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.
samedi 12 janvier 2019
20 Products That Will Make Any Pet Owner's Life So Much Easier
Pets are like family members - small creatures that you could never imagine living without. However, no matter how cute or cuddly your fur babies are, it's hard to deny that they can sometimes be a lot of work. From scheduling feedings down to the minute (have you ever been woken up by angry, hungry cats? Not fun!) to remembering a plastic baggie on each walk, being a pet owner requires a delicate balance of responsibility, composure, and patience. That's why we came up with 20 products that can help make any pet owner's life a little bit easier. Because convenience, especially when living a life with pets, really does make all the difference. Keep reading to see them all now.
How to Roast Vegetables to Perfection
Looking for a quick, easy, and enticing way to incorporate more vegetables into your life? Roasting may very well be just the solution you need. Not only does the blast of high heat cook vegetables to fork-tender in next to no time, but it also magically caramelizes the edges, making each bite slightly sweet and all the more enticing.
Little more than a bit of prep work and roughly 20-30 minutes of cook time separates your meal from the addition of a brightly colored, mouth-watering, and rather healthy side. And while methods vary slightly from vegetable to vegetable, follow these general guidelines:
- Preheat the oven: Aside from tomatoes and other delicate produce, which shine when slow-roasted at a lower temperature (try 200°F), most vegetables benefit from a blast of high heat, as it promotes browning and caramelization; generally, 400-450°F is a good place to start.
- Prep the vegetables: Usually this just means a quick scrub with a vegetable brush and a rough chop (1-inch cubes is pretty standard), but some produce like Winter squash requires a bit of peeling and even the removal of seeds but is still very easy to prep. For oddballs like brussels sprouts, trim off the woody stems, peel away any dried-out and tough outer leaves and halve the tiny cabbages so that they have a flat surface to rest on (flat surfaces allow the most pan contact and browning). Smaller root vegetables like carrots can be left whole (just trim off excess carrot tops).
- Season the vegetables: The easiest way to do this is to drizzle a half-sheet pan or cast-iron skillet with a healthy helping of oil (like olive, grapeseed, or canola) and toss the vegetables in the oil right on the pan; this also helps to grease the pan so that the vegetables won't stick. Afterward, generously sprinkle the whole lot with kosher salt and freshly ground pepper (or any seasonings you choose to incorporate), tossing once more to coat. Also, make sure to spread everything out in a single even layer so as to promote even cooking and browning.
- Jazz things up (optional): A few sprigs of hearty herbs like thyme or rosemary can be tucked in whole or minced and sprinkled on with the salt and pepper. Alternatively, try adding a drizzle of maple syrup or honey. Just make sure to line the sheet pan with parchment paper so that the sugars won't burn and stick to the pan. To ensure that the sweetener at hand evenly coats the vegetables, toss everything together in a large bowl and then spread out on the pan.
- Roast away: This will depend greatly on the density of your vegetable, the size of the pieces, and how hot you choose to heat your oven, but most will be ready to eat in about 20-25 minutes, with tougher varieties like Winter squash requiring up to 40 minutes. When trying out this method, use common sense and check often; the vegetables are done and ready to eat when they're fork-tender and have begun to brown.
This Texas Theater Lets You Catch a Movie With Your Dog, and Welp, Guess I'm Booking a Flight
On Dec. 7, 2018, the world as we know it changed forever with the opening of K9 Cinemas, a movie theater in Plano, TX, that lets you bring your dog and provides you with unlimited. free. wine.
Yes, you read that 100 percent correctly. And yes, I've already booked a one-way ticket to Texas, so I guess I live there now.
K9C's cofounders, Eric Lankford and his dog, Bear, know that nights out are exponentially more fun when your four-legged fur baby is with you, which led to the creation of this glorious theater. Tickets for adults - who can indulge in bottomless wine nights - are $15 (a steal, if you ask me), guests under 21 can get a ticket for $9, and it's only $5 to bring your pup to the show. For $2 each (another steal . . . Texas, man), you can grab yourself a popcorn, box of candy, or soda and treats for your doggo at the concession stand.
K9C sounds like a damn dream, no?
Americans Aren't Making Enough Babies to Replenish the Current Population, Says the CDC
According to a new report from the CDC, American fertility rates are declining so much that we're not making enough babies to replace ourselves. The research - which is based on 2017 birth certificate information - determined that to replenish the current population, the "total fertility rate" needs to be 2,100 births per 1,000 women over their lifetime. As it stands, the current rate is 1,765.5 per 1,000 women. In layman's terms? We're about 16 percent behind pace.
The fertility rate has been declining in the US for seven years; however, the numbers from 2017 represent the sharpest drop in recent history. Interestingly, the report also broke down the fertility rate by state. South Dakota had the highest rate of births at 2,227 per 1,000 women and Washington DC had the lowest at 1,421 per 1,000 women.
Although the CDC didn't point to a specific reason for the trend, experts believe it's most likely due to changing economics, an increased number of women working or pursuing a higher education, and more access to contraception.
Dr. John Rowe, a professor at Columbia University's Mailman School of Public Health, told NBC News that the decline in fertility rates likely has to do with women's role in modern society. "In general, women are getting married later in life," he said. "They are leaving the home and launching their families later."
"In general, women are getting married later in life. They are leaving the home and launching their families later."
And while it's hard to definitively say whether a dip in fertility rates is good or bad, an upside of the trend is that the rate of teenage pregnancies has decreased. "We've been seeing, year after year, a precipitous drop in the number of births to teenage girls," said Dr. Rowe. "That's good news. Not only are these children not having children, but they're also getting a chance to finish high school. And that makes a huge difference to their lives."
Dr. Helen Kim, an associate professor at Northwestern University's Feinberg School of Medicine, said that while having children later in life has become more commonplace, the longer you wait, the harder it can be. "I think as women delay childbearing, they may not realize that fertility declines with age and that there are limits to what fertility treatments can do for them."
Is having a declining fertility rate something to stress about? Donna Strobino, a professor at the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, says we shouldn't worry just yet. "It may not be all doom and gloom," she said. "I think it may stabilize once women who have been postponing pregnancy have the births they are planning to have."
This Company Puts Your Pet's Face Onto Slippers and OMG, My Dog Is Going to Freak the F*ck Out
You know that thing that happens with a lot of pets, where they spot a dog or cat on TV and interact with it, either by barking (the dog) or swatting at the screen (the cat)? Well keep that image in your mind and crank things up to maximum levels, because there's a company called Cuddle Clones ($199) that created something precious for pet-owners. The company is selling personalized slippers of your pet's face, but these aren't your everyday fuzzies with a picture of your pet. Think miniaturized versions of your actual animal, with hair, realistic-looking eyes, and ears intended to replicate your BFF. Check it out!
Keira Knightley on Motherhood: "I Still Find It Really F*cking Difficult"
Even Colette actress Keira Knightley admits that being a mom isn't all rainbows and sunshine. In an interview with Balance magazine, the 33-year-old mom shared that parenting her 3-year-old daughter Edie has its challenges, regardless of all the help she gets.
"I don't think we give women enough credit for the physical and emotional marathon they go through when becoming a mother. I come from a place of amazing privilege. I have an incredible support system; I've been unbelievably lucky in my career; I can afford good childcare, and yet I still find it really f*cking difficult," she said before adding that it "doesn't mean I don't love my kid."
When it comes to discussing the trials and tribulations of motherhood, Keira doesn't see anything wrong with being honest.
"It's okay to say that," she said. "It's just me admitting that the sleep deprivation, the hormonal changes, the shift in relationship with my partner, are all things that make me feel as if I'm failing on a daily basis."
What can we say? Sometimes brutal honesty can be refreshing!
Wait, Did You Know Pier 1 Imports Had This Much Cute Valentine's Day Decor?
Give your Valentine's Day decor some love with these fun, festive, and V-Day-approved items from Pier 1 Imports. With everything from heart-shaped garlands to pretty pink accessories and wall art, Pier 1 will give you major heart eyes this Valentine's Day.
We won't judge you if you add all of it to your cart - there's nothing not to love!
Hobby Lobby Is Making Your Valentine's Dreams Come True
We've barely finished with Christmas and making resolutions for 2019, but there are other holidays waiting to be celebrated. Love it or hate it, it's time to get your space ready for Valentine's Day. Pretty pastels and adorable hearts help liven up the dull mood of Winter, and Hobby Lobby has already put out its decor to celebrate love. From sweet florals to farmhouse-inspired signs, the retailer has everything you need to decorate and get ready for Cupid's arrow. Click through to the gallery to strike up some inspiration, and maybe spark a little romance in your life.
No One Told Me That Making Friends While Pregnant Would Be So Hard
My pregnant belly was the ultimate conversation starter. Chatting with other parents became as easy as devouring that whole pie I'd eaten earlier, and as a new mom looking to start or find her own "support village," this was useful. I figured my pregnancy would allow me to score some great parent besties, and I was more than ready for some new friends. With my belly showing me the way, I started up tiny conversations with parents and parents-to-be, particularly moms-to-be.
While I had some lovely chats in the frozen food section of the grocery store or the baby section at Target, none of our interactions developed into second dates. These women were all wonderfully ready to talk about their immediate experiences with pregnancy or kids, but no one was ready for a deeper commitment. With each conversation, I felt more and more like everyone was already a card-carrying member of a club I couldn't get into, despite having the very obvious requirement.
With motherhood as an instant common ground and me on my way to becoming a mom, I'd been certain that new friends would suddenly appear from behind changing tables or magically drop out of the sky.
I continued trying to assemble my tribe, but kept striking out. I was given many helpful tips about what life would be like with a newborn - sleep when the baby sleeps; ask for help; enjoy every minute. But then that helpful mama would disappear into her minivan with her kids or her baby bump. The mom I met in line at Whole Foods couldn't have been more clear when she told me that having my own "support village" was a must. I trusted her wisdom since she was wrangling four kids and the only mothering I'd done thus far was babying my husband when he was sick. I was lonely and needed more mama friends, but I just wasn't making any.
With motherhood as an instant common ground and me on my way to becoming a mom, I'd been certain that new friends would suddenly appear from behind changing tables or magically drop out of the sky. Why hadn't anyone warned me that making friends while pregnant would be so hard? Sure, I had friends in my inner circle that already had kids, but I figured the larger my tribe, the more support we'd all give to one another. But no matter how hard I tried, I was tribe-less.
As it turned out, my village was never assembled while I was pregnant. As my belly grew, my need for close family and friends grew with it. And even though the dream of having a large "support village" stayed with me, I stopped my search for newer friends. It was hard to feel rejected all the time.
Now that I'm on the other side of this whole pregnant thing, I understand more that close mom friendships develop over time, not while quickly shopping for frozen pancakes at Whole Foods. Now when I chat with other parent strangers at Target, I try to take an extra minute to not only talk to them, but to really see them, too. Usually these conversations last just a minute or two before I continue looking for that pie I desperately wanted a slice (or three) of, but it's still something.
Once my child was old enough to start school, my village began to include new and deeper friendships because we all had the time we needed to get to know one another. I'm happy that today my village is still forming - I just wish it had started to grow when my belly did.
My 4-Year-Old Son Requires a Lot of Alone Time - Should I Be Worried?
My almost 5-year-old son is funny, boisterous, and extremely sharp. He loves superheroes, dinosaurs, swimming, wrestling with his dad, and also, being left the f*ck alone. Many a morning, I've thought I was waking him up for school, only to find him happily playing by himself in his room for who knows how long (telling time is not among his strengths). After preschool, he's eager to enter a decompression zone, quickly catching me up on the morning's highlights, then preferring to take his lunch into an empty room where he can contemplate life's big questions without interruption - or just watch gaming videos on YouTube.
His independence and love of solitude has always been one of the things that I get the biggest kick out of about him, mostly because I was a very similar kid (I regularly rejected friends' requests that I come out and play in favor of playing with my Barbies solo) and still require a lot of alone time as an adult - but is it normal? That's up for debate.
He's a child who needs alone time more than most, and that is absolutely OK. In fact, it's a great thing.
And that debate began over the holidays, when we traveled to Florida with our extended family, renting three side-by-side condos with a total of 12 people, including aunts, uncles, grandparents, and cousins. Although the annual vacation is notoriously chill, after about day three, my son was over all that togetherness.
He started demanding we deliver dinner to his room and spent at least a couple of his morning hours hiding away tinkering with toys and watching cartoons. Visitors were allowed, but definitely not encouraged. He ventured out to swim and explore for most of the day, but he would soon tire of the crowd and head back into isolation. The grandparents started questioning whether something was wrong. Was he sick? Upset? Was there anything they could do to make him more comfortable?
The answer, I decided, was yes, there was. They could simply accept that he's a child who needs alone time more than most, and that is absolutely OK. In fact, it's a great thing. Just as his older sister lies on one end of the spectrum - preferring to be within arm's reach of another person at all times, day and night - he is shaping up to be a bit of a loner, not because we've trained him to be that way, but because that's just who he is.
And I have no desire to do anything but encourage that part of his personality. I've always assumed that playing alone is an important part of his development, teaching him self-reliance, independence, problem solving, and creativity. He's learning to entertain himself and that the world (and his parents) can't always do it for him, and isn't that something we should strive to teach our children?
Dr. Kimberly Lemke, a licensed child and adolescent clinical psychologist in Illinois, confirmed that I have nothing to worry about. "Alone time for children is very healthy," she said. "Children need to develop their own independence, be able to self soothe, and learn to enjoy their own company. Alone time also can help a child regroup if they feel overwhelmed from sensory stimulation. Finding peace and contentment in being alone is a trait that is not only crucial for children to learn, but for people of all ages."
To that end, I plan to continue to encourage his solo experiences. As much as I love to spend time with him, I also love knowing that he's going to be just fine all on his own.
Excuse Me as I Dive Into This “Danger Bush” of Kittens That Looks Like a Paradise
Help, I've fallen in love with a bush full of rambunctious kittens, and I can't get up. Posted by Emergency Kittens on Twitter, a video of a "danger bush" is going viral for the most hilarious (and least threatening) reason - kittens pop out of it, like a game of Whack-a-Mole in reverse, when the person's finger pokes at the hedge.
At press time, the video has been viewed nearly 3 million times, and has been garnering some hysterical (and clever!) reactions. See the video above, and if you can pull yourself away from watching it for the rest of your life, see some of our favorite reactions ahead.
8 Kid-Focused Spring Cleaning Items Moms Need to Add to Their To-Do Lists
We can practically smell Spring in the air, which means there's no better time to make room for a new, and much more kid-friendly, season. No matter how neat and tidy you keep your house, if that house includes kids, I'm willing to bet you've collected some serious clutter since the holidays. We've rounded up eight categories of kid stuff that need your attention during this year's Spring cleaning session. From the wearable items they're about to outgrow to the toys they've ignored during the months they've been stuck inside, now's the time to clean up and clear out. Here's where to start.
Jimmy Kimmel RIPS on the Creators of Baby Shark, and It'll Leave Every Parent in Hysterics
The insanely annoying children's song "Baby Shark" has taken over our lives in more ways than we're proud to admit (if you haven't heard the song by Pinkfong, do yourself a favor and don't look it up), and Jimmy Kimmel is not holding back his thoughts about it. After it was announced that the song made its debut in Billboard 100's Top 40 at number 32, the late-night host had some choice words for the people "responsible" for this doo, doo, doo epidemic, and it'll leave every parent laughing in agreement.
"Baby Shark is so big now, it just got engaged to Ariana Grande, and they're very happy together," he said during Thursday night's Jimmy Kimmel Live. "I don't think I'm overreacting when I say: whoever is responsible for it should be locked in prison for the rest of their lives, and then when they die, their body should be fed to the very sharks they sang about." Mic. Drop. Watch the hilarious video above, and then check out the Valentine's Day version of the song, because yep, it's gotten to that.
I Drank Bone Broth Every Day During My Pregnancy, and This Is What Happened
When a friend of mine introduced me to bone broth four years ago, I wanted nothing to do with it. The fact that it's called bone broth pretty much turned me off, because eating something made with bones? Ew. I mean, it's soup. Why can't we just call it soup? Anyway, shortly after arguing this point with my friend, bone broth seemed to be everywhere. I saw it in stores and heard about it on podcasts, where it was basically being touted as the fountain of youth. So, when the realization hit that I'm no longer in my 20s (and will never be in my 20s again), I decided I had nothing to lose and a lot to gain by trying this supposed miracle concoction. I started making and drinking bone broth regularly a few months before I got pregnant with my twins. I drank it throughout my entire pregnancy and have determined that it is, in fact, liquid gold.
You can probably make bone broth using any type of bones (I stick with chicken). I'm not a nutritionist, dietician, or broth expert by any means, but I do know that bone broth is packed with an abundance of micronutrients, cartilage, and collagen. When I finally accepted the fact that I am - ahem - aging, it was the collagen that turned me on to the broth. Collagen is responsible for keeping our skin, hair, and nails looking healthy. So in theory, the more collagen you have, the younger you'll look. Is there any scientific evidence that this is the case? I have no idea. BUT, I know that since I've been drinking this (actually, I'm still a little weird about it so I eat it with a spoon) I have no new wrinkles on my face. And despite the fact that I was confident my body was going to burst by the end of my pregnancy, I survived with the most minimal of battle scars.
During my pregnancy, I had about a cup of broth a day. I'd have a second or third cup if people around me were sick because chicken soup cures everything, right? And from my experience, not only is it a cure-all, but it's also an amazing preventative. I never got sick during my pregnancy. Not once. In fact, I hardly ever get sick these days in spite of whatever grossness my daughter brings home from preschool or my husband brings home from the office.
While I'm still impressed by the broth's effects on my immune system, it's what my skin looks like after full-term twins that really amazes me. I was resigned to the fact that my stomach, among other things, would be riddled with stretch marks. My midwife assured me that no matter how much money I spent on creams, lotions, or oils that promised to prevent them, there was no way around it. Money spent would be money wasted. By week 38 of my pregnancy, I was tremendous. Not only was I carrying two seven-pound babies, but I was so swollen that my knees were the same size as my thighs. The anesthesiologist who administered my spinal before my C-section had to stick me nine separate times because there was so much excess fluid in my body. In short, my skin was stretched to the max and then some. But I had been pumping my body full of collagen-rich broth on a regular basis for months. Miraculously, a year after the birth of my twins, I have very few stretch marks on my stomach. The ones that are there are very faint.
I've been told that my lack of intense stretch marks is due to things like good genetics and pure luck. But as far as I'm concerned, I think my bone broth played a factor in that, too. Keep reading for my own recipe if you want to try it out for yourself. I don't use precise measurements (the amount of carrots and celery I use depends on what I have in my refrigerator), but I assure you it's pretty hard to mess up!
Ingredients:
- 1 whole, organic chicken, giblets removed
- 1 onion, cut in half (peeled or unpeeled)
- 1 garlic head, top cut off (peeled or unpeeled)
- A few celery stalks
- All of the celery leaves from the bunch you bought
- A few carrots
- A palmful of Kosher salt
- A couple splashes of apple cider vinegar
Directions:
- Arrange the chicken, onion, garlic, celery, leaves, and carrots in your slow cooker. Fill with water before adding the salt and apple cider vinegar.
- Cook on low for 15 hours.
- Strain the broth into a glass bowl or mason jars, and put in the refrigerator or freezer.
- Let everything in the slow cooker cool before removing and discarding the vegetables and chicken skin. Once cool, remove the meat from the chicken and save for chicken salad, chicken soup, or whatever else your heart desires.
- When you're ready to drink your broth, skim the fat from the top before reheating and enjoying.
Lopez, Party of 5! Mario Lopez and His Wife Are Expecting Kiddo #3
Lopez, party of five! Mario Lopez and his family filmed an adorable video on Jan. 11 to share a "family update" with Mario's Instagram followers, which had a surprise ending. His and wife Courtney's 8-year-old daughter, Gia, is "still doing gymnastics, dance, piano," and is very busy at school, while their 5-year-old son, Dominic, just started wrestling and is still doing jiu-jitsu and gymnastics. As for Mario, he's "crazy with work, as usual," and Courtney, who sang her update, is "having a baby!"
"That's right, we are adding to the team!" Mario said, before asking his kids if they want a brother or a sister and they both screamed in response. "It remains to be seen," he said, as Courtney held up the family dog, Julio Cesar Chavez, and shared that she hopes it's another Frenchie.
Congratulations, Lopez family! We can't wait to meet your brand-new baby girl or boy . . . or puppy.
So, My 10-Year-Old Daughter Learned About Sex at a Sleepover
We're pretty open with our 10-year-old daughter, but if I'm being honest, the topic of sex makes us all a little antsy. As real as I like to keep it, there's always that quest to strike the balance between maintaining some sense of childhood innocence and making sure our kids are armed with realistic information about how the world works. Conversations about sex and relationships have been swirling for the last couple of years, and for a long time my lame explanation about how God "just puts a baby in your body when you're ready" was working just fine. I knew it wouldn't last forever, but I was trying to buy time and preserve my little girl's naïve mindset before she turned into a full-fledged tween.
In all of our conversations about sex, we had not yet discussed the actual logistics of what happens. When it first came up, I used the old trick given to me by a psychologist who told me that when a child asks questions, particularly about the tough stuff, ask a question back instead of bombarding them with information from the start. For example, ours went like this:
"Mommy, what is sex?"
"What do you think it is, kiddo?"
"Making out naked?"
"You're not wrong."
My immediate gut reaction was one of anger mixed with sadness because I didn't get to handle this milestone conversation on my terms and on my timeline.
That was the beginning. The tip of the iceberg. She didn't want more info at that point, so I didn't push. I just told her that these were very important conversations and we would discuss it more whenever she wanted. She told me I was like the moms on TV who said things like, "You can come to me with anything." And I told her that is 100 percent correct (even though she meant it as a slight insult).
I'm not dumb. I know our kids know more than we think they do, and much earlier than we're prepared. But I wanted these conversations to be somewhat organic. There wasn't a serious sit down. No pre-planned birds and bees conversation using props or dolls. Instead, I decided to keep it low key, reinforce that the communication loop was open 24/7, and I would always be honest in answering any questions she brought to the table.
And then she went to a sleepover at a friend's house.
I'm sure there were movies and cookies and tons of giggles, as there usually are, but this time, there was something else that I was blindsided by. My daughter came home from the sleepover, and before we even got in the door, blurted out that she knows what sex is and how babies are made. Calmly (even though I kind of wanted to throw up), I asked her what she knew. Without pause and with undeniable confidence like she just solved one of life's greatest mysteries, she told me that the man and woman rub up on top of each other naked and the man's privates fit into the woman's privates and then they make a baby. She also added that if you didn't want to have a baby, you just "throw a towel over the man's privates."
I sat there stunned for a minute just trying to wrap my head around what just happened and where to start with my response, but she gave me no time. She asked if she was right and reminded me that I told her I would always be honest. So, in so many words, I told her she nailed it, except the towel part, which I explained and told her that this was the beginning of a much bigger conversation. When I asked how she came upon this new information, she told me that the girls at the sleepover had a book their parents bought them all about sex and having babies and they read it cover to cover. God knows how many times. I can seriously picture the look on her face and her little head exploding at this new discovery.
I'll be honest and tell you that my immediate gut reaction was one of anger mixed with sadness because I didn't get to handle this milestone conversation on my terms and on my timeline. But then, once I thought about it, I was a little bit thankful, actually. This very necessary conversation was pushed to the forefront and happened earlier than it would have if I did it my way. And since my daughter was the one initiating it, I think she was so much more engaged than if I had brought it up instead. I couldn't fault these parents for having a book in their home for their kids. It wasn't porn. It wasn't offensive. It was educational and age-appropriate and frankly, gave me the push I needed to address the topic of sex instead of hiding behind bullsh*t cover ups.
I don't know what's coming next, but I know that my daughter feels comfortable coming to me and all I can do is facilitate that feeling as she grows and enters more difficult territory. So, thank you to the parents who hosted the sleepover, but if you could give me a heads-up about what else is in that library so I can mentally prepare, that would be great!
A $7,000 Smart Toilet With an Alexa Speaker Exists, and We Can See the Kids Messing With It Already
Are you frequently underwhelmed by your toilet? The manufacturing company Kohler is right there with you, it seems, as it showed off a brand-new shiny smart toilet at this week's CES 2019 (Consumer Electronics Show), and it certainly grabbed the attention of the media, who were there reporting on the latest life-changing gadgets and robots. The impressive design is like nothing we've ever seen - it plays music (love it), offers completely customizable ambient lighting (because, let's be honest, the lights in the bathroom always suck), and has a built-in Amazon Alexa. And it's all voice-activated, which is either great or terrible, depending on whether or not you anticipate your kids will mess with it as much as they can. To continue with the luxury amenities, the seat itself is heated, and it opens and closes automatically, so no more fighting with your partner about that. The toilet has a name - Numi 2.0 - and it comes with a steep price point: $7,000.
See more of the impressive features in CNBC's coverage:
21 Reasons Disney's Aulani Resort in Hawaii Is Just as Magical as the Mainland's Parks
Aulani is a Disney Resort and Spa located on Hawaii's Oahu island. While there aren't big theme parks here like at Disney World or Disneyland, there's still plenty of magic for the whole family to experience. From splashing around in the pool to eating delicious Mickey shaved ice to letting the kids spend time at Aunty's Beach House, the fun is endless at the 21-acre oceanfront property. The tropical splendor of Hawaii is mixed with the magic of a Disney vacation, so parents and kids get the best of both worlds (relaxation for you; Disney fun for them). Keep reading to see all of the beachside magic your kiddos and you can have while on a vacation to Aulani, and prepare to book a trip faster than you can say "Dole Whip!"
The #CaptainMarvelChallenge Is Helping Girls Everywhere See Marvel's First Woman-Led Superhero Flick
Captain Marvel officially hits theaters on International Women's Day, and We Have Stories is on a mission to make sure as many young women as possible are given the opportunity to see it. In partnership with Girls Inc. of Greater Los Angeles, the organization recently announced its #CaptainMarvelChallenge and launched a GoFundMe campaign to raise money to send thousands of girls across the country to see the superhero flick when it debuts on March 8.
The group's founder, Frederick Joseph, made headlines last year when he created the #BlackPantherChallenge, which took the same approach with the highly anticipated release of Black Panther. The campaign ended up raising over $50,000 and inspired a similar global movement that raised nearly one million dollars so that children around the world were able to see the film. With the #CaptainMarvelChallenge, Joseph hopes to help empower young women by raising money to rent out movie theaters for kids and their parents.
"Everyone should have an opportunity to see women in roles they can aspire to one day be, roles that show women as strong, smart, and bold," the campaign description reads. "From a teacher to a fighter pilot - or a superhero. This is an opportunity to continue to empower girls to be just that." The campaign was announced on Jan. 8 and was just over $2,000 short of its $10,000 goal at press time. Interested parties can donate to the campaign.
5 Lego Storage Ideas For All Ages - Starting at Just $10
If you're one of the many families who've been inspired after watching Marie Kondo's Netflix megahit Tidying Up and are planning to KonMari your home, you're likely thinking long and hard about the kid's room, namely their toys. If the floor, closet, and drawers seem like they've been taken over by Legos, The Container Store has an entire organization project dedicated to this very activity. Figure out where to put all of those darn Lego pieces once and for all. Check out the bins and organizers that can definitely add some order to your home.
5 Baby Shark Toys That Will Keep Your Kids Saying "Doo Doo Doo" Forever
There are very few little ones who aren't obsessed with the Baby Shark song phenomenon. If it's all your kids can talk about, there are some cute products out there that will fuel their fandom. We rounded up the toys, books, and apparel that are still available online. Hurry up and buy them - everything is selling out faster than you can sing that song.
Woman Holds Pretend "Understanding Your Wife" Seminar, and Yup, Can Confirm Her Advice Is Sound
Although it's a cliché, for a lot of women with male partners, it may feel like everything they say goes over their partner's head. Like he can't comprehend the simplest of asks when you propose he do something like wash a dish, or he can't understand how you're feeling even when you told him explicitly that you're not fine by saying, "I'm fine." To help husbands communicate with their wives a bit better, Tiffany Jenkins of Juggling the Jenkins held a pretend "Understanding Your Wife 101" seminar, in which she also hilariously plays the men in attendance.
Throughout the video, Tiffany shared with the "men" what some of the things they frequently hear their wives say actually mean. "Another common phrase probably used by your wife is, 'What did you just say?' Whatever you do, do not repeat yourself. You need to rephrase what you said . . . she heard what you said, she just needs you to fix your sentence," Tiffany said. "If you ever hear your wife saying something like this, 'Don't worry about it,' worry more than you've ever worried in your life."
Hear the rest of Tiffany's hysterical advice in the video above.
vendredi 11 janvier 2019
Andy Murray Announced His Retirement From Tennis in a Tearful Interview
Andy Murray is putting away his racket. In an emotional press conference ahead of the 2019 Australian Open, the 31-year-old British tennis player announced that his hip "is not great" and he plans on retiring after Wimbledon this year. Despite being in serious pain, Andy will play in the Australian Open this week, although he expressed fear over not being able to make it to Wimbledon this Summer due to the injury.
"I'm not sure I can play through the pain for another four or five months," he said tearfully. "I can play with limitations. But having the limitations and the pain is not allowing me to enjoy competing or training." He said that after "20 months" of feeling like this, "I don't want to continue playing that way."
He's a three-time Grand Slam champion and the former No. 1 player in the world (2016), and Andy's impact is absolutely felt in the sports world. Billie Jean King said it best after his press conference: "You are a champion on and off the court. So sorry you cannot retire on your own terms, but remember to look to the future. Your greatest impact on the world may be yet to come. Your voice for equality will inspire future generations," she wrote on Twitter, mentioning Andy's role as an advocate for gender equality.
Watch his emotional video ahead, and see how fans are reacting to the news about Andy's retirement, including fellow tennis players.
This Breathing Trick Helped Me Fall Asleep in 2 Minutes Flat, and It's So Simple
Not being able to fall asleep quickly or easily may be one of the most frustrating parts of my life, especially because I've tried everything: switching positions, kicking off blankets, adding more pillows, even reading a boring book in hopes that it will make me sleepy. Nothing seemed to help until I discovered a breathing exercise known as the 4-7-8 technique.
Here's how it works: place the tip of your tongue against the tissue just behind your upper front teeth and exhale out of your mouth. Then inhale through your nose for a count of four, hold your breath for a count of seven, and breathe out through your mouth for a count of eight. (Your exhale should make a whooshing sound.) Repeat that cycle a total of four times.
The technique was developed by Andrew Weil, MD, a leading integrative medicine expert, and it's based on the concepts of pranayama yoga. Dr. Weil describes it as a "relaxing breath," and for good reason - it's known to calm jittery nerves and relax your racing mind, making it a perfect exercise to do right before bed, especially if you have trouble falling asleep.
I was in the throes of a stressful week when I decided to try it. I had experienced a string of restless nights, and no matter what I did, I couldn't get tired enough to actually doze off. The more I tried to go to bed, the more my mind wanted to stay awake.
And I'll admit that I was worried that this technique, too, would fail. The first night I tried it I realized that I was becoming too aware of my breath, which only made me feel more awake. But after loosening my focus, my breathing eventually became more like background noise, and my thoughts became more fluid. I must have fallen asleep in about two minutes; I don't think I did the exercise more than a couple times. Later on in the week, when I woke up randomly at 4 a.m., I tried it again and - like magic - it worked!
If you are having trouble falling asleep, or simply feel anxious or nervous, I highly recommend that you give it a try. What could it hurt?
The 1 Thing You Should Do This Winter If You Want to Avoid Catching a Cold
As if you needed another reason to make getting sleep your number one New Year's resolution, priority, goal in life, and personal mission, here's this: people who sleep eight or more hours are less than half as likely to get a cold - even when they literally have the cold virus in their nose.
We're not even embellishing. A 2009 study published in JAMA Internal Medicine found that "poorer sleep efficiency and shorter sleep duration in the weeks preceding exposure to a rhinovirus were associated with lower resistance to illness." Let's translate that: crappy or not enough sleep in the weeks leading up to your exposure to a cold can weaken your immune system and make you more likely to get sick.
The study looked at more than 150 men and women; they were "quarantined in separate rooms" before being exposed to the virus (that's a nice way of saying having it placed in their nose) and subsequently monitored for five days "to assess infection and signs and symptoms of illness." The researchers themselves called this "the viral challenge." Pretty wild, right?
As for the results, participants who got less than seven hours of sleep were three times more likely to develop a cold than those with eight or more hours. Those who got better sleep successfully staved off colds.
So, there you have it. It looks like it's finally time to get into a bedtime routine.
Trader Joe's Just Gave Your Reese's Obsession a Healthy Makeover With These Sunflower Cups
Trader Joe's is kicking off the new year by treating all of us to new healthy snack options, and we're ready to fill our carts. Exhibit A: Dark Chocolate Sunflower Seed Butter Cups. These are basically a healthy take on Reese's Peanut Butter Cups, and there's so much to love about them. They're vegan, free of nuts, only 230 calories per package of two, and cost only a dollar! Savvy shoppers are already spotting these on shelves at some locations, so keep your eyes peeled the next time you stock up on your TJ's favorites.
The chocolaty treat reminds some people on Reddit of the popular Sun Cups snacks, which aren't available at every grocery store. Catch a glimpse of this exciting new Trader Joe's gem, and learn how to make your own sunflower seed butter cups if you can't find any in stores.
Strengthen Your Core and Start Sculpting That 6-Pack With These 18 Weighted Ab Exercises
The key to getting a stronger core is pretty simple: spend more time strengthening your abdominal muscles. No, you don't have to schedule hour-long ab sessions, but your workouts should contain a core proponent. Whether you're doing abs before a workout (here's why that's beneficial) or after you crush your treadmill workout, you've got to commit to working your core if you want it to become stronger.
As a trainer, I think your ab workouts should entail stability aspects, strength aspects, and some explosive work. Having those variations will help stabilize your spine, prevent injury, and help you see ab definition. I love exercises like planks and hanging leg raises to work my abs, but I also like to up the intensity with weighted exercises.
If you're a beginner, don't let these moves intimidate you. The key is to select a weight you can work with; my recommendation is no more than 10 pounds. Don't be afraid to decrease the weight if your form is falling apart; better safe than injured.
If you're inspired to do an ab workout once you finish reading this post, add a few of these moves to your next workout, but I don't recommend doing more than eight exercises from this list in one session or else you will be extremely sore. Friendly reminder, ab exercises alone won't help you reduce stomach fat or get a six-pack. Instead, you'll need to focus on making healthy nutritional choices, train hard and consistently, and be patient. Now, get ready to blast your abs with these 18 moves.
I Finally Stopped Caring What Other People Might Think and Started Taking Yoga For Me
I'll never forget the first time I walked into a yoga studio. It was Summer 2015, and I had only been practicing for a couple months in the privacy of my apartment. My experience was limited, to say the least, mainly consisting of a few 20-minute beginner workout videos I discovered through a quick YouTube search. There was a studio near my apartment that I frequently walked by, and I decided to pop in one day to try a class. It was a 60-minute intermediate Vinyasa Flow in a heated room (and at the time, I had no idea what any of those words actually meant).
When I checked in, I was told my first class would be on the house, and I was then escorted to the 90-degree studio. It was packed. I meagerly walked into the sea of pastel-colored sports bras, attempting to find an open space that was not near the front. All around me people were in backbends or full headstands, and the class had not even started yet. I finally squeezed in the back right corner and began to wonder if the redness in my cheeks was coming from the heat or just my mounting anxiety.
I sat in Child's Pose feeling self-conscious and a little defeated. I left that class not ever wanting to return.
The instructor - a gregarious 20-something with arms you could fry an egg on - entered the room and asked us to set an intention for the next 60 minutes. Mine? To try with all my power not to embarrass myself over the next hour. Although I had grown up running track and considered myself a relatively fit person, I was not flexible in the slightest and lacked upper-body strength. I had tried a Chaturanga in the comfort of my bedroom before, but here I was mortified with how little my arms could bend compared to everyone around me. As I watched the room of 25 people flow with ease and balance and even stand on their heads, I sat in Child's Pose feeling self-conscious and a little defeated. I left that class not ever wanting to return.
I originally became interested in yoga when a colleague recommended it to address my periodic back pain and muscle stiffness. I often stretched before bed or after a run, but I wasn't familiar with all the different ways I could open up my hips or get a deep, juicy stretch in the various muscles throughout my body. I cried (in a good way) the first time I did Pigeon Pose and couldn't believe how much a Supine Twist helped ease my back pain. But as much as I appreciated the corrective benefits of yoga, I couldn't bring myself to go back into that room.
Although I fully intended on only practicing alone in my bedroom from that point on, I did get dragged to a class every now and then with friends who were avid practitioners. Each time, I gritted my teeth, got a spot in the back, and tried not to beat myself up for not having the same skills as everyone else. I felt like as hard as I worked, I would never be able to perform the moves that the majority of the people around me could do. I tried to pretend like I wasn't ashamed when I sat in Child's Pose while everyone else stood on their heads. Although I pushed myself and tried to focus, I never left those classes feeling good about myself or my practice.
One day, after multiple probes, a good friend and yoga instructor finally got me to agree to come to her hot Vinyasa class. At this point, I still had never returned to another heated room. Although I was wary, I showed up - giant water bottle in tow - hesitantly ready to tackle it. My friends, it was anything but graceful. I must've taken a hundred water breaks and grunted out loud periodically, but I got through it.
My class anxiety did not completely dissolve overnight, but I made it my goal to stop letting it hold me back.
At the end of the class, the woman next to me stood up and hugged me - sweat and all - and told me that she usually feels self-conscious in this class, but hearing me grunt and moan my way through it made her remember that it's difficult for everyone. In that moment, I realized that I was not in a room full of perfect people judging my Chaturanga; I was sharing a space with people of all athletic skill levels who showed up to do something for themselves. I got into yoga because it made me feel good, and worrying about how I stacked up against everyone else was only doing myself a disservice.
"See you next Monday?" my new friend asked. She absolutely would.
My class anxiety did not completely dissolve overnight, but I made it my goal to stop letting it hold me back. Once I shifted my mindset, my ability actually improved - on the mat and even as a runner. I still can't do an inversion without the assistance of the instructor, but I'm working on it. My Chaturanga - albeit still at a beginner level - has gotten better, and sometimes I choose a spot in the front row. My skills might never mirror those around me in class, but I'm OK with that. I leave every class feeling good, mind and body. And that makes me proud.
Meet Panera Bread's First New Soup in 3 Years (It's Vegan!)
Vegans, rejoice! Panera Bread is making it a whole lot easier for you to get your on-the-go soup fix this Winter. The fast-casual eatery just added a brand-new soup to its permanent menu for the first time in three years, and yep, it's totally vegan-approved. Dubbed the Ten Vegetable Soup, this colorful concoction starts with a vegetable stock and features veggies such as corn, Swiss chard, bell peppers, and carrots, as well as hearty whole grains including wheat berries and sprouted short-grain brown rice. Oh, and it's topped with a lemon slice. Is your mouth watering yet?
Even if you don't abide by a vegan lifestyle, Panera's Ten Vegetable Soup is admittedly pretty hard to resist. It's plant-based, just 100 calories per bowl, and Mediterranean-diet-approved. So what are you waiting for? Check out the full nutritional breakdown of the Ten Veggie Soup below, and start planning your next Panera lunch-break expedition.
Nutritional Details For Ten Vegetable Soup (Per Each Bowl Serving):
- 100 calories
- 2 grams of total fat
- 1,090 milligrams of sodium
- 16 grams of total carbohydrates
- 4 grams of fiber
- 5 grams of protein
Tess Found Health and Strength With BBG - Oh, and She Lost 20 Pounds, Too
For 27-year old Tess Lankers (@robiinfit_xv on Instagram), losing weight wasn't the issue at first. She had struggled with her health growing up all the way until age 24, and was actually underweight. Doctors couldn't figure out what was wrong with her.
She was tested for cystic fibrosis, celiac disease, Lyme disease etc., but the tests all came back negative. Tess told POPSUGAR, "doctors started thinking it was all in my head." She wanted to start working out, but with her health not being great, it just wasn't realistic. Doctors finally found out what was wrong, which was amazing, but treatment made her gain weight. Keep reading to learn Tess's amazing story.
These Women Each Lost 75+ Pounds by Counting Calories - Here's How
It's easy to get overwhelmed when you're trying to lose weight. With so many popular diets that people talk about or share on social media - keto, intermittent fasting, Whole30, Atkins, vegan, Paleo - it's hard to decide exactly what to do to lose the weight.
In reality, weight loss can be as simple as calories in, calories out, or CICO. We spoke to several woman who lost 75 pounds or more using this simple principle. Through tracking apps, making room for their favorite treats, and cutting out liquid calories, they were able to zero in on how many calories they should eat a day to be successful in losing weight.
Scroll through to find out some of their best calorie-counting tips. It may inspire you to start a food journal and keep track of every bite.
Is Oat Milk Healthier Than Other Plant-Based Milks? 3 Dietitians Weigh In
If you're avoiding cow's milk because it's giving you issues with bloating, acne, or congestion (or because you're vegan), there's no shortage of plant-based milks to choose from. Almond and soy are probably the most popular, with pea protein milk on the rise, but what about oat milk? This milk alternative seems to be popping up all over supermarkets and in coffee shops. We asked three dietitians to weigh in on whether it's healthy and how it compares to other dairy-free milks.
Is Oat Milk Healthy?
In general, one cup of oat milk contains 130 calories, 2.5 grams total fat, zero grams saturated fat, two grams fiber, and four grams protein (brands will vary). It offers 35 percent of the recommended daily allowance (RDA) for calcium and 25 percent RDA for vitamin D. Compared to other plant-based milks, oat milk has less protein than soy (90 calories, nine grams of protein) but more than almond (30 calories, one gram of protein). It's also higher in calories per serving.
One thing oat milk has over other dairy-free milks is that some brands are slightly higher in fiber, "which is good for digestion and heart health," Stephanie Ferrari, MS, RDN, of FRESH Communications, said. And because it's soluble fiber, it can help "reduce the absorption of cholesterol in your bloodstream," registered dietitians Stephanie Clarke, RD, and Willow Jarosh, RD, of C&J Nutrition, told POPSUGAR.
What About Taste?
"We think oat milk is a great option to add to the repertoire of dairy alternatives for people who can't or don't want to consume dairy," Stephanie and Willow said. "It has a rich, creamy texture, which makes it seem closer to cow's milk, in our opinions, and froths up really nicely in things like lattes; it's been sprouting up at lots more coffee shops this past year."
When you sip on unsweetened oat milk, you might notice that it tastes a little sweeter than other unsweetened dairy alternative milks. Stephanie and Willow thought that was strange, "since oats contain carbohydrate in the form of starch, but not as sugar." They discovered that some brands "convert some of the starch to sugar via an enzymatic process," which makes the oat milk taste creamier and sweeter. That explains why when you look at the nutritional info for unsweetened oat milk, you'll see that it still has 17 grams of added sugars. For comparison, unsweetened almond milk has zero.
Watch Out For Added Sugar and Gluten
"It's important for people to understand that many milk alternatives, like oat milk, might contain added sugar," Stephanie said. So be a label reader and make sure there's no sugar added. Silk Oat Yeah plain oat milk and Pacific Organic Oat Milk are great options since they're unsweetened.
Stephanie added that if you're gluten-free, "make sure the oat milk is made with certified gluten-free oats. Oats are naturally gluten-free, but cross contamination can happen during processing." Some gluten-free brands are Oatly and Califia Farms Toasted Oats N' Almond Almondmilk.
You Can Make It at Home!
"Oat milk is super easy to make at home and affordable," Willow and Stephanie said. You can use organic oats if you're worried about pesticides, and go for gluten-free oats if you need to. You basically just add one cup of rolled oats and four cups of water to a high-speed blender, puree, strain, and enjoy! You can add a little vanilla extract, cinnamon, and a few dates to the blender for natural sweetness. Or add cocoa powder if you want chocolate oat milk. Yes, please!
In Fitness and in Health - Gear to Power Your Goals For 2019
January is the month of resets, do-overs, and fresh starts. And all those are better with new gear! Here are our picks to keep the start of your new year fresh and fun.
Chipotle Just Made Eating Healthy Easier With Its 4 New Lifestyle Bowls
It's the New Year and you know what that means: lots of people are dieting. Whether you're doing it to lose weight, eat healthier, or to try something new, you've got to be prepared if you want to be successful.
If you're tired of spending Sundays meal prepping and stressing about what to eat - or you're notorious for forgetting your lunch on your kitchen counter - Chipotle has got you covered.
On Jan. 2, Chipotle announced via Twitter the launch of four new lifestyle bowls for people who follow keto, paleo, Whole30, and high protein ways of eating. Currently, these bowls are only available to order online, but don't let that stop you. Take out your phone, screenshot or write down what's in the bowls, and head on over to the nearest Chipotle and order it in person.
Now, without further ado, here are the four new bowl options:
Conquer the Gym With the 17 Essential Dumbbell Exercises Every Beginner Should Know
Not only is weightlifting fun, it's one of the best ways to lower your body fat percentage and build lean muscle. In addition to losing fat, a 2006 review in the British Journal of Sports Medicine explained that other benefits of weightlifting are: increased bone mass, improved cardiovascular fitness, strength, and an enhanced sense of well-being.
If you're a beginner, you're probably wondering what weightlifting exercises you should be doing at the gym, and I'm glad you're thinking one step ahead. Most trainers agree that compound exercises - moves that work multiple muscle groups at once (like squats and pull-ups) elicit a greater energy expenditure and enable the body to burn more calories and body fat. If that was too much to digest, just remember this: the bigger the movement, the more muscles you use, and as a result, the more calories and fat you burn.
Now that you know types of movements to do, you may be tempted to start with more advanced exercises you see your favorite Instagram influencers and trainers doing; that is not a good idea. Instead, master the 17 exercises ahead. Once you've got them down, you can safely progress to the more difficult moves.
The following exercises are not meant to be done together as a workout. Instead, choose three to six exercises that are specific to a muscle group (arms, legs, etc.) and create a workout with them.
These Women Dropped 50 Pounds, and Their Transformation Photos Are So Inspiring
If you've been wanting to get leaner, stronger, and healthier, these transformation photos (these women all lost 50 pounds) will offer some major motivation to stick with your goals. Some days you may fall off the healthy wagon, but remember that these ladies didn't give up. Just get right back on track and keep your "why" in mind to remind you that all your hard work and determination are worth it!
We Found the Hottest Sneakers of 2019, So You'll Stay Motivated All Year Long
If you've made it a goal to get fit in 2019, start by investing in a new pair of workout sneakers. Not only will they help you stay motivated, but they'll keep your feet supported, comfy, and looking cute. To make shopping easier, we did the hard work for you and uncovered the 15 hottest pairs of the year. From Nike to Adidas and APL, you're going to want them all. So, what are you waiting for? Take a look at our favorites ahead.
I'm a Trainer, and This Is the Exercise You Should Be Doing For Stronger Lower-Back Muscles
If you spend enough time around a trainer, you'll probably hear the term mirror muscles come up. It's not a new group of muscles scientists just discovered, it's a term used for people who tend to only train the muscles they can see in the mirror. Before we go any further, I want you to imagine the person in the gym doing their workout where the free weights and mirror are. They're probably doing exercises like the bicep curl and shoulder press - all muscles you can see in the mirror.
There's nothing wrong with these exercises and training those specific muscles, but it's important to balance it out and work other muscles that you can't see, like your back. In order to do so, I love incorporating exercises like the single-arm row and pull-ups into my workouts. Another move I really like is the hyperextension, aka back extensions. They'll help strengthen those lower-back muscles and as a bonus, you'll also feel your gluteal muscles working.
How to Do a Back Extension
- Position yourself on the back extension machine with your hips on top of the cushioned pads and your feet secured under the leg anchor.
- Place your arms behind your head, or hold onto a kettlebell (10 pounds is a good starting point) with your arms fully extended.
- Lift your torso up a few inches and squeeze your gluteal muscles for two seconds. Then, lower your torso back down to the starting position. Be sure not to overextend your back.
- This counts as one rep. Complete three sets of 10 reps.
- If you're a beginner, perform this exercise without weight or start with a light weight. As you feel comfortable, begin to add or increase the weight.
You can also perform this move with a stability ball, demonstrated here.
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