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.
vendredi 17 juillet 2020
Why I Finally Decided to Start Taking Medication After Years of Anxiety
I've struggled with an anxiety disorder for pretty much my entire life. For me, part of my excessive worrying comes from never wanting to be a burden, which often means that I keep my issues to myself and deal with them on my own, no matter how difficult it becomes. This is the way I handled pretty much every obstacle in my life for the past 20 years, until just a couple weeks ago when I made an appointment with my physician to talk about starting medication for my anxiety.
I have vivid memories of my first experiences with anxiety. When I was preschool-aged, I put myself in a timeout over something my parents weren't even upset about. Several years after that, the late-night noises our house made resulted in a sleepless summer, which ended with me having my very first panic attack. The uncontrollable shaking, shortness of breath, and fast-paced heart rate would become all too familiar to me, and my anxiety would go on to evolve and manifest itself in different aspects of my life for the next nine years.
In that time, I've tried to manage my anxiety disorder in various ways. I've tested homeopathic remedies, taken yoga classes and practiced meditation, stopped drinking caffeine, and talked to therapists a few different times. While all of these treatments have been somewhat effective - some more than others - none of them have helped me to the extent I've wanted or needed them to.
Of course, the idea of taking medication has come up multiple times over the years - but for a long time, I viewed it as a very last resort. I was fearful of taking medication for a myriad of reasons: I worried about becoming dependent and relying too heavily on it, I didn't want it to change who I am as a person, and I was scared of potential side effects. More than anything, though, my anxiety disorder was something that I wanted to be able to handle on my own. I didn't want to ask for help, and I wrongly viewed medication as an easy way out. My stubbornness and ego had such tight grips on me that no matter how many times I had to excuse myself from class because I felt like my throat was closing up, no matter how many times I got physically sick from anxiety, and no matter how many times I missed out on living life to the fullest because of unbearable fear, I did not want to even consider a remedy that had helped so many other people.
This had been my mindset all throughout high school and for the first two years of college, but over the past couple months, something changed. I've been putting a lot of effort into prioritizing and generally being there for myself, which has inevitably forced me to work on my communication and getting comfortable with asking for what I want and need. I've been trying to make the necessary changes in my life to better support myself and my mental health, and figuring out how to best manage my anxiety has been a huge part of that. Because of this, I decided to re-evaluate my views on medication and set up an appointment with my doctor to talk about it.
I had finally done something that I was so apprehensive about for so long, and instead of feeling ashamed and weak, as I always expected I would, I felt empowered and free.
My breath was short and my palms were sweaty while I sat in the office waiting for my doctor to arrive, and part of me regretted even making the appointment in the first place. Despite this, I pushed myself out of my comfort zone by being completely vulnerable with her and explaining what I thought I needed to better control my anxiety. I walked out of her office with a prescription for an SSRI - a type of medication used to treat depression and anxiety by increasing serotonin levels in the brain - and immediately felt a weight lifted off my shoulders. I had finally done something that I was so apprehensive about for so long, and instead of feeling ashamed and weak, as I always expected I would, I felt empowered and free. I genuinely could have cried out of relief while driving to pick up my prescription from the pharmacy.
While in the past my stubbornness prevented me from seeking support for my anxiety, I now understand that an important part of self-care is allowing others to help me. No one was expecting me to solve my problems completely on my own, and even though asking for help is still uncomfortable for me, I know now that it doesn't make me a burden. I've realized that there's absolutely no shame in wanting to struggle less, and if medication is something that can potentially help me achieve that, there's no reason not to try it out.
It hasn't been long enough for the medication to become effective yet, but I'm very hopeful. Even if this specific remedy doesn't work for me, I'm now at a point where I feel much more comfortable asking for help until I find the one that does, which is undoubtedly the most significant part of my growth and this journey.
The Most Affordable and Comfortable Sleeper Sofas You Can Shop Online
Living in a small place can make it hard to have an extra sleeping space, but that's where sleeper sofas come into play. Luckily, thanks to the internet, it's easier than ever to find affordable furniture pieces that will make your home feel bigger. We went on a mission to uncover the most stylish choices that won't break the bank.
From luxe-looking velvet picks to midcentury-modern-inspired sleeper sofas, we found 12 choices that look good and are superfunctional. Plus, prices start at just $300, so what are you waiting for? Keep reading to shop them all.
Related: The 14 Most Plush and Comfortable Sofas You Can Buy Online
The Most Affordable and Comfortable Sleeper Sofas You Can Shop Online
Living in a small place can make it hard to have an extra sleeping space, but that's where sleeper sofas come into play. Luckily, thanks to the internet, it's easier than ever to find affordable furniture pieces that will make your home feel bigger. We went on a mission to uncover the most stylish choices that won't break the bank.
From luxe-looking velvet picks to midcentury-modern-inspired sleeper sofas, we found 12 choices that look good and are superfunctional. Plus, prices start at just $300, so what are you waiting for? Keep reading to shop them all.
Related: The 14 Most Plush and Comfortable Sofas You Can Buy Online
jeudi 16 juillet 2020
How Much Does It Cost to Freeze Your Eggs? It Depends on These Factors
If you're looking to preserve your fertility, freezing your eggs - so you have the option to undergo in vitro fertilization later on - could be a good option. The problem: the process is often prohibitively expensive. POPSUGAR spoke to fertility experts to get insight into what factors affect the cost, so you're fully prepared when making such an important decision.
How Much Does It Cost to Freeze Your Eggs?
The cost of fertility preservation can vary dramatically, as several factors affect that cost. The most notable one: whether or not your insurance offers coverage. "Fertility preservation, or freezing of eggs, is considered an elective procedure, where coverage is varied based on your health insurance plan, as there may be full or limited coverage," Sheila Loanzon, DO, a board-certified ob-gyn, told POPSUGAR. "Often, payment is done out of pocket for this procedure." In some cases, insurance coverage is more likely if there is a medical indication, which means fertility preservation is being done for a medical reason, such as cancer treatment. "Chemotherapy and radiation therapy are common causes of ovarian failure due to toxins given," Dr. Loanzon explained. As of now, only 16 states require insurers to either cover or offer coverage for infertility diagnosis and treatment.
Whether you're freezing your eggs for medical or nonmedical reasons, fertility preservation is complicated, which is what makes it so expensive. "There are costs for the consultation, egg harvesting, medication, and storage," said Kecia Gaither, MD, MPH, FACOG, an ob-gyn and the director of perinatal services at NYC Health + Hospitals/Lincoln. The cost of freezing your eggs varies depending not only on your insurance coverage, but also on how long you store your eggs. According to FertilityIQ, a single egg freezing cycle will cost you an average of $11,000 for treatment (which includes monitoring, egg retrieval, and anesthesia), $5,000 for medication, and $2,000 for storage (assuming five years of storage with the first year free and $500 for the additional four years), which comes to a total of $18,000.
Who Are the Best Candidates for Egg Freezing?
Egg freezing allows patients to preserve higher-quality and younger eggs that can be used later to potentially get pregnant. Unfortunately, your health issues, family history, and age often determine the success of the procedure. The more medical challenges you present - or the more children you're hoping to have - the more egg freezing cycles you're likely going to have to undergo, which means the higher your total cost will be. "After the age of 35, it is well studied that the egg quality declines [and] the quantity of eggs retrieved are fewer," Dr. Loanzon said. Therefore, the younger you are at the time of egg freezing, the better your chances of a successful pregnancy later.
You should also keep the potential risks involved with fertility preservation in mind. As Dr. Loanzon explained, "the best candidates for egg retrieval are those who accept the potential risks of the procedure, such as pain, infection, bleeding from surrounding organs (ovaries or pelvic blood vessels), and injury to other organs such as bladder and bowel."
Is Freezing Your Eggs Worth the Cost?
Egg retrieval isn't just costly - it can also be time consuming and emotionally taxing. Anyone considering freezing their eggs should be well aware of the risks, benefits, and alternatives involved before starting the process, especially since there's no guarantee that fertility preservation will eventually result in pregnancy. Dr. Gaither pointed out that it's a "viable option for those who wish to delay starting their family for whatever reasons they have," but given the cost, egg freezing is unfortunately not an option for everyone.
For Dr. Loanzon, freezing your eggs is worthwhile if it gives you peace of mind rather than additional stress. "I believe that, if egg preservation gives you reassurance and freedom from time pressure to know that there is a 'back up system' you may rely on, it's worth it," she said. "If this process gives you more stress and pressure in some way, then it may not be worthwhile and more of a burden. It is an individualized decision and ultimately up to the individual how to proceed."
Diversify Your Kid's Bookshelf With These 20 Children's Books By Black Authors
A good way to start raising children who are anti-racist are to expose them to varying cultures, races, and religions from an early age. Providing children with diverse stories written by Black authors can have long-lasting impact on their understanding of the world and the importance of celebrating the differences between one another. Scroll through to check out some amazing books written for children under the age of ten that are authored by Black writers that can help expand the horizons of your little ones.
How Much Does It Cost to Freeze Your Eggs? It Depends on These Factors
If you're looking to preserve your fertility, freezing your eggs - so you have the option to undergo in vitro fertilization later on - could be a good option. The problem: the process is often prohibitively expensive. POPSUGAR spoke to fertility experts to get insight into what factors affect the cost, so you're fully prepared when making such an important decision.
How Much Does It Cost to Freeze Your Eggs?
The cost of fertility preservation can vary dramatically, as several factors affect that cost. The most notable one: whether or not your insurance offers coverage. "Fertility preservation, or freezing of eggs, is considered an elective procedure, where coverage is varied based on your health insurance plan, as there may be full or limited coverage," Sheila Loanzon, DO, a board-certified ob-gyn, told POPSUGAR. "Often, payment is done out of pocket for this procedure." In some cases, insurance coverage is more likely if there is a medical indication, which means fertility preservation is being done for a medical reason, such as cancer treatment. "Chemotherapy and radiation therapy are common causes of ovarian failure due to toxins given," Dr. Loanzon explained. As of now, only 16 states require insurers to either cover or offer coverage for infertility diagnosis and treatment.
Whether you're freezing your eggs for medical or nonmedical reasons, fertility preservation is complicated, which is what makes it so expensive. "There are costs for the consultation, egg harvesting, medication, and storage," said Kecia Gaither, MD, MPH, FACOG, an ob-gyn and the director of perinatal services at NYC Health + Hospitals/Lincoln. The cost of freezing your eggs varies depending not only on your insurance coverage, but also on how long you store your eggs. According to FertilityIQ, a single egg freezing cycle will cost you an average of $11,000 for treatment (which includes monitoring, egg retrieval, and anesthesia), $5,000 for medication, and $2,000 for storage (assuming five years of storage with the first year free and $500 for the additional four years), which comes to a total of $18,000.
Who Are the Best Candidates for Egg Freezing?
Egg freezing allows patients to preserve higher-quality and younger eggs that can be used later to potentially get pregnant. Unfortunately, your health issues, family history, and age often determine the success of the procedure. The more medical challenges you present - or the more children you're hoping to have - the more egg freezing cycles you're likely going to have to undergo, which means the higher your total cost will be. "After the age of 35, it is well studied that the egg quality declines [and] the quantity of eggs retrieved are fewer," Dr. Loanzon said. Therefore, the younger you are at the time of egg freezing, the better your chances of a successful pregnancy later.
You should also keep the potential risks involved with fertility preservation in mind. As Dr. Loanzon explained, "the best candidates for egg retrieval are those who accept the potential risks of the procedure, such as pain, infection, bleeding from surrounding organs (ovaries or pelvic blood vessels), and injury to other organs such as bladder and bowel."
Is Freezing Your Eggs Worth the Cost?
Egg retrieval isn't just costly - it can also be time consuming and emotionally taxing. Anyone considering freezing their eggs should be well aware of the risks, benefits, and alternatives involved before starting the process, especially since there's no guarantee that fertility preservation will eventually result in pregnancy. Dr. Gaither pointed out that it's a "viable option for those who wish to delay starting their family for whatever reasons they have," but given the cost, egg freezing is unfortunately not an option for everyone.
For Dr. Loanzon, freezing your eggs is worthwhile if it gives you peace of mind rather than additional stress. "I believe that, if egg preservation gives you reassurance and freedom from time pressure to know that there is a 'back up system' you may rely on, it's worth it," she said. "If this process gives you more stress and pressure in some way, then it may not be worthwhile and more of a burden. It is an individualized decision and ultimately up to the individual how to proceed."
This Women's Pro Softball Team Quit After Their GM Tweeted in Support of Them Not Kneeling
"Shut up and dribble," "Just focus on the game," "Stick to sports." Athletes have heard iterations of these remarks for decades whenever they've vocalized their support for social and racial justice, spoken out against inequality, and participated in demonstrations in support of racial equality in the US.
Sports have always been political. Muhammad Ali refused to serve in the Vietnam War and was a racial and social justice advocate; Jackie Robinson shattered baseball's race barrier; Kathrine Switzer was the first woman to enter the Boston Marathon, inspiring millions of women to run; Maya Moore put her career on pause to advocate for reform in law enforcement and the justice system. These are just a few of many examples of how sports and politics have and will continue to intersect.
As professional athletes began to return to team trainings and resume competition, things were looking bright for softball, a sport that traditionally doesn't receive much attention on the professional level. It was an exciting moment for the then Scrap Yard Dawgs Fastpitch team, and the softball community as a whole, to show off the skill, athleticism, and excitement of the game without competition from other live sports until their general manager, Connie May, sent a tweet that would change the trajectory of the team and game for good.
The players were moments away from the first pitch being thrown out when May tweeted a photo of the team standing during the National Anthem to Donald Trump, who has openly expressed his disapproval for those who choose to kneel, captioned with, "Everyone respecting the flag!" The team played the entire game unaware of what May had done until they returned to the locker room after their game.
"This can't be real," Kiki Stokes thought when she saw May's tweet. Stokes and her teammates found the now-deleted tweet to be insensitive to the current climate and disrespectful to the Black community. Although May's tweet didn't specifically call out the Black Lives Matter movement, "You have to read in between the lines," Stokes told POPSUGAR. "You have to see that we have someone in office right now that is completely anti-kneeling. He ridiculed the one who started it: Colin Kaepernick. So by you pretty much using us as political pawns for your own agenda, you put us in a category of we all think the same way, too," Stokes explained.
Stokes felt both embarrassed and betrayed by May's tweet, especially since she had been on the team since its inception in 2015. "To just know that she didn't understand it, she didn't get it, just left me really disheartened," Stokes said. She also couldn't help to reflect on the fact that before they ever stepped foot on the field and for weeks leading up to their game, society was beginning to wake up to the reality of racial injustices, and she and her teammates were having important conversations surrounding Black Lives Matter and racial justice.
As one of two Black women on the team, Stokes said her teammates immediately responded with, "Kiki, what do you want to do?" They were all upset that their voices were taken away but also knew May's tweet directly impacted Stokes on a personal level. "The fact that literally every one of my teammates was aware of that, it's amazing," she said.
Kelsey Stewart, the other Black player on the team, sent Stokes the tweet and said she would no longer play for the team and Stokes decided to quit as well. When asked how the rest of the team decided to proceed, Stokes said, "It was easy. It was just so easy for everybody to be like 'We're done.'" They didn't care about the rest of the series. They didn't care about the money. "To them it didn't matter. Everything was bigger than softball in that moment."
"Everything was bigger than softball in that moment."
"In that moment, it was just like, we're going to figure everything else out later but this is not OK," Ally Carda told POPSUGAR. Carda explained that engaging in conversations about social and racial justice in the past and with her teammates made them more aware of the the injustice that Black and brown people in America face and how that single tweet impacted Stokes. And even after deciding they would not represent a team that didn't reflect who they are as players, and more importantly as individuals, the conversations haven't stopped, "they just got more intense and more meaningful," according to Carda.
The players sacrificed their livelihood but refused to let May stop them from pursuing their passion. They returned as a new, independent team: This Is Us. Their mission is "to raise awareness, empower young women, and unite the softball community." Additionally, they strive to foster an environment that's supportive of people from all backgrounds, communities, and walks of life.
The team is still in an infancy stage but their goals are clear. "We want to be able to educate people. I think starting with the youth and being able to teach and empower these younger girls ... that they are able to believe in something and stand by that and be confident in who they are as a person and with their race growing up in the softball community," Carda said. They also want to educate coaches and make them more aware of racism and microagressions that happen on and off the field and how they can best uplift and empower the athletes they work with.
When we speak up, things happen."
Like the trailblazers that came before them, This Is Us made a sacrifice to propel the game, sports, and society forward. In a world where athletes are praised for their prowess, physical feats, and achievements but instantaneously ridiculed when they speak on subject matters outside of sports, Stokes wants athletes to continue to use their platforms to shed light on social and racial issues. "I think it's so important because as athletes, we do have such a big platform ... and it's not only for the sport, but just who we are as people. And although it can be really uncomfortable and at times it can be controversial, even, when we speak up, things happen. And when we speak up in groups, even more so. When we speak up as a team ... and we're all standing for the same thing, you start to see change."
Is It Safe to Use a Public Restroom During COVID-19?
We're months into the COVID-19 outbreak in the US and more than halfway through 2020, and while some states have begun to ease restrictions, others are reversing or stopping their reopening efforts due to a spike in cases across the country. When we spoke to medical experts about how to safely be in public spaces (if you have to), the primary takeaway was to proceed with caution. "Nothing is 100 percent safe in this day and age, especially in a shared, public space," said Sandra Kesh, MD, deputy medical director and infectious diseases specialist at Westmed Medical Group in Westchester, NY.
It's important to remember there's still so much unknown about COVID-19 and information is constantly changing about the contagion, so it can be tough to say what is and is not safe. So what does that mean in terms of public restrooms - spaces that aren't particularly sanitary even in the healthiest of circumstances? We talked to experts to find out.
Is It Safe to Use a Public Restroom Amid COVID-19?
According to Will Kimbrough, MD, senior medical director at One Medical, it depends. "The risk factors for COVID-19 [within this context and otherwise] are based on whether or not someone you're near is infected and contagious, how close you are to them and for how long, whether or not you're wearing a mask and washing your hands, and how the air is moved and filtered in the space," he said. "Public bathrooms can represent everything from very high risk to very low risk based on these inputs. A well sanitized, well ventilated and rarely used toilet in an area where there's not a lot of COVID-19 spreading would be very low risk to use."
Dr. Kesh agreed. "A lot depends on how many people are using the bathroom, how often it is cleaned, and how the layout is spaced out," she told POPSUGAR. "A lot also depends on the bathroom itself and what the facility has done to safeguard people."
Consider the layout and the space. "Rest stops, for instance, have always been very crowded even before the pandemic," said Dr. Kesh. "You need to take basic steps to minimize the risk in public washrooms but I would say they will always be considered relatively high risk, and you make may want to avoid them if you can." And, of course, always wear a mask when going into a public restroom.
Can COVID-19 Be Transmitted Through Urine or Feces?
Ah, the age old question of "Can I get COVID through someone's pee?" - a tale that is not as old as time, though certainly on many minds, particularly when deliberating on whether to use a public bathroom in 2020.
"You can find [COVID-19] in both urine and feces," said Dr. Kesh. Dr. Kimbrough confirmed this as well (so did the CDC), sharing that "there have been some studies showing COVID-19 virus in feces," but "there haven't been any known cases of transmitting COVID by feces contamination."
Dr. Kesh also said that the transmission of COVID-19 through excrement is not certain, nor confirmed. "What we currently don't know is whether there is enough virus present in stool or urine to transmit [COVID-19]."
Are Public Bathrooms More Dangerous Than Other Indoor Areas?
While the scientific jury is still out on whether or not traces of COVID-19 can be spread through pee or poo in a public restroom (gross all around), what remains true (as of now) is that COVID-19 can be transmitted through surface contact, and you have to touch a lot of stuff in a bathroom.
The NIH found that "SARS-CoV-2 remained active on plastic and stainless steel surfaces for two to three days under the conditions in this experiment. It remained infectious for up to 24 hours on cardboard and four hours on copper."
So . . . Can I Touch the Toilet Seat?
To squat or not to squat! That is the question. The doctors seemed relatively unpeeved by this perspective, but of course went the 'rather safe than sorry' route. "Contact with a toilet seat is actually pretty safe, but if it makes you feel more comfortable, it's always okay to take the more cautious approach," said Dr. Kimbrough.
Dr. Kesh thinks hovering is a good idea, but to be mindful of mess-making. "I think it's a good idea to hover, but the only thing is it can create a mess for others," she said. "Be sure to wipe the seat if you decide to hover. Another good option is to use a toilet seat cover or put toilet paper on the seat before you use the toilet."
But Aren't COVID-19 Particles Airborn?
So, among the lovely phrases that have been added to the cultural vernacular in 2020 - murder hornets, cannibal rats, etc. - we now have "toilet plume" joining the party. The idea is that flushing propels microscopic bacteria and particles (aerosols) into the air - yikes!
The experts said this isn't just media buzz; it's real. "Gross, right? Unfortunately, this is a known thing even before COVID-19," said Dr. Kimbrough. "Whether this could actually contribute to the spread of COVID infection from one person to another is unknown."
"Fluid in the toilet can create a plume when flushing which aerosolizes some of the water and subsequent bacteria in the toilet," said Dr. Kesh."Because of the potentially infectious particle in the plume, close the toilet seat before you flush, if possible. When you are done using the toilet, get out of stall as quickly as you can."
Essentially be ready to book it once you are flushing. "Flushing should be the last thing you do before you hightail it out of the bathroom stall, especially if there is not [a] toilet seat cover. Another thing to keep in mind is how business owners keep the air clean in [the] bathroom. There should be exhaust fans for proper circulation, and every bathroom should have their air filters changed regularly."
What's the Best Way to Sanitize After Using a Public Restroom?
Head for the sink, if one is available. Dr. Kesh suggests soap and water, saying "it's better almost across the board." "Hand sanitizer is a good substitute if soap is not available. Then, when you get to a place with soap, I recommend washing your hands with soap and water again."
Dr. Kimbrough reminded us to wash or sanitize for at least 20 seconds. "This should effectively kill the virus from your hands, so do whichever makes the most sense based on the layout of the bathroom," he said. "For example, if you can't get a clean paper towel without touching a shared surface or there isn't ample soap available, opt for the hand sanitizer."
As for drying those freshly washed hands, there have been questions as to how sanitary air-dryers are, especially in a time during a pandemic in which a respiratory virus is spread through the air. For now, the docs recommend using paper towels.
"The route of transmission for the coronavirus is through droplets and possibly aerosol," said Dr. Kesh. "You don't need to be worried about getting infected through your skin, but what should concern you is your skin being a vehicle for transmission and then the air dryer blowing those particles into your respiratory tract. Also, the hand dryer has the potential to disperse bacteria all around the bathroom, so opt for paper towels where possible."
"It would be unlikely that air hand dryers would contain enough of the virus in them to contaminate your hands, but using paper towels would be preferred to avoid re-touching a surface (if there is a button to press on the dryer) that others have also touched," said Dr. Kimbrough. He noted a bonus that comes with use of paper towels: "These can also be used to turn on and off faucets and open the door to leave to reduce risk of contamination of your hands after washing them."
Drying your hands is a super crucial step, though. "The main goal of drying your hands is to ensure that all moisture is removed from the hands," said Dr. Kesh. "Viruses do not survive well on dry surfaces, whereas moisture helps viruses survive and thrive. Whatever you use to dry your hands, for example, if there is no paper towel available and you need to use an air dryer, you should be sure to remove all moisture."
TL;DR: soap, water, paper towels (when possible) are going to be the winning combo.
How Much Time Can I Safely Spend in a Public Restroom?
As little time as possible is going to be your goal. In, don't touch anything, take care of business, wash your hands, out. "Based on the best studies of how long it takes to be around COVID-19 to become infected, I would suggest staying in a contaminated space under 10 minutes is best," said Dr. Kimbrough. "But shorter is better!" And, again, you should be wearing a mask!
In Summary, if a Public Restroom Is My Only Option . . .
"Definitely use the bathroom. Don't hold it. It's dangerous not to go," said Dr. Kesh. "You don't want to be in a situation where you cause yourself further health risks due to a fear of coronavirus."
Be as prepared as possible if you know you're going to have limited options where you can use a restroom. "As soon as you are in there, assume your hands are dirty and do your best to touch as few things as possible," said Dr. Kesh. "Go in prepared and under the assumption that the bathroom will not have soap or paper towels," she said. "You should pack ahead and bring those things (or hand sanitizer at the very least) with you just in case."
Both doctors shared a basic protocol:
- Wear a mask. Nonnegotiable!
- Wash your hands. Duh, but a reminder.
- Minimize time. In and out, people!
- Create space. Six feet apart from anyone else. Wait until it's empty if possible.
- Paper towels. Skip the dryers for now.
POPSUGAR aims to give you the most accurate and up-to-date information about the coronavirus, but details and recommendations about this pandemic may have changed since publication. For the latest information on COVID-19, please check out resources from the WHO, CDC, and local public health departments.
4 Reasons Crazy, Stupid, Love Is the Perfect Combination of Romantic, Hilarious, and Cute
When a rom-com hits just right, you know. It's like every character and every scene has been handcrafted to make you personally spit out your Rosé from laughing too hard or text your BFF that heartwarming quote that you just can't get out of your head. For me, Crazy, Stupid, Love is that movie.
No, it's not just because of the scene where Jacob (Ryan Gosling) takes his shirt off and Hannah (Emma Stone) tells him he looks Photoshopped (but it doesn't hurt). Crazy, Stupid, Love is right up there with When Harry Met Sally and 10 Things I Hate About You in its storytelling, humor, and the number of profoundly romantic lines that make your heart ache. Unlike many other rom-coms, this film is ironic in its humor and manages to be witty without being cheesy. Also, that twist ending on the backyard mini golf course gets me every time.
More than anything, the movie has a story to tell and a message to send that's worth hearing no matter what stage of life you're in. Whether it's 13-year-old Robbie's pre-teen crush on his babysitter Jessica, the newfound romance between protagonists Jacob and Hannah, or the complexities of Hannah's parents Emily (Julianne Moore) and Cal's (Steve Carrell) divorce, there's something in this movie for almost everyone. Keep reading to see exactly why the brilliant 2011 film is still worth watching after all these years.
If You Want a New Swimsuit, Here Are 18 Reasons to Try a Neutral Style
It's summer, so pretty much all I've been shopping are cute new swimsuits. I grew up in California, so I consider myself somewhat of a swimwear enthusiast, and I am very specific and particular about what I like. What I have come to learn from all my years by the water is this; neutrals are hands down the most flattering swimsuit color option. When the suit blends into my skin, I look and feel that much more confident. Plus, it looks a little naked without actually being naked, which is super sexy.
These 18 neutral swimsuits are what you're going to want to wear this summer. From skimpy bikinis to fun one-pieces, these are the styles you're going to want to wear over and over again. Once you try them, you'll never go back. You can thank me later.
Trader Joe's Is Launching 4 Dessert-Themed Drinks, Including, Uh, Cookie Butter Beer
Trader Joe's is constantly cooking up new creations behind the scenes. As we're enjoying new product launches - I'm looking at you, Oat Milk Ice Cream - the grocery chain is still brainstorming about what treats it can share with customers months down the road. That's why super foodies turn to the Inside Trader Joe's podcast for the early dish. On the latest episode, listeners learned there are a few decadent drinks set to hit shelves later this year, including (drumroll, please) . . . cookie. Butter. Beer. Check out a breakdown of the new beers, ahead.
Cookie Butter Beer
Cookie Butter is a staple spread from Trader Joe's, but truth be told, I've never considered drinking it before. (OK, maybe I've thought about melting it down and sipping straight from the jar, but never in beer form!) Although it hasn't been on my mind, product developers are certainly giving this innovation a lot of thought.
"Trader Joe's is cookie butter headquarters, so we couldn't have an OK Cookie Butter Beer. It had to taste just as good as what's in the jar," Trader Joe's Product Developer Catherine Rhodes said on the podcast, describing it as an "after-dinner dessert beer." Oh, and did I mention it's 9.5-percent ABV?
Toasty Cookie Spice Cider
Get ready to feel warm and cozy from the inside out with this cider made of 100-percent fermented apple juice and toasty spices like clove, nutmeg, and cinnamon.
Coffee Peanut Butter Cup Porter
This decadent drink made with peanut butter powder and chocolate should be appearing in stores around Halloween time. That way, you can have a treat of your own when the kids are digging through their candy stashes.
Ginger Beard Spiced Stout
We're still waiting on more info about the Ginger Beard Spiced Stout, but we do know it was inspired by last year's Howling Gourd Pumpkin Ale - which will also be returning this fall.
4 Reasons Crazy, Stupid, Love Is the Perfect Combination of Romantic, Hilarious, and Cute
When a rom-com hits just right, you know. It's like every character and every scene has been handcrafted to make you personally spit out your Rosé from laughing too hard or text your BFF that heartwarming quote that you just can't get out of your head. For me, Crazy, Stupid, Love is that movie.
No, it's not just because of the scene where Jacob (Ryan Gosling) takes his shirt off and Hannah (Emma Stone) tells him he looks Photoshopped (but it doesn't hurt). Crazy, Stupid, Love is right up there with When Harry Met Sally and 10 Things I Hate About You in its storytelling, humor, and the number of profoundly romantic lines that make your heart ache. Unlike many other rom-coms, this film is ironic in its humor and manages to be witty without being cheesy. Also, that twist ending on the backyard mini golf course gets me every time.
More than anything, the movie has a story to tell and a message to send that's worth hearing no matter what stage of life you're in. Whether it's 13-year-old Robbie's pre-teen crush on his babysitter Jessica, the newfound romance between protagonists Jacob and Hannah, or the complexities of Hannah's parents Emily (Julianne Moore) and Cal's (Steve Carrell) divorce, there's something in this movie for almost everyone. Keep reading to see exactly why the brilliant 2011 film is still worth watching after all these years.
Trader Joe's Is Launching 4 Dessert-Themed Drinks, Including, Uh, Cookie Butter Beer
Trader Joe's is constantly cooking up new creations behind the scenes. As we're enjoying new product launches - I'm looking at you, Oat Milk Ice Cream - the grocery chain is still brainstorming about what treats it can share with customers months down the road. That's why super foodies turn to the Inside Trader Joe's podcast for the early dish. On the latest episode, listeners learned there are a few decadent drinks set to hit shelves later this year, including (drumroll, please) . . . cookie. Butter. Beer. Check out a breakdown of the new beers, ahead.
Cookie Butter Beer
Cookie Butter is a staple spread from Trader Joe's, but truth be told, I've never considered drinking it before. (OK, maybe I've thought about melting it down and sipping straight from the jar, but never in beer form!) Although it hasn't been on my mind, product developers are certainly giving this innovation a lot of thought.
"Trader Joe's is cookie butter headquarters, so we couldn't have an OK Cookie Butter Beer. It had to taste just as good as what's in the jar," Trader Joe's Product Developer Catherine Rhodes said on the podcast, describing it as an "after-dinner dessert beer." Oh, and did I mention it's 9.5-percent ABV?
Toasty Cookie Spice Cider
Get ready to feel warm and cozy from the inside out with this cider made of 100-percent fermented apple juice and toasty spices like clove, nutmeg, and cinnamon.
Coffee Peanut Butter Cup Porter
This decadent drink made with peanut butter powder and chocolate should be appearing in stores around Halloween time. That way, you can have a treat of your own when the kids are digging through their candy stashes.
Ginger Beard Spiced Stout
We're still waiting on more info about the Ginger Beard Spiced Stout, but we do know it was inspired by last year's Howling Gourd Pumpkin Ale - which will also be returning this fall.
If You Want a New Swimsuit, Here Are 18 Reasons to Try a Neutral Style
It's summer, so pretty much all I've been shopping are cute new swimsuits. I grew up in California, so I consider myself somewhat of a swimwear enthusiast, and I am very specific and particular about what I like. What I have come to learn from all my years by the water is this; neutrals are hands down the most flattering swimsuit color option. When the suit blends into my skin, I look and feel that much more confident. Plus, it looks a little naked without actually being naked, which is super sexy.
These 18 neutral swimsuits are what you're going to want to wear this summer. From skimpy bikinis to fun one-pieces, these are the styles you're going to want to wear over and over again. Once you try them, you'll never go back. You can thank me later.
The 22 Sexiest and Most Flattering One-Pieces You Can Buy This Summer
If you're on the hunt for a new swimsuit this summer, we suggest opting for a one-piece. These versatile suits are not only flattering, but also sexy and unique. There are tons of amazing styles to shop right now, so we made it easier for you.
Ahead, we curated a list of the 22 most stunning choices that'll no doubt turn some heads this season. Whether you're looking for a neon one-shoulder pick or rainbow-inspired monokini, there's no shortage of good finds here. Keep reading to shop them all and find your match.
This Women's Pro Softball Team Quit After Their GM Tweeted in Support of Them Not Kneeling
"Shut up and dribble," "Just focus on the game," "Stick to sports." Athletes have heard iterations of these remarks for decades whenever they've vocalized their support for social and racial justice, spoken out against inequality, and participated in demonstrations in support of racial equality in the US.
Sports have always been political. Muhammad Ali refused to serve in the Vietnam War and was a racial and social justice advocate; Jackie Robinson shattered baseball's race barrier; Kathrine Switzer was the first woman to enter the Boston Marathon, inspiring millions of women to run; Maya Moore put her career on pause to advocate for reform in law enforcement and the justice system. These are just a few of many examples of how sports and politics have and will continue to intersect.
As professional athletes began to return to team trainings and resume competition, things were looking bright for softball, a sport that traditionally doesn't receive much attention on the professional level. It was an exciting moment for the then Scrap Yard Dawgs Fastpitch team, and the softball community as a whole, to show off the skill, athleticism, and excitement of the game without competition from other live sports until their general manager, Connie May, sent a tweet that would change the trajectory of the team and game for good.
The players were moments away from the first pitch being thrown out when May tweeted a photo of the team standing during the National Anthem to Donald Trump, who has openly expressed his disapproval for those who choose to kneel, captioned with, "Everyone respecting the flag!" The team played the entire game unaware of what May had done until they returned to the locker room after their game.
"This can't be real," Kiki Stokes thought when she saw May's tweet. Stokes and her teammates found the now-deleted tweet to be insensitive to the current climate and disrespectful to the Black community. Although May's tweet didn't specifically call out the Black Lives Matter movement, "You have to read in between the lines," Stokes told POPSUGAR. "You have to see that we have someone in office right now that is completely anti-kneeling. He ridiculed the one who started it: Colin Kaepernick. So by you pretty much using us as political pawns for your own agenda, you put us in a category of we all think the same way, too," Stokes explained.
Stokes felt both embarrassed and betrayed by May's tweet, especially since she had been on the team since its inception in 2015. "To just know that she didn't understand it, she didn't get it, just left me really disheartened," Stokes said. She also couldn't help to reflect on the fact that before they ever stepped foot on the field and for weeks leading up to their game, society was beginning to wake up to the reality of racial injustices, and she and her teammates were having important conversations surrounding Black Lives Matter and racial justice.
As one of two Black women on the team, Stokes said her teammates immediately responded with, "Kiki, what do you want to do?" They were all upset that their voices were taken away but also knew May's tweet directly impacted Stokes on a personal level. "The fact that literally every one of my teammates was aware of that, it's amazing," she said.
Kelsey Stewart, the other Black player on the team, sent Stokes the tweet and said she would no longer play for the team and Stokes decided to quit as well. When asked how the rest of the team decided to proceed, Stokes said, "It was easy. It was just so easy for everybody to be like 'We're done.'" They didn't care about the rest of the series. They didn't care about the money. "To them it didn't matter. Everything was bigger than softball in that moment."
"Everything was bigger than softball in that moment."
"In that moment, it was just like, we're going to figure everything else out later but this is not OK," Ally Carda told POPSUGAR. Carda explained that engaging in conversations about social and racial justice in the past and with her teammates made them more aware of the the injustice that Black and brown people in America face and how that single tweet impacted Stokes. And even after deciding they would not represent a team that didn't reflect who they are as players, and more importantly as individuals, the conversations haven't stopped, "they just got more intense and more meaningful," according to Carda.
The players sacrificed their livelihood but refused to let May stop them from pursuing their passion. They returned as a new, independent team: This Is Us. Their mission is "to raise awareness, empower young women, and unite the softball community." Additionally, they strive to foster an environment that's supportive of people from all backgrounds, communities, and walks of life.
The team is still in an infancy stage but their goals are clear. "We want to be able to educate people. I think starting with the youth and being able to teach and empower these younger girls ... that they are able to believe in something and stand by that and be confident in who they are as a person and with their race growing up in the softball community," Carda said. They also want to educate coaches and make them more aware of racism and microagressions that happen on and off the field and how they can best uplift and empower the athletes they work with.
When we speak up, things happen."
Like the trailblazers that came before them, This Is Us made a sacrifice to propel the game, sports, and society forward. In a world where athletes are praised for their prowess, physical feats, and achievements but instantaneously ridiculed when they speak on subject matters outside of sports, Stokes wants athletes to continue to use their platforms to shed light on social and racial issues. "I think it's so important because as athletes, we do have such a big platform ... and it's not only for the sport, but just who we are as people. And although it can be really uncomfortable and at times it can be controversial, even, when we speak up, things happen. And when we speak up in groups, even more so. When we speak up as a team ... and we're all standing for the same thing, you start to see change."
Is It Safe to Use a Public Restroom During COVID-19?
We're months into the COVID-19 outbreak in the US and more than halfway through 2020, and while some states have begun to ease restrictions, others are reversing or stopping their reopening efforts due to a spike in cases across the country. When we spoke to medical experts about how to safely be in public spaces (if you have to), the primary takeaway was to proceed with caution. "Nothing is 100 percent safe in this day and age, especially in a shared, public space," said Sandra Kesh, MD, deputy medical director and infectious diseases specialist at Westmed Medical Group in Westchester, NY.
It's important to remember there's still so much unknown about COVID-19 and information is constantly changing about contagion, so it can be tough to say what is and not safe. So what does that mean in terms of public restrooms - spaces that aren't particularly sanitary even in the healthiest of circumstances? We talked to experts to find out.
Is It Safe to Use a Public Restroom Amid COVID-19?
According to Will Kimbrough, MD, senior medical director at One Medical, it depends. "The risk factors for COVID-19 [within this context and otherwise] are based on whether or not someone you're near is infected and contagious, how close you are to them and for how long, whether or not you're wearing a mask and washing your hands, and how the air is moved and filtered in the space," he said. "Public bathrooms can represent everything from very high risk to very low risk based on these inputs. A well sanitized, well ventilated and rarely used toilet in an area where there's not a lot of COVID-19 spreading would be very low risk to use."
Dr. Kesh agreed. "A lot depends on how many people are using the bathroom, how often it is cleaned, and how the layout is spaced out," she told POPSUGAR. "A lot also depends on the bathroom itself and what the facility has done to safeguard people."
Consider the layout and the space. "Rest stops, for instance, have always been very crowded even before the pandemic," said Dr. Kesh. "You need to take basic steps to minimize the risk in public washrooms but I would say they will always be considered relatively high risk, and you make may want to avoid them if you can." And, of course, always wear a mask when going into a public restroom.
Can COVID-19 Be Transmitted Through Urine or Feces?
Ah, the age old question of "Can I get COVID through someone's pee?" - a tale that is not as old as time, though certainly on many minds, particularly when deliberating on use of a public bathroom in 2020.
"You can find [COVID-19] in both urine and feces," said Dr. Kesh. Dr. Kimbrough confirmed this as well (so did the CDC), sharing that "there have been some studies showing COVID-19 virus in feces," but "there haven't been any known cases of transmitting COVID by feces contamination."
Dr. Kesh also said that the transmission of COVID-19 through excrement is not certain, nor confirmed. "What we currently don't know is whether there is enough virus present in stool or urine to transmit [COVID-19]."
Are Public Bathrooms More Dangerous Than Other Indoor Areas?
While the scientific jury is still out on whether or not traces of COVID-19 can be spread through pee or poo in a public restroom (gross all around), what remains true (as of now) is that COVID-19 can be transmitted through surface contact, and you have have to touch a lot of stuff in a bathroom.
The NIH found that "SARS-CoV-2 remained active on plastic and stainless steel surfaces for two to three days under the conditions in this experiment. It remained infectious for up to 24 hours on cardboard and four hours on copper."
So . . . Can I Touch the Toilet Seat?
To squat or not to squat! That is the question. The doctors seemed relatively unpeeved by this perspective, but of course went the 'rather safe than sorry' route. "Contact with a toilet seat is actually pretty safe, but if it makes you feel more comfortable, it's always okay to take the more cautious approach," said Dr. Kimbrough.
Dr. Kesh thinks hovering is a good idea, but to be mindful of mess-making. "I think it's a good idea to hover, but the only thing is it can create a mess for others," she said. "Be sure to wipe the seat if you decide to hover. Another good option is to use a toilet seat cover or put toilet paper on the seat before you use the toilet."
But Aren't COVID-19 Particles Airborn?
So among the lovely phrases that have been added to the cultural vernacular in 2020 - murder hornets, cannibal rats, etc. - we now have "toilet plume" joining the party. The idea is that flushing propels microscopic bacteria and particles (aerosols) into the air - yikes!
The experts said this isn't just media buzz; it's real. "Gross, right? Unfortunately, this is a known thing even before COVID-19," said Dr. Kimbrough. "Whether this could actually contribute to the spread of COVID infection from one person to another is unknown."
"Fluid in the toilet can create a plume when flushing which aerosolizes some of the water and subsequent bacteria in the toilet," said Dr. Kesh."Because of the potentially infectious particle in the plume, close the toilet seat before you flush, if possible. When you are done using the toilet, get out of stall as quickly as you can."
Essentially be ready to book it once you are flushing. "Flushing should be the last thing you do before you hightail it out of the bathroom stall, especially if there is not toilet seat cover. Another thing to keep in mind is how business owners keep the air clean in bathroom. There should be exhaust fans for proper circulation, and every bathroom should have their air filters changed regularly."
What's the Best Way to Sanitize After Using a Public Restroom?
Head for the sink, if one is available. Dr. Kesh suggests soap and water saying "it's better almost across the board." "Hand sanitizer is a good substitute if soap is not available. Then, when you get to a place with soap, I recommend washing your hands with soap and water again."
Dr. Kimbrough reminded us to wash or sanitize for at least 20 seconds. "This should effectively kill the virus from your hands, so do whichever makes the most sense based on the layout of the bathroom," he said. "For example, if you can't get a clean paper towel without touching a shared surface or there isn't ample soap available, opt for the hand sanitizer."
As for drying those freshly washed hands, there have been questions as to how sanitary air-dryers are, especially in a time during a pandemic in which a respiratory virus is spread through the air. For now, the docs recommend using paper towels.
"The route of transmission for the coronavirus is through droplets and possibly aerosol," said Dr. Kesh. "You don't need to be worried about getting infected through your skin, but what should concern you is your skin being a vehicle for transmission and then the air dryer blowing those particles into your respiratory tract. Also, the hand dryer has the potential to disperse bacteria all around the bathroom so opt for paper towels where possible."
"It would be unlikely that air hand dryers would contain enough of the virus in them to contaminate your hands, but using paper towels would be preferred to avoid re-touching a surface (if there is a button to press on the dryer) that others have also touched," said Dr. Kimbrough. He noted a bonus that comes with use of paper towels: "These can also be used to turn on and off faucets and open the door to leave to reduce risk of contamination of your hands after washing them."
Drying your hands is a super crucial step, though. "The main goal of drying your hands is to ensure that all moisture is removed from the hands," said Dr. Kesh. "Viruses do not survive well on dry surfaces, whereas moisture helps viruses survive and thrive. Whatever you use to dry your hands, for example, if there is no paper towel available and you need to use an air dryer, you should be sure to remove all moisture."
TL;DR: soap, water, paper towels (when possible) are going to be the winning combo.
How Much Time Can I Safely Spend in a Public Restroom?
As little time as possible is going to be your goal. In, don't touch anything, take care of business, wash your hands, out. "Based on the best studies of how long it takes to be around COVID-19 to become infected, I would suggest staying in a contaminated space under 10 minutes is best," said Dr. Kimbrough. "But shorter is better!" And, again, you should be wearing a mask!
In Summary, if a Public Restroom Is My Only Option . . .
"Definitely use the bathroom. Don't hold it. It's dangerous not to go," said Dr. Kesh. "You don't want to be in a situation where you cause yourself further health risks due to a fear of coronavirus."
Be as prepared as possible if you know you're going to have limited options where you can use a restroom. "As soon as you are in there, assume your hands are dirty and do your best to touch as few things as possible," said Dr. Kesh. "Go in prepared and under the assumption that the bathroom will not have soap or paper towels," she said. "You should pack ahead and bring those things (or hand sanitizer at the very least) with you just in case."
Both doctors shared a basic protocol:
- Wear a mask. Non negotiable!
- Wash your hands. Duh, but a reminder.
- Minimize time. In and out, people!
- Create space. Six feet apart from anyone else. Wait until it's empty if possible.
- Paper towels. Skip the dryers for now.
POPSUGAR aims to give you the most accurate and up-to-date information about the coronavirus, but details and recommendations about this pandemic may have changed since publication. For the latest information on COVID-19, please check out resources from the WHO, CDC, and local public health departments.
Trader Joe's Is Launching 4 Dessert-Themed Drinks, Including, Uh, Cookie Butter Beer
Trader Joe's is constantly cooking up new creations behind the scenes. As we're enjoying new product launches - I'm looking at you, Oat Milk Ice Cream - the grocery chain is still brainstorming about what treats it can share with customers months down the road. That's why super foodies turn to the Inside Trader Joe's podcast for the early dish. On the latest episode, listeners learned there are a few decadent drinks set to hit shelves later this year, including (drumroll, please) . . . cookie. Butter. Beer. Check out a breakdown of the new beers, ahead.
Cookie Butter Beer
Cookie Butter is a staple spread from Trader Joe's, but truth be told, I've never considered drinking it before. (OK, maybe I've thought about melting it down and sipping straight from the jar, but never in beer form!) Although it hasn't been on my mind, product developers are certainly giving this innovation a lot of thought.
"Trader Joe's is cookie butter headquarters, so we couldn't have an OK Cookie Butter Beer. It had to taste just as good as what's in the jar," Trader Joe's Product Developer Catherine Rhodes said on the podcast, describing it as an "after-dinner dessert beer." Oh, and did I mention it's 9.5-percent ABV?
Toasty Cookie Spice Cider
Get ready to feel warm and cozy from the inside out with this cider made of 100-percent fermented apple juice and toasty spices like clove, nutmeg, and cinnamon.
Coffee Peanut Butter Cup Porter
This decadent drink made with peanut butter powder and chocolate should be appearing in stores around Halloween time. That way, you can have a treat of your own when the kids are digging through their candy stashes.
Ginger Beard Spiced Stout
We're still waiting on more info about the Ginger Beard Spiced Stout, but we do know it was inspired by last year's Howling Gourd Pumpkin Ale - which will also be returning this fall.
The 22 Sexiest and Most Flattering One-Pieces You Can Buy This Summer
If you're on the hunt for a new swimsuit this summer, we suggest opting for a one-piece. These versatile suits are not only flattering, but also sexy and unique. There are tons of amazing styles to shop right now, so we made it easier for you.
Ahead, we curated a list of the 22 most stunning choices that'll no doubt turn some heads this season. Whether you're looking for a neon one-shoulder pick or rainbow-inspired monokini, there's no shortage of good finds here. Keep reading to shop them all and find your match.
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