Healthy lifestyle
A healthy lifestyle is one which helps to keep and improve people's health and well-being.Many governments and non-governmental organizations have made big efforts in healthy lifestyle and health promotion.
Mental Health
Mental health can be considered a very important factor of physical health for the effects it produces on bodily functions. This type of health concerns emotional and cognitive well-being or an absence of mental disorder.
Public health
Public health can be defined in a variety of ways. It can be presented as "the study of the physical, psychosocial and socio-cultural determinants of population health and actions to improve the health of the population.
Reproductive Health
For the UN, reproductive health is a right, like other human rights. This recent concept evokes the good transmission of the genetic heritage from one generation to the next.
Health
Health is a state of complete physical, mental and social well-being, and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity.
jeudi 27 décembre 2018
Get Ready to Get Roaring Like the 1920s With This Great Gatsby-Themed Wedding
If you have a love for romance and a passion for glamour, this Great Gatsby-themed wedding will take your breath away. Glittering gowns and sparkling decor transformed this wedding into an ode to the timeless tale. Covered in gold and complete with 1920s accessories, Gatsby himself would have been impressed.
"All the details were crafted with care to be vintage-glam inspired. The venue, Dramatic Hall in Peekskill, NY, is a restored theater. The stage was first built in 1870 and was recently fully restored to its former glory. The venue was the perfect place to host a dramatic Great Gatsby shoot and is a gorgeous venue that hosts weddings and events that really make you feel like a movie star!" said photographer Anna Ivanova.
Let this wedding take you back to a time when parties were roaring and the love was everlasting.
1 Mom Opened Up About Giving Birth to Twins With Down Syndrome, and It's Powerful
After Rachael and Cody Prescott made the decision to cancel Cody's vasectomy and try for a third baby, they had no idea it was a moot point. According to an at-home pregnancy test, Rachael was already a few weeks along. And to make matters even more exciting, the family learned they were expecting twin girls. That meant the couple's sons - Easton, 5 and Hudson, 3 - were going to have baby sisters to look after. The couple attended several doctors appointments to ensure the girls were healthy and developing normally, but then they got some unexpected news: both of their daughters had congenital heart disease and possibly Down syndrome.
"To have a child with Down syndrome is like discovering your best self and winning the lottery at the same time."
"A lovely nurse practitioner came to my bedside and first told me our girls did, in fact, have Down syndrome," Rachael told POPSUGAR. "My response was, 'Really?! Yay!' I actually hadn't remembered my own response, but she later visited to tell me that I had said this and that it was a relief to her to see our happiness, because it had not been what she was expecting."
Minimal-Effort Instant Pot Breakfasts That Your Kids Will Actually Eat
Whether or not you already have an Instant Pot or pressure cooker (you'll likely be convinced to grab one after reading this post, to be honest), getting your kids to eat breakfast each morning before school can seem like a losing battle. But luckily for you, if you are the proud owner of an Instant Pot, you can spend way less time on making your family a delicious breakfast and more time ensuring it's devoured before everyone runs off to the bus (or on the go as they sprint to their bus stop).
Ahead, find Instant Pot recipes for breakfast foods that your kids will actually want to make the time to eat.
11 Snow Day Expectations vs. Realities For Parents That Are So Spot-On
Snow days are the perfect excuse to enjoy some quality time with your kids (if you don't have to work from home!). You'll finally have a chance to get your money's worth on that cute snow gear you bought for the entire family, the kids will love all the activities you have planned, and after the outdoor fun ends, you'll gather around the fireplace to warm up with some sweet treats, a cozy movie, and some hot cocoa. Your snow day will be just like the ones you see on the Hallmark Channel, right? Wrong.
When you're a kid, snow days are magical and amazing. But when you're a parent, they're . . . tough. You have to make sure your kids are entertained all day, sometimes it IS too cold to go outside, and you probably don't get more than 10 minutes of peace before someone says, "I'm bored!" Keep reading for 11 snow day expectations vs. realities that are so real, it almost hurts.
These Glitter Sneakers on Amazon Are So Sparkly, Even Queen Elsa Would Be Jealous
Amazon, are you spying on us or something? How did the shoe gods know that these SF Forever Glitter Jogger Sneakers ($15) are all we could ever need for 2019? We just discovered them on the site, and we can't take our eyes off of that magical, sparkly finish.
Beyond being pretty to look at, it's insane that these kicks are only $15. They have tons of great reviews as well, so you know it's a purchase you'll be happy about. They remind us of something Queen Elsa or Cinderella would approve of. Hey, adults need a little glitter too!
Snag these gorgeous sneakers while you can - they won't be around for long!
15 New Year's Resolutions to Make Together as a Family
Here's the thing about New Year's resolutions: they tend to get a bad rap for having famously low success rates (research shows only about eight percent of people actually stick to them each year). However, they do offer a stellar opportunity for you - and everyone in your family - to reflect on the past year and really think about changes you can all make for the better. This New Year's, rather than only focusing on individual ambitions, why not try making resolutions you can keep as a family? Not only will this help you to motivate and encourage each other, but having one common goal can also bring you closer as a team. Read on for 15 creative resolution ideas you and the entire clan can all strive for in 2019!
Amy Schumer's Morning Sickness Unfortunately Doesn't Take a Day Off: "So This Is Christmas"
Amy Schumer spent part of her Christmas in a less-than-ideal setting - on the side of the road, puking. The comedian and expecting mom recently shared a candid video of herself getting sick while on a drive, followed by several pictures of herself cuddling with dogs on the couch and the floor. "And so this is Christmas," Amy wrote on Instagram.
She has been brutally honest about her pregnancy woes since sharing the news in October. Amy first spoke about battling intense morning sickness after sharing an ultrasound video of her energetic baby. "It's moving all around . . . That's why I'm puking every day," she said at the time.
Shortly after, Amy disclosed she was actually suffering from hyperemesis gravidarum, a severe form of morning sickness. The condition forced her to cancel several comedy shows. In her post, Amy said, "I have hyperemesis and it blows. Very lucky to be pregnant but this is some bullsh*t!"
While hyperemesis gravidarum continues to give her a hard time, the good news is that symptoms tend to decrease in the latter half of one's pregnancy. Until then, at least Amy is surrounded by plenty of pets to cheer her up.
7 of the Best Maternity Jeans For All Growing Bumps
Everyone knows there are tons of changes to expect when becoming pregnant, and one of the many difficult things to adjust to is how to dress your growing bump. So whether you've just found out you're expecting or approaching your third trimester, maternity jeans are a great staple piece to have in your closet. They give, have stretch, and conform to your belly, while maintaining a structured leg that makes you feel like you're in your everyday jeans. Here are our top picks.
Woman Transforms Tiny Laundry Room With Dollar Tree Products, and We're Out of Excuses
If you're struggling to transform your messy and microscopic laundry room into a beautifully organized haven, there's a way to do it on a supertight budget. The secret weapon? The Dollar Tree! On her YouTube channel Hey Tonya, Tonya shows us how she made over the closet-size laundry room in her rental home. Using only a handful of items she already owned and affordable storage products she scored at The Dollar Tree, Tonya proves how easy it is to utilize every inch of a small space. Watch the video and prepare to be inspired!
2019 Is Going to Be Disney's Most Magical Year Yet Thanks to These 30+ New Attractions
Walt Disney once said, "Disneyland will never be completed. It will continue to grow as long as there is imagination left in the world." Well, he wasn't wrong, as Disney Parks across the country are getting quite a few new attractions, resorts, and festivals in 2019. Disney Cruise Line is also ringing in the New Year with some well-loved celebrations and magical ways to bring families together. The one thing we bet a lot of people are excited about is Star Wars, which is going to be highlighted across Walt Disney World, Disneyland, and Disney Cruise Line. If you're ready for another magical year with Mickey Mouse and friends, keep reading to see everything that's in store!
Study Finds That Dogs Obey Women More - the Reason Will Give You a Genuine "Aha!" Moment
Ever wonder why all the princesses in fairy tales have such a great rapport with animals? A 2017 study that is resurfacing online has concluded that, although we can't actually speak to our furry friends like they do in Disney flicks, in real life, women are actually more fluent in "dog" than men. And as a result, dogs are often more obedient to women than their male counterparts.
In the experiment, which was published in the journal Royal Society of Open Science, researchers recorded the sound of nearly 20 dogs growling in different scenarios - guarding food from other dogs, playing tug of war, or feeling threatened by an approaching stranger - and had a small sample of 40 people attempt to identify the context of the growl.
On the whole, humans were good at associating the correct growls with the correct root emotion. But two types of people - women and those participants who were particularly experienced with dogs - consistently scored higher in this task.
Although that might be surprising information, the reason for this increased animal aptitude will probably come as a shock to not one woman. On the contrary, it likely makes perfect sense. Women had a "higher sensitivity to emotional stimuli," the study reported.
"Female participants seem to have an advantage in the recognition of the context," it continued. "It is known that women have a higher emotional sensitivity . . . women are likely more empathetic and sensitive to others' emotions, [which] can help to differentiate better the context of the emotional content of the growls."
I Have 4 Kids, and I Desperately Need to Make Self-Care a Priority in 2019
As a mom of four young kids, if I'm being honest, sometimes I don't have time to shower for more than two days (thank goodness for hats!). I ate dinner last night while breastfeeding, folding laundry, and catching up with my mom. At least once a day, I'll have to pee for so long that I start doing the potty dance like my 5-year-old until I can barely make it the bathroom. Given how jam-packed my schedule is, you may think it would be impossible to make time for self-care. But after a decade of mommying, I've learned that if I don't take care of myself, everyone suffers. So I'm determined to do one thing for myself every day in 2019, even if it's just for a few minutes. My happiness and sanity depend on it.
"A little goes a long way," is my mantra about self-care, but I didn't always feel that way. It used to be that if I didn't fit a 4-mile run into the day, I got cranky and resentful toward my family. As we've added to our brood over the years, however, I have accepted that there won't always be an extra hour to devote to my personal fitness goals. There may only be 10 minutes when the baby is napping, the kids are playing independently, and before I need to start dinner or run someone to Girl Scouts or swim practice. But that 10 minutes is better than nothing. Maybe I'll roll out my yoga mat and do ten sun salutations. Maybe I'll stretch and focus on breathing deeply. Moving my body is always the best medicine for parenting angst. I feel my stress melt away and my patience recharge.
Moving my body is always the best medicine for parenting angst. I feel my stress melt away and my patience recharge.
Still, it took my husband to point out that I am a better mom when I take time to exercise and feel good about myself. He continues to remind his control-freak wife there's no reason to feel guilty when I leave the kids with my him on a Saturday morning so I can take a walk with a friend or try a new yoga class. My hubby jokes that "everyone wins" when mom is in a good head space. And the truth is, if I don't get that break to pay attention to my needs, I'll find myself snapping at one of the kids when they ask where their clean socks are or starting to cry as I'm nursing my son, feeling trapped and smothered.
To any parent out there who thinks they shouldn't take time away from the kids to do something for themselves, whether that's getting a manicure once a week or reading a book that isn't Goodnight Moon, I'd say you need to ask yourself who you're serving by neglecting you. I've been there, when it feels impossible to find even a few seconds in the day without a child hanging off of you. I can't tell you how many times I've showered with all four of my kids complaining and crying outside the shower door. I feel like I want to scream, and sometimes, I do. Then, I'll mentally berate myself for letting the kids down if I want to exercise instead of play My Little Pony or hide-and-seek after. Those are the moments when self-care is the most important - when I need to put myself first. Then, when I feel refreshed, I can play with a smile on my face rather than holding back tears while wondering what happened to my life.
Next year will only bring more parenting chaos and stress, especially since we are considering having another baby (yep, we're crazy!). Still, no matter what's happening in our family, I will not let one day go by when I don't take a time out for self-care. Some days I may get an hour, and other days it might be 5 minutes. It's about remembering, each day, that my needs are important, too.
The Best Present Anyone Got Me After Having My Baby Was a $15 Butt Washer - and It Was From My Husband
If you asked me a year ago if I'd ever pen a post about a butt washer, I would've shaken my head. Oh, no. Happy to talk about feelings and mental health, but writing about my rear? Not for me.
But then I went ahead and had a baby - well, to be accurate, a doctor vacuum-extracted a baby out of my vagina after two-plus hours of pushing - and my body was in so much agony following the delivery that my most cherished moments included soaking in a sitz bath (if you don't know what that is, I envy you) or rinsing myself with a FridaBaby Fridet, The MomWasher ($15), courtesy of my hubs.
He bought it for me as a half-joke, half-real new-mom must have. I rolled my eyes at him when he gave it to me, but was in complete appreciation when I found it in the bathroom during my first week home.
While the hospital gave me its own run-of-the-mill squirt bottle to use to soothe the pain in my nether region, the FridaBaby was so much friendlier. It had a 90-degree spout so that I could quickly get water where I needed to. Plus, the bottle itself was malleable, so I didn't have to work as hard to get water to come out. It made using the restroom almost tolerable.
Put it on your registry or buy it for yourself. You'll be happy to see it in your bathroom after you deliver.
The Internet Is Losing Its Sh*t Over This Second Grade Math Problem
Update: After waiting on the edge of our seats, Ayla's math teacher finally revealed the answer to the question that left parents scratching their heads: 42.5. And if that doesn't seem right to you since you really can't have half a dog, you're not alone.
Angie gave POPSUGAR an update after hearing back from the teacher, writing: "The district worded it wrong. The answer would be 42.5, though, if done at an age appropriate grade."
We'll take it!
Original Story: When Angie Werner unzipped her second grade daughter Ayla's backpack on Jan. 24, she expected it to be business as usual when she laid eyes on her math homework. All was going well until Ayla reached one problem in particular that isn't exactly a question most 8-year-olds would understand. Angie decided to ask fellow mamas about it in the Breastfeeding Mama Talk in Private Facebook group, and her suspicion was confirmed: the word problem is actually hard as hell.
The tricky question reads: "There are 49 dogs signed up to compete in the dog show. There are 36 more small dogs than large dogs signed up to compete. How many small dogs are signed up to compete?" And honestly, people are pretty torn on the correct answer.
While the most popular answer to this problem is 36, people aren't exactly confident with that number: "Wouldn't [it] be 49 dogs - 36 small dogs? That make 13 large dogs. So 13 large dogs + 36 small dogs = 49 dogs together. So the answer is 36. It's a trick question lol, right?"
Hm, that doesn't quite add up.
After a long-winded debate, one woman pointed to a previous comment that found yet another possible solution to the problem: "Y'all. A mom above figured it out. We were all wrong. If there is a total of 49 dogs and 36 of them are small dogs then there are 13 large dogs. That means 36 small dogs subtracted by 13 large dogs then there are 23 more small dogs than large dogs. 36-13=23. BOOM!!! WOW! Anyone saying there's half and medium dogs tho just no!"
But apparently, that's not right either.
A few people also suggested that the answer is 42.5, which makes sense mathematically, but is pretty hard to fathom since we're talking about dogs, after all. No one wants half a dog. EVER. "49-36=13. 13/2=6.5. 36+6.5=42.5. That's how I did it in my head. Is that the right way to do it? Lol I haven't done math like this since I was in school!" said one mom.
We're right there with you. As much as we hate to fathom half a dog, if you got 42.5, you've officially mastered second grade math.
The Way Kaley Cuoco Addressed False Pregnancy Rumors Deserves Booming Applause
No, Kaley Cuoco has not announced that she's pregnant, but she has some choice words for anyone suggesting she might be. On Wednesday, Dec. 19, the Big Bang Theory actress shared a photo of herself and her husband Karl Cook - whom she married in June - sharing a smooch. In the snap, Kaley and Karl are both leaning in, and the material of Kaley's maxi dress is draping down to the ground from where she's bent at the waist. Because of her position and the way her dress dared appear loose around her midsection, commenters on the photo for some reason felt compelled to ask, "When's the baby due??" and, "Are you hiding a baby bump?!?!"
With these comments and so many others piling up on what was simply meant to be a cute photo of the newlyweds, Kaley decided to use her Instagram stories to address the speculation. Over a screen grab of a couple of the rude comments, Kaley wrote: "I"m so sorry I bent over in a way to where my dress billowed in the wind and made you think this. Question. Would you walk up to me and ask this straight to my face?"
Related: The 1 Very Important Reason You Should Never Ask a Mom About Having a Second Child
Spoiler alert: no matter what you *think* your answer to that question is, the correct response is, "No, never in a million years because that is, of course, extremely rude."
So to recap: it is, 100 percent of the time, not OK to decide from one photo of a woman in a maxi dress that she must be pregnant. And it's definitely not OK to ask for clarification. Because even if she was pregnant, until she shares that news with the world, it's none of your damn business.
These Photos of Little Kids With Their Giant Dogs Are Actually Everything We Dream Of
Andy Seliverstoff, a photographer based in St. Petersburg, Russia, is 100 percent confident that dogs are truly man's best friend. While Andy has loved big dogs ever since a long-haired St. Bernard came into his life 25 years ago, he didn't start incorporating them into his work until he was asked to shoot a few photos for some friends years back.
"A couple Summers ago, some good friends asked me to shoot their toddler on a walk," Andy told POPSUGAR. "We agreed to meet at a neighborhood park, and they arrived at the shoot with not just their daughter, but with their dog as well - a fawn Great Dane. So we decided not just to photograph 2-year-old Alice, but her dog, too."
As soon as Andy shared the pictures on social media, they instantly took off for obvious and adorable reasons.
"Giant dogs are devoted, as well as gentle and careful with their little owners and smaller-size dogs."
"I posted these first photo shoots on Facebook and soon found out how popular and touching they were. Nobody, it seems, could remain indifferent to the juxtaposition of those large dogs and little kids," he said. "Since my circle of friends and my hobby as a dog show photographer give me access to a large number of dog owners, I decided to continue working on this subject. That is how Little Kids and Their Big Dogs ($36) was born."
Although Andy's series is essentially every dog-owner's version of heaven, he admits there there is still a stigma out there when it comes to big pups.
"I was always surprised when people asked me things like: 'Aren't you afraid?' and 'How do you cope with it?' This prejudice against large dogs that I encountered gave rise to my idea of showing that the size of a dog doesn't matter at all," said Andy. "Giant dogs are devoted, as well as gentle and careful with their little owners and smaller-size dogs."
Andy hopes to squash any misconceptions about big dogs' demeanors through his work. "It's no secret that some owners who become new parents are concerned about the dog's relative size," he said. "And that's very sad. Large dogs are gentle nurses for the kids who grow up with them. And most surprising is the close, emotional interrelation between the child and his or her great friend. It demanded to be shown."
Scroll through to get a look at some of Andy's stunning photography and try not to adopt a shelter full of pups in the process.
My New Year's Resolution Is to Start These Silly Traditions With Each of My Kids
My mom is pretty much my guru when it comes to all things parenting, but I've long accepted that doesn't mean I have to do things exactly how she did. While I know I'll never live up to her saint-level patience, I also don't remember her doing things like blasting the music in the car and leading us in impromptu dance parties, which is a regular occurrence in my young family.
However, there were a couple of silly traditions she created with my brother and I that I will always remember and appreciate because they were fun and reminded us of how special we were to her. Somehow in between working full-time, cleaning, driving us around, feeding us, and being the best person I've ever met, she made up little rituals that were only between herself and one of her children. For me, it was one way we said "I love you"; for my brother, it was a game they played to commemorate the first day of every month. Thirty-plus years later, we still pull them out on occasion.
So this year, my New Year's resolution is to start a silly tradition with each of my children, one thing we'll have only between the two of us that will remind them just how much I love them and add more fun to our relationships. If you're interested in doing the same, here are some ideas to get you started.
This Family Takes Their White Elephant Exchange to a New Level, and Where's My Invite?
As a person with an enormous extended family, I'm well aware that the more people you involve in your holiday celebrations, the crazier it can be. But Adrienne Young, a woman from California, has definitely one-upped me as far as fun goes, posting a now-viral video thread of her family's antics during their white elephant gift exchange. Make no mistake: I'm 100 percent trying to get invited next year.
"So my family plays white elephant with a twist: you have to challenge someone to a mini game if you want to steal their gift," she wrote on Twitter. "With a huge family it gets out of hand pretty quick." Ha, no doubt!
Although Adrienne's family has been duking it out head to head on Christmas for years, this season's challenges must be some of the best yet. Read through to get a look at the intense competition, where people battled it out over a unicorn ring toss, sucking up Skittles with a straw, and pretty much every other crazy way you can imagine.
I Never Liked New Year's Eve . . . Until My Family Started This Special Tradition
I'd never been a huge fan of New Year's Eve. The expectations were always too great, and I'd always end up feeling disappointed. It wasn't until I was married and had kids that I accidentally stumbled upon the best way to spend it. As a family, we've formed our own special New Year's Eve tradition that all four of us now look forward to all year long.
When our daughters were very young, we did nothing. My husband and I barely made it to midnight ourselves; we were just too tired. We joked with our friends that the way we celebrated was to give ourselves a great night's sleep, but with two toddlers, even that was stretching the truth. But as they got older, we focused on establishing holiday traditions as a family that would make our kids want to spend the holidays with us - especially the ones that had a happy or merry attachment to them - so that they too could avoid that feeling of pressure to party in the perfect way.
One day, when I was scrolling through social media, I stumbled upon the idea of the Memory Jar, and I immediately knew I'd found our lifelong New Year's Eve tradition. What we do is this: as we experience things throughout the year, we jot down our happy memories on little pieces of paper and put them in a big mason jar labeled with that year. Periodically, we set aside time to think about the past few months - our vacations, our new friends, our work and school achievements, and so on. We sit and write down our memories. We do this a few times during the year and smile with excitement as the jar gets fuller and fuller.
On New Year's Eve, it's always bitterly cold where we live. We have dinner as a family like usual, and we bake cookies or cupcakes together. We light a fire, and we all put on the brand new pajamas we all got the week before for Christmas. Then we spread out on pillows and blankets on the floor, and while we eat the cookies or cupcakes we made, we dump out all the pieces of paper that have accumulated in the jar and read them out loud, one by one. We take turns reading them, we pause to remember, and we spend a few minutes reminiscing over each special memory.
When we've gone through the whole jar, we think about the year ahead, and then it's time for the girls to go to bed. Once they're asleep, my husband and I get back in front of the fire, play our favorite music from the year, and recall some of the more grown-up moments of the year that didn't make their way into the family-focused Memory Jar. We talk about the best parts of watching our children grow up, and when midnight strikes, I kiss my favorite person. Then we seal up the jar and get next year's jar ready to receive new memories.
There's no New Year's Eve pressure anymore. I'm in my favorite outfit (pajamas), my midnight kiss is perfect, and I happily sip tea instead of Champagne. I'm in my favorite place with my favorite people, feeling grateful for the wonderful life we've created for ourselves and our children, remembering our best memories, and best of all, making new ones.
82 of the Best Toys of the Year - All on Amazon
If you've ever shopped for toys, you know it requires some research - you can't just blindly buy something without knowing exactly what the child is into. So whether you need something to fuel one's creative sensibilities or you just need to get them outdoor activities, we've gone ahead and rounded up the leading toys of the year, all available on Amazon.
Boss Baby Can’t Stay Up Until Midnight Either - Netflix’s New Year’s Eve Countdowns For Kids Are Back!
According to new research from Netflix, "77 percent of US parents actually prefer to stay in than go out for the biggest bash of the year" - and you'd best believe we are part of that camp.
With this in mind, Netflix's New Year's Eve countdowns for kids are back, better than ever, and still here to help you get the kids into bed before 12 a.m., feeling like they've stayed up late enough for the real New Year's. Starting on Dec. 26, countdowns featuring characters from 14 of your kids' favorite Netflix shows will be up on the streaming service and ready to ring in 2019 with you and your kids - whenever you damn well please.
After the kids are asleep, you can sip your glass of bubbly in peace and actually count down to midnight without overtired kids milling about. Or, you could sip that bubbly at 9 p.m., get into bed, and sleep until 2019 rings itself in . . . we won't tell (and will be right there with you).
Check out the shows that will have countdowns below, get a sneak preview of what they'll look like above, and repeat this mantra from Netflix in your head until Dec. 31: "Staying in is the new going out."
This Mom Realized She Gave Birth to a Baby With Down Syndrome in the First 10 Seconds – and Her Response Is So Emotional
Amber DeAnn Rojas, a mother of five from Texas, knew after four pregnancies, which included a set of twins, that something felt different with this baby, and she was right. After a short labor, Amber gave birth to a daughter, Amadeus, who she quickly realized had Down Syndrome. She told POPSUGAR that she came to the realization almost instantly:
I didn't know why or how, but I always told my husband this baby was going to be different. My pregnancy wasn't different but I knew something was. The next thing I know, my sweet baby is in my arms and [I felt] so many emotions. As soon as I looked down I saw [that she had Down Syndrome]. I saw it on her face. I thought to myself: "My baby has Down Syndrome." At that moment, I totally forgot that we kept the baby's gender a secret. Then I looked down and to my surprise, it was a girl! I'm so excited, my thoughts of her having Down Syndrome went away because I was so happy we were having another girl!
After Amber's midwife gave Amadeus her newborn exam, she explained that their daughter had many of the Down Syndrome markers. And even though Amber admits she didn't know much about the condition, she wasn't fazed by the news.
We didn't care that she had Down Syndrome because we were all obsessed with her . . . she's like all the other babies we've had! She needs milk. She cries when she's wet or uncomfortable. She smiles when she sees us and we love her fiercely! Amadeus has brought us together. We are learning together about a whole community that we never knew anything about. God gave us Amadeus for a reason and to us she's perfect! We don't see her diagnosis or her label, we just see her as our daughter.
So far, Amber is enjoying bonding with her baby girl. And although baby Amadeus needs to have open heart surgery on Feb. 27 to fix a heart defect that children with Down Syndrome are sometimes born with, the Rojas family is hopeful that she'll have a speedy recovery.
This Teacher Got Lucky Charms Marshmallows From a Student For 1 Bittersweet Reason
Rachel Uretsky-Pratt, a third grade teacher at Amistad Elementary in Kennewick, WA, is used to getting a few gifts each year from her students' parents. But recently, Rachel was reminded about the true meaning of Christmas when one of her students gave her a bag of marshmallows from Lucky Charms cereal. She explained why the present was so meaningful in a now-viral Facebook post.
"Today was the last day before our winter break. We will have two weeks off to rest with our families and loved ones over the holidays then head back to school in 2019," she wrote. "With it being the day before break and Christmas right around the corner, most teachers bring their kiddos something such as books or little treats and occasionally in return receive something from their students."
"Be grateful for what you have, and what others give you. It all truly comes from the deepest parts of their hearts."
Although she received some chocolates, handmade notes, and jewelry from other kids in the class, it was the bag of marshmallows that "stood out the most" to Rachel. "You see, 100 percent of my school is on free/reduced lunch," she explained. "They also get free breakfast at school every day of the school week. This kiddo wanted to get my [sic] something so badly, but had nothing to give."
Instead of walking into her classroom empty-handed, the student in question got a little creative in the gift-giving department. "This student opened up her free breakfast cereal this morning, took the packaging of her spork, straw, and napkin, and finally took the time to take every marshmallow out of her cereal to put in a bag - for me."
The thoughtful gesture reminded Rachel about the importance of appreciating what you have during the holiday season. "Be grateful for what you have, and what others give you. It all truly comes from the deepest parts of their hearts." In an update to the original post, she added that, "My wish for all of you is to remember this kind and simple gesture of love from one of my school babies and carry it with you and continue to spread love and kindness to everyone you meet - not just during this holiday season."
I'm Addicted to Chips - Here's What Happened When I Gave Them Up For a Week
Most people would say I'm a very healthy eater. I've been doing the (mostly) vegan thing for years, and I rarely eat processed food. Except chips. For the life of me, I cannot part with my beloved nightly snack. Usually, just before dinner, I'll pop a few heavenly tortilla chips in my mouth and relish in the crunch, the saltiness. Everything about chips makes my mouth happy.
Unfortunately, I know eating chips every single night - even when they're organic, stone ground, made with beans, whatever - isn't a great habit. Sometimes I'll overdo it, and then my appetite for dinner is negatively impacted. And I'll end up feeling bloated and kinda gross about myself. So I decided to try my very best to give up chips for an entire week. I hoped that by eliminating this indulgence from my diet, I'd stop craving it so much. Read on to find out if I was able to nix my chip dependency and what I learned during my cold turkey, er, chip experiment.
Spoiler: They Were Hard to Resist
The first day I was officially off chips was right after the Thanksgiving holiday. Since I was pretty stuffed and (whispers) kinda hungover, I didn't feel tempted to snack. But the next day, I think I literally heard my heart break when I forced myself to pass the chip aisle during a grocery run. Sniff. And then, OK, confession time: Sunday, I cracked! We'd gone out to dinner to my favorite Mexican restaurant, and there they were. Glaring at me. The chips were so shiny and golden and warm. A nearby bowl of salsa beckoned me to just. take. one. dip. Sigh. I took so many more dips than one.
I felt badly after that dinner and swore off chips for the rest of the experiment. I swear. Until I found a bag of chips lurking in the back of the pantry one night. There was nothing else to eat, my hand to God. So I sneaked just a few.
On the last night of my chip purge, I was desperately craving chips, but I managed to call upon my willpower and opted for the satisfying crunch of broccoli with tangy dressing. That combo totally satiated my desire for a predinner snack, and I didn't even want the chips. Looking back, I should have been more prepared with healthy snack options to counteract cravings the entire week. And yeah, maybe I should have suggested another restaurant on Sunday.
What I Learned
By the end of the week, I decided that maybe it's not worth fighting something as strong as my love for chips. Instead, I think my energy would be better spent swearing off foods I wouldn't miss as much, like bread, pasta, and cookies. OK, I have to eat a cookie once in a while. But seriously, if you have one food you just can't say no to, allowing yourself to enjoy it isn't the end of the world if your eating habits are mainly healthy. Going forward, I just want to be more careful not to oversnack. Because the day after my no-chip week, I totally binged. I was just so happy to be reunited with my darling chips. So in the end, moderation seems far healthier than chip feast or famine.
If You're Just Starting to Work Out, These Apps Will Jump-Start Your Fitness Journey
If you can't walk up a flight of stairs without getting winded, and just thinking about running a mile is enough to leave you feeling exhausted, it might be time to start (or get back into) a fitness regimen. Whether you've taken an extended break from any type of physical activity (No shame!) or are a true beginner looking to embark on a fitness journey, taking the first step is the hardest part.
Instead of signing up for a gym membership (Do you know how crowded that place gets in January?) or paying for pricey boutique fitness classes ($20 to $40 a pop), get a head start on your fitness journey with these apps. For prices ranging from totally free to a yearly subscription, you can work out in the comfort of your own home under the guidance of trainers and trainer-approved fitness plans. Mix up your workouts, track your progress, get your sweat on with these 11 apps for beginners.
The 1 Fitness Trend Jillian Michaels Says Is Beyond Dumb
To heat or not to heat? That is the question with new hot workouts continuing to pop up. We asked Jillian Michaels, author of the newly released The 6 Keys: Unlock Your Genetic Potential For Ageless Strength, Health, and Beauty what the one workout trend she wishes would go away is, and she didn't miss a beat in answering hot workouts, calling them "beyond dumb."
Of the misconception that cranking up the heat can help you to sweat and detox, Jillian told POPSUGAR at a brunch to celebrate AquaHydrate's partnership with the Breast Cancer Research Foundation. "You're not detoxing anything. Your liver, kidney, and spleen detox the body. And you know what helps them do that? Hydration." Jillian also emphasizes that you're not burning more calories "because your intensity is far less than it would be in a cooler room." So how much water should you be drinking? Registered dietitian Lori Zanini recommends drinking about half of your bodyweight (in pounds) in fluid ounces. So if you weigh 150 pounds, you would need approximately 75 fluid ounces of water per day, which breaks down into about nine cups per day (eight ounces in one cup). Drink up and stay cool!
If You Haven't Heard, 2019 Is the Year We'll All Be Drinking Matcha
Matcha has gone mainstream, and as an everyday consumer, I couldn't be more thrilled. Matcha is essentially a much more concentrated form of green tea, aka it's got a lot more caffeine per cup. The taste is a little earthy, but paired with your favorite milk, it's seriously delicious; so good, in fact, that I don't like to start my morning without it. But 2019 is the year that matcha goes from "that green drink" to a staple in every health-conscious person's pantry, and it's not just for drinking. Just keep reading to shop our favorite matcha products that will have keep calm and energized well into 2019.
10 Sneakers on Sale So Cool, You'll Wonder How They're Still in Stock
When we say, "You can never have enough sneakers," we mean it. Whether you're using your kicks to go to the gym, take a class, or just stroll around town, there's always room for more. That's why we created an ultimate guide to our favorite sneakers of the year on sale. These discounted shoes come in every color of the rainbow and every style you can think of, too. The affordable price tags are a huge plus too. See the deals for yourself.
I Gave Up Alcohol and Soda For 30 Days, and Here's What I Learned
Have you ever wondered what it'd be like to basically drink only water for an entire 30 days? Let me tell you, it's not as hard as it would seem, and your body will thank you for it. For some reason that I did not know of at the time, I decided to go cold turkey and give up both alcohol and soda for 30 days. I felt that my body needed a break from all of the sugar and calories, not to mention that hangovers become exponentially worse as you get older (no one tells you that). Now, I wasn't drinking every night, but I was consistently having at least a few beers or cocktails every weekend with friends, which over time catches up with your body. The same goes for soda - I'm the type where I'll open a can of Coca-Cola and take a few sips with my meal, and then toss it (yes, I know that's a waste). I'd probably have one or two sodas a week, which was enough to make my teeth feel yellow and my body feel sluggish. I remember telling myself toward the beginning that the alcohol part will be harder than the soda part, but that I need to stay committed to myself. Fast forward 30 days, sans the two aforementioned culprits, plus a plentiful amount of water, and I feel like a new human.
What Happened?
The first few days were interesting in that it was all mental. I'd see someone having a beer or a soda and think to myself, "that looks so good, but you can't have it." After about a week, I snapped out of that mindset and focused on only consuming water. After about two weeks, I noticed myself feeling less tired and more refreshed. I stayed in every weekend and either read books or watched movies and realized that I was giving my body the break it needed. My skin definitely exhibited a brighter glow, and I barely broke out with any blemishes. I made it to the gym at least four times every week, and as an added bonus, I spent zero dollars on ride services such as Uber or Lyft (this was a win in itself for me). I will say that drinking only water minus the occasional Arnold Palmer can get quite boring, so to spice it up, I bought fresh lemons and oranges to throw in some taste. As you can see in the before and after photo, my hair even got lighter! Just kidding, I was just able to actually wake up in time to make my hair appointment. After my 30 days, I tried a can of Coca-Cola, and it tasted like I had opened a bag of sugar and poured it into my mouth. I was so shocked at how giving something up for a short amount of time can alter the way it tastes. It made me realize how unhealthy soda actually is for your teeth and overall body.
Will I Keep Going?
Yes! I may not become cold sober for the rest of my life, but I will definitely be more conscious of the amount of alcohol I consume on a weekly basis. As for soda, I am happy to report I have done a pretty good job with almost giving it up completely; however, I will admit that I sometimes have one every now and then, or at least a few sips (I don't know what it is, but I just can't shake that zest upon the first intake).
If you're looking for a simple and free cleanse, try this so-called detox, and I can almost guarantee that your body will feel much more relaxed and refreshed! If giving up both at once seems intimidating, then I'd try alcohol first. Say goodbye to headaches and bags under the eyes, and say hello to saving money and feelin' fresh! Trust me - your inner you will thank you for it!
6 Ways I Benefited From Turning Off My Phone For Just 1 Week
I've had a cell phone since I was 11. I know - let that sink in for a second. Post 9/11, my parents wanted to make sure my brother and I had a way to get in touch with them in case of emergencies, so for the past decade and a half, I've had a phone essentially super glued to my left hand. In essence, I've been conditioned.
This past year, I hit my threshold of feeling overwhelmed. I was so tuned into everything around me and around the world 24/7, responding to everyone within seconds, constantly available . . . that I forgot to tune into what I needed. As such, stress levels contributed to atrocious mental health, chronic illness, and a destroyed immune system.
I needed to do a hard reset, and not on my phone - on my life.
The reset started with clearing my calendar, finding a place to chill out and rest, and then digitally detoxing. Phase one: move apps like Instagram to new folders on my phone and put new apps in their former places to see how often I was mindlessly opening them. Phase two: delete social media apps temporarily. Phase three: no tech for one week. GASP! I know. Here's what went down. (Note: this also went down on a week I was not at work - truly tech-free!)
We Asked a Trainer How Often You'd Need to Walk to Lose Weight, and Her Answer Is Surprising
If you're new to working out, it's entirely possible for you to burn fat and lose weight simply by walking. But just how often would you need to walk to get there? That's the question we posed to Anna Victoria, a NASM-certified personal trainer and creator of the Body Love app.
"I would say that about 30 minutes three times a week is a good amount to walk in order to see progress," Anna said. "What you want to do is to get your heart rate within the LISS (or low-intensity steady state) range." LISS cardio is cardio that's performed at a lower intensity but for a longer period of time, and it's known to help jump-start weight loss.
So, how can you ensure you're in that zone? For LISS cardio, you should be able to talk while you walk, Anna explained. If you're going so fast that you can't hold a conversation, you're doing more intense cardio. On a treadmill, that's around 3.8 to 4 mph.
Once you're ready to pick up the pace, Anna suggested trying intervals. Instead of walking longer, increase the intensity. Use those 30 minutes to do LISS for one minute, then light jogging for one minute, and so on.
Of course, nutrition is also key if you want to see results. "You can't work off a bad diet, especially with just walking," Anna said. Cut back on processed foods and those that are high in sugar, and eat a balanced diet of lean protein, good carbs, and healthy fats. "As long as you're doing that, then you should be able to see progress," she said.
The "Quick and Delicious" Keto BLT Recipe Halle Berry Uses, and It's Approved by Her Kids
When it comes to health and wellness, Halle Berry's Instagram, specifically her "Fitness Friday" series, is one of our favorites. Every Friday, you can count on her to share the workouts she's doing, what she eats on the keto diet, and even her favorite keto-friendly wines.
During her most recent Fitness Friday post, Halle and her trainer Peter answered questions like how to boost your metabolism and quick meals she makes for her entire family. Halle said that it's a BLT on cloud bread, and she shared the exact recipe her chef Cristina Shabatian follows. It's approved by her kids, so you know it's good. Continue reading for the recipe.
Related: This Is the Intense 9-Move Ab Workout Halle Berry Is Doing to Prep For Her Next Movie
Experts Reveal How Many Steps You Need to Take in a Day to Lose Weight
Whether you track your steps with a wearable device or through your phone, knowing how much you've walked in a day can be an extremely useful tool for weight loss. Many of our jobs entail sitting for a majority of the day, which can be bad for your body and your brain. However, simply walking and tracking your steps every day can reduce health risks and may even help you lose weight. But how much do you actually need to move around to reap the benefits?
The Centers For Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) warns against a sedentary, inactive lifestyle and recommends 150 minutes a week of moderate-intensity physical activity or 75 minutes a week of high-intensity activity. In other words, you need to be active for 30 minutes a day, five days a week. For additional health benefits, the CDC recommends doubling your goal and fitting in up to 300 minutes a week of moderate-intensity or 150 minutes of high-intensity physical activity.
Laura Arndt, a certified personal trainer and the CEO of Matriarc, a health and wellness app for moms, helped us break the CDC's recommendations into steps. Arndt says a 30-minute brisk walk can get most of her clients "between 3,000 and 5,000 steps, depending on their speed and their gait. However, we shouldn't be sitting the remainder of the day, so the goal is to achieve another 5,000 steps through everyday activity."
Arndt recommends that her clients aim for 10,000 total steps a day but notes that isn't a realistic goal for everyone. "The best thing to do is have someone wear a fitness tracker for a week, see what their average step counts are over the course of the week, and have them aim to increase their step counts by 10 percent," Arndt says. "This gives them a realistic goal, but it also forces them to step up their daily activity."
If you're specifically looking to lose weight, the intensity of your physical activity plays a significant role as well. "How briskly you walk plays a large role in how many calories you actually burn when walking. Walking a very slow 10,000 steps may not be adequate to actually result in weight loss," Dr. Gregg Kai Nishi, a surgeon at the Khalili Center and the director of the Institute For Minimally Invasive and Robotic Surgery at K and B Surgical Center, told POPSUGAR. "Conversely, walking very briskly, even if less than 10,000 steps, may be much more beneficial in terms of weight loss."
But even walking a brisk 10,000 steps per day may not be enough to burn off pounds on its own. "In addition to looking at your step counts, strength training has scientific benefits for increasing your metabolism, burning calories, and therefor helping with weight loss," says Arndt. "The more muscle you have, the more calories you burn during rest and during activity." She encourages her clients to start or continue a strength-training routine a minimum of two days a week, including free weights or activities such as yoga or a bootcamp-style class.
Of course, increasing your activity won't result in weight loss if you aren't creating a calorie deficit. It's also important to take a look at your eating habits throughout the day. While walking 6,000 to 10,000 or more steps a day can promote several health benefits, keeping track of what you're eating and how many calories you're consuming will go a long way toward helping you achieve your weight-loss goals. Be sure to eat a daily diet that consists of a variety of fruits and vegetables, whole grains, protein, and healthy fats in addition to getting an adequate amount of physical activity if you're trying to lose weight.
If You Hate Running but Still Want to Lose Weight, We Have Some Good News
If you've read anything about losing weight over the past few decades (and odds are, if you're reading this article, you have), then you've probably come across the conventional wisdom that cardio is necessary for burning calories and revving up your weight loss. One of the most popular forms of cardio is running; the treadmills at the gym are always packed, boutique fitness classes such as Orangetheory Fitness and Barry's Bootcamp have popularized running intervals, and half-marathons are more popular than ever.
But as much as running has been hyped for weight loss, it's certainly not the only activity you need to do to shed fat and get in shape. "Effective weight loss involves both cardio and resistance training," registered dietitian and ACSM-certified personal trainer Jim White, owner of Jim White Fitness and Nutrition Studios, told POPSUGAR.
How to Exercise For Weight Loss
So while running is a great form of cardio, it's not the only type of cardio activity that will help you meet your goals. "Cardio would be the activities that get your heart rate up, such as walking, swimming, biking, elliptical, and jumping rope," Jim said. So as long as an activity gets your heart rate up, ideally 50 to 85 percent of your max heart rate, which is 220 bpm, it counts as a good cardio workout.
But it's not just cardio that will help you lose weight; strength training is important, too. Jim explained that resistance training is bodyweight training, lifting weights, using weight machines, or moves you would do in a fitness class, like squats. "Resistance training builds endurance and muscle," he explained. "Since muscle is the engine that burns calories when you are resting, your body can still continue to burn calories for hours after strength training."
Cardio helps you burn calories and create a calorie deficit, but it's more of a short-term activity. Strength training is more like an investment: as you burn calories during exercise, you also continue to burn more calories at rest. Armen T. Ghazarians, ACSM-certified personal trainer and CEO of Finish Fit, recommends strength training three to five times a week for weight loss, ideally at a high intensity. He added that building muscle will help you burn body fat.
How to Eat For Weight Loss
So great, you don't need to run to lose weight. But exercise is just part of the equation; weight loss requires that you eat in a calorie deficit. To find out how many calories you should eat a day to lose weight, use this formula. Jim said that while cardio may put you in a calorie deficit, it's more of a short-term solution, since strength training will help you build muscle and burn more calories at rest.
In general, your diet should also be dialed in. Scarlet Full, RDN, Director of Nutrition and Research at Axiom Foods, said that you should eat mostly whole foods and limit processed packaged foods. And while you should limit junk food, you don't need to cut it out entirely (everything in moderation!) - just make sure your diet is mostly a lot of vegetables, fruit, whole grains, nuts, seeds, and legumes. She also added that protein is important for weight loss because it will keeping you feeling full and satisfied. Plus, with strength training and working out, eating protein will help you build the lean muscle to burn more calories at rest. To find out exactly how much protein you should be eating to meet your goals, use this equation.
Jumpstart Your New Year's Resolution With This Beginner's 4-Week Strength Training Program
Now that you've decided to start lifting weights, you're probably wondering where exactly you should begin. We know the weight room can seem intimidating, which is why we created this guide to get you acclimated to lifting weights. This program is designed to first and foremost introduce you to weightlifting, and second help you build lean muscle - and yes, you'll lose fat as well.
You'll work out three times a week for four weeks. Ideally we'd like you to do the strength sessions with a lighter activity day in between (swimming, yoga, etc.), but we do understand that life happens, so move them around to fit your schedule! The first two weeks will be very simple but still challenging. On weeks three and four, the sets and reps will increase. A sample week will look like the following:
- Monday: Week 1, Workout A
- Tuesday: Foam roll for 15 minutes
- Wednesday: Week 1, Workout B
- Thursday: 20-minute easy run
- Friday: Week 1, Workout C
- Saturday: Hour long walk
- Sunday: Yoga
For the exercises that require weight, start with either 7.5-pound or 10-pound dumbbells. If this feels too light or too heavy, make necessary adjustments. It's more important to master the movement than to move carelessly with heavier weights. Don't forget to warm up and cool down after every workout. For your warmup you can do an easy run or dynamic exercises to activate your muscles like butt kicks, high knees, plank saws, and glute bridges.
Since you're being more active, you will more than likely notice that you have a larger appetite. Listen to your body and fuel it with nutritious foods like vegetables, protein, complex carbs, and healthy fats. Drink lots of water and be sure to replace the electrolytes you've lost with a sports drink or electrolyte tablets.
10 Things I Wish I'd Known Before Starting Intermittent Fasting
My intermittent fasting (IF) journey began at the end of February 2017. I only researched for a few days before diving headfirst into this eating style, but I've learned so much along the way. When people who ask me about how they can begin intermittent fasting, here are all tips I wish I had known before starting. But, before starting any new diet plan, including intermittent fasting, you should check in with your doctor first to see if the plan is right for you.
These 15 Memes Will Inspire You to Never Step on a Scale Again
There are tons of weight-loss victories that have nothing to do with the scale. The scale can actually weigh you down mentally if you get caught up in trying to achieve a certain number. It can also play tricks on you because sometimes you look like you lost weight, but the scale numbers went up. So #screwthescale! Reading through these memes will make you want to never step on one again.
The Meatballs That Fooled My Meat-Loving Husband and 12 Other Must-Try Trader Joe's Vegan Products
I haven't eaten meat since I was 13 (almost 30 years!), not only because I want to live a more compassionate life and do good for the environment, but also selfishly, because I feel amazing when I eat a plant-based diet. Of course, I want my husband to reap the same benefits, so I try to get him to go meatless most nights of the week, and with these Trader Joe's products, it's a cinch. No joke - I served him Trader Joe's Meatless Meatballs without telling him, and he said, "You didn't have to buy me meat, I know how you feel about it." I just smiled and told him I loved him, then later posted a video of him enjoying his dinner on Facebook. He saw the video an hour later and yelled, "What else have you been lying to me about?!"
Moral of the story: if your goal is to eat a more plant-based diet, buy those meatless meatballs! And while you're cruising the aisles of your local Trader Joe's, pick up these 12 other meatless products.
These 10 Comprehensive Strength-Training Workouts Will Help You Get Strong and Shed Fat
Starting a strength-training program all by yourself can be intimidating. You may not know what equipment to use or even what exercises to do. Luckily, we've got plenty of expert-approved workouts you can do all on your own. And you can do them either at the gym or in the comfort of your own home (if you've got the equipment lying around, that is).
If you're just starting out, choose one or two of these workouts to do each week. Try to alternate between lower body, upper body, and total body so you can get the full spectrum of strength training every week. Each session will get you one step closer to a toned, strong figure.
Get More Defined, Stronger Abs With This Sculpting Bodyweight Exercise
Getting your abs to show isn't as simple as finding a magical lantern and telling a genie you want abs. Ultimately, you're going to need to eat really clean (I don't make the rules), lower your body fat percentage (this number will be different for everyone), and do core-sculpting exercises.
A great core-sculpting exercise that will leave you sore after about five reps is the glider knee tuck with a pike. It requires a lot of stability, and will leave you shaking after your first set.
How to Do a Glider Knee Tuck and Pike
- Start in plank position with a glider underneath each foot. If you don't have gliders, you can use a towel on a hard surface to perform this exercise.
- Engage your core and bring both knees in toward your elbows. With control, return to the starting position. Then, raise your hips as high as they can go. Your core should be engaged and your back should be in a neutral position throughout the entire movement.
- This counts as one rep. Complete three sets of 10 reps.
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