America has got to stop basting and glazing. I know this goes against everything generations before you may have said, but basting the bird just cools down the oven and makes the turkey take longer to reach the right temperature.
The turkey skin will brown, so long as you brushed it with a high-heat oil or clarified butter before putting in the oven. Butterball says turkey skin is like a raincoat and the drippings just drip right off, anyway. So why bother basting? The drippings can be used for the gravy.
In addition, don't open the oven repeatedly. It's so tempting to check on the bird, but use the oven light for that. Position the turkey and the oven-safe thermometer in such a way that you can read the temperature through the window. However, if your oven doesn't have a window (or you don't have an oven-safe thermometer), there's always simple math. Calculate the amount of time it will take you to cook the bird, and rely on a timer.
This Hack Will Forever Change the Way You Peel Potatoes
Source: POPSUGAR Photography / Nicole Perry
When I saw a trick for removing potato skins by slipping them off without using the dreaded vegetable peeler, I knew I had to try it immediately to see if it worked. YouTube user Foody Tube's amazing potato hack video claims you can skip the peeling process before boiling the potatoes and, instead, squeeze the skin straight off the potatoes once they're fully cooked. It sounds almost too good to be true, but guess what? It works.
Here's how to do it right:
Source: POPSUGAR Photography / Erin Cullum
Using a sharp knife, pierce the skin only and draw a line all the way around the center of the potato. Do this quickly by twirling the potato around with one hand while keeping the knife steady in the other.
Source: POPSUGAR Photography / Erin Cullum
Transfer the potatoes to a giant pot of cold water (cover the potatoes by at least an inch of water). Boil the potatoes until they are fork tender, then drain them. Once they're cool enough to touch, peel the potato skin from each side of the punctured line you created. And voilà - the skin will slide off effortlessly! Not only does this drastically speed up the process for making mashed potatoes, but it also makes cleanup a lot less stressful. Once you try this cooking method, you'll probably never go back. You're on your way to the quickest and best mashed potatoes of your life.
Source: POPSUGAR Photography / Erin Cullum
How Long Does It Take to Reheat a Casserole?
Enchiladas, baked pasta, and casseroles alike share at least three killer qualities: they're cozily delicious, they're great for feeding a crowd, and they almost always reheat well. If you're lucky enough to have some leftovers to warm up but wondering the best way to do it, we're here to help.
If You're Reheating a Single Portion
Your microwave is the best tool. Slice and transfer a portion to a microwave-safe dish, loosely cover, and microwave until hot, checking after one minute and then in 30-second intervals afterward. The density of the casserole, the size of the portion, and the power of your microwave will make the time vary, but typically a minute and a half to two minutes will do the trick.
If You're Reheating an Entire Casserole
If you have the entire meal (or a large portion of it) in its original vessel, pull the casserole dish out of the fridge 30 minutes to an hour before heating in the oven while simultaneously preheating the oven. Bringing it up to room temperature might seem like a fussy, superfluous step, but this reduces the amount of time it'll need to spend in the oven, promotes even heating, and protects your bakeware. (Ceramic and even Pyrex-type casserole dishes may crack if shocked by the extreme temperature difference between a cold fridge and a hot oven without the in-between buffering.)
As for the oven temperature and time needed to reheat, it'll vary depending on the size of the casserole dish and the density of its contents, but a safe bet is to reheat at a moderate temperature (325°F-350°F) for 20-30 minutes, or until hot throughout. To prevent moisture loss, cover the casserole dish tightly with tinfoil or the dish's lid until the last five to 10 minutes of heating.
Once warmed through, consider finishing reheating under the broiler for a crisper texture. (If the casserole is dried-out looking or already verging on too brown, skip this step.) To do this, turn your oven's dial to broil, place the casserole dish on the top rack (six to eight inches from the heating element is best), and check things frequently, as browning will happen rapidly and burning isn't far behind.
4 Survival Tips For LGBTQ+ Folks Heading Home For the Holidays
Going home for the holidays and being with the family can be stressful for many people, but it can be even tougher for LGBTQIA+ folks. While you may be totally comfortable with who you are and have worked hard to be mature and have a sense of self-worth, dealing with certain family members may result in feelings of disappoint and rejection. Family members who have a lack of understanding or aren't accepting can be really difficult to handle, especially considering they are the people who are supposed to love you the most. Although tensions may be running high and there are certain conversations you may be dreading, these four tips can relieve you of some the stressful situations you find may yourself in.
1. Set Aside Time For Self-Care
This may sound obvious, but practicing self-care is one of the most important things you can do for yourself year round, and especially during the holidays. As LGBTQ+ poet and cultural icon Audre Lorde famously wrote, "Caring for myself is not self-indulgence; it is self-preservation, and that is an act of political warfare." It can be as simple as reading a book, taking a walk, meditating, having a glass of wine, or just putting time aside for you to do things that make yourself feel good.
When you're home, this might be easiest thing to do, but one option could be to stay in your room a bit longer so you are able to have adequate space. You could also offer to run an errand so you can get some along time and even do something else for yourself while you are out so you can feel ready to face the world. During the holidays, it may be tough to get that "you time" in, but make it a point to give yourself the care you need.
While it may be important for your family to understand you, you do not have to defend your choices or who you are.
2. Set Personal Boundaries
Setting boundaries is a crucial aspect of healthy relationships with anyone. When it comes to your family, though, setting those boundaries can sometimes be more difficult. Because they are family, they may feel that you owe them or they are entitled to an explanation for where you are in life, the current relationship you are in, or about your sexual or gender identity. The fact of the matter is, you don't owe them that. While it may be important for your family to understand you, you do not have to defend your choices or who you are. If you find yourself getting into a stressful conversation over the holiday dinner table about a partner, your sexual or gender identity, or another topic you don't want to address, simply change the subject. If Aunt Helen starts to grill you about your sleeping arrangements with your significant other over the holidays, for example, commenting on how delicious the food is or bringing up a previous happy memory from another holiday will often be just enough of a shift to change the conversation and hopefully help you get your holiday back on track.
If you are still uncomfortable, it may be helpful to take that person aside later on when your guests have left and express how you feel. Using language like "I felt that when you brought up x it was inappropriate and made me feel uncomfortable" can help make the conversation go more smoothly; approaching the interaction calmly and respectfully can help illustrate the point and highlight the boundary you are trying to set.
3. Anticipate Some of the Touchy Topics That May Come Up
One part of making the trip home may be mentally preparing yourself for potentially awkward or upsetting conversations. If Uncle Bob is a conservative Republican who has posted on Facebook in support of Donald Trump's ban on transgender individuals in the military, anticipating some of the things that that may come up during your trip home for the holidays can help better prepare you to respond accordingly - or not at all. Trying to visualize some of the conversations that may take place and having an answer prepared or simply remembering to take deep breaths can help you to keep your cool. Although you may be all about engaging in discourse, you probably don't want to feel like you have to defend your identity, beliefs, and choices when you are simply trying to enjoy a piece of pumpkin pie. Preparing a simple statement that reinforces who you are and shuts down hateful rhetoric around major topics in the news or just planning to say "we can agree to disagree" can help get the dinner back on track and save your sanity.
4. Have Your Bestie on Speed Dial
Alternative kinship is deeply important in the LGBTQ+ community. While you can't pick your blood relatives, you can pick your friends and those whom you choose to call family as an adult. It's vital to feel heard, and during the holidays, it may be vital to have your best friend on speed dial. Make it a point to check in with them throughout the day and vice versa. Having a friend to vent to can help alleviate some of the stressful situations you may find yourself in, and it may help you work through them in another way.
What It's Like to Get a Hysterectomy as a Transgender Man
My wife and I rolled up to the surgical center before the sun had even risen on a Wednesday morning in September. It was years in the making, but I was finally getting the hysterectomy I so desperately needed. I was decked out in my best pair of sweatpants and ready to get those baby makers out of me, but I probably should have shaved my face first - because, yup, I'm a transgender man.
Why I Decided Surgery Was Right For Me
I've been dealing with ovarian cysts since I was 13 - and, as I mentioned, I'm not a woman - so I figured it was finally time to get these excess bits out of me. There was something unsettling about having multiple organs inside of my body that were literally doing more harm than good. When doctors find a tumor or cancerous mass inside someone's body, they'll remove it without question. That's how I began to see my ovaries. Each month brought more pain, but it was a pain I didn't feel comfortable discussing with my friends or coworkers. It was another reminder that, despite feeling comfortable with my outward appearance and passing as male, my internal anatomy was still fighting against me.
The ovarian cysts popped up every month, and the estradiol produced by my female organs was waging war with the testosterone I injected each week, which led to a lot of distress. I dealt with mood swings, digestive issues, depression, and just about everything else associated with both PMS and the typical male puberty. My body had no idea what to do with itself, and it was finally time to fix that.
After experiencing yet another cyst rupture at age 29, I made an appointment with the ob-gyn team at my medical center, and we scheduled a total laparoscopic hysterectomy for a few months later. I realized the one thing that made this entire surgery so uncomfortable was the same thing that made the surgery possible through my insurance: being a transgender male. I was told by the surgical coordinator that because my surgeon stated that this was a transition-related surgery, instead of a surgery to prevent ovarian cysts, my insurance covered it. If he were to say that this was a preventative surgery, my insurance likely would have denied the coverage and I would have been left paying almost $20,000 out of pocket for a surgery that will eradicate a lifetime of pain.
It's strange to think that if my wife were to go to her ob-gyn and request a hysterectomy due to ovarian cysts, her request would likely be declined in favor of "less extreme options" - cheaper and often less effective options, to be clear - like birth control.
So I dealt with being a lone male in an ob-gyn office. I brushed off the stares, the marker on all of my medical records that said "female-to-male transgender individual," and the cover-up stories about what surgery I was getting ("Oh, it's a mass removal"), because I was getting this surgery.
The morning of the surgery was less anxiety-inducing than I'd anticipated. The only thing I was actually concerned about was being nauseated after waking up from the anesthesia, but I was given a bunch of medication and a seasick patch to prevent that. The med students and residents explained what was going to go down to my wife and me, and then I was wheeled back and relieved of my female reproductive organs. No one questioned why this scrawny little man was here for a typically "female" surgery, and I was treated like every other patient who ever got their ovaries removed. The surgery was done via the da Vinci robot, which is as awesome as it sounds. My surgeon removed the organs by operating a robot through special controls that look kind of like a virtual reality setup. My abdomen was filled with gas, and there were four one-inch incisions made: two on my right side, one on my left side, and one in my bellybutton.
They took it all: both ovaries, the fallopian tubes, the cervix, and the uterus. Due to over five years of testosterone therapy and fluctuating hormones, my uterus had atrophied quite a bit. In fact, one of the residents referred to it as a "cute-erus" since it was so tiny. I went home that same day with a pair of mesh underwear and a bag full of pain medications.
The Recovery Process
By the second day, I was beginning to regret the surgery. The last surgery I went through was my top surgery (double mastectomy), which had a pretty easy recovery. I couldn't move my arms too much, but the pain was manageable and mainly came from the binder I had to wear for a couple of weeks.
A hysterectomy recovery is totally different. With my top surgery, I had a physical "trophy" of what I had gone through every time I looked in the mirror: my breasts were gone, and my chest was finally flat. Every day post-op was one more day closer to being able to remove that binder and see my chest. It was a huge step in my transition and one that I don't think I'll ever get over. Even though my chest isn't perfect (I'm still scrawny, and my farmer's tan is atrocious), it's still a masculinized chest.
With a hysterectomy, it's a distinctly female recovery. I had my last period about a month after I began taking testosterone at age 24, and I hadn't experienced menstrual cramps since then. The first month and a half of my hysterectomy recovery was essentially a month-and-a-half-long period, which caused some discomfort. I was spotting (not enough to warrant wearing a pad, thank God), cramping, and bloated. I couldn't wear anything that didn't have an elastic waistband for almost two months, I ate way too many Hostess Cupcakes, and I found myself relying on one of those husband pillows. Since it had been over five years since my last period, having to deal with these physical reminders was jarring and frustrating. I remember sitting in the bathroom and staring at the blood that had leaked into my underwear with angry tears in my eyes, a forcible reminder that my body was still clashing with my mind and soul.
But isn't that what this surgery was for? Aside from external genitalia, my body no longer thinks of itself as female. If a doctor were to check my hormone levels, they would finally be within the normal male range. If I had an X-ray or ultrasound done, no one would find any ovaries or a cervix or anything that would point to being female.
2 Months Later, I Know I Made the Right Choice
Eight weeks after my hysterectomy, my body and emotions are no longer riding the roller coaster of testosterone vs. estrogen, and I'm finally stable in a male's body.
Other than relearning how to feel and coming to terms with my new body, I had a few tiny complications that occurred throughout my recovery. These were mainly due to human error and not really related to the surgery, but it led to a longer recovery than I had planned. I went back to work part time after about three weeks and then hit full time at five weeks post-op.
For the first time in my life, my body is finally aligned with how I've always felt inside. There are no conflicting hormones wreaking havoc on my body or monthly cysts popping up to remind me of the things I cannot - or thought I could not - change. A hysterectomy is a huge step in my transition, so I'll be holding off on any additional surgeries until the practice of "bottom surgery" is a bit more refined.
I'm eight weeks out from my surgery and I still don't feel "normal," and I don't think I'll ever truly feel "normal" again. Regardless of whether you're a biological female getting your ovaries removed as a cancer prevention or you're a transgender male getting ready for your next surgical step, a hysterectomy is a life-changing surgery.
Is it weird knowing that a handful of organs have been removed from my body? A little bit. Is it a huge relief not dealing with ovarian cysts every month? You bet. Is it something I would recommend? It's hard to say. After all, I can only speak to one person's unique experience: my own. But I hope by sharing my story, someone else can make the right decision for themselves.
25 Dazzling Gifts That Will Make Your BFF Go Starry-Eyed
Where can you find the latest trend to obsess over? In the stars, of course. But seriously, starry products are everywhere, and we're loving it. There's so many pretty items that would be the perfect gift for your BFF (or yourself). Check out the best goodies out there in the internet world and grab your favorites before they're gone. Let's shop!
30 Gifts Your 30-Something Boyfriend Will Want This Year
Trying to find the perfect present for your significant other? We know it's hard sometimes. If you've got a husband or boyfriend in his 30s, we have a whole guide of gifts just for your guy. Let us do all the work for you and we guarantee you'll give your man something he will love. Check out our top picks.
15 of the Most Inspirational Books For Women, Because 2018 Has Been a Year
As a woman in 2018, every day can feel like a battle, so there's always room for a little inspiration. Reading powerful, meaningful words helps us get through our days stronger than ever, and we'll take any extra boost of confidence we can get. If you're looking to be reminded of your own worth, or trying to find a cool, thoughtful gift for a special woman in your life, you've got to check out these books. They'll have you raising your fists in solidarity.
The Ultimate Gift Guide For Grown-Up Disney-Lovers
If you love Disney as much as us, chances are you have a few loved ones who are a little obsessed as well. Whether your friends and family are all about princesses or Pixar, we found gifts that grown-up Disney fans will go crazy for. You would be surprised by just how many products have a touch of the most magical brand on earth.
To the Stranger Who Offered to Help Me on a Flight: You Don't Know How Much It Mattered
It was the first trip we'd taken after losing our pregnancy, and I couldn't handle much. Deep breaths in and out. A smile at my kids. Getting to Disney World and attempting to take in the sights and smells was my only goal. Just get there, I'd repeat to myself. I'd wanted this time away with my family so we could smile again, if only for a few moments here and there. But the trip was bittersweet. From the moment we left, I was already dreading returning home, back to the reality of what had happened. So, when we arrived at the Orlando airport after our time away only to find out our flight was delayed by several hours, you'd think I would have been happy we could stay just a little bit longer. Instead, the unexpected turn of events filled me with anxiety and dread.
I thought often about the lady on the plane. How she couldn't have known what I was going through that night. How she was in the same boat we were. How she could very easily have pretended not to notice my quiet sobs.
I remember sitting on the floor by the ticket counter, staring off into space. Worst case scenarios filled my head. What if we didn't take off that night? What if we couldn't get a hotel room? What if the kids started acting out of control and I couldn't deal with it? Since our loss, I'd been having a tough time getting through the day when everything went right. When things went wrong, I fell apart, and our flight delay was proving to be no exception. Somehow, my husband convinced me to get up from the floor, and I practically sleepwalked to a restaurant so we could eat. Meanwhile, periodic flight updates pinged our phones, and things went from bad to worse. We wouldn't take off until midnight, almost six hours after the planned time. My body practically vibrated with anxiety as I pictured the two-hour drive home with three kids once we landed at the airport at 2:30 a.m.
Related: Why You Should Take Your Kid on Vacation as Often as Possible
Entertaining the kids in the terminal for the next five hours was about as challenging as I'd envisioned. When running back and forth got old, they colored, snacked, and ran around again before exhaustion set in. At one point, all of my daughters were crying, and so was I. I felt physically and emotionally drained. Every little incident felt like the biggest problem in the world, from their fights over crayons to their repeated requests to go to the bathroom. Bottom line: I wasn't coping with this delay as well as I usually would under different circumstances.
Once we finally boarded the plane, the kids' whining only escalated. They were so overtired, and who could blame them? I was barely hanging on myself, and my tears were flowing freely now. I cried out of exhaustion and out of grief. I can only imagine what other passengers thought as my kids and I basically sobbed our way to our seats. My husband was doing his best to calm us all down, but it was a bad scene. Mercifully, once the plane took off, at least my little one fell asleep. But I wasn't even trying to keep myself together at this point.
A woman with several tired kids of her own was sitting in the row in front of us, across the aisle. She clearly had plenty to contend with herself, but I noticed her looking back at me every so often with a concerned look on her face. I heard her say something to one of her children about a sweet mama being upset. She finally leaned over and asked gently, "Do you need me to watch your babies?" Babies? My kids aren't babies, was my first thought. I don't know why I wasn't immediately touched by her kind gesture; I guess I felt too overwhelmed to take it in at that moment. I shook my head and went back to being miserable.
Related: A Letter to the Person Sitting in Front of My Son on the Airplane
It wasn't until later that I realized just how meaningful it was that a total stranger even cared about me. In fact, in the following months, once the fog of my grief dissipated slowly, I thought often about the lady on the plane. How she couldn't have known what I was going through that night. How she was in the same boat we were, with kids up much later than usual, cramped, hungry, tired, and ready to be in their own beds. How she could very easily have pretended not to notice my quiet sobs. How she could have judged me for how poorly I was seemingly handling a simple flight delay. Instead, this stranger showed me compassion, on a plane of all places, where decency goes out the window in far too many situations. This was late at night, when every soul on board our flight had expected to be at home already, not just starting the trip.
I see today it's the kindness of others, both from those I know and those I don't, like that mom on the plane, that have helped me in my recovery from our awful loss. So even though it was a long time ago now, I wish I could thank her for seeing my struggle, for not judging me, for putting her own challenges aside and offering to help me, and most of all, for proving that no matter what you're going through, there's so much good in the world, even at 30,000 feet.
We Asked, They Answered: A Bunch of Guys Share Their Best Dating Tips (That Actually Work)
Frankly, I was starting to wonder if my old tried-and-true dating tips have gotten stale, so I decided to take a break from my own online dating experiments and waxing poetic about dating apps to listen in on what the gentlemen had to say about what works and what doesn't when it comes to the art of romance. Here are their honest answers for single men and single women navigating the world of dating.
This Is Why It Feels So Good to Give Back
I still remember the moment I made the conscious decision to spend the holidays helping others instead of spending it with my family. I was just out of college, and I decided that I wanted my holidays to instead be a time of giving back - a time where I tried my best to help those in need. One Thanksgiving, when the soup kitchen was not accepting any more volunteers, I decided to buy holiday meals at the grocery store and hand them out to people experiencing homelessness. I was blown away by how many amazing people I met while giving out food. Many of those people I helped told me I had made their day, but little did they know, they had made mine as well.
Like many of us, I have always been drawn to helping others. Whether it's by volunteering at soup kitchens, rescuing and rehabilitating countless stray animals, or making monetary donations to causes closest to me, looking for ways to give back gives me a deep sense of purpose.
Giving creates a special feeling; the words "elation" and "fulfillment" come to mind. While giving back is often described as "selfless," we all know that we also experience positive benefits from helping others and working in our communities. And science backs it up. In research done by the Greater Good Science Center at UC Berkeley it has been proven that pro-social generosity generates good feelings. Here are a few different reasons why we feel better when we are more giving:
Meet the Best Stocking Stuffers of the Holiday Season
Shopping for stocking stuffers is anything but stressful; these fun, adorable presents are sure to make anyone smile! This season, we did the hard work for you and are here to share some of our favorite stocking stuffers of 2018. Think pretty beauty products, fun tech accessories, and games the whole family can enjoy. We might just need a bigger stocking!
23 Gifts That Will Make Your Best Friend Say, "You Get Me"
Your friends are your chosen family, and this season, let them know how important they are. When you're given something that really shows your personality, it feels incredible knowing the gifter took time to think about you. That's the feeling we're always trying to evoke when we give presents. You're the best best friend, so prove it with one of these 23 picks!
Related: 27 Stylish Gifts That Will Make Your Friends Feel More Special Than Ever
This Little-Known iPhone Space Bar Hack Has Everyone Losing Their Minds
Every once in a while, we learn something new about our iPhone that has us screaming, "Where has this been all our lives?!" and that's exactly what happened with the latest space bar hack. Over the weekend, Krissy Brierre-Davis took to Twitter to share an iPhone epiphany - one that alleviates all cursor struggles we have as a result of our "fat thumb." In the photo, Krissy explains, "If you click and hold the space bar, you can move the cursor instead of trying to drag the cursor itself with your fat thumb lol." She also wrote that she feels "duped," after living so long without knowing this trick, and we couldn't agree more!
Officially speaking, this "fat thumb cursor hack" is known as 3D Touch, and it works on the iPhone 6s and later iPhone devices (excluding the iPhone SE). The best part is, it works on the whole keyboard. One Twitter user replied to Krissy's tweet, writing, "it doesn't have to be the spacebar, you can press and hold any key for this function, difference is you have to press the letter keys a little harder."
Just like every major internet discovery, some people are saying they've known about this for a while, revealing even more about the 3D Touch sorcery. Another user added that if you "hold a bit harder" while you're already pushing down for the cursor, "you can also highlight everything." This highlighter tool came with the recent iOS 12 update.
If you're anything like us and your jaw is still on the floor after learning this trick that's apparently been around since 2015 (!!), please join us in thanking the geniuses of the internet who brought this to our attention. Ahead, find more videos of the trick in action, and see how others are just as impressed as we are with the hack.
Wondering How to Take a Screenshot on Your New iPhone? Here's an Easy Step-by-Step Guide!
Got a new phone? It may take some getting used to, especially if the design is different from your last mobile device. The new models of iPhones (X, XS, XS Max, and XR) are superpopular right now. They come with new features and advanced technologies that have a wave of users making the switch. While you'll get a lot more with these new phones, you'll notice one thing is missing. The iPhone X, XS, XS Max, and XRs no longer have a home button.
Without the home button, the process of taking screenshots is different. While it may take you some time to get used to this change, the iOS 11 system allows you to do a lot more with your screenshots. When you take a screenshot with the iPhone X models or using iOS 11, the captured image automatically appears on the bottom left-hand corner of your screen. You can edit your screenshots with one click, and the new technology allows you to easily share your screenshot by email, text, social media, and other options without having to save it to your phone.
Learn how to take a screenshot on the iPhone X models with this easy step-by-step guide!
mardi 20 novembre 2018
This Little-Known iPhone Space Bar Hack Has Everyone Losing Their Minds
Every once in a while, we learn something new about our iPhone that has us screaming, "Where has this been all our lives?!" and that's exactly what happened with the latest space bar hack. Over the weekend, Krissy Brierre-Davis took to Twitter to share an iPhone epiphany - one that alleviates all cursor struggles we have as a result of our "fat thumb." In the photo, Krissy explains, "If you click and hold the space bar, you can move the cursor instead of trying to drag the cursor itself with your fat thumb lol." She also wrote that she feels "duped," after living so long without knowing this trick, and we couldn't agree more!
Officially speaking, this "fat thumb cursor hack" is known as 3D Touch, and it works on the iPhone 6s and later iPhone devices (excluding the iPhone SE). The best part is, it works on the whole keyboard. One Twitter user replied to Krissy's tweet, writing, "it doesn't have to be the spacebar, you can press and hold any key for this function, difference is you have to press the letter keys a little harder."
Just like every major internet discovery, some people are saying they've known about this for a while, revealing even more about the 3D Touch sorcery. Another user added that if you "hold a bit harder" while you're already pushing down for the cursor, "you can also highlight everything." This highlighter tool came with the recent iOS 12 update.
If you're anything like us and your jaw is still on the floor after learning this trick that's apparently been around since 2015 (!!), please join us in thanking the geniuses of the internet who brought this to our attention. Ahead, find more videos of the trick in action, and see how others are just as impressed as we are with the hack.
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