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.
mardi 11 août 2020
You Can Take an Extra 20% Off the Madewell Sale Right Now, So Excuse Us While We Shop
We're always ready for a good sale, and as lovers of all things Madewell, we have our eyes peeled for when our favorite pieces get discounted. Lucky for us, that's happening right now. Madewell is taking an extra 20 percent off of already discounted merchandise, and there are pieces you're going to live in, both right now and all year long.
From classic, perfectly fitting jeans that Madewell's known for to flowy, light dresses that are perfect for summer, these 11 pieces are worth grabbing ASAP. Plus, there's a pair of sandals that you won't want to take off. Keep on reading to shop our picks.
I Just Went Through Almost 1,000 New Releases at Old Navy - Here Are My 10 Picks
As someone who covers shopping for a living, I get excited when I see the "new arrivals" section update at my favorite retailers. There's a thrill to seeing new drops first, and getting my hands on bestselling clothing before anyone else (or worse, before they sell out).
Old Navy dropped nearly 1,000 new arrivals this month and they're perfect for transitional dressing. Since August and early September only get hotter in my Bay Area neighborhood, I am looking for pieces that are lightweight, but can easily transition into Fall months if I want them to (and of course, I'm always shopping for cozy loungewear, too). I found exactly what I needed, and sorted through every new arrival, so you don't have to. Check out my favorites.
Raise Your Hand If These 4 Nail Color Trends Will Be Replacing Your Lipstick This Fall
It used to be that you'd spend an hour meticulously painting on your face with the patience of Michaelangelo (or in the least, a YouTuber getting used to their camera equipment) before heading out for a night. But with face masks taking up the larger majority of your mug these days, people are now directing their artistry skills elsewhere - and come fall, it will be all about your nail color.
The shift in popularity makes sense: Switching up your manicure is a fullproof way to make a big impact with minimal effort, and while it might be too early to declare nail polish as the new lipstick in these COVID-19 times, all you have to do is open Instagram to be inundated with whatever fancy designs and polish colors sparking joy at this particular juncture. "A lot of companies and manicurists are putting together DIY manicure kits for people to do at home, so I think we'll be seeing a lot more tutorials on Instagram, Tiktok, or YouTube," Sarah Bland, celebrity manicurist and brand ambassador for Smith & Cult, told POPSUGAR. "I've even been seeing a lot of people match their nails with their masks, which is so cute."
"I've been seeing a lot of people match their nails with their masks, which is so cute."
As for what exactly you can expect people to be wearing in the coming months, she has some ideas: "We're going to be seeing a lot of matte nail looks," she said. "What a lot of people don't realize is that when you put a matte top coat on nail art, it makes it pop even more. We'll also be seeing a trend of shiny-meets-matte within the same manicure, like a solid matte base with a shiny tip."
If you're looking for the tools that could earn you an (unofficial) artistry license, stick with us as Bland breaks down the four coolest nail color trends to shop this fall. They might not make quite the same statement that a swipe of lipstick would, but they'll make it through a hell of a lot more pumpkin spice latte orders - and that's got to count for something, right?
The 7 Most Common Myths About the Morning-After Pill, According to Ob-Gyns
When the morning-after pill is brought up, voices drop to a whisper, like it's the world's most well-kept secret. In fact, the very mention of emergency contraception can feel taboo, with the implication being that there's a certain level of irresponsibility that has to be present for a person to need it. As a result, information about the morning-after pill is limited at best, and circulated largely through rumors and the uncertain channels of the internet.
The buildup of popular misconceptions can eventually make pills like Plan B seem like daunting options rather than helpful measures, and these inaccuracies may even deter people from utilizing emergency contraception to harness their own reproductive health and assist in their family planning. With so much misinformation about the morning-after pill still swimming around the internet, we spoke to several ob-gyns to debunk the myths once and for all. From the most common misconceptions they've heard in their practice to the basic information they wished more people knew, this is the truth about emergency contraception.
I'm Falling For Dairy Queen's New Pumpkin Shake Made With Cinnamon Spice Cookie Butter
Summer, I love you, but Dairy Queen's fall-inspired desserts have arrived and I've never been one to say no to a sprinkle of cinnamon. In addition to bringing back its Pumpkin Pie Blizzard Treat, the fast-food chain has introduced a new Pumpkin Cookie Butter Shake that has me ready to light a pumpkin spice-scented candle. Made with vanilla soft serve and milk as its base, the autumnal drink is swirled with pumpkin and creamy cookie butter made from ground cinnamon spice cookies. The shake is also topped with a generous serving of whipped cream and a dash of nutmeg. Who knew ice cream could sound so cozy and comforting?
For anyone interested in fastforwarding straight to Thanksgiving dessert, the Pumpkin Pie Blizzard Treat combines vanilla soft serve with real pumpkin pie pieces and nutmeg. So try the fall-flavored treats for yourself beginning on Aug. 31 and take a closer look at the Pumpkin Cookie Butter Shake here.
You Can Take an Extra 20% Off the Madewell Sale Right Now, So Excuse Us While We Shop
We're always ready for a good sale, and as lovers of all things Madewell, we have our eyes peeled for when our favorite pieces get discounted. Lucky for us, that's happening right now. Madewell is taking an extra 20 percent off of already discounted merchandise, and there are pieces you're going to live in, both right now and all year long.
From classic, perfectly fitting jeans that Madewell's known for to flowy, light dresses that are perfect for summer, these 11 pieces are worth grabbing ASAP. Plus, there's a pair of sandals that you won't want to take off. Keep on reading to shop our picks.
Raise Your Hand If These 4 Nail Color Trends Will Be Replacing Your Lipstick This Fall
It used to be that you'd spend an hour meticulously painting on your face with the patience of Michaelangelo (or in the least, a YouTuber getting used to their camera equipment) before heading out for a night. But with face masks taking up the larger majority of your mug these days, people are now directing their artistry skills elsewhere - and come fall, it will be all about your nail color.
The shift in popularity makes sense: Switching up your manicure is a fullproof way to make a big impact with minimal effort, and while it might be too early to declare nail polish as the new lipstick in these COVID-19 times, all you have to do is open Instagram to be inundated with whatever fancy designs and polish colors sparking joy at this particular juncture. "A lot of companies and manicurists are putting together DIY manicure kits for people to do at home, so I think we'll be seeing a lot more tutorials on Instagram, Tiktok, or YouTube," Sarah Bland, celebrity manicurist and brand ambassador for Smith & Cult, told POPSUGAR. "I've even been seeing a lot of people match their nails with their masks, which is so cute."
"I've been seeing a lot of people match their nails with their masks, which is so cute."
As for what exactly you can expect people to be wearing in the coming months, she has some ideas: "We're going to be seeing a lot of matte nail looks," she said. "What a lot of people don't realize is that when you put a matte top coat on nail art, it makes it pop even more. We'll also be seeing a trend of shiny-meets-matte within the same manicure, like a solid matte base with a shiny tip."
If you're looking for the tools that could earn you an (unofficial) artistry license, stick with us as Bland breaks down the four coolest nail color trends to shop this fall. They might not make quite the same statement that a swipe of lipstick would, but they'll make it through a hell of a lot more pumpkin spice latte orders - and that's got to count for something, right?
3 New Books Coming Out This August Our Editors Couldn't Put Down
Here at POPSUGAR, we love books. We're constantly reading, and if you're going through books as quickly as we are, you probably need some new recommendations right about now. Well, not to fear. We tapped our editors to find out the brand-new books they can't get enough of. These picks have all come out in August, and you won't be able to put them down.
Whether you want an engaging thriller, a collection of essays, or a complex novel that's "like nothing else I've read this year," these must-read books are worth checking out. They're for anyone who wants to read more this summer or just needs something fun to do this weekend. Keep reading to shop our top August book recs!
I Just Went Through Almost 1,000 New Releases at Old Navy - Here Are My 10 Picks
As someone who covers shopping for a living, I get excited when I see the "new arrivals" section update at my favorite retailers. There's a thrill to seeing new drops first, and getting my hands on bestselling clothing before anyone else (or worse, before they sell out).
Old Navy dropped nearly 1,000 new arrivals this month and they're perfect for transitional dressing. Since August and early September only get hotter in my Bay Area neighborhood, I am looking for pieces that are lightweight, but can easily transition into Fall months if I want them to (and of course, I'm always shopping for cozy loungewear, too). I found exactly what I needed, and sorted through every new arrival, so you don't have to. Check out my favorites.
Cooking Disney's Recipes as a Family Helped Us Rediscover the Magic of Our Connection
I can find my favorite corn dog cart at Disneyland blindfolded. It's mostly a straight shot down Main Street, passed the town hall and the cinema. Disney snacks and movies, and the magic they represent, is my family's happy place, especially for our little son. Living in Southern California allowed us to spend special occasions visiting our favorite mouse, duck, and whatever Goofy is supposed to be. True to Walt Disney's original vision, the magic he created has allowed my family to rediscover our own magical connection time and time again.
On our first day of isolation, my husband made Mickey Mouse shaped waffles. We hoped to set a happier tone for our 6-year-old as we started social distancing. Mickey worked his magic as usual and saved the day, and we didn't feel all that isolated. The strangeness of being home all the time strengthened our dynamic and made us feel safe. We were relieved to have each other - and the occasional Mickey waffle.
Our yummy Dole Whip.
Then as fast as our bond tightened, it began to unravel. The fear of contracting an unseen virus in conjunction with the stress of spending time in a frenetic daily routine of work and homeschooling caused a crankiness and our connection was pushed to the side. I wanted to maintain our family's bond, but with everything we'd known changing on a daily basis, it was tough to hold onto that Hakuna Makata spirit.
But then, in an unprecedented move, Disney released its coveted Dole Whip recipe online. Dole Whip is the most well-known dessert snack at the theme parks. It's made of an über-secret combination of vanilla ice cream and pineapple. Since we couldn't get to the Happiest Place On Earth, maybe the next best solution was bringing some of the happiest treats on earth to our kitchen. And once again, it was the magic of Mickey that lifted us up.
Small but mightily delicious churros.
Now, the greatest gift I can give anyone is for me not to cook, but this was different. Disney had always been a family adventure, so doing this together seemed like just the thing. Everything needed was easy to find at the grocery store. I showed my husband and son the recipe and together we made our very first batch of homemade Dole Whip. Assembling our favorite creamy, cold dessert sparked our memories. We talked about favorite rides at the park. That led to a happy conversation about favorite times spent together recently. We were remembering who were as a family.
To our amazement, the Mouse released another popular recipe: the churro. I instantly remembered how the smell of the fried dough would float through the air in the evening hours at Disneyland. We all loved sharing a churro while sitting on a bench next to the Rivers of America. And this is what we talked about while we deep-fried dough without a deep fryer. In true Disney fashion, the recipe is easy to follow, and the tiny bite-sized churros tasted like delicious cinnamon, fried air. We'd found our connection again in the most unlikely of places - our kitchen.
My son loved making his favorite treat, beignets.
Taking time to eat our favorite foods at the park together always gave us time to bond. It was one of the best times of the day and a moment we all looked forward to. This is what we needed to be reminded of: The magic we create when doing an activity we enjoy. Then we when thought it couldn't get any better, the final pièce de résistance came when Mickey released my son's favorite recipe - the beignets. Each time we enter Downtown Disney we stop along the way to grab a paper bag full of this powdered sugar delight. Cooking the Disneyland beignet recipe was our grand finale and by far our favorite.
The desserts were yummy, but our time together in the kitchen was the real sweetness we needed. The Disneyland recipes brought back the magic we'd lost. Not because we were hungry for sweets but because we were craving connection. I'd do anything to help my family (short of dressing up like Mickey himself) but this was a much better solution. The Happiest Place on Earth will be open again someday soon, but until then my family now knows we can find our happy place in our kitchen - and most importantly in ourselves.
The final product!
The 7 Most Common Myths About the Morning-After Pill, According to Ob-Gyns
When the morning-after pill is brought up, voices drop to a whisper, like it's the world's most well-kept secret. In fact, the very mention of emergency contraception can feel taboo, with the implication being that there's a certain level of irresponsibility that has to be present for a person to need it. As a result, information about the morning-after pill is limited at best, and circulated largely through rumors and the uncertain channels of the internet.
The buildup of popular misconceptions can eventually make pills like Plan B seem like daunting options rather than helpful measures, and these inaccuracies may even deter people from utilizing emergency contraception to harness their own reproductive health and assist in their family planning. With so much misinformation about the morning-after pill still swimming around the internet, we spoke to several ob-gyns to debunk the myths once and for all. From the most common misconceptions they've heard in their practice to the basic information they wished more people knew, this is the truth about emergency contraception.
I'm Falling For Dairy Queen's New Pumpkin Shake Made With Cinnamon Spice Cookie Butter
Summer, I love you, but Dairy Queen's fall-inspired desserts have arrived and I've never been one to say no to a sprinkle of cinnamon. In addition to bringing back its Pumpkin Pie Blizzard Treat, the fast-food chain has introduced a new Pumpkin Cookie Butter Shake that has me ready to light a pumpkin spice-scented candle. Made with vanilla soft serve and milk as its base, the autumnal drink is swirled with pumpkin and creamy cookie butter made from ground cinnamon spice cookies. The shake is also topped with a generous serving of whipped cream and a dash of nutmeg. Who knew ice cream could sound so cozy and comforting?
For anyone interested in fastforwarding straight to Thanksgiving dessert, the Pumpkin Pie Blizzard Treat combines vanilla soft serve with real pumpkin pie pieces and nutmeg. So try the fall-flavored treats for yourself beginning on Aug. 31 and take a closer look at the Pumpkin Cookie Butter Shake here.
3 New Books Coming Out This August Our Editors Couldn't Put Down
Here at POPSUGAR, we love books. We're constantly reading, and if you're going through books as quickly as we are, you probably need some new recommendations right about now. Well, not to fear. We tapped our editors to find out the brand-new books they can't get enough of. These picks have all come out in August, and you won't be able to put them down.
Whether you want an engaging thriller, a collection of essays, or a complex novel that's "like nothing else I've read this year," these must-read books are worth checking out. They're for anyone who wants to read more this summer or just needs something fun to do this weekend. Keep reading to shop our top August book recs!
Black-ish Episode "Please, Baby, Please" Is Now on Hulu, 2 Years After It Was Shelved by ABC
A never-before-seen episode of Black-ish is now available to watch on Hulu after it was initially shelved due to its political subject matter. While season four's "Please, Baby, Please" was originally shot back in November 2017, the controversial episode never aired because of "creative differences" between ABC and creator Kenya Barris. However, now that the network recently re-aired previous Black-ish episodes, "Juneteenth" and "Hope," highlighting the systematic oppression of Black people in America, Walt Disney Television has agreed to Barris's request to make "Please, Baby, Please" available.
"We were one year post-election and coming to the end of a year that left us, like many Americans, grappling with the state of our country and anxious about its future."
"Please, Baby, Please," which was originally scheduled to air on Feb. 27, 2018, centers around Dre (Anthony Anderson) telling a bedtime story to his baby son, Devante, about the state of the country following the 2016 election. The episode reportedly included mentions of Donald Trump, as well as the rights of NFL athletes to kneel during football games. In an Instagram statement on Monday, Barris shared the story behind the episode, explaining, "We were one year post-election and coming to the end of a year that left us, like many Americans, grappling with the state of our country and anxious about its future."
The creator further explained that those anxious feelings "poured onto the page, becoming 22 minutes of television that [he] was, and still am, incredibly proud of." He continued, "We hope it inspires some much-needed conversation - not only about what we were grappling with then or how it led to where we are now, but conversations about where we want our country to go moving forward and, most importantly, how we get there together." Check out Barris's full statement below, and watch "Please, Baby, Please" on Hulu now.
I'm Falling For Dairy Queen's New Pumpkin Shake Made With Cinnamon Spice Cookie Butter
Summer, I love you, but Dairy Queen's fall-inspired desserts have arrived and I've never been one to say no to a sprinkle of cinnamon. In addition to bringing back its Pumpkin Pie Blizzard Treat, the fast-food chain has introduced a new Pumpkin Cookie Butter Shake that has me ready to light a pumpkin spice-scented candle. Made with vanilla soft serve and milk as its base, the autumnal drink is swirled with pumpkin and creamy cookie butter made from ground cinnamon spice cookies. The shake is also topped with a generous serving of whipped cream and a dash of nutmeg. Who knew ice cream could sound so cozy and comforting?
For anyone interested in fastforwarding straight to Thanksgiving dessert, the Pumpkin Pie Blizzard Treat combines vanilla soft serve with real pumpkin pie pieces and nutmeg. So try the fall-flavored treats for yourself beginning on Aug. 31 and take a closer look at the Pumpkin Cookie Butter Shake here.
lundi 10 août 2020
If Your Fridge Looked Like These, Wouldn't You Be Inspired to Eat Plant-Based?
After a full grocery run or meal-prep Sunday, isn't it so satisfying to open your fridge door and see colorful veggies and fruits staring back at you? Whether you're a plant-based eater or are just trying to eat more produce, allow these gorgeously organized photos of shelves of greens, jars of cut-up veggies, and fresh whole fruits to inspire you to have the same #fridgegoals.
Your fridge can look like this, too! The key to eating more plant based is to eat more veggies, and if you meal prep them at the beginning of the week, you're more likely to eat them. You can also meal prep these protein sources. Here are some tips for eating more plant based, and you'll love this one-week vegan dinner plan for some delicious ideas. Whether you meal prep a few veggies to make weekly dinners come together faster, or you like prepping 21 meals all at once, these photos will offer the inspiration to make it happen.
11 Adorable Broadway Couples That Took Their Love Stories Off Stage
Broadway musicals and plays are full of romance, and it's not just limited to the stories on the stage! Plenty of couples, past and present, have met and fallen in love while working together on Broadway shows. From stars who turned onstage romances into offstage relationships to couples who technically never actually shared a moment on stage together, there are tons of beautiful Broadway love stories. If you enjoy a good real-life romance as much as you enjoy a good Broadway love song, then keep reading to learn more about some of the sweetest real-life romances lighting up the theater world right now!
Related: 10 More Plays and Musicals to Stream Online After You Finish Hamilton
11 Adorable Broadway Couples That Took Their Love Stories Off Stage
Broadway musicals and plays are full of romance, and it's not just limited to the stories on the stage! Plenty of couples, past and present, have met and fallen in love while working together on Broadway shows. From stars who turned onstage romances into offstage relationships to couples who technically never actually shared a moment on stage together, there are tons of beautiful Broadway love stories. If you enjoy a good real-life romance as much as you enjoy a good Broadway love song, then keep reading to learn more about some of the sweetest real-life romances lighting up the theater world right now!
Related: 10 More Plays and Musicals to Stream Online After You Finish Hamilton
21 Incredible Women Athletes We Want to Watch at Tokyo 2021
There were hundreds of incredible athletes lined up and ready to qualify for the Tokyo 2020 Olympics, right up until sports were shut down. Now we're talking about the Tokyo 2021 Olympics, and athletes are adapting and adjusting their plans as we speak. It's a long way off and the majority of sports have yet to hold their qualifying competitions, which means we don't know exactly who we'll see at the Opening Ceremony next year - but it also means there are even more athletes to keep your eye on as they look to fulfill their Olympic dreams. Ahead, check out just a small sampling (in no particular order) of the women athletes we're hoping to see in Tokyo next year, from familiar gold medal favorites to new faces looking to take the sports world by storm.
Long-Term Side Effects of COVID-19 Are Emerging, and They're Serious
When the COVID-19 pandemic began, we could rattle off the symptoms from the top of our heads: fever, dry cough, and difficulty breathing. Later, the Centers For Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) added more symptoms to that list: chills, muscle pain, headache, sore throat, a new loss of taste or smell, and repeated shaking with chills. Nausea and diarrhea are also listed as signs of the disease.
But as the pandemic continues, doctors are starting to look more closely at not just the first signs of infection, but the long-term side effects that linger even after you've recovered. Concern over longer-lasting side effects has even prompted the CDC to begin a large study on patients hospitalized with COVID-19 in order to "describe long-term outcomes and come to a fuller understanding of the overall impact of the coronavirus on the health system," among other goals. Around 3,000 adult patients will be enrolled.
It will likely take some time for doctors to fully understand how this disease affects our health in the long term. Ahead, read what doctors and survivors are reporting now on the lingering effects of the coronavirus on body and mind.
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.
21 Incredible Women Athletes We Want to Watch at Tokyo 2021
There were hundreds of incredible athletes lined up and ready to qualify for the Tokyo 2020 Olympics, right up until sports were shut down. Now we're talking about the Tokyo 2021 Olympics, and athletes are adapting and adjusting their plans as we speak. It's a long way off and the majority of sports have yet to hold their qualifying competitions, which means we don't know exactly who we'll see at the Opening Ceremony next year - but it also means there are even more athletes to keep your eye on as they look to fulfill their Olympic dreams. Ahead, check out just a small sampling (in no particular order) of the women athletes we're hoping to see in Tokyo next year, from familiar gold medal favorites to new faces looking to take the sports world by storm.
Long-Term Side Effects of COVID-19 Are Emerging, and They're Serious
When the COVID-19 pandemic began, we could rattle off the symptoms from the top of our heads: fever, dry cough, and difficulty breathing. Later, the Centers For Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) added more symptoms to that list: chills, muscle pain, headache, sore throat, a new loss of taste or smell, and repeated shaking with chills. Nausea and diarrhea are also listed as signs of the disease.
But as the pandemic continues, doctors are starting to look more closely at not just the first signs of infection, but the long-term side effects that linger even after you've recovered. Concern over longer-lasting side effects has even prompted the CDC to begin a large study on patients hospitalized with COVID-19 in order to "describe long-term outcomes and come to a fuller understanding of the overall impact of the coronavirus on the health system," among other goals. Around 3,000 adult patients will be enrolled.
It will likely take some time for doctors to fully understand how this disease affects our health in the long term. Ahead, read what doctors and survivors are reporting now on the lingering effects of the coronavirus on body and mind.
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.
17 TV Show Characters Who Were Recast in the Middle of Their Shows
When an actor leaves a TV show, writers have two options: write them off or recast them. Recasting actors on TV is an old practice, but it doesn't happen as often as you think, especially when it comes to important characters (as opposed to minor or background roles). That's why it's so notable when a show actually does decide to replace one of its recognizable actors with someone else entirely. In some cases, it's been absolutely necessary for health or scheduling reasons, but there have also been a few instances of major behind-the-scenes drama. Keep reading for the stories behind some of TV's most noticeable recasts!
Do Harlan's Powers Mean He Could Play an Even Bigger Role in The Umbrella Academy Season 3?
During The Umbrella Academy's second season, Vanya (Ellen Page) inadvertently passes along her powers to a Texas boy named Harlan (Justin Paul Kelly). This results in the Hargreeves siblings having to return to Sissy's (Marin Ireland) farm to stop Harlan after he loses control of these powers. They manage to calm him down and Vanya, seemingly, takes back the power she's given him. However in the season finale, we realize she may not have done as good a job as she thought. This has gotten our brains buzzing, so we've come up with our own theories on how, or if, Harlan will be involved in season three. Keep reading to see our take on these burning questions including if he'll still have his powers, whether or not he'll be a villain, or if he'll cause the newest apocalypse.
I’ve Been Actively Avoiding At-Home Dance Fitness - Turns Out, I Needed It the Most
Ironically, the home workout I've been actively avoiding since March (when lockdown measures were put in place) turned out to be the workout I needed the most: dance. Now, I am not a dancer and have never been a dancer. I never took ballet or tap as a toddler, and while I absolutely love hitting the dance floor at weddings, I still get a little bit of anxiety before that initial twist and turn.
It's really the fear of embarrassing myself - stumbling over the choreography, tripping over my feet - that has fueled my resistance to dance.
And it's not like these worries are totally unrealistic, either - I once accidentally signed up for an advanced dance class, only to be told that I probably wouldn't be able to keep up. I stayed, FYI, and the instructor wasn't exactly wrong - I ended up just jumping around in place for 45 minutes, feeling stressed and panicky the entire time.
For the record, I've also had a few positive dance class experiences, but usually with friends, and not enough to motivate me to keep it going as a part of my regular workout routine.
Then, I interviewed Paula Abdul and was enlightened about a dance instruction app called Steezy. Nursing a hand injury, I needed a non-weight-bearing workout to substitute my planks, so I decided to give Steezy a shot for myself. I reached out to Kiira Harper, a choreographer for Steezy, for some beginner advice on taking the platform's classes.
The first answer I needed: is Steezy a good option for beginners? Because, let's face it, I am no Paula Abdul on the dance floor.
"Yes, absolutely!" Harper told me. "Steezy offers a plethora of dance class options, from dance workout to hip-hop styles, dancehall, even dancing in heels! All levels are listed, and it shows the beginner exactly what they are getting themselves into. You'll get your heart rate going, blood pumping, and sweat definitely dripping with whatever you choose in the comfort of your own home."
Much to my delight - that was exactly the case when I signed on to my Steezy account for the first time. The category selection was impressive, to say the least, offering everything from TikTok dances to hip hop to what I ended up choosing - dance workout, which Harper recommends for beginners.
After asking my fiancé to steer clear of the living room for a bit, closing the curtains, and pushing the table to the side, I decided to go with a 20-minute dance workout class for my first Steezy experience.
The class was a mix of classic cardio and bodyweight moves mixed in with smaller and simpler dance segments. The class started off with a series of jumping jacks and squats, which helped me feel confident from the get-go - then, we progressed to dance moves on a beat that, according to the instructor, mimicked the squat movement.
Immediately, I realized that what kept me away from dance workouts in the past - feeling embarrassed in front of others - was eliminated from my new normal of exercise. Working out at home, without an audience, helped me to stop worrying about what I looked like while trying to ace the moves, or how many times I stumbled over my feet. As I started to relax, I felt the tenseness in my shoulders drop, my mind stopped racing, and I zoned in on the movements. Simply put, I was so consumed with having fun that my anxiety dissipated - two things I really, really needed in that exact moment.
"Dance is about a feeling first," Harper told me. "Enjoy yourself! The more you enjoy yourself the better your workout will be." And I found that to be true during my first Steezy dance workout class. As my 20 minutes came to a close, I surprised myself. I didn't want to stop moving, so I searched through the database for another dance workout class, and pressed play.
Harper's advice isn't reserved for solo dance fitness in your living room. It can be applied to those studio dance classes that always left me nervously sweating or hiding in the back corner. In the past, instead of focusing on the physical, emotional, and mental benefits I was getting out of the class, I'd obsess over what others were thinking about me. Just think about how much genuine happiness could have come out of those experiences! Now it just seems like a missed opportunity.
So, once lockdown measures are lifted and I can safely attend an in-person dance class, I'll be taking my newfound confidence to the front of the studio floor - whether I can keep up with the choreography or not.
Click here for more health and wellness stories, tips, and news.
17 TV Show Characters Who Were Recast in the Middle of Their Shows
When an actor leaves a TV show, writers have two options: write them off or recast them. Recasting actors on TV is an old practice, but it doesn't happen as often as you think, especially when it comes to important characters (as opposed to minor or background roles). That's why it's so notable when a show actually does decide to replace one of its recognizable actors with someone else entirely. In some cases, it's been absolutely necessary for health or scheduling reasons, but there have also been a few instances of major behind-the-scenes drama. Keep reading for the stories behind some of TV's most noticeable recasts!
Everything You Need to Know About Barometric Pressure Headaches
My body can predict shifts in weather - it's kind of my superpower. When bad weather is on the way, an arm that I broke over 10 years ago starts to feel achy.
While I can handle a little arm discomfort, that pain has recently come with headaches, too - for which I have zero patience. So, I reached out to Dr. Scott Braunstein, MD, the medical director of Sollis Health Los Angeles, for an explanation.
It turns out my superpower is actually called barometric pressure headaches.
Have you ever heard of a barometer? If not, it's a device used to measure the atmospheric pressure (aka the weight of the atmosphere).
According to Dr. Braunstein, barometric pressure headaches (and some joint pain!) are induced by drops in atmospheric barometric pressure, which are often accompanied by increased humidity and precipitation. Head pain occurs when a pressure gradient is created between the outside air and the air spaces in your head or sinuses.
Barometric pressure headaches often resemble migraines (side effects include sensitivity to sound or light and induced nausea) or tension headaches (which can cause pressure sensations on your temples or around the head), Dr. Braunstein says.
Many migraine sufferers often experience increased frequency of their headaches with drops in barometric pressure, too.
With all that said, it can be difficult to differentiate barometric pressure headaches from other headache types - but it's not impossible. Dr. Braunstein recommends keeping a detailed headache diary that includes suspected triggers, including the weather: "Headaches which recur with similar symptoms, and are more common on humid or rainy days are highly suspicious for barometric pressure headaches."
Dr. Braunstein suggests trying out free weather apps (like Barometer Plus, for example!) that provide barometric pressure forecasts or alert you when there is a drop, which can assist you in monitoring your symptoms.
Another way to avoid barometric pressure headaches is by paying close attention to your travel plans. Dr. Braunstein says that changes in altitude (like traveling down from mountain regions or flying) can induce or worsen barometric pressure headaches.
If you need relief and believe barometric pressure headaches are the root of your pain, it's important to first get evaluated by a doctor, Dr. Braunstein says - common treatments include acetaminophen, NSAIDs, antinausea medications, or migraine-specific medications.
Now that I know I'm not alone in my pain, I plan on starting a new league of real-life superheroes that can predict weather patterns - I'll be accepting applications shortly.
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Congratulations to the family!
Chris Pratt and Katherine Schwarzenegger Welcome Their First Child
Congrats are in order for Chris Pratt and Katherine Schwarzenegger who have welcomed their first child together. Katherine's brother, Patrick Schwarzenegger, confirmed the news via video, Entertainment Tonight reports. "They're doing great. Just got her a little gift," he said. No further details about the new arrival have been announced.
The 41-year-old actor and the 30-year-old author were first linked back in June 2018 with Chris popping the question in January after less than a year of dating. The pair tied the knot in a beautiful intimate ceremony at San Ysidro Ranch last June. The exciting news of their new arrival was originally announced back in May; this is Katherine's first child, and second for Chris, who shares a son, 7-year-old Jack, with ex-wife Anna Faris.
Congratulations to the family!
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