Healthy lifestyle
A healthy lifestyle is one which helps to keep and improve people's health and well-being.Many governments and non-governmental organizations have made big efforts in healthy lifestyle and health promotion.
Mental Health
Mental health can be considered a very important factor of physical health for the effects it produces on bodily functions. This type of health concerns emotional and cognitive well-being or an absence of mental disorder.
Public health
Public health can be defined in a variety of ways. It can be presented as "the study of the physical, psychosocial and socio-cultural determinants of population health and actions to improve the health of the population.
Reproductive Health
For the UN, reproductive health is a right, like other human rights. This recent concept evokes the good transmission of the genetic heritage from one generation to the next.
Health
Health is a state of complete physical, mental and social well-being, and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity.
jeudi 11 juin 2020
Asian Americans, Here's How We Can Be Better Allies to the Black Community
When George Floyd was killed by police officer Derek Chauvin, who knelt on his neck for nearly nine minutes, Tou Thao, a Hmong-American officer, stood by with his back turned. Thao, along with three other officers, was later charged with aiding and abetting second-degree murder. For many Asian-Americans, this moment represented a level of complacency with anti-Blackness in our community, and sparked an important dialogue centered around deep-rooted anti-Blackness in Asian culture.
While a larger history of tensions between the Black and Asian-American communities exists, Asian-Americans have historically benefited from social justice movements led by Black activists. As POC who are inadvertently privileged as a byproduct of systemic racism, it is our duty to step up for the Black community and support the Black Lives Matter movement. As many of us are looking for ways we can be better allies to the Black community, it's also important to continue educating ourselves and putting in the effort to show solidarity beyond this week and this month. Read ahead to find out different ways you can support the BLM movement and the Black community.
Recognize your privilege
Understand that BLM is not meant to undermine the Asian-American experience. I've personally seen some members of our community skeptical of the movement because they are scarred by their own racist encounters, and while that pain is very real, it isn't productive to compare trauma. It's important to recognize first that Asian-Americans will never understand the type of racial profiling our Black and brown friends face for the color of their skin, and second, that we are complicit in systemic racism. Historically, the model minority myth not only discounts immigrant struggles, but has also been used as a tool to separate Asian-Americans from other minorities, allowing our community to reap the benefits of the system. As fellow POC, if you are upset with the system that oppresses Asian-Americans, it is crucial for you to also stand in solidarity with the Black community.
Reflect and undo your own anti-Blackness and racism
While it's difficult to acknowledge, anti-Blackness exists in many Asian cultures, and we cannot be selective about our anti-racism. Find your own blindspots and work toward wiping out those biases. Have you ever been guilty of racial profiling? Have you used slang words and phrases with origins rooted in Black culture? Have you appropriated Black culture in any way? It's easy to assume you're not racist, but be mindful of your internalized racism and anti-Blackness, and reflect on how you can change your thoughts to be anti-racist.
In addition, any anti-Blackness you may recognize in yourself could be rooted in the colorism prominent in Asian culture, as disdain for darker skin dates back to ancient history and often implies poverty. Dissect these ideas you might've been conditioned to believe, and encourage your friends and families to do the same. Check out this guide written by Kim Tran and learn about ways for Asian-Americans to tackle anti-racism within themselves and their families.
Speak up, but don't speak over
Publicize your support for BLM. Whether you're actively speaking up on Instagram and Twitter or standing up to your family, friends, and colleagues, vocalize your solidarity with the Black community. Share informative resources with fellow Asian-Americans and other non-Black friends. But remember that while we must speak up as thoughtful allies, it's counterproductive to speak over your Black friends; instead, amplify their voices and platforms.
Initiate difficult conversations with your friends and family
While these discussions might be uncomfortable or even unwelcome, it is so important to engage with your immediate circle. Talk to your parents and relatives about their own anti-Blackness, why BLM directly affects our community, and what you can do together. If there's a language barrier, Letters for Black Lives is a great resource where contributors have drafted letters in over 30 different Asian languages addressing anti-Blackness and police brutality, for you to share with the people in your life.
Reach out to officials and hold them accountable
Call and email your local, state, and national government officials - you can find their contact information on the USA.gov website. And if you're not sure exactly what to say, there are various templates to help you formulate your emails, like the constructive one created by Instagram user @maasaipg to Minnesota legislators regarding justice for George Floyd's death (head to Maasai's link in bio for the template). Allow templates and examples to inspire your own wording, but if you decide to use exact templates, be sure to change subject lines to avoid getting your emails filtered or go unnoticed.
But don't stop there - reach out to leaders and decision makers in all the communities that affect your life. Contact your alma mater's administrators or talk to the executives in your workplace to learn about what they're doing to commit to anti-racism. Hold them accountable for their promises and goals, and if they're haven't made any, urge them to do so. Here's a helpful example from Instagram user @nishastickles to get an idea for what you can say to your institutional leaders.
Educate yourself
Actively look for information beyond what's shared by your friends on social media. All of us have room to learn more about Black history, culture, and different voices. Reading articles and books, watching movies and TV shows, and listening to podcasts about the Black experience are great places to start. Here's a list of books specifically about Black and Asian-American feminist solidarities, curated by Black Women Radicals and the Asian-American Feminist Collective. It is up to us to do the work to educate ourselves, instead of relying on our Black leaders and friends.
Shop Black-owned businesses
Discover and shop Black-owned businesses, and make sure to continue to do so in the future, not just during this moment. From fashion and beauty brands to restaurants and salons, there are so many different Black-owned establishments you can contribute to financially, so take the time to explore your options. If you don't have the means to purchase, follow them on social media and share with your friends and family.
Make a conscious effort to diversify your feeds
Elevate Black voices and faces on your Instagram and Twitter feeds. Depending on where your interests lie, check out and follow these different Black activists, artists, and fashion influencers to start.
Hire Black talent and elevate your Black colleagues
If you're in a position to do so, commit to hiring and promoting Black candidates, especially for leadership positions. And if you aren't in this position, actively support and advocate for your Black colleagues when it comes to pay disparities and concerns in the workplace.
Donate
There are a number of nonprofits and organizations you can contribute to that support racial justice efforts and BLM specifically, from donating to Floyd's memorial fund to financially contributing to bail funds for BLM protesters. If you have the extra cash, here's a list of nationwide and local organizations that can use your help.
Vote for BIPOC candidates
Vote for candidates committed to fighting against racial injustices, on both a local and national level. Go to the polls (or send in an absentee ballot) to let your voice be heard.
BLK + GRN Is the Beauty Marketplace You Need to Know About
When we came across BLK + GRN, we immediately knew we had found something special, and we can't wait to tell you about it. The brand is a marketplace for clean beauty with products made by Black artisans. The retailer sells everything from skin care to hair care and even feminine wellness products, and they're all items you can feel good about using because they're thoughtfully created.
These 14 products are the bestselling on the site, and it's easy to see why. From exfoliating body scrubs to hydrating toners and even all-natural nail polish removers, which we didn't know existed, these products belong in your beauty stash. Just keep reading to shop our picks.
What We Can Learn From New Zealand and Its Efforts to Eliminate the Novel Coronavirus
While cases of COVID-19, the disease caused by the novel coronavirus, continue to climb around the world, New Zealand's prime minister, Jacinda Ardern, announced on June 8 that the country has "eliminated the transmission of the virus for now." A combination of natural advantages and some of the world's strictest lockdown measures likely contributed to the nation's success in stamping out the virus. What could the rest of the world learn from New Zealand in preparation for a potential second wave? Here are a few factors that may have helped yield those results - and could possibly slow the spread in other countries, too.
1. Leaders Knew What to Expect
New Zealand's geography and its smaller size relative to many hotspot countries gave it two natural advantages to combating the virus. The country has only five million residents - for comparison, New York City alone has more than 8 million - and is isolated as an island nation. More helpful, however, was the fact that New Zealand had a little bit of lag time on other countries and could see what had and hadn't worked, according to CBS News. The virus first appeared in late 2019 and began spreading in earnest in January and February of 2020, but New Zealand only had a handful of cases by mid-March, with the first confirmed case arriving on Feb. 28. This delay gave the nation's leaders time to figure out what to do when, inevitably, the virus began to spread in New Zealand - an early warning that could benefit other countries in the event of a second wave.
2. They Took Swift, Decisive Action
In March, Ardern quickly led the way, imposing a series of increasingly restrictive measures in an attempt to quash the spread of the virus. CNN broke down the timeline: on March 14, anyone entering the country was required to self-isolate for two weeks, and all foreigners were banned from entry on March 20. On March 23, with 102 cases and no deaths, the country went on "level three" lockdown: closing nonessential business, requiring work-from-home as much as possible, cancelling all gatherings, and closing schools except to care for children of essential workers. The country then entered the strictest "level four" lockdown on March 25, with everyone required to stay at home except for essential workers.
The New York Times reports that, over the course of New Zealand's outbreak, the country reported only 1,504 cases and 22 deaths, largely due to these incredibly strict measures. By April, New Zealand also had one of the highest per-capita testing capacities in the world - able to handle more than 8,000 tests per day - which helps to identify cases and trace anyone who may have had contact with an infected person. Regular communication from Ardern also played a role in bolstering cooperation: the prime minister got on social media at least weekly - Facebook Live being her preferred method - to talk directly and informally to New Zealanders about the pandemic, casting the whole country as collaborators on a single effort to take care of themselves and each other.
That particular style of governing, however, may not be something easily replicated elsewhere. "You need the whole context, the way the political system has evolved," Helen Clark, a former prime minister, told the NYT. "It's not easily transferable."
3. They Were Measured About Reopening
While the lockdown worked to slow the spread of the virus, it did, of course, have economic consequences. New Zealand has a thriving tourism industry, but the lockdown brought it to a screeching halt, and other businesses took heavy losses, leading to higher unemployment rates. "The harder you push your lockdown, the more you get unintended consequences," Dr. Simon Thornley of Auckland University told the NYT. New Zealand slowly began lifting restrictions, and by the middle of May, the country had reached "level two:" the largest gatherings were still banned, but the heaviest restrictions were lifted and life slowly began returning to normal, with ongoing testing and intensive contact tracing apps.
On June 8, Ardern announced that the virus appeared to be eradicated from the country and everything could reopen. CBS News reported that, at the time of the announcement, it had been 17 days since the last new case was reported, and this was the first time the country had no active cases (as in, everyone who had been diagnosed with COVID-19 had officially recovered). Borders remain closed, residents are asked to continue scanning QR codes at public places to keep contact tracing up to date, returning citizens and residents are still required to quarantine, and it's understood that new cases may arrive when the borders reopen - but for now, the country is hopeful.
In a news conference, Ardern noted that "elimination is not a point in time, it is a sustained effort." She continued: "We almost certainly will see cases here again, and I do want to say that again, we will almost certainly see cases here again, and that is not a sign that we have failed, it is a reality of this virus. But if and when that occurs we have to make sure - and we are - that we are prepared."
This Powerful Documentary Takes a Deep Look at the Otherizing of Black Women in America
As part of the ongoing conversation about racial injustice, actress and filmmaker Oge Egbuonu is making her feature documentary directorial debut with (In)Visibile Portraits, a documentary made to shine a light on the history of Black women in America. In a recent Instagram post featuring the trailer for the film, Egbuonu wrote, "The documentary illuminates the history of how we got here, dismantles the false framework of the present-day reality, and celebrates the extraordinary heritage of exceptional Black women who have come before as well as igniting hope for the next generation of young Black women who will lead the world of tomorrow."
Egbuonu began production on the documentary on July 18, 2018 and created it to shatter the "too-often invisible otherizing of Black women in America," while also reclaiming the narrative of Black women in America through the use of their own words and stories. "Creating (In)Visible Portraits rearranged me in the most profound way," Egbuonu said. "I learned so much. Many days were filled with heartbreak and grief due to my learnings, but I poured my life and soul into creating this love letter to Black women and I hope it serves as a beautiful offering to y'all."
The powerful and inspiring trailer has also been shared by Halle Berry who said, "It's a powerful film that will rock you to your core, stir your soul, and educate and enlighten you in ways that couldn't be more timely." (In)Visible Portraits is set to premiere in virtual cinemas on June 19, aka Juneteenth. Watch the full video here and learn more about what Black women are doing to support the Black Lives Matter movement.
BLK + GRN Is the Beauty Marketplace You Need to Know About
When we came across BLK + GRN, we immediately knew we had found something special, and we can't wait to tell you about it. The brand is a marketplace for clean beauty with products made by Black artisans. The retailer sells everything from skin care to hair care and even feminine wellness products, and they're all items you can feel good about using because they're thoughtfully created.
These 14 products are the bestselling on the site, and it's easy to see why. From exfoliating body scrubs to hydrating toners and even all-natural nail polish removers, which we didn't know existed, these products belong in your beauty stash. Just keep reading to shop our picks.
What We Can Learn From New Zealand and Its Efforts to Eliminate the Novel Coronavirus
While cases of COVID-19, the disease caused by the novel coronavirus, continue to climb around the world, New Zealand's prime minister, Jacinda Ardern, announced on June 8 that the country has "eliminated the transmission of the virus for now." A combination of natural advantages and some of the world's strictest lockdown measures likely contributed to the nation's success in stamping out the virus. What could the rest of the world learn from New Zealand in preparation for a potential second wave? Here are a few factors that may have helped yield those results - and could possibly slow the spread in other countries, too.
1. Leaders Knew What to Expect
New Zealand's geography and its smaller size relative to many hotspot countries gave it two natural advantages to combating the virus. The country has only five million residents - for comparison, New York City alone has more than 8 million - and is isolated as an island nation. More helpful, however, was the fact that New Zealand had a little bit of lag time on other countries and could see what had and hadn't worked, according to CBS News. The virus first appeared in late 2019 and began spreading in earnest in January and February of 2020, but New Zealand only had a handful of cases by mid-March, with the first confirmed case arriving on Feb. 28. This delay gave the nation's leaders time to figure out what to do when, inevitably, the virus began to spread in New Zealand - an early warning that could benefit other countries in the event of a second wave.
2. They Took Swift, Decisive Action
In March, Ardern quickly led the way, imposing a series of increasingly restrictive measures in an attempt to quash the spread of the virus. CNN broke down the timeline: on March 14, anyone entering the country was required to self-isolate for two weeks, and all foreigners were banned from entry on March 20. On March 23, with 102 cases and no deaths, the country went on "level three" lockdown: closing nonessential business, requiring work-from-home as much as possible, cancelling all gatherings, and closing schools except to care for children of essential workers. The country then entered the strictest "level four" lockdown on March 25, with everyone required to stay at home except for essential workers.
The New York Times reports that, over the course of New Zealand's outbreak, the country reported only 1,504 cases and 22 deaths, largely due to these incredibly strict measures. By April, New Zealand also had one of the highest per-capita testing capacities in the world - able to handle more than 8,000 tests per day - which helps to identify cases and trace anyone who may have had contact with an infected person. Regular communication from Ardern also played a role in bolstering cooperation: the prime minister got on social media at least weekly - Facebook Live being her preferred method - to talk directly and informally to New Zealanders about the pandemic, casting the whole country as collaborators on a single effort to take care of themselves and each other.
That particular style of governing, however, may not be something easily replicated elsewhere. "You need the whole context, the way the political system has evolved," Helen Clark, a former prime minister, told the NYT. "It's not easily transferable."
3. They Were Measured About Reopening
While the lockdown worked to slow the spread of the virus, it did, of course, have economic consequences. New Zealand has a thriving tourism industry, but the lockdown brought it to a screeching halt, and other businesses took heavy losses, leading to higher unemployment rates. "The harder you push your lockdown, the more you get unintended consequences," Dr. Simon Thornley of Auckland University told the NYT. New Zealand slowly began lifting restrictions, and by the middle of May, the country had reached "level two:" the largest gatherings were still banned, but the heaviest restrictions were lifted and life slowly began returning to normal, with ongoing testing and intensive contact tracing apps.
On June 8, Ardern announced that the virus appeared to be eradicated from the country and everything could reopen. CBS News reported that, at the time of the announcement, it had been 17 days since the last new case was reported, and this was the first time the country had no active cases (as in, everyone who had been diagnosed with COVID-19 had officially recovered). Borders remain closed, residents are asked to continue scanning QR codes at public places to keep contact tracing up to date, returning citizens and residents are still required to quarantine, and it's understood that new cases may arrive when the borders reopen - but for now, the country is hopeful.
In a news conference, Ardern noted that "elimination is not a point in time, it is a sustained effort." She continued: "We almost certainly will see cases here again, and I do want to say that again, we will almost certainly see cases here again, and that is not a sign that we have failed, it is a reality of this virus. But if and when that occurs we have to make sure - and we are - that we are prepared."
These 9 Fashion Brands Celebrate the LGBTQ+ Community All Year Long
We tend to see an uptick in fashion brands supporting LGBTQ+ individuals in June with collections and products that celebrate Pride. But some companies are rightly choosing to show their support beyond Pride month by raising awareness and funds for the community all year long.
Brands like Play Out Apparel have made a year-long commitment to highlighting LGBTQ+ creators and influencers, while corporations like Gap support their LGBTQ+ employees with inclusive work practices and department stores like Nordstrom make monetary donations to partners like Utah Pride Center. If you want to make sure you spend your money where it makes an impact, we suggest you take a look at these nine fashion brands that support the LGBTQ+ community 365 days a year.
94 Gifts For the Guy Who Basically Has Everything
Well, it's happened again - you've shopped for everyone on your list, and just when you think you're in the clear, you need to get that guy something (and that guy is the man who essentially already has everything he could ever need). He's got tech gadgets, work clothes, stylish accessories, you name it, and your task is to get him something that's clever, unique, and, most importantly, something he doesn't already have. That's where we come in. We sought out 2020's most uncommon gifts that he'll cherish long after Father's Day is over. Shop 'em now!
- Additional reporting by Tara Block, Lauren Harano, and Krista Jones
This Powerful Documentary Takes a Deep Look at the Otherizing of Black Women in America
As part of the ongoing conversation about racial injustice, actress and filmmaker Oge Egbuonu is making her feature documentary directorial debut with (In)Visibile Portraits, a documentary made to shine a light on the history of Black women in America. In a recent Instagram post featuring the trailer for the film, Egbuonu wrote, "The documentary illuminates the history of how we got here, dismantles the false framework of the present-day reality, and celebrates the extraordinary heritage of exceptional Black women who have come before as well as igniting hope for the next generation of young Black women who will lead the world of tomorrow."
Egbuonu began production on the documentary on July 18, 2018 and created it to shatter the "too-often invisible otherizing of Black women in America," while also reclaiming the narrative of Black women in America through the use of their own words and stories. "Creating (In)Visible Portraits rearranged me in the most profound way," Egbuonu said. "I learned so much. Many days were filled with heartbreak and grief due to my learnings, but I poured my life and soul into creating this love letter to Black women and I hope it serves as a beautiful offering to y'all."
The powerful and inspiring trailer has also been shared by Halle Berry who said, "It's a powerful film that will rock you to your core, stir your soul, and educate and enlighten you in ways that couldn't be more timely." (In)Visible Portraits is set to premiere in virtual cinemas on June 19, aka Juneteenth. Watch the full video here and learn more about what Black women are doing to support the Black Lives Matter movement.
mercredi 10 juin 2020
Shopbop Has a Bunch of Cute, Protective Face Masks Right Now
At the moment, we're on the lookout for cute, comfortable face masks that we can wear when we choose to go outside. Some people want simple styles that go with everything, and others want vibrant prints that will put a smile on their faces. We all need masks right now, and there's a great selection at Shopbop. Whether you're looking for neutral fabrics or bright colors, these 18 options are worth stocking up on.
Not only are there a bunch of cute masks, there's also a face shield that's attached to a baseball hat, which sounds pretty genius if you ask us. Most of these options have elastic loops, which we think are super comfortable and easy to wear. Keep reading to shop our picks!
18 Comfy and Versatile Summer Finds We're Shopping at Everlane
If you're ready to spruce up your wardrobe this summer, you can start by investing in versatile pieces that are easy to wear. Shopping these smart finds makes it easy to get dressed everyday, plus you can pretty much mix and match them with anything in your closet. When it comes to basics, one place we love shopping is Everlane. The retailer carries a ton of solid basics that won't break the bank either.
Ahead, we curated a list our 18 favorites things that you can shop right now. Whether you're looking for a lightweight dress for hot days, a comfy jumpsuit, or cool new sandals, we've got you covered. Keep reading to shop our top picks ahead and snag the ones your closet is missing.
17 White Lace Dresses That Should Always Have a Place in Your Wardrobe
We're of the mind that you should stock your closet with classics, and that includes a white lace dress. It's such an iconic look, and one that you'll want to reach for time and time again. Now that summer is here, we want to embrace the season, and the weather, with a flowy dress, and there's nothing better than white lace. Whether you love a flirty minidress or prefer a major maxi, these 17 options will always look beautiful.
We're particularly obsessed with this high-neck lace minidress that's as romantic as can be, and a long button-up lace dress that just screams summer. Pair your pretty picks with strappy sandals for a feminine look, or if you feel like you want to toughen them up a bit, grab a belt and a pair of white sneakers. Just keep reading to shop our selects.
These Brides Eloped on the Steps of the New York Public Library, and It Was Magic
Bri first laid eyes on Denisha in the hallway of her place of work. She was immediately attracted to her and went around asking her coworkers if she was a new employee. Eventually, she was able to find out Denisha's name and later slid into her DMs. For a week, Bri never got a reply, but still saw Denisha at work every day. Turns out, Denisha had replied, but the message never sent. The universe has a weird way of bringing people together, because that miscommunication led to a beautiful relationship, and the pair eventually tied the knot in 2018.
The couple love to travel, so they had a destination elopement in the Big Apple. Just like Carrie Bradshaw, the two were enamored with the New York Public Library and its grandeur. They stood outside the building hand in hand and got married on the steps of the library. Denisha looked sharp in a burgundy suit and Bri opted for a gorgeous strapless wedding gown with lace detailing.
"Our favorite part of the wedding was listening to each other's vows," Bri told POPSUGAR. "We were so drawn in that we didn't even realize a crowd of people were surrounding us." Adding to the magic of the special day was that the NYPL steps happened to be lined with sparkling lights for another event. The photos from the day are the embodiment of stylish NYC charm. Keep reading to see them!
Gadgets and Gizmos Galore: 100+ Cool Tech Gifts to Give to the Men in Your Life
It doesn't matter whether he's your boyfriend, brother, dad, or grandfather, shopping for gifts for men who already have their dens decked out with every tech toy imaginable is tough. They love to try out the newest gadgets, leaving gift-giving holidays like Valentines Day, Father's Day, and birthdays hard to navigate. We've put together a shopping guide with the best gifts of 2020 for the guys who have it all and are always looking for more of the coolest high-tech gizmos out there. From gadgets that will make life easier to some of the hottest products yet, these cool gifts will make any tech-savvy guy geek out.
- Additional reporting by Haley Lyndes, Tara Block, and Lauren Harano
Related: 15 Perfect Gifts For Dads This Father's Day That All Revolve Around Food
"CrossFit Boxes Pull Up" Calls to Action What Gyms Can Do Now to Start Dismantling Racism
Many gyms have ended their affiliation with the CrossFit brand due to a racist tweet made by former CEO Greg Glassman, among other racist comments (Glassman has since stepped down). In doing so, these gyms have definitely made a statement to CrossFit HQ, one that will surely hit them financially as it costs $3,000 a year to become a CrossFit affiliate. In addition, gyms must have at least one Level-1 certified coach to acquire affiliation, and the certification costs $1,000. After the fallout of Glassman's racist remarks and gyms disaffiliating from CrossFit HQ, what are the next steps CrossFit gyms can take to be more inclusive and to stand against racism?
Instagram users Jon Kopra (@jonjon.kops) and Sarah A. (@sasa_nova) shared their initiative called "CrossFit Boxes Pull Up," which is a call to action for what CrossFit boxes can now do to become more inclusive and start to dismantle racism in the fitness community. The post has the caption "Whereas we understand and appreciate the support, it's time to take concrete action." Swipe right on the Instagram post for suggestions and explanations for these five actions gyms and boxes can do and how we can hold them accountable:
- Fundraising
- Open you doors
- Create opportunity
- Mentorship
- Publish BAME (Black, Asian, and minority ethnic) stats
POPSUGAR spoke with Jon, who explained the motivation behind this post. Jon saw many gyms saying they wanted to change and wouldn't tolerate racism, and he asked one gym in particular what they planned to do about it. "They asked if I had any thoughts," he said. "To be honest, I didn't have a clue when they asked me, so I spent a sleepless night thinking about it."
Sure, gyms could donate their $3,000 fee to a charity, but Jon didn't want it to just end there. He said it came down to three things CrossFit gyms have that they could offer: money, gym space, and members' knowledge, and that was the inspiration behind these five actions that could help the CrossFit community support the Black community, be more inclusive, and start to dismantle racism.
Along with these actions, Instagram user and Level-2 CrossFit coach Lauren English (@wildbluefitness) said, "Your voice as a gym is powerful. You are in your community, creating great relationships through fitness. How can you do more?" Here are her tips that include making public statements and offering financially inclusive membership options to make the gym accessible to everyone.
Many if us are angry and upset, but maybe we're at a loss for what we can do to make a change, so hopefully these will offer some tangible ideas that gyms can start implementing right now.
Is It Safe to Go Back to the Gym? Here Are 5 Factors to Consider, According to a Doctor
State by state, coronavirus shelter-in-place measures are beginning to ease and gyms are starting to open their doors once more. Guidelines vary widely depending on your gym, your state, and even your city - check here to see the current gym reopening guidelines for your state - but the ultimate decision will be an individual one. If your gym is open, is it actually safe to go right now? And what factors should you consider to make the safest decision?
Is It Safe to Go to My Gym Now?
Case counts and guidelines still vary widely by region, but if your gym is one of the ones that's opening back up, it is "relatively safe" to go, said Anthony Barile, MD, infectious disease medical director at Health First - provided that "people are wearing masks, washing their hands, and cleaning the equipment," he told POPSUGAR, as well as following social distancing guidelines.
That being said, Dr. Barile stated that "the gym is a place where community transmission is more likely due to the shared spaces and equipment." And if you're in the high-risk or immunocompromised category, "the gym may not be the safest option," he noted.
Coronavirus Gym Safety Checklist
In order to make the most informed decision, look into how your gym is adhering to coronavirus safety measures. Here are some factors to check on and questions to ask.
According to Dr. Barile, your gym should:
- Follow six-foot social distancing measures. Your gym should be altering its equipment set-up and capacity limitations so you can stay six feet away from others as much as possible.
- Provide plenty of hygiene products. Ask if your gym will provide sanitation wipes, hand sanitizer, and hand-washing stations around the gym.
- Regularly clean high-touch areas. Gyms themselves will need to be cleaned more frequently than before the pandemic, as the coronavirus can be transmitted by touching an infected surface (though this is less likely than inhaling the virus from a cough or sneeze). Patrons should also be discouraged from using shared equipment until it's been properly cleaned.
- Check temperatures. Many states are requiring both patrons and employees to have their temperatures checked at the gym entrance, using methods that don't require close contact (such as forehead thermometers.)
- Recommend the use of face masks. Gym employees will likely be required to wear face coverings and you'll be encouraged to do so as well, especially in areas where social distancing isn't possible. Try one of these breathable face masks for max comfort during a workout.
Even if your gym checks off all the boxes, remember that "it's still everyone's responsibility to limit the spread of the virus," Dr. Barile said. That means thoroughly wiping down equipment with sanitizing wipes (before and after use), wearing a face mask, and washing your hands frequently with soap and water and for at least 20 seconds each time. The hard truth: "If your gym doesn't make these procedures feasible," Dr. Barile said, "Then a better alternative would be to work out at home or go to a different gym that prioritizes sanitization and safety."
Check out free home workouts here and tips on getting the most out of your home fitness routine.
Ultrarunner Latoya Shauntay Snell Raised $20K For Black-Supporting Organizations For Her Birthday
Image Source: Courtesy of Latoya Shauntay Snell
Sponsored athlete and writer Latoya Shauntay Snell started running in 2013. Her aim? Weight loss. What was supposed to be a single race turned into a lifestyle that she upheld not to shed pounds but to remain active and foster the sense of community she found. The longest Snell has ever completed is a 100K, or 62.1 miles, and the Bed–Stuy chapter of Black Girls Run motivated her to stick to running, she told POPSUGAR.
For her 35th birthday, Snell raised money for organizations set on supporting the Black community, and the ultrarunner tied each nonprofit's fundraising to a fitness challenge. To start, on May 31, she did a 100K bike ride indoors for the Minnesota Freedom Fund, which aids marginalized people facing bail and is currently directing donations elsewhere. Snell recognizes that protesters aren't just marching in their communities for George Floyd - "we were sick and tired of being sick and tired," she said - but donating to the Minnesota Freedom Fund, to her, was important as the nonprofit has vowed to help protesters arrested for trying to seek justice for Floyd and other Black Americans.
Then Tuesday, June 2, was a 13.1-mile run for the Audre Lorde Project, an NYC-based organization that supports people of color in the LGBTQ+ community. Snell specifically chose this organization because she said she's openly queer and wanted to give back for Pride Month. When it came to June 4's fitness challenge, she focused her fundraising on an organization empowering Black women in honor of Breonna Taylor; she completed a 100-mile indoor bike ride for Black Women's Blueprint.
"I love who I am. I love my skin, but I don't wish this oppression on anyone."
Snell raised over $16,500 across her three fundraisers, and she said that people have also been donating individually to those organizations if they had trouble doing so through Facebook, which totaled the donations to nearly $20,000. (Note: Snell also wanted to point out that artist Anna Brones offered to help raise awareness as well, giving a free Audre Lorde print to the first 100 donors who sent over their receipt.) Snell didn't expect the response that she got despite the fact that she has 45,000-plus followers on Instagram alone. "Even with the following, the moment that you ask people to open up their pockets it is like pulling teeth," she explained, adding later on in the interview that she set her expectations low for the fundraisers because "as Black people, we're so used to people not supporting us."
At times, when Snell has used her platform for something other than sports, she said that she's been gaslit and told to stick to sports. "I'll be damned if you box in my almost 35 years of living and [tell me] to stick to sports," Snell stated, "because before I stuck to sports I stuck to being Black, and the Black experience is hard. It's something that some days I don't wish on people. I love who I am. I love my skin, but I don't wish this oppression on anyone."
Snell said later on, "To be very honest, as a person who's been pulled over by cops three times for running in my own neighborhood since gentrification kicked in, it adds on to that anxiety for me as a Black woman." She wanted her birthday week to be a catalyst for starting crucial conversations around racism in America.
"Realize that you are essentially an influencer in your own home."
Having these conversations about racism with those close to you is key, Snell explained, and, for that reason, her birthday week signified so much more than donating money. "It establishes a base where we can truly grow and actually change the language that we've been carrying on for centuries to a different generation," she noted. "Ask the questions to yourselves of 'What can we do better in our own communities?' Realize that you are essentially an influencer in your own home."
It was the death of Ahmaud Arbery that inspired Snell to start a dialogue on her social platforms regarding how to give back to the Black community and support the antiracism cause, especially for her white followers, she said. "I was like 'I don't have all the answers. I will probably never have all the answers, but let me give them a resource of what I would do if I was in their shoes.'"
Before our talk came to a close, Snell spoke about the lack of inclusivity in ultrarunning. "This is a sport where people say it's inclusive, but I can tell you as a person who ventures into trail running, you don't see too many Black people out there," she said, adding that she gets confused for ultrarunner and author Mirna Valerio all the time.
Snell purposely documented parts of her fitness challenges on her birthday week to show her audience that it wasn't easy. "I think that the 100K and the 100 miles and the 13.1 [miles] from me was metaphorical because, as an endurance athlete, it is a struggle. There's no way to shortcut," she said. "You have to get through the miles, and it doesn't matter how long it takes. The miles are still the miles." She needed to highlight the fact that the discomfort she felt was only temporary. "Those people who lost their lives probably wish that they can go through that temporary pain because at least they would still be here," she stated.
"This was the birthday party that I never thought I would ask for, but this was the birthday party I needed."
The choices Snell made for her donations and dialogue-starters with her social media followers were deliberate. "I take every action that I make in this community and all the communities I represent - because as an athlete I don't get to just be an athlete, I have to be a Black athlete and a queer athlete - very seriously to the point where I know my life will never be the same," she told POPSUGAR. You can still donate to Snell's fundraising efforts on her Facebook page. "This was the birthday party that I never thought I would ask for," she said, "but this was the birthday party I needed."
Image Source: Courtesy of Latoya Shauntay Snell
The 54 Coolest Things to Shop at Wayfair - All Under $100
If you're feeling like your home could use a little pick-me-up, shopping on a budget is the best way to start. Whether its investing in new pillows or handy organizers, simply adding these finds can turn any room around. Not sure where to start? Well we did the hard work for you and shopped on Wayfair. The site carries tons of smart pieces that won't break the bank either.
Ahead, you can browse our list of over 50 cool finds that'll no doubt bring some joy into your home. Whether you're on the hunt for kitchen gadgets or chic decor, be prepared to want it all. The best part: everything costs less than $100, so maybe you can snag more than one thing. Keep reading to shop it all and refresh your home.
Articles
