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.

dimanche 5 mai 2019

Hello, Summer! The Top 45 Memorial Day Weekend Destinations in the US

Good news, friends! Memorial Day weekend is nearly upon us. Bring on the grill-fired eats, picnics in the park, and, if you've caught a case of wanderlust this May, a long weekend out of town. The first day of Summer might not technically be until June 21, but let's be real, the unofficial start of the season kicks off during the last weekend of May. Whether you're searching for commemorative parades and events or rooftop soirees and live music, small lakeside towns or sprawling metropolises, three days of relaxation or action-packed adventure, read on for 45 US destinations that are perfect for an awesome long weekend this Memorial Day.

I'm the Only Married One in My Friend Group, and Honestly, It Does Feel Weird

Let me preface this by saying that I have never once regretted getting married at 26. I have no question that I've found "the one," and I certainly don't have any wild oats left to sow. Since getting married six months ago, my life has barely changed at all, especially since my now-husband and I had already been living together for over two-and-a-half years by the time we tied the knot. But one thing has become obvious from time to time: I'm now a married woman, and I'm the only one in my friend group who can claim that.

If you had asked me five years ago what I would look like as a married woman, I certainly wouldn't have pictured myself still wearing dirty Converse and a ponytail every day - perhaps instead a twin-set and some pearl earrings - but here I am. Being married doesn't mean I still can't go to bars and clubs and drink and dance and meet new people, but having a wedding band on your finger does change certain things. Most of my friends are single, and though I'm always happy to play wing woman, I have no desire to give the wrong impression. I don't wear what I used to consider "club outfits" anymore, and I'm definitely calmer in general whenever we're all out together. And all of that makes me happier. I'm inextricably bound to someone else now, and I do want others to recognize that.

Even my friends who are in committed relationships will sometimes make comments about not yet being ready to "settle down," and I feel a sting of shame.

Weekend trips feel different now, too. My single friends don't have a partner they feel obligated (or simply want!) to bring along, so to ask to bring my husband feels a little embarrassing sometimes, like trying to sneak a childhood blanket into a sleepover party. It's not that I can't have fun without him there (he's definitely not allowed on girls-only trips), but his desire to be welcomed into my friend group only makes me feel guiltier for saying maybe he should sit this one out. If all of my friends had partners, it would be different. To be the only one who brings a spouse along, however, is decidedly uncool.

I was never the one in a relationship in high school or college. When my friends would ditch plans or spend nights in with their significant others, I would roll my eyes. Now the tables have turned, and I have a husband who I cook dinner with every night. We have a dog. We have a shared bank account. He's the best friend I've ever had and every morning when I wake up next to him, I feel deliriously happy all over again, remembering just how lucky I am.

But that's not what single people want to hear. Even my friends who are in committed relationships will sometimes make comments about not yet being ready to "settle down," and I feel a sting of shame. I certainly haven't "settled" in my relationship, but being in a marriage does keep me grounded in some ways. Unlike my friends, I can't book a flight to Napa Valley last minute for a three-day weekend. The dog would need someone to watch him. The cost would need to be discussed with my husband. And my husband would need to be OK with me taking off for three days. It's not just me I need to consider anymore, and I genuinely love that.

Being the first one married rather than the last one definitely has its benefits, too. All of my friends could attend my bachelorette party, and not many of them needed plus-ones for my wedding. I can watch my friends swipe through dating apps, knowing I'll thankfully never have to go on another awkward first date ever again. I feel more comfortable and confident in myself than I ever have, not because I have the security of a man waiting for me every day, but because I'm in a partnership that makes me want to be better.

While most of my husband's friends are in serious relationships or on the cusp of marriage, not many of my friends are there yet, and that's OK. To a lot of people, I got married "young." I'm a firm believer that there's no right timeline for anything, and marriage is also definitely not for everyone. However, I'm still looking forward to the day when my husband will be invited on certain trips with my girl gang rather than feeling like a weird male interloper.

40 Minimalist Engagement Rings For the Simple Bride-to-Be

Sometimes, less is more when it comes to engagement rings. Brides-to-be wanting to keep things simple without sacrificing style will love the minimalist route. The more subtle ring makes a statement nonetheless, and it's often a more romantic declaration of love. From dainty-banded solitaires to unique cuts and colors, the options ahead are all awe-inducing. See the 40 rings ahead for inspiration.

Attention, Game Fans! This Wedding Has Monopoly Invites, a Life Cake, and 3D-Printed Lego Bouquets

Board games are nostalgic and a fun way to bring people together, so we love that this couple decided to center their entire wedding theme on them. Sarah and Kristopher met on OkCupid and bonded over their passion for board games. After a year of dating, Kristopher got down on one knee and proposed. To his delight, Sarah said "yes"! The best part is that this all took place during the fireworks display at the Magic Kingdom in Disney World while "Happily Ever After" played.

The pair's game-themed wedding involved incredible DIY decorations that they made with their 3D printers. (Yes, they each have their own 3D printer!) They created wedding invitations as a miniature Monopoly board game with instructions about their wedding, and the RSVP cards were inspired by the "Chance" cards in the game - how cute is that?

The couple got married at Reiter Park in Longwood, FL, with friends and family watching. "During social hour, guests played life-sized board games like Tic-Tac-Toe and Candyland," photographer Haleigh Dunn said. "At each reception table, guests discovered a 3D-printed Lego bouquet with a complete board game to play as centerpieces. Each table also had different colored handmade napkins from Sarah made from fabric from her grandmother."

They had an awesome wedding cake that included decorations from the game Life. Moreover, there were plenty of board games for guests to enjoy and a selfie station with game-themed props. Check out the stunning photos from this one-of-a-kind wedding!

Related: This Wedding Is a Spectacular Ode to Iconic Movies - From Disney Classics to Ghostbusters

The 1 Thing I Regret Doing With My Family on My Disney Vacation

From helping Buzz Lightyear defeat Emperor Zurg on Astro Blasters to watching a swashbuckling adventure unfold right before your eyes on Pirates of the Caribbean, Disney rides are always so much fun, no matter how old you are, but depending on the time of year you visit a Disney park (and even the time of day), the wait times for these rides can be downright insane.

That is why you will usually see my family and me mad-rushing around the Disneyland. As soon as we enter the park's gates, we turn into Dash from The Incredibles. We sprint to grab Fast Passes for our favorite ride (Space Mountain) and then use the Disney Parks mobile app to check out what rides have the shortest wait times. From park opening to closing, I feel like all my family does is go, go, go - bouncing around from attraction to attraction like a pinball machine - and I really regret it every time we've visited.

It's no secret that a Disney vacation costs big bucks, so my husband and I feel like we need to get our money's worth by getting our family on as many rides as we can in the limited amount of time we are there. Because of this, our kids miss out on a lot of Disney magic, and so do we. For example, my kids had never been able to meet Mickey Mouse and his pals on Main Street, U.S.A. The event is such a special moment for children, but because the lines are usually incredibly long, we've skipped it to get on a ride instead. Sad, I know, but that's all going to change.

Next time I go to Disneyland with my family, I want to be able to stop and smell the roses - literally; Disneyland has the most beautiful flowers, and I never have time to admire them. I want to be able to look for hidden Mickeys with my kids while we casually stroll through the park and enjoy one of Disney's delicious treats. I want to be able to slow down and stop to take Instagram-worthy pictures of my family. Basically, I want us to be able to live in the moment and lose ourselves in the wonderful world of Disney.

Years from now, when my children look back on our family vacations, I want them to remember the special little moments we shared together, not their parents pulling them around Disneyland to wait in line after line. Disney vacations should be magical, more about getting your memories' worth, not your money's worth.

109 of the Best Star Wars Gifts You Can Buy For Under $50

If you know someone who is a massive Star Wars fan, these gifts will make them out-of-this-galaxy happy. We curated a list of the best themed presents they're sure to obsess over. On a budget? No problem! All our finds are under $50, so maybe you can get them two. Keep reading to shop our top picks.

- Additional reporting by Shannon Vestal and Lauren Harano

Related: Before We Get Knee-Deep in The Rise of Skywalker, Here's What to Remember About The Last Jedi

15 Places Every Star Wars Fan Needs to Visit Before They Die

There are few franchises that have had an impact on pop culture like Star Wars. Since the first film, Episode IV: A New Hope, came out in 1977, multiple generations have been enraptured by the characters, storylines, and fantasy worlds that George Lucas and countless others have created. While the planets and civilizations themselves are found in a galaxy far, far away, much of the Star Wars universe can be found right here on Earth, making great vacation destinations for any fan.

You can choose to be consumed by the magic of the films through theme parks and museums, or you can venture further afield to track down the filming locations that have been immortalized in the series over decades. One thing is for sure: if you're a devoted Star Wars fan, these destinations should be on your bucket list.

PTSD Is Like Being Caught in a Battle Between My Brain and Body

The following is an excerpt from What a Body Remembers: A Memoir of Sexual Assault and Its Aftermath, available for preorder now.

Almost daily I go for a run. Nothing crazy, just four miles. It's how I break up my day. Running brings a brief calm, quiets the incessant chatter of my mind. Running, if I'm honest, is my only source of pleasure.

On these little jogs I wear my tattered Cal Bears cap, the navy blue worn and faded, the thread of the gold scripted Cal loose and frayed. At least once a week it earns a shout out from some passerby of "Go Bears!" Because that's what one Cal Bear says to another Bear by way of greeting. Usually I forget I'm wearing the cap and as my brain fumbles, I've already passed the person before I can muster a meek "Go Bears" in return. If my husband is with me, a man who spent the period that made up my college years playing bass in heavy metal bands on Sunset Boulevard in Los Angeles, he will cringe with embarrassment over the nerdiness of this exchange.

Today I am alone and I try to be conscious, to connect with my surroundings, to feel a gratitude I rarely register anymore. I follow the winding concrete paths of Balboa Park, trying to focus on beauty. Sun filtering through trees bending in the breeze. Black crows cawing. Happy dogs trotting along on flex-leashes. I am trying simply, desperately, to be present in my own life.

Running along, the ball of my foot rolls over concrete in rhythmic steps and sweat soaks the nape of my neck, wetting the edges of my tattered cap. I pass the Parks & Rec men, waving as I always do, envying them for their jobs. Maybe not a lot of money but a steady paycheck, minimal hassles, a good night's sleep, and a tidy pension from the city after thirty years. Not bad.

Panic flutters in my chest and my mind fights.

The path twists and I reach the place where I am all alone in the thick nest of trees where the grass flanking the path becomes invisible, covered in fragrant beds of pine needles. All around me is silence. I focus on my connection with the path beneath my feet, rolling forward, shifting my weight from foot to foot, grounding me to the earth, repeating in a tempo that feels like a song.

The breeze startles the leaves and I search side to side, making sure I am still alone.

Then another sound intrudes. Ten yards behind, the taps of another's jogging footsteps, pace steady, growing louder as they near. A runner's breath exhales in beats matching the sound of shoes hitting concrete.

Panic flutters in my chest and my mind fights. My brain knows with near certainty that this person means me no harm. It's a runner. In a park. Just like me. But my body refuses to listen and as it takes control, I am seized.

Something inside begins to choke me, squeezing my lungs. The ground beneath turns unsteady, the horizon starts to swim and the tingling, visceral as nails scraping chalkboard, starts at the base of my spine. It begins slowly, above the tail bone, a tornado of nerve endings rippling, rushing up the base, swelling at the middle of my back. Like a shiver of a tambourine, it rattles, transmitting a message from the deepest place, tumbling into a spasm of panic, meaning spilling across flesh. I own you, it says.

The tornado keeps rushing, rolling, all the way to the base of my sweating skull where it pulses. A surge sends pinpricks to my hands and I can no longer fight the urge to swing around, to set eyes upon the person making the footsteps sound, to make eye contact, to satisfy my body, to calm this storm.

As I relent, permitting my head to whip around, I strain to appear casual, knowing I have failed miserably the moment I see the look on the other runner's face. He's a twenty-something man with a buzz cut, sweating in his Navy cadet uniform of blue shorts and a t-shirt. He raises a palm in apology, "Sorry to frighten you, ma'am," he says, then continues past, giving the crazy panicked lady a wide berth. And it's only as he runs on ahead in front of me that the air begins its return to my lungs.

The ball of a foot colliding with concrete, a simple slapping sound. How can that evoke fear? How can something that happened so long ago hold so much power? And how can it wield that power after lying dormant for so many years? Every day pieces of memory fade away and die. But not this. It's an involuntary memory, a madeleine of terror, an ingrained sensation of before and after.

It makes no sense. In nearly fifty years on this planet I have heard footsteps slapping pavement behind me - What? A million times? Only once has that sound led to terror. Once. That night is just something that happened, something to catalog as I tally the unexpected things I've experienced in this life: sitting in a Manhattan conference room preparing to take a deposition, then watching a plane fly into the World Trade Center. The betrayal of a spouse. Losing a home and life savings. A car accident unfolding in slow motion, a crash certain to have killed me if a city light pole had been situated only seven inches farther east.

There is something unique about the sound of footsteps. His were the slap of rubber soled tennis shoes hitting concrete as he jogged along the sidewalk toward the entrance to my building, inscribing a message into the ground, like writing one's name in wet concrete. Perhaps it's his own special way of reminding me, of promising he'll always be with me, even if it seems he has disappeared for some years. Could I have known I would never forget? That he would arrive again and again at times of his own choosing, forever lodged inside my body? Each time it happens my body speaks to me, telling me the shadows of my past have not disappeared. Our lives intersected so briefly, but he has stayed with me. His footsteps inhabit my body. How do I get them to stop?

For years it came and went and I dismissed it as a minor annoyance. But as the triggers keep coming, triggers that attack when I'm at my weakest, I start to think. What if I'm missing something? Missing a piece to the story of my own life? What if that incident had transformed me even if I've refused to allow myself to believe it? If this still happens thirty years after the fact, what if my body is in revolt? What if it's responding because I insisted on blocking the trauma, refused to allow myself to process the impact of my assault, betrayed myself by lying, by insisting I was fine. Maybe the more we try to forget the wounds of the past, the tighter they grip us. Perhaps my body is shirking my mind's refusal to do something with these memories. Perhaps it's time for the mind to finally come around.

In 1984, the term "post-traumatic stress disorder" or "PTSD" was not in common use. It first appeared in the DSM-III in 1980 and its definition was limited. In 2014 it's everywhere, a label for veterans of yet another war, for the millions of people in this world who have suffered disaster.

The American Psychiatric Association defines PTSD as a reaction to an extreme traumatic event. Primary symptoms include increased arousal in the form of insomnia, impaired concentration, or persistent hypervigilance. Factors that predict development of PTSD include personality traits of high neuroticism and poor self-confidence. Another factor is family characteristics and yet another is the environment for recovery. Lack of support from family, friends, and community can make a victim feel alone and helpless. There is also considerable impact where a victim is disbelieved and where there is "secondary victimization" such as where the police or lawyers or jurors or prosecutors or an entire criminal justice system make a victim feel like a chump.

Psychologists say that when people live through trauma, the memories get connected in their minds with what they saw, heard, smelled, or felt at the time. Anxiety and fear become linked to sensations that occurred during the event. These sensations become cues that evoke anxiety when they are experienced again later, bringing the memories and emotions flooding back.

In other words, the texture of memory is smooth, slippery.

A traumatic event is not remembered and categorized in a person's past in the same way as other life events. Instead, trauma continues to invade the senses and a person experiencing PTSD will relive the life-threatening experience, reacting in both body and mind as though the traumatic event is still occurring. In other words, the past makes the present ache.

Hop in the Falcon, We're Flying to the Tattoo Studio For 1 of These Tiny Star Wars Ink Ideas

It's hard to escape Star Wars fever these days - though any real fan wouldn't want to. Thanks to recent films like Solo: A Star Wars Story and Star Wars: The Last Jedi, and the upcoming Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker, you're probably itching for a new way to show off your fandom love. May we suggest a fresh tattoo? While some fans want to get a large tattoo of classic Star Wars characters, scenes, quotes, or symbols, others like to find subtler ways to express their adoration of the epic series. That's why we've rounded up some of the best small tattoo ideas out there, perfect for anyone who loves the franchise but doesn't want to broadcast it too loudly. From finger lightsabers to beloved quotes, see them all ahead!

- Additional reporting by Ann-Marie Alcántara

5 Stylish Summer Outfits I'm Packing For Vacation in Paris

I'm a terrible vacation planner. From picking a location to booking the flight and hotel, I can't seem to get it together. Don't get me wrong, I love to travel and have been lucky enough to visit many a delightful destination from Italy to Morocco and Hawaii. And luckily, I have friends who do the heavy lifting itinerary wise while I get by weighing in on easy decisions like choosing between restaurants and noting the can't-miss sights (as if they weren't obvious).

Shockingly, I'm also a terrible packer. I hate it. Can't stand it. Have considered paying someone to do it for me - OK, not really, but I've come dangerously close. I'm not someone who plans my outfits in advance. Sure, I'll have a few ideas floating around in my head after scanning my calendar and the weather for the week. But other than that, I leave it until the morning of and more often than not, I change my mind about something, be it the outfit entirely or a swift switch-up of accessories. Call me indecisive, but that's just how I operate. This all makes packing vacation outfits one of the most excruciating tasks, no matter how excited I am about a trip.

But I want to change. While I won't become a full-fledged travel agent overnight, I do think I can master the art of the pack. Why now? Because I'm heading to Paris next month and want to feel like my most stylish self in the City of Light.

From outfits suited for aimless strolls and sightseeing to casual-chic dinner attire and a daytime look for a jaunt to Giverny, ahead are five outfits I'm packing for my Parisian vacation, featuring my favorite new pieces from the POPSUGAR collection at Kohl's. And for more outfit ideas you can wear on vacation, for date night, and everything in between, head over to The Outfit Bar at Kohl's, where you'll find affordable, easy-to-wear looks to live in all Summer.

Ikea Has Us Stunned With Their Adorable (and Affordable) Area Rugs - 70+ of Our Favorites

Now that you've cleaned, cleared out, and Konmari'd your home, you may be starting to wonder: what's next? Well, with your house looking good as new, it's time to reinvent your pristine abode into the beautiful home of your Pinterest dreams. One easy (and relatively cheap) way to upgrade an old room is with a new rug. Rugs and textiles in general add dimension, texture, and color to a blank space, and do a great job of covering up old carpets and flooring. Although some large area rugs can, admittedly, cause you to hit your credit card limit, Ikea has a slew of affordable options that will make a big impact without depleting your bank account. If you're looking for a simple way to update your space, have a look at these Ikea rugs ahead!

Related: Target's Outdoor Rugs Will Have Your Backyard Summer Ready Faster Than You Can Say "Fire Up the BBQ!"

Anthropologie's Sister Brand, Terrain, Has Us Hooked With Its Summer-Ready Outdoor Planters

Now that we're in the midst of Spring, the rising temperatures may have you lusting for backyard barbecues, cocktails by the pool, and above all, warm evenings. Before we race to pull our patio furniture out of storage, one easy and simple way to upgrade a dismal outdoor area is with the help of plants and planters. A backyard filled with botanicals is a great way to channel the long-awaited Summer season, and the cost surely beats one of a landscape project. If you're ready to have a lush exterior primed for a Summer day, these plant pots from Anthropologie's gardening brand, Terrain, look great with all patio pieces - see our favorites ahead!

Related: 50 Hanging Plants That Will Transform Your Home Into a Picture-Perfect Greenhouse

100+ Tiny Tattoos For True Travel-Lovers

For travel-lovers, the next adventure is always just around the corner. Sometimes that adventure involves hopping on a plane and flying to your next destination, but other times it means doing something a little more permanent. If you really love to explore, these tiny tattoo ideas will help fuel your wanderlust and commemorate the experiences you've already had.

- Additional reporting by Lauren Harano

Ban.do Has the Cutest Summer Essentials, So Consider Us Ready For Pool Parties and Lazy Beach Days

If you weren't already counting down the days until Summer, you will be now! In case you haven't seen Ban.do's Summer collection yet, we only think it's right that we be the ones to show you. Trust us when we say that it has all the Summer essentials you could ever need. (Spoiler: There are even flower-shaped ice pop molds.) From retro-inspired beach towels to super cute pool floats, lazy afternoons by the water, at the park, or just basking in the sun are about to look so much better. Take a peek at our favorite picks ahead, and we can promise that your Summer is about to get a whole lot brighter.

The Ultimate Road Trip Playlist

Real talk: road trips are the best kind of trip. Not only do you save money on expensive plane tickets, but you're also able to enjoy gorgeous countryside scenery and bond with your best friends or family. Not to mention, snacks just taste better when you're on the open road. No? Just us? Anyway, to really kick your travels into high gear, put on this playlist that's perfect for the car. Sit back, relax, roll down your windows, and turn it up!

25+ Iconic NYC Landmarks That Belong on Your Instagram Feed

New York City is hands down one of the most iconic cities in the world. It's home to stunning architecture, hip and unique restaurants, endless alleyways and hidden corners, and neighborhoods that are so different and self-contained, they could be their own small towns. In the five boroughs, there's no shortage of things to do - and more importantly, places to see. All of the things that make New York so iconic also make it an Instagrammer's dream come true, with infinite possibilities for backdrops and focal points for your next post or story. So whether you're just visiting or you call the Big Apple home, these destinations are a foolproof way to get a perfect snap for your feed.

Is Ginger Beer Actually Alcoholic? Here's What You Need to Know

If you've enjoyed a moscow mule or a dark and stormy, then chances are that you've heard of ginger beer, the ideal Summer cocktail mixer for lovers of all things fermented and bubbly. But despite its popularity, most people have no idea what the heck ginger beer even is. Unlike its cousin ginger ale (a drink better known for taming upset stomachs than mixing with cocktails, though it can definitely be used for both), ginger beer has much more of a "gingery" flavor because it's naturally fermented rather than simply carbonated. It's also actually made with ginger root.

But the question remains: is ginger beer actually beer? The drink, which originated in the mid-1700s in England, was first known as an alcoholic beverage made from sugar, ginger, water, and a starter culture known as the ginger beer plant. Today, the name ginger beer is bit of a misnomer. Almost all brands (save for a few, such as Crabbie's, a popular UK brand) sell ginger beer as a soft drink, meaning it doesn't contain any alcohol. Ginger beer has never even been made with hops or grains, so alcoholic ginger beer is actually closer to a hard cider or wine because of the fermentation process and sugar levels. But fear not - if you're tired of ordering vodka sodas at the bar, there's plenty of ways to add alcohol to ginger beer and make it your new go-to mixer of choice.

Hello, Summer! The Top 45 Memorial Day Weekend Destinations in the US

Good news, friends! Memorial Day weekend is nearly upon us. Bring on the grill-fired eats, picnics in the park, and, if you've caught a case of wanderlust this May, a long weekend out of town. The first day of Summer might not technically be until June 21, but let's be real, the unofficial start of the season kicks off during the last weekend of May. Whether you're searching for commemorative parades and events or rooftop soirees and live music, small lakeside towns or sprawling metropolises, three days of relaxation or action-packed adventure, read on for 45 US destinations that are perfect for an awesome long weekend this Memorial Day.

Disney's New Mickey Milkshake Is Absurdly Cute - Look at Those Marshmallow Mouse Ears!

Have a Summer trip to Walt Disney World in the books and already meticulously planning which treats will serve as a refreshing escape from the Florida heat? Allow us to present a sweet addition for your edible bucket list: the new Mickey Mouse milkshake at Magic Kingdom. A bright red strawberry-flavored concoction, the shake is garnished with fluffy yellow cotton candy and a marshmallow topper shaped like mouse ears, making for an Instagram-worthy sip in the exact color palette Mickey is known for.

This fruity beverage will make its official debut on May 1, joining the menu at Auntie Gravity's Galactic Goodies, aka the dessert shop responsible for blessing us with that pretty millennial pink milkshake last year. It's safe to say this one will be just as big of a hit on social media, as evidenced by the adorable sneak peek snaps below. We just might be asking for an extra Mickey 'mallow to go!

Dr Pepper's Newest Flavor Gives the Classic Soda a Dark (and Tasty) Twist

The classic taste of Dr Pepper is getting a dark (and fruity) update. For the first time in five years, the soda brand is rolling out an all-new flavor called Dark Berry that'll make your taste buds go crazy.

Despite its name, Dr Pepper Dark Berry wasn't designed to taste just like one specific berry. The limited-edition drink will blend the taste of classic Dr Pepper soda with blackberry, black currant, and black cherry flavors, and it appears to be inspired by the upcoming release of Spider-Man: Far From Home, which makes its theatrical debut on July 5. Dark Berry comes in special packaging that features Spider-Man imagery and will be available at grocery stores nationwide starting May 1. Considering how popular cherry-flavored Dr Pepper is, this is another one that you might want to try to get your hands on before it's too late.

Related: Pepsi's New Fruity Flavors Are Basically Summer in a Can

Itching to Redecorate? See the Spring Releases From Amazon's Affordable Home Line

Now's the time to think about Spring cleaning. Part of that time-honored ritual is revamping our living spaces. If you didn't know, Amazon has an in-house home decor line called Rivet that's both adorable and affordable, and these 14 latest launches were made for Spring. Get ready to brighten up your place, with items from fun planters to cute rugs, just in time for the new season.

Amazon's Got the Coolest Products of 2019 - Don't Say We Didn't Warn You

Amazon is a treasure trove: if you look hard enough, you'll find some of the most game-changing products, and they can all be delivered straight to your door! We love products that make our lives easier, and these 23 options are no exception. Sometimes we're looking for something silly that will make us smile, and sometimes we have a genuine problem that needs solving, but we can always find solutions if we search on Amazon. So, we did the work for you and found the picks everyone will be talking about.

If you're the person who's out here making the trends, this is for you. Let all your friends know what's going to be buzzing in 2019; these products are cool, current, and actually practical. From the latest in fitness trackers to smart home technology and gadgets galore, this is what we're going to be crushing on in 2019.

Related: 16 Cool Amazon Products That Will Change Your Life - All Under $30

Your Floors Will Be Covered in Head-to-Toe Target After 1 Look at Its Rug Selection

Say goodbye to the days of undressed floors, because Target has a breathtaking selection of area rugs that your feet will thank you for. As a big textile fan, there's truly something to say about the tone a rug can set for a home. In fact, before decorating a bare space, I always begin my journey with a rug to guide my style. The fashionable floor coverings are a great way to incorporate dimension, texture, color, and comfort into dull rooms that need a bit of life. Not to mention, for apartments that can't be painted (aka, every building I've ever lived in), rugs tend to make up for the lack of vibrancy that white walls exude. If you're ready for a high-spirited home transformation that doesn't involve a paint job or a ton of money, then simply roll out one of these affordable Target rugs and you're good to go - see our favorites now!

Related: Ikea Has Us Stunned With Their Adorable (and Affordable) Area Rugs - 70+ of Our Favorites

Even the Night King Would Think Twice Before Messing With These Game of Thrones Cats

Believe it or not, we're already halfway done with the eighth and final season of Game of Thrones. And while we've had multiple "what the f*ck moments" - especially in the third episode, that was some crazy sh*t, right?! - we tend to forget our pets are often lurking in the corners as we hide behind our pillows and shout at the TV. Although it's pretty clear most of our four-legged friends have absolutely no stinkin' idea what's happening on the screen, some tried-and-true fans have taken the extra steps to include their pets in their GOT obsession.

Scroll through to get a look at some cats who have embraced their owners' love for the show, and try not to let out a cackle in the process.

15 Things Organized People Have in Their Homes

If you've been searching for the best products to organize with after KonMari-ing your home, look no further. These stress-free products will totally revamp your space. Ditching the clutter and organizing your home sparks endless amounts of joy and transforms your home. Organizing your home may seem like a daunting task, but these products will give you the added motivation you need. As an added bonus, they're all on Amazon!

- Additional reporting by Angela Elias

The Prettiest Mosquito-Repelling Candles You've Ever Seen and Sniffed

Nothing ruins a beautiful Summer evening quite like mosquitoes. The pesky insects often seem to come out of nowhere, attacking every uncovered inch of your skin and leaving painful, itchy, red bites that are enough to keep you inside all season long. Not to mention the potential for spreading harmful diseases.

While mosquito-repellent candles are nothing new, they aren't always the prettiest addition to your decor. Luckily, you no longer have to choose between comfort and a perfectly accessorized space. These beautiful mosquito-repellent candles will give you the relief you need from those dreaded blood-suckers while giving your patio or deck some much-needed ambience.

Meet the Spanish Singer Giving Flamenco a Modern Twist

Rosalía first stepped onto the music scene in 2018 with her hit single, "Malamente." Since her breakthrough on the international stage and the release of a second studio album, El Mar Querer, the 25-year-old Spanish singer has continued to transcend the charts.

It's her style that sets her music apart from other artists in the field. Drawing influence from Catalonia's age-old culture of flamenco, Rosalía incorporates its traditional elements but approaches the art form from a personal and contemporary angle. The result? A mix of genres, from flamenco to R&B, that produces a dramatic, eclectic, and romantic sound.

Rosalía's ascent to stardom is really only beginning: she just kicked off a world tour in Argentina, and her shows are selling out in minutes with hardcore fans packing the floor. Before this pop star takes over the global stage, get to know these eight things about Rosalía, below.

La Usurpadora Is Back, and I Don't Know How I Feel About This Modern Twist


Televisa just announced that they are remaking the classic telenovela La Usurpadora (The Usurper) as a miniseries - along with 11 other classic telenovelas from their vault under the anthology Fábrica de Sueños (Dream Factory). But there's a modern twist that's giving me mixed emotions.

If you're a '90s kid, you remember that Gabriela Spanic played two roles: twins Paulina and Paola Bracho. The latter is who most of us remember, because as the villain she was very extra and unapologetic about her evilness.

Written by Cuban writer Inés Rodena, the original telenovela starts with Paola Bracho on a trip abroad with her lover as she takes some time off her husband and children. She then comes across a woman who looks just like her, and comes up with the grand idea of having her take her place back home so she can spend more time vacationing.

Initially, Paulina doesn't want to go along with the plan, but Paola is a woman who always gets what she wants, and she accuses the former of stealing. She then uses this to blackmail Paulina into taking her place at the Bracho household. With no other choice after her mother's death, Paulina decides to go forward with the scheme and ends up brightening up everyone's lives and falling in love with her sister's husband. Everything soon changes when Paola returns to claim her place and kick the usurper out.

The story is now getting an overhaul and is nothing like the original. Sandra Echeverría has been cast in the leading roles alongside Andrés Palacios as the character Fernando Colunga played 20 years ago. This time it is set in the world of politics, and Paola is the First Lady of Mexico. During a trip to Colombia, she finds her mirror image, not knowing she's actually her sister.

Don't get me wrong, Echeverría is an exceptional actress, and she has proven what a badass she is in other series like La Querida del Centauro and La Bandida, as well as in movies like Oliver Stone's Savages. One thing is for sure: she most likely didn't sign up to play a satirical antagonist.

In the '90s version, we were always able to spot the difference between the twin sisters as the evil one always wore red and the nice one wore pink. This new take is stepping away from the cartoonish elements, and instead of obvious distinctions, the Colombian sister will adopt a Colombian accent. The variances between the protagonists will be much harder to spot, but that's the evolution of storytelling in the Golden Age of television we're living in.

I'm split, as the over-the-topness of the '90s version is what made it so good. We all knew Spanic was overacting, but we didn't care because everyone was on that same level thanks to the direction of Beatriz Sheridan, who learned everything from Valentín Pimstein, the master behind María la del Barrio and other classic hits.

Who doesn't remember Lalita, the maid, spying behind a door with a glass cup so she could hear better? Or Abuela Piedad yelling for her alcohol? Or the two kids who didn't seem to have any clue as to what was going on? All of those elements are most likely going to be lost in this adaptation, and I'm not ready for that, as nostalgia has kept Paola Bracho alive over the years, thanks to modern meme culture.

In fairness, La Usurpadora from 1998 is not going away - it will still be engraved in our memories forever, and the least we can do is to give the new version a shot to compare and contrast. The new La Usurpadora already began shooting in Mexico City, and it will consist of 25 episodes which will be released before the year ends.

Cersei Might Not Be the Only Green-Eyed Queen Who Needs to Watch Out For Arya's Dagger

Warning: major Game of Thrones spoilers ahead, so proceed with caution!

The Battle of Winterfell has been won, and it's all thanks to Arya Stark, aka the most badass assassin in all of Westeros, and her supersneaky battle tactics. Before her grand victory taking down the Night King, however, Arya has a moment with Melisandre inside the castle where she's reminded of a prophecy the Red Lady bestowed upon her way back in the third season: "I see a darkness in you, and in that darkness eyes staring back at me. Brown eyes, blue eyes, green eyes. Eyes you'll shut forever. We will meet again."

While Arya is initially confused and a little concerned, she has since killed dozens of people (presumably) with eyes of all colors. But Melisandre's reminder of the prophecy in "The Long Night" gives Arya the motivation she needs to take down the blue-eyed Night King, one of the three sets of eyes she's destined to "shut forever." Some fans have suggested that the brown eyes in the prophecy belonged to Meryn Trant or Walder Frey, two of the names on Arya's kill list whom she has since murdered. But the real mystery lies behind the green eyes, which may or may not belong to one very important woman in Westeros.

Related: Game of Thrones: Everyone Who Tragically Dies in the Battle of Winterfell

As far as fans of the show are concerned, it's pretty obvious that Melisandre's prophecy is referring to Cersei, who not only has green eyes but also has a death prophecy of her own to fulfill. That said, Daenerys's eyes, though purple in the books, appear a hazel green on the show, which also automatically puts her in danger of being stabbed with the pointy end of Arya's sword.

Melisandre's prophecy aside, Cersei is one of the only people left on Arya's kill list, and while we're pretty sure she's Arya's next target, check out the eye colors of all of our favorite characters (who are still alive) ahead.

Related: Game of Thrones: What You Missed During Arya's Standoff With the Night King

Exclusive: Get a Chilling Glimpse of AMC's Brand-New Horror Series, NOS4A2

If you somehow weren't scarred enough from AMC's wildly popular horror series The Walking Dead, the network has a brand new source of terrifying thrills in store for you: NOS4A2.

If the (frustratingly spelled) title of the series has you confused, the show is pronounced "Nosferatu," and follows one Charlie Manx (American Horror Story's Zachary Quinto), who is described as "a seductive immortal who feeds off the souls of children." So, not the best baby sitter, we'd imagine. However, the area of New England where he's been hunting, fortunately has a defender in the form of Vic McQueen (Ashleigh Cummings), a young woman who discovers she has the supernatural ability to find lost things.

In our exclusive clip from the haunting show, which is based on Joe Hill's 2013 bestselling novel of the same name, you'll get an introduction to Vic, who doesn't approach her role as the "chosen one" with open arms (at least at first). Check it out, and then mark your calendar for the season premiere on June 2.

At 15, Mean Girls Is Still Fetch

The following post originally appeared on The Fem Word, a global platform amplifying women's voices and stories.

When you share your birthday with a cinematic landmark, it's only natural to feel a deep bond with an unchanging hallmark of days gone by you can return to again and again. It was 2004. I was 12. The movie was Mean Girls.

Despite my begging, my mother refused (rightly so) to take me to see a film about high schoolers when we were going to see Ella Enchanted instead. I, being a bit of a snot and despite my adoration of Anne Hathaway, sulked. My poor mother.

Related: 11 Movies That Would Make a Perfect Double Feature With Mean Girls

I wouldn't actually watch Mean Girls until a few years later, but even before then, the film had placed its stamp on me. We all know the jokes and one-liners by heart. Even 15 years later, referencing "army pants and flip-flops" is enough to make people in my age bracket giggle with recognition. Like Captain America, we understand that reference.

Like many movies with tremendous cultural significance - yes, I said it; come at me, film snobs - Mean Girls is very much a product of its time. Rewatching it, a ritual I perform at least twice annually, is like opening a time capsule or an old yearbook. I feel nostalgia for polo shirts paired with cut-off jean skirts, peak Lindsay Lohan, and bedazzled flip phones. Conversely, however, I clench my teeth through every awful use of the "R-word," derogatory remarks made about gay characters (or characters who are ostracized for potentially being gay), not-so-subtle racism, and the sub-plot involving a teacher committing statutory rape, all of which are played for laughs. 2004 certainly was a different time, and many elements of the past don't age gracefully.

What does, though, is the real message of Mean Girls, which only becomes more relevant with each passing year. At its core, Mean Girls is a film that treats women's anger as real and legitimate, and links "girl-on-girl crime" (read: female aggression) to internalized misogyny and a patriarchal system that expects women to compete with and police each other.

Related: How Many Mean Girls Quotes Do You Have Memorized? Take This Quiz and Find Out

Crack open its shiny teen comedy shell and you'll find this film contains Jane Austen-esque social critiques and smartly calls out how women are permitted precious few outlets through which they may express their anger. Women's rage has become the subject of dozens of think pieces and books over the past few years. It's as if we've grown exhausted of suffering the daily indignities of gender inequity that defang us, strip us of our power, and lead us to transform our rage into more palatable or more easily definable actions rather than being able to address the system that brought and keeps us here.

At its core, Mean Girls is a film that treats women's anger as real and legitimate.

Men, too, experience injustice due to gendered expectations, but women bear the brunt of the punishment. If "boys will be boys," then girls are "crazy," "bitches," and "sluts." Nasty women who are devoid of depth or personal agency - as animalistic as the savannah predators Cady imagines at the watering hole (mall fountain). They write mean things in the Burn Book. They plot revenge and plan three-way phone call sabotage. They keep each other in check with silly rules about where they can sit in the cafeteria and what color to wear on Wednesdays.

Among the many welcome updates Mean Girls received in being adapted to the stage, one lyric from the Broadway musical, proclaimed by Janis Ian during her empowering song "I'd Rather Be Me," rings so true I must raise my fist above my head whenever I hear/belt it:

"We're supposed to all be ladies and be nurturing and care. Is that really fair? Boys get to fight, we have to share. Here's the way that turns out: we always understand how to slap someone down with our underhand."

The entire North Shore High junior class, including some teachers, may feel personally victimized by Regina George, but even she is both a victim and a perpetrator in a tyrannical social hierarchy that invalidates and pathologizes women's anger because it is the most foolproof way to keep us exactly where we are: powerless and furious with each other. Is it any wonder that, upon joining the field hockey team, Regina finds growth once she is able to let out her aggression?

The film's ending, which depicts a clique-free school where the women finally can find true friendship with each other, is utopic, yes, but even now I have to pause and wonder what could be - even if only in our wildest dreams. Imagine: a world where women can be each others' advocates and allies without the expectation that we will tear each other apart. While there will always be "mean" people, I'd like to think this dream can become reality and, perhaps, be less "far-fetched" and more "so fetch."

Ikea Has Us Stunned With Their Adorable (and Affordable) Area Rugs - 70+ of Our Favorites

Now that you've cleaned, cleared out, and Konmari'd your home, you may be starting to wonder: what's next? Well, with your house looking good as new, it's time to reinvent your pristine abode into the beautiful home of your Pinterest dreams. One easy (and relatively cheap) way to upgrade an old room is with a new rug. Rugs and textiles in general add dimension, texture, and color to a blank space, and do a great job of covering up old carpets and flooring. Although some large area rugs can, admittedly, cause you to hit your credit card limit, Ikea has a slew of affordable options that will make a big impact without depleting your bank account. If you're looking for a simple way to update your space, have a look at these Ikea rugs ahead!

Related: Target's Outdoor Rugs Will Have Your Backyard Summer Ready Faster Than You Can Say "Fire Up the BBQ!"

Amy Schumer Confirms She's Still Pregnant (and Very Over It) With a Funny Instagram

Pregnancy is a waiting game, and it impacts no one more than the mom-to-be. Those nine months can drag by, especially toward the end. Comedian Amy Schumer is experiencing this firsthand. Amy hasn't been shy about her experience carrying her first baby since she announced her pregnancy with husband Chris Fischer back in October 2018. Like Meghan Markle, who Amy feels a particular bond with, Amy is still pregnant and seemingly fed up with questions about still being pregnant.

On May 3, Amy shared a photo from what appears to be a doctor's appointment. She sat on the exam table with her belly exposed, as her husband Chris stared at his phone off to the side. "Oh yeah does it feel to everyone like I've been pregnant for a long time?" she wrote in her Instagram caption. "It must be getting annoying to you all that I'm still pregnant. Well imagine how I feel mother f*ckers!!!!!!"

Amy received a variety of supportive comments back from her fellow celebrities. "Hang in there gurl," Jessica Alba replied. Someone get Meghan and Amy a crown, these future moms deserve it as their pregnancies wind down.

21 Cute and Comfortable Swimsuits You'll Actually Be Excited to Wear

Finding the perfect swimsuit is no easy feat, especially one that is comfortable and fits your body type just right. To make life easier this season, we rounded up a list of cute finds any mom would love to rock. So whether you're running after your little ones at the beach, giving a quick swim lesson, or headed on your next vacation, these picks are easy to move around in and also look stylish. From supportive tankinis to high-waisted bikinis, find your next match ahead.

A Bob Cut, but Make It Blunt - 100+ Pictures That Prove This Is the Sharpest Hairstyle Yet

Let's just cut to it: Blunt bob haircuts are the hottest Summer hair trend we've yet to see. Yes, bobs have made their comeback in recent years (insert last year's lob), but this fresh new take on the hair trend is so much edgier. With so-blunt-they-might-cut-you ends, this look leaves hair looking razor-sharp and oh-so-sophisticated. Even some of the top celebs like Lupita Nyong'o, Lucy Hale, Kristen Bell, Demi Lovato, and Charlize Theron, to name a few, have decided to chop their hair and take part in this sleek trend.

Check out the most cutting-edge looks (see what we did there?) and keep in mind that the blunt bob is dangerously attractive.

All Hail the Queen and King of Westeros in This Gorgeous Game of Thrones Wedding Shoot

Ever since Jon Snow bent the knee to Daenerys at the end of season seven, we have been on the edge of our seats waiting to see what a wedding in Winterfell might look like. After all, a union between Daenerys and Jon looks pretty inevitable - unless, of course, the fact that they're related bothers them at all. Thanks to the team at Top Knots CoWorking, who styled this shoot, all of your Jon and Daenerys Winter-themed wedding visions have been brought to life in one elegant and enchanting photo shoot that absolutely captures the idea that Winter is here.

From the beautiful Great Dane in place of a direwolf to a glass dragon egg, swords, fur, and blood-red flowers, this styled Game of Thrones shoot pulled out all the stops, and it totally paid off because now I can't get that dramatic theme song out of my head. With all the snow on the ground and the heat between each of the models - inspired by Jon, Daenerys, and Sansa - this shoot truly makes it look like a wedding of ice and fire. Keep reading to see the gorgeous outcome of the shoot and to see how many Game of Thrones references you can spot.

You Can Now Get Anti-Anxiety "Beta-Blockers" Online - Are They Safe?


Sitting next to me on an airplane is a specific kind of misery. At the first sign of turbulence, I'm shaking uncontrollably, white-knuckling both armrests in an effort to hang on for dear life. If things get really bumpy, I'm flinging my body over your seat mid sob to get my hands on miniature wine bottles by whatever means necessary. Since that's obviously not an ideal coping routine, I've begun researching other, medically approved methods to address what a therapist informed me is not just a distaste for traveling via tin can, but a case of anxiety symptoms flaring up midair.

Enter: my curiosity in health-and-wellness-focused telemedicine brand hers. This digital start-up offers everything from birth control to prescription skin care in sleek, pastel packaging (my personal kryptonite) and recently added a prescription-only beta-blocker drug called propranolol ($25) to its retail lineup. Once users sign up for a monthly subscription of the drug, hers ships a package of five 20 mg propranolol pills to be delivered at home.

But before you can get your hands on these beta-blockers, you'll first need to get a prescription through hers' online system. Vice President of Medical Services at hers Adrian Rawlinson, MD, tells POPSUGAR that a propranolol prescription is not intended to be a solution for general anxiety disorder, a form of anxiety that the Mayo Clinic describes as "excessive, ongoing anxiety and worry that [is] difficult to control and interferes with day-to-day activities." Instead, hers has marketed its propranolol product as an option for treating performance anxiety, or anxiousness that makes it difficult to function in specific, high-pressure situations, like job interviews or auditions. Dr. Rawlinson adds that the "physician consultation process" customers use to check out through the hers platform is "designed to mirror what happens when you visit a doctor in person."

The process Dr. Rawlinson describes is a seven-step system that starts at checkout. When you finalize your propranolol order, a new $5 "medical fee" appears. Once your $30 total is paid via credit card, hers routes you to its pre-consultation phase, where you're asked to provide identification information (have your government-issued ID ready) and prompted to acknowledge that propranolol isn't suitable treatment for general or social anxiety disorders.

Next up, you receive an extensive consent document laying out benefits and potential risks of using telemedicine services. Once you check the requisite "I Agree" buttons, you're forwarded to the health evaluation. Hers' standard health evaluation questionnaire for propranolol includes around 12 multiple-choice questions, with the option to choose as many relevant answers per query as necessary. (A question about your symptoms, for example, lists several anxiety indicators – tight throat, pounding heart, shaking hands, and more – and you're encouraged to mark however many you experience.) If you respond to a question with "other" at any point, you're prompted to write out further details for the doctor's review. You're also asked to disclose your current roster of prescription medications in full, with special emphasis placed on 18 prescriptions, all listed by name. Through a partnership with Bailey Health, you're then matched with a physician licensed in your home state to review your feedback. As for the actual consultation, don't expect to hop on a video chat – physicians reach out through the hers platform's instant messaging system, or sometimes via phone call. From there, the doctor determines whether they're comfortable signing off on a propranolol prescription.

While I'm all for making birth control more accessible, and my interest was certainly piqued at the thought of avoiding unnecessary trips to the doctor's office, ordering anxiety medication from my couch still gave me pause. Is it safe? Does this drug even work? To find out, I tapped a few outside experts in the mental health field for their insights on what propranolol is, who should (and shouldn't) take it, whether it's safe to order without seeing a doctor in-person first, and what results to expect before giving it a try.

What the Heck Is Propranolol?

Franklin Schneier, MD, codirector of New York State Psychiatric Institute's Anxiety Disorders Clinic, tells POPSUGAR that propranolol is one of the original beta-blocker drugs and has been around for "at least 50 years." What's a beta-blocker, you ask? Dr. Schneier explains that beta-blockers "act as beta receptors to block the effects of adrenaline" in the body. "Beta receptors are located in many organs including the brain," he says, and "when [propranolol] blocks the beta receptors in the heart, for example, it prevents the heart rate from speeding up." This can potentially reduce physical symptoms of performance anxiety, like shaking hands or a pounding heart, that make it hard to perform in high-pressure situations.

Though Dr. Schneier pointed to the existence of what he considers "a few small studies" with findings that suggest beta-blockers help anxious performers, propranolol is not FDA-approved for anxiety treatment. It is, however, approved by the FDA to treat several heart conditions, high blood pressure, and the prevention of migraine headaches.

Does It Actually Work For Anxiety Treatment?

Tiffany Lago, MD, of the National Institute of Mental Health has studied beta-blockers like propranolol and says research suggests they can be useful for people with "predictable anxiety triggers" in specific situations. If you struggle with a particular social anxiety (like public speaking) or phobia (like a fear of heights), for example, she said propranolol could be a reasonable option for you. One benefit of propranolol, Dr. Lago notes, is that it can be taken "without affecting cognition," unlike some alternative medications. She also tells POPSUGAR that beta-blockers can be useful in quelling symptoms before they spin out of control. "For some people, these physical symptoms of anxiety lead to even more anxiety," she says, and beta-blockers can help prevent that dreaded full-on spiral.

When it comes to managing anxiety symptoms on a day-to-day basis, though, Dr. Schneier says propranolol is "usually" not helpful – and he said it can potentially make depression worse. "This is important, because performance anxiety often occurs in combination with other psychiatric conditions," Dr. Schenier says. He recommends that people try other, longer-lasting methods of addressing anxiety head-on (like therapy) instead of relying on a beta-blocker as a "one size fits all" solution. "Cognitive behavioral therapy is preferable [to beta-blockers], because patients learn coping techniques that they can use the rest of their lives, whereas beta-blockers work only while they are in one's system." He also adds that propranolol can become a crutch: "If propranolol is effective, it often leads to a psychological dependence, and might, therefore, worsen anxiety in unexpected situations where there is not enough warning to take propranolol beforehand." If your situational anxiety manifests in struggling with public speaking, for example, he suggests giving a self-help group like Toastmasters a try.

Should Anyone Avoid Taking Propranolol?

Experts (including hers' Dr. Rawlinson) agree that no one should use propranolol without being completely forthright and honest during their physician consultation about their medical history and current roster of medications. Both Dr. Lago and Dr. Schneier point to a number of specific conditions that would likely rule it out as an option for patients, including asthma, heart disease, diabetes, and low blood pressure. (The hers site's "safety information" tab also says people with these conditions are not suited for propranolol, and lists a whole host of medications to avoid using in combination with it, including blood thinners, steroids, and some antidepressants.) Should it concern potential users that it's not technically approved for anxiety? Dr. Schneier says that it means "there is less evidence of its usefulness for anxiety, so that should be taken into account."

Is It Safe to Be Prescribed a Beta-Blocker Via Telemedicine Consultation?

Because of what she described as its "low risk of abuse and dependency," Dr. Lago says telemedicine prescriptions of propranolol are acceptable. "I think it's safe for a psychiatrist to prescribe propranolol via telemedicine if vital signs such as heart rate and blood pressure can be monitored routinely," she tells POPSUGAR.

During the consultation, Dr. Schneier says patients should look for a "thorough evaluation" that lasts around 30 minutes, and preferably one that includes discussion of "medical history and a psychiatric assessment, including details of the nature of the anxiety and its triggers, as well as any co-occurring conditions." But Dr. Schneier tells POPSUGAR that he's skeptical of medical evaluations offered online for a low cost: "It seems very unlikely that the $5 medical evaluation offered by some websites is adequate for safe prescribing."

After hearing what the experts have to say about propranolol potentially increasing my in-flight anxiety, I'm inclined to find a more permanent solution for my travel woes than beta-blockers. (We meet again, cognitive behavioral therapy.) But if you are going to give hers' propranolol product a go, remember to be brutally honest about your symptoms, medical history, and current prescriptions with your consulting doctor.

To find a mental health professional in your area, search this database.